# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1914_S81
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of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1914. 81

my full approval. This idea is excellent. For it is as you say, people are not inclined to read large works. They need leaflets that first invite reading by their brevity and are so constituted that they compel reflection, scatter the fruitful seed of pure knowledge, and fall into hearts like inextinguishable, kindling heavenly sparks that stir up a fire in the heart. It is well known that as long as Luther's small writings flew singly like birds over Germany, their effect was immeasurable. They worked like a leaven in the sluggish mass of the German people. They produced above all the Reformation, which has made our people the most blessed and most favored of the earth. But when Luther's writings were collected into great folios, their general effects ceased. Even of preachers there were fewer and fewer who drew from this deep, full well, and Luther's writings gradually slipped altogether out of the hands of the people. The voluminous volumes at last moldered in public and private libraries. So the pure, clear, sweet, truly evangelical Lutheran doctrine given by the Reformation was gradually lost. A clouded doctrine arose, which established itself all the more firmly because it kept the name and the pretension of being the pure Lutheran one." (Quoted from a letter of Dr. Walther of December 9, 1864.)

In connection with this the Conference resolved: We recommend for the Reformation jubilee (mass) distribution of the Luther pamphlets.

2. An invitation of P. T. E. Schmauk, President of the General Council, to send representatives to a committee meeting for the preparation of a worthy celebration of the Reformation jubilee in the year 1917 was read, and the President was authorized to act in the matter (in accordance with Lutheran principles).

VI. Our Gravely Afflicted Brethren in the Faith in Germany.

At its convention this year the Synodical Conference [Synodalkonferenz] also remembered the brethren in the German Free Church, who likewise have to suffer heavily under the calamity that has befallen Germany through the great war of the nations. It therefore adopted, on the proposal of Pastor President Justus H. Naumann, the following resolution:

Resolved, to communicate to our brethren of the Ev. Luth. Free Church in Saxony and Other States through our secretary that we remember them with sympathy in the present affliction of the German Empire, which has also affected our brethren, and through which grievous tribulations are being prepared for them, include them in our intercession, and commend them to the protection of Almighty God.