We have before this time in the same case attributed our concern to the request of Einsiedeln to D. Spalatin, approximately this opinion. Since those of the nobility do not like nor should protect their subjects against the overlord, and each one, noble or ignoble, should believe and confess for himself and at his own peril, we thought that those of the nobility who had thought of their lord's edict should proclaim and hold it up to the people with this protestation and report:
2. first, that they themselves hold that doctrine to be right which teaches that we have forgiveness of sins, a gracious God, and eternal life out of mercy for Christ's sake through faith, and not for the merit or worthiness of our works, and that what is taught or added contrary to this article is wrong; that they also do not know how to punish the use of the sacrament according to the gospel; and if they were required by their authorities, they would, by God's grace, keep themselves proper in this. But because each one, noble and ignoble, is obliged to believe and confess for himself
and that they did not intend to protect anyone against their authorities, so that everyone would know their danger, if they, as subjects, did not want to obey the overlord's edict.
But if one thought that this protestation, made above, should be too harsh, one would like to protest in a few words that those of the nobility did not make themselves judges with this, nor did they want to burden anyone's conscience, but everyone should see his own danger. That is why they want to proclaim the edict.
(4) We know of no better way, for we are well aware that they cannot endure it against their authorities by making themselves subject to confessio (confession) and appellatio (appeal to a higher authority). But they may seek counsel at court about this, and whether they can find other ways; for against public authority there is otherwise little counsel, but only patience or force.
*) This concern is newly added in this revised edition. D. Red.