# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1906_S39
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1906. 39

not the mind that each promotes its own special interests. Then also, as already said, care for one's own synod does not stand in opposition to the demands of the kingdom of Jesus Christ in general. If we look not to our own, but to what is the others', we shall in the individual case, in caring for our synods, at the same time keep the welfare of the whole Church in view.

The thoughts which Paul expresses are, of course, for the individual Christian. But now we, who agree in these thoughts, should see to it that a spirit develops in our synods which asserts itself in the dealings of the synods with one another. The esprit de corps [Korpsgeist] which so easily arises among us is usually nothing other than the so-called healthy egoism, and that is not the right thing. This false esprit de corps cannot arise at all if all act according to the word: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

If in this spirit we handle in our synods the matters that also concern our relation to other synods, God's Word will be strong enough that there not arise in the synods in disputed questions a direction of feeling against which one can then do nothing. When at assemblies of a large body an adverse feeling against another synod arises, sensible speeches, even if they are grounded on God's Word, will for the most part no longer accomplish much. That is precisely the wicked danger in the dealings of the synods with one another. Every member of a synod should be conscious that he does not merely represent his synod, but that he stands there as a member of the whole body of Christ. It is a terrible responsibility when a member helps bring it about that somehow a hostile feeling arises among us, which disturbs the peace of the Church and drives us apart, whom the LORD has so richly blessed through the unity in the Spirit.

Now, in conclusion: It is not enough that we make clear the principles which Paul has expressed. These exhortations hold for the Christian life and for the dealings of the synods with one another; therefore what is necessary for the Christians is also necessary for our synods. We must implore God to let His grace and mercy rule over us, so that we do not lose the peace, this highest good that we have in the Church of our country. And because today it looks as if all sorts of things wanted to press in which would have to drive us apart, and because the devil is at work everywhere, among us and among our opponents, to stir up all kinds of quarrels which let a bitter root grow up even among those who do not take part in the quarreling, we have need to rely on the grace of God, as Paul also clearly teaches at the close of the Epistle to the Ephesians. He comes there to something personal, and what he says of himself holds among us for everyone who in any way has to act as representative of his synod in such circumstances.