On the death of Johann Reinecke, master smelter at Mansfeld, who was a good friend of Luther and the father-in-law of Phil. Gluenspieß.
From the original in Cyprian's collection at Gotha in Schütze, vol. III, p. 75 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 126.
To the highly placed man, Philipp Gluenspieß, citizen of Mansfeld, his brother who is extremely dear to the Lord.
Grace and peace! It is to be marveled at, my dear Philip, with how great diligence everyone, both friends and relatives, concealed from me the passing away of your father-in-law, Johann Reinicke, my very good friend, in such a way that not only my brother Jakob Luther, but also my Käthe did not want to report anything to me, who was ill. Therefore I have learned very late 1) the passing away of such a great man and such a great friend. But I am glad that he has passed away so happily and godly; however, I bear this accident very unwillingly and with sadness, namely that we have lost such a man. I would comfort you if I did not know that you belong to the number of those of whom Paul writes [1 Thess. 4:13.), "Ye are not sorrowful as others which have no hope." Christ has given us a certain hope, who rather let the so godly man fall asleep so gently than die. It is only left that you, as the successor in the friendship of the father-in-law, should remember our mutual
1) Hans Reineck had died at Nordhausen in the house of his daughter, the wife of the younger Meyenburg, on July 15, 1538. (Seidemann in De Wette, vol. VI, p. 500, note 1.)
Ambrosius Reuter, 2) that if he should be in need of you in any matter, you will not let him lack help or advice or service. Certainly, he has lost a very good patron in Johann Reinicke. Now it is up to you successors to maintain such great goodwill, because you are sure that it would not only please Johann Reinicke very much (if he were alive), but would also be exceedingly pleasant for GOtte. Be well in Christ, my dear Philipp, and pray for me as I pray for you. On the day of Aegidia [Sept. 1] 1538.
Your Martin Luther, D.
No. 2461a.