In Doctrine and in Ceremonies.... No New Ungodly Doctrine

[Note: Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession: the 495th anniversary of this milestone that is, arguably, the birthday of the so-called Lutheran Church. This is the conclusion of the Confession, largely authored by Philip Melanchthon. Here is a devotion for this commemoration. ~ Ed.]

1 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. 2 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 3 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. 4 Nor has anything been here said or adduced to the reproach of any one. 5 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. 6 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. 7 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.