# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1882_S33
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 33 —

It was further testified to him that he here appeals to love in exactly the same way as other people appeal to their spirit. But love demands above all things that one obey God, and it avails me nothing, if I appeal to love against the clear Word of God: Do not meddle in another's office! What I do in such love I do without God; indeed, there I make myself God. Luther says: And if I thought I could save the whole world, I should yet not go where God's Word forbids me to go.

As for the reproach that the Synodical Conference is being split by the protests, it was unanimously testified that this is by no means the case, nor is it intended nor conditioned by the adoption of the protests. Indeed, Pastor Muus himself is a clear proof that we want to carry out the purpose of the Synodical Conference. He has here publicly confessed Prof. Schmidt's false doctrines, indeed he once earlier publicly set forth a doctrine of election which hardly any man in the world shares with him. Nevertheless we are glad to deal with him still. Indeed, he is precisely an object for the Synodical Conference, which wants to try, in all patience, to bring him right, however long it may take. But with Prof. Schmidt that is no longer possible, for conscience' sake, unless he acknowledges his wrong. Consider: Prof. Schmidt goes, among other things, into a congregation and helps some who decry their pastor as a Calvinist, brings it about with them that the majority deposes and drives out the pastor, and now these two men are to sit together here as brothers and deliberate in order to preserve the dear peace of the church. He who does everything to destroy the peace of the church demands here seat and vote among those whom he regards as his enemies and wants to deliberate with them how to preserve the dear peace of the church. No, that would be a pure comedy.

On the part of Norwegian delegates it was therefore requested, before the adoption of the protests, that the question be put to Prof. Schmidt in what capacity, in his own opinion, he has appeared here, whether as an enemy or as a brother; whether he regards it so, that he wishes to deal here as a brother with brothers, or whether he regards us as his enemies.

The Conference therefore resolved to permit this question of some delegates and at the same time to allow Prof. Schmidt a short answer to it. Prof. Schmidt replied that he could not and would not answer this question at once, but asked that a short counter-question first be permitted him, and thereafter he would answer the question put briefly. To this, however, objection was raised, and although the motion to adjourn had already been made, Prof. Schmidt kept trying to speak, although several members of the Conference protested against it and the chair repeatedly called out to him: Prof. Schmidt! You do not have the floor now.