But now, in order finally to conclude, let the others decide what they wish to assume for themselves. I for my part do not arrogate to myself doctrine, nor sanctity, nor do I depend on my intellect. I simply want to offer with earnestness what moves my soul. If someone undertakes to teach me, I would not consciously oppose truth. If my opponents, however, prefer to slander me, although I dispute truthfully and without slander, rather than quarrel, then everyone will miss the Spirit of the Gospels among those who continuously speak of it. Paul exhorts, “But him who is weak in faith, receive” (Romans 14:1). Christ will not extinguish a smoking wick! The Apostle Peter says, “Be ready always with an answer to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet, do so with gladness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15-16). If my opponents respond, “Erasmus is like an old wine-skin unable to hold the new wine which they offer to the world,” and if their self-confidence is so great, they at least ought to consider us as Christ did Nicodemus, and as the Apostles did Gamaliel. The Lord did not repel the former, who, though ignorant, was desirous of learning. Nor did the Apostles spurn Gamaliel who desired to suspend his judgment until the nature of the matter would show by what spirit it was being led.