USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 4
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Thus, it seems, this Synod, after accepting and adopt- ing the true Scriptural basis, as set forth in the Confessions and authorized writings of the Church, adhered to it, and maintained it, in all its transactions and operations; whilst a large number of those who bore the Lutheran name, as- sumed rather a loose, vacillating, indefinite, compromising policy, ignoring, to a greater or less degree, some of the more important doctrines and teachings of the Church, and rather conniving at the loose, unsettled, unionistic senti-
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ments, which prevailed to such an alarming extent, at that time.
This sound, Scriptural position gave this Synod decided advantages, having something fixed and positive, on which to build, and on which the mind could rely with certainty. The mind really requires something fixed, definite, and positive, on which it may rely and build up. No institu- tion or society can be successfully built up, and long main- tained, and perpetuated, on mere negatives and indefinite, unsettled principles. Even, in the structure of a material edifice, a good, solid, settled foundation is required, if the building is to stand properly, and be perpetuated. It was positiveness and definiteness, that gave Luther so much force and success in the days of the Reformation of the six- teenth century. One of the greatest evils of the present age, in regard to the Church, the Family, and the State, is the ignoring of the grand, fundamental principles, on which these divine institutions are really founded and constructed, and the loose, latitudinarian sentiments which now prevail, regardless of fixed, definite principles which underlie our ecclesiastic, civil, and social institutions.
The more this Synod was assailed, abused, and perse- cuted on account of its doctrinal position, to which it so closely adhered, and which it so fearlessly maintained, the closer it was driven to it, and the more necessary it became for it to investigate, promulgate, proclaim, maintain, and perpetuate the sound, Scriptural doctrines of the Church, from the pulpit, in the family, and through the printing press, assured, that, if these fundamental, Scriptural princi- ples had power and vitality enough in them, to effect the grand and glorious Reformation in the Church, in the be- ginning of the sixteenth century, they might have a similar effect in the Church in this century.
The printing establishment, founded in 1806, at New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, -the fourth, if not the third, one established in that State, was brought into requisition. In speaking of this establishment, Rev. G. D.
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Bernheim, D. D., says, in ·his History of the German Set- tlements and the Lutheran Church in the Carolinas: "The Lutheran Church in America has had its publication boards and societies in abundance, which have doubtless accom- plished a good work; but the oldest establishment of the kind is the one in New Market, Virginia, which dates its existence as far back, at least, as 1810; for the minutes of the North Carolina Synod were printed there, at that time. It was established by the Henkel family, and has continued under their management to this day; at the time of the division in the Lutheran Church in North Carolina, it came at once into the service of tlie Tennessee Synod, and has issued more truly Lutheran theological works in an English dress than any similar institution in the world. 'We may well say, What hath God wrought? How imperceptible have been his purposes ! How brightly they shine forth now.'" Pages 445, 446. In regard to this same matter the Herold und Zeitschrift, of January, 1888, a German Lu- theran paper, published in Allentown, Pa., says, relative to this family, "For sixty or seventy years, it has done more than any other to arouse its brethren in the faith, in America, to a Lutheran consciousness."
Numerous publications of a doctrinal, devotional, and admonitory character began to issue from that printing establishment, among which were the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, both in a German and in an English dress. At a later date, the Christian Book of Concord, or Symbol- ical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, first edition in 1851, second, revised edition in 1854; Luther's Small and Large Catechisms, together with an Historical Intro- duction, to which are added Hymns and Prayers, adapted to Catechetical Instruction and to Family Devotion, trans- lated from the German, in 1852 ; Luther on the Sacraments, or the Distinctive Doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, respecting Baptism and the Lord's Supper, &c., in 1853; and Luther's Church-Postil, Sermons on the Epis- tles for the Different Sundays and Festivals in the Year,
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translated from the German, in 1869, made their appear- ance in the English. Thus, this little, determined, positive move, though puny and insignificant in the eyes of mnen, called more and more attention to the importance of restor- ing the Church to her normal condition in doctrine, prac- tice, and churchliness. Men, learned, and honest in their relations to the Church, and having her true interest at heart, began to take position in the right direction, and other good, solid, churchly works were issued from other presses, in other sections. The result is before us. It is not extravagant, to say, that three-fourths of those, bearing the name Lutheran, now recognize and accept the Confes- sional Basis of the Church.
The great Head of the Church often brings into use or action, weak and simple means or instrumentalities, to accomplish great and important results, so that the world may see, that the moving power is from God, and not of man.
The Gospel "is the power of God unto salvation," Rom. 1, 16. "Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called : But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."-I Cor. 1, 26, 27.
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CHAPTER IV.
THE OBJECT OF ITS ORGANIZATION.
THE chief object of the organization of this Synod, was the restoration of the Church to its normal condition, in re- gard to doctrine, practice, and churchliness. This is evi- dent from the position it took, the basis it adopted, and the course it pursued in promulgating, circulating, and main- taining the pure, Scriptural doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, according to her Confessional Writings, in the family, in the catechetical class, from the pulpit, and through the printing press, from the time of its organi- zation to the present period.
There was need for such a movement. This appears from the condition of the Church at that time, in respect to doctrine and practice. In the language of Rev. G. D. Bernheim, D. D., in his History of the German Settlements and the Lutheran Church in the Carolinas, so gradual and yet so sure were the departures from the confessed faith of the Church, as well as the assimilation to the teachings and practices of the various denominations, that for a long time it awakened no alarm, and but a learned few had any idea of what the faith of the Lutheran Church was; ad- mirers of Luther there were in abundance, even among the different denominations, but very few knew anything of the secret which made Luther the conscientious, fearless, and zealous man that he was. Multitudes admired Luther's energy and labors, but they knew little of the faith which actuated his efforts, and of the doctrines upon which that faith was based. Had they known it, and experienced it themselves, more would have been accomplished at that time in the Lutheran Church in America, and divisions would not have occurred; then, also, there would have been less manifest desire to unite all denominations into
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one Church, but a stronger desire to advance the interests of that Church, to which God has given a peculiar field of labor. Pp. 444, 445.
God made use of this division in the Church, in ac- complishing a special purpose for the welfare of the Luther- an Church in America. P. 444.
By means of this division the Symbols of the Lutheran Church were translated into the English language. This was a want that had long been felt, but before that time no one possessed the patience and energy to apply himself to the task. There was an abundance of anxious desire mani- fested by some to make the Lutheran Church in America an English as well as a German Church, but no anxiety manifested itself to anglicize the faith of the Lutheran Church; that is, to translate its Confessions and theology into the English language. All honor then to the Tennes- see Synod for undertaking this work, which has accom- plished more in preserving the faith of our fathers in this country than any similar undertaking in the English language. Page 445. But as the sad and deplorable condition of the Church at that time, in these respects, has been already fully presented in the first chapter of this work, there is no necessity for a fuller description of it in this connection.
With a view to the accomplishment of this desirable and much needed object, every minister and teacher was required to take an obligation not to teach anything that is in conflict with the confessed doctrines and practices of the Church, and all the books used in the Church were required to conform to these doctrines and practices. And, for its further promotion, quite a number of pamphlets and books, as well as articles in connection with the Minutes of the proceedings of the Synod, of a doctrinal, admonitory, and devotional character, were printed and circulated.
This firm, positive course attracted attention, revived investigation, and thus exerted a healthful, effective influ-
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ence in the accomplishment of this much needed and im- portant end.
Notwithstanding the conflicts it had to encounter, the obstacles it had to surmount, the taunts it had to hear, and the abuse and persecution it had to endure, on account of its position in regard to doctrine and practice, it still perse- vered and went forward with a zeal, an earnestness, energy, and fidelity worthy of the cause it had espoused. The leaven had been infused, and the true Lutheran spirit re- vived. Its work soon prospered, and extended into North Carolina, then to Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri, and afterwards to South Carolina, thence to Alabama, &c. Dormant energies were aroused, the number of ministers was increased, provision was made to supply the wants of many long-neglected congregations, ministers and laymen became more zealous, energetic, and faithful in the dis- charge of their respective duties, and the Church was thus increased, strengthened, and edified. The evils and dis- asters which were predicted and deplored by many who preferred to connive at deviations from the pure doctrines and usages, rather than contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, were over-ruled by the great Head of the Church for good, in the promotion of His Kingdom.
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CHAPTER V. ITS WORK AND DEVELOPMENT. 1 FIRST DECADE.
The most natural, easy, and simple way to present the work and development of this Synod, is, perhaps, to bring into requisition the proceedings as they appear in its Min- utes from its organization down to the present period.
Second Session. .
Having already stated the more important work of its first meeting, we proceed to call attention to its second con- vention which took place in Zion's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, October 22, 1821, Rev. Adam Miller, pastor.
On Saturday previous, October 20, services, preparatory to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, were held, Rev. David Henkel preaching in the German language from Mark 16, 15, 16.
On Sunday, October 21, a large audience having as- sembled, Rev. Adam Miller delivered a short sermon in the German language, from Matt. 22, 14. He was followed by Rev. David Henkel, in the English language, on Col. 2, 14. Rev. Philip Henkel then preached in the German, on Luke 22, 15-20. The Lord's Supper was then administered to more than one hundred communicants. Deep solemnity pervaded the whole congregation.
The following are the names of the members who con- stituted this meeting of Synod: Revs. Paul Henkel, of Shenandoah County, Virginia, Adam Miller, of Sullivan County, Philip Henkel, of Green County, Tennessee, and David Henkel, of Lincoln County, North Carolina. Rev. Jacob Zink was absent. Deacon George Easterly, of Green County, Tennessee, and Mr. Joseph Harr, of Sullivan Coun- ty, Tennessee, were present; the latter as an applicant for the ministry.
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The lay-delegates were Mr. John Smith and Daniel Lutz, Esq., of Lincoln County, and Mr. Peter Boger, of Cabarrus County, North Carolina; Messrs. Nicholas Uely, Martin Lintz, Jacob Leinbach, Frederick Schaeffer, Jacob Heyl (Hoyle), Philip Easterly, of Green County, Michael Brenner, of Sevier County, John Santer, Jacob Deck, H. Herchelroth, of Sullivan County, and Conrad Keicher, of Washington County, Tennessee; and Ambrose Henkel, of Shenandoah County, Virginia.
In the Minutes of this meeting, the following described letters and petitions appear :
1. A letter from Rev. Jacob Larros, of Ohio, in which he vindicates the doctrine of Holy Baptism, according to the Augsburg Confession of Faith, supported by passages from the Holy Scriptures. In it he also speaks of the Kingdom of Antichrist, and presents his objections to the plan or position of the General Synod.
2. A letter from Rev. Antonius Weyer, a member of the Lutheran Synod of Ohio and adjacent States, in which he freely presents his views in regard to the General Synod's system, and the general union of all sects and parties.
3. A letter from Rev. Jacob Grieson, of Guilford County, North Carolina, in which he manifests his regret, that he voted in favor of the General Synod, indicating, that he did not properly understand the matter; and that the result is not what he expected it would be.
4. Is a letter from Rev. Henry A. Kurtz, of Kentucky, in which he states that he had been a member of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania, but had tendered his resignation, and asks for assistance to aid him in the formation of a synod, on the plan of the Tennessee Synod, deploring the innovations which prevail in some synods.
5. A letter from Messrs. John Beck, Charles Greim, Henry Conrad, George Greim, Daniel Conrad, Philip Hed- rich, and Jacob Conrad, elders and members of several Lutheran congregations in Rowan County, North Carolina, in which they manifest their steadfastness in our Evangel-
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ical doctrines, and petition for a minister to serve them, as they are not satisfied with the one they had. In regard to this, it was resolved that Rev. David Henkel visit them.
6. A letter from Rev. Daniel Moser, of Lincoln County, North Carolina, in which he expresses his regret that he cannot attend this meeting of Synod, but hopes to be able to be present at some other time, indicating that he cannot continue in connection with the North Carolina Synod unless it take a better position.
Then follow petitions from seven congregations in North Carolina and Tennessee, asking for ministerial serv- ices, advice, &c. The petitions were answered as far as it was possible to do at that time. One of these congrega- tions, Philadelphia, Lincoln County, North Carolina, peti- tioned for the examination and ordination. of Mr. Jacob Cassner (Costner,) to the office of Deacon, but as Mr. Cassner was not present, the matter was deferred till the next meet- ing of Synod.
Rev. Adam Miller was then appointed to visit, during the synodical year, the different petitioners and congrega- tions in North Carolina and Virginia, and all other congre- gations belonging to the Synod, and report to the next ineeting.
Under the head, "General Transactions of the Synod," appear resolutions, the substance of which we present here :
I. That the objections to the General Synod be com- piled and printed. The committee, appointed to attend to this matter, consisted of Adam Miller, David Henkel, Con- rad Keicher, Ambrose Henkel, Daniel Lutz, John Smith,, and Peter Boger.
2. That a circular letter be addressed to the brethren, of Ohio, to inform them of the intentions of Synod.
3. On motion of Rev. Adam Miller, it was resolved, that a Liturgy be arranged according to the Scriptures and the Augsburg Confession, that Rev. Paul Henkel be ap- pointed to attend to this matter, for the use of Synod, as soon as practicable, that between two and three hundred
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copies be printed, and that the expenses be defrayed by the several treasuries.
4. On the request of some of the brethren in North Carolina, it was resolved, that an English session be an- nually held in North Carolina or an adjacent State.
5. On motion of Rev. Philip Henkel, it was resolved, that it shall be the duty of every pastor and deacon, to reg- ister the names of all the baptized in his charge, and to admonish them to continue faithful in their baptismal cove- nant, and to urge them to attend the catechetical instructions.
6. On motion of Peter Boger, it was resolved, that a copy of the Augsburg Confession, as well as of the Minutes of Synod, be deposited in every church.
7. On motion of Rev. David Henkel, a suggestion was made, that every person applying for ordination to the office of Pastor, shall be required to understand the Greek lan- guage well enough to be able to translate the Greek New Testament into the English. This suggestion was deferred till next meeting of Synod.
8. A petition from St. Paul's School at St. James' Church, Green County, Tennessee, was presented, asking Synod to make regulations for its conduct and government. Conrad Keicher, Paul Henkel, and Philip Easterly, were appointed a committee to give that matter attention, and report to the next meeting of Synod.
9. It was resolved, that the next meeting of Synod shall be held fourteen miles south of Green Courthouse, Tennessee, commencing on the third Sunday of October, 1822.
10. On petition of fifteen members of St. James' Church, it was resolved, that next Maundy-Thursday be set apart as a day of prayer and humiliation, to implore Almighty God, to have mercy upon his Church, in these perilous times.
II. Revs. Paul Henkel and Adam Miller were appointed to examine Mr. Joseph Harr. Having sustained the exami- nation, he was ordained to the office of Deacon, by the imposition of hands and with prayer.
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The Synod was then dismissed with singing and prayer. The following is the Parochial Report :
Since 1819, Rev. Adam Miller baptized 188 infants and 24 adults, and confirmed 32; Rev. Philip Henkel, since January, 1821, 119 infants and 10 adults, and confirmed 27; Rev. David Henkel, since July, 1819, 444 infants and 56 adults, and confirmed 69 slaves and 156 white persons; Rev. Paul Henkel, since 1820, 50 infants and 2 adults, and confirmed 20. Revs. George Easterly and Jacob Zink made no reports.
In conclusion follows a long report of the committee appointed to compile the objections against the General Synod, covering 23 pages. It is able, plain, and critical.
Third Session.
This Synod met, in its third session, in St. James' Church, Green County, Tennessee, October 21, 1822. .
On Saturday previous, the congregation having assem- bled, Rev. Paul Henkel preached the preparatory sermon. He was followed by Rev. David Henkel, on Gal. 3, 15-24.
On Sunday, Rev. Adam Miller preached on the Gospel for that day. He was followed by Rev. Paul Henkel, on Matt. 6, 33. The Lord's Supper was then administered to about 140 communicants. After a short recess, Rev. David Henkel preached an English sermon from Titus 3, 4-7. During these services the house was filled to overflowing with attentive hearers.
Monday, the 21st, the Synod was opened with singing and prayer. The following members were present :
Pastors-Revs. Paul Henkel, New Market, Shenandoalı County, Virginia, Adam Miller, Sullivan County, Tennessee, Philip Henkel, pastor loci, David Henkel, Lincoln County, North Carolina. Jacob Zink was absent.
Deacons-George Easterly, Green County, Tennessee, and Joseph Harr, Sullivan County, Tennessee, were absent, on account of indisposition.
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Applicants-Christian Moretz, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Richard Blalock, Burke County, and Jacob Cassner (Costner), Lincoln County, North Carolina.
Lay-delegates-Michael Brenner, St. Jacob's Church, Sevier County, Jacob Hatzepiller, Union Church, Washing- ton County, Conrad Keicher, Emmanuel Church, same County, John Froschauer, Solomon's Church, Green County, Abraham Bock, St. Paul's, Monroe County, George Nehs, from the same County, Henry Herchelroth, Bueler's Church, Sullivan County, John Santer and Jacob Deck, Zion's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee; Ambrose Henkel, from three congregations in Virginia; Peter C. Boger, Rocky River Church, Cabarrus County, Jacob Best, Phila- delphia Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina; Joseph Hauf, Golden Spring Church, and John Olinger, Lick . Creek Church, Green County, Tennessee ; Peter Greim, three congregations, Rowan County, Conrad Kramım, Rocky Spring Church, Burke County, North Carolina.
Rev. Philip Henkel called attention to the ministrations of Mr. Moretz, asking whether they should be recognized, and placed on record in the Minutes. The response was in the affirmative.
The following are, in substance, the petitions presented to the Synod :
I. A petition from Cape Girardeau, Wayne, and Perry Counties, Missouri, signed by seventy petitioners, asking for a minister, certifying to the good moral character of Mr. Christian Moretz, and requesting his ordination. In regard to this petition, it was resolved that said Moretz be examined.
2. A petition from Rocky Spring Church, Burke County, North Carolina, commending the character of Rev. Richard Blalock, formerly a minister of the Sepa- rate Baptist Order, requesting Synod to receive him as a minister. In regard to this, it was resolved that Revs. Paul Henkel and David Henkel, as individual ministers, ordain him as a Lutheran minister, if found qualified, and that as soon as he acquires a better knowledge of the Ger-
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man language, he be received into connection with the Synod.
3. A petition from three congregations, Pilgrim's, Beck's, and Emmanuel's, Rowan County, North Carolina, expressing their disapproval of the General Synod, pre- senting their withdrawal, signed by 142 persons, and re- questing ministerial services from this Synod. With respect to this petition, it was resolved, that Rev. Paul Henkel visit them during the fall, and that either Rev. Adam Miller or Rev. George Easterly visit them in the spring, and that in the event the congregations can agree with one or the other of the two latter, he shall become their pastor.
4. A communication from Mr. Jacob Aderhold, Lincoln County, North Carolina, suggesting the appointment of a suitable person in each congregation to attend to funeral services, in the absence of the pastor or deacon, and that some change be made in regard to the rules relative to sponsors in baptism.
Relative to this, it was resolved that each congregation use its Christian liberty in respect to these matters, keeping within the teachings of the Augsburg Confession.
5. A petition from Mr. George Risch, now living in Tennessee Valley, Haywood County, North Carolina, in which he indicates his constant adherence to our Church, and solicits a visit from one of our ministers in his commu- nity. It was resolved that Christian Moretz visit that section.
6. A petition from fourteen lay-delegates and one minister, representing congregations in Indiana and Ken- tucky, who had met in Harrison's Church, Nelson County, Kentucky, September 28, 1822, in which they solicit Synod to hold a session in their community, and to transact such business as might promote the interests of the Church, and in which they appointed Rev. Philip Henkel, who had visited them during the summer, to represent their interests in reference to this matter.
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In regard to these petitioners, it was resolved, that Rev. Philip Henkel be recognized as their representative in ref- erence to their requests ; that Revs. Paul Henkel and David Henkel, and Captain John Bible, as a lay-delegate, visit the petitioners, to render the services desired; that such session be held in Brunnerstown Church, Jefferson County, Kentucky, commencing on the third Sunday in June, 1823; that all congregations interested in that meeting have the privilege of sending delegates; that Rev. David Henkel inform the petitioners of this action of Synod; and that, during the absence of Rev. David Henkel and that of Rev. Paul Henkel, on that mission, Rev. Adam Miller shall visit the congregations of the former, and Rev. Philip Henkel those of the latter.
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