Steiger‹s studies do not only trace Gerhard‹s dogmatics but also the implementation of his theology in the areas of devotional literature, pastoral care by letter and sermons. The volume provides a critical annotated edition of the 21-year-old Gerhard‹s last will and testament, written in 1603 while he was seriously ill, and studies the reception of medieval mysticism by Gerhard and other Lutheran theologians. Steiger shows Gerhard as a writer of spiritual letters by editing and annotating texts which are examples of this. An essay on the edition of the ‹Meditationes Sacrae‹ completes the volume.