53*
the opposite meaning. Thus, not the least esteemed, but the most esteemed of these confused people are chosen for judges in courts. And a priest who should be an expert of the gospel and castigate therefore this error on the basis of the gospel, goes himself to the court, elevates their shame into honor and chooses councillors for this shame, thinking it advantageous for faith if this shame is conducted (administered) wisely.3
3 A remarkable semblance to the above is found in Erasmus of Rotterdam's Adagia, "Dulce Bellum Inexpertis," published about 1515:"But we run headlong each to destroy other, even from that heavenly sacrifice of the altar, whereby is represented that perfect and ineffable knitting together of all Christian men. And of so wicked a thing, we make Christ both author and witness. Where is the kingdom of the devil, if it be not in war? Why draw we Christ into war, with whom a brothel-house agreeth more than war? Saint Paul disdaineth, that there should be any so great discord among Christian men, that they should need any judge to discuss the matter between them. What if he should come and behold us now through all the world, warring for every light and trifling cause, striving cruelly than ever did any heathen people, and more cruelly than any barbarous people? Yea, and ye shall see it done by the authority, exhortations, and furtherings of those that represent Christ, the prince of peace. . ." (from the English translation, Erasmus Against War, ed. by J.W.Mackail, Boston: The Merrymount Press, 1907, p.24f).
