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

ccording to Reimer’s account, made in a very friendly manner; though in vain. The secessionists were supposed to revoke the Document of Secession and denounce their communion service. And every time they were on the point of an agreement with Lenzmann and the ministers, the agreement was torpedoed by other important members of the congre- gation “who knew nothing about a new life from God,” (Reimer) and the rift was made worse than before. The “Secession or Founding Document” reads as follows: “To the total body of church elders of our Molotschna Mennonite Church! 27 a) "We, the undersigned, have, by the grace of God, recognized the decadent condition of the Mennonite brotherhood and can, for God’s and conscience’s sake, no longer continue therein; for we fear the inevitable judgment of God, since the openly godless living and wickedness cry to God in heaven. We also fear the loss of the rights and privileges granted us by our benevolent government because the transgressions and disobedience against it increase continually. It is tragic to behold (O Jesus, have mercy, and open the eyes of the spiritually blind!), when in the market places before the very eyes of their neighbors, our Mennonite brethren live satanic lives; and even the ministers go about and see it, yea even at the celebrations, sit quietly by, see and hear how people serve the devil! Of such persons the Scripture says (Ps. 109:17-18): He clothed himself with cursing, like as with his garment; as he loved cursing, so let it come unto him. The teachers do not stand in the gap as of old, Hosea 13:5. The Founding of 1860 231 b) “Therefore, we herewith completely dissociate ourselves from these decadent churches, though we pray for our brethren, that they shall be saved. We want to be innocent of the souls of the erring. But Thou, O Jesus, equip faithful living witnesses, who will direct Thy children and the work of Thy hands to Thee! Amen. c) “We speak here of the entire Mennonite brotherhood, because the supreme government authorities consider it one true brotherhood. d) “In the articles, 28 we are in agreement with our dear Menno, according to our convictions from the Holy Scripture. e) "We confess a baptism on faith, as a seal of faith; 29 not on a memorized faith, as is the practice, but on a genuine, loving faith effected by the Spirit of God. For without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). And he that hath not the Spirit of Christ, is none of His (Romans 8:9). And again our dear Saviour says to Nicodemus, John 3:3: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Baptism is not the new birth, as some of the unconverted maintain, but serves as a sign for the baptismal condidate, that he is really born again. f) “Regarding holy communion we confess that it serves to strengthen the faith of true believers, for they are reminded of their mighty salvation through the death of the Lord Jesus. Yes