THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

es, however, God temporarily conceals the assurance of His grace to us. During such times we occasionally become 124 IN RUSSIA 1789-1860 quite anxious and believe that our efforts to see our sins— their number and size— in detail is in vain. At such times one implores God for grace, for a mind that faithfully follows the Lord, for a contrite heart which hungers and thirsts (Matt. 5) after righteousness. It is then that we desire to do good and experience the truth in Christ’s words when He said: The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. At such times one has to pray for the will to do and to accomplish that which is good, but also to learn to wait patiently until Christ has been formed in us and enables us to do good works. Therefore it is necessary to pray daily and diligently against the evil drives of the flesh. Only when we give our will completely and voluntarily to sin and remain in it does sin have a right to condemn us. “Regarding the various governmental 51 regulations and the dif- ferent opinions of the people that you mention, I answer thus: Let all things come as they may, you dare not turn to the one or the other. As long as the decrees of the government do not conflict with God’s Word, we must submissively obey them ; if, however, these decrees should order us to do something contrary to God’s Word, then we must, as usual, draw near to God in prayer and ask Him to enlighten us through his Holy Spirit, to free us from all error and enable us to suffer in patience, all the while guarding against resentment, anger and envy in one’s heart. He who, under these conditions, fears punishment, blows, bonds, imprison- ment, the loss of temporal possession, to be separated or tom from father, mother, wife or children, more than God and His Word, of him Jesus says: He is not worthy of me. In Matthew 19:28 Jesus says: Whoever will not leave. . . . We want to pray diligently to the Lord that He, with the power of His suffering and resurrection, as well as the Father and the Holy Spirit, might enter us and quicken us to do His will. To Him be honor and thanks forever! With sincere greetings to you and your loved ones, your friend Jakob Dyk. Neu-Osterwick, October 28, 1846.” 2. Second letter. “. . . The following is my well-intentioned opinion of the Scripture verses you mentioned: . . . Let be that which you cannot understand, but seek to transform that which you understand well, with diligent and believing prayer, into action. Then you will be forced to admit that you still know much more than you are practicing. Are you troubled by some of the verses you have mentioned, let me know and we will seek, with the help of God, to explain them. If you give yourself to the Lord, He will, through his Spirit, instruct you how to deal with the school issue in accordance with His will. With greetings from Jakob Dyk, Neu-Osterwick, January 29, 1847.” 3. Third letter. “Peace be with you, dear friend in