All the reformers proclaimed as principle the return to the unadulterated word of the Scriptures and the conditions of the early Church. An inspiration from God appeared to be the key, and the old Church believed that it had been given to great saints of the past most of whom were thinkers and scholars of high rank. The feeling of receiving orders from God naturally gave rise to unlimited self-consciousness, and stimulated religious and social radicalism. Luther’s thought combined radicalism and conservativism, spiritualism and literalism, intransigence and opportunism. In Luther’s absence nobody had the authority to resist the extravagances of the radicals. Luther feared that, if the radicals had their way, chaos would be the result, and he, as the originator of the religious movement, would be held responsible. The danger of violent uprisings under the flag of religion caused Luther the greatest apprehension and he published several writings against Karlstadt, Muentzer and similar prophets.