The Catechism of the Council of Trent

ON THE TWELVE ARTICLES OF THE CREED.

“I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH.”

AMONGST the many truths which Christianity proposes to our 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 God 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 will 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 principal parts, one describing the first Person of the di vine nature, and the stupendous work of the creation — another, the second Person, and the mystery of man’s redemption — a third, comprising in several most appropirate sentences, the doctrine of the third Person, the head and source of our sanctification. These sentences are called articles, by a sort of comparison frequently used by our forefathers; for as the members of the body are divided by joints (articulis) so in this profession of faith, whatever is to be believed distinctly and separately from any thing else, is appositely called an article.