Ratio ineundae Concordiae inter Ecclesias reformatas, sive, quibus modis occurri possit mirificis artibus, quibus pontificii per quosdam imprudentes theologos universas Christi ecclesias potissimum autem et primum Germanicas pessundare conantur

opinion on this matter as necessary to be believed for salvation, with no other proof added than that they have been so instructed by their teachers, that method of teaching the Churches of Christ is new and unusual and not to be received at all. For by this reasoning it would be permitted to everyone to constitute articles of faith in religion at his own pleasure: Furthermore, that would be to confirm the Pontificians a polemical term for Roman Catholics in their errors and idolatry: who are going to propose many more evident, plausible, and gracious arguments. Namely: That they themselves have been so instructed and taught (as they feel) for so many centuries without any contradiction by innumerable most pious Bishops and most learned theologians, that this doctrine of theirs has been received, approved, and confirmed by unanimous consent by very many provincial Synods and also by many general councils: from which it would be rash and very light to depart because of the opinion of one or another man, which is not proven and confirmed by any manifest testimonies of sacred scripture. But, if you, pious theologians of Germany, declare your pernicious opinion regarding this sacramental and oral manducation of the body of Christ (about which there is such stubborn contention) openly and clearly (which is certainly your duty) and separate the things necessary for salvation from those not necessary, reconciliation and concord will be easy for you with other moderate theologians and pious Churches: which, once constituted, the Pontificians will cease to object and reproach the Germans that there are as many opinions in their religion as there are Churches.

Therefore, I pray you, pious theologians, and I adjure you by the name of Christ, do not suffer any longer those things which are of your duty to be desired by so many most afflicted and endangered Churches: for in this declaration, the peace and tranquility of the Republic or the overthrow of the Churches consists.

But as for the impious, all Evangelical theologians confess that the body and blood of Christ in the Supper is food for the mind, not the belly, of the soul, not the body, and that pious souls are truly fed and cherished by this holy food and drink by the efficacy of the Holy Spirit. But that an impious and execrable soul is nourished by the same food and drink by the power of the Holy Spirit