Report on Whether Secular Authority Should Suppress the Writings of Enthusiasts

the Holy Spirit is given to no one unless he reads, hears, or believes the written and oral external Word of God. And whatever is not in accordance with the Scripture is certainly not from the Holy Spirit. What else is the Holy Scripture but an instruction, a teaching, and an assignment from the Holy Spirit? Indeed, for this very reason God has given us His Word in writing: so that every passing spirit might not lead us astray. Otherwise, what kind of confused chaos original Latin: "Confusum Chaos." Referring to a state of total disorder and lack of clarity.—what an inconsistent and rebellious preaching and teaching—would arise if we did not have a certain rule SchrifftMeaning "Scripture," used here as the "rule" or standard of faith. by which we had to guide ourselves? There is already so much fanaticism SchwermerFrom "Schwärmer," a term used by Martin Luther and his followers to describe those who "swarmed" like bees with their own private revelations, disregarding the literal text of the Bible. that it is a pity; what then would happen if we had no Scripture? Therefore, the deadly poison of the Fanatic is easily recognized here, as is what the Devil Teufel seeks through them: he wants to use them to abolish external, oral preaching, as if we henceforth had no need for either Scripture or preaching.

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So also do they sufficiently reveal their unclean spirit regarding the holy, comforting Sacraments, Sacrament for these are held by them in less honor than is proper and fitting. For first, many are found among them who, in part, completely abolish or, in part, diminish the external means of the holy Sacraments for salvation. seligkeit Although God's grace, the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life are offered and delivered to us through the worthy Word of God (which they defile and blaspheme), nevertheless such high and eternal treasures are also given to us through both highly venerable Sacraments: Baptism Tauffe and the—