Works of Martin Luther, with Introductions and Notes (Volume I)Luther, Martin
ReligionChristian
Works of Martin Luther, with Introductions and Notes (Volume I)
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 16th century -- Early works to 1800
In all this we are to regard that which St. Peter bids us regard,
namely, that its power, whether it do right or wrong, cannot harm
the soul, but only the body and property; unless indeed it should
try openly to compel us to do wrong against God or men; [1 Pet.
2:19 ff.] as in former days when the magistrates were not yet
Christians, and as the Turk is now said to do. For to suffer
wrong destroys no one's soul, nay, it improves the soul, although
it inflicts loss upon the body and property; but to do wrong,
that destroys the soul, although it should gain all the world's
wealth.
[Sidenote: Why Temporal Authority Dare not, though Spiritual
Authority Must, be Resisted]
XIII. This also is the reason why there is not such great danger
in the temporal power as la the spiritual, when it does wrong.
For the temporal power can do no harm, since it has nothing to do
with preaching and faith and the first three Commandments. But
the spiritual power does harm not only when it does wrong, but
also when it neglects its duty and busies itself with other
things, even if they were better than the very best works of the
temporal power. Therefore, we must resist it when it does not do
right, and not resist the temporal power although it does wrong.
For the poor people believe and do as they see the spiritual
power believing and doing; if they are not set an example and are
not taught, then they also believe nothing and do nothing; since
this power is instituted for no other reason than to lead the
people in faith to God. All this is not found in the temporal
power; for it may do and leave undone what it will, my faith to
God still goes its way and works its works, because I need not
believe what it believes.
Therefore, also, the temporal power is a very small thing in
God's sight, and far too slightly regarded by Him, that for its
sake, whether it do right or wrong, we should resist, become
disobedient and quarrel. On the other hand, the spiritual power
is an exceeding great blessing, and far too precious in His eyes,
that the very least of Christians should endure and keep silent,
if it departs a hair's breadth from its own duty, not to say when
it does the very opposite of its duty, as we now see it do every
day.
[Sidenote: The Errors of Temporal Authority]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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