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

at home and they could then assist the “minister” as deacons. In view of the V < million annual expenditure, is this amount really such a determining factor? It seems to us that the present method of spiritual care is a great detriment to the holy cause. c) And these young people’s conduct itself? It corresponds, more or less, with their home families and congregations. There are thoroughly “converted” young men who strive for holiness, the pride and joy of their “Papa.” 38 Many are being converted (so the ministers report); many of the young men are genuinely spiritual “seekers.” Quite a number are decent, dear “fellows” (this [“Kerls”] is what they like to call themselves); there are also some who are weak in manners and a few mean, detestable individuals who bring shame upon their comrades and their society and who are the source of grief and pain for their ministers and home congregations. One Mennonite minister says: “Our young men are much better than we may expect considering the conditions in our home congregations and the unsatisfactory spiritual care which we are providing.” We have personally witnessed unpleasant or regrettable behavior on the part of our “Mennonite soldiers” on only very few occasions. (We have occasion to observe many of them without their recognizing us.) Many of them gave us much joy. In general we have received a surprisingly favorable impression of them. In spite of the plentiful, serious, hard and merciless criticism which has been expressed we are convinced that the grace of God is in this matter and it can (shall and must!) be elevated, honored, and sanctified. May the shepherds tend their flock! God bless our “fellows!” May He bless the Tsar and the people of Russia for such a gracious concession toward a very small, adopted child of an alien race and faith! May He teach the congregations (those in their membership who are spiritually alive and mature) above Military Service and Emigration 613 all, to fulfill their duty towards their “hope for the future!” In spite of all this we still believe that we Russian Mennonites are, in this way, to be a “minister of peace.” In order to achieve that, however, we will have to “climb upon a higher mountain” before God and mankind, Tsar and fatherland (with much greater Christian and civic faithfulness, wisdom and industry). d) The 1,000 young men (approx.) are supported by a poll tax and a property tax as the following record indicates: (Income tax is the subject of lively and vehement debate both privately and officially. We consider it to be the last word in wisdom and justice regarding this matter. What are we, the “intelligentsia,” doing with our relatively high salaries: secondary school teachers, deaf and mute school teachers, physicians, lawyers, engineers, etc., etc.?). Below are the minutes of the “Decisions of the general assembly of delegates of the entire Mennonite congrega- tions (of Russia), May 5 and