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

in the issue of Waldensian origins; I have merely cited the observations of Menno, Deknatel, Reiswitz and Wadzeck, the Hutterian Brethren, etc. I had neither the space nor the learned tools— and hence the courage— to investigate the discoveries of Dr. Ludwig Keller in this regard. But then the general Anabaptist history merely constitutes the “frame of reference.” May the God of my life, Who in His grace allowed me to write this book, accompany it out into our small Mennonite world and anywhere else He may wish. In His perfection, might, and wisdom He will allow it to be useful as it is, where and how His holy Majesty sees fit. In His grace He will turn away any damage which it might bring because of its shortcomings. I bow myself in humility, adoration, and thanks before Him, my eternal Father. P. M. Friesen A THE ORIGINS OF THE MENNONITE MOVEMENT i. THE FORMATION OF THE OLD EVANGELICAL BROTHERHOOD KNOWN AS ANABAPTISTS OR MENNONITES 1. We present here the most essential material concerning the origin § 1 of the church of our fathers according to a rare, small publication, written for and co mmis sioned by the Prussian Mennonites, which was edited by two non-Mennonites and bore the title: Beitraege zur Kenntnis der Mennoniten-Gemeinden in Europa und Amerika (Contributions for the Understanding of the Mennonite Churches in Europe and America). It was edited and published by Baron von Reiswitz and Professor Wadzeck in Berlin in 1821. Ours is a free and abridged rendering with occasional supplementary material taken from other sources. Whenever we quote directly, this is indicated by the use of quotation marks: . . .” a) “A significant number of evangelical family heads [Reiswitz and Wadzeck begin p. I] 1 were called Re-Baptizers, Baptists or Anabaptists in Germany. Since these names have come to carry spiteful connotations, however, it would appear to be more proper ... to identify them as Mennonites (or Anabaptists), naming them after one of their respectable teachers, the gentle Menno Simons, because they differ from other Christians primarily in the doctrine concerning infant baptism.” b) According to Reiswitz and Wadzeck, the origin of this Christian group is shrouded in obscurity. Their own members assert, and in this they are supported by the researches of the most prominent church historians, that these origins are hidden in the earliest beginnings of the good Waldensians, who sought refuge in Europe’s most remote valleys (Savoy, Lombardy, etc.) in order to escape a frightful persecution. Yet they did not abandon the truth once they had recognized it. Who has not heard of the quiet, simple, devout sons of Peter Waldo, 2 the forerunner of Wycliffe, John Hus and Luther? When Luther and the others initiated the Reformation, the descendants of these Waldensians also took courage and openly witnessed to the truth. 1 2 ORIGINS c) Reiswitz and Wadzeck insist that the Mennoni