Nor is it necessary, that the same human traditions, that is, rites and ceremonies instituted by men, should be everywhere observed.

As Paul says: "One faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all," &c.
ARTICLE VIII.

- WHAT THE CHURCH IS.
Although the church is properly a congregation of saints and true believers; yet in the present life, many hypocrites and wicked men are mingled with them.
ARTICLE IX.

- CONCERNING BAPTISM.
Concerning baptism, our churches teach, that it is "a necessary ordinance," [Note 1] that it is a means of grace, and ought to be administered also to children, who are thereby dedicated to God, and received into his favor.
ARTICLE X.- OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.
In regard to the Lord's Supper they teach that Christ is present with the communicants in the Lord's Supper, "under the emblems of bread and wine." [Note 2] ARTICLE XI.

- OF CONFESSION.
[As Private Confession and Absolution, which are inculcated in this Article, though in a modified form, have been universally rejected by the American Lutheran Church, the omission of this Article is demanded by the principle on which the American Recension of the Augsburg Confession is constructed; namely, to omit the several portions, which are rejected by the great mass of our churches in this country, and to add nothing in their stead.] [tr.