The Augsburg Confession: The confession of faith, which was submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V at the diet of Augsburg in the year 1530Melanchthon, Philipp
Religion
The Augsburg Confession: The confession of faith, which was submitted to His Imperial Majesty Charles V at the diet of Augsburg in the year 1530
Melanchthon, Philipp
Lutheran Church -- Doctrines; Theology, Doctrinal
Falsely are our churches accused of abolishing the Mass; for the Mass is
retained among us, and celebrated with the highest reverence. Nearly
all the usual ceremonies are also preserved, save that the parts sung in
Latin are interspersed here and there with German hymns, which have been
added to teach the people. For ceremonies are needed to this end alone
that the unlearned be taught [what they need to know of Christ]. And not
only has Paul commanded to use in the church a language understood by
the people 1 Cor. 14,2. 9, but it has also been so ordained by man's
law. The people are accustomed to partake of the Sacrament together, if
any be fit for it, and this also increases the reverence and devotion of
public worship. For none are admitted except they be first examined. The
people are also advised concerning the dignity and use of the Sacrament,
how great consolation it brings anxious consciences, that they may learn
to believe God, and to expect and ask of Him all that is good. [In this
connection they are also instructed regarding other and false teachings
on the Sacrament.] This worship pleases God; such use of the Sacrament
nourishes true devotion toward God. It does not, therefore, appear that
the Mass is more devoutly celebrated among our adversaries than among
us.
But it is evident that for a long time this also has been the public
and most grievous complaint of all good men that Masses have been basely
profaned and applied to purposes of lucre. For it is not unknown how far
this abuse obtains in all the churches by what manner of men Masses are
said only for fees or stipends, and how many celebrate them contrary to
the Canons. But Paul severely threatens those who deal unworthily with
the Eucharist when he says, 1 Cor.11,27: Whosoever shall eat this bread,
and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the
body and blood of the Lord. When, therefore our priests were admonished
concerning this sin, Private Masses were discontinued among us, as
scarcely any Private Masses were celebrated except for lucre's sake.
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