# The Lutheran Pioneer_St. Louis_1914_S75 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) ’ The Lutheran Pioneer. 76 ness being completed, Conference proceeded with the program, which consisted of: I. A paper on “Our Attitude Towards Revivals,” by the Rev. C. R. March, of Fayetteville, N. C. II. A paper on “The Mode of Baptism,” by the Rev. E. H. Polzin, of Meherrin, Va. III. Exegesis on 1 Tim. 3, 8—16, by the Rey. W. H. Lash, of Salisbury, N. C. IV. A Catechisation on the Sixth Command- ment, by Teacher E. Reid, of Immanuel School, Greensboro, N. C. Owing to illness, Rev. March could not be pres- ent to read his paper on “Our Attitude Towards Revivals,” but Conference resolved to discuss the subject, which it did to the profit of all present. During the discussions it was shown how and for what purpose revivals were begun. From the dis- cussions it was shown that it is wrong to hold re- vivals, as they often do more harm than good, and, above all, they fail to obey the Scriptural injunction to “teach the Word,” and thus show sinners how to be saved, viz., by faith in Christ; hence, Lu- therans should never resort to the revival as a means of making gains for the Church. As Revs. Polzin and Lash and Teacher Reid could not be present to read their respective papers, Conference spent the afternoon session in dis- cussing the subject of Rev. March’s paper. Many interesting facts were brought out which we have not the time nor the space to chronicle here. On ‘Thursday evening, at 8.15, the Rev. John Alston, of Mount Pleasant, N. C., preached an ex- cellent sermon to a large and appreciative audience, basing his discourse on 1 Chron. 29, 5. Rev. Alston showed from the text that the Lord needs, and is desirous of, consecrated workers. Friday morning, at ten o’clock, the public sessions of Immanuel Con- ference were opened by the singing of Hymn 264 and the reading of Ps. 124 by the pastor loci. The officers for the ensuing year were then elected. Dir. Berg was chosen President, Rev. J. Alston, of Mount Pleasant, N. C., Vice-President, and Rev. C. Stoll, of Atlanta, Ga., Secretary. Business con- cluded, the pastor Joci gave a hearty welcome to the visitors and friends. Conference then pro- ceeded with the program, which was as follows: I. A paper on “Church Discipline,” by the Rev. Lash, of Salisbury. II. A paper on “The Sunday-school,” by Teacher F. D. Alston; of Charlotte. III. A paper on “The Doctrine of Hell,” by Dir. F. Berg, of Greensboro. As the Rev. Lash was not present to read his paper on “Church Discipline,” Teacher F. D. Al- ston, of Charlotte, presented his paper on “The Sunday-school.” This paper was very interesting and instructive. The essayist treated all phases of the Sunday-school, dealing with the room, lesson, pupils, and teachers. He showed that the Sunday- school is not an institute separate from the Church, but a part of the Church itself, and hence should be under the direct supervision of the pastor, as he is the leader of the flock. Teacher Alston was complete master of his subject. The paper finished, Conference tendered the essayist a vote of thanks. Friday evening, August 21, at 8.15, Prof. F. Wahlers, of Immanuel College, Greensboro, N. C., preached a most excellent sermon to an eager and attentive audience. He based his sermon on 1 Cor. 1, 10, showing from the text that God’s Word de- sires a union: of faith, of heart, and of the mind. A union of the various sects with their different creeds and dogmas is, besides being impossible, not in accordance with the Word of God. Saturday morning, August 22, at 9.30, Confer- ence opened with the singing of Hymn 209 and the reading of Ps. 103 by the President. After the completion of business, Dir. Berg presented his paper on “The Doctrine of Hell.” This paper was highly instructive; true to the talent of the author, it was a masterpiece. Dir. Berg showed conclu- sively from the Bible, over against Russell and his heresy, that there is a hell for the punishment of evil-doers, and that this hell burns with everlasting fire and brimstone, thus forever tormenting the souls of those who have died without the Lord. The author having completed his paper, he received a vote of thanks from the Conference. Saturday evening, at 8.30, the ladies of St. Paul gave a reception in the school-room to the pastors, teachers, and delegates. Teacher M. N. Carter, of Greensboro, acted as toastmaster upon this grand occasion. The visitors were entertained with music, both vocal and instrumental. After each selection some one was requested to make a speech on some very important things (?). (Unless you were ‘pres- ent, you can’t appreciate the question-mark.) Cream ‘and cake were served @ la conference by the ladies. Every one enjoyed himself at this reception, and was truly sorry when the time came to say “Good night.” Sunday morning, August 23, at 11 o’clock, di- vine services were held with Communion. Rev. C. Stoll, of Atlanta, Ga., preached a fine sermon at this service, basing his sermon on Luke 2, 34. 365, and using as his theme y. 34a. Rev. Stoll showed