Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same

Neither the confession¹ which is done to the Priest, neither yet the pain or penance which is joined for the same, have any authority from the holy Scripture, but are only grounded upon the authorities of a few fathers. And therefore I answer that the faithful are not bound by the word of god to do that penance which they call satisfaction, neither I say to require or do them. For there is one eternal satisfaction, that is to say, a price, reconciliation & redemption from our sins, to wit, the death & passion of Christ, by means whereof all our sins, •ffences and punishments deserved for ⟨image 125⟩the same, are clearly forgiven and wiped away. And this is confirmed by Isaiah. 53. the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles, and chiefly of Paul to the Romans the third and fifth chapters, and 1. Cor. 1. &c. If therefore by our works and penance which we suffer, that is to say, if we attribute to our satisfaction, which consisteth in the correction of our body, fasting, prayer, alms & other such like works, the remission of our sins, & the punishment due therefore, or if we suppose that by this satisfaction we satisfy and requite all those things, for the which we were guilty before God, then truly this satisfaction is directly contrary, and striveth against the satisfaction of Christ. Or else must they say that Paul in the like case reasoned not aright, when he said: For if righteousness be by the law, then is Christ dead in vain. For even after the same manner do we also reason, saying: If we our selves can make satisfaction for our sins, what need then had Christ to dye? Wherefore the Chuche keepeth still that one eternal