Shall we remain satisfied with _the General Synod's doctrinal basis_, of absolute assent to the _Bible_, and agreement with the _Augsburg Confession_ as far as the _fundamentals_ of God's Word are concerned?
This pledge we always regarded as accordant with the principles of God's Word, and sufficient for the necessities of the church.

Amid the recent progress of more rigid symbolism, and symbolic sympathies, it has, however, been disparaged by some connected with the General Synod.

We still believe it sufficient, _provided all_ the Synods embraced in the General Synod will adhere to it; and those who have recently adopted the entire symbolic system, will return to it.

But if District Synods of symbolic tendencies, will adopt the obligation to the mass of symbolic books; New School Lutherans are compelled, in self-defence, also to define their position more minutely, that the christian public may not hold them responsible for the errors of the former symbols, nor their supposed adherence to them tend to give them currency.

If, therefore, Old School Synods adhere to their recent pledge to all the symbolical books, we prefer the following course for other District Synods.
5.