Repristination Press

Johann Gerhard

Sacred Meditations (1606)
    by Johann Gerhard, translated by C. W. Heisler
    ISBN 1891469193
    302 pages, softcover

Johann Gerhard is widely recognized as having been the 17th century's greatest Lutheran theologian. In addition to his many weighty theological tomes, Gerhard was renowned as an author of devotional materials, the most popular of which was his Sacred Meditations, written in 1606 when Gerhard was only 22 years old! Gerhard's 51 meditations are among the most profound devotional material ever produced within the Church, leading the reader through most of the articles of Christian doctrine. This work is also now available in audiobook (on MP3 CD).

An Explanation of the History of the Suffering and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1622)
    by Johann Gerhard, translated by Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle
    ISBN 1891469223
    330 pages, hardcover
   
Gerhard's concern as a theologian was, above all, pastoral, and this concern is reflected in his numerous devotional books and sermons. Gerhard's An Explanation of the History of the Suffering and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ leads the reader through the prototypes and prophesies of the Old Testament pointing forward to Christ's suffering and death.

The work is divided into two introductory sermons and five "acts" (I. In the Garden, II. At the Home of Caiaphas, III. Before Pilate, IV. Christ's Crucifixion, and V. Christ's Burial) for a total of 24 sermons. However, readers will find that this book is far from "just another books of sermons" - Gerhard's profound depth of knowledge of Holy Scripture and his ability to draw together the Old Testament prototypes with their fulfillment in Christ combine to make this work a true blessing.

A Comprehensive Explanation of Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper (1610)
     by Johann Gerhard, translated by Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle
    ISBN 1891469282
    499 pages, hardcover

Begun the same year he started work on his renowned dogmatics, the Loci Theologici, Gerhard's A Comprehensive Explanation ... is a masterpiece in its own right. In 67 chapters (31 for Baptism, 36 for the Lord's Supper), Gerhard examines issues which are of vital importance today: Who may officiate at a Baptism, or celebrate the Lord's Supper? May substances other than bread and wine be used in the Lord's Supper? What is the proper preparation for receiving Holy Communion? May Baptism be repeated? Is immersion necessary for a valid Baptism? All these questions (and many more) are answered by Gerhard on the basis of Holy Scripture. Gerhard's profound knowledge of the Scriptures makes this volume a wonderful resource.

The Daily Exercise of Piety (1629)
     by Johann Gerhard, translated by Rev. Matthew Harrison
    ISBN 1891469185
    96 pages, hardcover

When Repristination Press first published this title in 1994, it was the first title by Johann Gerhard that we had offered. The book met with such a reception by its readers that it is a joy to reprint these 46 devotional prayers again. If you have benefited from Sacred Meditations, you will also want to read The Daily Exercise of Piety.

On the Ministry and the Role of the Laity: Selected Sections of Locus XXIII: On the Ecclesiastical Ministry
     by Johann Gerhard, translated by Martin Jackson
    ISBN 1891469169
    28 pages, booklet

The modern Lutheran Church has become increasingly confused in the way in which it speaks concerning the Office of the Ministry, especially in terms of the relationship between the Ministry and the priesthood of all believers. This booklet, drawn from the most significant dogmatics work of the Lutheran Church, is a commendable step toward answering the question: "What does the Lutheran Church teach concerning the relationship between the laity and the Office of the Ministry?"

Postilla - An Explanation of the Sunday and Most Important Festival Gospels of the Whole Year (1613)
    Volume 1 - Sermons for the Church Year from Advent through Pentecost
     by Johann Gerhard, translated by Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle
    ISBN
    512 pages, hardcover

The English translation of this important work was accomplished by the Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle. The substantial contribution to the life and teaching of the Lutheran Church which Dr. Hohle has rendered through previous Gerhard translations was acknowledged by an honorary doctorate from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Dr. Hohle's translation of the first portion of the 1613 Postilla is another blessing to the Church! This first volume contains a total of 48 sermons for the first half of the Church Year (Advent through the Feast of Pentecost).

The Life of John Gerhard (1723)
    by Dcn. Erdmann Fischer, translated by Rev. Dr. Richard Dinda
    ISBN 1891469341
    464 pages, hardcover

We know that many of you share our amazement at the tremendous labors which Gerhard performed in the service of the Lord of the Church. However, while you've had the opportunity to study several of his books, it has been almost impossible to learn much about the life and work of this great teacher ... until now.

Written in 1723, Fischer's Vita Johannis Gerhardi still stands as one of the finest histories of the life of this central figure of 17th century Lutheran theology. And it is now the first book-length biography of Gerhard published in the English language. It is, therefore, an indispensable reference for any reader who wishes to better understand the theology and history of the Age of Orthodoxy. Fischer includes a summary of all of Gerhard's extensive writings, as well as a selection of 20 of his letters.

Nicholaus Hunnius

Diaskepsis Theologica (1626)
    by Nicholaus Hunnius, translated by Rev. Dr. Richard Dinda & Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle
    ISBN 1891469258
    543 pages, hardcover

Originally published in 1626, Hunnius' Diaskepsis Theologica was profoundly influential in the formation of Lutheran dogmatics. In an age when Calvinists were attempting to convince Lutherans that there were no church-divisive doctrinal differences between the two confessions, Hunnius set out to refute the unionistic efforts of the Reformed. He demonstrated that the Reformed err in fundamental articles of the faith. His extensive Preface analyzes the Synod of Dort, revealing the callous way in which the Reformed treated the Arminians - and thus the hypocrisy of Reformed complaints about the "unloving" Lutherans.

Hunnius' careful scholarship, orthodoxy, and his unwillingness to compromise the truth for the sake of worldly peace provide a powerful testimony to 21st century Lutherans who have become accustomed to hazy doctrinal agreements and sentimental unionism. Diaskepsis Theologica is not light reading, but it is quite edifying, and a vital book for the Lutheran Church.

Johann Andreas Quenstedt

The Church (Theologica Didactico-Polemica, Part IV, Chapter XV: De ecclesia)
    By Johann Andreas Quenstedt, translated by Dr. Luther Poellot
    ISBN 1891469266
    154 pages, hardcover

Quenstedt offers clarity and a crucial exposition of Lutheran teaching concerning the nature of the Church. Quenstedt's explanation of the marks of the Church, the attributes of the Church, the role of Church Councils, etc. are required reading in an age of "mega" churches, "meta" church, and the Church Growth Movement. In the words of Dr. Robert Preus: "There is no question that after the Loci Theologici of Chemnitz and Gerhard (who was his uncle) the Systema of Quenstedt ranks as the greatest dogmatics book ever written by a Lutheran."

David Chytraeus

A Summary of the Christian Faith
    by David Chytraeus, translated by Rev. Dr. Richard Dinda
    ISBN 1891469045
    168 pages, hardcover

Originally intended for the advanced instruction of young people, Chytraeus' A Summary of the Christian Faith is a marvelous book for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the faith. Chytraeus (1531-1600), one of the authors of the Formula of Concord, ranks as one of the central Lutheran theologians of the 16th century.

A Summary of the Christian Faith (Originally entitled Catechesis) offers two great blessings to its readers: (1) an opportunity to see how one of the Lutheran fathers confessed and taught the faith, and (2) an opportunity to grow in one's own knowledge and appreciation of Christian doctrine. "Chytraeus had the irenic nature of Melanchthon with the doctrinal commitment of Luther." (From the Introduction.)

Chytraeus on Sacrifice (1569)
    by David Chytraeus, translated by Dr. John Warwick Montgomery
    ISBN 1891469231
    152 pages, paperback

Originally published in 1962, this superb English translation of Chytraeus' De Sacrificiis (1569) has been out of print for years. Chytraeus' work offers a biblical study of the concept of sacrifice, beginning with the Old Testament sacrifices and continuing with Christ's sacrifice and finally explaining the nature of Eucharistic sacrifices of Christians. Dr. Montgomery also offers an insightful introduction to the life and work of this co-author of the Formula of Concord.

Philip Melanchthon

The Life and Acts of Martin Luther
    by Philip Melanchthon
    ISBN 189146910X
    46 pages, booklet

A wonderful introduction to the life and work of the Reformer by one of his co-workers! This booklet includes the funeral oration Melanchthon delivered after Luther's death.

D. Richard Stuckwisch

Melanchthon and the Lutheran Confession of the Eucharistic Sacrifice
    by D. Richard Stuckwisch
    ISBN 1891469339
    56 pages, booklet

The Eucharistic sacrifice, the "sacrifice of thanksgiving," is a concept which is central to the Lutheran reformers' understanding of worship. In this essay, Pastor Stuckwisch examines the manner in which this teaching is set forth in the writings of Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560), particularly in the Book of Concord.

Johannes Konrad Wilhelm Löhe - Portrait of a Confessional Lutheran
    by D. Richard Stuckwisch
    ISBN 1891469320
    52 pages, booklet

Although the pastor of a small parish in Bavaria, Wilhelm Löhe is remembered as an influential figure in Lutheran missionary work, restoration of the Lutheran liturgy, and revival of sound biblical and confessional pastoral practice. Stuchwisch provides an overview of the life and work of this important Lutheran theologian and shows how much Lutherans today can learn from Löhe.

William Dallmann

The Midnight Lion - Gustav Adolf
    by William Dallmann
    ISBN 1891469010
    60 pages, booklet

Gustav Adolf (Gustavus Adolphus) was the Swedish king whose intervention in the Thirty Years' War was instrumental in preventing Roman Catholic forces from crushing the Lutheran Church. His is an inspiring tale of self-sacrificing love for Christ and His Church!

Robert Barnes - English Lutheran Martyr
    by William Dallmann
    ISBN 1891469029
    48 pages, booklet

Although almost forgotten today, Robert Barnes (1495-1540) played a significant role in bringing the Reformation to England. Influenced by Luther and his continental followers, Barnes was an unabashed advocate of the Lutheran "heresy" in the England of Henry VIII. Barnes and his martyrdom are powerful expressions of the theology of the cross and the great comfort which God bestows on those whom He has brought to faith in their great Redeemer.

Paul Gerhardt - His Life and His Hymns
    by William Dallmann
    ISBN 1891469355
    59 pages, booklet

Dallmann offers a wonderful introduction to the life and labors of a theologian whose hymns are an enduring blessing to the Church.

Hallgrim Petursson

The Way of the Cross - Selections
    by Hallgrim Petursson
    ISBN 1891469002
    24 pages, booklet

Petursson (1614-1674), known as the "Icelandic Paul Gerhardt," was one of the most influential pastors during the Age of Orthodoxy (1580-1713). Petursson's burial hymn (included in this booklet) is used a many funerals to this day and his 50 Passion-Hymns (portions of which are included in this booklet) continue to be read every Lent. Pilcher's introduction offers and excellent overview of the life and work of this Lutheran hymnist.

Thirty-One Meditations on Christ's Passion
    by Hallgrim Petursson, translated by Charles Venn Pilcher
    ISBN 1891469312
    45 pages, booklet

Petursson's Passion-Hymns are sung in Iceland to this day during the season of Lent. The translator, Charles Venn Pilcher, took selections from the Passion-Hymns and organized them into a month's worth of meditations.

The Symbols of the Ev. Lutheran Church

Concordia, or Book of Concord - The Symbols of the Ev. Lutheran Church
    translated by F. Bente & W.H.T. Dau
    ISBN 1891469290
    360 pages, hardcover

F. Bente's and W.H.T. Dau's translation of the Book of Concord has provided countless numbers of Lutherans with a faithful English text of our confession. Regrettably, the English-only edition has been "out of print" for many years. Repristination Press has republished the English-only edition of this classic translation. This inexpensive, hardcover edition is a facsimile of the 1922 edition of the Book of Concord and contains the text of the Catalog of Testimonies (compiled by Chemnitz and Andreae) and the Visitation Articles. (Our edition does not include Bente's historical introductions.)

W.H.T. Dau

Woman Suffrage in the Church (1923)
    by W. H. T. Dau
    ISBN 1891469118
    23 pages, booklet

Originally published in 1923, Dau's brief treatise offers an introduction to an often misunderstood debate. Dau, an opponent of women's suffrage within the Church, provides a thoughtful examination of many of the most fiercely debated portions of Holy Scripture.

Henry Eyster Jacobs

Elements of Religion
    by Henry Eyster Jacobs
    ISBN 1891469053
    261 pages, hardcover

An excellent explanation of the Christian faith by one of the leading American Lutheran theologians of the early 20th century. A gifted translator, systematician and church historian, Jacobs is best remembered for his two-volume edition of the Book of Concord. Written primarily for lay people, the 29 chapters of Elements of Religion cover the major topics of Christian teaching under five general headings: (1) The Pre-requisites of Redemption; (2) The Preparation of Redemption; (3) The Application of Redemption; (4) The Effects of Redemption; and (5) The Administration of Redemption. Jacobs' popular style makes this work accessible to the inquiring reader in any age.

The Augsburg Confession
    by Henry Eyster Jacobs
    ISBN 1891469088
    38 pages, booklet

A superb translation of the most important Lutheran Confession of the faith. Ideal for adult instruction classes!

Theodore Graebner

Dr. Francis Pieper - A Biographical Sketch
    by Theodore Graebner
    ISBN 1891469274
    61 pages, booklet

After C. F. W. Walther, Francis Pieper was undoubtedly the most influential theologian of the Synodical Conference. From his labors at Concordia Seminary and as synodical president, to his authorship of the Christian Dogmatics and the Brief Statement, Graebner offers insights into the life and work of Pieper.

David Henkel

Against the Unitarians
    by David Henkel, Introduction by Dr. Louis A. Smith
    ISBN 1891469363
    158 pages, paperback

Published after his death in 1830, Henkel's last major work is a testament to his importance as a theologian of the Church of the Augsburg Confession. The "founding father" of the Tennessee Synod, Henkel helped lay the foundation for the first authentically confessional Lutheran synod in America in 1820. Henkel remained the synod's chief theologian for the remaining decade of his life, and endured as a formative influence for most of the history of the synod.

Henkel's Against the Unitarians remains an insightful defense of biblical Trinitarian doctrine. Dr. Louis Smith's introduction provides an overview of Henkel's life and work.

Gregory Jackson

Thy Strong Word: The Efficacy of the Word in the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions
    by Gregory Jackson
    650 pages, hardcover

Dr. Jackson wrote Thy Strong Word to destroy the doctrinal foundations of the Church Growth Movement. After publishing scores of articles against the Church Growth Movement and discussing the problem with advocates and opponents of "Church Growth," he decided that the foundational error was a lack of trust in the efficacy of the Word alone. Lack of faith in the Word alone is behind the subtle rejection of the means of grace in the Lutheran Church today.

James Heiser

The Limits of Liturgical Innovation in Light of Martin Luther's "Exhortation to the Christians in Livonia ..."
    by James Heiser
    ISBN 1891469150
    16 pages, booklet

An examination of one of Luther's most important writings against the advocates of "creative worship" in his day. The booklet also includes a supporting section of citations from American Lutheran writers, such as C.P. Krauth and Sihler.

The Balance of Word and Sacrament in the Divine Service
    by James Heiser
    ISBN 1891469401
    31 pages, booklet

Because God's grace comes to us through Word and Sacrament, the centrality of these means of grace in the Divine Service is a matter of concern for all Lutherans. The paper offers both an analysis of shortcomings in many present practices, as well as insights from the Lutheran Confessions for returning to a more consistently confessional practice.

C. P. Krauth

Christian Liberty (1860)
    by C. P. Krauth
    ISBN 189146907X
    60 pages, booklet

Originally published in 1860, these two essays, "Christian Liberty Maintained," and "Christian Liberty Defended," offer a defense of the retention of historic liturgical practices (especially the wearing of vestments) within the Lutheran Church.

Popular Amusements: A Discourse (1851)
    by C. P. Krauth
    ISBN 1891469096
    38 pages, booklet

This 1851 discourse was an attempt by one of the leading American Lutheran theologians of the 19th century to address the problems posed by the "ungodly entertainments" of his day. Although the specific "amusements" change with the times, Krauth's appeal to principle does not change: "Accursed be that popularity which is purchased at the expense of truth. What have the ministers and followers of a LORD Who was crucified, to do with popularity?"

Poverty: Its Perpetuality, Causes and Relief (1858)
    by C. P. Krauth
    ISBN 1891469061
    42 pages, booklet

Poverty is a persistent social problem which exists because of mankind's Fall into sin. In this work, Krauth addresses not only the perpetuity of poverty, but also its causes and Christian approaches to the relief of poverty. Although originally published in 1858, Krauth's observations are as applicable today as when they were first written.

Streitige Frage -- A Contentious Question: Whether the Godhead is truly known to some degree, or may indeed be known by human understanding without the revealed Word? (1619)
     by The Theological Faculty at Wittenberg
     translated by Rev. Dr. Elmer Hohle & Rev. Dr. Gerald Krispin
     Preface by Rev. Daniel Preus
     37 pages, booklet

    The Center for the Study of Lutheran Orthodoxy acquired a 1619 theological opinion (titled Streitige Frage) produced by the faculty of the University of Wittenberg. The 37-page work addresses the topic of whether it is possible to know the true God apart from the revelation of Holy Scripture - a very timely topic for the Church today, given the present syncretistic controversies that are shaking the Lutheran Church. This work demonstrates that there are truly no "new questions" - and it offers us the response that our fathers in the faith formulated to answer false teachers in past ages.

    The importance of The Center for the Study of Lutheran Orthodoxy's acquisition of this work is highlighted by the fact that this work is so rare that there are only two known copies in library holdings - and they are only microfilm copies. According to an OCLC search of library holdings, it appears that The Center's copy of Streitige Frage is the only known physical copy of this work. A preliminary translation has been done, and it is our hope to soon publish a finished translation. Please keep checking back here for updates on this publication.

Other Items

Luther Notes - Series 1 (cards and envelopes)
    These six cards present images of some of the significant moments and works in Martin Luther's life (1534 German Bible - Posting the 95 Theses - A Mighty Fortress - Translating the N.T. - The Marburg Colloquy - Luther Preaching). The insides of the gray "granite" cards have been left blank, so they can be used for almost any occasion! Two copies of each card are included. (12 cards and envelopes)

Luther Notes - Series 2 (cards and envelopes)
    This series has six additional images from the life of Martin Luther (Receiving Doctorate - Marriage - Introducing Catechism - Death of Magdalena - To the Christian Nobility - Enter Monastery). The inside of the tan "granite" cards have been left blank, so they can be used for almost any occasion! Two copies of each card are included. (12 cards and envelopes)

Shirts (seven to choose from)
    001: bust of "Martin Chemnitz, Pastor and Confessor"
    002: "Second Article" in the shape of the cross
    003: bust of "Paul Gerhardt, Pastor and Hymnist"
    004: Latin text of "Confessio Augustana XIV"
    005: Luther's musical score of "A Mighty Fortress"
    006: image: Luther Posting 95 Theses "Repristination Press 'Teneamus Confessionem'"
    007: image: "Johann Gerhardt (1582-1637) Veritas et Pietas"

Up-Coming Works from Repristination Press

Harmony of the Evangelists - Harmonia quatuor Evangelistarum (1626)
    This massive work, begun by one of the authors of the Formula of Concord, Martin Chemnitz, and completed by the greatest theologian of the 17th century, Johann Gerhard, the Harmony of the Evangelists offers an incomparable wealth of insights into the life and ministry of our Savior. This work has been translated and, God-willing, work toward publication will begin soon.


Loci Theologici
    Another addition to The Center for the Study of Lutheran Orthodoxy's holdings is a set of the Tübingen edition (1762-1789) of Johann Gerhard's Loci Theologici. The Loci is, of course, one of the most important works of Johann Gerhard. In the Loci, Gerhard gives a detailed examination of all of the articles of the faith - and does so in a total of 20 volumes! The Tübingen edition of the Loci is added to our growing collection of Gerhard materials. It is our hope to have a complete collection of all of Gerhard's works.

Supporting The Center and Repristination Press

You are invited to a shared commitment to the preservation of the legacy of the Lutheran Church. This legacy is not one of worldly wealth or power - it is found, in part, in the writings of our fathers in the faith. The primary mission of The Center for the Study of Lutheran Orthodoxy is to bring the writings of our Lutheran fathers back into the life of the Church by publishing them in English editions. You may support this vital work.

First, your prayers are requested ... for thanks to the Lord for the Truth that is our salvation ... for thanks to the Holy Trinity for the faithful witness of the Lutheran fathers who wrote for the Glory of God and the edifying of the Church ... for thanks to God for all that was needed and for all those who have helped in getting the books into your hands ... to petition the Lord to supply the needs to continue this important work ... to petition God to sustain all the people who are working and will work to get the Word out.

Second, your continued support of the work is vital and you can do this by purchasing books, by giving special gifts, by encouraging memorials, by inviting Sunday Schools, congregations and groups to provide special offerings - not only for the continuing day-to-day expenses - but also for making special acquisitions to the Center's holdings. Please consider helping us in this important task of preserving our Lutheran legacy.

Third, please consider making people aware of the Center and introducing them to some of the works that are available. One of the best ways for such an introduction is to place in their hands an audio book of Sacred Meditations by Johann Gerhard. On one CD (MP3 format) the entire book has been recorded. That is over nine hours! This is absolutely one of the best devotional gifts you can give and it will whet the appetite of many for a reading of some of our other works. (In addition, you may make as many copies of this CD for gifts to others as you like!) To learn more about this tremendous offer, click the link at the bottom of this page.

Finally, if you have, or if you know someone who has, Latin or German tomes, sermons, class notes, treatises, manuscripts or books which once catechized and comforted generations of God's people, consider donating them to The Center for the Study of Lutheran Orthodoxy. You may have, or know of, a treasure that many Christians would be grateful to have translated into English and book in hand. Please contact the Center if you know of a possible text.

Teneamus confessionem!  Let us hold fast our confession! (Hebrews 4:14)

See the information at the top of the page for ordering from Repristination Press