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

ccording to Jeremiah 1:7. “Thus I am also inclined to follow this call from God, which, for the sake of my faith and the flock entrusted to me, should not, nor will it be, more difficult than my entry into the ministry of the church twenty-one years ago, following which I conducted the election and ordination, of both of you, my dear fellow elders! In spite of this, with the help and support of my chief shepherd, I want to go where he sends, surrendering myself to him and his guidance, and not become distrustful of him even in the slightest because of the fact that he may be demanding too much of me, but because of our religion and the teachings of our Lord as cited above, leave this land, the congregation, and my house to go to a land that God will show me, consoling myself with the words of the poet: Documentary Supplement 145 “Commit thy way, confiding, when trials here arise, To Him whose hand is guiding the tumults of the skies. There clouds and tempests raging, have each their path assigned; Will God, for thee engaging, no way of safety find? “Trust in the Lord, His favor will for thy wants provide ; 64 Regard His Word and ever thy work shall safe abide. When sorrows here o’ertake thee, and self-inflicted care, Let not thy God forsake thee, He listens for thy prayer. “Remember, if our religion is to abide on the true rock, apparently God cannot spare it from refinement. Therefore I want to content myself right gladly to walk this road with God and beg you now, at this my farewell, to be unafraid about it, standing firm in the faith for the congregation until the Lord will call you to cross over. There abundant grace is already in readiness 65 for the last working hour; nevertheless, as shepherds care for the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has set you as bishops, with all your heart, in order to feed God’s people, always ready to cry : The bridegroom is at the door. The congregation commends you [it should probably read: ‘Next to you, I commend the congregation to God’] who is powerful enough to sustain all of us and, after our pilgrimage here has ended, to give us the inheritance for our little work and trouble, along with all those who already hold the victor’s palm in their hands before the throne of glory. Believe me, were it possible for me I would most willingly attempt to console your saddened hearts, though min e cannot be. I shall never forget you or your love. God abides with me, nor does my conscience accuse me, so take hold of yourself with regard to my departure. I am well disposed to you all and do not suffer too much mental anguish; since no other alternative was possible it must proceed thus if the religion is not to be abolished at once. Thus it is not difficult for me to go this way for the sake of the congregation, and I hope that God may give you strength enough to stand in the gap so that the congregation may be strengthened and united in love. Indeed, remin