John Calvin describes the Catholic church as "very miserable, and almost desperate" in this 1543 work. He appeals directly to Holy Roman Emperor King Charles V, pointing out the failures of the church and demanding change. On behalf of the reformers, Calvin details his proposed solution. He gives a stirring call to reinstate sound doctrine and rethink everything from worship practices, to church governance, to administration of the sacraments in this lesser-known, yet important work.