The Lutherans in America

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Preface

vx In the prq)aration of this volume, grateful acknowledgements are due

^ to my colleagues, Rev. M. Valentine, D. D., LL. D., and Rev. C. A.

^ Hay, D. D., for valuable assistance ; to Rev. Prof. A. Graebner for the

material of the history of the Missourians ; to Rev. Prof. G. H. Schodde, Ph. D., for that of the Synod of Ohio ; to Rev. Prof. G. J. Fritschel for that of the Synod of Iowa ; to Rev. Prof. W. K. Frick for that of the Swedes ; to Rev. Prof. K O. Lomen for that of the Norwegians ; to Rev. R. Andersen for that of the Danes ; to Rev. G. F. Rrotel, D. D., LL. D., and Rev. Prof. C. W. Schaeffer, D. D., LL. D., for contributions relative to the history of the Pennsylvania Synod and that of the General Coimcil ; to Rev. T. W. Dosh. D. D., for the matter of the United Synod, to Rev. J. Nicum for statistical matter ; to Revs. Prof .L. A. Fox, D. D., and Rev. J. Paul Stirewalt for material on the Tennessee Synod, and to Rev. D. M. Kemerer for similar favors concerning the Pittsburg Synod, G. C.

The arduous labor of collecting and digesting the material has been inspired and sustained by the supreme desire to afford to the Lutheran people, as well as the general Christian public, a better acquaintance with their glorious Church, tmder the firm conviction that to know her is to love her, and that those knowing and loving her true character will consecrate themselves to the maintenance of her purity in faith and life, and the enlargement of her efficiency in extending the word and kingdom of Jesus.

To the indulgence of the readers and the grace of the Holy Spirit the imperfect results are humbly commended.

E, J, W,

Introduction

THERE are three forms of historical composition, the documentary, the philosophical and the popular. The documentary and the philosophical^ the former furnishing the evidence for the facts stated, and the latter dealing with the principles which underlie the facts, are intended for scholars, who come to the study of the subject with some degree of preliminary knowledge of what is treated. The critical student is never satisfied until he can trace the statement of a fact to its ultimate source, and judge it in the same light as the historian himself. But there is no less room for the popular presentation of history. This is necessarily dependent upon what has been previously accomplished in the other departments. The main facts which have been gathered as the result of minute and extensive research, are woven together into a continuous narrative, which does not aim at being exhaustive, but simply at giving what, in the opinion of the historian, is most important and interesting to the general reader. He takes the reader with him to a mountain side, and points out the path through which the ascent has been made ; but does not enter into the details as would the surveyor who had been commissioned to revise lines, and establish the validity of conflicting claims.

VI Introduction,

With the growth of the Lutheran Church in this country, there has been a most commendable cultivation of the department of documentary history by a few learned and persevering scholars. Chief among these are the editors of that work of stupendous industry, the revised edition of the Hallesche Nachrichten, Drs, W. J. Mann, B. M. Schmucker and W. Germann. Dr. Mann has also laid the Church under everlasting obligations by his "Life and Times of Muhlenberg." The earlier labors, within this sphere, of Dr.

W. M. Reynolds and the recent ones of Rev. J. Nicum, are not to be forgotton. Unfortunately, the lack of historical culture on the part of even our more scholarly ministers is manifest by the rarity with which the Hallesche Nachrtchten appears on the shelves of their libraries, and especially by the fact that the publication of that important collection of documents with the illustrative historical notes brought down to the present day, has ceased with its first volume. Such work, however, is not lost. With every advance in the cultivation of documentary history, an advance in its more popular presentation is required. The more monographs written within the scope of a science, the greater the demand for handbooks outlining the subject If we compare the readable, and, at its time, very useful sketch of the life of Muhlenberg published in 1856, by Dr. M. L. Stoever, with that above referred to, some idea can be formed of the advance, during this interval, made among us in historical studies. While, therefore, in the past, the popular presentation has not been neglected, and Drs. E. L. Hazelius, S. S. Schmucker, and C. W. Schaeffer, at

Introductiofi. vii

different times have furnished sketches, it has been impossible for any member of our congregations to find the facts of the origin and development of the Lutheran Church in America, as known up to the present time, adequately given in any one book.

In this volume, Dr. Wolf has undertaken to chronicle the results so far as they have been made accessible. The popular historian, in some respects, performs a self-sacrificing work. He writes a book for the times; but which, like everything adapted to the times, can only indirectly serve a permanent end. It stimulates to the higher appreciation and the more extensive study of history. It leads students from the popular, to the cultivation of the documentary and philosophical spheres. It fulfils an important office in widening the horizon, and informing the various parts of the Church of their historical relations. It becomes a starting-point for earnest activity, both in practical work and in scholarly investigation.

Two difficulties especially confronted the author of this work. Historians speak of the necessity of an historical perspective. A photograph of a building cannot be taken unless the camera be placed at a considerable distance. Those who have made or who are closely related to those who make history, cannot well write it. They are the best witnesses concerning bare statements of facts, but not the best judges as to principles and results. They cannot see the trees, because of the leaves. A life of Muhlenberg, by Dr. Kunze, or Dr. Helmuth, would not have been as satisfactory as that of Dr. Mann, written one hundred years after Muhlenberg's death. We have scarcely reached

VI 11 Introduction.

the point whence we can view the Lutheran Church in America of even the earlier period of this century with complete historical impartiality. This will be done in time. Everything will doubtless be subjected to critical, historical analysis. But, meanwhile, the story, so far as known, must be told ; and the facts, so far as known, must be judged, in order to prepare the way for those who are to follow.

A second difficulty before him, has been that while the Lutherans of America are separated into several divisions, on the ground of principles upon which, thus far, they have been unable to agree, and the discussion of which has formed a great part of the history during the period treated, he has endeavored to present an outline of the external history with entire impartiality. It is too much to expect of ^ny man, that even with the highest appreciation of those with whom he differs, he can be completely uninfluenced by his theological standpoint. The writer frankly confesses that he could not ; and hence, would not demand of another, what he cannot plead for himself. We have read with much interest the entire book. We have admired the general objectivity and impartiality of the author's judgment. We have been stirred to enthusiasm by his elo(|uence, and only on a few points have we ventured suggestions. Within its own sphere and for its own purpose, the work is well conceived and well executed and worthy of high commendation.

The story which is rehearsed is one of the deepest interest. It abounds in incidents as inspiring and worthy of commemoration as the far more familiar history of communions hitherto more prominent in

Introduction. . ix

this country. It is at the same time a story of much intricacy. So various are the sources from whence our Lutheran people come, and so constant has been the stream of immigration, placing layer after layer of successive movements upon one another, that much confusion would be unavoidable were the elements found here homogeneous in their European home. This, however, as is well-known, is not the case. The contrasts which exist in Europe, become all the more striking when placed in juxtaposition here. Conflicts which there could be avoided because of distance or national barriers, here must be faced, as each theory is put to the severest tests. The distribution which Guizot makes of the history of the civilization of Europe into three periods, viz.: one of origination, one of experimentation, and one of permanent and vigorous development, we believe will be found to be very applicable here. While this is true of the Church as a whole, it is also true of each particular element included in it. In one respect, the period of oriorination was over with the new era that entered with the landing of Muhlenberg. In another respect, we are still in the midst of it, and will remain so as long as the majority of our communicant membership are of foreign birth. The period of experimentation is marked by the several efforts that have been made to comprise all Lutheran Synods into a general organization. How far this has advanced, and how near or how far any of the general bodies is to this goal, may be learned from this volume. In spite, however, of the fact that the period of experimentation is still dominant, that of vigorous development has not been

X IfUrodtution.

delayed. The three periods overlap each other, and the one begins before the other ends.

There is yet another fact which a careful study of this volume shows. We cannot but be reminded of the parallel in the history of the chosen people of the old covenant. Once there was a time when the efforts of the prophets were directed to awaken Israel to a sense of its true importance. There was no national spirit left; all national self-consciousness had vanished. Not only the national habits, but even the religious rites of the neighboring nations became the standards according to which they endeavored to amend and adjust what God had given them. But there came another period when Israel awoke to a consciousness of its prerogative and asserted its rights. Soon we find national apathy succeeded by a self-consciousness that ran to the opposite extreme, as exhibited in the days when the new dispensation opened. The name, the customs, the institutions were cherished as a badge of their glorious past. All not able to establish its claim to unquestioned national purity was renounced. Nothing good could be acknowledged as coming from any other quarter. Both periods of the history of God's people may be found feproduced in that of the Lutheran Church in America. Both tendencies mayalso befound to coexist' at the same time and place. As the elder Dr. Krauth said, there was a time when the dominant tendency was "to glory that we are like everybody, and consequently nothing in ourselves, living only by the breath of others," or as he might have added, living by mere sufferance, despised by others as those having little respect for themselves. Suddenly

' Introduction, xi as the cloud lifted, the great proportions of our Church, her vast heritage, her wonderful structure of theology, her rich treasures in every department of religious literature and her active work in so many spheres of beneficence, came to view. How easy now to glory that we are Lutherans, and to fail to appreciate that in other quarters which we formerly reverenced with excessive devotion !

The Lutheran Church has come to America, certainly not without some great purpose. When we review the past, we are astonished at its vitality. If Lutheranism were mortal, it would have died in this country long ago. We have lost our hundreds of thousands of members, and millions of wealth over and over again. The mismanagement attending important trusts, and culminating in repeated disasters, Dr. Wolf well traces. But in spite of all we do to ruin it, on it moves with ever increasing vigor. Where one is lost, ten are gained ! The conflicts and mistakes make a noise and attract attention. The processes of steady growth are silent extending into numberless recesses,and makingthemselves felt only when the whole field is viewed from year to year. We cannot believe that God is preserving such a communion, and constantly extending it, simply for itself alone. Its influence is destined to be felt far and wide beyond its own boundaries, as its members become more thoroughly identified with this country, as it ceases to become a Church of strangers, and, after reaching a more thorough harmony within itself, is able to take the position which belongs to it from its birthright, as the Mother Church of Protestantism. It has come to

XI 1 Introduction.

America to stay, and to grow, and by renewing its youth in this new world, to assert itself with all the power of its earliest days. Wherever this book is read, it must stimulate most earnest thought as to what we are. whither we are tending, and what each one must do to fulfil his trust with respect to that noble cause which is committed to us. Our members certainly cannot discharge their responsibilities intelligently and discriminatingly without knowledge of the facts that are here gathered, and most lucidly and forcibly exhibited.

Henry E. Jacobs.

EVANGEUCAL LXTTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,

Mt. Airy, PinLADELPHiA, Pa., September 2phy i88g.

CHAPTER I. Page. THE CHURCH

The Church Indestructible— Some Corruption— Salvation a Gift— The Heathen Way — Natural Susceptibility to Error — Indulgences — The Priesthood — The Hierarchy — The Papacy — General Corruption — The Testimony of History . . . . ai

Chapter II. The Reformation

Divine Intervention — ^The Revival of Learning — The Invention of Printing — The Mariner's Compass — National Self-consciousness — The Free Cities — Revulsion of Popular Feeling toward the Hierarchy—The Man for the Hour— His Preparatory Training — A Genuine Romanist — A Mighty Change — Birth of the Reformation — Value of Experience— The Light of the Scriptures— Infallibility— The Material and Formal Principles— Tetzel— The XCV Theses— Spread 'of the Reformation— A Picture of the Time . ^ 44

CHAPTER in.

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Luther*s Course — Superhuman Protection — Fate of Previous Reformations — Permanence of Luther's — The XL VI. Psalm — Luther's Conservatism — Justification by Faith — Christ's Dominion — Not a New but a Regenerated Church — The Lutheran Name — Luther's Co-laborers — Melancthon — Amsdorf — Bugenhagen — ^Justus Jonas ^-Other Worthies— An Aroused Laity 75

Chapter IV. The Earliest Lutherans In America.— The Dutch

Lather and Columbus — Romanism and Liberty — The Founders of the Republic — Dutch Lutherans — Their Settlement on Manhattan — Their Persecutions — Appeal to the West India Company — Conventicles Suppressed — Faith Enduring — A Successful Appeal — The First Pastor, Goetwater — Change of Government — A South Carolina Colony — Another Pastor, Fabricius— A Real Pastor, Arensius . • .107

Chapter V. The Earliest Lutherans In America.— The Swedes

Gustavus Adolphus — A Swedish-American Project — The First Colony — Tolerance — Ifissiooary Zeal — Bitter Trials — Change of Government — Lutheran Devotion — Fabridus — William Penn — A Macedonian Cry — A Life Picture — The Answer — A Nation's S>mpathy—Re-enforoements— Building Churches— The Tears of Christ- Glorious Success • ^y3

XIV Contents.

CHAPTER VI. Page. THE EARUEST LUTHERANS IN AMERICA.— THE GERMANS

Prostrate Germany — First German Immigrants — First German Congregation — Rev. Justus Falckner— The Palatines — Rev. Joshua von Kocherthal — Oppression — A New Outrage — Emigration to Pennsylvania^Spiritual Destitution — The Salzburgers — Pennsylvania Alarmed — The Newlander — Lutherans in the Carolinas — In Maine — In New Jersey 169

Chapter VII. The Church Of The Dispersion

Large Number of Germans — Their Temporal Destitution — Their Spiritual Distress — A Few Ministers — Occasional Services — Steadfast in the Faith — Innumerable Sects — Thieves and Robbers— A Ciy for Help — Magister Wolf— The Hour of Darkness . aio

Chapter VIII. Muhlenberg And His Colleagues

Pennsylvania Congregations — A Deputation sent to Europe — Their Reception — Halle — Eflfectual Sympathy — ^Slow Haste — Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg— His Youth — His Call to America — The Voyage — His Character— His Welcome — His Labors— His Enemies — His Colleagues — His Success- Union — A Liturgy — A Synod — A Noble Ministry— The Power of God , . 233

Chapter IX. Thk Ravages Of War

War and Religion — Devastations in the Church — Ministers Secularized — Infidelity- Rationalism — Religious Declension — Peculiar Trials of the Lutheran Church— The Conflict of Language — English in the Colonial Period — Lutheran Care of Episcopal Churches — Change of Policy — Its Occasion and Extent — Its Deplorable Results— A Measure of Progress — Two Muhlenbeigs — Helmuth and Schmidt — The Schaeffers— Kunse — Henry E, Muhlenberg— J. N. and J. D. Kurtz— Jacob Goering — Christian Endress — ^J. G. Schmucker— Geo. Lochman — C A. G. Storch — F. H. Quitman — Christian Streit — A Presbyterian Estimate — Missionaries — Bager — Henkel— Butler — Steck — Heyer— The Ministerium of New York — The Unio Ecclesiastica of South Carolina— The Lutherans Ordain an Episcopalian— The North Carolina Synod — The Synod of Maryland and Virginia— Dearth of Ministers—Want of Schools— Private Training of Candidates 271

Chapter X. Formation Of The General Synod

The Occasion — Plan— Constitutional Convention — First Meeting— Practical Aim^^ The Law of Success — Recession of the Pennsylvania Synod — Second Meeting- New Synods— Theological Seminary— Inaugural Charge— Benjamin Kurtz, D. D., LL. D.— S. 3. Schmucker, D. D.— C. P. Krauth. D. D.— A Classical School— Education Sodety — Missionary Organizations — Sunday-Schools — Publication Enterprise —A General Revival— Extensive Prosperity— Part Borne by the General Synod- Its Relations with Other Synods— Multiplication and Accession of Synods— Withdrawal of those in the South— Two Tendencies— The Disruption— J. A. Brown, Di Di| l«L| Di 1 I • f t • f • « I « t • • 3^1

Contents. xv

CHAPTER XI. Page. THE INDBPElTDBlfT SYNODS

The Tennessee Synod — Organization — Doctrinal Position — Rev. David Henkel— Use of the Press — Book of Concord — Catechisation — Missions — Union with the United Synod — The Joint S3mod of Ohio — Missionary Work — Education — Progress— Relation to other Bodies — Literature — The Iowa Synod — Doctrinal Position— A Seminary — Missionary Zeal — Relation to Other Synods — A Colloquium — Indian Missions — Internal Disturbance — A Secession — Rapid Growth — G. W. L. Fritsdiel, D. D.— The Synod of Buffalo— The Norwegians— Early Destitution— Proselyters — Organization — Growth — Mission Work — Different Parties — Doctrinal Issues— Present Divisions — Efforts at Union — Danish Synods — ^An Icelandic Association « 373

Chapter XII. The Missourians

A Cifde of Pietists— C. F. W. Walther— Martin Stephan— Rationalism— Emigration— ^A Revelation — Christian Congregations— A School of Learning — Pastor Grabau — Rights of Congregations — "The Lutheraner" — The Dogmaticians — Wyneken — Fort Wayne — Dr. Sihier — Loehe — A Practical Seminary — Aggressiveness — Ofganication of Synod— A " Pilgerhaus '*— Gottlieb Schaller— A Rupture— Colloquium with the Iowa Synod — With Buffalo— District Synods — The Synodical Conference — The Predestinarian Controversy — Separation — Statistics — The Patriarchs— ^The Wisconsin Synod — ^The Minnesota Synod 406

Chapter XIII. The General Council

Desire for Unity — An Inspiring Prospect — Fraternal Address — The Reading Convention— The First Meeting — The Four Points — Doctrinal Basis — A Chasm — Co-ordination of Languages— Philadelphia Seminary — Missionary Work — Charles Porierfield Krauth, D D., LL. D.— Beale M. Schmucker, D. D.— The Pennsylvania Ministerium — The New York Ministerium — The Pittsburg Synod — Purpose of its Organization — Missionery Zeal — Gottlieb Bassler — The Swedish Auq^ustana Synod — Immigration — Americanization— Lars P. Esbjom — T. N. Hasselquist— E. Carlsson — Organization of Synod — Theological Seminary — Eric Norelius — ^Jonas Swensson — I^ter Carlsson — Union with General Council — Olof Olsson — Waldenstrom — Synodical Meetings — Conferences — Swedish Sects — Home Mission Work — Parochial Schools — ^Worship — Intelligence 43a

Chapter XIV. The United Synod In The South

Occasion for a newGtnenU Body— Prelirahiary Convention-^General Synod, C. S. A. — Doctrinal Basi»-^A Pastoral Letter— I>esire for Union— A Common Service- Theological Seminary^Interchange of Visitors with other Bodies— Foreign Mission Effort— A CoUoquittm— The United Synod— Institutions— John Bachmann, \>, D., D.—Ptirid F. BiUl^i P, Di • • • t 1 1 i r f * 464 xvi Contents.

CHAPTER XV. Pige. THE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND CULTURE

The Reformers and Education — Lutheran Universities — Popular Eklucation — Culture of the Fathers — Kunze — Helmuth — H. E. Muhlenberg — ^Want of Institutions — Pennsylvania Coll^^ge — Parochial Schools — Catechisation — Care for Orphans — Higher Schools — Lutheran Publications — Periodicals . • . . . . 476

CHAPTER XVL THE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND MISSIONS.

Interest of the Reformers—Insuperable Obstacles — Missionary Princes— Pietism — Danish Mission in India — Christian Friedrich Schwartz — First Bible House — First Missionaries in America — An Example — Lack of Ministers — The Missionary Spirit — Organization — First Anniversary — C. F Heyer — Walter Gunn — India Mission — African Mission — Home Missions — Illustrations ....... 490

Chapter XVII. Obligations Of Other Communions To The Lutheran Church

Effect of the Lutheran Movement— Later Developments— Genetic Relation— The - Mother Confession — German Church Diet — ^Trunk and Branches — The Anglican Church— The XXXIX Articles— Book of Common Pra er— English Catechisms- Methodism — The Presb terians — German Reformed — The 3Ioravians . . . 504

Chapter XVIII. Distinguishing Doctrines And Features Of The Evangelical

LUTHERAN CHURCH.

The Trunk and Branches — Comprehensiveness — Three S) stems— Free Grace — Restrictions Proposed — Limited Atonement — Baptism— Sacramental Grace — The Real Presence — Consubstantiation — The Person of Christ— Justification by Faith — Liturgical Worship— The Common Service— The Church Festivals — Types of Piety 513

Chapter XIX Present Strength Of The Lutheran Church In The United States

AND EUROPE.

Numerical Strength — Comparison with the Past — Comparison with Others — Real Expressions of Strength — Union With Christ — A Clear Faith — Instruction of the Young — Aggressiveness — Institutions — Periodicals — Strength in other Lands • 533

Chapter XX. The Future Of The Lutheran Church

Seed and Harvest— The Living Word — Providence— Progress under Trials — Growth in every Sphere — Public Recognition — Drawbacks — Advantages— Doctrine — Indoctrination— Popularity — Vast Material — Conservatism — The Polyglot Church — Prestige—Trend of Other Churches— A Conviction 530

LIST OF AUTHORITIES.

The following are the principal works consulted in the preparation

of this volume :

Hallesche Nachrichten.

Hallesche Nachrichten, Neue Ausgabe. I. Mann's Henry Melchior Muhlenbierg. Seidensticker s Geschichte der Deutschen Gesellschail. Acrelius' History of New Sweden.

Schaeffer's Early History of the Lutheran Church. Hazelius' History of the American Lutheran Churclu. Schmucker's Lutheran Church in America. Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit Dorchester's Christianity in the United States. Evangelical Review.

Lutheran Quarterly.

Lutheran Church Review.

Nicum's Geschichte des New York Ministeriums. Bemheim's German Settlements, Etc., in the Carolinas. StrobePs History of the Salzburgers. Kurtz's Church History.

Fisher's History of the Reformation. Fisher's Outlines of Universal History. Mommsen's Provinces of the Roman Empire. Ba)aie's Martin Luther.

Kostlin's Life of Luther.

D'Aubgine's History of the Reformation. Robertson's Charles V.

Hausser's Period of the Reformation. Krauth's Conservative Reformation.

Hagen bach's History of the Church in the i8th and 19th centuries. Thomasius' Dogmengeschichte.

Seiss' Ecclesia Lutherana.

Seiss' Luther and the Reformation. Herzog's Real- Encyclopaedic.

SchafT-Herzog Encyclopaedia.

Minutes of the different Synods, especially those of Pennsylvania and the General Synod.

Proceedings of the Lutheran Diets, 1878, 1879. Morris' Fifty Years in the Lutheran Ministry. ^ Briggs' American Presbyterianism. The Presbyterian Quarterly.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Portraits.

Page.

Luther — Frontispiece, .

Melancthon, . . • • .

Gustavus Adolphus, . • . .

^33

Muhlenberg, Henry Melchior,

^3

Kunze, John C, . . . .

Henkel, Paul, . • • . .

Schmucker, S. S., .

Stork, Charles A., ....

Lehman, W. F.,

Fritschel, Gottfried, ....

Krauth, Charles Porterfield,

Esbjom, L. P.,

Bachman, John, .....

Heyer, C. F.,

Andrewsen, 0., . . .

COLLEGES, Seminaries, Etc.

Augustana College, . . • . ,

Augsburg Seminary, ....

Bethany College, . . . . ,

Capital University, . . .

Carthage (Illinois) College, . . . .

Concordia College, (North Carolina),

Concordia Seminary, . . . . .

Elk Horn (Iowa) High School, .

"3

Gaston College, . . . . .

Gettysburg 'i'heological Seminary,

Hagerstown (Maryland) Female Seminary,

Hartwick Seminary, ....

Luther College, . • . • .

Illustrations.

XIX

Luther Seminary, .

Lutherville (Maryland) Female Seminary,

Midland College,

Missionary Institute, .

Muhlenberg College,

Newbeny (South Carolina) College,

Old Concordia Seminary, .

Pennsylvania College,

Philadelphia Theological Seminary,

Roanoke College,

Staunton (Virginia) Female Seminary,

Thiel College,

Wagner Memorial College,

Wartburg College,

Wartburg Seminary,

Wittenberg College, .

Orphans' Homes, Asylums, Etc.

Addison (Illinois) Lutheran Orphan Asylum, .

Germantown (Penn.) Orphan Home and Asylum, .

Jacksonville (Illinois) Lutheran Hospital,

Mary J. Drexel Home, ....

Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Lutheran Hospital,

St. John's Orphan Home (For Boys) Buffalo, N. Y.

St Louis (Missouri) Lutheran Hospital,

St. John's Orphan Home (For Girls) Buffalo, N. Y.

Toledo (Ohio) Lutheran Orphan Asylum,

Tressler Orphan Home, . • • .

Wartburg Orphans' Farm School,

Wemle Orphan Home,

Wittenberg Orphan Home,

Chukches.

First Lutheran Church,

Old Swedes' Church (Gloria Dei),

Old Trappe Church,

Old St. Michael's Church,

457 468

329 436

473 483

174 289

427 442

534 422

538 388 351 43 383 317

237 362

XX Illush'ations

Page.

Old Zion Church, . . . . , 268

Jerusalem Church (Salzburger) Ebenezer, Ga., . 191

Church of the Holy Communion, Philadelphia, Penn., 23

Danish Lutheran Church, .... 208

F^manuers Lutheran Church, New York, . . 29

First English Lutheran Church, Pittsburg, Penn., . 3 1

Gustavus Adolphus Swedish Luth'n Church, New York, 164

Memorial Lutheran Church, Washington, D. C, . 65

St. Mark's English Lutheran Church, St. Louis, Mo., 70

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Charlotte, N. C, . 27

St. Paul's German Lutheran Church, Chicago, Ills., 100

Seamen's Norwegian Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., 398

Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Penn., . 218

Trinity German Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wis., . 39

Trinity Lutheran Church, Canton, Ohio, . . 90

St. James Lutheran Church, New York, . . 1 20

Mis<:ellaneous.

Luther Memorial Statue, Washington, D. C, . . 48

Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo., . 430

Lutheran Mission House, Rajahmundry, India, . 496

Lutheran Mi sion High School, Rajahmundry, India, 501

Lutheran Mission Church, Guntur, India, . • 493

The Lutherans in America.

Chapter I. The Church

PERHAPS the boldest utterance ever heard upon this earth was the announcement of Jesus that he would found an imperishable institution. " Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The universal destroyer shall fail to overcome the Church. Everything else under the face of the sun may perish. Thrones and dynasties, nations and kingdoms, systems and creeds, may become extinct. Heaven and earth under this mighty law shall pass away, but the Church of Christ shall never die. Built upon the eternal rock of truth, she is indestructible.

The- sublimity, the astounding significance of that announcement, must ever challenge the attention of thoughtful minds. Casting defiance at the scepter of death, holding in contempt the teachings of universal history, a Hebrew sage, in an obscure corner of the world, and attended by a few humble peasants, solemnly avows his purpose to rear a fabric that will stand forever ! The lessons of some thousands of years had pretty well demonstrated the transitory

22 The Lutherans tn America.

and perishable character of the noblest results of human endeavor. Nations had succeeded nations and made the record of their achievements and their glory, only to disappear again and forever. Colossal empires, splendid civilizations, hoary religions, profound philosophies, vast monuments of art and the loftiest creations of architectural genius, had fallen into decay and crumbled into dust. Of all the mighty past, nothing remained but a few fragmentary records, a few sporadic tenets of philosophy, of religion and of civil government, a few scattered columns on the plains of Mesopotamia, and several huge piles of masonry on the frontier of the Egyptian desert The earth was one vast graveyard, in which was buried all that a hundred generations had either thought or wrought, with but here and there a broken shaft surviving to mark the spots which entomb the exploits and products of human history. And standing thus amid the shadows and ghosts of this universal sepulchre, Christ declares his purpose of establishing a Church that shall defy the law of decay and death.

And here, after nearly two thousand years, the Church is to-day, with its faith uncorrupted, its vitality unimpaired, its prayers still rising to God, its songs never ending, its benedictions and benefactions ever widening, and its resolve to subdue the earth becoming more and more apparent. Its pulsations still give life to dying men, and multitudes all over the earth are fleeing to its shelter and clinging to its altars, as if they beheld in it the one unfailing refuge for mankind, an impregnable fortress scorning the shocks and storms of time, a rock in the midst of the sea unmoved

by tempest or billow.

The indestructibility of the Christian Church does