# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1877_S27
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 27 —

For by that one would openly confess oneself to the Union, as the title already shows. With hymnals that bear the Lutheran name, ignorant Christians see it less easily, of course. It is to be remembered, however, that the Common hymnal [*Gemeinſchaftliches Geſangbuch*] is now also being sold with a Lutheran title page. If congregations prove stubborn, they must in the end be excluded.

Like the hymnals, the agendas too should be pure. That is not the case with the New York one. It has, for example, the Union form of distribution at Holy Communion and three forms for baptism, which are in part entirely rationalistic. The agenda of the Ohio Synod also has some defects. But these are to be changed, unless the Synodical Conference [*Synodalconferenz*] issues one of its own.

The following resolution was now adopted:

"At the next session of the Synodical Conference the presidents [*Präſidenten*] of the individual synods shall submit a written report stating which agendas, hymnals and catechisms are in use in their synods, and in how many congregations each of these books is used. If any of these hold false doctrine, it shall at the same time be stated whether the pastor concerned has protested against their use and the congregation has consented to abolish the book in time."

Likewise it was resolved:

"The presidents of the individual synods shall also submit a written report on whether parish schools are kept in all parishes of their synods, whether by a special teacher or by the pastor himself."

A synod must also see to it that devotional books are orthodox. It may not let bad ones circulate. By this are to be reckoned not merely those that plainly contain false doctrine, but also those that lack proper clarity. It is therefore especially to be inquired whether sound Lutheran literature finds entrance. The pastors must inquire about this on their house visits, though with the necessary caution. They should not fall in at once with the door into the house, but first perhaps acknowledge what is good, and then also faithfully warn against what does not agree with Scripture. In this matter too we must be zealous, for the church as spiritual mother must see what nourishment her children have.

Likewise attention is to be paid to religious periodicals, for papers of the churches holding false doctrine may be read only by one who is firmly grounded, so that there is no danger of his being led astray. He must also have a calling to do so. Moreover we should guard against such papers.

Especially to be recommended is the Altenburg Bible Work, which can be had from the Bible Society in St. Louis at cost price in larger quantities. It is a precious book which has already for many