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+ <head>
+ <title>
+ The Smalcald Articles, by Martin Luther
+ </title>
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+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Smalcald Articles, by Martin Luther
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Smalcald Articles
+ Articles of Christian Doctrine which were to have been
+ presented on our part to the Council, if any had been
+ assembled at Mantua or elsewhere, indicating what we could
+ accept or yield, and what we could not.--1537
+
+Author: Martin Luther
+
+Translator: F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau
+
+Release Date: July 11, 2008 [EBook #273]
+Last Updated: February 4, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SMALCALD ARTICLES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Allen Mulvey, and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ <br /><br />
+ </p>
+ <h1>
+ THE SMALCALD ARTICLES
+ </h1>
+ <p>
+ <br />
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ By Martin Luther
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <h4>
+ <i>The Smalcald Articles.<br /> Articles of Christian Doctrine<br /> which
+ were to have been presented on our part<br /> to the Council, if any had
+ been assembled at Mantua<br /> or elsewhere, indicating what we could
+ accept<br /> or yield, and what we could not.</i><br /><br /> by Dr. Martin
+ Luther, 1537<br /><br /> Translated by F. Bente and W. H. T. Dau<br /><br />
+ Published in:<br /> <i>Triglot Concordia: The Symbolical Books<br /> of the
+ Ev. Lutheran Church</i>.<br /> (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House,
+ 1921),<br /> pp. 453-529.<br />
+ </h4>
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <hr />
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ Contents
+ </h2>
+ <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto">
+ <tr>
+ <td>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_PREF"> Preface of Dr. Martin Luther. </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE FIRST PART </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE SECOND PART </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> Article II: Of the Mass. </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> Article III: Of Chapters and Cloisters.
+ </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> Article IV: Of the Papacy. </a>
+ </p>
+ <p class="toc">
+ <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE THIRD PART OF THE ARTICLES. </a>
+ </p>
+ </td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br />
+ </p>
+ <hr />
+ <p>
+ <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <h2>
+ Preface of Dr. Martin Luther.
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ Since Pope Paul III convoked a Council last year, to assemble at Mantua
+ about Whitsuntide, and afterwards transferred it from Mantua, so that it
+ is not yet known where he will or can fix it, and we on our part either
+ had to expect that we would be summoned also to the Council or [to fear
+ that we would] be condemned unsummoned, I was directed to compile and
+ collect the articles of our doctrine [in order that it might be plain] in
+ case of deliberation as to what and how far we would be both willing and
+ able to yield to the Papists, and in what points we intended to persevere
+ and abide to the end.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ I have accordingly compiled these articles and presented them to our side.
+ They have also been accepted and unanimously confessed by our side, and it
+ has been resolved that, in case the Pope with his adherents should ever be
+ so bold as seriously and in good faith, without lying and cheating, to
+ hold a truly free [legitimate] Christian Council (as, indeed, he would be
+ in duty bound to do), they be publicly delivered in order to set forth the
+ Confession of our Faith.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But though the Romish court is so dreadfully afraid of a free Christian
+ Council, and shuns the light so shamefully, that it has [entirely]
+ removed, even from those who are on its side, the hope that it will ever
+ permit a free Council, much less that it will itself hold one, whereat, as
+ is just, they [many Papists] are greatly offended and have no little
+ trouble on that account [are disgusted with this negligence of the Pope],
+ since they notice thereby that the Pope would rather see all Christendom
+ perish and all souls damned than suffer either himself or his adherents to
+ be reformed even a little, and his [their] tyranny to be limited,
+ nevertheless I have determined meanwhile to publish these articles in
+ plain print, so that, should I die before there would be a Council (as I
+ fully expect and hope, because the knaves who flee the light and shun the
+ day take such wretched pains to delay and hinder the Council), those who
+ live and remain after me may have my testimony and confession to produce,
+ in addition to the Confession which I have issued previously, whereby up
+ to this time I have abided, and, by God's grace, will abide.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ For what shall I say? How shall I complain? I am still living, writing,
+ preaching, and lecturing daily; [and] yet there are found such spiteful
+ men, not only among the adversaries, but also false brethren that profess
+ to be on our side, as dare to cite my writings and doctrine directly
+ against myself, and let me look on and listen, although they know well
+ that I teach otherwise, and as wish to adorn their venom with my labor,
+ and under my name to [deceive and] mislead the poor people. [Good God!]
+ Alas! what first will happen when I am dead?
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Indeed, I ought to reply to everything while I am still living. But,
+ again, how can I alone stop all the mouths of the devil? especially of
+ those (as they all are poisoned) who will not hear or notice what we
+ write, but solely exercise themselves with all diligence how they may most
+ shamefully pervert and corrupt our word in every letter. These I let the
+ devil answer, or at last Gods wrath, as they deserve. I often think of the
+ good Gerson who doubts whether anything good should be [written and]
+ published. If it is not done, many souls are neglected who could be
+ delivered: but if it is done, the devil is there with malignant,
+ villainous tongues without number which envenom and pervert everything, so
+ that nevertheless the fruit [the usefulness of the writings] is prevented.
+ Yet what they gain thereby is manifest. For while they have lied so
+ shamefully against us and by means of lies wished to retain the people,
+ God has constantly advanced His work, and been making their following ever
+ smaller and ours greater, and by their lies has caused and still causes
+ them to be brought to shame.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ I must tell a story. There was a doctor sent here to Wittenberg from
+ France, who said publicly before us that his king was sure and more than
+ sure, that among us there is no church, no magistrate, no married life,
+ but all live promiscuously as cattle, and each one does as he pleases.
+ Imagine now, how will those who by their writings have instilled such
+ gross lies into the king and other countries as the pure truth, look at us
+ on that day before the judgment-seat of Christ? Christ, the Lord and Judge
+ of us all, knows well that they lie and have [always] lied, His sentence
+ they in turn, must hear; that I know certainly. God convert to repentance
+ those who can be converted! Regarding the rest it will be said, Woe, and,
+ alas! eternally.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But to return to the subject. I verily desire to see a truly Christian
+ Council [assembled some time], in order that many matters and persons
+ might be helped. Not that we need It, for our churches are now, through
+ God's grace, so enlightened and equipped with the pure Word and right use
+ of the Sacraments, with knowledge of the various callings and of right
+ works, that we on our part ask for no Council, and on such points have
+ nothing better to hope or expect from a Council. But we see in the
+ bishoprics everywhere so many parishes vacant and desolate that one's
+ heart would break, and yet neither the bishops nor canons care how the
+ poor people live or die, for whom nevertheless Christ has died, and who
+ are not permitted to hear Him speak with them as the true Shepherd with
+ His sheep. This causes me to shudder and fear that at some time He may
+ send a council of angels upon Germany utterly destroying us, like Sodom
+ and Gomorrah, because we so wantonly mock Him with the Council.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Besides such necessary ecclesiastical affairs, there would be also in the
+ political estate innumerable matters of great importance to improve. There
+ is the disagreement between the princes and the states; usury and avarice
+ have burst in like a flood, and have become lawful [are defended with a
+ show of right]; wantonness, lewdness, extravagance in dress, gluttony,
+ gambling, idle display, with all kinds of bad habits and wickedness,
+ insubordination of subjects, of domestics and laborers of every trade,
+ also the exactions [and most exorbitant selling prices] of the peasants
+ (and who can enumerate all?) have so increased that they cannot be
+ rectified by ten Councils and twenty Diets. If such chief matters of the
+ spiritual and worldly estates as are contrary to God would be considered
+ in the Council, they would have all hands so full that the child's play
+ and absurdity of long gowns [official insignia], large tonsures, broad
+ cinctures [or sashes], bishops' or cardinals' hats or maces, and like
+ jugglery would in the mean time be forgotten. If we first had performed
+ God's command and order in the spiritual and secular estate we would find
+ time enough to reform food, clothing, tonsures, and surplices. But if we
+ want to swallow such camels, and, instead, strain at gnats, let the beams
+ stand and judge the motes, we also might indeed be satisfied with the
+ Council.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Therefore I have presented few articles; for we have without this so many
+ commands of God to observe in the Church, the state and the family that we
+ can never fulfil them. What, then, is the use, or what does it profit that
+ many decrees and statutes thereon are made in the Council, especially when
+ these chief matters commanded of God are neither regarded nor observed?
+ Just as though He were bound to honor our jugglery as a reward of our
+ treading His solemn commandments under foot. But our sins weigh upon us
+ and cause God not to be gracious to us; for we do not repent, and,
+ besides, wish to defend every abomination.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ O Lord Jesus Christ, do Thou Thyself convoke a Council, and deliver Thy
+ servants by Thy glorious advent! The Pope and his adherents are done for;
+ they will have none of Thee. Do Thou, then, help us, who are poor and
+ needy, who sigh to Thee, and beseech Thee earnestly, according to the
+ grace which Thou hast given us, through Thy Holy Ghost who liveth and
+ reigneth with Thee and the Father, blessed forever. Amen.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ THE FIRST PART
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ Treats of the Sublime Articles Concerning the Divine Majesty, as:
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ I. That Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons in one divine
+ essence and nature, are one God, who has created heaven and earth.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ II. That the Father is begotten of no one; the Son of the Father; the Holy
+ Ghost proceeds from Father and Son.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ III. That not the Father nor the Holy Ghost but the Son became man.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ IV. That the Son became man in this manner, that He was conceived, without
+ the cooperation of man, by the Holy Ghost, and was born of the pure, holy
+ [and always] Virgin Mary. Afterwards He suffered, died, was buried,
+ descended to hell, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the
+ right hand of God, will come to judge the quick and the dead, etc. as the
+ Creed of the Apostles, as well as that of St. Athanasius, and the
+ Catechism in common use for children, teach.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Concerning these articles there is no contention or dispute, since we on
+ both sides confess them. Therefore it is not necessary now to treat
+ further of them.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ THE SECOND PART
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ Treats of the Articles which Refer to the Office and Work of Jesus Christ,
+ or Our Redemption.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The first and chief article is this,
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised
+ again for our justification, Rom. 4, 25.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And He alone is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world,
+ John 1, 29; and God has laid upon Him the iniquities of us all, Is. 53, 6.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Likewise: All have sinned and are justified without merit [freely, and
+ without their own works or merits] by His grace, through the redemption
+ that is in Christ Jesus, in His blood, Rom. 3, 23 f.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Now, since it is necessary to believe this, and it cannot be otherwise
+ acquired or apprehended by any work, law, or merit, it is clear and
+ certain that this faith alone justifies us as St. Paul says, Rom. 3, 28:
+ For we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the
+ Law. Likewise v. 26: That He might be just, and the Justifier of him which
+ believeth in Christ.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Of this article nothing can be yielded or surrendered [nor can anything be
+ granted or permitted contrary to the same], even though heaven and earth,
+ and whatever will not abide, should sink to ruin. For there is none other
+ name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, says Peter,
+ Acts 4, 12. And with His stripes we are healed, Is. 53, 5. And upon this
+ article all things depend which we teach and practice in opposition to the
+ Pope, the devil, and the [whole] world. Therefore, we must be sure
+ concerning this doctrine, and not doubt; for otherwise all is lost, and
+ the Pope and devil and all things gain the victory and suit over us.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ Article II: Of the Mass.
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ That the Mass in the Papacy must be the greatest and most horrible
+ abomination, as it directly and powerfully conflicts with this chief
+ article, and yet above and before all other popish idolatries it has been
+ the chief and most specious. For it has been held that this sacrifice or
+ work of the Mass, even though it be rendered by a wicked [and abandoned]
+ scoundrel, frees men from sins, both in this life and also in purgatory,
+ while only the Lamb of God shall and must do this, as has been said above.
+ Of this article nothing is to be surrendered or conceded, because the
+ first article does not allow it.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ If, perchance, there were reasonable Papists we might speak moderately and
+ in a friendly way, thus: first, why they so rigidly uphold the Mass. For
+ it is but a pure invention of men, and has not been commanded by God; and
+ every invention of man we may [safely] discard, as Christ declares, Matt.
+ 15, 9: In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments
+ of men.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Secondly. It is an unnecessary thing, which can be omitted without sin and
+ danger.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Thirdly. The Sacrament can be received in a better and more blessed way
+ [more acceptable to God], (yea, the only blessed way), according to the
+ institution of Christ. Why, then, do they drive the world to woe and
+ [extreme] misery on account of a fictitious, unnecessary matter, which can
+ be well obtained in another and more blessed way?
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Let [care be taken that] it be publicly preached to the people that the
+ Mass as men's twaddle [commentitious affair or human figment] can be
+ omitted without sin, and that no one will be condemned who does not
+ observe it, but that he can be saved in a better way without the Mass. I
+ wager [Thus it will come to pass] that the Mass will then collapse of
+ itself, not only among the insane [rude] common people, but also among all
+ pious, Christian, reasonable, God-fearing hearts; and that the more, when
+ they would hear that the Mass is a [very] dangerous thing, fabricated and
+ invented without the will and Word of God.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Fourthly. Since such innumerable and unspeakable abuses have arisen in the
+ whole world from the buying and selling of masses, the Mass should by
+ right be relinquished, if for no other purpose than to prevent abuses,
+ even though in itself it had something advantageous and good. How much
+ more ought we to relinquish it, so as to prevent [escape] forever these
+ horrible abuses, since it is altogether unnecessary, useless, and
+ dangerous, and we can obtain everything by a more necessary, profitable,
+ and certain way without the Mass.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Fifthly. But since the Mass is nothing else and can be nothing else (as
+ the Canon and all books declare), than a work of men (even of wicked
+ scoundrels), by which one attempts to reconcile himself and others to God,
+ and to obtain and merit the remission of sins and grace (for thus the Mass
+ is observed when it is observed at the very best; otherwise what purpose
+ would it serve?), for this very reason it must and should [certainly] be
+ condemned and rejected. For this directly conflicts with the chief
+ article, which says that it is not a wicked or a godly hireling of the
+ Mass with his own work, but the Lamb of God and the Son of God, that
+ taketh away our sins.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But if any one should advance the pretext that as an act of devotion he
+ wishes to administer the Sacrament, or Communion, to himself, he is not in
+ earnest [he would commit a great mistake, and would not be speaking
+ seriously and sincerely]. For if he wishes to commune in sincerity, the
+ surest and best way for him is in the Sacrament administered according to
+ Christ's institution. But that one administer communion to himself is a
+ human notion, uncertain, unnecessary, yea, even prohibited. And he does
+ not know what he is doing, because without the Word of God he obeys a
+ false human opinion and invention. So, too, it is not right (even though
+ the matter were otherwise correct) for one to use the common Sacrament of
+ [belonging to] the Church according to his own private devotion, and
+ without God's Word and apart from the communion of the Church to trifle
+ therewith.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This article concerning the Mass will be the whole business of the
+ Council. [The Council will perspire most over, and be occupied with this
+ article concerning the Mass.] For if it were [although it would be]
+ possible for them to concede to us all the other articles, yet they could
+ not concede this. As Campegius said at Augsburg that he would be torn to
+ pieces before he would relinquish the Mass, so, by the help of God, I,
+ too, would suffer myself to be reduced to ashes before I would allow a
+ hireling of the Mass, be he good or bad, to be made equal to Christ Jesus,
+ my Lord and Savior, or to be exalted above Him. Thus we are and remain
+ eternally separated and opposed to one another. They feel well enough that
+ when the Mass falls, the Papacy lies in ruins. Before they will permit
+ this to occur, they will put us all to death if they can.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In addition to all this, this dragon's tail, [I mean] the Mass, has
+ begotten a numerous vermin-brood of manifold idolatries.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ First, purgatory. Here they carried their trade into purgatory by masses
+ for souls, and vigils, and weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations of
+ obsequies, and finally by the Common Week and All Souls Day, by soul-baths
+ so that the Mass is used almost alone for the dead, although Christ has
+ instituted the Sacrament alone for the living. Therefore purgatory, and
+ every solemnity, rite, and commerce connected with it, is to be regarded
+ as nothing but a specter of the devil. For it conflicts with the chief
+ article [which teaches] that only Christ, and not the works of men, are to
+ help [set free] souls. Not to mention the fact that nothing has been
+ [divinely] commanded or enjoined upon us concerning the dead. Therefore
+ all this may be safely omitted, even if it were no error and idolatry.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The Papists quote here Augustine and some of the Fathers who are said to
+ have written concerning purgatory, and they think that we do not
+ understand for what purpose and to what end they spoke as they did. St.
+ Augustine does not write that there is a purgatory nor has he a testimony
+ of Scripture to constrain him thereto, but he leaves it in doubt whether
+ there is one, and says that his mother asked to be remembered at the altar
+ or Sacrament. Now, all this is indeed nothing but the devotion of men, and
+ that, too, of individuals, and does not establish an article of faith,
+ which is the prerogative of God alone.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Our Papists, however, cite such statements [opinions] of men in order that
+ men should believe in their horrible, blasphemous, and cursed traffic in
+ masses for souls in purgatory [or in sacrifices for the dead and
+ oblations], etc. But they will never prove these things from Augustine.
+ Now, when they have abolished the traffic in masses for purgatory, of
+ which Augustine never dreamt, we will then discuss with them whether the
+ expressions of Augustine without Scripture [being without the warrant of
+ the Word] are to be admitted, and whether the dead should be remembered at
+ the Eucharist. For it will not do to frame articles of faith from the
+ works or words of the holy Fathers; otherwise their kind of fare, of
+ garments, of house, etc., would have to become an article of faith, as was
+ done with relies. [We have, however, another rule, namely] The rule is:
+ The Word of God shall establish articles of faith, and no one else, not
+ even an angel.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Secondly. From this it has followed that evil spirits have perpetrated
+ much knavery [exercised their malice] by appearing as the souls of the
+ departed, and with unspeakable [horrible] lies and tricks demanded masses,
+ vigils, pilgrimages, and other alms. All of which we had to receive as
+ articles of faith, and to live accordingly; and the Pope confirmed these
+ things, as also the Mass and all other abominations. Here, too, there is
+ no [cannot and must not be any] yielding or surrendering.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Thirdly. [Hence arose] the pilgrimages. Here, too, masses, the remission
+ of sins and the grace of God were sought, for the Mass controlled
+ everything. Now it is indeed certain that such pilgrimages, without the
+ Word of God, have not been commanded us, neither are they necessary, since
+ we can have these things [the soul can be cared for] in a better way, and
+ can omit these pilgrimages without any sin and danger. Why therefore do
+ they leave at home [desert] their own parish [their called ministers,
+ their parishes], the Word of God, wives, children, etc., who are ordained
+ and [attention to whom is necessary and has been] commanded, and run after
+ these unnecessary, uncertain, pernicious will-o'-the-wisps of the devil
+ [and errors]? Unless the devil was riding [made insane] the Pope, causing
+ him to praise and establish these practices, whereby the people again and
+ again revolted from Christ to their own works, and became idolaters, which
+ is worst of all; moreover, it is neither necessary nor commanded, but is
+ senseless and doubtful, and besides harmful. Hence here, too, there can be
+ no yielding or surrendering [to yield or concede anything here is not
+ lawful], etc. And let this be preached, that such pilgrimages are not
+ necessary, but dangerous; and then see what will become of them. [For thus
+ they will perish of their own accord.]
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Fourthly. Fraternities [or societies], in which cloisters, chapters,
+ vicars have assigned and communicated (by a legal contract and sale) all
+ masses and good works, etc., both for the living and the dead. This is not
+ only altogether a human bauble, without the Word of God, entirely
+ unnecessary and not commanded, but also contrary to the chief article, Of
+ Redemption. Therefore it is in no way to be tolerated.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Fifthly. The relics, in which there are found so many falsehoods and
+ tomfooleries concerning the bones of dogs and horses, that even the devil
+ has laughed at such rascalities, ought long ago to have been condemned,
+ even though there were some good in them; and so much the more because
+ they are without the Word of God; being neither commanded nor counseled,
+ they are an entirely unnecessary and useless thing. But the worst is that
+ [they have imagined that] these relics had to work indulgence and the
+ forgiveness of sins [and have revered them] as a good work and service of
+ God, like the Mass, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Sixthly. Here belong the precious indulgences granted (but only for money)
+ both to the living and the dead, by which the miserable [sacrilegious and
+ accursed] Judas, or Pope, has sold the merit of Christ, together with the
+ superfluous merits of all saints and of the entire Church, etc. All these
+ things [and every single one of them] are not to be borne, and are not
+ only without the Word of God, without necessity, not commanded, but are
+ against the chief article. For the merit of Christ is [apprehended and]
+ obtained not by our works or pence, but from grace through faith, without
+ money and merit; and is offered [and presented] not through the power of
+ the Pope, but through the preaching of God's Word.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Of the Invocation of Saints.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The invocation of saints is also one of the abuses of Antichrist
+ conflicting with the chief article, and destroys the knowledge of Christ.
+ Neither is it commanded nor counseled, nor has it any example [or
+ testimony] in Scripture, and even though it were a precious thing, as it
+ is not [while, on the contrary, it is a most harmful thing], in Christ we
+ have everything a thousandfold better [and surer, so that we are not in
+ need of calling upon the saints].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And although the angels in heaven pray for us (as Christ Himself also
+ does), as also do the saints on earth, and perhaps also in heaven, yet it
+ does not follow thence that we should invoke and adore the angels and
+ saints, and fast, hold festivals, celebrate Mass in their honor, make
+ offerings, and establish churches, altars, divine worship, and in still
+ other ways serve them, and regard them as helpers in need [as patrons and
+ intercessors], and divide among them all kinds of help, and ascribe to
+ each one a particular form of assistance, as the Papists teach and do. For
+ this is idolatry, and such honor belongs alone to God. For as a Christian
+ and saint upon earth you can pray for me, not only in one, but in many
+ necessities. But for this reason I am not obliged to adore and invoke you,
+ and celebrate festivals, fast, make oblations, hold masses for your honor
+ [and worship], and put my faith in you for my salvation. I can in other
+ ways indeed honor, love, and thank you in Christ. If now such idolatrous
+ honor were withdrawn from angels and departed saints, the remaining honor
+ would be without harm and would quickly be forgotten. For when advantage
+ and assistance, both bodily and spiritual, are no more to be expected, the
+ saints will not be troubled [the worship of the saints will soon vanish],
+ neither in their graves nor in heaven. For without a reward or out of pure
+ love no one will much remember, or esteem, or honor them [bestow on them
+ divine honor].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In short, the Mass itself and anything that proceeds from it, and anything
+ that is attached to it, we cannot tolerate, but must condemn, in order
+ that we may retain the holy Sacrament pure and certain, according to the
+ institution of Christ, employed and received through faith.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ Article III: Of Chapters and Cloisters.
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ That chapters and cloisters [colleges of canons and communistic
+ dwellings], which were formerly founded with the good intention [of our
+ forefathers] to educate learned men and chaste [and modest] women, ought
+ again to be turned to such use, in order that pastors, preachers, and
+ other ministers of the churches may be had, and likewise other necessary
+ persons [fitted] for [the political administration of] the secular
+ government [or for the commonwealth] in cities and countries, and
+ well-educated, maidens for mothers and housekeepers, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ If they will not serve this purpose, it is better that they be abandoned
+ or razed, rather than [continued and], with their blasphemous services
+ invented by men, regarded as something better than the ordinary Christian
+ life and the offices and callings ordained by God. For all this also is
+ contrary to the first chief article concerning the redemption made through
+ Jesus Christ. Add to this that (like all other human inventions) these
+ have neither been commanded; they are needless and useless, and, besides,
+ afford occasion for dangerous and vain labor [dangerous annoyances and
+ fruitless worship], such services as the prophets call Aven, i.e., pain
+ and labor.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ Article IV: Of the Papacy.
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ That the Pope is not, according to divine law or according to the Word of
+ God the head of all Christendom (for this [name] belongs to One only,
+ whose name is Jesus Christ), but is only the bishop and pastor of the
+ Church at Rome, and of those who voluntarily or through a human creature
+ (that is, a political magistrate) have attached themselves to him, to be
+ Christians, not under him as a lord, but with him as brethren [colleagues]
+ and comrades, as the ancient councils and the age of St. Cyprian show.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But to-day none of the bishops dare to address the Pope as brother as was
+ done at that time [in the age of Cyprian]; but they must call him most
+ gracious lord, even though they be kings or emperors. This [Such
+ arrogance] we will not, cannot, must not take upon our conscience [with a
+ good conscience approve]. Let him, however, who will do it, do so without
+ us [at his own risk].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Hence it follows that all things which the Pope, from a power so false,
+ mischievous, blasphemous, and arrogant, has done and undertaken, have been
+ and still are purely diabolical affairs and transactions (with the
+ exception of such things as pertain to the secular government, where God
+ often permits much good to be effected for a people, even through a tyrant
+ and [faithless] scoundrel) for the ruin of the entire holy [catholic or]
+ Christian Church (so far as it is in his power) and for the destruction of
+ the first and chief article concerning the redemption made through Jesus
+ Christ.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ For all his bulls and books are extant, in which he roars like a lion (as
+ the angel in Rev. 12 depicts him), [crying out] that no Christian can be
+ saved unless he obeys him and is subject to him in all things that he
+ wishes, that he says, and that he does. All of which amounts to nothing
+ less than saying: Although you believe in Christ, and have in Him [alone]
+ everything that is necessary to salvation, yet it is nothing and all in
+ vain unless you regard [have and worship] me as your god, and be subject
+ and obedient to me. And yet it is manifest that the holy Church has been
+ without the Pope for at least more than five hundred years, and that even
+ to the present day the churches of the Greeks and of many other languages
+ neither have been nor are yet under the Pope. Besides, as often remarked,
+ it is a human figment which is not commanded, and is unnecessary and
+ useless; for the holy Christian [or catholic] Church can exist very well
+ without such a head, and it would certainly have remained better [purer,
+ and its career would have been more prosperous] if such a head had not
+ been raised up by the devil. And the Papacy is also of no use in the
+ Church, because it exercises no Christian office; and therefore it is
+ necessary for the Church to continue and to exist without the Pope.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And supposing that the Pope would yield this point, so as not to be
+ supreme by divine right or from Gods command, but that we must have [there
+ must be elected] a [certain] head, to whom all the rest adhere [as their
+ support] in order that the [concord and] unity of Christians may be
+ preserved against sects and heretics, and that such a head were chosen by
+ men, and that it were placed within the choice and power of men to change
+ or remove this head, just as the Council of Constance adopted nearly this
+ course with reference to the Popes, deposing three and electing a fourth;
+ supposing, I say, that the Pope and See at Rome would yield and accept
+ this (which, nevertheless, is impossible; for thus he would have to suffer
+ his entire realm and estate to be overthrown and destroyed, with all his
+ rights and books, a thing which, to speak in few words, he cannot do),
+ nevertheless, even in this way Christianity would not be helped, but many
+ more sects would arise than before.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ For since men would have to be subject to this head, not from God's
+ command, but from their personal good pleasure, it would easily and in a
+ short time be despised, and at last retain no member; neither would it
+ have to be forever confined to Rome or any other place, but it might be
+ wherever and in whatever church God would grant a man fit for the [taking
+ upon him such a great] office. Oh, the complicated and confused state of
+ affairs [perplexity] that would result!
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Therefore the Church can never be better governed and preserved than if we
+ all live under one head, Christ, and all the bishops equal in office
+ (although they be unequal in gifts), be diligently joined in unity of
+ doctrine, faith, Sacraments, prayer, and works of love, etc., as St.
+ Jerome writes that the priests at Alexandria together and in common
+ governed the churches, as did also the apostles, and afterwards all
+ bishops throughout all Christendom, until the Pope raised his head above
+ all.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This teaching shows forcefully that the Pope is the very Antichrist, who
+ has exalted himself above, and opposed himself against Christ because he
+ will not permit Christians to be saved without his power, which,
+ nevertheless, is nothing, and is neither ordained nor commanded by God.
+ This is, properly speaking to exalt himself above all that is called God
+ as Paul says, 2 Thess. 2, 4. Even the Turks or the Tartars, great enemies
+ of Christians as they are, do not do this, but they allow whoever wishes
+ to believe in Christ, and take bodily tribute and obedience from
+ Christians.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The Pope, however, prohibits this faith, saying that to be saved a person
+ must obey him. This we are unwilling to do, even though on this account we
+ must die in God s name. This all proceeds from the fact that the Pope has
+ wished to be called the supreme head of the Christian Church by divine
+ right. Accordingly he had to make himself equal and superior to Christ,
+ and had to cause himself to be proclaimed the head and then the lord of
+ the Church, and finally of the whole world, and simply God on earth, until
+ he has dared to issue commands even to the angels in heaven. And when we
+ distinguish the Pope s teaching from, or measure and hold it against, Holy
+ Scripture, it is found [it appears plainly] that the Pope s teaching,
+ where it is best, has been taken from the imperial and heathen law and
+ treats of political matters and decisions or rights, as the Decretals
+ show; furthermore, it teaches of ceremonies concerning churches, garments,
+ food, persons and [similar] puerile, theatrical and comical things without
+ measure, but in all these things nothing at all of Christ, faith, and the
+ commandments of God. Lastly, it is nothing else than the devil himself,
+ because above and against God he urges [and disseminates] his [papal]
+ falsehoods concerning masses, purgatory, the monastic life, one's own
+ works and [fictitious] divine worship (for this is the very Papacy [upon
+ each of which the Papacy is altogether founded and is standing]), and
+ condemns, murders and tortures all Christians who do not exalt and honor
+ these abominations [of the Pope] above all things. Therefore, just as
+ little as we can worship the devil himself as Lord and God, we can endure
+ his apostle, the Pope, or Antichrist, in his rule as head or lord. For to
+ lie and to kill, and to destroy body and soul eternally, that is wherein
+ his papal government really consists, as I have very clearly shown in many
+ books.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In these four articles they will have enough to condemn in the Council.
+ For they cannot and will not concede us even the least point in one of
+ these articles. Of this we should be certain, and animate ourselves with
+ [be forewarned and made firm in] the hope that Christ, our Lord, has
+ attacked His adversary, and he will press the attack home [pursue and
+ destroy him] both by His Spirit and coming. Amen.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ For in the Council we will stand not before the Emperor or the political
+ magistrate, as at Augsburg (where the Emperor published a most gracious
+ edict, and caused matters to be heard kindly [and dispassionately]), but
+ [we will appear] before the Pope and devil himself, who intends to listen
+ to nothing, but merely [when the case has been publicly announced] to
+ condemn, to murder and to force us to idolatry. Therefore we ought not
+ here to kiss his feet, or to say: Thou art my gracious lord, but as the
+ angel in Zechariah 3, 2 said to Satan: The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007">
+ <!-- H2 anchor --> </a>
+ </p>
+ <div style="height: 4em;">
+ <br /><br /><br /><br />
+ </div>
+ <h2>
+ THE THIRD PART OF THE ARTICLES.
+ </h2>
+ <p>
+ Concerning the following articles we may [will be able to] treat with
+ learned and reasonable men, or among ourselves. The Pope and his [the
+ Papal] government do not care much about these. For with them conscience
+ is nothing, but money, [glory] honors, power are [to them] everything.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ I. Of Sin.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here we must confess, as Paul says in Rom. 5, 11, that sin originated [and
+ entered the world] from one man Adam, by whose disobedience all men were
+ made sinners, [and] subject to death and the devil. This is called
+ original or capital sin.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The fruits of this sin are afterwards the evil deeds which are forbidden
+ in the Ten Commandments, such as [distrust] unbelief, false faith,
+ idolatry, to be without the fear of God, presumption [recklessness],
+ despair, blindness [or complete loss of sight], and, in short not to know
+ or regard God; furthermore to lie, to swear by [to abuse] God's name [to
+ swear falsely], not to pray, not to call upon God, not to regard [to
+ despise or neglect] God's Word, to be disobedient to parents, to murder,
+ to be unchaste, to steal, to deceive, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This hereditary sin is so deep and [horrible] a corruption of nature that
+ no reason can understand it, but it must be [learned and] believed from
+ the revelation of Scriptures, Ps. 51, 5; Rom. 6, 12 ff.; Ex. 33, 3; Gen.
+ 3, 7 ff. Hence, it is nothing but error and blindness in regard to this
+ article what the scholastic doctors have taught, namely:
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ That since the fall of Adam the natural powers of man have remained entire
+ and incorrupt, and that man by nature has a right reason and a good will;
+ which things the philosophers teach.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again that man has a free will to do good and omit evil, and, conversely,
+ to omit good and do evil.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again, that man by his natural powers can observe and keep [do] all the
+ commands of God.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again, that, by his natural powers, man can love God above all things and
+ his neighbor as himself.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again, if a man does as much as is in him, God certainly grants him His
+ grace.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Again, if he wishes to go to the Sacrament, there is no need of a good
+ intention to do good, but it is sufficient if he has not a wicked purpose
+ to commit sin; so entirely good is his nature and so efficacious the
+ Sacrament.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ [Again,] that it is not founded upon Scripture that for a good work the
+ Holy Ghost with His grace is necessary.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Such and many similar things have arisen from want of understanding and
+ ignorance as regards both this sin and Christ, our Savior and they are
+ truly heathen dogmas, which we cannot endure. For if this teaching were
+ right [approved], then Christ has died in vain, since there is in man no
+ defect nor sin for which he should have died; or He would have died only
+ for the body, not for the soul, inasmuch as the soul is [entirely] sound,
+ and the body only is subject to death.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ II. Of the Law
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here we hold that the Law was given by God, first, to restrain sin by
+ threats and the dread of punishment, and by the promise and offer of grace
+ and benefit. But all this miscarried on account of the wickedness which
+ sin has wrought in man. For thereby a part [some] were rendered worse,
+ those, namely, who are hostile to [hate] the Law, because it forbids what
+ they like to do, and enjoins what they do not like to do. Therefore,
+ wherever they can escape [if they were not restrained by] punishment, they
+ [would] do more against the Law than before. These, then, are the rude and
+ wicked [unbridled and secure] men, who do evil wherever they [notice that
+ they] have the opportunity.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The rest become blind and arrogant [are smitten with arrogance and
+ blindness], and [insolently] conceive the opinion that they observe and
+ can observe the Law by their own powers, as has been said above concerning
+ the scholastic theologians; thence come the hypocrites and [self-righteous
+ or] false saints.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But the chief office or force of the Law is that it reveal original sin
+ with all its fruits, and show man how very low his nature has fallen, and
+ has become [fundamentally and] utterly corrupted; as the Law must tell man
+ that he has no God nor regards [cares for] God, and worships other gods, a
+ matter which before and without the Law he would not have believed. In
+ this way he becomes terrified, is humbled, desponds, despairs, and
+ anxiously desires aid, but sees no escape; he begins to be an enemy of
+ [enraged at] God, and to murmur, etc. This is what Paul says, Rom. 4, 15:
+ The Law worketh wrath. And Rom. 5, 20: Sin is increased by the Law. [The
+ Law entered that the offense might abound.]
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ III. Of Repentance.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This office [of the Law] the New Testament retains and urges, as St. Paul,
+ Rom. 1, 18 does, saying: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
+ all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Again, 3, 19: All the world is
+ guilty before God. No man is righteous before Him. And Christ says, John
+ 16, 8: The Holy Ghost will reprove the world of sin.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This, then, is the thunderbolt of God by which He strikes in a heap [hurls
+ to the ground] both manifest sinners and false saints [hypocrites], and
+ suffers no one to be in the right [declares no one righteous], but drives
+ them all together to terror and despair. This is the hammer, as Jeremiah
+ says, 23, 29: Is not My Word like a hammer that breaketh the rock in
+ pieces? This is not activa contritio or manufactured repentance, but
+ passiva contritio [torture of conscience], true sorrow of heart, suffering
+ and sensation of death.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This, then, is what it means to begin true repentance; and here man must
+ hear such a sentence as this: You are all of no account, whether you be
+ manifest sinners or saints [in your own opinion]; you all must become
+ different and do otherwise than you now are and are doing [no matter what
+ sort of people you are], whether you are as great, wise, powerful, and
+ holy as you may. Here no one is [righteous, holy], godly, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But to this office the New Testament immediately adds the consolatory
+ promise of grace through the Gospel, which must be believed, as Christ
+ declares, Mark 1,15: Repent and believe the Gospel, i.e., become different
+ and do otherwise, and believe My promise. And John, preceding Him, is
+ called a preacher of repentance, however, for the remission of sins, i.e.,
+ John was to accuse all, and convict them of being sinners, that they might
+ know what they were before God, and might acknowledge that they were lost
+ men, and might thus be prepared for the Lord, to receive grace, and to
+ expect and accept from Him the remission of sins. Thus also Christ Himself
+ says, Luke 24, 47: Repentance and remission of sins must be preached in My
+ name among all nations.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But whenever the Law alone, without the Gospel being added exercises this
+ its office there is [nothing else than] death and hell, and man must
+ despair, like Saul and Judas; as St. Paul, Rom. 7, 10, says: Through sin
+ the Law killeth. On the other hand, the Gospel brings consolation and
+ remission not only in one way, but through the word and Sacraments, and
+ the like, as we shall hear afterward in order that [thus] there is with
+ the Lord plenteous redemption, as Ps. 130, 7 says against the dreadful
+ captivity of sin.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ However, we must now contrast the false repentance of the sophists with
+ true repentance, in order that both may be the better understood.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Of the False Repentance of the Papists.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ It was impossible that they should teach correctly concerning repentance,
+ since they did not [rightly] know the real sins [the real sin]. For, as
+ has been shown above, they do not believe aright concerning original sin,
+ but say that the natural powers of man have remained [entirely] unimpaired
+ and incorrupt; that reason can teach aright, and the will can in
+ accordance therewith do aright [perform those things which are taught],
+ that God certainly bestows His grace when a man does as much as is in him,
+ according to his free will.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ It had to follow thence [from this dogma] that they did [must do] penance
+ only for actual sins such as wicked thoughts to which a person yields (for
+ wicked emotion [concupiscence, vicious feelings, and inclinations], lust
+ and improper dispositions [according to them] are not sins ), and for
+ wicked words and wicked deeds, which free will could readily have omitted.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And of such repentance they fix three parts contrition, confession, and
+ satisfaction, with this [magnificent] consolation and promise added: If
+ man truly repent, [feel remorse,] confess, render satisfaction, he thereby
+ would have merited forgiveness, and paid for his sins before God [atoned
+ for his sins and obtained a plenary redemption]. Thus in repentance they
+ instructed men to repose confidence in their own works. Hence the
+ expression originated, which was employed in the pulpit when public
+ absolution was announced to the people: Prolong O God, my life, until I
+ shall make satisfaction for my sins and amend my life.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ There was here [profound silence and] no mention of Christ nor faith; but
+ men hoped by their own works to overcome and blot out sins before God. And
+ with this intention we became priests and monks, that we might array
+ ourselves against sin.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As to contrition, this is the way it was done: Since no one could remember
+ all his sins (especially as committed through an entire year), they
+ inserted this provision, namely, that if an unknown sin should be
+ remembered later [if the remembrance of a concealed sin should perhaps
+ return], this also must be repented of and confessed etc. Meanwhile they
+ were [the person was] commended to the grace of God.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Moreover, since no one could know how great the contrition ought to be in
+ order to be sufficient before God, they gave this consolation: He who
+ could not have contrition, at least ought to have attrition, which I may
+ call half a contrition or the beginning of contrition, for they have
+ themselves understood neither of these terms nor do they understand them
+ now, as little as I. Such attrition was reckoned as contrition when a
+ person went to confession.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And when it happened that any one said that he could not have contrition
+ nor lament his sins (as might have occurred in illicit love or the desire
+ for revenge, etc.), they asked whether he did not wish or desire to have
+ contrition [lament]. When one would reply Yes (for who, save the devil
+ himself, would here say No?), they accepted this as contrition, and
+ forgave him his sins on account of this good work of his [which they
+ adorned with the name of contrition]. Here they cited the example of St.
+ Bernard, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here we see how blind reason, in matters pertaining to God, gropes about,
+ and, according to its own imagination, seeks for consolation in its own
+ works, and cannot think of [entirely forgets] Christ and faith. But if it
+ be [clearly] viewed in the light, this contrition is a manufactured and
+ fictitious thought [or imagination], derived from man's own powers,
+ without faith and without the knowledge of Christ. And in it the poor
+ sinner, when he reflected upon his own lust and desire for revenge, would
+ sometimes [perhaps] have laughed rather than wept [either laughed or wept,
+ rather than to think of something else], except such as either had been
+ truly struck by [the lightning of] the Law, or had been vainly vexed by
+ the devil with a sorrowful spirit. Otherwise [with the exception of these
+ persons] such contrition was certainly mere hypocrisy, and did not mortify
+ the lust for sins [flames of sin]; for they had to grieve, while they
+ would rather have continued to sin, if it had been free to them.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As regards confession, the procedure was this: Every one had [was
+ enjoined] to enumerate all his sins (which is an impossible thing). This
+ was a great torment. From such as he had forgotten [But if any one had
+ forgotten some sins] he would be absolved on the condition that, if they
+ would occur to him, he must still confess them. In this way he could never
+ know whether he had made a sufficiently pure confession [perfectly and
+ correctly], or when confessing would ever have an end. Yet he was pointed
+ to his own works, and comforted thus: The more fully [sincerely and
+ frankly] one confesses, and the more he humiliates himself and debases
+ himself before the priest, the sooner and better he renders satisfaction
+ for his sins; for such humility certainly would earn grace before God.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here, too, there was no faith nor Christ, and the virtue of the absolution
+ was not declared to him, but upon his enumeration of sins and his
+ self-abasement depended his consolation. What torture, rascality, and
+ idolatry such confession has produced is more than can be related.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As to satisfaction, this is by far the most involved [perplexing] part of
+ all. For no man could know how much to render for a single sin, not to say
+ how much for all. Here they have resorted to the device of imposing a
+ small satisfaction, which could indeed be rendered, as five Paternosters,
+ a day's fast, etc.; for the rest [that was lacking] of the [in their]
+ repentance they were directed to purgatory.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here, too, there was nothing but anguish and [extreme] misery. [For] some
+ thought that they would never get out of purgatory, because, according to
+ the old canons seven years' repentance is required for a single mortal
+ sin. Nevertheless, confidence was placed upon our work of satisfaction,
+ and if the satisfaction could have been perfect, confidence would have
+ been placed in it entirely, and neither faith nor Christ would have been
+ of use. But this confidence was impossible. For although any one had done
+ penance in that way for a hundred years, he would still not have known
+ whether he had finished his penance. That meant forever to do penance and
+ never to come to repentance.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here now the Holy See at Rome, coming to the aid of the poor Church,
+ invented indulgences, whereby it forgave and remitted [expiation or]
+ satisfaction, first, for a single instance, for seven years, for a hundred
+ years and distributed them among the cardinals and bishops, so that one
+ could grant indulgence for a hundred years and another for a hundred days.
+ But he reserved to himself alone the power to remit the entire
+ satisfaction.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Now, since this began to yield money, and the traffic in bulls became
+ profitable he devised the golden jubilee year [a truly goldbearing year],
+ and fixed it at Rome. He called this the remission of all punishment and
+ guilt. Then the people came running, because every one would fain have
+ been freed from this grievous, unbearable burden. This meant to find [dig
+ up] and raise the treasures of the earth. Immediately the Pope pressed
+ still further, and multiplied the golden years one upon another. But the
+ more he devoured money, the wider grew his maw.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Later, therefore, he issued them [those golden years of his] by his
+ legates [everywhere] to the countries, until all churches and houses were
+ full of the Golden Year. At last he also made an inroad into purgatory
+ among the dead, first, by founding masses and vigils, afterwards, by
+ indulgences and the Golden Year, and finally souls became so cheap that he
+ released one for a farthing.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But all this, too, was of no avail. For although the Pope taught men to
+ depend upon, and trust in, these indulgences [for salvation], yet he
+ rendered the [whole] matter again uncertain. For in his bulls he declares:
+ Whoever would share in the indulgences or a Golden Year must be contrite,
+ and have confessed, and pay money. Now, we have heard above that this
+ contrition and confession are with them uncertain and hypocrisy. Likewise,
+ also no one knew what soul was in purgatory, and if some were therein, no
+ one knew which had properly repented and confessed. Thus he took the
+ precious money [the Pope snatched up the holy pence], and comforted them
+ meanwhile with [led them to confidence in] his power and indulgence, and
+ [then again led them away from that and] directed them again to their
+ uncertain work.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ If, now [although], there were some who did not believe [acknowledge]
+ themselves guilty of such actual sins in [committed by] thoughts, words,
+ and works,&mdash;as I, and such as I, in monasteries and chapters
+ [fraternities or colleges of priests], wished to be monks and priests, and
+ by fasting, watching, praying, saying Mass, coarse garments, and hard
+ beds, etc., fought against [strove to resist] evil thoughts, and in full
+ earnest and with force wanted to be holy, and yet the hereditary, inborn
+ evil sometimes did in sleep what it is wont to do (as also St. Augustine
+ and Jerome among others confess),&mdash;still each one held the other in
+ esteem, so that some, according to our teaching, were regarded as holy,
+ without sin and full of good works, so much so that with this mind we
+ would communicate and sell our good works to others, as being superfluous
+ to us for heaven. This is indeed true, and seals, letters, and instances
+ [that this happened] are at hand.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ [When there were such, I say] These did not need repentance. For of what
+ would they repent, since they had not indulged wicked thoughts? What would
+ they confess [concerning words not uttered], since they had avoided words?
+ For what should they render satisfaction, since they were so guiltless of
+ any deed that they could even sell their superfluous righteousness to
+ other poor sinners? Such saints were also the Pharisees and scribes in the
+ time of Christ.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Here comes the fiery angel, St. John [Rev. 10], the true preacher of
+ [true] repentance, and with one [thunderclap and] bolt hurls both [those
+ selling and those buying works] on one heap, and says: Repent! Matt. 3, 2.
+ Now, the former [the poor wretches] imagine: Why, we have repented! The
+ latter [the rest] say: We need no repentance. John says: Repent ye, both
+ of you, for ye are false penitents; so are these [the rest] false saints
+ [or hypocrites], and all of you on either side need the forgiveness of
+ sins, because neither of you know what true sin is not to say anything
+ about your duty to repent of it and shun it. For no one of you is good;
+ you are full of unbelief, stupidity, and ignorance of God and God's will.
+ For here He is present of whose fulness have all we received, and grace
+ for grace, John 1, 16, and without Him no man can be just before God.
+ Therefore, if you wish to repent, repent aright- your penance will not
+ accomplish anything [is nothing]. And you hypocrites, who do not need
+ repentance, you serpents' brood, who has assured you that you will escape
+ the wrath to come? etc. Matt. 3, 7; Luke 3, 7.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In the same way Paul also preaches, Rom. 3, 10-12: There is none
+ righteous, there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh
+ after God, there is none that doeth good, no not one; they are all gone
+ out of the way; they are together become unprofitable. And Acts 17, 30:
+ God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. "All men," he says; no
+ one excepted who is a man. This repentance teaches us to discern sin,
+ namely, that we are altogether lost, and that there is nothing good in us
+ from head to foot [both within and without], and that we must absolutely
+ become new and other men.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ This repentance is not piecemeal [partial] and beggarly [fragmentary],
+ like that which does penance for actual sins, nor is it uncertain like
+ that. For it does not debate what is or is not sin, but hurls everything
+ on a heap, and says: All in us is nothing but sin [affirms that, with
+ respect to us, all is simply sin (and there is nothing in us that is not
+ sin and guilt)]. What is the use of [For why do we wish] investigating,
+ dividing, or distinguishing a long time? For this reason, too, this
+ contrition is not [doubtful or] uncertain. For there is nothing left with
+ which we can think of any good thing to pay for sin, but there is only a
+ sure despairing concerning all that we are, think, speak, or do [all hope
+ must be cast aside in respect of everything], etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In like manner confession, too, cannot be false, uncertain, or piecemeal
+ [mutilated or fragmentary]. For he who confesses that all in him is
+ nothing but sin comprehends all sins excludes none, forgets none. Neither
+ can the satisfaction be uncertain, because it is not our uncertain, sinful
+ work, but it is the suffering and blood of the [spotless and] innocent
+ Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Of this repentance John preaches, and afterwards Christ in the Gospel, and
+ we also. By this [preaching of] repentance we dash to the ground the Pope
+ and everything that is built upon our good works. For all is built upon a
+ rotten and vain foundation, which is called a good work or law, even
+ though no good work is there, but only wicked works, and no one does the
+ Law (as Christ, John 7, 19, says), but all transgress it. Therefore the
+ building [that is raised upon it] is nothing but falsehood and hypocrisy,
+ even [in the part] where it is most holy and beautiful.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And in Christians this repentance continues until death, because, through
+ the entire life it contends with sin remaining in the flesh, as Paul, Rom.
+ 7, 14-25, [shows] testifies that he wars with the law in his members,
+ etc.; and that, not by his own powers, but by the gift of the Holy Ghost
+ that follows the remission of sins. This gift daily cleanses and sweeps
+ out the remaining sins, and works so as to render man truly pure and holy.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The Pope, the theologians, the jurists, and every other man know nothing
+ of this [from their own reason], but it is a doctrine from heaven,
+ revealed through the Gospel, and must suffer to be called heresy by the
+ godless saints [or hypocrites].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ On the other hand, if certain sectarists would arise, some of whom are
+ perhaps already extant, and in the time of the insurrection [of the
+ peasants] came to my own view, holding that all those who had once
+ received the Spirit or the forgiveness of sins, or had become believers,
+ even though they should afterwards sin, would still remain in the faith,
+ and such sin would not harm them, and [hence] crying thus: "Do whatever
+ you please; if you believe, it all amounts to nothing; faith blots out all
+ sins," etc.&mdash;they say, besides, that if any one sins after he has
+ received faith and the Spirit, he never truly had the Spirit and faith: I
+ have had before me [seen and heard] many such insane men, and I fear that
+ in some such a devil is still remaining [hiding and dwelling].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ It is, accordingly, necessary to know and to teach that when holy men,
+ still having and feeling original sin, also daily repenting of and
+ striving with it, happen to fall into manifest sins, as David into
+ adultery, murder, and blasphemy, that then faith and the Holy Ghost has
+ departed from them [they cast out faith and the Holy Ghost]. For the Holy
+ Ghost does not permit sin to have dominion, to gain the upper hand so as
+ to be accomplished, but represses and restrains it so that it must not do
+ what it wishes. But if it does what it wishes, the Holy Ghost and faith
+ are [certainly] not present. For St. John says, 1 Ep. 3, 9: Whosoever is
+ born of God doth not commit sin,... and he cannot sin. And yet it is also
+ the truth when the same St. John says, 1 Ep. 1, 8: If we say that we have
+ no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ IV. Of the Gospel.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We will now return to the Gospel, which not merely in one way gives us
+ counsel and aid against sin; for God is superabundantly rich [and liberal]
+ in His grace [and goodness]. First, through the spoken Word by which the
+ forgiveness of sins is preached [He commands to be preached] in the whole
+ world; which is the peculiar office of the Gospel. Secondly, through
+ Baptism. Thirdly, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourthly,
+ through the power of the keys, and also through the mutual conversation
+ and consolation of brethren, Matt. 18, 20: Where two or three are gathered
+ together, etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ V. Of Baptism.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Baptism is nothing else than the Word of God in the water, commanded by
+ His institution, or, as Paul says, a washing in the Word; as also
+ Augustine says: Let the Word come to the element, and it becomes a
+ Sacrament. And for this reason we do not hold with Thomas and the monastic
+ preachers [or Dominicans] who forget the Word (God's institution) and say
+ that God has imparted to the water a spiritual power, which through the
+ water washes away sin. Nor [do we agree] with Scotus and the Barefooted
+ monks [Minorites or Franciscan monks], who teach that, by the assistance
+ of the divine will, Baptism washes away sins, and that this ablution
+ occurs only through the will of God, and by no means through the Word or
+ water. Of the baptism of children we hold that children ought to be
+ baptized. For they belong to the promised redemption made through Christ,
+ and the Church should administer it [Baptism and the announcement of that
+ promise] to them.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ VI. Of the Sacrament of the Altar.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Of the Sacrament of the Altar we hold that bread and wine in the Supper
+ are the true body and blood of Christ, and are given and received not only
+ by the godly, but also by wicked Christians.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And that not only one form is to be given. [For] we do not need that high
+ art [specious wisdom] which is to teach us that under the one form there
+ is as much as under both, as the sophists and the Council of Constance
+ teach. For even if it were true that there is as much under one as under
+ both, yet the one form only is not the entire ordinance and institution
+ [made] ordained and commanded by Christ. And we especially condemn and in
+ God's name execrate those who not only omit both forms but also quite
+ autocratically [tyrannically] prohibit, condemn, and blaspheme them as
+ heresy, and so exalt themselves against and above Christ, our Lord and God
+ [opposing and placing themselves ahead of Christ], etc.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As regards transubstantiation, we care nothing about the sophistical
+ subtlety by which they teach that bread and wine leave or lose their own
+ natural substance, and that there remain only the appearance and color of
+ bread, and not true bread. For it is in perfect agreement with Holy
+ Scriptures that there is, and remains, bread, as Paul himself calls it, 1
+ Cor. 10, 16: The bread which we break. And 1 Cor. 11, 28: Let him so eat
+ of that bread.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ VII. Of the Keys.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding
+ and loosing sin, not only the gross and well-known sins, but also the
+ subtle, hidden, which are known only to God, as it is written in Ps. 19,
+ 13: Who can understand his errors? And in Rom. 7, 25 St. Paul himself
+ complains that with the flesh he serves the law of sin. For it is not in
+ our power, but belongs to God alone, to judge which, how great, and how
+ many the sins are, as it is written in Ps. 143, 2: Enter not into judgment
+ with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. And
+ Paul, 1 Cor. 4, 4, says: For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby
+ justified.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ VIII. Of Confession.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Since Absolution or the Power of the Keys is also an aid and consolation
+ against sin and a bad conscience, ordained by Christ [Himself] in the
+ Gospel, Confession or Absolution ought by no means to be abolished in the
+ Church, especially on account of [tender and] timid consciences and on
+ account of the untrained [and capricious] young people, in order that they
+ may be examined, and instructed in the Christian doctrine.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ But the enumeration of sins ought to be free to every one, as to what he
+ wishes to enumerate or not to enumerate. For as long as we are in the
+ flesh, we shall not lie when we say: "I am a poor man [I acknowledge that
+ I am a miserable sinner], full of sin." Rom. 7, 23: I see another law in
+ my members, etc. For since private absolution originates in the Office of
+ the Keys, it should not be despised [neglected], but greatly and highly
+ esteemed [of the greatest worth], as [also] all other offices of the
+ Christian Church.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And in those things which concern the spoken, outward Word, we must firmly
+ hold that God grants His Spirit or grace to no one, except through or with
+ the preceding outward Word, in order that we may [thus] be protected
+ against the enthusiasts, i.e., spirits who boast that they have the Spirit
+ without and before the Word, and accordingly judge Scripture or the spoken
+ Word, and explain and stretch it at their pleasure, as Muenzer did, and
+ many still do at the present day, who wish to be acute judges between the
+ Spirit and the letter, and yet know not what they say or declare. For
+ [indeed] the Papacy also is nothing but sheer enthusiasm, by which the
+ Pope boasts that all rights exist in the shrine of his heart, and whatever
+ he decides and commands with [in] his church is spirit and right, even
+ though it is above and contrary to Scripture and the spoken Word.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ All this is the old devil and old serpent, who also converted Adam and Eve
+ into enthusiasts, and led them from the outward Word of God to
+ spiritualizing and self-conceit, and nevertheless he accomplished this
+ through other outward words. Just as also our enthusiasts [at the present
+ day] condemn the outward Word, and nevertheless they themselves are not
+ silent, but they fill the world with their pratings and writings, as
+ though, indeed, the Spirit could not come through the writings and spoken
+ word of the apostles, but [first] through their writings and words he must
+ come. Why [then] do not they also omit their own sermons and writings,
+ until the Spirit Himself come to men, without their writings and before
+ them, as they boast that Me has come into them without the preaching of
+ the Scriptures? But of these matters there is not time now to dispute at
+ greater length; we have elsewhere sufficiently urged this subject.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ For even those who believe before Baptism, or become believing in Baptism,
+ believe through the preceding outward Word, as the adults, who have come
+ to reason, must first have heard: He that believeth and is baptized shall
+ be saved, even though they are at first unbelieving, and receive the
+ Spirit and Baptism ten years afterwards. Cornelius, Acts 10, 1 ff., had
+ heard long before among the Jews of the coming Messiah, through whom he
+ was righteous before God, and in such faith his prayers and alms were
+ acceptable to God (as Luke calls him devout and God-fearing), and without
+ such preceding Word and hearing could not have believed or been righteous.
+ But St. Peter had to reveal to him that the Messiah (in whom, as one that
+ was to come, he had hitherto believed) now had come, lest his faith
+ concerning the coming Messiah hold him captive among the hardened and
+ unbelieving Jews, but know that he was now to be saved by the present
+ Messiah, and must not, with the [rabble of the] Jews deny nor persecute
+ Him.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ In a word, enthusiasm inheres in Adam and his children from the beginning
+ [from the first fall] to the end of the world, [its poison] having been
+ implanted and infused into them by the old dragon, and is the origin,
+ power [life], and strength of all heresy, especially of that of the Papacy
+ and Mahomet. Therefore we ought and must constantly maintain this point,
+ that God does not wish to deal with us otherwise than through the spoken
+ Word and the Sacraments. It is the devil himself whatsoever is extolled as
+ Spirit without the Word and Sacraments. For God wished to appear even to
+ Moses through the burning bush and spoken Word; and no prophet neither
+ Elijah nor Elisha, received the Spirit without the Ten Commandments [or
+ spoken Word]. Neither was John the Baptist conceived without the preceding
+ word of Gabriel, nor did he leap in his mother's womb without the voice of
+ Mary. And Peter says, 2. Ep. 1, 21: The prophecy came not by the will of
+ man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
+ Without the outward Word, however, they were not holy, much less would the
+ Holy Ghost have moved them to speak when they still were unholy [or
+ profane]; for they were holy, says he, since the Holy Ghost spake through
+ them.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ IX. Of Excommunication.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The greater excommunication, as the Pope calls it, we regard only as a
+ civil penalty, and it does not concern us ministers of the Church. But the
+ lesser, that is, the true Christian excommunication, consists in this,
+ that manifest and obstinate sinners are not admitted to the Sacrament and
+ other communion of the Church until they amend their lives and avoid sin.
+ And ministers ought not to mingle secular punishments with this
+ ecclesiastical punishment, or excommunication.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ X. Of Ordination and the Call.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ If the bishops would be true bishops [would rightly discharge their
+ office], and would devote themselves to the Church and the Gospel, it
+ might be granted to them for the sake of love and unity, but not from
+ necessity, to ordain and confirm us and our preachers; omitting, however,
+ all comedies and spectacular display [deceptions, absurdities, and
+ appearances] of unchristian [heathenish] parade and pomp. But because they
+ neither are, nor wish to be, true bishops, but worldly lords and princes,
+ who will neither preach, nor teach, nor baptize, nor administer the Lord's
+ Supper, nor perform any work or office of the Church, and, moreover,
+ persecute and condemn those who discharge these functions, having been
+ called to do so, the Church ought not on their account to remain without
+ ministers [to be forsaken by or deprived of ministers].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Therefore, as the ancient examples of the Church and the Fathers teach us,
+ we ourselves will and ought to ordain suitable persons to this office;
+ and, even according to their own laws, they have not the right to forbid
+ or prevent us. For their laws say that those ordained even by heretics
+ should be declared [truly] ordained and stay ordained [and that such
+ ordination must not be changed], as St. Jerome writes of the Church at
+ Alexandria, that at first it was governed in common by priests and
+ preachers, without bishops.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XI. Of the Marriage of Priests.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ To prohibit marriage, and to burden the divine order of priests with
+ perpetual celibacy, they have had neither authority nor right [they have
+ done out of malice, without any honest reason], but have acted like
+ antichristian, tyrannical, desperate scoundrels [have performed the work
+ of antichrist, of tyrants and the worst knaves], and have thereby caused
+ all kinds of horrible, abominable, innumerable sins of unchastity
+ [depraved lusts], in which they still wallow. Now, as little as we or they
+ have been given the power to make a woman out of a man or a man out of a
+ woman, or to nullify either sex, so little have they had the power to
+ [sunder and] separate such creatures of God, or to forbid them from living
+ [and cohabiting] honestly in marriage with one another. Therefore we are
+ unwilling to assent to their abominable celibacy, nor will we [even]
+ tolerate it, but we wish to have marriage free as God has instituted [and
+ ordained] it, and we wish neither to rescind nor hinder His work; for Paul
+ says, 1 Tim. 4, 1 ff., that this [prohibition of marriage] is a doctrine
+ of devils.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XII. Of the Church.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ We do not concede to them that they are the Church, and [in truth] they
+ are not [the Church]; nor will we listen to those things which, under the
+ name of Church, they enjoin or forbid. For, thank God, [to-day] a child
+ seven years old knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and
+ lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd. For the children pray thus: I
+ believe in one holy [catholic or] Christian Church. This holiness does not
+ consist in albs, tonsures, long gowns, and other of their ceremonies
+ devised by them beyond Holy Scripture, but in the Word of God and true
+ faith.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XIII. How One is Justified before God, and of Good Works.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ What I have hitherto and constantly taught concerning this I know not how
+ to change in the least, namely, that by faith, as St. Peter says, we
+ acquire a new and clean heart, and God will and does account us entirely
+ righteous and holy for the sake of Christ, our Mediator. And although sin
+ in the flesh has not yet been altogether removed or become dead, yet He
+ will not punish or remember it.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ And such faith, renewal, and forgiveness of sins is followed by good
+ works. And what there is still sinful or imperfect also in them shall not
+ be accounted as sin or defect, even [and that, too] for Christ's sake; but
+ the entire man, both as to his person and his works, is to be called and
+ to be righteous and holy from pure grace and mercy, shed upon us
+ [unfolded] and spread over us in Christ. Therefore we cannot boast of many
+ merits and works, if they are viewed apart from grace and mercy, but as it
+ is written, 1 Cor. 1, 31: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord,
+ namely, that he has a gracious God. For thus all is well. We say, besides,
+ that if good works do not follow, faith is false and not true.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XIV. Of Monastic Vows.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ As monastic vows directly conflict with the first chief article, they must
+ be absolutely abolished. For it is of them that Christ says, Matt. 24, 5.
+ 23 ff.: I am Christ, etc. For he who makes a vow to live as a monk
+ believes that he will enter upon a mode of life holier than ordinary
+ Christians lead, and wishes to earn heaven by his own works not only for
+ himself, but also for others; this is to deny Christ. And they boast from
+ their St. Thomas that a monastic vow is equal to Baptism. This is
+ blasphemy [against God].
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ XV. Of Human Traditions.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ The declaration of the Papists that human traditions serve for the
+ remission of sins, or merit salvation, is [altogether] unchristian and
+ condemned, as Christ says Matt. 15, 9: In vain they do worship Me,
+ teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Again, Titus 1, 14: That
+ turn from the truth. Again, when they declare that it is a mortal sin if
+ one breaks these ordinances [does not keep these statutes], this, too, is
+ not right.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ These are the articles on which I must stand, and, God willing, shall
+ stand even to my death; and I do not know how to change or to yield
+ anything in them. If any one wishes to yield anything, let him do it at
+ the peril of his conscience.
+ </p>
+ <p>
+ Lastly, there still remains the Pope's bag of impostures concerning
+ foolish and childish articles, as, the dedication of churches, the baptism
+ of bells, the baptism of the altarstone, and the inviting of sponsors to
+ these rites, who would make donations towards them. Such baptizing is a
+ reproach and mockery of Holy Baptism, hence should not be tolerated.
+ Furthermore, concerning the consecration of wax-tapers, palm-branches,
+ cakes, oats, [herbs,] spices, etc., which indeed, cannot be called
+ consecrations, but are sheer mockery and fraud. And such deceptions there
+ are without number, which we commend for adoration to their god and to
+ themselves, until they weary of it. We will [ought to] have nothing to do
+ with them.
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+ Dr. Martin Luther subscribed.
+
+ Dr. Justus Jonas, Rector, subscribed with his own hand.
+
+ Dr. John Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, subscribed.
+
+ Dr. Caspar Creutziger subscribed.
+
+ Nicholas Amsdorf of Magdeburg subscribed.
+
+ George Spalatin of Altenburg subscribed.
+
+ I, Philip Melanchthon, also regard [approve] the above
+ articles as right and Christian. But regarding the Pope I hold
+ that, if he would allow the Gospel, his superiority over the
+ bishops which he has otherwise, is conceded to him by human
+ right also by us, for the sake of the peace and general unity
+ of those Christians who are also under him, and may be under
+ him hereafter.
+
+ John Agricola of Eisleben subscribed.
+ Gabriel Didymus subscribed.
+
+ I, Dr. Urban Rhegius, Superintendent of the churches in the
+ Duchy of Lueneburg, subscribe in my own name and in the name
+ of my brethren, and of the Church of Hanover.
+
+ I, Stephen Agricola, Minister at Hof, subscribe.
+
+ Also I, John Draconites, Professor and Minister at Marburg,
+ subscribe.
+
+ I, Conrad Figenbotz, for the glory of God subscribe that I
+ have thus believed, and am still preaching and firmly
+ believing as above.
+
+ I, Andrew Osiander of Nuernberg, subscribe.
+ I, Magister Veit Dieterich, Minister at Nuernberg, subscribe.
+ I, Erhard Schnepf, Preacher at Stuttgart, subscribe.
+ Conrad Oettinger, Preacher of Duke Ulrich at Pforzheim.
+ Simon Schneeweiss, Pastor of the Church at Crailsheim.
+
+ I, John Schlagenhaufen, Pastor of the Church at Koethen,
+ subscribe.
+
+ The Reverend Magister George Helt of Forchheim.
+ The Reverend Magister Adam of Fulda, Preacher in Hesse.
+ The Reverend Magister Anthony Corvinus, Preacher in Hesse.
+
+ I, Doctor John Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, again subscribe in the
+ name of Magister John Brentz, as on departing from Smalcald he
+ directed me orally and by a letter, which I have shown to
+ these brethren who have subscribed.
+
+ I, Dionysius Melander, subscribe to the Confession, the
+ Apology, and the Concordia on the subject of the Eucharist.
+
+ Paul Rhodius, Superintendent of Stettin.
+ Gerard Oemcken, Superintendent of the Church at Minden.
+
+ I, Brixius Northanus, Minister of the Church of Christ which
+ is at Soest, subscribe to the Articles of the Reverend Father
+ Martin Luther, and confess that hitherto I have thus believed
+ and taught, and by the Spirit of Christ I shall continue thus
+ to believe and teach.
+
+ Michael Caelius, Preacher at Mansfeld, subscribed.
+ The Reverend Magister Peter Geltner Preacher at Frankfort,
+ subscribed.
+ Wendal Faber, Pastor of Seeburg in Mansfeld.
+
+ I, John Aepinus, subscribe.
+ Likewise, I, John Amsterdam of Bremen.
+
+ I, Frederick Myconius, Pastor of the Church at Gotha in
+ Thuringia, subscribe in my own name and in that of Justus
+ Menius of Eisenach.
+
+ I, Doctor John Lang, Preacher of the Church at Erfurt,
+ subscribe with my own hand in my own name, and in that of my
+ other coworkers in the Gospel, namely:
+ The Reverend Licentiate Ludwig Platz of Melsungen.
+ The Reverend Magister Sigismund Kirchner,
+ The Reverend Wolfgang Kiswetter,
+ The Reverend Melchior Weitmann
+ The Reverend John Thall.
+ The Reverend John Kilian.
+ The Reverend Nicholas Faber.
+ The Reverend Andrew Menser.
+
+ And I, Egidius Mechler, have subscribed with my own hand.
+</pre>
+ <p>
+ <br /><br />
+ </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
+
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+</pre>
+ </body>
+</html>