we have learned. But Christ, Who htgan without our coun- sel, will perfect His work even against our counsel . . . I cannot possibly come to you, for I am distracted by all sorts of occupations, though there is nothing I would rather do.
I My opinion is that it is better all the peasants be killed than '^that the magistrates and princes perish, because the peasants
I took the sword without divine authority. The only possible consequence of their satanic wickedness would be the satanic devastation of the kingdom of God, and even if the princes of this world go too far, nevertheless they bear the sword by God's authority. Under them it is possible for both kingdoms to exist Ther-jfore no pity, no patience is due the peasants, but the wrath and indignation of God and men shotdd be visited upon those men who heed no warnings and do not yield when just terms are offered them, but with satanic fury con- tinue to confound everything — such are the Franconian and Thuringian peasants. To justify them, to pity them, to favor them, is to deny and blaspheme God and to try to pull Him down from heaven. Tell this to those preachers of yours, and let them dare what they please and try what they please, but I will not consent to their efforts ; nay, I will curse them in the name of the Lord. The Lord will judge hereafter which spirit is of the devil, mine or theirs. . . .
Martin Luther.
687. LUTHER TO JOHN RtJHEL DcWettc, ii, 669. German. (Wittenberg), May 30, 1525.
Grace and peace in Christ. Many thanks for the latest news, dear doctor and brother-in-law.* We must hope and pray that God will graciously put an end to this wretched state of affairs. That the people call me a hypocrite is good ; I am glad to hear it; do not let it surprise you. For some years now you have been hearing me berated for many things, but in the course of time all these things have come to noth- ing and worse than nothing. I should need much leather to muzzle all the mouths. It is enough that my conscience is clear before God ; He will judge what I have said and writ- ten ; things will go as I have said, there is no help for it.
^C/. supra, no. 68$, n. x.
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