offer no opposition or are afraid, and thus allow Christendom to
perish, it is our duty first of all humbly to call upon God for help to
prevent this thing, then to put our hand to work to the same end, send
the courtesans and those who bear letters from Rome about their
business, in a reasonable, gentle way inform them that, if they wish to
care for their parishes properly, they shall live in them and improve
the people by preaching or by good example; or if not, and they do live
in Rome or elsewhere, lay waste and debauch the churches, then let the
pope feed them, whom they serve. It is not fitting that we support the
pope's servants, his people, yes, his knaves and whores, to the
destruction and injury of our souls.

Lo! these are the true Turks, whom the kings, princes and the nobility
ought to attack first: not seeking thereby their own benefit, but only
the improvement of Christendom, and the prevention of the blasphemy and
disgracing of the divine Name; and so to deal with the clergy as with a
father who has lost his sense and wits; who, if one did not restrain
him and resist him (although with all humility and honor), might
destroy child, heir and everybody. Thus we are to honor Roman authority
as our highest father; and yet, since they have gone mad and lost their
senses, not allow them to do what they attempt, lest Christendom be
destroyed thereby.

XI. Some think, this should be referred to a General Council. To this I
say: No! For we have had many councils in which this has been proposed,
namely, at Constance, Basel and the last Roman Council; but nothing has
been accomplished, and things have grown ever worse, Moreover, such
councils are entirely useless, since Roman wisdom has contrived the
device that the kings and princes must beforehand take an oath to let
the Romans remain what they are and keep what they have, and so has put
up a bar to ward off all reformation, to retain protection and liberty
for all their knavery, although this oath is demanded, forced and taken
contrary to God and the law, and by it the doors are locked against the
Holy Spirit, Who should rule the councils. But this would be the best,
and also the only remedy remaining, if kings, princes, nobility, cities
and communities themselves began and opened a way for reformation, so
that the bishops and clergy, who now are afraid, would have reason to
follow. For here nothing else shall and must be considered except God's
first three Com