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