On the Restraint of the First Electors of Saxony in Adopting and Establishing Luther's Doctrine, Volume 2

into its annals, preserves it sacredly, and at all times repels the detractions of others. The ancients boasted magnificently that religion, as well as learning, originated in Athens and was distributed from there to all parts. We seem to be much more fortunate than the Attic citizens. Among us, which is agreed upon by all good men, religion was reborn anew. Among us, transmitted publicly and privately, it migrated far and wide, along with the colonies of the schools of Luther and Philipp, to the most remote shores of nations. Among us, the same religion has been preserved so chastely and integrally to this time that it could not be corrupted to the core by any contagion of the age. We therefore rightly glory in our Elector Princes who were divinely inspired to adopt the doctrine of Luther, in our Elector Princes to whom fame, the keeper of eternity, has established a monument more lasting than bronze, which no oblivion of posterity, no force of time, no series of years or antiquity can abolish.

VIIII

So much the more easily, I believe, will my intention be approved by all good men—to strew flowers upon the tombs of such great Princes, and to honor, as is fitting, their ancestral reputation, which has been brought into jeopardy by those who, in past years and in our own, have recounted them with great contention of spirit