HEIDELBERG

CATECHISM

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A Short History of the Heidelberg Catechism, Introduction, Tercentenary Text, Selected Bible Passages, Suitable Hymns and Selections from the Scriptures

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central publishing house

cleveland, o.

REVISED EDITION.

Copyrighted 1907.

A Short History of the Heidelberg Catechism

In the year 1559 Frederic III, surnamed the Pious, became elector of the Palatinate, a country on the upper Rhine. He found, on his accession, great confusion and excitement on account of the doctrine of the holy Communion; one party was inclined to the Lutheran, the other, to the Reformed view. In fact the doctrine of the Lord’s Supper gave rise, at that time, to violent contentions throughout Germany. For after Luther’s death (1546) a large number of evangelical theologians would recognize only those doctrines as Lutheran, which Luther had delivered against Reformed doctrine, but ignored what he had taught before and besides in a milder spirit. They considered themselves the true Lutherans and contended sharply against all who differed in doctrine. Melanchthon, who lived to 1560, and the theologians in touch with him, did not approve of this, and so a controversy arose, which led many to more diligent research and convinced them that according to the Scriptures the Reformed was the true doctrine.

This was true of the Palatinate also. Elector Frederic, who took the greatest interest in matters pertaining to God’s kingdom, had experienced the power of the Gospel in his heart. He diligently studied the Bible and theological writings, and after a public disputation of five days, which took place in Heidelberg in 1560, he declared himself in favor of the Reformed doctrine.

He introduced the Reformed order of worship throughout his country and abolished the pictures, crucifixes, candles and altars from the churches. He also introduced a simple and sober form of worship in place of unbiblical pomp and substituted German psalms for the still customary Latin hymns.

Then he directed his attention to the doctrine, for he knew very well, that much depended upon pure doctrine, even more than upon pure worship. He, therefore, instructed two pious theologians to prepare a catechism that could be understood by the people; that would be free from human opinions and an alive and clear witness to true Christianity. These two men were Olevianus and Ursinus.

Caspar Olevianus was born at Treves and had studied in the law-schools of France. When on a pleasure trip in a boat, he met with an accident and was in great danger of drowning. He was awakened and made a solemn vow that he would make a full surrender to the Lord if he should be saved. The Lord helped him, and Olevianus kept his vow. He went to Switzerland and studied in Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich. When twenty-three years old he returned to Treves and was appointed a teacher of Latin. As he found the whole city still in Roman Catholic superstition, he could not remain quiet but preached the Gospel with great power. A persecution ...