The New Living Way Prepared by Christ

and all faithful shepherds, do not do the shame to GOD and the evangelical truths of denying GOD and His great name, as if He were not powerful and strong enough to protect His truths and service against all powers of darkness. O you poor self-started shepherds and teachers! I pity you, that you run so willfully into your ruin; the falling away from your anti-Christian abominations and idols is coming now! It is breaking in suddenly! GOD is already opening the eyes of many thousands, both high and low, to see your abominations and great seduction. Today, when you hear the LORD’s voice, do not harden your hearts any further. Judge yourselves in earnest before you want to judge others on your Mosis-Stühlen seats of Moses. Reconcile yourselves with Christ and His faithful followers, so that they do not deliver you over to the jailer and bind you with Satan, whom you have served until now, and throw you into the abyss, from whence you will not come out until you have paid the last penny of your malice, or have surrendered to divine judgment and righteousness.

§. 11. You authorities, why do you let yourselves be moved and seduced so quickly by your godless preachers! So that you exalt yourselves above GOD and what is called true worship! And thus constantly rob GOD of His honor! GOD has never commanded you to protect His divine services and truths with your fleshly sword, to rule over consciences. Why do you not dismiss the preachers from your judgment seats, like the governor Gallio (Acts 18:12–16). Why do you not direct the teachers to prayer and earnest fighting and wrestling against the powers of darkness, so that GOD Himself might protect His flock from all seduction? Why do you not put bridles and bits into the mouths of all your godless teachers in universities and churches, who are still wild animals in their ruling lusts and passions, who have never let themselves be properly ordered in their hearts by GOD’s Spirit, and have not let themselves be made chaste, holy, and just in accordance with GOD’s will in obedience to divine truths. As those who can turn and ruin whole countries with their ruling malice and venom when they pour it into the hearts of their listeners. Why do you lay