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

Russia have taken upon themselves the duty ... to be examples in their occupations and in their daily life ... to the surrounding neighbors. This is nothing less than to pursue such goals in the building of their villages, roads, gardens, groves, buildings, ... in farming as will enhance their conduct, conform to their confession of faith, so that the authorities appointed over them can at all times set them up as an example to the other settlers. “It is easy to see that if this is to be achieved the whole matter needs leadership. But who shall take over the leadership of external affairs? The ministry? No. When, according to Acts 6, the number of the disciples increased, the apostles said: ‘It is not right etc.’ ... As a §61(2) 154 IN RUSSIA 1789-1860 consequence they chose men to fulfill this service; similarly it would be advantageous to the council of ministers if men could be found in its midst who would, through regulations and example, accept this leadership role. In spite of this the ministry’s duty is to instill the Word of God— ‘every man be subject to the powers that be’— into young and old alike through instruction and exhortation. ‘He who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed,’ Rom. 13. ‘Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,’ I Peter 2: 13, so that also in this matter a life in keeping with our confession . . . may be manifested! Had we worked toward this goal during the last thirty or so years, I do not believe that such sad discord, as that in existence today, would have arisen. It is distressing to note that currently there is occasional opposition to that which is contained in the charter of privileges and desired by the crown. We want to be a quiet, obedient people whose ‘yes' is still a ‘yes’ in lieu of an oath. Whoever opposes the orders of the higher authorities not only stands in opposition to God’s command but also breaks his ‘yes’ given in place of an oath! If those, who complain that it is difficult to fulfill all those regulations— whose proceeds flow back into their own coffers— had been here when the army was called up shortly after I returned home and had also witnessed how women and mothers wept hopelessly ; ... or if they should be placed on an equal footing with their surrounding neighbors, they would be happy and thankful for the duties that have been placed upon them as Mennonite-Russian subjects. Where one enjoys extraordinary privileges, extraordinary achievements should follow. . . . “Concerning the disorders in the congregations, or between the congregations, in general, it appears to me that many people put a greater emphasis upon the outward form than the hidden life with Christ in God, out of which arises a dead orthodoxy rather than a living awareness of what it means to be a member of the body of Christ. Even though some differences may be present among the congregations, the walls separating them must not be