Report on Whether Secular Authority Should Suppress the Writings of Enthusiasts

Your WisdomsOriginal: E.W. (Eure Weisheiten). A formal honorific used to address the members of a city council, similar to "Your Honors." keep a serious watch, so that no sectarian spiritOriginal: Rottengeist. A derogatory term for those leading splinter groups or radical factions. sneaks in, causes unrest, and does harm; but rather that here in this city of Lewenberg pure doctrine, and the right understanding of the holy SacramentThe author refers specifically to the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) and the Lutheran insistence on the literal presence of Christ. instituted by the LORD, might be fortunately promoted. Also, where Your Wisdoms have noticed that the writings and books of the EnthusiastsOriginal: Schwermer. A term used by Lutherans for those who interpreted the Bible through "inner light" or reason rather than literal scripture. have been scattered here and have come creeping into the houses, Your Wisdoms, moved by Christian zeal, immediately ordered and undertook an InquiryOriginal: Inquisition. In this context, it refers to an official investigation and house search by city authorities to seize forbidden books, rather than the more famous ecclesiastical Inquisition., and such poisoned, impure books were taken away and brought to safe places.

To such a most holy work and service highly pleasing to God, I have wished to offer Your Wisdoms a blessed congratulation with this my public writing.

And may Your Wisdoms and all other authoritiesOriginal: Obrigkeiten. The ruling governing bodies or magistrates. now be blessed by God, who so earnestly, through such house searches and other means, give diligence and heed that the purity of divine doctrine and the Sacraments may be maintained. On the other hand, however, all those shall not be blessed by God who slander and mock such a holy and necessary work and interpret it in the worst way. As Your Wisdoms have sent to me—through the Lord SyndicOriginal: Syndicum. The legal representative or administrative official of the town.—a writing by Martin Luther regarding secular authority, and to what extent one owes it obedience, published in the year 1523Original: 23. jar Christi. Refers to Luther’s famous treatise Von weltlicher Obrigkeit (Of Temporal Authority)., and have also let it be indicated that some would wish to prove from such a little book of Luther’s that it were a mortal sin and service to the Devil [committed] /