Report on Whether Secular Authority Should Suppress the Writings of Enthusiasts

...were the Body and Blood of our dear Lord Jesus Christ, presented and offered. For in Holy Baptism, it is not merely ordinary water, as the wretched AnabaptistsThe original German is Widerteuffer (re-baptizers). This was a derogatory term for radical reformers who rejected infant baptism. The author considers them "wretched" because he believes they strip the sacrament of its divine power by treating it as a simple human act. claim. Rather, because the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is present there, the entire Divine Trinity is present: namely, the Father with His love, grace, and light; the Son with His blood; and the Holy Spirit with His fire. And we are thereby assured—since we are baptized in their holy name—that they desire to preserve us powerfully, gloriously, and eternally.

Likewise, in the Sacrament of the Altar, there is also this glorious comfort: that Christ gives us His Body and Blood for this very reason—so that we may believe that He will dwell, exist, and remain with us, and that He desires to kindly and heartily share His life, His Holy Spirit, and all His goods with us poor children.

Therefore, both Divine Sacraments instituted by Christ our dear Lord are not merely signs by which one recognizes Christians from other people. Instead, they are given so that we may strengthen and comfort ourselves with them in our spiritual trialsThe original Anfechtungen refers to intense moments of doubt, guilt, or "assaults" from the devil that test a believer's faith. and say: "Sin, Devil, etc., why do you attack me? What do you want with me? Am I not baptized in the name of the Father, etc.? Likewise, I am absolvedoriginal: "absoluirt." This refers to the formal announcement of the forgiveness of sins given by a pastor. and released from my sins, and I have received the true Body, etc. I fear nothing from you at all," etc.

Who would not now rejoice in Holy Baptism from the heart? Who would not, with a joyful...