A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

the following: 42 No leading minister may act independently of the church as a whole in any important church matter, such as, for instance, excommunica- tion. The church governs itself through its elected ministers, who, if they teach and act according to God's Word, are worthy of double honor. The reinstatement of Heinrich Huebert in his office as first minister (elder) was a matter of serious and prayerful concern. After fasting and prayer the lot was cast in a very solemn ceremony. The lot confirmed Brother Huebert 's call to the ministry, to which he had been ordained earlier. The unscriptural and unconstitutional bans were declared null and void. Jacob Reimer and others who had been excommunicated without a hearing before the church, should now be readmitted, if personal differences would be forgiven and resolved in love. The "wild manifestations of joy," such as dancing, were FAITH IN FERMENT 65 unanimously condemned as "not pleasing unto the Savior." The tambourin, a musical instrument which had caused a great deal of negative reaction and criticism, was not to be used any more in worship services. Loud and exciting music was to be avoided, and that which was lovely and pleasant was to be cultivated. The joy of the Lord was not ruled out, but was to be expressed becomingly. The friendly greeting of non-members was regarded as pleasing to the Lord, whereas a contrary behavior was on the level of publicans and sinners. Church discipline was to be practiced according to the Word of God, but marital avoidance was not to be imposed. In conclusion the document made reference to the complete eradication of the false freedom doctrine three years earlier. It also gratefully acknowledged that former adherents of this movement had confessed their error and had been forgiven. These "resolutions" were presented publicly to the entire congregation in Gnadenheim (Molotschna) on August 4, 1865, and later shared with the Mennonite Brethren Churches in Chortitza and in the Kuban settlement, who fully approved of the measures taken by the Brethren in the June Reform. Not all the erring brethren, however, were willing to mend their ways and return to the "Reformed" Mennonite Brethren Church. Wilhelm Bartel, who introduced the Froehliche Richtung in the Molotschna, although disillusioned by the movement, separated from the church permanently. Gerhard Wieler, the chief advocate and defender of the Froehliche Richtung, tried unsuccessfully to revive the movement after 1865. Later he withdrew and joined the Chortitza Mennonite Church. It is significant to note here, that none of the leaders of this "charismatic movement" had any influence on the growth and development of the Mennonite Brethren Church in later years. P. M. Friesen, who joined the church through baptism in the summer of 1866, states that he has never detected even a slight trace of the movement in the Mennonite Brethren Church." T