# Lehre und Wehre_St. Louis Missouri_Februar 1856_S59
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

A Visit in Amsterdam. 59

members and friends, and every co-laboring sister with the sisters and lady friends of the association who hold to her, as often as they find it good, for mutual discussion and edification; in particular also for the joint reading of the books and writings recommended by the board. But these brotherly and sisterly gatherings, which are a general Christian right, must never degenerate into so-called conventicles, in which someone sets himself up as shepherd and teacher without being ecclesiastically called to it, lest sin be committed against God's Word and order (Rom. 10:15; 1 Cor. 12:29; 1 Cor. 14:20; Jas. 3:1). To the members of the board, free access remains open at all times.

8. As members of the association, with voting rights at the general assemblies, only members of the Lutheran Church as a whole are accepted, of whatever age or sex, who commit themselves to a fixed annual contribution.

9. As friends and patrons of the association, with the right to take part in the general assemblies, though without a vote, and in the gatherings of the co-laboring brothers or sisters to whom they attach themselves, the following are recognized for the year begun: all, without distinction of their ecclesiastical confession, who support the association through contributions.

10. General assemblies of the members are held as often as the board finds necessary, but at least once a year for reporting on the affairs of the association, as well as for rendering account. With the co-laboring brothers and sisters, the board holds at least one special meeting quarterly, in order to receive reports from them, hear proposals, and confer with them on the affairs of the association.

Finally there follow further provisions concerning the administration and concerning branch associations to be established. Signed are

P. Lentz, G. Egidius, and others.

This Lutheran association has now gained a firm existence, an uncommonly wide circulation, and an extensive effectiveness. One may well say that it is the core of the entire Lutheran congregation in Amsterdam, and has become a power against the unbelief and indifferentism stirring there too, against every attempt at a mingling of religions, and a bond with fellow believers abroad. It now already numbers 1,200 members. Every year on October 31st, public monthly winter assemblies are opened in the English Reformed church, which is rented for this purpose. Lectures are held there, and in particular questions are answered that are placed in the question-box, and which often concern important points of doctrine. Thus, for example, last winter P. Lentz answered questions — always in the Dutch language — on the point of unity in the Church, John 17:21;