"Yes, we might well keep quiet here about individual petty thieves since we ought to be attacking the great, powerful archthieves with whom lords and princes consort and who daily plunder not just a city or two, but all of Germany. . . In short, this is the way of the world. Those who can steal and rob openly are safe and free, unpunished by anyone, even desiring to be honored. Meanwhile, the petty sneak thieves who have committed one offense must bear disgrace and punishment to make the others look respectable and honorable. But they should know that God considers them to be the greatest thieves, and that he will punish them as they deserve."
Martin Luther, Large Catechism, explanation to the 7th commandment, (Book of Concord, Kolb-Wengert edition, page 417, paragraphs 230-231)
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