German theologian (1494–1566) who was a Protestant Reformer during the Reformation, beginning as a follower and friend of Martin Luther; they went on to become bitter rivals, with Luther branding Agricola as an 'incorrigible liar.' Extremely rare manuscript DS in Latin, signed “Johann Agricola of Eisleben Theologian,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.25 x 13, Good Friday, 1549. Agricola certifies Lorenz [Laurentius] Hagen’s fitness for the ministry in the church of Baben. In full (translated): "Grace and peace from God, through Christ. The present Lorenz [Laurentius] Hagen has presented a letter from the noble and vigorous Joachim of Eichstädt, indicating that he has been called to the office of preaching the Gospel in Baben, and further testifying that he is possessed of a godly and upright character. Now, since that letter contained a request for the vocation of the said Lorenz Hagen to be confirmed, I examined his learning and found that he embraced the pure Catholic and orthodox doctrine of the Gospel, as made plain by the edict on articles of faith, and those matters attendant upon more sound doctrine, of Lord Joachim II, Elector of the Mark of Brandenburg, commonly called the Ordinance of the Electorate of the Mark; and that he rejected all fanatical opinions condemned by the judgment of the orthodox and Catholic church. He promised also to transmit faithfully to the congregation in his care the doctrine that he follows, and to strive in preaching the Gospel to obtain for himself good standing in godliness. Now therefore, because this our service should not be unavailing to the church, as ours is the power to build, not to destroy, and the Apostle Paul asserts that before deacons may serve they should first be examined as to whether they are beyond reproach, I entrust to the present Lorenz Hagen the office of preaching the Gospel, and empower him to administer the sacraments ordained in the Gospel by Christ, provided that, at a convenient time, he be ordained publicly by the ordinary of the place or the Superintendent General. But I ask Master Moritz [Mauricius] Porors [?] in Arneburg to guide the present Lorenz Hagen toward those holy visions of the church, and instruct him as a father would a son. And so I commend him to the church of Baben to be its true pastor, having full right to all its benefits and enjoying the privileges seen to accompany the charge of that office, and I pray the Holy Spirit guide his ministry for the praise and glory of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the well-being of the church. Given at Berlin, on the feast of Good Friday 1549. Johann Agricola of Eisleben Theologian, Superintendent General of the Mark of Brandenburg, in his own hand." Agricola evidently filled out a few words on the second page in his own hand. Retains its complete paper seal, affixed with wax beside Agricola's signature. In fine condition, with light staining, and some minor loss, to the edges.
Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg (1050-1571) was a member of the House of Hohenzollern. Although Joachim began as a Catholic, he eventually moved to Lutheranism. In the late 1540s (about the time of this document), Agricola proposed an agreement in which Protestants would accept Catholic authority; for this, he was seen as capitulating to the Catholics and was an outcast from his Protestant community.
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