There are two circumstances
by which men are wont to recommend, or at least to justify, their
conduct.
If a thing is done honestly, and from pious zeal, we deem it worthy of
praise; if it is done under the pressure of public necessity, we at
least
deem it not unworthy of excuse. Since both of these apply here, I am
confident, from your equity, that I shall easily obtain your approval of
my
design. For where can I exert myself to better purpose or more honestly,
where, too, in a matter at this time more necessary, than in attempting,
according to my ability, to aid the Church of Christ, whose claims it is
unlawful in any instance to deny, and which is now in grievous distress,
and in extreme danger? But there is no occasion for a long preface
concerning myself. Receive what I say as you would do if it were
pronounced by the united voice of all those who either have already
taken
care to restore the Church, or are desirous that it should be restored
to true
order. In this situation are several Princes, of not the humblest class,
and
not a few distinguished communities. For all these I speak, though as an
individual, yet so that it is more truly they who at once, and with one
mouth, speak through me. To these add the countless multitude of pious
men, who, scattered over the various regions of the Christian world,
still
unanimously concur with me in this pleading. In short, regard this as
the
common address of all who so eminently deplore the present corruption of
the Church, that they are unable to bear it longer, and are determined
not
to rest till they see some amendment. I am aware of the odious names
with
which we are branded; but, meanwhile, whatever be the name by which it
is thought proper to designate us, hear our cause, and, after you have
heard, judge what the place is which we are entitled to hold. --Address
to Emperor Charles V in "Necessity of Reforming the Church."