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LCMS
The Augsburg Confession
Contents:
Preface to Emperor Charles V
The Chief Articles of Faith
God
Original Sin
The Son of God
Justification
The Ministry
New Obedience
The Church
What the Church Is
Baptism
The Lord's Supper
Confession
Repentance
The Use of the Sacraments
Ecclesiastical Order
Ecclesiastical Usages
Civil Affairs
Christ's Return to Judgment
Free Will
The Cause of Sin
Good Works
The Worship of the Saints
Abuses Corrected
Both Kinds in the Sacrament
The Marriage of Priests
The Mass
Confession
Distinction of Foods
Monastic Vows
Ecclesiastical Power
Conclusion

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TheConfessionofFaithwhichwassubmittedtoHisImperialMajesty
CharlesVattheDietofAugsburgintheyear1530bycertainprincesand
cities

Iwillspeakofthytestimoniesbeforekings,andwillnotbeputtoshame.
Psalm119:46

Preface to the Emperor Charles V.

1]MostInvincibleEmperor,CaesarAugustus,MostClementLord:InasmuchasYourImperial
MajestyhassummonedaDietoftheEmpirehereatAugsburgtodeliberateconcerning
measuresagainsttheTurk,thatmostatrocious,hereditary,andancientenemyofthe
Christiannameandreligion,inwhatway,namely,effectuallytowithstandhisfurorand
assaultsbystrongandlastingmilitaryprovision;2]andthenalsoconcerningdissensionsin
thematterofourholyreligionandChristianFaith,thatinthismatterofreligiontheopinions
andjudgmentsofthepartiesmightbeheardineachother'spresence;andconsideredand
weighed3]amongourselvesinmutualcharity,leniency,andkindness,inorderthat,after
theremovalandcorrectionofsuchthingsashavebeentreatedandunderstoodinadifferent
mannerinthewritingsoneitherside,thesemattersmaybesettledandbroughtbacktoone
simpletruthandChristianconcord,4]thatforthefutureonepureandtruereligionmaybe
embracedandmaintainedbyus,thatasweallareunderoneChristanddobattleunderHim,
sowemaybeablealsotoliveinunityandconcordintheoneChristianChurch.

Andinasmuchaswe,theundersignedElectorand5]Princes,withothersjoinedwithus,have
beencalledtotheaforesaidDietthesameastheotherElectors,Princes,andEstates,in
obedientcompliancewiththeImperialmandate,wehavepromptlycometoAugsburg,and
whatwedonotmeantosayasboastingwewereamongthefirsttobehere.

6]Accordingly,sinceevenhereatAugsburgattheverybeginningoftheDiet,YourImperial
MajestycausedtobeproposedtotheElectors,Princes,andotherEstatesoftheEmpire,
amongstotherthings,thattheseveralEstatesoftheEmpire,onthestrengthoftheImperial
edict,shouldsetforthandsubmittheiropinionsandjudgmentsintheGermanandtheLatin
7]language,andsinceontheensuingWednesday,answerwasgiventoYourImperial
Majesty,afterduedeliberation,thatwewouldsubmittheArticlesofourConfessionforour
sideonnextWednesday,therefore,inobediencetoYourImperialMajesty's8]wishes,we
offer,inthismatterofreligion,theConfessionofourpreachersandofourselves,showing
whatmannerofdoctrinefromtheHolyScripturesandthepureWordofGodhasbeenupto
thistimesetforthinourlands,dukedoms,dominions,andcities,andtaughtinourchurches.

9]AndiftheotherElectors,Princes,andEstatesoftheEmpirewill,accordingtothesaid
Imperialproposition,presentsimilarwritings,towit,inLatinandGerman,givingtheir
opinionsinthis10]matterofreligion,we,withthePrincesandfriendsaforesaid,herebefore
YourImperialMajesty,ourmostclementLordarepreparedtoconferamicablyconcerningall
possiblewaysandmeans,inorderthatwemaycometogether,asfarasthismaybe
honorablydone,and,thematterbetweenusonbothsidesbeingpeacefullydiscussed
withoutoffensivestrife,thedissension,byGod'shelp,maybedoneawayandbroughtback
toonetrueaccordant11]religion;forasweallareunderoneChristanddobattleunder
Him,weoughttoconfesstheoneChrist,afterthetenorofYourImperialMajesty'sedict,and
everythingoughttobeconductedaccordingtothetruthofGod;andthisitiswhat,with

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mostferventprayers,weentreatofGod.

12]However,asregardstherestoftheElectors,Princes,andEstates,whoconstitutethe
otherpart,ifnoprogressshouldbemade,norsomeresultbeattainedbythistreatmentof
thecauseofreligionafterthemannerinwhichYourImperialMajestyhaswiselyheldthatit
shouldbedealtwithandtreatednamely,bysuchmutualpresentationofwritingsandcalm
conferringtogetheramongourselves,13]weatleastleavewithyouacleartestimony,that
wehereinnowiseareholdingbackfromanythingthatcouldbringaboutChristian
concord,suchascouldbeeffectedwithGodandagoodconscience,as14]alsoYour
ImperialMajestyand,next,theotherElectorsandEstatesoftheEmpire,andallwhoare
movedbysincereloveandzealforreligion,andwhowillgiveanimpartialhearingtothis
matter,willgraciouslydeigntotakenoticeandtounderstandthisfromthisConfessionof
oursandofourassociates.

15]YourImperialMajestyalso,notonlyoncebutoften,graciouslysignifiedtotheElectors
Princes,andEstatesoftheEmpire,andattheDietofSpiresheldA.D.1526,accordingtothe
formofYourImperialinstructionandcommissiongivenandprescribed,causedittobe
statedandpubliclyproclaimedthat16]YourMajesty,indealingwiththismatterofreligion,
forcertainreasonswhichwereallegedinYourMajesty'sname,wasnotwillingtodecideand
couldnotdetermineanything,butthatYourMajestywoulddiligentlyuseYourMajesty's
officewiththeRomanPontifffortheconveningofaGeneralCouncil.17]Thesamematter
wasthuspubliclysetforthatgreaterlengthayearagoatthelastDietwhichmetatSpires.
18]ThereYourImperialMajesty,throughHisHighnessFerdinand,KingofBohemiaand
Hungary,ourfriendandclementLord,aswellasthroughtheOratorandImperial
Commissionerscausedthis,amongotherthings,tobesubmitted:thatYourImperialMajesty
hadtakennoticeof;andpondered,theresolutionofYourMajesty'sRepresentativeinthe
Empire,andofthePresidentandImperialCounselors,andtheLegatesfromotherEstates
convenedatRatisbon,19]concerningthecallingofaCouncil,andthatyourImperialMajesty
alsojudgedittobeexpedienttoconveneaCouncil;andthatYourImperialMajestydidnot
doubttheRomanPontiffcouldbeinducedto20]holdaGeneralCouncil,becausethematters
tobeadjustedbetweenYourImperialMajestyandtheRomanPontiffwerenearing
agreementandChristianreconciliation;thereforeYourImperialMajestyhimselfsignified
thathewouldendeavortosecurethesaidChiefPontiff'sconsentforconvening,together
withyourImperialMajestysuchGeneralCouncil,tobepublishedassoonaspossibleby
lettersthatweretobesentout.

21]Iftheoutcome,therefore,shouldbesuchthatthedifferencesbetweenusandtheother
partiesinthematterofreligionshouldnotbeamicablyandincharitysettled,thenhere,
beforeYourImperialMajestywemaketheofferinallobedience,inadditiontowhatwehave
alreadydone,thatwewillallappearanddefendourcauseinsuchageneral,freeChristian
Council,fortheconveningofwhichtherehasalwaysbeenaccordantactionandagreement
ofvotesinalltheImperialDietsheldduringYourMajesty'sreign,onthepartoftheElectors,
Princes,andotherEstatesoftheEmpire.22]TotheassemblyofthisGeneralCouncil,andat
thesametimetoYourImperialMajesty,wehave,evenbeforethis,induemannerandform
oflaw,addressedourselvesandmadeappealinthismatter,byfarthegreatestandgravest.
Tothis23]appeal,bothtoYourImperialMajestyandtoaCouncil,westilladhere;neitherdo
weintendnorwoulditbepossibleforus,torelinquishitbythisoranyotherdocument,
unlessthematterbetweenusandtheotherside,accordingtothetenorofthelatest
Imperialcitationshouldbeamicablyandcharitablysettled,allayed,andbroughttoChristian
concord;24]andregardingthisweevenheresolemnlyandpubliclytestify.

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ChiefArticlesofFaith
Article I: Of God.
1]OurChurches,withcommonconsent,doteachthatthedecreeoftheCouncilofNicaea
concerningtheUnityoftheDivineEssenceandconcerningtheThreePersons,istrueandto
bebelievedwithoutanydoubting;2]thatistosay,thereisoneDivineEssencewhichiscalled
andwhichisGod:eternal,withoutbody,withoutparts,ofinfinitepower,wisdom,and
goodness,theMakerandPreserverofallthings,visibleandinvisible;and3]yetthereare
threePersons,ofthesameessenceandpower,whoalsoarecoeternal,theFathertheSon,
andtheHolyGhost.Andtheterm"person"4]theyuseastheFathershaveusedit,tosignify,
notapartorqualityinanother,butthatwhichsubsistsofitself.

5]Theycondemnallheresieswhichhavesprungupagainstthisarticle,astheManichaeans,
whoassumedtwoprinciples,oneGoodandtheotherEvil:alsotheValentinians,Arians,
Eunomians,Mohammedans,andallsuch.6]TheycondemnalsotheSamosatenes,oldand
new,who,contendingthatthereisbutonePerson,sophisticallyandimpiouslyarguethatthe
WordandtheHolyGhostarenotdistinctPersons,butthat"Word"signifiesaspokenword,
and"Spirit"signifiesmotioncreatedinthings.

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Article II: Of Original Sin.

1]AlsotheyteachthatsincethefallofAdamallmenbegotteninthenaturalwayareborn
withsin,thatis,withoutthefearofGod,withouttrustinGod,andwith2]concupiscence;
andthatthisdisease,orviceoforigin,istrulysin,evennowcondemningandbringingeternal
deathuponthosenotbornagainthroughBaptismandtheHolyGhost.

3]TheycondemnthePelagiansandotherswhodenythatoriginaldepravityissin,andwho,
toobscurethegloryofChrist'smeritandbenefits,arguethatmancanbejustifiedbefore
Godbyhisownstrengthandreason.

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Article III: Of the Son of God.

1]AlsotheyteachthattheWord,thatis,theSonofGod,didassumethehumannaturein2]
thewomboftheblessedVirginMary,sothattherearetwonatures,thedivineandthe
human,inseparablyenjoinedinonePerson,oneChrist,trueGodandtrueman,whowas
bornoftheVirginMary,trulysuffered,wascrucified,dead,and3]buried,thatHemight
reconciletheFatheruntous,andbeasacrifice,notonlyfororiginalguilt,butalsoforall
actualsinsofmen.

4]Healsodescendedintohell,andtrulyroseagainthethirdday;afterwardHeascendedinto
heaventhatHemightsitontherighthandoftheFather,andforeverreignandhave

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dominionoverallcreatures,andsanctify5]themthatbelieveinHim,bysendingtheHoly
Ghostintotheirhearts,torule,comfort,andquickenthem,andtodefendthemagainstthe
devilandthepowerofsin.

6]ThesameChristshallopenlycomeagaintojudgethequickandthedead,etc.,according
totheApostles'Creed.

Backtotop

Article IV: Of Justification.

1]AlsotheyteachthatmencannotbejustifiedbeforeGodbytheirownstrength,merits,or
works,butarefreelyjustifiedfor2]Christ'ssake,throughfaith,whentheybelievethatthey
arereceivedintofavor,andthattheirsinsareforgivenforChrist'ssake,who,byHisdeath,
hasmadesatisfactionforoursins.3]ThisfaithGodimputesforrighteousnessinHissight.
Rom.3and4.

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Article V: Of the Ministry

1]Thatwemayobtainthisfaith,theMinistryofTeachingtheGospelandadministeringthe
Sacramentswasinstituted.ForthroughtheWordandSacraments,asthroughinstruments,
2]theHolyGhostisgiven,whoworksfaith;whereandwhenitpleasesGod,inthemthat
hear3]theGospel,towit,thatGod,notforourownmerits,butforChrist'ssake,justifies
thosewhobelievethattheyarereceivedintograceforChrist'ssake.

4]TheycondemntheAnabaptistsandotherswhothinkthattheHolyGhostcomestomen
withouttheexternalWord,throughtheirownpreparationsandworks.

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Article VI: Of New Obedience.

1]Alsotheyteachthatthisfaithisboundtobringforthgoodfruits,andthatitisnecessaryto
dogoodworkscommandedbyGod,becauseofGod'swill,butthatweshouldnotrelyon
thoseworkstomeritjustification2]beforeGod.Forremissionofsinsandjustificationis
apprehendedbyfaith,asalsothevoiceofChristattests:Whenyeshallhavedoneallthese
things,say:Weareunprofitableservants.Luke17,10.Thesameisalsotaughtby3]the
Fathers.ForAmbrosesays:ItisordainedofGodthathewhobelievesinChristissaved,freely
receivingremissionofsins,withoutworks,byfaithalone.

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Article VII: Of the Church.

1]AlsotheyteachthatoneholyChurchistocontinueforever.TheChurchisthe

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congregationofsaints,inwhichtheGospelisrightlytaughtandtheSacramentsarerightly
administered.

2]AndtothetrueunityoftheChurchitisenoughtoagreeconcerningthedoctrineofthe
Gospeland3]theadministrationoftheSacraments.Norisitnecessarythathuman
traditions,thatis,ritesorceremonies,institutedbymen,shouldbeeverywherealike.4]As
Paulsays:Onefaith,oneBaptism,oneGodandFatherofall,etc.Eph.4,5.6.

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Article VIII: What the Church Is.

1]AlthoughtheChurchproperlyisthecongregationofsaintsandtruebelievers,
nevertheless,sinceinthislifemanyhypocritesandevilpersonsaremingledtherewith,itis
lawfultouseSacramentsadministeredbyevilmen,accordingtothesayingofChrist:The
Scribesand2]thePhariseessitinMoses'seat,etc.Matt.23,2.BoththeSacramentsand
WordareeffectualbyreasonoftheinstitutionandcommandmentofChrist,notwithstanding
theybeadministeredbyevilmen.

3]TheycondemntheDonatists,andsuchlike,whodeniedittobelawfultousetheministry
ofevilmenintheChurch,andwhothoughttheministryofevilmentobeunprofitableandof
noneeffect.

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Article IX: Of Baptism.

1]OfBaptismtheyteachthatitisnecessary2]tosalvation,andthatthroughBaptismis
offeredthegraceofGod,andthatchildrenaretobebaptizedwho,beingofferedtoGod
throughBaptismarereceivedintoGod'sgrace.

3]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whorejectthebaptismofchildren,andsaythatchildren
aresavedwithoutBaptism.

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Article X: Of Lords Supper.

1]OftheSupperoftheLordtheyteachthattheBodyandBloodofChristaretrulypresent,
andaredistributed2]tothosewhoeattheSupperoftheLord;andtheyrejectthosethat
teachotherwise.

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Article XI: Of Confession.

1]OfConfessiontheyteachthatPrivateAbsolutionoughttoberetainedinthechurches,

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althoughinconfession2]anenumerationofallsinsisnotnecessary.Foritisimpossible
accordingtothePsalm:Whocanunderstandhiserrors?Ps.19,12.

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Article XII: Of Repentance.

1]OfRepentancetheyteachthatforthosewhohavefallenafterBaptismthereisremission
ofsinswhenevertheyareconverted2]andthattheChurchoughttoimpartabsolutionto
thosethusreturningtorepentance.Now,repentanceconsistsproperlyofthese3]twoparts:
Oneiscontrition,thatis,4]terrorssmitingtheconsciencethroughtheknowledgeofsin;the
otherisfaith,whichisbornof5]theGospel,orofabsolution,andbelievesthatforChrist's
sake,sinsareforgiven,comforts6]theconscience,anddeliversitfromterrors.Thengood
worksareboundtofollow,whicharethefruitsofrepentance.

7]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whodenythatthoseoncejustifiedcanlosetheHoly
Ghost.Alsothosewhocontendthatsomemayattaintosuch8]perfectioninthislifethat
theycannotsin.

9]TheNovatiansalsoarecondemned,whowouldnotabsolvesuchashadfallenafter
Baptism,thoughtheyreturnedtorepentance.

10]Theyalsoarerejectedwhodonotteachthatremissionofsinscomesthroughfaithbut
commandustomeritgracethroughsatisfactionsofourown.

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Article XIII: Of the Use of the Sacraments.

1]OftheUseoftheSacramentstheyteachthattheSacramentswereordained,notonlyto
bemarksofprofessionamongmen,butrathertobesignsandtestimoniesofthewillofGod
2]towardus,institutedtoawakenandconfirmfaithinthosewhousethem.Whereforewe
mustsousetheSacramentsthatfaithbeaddedtobelievethepromiseswhichareoffered
andsetforththroughtheSacraments.

3]TheythereforecondemnthosewhoteachthattheSacramentsjustifybytheoutwardact,
andwhodonotteachthat,intheuseoftheSacraments,faithwhichbelievesthatsinsare
forgiven,isrequired.

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Article XIV: Of Ecclesiastical Order.

OfEcclesiasticalOrdertheyteachthatnooneshouldpubliclyteachintheChurchor
administertheSacramentsunlessheberegularlycalled.

Backtotop

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Article XV: Of Ecclesiastical Usages.

1]OfUsagesintheChurchtheyteachthatthoseoughttobeobservedwhichmaybe
observedwithoutsin,andwhichareprofitableuntotranquillityandgoodorderinthe
Church,asparticularholydays,festivals,andthelike.

2]Nevertheless,concerningsuchthingsmenareadmonishedthatconsciencesarenottobe
burdened,asthoughsuchobservancewasnecessarytosalvation.

3]TheyareadmonishedalsothathumantraditionsinstitutedtopropitiateGod,tomerit
grace,andtomakesatisfactionforsins,areopposedtotheGospelandthedoctrineoffaith.
Whereforevowsandtraditionsconcerningmeatsand4]days,etc.,institutedtomeritgrace
andtomakesatisfactionforsins,areuselessandcontrarytotheGospel.

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Article XVI: Of Civil Affairs.

1]OfCivilAffairstheyteachthatlawfulcivilordinancesaregoodworksofGod,andthat2]it
isrightforChristianstobearciviloffice,tositasjudges,tojudgemattersbytheImperialand
otherexistinglaws,toawardjustpunishments,toengageinjustwars,toserveassoldiers,to
makelegalcontracts,toholdproperty,tomakeoathwhenrequiredbythemagistrates,to
marryawife,tobegiveninmarriage.

3]TheycondemntheAnabaptistswhoforbidthesecivilofficestoChristians.

4]TheycondemnalsothosewhodonotplaceevangelicalperfectioninthefearofGodandin
faith,butinforsakingciviloffices,for5]theGospelteachesaneternalrighteousnessofthe
heart.Meanwhile,itdoesnotdestroytheStateorthefamily,butverymuchrequiresthat
theybepreservedasordinancesofGod,andthatcharitybepracticedinsuch6]ordinances.
Therefore,Christiansarenecessarilyboundtoobeytheirownmagistrates7]andlawssave
onlywhencommandedtosin;forthentheyoughttoobeyGodratherthanmen.Acts5,29.

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Article XVII: Of Christs Return to Judgment.

1]AlsotheyteachthatattheConsummationoftheWorldChristwillappearforjudgment,
and2]willraiseupallthedead;Hewillgivetothegodlyandelecteternallifeandeverlasting
joys,3]butungodlymenandthedevilsHewillcondemntobetormentedwithoutend.

4]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whothinkthattherewillbeanendtothepunishmentsof
condemnedmenanddevils.

5]TheycondemnalsootherswhoarenowspreadingcertainJewishopinions,thatbeforethe
resurrectionofthedeadthegodlyshalltakepossessionofthekingdomoftheworld,the
ungodlybeingeverywheresuppressed.

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Article XVIII: Of Free Will.

1]OfFreeWilltheyteachthatman'swillhassomelibertytochoosecivilrighteousness,and
towork2]thingssubjecttoreason.Butithasnopower,withouttheHolyGhost,toworkthe
righteousnessofGod,thatis,spiritualrighteousness;sincethenaturalman3]receivethnot
thethingsoftheSpiritofGod,1Cor.2,14;butthisrighteousnessiswroughtintheheart
whentheHolyGhostisreceived4]throughtheWord.Thesethingsaresaidinasmanywords
byAugustineinhisHypognosticon,BookIII:Wegrantthatallmenhaveafreewill,free,
inasmuchasithasthejudgmentofreason;notthatitistherebycapable,withoutGod,either
tobegin,or,atleast,tocompleteaughtinthingspertainingtoGod,butonlyinworksofthis
life,whethergood5]orevil."Good"Icallthoseworkswhichspringfromthegoodinnature,
suchas,willingtolaborinthefield,toeatanddrink,tohaveafriend,toclotheoneself,to
buildahouse,tomarryawife,toraisecattle,tolearndiversusefularts,orwhatsoevergood
6]pertainstothislife.Forallofthesethingsarenotwithoutdependenceontheprovidence
ofGod;yea,ofHimandthroughHimtheyareandhavetheirbeing."Evil"7]Icallsuchworks
aswillingtoworshipanidol,tocommitmurder,etc.8]TheycondemnthePelagiansand
others,whoteachthatwithouttheHolyGhost,bythepowerofnaturealone,weareableto
loveGodaboveallthings;alsotodothecommandmentsofGodastouching"thesubstance
oftheact."For,althoughnatureisableinamannertodotheoutwardwork,9](foritisable
tokeepthehandsfromtheftandmurder,)yetitcannotproducetheinwardmotions,suchas
thefearofGod,trustinGod,chastity,patience,etc.

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Article XIX: Of the Cause of Sin.

OftheCauseofSintheyteachthat,althoughGoddoescreateandpreservenature,yetthe
causeofsinisthewillofthewicked,thatis,ofthedevilandungodlymen;whichwill,
unaidedofGod,turnsitselffromGod,asChristsaysJohn8,44:Whenhespeakethalie,he
speakethofhisown.

Backtotop

Article XX: Of Good Works.

1]OurteachersarefalselyaccusedofforbiddingGoodWorks.2]Fortheirpublishedwritings
ontheTenCommandments,andothersoflikeimport,bearwitnessthattheyhavetaughtto
goodpurposeconcerningallestatesanddutiesoflife,astowhatestatesoflifeandwhat
worksineverycallingbepleasingtoGod.3]Concerningthesethingspreachersheretofore
taughtbutlittle,andurgedonlychildishandneedlessworks,asparticularholydays,
particularfasts,brotherhoods,pilgrimages,servicesinhonorofsaints,theuseofrosaries,
monasticism,andsuchlike.4]Sinceouradversarieshavebeenadmonishedofthesethings,
theyarenowunlearningthem,anddonotpreachtheseunprofitableworksasheretofore.5]
Besides,theybegintomentionfaith,ofwhichtherewasheretoforemarveloussilence.6]
Theyteachthatwearejustifiednotbyworksonly,buttheyconjoinfaithandworks,andsay
thatwearejustifiedbyfaithandworks.7]Thisdoctrineismoretolerablethantheformer
one,andcanaffordmoreconsolationthantheirolddoctrine.

8]Forasmuch,therefore,asthedoctrineconcerningfaith,whichoughttobethechiefonein

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theChurch,haslainsolongunknown,asallmustneedsgrantthattherewasthedeepest
silenceintheirsermonsconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith,whileonlythedoctrineof
workswastreatedinthechurches,ourteachershaveinstructedthechurchesconcerning
faithasfollows:

9]First,thatourworkscannotreconcileGodormeritforgivenessofsins,grace,and
justification,butthatweobtainthisonlybyfaithwhenwebelievethatwearereceivedinto
favorforChrist'ssake,whoalonehasbeensetforththeMediatorandPropitiation,1Tim.2,
5,inorderthattheFathermaybereconciledthroughHim.10]Whoever,therefore,trusts
thatbyworkshemeritsgrace,despisesthemeritandgraceofChrist,andseeksawaytoGod
withoutChrist,byhumanstrength,althoughChristhassaidofHimself:IamtheWay,the
Truth,andtheLife.John14,6.

11]ThisdoctrineconcerningfaithiseverywheretreatedbyPaul,Eph.2,8:Bygraceareye
savedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks,etc.

12]AndlestanyoneshouldcraftilysaythatanewinterpretationofPaulhasbeendevisedby
us,thisentirematterissupportedbythetestimoniesoftheFathers.For13]Augustine,in
manyvolumes,defendsgraceandtherighteousnessoffaith,overagainstthemeritsof
works.14]AndAmbrose,inhisDeVocationeGentium,andelsewhere,teachestolikeeffect.
ForinhisDeVocationeGentiumhesaysasfollows:RedemptionbythebloodofChristwould
becomeoflittlevalue,neitherwouldthepreeminenceofman'sworksbesupersededbythe
mercyofGod,ifjustification,whichiswroughtthroughgrace,wereduetothemeritsgoing
before,soastobe,notthefreegiftofadonor,buttherewardduetothelaborer.

15]But,althoughthisdoctrineisdespisedbytheinexperienced,neverthelessGodfearing
andanxiousconsciencesfindbyexperiencethatitbringsthegreatestconsolation,because
consciencescannotbesetatrestthroughanyworks,butonlybyfaith,whentheytakethe
suregroundthatforChrist'ssaketheyhaveareconciledGod.AsPaulteachesRom.5,1:
16]Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod.17]Thiswholedoctrineistobereferred
tothatconflictoftheterrifiedconscience,neithercanitbeunderstoodapartfromthat
conflict.Therefore18]inexperiencedandprofanemenjudgeillconcerningthismatter,who
dreamthatChristianrighteousnessisnothingbutcivilandphilosophicalrighteousness.

19]Heretoforeconscienceswereplaguedwiththedoctrineofworks,theydidnothearthe
consolationfromtheGospel.20]Somepersonsweredrivenbyconscienceintothedesert,
intomonasterieshopingtheretomeritgracebyamonasticlife.21]Somealsodevisedother
workswherebytomeritgraceandmakesatisfactionforsins.22]Hencetherewasverygreat
needtotreatof,andrenew,thisdoctrineoffaithinChrist,totheendthatanxious
consciencesshouldnotbewithoutconsolationbutthattheymightknowthatgraceand
forgivenessofsinsandjustificationareapprehendedbyfaithinChrist.

23]Menarealsoadmonishedthatheretheterm"faith"doesnotsignifymerelythe
knowledgeofthehistory,suchasisintheungodlyandinthedevil,butsignifiesafaithwhich
believes,notmerelythehistory,butalsotheeffectofthehistorynamely,thisarticle:the
forgivenessofsins,towit,thatwehavegrace,righteousness,andforgivenessofsinsthrough
Christ.

24]NowhethatknowsthathehasaFathergracioustohimthroughChrist,trulyknowsGod;
heknowsalsothatGodcaresforhim,andcallsuponGod;inaword,heisnot25]without

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God,astheheathen.Fordevilsandtheungodlyarenotabletobelievethisarticle:the
forgivenessofsins.Hence,theyhateGodasanenemy,callnotuponHim,26]andexpectno
goodfromHim.Augustinealsoadmonisheshisreadersconcerningtheword"faith,"and
teachesthattheterm"faith"isacceptedintheScripturesnotforknowledgesuchasisinthe
ungodlybutforconfidencewhichconsolesandencouragestheterrifiedmind.

27]Furthermore,itistaughtonourpartthatitisnecessarytodogoodworks,notthatwe
shouldtrusttomeritgracebythem,butbecauseitisthewillofGod.28]Itisonlybyfaith
thatforgivenessofsinsisapprehended,andthat,fornothing.29]Andbecausethroughfaith
theHolyGhostisreceived,heartsarerenewedandendowedwithnewaffections,soastobe
abletobringforthgoodworks.30]ForAmbrosesays:Faithisthemotherofagoodwilland
rightdoing.31]Forman'spowerswithouttheHolyGhostarefullofungodlyaffections,and
aretooweaktodoworkswhicharegoodinGod'ssight.32]Besides,theyareinthepowerof
thedevilwhoimpelsmentodiverssins,33]toungodlyopinions,toopencrimes.Thiswe
mayseeinthephilosophers,who,althoughtheyendeavoredtoliveanhonestlifecouldnot
succeed,34]butweredefiledwithmanyopencrimes.Suchisthefeeblenessofmanwhenhe
iswithoutfaithandwithouttheHolyGhost,andgovernshimselfonlybyhumanstrength.

35]Henceitmaybereadilyseenthatthisdoctrineisnottobechargedwithprohibitinggood
works,butratherthemoretobecommended,becauseitshowshowweareenabledtodo
goodworks.36]ForwithoutfaithhumannaturecaninnowisedotheworksoftheFirstorof
theSecondCommandment.37]WithoutfaithitdoesnotcalluponGod,norexpectanything
fromGod,norbearthecross,butseeks,andtrustsin,man'shelp.38]Andthus,whenthere
isnofaithandtrustinGodallmanneroflustsandhumandevicesruleintheheart.39]
WhereforeChristsaid,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing;40]andtheChurchsings:

LackingThydivinefavor,

Thereisnothingfoundinman,

Naughtinhimisharmless.

Backtotop

Article XXI: Of the Worship of the Saints.

1]OftheWorshipofSaintstheyteachthatthememoryofsaintsmaybesetbeforeus,that
wemayfollowtheirfaithandgoodworks,accordingtoourcalling,astheEmperormay
followtheexampleofDavidinmakingwartodriveawaytheTurkfromhiscountry.2]For
botharekings.ButtheScriptureteachesnottheinvocationofsaintsortoaskhelpofsaints,
sinceitsetsbeforeustheoneChristastheMediator,Propitiation,HighPriest,and
Intercessor.3]Heistobeprayedto,andhaspromisedthatHewillhearourprayer;andthis
worshipHeapprovesaboveall,towit,thatinallafflictionsHebecalledupon,1John2,1:4]
Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,etc.

5]ThisisabouttheSumofourDoctrine,inwhich,ascanbeseen,thereisnothingthatvaries
fromtheScriptures,orfromtheChurchCatholic,orfromtheChurchofRomeasknownfrom
itswriters.Thisbeingthecase,theyjudgeharshlywhoinsistthatourteachersberegardedas
heretics.6]Thereis,however,disagreementoncertainAbuses,whichhavecreptintothe

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Churchwithoutrightfulauthority.Andeveninthese,ifthereweresomedifference,there
shouldbeproperlenityonthepartofbishopstobearwithusbyreasonoftheConfession
whichwehavenowreviewed;becauseeventheCanonsarenotsosevereastodemandthe
sameriteseverywhere,neither,atanytime,havetheritesofallchurchesbeenthesame;7]
although,amongus,inlargepart,theancientritesarediligentlyobserved.8]Foritisafalse
andmaliciouschargethatalltheceremonies,allthethingsinstitutedofold,areabolishedin
ourchurches.9]Butithasbeenacommoncomplaintthatsomeabuseswereconnectedwith
theordinaryrites.These,inasmuchastheycouldnotbeapprovedwithagoodconscience,
havebeentosomeextentcorrected.

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ArticlesInWhichAreReviewed
TheAbusesWhichHaveBeenCorrected
1]Inasmuch,then,asourchurchesdissentinnoarticleofthefaithfromtheChurchCatholic,
butonlyomitsomeabuseswhicharenew,andwhichhavebeenerroneouslyacceptedbythe
corruptionofthetimes,contrarytotheintentoftheCanons,wepraythatYourImperial
Majestywouldgraciouslyhearbothwhathasbeenchanged,andwhatwerethereasonswhy
thepeoplewerenotcompelledtoobservethoseabusesagainsttheirconscience.2]Nor
shouldYourImperialMajestybelievethosewho,inordertoexcitethehatredofmenagainst
ourpart,disseminatestrangeslandersamongthepeople.3]Havingthusexcitedthemindsof
goodmen,theyhavefirstgivenoccasiontothiscontroversy,andnowendeavor,bythesame
arts,toincreasethediscord.4]ForYourImperialMajestywillundoubtedlyfindthattheform
ofdoctrineandofceremonieswithusisnotsointolerableastheseungodlyandmalicious
menrepresent.5]Besides,thetruthcannotbegatheredfromcommonrumorsorthe
revilingsofenemies.6]Butitcanreadilybejudgedthatnothingwouldservebetterto
maintainthedignityofceremonies,andtonourishreverenceandpiousdevotionamongthe
peoplethaniftheceremonieswereobservedrightlyinthechurches.

Article XXII: Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament.

1]TothelaityaregivenBothKindsintheSacramentoftheLord'sSupper,becausethisusage
hasthecommandmentoftheLordinMatt.26,27:Drinkyeallofit,2]whereChristhas
manifestlycommandedconcerningthecupthatallshoulddrink.3]Andlestanymanshould
craftilysaythatthisrefersonlytopriests,Paulin1Cor.11,27recitesanexamplefromwhich
itappearsthatthewholecongregationdidusebothkinds.4]Andthisusagehaslong
remainedintheChurch,norisitknownwhen,orbywhoseauthority,itwaschanged;
althoughCardinalCusanusmentionsthetime5]whenitwasapproved.Cyprianinsome
placestestifiesthatthebloodwasgiventothepeople.6]ThesameistestifiedbyJerome,
whosays:ThepriestsadministertheEucharist,anddistributethebloodofChristtothe
people.Indeed,PopeGelasius7]commandsthattheSacramentbenotdivided(dist.II.,De
Consecratione,cap.Comperimus).8]Onlycustom,notsoancient,hasitotherwise.Butitis
evident9]thatanycustomintroducedagainstthecommandmentsofGodisnottobe
allowed,astheCanonswitness(dist.III.,cap.Veritate,andthefollowingchapters).10]But
thiscustomhasbeenreceived,notonlyagainsttheScripture,butalsoagainsttheoldCanons
11]andtheexampleoftheChurch.Therefore,ifanypreferredtousebothkindsofthe

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Sacrament,theyoughtnottohavebeencompelledwithoffensetotheirconsciencestodo
otherwise.Andbecausethedivision12]oftheSacramentdoesnotagreewiththeordinance
ofChrist,weareaccustomedtoomittheprocession,whichhithertohasbeeninuse.

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Article XXIII: Of the Marriage of Priests.

1]Therehasbeencommoncomplaintconcerningtheexamplesofpriestswhowerenot
chaste.2]ForthatreasonalsoPopePiusisreportedtohavesaidthattherewerecertain
causeswhymarriagewastakenawayfrompriests,butthattherewerefarweightierones
whyitoughttobegivenback;forsoPlatinawrites.3]Since,therefore,ourpriestswere
desiroustoavoidtheseopenscandals,theymarriedwives,andtaughtthatitwaslawfulfor
themtocontractmatrimony.First,because4]Paulsays,1Cor.7,2.9:Toavoidfornication,
leteverymanhavehisownwife.Also:Itisbettertomarrythantoburn.Secondly5]Christ
says,Matt.19,11:Allmencannotreceivethissaying,whereHeteachesthatnotallmenare
fittoleadasinglelife;forGodcreatedmanforprocreation,Gen.1,28.6]Norisitinman's
power,withoutasingulargiftandworkofGod,toalterthiscreation.[Foritismanifest,and
manyhaveconfessedthatnogood,honest,chastelife,noChristian,sincere,uprightconduct
hasresulted(fromtheattempt),butahorrible,fearfulunrestandtormentofconsciencehas
beenfeltbymanyuntiltheend.]Therefore,7]thosewhoarenotfittoleadasinglelifeought
to8]contractmatrimony.Fornoman'slaw,novow,canannulthecommandmentand
ordinanceofGod.Forthesereasons9]theprieststeachthatitislawfulforthemtomarry
wives.

10]ItisalsoevidentthatintheancientChurchpriestsweremarriedmen.11]ForPaulsays,1
Tim.3,2,thatabishopshouldbechosenwhoisthehusbandofonewife.12]Andin
Germany,fourhundredyearsagoforthefirsttime,thepriestswereviolentlycompelledto
leadasinglelife,whoindeedofferedsuchresistancethattheArchbishopofMayence,when
abouttopublishthePope'sdecreeconcerningthismatter,wasalmostkilledinthetumult
raisedbytheenragedpriests.13]Andsoharshwasthedealinginthematterthatnotonly
weremarriagesforbiddenforthefuture,butalsoexistingmarriagesweretornasunder,
contrarytoalllaws,divineandhuman,contraryeventotheCanonsthemselves,madenot
onlybythePopes,butbymostcelebratedSynods.[Moreover,manyGodfearingand
intelligentpeopleinhighstationareknownfrequentlytohaveexpressedmisgivingsthat
suchenforcedcelibacyanddeprivingmenofmarriage(whichGodHimselfhasinstitutedand
leftfreetomen)hasneverproducedanygoodresults,buthasbroughtonmanygreatand
evilvicesandmuchiniquity.)

14]Seeingalsothat,astheworldisaging,man'snatureisgraduallygrowingweaker,itiswell
toguardthatnomorevicesstealintoGermany.

15]Furthermore,Godordainedmarriagetobeahelpagainsthumaninfirmity.16]The
Canonsthemselvessaythattheoldrigoroughtnowandthen,inthelattertimes,tobe
relaxedbecauseoftheweaknessofmen;whichitistobewishedweredonealsointhis
matter.17]Anditistobeexpectedthatthechurchesshallatsometimelackpastorsif
marriageisanylongerforbidden.

18]ButwhilethecommandmentofGodisinforce,whilethecustomoftheChurchiswell

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known,whileimpurecelibacycausesmanyscandals,adulteries,andothercrimesdeserving
thepunishmentsofjustmagistrates,yetitisamarvelousthingthatinnothingismorecruelty
exercisedthanagainst19]themarriageofpriests.Godhasgivencommandmenttohonor
marriage.Bythelawsofall20]wellorderedcommonwealths,evenamongtheheathen,
marriageismosthighlyhonored.21]Butnowmen,andthat,priests,arecruellyputtodeath,
contrarytotheintentoftheCanons,fornoothercausethan22]marriage.Paul,in1Tim.4,
3,callsthatadoctrineofdevilswhichforbidsmarriage.23]Thismaynowbereadily
understoodwhenthelawagainstmarriageismaintainedbysuchpenalties.

24]ButasnolawofmancanannulthecommandmentofGod,soneithercanitbedoneby
anyvow.25]Accordingly,Cyprianalsoadvisesthatwomenwhodonotkeepthechastitythey
havepromisedshouldmarry.Hiswordsarethese(BookI,EpistleXI):Butiftheybeunwilling
orunabletopersevere,itisbetterforthemtomarrythantofallintothefirebytheirlusts;
theyshouldcertainlygivenooffensetotheirbrethrenandsisters.

26]AndeventheCanonsshowsomeleniencytowardthosewhohavetakenvowsbeforethe
properage,asheretoforehasgenerallybeenthecase.

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Article XXIV: Of the Mass.

1]FalselyareourchurchesaccusedofabolishingtheMass;fortheMassisretainedamong2]
us,andcelebratedwiththehighestreverence.Nearlyalltheusualceremoniesarealso
preserved,savethatthepartssunginLatinareinterspersedhereandtherewithGerman
hymns,whichhavebeenadded3]toteachthepeople.Forceremoniesareneededtothis
endalonethattheunlearned4]betaught[whattheyneedtoknowofChrist].Andnotonly
hasPaulcommandedtouseinthechurchalanguageunderstoodbythepeople1Cor.14,2.
9,butithasalsobeensoordainedbyman'slaw.5]Thepeopleareaccustomedtopartakeof
theSacramenttogether,ifanybefitforit,andthisalsoincreasesthereverenceanddevotion
ofpublic6]worship.Fornoneareadmitted7]excepttheybefirstexamined.Thepeopleare
alsoadvisedconcerningthedignityanduseoftheSacrament,howgreatconsolationitbrings
anxiousconsciences,thattheymaylearntobelieveGod,andtoexpectandaskofHimall
thatisgood.8][Inthisconnectiontheyarealsoinstructedregardingotherandfalse
teachingsontheSacrament.]ThisworshippleasesGod;suchuseoftheSacramentnourishes
truedevotion9]towardGod.Itdoesnot,therefore,appearthattheMassismoredevoutly
celebratedamongouradversariesthanamongus.

10]Butitisevidentthatforalongtimethisalsohasbeenthepublicandmostgrievous
complaintofallgoodmenthatMasseshavebeenbaselyprofanedandappliedtopurposes
oflucre.11]Foritisnotunknownhowfarthisabuseobtainsinallthechurchesbywhat
mannerofmenMassesaresaidonlyforfeesorstipends,andhowmanycelebratethem
contrarytotheCanons.12]ButPaulseverelythreatensthosewhodealunworthilywiththe
Eucharistwhenhesays,1Cor.11,27:Whosoevershalleatthisbread,anddrinkthiscupof
theLord,unworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord.13]When,therefore
ourpriestswereadmonishedconcerningthissin,PrivateMasseswerediscontinuedamong
us,asscarcelyanyPrivateMasseswerecelebratedexceptforlucre'ssake.

14]Neitherwerethebishopsignorantoftheseabuses,andiftheyhadcorrectedthemin

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time,therewouldnowbelessdissension.Heretofore,15]bytheirownconnivance,they
sufferedmanycorruptionstocreepintotheChurch.Now,whenitistoolate,theybeginto
complain16]ofthetroublesoftheChurch,whilethisdisturbancehasbeenoccasioned
simplybythoseabuseswhichweresomanifestthattheycouldbebornenolonger.There
havebeengreat17]dissensionsconcerningtheMass,concerningtheSacrament.18]
PerhapstheworldisbeingpunishedforsuchlongcontinuedprofanationsoftheMassas
havebeentoleratedinthechurchesforsomanycenturiesbytheverymenwho19]were
bothableandindutyboundtocorrectthem.ForintheTenCommandmentsitiswritten,Ex.
20,7:TheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessthattakethHisnameinvain.Butsince20]the
worldbegan,nothingthatGodeverordainedseemstohavebeensoabusedforfilthylucre
astheMass.

21]TherewasalsoaddedtheopinionwhichinfinitelyincreasedPrivateMasses,namelythat
Christ,byHispassion,hadmadesatisfactionfororiginalsin,andinstitutedtheMasswherein
anofferingshouldbemadefordailysins,22]venialandmortal.Fromthishasarisenthe
commonopinionthattheMass23]takesawaythesinsofthelivingandthedeadbythe
outwardact.ThentheybegantodisputewhetheroneMasssaidformanywereworthas
muchasspecialMassesforindividuals,andthisbroughtforththatinfinitemultitudeof
Masses.[WiththisworkmenwishedtoobtainfromGodallthattheyneeded,andinthe
meantimefaithinChristandthetrueworshipwereforgotten.]

24]Concerningtheseopinionsourteachershavegivenwarningthattheydepartfromthe
HolyScripturesanddiminishthegloryofthepassionofChrist.ForChrist'spassion25]wasan
oblationandsatisfaction,notfororiginalguiltonly,butalsoforallothersins,asitiswritten
totheHebrews,10,10:26]WearesanctifiedthroughtheofferingofJesusChristonceforall.
Also,10,14:27]ByoneofferingHehathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified.[Itisan
unheardofinnovationintheChurchtoteachthatChristbyHisdeathmadesatisfactiononly
fororiginalsinandnotlikewiseforallothersin.Accordinglyitishopedthateverybodywill
understandthatthiserrorhasnotbeenreprovedwithoutduereason.]

28]ScripturealsoteachesthatwearejustifiedbeforeGodthroughfaithinChrist,whenwe
believethatoursinsareforgivenforChrist'ssake.29]NowiftheMasstakeawaythesinsof
thelivingandthedeadbytheoutwardactjustificationcomesoftheworkofMasses,andnot
offaith,whichScripturedoesnotallow.

30]ButChristcommandsus,Luke22,19:ThisdoinremembranceofMe;thereforetheMass
wasinstitutedthatthefaithofthosewhousetheSacramentshouldrememberwhatbenefits
itreceivesthroughChrist,andcheerandcomforttheanxiousconscience.Fortoremember
ChrististorememberHisbenefits,31]andtorealizethattheyaretrulyoffereduntous.32]
Norisitenoughonlytorememberthehistory;forthisalsotheJewsandtheungodlycan
remember.33]WhereforetheMassistobeusedtothisend,thattheretheSacrament
[Communion]maybeadministeredtothemthathaveneedofconsolation;asAmbrosesays:
BecauseIalwayssin,Iamalwaysboundtotakethemedicine.[ThereforethisSacrament
requiresfaith,andisusedinvainwithoutfaith.]

34]Now,forasmuchastheMassissuchagivingoftheSacrament,weholdonecommunion
everyholyday,and,ifanydesiretheSacrament,alsoonotherdays,whenitisgiventosuch
asaskforit.35]AndthiscustomisnotnewintheChurch;fortheFathersbeforeGregory
makenomentionofanyprivateMass,butofthecommonMass[theCommunion]they
speakverymuch.Chrysostomsays36]thattheprieststandsdailyatthealtar,invitingsome

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37]totheCommunionandkeepingbackothers.AnditappearsfromtheancientCanonsthat
someonecelebratedtheMassfromwhomalltheotherpresbytersanddeaconsreceivedthe
bodyofheLord;forthus38]thewordsoftheNiceneCanonsay:Letthedeacons,according
totheirorder,receivetheHolyCommunionafterthepresbyters,fromthebishoporfroma
presbyter.39]AndPaul,1Cor.11,33,commandsconcerningtheCommunion:Tarryonefor
another,sothattheremaybeacommonparticipation.

40]Forasmuch,therefore,astheMasswithushastheexampleoftheChurch,takenfromthe
ScriptureandtheFathers,weareconfidentthatitcannotbedisapproved,especiallysince
publicceremonies,forthemostpartlikethosehithertoinuse,areretained;onlythe
numberofMassesdiffers,which,becauseofverygreatandmanifestabusesdoubtlessmight
beprofitablyreduced.41]Forinoldentimes,eveninchurchesmostfrequented,theMass
wasnotcelebratedeveryday,astheTripartiteHistory(Book9,chap.33)testifies:Againin
Alexandria,everyWednesdayandFridaytheScripturesareread,andthedoctorsexpound
them,andallthingsaredone,exceptthesolemnriteofCommunion.

Backtotop

Article XXV: Of Confession.

1]Confessioninthechurchesisnotabolishedamongus;foritisnotusualtogivethebodyof
theLord,excepttothemthathavebeenpreviouslyexaminedandabsolved.And2]the
peoplearemostcarefullytaughtconcerningfaithintheabsolution,aboutwhichformerly
there3]wasprofoundsilence.Ourpeoplearetaughtthattheyshouldhighlyprizethe
absolution,asbeingthevoiceofGod,4]andpronouncedbyGod'scommand.Thepowerof
theKeysissetforthinitsbeautyandtheyareremindedwhatgreatconsolationitbringsto
anxiousconsciences,also,thatGodrequiresfaithtobelievesuchabsolutionasavoice
soundingfromheaven,andthatsuchfaithinChristtrulyobtainsandreceivestheforgiveness
ofsins.Aforetimesatisfactionswereimmoderatelyextolled;5]offaithandthemeritof
Christandtherighteousnessoffaithnomentionwasmade;wherefore,onthispoint,our
churchesarebynomeanstobeblamed.Forthisevenouradversariesmustneedsconcede
6]tousthatthedoctrineconcerningrepentancehasbeenmostdiligentlytreatedandlaid
openbyourteachers.

7]ButofConfessiontheyteachthatanenumerationofsinsisnotnecessary,andthat
consciencesbenotburdenedwithanxietytoenumerateallsins,foritisimpossibleto
recountallsins,asthePsalm19,13testifies:Whocanunderstandhiserrors?AlsoJeremiah,
17,9:8]Theheartisdeceitful;whocanknowit?Butifnosinswereforgiven,exceptthose
thatarerecounted,9]consciencescouldneverfindpeace;forverymanysinstheyneither
see10]norcanremember.Theancientwritersalsotestifythatanenumerationisnot
necessary.ForintheDecrees,Chrysostomisquoted,11]whosaysthus:Isaynottoyouthat
youshoulddiscloseyourselfinpublic,northatyouaccuseyourselfbeforeothers,butIwould
haveyouobeytheprophetwhosays:"DisclosethywaybeforeGod."Thereforeconfessyour
sinsbeforeGod,thetrueJudge,withprayer.Tellyourerrors,notwiththetongue,butwith
thememoryofyourconscience,etc.12]AndtheGloss(OfRepentance,Distinct.V,Cap.
Consideret)admitsthatConfessionisofhumanrightonly[notcommandedbyScripture,but
ordainedbytheChurch].13]Nevertheless,onaccountofthegreatbenefitofabsolution,and
becauseitisotherwiseusefultotheconscience,Confessionisretainedamongus.

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Article XXVI: Of the Distinction of Meats.

1]Ithasbeenthegeneralpersuasion,notofthepeoplealone,butalsoofthoseteachingin
thechurches,thatmakingDistinctionsofMeats,andliketraditionsofmen,areworks
profitabletomeritgrace,andabletomakesatisfactionsforsins.Andthat2]theworldso
thought,appearsfromthis,thatnewceremonies,neworders,newholydays,andnew
fastingsweredailyinstituted,andtheteachersinthechurchesdidexacttheseworksasa
servicenecessarytomeritgrace,anddidgreatlyterrifymen'sconsciences,iftheyshould
omitanyofthesethings.3]Fromthispersuasionconcerningtraditionsmuchdetrimenthas
resultedintheChurch.

4]First,thedoctrineofgraceandoftherighteousnessoffaithhasbeenobscuredbyit,which
isthechiefpartoftheGospel,andoughttostandoutasthemostprominentintheChurch,
inorderthatthemeritofChristmaybewellknown,andfaith,whichbelievesthatsinsare
forgivenforChrist'ssakebeexaltedfaraboveworks.WhereforePaulalsolays5]thegreatest
stressonthisarticle,puttingasidetheLawandhumantraditions,inordertoshowthat
Christianrighteousnessissomethingelsethansuchworks,towit,thefaithwhichbelieves
thatsins6]arefreelyforgivenforChrist'ssake.ButthisdoctrineofPaulhasbeenalmost
whollysmotheredbytraditions,whichhaveproducedanopinionthat,bymakingdistinctions
inmeatsandlikeservices,7]wemustmeritgraceandrighteousness.Intreatingof
repentance,therewasnomentionmadeoffaith;onlythoseworksofsatisfactionwereset
forth;inthesetheentirerepentanceseemedtoconsist.

8]Secondly,thesetraditionshaveobscuredthecommandmentsofGod,becausetraditions
wereplacedfarabovethecommandmentsofGod.Christianitywasthoughttoconsistwholly
intheobservanceofcertainholydays,rites,fasts,andvestures.These9]observanceshad
wonforthemselvestheexaltedtitleofbeingthespirituallifeandtheperfectlife.Meanwhile
thecommandmentsofGod,accordingto10]eachone'scalling,werewithouthonornamely,
thatthefatherbroughtuphisoffspring,thatthemotherborechildren,thattheprince
governedthecommonwealth,thesewereaccountedworksthatwereworldlyand
imperfect,andfarbelowthoseglitteringobservances.Andthiserrorgreatlytormented11]
devoutconsciences,whichgrievedthattheywereheldinanimperfectstateoflife,asin
marriage,intheofficeofmagistrate;orinothercivilministrations;ontheotherhand,they
admiredthemonksandsuchlike,andfalselyimaginedthattheobservancesofsuchmen
weremoreacceptabletoGod.

12]Thirdly,traditionsbroughtgreatdangertoconsciences;foritwasimpossibletokeepall
traditions,andyetmenjudgedtheseobservancestobenecessaryactsofworship.Gerson
writesthatmanyfell13]intodespair,andthatsomeeventooktheirownlives,becausethey
feltthattheywerenotabletosatisfythetraditions,andtheyhadallthewhilenotheardany
consolationoftherighteousnessoffaithand14]grace.Weseethatthesummistsand
theologiansgatherthetraditions,andseekmitigationswherebytoeaseconsciences,andyet
theydonotsufficientlyunfetter,butsometimesentangle,consciencesevenmore.15]And
withthegatheringofthesetraditions,theschoolsandsermonshavebeensomuchoccupied
thattheyhavehadnoleisuretotouchuponScripture,andtoseekthemoreprofitable
doctrineoffaith,ofthecross,ofhope,ofthedignityofcivilaffairsofconsolationofsorely
triedconsciences.16]HenceGersonandsomeothertheologianshavegrievouslycomplained
thatbythesestrivingsconcerningtraditionstheywerepreventedfromgivingattentiontoa
betterkindofdoctrine.Augustinealsoforbidsthatmen'sconsciencesshouldbeburdened
17]withsuchobservances,andprudentlyadvisesJanuariusthathemustknowthattheyare

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tobeobservedasthingsindifferent;forsucharehiswords.

18]Whereforeourteachersmustnotbelookeduponashavingtakenupthismatterrashly
orfromhatredofthebishops,19]assomefalselysuspect.Therewasgreatneedtowarnthe
churchesoftheseerrors,whichhadarisenfrommisunderstandingthetraditions.20]Forthe
Gospelcompelsustoinsistinthechurchesuponthedoctrineofgrace,andofthe
righteousnessoffaith;which,however,cannotbeunderstood,ifmenthinkthattheymerit
gracebyobservancesoftheirownchoice.

21]Thus,therefore,theyhavetaughtthatbytheobservanceofhumantraditionswecannot
meritgraceorbejustified,andhencewemustnotthinksuchobservancesnecessaryactsof
worship.22]TheyaddhereuntotestimoniesofScripture.Christ,Matt.15,3,defendsthe
Apostleswhohadnotobservedtheusualtradition,which,however,evidentlypertainstoa
matternotunlawful,butindifferent,andtohaveacertainaffinitywiththepurificationsof
theLaw,andsays,15,9:InvaindotheyworshipMewiththecommandmentsofmen.23]
He,therefore,doesnotexactanunprofitableservice.ShortlyafterHeadds:Notthatwhich
goethintothemouthdefilethaman.SoalsoPaul,Rom.14,17:24]ThekingdomofGodisnot
meatanddrink.25]Col.2,16:Letnoman,therefore,judgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orin
respectofanholyday,oroftheSabbathday;also:If26]yebedeadwithChristfromthe
rudimentsoftheworld,why,asthoughlivingintheworld,areyesubjecttoordinances:
Touchnot,tastenot,handlenot!AndPetersays,Acts15,10:Why27]temptyeGodtoputa
yokeupontheneckofthedisciples,whichneitherourfathersnorwewereabletobear?But
webelievethatthroughthegraceoftheLordJesusChrist28]weshallbesaved,evenas
they.HerePeterforbidstoburdentheconscienceswithmanyrites,29]eitherofMosesorof
others.Andin1Tim.4,1.3Paulcallstheprohibitionofmeatsadoctrineofdevils;foritis
againsttheGospeltoinstituteortodosuchworksthatbythemwemaymeritgrace,oras
thoughChristianitycouldnotexistwithoutsuchserviceofGod.

30]Hereouradversariesobjectthatourteachersareopposedtodisciplineandmortification
oftheflesh,asJovinian.Butthecontrarymaybelearned31]fromthewritingsofour
teachers.FortheyhavealwaystaughtconcerningthecrossthatitbehoovesChristiansto
bearafflictions.Thisisthetrue,32]earnest,andunfeignedmortification,towit,tobe
exercisedwithdiversafflictions,andtobecrucifiedwithChrist.

33]Moreover,theyteachthateveryChristianoughttotrainandsubduehimselfwithbodily
restraints,orbodilyexercisesandlaborsthatneithersatietynorslothfulnesstempthimto
sin,butnotthatwemaymeritgraceormakesatisfactionforsinsbysuchexercises.34]And
suchexternaldisciplineoughttobeurgedatalltimes,notonlyonafewandsetdays.So
Christcommands,35]Luke21,34:Takeheedlestyourhearts36]beoverchargedwith
surfeiting;alsoMatt.17,21:Thiskindgoethnotoutbut37]byprayerandfasting.Paulalso
says,1Cor.9,27:Ikeepundermybodyandbringitintosubjection.38]Hereheclearly
showsthathewaskeepingunderhisbody,nottomeritforgivenessofsinsbythatdiscipline,
buttohavehisbodyinsubjectionandfittedforspiritualthings,andforthedischargeofduty
according39]tohiscalling.Therefore,wedonotcondemnfastinginitself,butthetraditions
whichprescribecertaindaysandcertainmeats,withperilofconscience,asthoughsuch
workswereanecessaryservice.

40]Nevertheless,verymanytraditionsarekeptonourpart,whichconducetogoodorderin
theChurch,astheOrderofLessons41]intheMassandthechiefholydays.But,atthesame
time,menarewarnedthatsuchobservancesdonotjustifybeforeGod,andthatinsuch

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thingsitshouldnotbemadesiniftheybeomittedwithoutoffense.42]Suchlibertyin
humanriteswasnotunknowntotheFathers.43]ForintheEasttheykeptEasteratanother
timethanatRome,andwhen,onaccountofthisdiversity,theRomansaccusedtheEastern
Churchofschism,theywereadmonishedbyothers44]thatsuchusagesneednotbealike
everywhere.AndIrenaeussays:Diversityconcerningfastingdoesnotdestroytheharmonyof
faith;asalsoPopeGregoryintimatesinDist.XII,thatsuchdiversitydoesnotviolatetheunity
oftheChurch.45]AndintheTripartiteHistory,Book9,manyexamplesofdissimilarritesare
gathered,andthefollowingstatementismade:ItwasnotthemindoftheApostlestoenact
rulesconcerningholydays,buttopreachgodlinessandaholylife[toteachfaithandlove].

Backtotop

Article XXVII: Of Monastic Vows.

1]WhatistaughtonourpartconcerningMonasticVows,willbebetterunderstoodifitbe
rememberedwhathasbeenthestateofthemonasteries,andhowmanythingsweredaily
doneinthoseverymonasteries,contrarytotheCanons.2]InAugustine'stimetheywere
freeassociations.Afterward,whendisciplinewascorrupted,vowswereeverywhereadded
forthepurposeofrestoringdiscipline,asinacarefullyplannedprison.3]Gradually,many
otherobservanceswereaddedbesidesvows.4]Andthesefetterswerelaiduponmany
beforethelawfulage,contrarytotheCanons.

5]Manyalsoenteredintothiskindoflifethroughignorance,beingunabletojudgetheirown
strength,thoughtheywereofsufficientage.6]Beingthusensnared,theywerecompelledto
remain,eventhoughsomecouldhavebeenfreedbythekindprovisionoftheCanons.7]And
thiswasmorethecaseinconventsofwomenthanofmonks,althoughmoreconsideration
shouldhavebeenshowntheweakersex.8]Thisrigordispleasedmanygoodmenbeforethis
time,whosawthatyoungmenandmaidenswerethrownintoconventsforaliving.Theysaw
whatunfortunateresultscameofthisprocedure,andwhatscandalswerecreated,what
snareswerecastuponconsciences!Theyweregrieved9]thattheauthorityoftheCanonsin
somomentousamatterwasutterlysetasideanddespised.To10]theseevilswasadded
suchapersuasionconcerningvowsas,itiswellknown,informertimesdispleasedeven
thosemonkswhoweremoreconsiderate.11]TheytaughtthatvowswereequaltoBaptism;
theytaughtthatbythiskindoflifetheymeritedforgivenessofsinsandjustificationbefore
God.12]Yea,theyaddedthatthemonasticlifenotonlymeritedrighteousnessbeforeGod
butevengreaterthings,becauseitkeptnotonlytheprecepts,butalsothesocalled
"evangelicalcounsels."

13]Thustheymademenbelievethattheprofessionofmonasticismwasfarbetterthan
Baptism,andthatthemonasticlifewasmoremeritoriousthanthatofmagistrates,thanthe
lifeofpastors,andsuchlike,whoservetheircallinginaccordancewithGod'scommands,
withoutanymanmadeservices.14]Noneofthesethingscanbedenied;fortheyappearin
theirownbooks.[Moreover,apersonwhohasbeenthusensnaredandhasentereda
monasterylearnslittleofChrist.]

15]What,then,cametopassinthemonasteries?Aforetimetheywereschoolsoftheology
andotherbranches,profitabletotheChurch;andthencepastorsandbishopswereobtained.
Nowitisanotherthing.Itisneedlesstorehearsewhatisknowntoall.16]Aforetimethey
cametogethertolearn;nowtheyfeignthatitisakindoflifeinstitutedtomeritgraceand

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righteousness;yea,theypreachthatitisastateofperfection,andtheyputitfaraboveall
otherkindsoflifeordainedofGod.17]Thesethingswehaverehearsedwithoutodious
exaggerateion,totheendthatthedoctrineofourteachersonthispointmightbebetter
understood.

18]First,concerningsuchascontractmatrimony,theyteachonourpartthatitislawfulfor
allmenwhoarenotfittedforsinglelifetocontractmatrimony,becausevowscannotannul
theordinanceandcommandmentofGod.19]ButthecommandmentofGodis1Cor.7,2:To
avoidfornication,leteverymanhave20]hisownwife.Norisitthecommandmentonly,but
alsothecreationandordinanceofGod,whichforcesthosetomarrywhoarenotexceptedby
asingularworkofGod,accordingtothetextGen.2,18:Itisnotgood21]thatthemanshould
bealone.ThereforetheydonotsinwhoobeythiscommandmentandordinanceofGod.

22]Whatobjectioncanberaisedtothis?Letmenextoltheobligationofavowasmuchas
theylist,yetshalltheynotbringtopassthatthevow23]annulsthecommandmentofGod.
TheCanonsteachthattherightofthesuperiorisexceptedineveryvow;[thatvowsarenot
bindingagainstthedecisionofthePope;]muchless,therefore,arethesevowsofforcewhich
areagainstthecommandmentsofGod.

24]Now,iftheobligationofvowscouldnotbechangedforanycausewhatever,theRoman
Pontiffscouldneverhavegivendispensationforitisnotlawfulformantoannulan
obligationwhichissimply25]divine.ButtheRomanPontiffshaveprudentlyjudgedthat
leniencyistobeobservedinthisobligation,andtherefore26]wereadthatmanytimesthey
havedispensedfromvows.ThecaseoftheKingofAragonwhowascalledbackfromthe
monasteryiswellknown,andtherearealsoexamplesinourowntimes.[Now,if
dispensationshavebeengrantedforthesakeofsecuringtemporalinterests,itismuchmore
properthattheybegrantedonaccountofthedistressofsouls.]

27]Inthesecondplace,whydoouradversariesexaggeratetheobligationoreffectofavow
when,atthesametime,theyhavenotawordtosayofthenatureofthevowitself,thatit
oughttobeinathingpossible,thatitoughttobefree,28]andchosenspontaneouslyand
deliberately?Butitisnotunknowntowhatextentperpetualchastityisinthepowerofman.
29]Andhowfewaretherewhohavetakenthevowspontaneouslyanddeliberately!Young
maidensandmen,beforetheyareabletojudge,arepersuaded,andsometimeseven
compelled,totakethevow.Wherefore30]itisnotfairtoinsistsorigorouslyonthe
obligation,sinceitisgrantedbyallthatitisagainstthenatureofavowtotakeitwithout
spontaneousanddeliberateaction.

31]Mostcanonicallawsrescindvowsmadebeforetheageoffifteen;forbeforethatage
theredoesnotseemsufficientjudgmentinapersontodecideconcerningaperpetuallife.
32]AnotherCanon,grantingmoretotheweaknessofman,addsafewyears;foritforbidsa
vowtobemadebeforetheageofeighteen.33]ButwhichofthesetwoCanonsshallwe
follow?Themostparthaveanexcuseforleavingthemonasteries,becausemostofthem
havetakenthevowsbeforetheyreachedtheseages.

34]Finally,eventhoughtheviolationofavowmightbecensured,yetitseemsnotforthwith
tofollowthatthemarriagesofsuchpersonsmustbedissolved.35]ForAugustinedeniesthat
theyoughttobedissolved(XXVII.Quaest.I,Cap.Nuptiarum),andhisauthorityisnotlightly
tobeesteemed,althoughothermenafterwardsthoughtotherwise.

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36]ButalthoughitappearsthatGod'scommandconcerningmarriagedeliversverymany
fromtheirvows,yetourteachersintroducealsoanotherargumentconcerningvowstoshow
thattheyarevoid.ForeveryserviceofGod,ordainedandchosenofmenwithoutthe
commandmentofGodtomeritjustificationandgrace,iswicked,asChristsaysMatt.15,9:
37]InvaindotheyworshipMewiththecommandmentsofmen.AndPaulteaches
everywherethatrighteousnessisnottobesoughtfromourownobservancesandactsof
worship,devisedbymen,butthatitcomesbyfaithtothosewhobelievethattheyare
receivedbyGodintograceforChrist'ssake.

38]Butitisevidentthatmonkshavetaughtthatservicesofman'smakingsatisfyforsinsand
meritgraceandjustification.WhatelseisthisthantodetractfromthegloryofChristandto
obscureanddenytherighteousnessoffaith?39]Itfollows,therefore,thatthevowsthus
commonlytakenhavebeenwickedservices,and,consequently,arevoid.Forawickedvow,
takenagainstthecommandmentofGod,isnotvalid;for(astheCanonsays)novowoughtto
bindmentowickedness.

41]Paulsays,Gal.5,4:Christisbecomeofnoeffectuntoyou,whosoeverofyouarejustified
bytheLaw,yearefallenfromgrace.42]Tothose,therefore,whowanttobejustifiedby
theirvowsChristismadeofnoeffect,andtheyfallfromgrace.43]Foralsothesewho
ascribejustificationtovowsascribetotheirownworksthatwhichproperlybelongstothe
gloryofChrist.

44]Norcanitbedenied,indeed,thatthemonkshavetaughtthat,bytheirvowsand
observances,theywerejustified,andmeritedforgivenessofsins,yea,theyinventedstill
greaterabsurdities,saying45]thattheycouldgiveothersashareintheirworks.Ifanyone
shouldbeinclinedtoenlargeonthesethingswithevilintent,howmanythingscouldhebring
togetherwhereofeventhemonksarenowashamed!46]Overandabovethis,they
persuadedmenthatservicesofman'smakingwereastateofChristianperfection.47]Andis
notthisassigningjustificationtoworks?48]ItisnolightoffenseintheChurchtosetforthto
thepeopleaservicedevisedbymen,withoutthecommandmentofGod,andtoteachthat
suchservicejustifiesmen.Fortherighteousnessoffaith,whichchieflyoughttobetaughtin
theChurch,isobscuredwhenthesewonderfulangelicformsofworship,withtheirshowof
poverty,humility,andcelibacy,arecastbeforetheeyesofmen.

49]Furthermore,thepreceptsofGodandthetrueserviceofGodareobscuredwhenmen
hearthatonlymonksareinastateofperfection.ForChristianperfectionistofearGodfrom
theheart,andyettoconceivegreatfaith,andtotrustthatforChrist'ssakewehaveaGod
whohasbeenreconciled,toaskofGod,andassuredlytoexpectHisaidinallthingsthat,
accordingtoourcalling,aretobedone;andmeanwhile,tobediligentinoutwardgood
works,50]andtoserveourcalling.Inthesethingsconsistthetrueperfectionandthetrue
serviceofGod.Itdoesnotconsistincelibacy,orinbegging,orinvileapparel.51]Butthe
peopleconceivemanyperniciousopinionsfromthefalsecommendationsofmonasticlife.
52]Theyhearcelibacypraisedabovemeasure;thereforetheyleadtheirmarriedlifewith
offensetotheirconsciences.53]Theyhearthatonlybeggarsareperfect;thereforetheykeep
theirpossessionsanddobusinesswithoffensetotheirconsciences.54]Theyhearthatitis
anevangelicalcounselnottoseekrevenge;thereforesomeinprivatelifearenotafraidto
takerevenge,fortheyhearthatitisbutacounsel,and55]notacommandment.Others
judgethattheChristiancannotproperlyholdacivilofficeorbeamagistrate.

56]Thereareonrecordexamplesofmenwho,forsakingmarriageandtheadministrationof

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theCommonwealth,havehidthemselvesinmonasteries.This57]theycalledfleeingfrom
theworld,andseekingakindoflifewhichwouldbemorepleasingtoGod.Neitherdidthey
seethatGodoughttobeservedinthosecommandmentswhichHeHimselfhasgivenand
notincommandments58]devisedbymen.Agoodandperfectkindoflifeisthatwhichhas
foritthecommandmentofGod.59]Itisnecessarytoadmonishmenofthesethings.

60]Andbeforethesetimes,Gersonrebukesthiserrorofthemonksconcerningperfection,
andtestifiesthatinhisdayitwasanewsayingthatthemonasticlifeisastateofperfection.

61]Somanywickedopinionsareinherentinthevows,namely,thattheyjustify,thatthey
constituteChristianperfection,thattheykeepthecounselsandcommandments,thatthey
haveworksofsupererogation.Allthesethings,sincetheyarefalseandempty,makevows
nullandvoid.

Backtotop

Article XXVIII: Of Ecclesiastical Power.

1]TherehasbeengreatcontroversyconcerningthePowerofBishops,inwhichsomehave
awkwardlyconfoundedthepoweroftheChurch2]andthepowerofthesword.Andfrom
thisconfusionverygreatwarsandtumultshaveresulted,whilethePontiffs,emboldenedby
thepoweroftheKeys,notonlyhaveinstitutednewservicesandburdenedconscienceswith
reservationofcasesandruthlessexcommunications,buthavealsoundertakentotransfer
thekingdomsofthisworld,3]andtotaketheEmpirefromtheEmperor.Thesewrongshave
longsincebeenrebukedintheChurch4]bylearnedandgodlymen.Thereforeourteachers,
forthecomfortingofmen'sconsciences,wereconstrainedtoshowthedifferencebetween
thepoweroftheChurchandthepowerofthesword,andtaughtthatbothofthem,because
ofGod'scommandment,aretobeheldinreverenceandhonor,asthechiefblessingsofGod
onearth.

5]Butthisistheiropinion,thatthepoweroftheKeys,orthepowerofthebishops,according
totheGospel,isapowerorcommandmentofGod,topreachtheGospel,toremitandretain
sins,andtoadministerSacraments.6]ForwiththiscommandmentChristsendsforthHis
Apostles,John20,21sqq.:AsMyFatherhathsentMe,evensosendIyou.Receiveyethe
HolyGhost.Whosesoeversinsyeremit,theyareremitteduntothem;andwhosesoeversins
yeretain,theyareretained.7]Mark16,15:GopreachtheGospeltoeverycreature.

8]ThispowerisexercisedonlybyteachingorpreachingtheGospelandadministeringthe
Sacraments,accordingtotheircallingeithertomanyortoindividuals.Fortherebyare
granted,notbodily,buteternalthings,aseternalrighteousness,theHolyGhost,eternallife.
9]ThesethingscannotcomebutbytheministryoftheWordandtheSacraments,asPaul
says,Rom.1,16:TheGospelisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth.
10]Therefore,sincethepoweroftheChurchgrantseternalthings,andisexercisedonlyby
theministryoftheWord,itdoesnotinterferewithcivilgovernment;nomorethantheartof
singinginterfereswithcivilgovernment.11]Forcivilgovernmentdealswithotherthings
thandoestheGospel.Thecivilrulersdefendnotminds,butbodiesandbodilythingsagainst
manifestinjuries,andrestrainmenwiththeswordandbodilypunishmentsinorderto
preserveciviljusticeandpeace.

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12]ThereforethepoweroftheChurchandthecivilpowermustnotbeconfounded.The
poweroftheChurchhasitsowncommissiontoteachtheGospeland13]toadministerthe
Sacraments.Letitnotbreakintotheofficeofanother;letitnottransferthekingdomsofthis
world;letitnotabrogatethelawsofcivilrulers;letitnotabolishlawfulobedience;letitnot
interferewithjudgmentsconcerningcivilordinancesorcontracts;letitnotprescribelawsto
civilrulersconcerningtheformoftheCommonwealth.14]AsChristsays,John18,36:My
kingdomisnotofthisworld;15]alsoLuke12,14:WhomadeMeajudgeoradividerover
you?16]Paulalsosays,Phil.3,20:Ourcitizenshipisinheaven;17]2Cor.10,4:Theweapons
ofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGodtothecastingdownofimaginations.

18]Afterthismannerourteachersdiscriminatebetweenthedutiesofboththesepowers,
andcommandthatbothbehonoredandacknowledgedasgiftsandblessingsofGod.19]If
bishopshaveanypowerofthesword,thatpowertheyhave,notasbishops,bythe
commissionoftheGospel,butbyhumanlawhavingreceiveditofkingsandemperorsforthe
civiladministrationofwhatistheirs.This,however,isanotherofficethantheministryofthe
Gospel.

20]When,therefore,thequestionisconcerningthejurisdictionofbishops,civilauthority
mustbedistinguishedfrom21]ecclesiasticaljurisdiction.Again,accordingtotheGospelor,
astheysay,bydivineright,therebelongstothebishopsasbishops,thatis,tothosetowhom
hasbeencommittedtheministryoftheWordandtheSacraments,nojurisdictionexceptto
forgivesins,tojudgedoctrine,torejectdoctrinescontrarytotheGospel,andtoexcludefrom
thecommunionoftheChurchwickedmen,whosewickednessisknown,andthiswithout
humanforce,22]simplybytheWord.Hereinthecongregationsofnecessityandbydivine
rightmustobeythem,accordingtoLuke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe.23]But
whentheyteachorordainanythingagainsttheGospel,thenthecongregationshavea
commandmentofGodprohibitingobedience,Matt.7,15:Bewareoffalseprophets;24]Gal.
1,8:Thoughanangelfromheavenpreachanyothergospel,lethimbeaccursed;25]2Cor.
13,8:Wecandonothingagainstthetruth,butforthetruth.26]Also:Thepowerwhichthe
Lordhathgivenmetoedification,andnottodestruction.27]So,also,theCanonicalLaws
command(II.Q.VII.Cap.,Sacerdotes,andCap.Oves).28]AndAugustine(ContraPetiliani
Epistolam):NeithermustwesubmittoCatholicbishopsiftheychancetoerr,orhold
anythingcontrarytotheCanonicalScripturesofGod.

29]Iftheyhaveanyotherpowerorjurisdiction,inhearingandjudgingcertaincases,asof
matrimonyoroftithes,etc.,theyhaveitbyhumanright,inwhichmattersprincesarebound,
evenagainsttheirwill,whentheordinariesfail,todispensejusticetotheirsubjectsforthe
maintenanceofpeace.30]Moreover,itisdisputedwhetherbishopsorpastorshavetheright
tointroduceceremoniesintheChurch,andtomakelawsconcerningmeats,holydaysand
grades,thatis,ordersofministers,etc.31]Theythatgivethisrighttothebishopsreferto
thistestimonyJohn16,12.13:Ihaveyetmanythingstosayuntoyou,butyecannotbear
themnow.HowbeitwhenHe,theSpiritofTruth,iscome,Hewillguideyouintoalltruth.32]
TheyalsorefertotheexampleoftheApostles,whocommandedtoabstainfrombloodand
fromthingsstrangled,Acts15,29.33]TheyrefertotheSabbathdayashavingbeenchanged
intotheLord'sDay,contrarytotheDecalog,asitseems.Neitheristhereanyexample
whereoftheymakemorethanconcerningthechangingoftheSabbathday.Great,saythey,
isthepoweroftheChurch,sinceithasdispensedwithoneoftheTenCommandments!

34]Butconcerningthisquestionitistaughtonourpart(ashasbeenshownabove)that
bishopshavenopowertodecreeanythingagainsttheGospel.TheCanonicalLawsteachthe

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samething(Dist.IX).35]Now,itisagainstScripturetoestablishorrequiretheobservanceof
anytraditions,totheendthatbysuchobservancewemaymakesatisfactionforsins,or
meritgraceandrighteousness.36]ForthegloryofChrist'smeritsuffersinjurywhen,bysuch
observances,37]weundertaketomeritjustification.Butitismanifestthat,bysuchbelief,
traditionshavealmostinfinitelymultipliedintheChurch,thedoctrineconcerningfaithand
therighteousnessoffaithbeingmeanwhilesuppressed.Forgraduallymoreholydayswere
made,fastsappointed,newceremoniesandservicesinhonorofsaintsinstituted,because
theauthorsofsuchthingsthoughtthatbytheseworkstheyweremeriting38]grace.Thusin
timespastthePenitentialCanonsincreased,whereofwestillseesometracesinthe
satisfactions.

39]Again,theauthorsoftraditionsdocontrarytothecommandofGodwhentheyfind
mattersofsininfoods,indays,andlikethings,andburdentheChurchwithbondageofthe
law,asifthereoughttobeamongChristians,inordertomeritjustificationaservicelikethe
Levitical,thearrangementofwhichGodhadcommittedtotheApostlesandbishops.40]For
thussomeofthemwrite;andthePontiffsinsomemeasureseemtobemisledbythe
example41]ofthelawofMoses.Hencearesuchburdens,asthattheymakeitmortalsin,
evenwithoutoffensetoothers,todomanuallaboronholydays,amortalsintoomitthe
CanonicalHours,thatcertainfoodsdefiletheconsciencethatfastingsareworkswhich
appeaseGodthatsininareservedcasecannotbeforgivenbutbytheauthorityofhimwho
reservedit;whereastheCanonsthemselvesspeakonlyofthereservingoftheecclesiastical
penalty,andnotofthereservingoftheguilt.

42]WhencehavethebishopstherighttolaythesetraditionsupontheChurchforthe
ensnaringofconsciences,whenPeter,Acts15,10,forbidstoputayokeupontheneckofthe
disciples,andPaulsays,2Cor.13,10,thatthepowergivenhimwastoedificationnotto
destruction?Why,therefore,dotheyincreasesinsbythesetraditions?

43]Buttherearecleartestimonieswhichprohibitthemakingofsuchtraditions,asthough
theymeritedgraceorwerenecessaryto44]salvation.Paulsays,Col.2,1623:Letnoman
judgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orinrespectofanholyday,orofthenewmoon,orofthe
Sabbathdays.45]IfyebedeadwithChristfromtherudimentsoftheworld,why,asthough
livingintheworld,areyesubjecttoordinances(touchnot;tastenot;handlenot,whichall
aretoperishwiththeusing)afterthecommandmentsanddoctrinesofmen!whichthings
haveindeedashowofwisdom.46]AlsoinTitus1,14heopenlyforbidstraditions:Notgiving
heedtoJewishfablesandcommandmentsofmenthatturnfromthetruth.

47]AndChrist,Matt.15,14.13,saysofthosewhorequiretraditions:Letthemalone;theybe
blindleadersoftheblind;48]andHerejectssuchservices:EveryplantwhichMyheavenly
Fatherhathnotplantedshallbepluckedup.

49]Ifbishopshavetherighttoburdenchurcheswithinfinitetraditions,andtoensnare
consciences,whydoesScripturesooftenprohibittomake,andtolistento,traditions?Why
doesitcallthem"doctrinesofdevils"?1Tim.4,1.DidtheHolyGhostinvainforewarnof
thesethings?50]Since,therefore,ordinancesinstitutedasthingsnecessary,orwithan
opinionofmeritinggrace,arecontrarytotheGospel,itfollowsthatitisnotlawfulforany
bishop51]toinstituteorexactsuchservices.ForitisnecessarythatthedoctrineofChristian
libertybepreservedinthechurches,namely,thatthebondageoftheLawisnotnecessaryto
justification,asitiswrittenintheEpistletotheGalatians,5,1:Benotentangledagainwith
theyokeofbondage.52]ItisnecessarythatthechiefarticleoftheGospelbepreserved,to

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wit,thatweobtaingracefreelybyfaithinChrist,andnotforcertainobservancesoractsof
worshipdevisedbymen.

53]What,then,arewetothinkoftheSundayandlikeritesinthehouseofGod?Tothiswe
answerthatitislawfulforbishopsorpastorstomakeordinancesthatthingsbedoneorderly
intheChurch,notthattherebyweshouldmeritgraceormakesatisfactionforsins,orthat
consciencesbeboundtojudgethemnecessaryservices,andtothinkthatitisasintobreak
them54]withoutoffensetoothers.SoPaulordains,1Cor.11,5,thatwomenshouldcover
theirheadsinthecongregation,1Cor.14,30,thatinterpretersbeheardinorderinthe
church,etc.

55]Itisproperthatthechurchesshouldkeepsuchordinancesforthesakeofloveand
tranquillity,sofarthatonedonotoffendanother,thatallthingsbedoneinthechurchesin
order,andwithoutconfusion,1Cor.14,40;comp.Phil.2,14;56]butsothatconsciencesbe
notburdenedtothinkthattheyarenecessarytosalvation,ortojudgethattheysinwhen
theybreakthemwithoutoffensetoothers;asnoonewillsaythatawomansinswhogoes
outinpublicwithherheaduncoveredprovidedonlythatnooffensebegiven.

57]OfthiskindistheobservanceoftheLord'sDay,Easter,Pentecost,andlikeholydaysand
58]rites.ForthosewhojudgethatbytheauthorityoftheChurchtheobservanceofthe
Lord'sDayinsteadoftheSabbathdaywasordainedasathingnecessary,59]dogreatlyerr.
ScripturehasabrogatedtheSabbathday;foritteachesthat,sincetheGospelhasbeen
revealed,alltheceremoniesofMosescanbeomitted.And60]yet,becauseitwasnecessary
toappointacertainday,thatthepeoplemightknowwhentheyoughttocometogether,it
appearsthattheChurchdesignatedtheLord'sDayforthispurpose;andthisdayseemsto
havebeenchosenallthemoreforthisadditionalreason,thatmenmighthaveanexampleof
Christianliberty,andmightknowthatthekeepingneitheroftheSabbathnorofanyother
dayisnecessary.

61]Therearemonstrousdisputationsconcerningthechangingofthelaw,theceremoniesof
thenewlaw,thechangingoftheSabbathday,whichallhavesprungfromthefalsebelief
thattheremustneedsbeintheChurchaserviceliketotheLevitical,andthatChristhad
givencommissiontotheApostlesandbishopstodevisenewceremoniesasnecessaryto62]
salvation.TheseerrorscreptintotheChurchwhentherighteousnessoffaithwasnottaught
clearlyenough.63]SomedisputethatthekeepingoftheLord'sDayisnotindeedofdivine
right,butinamannerso.Theyprescribeconcerningholydays,howfaritislawfultowork.
Whatelse64]aresuchdisputationsthansnaresofconsciences?Foralthoughtheyendeavor
tomodifythetraditions,yetthemitigationcanneverbeperceivedaslongastheopinion
remainsthattheyarenecessary,whichmustneedsremainwheretherighteousnessoffaith
andChristianlibertyarenotknown.

65]TheApostlescommandedActs15,20toabstainfromblood.Whodoesnowobserveit?
Andyettheythatdoitnotsinnot;fornoteventheApostlesthemselveswantedtoburden
conscienceswithsuchbondage;buttheyforbadeitforatime,toavoidoffense.66]Forin
thisdecreewemustperpetuallyconsiderwhattheaimoftheGospelis.

67]ScarcelyanyCanonsarekeptwithexactness,andfromdaytodaymanygooutofuse
evenamongthosewhoarethemostzealousadvocatesoftraditions.68]Neithercandue
regardbepaidtoconsciencesunlessthismitigationbeobserved,thatweknowthatthe
Canonsarekeptwithoutholdingthemtobenecessary,andthatnoharmisdone

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consciences,eventhoughtraditionsgooutofuse.

69]Butthebishopsmighteasilyretainthelawfulobedienceofthepeopleiftheywouldnot
insistupontheobservanceofsuchtraditionsascannotbekeptwithagoodconscience.70]
Nowtheycommandcelibacy;theyadmitnoneunlesstheyswearthattheywillnotteach71]
thepuredoctrineoftheGospel.Thechurchesdonotaskthatthebishopsshouldrestore
concordattheexpenseoftheirhonor;which,nevertheless,72]itwouldbeproperforgood
pastorstodo.Theyaskonlythattheywouldreleaseunjustburdenswhicharenewandhave
beenreceivedcontrarytothecustomoftheChurchCatholic.73]Itmaybethatinthe
beginningtherewereplausiblereasonsforsomeoftheseordinances;andyettheyarenot
adaptedtolatertimes.74]Itisalsoevidentthatsomewereadoptedthrougherroneous
conceptions.ThereforeitwouldbebefittingtheclemencyofthePontiffstomitigatethem
now,becausesuchamodificationdoesnotshaketheunityoftheChurch.Formanyhuman
traditionshavebeenchangedinprocessoftime,75]astheCanonsthemselvesshow.Butifit
beimpossibletoobtainamitigationofsuchobservancesascannotbekeptwithoutsin,we
areboundtofollowtheapostolicrule,Acts5,29,whichcommandsustoobeyGodrather
thanmen.

76]Peter,1Pet.5,3,forbidsbishopstobelords,andtoruleoverthechurches.77]Itisnot
ourdesignnowtowrestthegovernmentfromthebishops,butthisonethingisasked,
namely,thattheyallowtheGospeltobepurelytaught,andthattheyrelaxsomefew
observanceswhich78]cannotbekeptwithoutsin.Butiftheymakenoconcession,itisfor
themtoseehowtheyshallgiveaccounttoGodforfurnishing,bytheirobstinacy,acausefor
schism.

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Conclusion.
1]Thesearethechiefarticleswhichseemtobeincontroversy.Foralthoughwemighthave
spokenofmoreabuses,yet,toavoidunduelength,wehavesetforththechiefpoints,from
whichtherestmaybereadilyjudged.2]Therehavebeengreatcomplaintsconcerning
indulgences,pilgrimages,andtheabuseofexcommunications.Theparisheshavebeenvexed
inmanywaysbythedealersinindulgences.Therewereendlesscontentionsbetweenthe
pastorsandthemonksconcerningtheparochialright,confessions,burials,sermonson
extraordinaryoccasions,and3]innumerableotherthings.Issuesofthissortwehavepassed
oversothatthechiefpointsinthismatter,havingbeenbrieflysetforth,mightbethemore
readilyunderstood.4]Norhasanythingbeenheresaidoradducedtothereproachofany
one.5]Onlythosethingshavebeenrecountedwhereofwethoughtthatitwasnecessaryto
speak,inorderthatitmightbeunderstoodthatindoctrineandceremoniesnothinghasbeen
receivedonourpartagainstScriptureortheChurchCatholic.Foritismanifestthatwehave
takenmostdiligentcarethatnonewandungodlydoctrineshouldcreepintoourchurches.

6]TheabovearticleswedesiretopresentinaccordancewiththeedictofYourImperial
Majesty,inordertoexhibitourConfessionandletmenseeasummaryofthedoctrineofour
teachers.7]IfthereisanythingthatanyonemightdesireinthisConfession,weareready,
Godwilling,topresentamplerinformationaccordingtotheScriptures.

8]YourImperialMajesty'sfaithfulsubjects:

Page27of27

9]John,DukeofSaxony,Elector

10]George,MargraveofBrandenburg.

11]Ernest,DukeofLueneberg.

12]Philip,LandgraveofHesse.

13]JohnFrederick,DukeofSaxony.

14]Francis,DukeofLueneburg.

15]Wolfgang,PrinceofAnhalt.

16]SenateandMagistracyofNuremburg.

17]SenateofReutlingen.

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