camels, and, instead, strain at gnats, let the beams stand and
judge the motes, we also might indeed be satisfied with the
Council.

Therefore I have presented few articles; for we have without
this so many commands of God to observe in the Church, the
state and the family that we can never fulfil them. What,
then, is the use, or what does it profit that many decrees and
statutes thereon are made in the Council, especially when
these chief matters commanded of God are neither regarded nor
observed? Just as though He were bound to honor our jugglery
as a reward of our treading His solemn commandments under
foot. But our sins weigh upon us and cause God not to be
gracious to us; for we do not repent, and, besides, wish to
defend every abomination.

O Lord Jesus Christ, do Thou Thyself convoke a Council, and
deliver Thy servants by Thy glorious advent! The Pope and his
adherents are done for; they will have none of Thee. Do Thou,
then, help us, who are poor and needy, who sigh to Thee, and
beseech Thee earnestly, according to the grace which Thou hast
given us, through Thy Holy Ghost who liveth and reigneth with
Thee and the Father, blessed forever. Amen.


THE FIRST PART

Treats of the Sublime Articles Concerning the Divine Majesty,
as: