The Schleitheim
Brotherly Union
(Brüderlich
Vereinigung etzlicher Kinder Gottes seiben Artikel betreffend
. . . )
Translated and edited by John Howard Yoder, The Legacy of
Michael Sattler, Herald Press, 1973
The Cover Letter (Benediction)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
the Lord: these are the articles which some brothers previously
had understood wrongly and in a way not conformed to the true
meaning. Thereby many weak consciences were confused, whereby
the name of God has been grossly slandered, for which reason
it was needful that we should be brought to agreement [95]
in the Lord, which has come to pass. To God be praise and glory!
Now that you have abundantly
understood the will of God as revealed through us at this time,
you must fulfill this will, now known, persistently and unswervingly.
For you know well what is the reward of the servant who knowingly
sins.
Everything which you have done
unknowingly and now confess to have done wrongly, is forgiven
you, through that believing prayer, which is offered among us
in our meeting for all our shortcomings and guilt, through the
gracious forgiveness of God and through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Watch out for all who do not
walk in simplicity of divine truth, which has been stated by
us in this letter in our meeting, so that everyone might be governed
among us by the rule of the ban, and that henceforth the entry
of false brothers and sisters among us might be prevented.
Put away from you that which
is evil, and the Lord will be your God, and you will be His sons
and daughters. [96]
Dear brothers, keep in mind what
Paul admonished Titus. [97]
He says: "The saving grace of God has appeared to all, and
disciplines us, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts,
and live circumspect righteous and godly lives in this world;
awaiting the same hope and the appearing of the glory of the
great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for
us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness and to purify unto
himself a people of his own, that would be zealous of good works."
Think on this, and exercise yourselves therein, and the Lord
of peace will be with you.
May the name of God be forever
blessed and greatly praised, Amen. May the Lord give you His
peace, Amen.
Done at Schleitheim, St. Matthew's
Day, [98] Anno 1527.
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