Giving of Thanks.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'E' features intricate floral and vine patterns within a square frame, marking the beginning of the concluding address.

I have fulfilled the duty that was commanded of me, and I have completed the end of the assigned task: Nothing else remains, than that I impose a desired end to this act with a due and fitting giving of thanks.

In the beginning, therefore, I give thanks to the immortal God, Three in One, eternal, who is most excellent above all; not indeed as many as I owe, but as many as I am able, because until this day His divine grace has so mercifully presided over this very ancient Academy Academy: a common term for a University during this period. of ours, and has shone with His light, so that although it has almost reached the end and been reduced This likely refers to the University of Erfurt's struggles following the devastation of the Thirty Years' War., nevertheless there even now come forward those who will one day be of benefit to the Church, the Commonwealth, and the Schools; and as a suppliant I ask that fountain of all wisdom and knowledge, that in the future He may have care for this Academy of ours; that He may protect it; may He favor the labors of those teaching and the studies of those learning; may He rule, bless, preserve, and cherish us all and our new Licentiates, so that we may think, speak, and do things pleasing to Him, salutary to the Church, useful to the Commonwealth, and fruitful for the Schools.

Grant Your favor, O Supreme King! Grant favor, You who are able to do all things, who see all things, who direct all things, who perfect all things.

Furthermore, I give most humble thanks to the Most Reverend and Most Illustrious Prince and Lord, LORD JOANNES SCHWEICKHARDUS, Archbishop of the Holy See of Mainz, Arch-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire throughout Germany and Primary Septem-Viro Septem-Viro (one of the Seven Men): A reference to the seven Prince-Electors who chose the Holy Roman Emperor. The Archbishop of Mainz was the most senior of these electors., perpetual Chancellor of this our University, our most Merciful Lord, from whom the power, authority, and eminence were mediately given to me to complete this business: and I have no doubt that His Highness’s favor, which he has always shown until now, will be most ready in the future to aid, promote, and adorn the Republic of Letters Respublica Literaria: the international community of scholars and the collective world of intellectual endeavor. with both benefits and rewards.

I also give singular thanks to our Reverend LORD Vice-