The Catechism of the Council of Trent

ON THE TWELVE ARTICLES OF THE CREED.

I BELIEVE IN GOD, IHE FATHER ALMIGHIT, MAKER OF HF-AVEN AND EARTH.**

Amongst the many truths which Christianity proposes to belief, and of which separately, or collectively, an assured and firm faith is necessary, the first and. one essential to be believed by all, is that which Ciod himself has taught us as the foundation of truth, and which is a summary of the unity of the divine essence, of the distinction of three persons, and of the actions which are peculiarly attributed to each. The pastor \nll inform the people that the Apostles* Creed briefly comprehends the doctrine of this mystery. For, as has been observed by our predecessors in the faith, who in treating this subject, have given proofs at once of piety and accuracy, the Creed seems to be divided into three ]>rincipal parts, one describing the first Person of the divine nature, and the stupendous work of the creation — another, the second Person, and the mystery of man’s redemj)tion — a third, comprising in several most apj^ropriate sentences, the doctrine of the third Person, the head and source of our sanctification. These sentences are called artic les, by a sort of comparison frequently used by our forefathers; for as the ine.r.bers of the body are divided l>y joints so in this profession of faith, whatever is to be believed distincliy and separately from any thing else, is appositely called an article.