Page:Works of Martin Luther, with introductions and notes, Volume 1.djvu/94

80 In the same spirit as in his Treatise on Baptism, he protests against the numerous vows, the binding force of which was a constant subject of treatment in pastoral dealing with souls. The multiplication of vows had caused a depreciation of the one all-embracing vow of baptism. Nevertheless the pope's right to give a dispensation he regards as limited entirely to such matters as those concerning which God's Word has given no command. With matters which concern only the relation of the individual to God, the Pope's authority is of no avail.

Literature.—,, , 1578 (Preuss edition), 441-456. , G. E.,, 1854. , G. F.,, 1857. , .,, 2:  , 1856. , E.,  , 2 vols., 1902-1903. , G.,, vol. 2, particularly secs. 44, 45,  and. ,  (English Translation), 1: 357, 360, 400. See also  (English Translation), 326, 899.