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

e out and forced Joseph to leave his father and his country. How reluctantly his natural instincts were inclined to do this is not difficult to imagine. But he had to compose himself, trust in God and go where God commanded. I too commend myself and all of you to God and His guidance with the words of the well-known poet: “Your chosen flock, dear Lord, do you a blessing make, And grant it, in its time of need, aright its path to take. Your faithfulness, your eye, your hand, make known to them who always trust your goodness. “A father and a shepherd, their own tenderly care: But you are more than both, and can but love them more; And so we trust in you alone, oh lead us lovingly In truth and in your pathways. Documentary Supplement 147 “Have mercy, oh most faithful Lord, who loved the world so dearly. That world so deeply sunk in sin it cannot help but grieve thee! Empow’r your sovereign word today that it may enter Those hearts as hard as rock.” “Oh, that none of you, beloved, would blame himself because of my departure and perhaps think: If only I had not done or said this or that, or, if we had only done this ! 66 No, we do not want to do that; rather I forgive and will very willingly go this way should it be the consequence of my sins, if only God will then forgive my sins and remit them. And should this have happened only in order to test our faith, as I firmly believe, be comforted that I go before you as a shepherd, giving my life for the sheep in accordance with Christ’s words. Temporal loss and contempt are unimportant to me, for the Lord has freed me from these things some time ago. To leave the congregation and my children in this time of seduction and sadness for the salvation of souls is the most difficult for me; but I am willing to submit even to this, and do as the poet says: "Where Jesus goes, I follow after, wherever He may send, For nothing me shall harm nor hurt, when He for me doth fend. Unless He wills, no sorrow comes, for in His hands All things reside, and I abide. “Nevertheless, I beg everyone herewith to leave the paths of sin, even as I did in the past, though in weakness. I appeal especially to all those who may feel that I have said too much in my admonition. Remember, I ask again, take this to heart if you have not yet done so, for I am standing, as it were, in tears before you: you members and brothers living in irreconcilable hatred, be reconciled! Or you who have to this day not renounced excessive drinking, luxury or pride, for God’s sake and your soul’s salvation have done with it, so that if you still come repenting, you will cause God and His holy angels to rejoice in heaven. God is awaiting your return, therefore come to him in true contrition of heart like the prodigal son: "Oh my father, may I chance it, And address you as my father? Everything I’ve done is wasted. Oh my father, don’t be angry, If I still, in spite of all, Come t