Luther's
Small Catechism

Explained in Questions and Answers

BY

H. U. Sverdrup,

Late Pastor in the Church of Norway.

ABRIDGED

Translated from the Norwegian
By H. A. URSETH

THIRD EDITION

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
THE FREE CHURCH BOOK CONCERN
1906.

COPYRIGHTED BY
The Free Church Book Concern
1900.

PREFACE.

In 1897 the present publishers issued in Norwegian an Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism by Pastor H. U. Sverdrup, being an abridged edition of a larger work by the same author, based on Dr. Pontoppidan's Explanation of the Catechism. Some alterations were made in the answers to questions 244–252. The present work is a translation of this abridged and slightly altered edition.

A literal translation has been avoided rather than sought; an attempt has been made to render the original in the simplest and strongest English, and to avoid words and expressions with which the young are little familiar.

In the catechism proper the Standard English Catechism Version has been followed when it did not interfere with the plan stated above. But departures have been made reluctantly and only when simplicity and clearness seemed to be gained thereby. It is not thought that these few changes will cause any disturbance.

Scripture quotations have been added somewhat freely from the larger edition.

As the needs of our English speaking young people have been constantly borne in mind during the preparation of this translation, it is hoped that the book may not fail to carry some blessing to them.

Luther's Small Catechism.

PART ONE.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

We should fear and love God, and not curse, swear, conjure, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon His name in every time of need, and worship Him with prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT.

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

We should fear and love God, and not despise or neglect His Word, but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.

Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

We should fear and love God, and not despise or give offense to our parents or superiors; but honor, serve, obey, love, and esteem them.

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT.

Thou shalt not kill.

We should fear and love God, and not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help