CHAPTER XII.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
We have thus found the statements of the Definite Platform, as to the tenets taught in the Augsburg Confession and other Symbolical books, established by the most careful and conscientious investigation of the original sources.

Such are the facts incontestibly [sic] proved.

They are true, and will remain true, notwithstanding all the ill-advised efforts to hide them.

The Augsburg Confession, and other symbols, do teach the tenets ascribed to them in the Platform, and, in the judgment of the great mass of American Lutherans, the Word of God rejects them, and inculcates the contrary.

All the invective and vituperation, not of the author of the Plea but of multitudes of old-Lutherans, &c., cannot change the truth, for it is unchangeable and eternal; nor is it their duty to deny it, any more than it is ours.
The question then arises, what is our duty under these circumstances?
What does God expect of us, in view of these facts, as men to whom the interests and management of a portion of his church are confided?
As men to whom he has given his inspired oracles, as the sure word of prophecy, to which we are to give heed?
As men who love Luther and his fellow-laborers much, but desire to love Christ more?
Does our duty call on us to deny the truth, and say, these doctrines are not taught in these books, when the most careful examination has assured us of the contrary?
No honest man can affirm this.
Is it honest or honorable to avow, unconditionally, creeds containing errors, and then labor to gloss over or defend these errors, because they are there?
This would be to descend to the level of corrupt politicians, who professedly defend every measure of their party, whether right or wrong.
Is it our duty to profess such creeds, then by arbitrary interpretations to explain away these errors, and thus endeavor to hide them from the public view?
This would be injustice to the memory of their authors, and cast reproach on the principles of the Reformation, the essence of which was, that human errors must be rejected in favor of God's Word; and that the standards or professed doctrines of the church, must in every age be conformed to her views of Scripture truth.
Is it our duty, is it the Master's will, that we should try to believe those tenets of a creed which the Scriptures condemn?
This would be treason to the Master, and be hearkening to the teachings of man rather than of God! Yet how many are there from whose lips the phrase confessional fidelity (Bekenntnisstreue,) is heard far oftener than fidelity to God's word (Bibeltreue)! Is it our duty to renounce the Augsburg Confession altogether?
This would be the case, _if its errors were fundamental_.