what they have added concerning abuses, all the princes and
estates of the Empire undoubtedly know that not even the
least is approved either by His Imperial Majesty or by any
princes or any Christian man, but that both the princes and
the estates of the Empire desire to strive with a common
purpose and agreement, in order that, the abuses being
removed and reformed, the excesses of both estates may be
either utterly abolished or reformed for the better, and that
the ecclesiastical estate, which has been weakened in many
ways, and the Christian religion, which has grown cold and
relaxed in some, may be restored and renewed to its pristine
glory and distinction. To this, as is evident to all, His
Imperial Majesty has thus far devoted the greatest care and
labor, and kindly promises in the future to employ for this
cause all his means and zeal.


Conclusion


From the foregoing - viz. the Confession and its Reply -
since His Imperial Majesty perceives that the Elector, the
princes and the cities agree on many points with the Catholic
and Roman Church, and dissent from the godless dogmas that
are disseminated all over Germany, and the pamphlets
circulated everywhere, and that they disapprove of and
condemn them, - His Holy Imperial Majesty is fully convinced,
and hopes that the result will be, that when the Elector,
princes and cities have heard and understood this Reply they
will agree with united minds in regard to those matters also