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LCMS 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

The Augsburg Confession

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TheConfessionofFaithwhichwassubmittedtoHisImperialMajestyCharlesVattheDietofAugsburgintheyear1530bycertainprincesandcitiesIwillspeakofthytestimoniesbeforekings,andwillnotbeputtoshame.Psalm119:46

Preface to the Emperor Charles V.1]MostInvincibleEmperor,CaesarAugustus,MostClementLord:InasmuchasYourImperialMajestyhassummonedaDietoftheEmpirehereatAugsburgtodeliberateconcerningmeasuresagainsttheTurk,thatmostatrocious,hereditary,andancientenemyoftheChristiannameandreligion,inwhatway,namely,effectuallytowithstandhisfurorandassaultsbystrongandlastingmilitaryprovision;2]andthenalsoconcerningdissensionsinthematterofourholyreligionandChristianFaith,thatinthismatterofreligiontheopinionsandjudgmentsofthepartiesmightbeheardineachother'spresence;andconsideredandweighed3]amongourselvesinmutualcharity,leniency,andkindne–ss,inorderthat,aftertheremovalandcorrectionofsuchthingsashavebeentreatedandunderstoodinadifferentmannerinthewritingsoneitherside,thesemattersmaybesettledandbroughtbacktoonesimpletruthandChristianconcord,4]thatforthefutureonepureandtruereligionmaybeembracedandmaintainedbyus,thatasweallareunderoneChristanddobattleunderHim,sowemaybeablealsotoliveinunityandconcordintheoneChristianChurch.Andinasmuchaswe,theundersignedElectorand5]Princes,withothersjoinedwithus,havebeencalledtotheaforesaidDietthesameastheotherElectors,Princes,andEstates,inobedientcompliancewiththeImperialmandate,wehavepromptlycometoAugsburg,and—whatwedonotmeantosayasboasting—wewereamongthefirsttobehere.6]Accordingly,sinceevenhereatAugsburgattheverybeginningoftheDiet,YourImperialMajestycausedtobeproposedtotheElectors,Princes,andotherEstatesoftheEmpire,amongstotherthings,thattheseveralEstatesoftheEmpire,onthestrengthoftheImperialedict,shouldsetforthandsubmittheiropinionsandjudgmentsintheGermanandtheLatin7]language,andsinceontheensuingWednesday,answerwasgiventoYourImperialMajesty,afterduedeliberation,thatwewouldsubmittheArticlesofourConfessionforoursideonnextWednesday,therefore,inobediencetoYourImperialMajesty's8]wishes,weoffer,inthismatterofreligion,theConfessionofourpreachersandofourselves,showingwhatmannerofdoctrinefromtheHolyScripturesandthepureWordofGodhasbeenuptothistimesetforthinourlands,dukedoms,dominions,andcities,andtaughtinourchurches.9]AndiftheotherElectors,Princes,andEstatesoftheEmpirewill,accordingtothesaidImperialproposition,presentsimilarwritings,towit,inLatinandGerman,givingtheiropinionsinthis10]matterofreligion,we,withthePrincesandfriendsaforesaid,herebeforeYourImperialMajesty,ourmostclementLordarepreparedtoconferamicablyconcerningallpossiblewaysandmeans,inorderthatwemaycometogether,asfarasthismaybehonorablydone,and,thematterbetweenusonbothsidesbeingpeacefullydiscussedwithoutoffensivestrife,thedissension,byGod'shelp,maybedoneawayandbroughtbacktoonetrueaccordant11]religion;forasweallareunderoneChristanddobattleunderHim,weoughttoconfesstheoneChrist,afterthetenorofYourImperialMajesty'sedict,andeverythingoughttobeconductedaccordingtothetruthofGod;andthisitiswhat,with

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mostferventprayers,weentreatofGod.12]However,asregardstherestoftheElectors,Princes,andEstates,whoconstitutetheotherpart,ifnoprogressshouldbemade,norsomeresultbeattainedbythistreatmentofthecauseofreligionafterthemannerinwhichYourImperialMajestyhaswiselyheldthatitshouldbedealtwithandtreatednamely,bysuchmutualpresentationofwritingsandcalmconferringtogetheramongourselves,13]weatleastleavewithyouacleartestimony,thatwehereinnowiseareholdingbackfromanythingthatcouldbringaboutChristianconcord,—suchascouldbeeffectedwithGodandagoodconscience,—as14]alsoYourImperialMajestyand,next,theotherElectorsandEstatesoftheEmpire,andallwhoaremovedbysincereloveandzealforreligion,andwhowillgiveanimpartialhearingtothismatter,willgraciouslydeigntotakenoticeandtounderstandthisfromthisConfessionofoursandofourassociates.15]YourImperialMajestyalso,notonlyoncebutoften,graciouslysignifiedtotheElectorsPrinces,andEstatesoftheEmpire,andattheDietofSpiresheldA.D.1526,accordingtotheformofYourImperialinstructionandcommissiongivenandprescribed,causedittobestatedandpubliclyproclaimedthat16]YourMajesty,indealingwiththismatterofreligion,forcertainreasonswhichwereallegedinYourMajesty'sname,wasnotwillingtodecideandcouldnotdetermineanything,butthatYourMajestywoulddiligentlyuseYourMajesty'sofficewiththeRomanPontifffortheconveningofaGeneralCouncil.17]ThesamematterwasthuspubliclysetforthatgreaterlengthayearagoatthelastDietwhichmetatSpires.18]ThereYourImperialMajesty,throughHisHighnessFerdinand,KingofBohemiaandHungary,ourfriendandclementLord,aswellasthroughtheOratorandImperialCommissionerscausedthis,amongotherthings,tobesubmitted:thatYourImperialMajestyhadtakennoticeof;andpondered,theresolutionofYourMajesty'sRepresentativeintheEmpire,andofthePresidentandImperialCounselors,andtheLegatesfromotherEstatesconvenedatRatisbon,19]concerningthecallingofaCouncil,andthatyourImperialMajestyalsojudgedittobeexpedienttoconveneaCouncil;andthatYourImperialMajestydidnotdoubttheRomanPontiffcouldbeinducedto20]holdaGeneralCouncil,becausethematterstobeadjustedbetweenYourImperialMajestyandtheRomanPontiffwerenearingagreementandChristianreconciliation;thereforeYourImperialMajestyhimselfsignifiedthathewouldendeavortosecurethesaidChiefPontiff'sconsentforconvening,togetherwithyourImperialMajestysuchGeneralCouncil,tobepublishedassoonaspossiblebylettersthatweretobesentout.21]Iftheoutcome,therefore,shouldbesuchthatthedifferencesbetweenusandtheotherpartiesinthematterofreligionshouldnotbeamicablyandincharitysettled,thenhere,beforeYourImperialMajestywemaketheofferinallobedience,inadditiontowhatwehavealreadydone,thatwewillallappearanddefendourcauseinsuchageneral,freeChristianCouncil,fortheconveningofwhichtherehasalwaysbeenaccordantactionandagreementofvotesinalltheImperialDietsheldduringYourMajesty'sreign,onthepartoftheElectors,Princes,andotherEstatesoftheEmpire.22]TotheassemblyofthisGeneralCouncil,andatthesametimetoYourImperialMajesty,wehave,evenbeforethis,induemannerandformoflaw,addressedourselvesandmadeappealinthismatter,byfarthegreatestandgravest.Tothis23]appeal,bothtoYourImperialMajestyandtoaCouncil,westilladhere;neitherdoweintendnorwoulditbepossibleforus,torelinquishitbythisoranyotherdocument,unlessthematterbetweenusandtheotherside,accordingtothetenorofthelatestImperialcitationshouldbeamicablyandcharitablysettled,allayed,andbroughttoChristianconcord;24]andregardingthisweevenheresolemnlyandpubliclytestify.

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ChiefArticlesofFaith

Article I: Of God.

1]OurChurches,withcommonconsent,doteachthatthedecreeoftheCouncilofNicaeaconcerningtheUnityoftheDivineEssenceandconcerningtheThreePersons,istrueandtobebelievedwithoutanydoubting;2]thatistosay,thereisoneDivineEssencewhichiscalledandwhichisGod:eternal,withoutbody,withoutparts,ofinfinitepower,wisdom,andgoodness,theMakerandPreserverofallthings,visibleandinvisible;and3]yettherearethreePersons,ofthesameessenceandpower,whoalsoarecoeternal,theFathertheSon,andtheHolyGhost.Andtheterm"person"4]theyuseastheFathershaveusedit,tosignify,notapartorqualityinanother,butthatwhichsubsistsofitself.5]Theycondemnallheresieswhichhavesprungupagainstthisarticle,astheManichaeans,whoassumedtwoprinciples,oneGoodandtheotherEvil:alsotheValentinians,Arians,Eunomians,Mohammedans,andallsuch.6]TheycondemnalsotheSamosatenes,oldandnew,who,contendingthatthereisbutonePerson,sophisticallyandimpiouslyarguethattheWordandtheHolyGhostarenotdistinctPersons,butthat"Word"signifiesaspokenword,and"Spirit"signifiesmotioncreatedinthings.Backtotop

Article II: Of Original Sin.1]AlsotheyteachthatsincethefallofAdamallmenbegotteninthenaturalwayarebornwithsin,thatis,withoutthefearofGod,withouttrustinGod,andwith2]concupiscence;andthatthisdisease,orviceoforigin,istrulysin,evennowcondemningandbringingeternaldeathuponthosenotbornagainthroughBaptismandtheHolyGhost.3]TheycondemnthePelagiansandotherswhodenythatoriginaldepravityissin,andwho,toobscurethegloryofChrist'smeritandbenefits,arguethatmancanbejustifiedbeforeGodbyhisownstrengthandreason.Backtotop

Article III: Of the Son of God.

1]AlsotheyteachthattheWord,thatis,theSonofGod,didassumethehumannaturein2]thewomboftheblessedVirginMary,sothattherearetwonatures,thedivineandthehuman,inseparablyenjoinedinonePerson,oneChrist,trueGodandtrueman,whowasbornoftheVirginMary,trulysuffered,wascrucified,dead,and3]buried,thatHemightreconciletheFatheruntous,andbeasacrifice,notonlyfororiginalguilt,butalsoforallactualsinsofmen.4]Healsodescendedintohell,andtrulyroseagainthethirdday;afterwardHeascendedintoheaventhatHemightsitontherighthandoftheFather,andforeverreignandhave

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dominionoverallcreatures,andsanctify5]themthatbelieveinHim,bysendingtheHolyGhostintotheirhearts,torule,comfort,andquickenthem,andtodefendthemagainstthedevilandthepowerofsin.6]ThesameChristshallopenlycomeagaintojudgethequickandthedead,etc.,accordingtotheApostles'Creed.Backtotop

Article IV: Of Justification.1]AlsotheyteachthatmencannotbejustifiedbeforeGodbytheirownstrength,merits,orworks,butarefreelyjustifiedfor2]Christ'ssake,throughfaith,whentheybelievethattheyarereceivedintofavor,andthattheirsinsareforgivenforChrist'ssake,who,byHisdeath,hasmadesatisfactionforoursins.3]ThisfaithGodimputesforrighteousnessinHissight.Rom.3and4.Backtotop

Article V: Of the Ministry1]Thatwemayobtainthisfaith,theMinistryofTeachingtheGospelandadministeringtheSacramentswasinstituted.ForthroughtheWordandSacraments,asthroughinstruments,2]theHolyGhostisgiven,whoworksfaith;whereandwhenitpleasesGod,inthemthathear3]theGospel,towit,thatGod,notforourownmerits,butforChrist'ssake,justifiesthosewhobelievethattheyarereceivedintograceforChrist'ssake.4]TheycondemntheAnabaptistsandotherswhothinkthattheHolyGhostcomestomenwithouttheexternalWord,throughtheirownpreparationsandworks.Backtotop

Article VI: Of New Obedience.

1]Alsotheyteachthatthisfaithisboundtobringforthgoodfruits,andthatitisnecessarytodogoodworkscommandedbyGod,becauseofGod'swill,butthatweshouldnotrelyonthoseworkstomeritjustification2]beforeGod.Forremissionofsinsandjustificationisapprehendedbyfaith,asalsothevoiceofChristattests:Whenyeshallhavedoneallthesethings,say:Weareunprofitableservants.Luke17,10.Thesameisalsotaughtby3]theFathers.ForAmbrosesays:ItisordainedofGodthathewhobelievesinChristissaved,freelyreceivingremissionofsins,withoutworks,byfaithalone.Backtotop

Article VII: Of the Church.

1]AlsotheyteachthatoneholyChurchistocontinueforever.TheChurchisthe

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congregationofsaints,inwhichtheGospelisrightlytaughtandtheSacramentsarerightlyadministered.2]AndtothetrueunityoftheChurchitisenoughtoagreeconcerningthedoctrineoftheGospeland3]theadministrationoftheSacraments.Norisitnecessarythathumantraditions,thatis,ritesorceremonies,institutedbymen,shouldbeeverywherealike.4]AsPaulsays:Onefaith,oneBaptism,oneGodandFatherofall,etc.Eph.4,5.6.Backtotop

Article VIII: What the Church Is.1]AlthoughtheChurchproperlyisthecongregationofsaintsandtruebelievers,nevertheless,sinceinthislifemanyhypocritesandevilpersonsaremingledtherewith,itislawfultouseSacramentsadministeredbyevilmen,accordingtothesayingofChrist:TheScribesand2]thePhariseessitinMoses'seat,etc.Matt.23,2.BoththeSacramentsandWordareeffectualbyreasonoftheinstitutionandcommandmentofChrist,notwithstandingtheybeadministeredbyevilmen.3]TheycondemntheDonatists,andsuchlike,whodeniedittobelawfultousetheministryofevilmenintheChurch,andwhothoughttheministryofevilmentobeunprofitableandofnoneeffect.Backtotop

Article IX: Of Baptism.

1]OfBaptismtheyteachthatitisnecessary2]tosalvation,andthatthroughBaptismisofferedthegraceofGod,andthatchildrenaretobebaptizedwho,beingofferedtoGodthroughBaptismarereceivedintoGod'sgrace.3]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whorejectthebaptismofchildren,andsaythatchildrenaresavedwithoutBaptism.Backtotop

Article X: Of Lord’s Supper.1]OftheSupperoftheLordtheyteachthattheBodyandBloodofChristaretrulypresent,andaredistributed2]tothosewhoeattheSupperoftheLord;andtheyrejectthosethatteachotherwise.Backtotop

Article XI: Of Confession.1]OfConfessiontheyteachthatPrivateAbsolutionoughttoberetainedinthechurches,

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althoughinconfession2]anenumerationofallsinsisnotnecessary.ForitisimpossibleaccordingtothePsalm:Whocanunderstandhiserrors?Ps.19,12.Backtotop

Article XII: Of Repentance.

1]OfRepentancetheyteachthatforthosewhohavefallenafterBaptismthereisremissionofsinswhenevertheyareconverted2]andthattheChurchoughttoimpartabsolutiontothosethusreturningtorepentance.Now,repentanceconsistsproperlyofthese3]twoparts:Oneiscontrition,thatis,4]terrorssmitingtheconsciencethroughtheknowledgeofsin;theotherisfaith,whichisbornof5]theGospel,orofabsolution,andbelievesthatforChrist'ssake,sinsareforgiven,comforts6]theconscience,anddeliversitfromterrors.Thengoodworksareboundtofollow,whicharethefruitsofrepentance.7]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whodenythatthoseoncejustifiedcanlosetheHolyGhost.Alsothosewhocontendthatsomemayattaintosuch8]perfectioninthislifethattheycannotsin.9]TheNovatiansalsoarecondemned,whowouldnotabsolvesuchashadfallenafterBaptism,thoughtheyreturnedtorepentance.10]Theyalsoarerejectedwhodonotteachthatremissionofsinscomesthroughfaithbutcommandustomeritgracethroughsatisfactionsofourown.Backtotop

Article XIII: Of the Use of the Sacraments.1]OftheUseoftheSacramentstheyteachthattheSacramentswereordained,notonlytobemarksofprofessionamongmen,butrathertobesignsandtestimoniesofthewillofGod2]towardus,institutedtoawakenandconfirmfaithinthosewhousethem.WhereforewemustsousetheSacramentsthatfaithbeaddedtobelievethepromiseswhichareofferedandsetforththroughtheSacraments.3]TheythereforecondemnthosewhoteachthattheSacramentsjustifybytheoutwardact,andwhodonotteachthat,intheuseoftheSacraments,faithwhichbelievesthatsinsareforgiven,isrequired.Backtotop

Article XIV: Of Ecclesiastical Order.OfEcclesiasticalOrdertheyteachthatnooneshouldpubliclyteachintheChurchoradministertheSacramentsunlessheberegularlycalled.Backtotop

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Article XV: Of Ecclesiastical Usages.

1]OfUsagesintheChurchtheyteachthatthoseoughttobeobservedwhichmaybeobservedwithoutsin,andwhichareprofitableuntotranquillityandgoodorderintheChurch,asparticularholydays,festivals,andthelike.2]Nevertheless,concerningsuchthingsmenareadmonishedthatconsciencesarenottobeburdened,asthoughsuchobservancewasnecessarytosalvation.3]TheyareadmonishedalsothathumantraditionsinstitutedtopropitiateGod,tomeritgrace,andtomakesatisfactionforsins,areopposedtotheGospelandthedoctrineoffaith.Whereforevowsandtraditionsconcerningmeatsand4]days,etc.,institutedtomeritgraceandtomakesatisfactionforsins,areuselessandcontrarytotheGospel.Backtotop

Article XVI: Of Civil Affairs.1]OfCivilAffairstheyteachthatlawfulcivilordinancesaregoodworksofGod,andthat2]itisrightforChristianstobearciviloffice,tositasjudges,tojudgemattersbytheImperialandotherexistinglaws,toawardjustpunishments,toengageinjustwars,toserveassoldiers,tomakelegalcontracts,toholdproperty,tomakeoathwhenrequiredbythemagistrates,tomarryawife,tobegiveninmarriage.3]TheycondemntheAnabaptistswhoforbidthesecivilofficestoChristians.4]TheycondemnalsothosewhodonotplaceevangelicalperfectioninthefearofGodandinfaith,butinforsakingciviloffices,for5]theGospelteachesaneternalrighteousnessoftheheart.Meanwhile,itdoesnotdestroytheStateorthefamily,butverymuchrequiresthattheybepreservedasordinancesofGod,andthatcharitybepracticedinsuch6]ordinances.Therefore,Christiansarenecessarilyboundtoobeytheirownmagistrates7]andlawssaveonlywhencommandedtosin;forthentheyoughttoobeyGodratherthanmen.Acts5,29.Backtotop

Article XVII: Of Christ’s Return to Judgment.1]AlsotheyteachthatattheConsummationoftheWorldChristwillappearforjudgment,and2]willraiseupallthedead;Hewillgivetothegodlyandelecteternallifeandeverlastingjoys,3]butungodlymenandthedevilsHewillcondemntobetormentedwithoutend.4]TheycondemntheAnabaptists,whothinkthattherewillbeanendtothepunishmentsofcondemnedmenanddevils.5]TheycondemnalsootherswhoarenowspreadingcertainJewishopinions,thatbeforetheresurrectionofthedeadthegodlyshalltakepossessionofthekingdomoftheworld,theungodlybeingeverywheresuppressed.

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Article XVIII: Of Free Will.1]OfFreeWilltheyteachthatman'swillhassomelibertytochoosecivilrighteousness,andtowork2]thingssubjecttoreason.Butithasnopower,withouttheHolyGhost,toworktherighteousnessofGod,thatis,spiritualrighteousness;sincethenaturalman3]receivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod,1Cor.2,14;butthisrighteousnessiswroughtintheheartwhentheHolyGhostisreceived4]throughtheWord.ThesethingsaresaidinasmanywordsbyAugustineinhisHypognosticon,BookIII:Wegrantthatallmenhaveafreewill,free,inasmuchasithasthejudgmentofreason;notthatitistherebycapable,withoutGod,eithertobegin,or,atleast,tocompleteaughtinthingspertainingtoGod,butonlyinworksofthislife,whethergood5]orevil."Good"Icallthoseworkswhichspringfromthegoodinnature,suchas,willingtolaborinthefield,toeatanddrink,tohaveafriend,toclotheoneself,tobuildahouse,tomarryawife,toraisecattle,tolearndiversusefularts,orwhatsoevergood6]pertainstothislife.ForallofthesethingsarenotwithoutdependenceontheprovidenceofGod;yea,ofHimandthroughHimtheyareandhavetheirbeing."Evil"7]Icallsuchworksaswillingtoworshipanidol,tocommitmurder,etc.8]TheycondemnthePelagiansandothers,whoteachthatwithouttheHolyGhost,bythepowerofnaturealone,weareabletoloveGodaboveallthings;alsotodothecommandmentsofGodastouching"thesubstanceoftheact."For,althoughnatureisableinamannertodotheoutwardwork,9](foritisabletokeepthehandsfromtheftandmurder,)yetitcannotproducetheinwardmotions,suchasthefearofGod,trustinGod,chastity,patience,etc.Backtotop

Article XIX: Of the Cause of Sin.

OftheCauseofSintheyteachthat,althoughGoddoescreateandpreservenature,yetthecauseofsinisthewillofthewicked,thatis,ofthedevilandungodlymen;whichwill,unaidedofGod,turnsitselffromGod,asChristsaysJohn8,44:Whenhespeakethalie,hespeakethofhisown.Backtotop

Article XX: Of Good Works.1]OurteachersarefalselyaccusedofforbiddingGoodWorks.2]FortheirpublishedwritingsontheTenCommandments,andothersoflikeimport,bearwitnessthattheyhavetaughttogoodpurposeconcerningallestatesanddutiesoflife,astowhatestatesoflifeandwhatworksineverycallingbepleasingtoGod.3]Concerningthesethingspreachersheretoforetaughtbutlittle,andurgedonlychildishandneedlessworks,asparticularholy‐days,particularfasts,brotherhoods,pilgrimages,servicesinhonorofsaints,theuseofrosaries,monasticism,andsuchlike.4]Sinceouradversarieshavebeenadmonishedofthesethings,theyarenowunlearningthem,anddonotpreachtheseunprofitableworksasheretofore.5]Besides,theybegintomentionfaith,ofwhichtherewasheretoforemarveloussilence.6]Theyteachthatwearejustifiednotbyworksonly,buttheyconjoinfaithandworks,andsaythatwearejustifiedbyfaithandworks.7]Thisdoctrineismoretolerablethantheformerone,andcanaffordmoreconsolationthantheirolddoctrine.8]Forasmuch,therefore,asthedoctrineconcerningfaith,whichoughttobethechiefonein

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theChurch,haslainsolongunknown,asallmustneedsgrantthattherewasthedeepestsilenceintheirsermonsconcerningtherighteousnessoffaith,whileonlythedoctrineofworkswastreatedinthechurches,ourteachershaveinstructedthechurchesconcerningfaithasfollows:—9]First,thatourworkscannotreconcileGodormeritforgivenessofsins,grace,andjustification,butthatweobtainthisonlybyfaithwhenwebelievethatwearereceivedintofavorforChrist'ssake,whoalonehasbeensetforththeMediatorandPropitiation,1Tim.2,5,inorderthattheFathermaybereconciledthroughHim.10]Whoever,therefore,truststhatbyworkshemeritsgrace,despisesthemeritandgraceofChrist,andseeksawaytoGodwithoutChrist,byhumanstrength,althoughChristhassaidofHimself:IamtheWay,theTruth,andtheLife.John14,6.11]ThisdoctrineconcerningfaithiseverywheretreatedbyPaul,Eph.2,8:Bygraceareyesavedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks,etc.12]AndlestanyoneshouldcraftilysaythatanewinterpretationofPaulhasbeendevisedbyus,thisentirematterissupportedbythetestimoniesoftheFathers.For13]Augustine,inmanyvolumes,defendsgraceandtherighteousnessoffaith,overagainstthemeritsofworks.14]AndAmbrose,inhisDeVocationeGentium,andelsewhere,teachestolikeeffect.ForinhisDeVocationeGentiumhesaysasfollows:RedemptionbythebloodofChristwouldbecomeoflittlevalue,neitherwouldthepreeminenceofman'sworksbesupersededbythemercyofGod,ifjustification,whichiswroughtthroughgrace,wereduetothemeritsgoingbefore,soastobe,notthefreegiftofadonor,buttherewardduetothelaborer.15]But,althoughthisdoctrineisdespisedbytheinexperienced,neverthelessGod‐fearingandanxiousconsciencesfindbyexperiencethatitbringsthegreatestconsolation,becauseconsciencescannotbesetatrestthroughanyworks,butonlybyfaith,whentheytakethesuregroundthatforChrist'ssaketheyhaveareconciledGod.AsPaulteachesRom.5,1:16]Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod.17]Thiswholedoctrineistobereferredtothatconflictoftheterrifiedconscience,neithercanitbeunderstoodapartfromthatconflict.Therefore18]inexperiencedandprofanemenjudgeillconcerningthismatter,whodreamthatChristianrighteousnessisnothingbutcivilandphilosophicalrighteousness.19]Heretoforeconscienceswereplaguedwiththedoctrineofworks,theydidnotheartheconsolationfromtheGospel.20]Somepersonsweredrivenbyconscienceintothedesert,intomonasterieshopingtheretomeritgracebyamonasticlife.21]Somealsodevisedotherworkswherebytomeritgraceandmakesatisfactionforsins.22]Hencetherewasverygreatneedtotreatof,andrenew,thisdoctrineoffaithinChrist,totheendthatanxiousconsciencesshouldnotbewithoutconsolationbutthattheymightknowthatgraceandforgivenessofsinsandjustificationareapprehendedbyfaithinChrist.23]Menarealsoadmonishedthatheretheterm"faith"doesnotsignifymerelytheknowledgeofthehistory,suchasisintheungodlyandinthedevil,butsignifiesafaithwhichbelieves,notmerelythehistory,butalsotheeffectofthehistory—namely,thisarticle:theforgivenessofsins,towit,thatwehavegrace,righteousness,andforgivenessofsinsthroughChrist.24]NowhethatknowsthathehasaFathergracioustohimthroughChrist,trulyknowsGod;heknowsalsothatGodcaresforhim,andcallsuponGod;inaword,heisnot25]without

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God,astheheathen.Fordevilsandtheungodlyarenotabletobelievethisarticle:theforgivenessofsins.Hence,theyhateGodasanenemy,callnotuponHim,26]andexpectnogoodfromHim.Augustinealsoadmonisheshisreadersconcerningtheword"faith,"andteachesthattheterm"faith"isacceptedintheScripturesnotforknowledgesuchasisintheungodlybutforconfidencewhichconsolesandencouragestheterrifiedmind.27]Furthermore,itistaughtonourpartthatitisnecessarytodogoodworks,notthatweshouldtrusttomeritgracebythem,butbecauseitisthewillofGod.28]Itisonlybyfaiththatforgivenessofsinsisapprehended,andthat,fornothing.29]AndbecausethroughfaiththeHolyGhostisreceived,heartsarerenewedandendowedwithnewaffections,soastobeabletobringforthgoodworks.30]ForAmbrosesays:Faithisthemotherofagoodwillandrightdoing.31]Forman'spowerswithouttheHolyGhostarefullofungodlyaffections,andaretooweaktodoworkswhicharegoodinGod'ssight.32]Besides,theyareinthepowerofthedevilwhoimpelsmentodiverssins,33]toungodlyopinions,toopencrimes.Thiswemayseeinthephilosophers,who,althoughtheyendeavoredtoliveanhonestlifecouldnotsucceed,34]butweredefiledwithmanyopencrimes.SuchisthefeeblenessofmanwhenheiswithoutfaithandwithouttheHolyGhost,andgovernshimselfonlybyhumanstrength.35]Henceitmaybereadilyseenthatthisdoctrineisnottobechargedwithprohibitinggoodworks,butratherthemoretobecommended,becauseitshowshowweareenabledtodogoodworks.36]ForwithoutfaithhumannaturecaninnowisedotheworksoftheFirstoroftheSecondCommandment.37]WithoutfaithitdoesnotcalluponGod,norexpectanythingfromGod,norbearthecross,butseeks,andtrustsin,man'shelp.38]Andthus,whenthereisnofaithandtrustinGodallmanneroflustsandhumandevicesruleintheheart.39]WhereforeChristsaid,John15,5:WithoutMeyecandonothing;40]andtheChurchsings:LackingThydivinefavor,Thereisnothingfoundinman,Naughtinhimisharmless.Backtotop

Article XXI: Of the Worship of the Saints.1]OftheWorshipofSaintstheyteachthatthememoryofsaintsmaybesetbeforeus,thatwemayfollowtheirfaithandgoodworks,accordingtoourcalling,astheEmperormayfollowtheexampleofDavidinmakingwartodriveawaytheTurkfromhiscountry.2]Forbotharekings.ButtheScriptureteachesnottheinvocationofsaintsortoaskhelpofsaints,sinceitsetsbeforeustheoneChristastheMediator,Propitiation,HighPriest,andIntercessor.3]Heistobeprayedto,andhaspromisedthatHewillhearourprayer;andthisworshipHeapprovesaboveall,towit,thatinallafflictionsHebecalledupon,1John2,1:4]Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,etc.5]ThisisabouttheSumofourDoctrine,inwhich,ascanbeseen,thereisnothingthatvariesfromtheScriptures,orfromtheChurchCatholic,orfromtheChurchofRomeasknownfromitswriters.Thisbeingthecase,theyjudgeharshlywhoinsistthatourteachersberegardedasheretics.6]Thereis,however,disagreementoncertainAbuses,whichhavecreptintothe

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Churchwithoutrightfulauthority.Andeveninthese,ifthereweresomedifference,thereshouldbeproperlenityonthepartofbishopstobearwithusbyreasonoftheConfessionwhichwehavenowreviewed;becauseeventheCanonsarenotsosevereastodemandthesameriteseverywhere,neither,atanytime,havetheritesofallchurchesbeenthesame;7]although,amongus,inlargepart,theancientritesarediligentlyobserved.8]Foritisafalseandmaliciouschargethatalltheceremonies,allthethingsinstitutedofold,areabolishedinourchurches.9]Butithasbeenacommoncomplaintthatsomeabuseswereconnectedwiththeordinaryrites.These,inasmuchastheycouldnotbeapprovedwithagoodconscience,havebeentosomeextentcorrected.Backtotop

ArticlesInWhichAreReviewedTheAbusesWhichHaveBeenCorrected

1]Inasmuch,then,asourchurchesdissentinnoarticleofthefaithfromtheChurchCatholic,butonlyomitsomeabuseswhicharenew,andwhichhavebeenerroneouslyacceptedbythecorruptionofthetimes,contrarytotheintentoftheCanons,wepraythatYourImperialMajestywouldgraciouslyhearbothwhathasbeenchanged,andwhatwerethereasonswhythepeoplewerenotcompelledtoobservethoseabusesagainsttheirconscience.2]NorshouldYourImperialMajestybelievethosewho,inordertoexcitethehatredofmenagainstourpart,disseminatestrangeslandersamongthepeople.3]Havingthusexcitedthemindsofgoodmen,theyhavefirstgivenoccasiontothiscontroversy,andnowendeavor,bythesamearts,toincreasethediscord.4]ForYourImperialMajestywillundoubtedlyfindthattheformofdoctrineandofceremonieswithusisnotsointolerableastheseungodlyandmaliciousmenrepresent.5]Besides,thetruthcannotbegatheredfromcommonrumorsortherevilingsofenemies.6]Butitcanreadilybejudgedthatnothingwouldservebettertomaintainthedignityofceremonies,andtonourishreverenceandpiousdevotionamongthepeoplethaniftheceremonieswereobservedrightlyinthechurches.

Article XXII: Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament.1]TothelaityaregivenBothKindsintheSacramentoftheLord'sSupper,becausethisusagehasthecommandmentoftheLordinMatt.26,27:Drinkyeallofit,2]whereChristhasmanifestlycommandedconcerningthecupthatallshoulddrink.3]Andlestanymanshouldcraftilysaythatthisrefersonlytopriests,Paulin1Cor.11,27recitesanexamplefromwhichitappearsthatthewholecongregationdidusebothkinds.4]AndthisusagehaslongremainedintheChurch,norisitknownwhen,orbywhoseauthority,itwaschanged;althoughCardinalCusanusmentionsthetime5]whenitwasapproved.Cyprianinsomeplacestestifiesthatthebloodwasgiventothepeople.6]ThesameistestifiedbyJerome,whosays:ThepriestsadministertheEucharist,anddistributethebloodofChristtothepeople.Indeed,PopeGelasius7]commandsthattheSacramentbenotdivided(dist.II.,DeConsecratione,cap.Comperimus).8]Onlycustom,notsoancient,hasitotherwise.Butitisevident9]thatanycustomintroducedagainstthecommandmentsofGodisnottobeallowed,astheCanonswitness(dist.III.,cap.Veritate,andthefollowingchapters).10]Butthiscustomhasbeenreceived,notonlyagainsttheScripture,butalsoagainsttheoldCanons11]andtheexampleoftheChurch.Therefore,ifanypreferredtousebothkindsofthe

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Sacrament,theyoughtnottohavebeencompelledwithoffensetotheirconsciencestodootherwise.Andbecausethedivision12]oftheSacramentdoesnotagreewiththeordinanceofChrist,weareaccustomedtoomittheprocession,whichhithertohasbeeninuse.Backtotop

Article XXIII: Of the Marriage of Priests.1]Therehasbeencommoncomplaintconcerningtheexamplesofpriestswhowerenotchaste.2]ForthatreasonalsoPopePiusisreportedtohavesaidthattherewerecertaincauseswhymarriagewastakenawayfrompriests,butthattherewerefarweightieroneswhyitoughttobegivenback;forsoPlatinawrites.3]Since,therefore,ourpriestsweredesiroustoavoidtheseopenscandals,theymarriedwives,andtaughtthatitwaslawfulforthemtocontractmatrimony.First,because4]Paulsays,1Cor.7,2.9:Toavoidfornication,leteverymanhavehisownwife.Also:Itisbettertomarrythantoburn.Secondly5]Christsays,Matt.19,11:Allmencannotreceivethissaying,whereHeteachesthatnotallmenarefittoleadasinglelife;forGodcreatedmanforprocreation,Gen.1,28.6]Norisitinman'spower,withoutasingulargiftandworkofGod,toalterthiscreation.[Foritismanifest,andmanyhaveconfessedthatnogood,honest,chastelife,noChristian,sincere,uprightconducthasresulted(fromtheattempt),butahorrible,fearfulunrestandtormentofconsciencehasbeenfeltbymanyuntiltheend.]Therefore,7]thosewhoarenotfittoleadasinglelifeoughtto8]contractmatrimony.Fornoman'slaw,novow,canannulthecommandmentandordinanceofGod.Forthesereasons9]theprieststeachthatitislawfulforthemtomarrywives.10]ItisalsoevidentthatintheancientChurchpriestsweremarriedmen.11]ForPaulsays,1Tim.3,2,thatabishopshouldbechosenwhoisthehusbandofonewife.12]AndinGermany,fourhundredyearsagoforthefirsttime,thepriestswereviolentlycompelledtoleadasinglelife,whoindeedofferedsuchresistancethattheArchbishopofMayence,whenabouttopublishthePope'sdecreeconcerningthismatter,wasalmostkilledinthetumultraisedbytheenragedpriests.13]Andsoharshwasthedealinginthematterthatnotonlyweremarriagesforbiddenforthefuture,butalsoexistingmarriagesweretornasunder,contrarytoalllaws,divineandhuman,contraryeventotheCanonsthemselves,madenotonlybythePopes,butbymostcelebratedSynods.[Moreover,manyGod‐fearingandintelligentpeopleinhighstationareknownfrequentlytohaveexpressedmisgivingsthatsuchenforcedcelibacyanddeprivingmenofmarriage(whichGodHimselfhasinstitutedandleftfreetomen)hasneverproducedanygoodresults,buthasbroughtonmanygreatandevilvicesandmuchiniquity.)14]Seeingalsothat,astheworldisaging,man'snatureisgraduallygrowingweaker,itiswelltoguardthatnomorevicesstealintoGermany.15]Furthermore,Godordainedmarriagetobeahelpagainsthumaninfirmity.16]TheCanonsthemselvessaythattheoldrigoroughtnowandthen,inthelattertimes,toberelaxedbecauseoftheweaknessofmen;whichitistobewishedweredonealsointhismatter.17]Anditistobeexpectedthatthechurchesshallatsometimelackpastorsifmarriageisanylongerforbidden.18]ButwhilethecommandmentofGodisinforce,whilethecustomoftheChurchiswell

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known,whileimpurecelibacycausesmanyscandals,adulteries,andothercrimesdeservingthepunishmentsofjustmagistrates,yetitisamarvelousthingthatinnothingismorecrueltyexercisedthanagainst19]themarriageofpriests.Godhasgivencommandmenttohonormarriage.Bythelawsofall20]well‐orderedcommonwealths,evenamongtheheathen,marriageismosthighlyhonored.21]Butnowmen,andthat,priests,arecruellyputtodeath,contrarytotheintentoftheCanons,fornoothercausethan22]marriage.Paul,in1Tim.4,3,callsthatadoctrineofdevilswhichforbidsmarriage.23]Thismaynowbereadilyunderstoodwhenthelawagainstmarriageismaintainedbysuchpenalties.24]ButasnolawofmancanannulthecommandmentofGod,soneithercanitbedonebyanyvow.25]Accordingly,Cyprianalsoadvisesthatwomenwhodonotkeepthechastitytheyhavepromisedshouldmarry.Hiswordsarethese(BookI,EpistleXI):Butiftheybeunwillingorunabletopersevere,itisbetterforthemtomarrythantofallintothefirebytheirlusts;theyshouldcertainlygivenooffensetotheirbrethrenandsisters.26]AndeventheCanonsshowsomeleniencytowardthosewhohavetakenvowsbeforetheproperage,asheretoforehasgenerallybeenthecase.Backtotop

Article XXIV: Of the Mass.1]FalselyareourchurchesaccusedofabolishingtheMass;fortheMassisretainedamong2]us,andcelebratedwiththehighestreverence.Nearlyalltheusualceremoniesarealsopreserved,savethatthepartssunginLatinareinterspersedhereandtherewithGermanhymns,whichhavebeenadded3]toteachthepeople.Forceremoniesareneededtothisendalonethattheunlearned4]betaught[whattheyneedtoknowofChrist].AndnotonlyhasPaulcommandedtouseinthechurchalanguageunderstoodbythepeople1Cor.14,2.9,butithasalsobeensoordainedbyman'slaw.5]ThepeopleareaccustomedtopartakeoftheSacramenttogether,ifanybefitforit,andthisalsoincreasesthereverenceanddevotionofpublic6]worship.Fornoneareadmitted7]excepttheybefirstexamined.ThepeoplearealsoadvisedconcerningthedignityanduseoftheSacrament,howgreatconsolationitbringsanxiousconsciences,thattheymaylearntobelieveGod,andtoexpectandaskofHimallthatisgood.8][InthisconnectiontheyarealsoinstructedregardingotherandfalseteachingsontheSacrament.]ThisworshippleasesGod;suchuseoftheSacramentnourishestruedevotion9]towardGod.Itdoesnot,therefore,appearthattheMassismoredevoutlycelebratedamongouradversariesthanamongus.10]ButitisevidentthatforalongtimethisalsohasbeenthepublicandmostgrievouscomplaintofallgoodmenthatMasseshavebeenbaselyprofanedandappliedtopurposesoflucre.11]ForitisnotunknownhowfarthisabuseobtainsinallthechurchesbywhatmannerofmenMassesaresaidonlyforfeesorstipends,andhowmanycelebratethemcontrarytotheCanons.12]ButPaulseverelythreatensthosewhodealunworthilywiththeEucharistwhenhesays,1Cor.11,27:Whosoevershalleatthisbread,anddrinkthiscupoftheLord,unworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord.13]When,thereforeourpriestswereadmonishedconcerningthissin,PrivateMasseswerediscontinuedamongus,asscarcelyanyPrivateMasseswerecelebratedexceptforlucre'ssake.14]Neitherwerethebishopsignorantoftheseabuses,andiftheyhadcorrectedthemin

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time,therewouldnowbelessdissension.Heretofore,15]bytheirownconnivance,theysufferedmanycorruptionstocreepintotheChurch.Now,whenitistoolate,theybegintocomplain16]ofthetroublesoftheChurch,whilethisdisturbancehasbeenoccasionedsimplybythoseabuseswhichweresomanifestthattheycouldbebornenolonger.Therehavebeengreat17]dissensionsconcerningtheMass,concerningtheSacrament.18]Perhapstheworldisbeingpunishedforsuchlong‐continuedprofanationsoftheMassashavebeentoleratedinthechurchesforsomanycenturiesbytheverymenwho19]werebothableandindutyboundtocorrectthem.ForintheTenCommandmentsitiswritten,Ex.20,7:TheLordwillnotholdhimguiltlessthattakethHisnameinvain.Butsince20]theworldbegan,nothingthatGodeverordainedseemstohavebeensoabusedforfilthylucreastheMass.21]TherewasalsoaddedtheopinionwhichinfinitelyincreasedPrivateMasses,namelythatChrist,byHispassion,hadmadesatisfactionfororiginalsin,andinstitutedtheMasswhereinanofferingshouldbemadefordailysins,22]venialandmortal.FromthishasarisenthecommonopinionthattheMass23]takesawaythesinsofthelivingandthedeadbytheoutwardact.ThentheybegantodisputewhetheroneMasssaidformanywereworthasmuchasspecialMassesforindividuals,andthisbroughtforththatinfinitemultitudeofMasses.[WiththisworkmenwishedtoobtainfromGodallthattheyneeded,andinthemeantimefaithinChristandthetrueworshipwereforgotten.]24]ConcerningtheseopinionsourteachershavegivenwarningthattheydepartfromtheHolyScripturesanddiminishthegloryofthepassionofChrist.ForChrist'spassion25]wasanoblationandsatisfaction,notfororiginalguiltonly,butalsoforallothersins,asitiswrittentotheHebrews,10,10:26]WearesanctifiedthroughtheofferingofJesusChristonceforall.Also,10,14:27]ByoneofferingHehathperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified.[Itisanunheard‐ofinnovationintheChurchtoteachthatChristbyHisdeathmadesatisfactiononlyfororiginalsinandnotlikewiseforallothersin.Accordinglyitishopedthateverybodywillunderstandthatthiserrorhasnotbeenreprovedwithoutduereason.]28]ScripturealsoteachesthatwearejustifiedbeforeGodthroughfaithinChrist,whenwebelievethatoursinsareforgivenforChrist'ssake.29]NowiftheMasstakeawaythesinsofthelivingandthedeadbytheoutwardactjustificationcomesoftheworkofMasses,andnotoffaith,whichScripturedoesnotallow.30]ButChristcommandsus,Luke22,19:ThisdoinremembranceofMe;thereforetheMasswasinstitutedthatthefaithofthosewhousetheSacramentshouldrememberwhatbenefitsitreceivesthroughChrist,andcheerandcomforttheanxiousconscience.FortorememberChrististorememberHisbenefits,31]andtorealizethattheyaretrulyoffereduntous.32]Norisitenoughonlytorememberthehistory;forthisalsotheJewsandtheungodlycanremember.33]WhereforetheMassistobeusedtothisend,thattheretheSacrament[Communion]maybeadministeredtothemthathaveneedofconsolation;asAmbrosesays:BecauseIalwayssin,Iamalwaysboundtotakethemedicine.[ThereforethisSacramentrequiresfaith,andisusedinvainwithoutfaith.]34]Now,forasmuchastheMassissuchagivingoftheSacrament,weholdonecommunioneveryholy‐day,and,ifanydesiretheSacrament,alsoonotherdays,whenitisgiventosuchasaskforit.35]AndthiscustomisnotnewintheChurch;fortheFathersbeforeGregorymakenomentionofanyprivateMass,butofthecommonMass[theCommunion]theyspeakverymuch.Chrysostomsays36]thattheprieststandsdailyatthealtar,invitingsome

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37]totheCommunionandkeepingbackothers.AnditappearsfromtheancientCanonsthatsomeonecelebratedtheMassfromwhomalltheotherpresbytersanddeaconsreceivedthebodyofheLord;forthus38]thewordsoftheNiceneCanonsay:Letthedeacons,accordingtotheirorder,receivetheHolyCommunionafterthepresbyters,fromthebishoporfromapresbyter.39]AndPaul,1Cor.11,33,commandsconcerningtheCommunion:Tarryoneforanother,sothattheremaybeacommonparticipation.40]Forasmuch,therefore,astheMasswithushastheexampleoftheChurch,takenfromtheScriptureandtheFathers,weareconfidentthatitcannotbedisapproved,especiallysincepublicceremonies,forthemostpartlikethosehithertoinuse,areretained;onlythenumberofMassesdiffers,which,becauseofverygreatandmanifestabusesdoubtlessmightbeprofitablyreduced.41]Forinoldentimes,eveninchurchesmostfrequented,theMasswasnotcelebratedeveryday,astheTripartiteHistory(Book9,chap.33)testifies:AgaininAlexandria,everyWednesdayandFridaytheScripturesareread,andthedoctorsexpoundthem,andallthingsaredone,exceptthesolemnriteofCommunion.Backtotop

Article XXV: Of Confession.

1]Confessioninthechurchesisnotabolishedamongus;foritisnotusualtogivethebodyoftheLord,excepttothemthathavebeenpreviouslyexaminedandabsolved.And2]thepeoplearemostcarefullytaughtconcerningfaithintheabsolution,aboutwhichformerlythere3]wasprofoundsilence.Ourpeoplearetaughtthattheyshouldhighlyprizetheabsolution,asbeingthevoiceofGod,4]andpronouncedbyGod'scommand.ThepoweroftheKeysissetforthinitsbeautyandtheyareremindedwhatgreatconsolationitbringstoanxiousconsciences,also,thatGodrequiresfaithtobelievesuchabsolutionasavoicesoundingfromheaven,andthatsuchfaithinChristtrulyobtainsandreceivestheforgivenessofsins.Aforetimesatisfactionswereimmoderatelyextolled;5]offaithandthemeritofChristandtherighteousnessoffaithnomentionwasmade;wherefore,onthispoint,ourchurchesarebynomeanstobeblamed.Forthisevenouradversariesmustneedsconcede6]tousthatthedoctrineconcerningrepentancehasbeenmostdiligentlytreatedandlaidopenbyourteachers.7]ButofConfessiontheyteachthatanenumerationofsinsisnotnecessary,andthatconsciencesbenotburdenedwithanxietytoenumerateallsins,foritisimpossibletorecountallsins,asthePsalm19,13testifies:Whocanunderstandhiserrors?AlsoJeremiah,17,9:8]Theheartisdeceitful;whocanknowit?Butifnosinswereforgiven,exceptthosethatarerecounted,9]consciencescouldneverfindpeace;forverymanysinstheyneithersee10]norcanremember.Theancientwritersalsotestifythatanenumerationisnotnecessary.ForintheDecrees,Chrysostomisquoted,11]whosaysthus:Isaynottoyouthatyoushoulddiscloseyourselfinpublic,northatyouaccuseyourselfbeforeothers,butIwouldhaveyouobeytheprophetwhosays:"DisclosethywaybeforeGod."ThereforeconfessyoursinsbeforeGod,thetrueJudge,withprayer.Tellyourerrors,notwiththetongue,butwiththememoryofyourconscience,etc.12]AndtheGloss(OfRepentance,Distinct.V,Cap.Consideret)admitsthatConfessionisofhumanrightonly[notcommandedbyScripture,butordainedbytheChurch].13]Nevertheless,onaccountofthegreatbenefitofabsolution,andbecauseitisotherwiseusefultotheconscience,Confessionisretainedamongus.

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Article XXVI: Of the Distinction of Meats.1]Ithasbeenthegeneralpersuasion,notofthepeoplealone,butalsoofthoseteachinginthechurches,thatmakingDistinctionsofMeats,andliketraditionsofmen,areworksprofitabletomeritgrace,andabletomakesatisfactionsforsins.Andthat2]theworldsothought,appearsfromthis,thatnewceremonies,neworders,newholy‐days,andnewfastingsweredailyinstituted,andtheteachersinthechurchesdidexacttheseworksasaservicenecessarytomeritgrace,anddidgreatlyterrifymen'sconsciences,iftheyshouldomitanyofthesethings.3]FromthispersuasionconcerningtraditionsmuchdetrimenthasresultedintheChurch.4]First,thedoctrineofgraceandoftherighteousnessoffaithhasbeenobscuredbyit,whichisthechiefpartoftheGospel,andoughttostandoutasthemostprominentintheChurch,inorderthatthemeritofChristmaybewellknown,andfaith,whichbelievesthatsinsareforgivenforChrist'ssakebeexaltedfaraboveworks.WhereforePaulalsolays5]thegreateststressonthisarticle,puttingasidetheLawandhumantraditions,inordertoshowthatChristianrighteousnessissomethingelsethansuchworks,towit,thefaithwhichbelievesthatsins6]arefreelyforgivenforChrist'ssake.ButthisdoctrineofPaulhasbeenalmostwhollysmotheredbytraditions,whichhaveproducedanopinionthat,bymakingdistinctionsinmeatsandlikeservices,7]wemustmeritgraceandrighteousness.Intreatingofrepentance,therewasnomentionmadeoffaith;onlythoseworksofsatisfactionweresetforth;inthesetheentirerepentanceseemedtoconsist.8]Secondly,thesetraditionshaveobscuredthecommandmentsofGod,becausetraditionswereplacedfarabovethecommandmentsofGod.Christianitywasthoughttoconsistwhollyintheobservanceofcertainholydays,rites,fasts,andvestures.These9]observanceshadwonforthemselvestheexaltedtitleofbeingthespirituallifeandtheperfectlife.MeanwhilethecommandmentsofGod,accordingto10]eachone'scalling,werewithouthonornamely,thatthefatherbroughtuphisoffspring,thatthemotherborechildren,thattheprincegovernedthecommonwealth,—thesewereaccountedworksthatwereworldlyandimperfect,andfarbelowthoseglitteringobservances.Andthiserrorgreatlytormented11]devoutconsciences,whichgrievedthattheywereheldinanimperfectstateoflife,asinmarriage,intheofficeofmagistrate;orinothercivilministrations;ontheotherhand,theyadmiredthemonksandsuchlike,andfalselyimaginedthattheobservancesofsuchmenweremoreacceptabletoGod.12]Thirdly,traditionsbroughtgreatdangertoconsciences;foritwasimpossibletokeepalltraditions,andyetmenjudgedtheseobservancestobenecessaryactsofworship.Gersonwritesthatmanyfell13]intodespair,andthatsomeeventooktheirownlives,becausetheyfeltthattheywerenotabletosatisfythetraditions,andtheyhadallthewhilenotheardanyconsolationoftherighteousnessoffaithand14]grace.Weseethatthesummistsandtheologiansgatherthetraditions,andseekmitigationswherebytoeaseconsciences,andyettheydonotsufficientlyunfetter,butsometimesentangle,consciencesevenmore.15]Andwiththegatheringofthesetraditions,theschoolsandsermonshavebeensomuchoccupiedthattheyhavehadnoleisuretotouchuponScripture,andtoseekthemoreprofitabledoctrineoffaith,ofthecross,ofhope,ofthedignityofcivilaffairsofconsolationofsorelytriedconsciences.16]HenceGersonandsomeothertheologianshavegrievouslycomplainedthatbythesestrivingsconcerningtraditionstheywerepreventedfromgivingattentiontoabetterkindofdoctrine.Augustinealsoforbidsthatmen'sconsciencesshouldbeburdened17]withsuchobservances,andprudentlyadvisesJanuariusthathemustknowthattheyare

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tobeobservedasthingsindifferent;forsucharehiswords.18]Whereforeourteachersmustnotbelookeduponashavingtakenupthismatterrashlyorfromhatredofthebishops,19]assomefalselysuspect.Therewasgreatneedtowarnthechurchesoftheseerrors,whichhadarisenfrommisunderstandingthetraditions.20]FortheGospelcompelsustoinsistinthechurchesuponthedoctrineofgrace,andoftherighteousnessoffaith;which,however,cannotbeunderstood,ifmenthinkthattheymeritgracebyobservancesoftheirownchoice.21]Thus,therefore,theyhavetaughtthatbytheobservanceofhumantraditionswecannotmeritgraceorbejustified,andhencewemustnotthinksuchobservancesnecessaryactsofworship.22]TheyaddhereuntotestimoniesofScripture.Christ,Matt.15,3,defendstheApostleswhohadnotobservedtheusualtradition,which,however,evidentlypertainstoamatternotunlawful,butindifferent,andtohaveacertainaffinitywiththepurificationsoftheLaw,andsays,15,9:InvaindotheyworshipMewiththecommandmentsofmen.23]He,therefore,doesnotexactanunprofitableservice.ShortlyafterHeadds:Notthatwhichgoethintothemouthdefilethaman.SoalsoPaul,Rom.14,17:24]ThekingdomofGodisnotmeatanddrink.25]Col.2,16:Letnoman,therefore,judgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orinrespectofanholy‐day,oroftheSabbath‐day;also:If26]yebedeadwithChristfromtherudimentsoftheworld,why,asthoughlivingintheworld,areyesubjecttoordinances:Touchnot,tastenot,handlenot!AndPetersays,Acts15,10:Why27]temptyeGodtoputayokeupontheneckofthedisciples,whichneitherourfathersnorwewereabletobear?ButwebelievethatthroughthegraceoftheLordJesusChrist28]weshallbesaved,evenasthey.HerePeterforbidstoburdentheconscienceswithmanyrites,29]eitherofMosesorofothers.Andin1Tim.4,1.3Paulcallstheprohibitionofmeatsadoctrineofdevils;foritisagainsttheGospeltoinstituteortodosuchworksthatbythemwemaymeritgrace,orasthoughChristianitycouldnotexistwithoutsuchserviceofGod.30]Hereouradversariesobjectthatourteachersareopposedtodisciplineandmortificationoftheflesh,asJovinian.Butthecontrarymaybelearned31]fromthewritingsofourteachers.FortheyhavealwaystaughtconcerningthecrossthatitbehoovesChristianstobearafflictions.Thisisthetrue,32]earnest,andunfeignedmortification,towit,tobeexercisedwithdiversafflictions,andtobecrucifiedwithChrist.33]Moreover,theyteachthateveryChristianoughttotrainandsubduehimselfwithbodilyrestraints,orbodilyexercisesandlaborsthatneithersatietynorslothfulnesstempthimtosin,butnotthatwemaymeritgraceormakesatisfactionforsinsbysuchexercises.34]Andsuchexternaldisciplineoughttobeurgedatalltimes,notonlyonafewandsetdays.SoChristcommands,35]Luke21,34:Takeheedlestyourhearts36]beoverchargedwithsurfeiting;alsoMatt.17,21:Thiskindgoethnotoutbut37]byprayerandfasting.Paulalsosays,1Cor.9,27:Ikeepundermybodyandbringitintosubjection.38]Hereheclearlyshowsthathewaskeepingunderhisbody,nottomeritforgivenessofsinsbythatdiscipline,buttohavehisbodyinsubjectionandfittedforspiritualthings,andforthedischargeofdutyaccording39]tohiscalling.Therefore,wedonotcondemnfastinginitself,butthetraditionswhichprescribecertaindaysandcertainmeats,withperilofconscience,asthoughsuchworkswereanecessaryservice.40]Nevertheless,verymanytraditionsarekeptonourpart,whichconducetogoodorderintheChurch,astheOrderofLessons41]intheMassandthechiefholy‐days.But,atthesametime,menarewarnedthatsuchobservancesdonotjustifybeforeGod,andthatinsuch

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thingsitshouldnotbemadesiniftheybeomittedwithoutoffense.42]SuchlibertyinhumanriteswasnotunknowntotheFathers.43]ForintheEasttheykeptEasteratanothertimethanatRome,andwhen,onaccountofthisdiversity,theRomansaccusedtheEasternChurchofschism,theywereadmonishedbyothers44]thatsuchusagesneednotbealikeeverywhere.AndIrenaeussays:Diversityconcerningfastingdoesnotdestroytheharmonyoffaith;asalsoPopeGregoryintimatesinDist.XII,thatsuchdiversitydoesnotviolatetheunityoftheChurch.45]AndintheTripartiteHistory,Book9,manyexamplesofdissimilarritesaregathered,andthefollowingstatementismade:ItwasnotthemindoftheApostlestoenactrulesconcerningholy‐days,buttopreachgodlinessandaholylife[toteachfaithandlove].Backtotop

Article XXVII: Of Monastic Vows.1]WhatistaughtonourpartconcerningMonasticVows,willbebetterunderstoodifitberememberedwhathasbeenthestateofthemonasteries,andhowmanythingsweredailydoneinthoseverymonasteries,contrarytotheCanons.2]InAugustine'stimetheywerefreeassociations.Afterward,whendisciplinewascorrupted,vowswereeverywhereaddedforthepurposeofrestoringdiscipline,asinacarefullyplannedprison.3]Gradually,manyotherobservanceswereaddedbesidesvows.4]Andthesefetterswerelaiduponmanybeforethelawfulage,contrarytotheCanons.5]Manyalsoenteredintothiskindoflifethroughignorance,beingunabletojudgetheirownstrength,thoughtheywereofsufficientage.6]Beingthusensnared,theywerecompelledtoremain,eventhoughsomecouldhavebeenfreedbythekindprovisionoftheCanons.7]Andthiswasmorethecaseinconventsofwomenthanofmonks,althoughmoreconsiderationshouldhavebeenshowntheweakersex.8]Thisrigordispleasedmanygoodmenbeforethistime,whosawthatyoungmenandmaidenswerethrownintoconventsforaliving.Theysawwhatunfortunateresultscameofthisprocedure,andwhatscandalswerecreated,whatsnareswerecastuponconsciences!Theyweregrieved9]thattheauthorityoftheCanonsinsomomentousamatterwasutterlysetasideanddespised.To10]theseevilswasaddedsuchapersuasionconcerningvowsas,itiswellknown,informertimesdispleasedeventhosemonkswhoweremoreconsiderate.11]TheytaughtthatvowswereequaltoBaptism;theytaughtthatbythiskindoflifetheymeritedforgivenessofsinsandjustificationbeforeGod.12]Yea,theyaddedthatthemonasticlifenotonlymeritedrighteousnessbeforeGodbutevengreaterthings,becauseitkeptnotonlytheprecepts,butalsotheso‐called"evangelicalcounsels."13]ThustheymademenbelievethattheprofessionofmonasticismwasfarbetterthanBaptism,andthatthemonasticlifewasmoremeritoriousthanthatofmagistrates,thanthelifeofpastors,andsuchlike,whoservetheircallinginaccordancewithGod'scommands,withoutanyman‐madeservices.14]Noneofthesethingscanbedenied;fortheyappearintheirownbooks.[Moreover,apersonwhohasbeenthusensnaredandhasenteredamonasterylearnslittleofChrist.]15]What,then,cametopassinthemonasteries?Aforetimetheywereschoolsoftheologyandotherbranches,profitabletotheChurch;andthencepastorsandbishopswereobtained.Nowitisanotherthing.Itisneedlesstorehearsewhatisknowntoall.16]Aforetimetheycametogethertolearn;nowtheyfeignthatitisakindoflifeinstitutedtomeritgraceand

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righteousness;yea,theypreachthatitisastateofperfection,andtheyputitfaraboveallotherkindsoflifeordainedofGod.17]Thesethingswehaverehearsedwithoutodiousexaggerateion,totheendthatthedoctrineofourteachersonthispointmightbebetterunderstood.18]First,concerningsuchascontractmatrimony,theyteachonourpartthatitislawfulforallmenwhoarenotfittedforsinglelifetocontractmatrimony,becausevowscannotannultheordinanceandcommandmentofGod.19]ButthecommandmentofGodis1Cor.7,2:Toavoidfornication,leteverymanhave20]hisownwife.Norisitthecommandmentonly,butalsothecreationandordinanceofGod,whichforcesthosetomarrywhoarenotexceptedbyasingularworkofGod,accordingtothetextGen.2,18:Itisnotgood21]thatthemanshouldbealone.ThereforetheydonotsinwhoobeythiscommandmentandordinanceofGod.22]Whatobjectioncanberaisedtothis?Letmenextoltheobligationofavowasmuchastheylist,yetshalltheynotbringtopassthatthevow23]annulsthecommandmentofGod.TheCanonsteachthattherightofthesuperiorisexceptedineveryvow;[thatvowsarenotbindingagainstthedecisionofthePope;]muchless,therefore,arethesevowsofforcewhichareagainstthecommandmentsofGod.24]Now,iftheobligationofvowscouldnotbechangedforanycausewhatever,theRomanPontiffscouldneverhavegivendispensationforitisnotlawfulformantoannulanobligationwhichissimply25]divine.ButtheRomanPontiffshaveprudentlyjudgedthatleniencyistobeobservedinthisobligation,andtherefore26]wereadthatmanytimestheyhavedispensedfromvows.ThecaseoftheKingofAragonwhowascalledbackfromthemonasteryiswellknown,andtherearealsoexamplesinourowntimes.[Now,ifdispensationshavebeengrantedforthesakeofsecuringtemporalinterests,itismuchmoreproperthattheybegrantedonaccountofthedistressofsouls.]27]Inthesecondplace,whydoouradversariesexaggeratetheobligationoreffectofavowwhen,atthesametime,theyhavenotawordtosayofthenatureofthevowitself,thatitoughttobeinathingpossible,thatitoughttobefree,28]andchosenspontaneouslyanddeliberately?Butitisnotunknowntowhatextentperpetualchastityisinthepowerofman.29]Andhowfewaretherewhohavetakenthevowspontaneouslyanddeliberately!Youngmaidensandmen,beforetheyareabletojudge,arepersuaded,andsometimesevencompelled,totakethevow.Wherefore30]itisnotfairtoinsistsorigorouslyontheobligation,sinceitisgrantedbyallthatitisagainstthenatureofavowtotakeitwithoutspontaneousanddeliberateaction.31]Mostcanonicallawsrescindvowsmadebeforetheageoffifteen;forbeforethatagetheredoesnotseemsufficientjudgmentinapersontodecideconcerningaperpetuallife.32]AnotherCanon,grantingmoretotheweaknessofman,addsafewyears;foritforbidsavowtobemadebeforetheageofeighteen.33]ButwhichofthesetwoCanonsshallwefollow?Themostparthaveanexcuseforleavingthemonasteries,becausemostofthemhavetakenthevowsbeforetheyreachedtheseages.34]Finally,eventhoughtheviolationofavowmightbecensured,yetitseemsnotforthwithtofollowthatthemarriagesofsuchpersonsmustbedissolved.35]ForAugustinedeniesthattheyoughttobedissolved(XXVII.Quaest.I,Cap.Nuptiarum),andhisauthorityisnotlightlytobeesteemed,althoughothermenafterwardsthoughtotherwise.

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36]ButalthoughitappearsthatGod'scommandconcerningmarriagedeliversverymanyfromtheirvows,yetourteachersintroducealsoanotherargumentconcerningvowstoshowthattheyarevoid.ForeveryserviceofGod,ordainedandchosenofmenwithoutthecommandmentofGodtomeritjustificationandgrace,iswicked,asChristsaysMatt.15,9:37]InvaindotheyworshipMewiththecommandmentsofmen.AndPaulteacheseverywherethatrighteousnessisnottobesoughtfromourownobservancesandactsofworship,devisedbymen,butthatitcomesbyfaithtothosewhobelievethattheyarereceivedbyGodintograceforChrist'ssake.38]Butitisevidentthatmonkshavetaughtthatservicesofman'smakingsatisfyforsinsandmeritgraceandjustification.WhatelseisthisthantodetractfromthegloryofChristandtoobscureanddenytherighteousnessoffaith?39]Itfollows,therefore,thatthevowsthuscommonlytakenhavebeenwickedservices,and,consequently,arevoid.Forawickedvow,takenagainstthecommandmentofGod,isnotvalid;for(astheCanonsays)novowoughttobindmentowickedness.41]Paulsays,Gal.5,4:Christisbecomeofnoeffectuntoyou,whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbytheLaw,yearefallenfromgrace.42]Tothose,therefore,whowanttobejustifiedbytheirvowsChristismadeofnoeffect,andtheyfallfromgrace.43]ForalsothesewhoascribejustificationtovowsascribetotheirownworksthatwhichproperlybelongstothegloryofChrist.44]Norcanitbedenied,indeed,thatthemonkshavetaughtthat,bytheirvowsandobservances,theywerejustified,andmeritedforgivenessofsins,yea,theyinventedstillgreaterabsurdities,saying45]thattheycouldgiveothersashareintheirworks.Ifanyoneshouldbeinclinedtoenlargeonthesethingswithevilintent,howmanythingscouldhebringtogetherwhereofeventhemonksarenowashamed!46]Overandabovethis,theypersuadedmenthatservicesofman'smakingwereastateofChristianperfection.47]Andisnotthisassigningjustificationtoworks?48]ItisnolightoffenseintheChurchtosetforthtothepeopleaservicedevisedbymen,withoutthecommandmentofGod,andtoteachthatsuchservicejustifiesmen.Fortherighteousnessoffaith,whichchieflyoughttobetaughtintheChurch,isobscuredwhenthesewonderfulangelicformsofworship,withtheirshowofpoverty,humility,andcelibacy,arecastbeforetheeyesofmen.49]Furthermore,thepreceptsofGodandthetrueserviceofGodareobscuredwhenmenhearthatonlymonksareinastateofperfection.ForChristianperfectionistofearGodfromtheheart,andyettoconceivegreatfaith,andtotrustthatforChrist'ssakewehaveaGodwhohasbeenreconciled,toaskofGod,andassuredlytoexpectHisaidinallthingsthat,accordingtoourcalling,aretobedone;andmeanwhile,tobediligentinoutwardgoodworks,50]andtoserveourcalling.InthesethingsconsistthetrueperfectionandthetrueserviceofGod.Itdoesnotconsistincelibacy,orinbegging,orinvileapparel.51]Butthepeopleconceivemanyperniciousopinionsfromthefalsecommendationsofmonasticlife.52]Theyhearcelibacypraisedabovemeasure;thereforetheyleadtheirmarriedlifewithoffensetotheirconsciences.53]Theyhearthatonlybeggarsareperfect;thereforetheykeeptheirpossessionsanddobusinesswithoffensetotheirconsciences.54]Theyhearthatitisanevangelicalcounselnottoseekrevenge;thereforesomeinprivatelifearenotafraidtotakerevenge,fortheyhearthatitisbutacounsel,and55]notacommandment.OthersjudgethattheChristiancannotproperlyholdacivilofficeorbeamagistrate.56]Thereareonrecordexamplesofmenwho,forsakingmarriageandtheadministrationof

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theCommonwealth,havehidthemselvesinmonasteries.This57]theycalledfleeingfromtheworld,andseekingakindoflifewhichwouldbemorepleasingtoGod.NeitherdidtheyseethatGodoughttobeservedinthosecommandmentswhichHeHimselfhasgivenandnotincommandments58]devisedbymen.AgoodandperfectkindoflifeisthatwhichhasforitthecommandmentofGod.59]Itisnecessarytoadmonishmenofthesethings.60]Andbeforethesetimes,Gersonrebukesthiserrorofthemonksconcerningperfection,andtestifiesthatinhisdayitwasanewsayingthatthemonasticlifeisastateofperfection.61]Somanywickedopinionsareinherentinthevows,namely,thattheyjustify,thattheyconstituteChristianperfection,thattheykeepthecounselsandcommandments,thattheyhaveworksofsupererogation.Allthesethings,sincetheyarefalseandempty,makevowsnullandvoid.Backtotop

Article XXVIII: Of Ecclesiastical Power.1]TherehasbeengreatcontroversyconcerningthePowerofBishops,inwhichsomehaveawkwardlyconfoundedthepoweroftheChurch2]andthepowerofthesword.Andfromthisconfusionverygreatwarsandtumultshaveresulted,whilethePontiffs,emboldenedbythepoweroftheKeys,notonlyhaveinstitutednewservicesandburdenedconscienceswithreservationofcasesandruthlessexcommunications,buthavealsoundertakentotransferthekingdomsofthisworld,3]andtotaketheEmpirefromtheEmperor.ThesewrongshavelongsincebeenrebukedintheChurch4]bylearnedandgodlymen.Thereforeourteachers,forthecomfortingofmen'sconsciences,wereconstrainedtoshowthedifferencebetweenthepoweroftheChurchandthepowerofthesword,andtaughtthatbothofthem,becauseofGod'scommandment,aretobeheldinreverenceandhonor,asthechiefblessingsofGodonearth.5]Butthisistheiropinion,thatthepoweroftheKeys,orthepowerofthebishops,accordingtotheGospel,isapowerorcommandmentofGod,topreachtheGospel,toremitandretainsins,andtoadministerSacraments.6]ForwiththiscommandmentChristsendsforthHisApostles,John20,21sqq.:AsMyFatherhathsentMe,evensosendIyou.ReceiveyetheHolyGhost.Whosesoeversinsyeremit,theyareremitteduntothem;andwhosesoeversinsyeretain,theyareretained.7]Mark16,15:GopreachtheGospeltoeverycreature.8]ThispowerisexercisedonlybyteachingorpreachingtheGospelandadministeringtheSacraments,accordingtotheircallingeithertomanyortoindividuals.Fortherebyaregranted,notbodily,buteternalthings,aseternalrighteousness,theHolyGhost,eternallife.9]ThesethingscannotcomebutbytheministryoftheWordandtheSacraments,asPaulsays,Rom.1,16:TheGospelisthepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth.10]Therefore,sincethepoweroftheChurchgrantseternalthings,andisexercisedonlybytheministryoftheWord,itdoesnotinterferewithcivilgovernment;nomorethantheartofsinginginterfereswithcivilgovernment.11]ForcivilgovernmentdealswithotherthingsthandoestheGospel.Thecivilrulersdefendnotminds,butbodiesandbodilythingsagainstmanifestinjuries,andrestrainmenwiththeswordandbodilypunishmentsinordertopreserveciviljusticeandpeace.

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12]ThereforethepoweroftheChurchandthecivilpowermustnotbeconfounded.ThepoweroftheChurchhasitsowncommissiontoteachtheGospeland13]toadministertheSacraments.Letitnotbreakintotheofficeofanother;letitnottransferthekingdomsofthisworld;letitnotabrogatethelawsofcivilrulers;letitnotabolishlawfulobedience;letitnotinterferewithjudgmentsconcerningcivilordinancesorcontracts;letitnotprescribelawstocivilrulersconcerningtheformoftheCommonwealth.14]AsChristsays,John18,36:Mykingdomisnotofthisworld;15]alsoLuke12,14:WhomadeMeajudgeoradivideroveryou?16]Paulalsosays,Phil.3,20:Ourcitizenshipisinheaven;17]2Cor.10,4:Theweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGodtothecastingdownofimaginations.18]Afterthismannerourteachersdiscriminatebetweenthedutiesofboththesepowers,andcommandthatbothbehonoredandacknowledgedasgiftsandblessingsofGod.19]Ifbishopshaveanypowerofthesword,thatpowertheyhave,notasbishops,bythecommissionoftheGospel,butbyhumanlawhavingreceiveditofkingsandemperorsfortheciviladministrationofwhatistheirs.This,however,isanotherofficethantheministryoftheGospel.20]When,therefore,thequestionisconcerningthejurisdictionofbishops,civilauthoritymustbedistinguishedfrom21]ecclesiasticaljurisdiction.Again,accordingtotheGospelor,astheysay,bydivineright,therebelongstothebishopsasbishops,thatis,tothosetowhomhasbeencommittedtheministryoftheWordandtheSacraments,nojurisdictionexcepttoforgivesins,tojudgedoctrine,torejectdoctrinescontrarytotheGospel,andtoexcludefromthecommunionoftheChurchwickedmen,whosewickednessisknown,andthiswithouthumanforce,22]simplybytheWord.Hereinthecongregationsofnecessityandbydivinerightmustobeythem,accordingtoLuke10,16:HethathearethyouhearethMe.23]ButwhentheyteachorordainanythingagainsttheGospel,thenthecongregationshaveacommandmentofGodprohibitingobedience,Matt.7,15:Bewareoffalseprophets;24]Gal.1,8:Thoughanangelfromheavenpreachanyothergospel,lethimbeaccursed;25]2Cor.13,8:Wecandonothingagainstthetruth,butforthetruth.26]Also:ThepowerwhichtheLordhathgivenmetoedification,andnottodestruction.27]So,also,theCanonicalLawscommand(II.Q.VII.Cap.,Sacerdotes,andCap.Oves).28]AndAugustine(ContraPetilianiEpistolam):NeithermustwesubmittoCatholicbishopsiftheychancetoerr,orholdanythingcontrarytotheCanonicalScripturesofGod.29]Iftheyhaveanyotherpowerorjurisdiction,inhearingandjudgingcertaincases,asofmatrimonyoroftithes,etc.,theyhaveitbyhumanright,inwhichmattersprincesarebound,evenagainsttheirwill,whentheordinariesfail,todispensejusticetotheirsubjectsforthemaintenanceofpeace.30]Moreover,itisdisputedwhetherbishopsorpastorshavetherighttointroduceceremoniesintheChurch,andtomakelawsconcerningmeats,holy‐daysandgrades,thatis,ordersofministers,etc.31]TheythatgivethisrighttothebishopsrefertothistestimonyJohn16,12.13:Ihaveyetmanythingstosayuntoyou,butyecannotbearthemnow.HowbeitwhenHe,theSpiritofTruth,iscome,Hewillguideyouintoalltruth.32]TheyalsorefertotheexampleoftheApostles,whocommandedtoabstainfrombloodandfromthingsstrangled,Acts15,29.33]TheyrefertotheSabbath‐dayashavingbeenchangedintotheLord'sDay,contrarytotheDecalog,asitseems.NeitheristhereanyexamplewhereoftheymakemorethanconcerningthechangingoftheSabbath‐day.Great,saythey,isthepoweroftheChurch,sinceithasdispensedwithoneoftheTenCommandments!34]Butconcerningthisquestionitistaughtonourpart(ashasbeenshownabove)thatbishopshavenopowertodecreeanythingagainsttheGospel.TheCanonicalLawsteachthe

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samething(Dist.IX).35]Now,itisagainstScripturetoestablishorrequiretheobservanceofanytraditions,totheendthatbysuchobservancewemaymakesatisfactionforsins,ormeritgraceandrighteousness.36]ForthegloryofChrist'smeritsuffersinjurywhen,bysuchobservances,37]weundertaketomeritjustification.Butitismanifestthat,bysuchbelief,traditionshavealmostinfinitelymultipliedintheChurch,thedoctrineconcerningfaithandtherighteousnessoffaithbeingmeanwhilesuppressed.Forgraduallymoreholy‐daysweremade,fastsappointed,newceremoniesandservicesinhonorofsaintsinstituted,becausetheauthorsofsuchthingsthoughtthatbytheseworkstheyweremeriting38]grace.ThusintimespastthePenitentialCanonsincreased,whereofwestillseesometracesinthesatisfactions.39]Again,theauthorsoftraditionsdocontrarytothecommandofGodwhentheyfindmattersofsininfoods,indays,andlikethings,andburdentheChurchwithbondageofthelaw,asifthereoughttobeamongChristians,inordertomeritjustificationaserviceliketheLevitical,thearrangementofwhichGodhadcommittedtotheApostlesandbishops.40]Forthussomeofthemwrite;andthePontiffsinsomemeasureseemtobemisledbytheexample41]ofthelawofMoses.Hencearesuchburdens,asthattheymakeitmortalsin,evenwithoutoffensetoothers,todomanuallaboronholy‐days,amortalsintoomittheCanonicalHours,thatcertainfoodsdefiletheconsciencethatfastingsareworkswhichappeaseGodthatsininareservedcasecannotbeforgivenbutbytheauthorityofhimwhoreservedit;whereastheCanonsthemselvesspeakonlyofthereservingoftheecclesiasticalpenalty,andnotofthereservingoftheguilt.42]WhencehavethebishopstherighttolaythesetraditionsupontheChurchfortheensnaringofconsciences,whenPeter,Acts15,10,forbidstoputayokeupontheneckofthedisciples,andPaulsays,2Cor.13,10,thatthepowergivenhimwastoedificationnottodestruction?Why,therefore,dotheyincreasesinsbythesetraditions?43]Buttherearecleartestimonieswhichprohibitthemakingofsuchtraditions,asthoughtheymeritedgraceorwerenecessaryto44]salvation.Paulsays,Col.2,16‐23:Letnomanjudgeyouinmeat,orindrink,orinrespectofanholy‐day,orofthenewmoon,oroftheSabbath‐days.45]IfyebedeadwithChristfromtherudimentsoftheworld,why,asthoughlivingintheworld,areyesubjecttoordinances(touchnot;tastenot;handlenot,whichallaretoperishwiththeusing)afterthecommandmentsanddoctrinesofmen!whichthingshaveindeedashowofwisdom.46]AlsoinTitus1,14heopenlyforbidstraditions:NotgivingheedtoJewishfablesandcommandmentsofmenthatturnfromthetruth.47]AndChrist,Matt.15,14.13,saysofthosewhorequiretraditions:Letthemalone;theybeblindleadersoftheblind;48]andHerejectssuchservices:EveryplantwhichMyheavenlyFatherhathnotplantedshallbepluckedup.49]Ifbishopshavetherighttoburdenchurcheswithinfinitetraditions,andtoensnareconsciences,whydoesScripturesooftenprohibittomake,andtolistento,traditions?Whydoesitcallthem"doctrinesofdevils"?1Tim.4,1.DidtheHolyGhostinvainforewarnofthesethings?50]Since,therefore,ordinancesinstitutedasthingsnecessary,orwithanopinionofmeritinggrace,arecontrarytotheGospel,itfollowsthatitisnotlawfulforanybishop51]toinstituteorexactsuchservices.ForitisnecessarythatthedoctrineofChristianlibertybepreservedinthechurches,namely,thatthebondageoftheLawisnotnecessarytojustification,asitiswrittenintheEpistletotheGalatians,5,1:Benotentangledagainwiththeyokeofbondage.52]ItisnecessarythatthechiefarticleoftheGospelbepreserved,to

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wit,thatweobtaingracefreelybyfaithinChrist,andnotforcertainobservancesoractsofworshipdevisedbymen.53]What,then,arewetothinkoftheSundayandlikeritesinthehouseofGod?TothisweanswerthatitislawfulforbishopsorpastorstomakeordinancesthatthingsbedoneorderlyintheChurch,notthattherebyweshouldmeritgraceormakesatisfactionforsins,orthatconsciencesbeboundtojudgethemnecessaryservices,andtothinkthatitisasintobreakthem54]withoutoffensetoothers.SoPaulordains,1Cor.11,5,thatwomenshouldcovertheirheadsinthecongregation,1Cor.14,30,thatinterpretersbeheardinorderinthechurch,etc.55]Itisproperthatthechurchesshouldkeepsuchordinancesforthesakeofloveandtranquillity,sofarthatonedonotoffendanother,thatallthingsbedoneinthechurchesinorder,andwithoutconfusion,1Cor.14,40;comp.Phil.2,14;56]butsothatconsciencesbenotburdenedtothinkthattheyarenecessarytosalvation,ortojudgethattheysinwhentheybreakthemwithoutoffensetoothers;asnoonewillsaythatawomansinswhogoesoutinpublicwithherheaduncoveredprovidedonlythatnooffensebegiven.57]OfthiskindistheobservanceoftheLord'sDay,Easter,Pentecost,andlikeholy‐daysand58]rites.ForthosewhojudgethatbytheauthorityoftheChurchtheobservanceoftheLord'sDayinsteadoftheSabbath‐daywasordainedasathingnecessary,59]dogreatlyerr.ScripturehasabrogatedtheSabbath‐day;foritteachesthat,sincetheGospelhasbeenrevealed,alltheceremoniesofMosescanbeomitted.And60]yet,becauseitwasnecessarytoappointacertainday,thatthepeoplemightknowwhentheyoughttocometogether,itappearsthattheChurchdesignatedtheLord'sDayforthispurpose;andthisdayseemstohavebeenchosenallthemoreforthisadditionalreason,thatmenmighthaveanexampleofChristianliberty,andmightknowthatthekeepingneitheroftheSabbathnorofanyotherdayisnecessary.61]Therearemonstrousdisputationsconcerningthechangingofthelaw,theceremoniesofthenewlaw,thechangingoftheSabbath‐day,whichallhavesprungfromthefalsebeliefthattheremustneedsbeintheChurchaserviceliketotheLevitical,andthatChristhadgivencommissiontotheApostlesandbishopstodevisenewceremoniesasnecessaryto62]salvation.TheseerrorscreptintotheChurchwhentherighteousnessoffaithwasnottaughtclearlyenough.63]SomedisputethatthekeepingoftheLord'sDayisnotindeedofdivineright,butinamannerso.Theyprescribeconcerningholy‐days,howfaritislawfultowork.Whatelse64]aresuchdisputationsthansnaresofconsciences?Foralthoughtheyendeavortomodifythetraditions,yetthemitigationcanneverbeperceivedaslongastheopinionremainsthattheyarenecessary,whichmustneedsremainwheretherighteousnessoffaithandChristianlibertyarenotknown.65]TheApostlescommandedActs15,20toabstainfromblood.Whodoesnowobserveit?Andyettheythatdoitnotsinnot;fornoteventheApostlesthemselveswantedtoburdenconscienceswithsuchbondage;buttheyforbadeitforatime,toavoidoffense.66]ForinthisdecreewemustperpetuallyconsiderwhattheaimoftheGospelis.67]ScarcelyanyCanonsarekeptwithexactness,andfromdaytodaymanygooutofuseevenamongthosewhoarethemostzealousadvocatesoftraditions.68]Neithercandueregardbepaidtoconsciencesunlessthismitigationbeobserved,thatweknowthattheCanonsarekeptwithoutholdingthemtobenecessary,andthatnoharmisdone

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consciences,eventhoughtraditionsgooutofuse.69]Butthebishopsmighteasilyretainthelawfulobedienceofthepeopleiftheywouldnotinsistupontheobservanceofsuchtraditionsascannotbekeptwithagoodconscience.70]Nowtheycommandcelibacy;theyadmitnoneunlesstheyswearthattheywillnotteach71]thepuredoctrineoftheGospel.Thechurchesdonotaskthatthebishopsshouldrestoreconcordattheexpenseoftheirhonor;which,nevertheless,72]itwouldbeproperforgoodpastorstodo.TheyaskonlythattheywouldreleaseunjustburdenswhicharenewandhavebeenreceivedcontrarytothecustomoftheChurchCatholic.73]Itmaybethatinthebeginningtherewereplausiblereasonsforsomeoftheseordinances;andyettheyarenotadaptedtolatertimes.74]Itisalsoevidentthatsomewereadoptedthrougherroneousconceptions.ThereforeitwouldbebefittingtheclemencyofthePontiffstomitigatethemnow,becausesuchamodificationdoesnotshaketheunityoftheChurch.Formanyhumantraditionshavebeenchangedinprocessoftime,75]astheCanonsthemselvesshow.Butifitbeimpossibletoobtainamitigationofsuchobservancesascannotbekeptwithoutsin,weareboundtofollowtheapostolicrule,Acts5,29,whichcommandsustoobeyGodratherthanmen.76]Peter,1Pet.5,3,forbidsbishopstobelords,andtoruleoverthechurches.77]Itisnotourdesignnowtowrestthegovernmentfromthebishops,butthisonethingisasked,namely,thattheyallowtheGospeltobepurelytaught,andthattheyrelaxsomefewobservanceswhich78]cannotbekeptwithoutsin.Butiftheymakenoconcession,itisforthemtoseehowtheyshallgiveaccounttoGodforfurnishing,bytheirobstinacy,acauseforschism.Backtotop

Conclusion.1]Thesearethechiefarticleswhichseemtobeincontroversy.Foralthoughwemighthavespokenofmoreabuses,yet,toavoidunduelength,wehavesetforththechiefpoints,fromwhichtherestmaybereadilyjudged.2]Therehavebeengreatcomplaintsconcerningindulgences,pilgrimages,andtheabuseofexcommunications.Theparisheshavebeenvexedinmanywaysbythedealersinindulgences.Therewereendlesscontentionsbetweenthepastorsandthemonksconcerningtheparochialright,confessions,burials,sermonsonextraordinaryoccasions,and3]innumerableotherthings.Issuesofthissortwehavepassedoversothatthechiefpointsinthismatter,havingbeenbrieflysetforth,mightbethemorereadilyunderstood.4]Norhasanythingbeenheresaidoradducedtothereproachofanyone.5]Onlythosethingshavebeenrecountedwhereofwethoughtthatitwasnecessarytospeak,inorderthatitmightbeunderstoodthatindoctrineandceremoniesnothinghasbeenreceivedonourpartagainstScriptureortheChurchCatholic.Foritismanifestthatwehavetakenmostdiligentcarethatnonewandungodlydoctrineshouldcreepintoourchurches.6]TheabovearticleswedesiretopresentinaccordancewiththeedictofYourImperialMajesty,inordertoexhibitourConfessionandletmenseeasummaryofthedoctrineofourteachers.7]IfthereisanythingthatanyonemightdesireinthisConfession,weareready,Godwilling,topresentamplerinformationaccordingtotheScriptures.8]YourImperialMajesty'sfaithfulsubjects:

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9]John,DukeofSaxony,Elector10]George,MargraveofBrandenburg.11]Ernest,DukeofLueneberg.12]Philip,LandgraveofHesse.13]JohnFrederick,DukeofSaxony.14]Francis,DukeofLueneburg.15]Wolfgang,PrinceofAnhalt.16]SenateandMagistracyofNuremburg.17]SenateofReutlingen.Backtotop

©TheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod1333S.KirkwoodRoad,St.Louis,MO63122‐7295888‐843‐5267•infocenter@lcms.org•www.lcms.org/cic