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

suddenly followed from the entire church! As the brother now threw up the lot in the name of Jesus, a quietness prevailed until the brother in a slow voice read the words on the lot lying on the floor: You shall again serve the Lord in the position as before. At that moment, the church shouted for joy with one voice, so that the reader of the lot did not even have a chance to shout. 214 [Cf. tl91[2\, note re; shouting for joy.] Sister Huebert, overcome with thankfulness for God’s wonderful leading, now asked the church in such Documentary Supplements 439 warm words for permission to pour out her heart before God, that it was not possible to deny this request; rather we felt moved to quiet the brethren who were prostrate before God in prayer, and to grant the sister's request first. “7. Now several items to complete the matter discussed in point 4. Several opinions regarding the power of ministers were exchanged, until all the brethren became willing to promise the brother who had been appointed by the Kuban Church, that in this matter we, together with the Kuban Church, now want to abide by one rule which we have agreed on, and in no case leave the government of the church to the minister, elder, bishop or apostle, or any other individual brother, for according to the teaching of God’s Word, (it) once for all (belongs to) the entire body of the church. “8. What are the opinions regarding the ceremonial dance? After everyone had been questioned regarding this matter, it was stated that even if we had power to be like David in this matter, many were overcome by doubt whether it would be right before God, or whether the dear Savior could really be pleased with it, or also whether it would edify seeking souls ; in short, all the brethren felt it was right that this subject was discussed, and there was probably not a soul present who would be sorry if dancing did not occur in the future. But this does not mean that we should not leap for joy or shout, if that is how we feel, as it happened at the brotherhood meeting after the casting of the lot, where we heartily loved one another and were glad that each one could pour out his heart before the Lord, be it joyful or sad; yes, we felt the Spirit of the Lord moving among us. As far as music is concerned, we believe that we should diligently seek to foster the same so that it is lovely and sounds well and as much as possible forestall offending souls thereby, rather we should (much more) practice that which edifies many. “9. Regarding Jakob Reimer’s excommunication. The manner of Jakob Reimer’s excommunication was not regarded as proper because Br. Reimer was not given opportunity to make a statement to the church. Those brethren who participated in the excommunication, such as: the assistant minister, Bernhard Penner, Benjamin Becker, Isaak Koop, Heinrich Unruh, Franz Klaassen, Jakob Delesky (Peter Stobbe, in- cluded by chance) , have apologized to