# Lehre und Wehre_St. Louis Missouri_Juli 1857_S202
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

202 The General Synod of the Lutheran Church in Prussia in the Year 1856.

...that the pastors must indeed look above all to their congregations, but must also turn a glance into their own inner life in order to preserve a good conscience; by such a testimony the members would strengthen one another, and it is after all a pain to see oneself separated from so many with whom one would wish to be united, and a blessing if guaranteed rights were restored. —

With reference to Besser's letter, which had meanwhile been read aloud, Pastor Wolf remarks: We are to regard this letter as a gift of God, to which we ought to confess ourselves from the heart. All who concern themselves about us are waiting in suspense to see what we will do, since we have, as it appears, taken a step in the direction of the Union. If we now keep silent, it will be assumed either that we are close to the Union, or else that we no longer consider it worth a word. But should there be congregations and members of congregations that might take offense at this — then it is better that they take offense; indeed, we must give offense to such people rather than set the light under the bushel. Precisely for the sake of so deep a sickness must such a wholesome shock be given them for their healing.

The teachers Below of Posen and Isberner of Camin remark: the congregations would take no offense; rather, the letter would work beneficially upon them. One must heed the signs of the times. The apostles too did not wait until they were called, but went out to meet the people and the nations.

Professor Dr. Kahnis: It has been objected that there is no proper occasion for the letter; but what is at stake here is the refutation of a widespread delusion concerning the harshness and lovelessness of the Prussian "Old Lutherans." To be able to hand such a letter as the present one, in print, to such people would be a defeat for our opponents, just as exclusive utterances are a triumph for them. In this it is not so necessary to look to the possible consequences; these we would leave in faith to the Lord, conscious that our way is a divine way. We need not be sharp in words, for our sharpness lies sufficiently in our whole position. — Hitherto the Lutheran Church of Prussia has had the duty of passing through the narrow way; but she must also remain mindful of her ecumenical character and of her calling to become the church universal; this is our claim upon the whole Prussian territorial church, and therefore this excellent letter must be adopted.

Similarly Superintendent Pistorius: the Church has a quiet, royal way to walk; but in walking it she must also prove her royal nature; and that nature is: to distribute, to let herself be partaken of, and to spread blessing round about her. — Reference has been made to the outcome. He does not indeed know what God intends to do, in whose hand the outcome lies; judging by past experience, the letter will probably be in vain as regards the Lutheran-minded Unionists; nevertheless it is to be...