# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1887_S26
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

26 Proceedings of the 20th General or

taken up by the Knights of Labor; 9. a report on a piece of land given
to the Synod in Iowa; 10. a petition from the Luther Memorial
Society [Luther-Denkmal-Verein].

As for our relations abroad, it is of course well known that the bond
with our sister synods in the Synodical Conference remains unchanged.
Let us rejoice in that! And should some difficulty ever arise, and with
it perhaps even the suspicion that things are not being handled in the
same spirit everywhere, then let us indeed guard against all vague
complaints about our brothers' disposition, and instead bring the
matter in question forward at once and in proper order, and not let up
until it is truly brought to a resolution. That, as far as I know, has
always in the end happened successfully so far. Above all, however,
let us take care that we ourselves are in no way to blame for this bond
of peace and love being loosened even in the slightest.

With the Saxon Free Church [ſächſiſche Freikirche] in Germany we
likewise still stand in the same close relationship. The congregations
there evidently surpass many of ours in zeal and willingness to
sacrifice. They would therefore certainly accept no outward help from
us, let alone ask for it, unless they had to. But they are poorer in
earthly goods than we are. Let us then gladly help so that the
testimony of truth which they render so emphatically, in word and
deed, in our dear old fatherland, may not fall silent.

From the brothers in Australia I myself have, to be sure, received no
communication. But I have no reason to doubt that things still stand
among them, and between them and us, as before. It is to be hoped
that our correspondent with foreign countries will confirm this and be
able to report particulars to the Synod.

As for my own conduct of the General Presidency, finally, in the years
past I have been able to attend all the district synods with the
exception of the Illinois District, whose last meeting I could be
present at for only one day, because it coincided with that of
Minnesota, at which, however, Vice-President Groß represented me
most capably. The Synod's educational institutions, as well as several
private institutions, have likewise been regularly visited by me,
except that last year I was not well enough to go to Addison. I was
also present at two Synodical Conference assemblies and at all the
larger pastoral conferences I could reach, as well as at two difficult
investigations. My correspondence has not changed. Nor have I been
an assistant preacher [Hülfsprediger] in name only. — At every official
visit without exception I have been met with trust. My advice,
however unassumingly offered, has never been despised. In sum, in
this respect I have no complaint to make.