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

be near. The fellow believers visited him often. Even Br. Aron Lepp shared in the sorrow concerning his illness, although much had transpired between them and their love for each other had weakened, because each wanted to confirm his own point of view. In spite of this their last meeting was a very loving and solemn occasion. The nature of their last conversation is not known to the writer (Br. Epp) because it took place between the two alone. Brother Unger’s end came nearer and nearer. For a time it appeared that he might recover, and he himself believed he would recover, but the Lord had determined otherwise. Unger’s last night had arrived. At 8 o’clock in the evening of March 11 he became aware that his end was near. A brother who had come from far stayed with Br. Unger that night and related that the night had not dragged. The seriously -ill brother desired to bid farewell to all his employees. 277 Abraham, his son, who was supervisor, asked all sixteen employees to enter, one at a time. In a few words he exhorted the first ones and he begged all of them to forgive him where he had failed, because he was about to die. Many employees wept, clasped and kissed his hands. Thereafter he bade farewell to his beloved family members who also entered individually, one after the other. ... It was 11 o’clock at night. All his strength was now exhausted. He had spoken in full consciousness. The darkness of midnight also affected him — it. became dark within him. It appeared that he was deprived of everything. He was confident that the Lord had accomplished the work of salvation, but he felt that he was unworthy and had done so little for the Lord; therefore he became restless. After he had spent an hour in such darkness, he summoned his daughter-in-law, Luise 278 to read the tenth chapter of the Gospel of John, where it is written: “No one shall pluck them out of my hand.” She read it to him slowly. Thereupon he stated, “No one! Therefore I may also believe it!” He was comforted and remained thus to the end. At 9:00 o’clock in the morning of March 12, 1880, he passed from us at the age of sixty. The funeral took place on March 16 in the village school at Einlage. It was filled to overflowing. Br. Johann Siemens from Andreasfeld preached the funeral sermon in which he sketched the life of the deceased. Out of deep affection for their father the children had written the following in gold letters at the foot of the coffin: "I have kept the faith, henceforth is reserved for me a crown of righteousness.” The place where he was to be buried was already crowded with people before the funeral procession arrived. Many of those present wished to see him once more. His body had not deteriorated; he lay like a victor in the coffin. He The M.B. Church 1873-1885 483 was also respected as a victor after his death, and many in the churches were of the opinion that the teaching for which Br. Unger had striven was the