A22612:403
The Confession of the Faith of the Germans
The confession of the faith of the Germans exhibited to the most victorious Emperor Charles the. v. in the Council or assemble holden at Augusta the year of our Lord. 1530. To which is added the apology of Melanchthon who defendeth with reasons invincible the aforesaid confession translated by Richard Taverner at the commaundeme[n]t of his master Thomas Cromwell chief Secretary to the kings grace.The confessyon of the fayth of the Germaynes exhibited to the moste victorious Emperour Charles the. v. in the Councell or assemble holden at Augusta the yere of our Lorde. 1530. To which is added the apologie of Melancthon who defendeth with reasons inuincible the aforesayde confesyon translated by Rycharde Tauerner at the commaundeme[n]t of his master Thomas Cromwel chefe Secretarie to the kynges grace.
Imprinted at London : In fletestrete, by me Robert Redman, dwelling at the sign of the George next to saint Dunstones Churche, 1536Imprynted at London : In fletestrete, by me Robert Redman, dwellynge at the sygne of the George nexte to saynt Dunstones Churche, 1536
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1On the other side, our priests (thanks be given to god for his goodness) teach the gospel of the benefits of Christ, & show that remission of since cometh freely for Christs sake. This doctrine bringeth strong and ⟨image 186⟩sure consolation to consciences. There is also added the doctrine of good works, which god commandeth. The use also and dignity of the sacraments is taught among us.
1On the other syde, our preestes (thankes be gyuen to god for his goodnes) teache the gospell of the benefites of Christe, & shewe that remission of synnes cōmeth frely for Christis sake. This doctrine bryngethe stronge and ⟨image 186⟩sure consolation to cōsciences. There is also added the doctrine of good workꝭ, whiche god cōmaundeth. The vse also and dignitie of the sacramentes is taughte amonge vs.
- 1Dani. 9 The doctrine of the preachers ī Germany.Dani. 9 The doctrin of the preachers ī Germanye.
That if the use of the sacrament were a continual and daily sacrifice: yet should we retain and keep the said sacrifice more than our adversaries. For among them priests use the sacrament, because they be hired for wages and rewards. With us the use of the sacrament is more often & also more devout and holy. For the people use the sacrament, but they be first taught and examined. For they be taught and instructed of the true and right use of the sacrament, which is that it was ordained for this entente, that it should be a seal & testimony of free remission of sins. And therefore it ought to teach fearful consciences, and to put them in remembrance, to be assured & certain within them selves, and to believe that their sins be freely forgiven them. For as much then, as we retain still both the preaching of the gospel, and the lawful use of the sacraments: there remaineth still with us the continual sacrifice. And if we should speak of the outward sight and show to the eye: there is greater resort of people in our churches, than in the churches of our adversaries. For the people be kept together with profitable and playne sermones. But as for the doctrine of our adversaries, neither y people, neither the doctors them selves ever understand it. And the very true apparelling and decking of temples is godly doctrine, profitable and plain to the hearers, the godly use of the sacraments