Note 147 — Chapter XXV · A.D. 1400-1500. THE JEWS IN GERMANY AND ITALY.
Reading edition
Peter of Clugny wrote: ‘If the Saracens are justly to be detested, how much more are the Jews to be execrated and regarded with hate!’ Louis IX. charged them with being in league with evil spirits to injure and destroy men. It has been affirmed that Luther treated the Jews with lenity and toleration. But, if he ever really did evince this spirit towards them, it was only at the outset of his career. Later on he was stern and merciless in his tone towards them. ‘Burn their synagogues and schools,’ were his words; ‘break into and destroy their houses. Forbid their Rabbins, on pain of death, to teach,’ etc.