This study aims to elaborate on the self-perception and self-conception of Protestant preachers in the seventeenth century. To do so Weber uses documents in which office-holders reflect upon their positions, their duties, their self- and external perceptions and the chances, limits and problems of their position. In these documents the authors gave advice on the practice of the Church based on their work experience. As a result, Weber creates a colourful illustrated broadsheet which does not let the inheritors of Luther seem ‘pale’ at all. Instead it offers a deep insight into the everyday realities of clergy life. According to Weber, shortly after the Reformation questions of vocation and the standardisation of an appropriate education came to prominence. Later on there was a shift to questions regarding the correct fulfilment of the office and correct behaviour. By analogy with the ‘mirrors of princes’ Weber calls these ‘mirrors of preachers’. Very interesting is the change among the clergy from a critical attitude towards the established authorities to a rapprochement. This change arose from rivalry with Calvinism and the question of wages. These and other historical factors led to the theological foundation being taken for granted, no longer being subject to close examination. Instead, questions concerning everyday practice and discipline became of more importance. The sermon, however, still played a crucial role.

To what extent did preachers of the seventeenth century see themselves as inheritors of Luther amidst the challenges of Orthodoxy, Pietism and the early Enlightenment and how did they manage this inheritance? The sources used in this book can only offer one perspective on these questions. A complete answer demands the use of other sources. And some further questions would have to be investigated: which literature did this generation have access to for their information about the Lutheran heritage? It is well-known that there were editions of Luther's writings available at that time but what did they actually use?

Another approach would be to study the theological implications in more depth. This has already been attempted, but there are significant gaps in the research (for example, on ecclesiology). However, Weber cannot be blamed for focusing exclusively on only one very unique and valuable access to the underlying questions in this study. He uses a wide range of sources, covers the most important literature and offers interesting and perceptive insights into the topic. This study definitely offers food for thought on the widely discussed topic of the image and role of a preacher.