Enthusiasm critique

The Smalcald Articles primary

Luther insists God deals through outward Word and sacraments, condemning “enthusiasts” who claim the Spirit without scripture or preaching, and argues even faith before baptism comes from prior hearing of God’s promise.

of his heart, and whatever he decides and commands with [in] his church is spirit and right, even though it is above and contrary to Scripture and the spoken Word. All this is the old devil and old serpent, who also converted Adam and Eve into enthusiasts, and led them from the outward Word of God to spiritualizing and self-conceit, and nevertheless he accomplished this through other outward words. Just as also our …