The sixteenth century south German Anabaptist, Balthasar Hubmaier (ca.1480-1528), has had a disputed role in Anabaptist historiography ever since his martyrdom in March, 1528. On the one hand he is known as the most erudite and prolific writer of the early Anabaptists, and on the other he has been separated from the original Zurich Brethren because of his tolerance of Christian participation in the lethal force, the Sword, of government. This book examines in detail Hubmaier's writings concerning the Sword and his probable practice with regard to its encouragement and his use of it. Except...