They both continued through life to study the word of God, and to profess their improved views without the least hesitation.

So far was Melancthon himself from regarding any of his works perfect, that he continued deliberately to make improvements, even in this same Augsburg Confession, after the storms of papal persecution had subsided, till the end of his life.

And we might easily fill pages with the declarations of Luther, avowing his sense of the imperfections of his publications, and of the work of Reformation in his day.
"We believe," says the Plea, "that they (Luther and Melancthon) are no more than guides to the fountain of truth, to the gospel; and whenever we find that they lead us off from the Word of God, we are bound not to hesitate in our decided deviation from their views." p.8.This is precisely the noble, enlightened, and christian stand point of the American Lutheran Church.

In principle, the respected author of the Plea, does not differ from us.

It is only in its application to particular cases, that we may occasionally not coincide.
"The state of theology and religion of an age, does not at all depend upon the progress of general science and social life." p.10.From this sentiment and the train of observation in reference to it on the same page, we do not dissent.