Luther consoles him over the loss of his newborn son.
Handwritten in the Cod. chart. Goth. 402, f.; 185.4. and 1048. Printed in Schelhorns Ergötzlichk., vol. I, p. 82; in Strobel-Ranner, p.350; in Schütze, vol, I, p. 343 and in De Wette, vol. V, p. 729 f.
Grace and peace in the Lord! I hear that a son has been born to you, my dearest Caspar, but that in your absence he has been both born and died, which they say you bear very heavily, because you have not seen the fruit of your flesh. But cease from sorrow, rather rejoice that he is born again in Christ, and that thou shalt see him in glory, whom thou hast not seen here in this misery, as the wise man saith [Wis. 4:11], "He is passed over, that wickedness should not corrupt his mind, nor false doctrine deceive his soul." He has completed the course, and in a short time has passed through many times. But you know all this yourself, who can and must teach others such things. But thou doest not wrong in being somewhat moved by carnal and natural affection as a father (this name is an exceedingly sweet one). For we are not stones, neither ought we to be, but in these things we must keep moderation. Fare well in Christ. April 24, 1545.
No. 3207.