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

Grace and peace in Christ our Redeemer. Reverend and Prudent men, Lords and Dearest Friends: I would gladly excuse myself for responding too (more than) late to the letter you gave to me at Smalcald, if I thought there was any need for an excuse, especially since it is manifest to your Prudence V.P. = Vestra Prudentia what daily burdens weigh upon me, now an old man and an invalid; so much so that I have been compelled to withdraw myself entirely from all business and men, so that I might finally complete this writing intended for you.

I have indeed reread your document, and right from the beginning I was greatly rejoiced to recognize with what keen and serious zeal (setting aside previous contentions and all suspicions that have hitherto existed between us and your preachers) you have now resolved to promote and embrace concord. God and the father of all concord and love will perfect such a salutary undertaking, just as it is written: When a man’s ways please God, He makes even his enemies turn to peace. It is certain, and it is even impossible for it to be otherwise, that such a grave discord cannot be healed so easily, without a scar and cicatrix. For there will be some on both sides to whom this concord will be unwelcome and even suspect. Nevertheless, if we who truly feel this way on both sides apply ourselves firmly and assiduously, God the Father will be present with His grace, so that in time these controversies may expire among others as well; and the water which has been troubled will recover its former lost purity. Wherefore, I lovingly ask that your Prudence might take pains and seriously ensure that among you and yours, those clamorers who rave and bark against us, indeed against concord itself, might abstain from these outcries of theirs, and teach the common people simply, and likewise permit this business of concord to be their concern, not hindering...