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

xpected. We had a mutual exchange, and we forgave one another what we had against each other personally. On the next day, that is, December 16 . . . my wife said that brethren from the Old Colony had also been at our house overnight. Br. Berg, Koslowsky, and a young Epp. These had said that they had been excommunicated, together with several others, but not really by the church, but only by Brother G. Wieler, Heinrich Neufeld and a few others. Through this they had come to the conclusion that the authoritarianism of the brethren named above only irritated the church. Being of this opinion, they joined a group of twenty brethren, including Abraham Unger, Cornelius Unger, Heinrich Epp, and several of the oldest brethren. They had come only to inform Br. Benjamin of this, and to declare that they would not recognize this ban. I was amazed to hear this, and reflected on it. I found my preconception of Wieler and Benjamin somewhat confirmed by this. Now these returned from Elizabethtal. Since they on their trip here had been given hospitality by those of Liebenau, and had drunk and eaten together, I also did not let it trouble my conscience too much, but I received them and ate with them. Br. Daniel Fast and Koop from Tiege were also with me. Now they also told us the full story, with an appearance of honesty and unanimity, of how erring brothers and sisters, instead of being helped up, are always knocked down. They were able to present the whole affair in such a way that it seemed that God could no longer tolerate such action. Brethren, I believe I can guess your thoughts about that which I have written. You will agree with me: here the old enemy appeared, not as a roaring lion, but as an angel of light. He may already have rejoiced at his victory, but this time— glory, praise and worship to the good shepherd Jesus Christ!— it was of short duration. (20) On the following day, Friday, the brethren held a meeting in Gnadenheim (December 18, 19]. I went there with the previously-mentioned brethren, Daniel Fast and Koop, deter- mined to leave the introduction and presentation of the whole matter to Benjamin, 206 and to wait for the help of the Lord. The Lord strengthened me in this, so that I was able to perceive the whole situation in the church. I at once felt what I had to do: but my part was left till the end. Before the whole church I confessed my error and asked for forgiveness. Some forgave readily, but three of the brethren found this difficult; nonetheless, they also forgave. Now I asked the church for advice, since it seemed to me that it would be better for me and the church if the church would relieve me of my office. I felt too weak and unskilled, especially where discipline was necessary. The brethren were able to express themselves individually; developments now were similar to those when they forgave me. The conclusion was that I would have time until tomorrow to consider if I wished to attempt to