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

n the Molotschna (see #211). “Finally the following resolution, that there be communion fellowship with the Baptists on a guest basis was agreed to.” (More correctly, to adhere to the addendum to the Confession of Faith of 1873; compare #201 and #211.) 4. Another issue having to do with differences in the understanding §222 of church doctrine arose because of the so-called “Holiness Movement,” which was called into being through the influence of Pears al Smith and the monthly publication, The Christian’s Pathway of Faith, 206 which was distributed in Russia after 1874. “Some became quite enthusiastic about the movement, but when word came a short time later that Pearsal Smith had been obliged to withdraw from the public ministry for certain reasons, excessive enthusiasm about the matter disappeared, serving the cause only in the manner indicated by the Apostle Paul, Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good.” Br. Philipp Isaak was especially interested in this issue. “The ‘Holiness Movement’ did not call forth any special corrective activity in the life of the church.” 5. a) In 1875, in late autumn, so-called general conferences were §223 held at some places because believers of various factions had raised the question of how biblical unification could be brought about. The most well attended of these conferences was held at the Rueckenau Church. Br. Abraham Schellenberg was the leader and many of “our brethren” participated. Many “Abraham Peters Brethren” 287 with their leader, Abraham Peters of Friedensruh, as well as Minister Bernhard Harder with many of the brethren from the Mennonite Church attended on that occasion. Minister Richert and Geddert of Alexanderwohl, who were the prominent believing ministers of the Mennonite Church at that time, were not present. (They were already very busy with the question of emigration, if not already in America?). Many of the questions that 492 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH occupied people’s minds at that time came up for discussion. For example, regarding prayer: (whether it should be) silent or audible, in what manner, whether sisters should be allowed to pray in the public services, and other concerns. The question of baptism also came up, and how intimate fellowship could be achieved. "Regarding the latter, our brethren tried, on the basis of God’s Word, to prove that if we are walking according to God’s revealed will and submitting unreservedly to His Word, we must practice baptism on faith in the Lord Jesus according to the example of the apostles. No proof to the contrary from God’s Word was offered.’’ “After lengthy discussion on the point, dear Brother Bernhard Harder arose and addressed his brethren from the Mennonite Church in the following manner: What do you think, my brothers, if we should feel that the Lord desires of us that we should be baptized in the river, would we not want to do it? On my part, I would be ready. How abo