The authors of the Flugschriften lead a combat for peace, each one in his own way. Luther wants to preserve the peace; the common assembly of the authorities and the subjects of the Ortenau want to re-establish the peace; Melanchthon wants to consolidate the peace. But what peace is involved here? First of all, it is a combat against violence. This is essentially about preserving civil peace. The Reformers, especially Melanchthon, happily associate this “outer peace with the “inner” peace that God brings to the heart of the one who places his confidence in Him”. Peace cannot be founded on an abusive use of Scripture. Luther denounces Divine right that, in his eyes, is a misuse of Scripture, and rather extols “Christian law”: to suffer, and to invoke God. The common assembly of the authorities and subjects in Renchen totally ignores Divine right. Melanchthon condemns any recourse to this Divine right. To the biblical arguments advanced by the peasants for justifying their grievances and their programme, Melanchthon opposes other arguments to challenge the XII articles. Luther does not forget to remind the princes and lords that they must focus on the Word of God; that they should take into account the articles of the peasantry which are often “just and equitable”. They should engage negotiations with a view to conciliation. Luther asks the peasants to renounce Divine right, that they adopt Christian law and keep themselves from false prophets! To the princes and the lords Melanchthon addresses his petitions in order to assure future peace. Melanchthon declares: Keeping the peace for the Christian involves certain renouncement and obligations.
