# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1882_S62
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 62 —

propositions of the very greatest import are being laid before us, and at the same time we are told that the confession of the Wisconsin Synod also includes the declaration where it says that the view that election took place in view of faith is thereby rejected. Without this declaration I could agree completely with the propositions. But if this rejection of the "intuitu fidei" is added, the further question is raised what is understood by it. One says this, another that. But that is precisely, as far as I understand, the point in this matter. And yet they want to put the question to a vote without first making this matter clear to themselves and saying plainly and clearly: This is what we understand by it, that we do not understand!"

To this it was replied: The declaration on the "intuitu fidei" is not merely tacked on, as it were, in the synodical report of the Wisconsin Synod; rather it stands in the closest inner connection with the doctrine of election of grace so plainly confessed by the synod. Election — it is stated — is a cause of the calling, conversion, etc. Every misunderstanding is excluded there. For if it is said that election is a cause of salvation and of all that, etc., it is clearly taught that the faith that is present in time in those who are being saved is not to be put before election but is a consequence and effect of the election of grace. Pastor Muus says further that if a confession of propositions that have been read only once is demanded here, that is too much and an important matter is settled too quickly. But consider: the confession is so clear and simple that one need only hear it to know what is meant. Moreover, it concerns a matter with which one has already been occupied for years.

The Conference nevertheless considered it necessary to give Pastor Muus time and opportunity to look at the wording of the declaration carefully and thoroughly, and asked him to do so during the noon hour.

Ninth Session.

Monday afternoon, October 9.

When this subject was taken up again in the afternoon session, it was said on the one hand that theses on the election of grace, which had been drawn up by Dr. Walther and publicly adopted by the Missouri Synod, ought also to be laid before the Synodical Conference for discussion. It would not be in order, then, to vote first on the individual declarations of the three German synods concerning the election of grace and only then to speak about the doctrine itself.

The reply was that this was not at all in contradiction with one another. The 13 Theses of the Missouri Synod are by a member of the