08.30 A Code for Public Behaviour in Münster, 1534
©The elders of the congregation of Christ in the holy city of Münster, called and ordained by the grace of the most high and almighty God, desire that the following duties and articles be faithfully and firmly observed by every Israelite and member of the house of God.
1. What the Holy Scriptures command or prohibit is to be kept by every Israelite at the pain of punishment.
2. Everybody is to be industrious in his vocation and fear God and his ordained government. Government authority does not carry the sword in vain, but it is the avenger of evildoers.
3. Every elder is to have a servant as assistant to carry out his orders.
4. Five elders are to supervise the day and night watches, personally inspecting them, lest the negligence of the watch lead the city into danger…
6. Every day from seven to nine o'clock in the morning and then from two to four o'clock in the afternoon, six elders are to sit in the market at the appointed place and settle all differences with their decisions.
7. What the elders in common deliberation in this new Israel have found to be good is to be proclaimed and announced by the prophet John of Leiden as faithful servant of the Most High and Holy government to the congregation of Christ and the entire congregation of Israel.
8. Lest amongst the sincere and unblemished Israelites open transgression against the Word of God be tolerated, and in order that the evildoer and transgressor, if apprehended at an obvious transgression, meet his just punishment, the swordbearer, Berndt Knipperdollinck, will punish him according to his deed…
9. In order to keep the proper order concerning the administration of the good, the food masters are every day to prepare dishes of the kind as was hitherto customary for the brothers and sisters. These are to sit modestly and moderately at separate tables. They must not demand anything apart from what is served to them…
10. Those having guard duty during the day are to eat only after the others have left, so that the necessary watches are not neglected…
29. When a stranger who does not adhere to our religion, be it brother, countryman, or relative, comes to this our holy city, he is to be referred to the swordbearer, Knipperdollinck, so that he can talk with him. This is not to be done by anyone else.
30. A baptised Christian is not to converse with any arriving person or pagan stranger and is not to eat with him, lest there arise the suspicion of treacherous consultation…
33. If, according to God's will, someone is killed by the enemy or departs otherwise in the Lord, no one is to take his belongings, such as weapons, clothes, etc. They are to be brought to the swordbearer Knipperdollinck, who in turn will pass them on to the elders, who will then give them to the lawful heirs.