Luther’s unexpected wedding with Catherine von Bora; his justification of it; Melanchthon’s mixed feelings shown in his confidential letter to Camerarius; his surprise that Luther should have chosen this “unhappy time” (the period of the Peasant-War) for his marriage. Luther’s excitement during the War and his presentiment of approaching death; his determination to spite the devil and himself; his marriage a “work of God.” The death of Frederick the Wise removes an obstacle to Luther’s matrimony. Luther’s jesting references to the step. His friends’ misgivings. Erasmus sadly disappointed in his hope that marriage would tame Luther. Dungersheim’s lament. Marriage-legends: The statement that the marriage was consummated before being solemnised, due to a mere misunderstanding; report of Bora’s early confinement based on a statement of Erasmus which he afterwards withdrew. Statements of Heyden and Lemnius regarding Luther’s misconduct with Bora, too general to be of historical value _pages_ 173-189 2. THE PEASANT-WAR. POLEMICS. Connection of the Peasant-rising with the new preaching. The “Twelve Articles” of the Swabians; “Evangelical” demands of the Peasants; the Peasants incited by fanatical preachers; efforts made by the better pastors to quiet the populace. Luther drawn into the movement; his “Exhortation to peace”; its description of the lords calculated to fan the flame; his broadside “Against the murderous Peasants” and its drift: “Hew them down, slaughter, and stab them like mad dogs.” The pamphlet alienates the lower classes. Luther’s writing on the defeat of Münzer. His “Circular letter on the severe booklet against the Peasants.” Contemporary opinions regarding Luther’s action; Zasius, Cochlæus, Erasmus. Luther’s later references to his intervention in the revolt; he ceases to be any longer the idol of the people. The Catholic Princes take steps to maintain their authority against the encroachments of the innovators. The Dessau League and the Assembly of Mayence. Luther’s suppressed tract “Against the Mayence proposal,” 1526. The Lutherans enter into an alliance at Torgau; Luther on the aversion of both lords and peasants for himself. His abiding distrust of the peasants. The “awful ingratitude” of the people. His excitement and his polemics only deepen his conviction of his Divine mission. Emser’s indignation with Luther expressed in verse. The multiplicity of the matters of business referred to Luther _pages_ 189-223 3. THE RELIGION OF THE ENSLAVED WILL. THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN LUTHER AND ERASMUS (1524-1525).