# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1884_S54
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

54   Proceedings of the 19th General [Synod], or

and if the latter is entitled, on every occasion, to meddle in his discipline and cross his orders. He can then easily be degraded into a mere bailiff, whose task with the teachers is only to keep the pupils in order, to take odious tasks off their hands, and, as a reward for it, to bear the general odium. That, at least, is very easily how he will stand in the eyes of the pupils. Who could prevent that? But who, for that very reason, could also hold it against a competent man if he refuses to take on such a position?

"5. Our own experience has shown that the Director, in some cases, already had to assume, on his own responsibility, the functions of the president, if not all discipline was to go to ruin — and every reasonable person has approved of this. Is it wise, then, to declare unlawful by fixed regulations something that is nevertheless generally recognized as necessary and right?

"6. It is true: only one who has the Gospel in his heart knows how to have the Law rightly in hand. But it is equally true that, in an institution, the Law must rule, and that there must be unity in the exercise of governance as well as in the pursuit of the overall goal. All human experience, however — even among Christians and in Christian institutions — teaches that this is more easily attained through subordination (to a certain degree) than through complete coordination. It is on this principle, accordingly, that all good teaching institutions, both in Germany and here, are constituted.

"Against these grounds, to be sure, there will be no lack of objections. The chief of these will probably be the following:

"1. The proposed arrangement is said to be contrary to Christian equality and brotherliness. — But this was not objected earlier, when the functions in question were exercised by a president in his own right, who was nonetheless likewise at the same time a teacher. Why, then, now? Moreover, the objection also plainly proves too much. It would also sweep away the offices of the district presidents and many others besides. Finally, it confuses the standing of Christians before God, in conscience, with their standing within an ordered external fellowship. Our Lutheran forefathers at the time of the Reformation certainly also knew Christian freedom and equality. Their school regulations, however, were founded on subordination.

"2. It is said to be dangerous to give the Director too much power. — Answer: That is indeed so. For this very reason he shall have not one jot more than is necessary, and shall not be allowed to claim any right beyond what has been assigned to him. As much as has been proposed to be assigned to him, however, is necessary for the common good, as shown above.

"3. The Director would then also have to stand, in point of learning [*in litteris*], above his colleague. — Answer: That would indeed be very desirable, but not