Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- List of abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chronology 1521–1528
- Bibliographical note
- 1 Thomas Müntzer, The Prague Protest
- 2 Thomas Müntzer, Sermon to the Princes (or An Exposition of the Second Chapter of Daniel)
- 3 Andreas Karlstadt, Letter from the Community of Orlamunde to the People of Allstedt
- 4 Conrad Grebel, Letter to Thomas Müntzer
- 5 Andreas Karlstadt, Whether One Should Proceed Slowly
- 6 Thomas Müntzer, A Highly Provoked Defense
- 7 Felix Manz, Protest and Defense
- 8 Anonymous, To the Assembly of the Common Peasantry
- 9 Hans Denck, On the Law of God
- 10 Hans Hut, On the Mystery of Baptism
- 11 Michael Sattler, The Schleitheim Articles
- 12 Balthasar Hubmaier, On the Sword
- 13 Hans Hergot, On the New Transformation of the Christian Life
- Appendices: Programs of the Peasants' War
- Biographical notes
- Index of subjects
- Index of proper names
- Index of biblical references
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
8 - Anonymous, To the Assembly of the Common Peasantry
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- List of abbreviations
- Introduction
- Chronology 1521–1528
- Bibliographical note
- 1 Thomas Müntzer, The Prague Protest
- 2 Thomas Müntzer, Sermon to the Princes (or An Exposition of the Second Chapter of Daniel)
- 3 Andreas Karlstadt, Letter from the Community of Orlamunde to the People of Allstedt
- 4 Conrad Grebel, Letter to Thomas Müntzer
- 5 Andreas Karlstadt, Whether One Should Proceed Slowly
- 6 Thomas Müntzer, A Highly Provoked Defense
- 7 Felix Manz, Protest and Defense
- 8 Anonymous, To the Assembly of the Common Peasantry
- 9 Hans Denck, On the Law of God
- 10 Hans Hut, On the Mystery of Baptism
- 11 Michael Sattler, The Schleitheim Articles
- 12 Balthasar Hubmaier, On the Sword
- 13 Hans Hergot, On the New Transformation of the Christian Life
- Appendices: Programs of the Peasants' War
- Biographical notes
- Index of subjects
- Index of proper names
- Index of biblical references
- Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought
Summary
To the Assembly of the Common Peasantry which has come together in revolt and insurrection in the high German nation and many other places. Concerning whether their rebellion takes place justly or unjustly, and what they owe or do not owe the authorities etc., based on holy divine Scripture. Issued and discussed with good intention by your brothers in upper Germany, etc.
Now is the hour and time of the wheel of fortune. God knows who will remain on top.
“What increases the Swiss? The greed of the lords.”
Grace be with you and the eternal peace of God, from the father and our lord, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to save us from this present evil age according to the will of God, our lord. May he be praised for ever and ever. Amen.
Dear brothers in Christ, you know that the Lord says, “Render unto Caesar diat which is Caesar's, ” etc. Cling to this saying in Matthew chapter 23 [rather, Mt. 22:21], just as Christ himself also gave the tax money to the emperor, Matthew 17 [:24–27]. Look now, my dear brothers, the lord of heaven and earth, the true God, subjected himself to worldly authority, and voluntarily made himself liable to taxation, to give us an example to imitate. “The servant should never be above his lord.” Because of this commandment, we cannot excuse ourselves from die terrible punishment, as St. Paul said to die Romans in chapter 13[:2–6], “He who resists the authorities opposes die order of God … and he will incur judgment … For die authorities do not bear die sword in vain.
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- Information
- The Radical Reformation , pp. 101 - 129Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1991