A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

s in the Netherlands, as the many old letters preserved in the files of the Amsterdam congregation show." Menno Simons visited the congregations in the Danzig area in 1549, and Dirk Philips actually lived in Schottland, a suburb of Danzig, from approximately 1561 to shortly before his death in 1568. The emergence of a particular life-style among Mennonites in Prussia, and the developments in their congregational life will receive further consideration in chapter two. The crises and controversies among the Mennonites of South Russia in the 1850's and 60's must be analyzed and interpreted against the background of the original Anabaptist Vision. The early Mennonite Brethren considered their views on the nature of the church to be in harmony with those of their "beloved Menno." This claim of the Mennonite Brethren calls for a closer examination of the church concept of Menno Simons. In his "Reply to Gellius Faber" Menno differentiates between the Church of Christ and the Church of Antichrist. Both may be identified by certain "signs." What characterizes the true church? According to Menno, the true signs by which the Church of Christ may be known are the following (given in brief summary): 11 1. An unadulterated, pure doctrine. Deuteronomy 4:6; 5:12; Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:15; John 8:52; Galatians 1. This pure doctrine, according to Menno, includes the clear presentation of the grace of God for man's salvation (Gal. 1), and the responsibility to share this good news with others as demanded by the Great Commission (Mt. 28, Mk. 16). 2. A Scriptural use of the sacramental signs. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:22, 23. Menno insists that only those are to be baptized who "by faith are born of God, who sincerely repent, who bury their sins in Christ's death, and arise with Him in newness of life." The Lord's Supper is to be received by those who have experienced forgiveness through the blood of Christ, and "who walk with their brethren in love, peace, and unity . . . and who prove by their fruits that they are the church and people of Christ." 18 12 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH 3. Obedience to the Word. Matthew 7; Luke 11:28; John 7:18; 15:10; James 1:22. In the discussion of this "sign" Menno stresses a life of holiness and conformity to the life of Christ. 4. Unfeigned, brotherly love. John 13:34; Romans 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 John 3:8; 4:7, 8. According to Menno, "wherever sincere brotherly love is found . . . with its fruits, there we find the Church of Christ."" 5. A bold confession of God and Christ. Matthew 10:32; Mark 8:29; Romans 10:9; 1 Timothy 6:13. Menno finds no such sign among papists or Lutherans. A faithful confession of Christ, especially in the face of "all cruelty, tyranny, tumult, fire, sword, and violence of the world," 20 is an incontrovertible proof of member