(Fragment.)
Handwritten in Cod. 451. fol. Bibl. Goth. fol. 72. Printed in the Erlanger Ausgabe, vol. 56, p. I^XVIII and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 416.
Now, the F. F. G. know that in public preaching it is right and just to punish injustice, for which God has appointed it; but that each one should, according to his own head, grope and mock the other outside the office of preaching, that is contrary to common peace, and causes dissension, and might otherwise come about. Therefore, it is the duty of the Holy Father to take a serious look and to command them to believe inwardly as they wish, and at home, where they have authority to speak, or when they are ordered to preach publicly, to preach and teach according to their will; the Holy Father, as a secular lord, neither wants to force them nor to enforce them.
But that they break the common outward peace, and publicly punish in public, and rebuke or make noise and quarrel, since they have no right or power, that is the rebellious spirit, which E. F. G. must and want to counteract, that they should learn how they are not themselves masters in the country, and make and keep peace on both sides, so that no one
The first is to judge the second privately, without orders and out of public office. For it behooves no one to judge and touch another in this way, unless he has a command and office, like a preacher and prince. The Turk also does this, letting everyone believe and teach in his place as he pleases, but keeping peace on all sides so that no one has to offend or touch the other. That is also right and a fine, princely deed. This spirit is not cast out with the finger of God, but with blows.
No. 3322.