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

Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work, II Pet. 1:19-21; Rom. 5:4; I Tim. 6:11; II Tim. 2:21. 5. “ Concerning the Renunciation of Property for the Sake of the Poor a) “The Anabaptists maintain that, according to God’s will, they are to hold all goods in common. They demand that the wealthy distribute their property amongst the poor. b) “A community of goods has not been introduced amongst us, nor do we consider such a scheme to be helpful under the present circumstances; nevertheless, we do support each other financially if someone is in need and is suffering, for that is but practicing a Christian duty, so that each may serve with whatever gift God has blessed him , and freely give according to his pleasure, for God loves a cheerful giver, II Cor. 9:6-9. a) “All property is considered common and is distributed in the congregation according to need. If anyone is unwilling to submit to this, it is decided either to hang or behead him . All valuables are forcefully confiscated for the benefit of the group. The renunciation of all property is required. And dissatisfaction with this procedure is punishable with death. Whoever has more clothing than necessary must share his surplus with the poor. b) 41 Local Councils against Einlage 337 6 . “ Concerning the Sensual Aberration in Polygamy and Within the Marriage Bond a) “The Anabaptists permit themselves all kinds of sensual irregularities and practices which are against chastity. b) "We flee from the company of the unfruitful works of darkness and vigorously condemn all those who walk in the lusts of the flesh and the passions of the world, for we who formerly served the flesh in its lusts are very careful now to put aside everything that is contrary to the Spirit of God. Because Christ died for those very sins, we are concerned to live a life pleasing to God, Eph. 5:8-11. a) “They proclaim the justness of polygamy. b) “Just as God in the beginning created one man and one woman, according to the same order we have no right to more than one wife. We teach our members to live with their wives as though they did not have them, rather than encourage them to have several wives, which is sinful and worthy of condemnation. a) “The wives have to subordinate themselves to the despotism of their husbands, and are threatened with death if they are dissatisfied with their lot. b) “The manner in which husbands and wives are to live together has been indicated above. No one amongst us is ever threatened with death; on the contrary, there are many evidences of Christian love, unity, and patience. [That is indeed the ideal!] a) “Individuals who are about to be married must keep a prayer vigil for three days, after which the marriage is contracted with a simple mutual acceptance in the presence