The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-06-29
nINIsTERS aEETING.
Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
THIRD DAYS PROCEEDINGS.

The subject Of the union of seminsries
was again before the house and discussed
during the greater part of the day. The
following arguments were presented
sgaias, the establishment of such SEM
mary: They would thereby in reality
destroy our individuality as Synod;
we would not enter into union with
other Sypods IS long as there is no per.
feet agreement among ourselves IN this
matter; We should provide for our own,
which could not be 80 well attended 10
in csse of union; We, as Synod, are not
prepared for the union; let US unite cur
own forces fret in the seminary that Is
in existaHce; we have q calling as
Synod, this calling we believe TO be di.
vine, we can not attend TO the duties OF
this calling in united seminary; let u
ba faithful in the existing seminary sud
make ill the necessary changes and lm-
prUvements, our institutions have done
great work, fact that must not be ic-
nored, some Of our sblest ministers have
been prepared in them; our Institutions
have a history, they have made great IN
provemerts, having advanced from avery
small affair, in which only half dozen
students studied under one professor,
to An institution or learning which
will compare we'll with othera; there must
be weIghty reasons before the institu-
lions are separated; it is doubtful wheth-
er the Ohio Synod or Missouri Synod IS
prepared for such step. the desire for
this Institution must proceed from the
Church, consisting OF congregations and
ministers; it is beautiful idea not likely
soon TO be realized; 1t would be no great
advantage 10 have many professors II
our congregations would be asked they
would likely oppose such q unioni be-
cause of the weaknesses of humanity aud
the liability 10 err, it would not be safe
for the church to have but one SEMI
nary; different seminaries would keep
eaca other IN check.
Argument IN favor of joint Semi
nary: The impression which seems to
rest upon the minds q! many, that those
favorng the establishment Of joint
Seminar would hasten the matter on
without generalization, is really false.
We see very clearly that it cannot be
done Just now, but we should not give
the Missouri Synod, which ali iy APP
pointed committee to act upon tue sub
jcct, such an abrupt reply IS is suggested
by the first committee; we should not
make tho impression on Missouri that we
not only cannot, but that we Will rot 60
in with them in this enterprise; let US
simply say thst we cannot do
50 nou; but that we will strive
earnestly to attain this end tnsIlyi
another impression that we are not one
in tAe faith, is altogether wrong. We
are one in tho faith; we have the same
confessions, but in external matters we
cannot all see alike. We must, indeed,
present this matter to our congregations
before its final decision, but can we
bring the matter before them ut present!
Not beng united upon the subject among
ourselves we cannot, as yet, ask the opln
ions Of our congregations. Let us trst
settle the matter among ourselves aud
then convince our congregations. Let
committee be- appointed now; let this
committee confer with similar commit
tee of the Missouri Synod; let plan for
the conducting of such an institution be
prepared by the Joint committee; lot such
plan be presented to the Synod two years
hence, then let tho Synod adopt or reject
the plan. State Synods are our aim, and
that it is our aim 10 establish common
seminary was expressed at the meeting OF
the Synod two years ago in Richmond,
Indiana. We should not look so much
to the interests Of individual Synods as
to the general interests Of the entire
Evangelical Lutheran Church. A
united seminary would be no injury TO
aay Synod, but an advantage to all. The
interests OF all our SynOds must be con-
sidered in establishing such an institu-
ton.
In our institutions We have done
great work, and this work we do not ig
more. Our institutions have improved
very much; nor would We disregard this,
but why should the fact that our insLitu-
tions have done 80 much and have really
improved, hinder Us in this enterprise2
Why the very object of uniting the Sem
insres is to improve the present State OF
affairs, and thus 10 80 on in the course
already began.
Tho arguments having been fairly pre-
scented on both sides, a vote was finally
taken and the following resolutions
adopted:
i. As regards the founding Of a COM
mon (theologicaly Seminary, be it hereby
resolved that, although We are tinan-
cially so situated rs not to be able At
present to take part in such an enterprise,
and many among US are also of the opln-
ion tina. the formation Of State Synods
should preoede the tSblishIng OF sGch
An institution, we will neYerLheless here
after rs heretofore, labor for the attain.
ment OF thi: desirable en-; therefore be
it further resolved that n committee Of
three be appointe! to confer on this sub
ieCt with committee appointed by the
honorable Synod of Missouri, for the
same purpose, and report the result Of
their deliberations at our next meeting.
2. As to the removal Of our seminary
to st. Louis, we resolve not to make such
removal, rs it would essentially hinder us
in the work which God has committed to
us IN bis church.
8. We resolve not only to leave our
seminary at Columbus, o., for the pres
ent, but that we will labor with all faith.
mlness and diligence SO to arrange our
Institutions that they may meet all just
demands.
a plan proposing a complete change in
the course OF studies IN our college at
Columbus, was presented, and pending
It's discussion the Synod adjourned.
Rev J. l.. Iranger, Of Petersburg, o.,
will preach An English sermon Sunday
evening.
Buy your SUITS ut Emsbeimer's.
IL