The Second Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Second Commandment (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Second Commandment is Section XXXV of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler treats the second commandment as guarding the right worship of God. He distinguishes reverent use of material things from idolatrous worship and stresses obedience to God's appointed ways.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "With the worship of the One living and true God." He further explains the section by saying, "My duty towards God is to... worship Him, to give Him thanks, to put my whole trust in Him, to call upon Him."

Theological Themes

• Right worship
• Idolatry
• Reverence
• Images and devotion

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:4-6
• Romans 1:20-25
• Psalm 95:6
• Daniel 6:10
• Acts 10:26

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's treatment of the baptismal promise to keep God's commandments. It is connected with the Decalogue in the Church Catechism and with the use of the commandments in Anglican moral and liturgical instruction. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Ten Commandments
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Ethics
• Book of Common Prayer