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 the magistrate being called upon to put down all private disputes with all his authority. This is how we do in Wittenberg, and counsel others to do the same. From this you will see that the magistracy dare not tolerate what you speak of in the community. For it is nothing short of a secret scandal. Therefore call them out to the light of day, so that they may either justify themselves or be vanquished.

Along with the Decalogue and the Catechism, inculcate civil (burgerliche) and domestic virtues, and these ought most frequently to be the subject topics of preaching, and the people be compelled to attend, so that they may be instructed as to the duties of a subject and social life, whether they approve of the gospel or not, to prevent them becoming a stone of stumbling to others, by deliberately setting at naught political laws. For if they live in a community they must learn the laws of the same and obey them, even against their will. And they must do this, not only on account of their possessions, but for the sake of their family. Christ, who will sustain you, will teach you all else.

MARTIN LUTHER. (Schutze.)

1520
This year Luther issued the three great Reformation treatises: I. “To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.”  II. “On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church.” III. “Concerning Christian Liberty,” or “The Freedom of a Christian Man.”

XL
TO THE EMPEROR CHARLES V.

Luther places himself under Charles’s protection as being the defender of truth and righteousness.

January 15, 1520.

Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ! Doubtless every one marvels, most gracious Emperor, that I presume to write your Imperial Majesty. For what is so unusual as that the King of kings and Lord of lords