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traditions go out of use。
But the bishops might easily retain the lawful obedience of
the people if they would not insist upon the observance of
such traditions as cannot be kept with a good conscience。 Now
they command celibacy； they admit none unless they swear that
they will not teach the pure doctrine of the Gospel。 The
churches do not ask that the bishops should restore concord at
the expense of their honor； which； nevertheless； it would be
proper for good pastors to do。 They ask only that they would
release unjust burdens which are new and have been received
contrary to the custom of the Church Catholic。 It may be that
in the beginning there were plausible reasons for some of
these ordinances； and yet they are not adapted to later times。
It is also evident that some were adopted through erroneous
conceptions。 Therefore it would be befitting the clemency of
the Pontiffs to mitigate them now； because such a modification
does not shake the unity of the Church。 For many human
traditions have been changed in process of time； as the Canons
themselves show。 But if it be impossible to obtain a
mitigation of such observances as cannot be kept without sin；
we are bound to follow the apostolic rule； Acts 5； 29； which
commands us to obey God rather than men。
Peter； 1 Pet。 5； 3； forbids bishops to be lords； and to rule
over the churches。 It is not our design now to wrest the
government from the bishops； but this one thing is asked；
namely； that they allow the Gospel to be purely taught； and
that they relax some few observances which cannot be kept
without sin。 But if they make no concession； it is for them to
see how they shall give account to God for furnishing； by
their obstinacy； a cause for schism。
Conclusion。
These are the chief articles which seem to be in controversy。
For although we might have spoken of more abuses； yet； to
avoid undue length； we have set forth the chief points； from
which the rest may be readily judged。 There have been great
complaints concerning indulgences； pilgrimages； and the abuse
of excommunications。 The parishes have been vexed in many ways
by the dealers in indulgences。 There were endless contentions
between the pastors and the monks concerning the parochial
right； confessions； burials； sermons on extraordinary
occasions； and innumerable other things。 Issues of this sort
we have passed over so that the chief points in this matter；
having been briefly set forth； might be the more readily
understood。 Nor has anything been here said or adduced to the
reproach of any one。 Only those things have been recounted
whereof we thought that it was necessary to speak； in order
that it might be understood that in doctrine and ceremonies
nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the
Church Catholic。 For it is manifest that we have taken most
diligent care that no new and ungodly doctrine should creep
into our churches。
The above articles we desire to present in accordance with the
edict of Your Imperial Majesty； in order to exhibit our
Confession and let men see a summary of the doctrine of our
teachers。 If there is anything that any one might desire in
this Confession； we are ready； God willing； to present ampler
information according to the Scriptures。
Your Imperial Majesty's
faithful subjects：
John； Duke of Saxony； Elector。
George； Margrave of Brandenburg。
Ernest； Duke of Lueneberg。
Philip； Landgrave of Hesse。
John Frederick； Duke of Saxony。
Francis； Duke of Lueneburg。
Wolfgang； Prince of Anhalt。
Senate and Magistracy of Nuremburg。
Senate of Reutlingen。
End