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

e will concede that for the purpose of preventing a separation, that assembly of elders chose the most unsuitable and unspiritual of means. They did not realize that by delivering Claassen and his companions to the Area Administrative Office, this premature action gave them the appearance of martyrs, an appearance which promoted the growth of fanaticism, h) In view of the above, the considered judgment of the Ohrloff Church, March 29, 1860, in response to a summons from the Molotschna Mennonite Area Administrative Office is all the more gratifying and refreshing. The disorderly celebration of the Lord’s Supper in homes hither and yon is not at all sanctioned ( Claassen ’s party accepted correction on this point from the Conference, and did not intend to continue the practice in the future.) Since, however, these people’s yearning finds expression in the wish to establish their own church on the foundation and confession which is common to all Mennonites in order to be in a position to create a better church order, the Ohrloff Church cannot see how the whole affair could have harmful consequences, and considers the most prudent way of diverting these people from their intention for all of us to begin earnestly to conduct 388 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH ourselves according to God’s Word, so that church order might be restored and the church thereby improved. The correct norm for the treatment of Claassen and his followers is also set forth with similar prudence in this document: If he and his adherents have sinned as members of the church, they ought to be separated from the church until they blush for shame. If, however, they are wrongdoers, violators of secular order, disobedient to the government, the church is to be silent, for the government does not bear the sword in vain. Unfortunately, the resolution passed by the Ohrloff congregation at Blumstein, March 29, 1860, was not further observed with any view to implementation, i) What were these ‘all possible means’ which the Area Administrative Office applied in order to dissuade these people from their wrong intentions? The Area Administrative Office applied article 362 of the penal code, which deals with secret societies, to this case and ordered the village mayor to see to it that no meetings of a religious nature take place in private homes. And when, as had been anticipated, nothing was achieved by means of this action, it became necessary to appeal to the inspector of the Molotschna Colony for advice. Johann Claassen, Abram Comelssen and Isaak Koop were consequently called in for interrogation. The inspector pointed out the disorderly and illegal nature of their actions and invited them to apply for government recognition but to remain patient until such could be granted. And so, on February 10, they signed the document in which they promised not to secede from the Mennonite Church and not to undertake any steps in regard to religion wh