In Walch, vol. XXI, 1449; in Schütze, vol. II, p. 375 (very erroneously from an Uffenbachian copy); in De Wette, vol. V, p. 8 and in the Erlanger Ausg., vol. 55, p. 141.
Since our gospel and doctrine urge in the highest degree that the two offices, secular and ecclesiastical, be well distinguished, and that they not be mixed together, unless great necessity or lack of persons compels it, that is, where there are persons to govern the city hall and city government, and again where there are persons to govern the parish and churches, neither shall interfere with the other in his office, but each shall be commanded to do his own in conscience, as St. Peter teaches. Peter teaches that we are not to be alienorum curatores vel inspectores; as in the beginning such two offices are separated from Christ, and experience too much testifies that there can be no peace where the council or city wants to rule in the church, and the example of the papacy teaches us well: Accordingly, we ask and admonish you, Pastor and Magister Leonhard, good friend, that you hold fast to this in Zwickau, as decided by the articles of visitation and subsequently by the princely decree. For the devil does not celebrate, so flesh and blood is not good, and the people in these perilous times are strange and foolish, many of whom do not seek peace and unity, but lust and thought. Therefore, because there can be neither peace nor unity, where the chaplain, schoolmaster, and church servants know that they may be in the church office without the knowledge and will of the parish priest, and thus can defy and insist on the council, since one can find everywhere
Letters from the year 1536. No. 2261 to 2264.
If you find backholders against the parish priests: You should not set an example and allow them, without your knowledge (where they want to do it) nor will, to accept or tolerate some chaplain, schoolmaster or church servant; just as we here in Wittenberg, according to the visitation, also do not allow the parish priest to accept and take leave without the knowledge and advice of the secular regiment, which also, as far as we know, all other cities do, without where the visitators (since one cannot otherwise get one) are asked for it. The secular regiment has enough to do for itself and must not burden itself with unnecessary regiments. It also has an annoying reputation, and neither Zwickau nor any other city council must not be ashamed to follow the example of Wittenberg and other cities, because according to the visitation order, to deviate from which common orders does not make good thoughts, but finally separation and devastation of the churches. We should thank God that our churches are somewhat brought into equal order and fasted; and God will not give happiness to those who disrupt such order and unity, and for the sake of their own ambition and conceit without any hardship. May God help and strengthen us all in right faith and uncontaminated love, Amen. Monday after St. Magdalene [July 24] Anno Domini 1536.
Martinus Lutherus, D. Johannes Bugenhagen, D. Georgius Spalatinus.
No. 2262.
July 24, 1536.