My Cross ENG years ago a stately tree grew on the mountain side. Sun- shine and rain nourished it day after day, year after year, until one day a woodcutter stood before it, axe in hand. “This tree will make good boards,” he said. “I’ll use them to build a wall.” And the tree was felled. It was... Show moreMy Cross ENG years ago a stately tree grew on the mountain side. Sun- shine and rain nourished it day after day, year after year, until one day a woodcutter stood before it, axe in hand. “This tree will make good boards,” he said. “I’ll use them to build a wall.” And the tree was felled. It was very good timber; it made very fine boards. But they were never used for a wall. Cruel hands fastened the timber to- gether with a spike. They made of it — a cross. A cross of wood, it was a crude and ugly thing. And yet even today, unnoticed by the busy world, it stands bleakly outlined against the sky. Centuries come and centuries go and still it stands, defying time. Unusual wood, you say? But that’s because you haven’t seen the cross. I saw it once, and as I gazed, it burned itself upon my breast and left its imprint on my heart. This cross for me has now become the key to Heaven’s gate, for on it all my sins were nailed. MILDRED RYAN, ’40 DIAL 8 Show less
Surrender It I but come to Him With pride bent low By weakness. Contessing all the guilt My lite could know. In meekness It I but yield to Him My sintul heart. All willing. Surrendering every sin That He might start Rebuilding It I but promise Him Ne'er tram His side To sever. In love He answers... Show moreSurrender It I but come to Him With pride bent low By weakness. Contessing all the guilt My lite could know. In meekness It I but yield to Him My sintul heart. All willing. Surrendering every sin That He might start Rebuilding It I but promise Him Ne'er tram His side To sever. In love He answers thus: "With me abide Forever." MILDRED OUDAL, ’40 The Storm I face again the storm this day: It's sharp and causes me to sway. I feel the cold about me now: The storm grows worse. my head I bow. l stumble on: the end is near. .‘ And darkness now has fallen here. l wonder what the night will bring: But should I care beneath His wing? RALPH SLETTEN, ’40 DIAL Show less
Humble Yet Great AS we view the struggling mass of humanity we are constantly brought in contact with so-called “great men” — those whose influence is felt throughout the entire civilization; men who blaze trails and in whose steps others gladly follow; leaders whose dynamic personalities... Show moreHumble Yet Great AS we view the struggling mass of humanity we are constantly brought in contact with so-called “great men” — those whose influence is felt throughout the entire civilization; men who blaze trails and in whose steps others gladly follow; leaders whose dynamic personalities electrify nations. These people are classed in a group all by themselves as a distinct and revered few. Yet, as we see mankind, who really is great? In our day, powerful leaders such as Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, and others have risen, usurping dictatorial powers over nations of people. Millions go at their bidding, and nations fear their pow- erful iron hand. Civilization itself seemingly hangs in a balance, waiting for these men to decide. The great war which generally is attributed to a few leaders progresses because no one will yield. Yes, these dictators seem great. But if we raise this question, “Why and how are these men strong?” They simply won their position at the expense of others. Humanity must suffer to fur- ther their selfish plans. Few are benefited by their actions. Under a righteous cloak they continue wrecking out injustices and heart— ache wherever they go. The eyes of the world focus upon them waiting in “fear and trembling.” Directly opposite to this group of dictators, we find another which is also great. We find many in our day, and History tells us of important men who have done much good for the benefit of Humanity. Countless numbers of scientists such as Pasteur, Har- vey, Galileo and others have spent lifetimes discovering new things for the use of man. Without their findings we would be lost. Today these men are constantly making new findings which will guard man from further suffering by the ravages of disease. Others are providing enjoyment for everyone by great speeches, immortal masterpieces of literature, music, and art. All these will be remembered throughout the ages for their sterling work in the interest of humanity. Time does not permit us to go into detail but the examples we have seen are of the caliber we often call “great.” Yet, these men are honored, loved and their memories are cherished by everyone. They receive their reward in part. They, too, are only humans. Many in our day go about unnoticed by the rush of man. Those are the more common people who do their work without heralded DIAL 12 Show less
Spring The woods became a happy nook for play. The maple was no more a churchly tree: She hid her gothic form and laughed with glee. She wore a leafy dress. a garment gay. That rustled in the happy breeze all day. The sky would not remain a sober sea: It sailed its clouds and took the liberty To... Show moreSpring The woods became a happy nook for play. The maple was no more a churchly tree: She hid her gothic form and laughed with glee. She wore a leafy dress. a garment gay. That rustled in the happy breeze all day. The sky would not remain a sober sea: It sailed its clouds and took the liberty To cast aside its cowled robe of gray. In rapture do I play beneath the sky: The trees embrace me fondly as | stroll. For months I've stood in awe before bare trees And tried to pray. to seek a holy peace. But bore a secret dread within my soul. This magic joy has brought a new reply. MARGARET CHRISLOCK, ’40 Miserable Wretch HE Chinese beggar is a most wretched specimen of human- ity. “There is no mistaking the man.” It is nothing short of a miracle how his tattered “clothes” hang together. His rags consist of all shades and materials from old worn-out garments. As to his hair, —it is a virtual rat’s nest—dishevelled and matted. One could never even begin to wend a comb through the tangled jungle. The accumulated dirt of years lies on his body in scummy layers, especially noticeable in the wrinkles and deep hollows of his face. His scaly “armour” protects him conveniently from the one thing he abhors—water. He is satisfied in his filth, never at- tempting in the slightest to rid himself of his foul acquisitions. There is no detail in his entire constitution that is passany clean or non—repugnant. Rarely does a beggar not have a never-healing, raw and bleed- ing sore, thrust out ostentatiously before the eyes of the public. 25 DIAL i «Nuiw'ifla‘ I .2 44-2 v; :- 1 Show less
Milking a Cow I AM a city slicker born and bred, but I pride myself on a well- rounded and cosmopolitan background. Unlike the ordinary pavement-pounder, I—and I say it in humble modesty—I have seen a cow! I know that milk, that precious fluid that builds big muscles and strong bones, is not a... Show moreMilking a Cow I AM a city slicker born and bred, but I pride myself on a well- rounded and cosmopolitan background. Unlike the ordinary pavement-pounder, I—and I say it in humble modesty—I have seen a cow! I know that milk, that precious fluid that builds big muscles and strong bones, is not a patented product but that it is manufac- tured somewhere within the anatomy of a cow. And from per- sonal observation I will stake my reputation that a cow is a quad- ruped of the bovine clan, being the female of the specie. Twice a day the milk is stripped from Frau Cow who patiently utters no complaint. I know. I even milked a cow once. “Milking” is a serious business which requires careful planning and at least a working knowledge of what it’s all about. Being a temperamental creature, she practically insists that she be milked from her right side. Generations of cows have been milked from the right side, so there’s a touch of sentiment there, too. Two pieces of equipment are necessary and essential to the novice, and experienced, would-be milker: first, a pail — to be used as a temporary container for the milk; and second, a one—legged stool—absolutely required, though Heaven knows why—it's an art in itself to balance them. Armed with the proper “props” and located at the humble crea- ture’s starboard side, you will find four spigots located on the lower left-hand corner. Place the pail between your knees, grasp one of these spigots in each hand, and squeeze. Nothing happens? Maybe it’s your grip. “If at first you don’t succeed—” try one hand at a time. Start at the top with your thumb and fore-finger, and squeeze as you rapidly roll each finger down—using much the same technique as you would in squeezing out a wet rag. Continue the operation with both hands and in half an hour I’ll absolutely guarantee that you should have, in addition to ten numb and aching digits, at least a half an inch of scrummy look- ing liquid in the bottom of the pail, and a sadly bewildered cow. Science comes to the rescue. I’ll wager that you will join me in outspoken praise and whole-hearted commendation for that won- DIAL [6 was»...— .,A~4_,..~_e.a.;. 4. Show less
On Being Tall “MY, Inez, but you’re getting to be a great big girl!” That's all I’ve heard for the last ten years. All the friends of the family invariably have made that remark each time they have seen rne. Yes, it irks me, but an instinctive respect for my neck has al- ways prevented me from... Show moreOn Being Tall “MY, Inez, but you’re getting to be a great big girl!” That's all I’ve heard for the last ten years. All the friends of the family invariably have made that remark each time they have seen rne. Yes, it irks me, but an instinctive respect for my neck has al- ways prevented me from doing anything rash. I know that I’m tall, they wouldn’t always have to remind me of it. But I get even with them by mentally choking each and every one. Really, I haven’t minded so much because I shall always be able to look down on them —or at least on most of them. Being tall has its advantages, too—I’ve always been able to reach the cookie jar and I’ve had no trouble at all in spying Christmas presents about the middle of November. Another thing, while I rather envied my playmates who always wore “boughten” dresses I took pride in that mine at least were individual. No six or eight or ten other girls came out in dresses like mine. No sir, and that means a lot to a girl. Iflwgwhmeummmdowrdmlwmkofmygklfikmk—a sort of Mutt and Jeff combination. But somehow I forgot about my height except when these family friends came along. My girl friends didn’t seem to care. And I didn’t either, at least not much, because I played center on our basketball team for two years and that was a coveted position. Of course when I got to be a Senior in High School and class play time came around I did sort of want to play the part of the heroine (what girl doesn’t?) but I knew that I was a good two inches taller than the leading man so I tried out for the part of the eccentric old landlady. I got it and I guess I had the last laugh because the heroine got scarlet fever the day before the play so our dramatics teacher had to play the part. Guess who got the newspaper writeup? \‘ot the heroine! She got scarlet fever. Not the dramatics coach. She was just a fill in —. (incidentally, she got a $10 raise). Yes, none other than that great big girl — she got it. Being the tallest of a group I usually had to turn out the light and find my way in the dark, but then I was a big girl and big girls aren‘t afraid — at least not very much. DIAL 6 Show less
glory — men who do the menial tasks of life. One man in his little corner is faithfully carrying on his work unnoticed and without reward. It is such a person who truly is great. He who isn’t too “big” and yet “big enough” to cope with the lesser problems and solve them, and is willing to do his... Show moreglory — men who do the menial tasks of life. One man in his little corner is faithfully carrying on his work unnoticed and without reward. It is such a person who truly is great. He who isn’t too “big” and yet “big enough” to cope with the lesser problems and solve them, and is willing to do his little bit for the good of all with no honor is genuinely outstanding. Many are outstanding in the eyes of the world today, but he who truly is great is the true man who arises out of these circum- stances—he who is not too proud to undertake the tasks which are without honor and without raise. P EVERALD STROM, ’42 Can’t You Hear? Can't you hear the bugles blowing. Calling tor your strongest sons? Can't you hear the nations waring. Belching death from ten-inch guns? How they clamour tor dominion. For the praise and wealth of earth! How they tear from man his pinion. Made to soar by God's rebirth! Will they still despise relations Made in youth's most golden hour? Will they blast the hope of nations For some tyrant mad with pow'r? Ah. unholy. cruel monster. Growing with each passing age! Ah. thou young-lite-contiscator. Making lite but jealous rage! May the King of kings forever Thrust thee from His righttul place! May His love and peace torever From men's hearts all hate displace! Can't you hear— hear the conquest? Sin in glory marches on! Can't it stir our slumbering protest? Rouse it e'er our hope is gone! GILBERT A. JENSEN, ’40 13 DIAL Show less
JUBILEE BULLETIN Of The Lutheran Free Church for Augsburg Seminary and Oak Grove Seminary In Commemoration 01 the Four Hunrlrmlth .Ihlnircrsary m the Augsburg Conléssion TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1929 Uh» firmihmt nf (lDur Q'Lhurrh Aaka 1H5 Zflaithfullg tn Zflulfill (Eur afimmiae tn Augahurg anh (flak ... Show moreJUBILEE BULLETIN Of The Lutheran Free Church for Augsburg Seminary and Oak Grove Seminary In Commemoration 01 the Four Hunrlrmlth .Ihlnircrsary m the Augsburg Conléssion TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1929 Uh» firmihmt nf (lDur Q'Lhurrh Aaka 1H5 Zflaithfullg tn Zflulfill (Eur afimmiae tn Augahurg anh (flak (firnuv puma-u e ounce Fargo. N. D.k.. beteher 7. 1929; emrfle Te r'tel. 'er "en ‘ At the fleeting of the Lutheren free chuteh in Kinneepolle net you. it In deemed to pin 1 Jubilee Cenpugn in 1929-30 end 1 enuittee III elected. At the fleeting thin yenr, the Count" prepoeed to nut e culpeign {or rel-1n; $200,000.00 for our Boheele. It wee reeolved thet the Oomlttee, in con unetien with the Boude, ehenld oonplete the plene end he reeponuh e (or the cup-Age. Pro- !ellor B. I. Hendrick-on 1e onlpeagn Inn-get. Why e Juhnee campus-n1 1'th :- the Jubilee You in the Luther“ Church. lent o! the Lutheran hedlee ere plnnning Jubilee ’~ fund. fa: their lneututlone-. Our Church. though not large, hen 1n- ;2» due Been neth bleeeed. The efforte of our Pioneer Fethere in founding avg-eh" end Beheole heve been I. conunqu eeuree of Men- 1.3 to en; nee. hie-unge eheule he carried on to our poeteney; he the'heritege at our children. ll'he "Friende of Augsburg' mad the 'Lucherm Free Ohurch' have een monygque/telee Ah the peat end the fut . 7‘: M h n h“. V. ,, a L t, _ ring” (er '0 unsee- et hole a: Ihre . ’ , ‘w ltnfl - he" m In the: even lore etueaent to do the tort thet the hu . given an. We met have Peetere, lie-lonelie- and Teenhere end they '. Iuet eele fre- School. where the lord of God end June arm-z 1e the hurt end center or the training. God grunt ue e. eueeeeelul eaten-e of the Jubne «spun. You I II neerel y , EJU=M Show less
An Earnpnt Appeal tn 13ml frmu the Iflrenihmtn nf (VDm‘ Srhnnln JUBILEE CAMPAIGN ZTL'S:.£;I'.;."L“.ZLZ'28:1 p—fl—fi Dear Friend: Augehuxg nnd Onk drove need very generous support by every one of the“ friende et thin time. Both of these eahools hue won their piece in the heertl of our peonle by the... Show moreAn Earnpnt Appeal tn 13ml frmu the Iflrenihmtn nf (VDm‘ Srhnnln JUBILEE CAMPAIGN ZTL'S:.£;I'.;."L“.ZLZ'28:1 p—fl—fi Dear Friend: Augehuxg nnd Onk drove need very generous support by every one of the“ friende et thin time. Both of these eahools hue won their piece in the heertl of our peonle by the good work they heve done. At pneent the eehoole ere in A {manual orleis end we, into shoee hends the eduinzetretion of theee two school: hue been entrusted. wish _ euneetly to eppenl to the supporters at the echnole to: help so that it will be poesible to continue the good work. ll'he task of running the schools hes been Iede plenum: by the kind encourage-ant end the friendliness ehosn in word end deed. los the schoole need e good etrong concerted nit. none tso echools hue sent out note then tselve hundred certificated sreduetes. A very nuch luger nulher of young nen end young Ionen have uttended the sohoole II students during theee yen". four hundred and «any young non he" been gruduntsd from the neolonenl Deputsent of Augsburg, uncut an of when heve gone into the unistry. Do these results nope-.1 to you end ere you loved to gratitude for the {rune or your hour (or the eohoole' le when to you in the one of dun-tun Education end In the hem of the Lord of the Much to eupport with eerneet prayer end generous donations our lohoole, Augsburg end on Grove. _ _ , W £169 t Aun-vbu‘rg Somme Freaking-k Gian Segfiery “SPEAK TO ISRAEL THAT THEY GO FORWARD” AUGSIURG COLLEGE ARCHIVIS Show less
0L! PM!me Ammu- Wnuns Cal '1‘. Smasnn R MINI lilCiMl ilBli} R fl Dl Rl‘ml‘l/llu‘l‘1/Irllr‘ltm/11'N, Il'ho spok sirlrrhly HM nuimmw of Ihw‘r life On this page we have printed photographs of a few typical pioneers who were active in the ministry of the Gospel and in founding and supporting... Show more0L! PM!me Ammu- Wnuns Cal '1‘. Smasnn R MINI lilCiMl ilBli} R fl Dl Rl‘ml‘l/llu‘l‘1/Irllr‘ltm/11'N, Il'ho spok sirlrrhly HM nuimmw of Ihw‘r life On this page we have printed photographs of a few typical pioneers who were active in the ministry of the Gospel and in founding and supporting Christian schools. They were brave and faithful workers for the furtherance of the kingdom of God in this country and in foreign lands. They were instruments of great power, used by God to make Christianity a vital factor in the life of the people. Their spiritual influence has been felt among our people throughout the whole land. We remember our pioneers for what the unchanging Christ was for them and meant to them, for their sound and zealous work for the spiritual awakening of our people, and for their building up of a free and independent congregation founded upon Biblical Lutheran fundamental principles. We remember our fathers for their wholehearted loyalty to their adopted country, and for their intelligent work to preserve the best there is to be found in the Norwegian culture, which they have transmitted to us as an in- dispensable heritage. We remember our leaders for their un- ceasing labors in founding such schools as Augsburg and Oak Grove. Augsburg Seminary has itself been a pioneer among N orth- men in America. It was called by God to take the lead in one of the most serious and most difficult problems which the Chris- tian Church throughout the changing times has to solve, namely: How shall God‘s servants in the congregation best be trained for their work? Let us rejoice in remembering our fathers, praising God who gave them wisdom and courage and strength to take the lead in this great cause and blaze the way. In many ways it can be said about our leaders what the apostle Paul says about himself, that he fills up in his flesh that which was lacking of the afflictions of Christ for His body‘s sake, which is the Church. For a generation or more of suffering and an: Orr-nu. Glam Svnmuu- l. L Lawn-u! Show less
Ulla PMDN [1*] MRS e to you (hr! 1mm] of Gm]; mu] mm- 3, imitate their fulfil. iIClIr. 13:7. trials these men stood watch, undaunted and unliesitatingly, over the Church’s dearest possession. True to their calling and with an open eye of their responsibility, they took a bold stand for what they... Show moreUlla PMDN [1*] MRS e to you (hr! 1mm] of Gm]; mu] mm- 3, imitate their fulfil. iIClIr. 13:7. trials these men stood watch, undaunted and unliesitatingly, over the Church’s dearest possession. True to their calling and with an open eye of their responsibility, they took a bold stand for what they saw was right. l’iz'nm Kmmin. It is an inspiration to think of the wide scope, the immense value, and the tremendous cost in self-sacrifice and hardships which their work in the Vineyard presents to us. Not a few re- fiesent missionary heroism, a dauntless zeal in serving the aster on the extreme frontiers; others represent more the genuine pastoral, evangelistic and educational effort and fore- sight in the early days in the Northwest. Our pioneers founded Augsburg and Oak Grove. These schools are the very heart and life of the Church, the guardians and preservers of our faith. They founded them not for a day; they founded them to continue to serve and carry on their mis- sion from generation to generation. We are the heirs of their faith and sacrifices. Now we are bearing the responsibility of carrying them forward and keeping them intact, not for our- selves only, but for the generations that are coming after us. Shall we prove ourselves worthy of their sacred trust? firms Hlsxm The pioneer fathers and mothers are gone; their schools and our schools live on. They send out the life blood of Christian power and growth to every part and activity of our church at home and abroad. Surely it is a privilege for us to bear the re- sponsibility for our forefathers’ greatest work. And, above all, let us remember, that Jesus Christ is the same now as in generations past. His love, His peace and joy are the same. His salvation is the same. Whatever Christ was to Paul, He is still to us. Whatever He did for Luther when He made him a new man, a man of strong faith, He will do for us. And whatever He was and did for our pioneers, He will do for us, yea, much more. Our pioneers' God is our God. He will remain the same for ever. Praise the Lord! ig- 1%. 0. Mi Anon-ox PI-rn Nina-n on Kinux Show less
—: JITBIH'ZI'} BULLETIN 5 The Jubilee Campaign for Augsburg and Oak Grove I “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore cricst thou unto me‘.’ Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Exodus M :15. Israel had made an excellent start. It was in- deed a great thing that after centuries... Show more—: JITBIH'ZI'} BULLETIN 5 The Jubilee Campaign for Augsburg and Oak Grove I “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Wherefore cricst thou unto me‘.’ Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Exodus M :15. Israel had made an excellent start. It was in- deed a great thing that after centuries of bond- age they had obeyed the call to freedom which God thru Moses had sent to them. Well might a sense of deep joy thrill the man who had been the means of kindling in this downtrodden and degraded race the sacred fire of liberty and in- spire them with faith and courage to enter the road to the fair land of promise. The beginning had been auspicious beyond all expectation. But now—just now all their efforts seemed wasted. Rearward Pharaoh's host came thundering on; forward threatening waters blocked the way. On- ward now seemed to lead into the very jaws of death: retreat would mean in many ways a fate worse than death. Small wonder that they “cried out unto Jehovah", Moses not the least. But now it sounded as though Jehovah would not even hearken to their cry. “Wherefore criest thou unto me?—go forward!" Onward lies the way over which Israel is to pass—straight into the sea. There shall be a road even there. The instrument which is to open a way lies in their leader's hand. even though he does not realize it, for it is so humble. “Lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.” Enough of crying unto Jehovah! Now is the hour of action. And no sooner did Moses act than there opened a spacious lane through the track-less waters. More than that: The angel of God went behind them and stood as a rear-ward. How often have not God’s people gone through similar experiences. But how hard a lesson to learn. The path of God‘s people lies in only one direction,—onward. Never backward—that leads to bondage and death; ever onward as God directs —-—that is the way of liberty and life. The rod, the means which open the way, we already have; but we must use them. Prayer?—0f course. But prayer must lead to action. Help can come only on condition that we give ourselves and our means to the Lord, so he can use us for his purpose. When God directs, and we are willing to act in harmony with our prayers, then a dry stick is potent enough to open the way onward for a whole nation. The Lutheran Free Church needs to take this lesson to heart. We have made a fair start. Mis- takes we have made, to be sure, and our faith has often been wavering enough, yet we have had not a little proof of God’s love in the time that has passed since our church body was organized in 1897. Considerable progress has been made in many local churches, and the Spirit of God has not deserted us. Some have complained of weakness in our general work and lack of co—operation be- tween our sister congregations. To some extent this criticism is undoubtedly well taken, but an unbiassed examination will show that our progress has been on the whole considerable. If we com- pare, for example, the total contributions to our general work for the years 1897 to 1902 with the five year period of 1923 to 1928, progress will be palpably evident, even though we make allowance for the shrinkage in money value. In another and more important field progress may be demonstrated. Our people have a clearer conception of the aim and mission of the Lutheran Free Church. This is a natural consequence of the obstacles we have had to surmount and the trials we have had to endure. There is a clearer conception also of the need of co—operation be- tween the individual congregations that constitute the Lutheran Free Church. Our experiences dur- ing the last ten years especially have shown that it is no easy task to run the Lutheran Free Church 011' the track if our congregations will stick to- gether. This does not at all imply that our church has fulfilled its mission; quite the contrary; its work has just begun. But it is a good beginning which ought to hearten us to redoubled efi'ort. All spiri- tual movements which are vital with truth take time to germinate and grow. They must penetrate deep into the consciousness of people, and this takes time. A mushroom may pop up over night; an oak takes a hundred years to mature. In the work to make our mission understood by our people so as to gain their support, our schools naturally take a very prominent part, for it is the oncoming generation that must be won and trained to carry the Free Church idea forward. It is therefore vitally necessary for the Free Church to support its schools so they may become strong and efficient in winning our young people for its cause. A free church must whole-heartedly rally around its schools, for they are the vital organs through which its spiritual power must flow to be carried onward. Church history proves by many examples that a free church that neglected its schools has soon disintegrated. This conviction caused the founding of Augsburg, and it is this conviction which has made it possible for this school to operate until today in spite of the rather peculiar difficulties it has had to face. To re-en- force this statement let me quote what President Sverdrup, Sr. said in 1877: “Let the Conference endeavor to preserve the school, and the school will preserve the Conference." During late years our schools have not re- ceived as substantial support as their importance merited, hence they have fallen seriously into debt. Augsburg owes $58,850 and Oak Grove about $30,000, a total of $88,850. Thus the ques- tion faces the Lutheran Free Church, “Shall we go forward, or shall we retreat?” Some say re- trench and save money. Retrench? That is to retreat—that is the way of death. It is unthink— able. The Lutheran Free Church must go for- ward. It must live: therefore we must place our schools on a sound financial basis. Stupid is the general who orders his army to advance before he has fortified his base and secured his rear. I believe the Lutheran Free Church is de- termined to go forward. The last Annual Con- ference was undoubtedly of this opinion, therefore it resolved to start a jubilee campaign to raise $200,000 to remove the indebtedness on our Show less
JUBILEE BULLETIN ()f The Lutheran Free Church for Augsburg Seminary and Oak Grove Seminary Iu L‘nuuncumrntiun of the Four llmulrcr/tll zlunirerszujr oft/Ir Augsburg Con/ession TUESDAY. OCTOBER 1. 192‘.) WHY THIS IS CALLED Four hundred years ago the Lutheran Reformation was going through its... Show moreJUBILEE BULLETIN ()f The Lutheran Free Church for Augsburg Seminary and Oak Grove Seminary Iu L‘nuuncumrntiun of the Four llmulrcr/tll zlunirerszujr oft/Ir Augsburg Con/ession TUESDAY. OCTOBER 1. 192‘.) WHY THIS IS CALLED Four hundred years ago the Lutheran Reformation was going through its greatest crisis. The enemies of reform had at last united for a final crushing blow, Pope and Emperor had made peace with each other for the purpose of making a concerted drive against the Luth- erans. If persuasion failed. the heresy was to be stamped out in fire and blood. The Diet of Speier in 1529 was the first ominous rumble of the coming storm. The Diet of Augsburg in 1530 was designed to loose the flood that was to sweep the Reformation out of existence. The reformers were ill prepared. Luther. banned by church and state alike since 1521. could not safely appear in public as their spokesman. The Marburg conference. an attempt to unite all evangelicals. had failed. The FACTS ABOUT l. Augsburg Seminary 1. When and why was Augsburg founded! Augsburg Seminary was founded by Lutheran pioneers in 1869. at Marshall, Wisconsin. but was moved to Min- neapolis. Minnesota. in 1872. Its purpose was to train Lutheran ministers to preach the gospel to Norwegian immigrants who in large numbers were settling in the A JUBILEE CAMPAIGN Lutheran princes were distracted by petty political squab- bIes. At the Diet of Augsburg the Lutherans presented a written statement of their faith. the Augsburg Confes- sion. This famous document rallied the followers of Luther. Now they had a symbol of their common evan- gelical faith, inspiring them to stand united at all costs in loyalty to God and his word. The Reformation was saved. Therefore Lutherans all over the world, mindful of God's past mercies. will in 1930 celebrate in grateful re- membrance of those heroic Christians who braved the gates of hell to plant aloft the torch of gospel truth. “Jehovah hath done great things for them. Jehovah hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." Ps. 126. OUR SCHOOLS enlightened people. Co-education was introduced in 1921. 3. I'r'hrlf departments are (here at Augsburg? There are three departments: a. A theological seminary offering a standard three year theological course for those who feel called to the Christian ministry in Lutheran churches. AUGSBURG SEMINARY United States. It was the first theological school built by Norwegian Lutherans in America. 2. h Augcburg simply a training school for ministers? No. That was and still is its principal aim, but in its various departments it also gives a broad, liberal educa- tion preparatory for other professional studies. Its cur- eicula have been broadened and enriched from time to time so as to meet the growing needs of a progressive and b. Augsburg College, a standard four year liberal arts college preparing for theology, teaching, graduate study. and the other professions. Graduates from the teacher’s course receive, on application, the general pro- fessional teacher's certificate of the State of Minnesota, which makes them eligible to teach in the state high schools. Show less
6 V JUBILEE BULLETII‘I schools and secure them adequate operating ex- penses for the coming year. Jubilee and debt ‘I— A strange combination! Yes, a jubilee fund; for next year we shall celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the Augsburg Confession. It will be a great event for Lutherans all... Show more6 V JUBILEE BULLETII‘I schools and secure them adequate operating ex- penses for the coming year. Jubilee and debt ‘I— A strange combination! Yes, a jubilee fund; for next year we shall celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the Augsburg Confession. It will be a great event for Lutherans all over the world. Then the Lutheran Free Church ought above all others to celebrate, for according to Dr. Rudolph Sohm, the greatest authority on church polity, who made the statement in a private letter writ- ten shortly before his death, the form of organiza- tion adopted by the Lutheran Free Church comes closer than any other to the ideal conceived by the Lutheran reformers. But we can not celebrate while a big debt crushes and cripples our schools. Shall the Free Church fail now, after over thirty years of fairly successful work, fail now when more than ever there is an open door awaiting us? Suppose the reformers in 1530 had said, “No, we must re- trench, we must retreat, this will not work. Here is the Emperor and his henchmen plotting our ruin; there is the Roman hierarchy headed by the pope determined on our destruction; it means burning at the stake to advance.” No, they used quite a different dialect: "A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon; Our help is He in all our need, Our stay, whate’er may happen;"— (See Hymanry, 270. Read the whole hymn.) So sang the ancient heroes, stepped bravely forward, and ran aloft the gospel standard ready to give their all for Christian freedom, “—kindred, goods, and life,” to win the Kingdom for them- selves and for future generations. And 10, again did God cleave a way so the gospel of sin and grace could once more flow down on the parched land and call forth a free church, re-born of the Holy Spirit. But what if they had beat retreat! Here is a challenge to you dear young people of the Lutheran Free Church. Again the cry is “forward!” This is your opportunity. The schools need you and you need the schools. What- ever you may have done in the past, now is your chance to do something really worth while. Help us lift this debt. Do not leave it to “Dad.” He will do his share; he is used to it. But will you do yours? The schools can’t do much for “Dad”, you know, but they can do a lot for you. They will be glad to do it, if you will give them sub— stantial support. Some of your friends are our students. They are going to scrape their pockets to help their schools out. But you know how it is with students; their spirit is willing, but the purse is——- — —! Now many of you are making fair wages. I have known some of you young men to spend ten dollars on a single evening’s en- tertainment. Possibly you had a fine time; pos- sibly the next day you even had a—headache. Now I am inviting you to spend at least ten dollars to help these schools. It is a worthy cause, and you know it. If you are a serious-minded man or woman—and I believe most of you are at bottom —you will readily understand that Christian schools stand for all that is finest and most whole- some in life. You are also aware that not all money spent by young people goes to help the cause of Christ. Would it not he a good thing for your own soul to give generously to a cause that is particularly designed to help youngr people physically, intollrctually, morally, and spiritually? If you should give ten dollars non, I believe you will have such satisfaction from it that next time you have a chance you will give fifty dollars. And then you will feel better still, for you will then have a real stake in the greatest enterprise in tho world—be a part owner, so to speak. And the in— vestment will pay constantly increasing dividends as long as you live. A good act always does, and its after effects do not keep you awake nights. The campaign committee has told me to act as manager of this in-gathering of funds. I have consented to assume this responsibility. The Good Book says, "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." I have become convinced that this is absolutely and unreservedly true. It is re- sponsibility that makes us. At the schools we are, most of us, hopelessly young. Hence I feel that I must have you young people with me, so I am ap- pealing to every young man and young woman and every Sunday school scholar in the Lutheran Free Church to take hold and “put this across"; then we can hold a real jubilee next year. In order to get you started we are going to give you an extra inducement. Every young peo- ple's society which contributes one hundred dol- lars or over to this jubilee fund will be placed on the L. F. C. Honor Roll. Every Sunday school which contributes twenty-five dollars or more will likewise be put upon the Lutheran Free Church Honor Roll. These honor rolls will be preserved in the archives of Augsburg and Oak Grove as worthy examples for future generations. Let us now get busy all along the line. First let us cry to God so he may stir our hearts, next let us follow our prayers with resolute action and give heroically, then we shall see our efforts crowned with success. “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Someone to Lead the Way In every worth-while undertaking, if it is to succeed, some one must take the lead. That is true in our effort for Augsburg and Oak Grove. Someone must take the lead in pledges that are generous and inspiring and that will urge all the rest to do their best. Some one must take the lead in every congregation, show the way to the mem- bership by pledges that will stir and inspire the membership to be eager to do their utmost. When a task, no matter how essential, is first discussed within the Church, what is the imme diate reaction? Evereyone says: “Surely it should be done, but there are also so many other things to do and we ought to think it over, and we want to wait and see what others are doing." While that spirit prevails, nothing is done. Action is put off from day to day until finally even the finest obligation fails to meet response. But if someone with a larger faith takes the lead, sweeps aside the hesitancy to act, makes a pledge that is encouraging, then immediately all the others awaken and are willing to move for- ward and follow the lead. Show less
