Solemn Orations in Praise of the Divine Elector Princes of Saxony, Maurice and Christian I

ORATION I.

empire against the Magdeburgers, whom he besieged and attacked for fifteen months, but he besieged them in such a way that he did not at all destroy the constant Confessors of the Lutheran Truth, but rather comforted, raised up, and confirmed them after they were later received into favor and protection: Let them proclaim the last, and to Maurice, fatal conflict with Albert the Margrave, who was threatening fires and devastation in many places in Germany. Allow me, most select auditors, on this day of funeral remembrance, to contemplate a little another benefit of Elector Maurice, by which he affected these lands, and what do I say these lands? many regions of Germany: allow me to speak of the beneficence of Maurice, by which he founded schools, fostered, increased, and confirmed Academies: while he ordered three illustrious schools to be opened, and aided and sustained this Academy of ours with most ample benefits. This Gift of Maurice is so illustrious, so magnificent, and so divine, that all other things bravely and excellently done by him, of their own accord yield the palm to this one, serve it, and obey it. I except only the transaction of Passau original: "Passauiana transactionem", by which he preserved the religion for the reformed Churches, restored it to others, and asserted all of Germany with its Electors and Princes into their former liberty. While I do this, most honorable auditors, I ask and contend with the submission, reverence, and humanity that is proper, that you listen to me attentively.

George, Prince of Saxony, a σπονδος irreconcilable enemy of Luther, uncle of Maurice, died at Dresden in the year one thousand five hundred and thirty-nine without male offspring. When he was lying gravely ill and was despairing of life, he made his brother Henry and his sons Maurice and Augustus heirs by his Will, with the condition added, however, that they should not change the religion