AUGSBURG CONFESSION, Preface to Articles XXII to XXVIII

1] Inasmuch, then, as our [Lutheran] churches dissent in no article of the faith from the church catholic, but only omit some abuses which are new, and which have been erroneously accepted by the corruption of the times, contrary to the intent of the Canons, we pray that Your Imperial Majesty would graciously hear both what has been changed, and what were the reasons why the people were not compelled to observe those abuses against their conscience.

AUGSBURG CONFESSION, Conclusion

Only those things have been recounted whereof we thought that it was necessary to speak, in order that it might be understood that in doctrine and ceremonies nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the church catholic. For it is manifest that we [Lutherans] have taken most diligent care that no new and ungodly doctrine should creep into our churches.

APOLOGY [DEFENSE] OF THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION, Article XII,66

66] Our adversaries [Roman Catholics] cry out that they are the Church, that they are following the consensus of the Church [what the Church catholic, universal, holds]. But Peter also here cites in our issue the consensus of the Church: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name, whosoever believeth in Him, shall receive remission of sins, etc. The consensus of the prophets is assuredly to be judged as the consensus of the Church universal. [I verily think that if all the holy prophets are unanimously agreed in a declaration (since God regards even a single prophet as an inestimable treasure), it would also be a decree, a declaration, and a unanimous strong conclusion of the universal, catholic, Christian, holy Church, and would be justly regarded as such.] We [Lutherans] concede neither to the Pope nor to the Church the power to make decrees against this consensus of the prophets.

APOLOGY OF THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION, Article XXIV,1

At the outset we [Lutherans] must again make the preliminary statement that we 1] do not abolish the Mass, but religiously maintain and defend it. For among us masses are celebrated every Lord's Day and on the other festivals, in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have been examined and absolved. And the usual public ceremonies are observed, the series of lessons, of prayers, vestments, and other like things.

APOLOGY OF THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION, Article XV,21

21] The Fathers had these reasons for maintaining the rites, and for these reasons we also judge it to he right that traditions [good customs] be maintained. And we [Lutherans] are greatly surprised that the adversaries [Roman Catholics] contrary to the entire Scriptures of the Apostles, contrary to the Old and New Testaments contend for another design of traditions, namely, that they may merit the remission of sins, grace, or justification.