The New Living Way Prepared by Christ

Whether I have complained in the slightest to any person, or lodged a complaint about the sufferings and tribulations that have been inflicted upon me, or whether I have proven the power of God in the denial of myself, wife, children, and all things of this world by my deeds. Those who heard and saw me in prison, and who kept guard over me, will know that best. Those who kept close company with me. Those who also gave God the glory and called upon Him for divine conviction and certainty.

The most important questions, as far as I can still remember them, which were answered before a High and Noble Council at Clausthal, were the following:

1. Why had I been removed from office? R. Because I had publicly testified against the godless life of those teachers in the churches in Halle—twice in the Market Church and twice in the Hospital Church—and against the great seduction arising therefrom, against their will, in the name of Jesus.

2. What, then, are my activities now? R. That I preach the Gospel of Christ freely and without charge, driven by the Spirit of Jesus Christ wherever the Lord sends me.

3. What moved me to come here to the Harz; did these my brothers demand it of me and write to me? R. No, I was convinced and driven by the Spirit of God in my inward being to go here and to testify in His name.

4. Did they not show me the Royal Order concerning their private meetings when I was here a year ago? R. No, they may have thought of something of the sort. But because I was driven by God to resist the very great sins of those authorities, when they, in spiritual and divine service matters, misled by godless teachers, commanded what God forbade and forbade what God commanded, I did not resist with outward violence, but through childlike obedience, that in such spiritual matters one must obey God more than men;