USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 11
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closer and more efficient union between the Tennessee and Ohio Synods, which have the same doctrinal basis, than that which now exists, or can be effected by simply adopt- ing a system of an interchange of delegates, and suggests several methods by which he thinks this union can be effected. He also expresses a desire that this Synod should increase her efforts to extend the circulation of the Lutheran Standard and Evangelical Review, among her members.
Your committee are gratified to learn, through the interesting and fraternal communication of Prof. Reynolds, that our brethren in Ohio wish to approach us in a closer connection in reference to energies and resources, to promote the cause and welfare of the Church in general.
Your committee beg leave, therefore, to submit the following resolutions :
Resolved I. That in reference to a closer and more effi- cient connection between the Joint Synod of Ohio and this Synod, it is deemed inexpedient for Synod at present to propose any plan further than that of sending delegates.
2. That Synod repeat her former recommendation of the Lutheran Standard, and that our ministers use their influence with their members to increase its circulation.
3. That inasmuch as the Evangelical Review calls forth some of the ablest expositions of the doctrines of our Church, and also exposes contrary doctrines, Synod recommends it to the clergy particularly, and the public in general, who wish to become acquainted with the controverted points of doctrine.
Melanchthon Church, Randolph County, North Caro- lina, was received into Synod.
Dr. S. G. Henkel, one of the publishers of the "Book of Concord " in the English language, now informed Synod that that work is completed and ready for delivery.
A committee was appointed to report, at some future stage of this meeting, on the above publication of the Book of Concord.
Committee-Rev. Messrs. Wmn. Hancher, J. Killian,
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A. Henkel, of Ohio, H. Goodman, A. Efird, and Col. Hedick.
At the proper time, the committee submitted the fol- lowing report :
"The committee to whom the duty was assigned to re- port on the Book of Concord, lately published by Solomon D. Henkel and Brothers, beg leave to report :
That the short space of time allotted them, together with a sense of their inadequacy to judge upon a work so important as the one assigned, would induce them to sus- pend their judgment in regard to the correctness of the translation ; but that the work is otherwise well executed, and its contents such, as to be of inestimable value to all who desire a thorough acquaintance with the doctrines and usages of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. And, although the committee beg leage, for the reasons above assigned, to suspend their individual judgment upon the translation, yet, from the knowledge they have of the literary attain- ments and abilities of the translators, and the reviser of the translation, they would not hesitate a moment to say, that they believe it fully expresses the sense of the original in which it was written. And the committee beg leave further to state,-That, considering the peculiarly critical condition in which the Lutheran community is placed at this time, and also the great importance of the undertaking, together with the unavoidable expense it incurred, they are con- strained to say, that the Church should feel herself under deep obligations to the individuals engaged in the above.
We, the committee, beg leave to recommend the fol- lowing resolutions :
Resolved 1. That this Synod owe a deep sense of grati- tude to the brethren who were engaged in the above arduous work ; and that her thanks be herewith tendered to them.
Resolved 2. That she earnestly recommend this work to all her ministers in particular, and their members in general.
Resolved 3. That these recommendations be extended
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to all who call themselves Lutheran ministers, throughout the Lutheran Church, and the community in general.
Resolved 4. That the above report and resolutions be published in the Lutheran Standard, and that the Secretary forward a copy of the same to the Rev. C. Spielmann for that purpose."
Received and adopted unanimously.
Dr. S. G. Henkel informed Synod that the work, "Luther on the Sacraments," which he announced to Synod in 1848, (see Minutes of 1848, page 7,) is now in progress of publication, and will be out by next meeting of this Synod. He also informed Synod that Luther's Large and Small Catechisms, in one 12mo. volume, are in course of publication, and will be ready for delivery in a few months.
Resolved, That Synod learns with much pleasure, and feelings of gratitude to the publisher, the nearness of com- pletion of the above named works.
The firm of Solomon D. Henkel & Brothers, New Market, Virginia, consisted of four brothers, namely, Dr. Samuel Godfrey, Mr. Siram P., Mr. Solomon D., and Dr. Solon P. C. Henkel. They were sons of Dr. Solomon Henkel, who was a son of Rev. Paul Henkel.
Of this firm, Dr. Samuel Godfrey Henkel made all the necessary arrangements to secure correct translations of these works, as well as to assure their publication in an English dress. The best authenticated copies of the origi- nal works had to be obtained for use in the translations. He had the general supervision and management of the translations during their progress and completion, and superintended the matter as it passed through the press. The undivided gratitude of the Church is due this firm in view of such untiring efforts and labors in presenting these works to the public in the English language.
Whilst, as a physician and surgeon, he had few supe- riors in the State, he was a zealous Christian, of respectable attainments in English, German, and Latin, as well as a good practical printer, well up in Lutheran theology and
ยท
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general literature, always taking a deep interest in the Church,-a man of sound judgment, with indomitable en- ergy and untiring zeal. He was very familiar with the German language, and spoke it fluently.
The following is what he says relative to this matter, in the prefaces to the first and second editions of the Christian Book of Concord :
"The Book of Concord, comprising the Symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, has as yet enjoyed but a limited circulation in the United States. Wrapped in the obscurities of its original languages,-the Latin and Ger- man,-that venerable production of the Reformation has been left to slumber almost entirely in silence, and neglect. Numerous causes have contributed to prolong this neglect. The descendants of German emigrants in America, have never cultivated the language and literature of their fathers with due interest ; many of them are unable to read German; while many, able to read, and occupying elevated stations, have never manifested a laudable zeal for the doctrines of the Church. The most obvious cause, however, seems to be, that the larger portion of Lutherans in America, are accustomed to read the English language only, and conse- quently have never had an opportunity to appreciate the value of their Symbols.
Yet, we cherish the anticipation of a brighter day in the Lutheran Church. In a land of freedom, of science, and art, where the generous spirit of political wisdom en- courages the exercise of reason, and guards the decisions of conscience ; where industry, energy, and enterprise, though daily attaining fresh prospects of future improvement, are continually unburying the sacred treasures of the past, we believe that the doctrines of our Church will ultimately be reclaimed, and that men of our western clime will enter into the investigation of these doctrines with all the avidity natural to a love for the truth. That these doctrines and these principles of immutable truth, are congenial with the tastes and feelings of the American mind, we may fearlessly
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deduce from recent facts. Within the last few years, the Book of Concord and Luther's House-Sermons have been reprinted in this country; and several of Luther's works have lately been translated into the English language, and circulated extensively.
It was, therefore, reasonable to presume, that a faithful translation of the Book of Concord into the English lan- guage, was demanded by the necessities of the times, and would effectually co-operate with these laudable exertions. Partial translations indeed of the Augsburg Confession had been made at different times; but it had never been fully rendered into English until 1831, when a translation was completed by the Rev. Charles Henkel, assisted by Pro- fessor Schmidt, of Columbus Seminary, Ohio; and several small fragments from the Book of Concord, were subse- quently translated by others.
At the urgent solicitation of many zealous members of the Church, we announced, October 9th, 1845, our resolu- tion to procure a correct English version of the entire work, and publish it as soon as practicable. Since that period no time or labor has been spared to fulfill our promise.
We have had to engage the talents not only of men familiar with the Lutheran doctrine, as well as with the German and English languages, but, in consequence of the obsolete style in which the German copy of this work was originally written, we have constantly had recourse to men who were able to consult the Latin copy whenever it was requisite. And here we feel bound in justice to the indus- try and valuable abilities of those who contributed their friendly aid, to specify the several portions furnished by each.
The Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, the Appendix, and the Articles of Visitation, in a version purely literal, were furnished by the Rev. Ambrose and Socrates Henkel. The Large Catechism was transla- ted, in the same manner, by the Rev. J. Stirewalt; the Epitome by the Rev. H. Wetzel; and the Declaration by the Rev. J. R. Moser. The Small Catechism was copied
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mainly from the translation by the Rev. David Henkel, published in 1827. Much assistance in reviewing the proof- sheets throughout the publication of the work, was rendered by Joseph Salyards, Principal of the New Market Academy, who has long cultivated the study of science and general literature; and he likewise furnished translations of all the Prefaces, from the Latin, and of the Historical Introduction, from the German.
All these translations when collected, were carefully compared with the original by the Rev. Ambrose Henkel, and afterwards, with the exception of the Historical Intro- duction and the Prefaces, were revised, transcribed, and prepared for the press by the Rev. Socrates Henkel. We have derived considerable assistance, too, in the progress of the work, from the Rev. L. Eichelberger.
The principal translations were made from the German edition of 1790, published at Leipsic ; and, being favored by the Rev. C. P. Krauth, with a copy of the original German Dresden edition of 1580, we were enabled to com- pare them with that also. The Latin copy, to which uni- form reference was made in comparing the translations, was that published by Hase in 1846; and from this the Prefaces were all translated. Whenever the German copy presented insuperable obscurities, recourse was also had to this edition in numerous passages. The Appendix was taken from the German and Latin edition published by Muller, printed at Stuttgard, 1848, from which the Historical Introduction was also translated.
Deeming it most compatible with the nature of the work,-the subjects being chiefly of a didactic and doctrinal character, -we have endeavored throughout to preserve as just and uniform a medium as possible, between a transla- tion purely literal, and one which admits all the freedom and elegance of English composition. We have labored to be faithful, and yet not to offend the fastidious ear. We have been anxious to preserve the serious tone and spirit of the pious original. But, as imperfection is the fate of all
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human efforts, the candid reader will no doubt discover many inaccuracies. Any friendly suggestion, therefore, pointing out such defects, will be received with gratitude, and enable us to render a second edition more worthy of an intelligent public.
May our labors be the instrument, in the hands of Providence, for promoting an acquaintance with the Book of Concord, the norm of all genuine Lutherans since 1580, and for extending the doctrines taught by the illustrious Reformer !
In presenting the second edition of the Book of Concord in the English language, the publishers take pleasure in announcing that the whole work has again been carefully revised and compared with the original text. The first edition, though containing many imperfections, met never- theless with a kind reception in the church; which induced the publishers to use every effort that seemed necessary to bring the work to greater perfection. Accordingly, before publishing a second edition, the talents of individuals, known as literary men and prominent theologians in the Church, were engaged, who were requested to revise the work, comparing it with the original, not changing however the language of the first edition more than would be found necessary to render it a good translation; and to these gentlemen sincere acknowledgments are due for a vast number of valuable suggestions.
The Augsburg Confession was revised by Rev. C. P. Krauth, D. D., Professor in the Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa .; the Apology, by Rev. W. F. Lehmann, Professor of Theology, Columbus, Ohio; the Smalcald Articles, by Rev. Wm. M. Reynolds, D. D., President of Capital University, Ohio; Luther's Small and Large Cate- chisms, by Rev. J. G. Morris, D. D., Baltimore, Md .; and the Formula of Concord and Catalogue of Testimonies, by Rev. C. F. Schaeffer, D. D., Easton, Pa. The Historical Introduction was also carefully compared and revised by
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the original translator ; and every attention was given by the publishers to have the corrections faithfully attended to; thus they feel confident, that the English translation of the Book of Concord will meet that encouragement from the Church, which her Symbols originally received."
After sustaining a satisfactory examination, Deacon Socrates Henkel was ordained to the office of Pastor.
Synod adjourned to meet in Salem Church, Lincoln . County, North Carolina, on the first Sunday of October, 1852.
The Parochial Report presents the following: 68 churches, 3,329 communicants, 604 infant baptisms, 5 slaves, and 37 adults, and 250 confirmations.
Thirty-second Session.
Pursuant to adjournment, Synod met in Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, October 2-7, 1852.
The election of officers resulted in favor of Revs. Jacob Killian, president; A. J. Brown, secretary; and A. Efird, treasurer.
The usual routine business received proper attention.
At the request of petitioners, Salem, St. Peter's (Piny Woods), St. Paul's, Zion's, St. Jacob's, St. John's, St. Peter's, and Bethlehem Churches, South Carolina, and Lingel's, Caldwell County, North Carolina, were received in connection with Synod.
The President gave notice that, at some future time, he would introduce resolutions in regard to ministerial support.
Rev. J. K. Hancher gave notice that he would intro- duce resolutions in regard to ministerial education.
Rev. A. J. Brown gave notice that, at some future period, he would introduce resolutions relative to the establishment of a Literary Institution and Missionary operations. With respect to this, it was
Resolved 1. That the Synod devise some plan for the establishment of a Literary Institution, which will not con- flict with our present Constitution.
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Resolved 2. That, in reference to Beneficiary Education and Missionary operations, societies for these purposes be formed disconnected with this Synod.
The President, Rev. J. Killian, introduced the follow- ing preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously . adopted.
Whereas, it not unfrequently occurs that the amount of salary promised and paid to the pastor by his congrega- tions, or charge, is so limited, either by reason of the negli- gence or inability of his church members, that he is driven by the force of circumstances to devote a considerable portion of his time to other pursuits than those of the ministry, to procure for himself and family the necessaries and comforts of life,-thereby greatly diminishing his usefulness as the spiritual shepherd of Christ's flock ;- and whereas we be- lieve that each congregation or charge that possesses the ability to do so, is morally bound to make reasonable pro- visions for the temporal wants of their ministers; for the Holy Scriptures declare that, "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter that we should reap your carnal things?" "The laborer is worthy of his hire." "Even so hath Christ the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel." Therefore, with a view to the expression of the convictions of this Synod, on this subject, we do hereby adopt the following resolutions :
Resolved 1. That we view with feelings of deep regret and mortification, the extremely low views entertained by too many of our church members in reference to the ade- quate support of the ministry, and the importance of meeting punctually their engagements to its maintenance.
Resolved 2. That, as a Synod, we entertain the belief that those congregations which withhold from their minis- ter his just dues, have no Scriptural grounds to hope for, much less to expect the blessings of a righteous and just God to descend upon them, whilst keeping back "the wages of him that is hired," as their spiritual shepherd.
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Resolved 3. That the congregations which entertain enlightened views upon this subject, and manifest by their practice a disposition to conform to justice, the demands of Christian liberality and correct moral principle, are enti- tled to our praise and gratitude as a Synod ; and we do most devoutly pray that God may bless them abundantly in all their efforts to elevate the standard of piety and Christian obligation.
After sustaining a regular examination, Deacon Daniel Efird was ordained to the pastoral office, and applicants James E. Seneker, John Seneker, Christian Moretz, Jr., and Adam Fleenor, were ordained to the office of Deacon.
After a long and interesting discussion in reference to the establishment of a Literary Institution within the bounds of our Synod, it was
Resolved I. That the ministers of this Synod be re- quested to take the sense of the members of their respective congregations as to the propriety and practicability or im- practicability of establishing a Literary Institution within the bounds of our Synod, disconnected with the Synod, and that they report to the next session of our Synod.
Resolved 2. Further, that this Synod appoint an Edu- cational Convention, to meet at the time and place of the next meeting of the Synod, and that the congregations in connection with this Synod be advised to appoint their delegates to Synod, delegates also to the Convention, and that a committee be appointed to devise a plan for the estab- lishment of a Literary Institution, and also to prepare a Constitution for its government.
The President appointed Revs. P. C. Henkel, A. J. Fox, J. R. Peterson, and D. M. Henkel, as the committee.
During this year, the Parochial Report shows 97 con- gregations, 4, 131 communicants, 637 infants, 26 adults, and 30 slaves were baptized, and 179 persons confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in Emmanuel's Church, Sul- livan County, Tennessee, on Friday before the third Sunday in October, 1853.
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Thirty-third Session.
This session assembled in Emmanuel's Church, Sulli- van County, Tennessee, on Friday before the third Sunday of October, 1853.
Revs. Ambrose Henkel was chosen president, J. R. Peterson, secretary, and J. Stirewalt, treasurer.
The usual business was transacted.
The committee, Revs. J. Stirewalt, J. M. Wagner, A. J. Brown, and Ambrose Henkel, to whom were referred the resolutions of the Pennsylvania Synod, in reference to union with the General Synod, together with the accompanying letter of the committee appointed to transmit them to the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, suggesting to our Synod the propriety of uniting with them, in the "General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United States," examined the said papers carefully, and respect- fully submitted the following :
Whereas, we regard the Unaltered Augsburg Confes- sion as the authorized and universally acknowledged Symbol of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and consequently the belief and acknowledgment of it, in its entireness, as essen- tial to the existence of Lutheranism in its integrity; and whereas we profess, in our Synodical Constitution, to be- lieve the doctrines of the Christian system, as exhibited in this Symbol, and have pledged ourselves to teach according to it; and, whereas the doctrinal position of the General Synod, as we understand it, is only a qualified acknowledg- ment of the Augsburg Confession, as we think is evident :
a) From the Constitution of this body, in which there is 110 clause binding its members to teach according to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, and not even a distinct mention of this instrument.
b) From the Constitution recommended by the General Synod to the District Synods connected with it.
c) From the form of oath required of Professors in its Theological Seminary, when inducted into office. .
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d) From the construction placed upon its Constitution by the framer of that instrument, and other prominent mem- bers of it.
e) From the various publications made by distinguished members of the General Synod, in which distinctive doc- trines of our Church Confessions are openly assailed, and for doing which, they have never been called to account. Be it therefore
Resolved 1. That we cannot, under existing circum- stances, take any steps towards a union with the General Synod.
Resolved 2. That we duly appreciate the motives which prompted the Pennsylvania Synod to invite us to unite with them in the General Synod, and shall ever be thankful to this body for any advice which it may see proper to give, or any suggestions which it may make to us, and will calmly and prayerfully consider them, but at all times act according to the dictates of our own judgment.
Resolved 3. That we have witnessed, with heartfelt gratitude to the Great Head of the Church, the revival of increased attachment to our excellent doctrinal standards, and particularly the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, and the open and decided stand taken in favor and support of them by distinguished sons of the Church, and even by prominent members of the General Synod.
Resolved 4. That we are encouraged to hope that the time may yet come, when all in this country, professing Lutheranism, and having departed from the doctrines of the Church, will return to her confessional standards, and that we will continue to labor and pray with increased energy and faith and zeal, for the accomplishment of this great and desirable object.
Resolved 5. That our Secretary send a copy of these resolutions to the Pennsylvania Synod.
Relative to the petitions from Illinois, Indiana, Mis- souri, and Arkansas, it was Resolved, That, inasmuch as Rev. J. B. Emmert has it in contemplation to perform a
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visit to the West, and Rev. J. K. Hancher has conditionally promised to visit some of the petitioners, these brethren be requested to give them proper attention.
In the report of the committee on letters we notice the following :
No. 10 is a letter from Rev. A. Biewend, a member of the Missouri Synod, in which he informs us that he was appointed a delegate to this body, but that, owing to inter- vening circumstances, he was prevented attending. He also expresses the hope and desire that a more intimate acquaintance may be formed between these two bodies.
Your committee would recommend the following for adoption :
Resolved I. That we duly appreciate the kind regard of the Missouri Synod, and that we also desire a more intimate acquaintance with them, and that we appoint Rev. J. R. Moser a delegate to the next session of that Synod.
2. In reference to all papers addressed to this Synod, relative to the establishment of a Literary Institution within the bounds and under the patronage of this Synod, we recommend the following :
Whereas, this subject was, by the last session of Synod, referred to a convention, to be held for the purpose of considering the propriety and practicability of such a move, be it, therefore,
Resolved, That this subject requires no further action from this body, and that the committee appointed to devise a plan for the establishment of a Literary Institution, and to prepare a Constitution for its government, be discharged.
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