If Luther had done nothing else than translate the Bible into German, he would have been remembered as a great pedagogic figure. Through his translation the Bible became the text-book of the people, not only in religion and morality, but also in language study. His plain, refined style is said to have introduced a new era in the German language and worked toward the unification of the national speech. But he did more direct service for the cause of education. In 1519 he wrote a sermon on married life, in which he appeals to the parents’ sense of duty to educate their children. Home education should be the basis and preparation for school education. True piety, better Christian life can be hoped for only by beginning with the child. It is the duty of all parents to devote themselves to their children, and the neglect of this duty will be the heaviest sin. Children should be taught and led with reasonable words instead of blows and stripes. One must be an example to them by words, conduct, and life. They must be guarded from the weakness and effeminacy which comes through indulgence in worldly pleasures. Yet, on the other hand, asceticism in the education of children is to be avoided. Home education, though fundamental, is not sufficient; for many parents lack the piety and learning, skill and art, time and means to enable them to lead their children; therefore we need schools and teachers. In his address to the magistrates and legislators, in which he urges them to establish and maintain Christian schools in each city for the education of all citizens regardless of rank and sex, Luther speaks as if he were proclaiming the oracle of God. He was obliged to speak because God opened his mouth, nay, God and Christ spoke through his mouth; education of youth was the fight against the devil; the cause of religion and education was one. He showed a high estimation of the teacher’s profession, saying: “I tell you, in a word, that a diligent, devoted school-teacher, preceptor, or any person, no matter what is his title, who faithfully trains and teaches boys, can never receive an adequate reward, and no money is sufficient to pay the debt you owe him; so, too, said the pagan, Aristotle. Yet we treat them with contempt, as if they were of no account whatever; and all the time, we profess to be Christians. For my part, if I were compelled to leave off preaching and to enter some other vocation, I know not an office that would please me better than that of schoolmaster, or teacher of boys. For I am convinced that, next to preaching, this is the most useful, and greatly the best labor in all the world, and, in fact, I am sometimes in doubt which of the positions is the more honorable” (12: p. 414).