Philippi Melanthonis Epigrammatvm Libri Tres

It is a virtue to revere laws, and the bonds of morals.
If, however, Christ will also be the rule of laws.

CONCERNING THE SONG OF THE
ANGELS.

Glory to God in the highest, etc.

Why did the announcing voice come first to the shepherds,
Which the angelic chorus brought from the highest height?
Indeed, so that the shepherds might especially be the authors
And leaders of this song for the nations.
So that true honors may be rendered to the highest Father,
And God may be made known in the whole world.
And the gifts of Christ may be scattered widely in the world,
Which are the certain pledges of a placated Father.
And so that they might ensure that the Church of Christ is peaceful,
And may rule the flock with concordant mouth and faith.
May savage discord be far from the ministers of Christ,
For God cannot be worshipped except in peace.
No plague harms the sheep so much, no poisons,
As the dissensions of the shepherds themselves.
But then a golden age is lived for the human race,
The pious grasp these true joys of the soul.
When the will of the highest Father is truly revealed,
And when we know that we are a care to God.
And when the tranquil Church sings Christ together
With one voice, and praises Him everywhere with equal zeal.