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

aack. From its pages we relate the following according to Meusel’8 Kirchliches Handlexikon, Otto Zoeckler’s Handbuch der Theologischen Wissenschaften (Muenchen, 1890), J.J. Herzog’s Com- pendium of Church History (Erlangen, 1890), and the Calwer Kirchliches Lexikon. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles' 01 (the abbreviated Greek title is Didache ton Dodeka Apostolon) is approximately as long as the Epistle to the Galatians. According to the research of Bryennios and other notable scholars, it was probably written in the years between 130 and 150 AD, thus not very long after the death of the last apostle, John (d. circa 100 AD). The most extreme positions of certain scholars who favor an early date place it around 50 AD; those favoring a late date, around 200 AD. Bryennios’ date is likely the correct one, therefore. Content: How the catechumens, that is, those who were being instructed in baptism, are to be instructed in Christian life and conduct. Chapters 300 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH one to six: “The way of life and the way of death;” chapter seven, “As far as baptism is concerned, after you have said all this, baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Further prescriptions regarding the mode of baptism: triple immersion, wherever possible in flowing water; where necessary in other than flowing water, even in warm water (probably in the case of the sick). In an emergency, pouring in the name of the Holy Trinity is also valid. (However, see above, Baptismus cUnicorum.) The baptizer and the one about to be baptized are to fast beforehand. The teachings of the apostles show that instead of immersion, simple sprinkling [likely only pouring] also becomes customary, so that the baptizer and the one being baptized, as well as some members of the church, likely members of the household or such as were involved in the conversion, fast before baptism .... The act of baptism is as yet not the privilege of an official [that is of a church cleric]. No certain evidence of infant baptism can be traced during this period of time either.” [Herzog.] r) We cite here for the purpose of a simple exposition, Greek words in the New Testament which have reference to the concept of baptism. The dictionaries which we have used are completely neutral regarding the theological concept as such and the definitions cited serve merely to clarify the matter. I. Greek-German Dictionary by Dr. Valentin Christian Friedrich Rost, Braunschweig, Georg Westermann, 1859. We cite the Greek words in Latin script "Baptistes,”- one dipping in, baptizer (Joannes Baptistes— John the Baptist); “baptizo”: 1) I dip in, moisten, pour over; 2) draw up (water); 3) baptize: passive— to bathe oneself, to be baptized. From that is derived “baptisis,” “baptismos,” "baptisma”— the act of dipping, bathing; baptism. “Baptisterion”: 1) place of bathing; 2) baptismal cell. II. Dr. Johann Christian August Heyse’s Fremdwoerterbuc