Page:Luther's correspondence and other contemporary letters 1507-1521.djvu/497

 492 LUTHER'S CORRESPONDENCE AND Ut 4»

monster, so that also the wise man Bias^ has well said: Magistratus virutn ostendit, that is, Rule shows what a man is. For subjects dare not transgress for fear of the govern- ment.

Wherefore all rulers, who do not have to fear men, must needs fear God more than do others, and know him and his works well, and act with diligence, as St. Paul* says: He that ruleth, let him do it with diligence.

Now I know nothing in the whole Bible which serves his purpose better than this holy canticle of the Blessed Mother of God. All who wish to reign rightly ought to learn it Truly she here sings sweetly of the fear of God, and what kind of Lord he is, and what his works are to those of high and low estate. Let another listen to his wench singing a worldly song ; a prince and lord may well listen to this chaste Virgin singing a spiritual, pure and holy song.

It is no unsuitable custom to have this song sung in all churches daily at vespers, in a special and seemly way, be- fore other songs. May the same tender Mother of God give me the spirit to expound this her song usefully and thoroughly, that your Grace and all of us may get from it wholesome knowledge and a praiseworthy life, by which we may sing this Magnificat in the life eternal. God help us to do it Amen. Herewith I commend myself to your Grace, humUy praying that you will take my small achievement kindly.

Your Grace's humble chaplain. Dr. Martin Luther.

420. ELECTOR FREDERIC OF SAXONY TO MARTIN LUTHER

AT WITTENBERG.

Enders, iii. no. Worms, March 11, 1521.

In the name of God! Greeting. Honorable, reverend and learned, dear and pious Sir! We graciously inform you that his Imperial Majesty has requested us also to provide you with a safe-conduct. We send you herewith a written safe- conduct addressed to the officers, cities and other subjects of our brother and ourself, directing them to provide you with

iBias of Priene, fl. 570 6. C. Erasmus in his Adages gare this UTixif to Pittacas; Luther was probably quoting from him, but made a slip in memory. SRomans, xii. 8.

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