The 1530 Augsburg Confession

• Preface to the Emperor Charles V.
• Article I: Of God.
• Article II: Of Original Sin.
• Article III: Of the Son of God.
• Article IV: Of Justification.
• Article V: Of the Ministry.
• Article VI: Of New Obedience.
• Article VII: Of the Church.
• Article VIII: What the Church Is.
• Article IX: Of Baptism.
• Article X: Of the Lord's Supper.
• Article XI: Of Confession.
• Article XII: Of Repentance.
• Article XIII: Of the Use of the Sacraments.
• Article XIV: Of Ecclesiastical Order.
• Article XV: Of Ecclesiastical Usages.
• Article XVI: Of Civil Affairs.
• Article XVII: Of Christ's Return to Judgment.
• Article XVIII: Of Free Will.
• Article XIX: Of the Cause of Sin.
• Article XX: Of Good Works.
• Article XXI: Of the Worship of the Saints.
• Article XXII: Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament.
• Article XXIII: Of the Marriage of Priests.
• Article XXIV: Of the Mass.
• Article XXV: Of Confession.
• Article XXVI: Of the Distinction of Meats.
• Article XXVII: Of Monastic Vows.
• Article XXVIII: Of Ecclesiastical Power.
• Conclusion.

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.