Luther exhorts them to form themselves into worthy regents.
From the original in Schütze, Vol. I, p. 240; in Bertram, Leben Ernesti, Herzog zu Braunschweig, p. 102 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 524.
To the Serene Princes, Franz Otto and his brothers, Dukes of Brunswick and Lüneburg, D. Martin Luther wishes
Hail! There is something very beautiful about the order of the celestial movements, which produces the most important forces for the living beings, by bringing back the sun during the day, by allowing rest at night, by moistening the earth in spring, so that it receives the seeds and becomes fertile, by increasing the heat in summer, so that the fruits can reach maturity. But no less to be admired is the beauty of the order in the world regime, if once a good prince directs the same. For he brings the assemblies of people into harmony, and makes them praise God, practice virtue, love proper customs, instruct the youth, defend and assist the righteous, and suppress the rage of the wicked. Such a ruler is the image of God on earth and is protected and promoted by God Himself. He does not have enemies as satellites who persecute the people of the princes, but angels of God as servants; it is certain that godly princes are surrounded by hosts of them. But although such princes are rare, like that one
Letters from the year 1542. No. 2978. 2979.
said that the effigies of all good princes can be engraved on one ring, it is known that there are some very good ones or some poor ones, and I believe that in your heroic lineage the Ottonians were such people, Lothar, known in your lands, and some others. But nowadays there are few of them. Your father, who surpasses all princes in virtue, godliness, modesty and moderation, is worthy of greater praise. To this end he raises his sons anew and keeps them to it. Therefore it behooves you to make every effort to obey your father's will and to work so that one day your characters, manners and examples will shine in the government and adorn you and the whole civil society. On the other hand, consider what an abominable and cursed thing is such a prince as Caligula, Nero, and their like, who were tainted with patricide and every kind of infamy, who lived among men, not as images of God, but as furies of the devil, and defiled the whole order of the world with their shameful deeds. I also pray to God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, who loves good princes most of all, to govern you and to grant that your virtue may one day bring salvation to the Church and the Fatherland. I feel immense joy when I hear that some prince is praised with truth, and again I know no sadder spectacle than when I see that some lead an evil course, who are a pestilence to the church and to all mankind. Therefore, I wish in truth and with all my heart that God will constantly help you, govern you and keep you. Anno 1542.
No. 2979.