Second Commentary on the Doctrine of Abstinence

into those men of humble character who, having shed all restraint in embracing the sacred rites of Luther, were guided and captivated merely by the pillaging and plundering of sacred possessions. I think I am dealing with a question neither ignoble nor unpleasant to readers, and it requires all the less recommendation from me because that disquisition which is accustomed to be instituted concerning the divine work of the purified religion is always held to be more noble, and because I can the less persuade myself that all those devoted to the purer rites have fallen into such oblivion of such great Princes that, having completely put aside the memory of them, they would wish for nothing to be repeated in recollection that might in any way serve to defend or praise them. I shall touch upon some part of this subject in these my academic dissertations. Nor do I think myself to be one who could exhaust it and adorn from every side the role of defender which I have assumed. I know how meager the powers of my intellect are. Nor do I consider myself sufficiently equipped with a wealth of learning or a store of resources. But just as it is honorable to dare in great matters, so the duty of piety which I assume seems easily to excuse my boldness. Otherwise, I shall employ all modesty, lest any injury be brought by me against my adversaries, or any crime be imputed to them of which the truth cannot be established. But as for that which will most contain the matter and the cause, I shall make an effort, as I prepare to examine the place, to use the complete monuments of historical deeds