Not being able to give an account of all Luther's works, we have quoted some short fragments of this discourse on good works, on account of the opinion which the Reformer himself had of it. "It is in my judgment," said he, "the best work that I have published." He immediately subjoins this profound observation. "But I know that when any thing I write pleases myself, the infection of this bad leaven prevents it from pleasing others."[203] Melancthon, in sending a copy of this discourse to a friend, thus expressed himself, "Of all Greek and Latin authors none has come nearer the spirit of St. Paul than Luther."[204] [203] "Erit meo judicio omnium quæ ediderim, optimum: quanquam scio quæ mihi mea placent, hoc ipso fermento infecta, non solere aliis placere." (L. Ep. i, p. 431.) [204] "Quo ad Pauli spiritum nemo proprius accessit" (Corp. Refor. i, p. 202.) CHAP. III. The Papacy Attacked--Appeal to the Nobility--The Three Walls--All Christians are Priests--The Magistrate's duty to Correct the Clergy--Abuses of Rome--Ruin of Italy--Dangers of Germany--The Pope--The Legates--The Monks--The Marriage of Priests--Celibacy--Festivals--The Bohemians--Charity--The Universities--The Empire--The Emperor must retake Rome--A Book not Published--Luther's Modesty--Success of the Address. [Sidenote: THE THREE WALLS.] But the substitution of a system of meritorious works for the idea of grace and amnesty was not the only evil existing in the Church. A domineering power had risen up among the humble pastors of Christ's flock. Luther must attack this usurped authority. A vague and distant rumour of Eck's intrigues and success at Rome awakened a warlike spirit in the Reformer, who, amid all his turmoil, had calmly studied the origin, progress, and usurpations of the papacy. His discoveries having filled him with surprise, he no longer hesitated to communicate them and strike the blow which was destined, like the rod of Moses of old, to awaken a whole nation out of a lethargy, the result of long bondage. Even before Rome had time to publish her formidable bull, he published his declaration of war. "The time of silence," exclaims he, "is past; the time for speaking has arrived. The mysteries of Antichrist must at length be unveiled." On the 24th June, 1502, he published his famous '_Appeal to his Imperial Majesty, and the Christian Nobility of Germany, on the Reformation of Christianity._'[205] This work was the signal of the attack which was at once to complete the rupture and decide the victory. [205] L. Op. (L.) xvii, 457-502.