# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1924_S36
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

36 Proceedings of the twenty-ninth convention

gregation you may occupy. When such unconverted people talk about church unity, it is just as if a convicted robber and murderer wanted to give us a lecture on "good government."

2. If you are a true Christian, then the Holy Spirit has taught you to call Jesus Lord. See to it that you not only call Him Lord in all things, but that He is also your Lord, that is, the one whose voice you hear and whom you are willing to obey. Obedience to God has never yet torn the Church and never will.

3. For this purpose pastors and members of congregations should never slacken in their efforts to become ever better acquainted with the Word of God. Pastors should attend the conferences, synods and conventions where the truth is taught and error is rejected. They should also take time to study privately the Bible and the writings of orthodox teachers. They should study especially Luther's works and the works of those to whom God has given such rich gifts and whom He has used so faithfully in the service of the Lutheran Church of America.

Laymen [Laien] should conscientiously attend the services. They should show their pastors that they take great interest in doctrinal sermons. They should read and study the Bible and, in addition, church papers and periodicals that spread the truth. If possible, they should also become acquainted with the Book of Concord and follow the teachers in their clear exposition of the Word of God and in their powerful, thorough and victorious refutation of all false doctrines.

4. Every Christian head of a family should see to it that enough pure and wholesome literature is in the house, and should endeavor to awaken interest in it.

5. All should help to circulate such good books and periodicals, together with other literature.

6. One should never blame and criticize a faithful and sincere servant of God when he rejects an error. If one cannot quite see the matter, one should rather ask him to make the matter still clearer.

7. As you demand pure food, pure air, pure water, so demand also pure, unadulterated doctrine. Only the best is good enough for you and your children. "Buy the truth, and sell it not!" Prov. 23:23. If necessary, buy it even at the highest price and sell it at no price. "All the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her," Prov. 3:15.

8. Toward all who confess the pure doctrine be meek, courteous, patient, long-suffering, bear their weaknesses, love them, defend them and put the best construction on everything.

In sum: What you can do to spread God's Word, do it. Confer with your pastor. Help those who preach and spread the Word of God. Fight everything that opposes the Word. This Word is the truth. Through the Word of God the Holy Spirit unites the Church and preserves it in the right united faith. Without Him we can do nothing. God must do it. He must build and unite the Church. We are simply to follow Him, obey, believe and do His will; then unity will follow, as far as that is possible in this world. In heaven at last and in the fellowship of the elect we ourselves shall be perfect and also enjoy perfect fellowship.