# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1873_S23
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 23 —

...of Christian freedom (Gal. 2:4, 5); second, not difference in non-fundamental convictions (Rom. 14:1–9); in this case, as in the first, the change would be a split, a schism, a separation, and the schismatics who separate, the separatists, would set up altar against altar (1 Cor. 1:10, 11, 18, 19) (such schismata are to be distinguished from the factions, sects, haireseis [heresies], which involve a separation for the sake of the foundation of faith); third, not preference for a particular gift of a preacher (1 Cor. 1:11–13; 3:3–23), for that is, with all its appearance of spirituality, something fleshly; finally, fourth, not the growth of weeds in a congregation in which the means of grace are still current unadulterated (Matt. 13:24 ff.), for which reason the Apostle does not urge the upright Christians in the corrupt congregation at Corinth to leave it, but rather to hold together all the more firmly and not let division arise among themselves (1 Cor. 1:10; cf. 5:1, 2, 6; 6:1–8; 11:17–22, 30; 15:12, 34; 2 Cor. 12:20, 21).

X.

If a change in the parish relationships is to take place, it shall take place only with the consent of all, in love and peace, and as the edification of the Church requires (Acts 6:1–5); yet neither the preacher nor the congregation, nor any individual, may use his power arbitrarily to hinder it, since in the Church all power is given only to build up and not to destroy (2 Cor. 10:8).

XI.

There are exceptional cases in which love seemingly breaks through all laws and ordinances, but in fact fulfills the true sense of the law (Matt. 12:1–7).

XII.

Since the parish is enclosed within geographical boundaries, a Christian's relationship to his former parish ceases with his removal into another territory, as indeed the founders of the original congregation in Rome had mostly been former members of other congregations, and as Aquila and Priscilla, formerly members of the congregation at Rome, became such at Corinth (Rom. 16:3; cf. Acts 18:2, 3).

XIII.

To be sure, those who live within the territory of a pastorate are bound to hear God's voice sounding here and, as far as they are able, to do their part so that the preaching office and congregational life that exist here continue and be furthered; it is, however, a matter