# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1857_S361
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 361 —

...to cover the printing costs would probably be to gather a
sufficient number of subscribers who would pay one dollar in advance
when ordering the first part, and the other dollar when it appeared;
and likewise for the publication of the second part, and so on.

Given the voices raised in the assembly promising their eager support,
the Synod could not doubt that a sufficient number of subscribers
would be found, so that the work might confidently be undertaken in
God's name.

It was accordingly determined, on Mr. Wiebusch's proposal, that
subscribers pay $1 when sending in their order for the first part, and
the other dollar when it appeared; and that the same arrangement be
followed later for the second part. At the same time, however, the
wish was expressed that the more well-off subscribers, in order to
advance the work, might, where possible, prepay the full $2 for the
first part on ordering, or $4 for both parts.

The Office of Evangelist or Visitor.

That our Synod recognized it, from its very beginning, as a duty
incumbent upon it to seek out and gather our German fellow believers
immigrating here — who still live scattered about without preaching
or sacrament, particularly in the western states and territories, like
sheep that have no shepherd — is attested by the synodical proceedings
of its earliest years. Later, when it was seen that the matter was
bound up with many difficulties and obstacles for a mere visitor, it
was hoped that the intended purpose could be achieved sooner and
better through a Christian-minded colporteur [Colporteur, traveling
book agent]. And certainly, through both attempts — however modest —
some good seed has been sown.

Still, surely more could and should be done for this important
purpose. The brethren of the Western District therefore again turned
their earnest attention to this subject at their convention last year.
(See the 2nd report of the Western District, p. 35.) Pastor Selle, at
the general president's request, had composed a paper [Referat] on it,
which was now read to the Synod. (cf. Appendix K.)

The Synod recognized the importance of the matter, and expressed the
wish that the Lord would soon send it one or more capable men for this
office. The congregations, too, should take this to heart, so that
through their contributions they might make possible the sending out
and support of such men.

Colporteur of the Western District Synod.

The general Synod rejoiced with the Western District Synod that it had
found, in the person of Mr. Friedrich Lange of St. Louis, a willing
and capable colporteur. He has been very active for the past year and
a half and has sold a considerable number of good books, as may be
seen in more detail from the following report. (cf. Appendix L.)