# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1872_S46
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 46 —

preserve unity of spirit through the bond of peace, engage in no worldly side-occupations that draw them away from their holy office, make no frivolous, self-serving change of position, and by their conduct bring no contempt on the holy Gospel in their congregation.

Teachers at higher and lower schools have this same task, in their measure.

b. that the congregations and their members receive the Gospel not merely in word but both in power and in the Holy Spirit; that they establish and promote Christian parish schools; that they practice brotherly correction and church discipline in a truly evangelical spirit; that they allow no secret societies [*geheime Gesellschaften*] to arise among them; and that they be generous in supporting the Synod's institutions and the poor.

c. that our educational institutions cultivate among their students not merely scholarly striving but also a Christian spirit, and that the reading of the pagan as well as the German classics always be accompanied and overseen by Christian critique.

d. that the theological periodicals continue faithfully to set forth and defend pure Lutheran doctrine, and that they not deny their Christian character even in polemics that become necessary.

e. that the whole Synod refrain from all unionistic endeavors, and instead cultivate, with all like-minded Lutheran synods, unity of spirit with the utmost diligence, with all patience, and with the renunciation of all special interests, letting their cooperation together serve the building up of the Kingdom of God in America. The Synod will also, once it has grown strong enough, have to take care that the English language be cultivated more richly both in its parish schools and in its higher institutions, so as to equip its members to carry out their heavenly calling — to be a light in the Lord — on a larger scale, and also to help promote the welfare of the whole country as Christian citizens.

IV. The outcome.

What outcome the pursuit of this high task will have, especially for our future generation, is known to God alone. We have only to do our part, not to let our hands sink in discouragement, and to commend the outcome to God in earnest prayer.

Whether the Lord still has a longer visitation of grace in store for this Western world, especially for our Germans, or whether the appearing of the glory of Christ will soon bring the fashion of this world to an end, that is hidden in God's counsel. Let the Lord come now, today or tomorrow — only let us be found as devout and faithful servants.