September 7, 1532.
Grace and peace in Christ! I would really worry, my dear Lord, friend and godfather, that after the death of N. N. you would be sore under your eyes, and - as your writing shows - you would take the faithful service of his F. G.. But for God's sake, I ask you to be a man and not to take such a case so deeply to heart. For I should be sorry, where such sorrow should take you. If it is not yet the end of all days, there are still twelve hours of the day; it cannot always be cloudy and rainy.
So we must also suffer a little and learn patience, for it would not be good if we were to receive our faithful services all rewarded here on earth; what would God have to reward in heaven when we could have everything rewarded on earth?
So, praise God, it is nowhere so bad with you that it would be worthwhile to worry about it, nor would it be at all good that you should please your adversaries with your sadness. God is trying you a little; hold on, so you will also learn what God is and how He rules.
Truly, how I could turn your sorrow around, I would gladly do so; for, God willing, I do not want to forget, nor do I want to be ungrateful for all the friendship shown to me. Now I have nothing but my poor prayer and comforting word; summa, what I as a poor theologian would be able and know, that shall be faithfully found out in your service. Hereby I command you together with your dear ones in God's grace and goodness, amen. September 7, 1532.