# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S17
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

President’s Report 15

cussion, all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, delegates vote
“according to their convictions, and thus all matters not decided by
the Word of God are decided by majority vote.

- This is the first convention in a new century of activity in the
‘United States. While we still look forward to the centennial of
Synod, we have celebrated the centennial of the landing of our
fathers. Though turmoil and confusion, hatred and strife, war and
bloodshed, work havoc and destruction on earth today, let us re-
member that our convention, under the guidance and direction of
the Holy Spirit, will be concerned with the business of proclaiming
the message of peace, peace between God and man, peace through
our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us also remember with sincere grati-
tude to God that, though we have in no wise deserved it, our heav-
enly Father has until now so graciously preserved the indescribable:
blessing of peace within the borders of the United States. Surely,
in doing this, our merciful God has some purpose in mind. Is God
granting us this special favor that we might preach His precious
Gospel all the more earnestly and aggressively?

The convention will have the privilege of hearing two essays
on important topics, topics which will emphasize the basic, un-
changing truths which our fathers emphasized. Prof. Theo. Hoyer
will speak to us on the theme “Through Justification unto Sanctifi-
cation,” and Dr. Theo. Laetsch will address the convention on the
topic “Privileges and Obligations.”

Since this is a convention in the city where the great pioneer
missionary of our Synod, the sainted Rev. F. C. D. Wyneken, labored
so faithfully and effectively, we should make this a great mission
convention, centering our thought and attention upon the great
commission which Christ gave to His Church, to preach His Gospel.
Everything else, all other business which we transact, should focus
upon that aim and purpose to which God has called us. Hence
let us center our attention especially upon the mobilization of the
great latent power within our Synod for greater service to Christ.

; Mindful of His great blessings bestowed upon our Church in

preserving for us the purity of the Word, and deeply grateful for
these divine benedictions of His mercy, and imploring the gracious
guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us go at the work before us in Jesus’
name, Amen.