Martin Luther on Insurrection

“There is no need for you to develop an armed insurrection. Christ himself has already begun an insurrection with his mouth. ... An armed insurrection ... would hinder and bring into disrepute this spiritual insurrection.”

“We must calm the mind of the common man, and tell him to abstain from the words and even the passions which lead to insurrection. ... Insurrection ... never brings about the desired improvement. For insurrection lacks discernment; it generally harms the innocent more than the guilty. Hence, no insurrection is ever right, no matter how right the cause it seeks to promote.”