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

the author heard him express it in 1879) tossed him to and fro and finally drove him to America, it was never held as a dogma. When he returned to Russia for a visit in 1887 he indicated that things had taken a different course in Russia than was earlier anticipated. God did not want him in Russia any longer but used him much and long in America; this has been the verdict of history. 598 THE STATE §278 19. Documentary Supplements to “Military Service and Emigration.” 1) Two letters from Theodor Hans, the pastor of the Evangelical (Moravian) Brethren congregation in St. Petersburg. (From Elder Abram Goerz’s Ein Beitrag zur Geschichte des ForsteicUenstes der Mennoniten in Russland (A Contribution Concerning the History of the Mennonites in the Forestry Service of Russia). Gross-Tokmak, H. Lenzmann, 1907. With gracious permission from the publisher. a) “To the elders and assemblies of the Mennonite communities in the provinces of Taurida and Samara. “You and your congregations have been placed before a very serious decision due to the law concerning compulsory military duty. The implications of this law you and your authoritative bodies have clearly articulated. Your verbalized and written expressions against subordina- tion to compulsory military service have been received by all the proper authorities with the assurance that the government is deeply concerned not to offend your conscience and to keep you and your communities in this country. “The enclosed conciliatory proposal from the Commission for Compulsory Duty testifies to the Government’s serious efforts to come to an understanding with you. The privileges of almost all other alien colonists regarding exemption from military service are completely suspended. However, because of the Commission’s proposal, every Mennonite subject in the country is guaranteed a rather significant exemption. They are excused from military participation at the front, and from carrying weapons. (Instead) they are appointed for enlistment in the hospital service, military workshop service, etc. “The situation into which you have been placed is a far more favorable one than that of your brethren in Germany, who are also compelled to serve on the transportation and baggage vehicles in the field. (There, unfortunately, they are also expected to carry arms even though for defensive purposes only.) What the government is suggesting for you in the present proposal is actually nothing which would make you party to the evils of war. Medical corps services and maintenance of military places of work (as long as these do not include weapons factories, etc.) are sooner suited for alleviating the evils of war and for that cause a Christian may extend his hand. “It appears, however, questionable to you, dear brothers (regardless of the nature of your compulsory service) , that you should relate in any way whatsoever to a law which deals with military involvement an