At the annual synod held in Jan., 1563, the new catechism was accepted by all superintendents, church councilors, and theologians. The first edition appealed at 4eidelberg,in Feb., 1563,_under the title, Cqtechisymus Osier Christlicher Underriclt, tvie der in Kirchen and Schulen der Churfiiratlichen P/altz gel_rieben~wirdt. A few weeks later a second edition was published, which, beside many minor changes, contained an entirely new question_,Oxxx.) con cerning the difference between the Lord's Supper and the papal mass: In the third edition, which immediately followed, the condemnatory_,wqrds in regard,to the adoration of the host were added. The real author of this eightieth .question was Oleld4nus,. The church order published Nov. 15, 1563, contains the four _h_edition of the geidel_berg Catechism, which is to be regarded as the textus receptus. It is essentially identical with the-third edition, texts oLS cripture for different classes and a .short summary of the catechism having been added. On the margin, the 129 questions together with the Bible texts have been divided into ten lessons to be read before the main service; the questions alone have been divided into fifty-two Sundays for -the purpose of the catechetical. afteruoon,_sermons. It is only in later editions that the questions are uumd and the verses stated in Biblical quo tations.
Immediately after its appearance the Heidelberg Catechism encountered violent attacks. Maximilian II. remonstrated, against it_ (Apr. 25, 1563) as an infringement of the Peace of Augsburg. On May 4 followed a joint address from theCount Palatine, Wolfgang of Zweibrücken, Duke. Christopher of Württemberg, and Margrave Charles II. of Baden, accompanied with a sharp criticism inscribed Yerzeichnis der Manger,, probably composed by
205 |
Calvin College. Last modified on 08/11/06. Contact the CCEL. |