rch,
taken from the Scripture and the Fathers, we are confident that it
cannot be disapproved, especially since public ceremonies, for the most
part like those hitherto in use, are retained; only the number of Masses
differs, which, because of very great and manifest abuses doubtless
might be profitably reduced. For in olden times, even in churches most
frequented, the Mass was not celebrated every day, as the Tripartite
History (Book 9, chap. 33) testifies: Again in Alexandria, every
Wednesday and Friday the Scriptures are read, and the doctors expound
them, and all things are done, except the solemn rite of Communion.

Article XXV: Of Confession.

Confession in the churches is not abolished among us; for it is not
usual to give the body of the Lord, except to them that have been
previously examined and absolved. And the people are most carefully
taught concerning faith in the absolution, about which formerly there
was profound silence. Our people are taught that they should highly
prize the absolution, as being the voice of God, and pronounced by God's
command. The power of the Keys is set forth in its beauty and they are
reminded what great consolation it brings to anxious consciences, also,
that God requires faith to believe such absolution as a voice sounding
from heaven, and that such faith in Christ truly obtains and receives
the forgiveness of sins. Aforetime satisfactions were immoderately
extolled; of faith and the merit of Christ and the righteousness of
faith no mention was made; wherefore, on this point, our churches are by
no means to be blamed. For this even our adversaries must needs concede
to us that the doctrine concerning repentance has been most diligently
treated and laid open by our teachers.

But of Confession they teach that an enumeration of sins is not
necessary, and that consciences be not burdened with anxiety to
enumerate all sins, for it is impossible to recount all sins, as the
Psalm testifies, 19,13: Who can understand his errors? Also Jeremiah,
17 9: The heart is deceitful; who can know it; But if no sins were
forgiven, except those that are recounted, consciences could never find
peace; for very many sins they neither see nor can remember. The ancient
writers also testify that an enumeration is not necessary. For in the
Decrees, Chrysostom is quoted, who says thus: I say not to you that you
should disclose yourself in public, nor that you accuse yourself before
others, but I w