# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1852_S212
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 212 —

...satisfied; but as far as practice was concerned, he declared that he
would consider himself satisfied in this respect if the Synod would
declare that it would do everything in this matter, without denying the
truth, that could be done toward an understanding with the Buffalo Synod.

The Synod declared itself on this matter as follows: "Since it is above
all important whether God wills that we first come to agreement in
doctrine with the Synod of Buffalo, respectively with Pastor Grabau — the
latter shall be sent, through the secretary, the *Verantwortung der reinen
Lehre von Kirche und Amt* [Defense of the Pure Doctrine of Church and
Ministry], drawn up on the Synod's behalf by Prof. Walther, with the
request* that he read this book through as impartially as possible and
thereby convince himself that our defense is nothing other than the voice
of the Lutheran Church. — Should he nevertheless not be fully convinced by
it, the Synod is gladly willing to confer with him, through delegates,
either verbally, publicly or privately, leaving the time and place to him.
At the same time the Synod offers not to write against him until then,
provided he likewise refrains from harsh writing. — Should Pastor Grabau
agree to this proposal, he is asked to be so good as to make his
willingness known to the Synod's presidium as soon as possible."

The Division of the Synod into District Synods.

Already three years ago it had been discussed in that year's synodical
session whether it might not be advisable for our Synod to divide itself
into various district synods; and at that time it was judged better that
such a division not yet take place. But since several synod members are
now of the opinion that, given the great extent the Synod has gained
since that time, various inconveniences are unavoidable unless the Synod
divides itself into district synods, the question was put forward for
discussion and deliberation: "Is it not necessary that the Synod divide
itself into special and district synods, and what would be the form in
which these divisions might best be constituted?" It was pointed out how
difficult, given the great extent of the Synod and the great distances
involved, attendance at the annual conventions is for so many synod
members of modest means; and as to the form of the division it was
proposed to divide the Synod into three or four district synods, which
would assemble as such annually for three years, then hold a general
synodical convention in the fourth year, each district synod having its
own *Präses* [president] and all together having a general *Präses*.

Arguments were made for and against such a division, and it was
specifically objected: that the ultimate purpose of our synodical union
is that the various gifts should be put to common use, which, given the
unequal local distribution of teaching and leadership strength within our
Synod, could easily be injured and impaired by such a division into
district synods — a concern all the more to be weighed in the present
times, since in many parts of the Lutheran Church, sadly, Lutheran
self-awareness and the full and correct knowledge of Lutheran doctrine
can hardly be found any longer, and even where, among us, the light again
shines through God's undeserved grace, the strengthening toward manly
maturity is still often lacking in many respects, and a large part of our
young pastors...

*) This has already been done by me.        D. Secr.