Ad omnes Germaniae ecclesias reformatas, piorum, qui sub Zvingliani et Calviniani nominis invidia, vim & iniuriam patiuntur, apologia

And we have testified more than once that we by no means shrink from such a legitimate gathering of the pious. Nor are we unaware that among the Most Illustrious Princes of Germany there have been some who desired such a meeting and freely offered their authority and assistance in convening and moderating it. For they knew that this is the ancient and most efficient way of settling disputes: namely, that—according to the example of the primitive Church which Luke describes in Acts, chapter 15—one should go to the Apostles, and controversies should be judged from their own mouths or writings. But such a great good, as our sins surely deserve, has been hindered by many other difficulties, and most of all by the iniquity of these most turbulent times. And even now we do not see what can be hoped for, since those who are considered the leaders among our adversaries follow a far different path, through which they have persuaded themselves that we and our churches can be oppressed.

The iniquity of the adversaries. For first, so that the case could not be known by all, for several years now they have advised their Princes that no place should be given to our books. And as for the fact that not long ago all theologians contended against the Papists that it is unjust for writings to be rejected before they are read, and for them and their doctrine to be condemned by the prejudices of a few—which is also the most equitable practice in all civil and ecclesiastical courts...