Article XV Human Traditions

[1] The declaration of the papists that human traditions serve for the forgiveness of sins or merit salvation is unchristian and condemned. As Christ says, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” [Matthew 15:9]. Again, “the commands of people who turn away from the truth” [Titus 1:14]. [2] When they declare that it is a mortal sin if someone breaks these ordinances, this, too, is not right.

[3] These are the articles on which I must stand, and, God willing, shall stand, even to my death. I do not know how to change or yield anything in them. If anyone wants to yield anything, let him do it at the peril of his conscience.

[4] Finally, there still remains the pope’s bag of tricks about foolish and childish articles, such as the dedication of churches, the baptism of bells, the baptism of the altar stone, and the inviting of sponsors to these rites who would make donations towards them. Such baptizing is a mockery and scorning of Holy Baptism, and so should not be tolerated. [5] Furthermore, concerning the consecration of wax candles, palm branches, cakes, oats, spices, and such, these cannot be called consecrations, but are sheer mockery and fraud. Such tricks are without number. We commend them for adoration to their god and to themselves, until they weary of it. We will have nothing to do with them.