From "Neue Beiträge von Alten und Neuen Theologischen Sachen, 1761," p. 285, in Seidemann, Lutherbriefe, p. 55.
Wenceslaus Kilmann came to us and presented a credible testimony, which testified that he led a godly and honorable life, which had been known to the witnesses for a long time. Since he had been called to the office of teaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments in a neighboring church in Baserin,1) he requested ordination from us. Therefore, after examining his scholarship, we found that he was well versed in the summa of Christian doctrine, diligently studied the prophetic and apostolic writings, and held the opinion of the Catholic Church of Christ. We also saw that his gifts were suitable for teaching. And he promised that he would prove himself diligent and constant in teaching, and faithfully present the unadulterated doctrine which our church professes. We have there
1) Passerin near Luckau in Lower Lusatia.
He confirmed the calling of this Wenceslaus and commanded him by ecclesiastical ordination to teach the gospel and administer the sacraments according to his calling. For it is commanded by God fl Tim. 3,10.] that the churches should examine and ordain the ministers of the Gospel, and set before other churches suitable regents, and the Synod of Nicaea has godly and thoughtfully decided that the churches should seek ordination from neighboring churches. But ordination is not to be sought from any people who persecute the gospel of Christ; they are to be avoided as accursed men (anathemata), as Paul says [Gal. 1:9.], "If any man preach you gospel otherwise, let him be accursed." Therefore, by divine decree and the testimony of the Council of Nicaea, it is certain that our ordination is valid. Therefore we commend this Wenceslaus to godly churches, and implore that the Holy Spirit may govern his ministry for the spreading of the glory of God and our Lord JEsu Christ and for the salvation of the church. Given at Wittenberg, July 13, in the year of Christ 1539.
The pastor of the church at Wittenberg and the other ministers of the gospel in the same church.
Martin Luther.
Johann Bugenhagen Pomeranus.
No. 2559.