Conclusion

1 p. 67 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 abuses 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 rites, confessions, burials, sermons on extraordinary occasions, and innumerable other things. 3 Things of this sort we have passed over, so that the chief points in this matter, having been briefly set forth, might be the most 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, so that it might be understood that, in doctrine and ceremonies, (nothing has been received on our part, against Scripture or the Church Catholic, since 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, so that our Confession should therein be exhibited, and a summary of the doctrine of our teachers might be discerned. If anything further be p. 68 desired, we are ready, God willing, to present ampler information according to the Scriptures.

JOHN, Duke of Saxony, Elector. GEORGE, Margrave of Brandenburg. ERNEST, Duke of Lüneburg. PHILIP, Landgrave of Hesse. JOHN FREDERICK, Duke of Saxony. FRANCIS, Duke of Lüneburg. WOLFGANG, Prince of Anhalt. SENATE and MAGISTRACY of Nuremberg SENATE of Reutlingen.