# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1888_S14
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

14 Proceedings of the twelfth convention

outwardly as uniform as uniformed soldiers; but if they are not one in faith, in doctrine, then all their unity is mere appearance. In short: uniformity in ceremonies and in constitution is not a matter of indifference under all circumstances and in all respects, but is wholly a matter of indifference as regards the essence of unity in faith.

So our Confession also says, Augsburg Confession, Art. 7: "This is enough for the true unity of the Christian church, that the Gospel be preached in harmony and with a pure understanding, and the sacraments be administered in accordance with the divine Word. And it is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that uniform ceremonies, instituted by men, be observed everywhere."

To be sure, our Confession also expresses the thought that uniformity in certain ceremonies is in another respect not wholly a matter of indifference; in that we have, e.g., certain ceremonies in common with the ancient church, we make known in some measure, also outwardly, our connection with this church. But our Confession adds at once that this uniformity in outward ordinances cannot come into consideration when the matter is the essence of Christian unity. It says in the Apology (Art. 7 and 8, Müller, p. 159): "Although it also pleases us that the universal ceremonies be observed uniformly for the sake of unity and good order (propter tranquillitatem [for the sake of peace]), as indeed in our churches we also retain the Mass, the celebration of Sunday and the other high feasts. And we are content with all good, useful human ordinances, especially those which serve as a fine outward discipline for the young and for the people. But the question here is not whether human ordinances are to be kept for the sake of outward discipline, for the sake of peace (propter tranquillitatem aut corporalem utilitatem [for the sake of peace or bodily benefit])? It is a quite different question, namely whether keeping such human ordinances is a divine service by which one reconciles God, and that without such ordinances no one can be righteous before God" (and we add by analogy: that without such ordinances churches cannot be one). "That is the chief question. When this has finally and at last been answered, it can then be judged clearly whether that is to be called being one or in harmony with the church, if we keep such ordinances everywhere alike."

It was further stated in connection with this: It happens that when Christians move from one congregation to another, they do not feel at home there because of different ceremonies. Desirable as it is that, especially for the sake of such weak ones, the ceremonies in the same communion be as uniform as possible, nevertheless one should instruct these people and show them that, as regards true Christian