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

alled me to the narrow way of life and communion with His saints. To Him be praise in eternity, Amen. u) "About one year later, while reading, writing and studying the Word of God in seclusion, it happened that seven or eight persons 13 came to me who were united in mind and soul; in their faith and life, as far as one could judge, they appeared blameless; in accordance with the testimony of the Scriptures they had separated themselves from the world, placed themselves under the cross and sincerely abhorred not only the Muensterite sect but also the damnable horrors and sects of the world. These came and begged me, in the name of those God-fearing souls who were of one mind and spirit with us, that I should take to heart the great sufferings and pressing needs of these distressed people,— for the hunger was great but faithful stewards few— and apply the talents which I had undeservedly received from the Lord. Matt. 25 and Luke 19. v) “When I heard this, my heart was greatly troubled. Anxiety and fear surrounded me. On the one hand I saw my limited talents, my great ignorance, 14 my weak nature, the timidity of my flesh, the unbounded wickedness, the perversity and tyranny of the world, the great and powerful sects, the craftiness of many people, and the heavy cross that would oppress me should I comply with their requests. On the other hand, I saw the pitiable hunger, the lack and needs of these God-fearing, pious children, for I saw plainly that they were like simple, deserted sheep without a shepherd. Matt. 9; Mark 6. w) “Finally, after many entreaties, I placed myself at the disposal of the Lord and His church with the condition that they [these six to eight delegates and their followers] might pray earnestly to the Lord with me for a season; should it be His acceptable will that I could and should serve Him to His glory, He might, in His fatherly goodness, grant me a heart and mind that would enable me to join in Paul’s testimony: ‘Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel’ (I Cor. 9). If not, He should so ordain matters that it might be hindered. For Christ says: ‘If two of you agree on earth about any request you have to make, that request will be granted by my heavenly Father. For where two or three 8 ORIGINS have met together in my name, I am there among them.’ Matt. 18. x) “Note, therefore, dear reader, that I was not called in an unworthy manner to this service by those of Muenster or any other seditious sect, as some have slandered me, but by a people who were prepared to follow Christ and His Word, who led a penitent life in the fear of God, served their neighbors in love, bore the cross, sought the welfare and salvation of all men, loved righteousness and truth, and abhorred wickedness and unrighteousness. Certainly these are living and powerful proofs that these people did not belong to a perverted sect, as many accused them, but were true Christians, though unknown to the world,