Printed in Innocent News 1715, p. 190 and in De Wette-Seidemann, vol. VI, p. 260.
Johann Fischer has brought letters to us, which indicated that he was in the city of
Letters from the year 1540. No. 2648 to 2651.
Rudelstadt was called to the service of the Gospel, and testified that he had godly and honorable manners. Since in these letters it was requested that the appointment of Mr. Johann Fischer be confirmed by public ordination, we have recognized, after examination of his scholarship, that he holds the pure and general (Catholicam) doctrine of the Gospel, which our church also teaches and confesses, and has an abhorrence of all fanatical opinions, which are condemned by the judgment of the general church of Christ. He also promised that he would faithfully present to the people the pure doctrine that we profess. Therefore, since our ministry must not be lacking to the neighboring churches, and the Concilium at Nicaea has decided in a godly manner that ordination should be desired by the neighboring churches, we have commanded this Mr. Johann Fischer by public ordination the office of teaching the Gospel in the church and administering the sacraments instituted in the Gospel, according to his calling. Therefore we commend him to the church of the city of Rudelstadt, and ask that the Holy Spirit may govern the ministry of this Mr. Johann Fischer for the glory of God and our Lord JEsu Christ, and for the salvation of the church. Given at Wittenberg, on Sunday Jubilate [April 18] Anno 1540.
The Pastor of the Church at Wittenberg and the Other Servants of the Gospel in the Church, Martin Luther, D.
No. 2649.