he stretched string snapped', as the proverb has it; it could not be
otherwise. But I sorely fear that the same will happen one day to the
princes, if they too continue to stretch _their_ rope too tightly.
Again, the other side having commenced the action of their drama as they
did, no different ending was possible. May we not live to see worse
horrors!

However it was the duty of the leaders of this movement, if Christ was
their goal, to refrain not only from vice, but even from every
appearance of evil; and to offer not the slightest stumbling block to
the Gospel, studiously avoiding even practices which, although allowed,
are yet not expedient. Above all they should have guarded against all
sedition. If they had handled the matter with sincerity and moderation,
they would have won the support of the princes and bishops: for they
have not all been given up for lost. And they should not have heedlessly
wrecked anything without having something better ready to put in its
place. As it is, those who have abandoned the Hours do not pray at all.
Many who have put off pharisaical clothing are worse in other matters
than they were before. Those who disdain the episcopal regulations do
not even obey the commandments of God. Those who disregard the careful
choice of foods indulge in greed and gluttony. It is a long-drawn-out
tragedy, which every day we partly hear ourselves and partly learn of
from others. I never approved of the abolition of the Mass, even though
I have always disliked these mean and money-grabbing mass-priests. There
were other things also which could have been altered without causing
riots. As things are, certain persons are not satisfied with any of the
accepted practices; as if a new world could be built of a sudden. There
will always be things which the pious must endure. If anyone thinks that
Mass ought to be abolished because many misuse it, then the Sermon
should be abolished also, which is almost the only custom accepted by
your party. I feel the same about the invocation of the saints and about
images.

Your letter demanded a lengthy reply, but even this letter is very long,
with all that I have to do. I am told that you have a splendid gift for
preaching the Word of the Gospel, and that you conduct yourself more
courteously than do many. So I could wish that with your good sense you
would strive to the end that this movement, however it began, may
through firmness and moderation in doctrine and int