A Code of Behavior for Lutheran Councilmen - 1750
Trappe church.
Introduction
Lutherans began migrating from Europe to America early in its settlement. One of their oldest surviving churches, at Trappe, Pennsylvania, dates back to the mid-1700s. In 1750 Lutherans at Trappe drew up a constitution and pledged to keep it, affixing their signatures on this day, 8 July, 1750. Here is a paragraph from the sixteenth and last point.
Quote
“If the church councilmen observe all these regulations, continue steadfast in the pure doctrine of the faith and lead holy lives as children of God; if they rule well their own houses and families and serve as examples to the flock: to the best of their ability, by the grace of God, do their part that the holy gospel be perpetuated to our latest posterity, Satan and the world may indeed make sport of them, but God will be their shield and their great reward here on earth and hereafter forever. All that they have done to His honor, though they have only given a cup of water in His name, the Lord will acknowledge at the last day...”
Schmucker, Beale M. “The Organization of the Congregation in the Early Lutheran Churches in America.” Philadelphia: Lutheran Church Review (July, 1887).