SOURCE: "The Three Great Reformation Treatises," in Luther and the German Reformation, T. & T. Clark, 1900, pp. 93–112.

Below, Lindsay, outlines several of Luther's early works that challenged the power of Rome, and describes the subsequent reactions by the German peopie.

the Three Great Reformation Treatises

1. "CHRISTIAN LIBERTY" AND "THE CAPTIVITY OF THE CHURCH"

In 1520 Luther published the three writings which contain the principles of his reformation. They appeared in the following order: To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, respecting the Reformation of the Christian Estate, probably in the beginning of August; The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, probably before the end of September; and Concerning Christian Liberty, early in October. These three books are commonly called in Germany the "Three Great Reformation Treatises," and the title befits them well. Luther wrote and published them after three years of controversy, following upon the publication of the theses, had...