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

Russia long ago. My situation here is an extremely difficult one. My congregation is scattered in four different areas which are over 50 versts removed from one another. I have to preach every Sunday and holy day. The shortest journey always takes about three days and my farming operation has to sacrifice one carriage for this task. Besides this I am poor and support a large family. My situation, then, is not exactly enviable, as you can see; it could not have become worse on the other side of the ocean. If I had wanted to think in human terms I would have taken advantage of the migration in order to escape these difficult circumstances since I was promised free transportation and support over there. What’s more, I would have been able to show an aura of holiness and martyrdom before the world, whereas in contrast (since I decided to follow truth), I have fallen prey to many a slandermonger. But I have a conscience and I stand before God; I must obey and give account to Him, not the foolish world! I consider it my duty to remain where God has placed me. It will not be enjoyable to send our young men into service but we are in the world and there one finds much that is not enjoyable or easy. Many a person may feel conscience-bound to go; I feel conscience bound to stay— as long as Russia does more (for us) than any other country I will continue to regard this as an unmistakable sign for taking up our position exactly here, and that it is entirely God’s will that we be here. We are to be the salt of the world: Russia is also a part of the world and salt is needed here as much as anywhere else. I am saying this to show that we are on firm, biblical ground when we remain (here) under circumstances as we have them now and in the face of such a clear sign from the Lord of the church. If we were to leave a land where people are sincerely accommodating and desirous of keeping us at all costs, it would be counter to God’s decrees for us, even if it were possible. (Where we are Military Service and Emigration 607 driven away we (obviously) cannot stay— we would finally have to leave the earth. . . .) But we are to be in the world. People always talk about what we have all lost through the abrogation of our Charter of Privileges! This I cannot see at all, rather, I believe we gained much more than we lost. The achievements which our brotherhood has gained in Russia are unequalled in our history. With the addition of this law concerning our responsibility, this great empire, including the Tsar at its head, concedes that the article concerning non-resistance in our Confession of Faith is biblical. Earlier we were tolerated as a sect, now, however, we have become a recognized religious party whose unique confession of faith is totally secured by law. The door to religious freedom has been opened in Russia. Those living a few years longer will witness great things in this country which the Lord of the Church ha