WIr Jacob sturm der Meister vnd der Rathe zu Straßburg thun kundt, nach dem sich diser zeit ... vil Secte... (1527) - Page 1

1527.

A large, ornate woodcut initial 'W' is rendered in a calligraphic style with interlaced ribbons.

We, Jacob Sturm, the Master and the Council of Strasbourg, make known that, whereas at this time, in hindrance and defiance of the divine command, many sects and erroneous teachings are arising and appearing—specifically among certain persons called Widertreüffer Anabaptists; literally "re-baptizers" (who, under the pretense of leading a pious life before other Christians, nonetheless act against all divine and Evangelical scripture by refusing to acknowledge the authorities that God has established to protect the good and punish the evil as Christian)—and furthermore, because they harbor unfounded and wicked intentions against the articles established for the maintenance of the common good, love, peace, and unity, which are not forbidden by God, and because, as disruptors and offenders of a Christian and harmonious society, they persist in their stubborn ways and refuse to be corrected by any instruction: Since it is incumbent upon us as the appointed authority, by God and by virtue of our office, to confront such baseless, punishable, and encroaching behavior, we therefore command with great earnestness all and every one of our citizens, subjects, subordinates, and affiliates, both clerical and secular, in city and country, that they refrain from such erroneous and scripture-defying seduction. They shall renounce the Anabaptists and their followers, and shall not house, lodge, feed, drink, or support any of them in any way. Rather, they shall turn away these people, as they are of an erroneous mind and refuse to be corrected or instructed. Whoever fails to do this, whether they be a stranger or a local resident—no one excluded—and mixes with them, supports them, has community with them, or gives space to or adheres to their harmful opinions, him or them we shall not leave unpunished, in accordance with what is fitting and required. We do not wish to withhold this warning from anyone, so that they may protect themselves from harm. Acted and decreed on Saturday the 27th of July, Anno 1527.

MC I - 217
(3)

V - 60 - 188