The Smalcald Articles | Page 7

works of men, are to help [set free] souls. Not to mention the fact that
nothing has been [divinely] commanded or enjoined upon us
concerning the dead. Therefore all this may be safely omitted, even if it
were no error and idolatry.
The Papists quote here Augustine and some of the Fathers who are said
to have written concerning purgatory, and they think that we do not
understand for what purpose and to what end they spoke as they did. St.
Augustine does not write that there is a purgatory nor has he a
testimony of Scripture to constrain him thereto, but he leaves it in
doubt whether there is one, and says that his mother asked to be
remembered at the altar or Sacrament. Now, all this is indeed nothing
but the devotion of men, and that, too, of individuals, and does not
establish an article of faith, which is the prerogative of God alone.
Our Papists, however, cite such statements [opinions] of men in order
that men should believe in their horrible, blasphemous, and cursed

traffic in masses for souls in purgatory [or in sacrifices for the dead and
oblations], etc. But they will never prove these things from Augustine.
Now, when they have abolished the traffic in masses for purgatory, of
which Augustine never dreamt, we will then discuss with them whether
the expressions of Augustine without Scripture [being without the
warrant of the Word] are to be admitted, and whether the dead should
be remembered at the Eucharist. For it will not do to frame articles of
faith from the works or words of the holy Fathers; otherwise their kind
of fare, of garments, of house, etc., would have to become an article of
faith, as was done with relies. [We have, however, another rule, namely]
The rule is: The Word of God shall establish articles of faith, and no
one else, not even an angel.
Secondly. From this it has followed that evil spirits have perpetrated
much knavery [exercised their malice] by appearing as the souls of the
departed, and with unspeakable [horrible] lies and tricks demanded
masses, vigils, pilgrimages, and other alms. All of which we had to
receive as articles of faith, and to live accordingly; and the Pope
confirmed these things, as also the Mass and all other abominations.
Here, too, there is no [cannot and must not be any] yielding or
surrendering.
Thirdly. [Hence arose] the pilgrimages. Here, too, masses, the
remission of sins and the grace of God were sought, for the Mass
controlled everything. Now it is indeed certain that such pilgrimages,
without the Word of God, have not been commanded us, neither are
they necessary, since we can have these things [the soul can be cared
for] in a better way, and can omit these pilgrimages without any sin and
danger. Why therefore do they leave at home [desert] their own parish
[their called ministers, their parishes], the Word of God, wives,
children, etc., who are ordained and [attention to whom is necessary
and has been] commanded, and run after these unnecessary, uncertain,
pernicious will-o'-the-wisps of the devil [and errors]? Unless the devil
was riding [made insane] the Pope, causing him to praise and establish
these practices, whereby the people again and again revolted from
Christ to their own works, and became idolaters, which is worst of all;
moreover, it is neither necessary nor commanded, but is senseless and

doubtful, and besides harmful. Hence here, too, there can be no
yielding or surrendering [to yield or concede anything here is not
lawful], etc. And let this be preached, that such pilgrimages are not
necessary, but dangerous; and then see what will become of them. [For
thus they will perish of their own accord.]
Fourthly. Fraternities [or societies], in which cloisters, chapters, vicars
have assigned and communicated (by a legal contract and sale) all
masses and good works, etc., both for the living and the dead. This is
not only altogether a human bauble, without the Word of God, entirely
unnecessary and not commanded, but also contrary to the chief article,
Of Redemption. Therefore it is in no way to be tolerated.
Fifthly. The relics, in which there are found so many falsehoods and
tomfooleries concerning the bones of dogs and horses, that even the
devil has laughed at such rascalities, ought long ago to have been
condemned, even though there were some good in them; and so much
the more because they are without the Word of God; being neither
commanded nor counseled, they are an entirely unnecessary and
useless thing. But the worst is that [they have imagined that] these
relics had to work indulgence and the forgiveness of sins [and have
revered them] as a good work and service of God, like the Mass, etc.
Sixthly. Here belong