A Short Exposition of Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1912. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 90. Can we keep God's Commandments as He would have us keep them? No; since the fall natural man cannot keep the Law of God at all, and even the regenerate can keep it but imperfectly. 144) Ps. 14, 3. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good; no, not one. 145) Eocl. 7, 20. There is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not. 140) Is. 64, 6. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. 147) Job 14, 4. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. 148) Phil. 3, 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 149) Ps. 143, 2. Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. 150) James 2, 10. Whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 91. What purposes does the Law, then, serve? First, it checks, in a measure, the coarse outbursts of sin, and thereby helps to maintain outward discipline and decency in the world. (A curb.) Secondly, and chiefly, it teaches man the due knowledge of his sin. (A mirror.) 151) Rom. 3, 20. By the Law is the knowledge of sin. 152) Rom. 7, 7. I had not known sin but by the Law; for I had not known lust except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Thirdly, it leads the regenerate to know what are truly good works. (A rule.) 153) Ps. 119, 9. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. Of Sin. 92. What is sin? Sin is every departure from the rule of the divine Law. 154) 1 John 3,4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law; for sin is the transgression of the Law. 93. By...