Printed in the Fortgesetzten Sammlung 1729, p. 533 and in Seidemann, Lutherbriefe, p. 71 f.
We, pastor and preacher of the church at Wittenberg, after witnessing this writing, Johannes Reibitz, confess that he is appointed pastor (Parumer) at Kohlenberg, and is of honest, Christian morals, and we requested to interrogate him and publicly
1) The name of the ordinand is written in different ways in this certificate: "Reybetz, Reybytz, Reywytz and Reywitz". The place where he is called is called in the text "Kohlenberg", in the inscription in the continued collection: "Collenberg". But because there is not supposed to be such a place near Halle, Seidemann assumes: "Kollenbei".
We have diligently interrogated him and found that he has a good understanding of the pure Christian doctrine of the Gospel. He has also agreed to carry out his ministry diligently and to remain steadfast in the Christian doctrine of the gospel, as it is known and taught in our church by God's grace in harmony with the true Catholic church of Christ. Therefore, John Reibitz is publicly ordained here according to the command of divine Scripture in the church, and we order him to preach the holy gospel and to administer the holy sacraments, as he is called, and we ask from the bottom of our hearts that the eternal God, Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, will give his church capable teachers, as he ordered us to ask and graciously promised to give. And so may this John Reibitz also be given his grace and Holy Spirit, so that he may serve the Savior Christ and the church to honor and glory. We also admonish John Reibitz and his church to faithfully plant the purity of Christian doctrine, to preserve it for all time, and to inherit it and pass it on to their descendants. For this service the eternal God demands primarily of all men, as Christ says John 15:8: "That my Father may be honored, if ye bear much fruit, and become my disciples." And where one receives this light, there remains the church; with this church God is and wants to give eternal life and in all kinds of sorrow and anguish of this transient life help and save those who call upon him. For there he will be and hear, where the right teaching of the gospel is, as Christ also says John 15:7: "If ye abide in me, and if my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." Date Wittenberg, September 24, 1544.
Pastor ecclesiae Wytembergensis et ceteri Ministri Euangelii in eadem ecclesia
Martinus Luter doctor. Johannes Bngenhagen.
1 Timoth. 4, 13-16.
"Continue reading, exhorting, teaching; do not neglect the gift given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands.
the elders. Wait for this and deal with it, so that your increase may be evident to everyone. Take heed to yourself and to the teaching, persevere in these things. For where thou doest these things, thou shalt make thyself and the hearers blessed."
We also ask the worthy Magistrum Benedictum 1) of Halle to instruct this Johannes: Reibitz and take care of him, because this Johannes Reibitz has promised to ask him. Therefore, he wanted to give him instruction, as it is written [Luc. 22, 32]: Si tu conversus, confirma, frutres tuos.
No. 3146.
Ordination certificate for Christoph Longolius.
From the collection of Joh. Gottfried Olearius at Arnstadt in Schütze, Vol. I, p. 326 and in De Wette, Vol. V, p. 687.
Christoph Longolius has brought letters to us, which testify that he has honorable and godly manners and is called to lead the church in Lobechin. Since we have been asked to ordain him publicly after we have investigated his scholarship, we have carefully interrogated him and perceived that he correctly holds the summa of Christian godliness and accepts the pure last of the gospel, which our church confesses in one spirit and with one voice with the general church of Christ, and has an abhorrence of fanatical opinions, which are condemned by the judgment of the general church. This Christoph also promises constancy in doctrine and faithfulness and diligence in office. Therefore, according to apostolic doctrine, he is commanded by public ordination to teach the Gospel and to administer the sacraments instituted by Christ according to his profession. And since it is written of the Son of God: "He ascended on high, and gave gifts to men...", he is the Son of God.
Benedict Schumann, preacher at St. Andrew's in Halle, was ordained by Luther himself on April 18, 1540, and took office at Christmas in Halle in 1541. He faithfully assisted D. Jonas, and died in 1552. Cf. Tischreden, Cap. 22, 8 36, St. Louis edition, vol. XXII, 646 f.
2) Instead of satanicis, read fanaticis.
prophets, apostles, shepherds and teachers," we ask with fervent prayer that he may give his church skillful and salutary rulers, and that he may cause the ministry of this now ordained man to be effective and salvific. We also exhort this Christoph and his church to see to it that the Gospel of God is preserved and propagated faithfully. For God requires that He be honored primarily through this service, as Christ says [John 15:8]: "In this My Father is honored, that you bear much fruit, and become My disciples." And if this light is kept, the Church abides, and GOD will be in it, will give eternal life to those who call upon Him, and will help in the tribulations of men. For there is and there God hears, where His Gospel resounds rightly, as it is written John 15:7: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done for you." Given in the year 1544 at Wittenberg, September 27. On this day Noah's ark began to settle 3844 years ago. 3)
The pastors of the church at Wittenberg and the other ministers of the gospel in the same church:
Martin Luther, D.
Joh. Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, D. Caspar Cruciger, D.
Justus Jonas, D., Sup. of the church at Halle.
1 Tim. 4:13: "Continue reading, exhorting, teaching; do not neglect the gift given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the assembly of the elders."
No. 3147.