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

that we are not alienated in the heat and temptation of affliction and think we are experiencing something strange in my forced resignation, for it says: ‘Blessed are you if men shall revile you because of the name of Christ, for he is a Spirit of holiness and of God, blasphemed by the world but abiding in us.’ Because we suffer as a Christian we are not ashamed, but, as the apostle says, in such cases honor God. Therefore he exhorts us to preserve the testimony of hope and not to waver; for, as St. Paul says, He is faithful who has promised it. And let us provoke one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching, according to Heb. 10:25. For it is time, St. Peter says, for the judgment to begin with the household of God: and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God? And ‘if the righteous man is scarcely saved, where will the impious and sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls in good works to a faithful Creator, I Peter 4:17-19. Wherefore give diligence to walk in the fear of God, as much as possible, proving to every man that you are truly meek and humble with an upright heart, putting those to shame who have scorned our walk in Christ. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous. Therefore live in true lowliness of heart according to the command of Christ, for, as the apostle says, we invoke as Father Him who judges every man impartially according to his deeds ; therefore conduct yourselves with fear as long as you live and know that you were not ransomed with perishable silver or gold from a futile life, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without spot or blemish. I Peter 1:19. Yes, my dearly beloved children, who are once again giving birth in fear [sic], do not refuse to suffer for Christ and His Word here, for, behold, Jesus Christ took his last steps, in shame and scorn, under the oppressive weight of the cross in order to redeem us out of Satan’s jaws. Why then should we hesitate to take up the cross of Christ and bear it amidst scorn and ridicule for the sake of the flock entrusted to us, leaving home and everything else here to set out upon an unknown road, since we know that there is no abiding place for us here. And since I have tried to comfort so many of you in my weakness when sorrow struck you, why should not He, to whom I have given myself completely and whose mercy rises above everything, know how to comfort me? No one can rob that from me. "He who takes hold of Him in faith, Will not be forsaken in time of trouble.” "Thus even I need not dread to journey, 69 nor should you be saddened on my account; it only oppresses. But even this is done from 150 IN RUSSIA 1789-1860 love, and so let it be. My prayer to you, expressed in love and trust, is conta