# Lehre und Wehre_St. Louis Missouri_October 1864_S305
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Two Documents from the Prussian Lutheran Church.    305

Finally, let it also be communicated here that the synod also took into consideration the proposal to address a letter to the forthcoming Breslau synod. That this proposal was not adopted has not the reason that we would not gladly and heartily unite with the Breslauers, if only they would cease their hostile proceedings against us; for we are all at all times heartily ready for union with them, as soon as they are willing to withdraw their measures against us. But we recognize that they cannot do this unless they abandon their false doctrine, which is the mother of these measures. We could therefore only repeat our testimony, already often given, against the false doctrines defended by the OKC, and that we hold to be superfluous. Should the truth, which will indeed have its champions at the synod, win the victory within the bosom of the synod over the untruth, we would greet this victory with the most heartfelt joy, and church fellowship would at once be restored." We now let follow the synodical constitution, or "Declaration," adopted by the synod, together with the letter with which it was sent to the congregations concerned.

"To our congregations.

Beloved brethren!

At our gathering here we have, under God's gracious assistance, come to agreement on the following declaration, which we hand over to you with the good confidence that in it we have also expressed your mind and opinion.

We ask you, however, also expressly to declare your agreement with it, and to bear witness to this in the midst of every congregation.

We are all agreed on this, and know that you are with us in this, that congregations which do not wish to belong to the synodical body established among us are, if they are otherwise devoted to the Lutheran confession, to be recognized as Lutheran congregations just as much as those united with us. Likewise it is the opinion of us all that it must also stand free to congregations that enter into the synodical body with us to leave it again, without our being entitled on that account to regard them as having departed from the Lutheran Church. But we hope in the mercy of God that, through His grace, our union and mutual assistance will serve to the blessing and prosperity of our congregations. May He in His grace fulfill this hope.

With this we greet you, beloved brethren, heartily in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. His grace be with you all. Amen!

Magdeburg, July 21, 1864.

The pastors assembled at the synod.

L. O. Ehlers, pastor in Liegnitz.    J. Diedrich, pastor in Jabel.
Zöller, pastor in Wollin.    Th. Crome, pastor in Rade vorm Wald.
C. Räthjen, pastor in Neu-Ruppin, administrator of Magdeburg.    L. Könnemann, pastor in Rogasen.    G. v. Kienbusch, pastor in Wernigerode.