teachings; that
I had not been wrought upon by money; that I had not aided them in
their plans, and now for the second time refused a pension; and also,
since it was the doctrine of former ages, that I could not be convicted
of a violation of honor or my oath. And thus the above-named honorable
Council has acknowledged my innocence.--So each and every one may see,
if I had wished to enrich myself with the gold of foreign lords, I
would not have refused the pension of the Pope, for to receive it from
him would have been disgraceful in the least degree to one in clerical
orders. But I declare it before the Judge of all men, God, that I have
never received pension or wages from prince or lord, or been bribed in
any way. And what I do to-day I do alone, because my office demands it
of me. I pray also that it may aid in checking the evil. For I would be
ever a murderer in the eyes of pious people, if I did not continue to
rebuke it severely. I am ready also at all times to give answer to all
men for my teachings, my writings and my actions, and dare take it on
my soul, that hereafter I will use all diligence to bring the word of
God clearly before all men, yet not I will do it, but God, and
therefore it deeply concerns me that our glorious Confederacy may
remain in existence. Although every one may think of me, as seems good
to him, yet I am conscious of innocence in regard to my teaching and
actions in that whereof my enemies accuse me. Moreover, though I exceed
many men in other faults, yet shall they not injure the truth of God
and a pious government. Let each for God's sake regard in the best
light my simple explanation of the affair of the foreign lords, which I
might have presented with far greater lustre to my reputation, had I
desired it. _For, a few days back, I received a letter from the Pope
and mighty verbal commands, which I have answered by God's grace in a
Christian manner, without being moved_; since I do not doubt, I would
become greater than any other man, if the poverty of Christ were not
dearer to me than the splendor of the Papists. Let every one regard it
in the best light. Since I must look to the wants of many, who have
claims on me elsewhere, I ought not to conceal my innocence of the
thing in my own spirit, but reply, after the example of Paul, in a
becoming manner; for the enemies of Christ often injure his doctrine
through my name, against which they utter falsehood; whom I have
followed now and t