Form and Method

(1555)

John à Lasco

(1499–1560)

Polish Reformer in London
Service of the Word

  • Prayer for Illumination
  • Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm
  • Scripture
  • Sermon
  • Occasional Special Reminders
  • Prayer for Strength
  • Decalogue
  • Confession
  • Absolution
  • Warning for the Impenitent
  • Apostles’ Creed
  • Intercessions
  • Lord’s Prayer
  • Psalm
  • Commendation of the Poor
  • Benediction
  • Dismissal
  • Collection of Alms

Service of the Lord’s Supper

  • Sermon on Lord’s Supper
  • Intercessions
  • Psalm
  • Short Introduction
  • Prayer of Preparation
  • Words of Institution
  • Exhortation to Self-Examination and Self-Preparation
  • Announcement (1 Cor. 5)
  • Distribution (John 6, 13–15, etc., read)
  • Exhortation before Thanksgiving
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving
  • Brief Admonition
  • Psalm
  • Commendation of the Poor
  • Benediction
  • Dismissal
  • Collection of Alms

We have a sure and certain promise concerning the eternal and immutable will of God, that for all who are truly penitent, that is, who, acknowledging their sins and bringing an accusation against themselves, implore his grace through the name of Christ the Lord, he certainly pardons and blots out all their sins and wills after this never to remember those sins in any way. But on the other hand, we have the horrible sentence of divine judgment for all who delight in darkness rather than light and spurn and despise the grace offered in Christ—for all these, I say, eternal condemnation has been prepared.

The Absolution