MICHAEL SATTLER, A. D. 1527.
After a long trial on the day of his departure from this world, the articles being many, Michael Sattler[226] requested that they should be read to him again and that he should have another hearing. This the bailiff, as the governor of his lord, opposed and would not consent to it. Michael Sattler then requested permission to speak. After a consultation, the judges returned as their answer, that if his opponents would allow it, they (the judges) would consent. Thereupon the town clerk of Ensisheim, as the attorney of said Governor spoke thus: “Prudent, honorable and wise Sirs, He has boasted of the Holy Ghost. Now, if his boast is true, it seems to me, it is unnecessary to grant him this; for if he has the Holy Ghost, as he boasts, the same will tell him what has been done here.” To this Michael Sattler replied: “Ye servants of God, I hope my request will not be denied; for said articles are as yet unknown to me.” The town clerk responded: “Prudent, honorable and wise Sirs, Though we are not bound to do this, yet in order to give satisfaction, we will grant him his request that it may not be thought that injustice is done him in his heresy, or that we desire to wrong him; hence let the articles be read to him.”
ARTICLES OR CHARGES AGAINST MICHAEL SATTLER.
First, That he and his adherents have acted contrary to the mandate of the Emperor.
Secondly, He has taught, held and believed that the body and blood of Christ are not present in the sacrament.
Thirdly, He has taught and believed that infant baptism does not conduce to salvation.
Fourthly, They have rejected the sacrament of extreme unction.
Fifthly, They have despised and contemned the mother of God and the saints.
Sixthly, He has declared that men are not to swear before the authorities.
Seventhly, He has commenced a new and unheard of custom in regard to the Lord’s Supper, placing the bread and wine on a plate, and eating and drinking the same.