In the theological conflict of the time he played a large part, doing what he could to mediate between the extremists. From 1559 to the close of his life he was superintendent-general of the electorate of Saxony. He attained some fame as a hymn-writer, his best-known composition being Wenn wir in höchsten Nothen sein. He died at Wittenberg on the 10th of December 1569.