We extend to you, the mayor, council, and whole community of the city of Villingen, peace and the grace of God almighty. And we admonish you to decide whether you too want to help divine justice and the holy gospel of our lord, Jesus Christ, and join our Christian brotherhood according to the terms of the articles which we are herewith sending you. Accordingly, we request a written answer for our messenger without delay. Dated at Vöhrenbach on the Monday after the Feast of the Holy Cross [8 May] 1525.

The captains and council of the peasant army in the Black Forest.

The letter of articles

Honorable, wise, and favorable lords, friends and dear neighbors. In the recent past heavy burdens, much against God and all justice, have been imposed on the poor common man in the cities and in the countryside by spiritual and worldly lords and authorities. But these [impositions] have not touched these lords in the slightest way. The result is that these burdens and grievances can no longer be borne or tolerated, unless the common man is willing to condemn himself and his progeny to a life of begging.

Accordingly, it is the proposal and intention of this Christian association, with the help of God, to make itself independent, and to do this, so far as possible, without taking up arms and without bloodshed.