The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-07-08

and ever since the members have beenA
longing and hoping for the arrival of
new prophet.
They believe in inspiration from God
today as in the times Of old. They do
not believe in purgatory nor in a mil
ton. They believe in resurrection, re-
ward for the good and punishment for
the wicked. They do not baptize with
water, for they hold baptism is purely
spiritual They observe the Lord g
Supper only as an inward feasting, used
only after trials or misfortunes. But
they actually practice feet washing and
hold love feasts.
From Centuries Back.
They oppose war as inconsistent with
Christianity, maintaining that if peo-
pie would refuse to go to war ambi-
tious rulers would have to fight or live
in peace and harmony. Oaths are in
admissible because they were forbidden
by Christ, and they object to frivolous
plays such as will divert the mind from
God. They do not believe in prayer
for the dead.
They are consistent in their belief,
for during the civil war they sent not
a single man, but paid the necessary
amount to keep their members at home.
Because these people wish to believe
in this way and live accordingly they
have romantic history which dates
back over two centuries. They sprang
| originally from that religious branch
known as the Quietists which had it's
origin with Miguel de Molinos in Spain
in 1875, who maintained the religion
Of the heart was preferable to that of
the rosary. He was imprisoned and
| died, but his work was taken up in
France by a woman, Nine. Guyon. The
movement spread into Germany where
| it was presented by Memo Simon.
From him comes the word Mennonite.
Jonathan Rock was the leader of the
band. which was driven about and per-
secuted because they wished to wor-
ship quietly in their own way.
After love feast of some of his
Christian Metz, George Weber, William
Moe and Gotlieb Alderman started to
! America to find a home for the Inspi-
rationists, who had already adopted
community of interests. They finally
arrived at Buffalo, N. Y. An Indian
reservation belonging to the Seneca
tribe had just been. vacated by the
government and from land agent they
bought 10000 acres at $1,000 an acre.
The Indians commenced to show hos
tility soon after the first village was
| ldlu Out ny buc WIN IO1lOWeue
This village was laid out May /, 1843,
and was named Ebenezer-from Eben,
a stone, and Ear, meaning help. The
last of the immigrants arrived in 1874,
more than 600 having come over Most
of these belonged to the sturdy peasant
class. Because of the continued annoy
ance Of the Indians the community
people moved further west where they
bought land for $1.25 an acre.
How the Village Secured It's Motto.
) A suitable name was wanted for the
new village, and as before they went
to the Bible. It is related that one Of
the elders let the book open at will and
the page presented the song of Solo
4 mon in which he sings of the hill Of
J, Amana. The word means "remain
, true motto from which they have
; never wavered. As time has advanced
five villages have been laid out.
This is the first attempt ever made
to dissolve the community. In the past
the members of the community have
sacrificed much rather than go to law.
) but now that the very heart of their
society is struck at they will engage
; counsel to maintain the legality of
their present Incorporation.