Papal rights. *)
Preface by Martini Luther.
1 I have often and long undertaken to compile such a book myself, as it is from the decree and spiritual laws, and that the same to our spiritual and temporal lords,
who follow our doctrine, so that they may see how completely blind they are, who not only do not hold their own doctrine, but also condemn it as vain heresy. From this one can well feel how great
*The book to which Luther wrote this preface is entitled: "Ein kurtzer Ausge, aus den Bebstlichen rechten der Decret und Decretalen, Ann den artickeln, die vngeferlich Gottes Wort vnd dem Evangelio gemes sind, odder zum wenigsten nicht Widderstreben. With a beautiful preface. Mart Luth. Wittemberg. 1530." 35 leaves in quarto. At the end: "Printed at Wittembergk by Joseph Clugk. HI.XXX." Against the same still appeared in the same
Let it be serious that they pretend to expel heresy, who are not so diligent about the matter that they might know and learn what they themselves believe, or what their own doctrine is, or how far it is against us, but go along badly: We do not like this doctrine, therefore let it be heresy, even if it were our own doctrine and set in our books. But what good is there in such people who condemn other people and themselves, and do not know why, how, or when?
(2) I know of a great archbishop, whom I will not name, who thought much of St. Cyprian, the holy bishop and martyr, and read a little of his books against the Lutherans, as if he meant to overthrow them; but when it was pointed out to him that in the same St. Cyprian's books the holy Christian church was not only in Rome but in all the ends of the world, he said. Cypriani's books, how the holy Christian church was not only in Rome, but in all the ends of the world, he said, "If I knew that Cyprian taught this, I would also burn his books as a heretic. And when this was presented to him in the book, he threw away St. Cyprian with his book, and would not read the heretic.
But because they want to remain blinded and hardened by God, we must honor the truth and show with this book how the wretched people not only teach and live so differently from the ancient fathers, but also against their own right, which is why they fight, rage and rage so shamefully until he comes who will redeem us and repay them according to their merit.
4 Therefore this booklet pleases me well, and is also well worth reading, for we have so far offered ourselves so highly to desist and to do everything that they could only set and command, when they left us free only the main pieces of Christian doctrine, which are also much in their own book of laws, and they themselves know nothing about it. May Christ our Lord hear our sighs and prayers, and put an end to all error and evil; to Him be praise and glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever, amen.
Seneca in Thyeste:
Ubi non est pudor,
Nec cura luris, Sanctitas, Pietas, Fides, Instabile regnum est.