THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CREED.
I believe and confess, that, through the peculiar care of this Christian magistracy, and wise government of Cologne, and the active industry and assistance of the holy Augustin fathers, I have been entirely brought over from my heretical life and religion, to the true church of Rome, the only one in which salvation can be obtained; and I do publicly declare, to the whole world, that I embrace this faith freely and without compulsion.
“I confess and believe, that the Pope is Christ’s vicar, and has full power to forgive the sins of all mankind, according to his own will and pleasure, either to save, to let them perish, or to excommunicate them, if he thinks fit.
“I confess the Pope to be the supreme head of the church, and that he can never do wrong.
“I also confess, that whatever the Pope establishes, whether in the Holy Scriptures or not, whatever he shall please to ordain, is the truth, divine and genuine; that, consequently, every inferior person should esteem them equal to the commandments of God.
“I do confess, that the most holy Pope should be adored by every one, with divine honors, and that every one should bow the knee to him as to Christ himself.
“I confess and declare, that the Pope should be honored by all men, in all things, as the most holy father; and moreover, that those heretics who live contrary to his ordinances, should not only be exterminated BY FIRE and SWORD, without exception, and without the least mercy, but also that their bodies and souls should be delivered up to Satan.
“I confess, that the reading of the Holy Scriptures is the source of all sects and parties, as also absolute blasphemy.
“I confess, that to invoke the saints, worship the holy father, and bow the knee to them, make pilgrimages to their tombs, clothe them, and burn lights before them, is godly, holy and useful.
“I confess, that a priest is much greater than the mother of God: Mary only bore the Lord Christ, and never conceived again; but a Romish priest offers, and forms the Lord Christ, not only as often as he wishes, but in any manner he pleases; yea, he feeds upon him while he chews his bread.