1. beware of sophistry.
2. from Wicelio.
3. a different one from the joke.
1. beware of sophistry.
(This § except for the last paragraph in Lauterbach, Nov. 17, 1538, p. 174.)
The world must be considered carefully because it is governed by opinions. That is why sophistical hypocrisy and tyranny prevail; true religion is forced to serve them as a handmaiden. Therefore, one must carefully guard against sophistry, which consists not only in ambiguities of words,
but flourishes in all classes, as it has the most beautiful appearance in religion under the name of the holy scripture. There is more harm in sophistry than any human being can recognize. For our nature, which is all too inclined to the lie of sophistry, cannot see the evil, therefore Plato sets up an admirable description of sophistry: Those are not to be praised who can reverse everything and refute the sayings of others, and according to both
Drawing conclusions on the sides, after the manner of Carneade; these are subtleties. This is the praise of a good head, to search for truth and to delight in simplicity.
The world is ruled by glibness and epicuric life, as experience shows, and it is now, unfortunately, all too apparent. Epicurism is even tearing down and taking over.
hand by force. God will come soon with the last day and put an end to the game, otherwise there will be neither advice nor help.
2. from Wicelio.
(Contained in Cap. 28, §17.)
3. a different one from the joke.
(Contained in Cap. 28, § 16.)