Oration on occasion of the funeral of Doctor Martin Luther (given by Melanchthon on the twenty-second of February)

Although amidst this public mourning my voice is choked by grief and tears, nevertheless something had to be said amidst such a numerous attendance – not, as it was done by the pagans, in praise of the deceased, but rather in order to admonish this assembly about the wonderful guidance and the perils of the Church, so that they may ponder which things they need to be distressed about, for which things they need to strive in particular, and towards which examples they need to direct their life. For although impious men believe, amidst such disorder in life, that everything is brought about at random and by chance, nevertheless, strengthened by God's testimonies, let us sever the Church from the impious multitude. Let us acknowledge that it is truly guided and preserved by divine providence; let us contemplate properly its state, recognise its true governors and consider their career, and choose appropriate leaders and teachers, and let us follow and revere them piously. One needs to think and speak of these great things every time the reverend Doctor Martin Luther, our dearest father and teacher, is mentioned.