The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1914, Page 75

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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