THAT THESE WORDS OF CHRIST, “THIS IS MY BODY,” ETC., STILL STAND FIRM AGAINST THE FANATICS 1527

In the first place, we begin at the point where they write, produce books, and admonish that these subjects ought not be the occasion for rending Christian unity, love, and peace. It is a minor matter, say they, and an insignificant quarrel, for the sake of which Christian love should not be obstructed. They chide us for being so stubborn and obstinate about it and for creating disunity. Now, see here, my dear man, what should I say? We are in the same situation as the sheep that came to the watering place to drink with the wolf. The wolf went upstream, the sheep down-stream to the water. Then the wolf chided the sheep for making the water muddy. The sheep said, “How can I be making it muddy for you? You are upstream, and you are making it muddy for me.” In short, the sheep was forced to admit that he had made the water muddy for the wolf! So too with my fanatics: they have kindled this fire, as they themselves with all lordliness boast as a blessing, and now they would like to shove off the blame for disunity upon us. Who ordered Dr. Karlstadt to start it? Who ordered Zwingli and Oecolampadius to write? Haven’t they done it on their own accord? We would have been, and would still be, glad for peace, yet they were unwilling; now the blame is ours, of course! -Martin Luther