# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1905_S132
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

132 Proceedings of the 26th General or

"2. On the occasion of the conferences, the visitor shall address a general, friendly reminder to the members not to forget the main funds; he shall also be ready to present the list.

"3. At visitations in the individual congregations he shall inquire about the contributions to the funds named and encourage them.

"4. Every visitor shall send a list to the district president annually, so that the latter has occasion to encourage the carrying out of the good system, where necessary.

"5. At the time of the so-called distribution of the candidates, the General President shall obtain information about the contributions from the district presidents on the basis of the lists, and see to it that the system is carried out properly." (Petition of the Pastoral Conference of North Ohio.)

Note: For the Synod's action on these five points, see p. 138f.

"In 1904 the Illinois District had a matter before it for discussion, which the Pastoral Conference of Chicago hereby also submits to this Honorable body for friendly consideration. The content of that petition and of the discussion connected with it was as follows:

"There was reason for joy that the Gospel, preached among us pure and unadulterated, has borne such rich fruit — shown, among other things, in the rise of so many charitable institutions and undertakings, which, as is well known, are administered as private matters within our circle. The petition intends no censure of any existing charitable institution or of any charitable society in our midst; on the contrary, it would be gratifying if still more could be done. It is recognized that mission work, too, is carried on through the existing charitable branches, and it is readily granted that they were probably founded only after long deliberation. Such work must also be taken up by private circles, because the Synod as such cannot occupy itself with undertakings of this kind. At no time has the Lutheran Church been so endowed with earthly wealth as the Church of our country is in our time. Finally, experience teaches: the more one gives for the kingdom of God, the more willing one becomes to give, and the more one is able to give. It is emphasized from the heart as a principle: dear friend, do not spoil a good work in the Synod, for there is a blessing in it! Nor would anyone object if individual persons or