Soon after he writes thus: They further object saying, Those who will not comply with the law, must be compelled by weapons and force, &c.

Answer: To speak properly and christianlike upon the subject, war does not become us in any possible way. It is our duty, in accordance with the doctrine of Christ, to pray for those who speak all manner of evil of us and consider us as fools; nay when they smite us upon one cheek we should turn the other also; then we shall be children of the Most High. [So much for Carlstadt.]

From Carlstadt the writer proceeds to Luther, and says, In a small work printed at Wittenberg, A. D. 1520, Luther assigns the reason for his burning the pope's books, which was, as appears from the 22d article, his teaching, that it is right for a christian to defend himself against force by force, in contrariety to the saying of Christ. Matt. 5. Whosoever taketh away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

In another small work printed also at Wittenberg, it appears, among other articles, that he (Luther) taught, that the words of Christ. Matt. 5. Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And Rom. 12. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves are not a counsel which a person

may or may not comply with at his option, but one which it is incumbent upon us to observe, &c.

Also, christians are forbidden to take their cause to court. Also, as a christian is not permitted to place his affections upon worldly goods, so neither is he permitted to take an oath in regard to them.

In short, it is proved that Luther was opposed for a considerable length of time, both by his mouth and his pen, to a resistance or defence, till finally, seduced from the doctrine of truth, he adopted another belief. [Sleydanus testifies the same, in Book 8, Page 561. See the oldest editions. History of the Martyrs, 2d part, pages 591 and 592.]

Dear reader, there might be many more witnesses produced from among the Martyrs of Jesus Christ, who rejected infant baptism, the employment of oaths, bearing the sword, together with suing and going to law, and this in all ages or centuries. But what would it avail? For if men believe not the plain and express words of Christ, nor the testimony of the Holy Spirit given by the apostles, how could they believe mine or other men's testimony? Ah no! The god of this world has hardened and blinded their unbelieving minds, so that they see not the clear light of the gospel of Jesus. They take pleasure in the luxury of life, and travel securely in the commodious path of the flesh, going on in

the broad road that leadeth to everlasting perdition.

The only reason is this, that there have been from the time of Christ to the present but very few who received and lived up to this true abrenunciation, it being directly contrary to the nature of man; therefore they are looked upon as foolish persons by the great multitudes of teachers and common people, not considering the declaration of Christ, that strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it.

Nevertheless, the doctrine which I have propounded to you in this little book, shall stand for ever, and the gates of hell shall never prevail against it, though it may be opposed by many, and be considered by the witty and the learned as fanaticism; for the word of the cross, and of true self-denial, is to them sheer foolishness, but to us who be lieve and walk therein, it is the power of salvation. 1 Cor. 1.

O beloved fellow travellers to eternity! I have in my simplicity declared nothing unto you in this book, but Jesus Christ and him crucified, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the head of all christians, the true High Priest, the long promised Prophet and true Teacher of righteousness, whom we should hear and follow, and whose cross we should bear as long as we sojourn

here. If like all the disciples of Jesus I shall now and then be despised, reviled and calumniated by many people, and be considered as a seducive spirit, enthusiast, and deceiver of the people, it matters not; for nothing else can be expected: whosoever confesses Christ before an adulterous generation, must endure hatred; which is abundantly shown and confirmed by the example of all candid confessors of the truth. Oh, the heavenly crown of everlasting life will make rich and abundant amends to me and to all candid confessors and followers of Jesus Christ.

Finally, may the Lord fulfil, in every pious reader, that for which I earnestly groan to God, to whose saving grace and divine wisdom I commend all men through Jesus Christ, highly exalted in time and eternity, Amen. Yea, Amen, Lord Jesus.

CHAPTER TENTH.

An exhortation to my beloved Brethren and Sisters in Christ Jesus, for the encouragement and edification of their souls; in which are brought into view the love of God, and its nature and disposition, and its operation on the souls that possess it.

1. My highly esteemed and dearly beloved brethren and sisters in Christ Jesus, who are called of God with me to the same hope of our vocation, as one body and one spirit, by the bond of love which God has richly shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; I cannot, under the influence of this love, forbear writing somewhat to you, by way of remembrance, that you may all peruse this book in sound meditation, and view yourselves therein, and if any find himself too far from the mark, that he may be reminded anew to give more heed to his calling, lest any should backslide and grow cold in love towards God; for the greatest of all the commandments is this, Hear, O Israel, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; and this is like unto it, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Mark 12. Oh, when we love God above all things as the Supreme Good, and cleave to him alone, then we seek for nothing more in the creatures, or in him