I, said Luther, oftentimes have been directly resolved to live uprightly, and to lead a true godly life, and to set everything aside that would let or hinder; but it was far from being put in execution, even as it was with Peter, when he swore he would lay down his life for Christ.
I will not lie nor dissemble before my God, but will freely confess I am not able to effect that good which I do intend, but must expect the happy hour when God shall be pleased to meet me with his grace.
OF THE CATECHISM.
Of the Virtues and Vices concerning the Ten Commandments.
The Decalogus, that is, the Ten Commandments of God, are a looking-glass, and a brief sum of all virtues and doctrines, both how we ought to behave towards God and also towards our neighbour, that is, towards all mankind.
There never was at any time written a more excellent, complete, nor compendious book of virtues.
The duty of the First and Second Commandment is to fear God, to love and to trust in him; the contrary is sin and vice, an ungodly life, contemning of God, hatred, despair, etc.
The duty of the Third Commandment is to acknowledge and to preach the doctrine of God’s Word; the contrary is blaspheming of God, to be silent and not to confess the truth when need requireth.
The duty of the Fourth Commandment is the external service of God, as the preaching of God’s Word, hearing, reading, and meditating on the same, to the end we may make proof of our faith; the contrary is the despising of God’s Word and the outward service of God, as the Holy Sacraments.
The duty of the Fifth Commandment is obedience towards parents, tutors, and magistrates in those things which are not against God; the contrary is disobedience and rebellion.