USA > Pennsylvania > Historic background and annals of the Swiss and German pioneer settlers of southeastern Pennsylvania, and of their remote ancestors, from the middle of the Dark Ages, down to the time of the Revolutionary War > Part 8
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1540-Mennonites in Moravia.
There were congregations of Swiss brethren in Popitz and Mähren; and three brethren from congregations of . Thessa'onica appeared in these Mora- vian towns, hunting for other brethren of whom they learned. They received information in different parts of Mo- ravia in 1540 stating that these brethren had been taken by the Turks and sold as slaves. They did not find the brethren of their same faith there but they found these Swiss brethren who had emigrated there. One was Hans Pech. They could not speak to him in Latin. They also learned that Hans Führnian and twelve others had been nine years in prison at Passau in Bavaria, (Müller, p. 101). The name Führman is familiar in Lancaster county and other sections of Eastern
Pennsylvania and we call attention to it to show the close relation between Southeastern Pennsylvania and these ancient lands.
1540-More About Hoffman.
Brons in his -book, (p. 405) states some of the hardships of Melchoir Hoffman, of whom we have studied before. He says that Hoffman was a good man and that he had written several religious works, some of which he dedicated to his Christian brethren in the Netherlands. He refers to a Martin Butzer. Butzer was against Hoffman. Their difference seemed to . be on the subject of infant baptism. Butzer in a tract, after discussing Hoffman, says, "Now you can see how Hoffman is in the bonds of Satan." It seems that both these men were of the Baptist or Mennonite faith but that Butzer told many untruths about Hoffman. Hoffman was one of the greatest powers the early church had. He died in prison in 1540.
1541-Taufers or Anabaptists Defend With Guns.
An extract from a writing dated De- cember 20, 1541, cited by Müller (p. S3) requests that consideration shall be shown to the Taufers who are backsliders. It seems some of them finding mild methods did not avail, de- fended themselves with guns and sent word that if the Sheriff of Interlacken was coming with force against them, they would meet him with force, as they had guns. Müller also states that in Stettler's Chronology under the date of 1545, it was stated that in 1541 the Baptists should have sep- arate burial because in life they sep- arated themselves from other Christ- ians. Nagely, one of these Baptists, had travelled to France and he learn- ed a great deal there. When he came back in November, 1541, he spoke in a manner to which the people were not accustomed, that is in Latin. He said the reason of the growth of the
53
MENNO SIMON -- GERMANS FOUND VENEZUELA
Täufer sect was the low morals of the ! different religious bodies. Those who had resisted the government and were then overcome were garrotted; but as others promised to be good citizens they were left go.
1541-Thiring Haldeman's Bravery.
In this year there was a mandate condemning many Anabaptists to deatlı but Thurman Haldeman refused to submit. He was one of the spokes- men and teachers of the people and the most disobedient to the govern- ment. He was erratic and was ordered beheaded. They told him that if he would publicly swear an oath that he would obey the order, he would be left off. We can not find what hap- pened. In this and the preceding articles we find again familiar Lan- caster county and Eastern Pennsylva- nia names, those of Butzer, Nagley, Haldeman, and Stettler.
1541-Menno Simon's Boldness and Labors.
About this time the persecution agajat Menno Simon became acute. AZ edict against him personally was passed in which all people are for- bidden under loss of life to hand him anything or read anything that he wrote. A reward of 100 guilders or florins for his capture was offered. In addition he had trouble with a false brother in faith, who gave his perse- cutors track of him. But he escaped to the town of Groeningen, a safe place. This was a privileged town under Charles V and later under his son. The son was friendly to the quiet Baptists. For this reason the Catholic monks accused the Emperor's son of being faithless to the church. The Bishop of Utrecht was also toler- ant. In spite of this Menno Simon, as the most prominent of his brethren, was not safe-his life was in hourly jeopardy. This curtailed his activity in the Netherlands very much but he did not leave; but he did go to Enib-
den. From there to East Friesland. Several of his faith had escaped and gathered into a congregation. Countess Anne was ruler of East Friesland and she and her people about this time went over to the Protestant faith and they gave Menno Simon's people a haven of rest, (Brons, p. 70).
1541-Venezuela-First German Col- ony in America.
In the year 1541 there was as ad- venturous journey from Germany and Switzerland to America. An active traffic for years existed between Ger- many and Spain, and it happened al- so that, frequently, German soldiers were in Spain. The adventurous spirit of the Spaniards began to fill the Ger- mans. Some of them, hearing the stories of Spanish discoveries in America also set out and arrived at Venezuela, in 1541, which was the first German settlement in America. As they approached they saw an In- dian village on an island or on sev- eral islands near the coast and they exclaimed "Venezuela" which means Little Venice and so the mainland was named Venezuela. A rich banker in Augsburg . in Bavaria had loaned Charles V of Spain twelve "tons" of gold and the repayment of this sum was a hard task for the Emperor. The banker Weltzer in lieu asked for Ven- ezuela and received it. Thus the coun- try of Venezuela was originally a pro- prietary province owned by a German banker but under Spanish law. This country Americus Vespucius discov- ered and in this way Spain became entitled to the Government thereof in 1499.
When Charles V began his azita- tions and persecutions against Luther, a lot of German followers of Luther sailed to Venezuela, and began gold hunting. In 1526 the first settlment took place. This Weltzer Banking and Merchant firm as owners of Ven- ezuela became more powerful than the Castilian kings. While it was a
54
MYLINS, HUBERS, OBERLINS AND GERBERS APPEAR
hard matter for the Spanish govern- ment to furnish three small ships for discovery, the Weltzers in a short time built three good sized ones them- selves and in 1526 set sail with Am- brose Olfinger from Ulm in Witten- burg in command. They quickly built a city and a fort and began trade with South America. Later
when their trade had grown, the Weltzers sent 500 German soldiers to Venezuela, but they became a pest and brought about all manner of mischief and lost their lives, (Löher, p. 15).
1542-A Relic of Täufer or Mennonite Persecution.
Müller tells us, (p. 251), that there is an old folio of the New Testament or rather a comentary on the New Testament by Christian Froschauer in Zurich; and that a considerable part of this book is perforated with a bullet, a memento of the times when Baptists or Täufer were being hunted down for their lives. This book is in Bion above Lachsfelden. These places are in one of the principalities of Basel.
1542-Cleaes Melias and Hans Huber Destroyed.
In the Martyrs Mirror (pp. 448 and 449) an account is given of the death of two Täufer of the same name as many in modern eastern Pennsyl- vania. One is Dutch-Meliss, -- which may be the Dutch form of Meiley. The Papists killed him and several com- panions in Holland in 1542.
The same year Hans Huber (a dis- tinct Lancaster County name) also called Shumaker was imprisoned at Waserburg in Bavaria. He was burned to death.
1543-Christian Oberlin and Waldo Garber Executed.
This year according to Müller (p. 78) the above mentioned persons, both bearing well known Lancaster County and eastern Pennsylvania names were
executed in Berne, on the 17th of September. Also John Anken with them. This gives new evidence of how large a number of our ancestors lived in and about Berne.
1543 A New Decree Against Menno Simon and the Mennonites.
The Mirror (p. 449) citing an an- cient Dutch work says that this year a dreadful decree was proclaimed throughout West Friesland where Menno Simon was taking refuge. By its terms all malefactors and murder- ers were promised pardon for their crimes, the favor of the Emperor and 100 Carl guilders if they would deliver Menno Simon into the hands of the tormentors and executioners. This shows the extreme wickedness of the west Friesian Regents. It made mur- derers superior to the devout Chris- tians.
1543-Dirk Philip's Täufer Writings.
This year Dirk Philips, who had written a book or manuel of the Christian doctrine (and which later ran into five editions) had it trans- lated into French. He also issued a work on Christian marriage, which was highly praised, (Brons, p. 74).
1543-Menno Simon's Learning and Debating Ability.
Brons tells us, at the same page that Menno Simon was a consummate Latin student, in 1543, and both wrote and spoke Latin; and that as to his knowledge of the Bible, none of his opponents could surpass him. He was therefore, in the latter part of 1543 requested to enter into a debate or religious discussion at Embden with several leaders of the Catholic Church at Francis Convent .. It lasted three or four days. Menno spoke for the Täufer or Mennonites; and his chief opponent was a man named A'- Lasco. They discussed the two na- tures within us-Christian baptism- original sin-ordination of preachers
55
THE NAME "MENNISTS"-MENNO'S KNOWLEDGE
--- sanctification, etc. Both sides claimed victory. And then Menno promised at a future date he would prove his side so that no one would doubt. He then withdrew to a quiet place and went to work and there composed several treatises.
1544-Mennonite Leaders Print Many Books.
This year as we are told in the Mirror (p. 454) John Claess was con- demned to death in Amsterdam, for the crime as the clerk read it, "That he had caused to be printed at Ant- werp, six hundred books which he had concluded with Menno Simon and scattered abroad in this country con- taining strange opinions and sectar- ranisms; and had kept school and held meetings to introduce errors among the people which is contrary to the decree of our Emperor, and our mother the holy church".
The same year certain Anabaptists in Germany printed over fifteen hun- dred religious books and that throughout Germany the sect in- creased greatly (Müller, p. 83).
1544-Menno Simon's Followers First Called Mennonites or "Mennists."
This year says Müller (p. 160) the name "Mennonites" was first applied to the followers of Menno Simon. Mr. Smith in his new book says the name was first used by Countess Ann of East Friesland. Though the Menno- nites had to suffer, this did not retard their growth. About this time there was a discussion of several days be- tween the Netherland Mennonites and the other Baptists. This and other causes brought Charles V to begin a counter reformation against the Catholic Church. This fight, which he as Emperor had against the Catho- lics, made times easier for the Men- nonites.
1544-Menno Simon's Exegeses at Emden.
In 1544 Menno Simon wrote "A Brief
and Clear Confession and Scriptural Demonstration on the Incarnation and Teachings of Christ to John A'Lasco and his Fellow Laborers at Emden. (See Menno's Works part 2 p. 325 to 350). This was written in East Fries- land in Holland. In this he refers to his debate with them at Emden in 1543. Those to whom he wrote this were his opponents. He discusses the use of the sword and says only spiritual weapons are allowable. He then takes up a learned discussion of the Incarnation. He says he wandered about for days without food, ponder- ing and praying over this subject. He then answers the objections.
The second part of this treatise is an admonition to A'Lasco, Arch- Bishop at Emden, East Friesland and. to his brethren on how preachers "should be minded". He rebukes them as wordly -- as sellers of the Word of God-they are blamable in doctrine- buried in "filthy lucre"-produce no fruit of the spirit-have no fear of God-no brotherly love-and finally he says they are not the true mes- sengers of God. Therefore he says he cannot hear nor attend their preach- ing or partake of their supper. Then he follows up and tells the Catholic Arch-Bishop what ails their Church, etc.
1545-Mennonites Wander Along Northern Coasts.
From 1545 and during the next 5 years the Mennonites everywhere had great difficulty to form congregations. They were now chased and harassed. They scattered through Danzig, Elb- ing, Könegsberg, along the northern coasts and the Weichsel river. There- fore, they only gathered in small bodies of 2 or 3 and met in private - houses for worship-sometimes in barns. Their plan at meeting was a preacher behind a small table and on each side of him the deacons and in. front the members, women on one side and men on the other on bench- es, (Brons, p. 24S).
56
MENNO DRIVEN TO THE BALTIC-OTHER HARDSHIPS
1546-Menno Simon and His People Flee to Baltic Coast and Finland.
Menno Simon this year found a haven of rest in Cologne in Prussia. Under elector Herman of Wied, all Mennonites were given refuge in the principality until the Elector was de- feated by the Arch bishop under Charles V's. Counter Reformation. (Müller, 160.) But after these events Menno and his sick wife had to flee to the Baltic Coast and were overcome in and around Cologne by the new Catholic forces; and the Elector was deposed by the Catholic Archbishop. This was a blow for the new teach- ing. Strict Popery held sway again. Menno in his wanderings on the Bal- tic came to Liefland where he found many of his faith and he formed a congregation there and baptized many and administered the sacra- ments. This was in the region of Finland and says Brons (p. 77) fruits of Menno's work there 370 years ago are still seen in the form of a large Mennonite Settlement in territory, where he had labored so long ago. The followers of that faith have existed there from that time to the present.
The next year Menno Siman was in Wismar (1547) and a theological doc- tor opposed him with great animosity -and said he would rather have a hatful of Menno's blood than a hatful of gold. This theologian Smedistedt, by name, also induced the authorities to compel the Baptists to get out of the country, (Brons, p. 77).
1546-Local Hardships Of, and Pre- judice against Menno Simon.
In his complete work (p. 8) pub- lished in Elkhart by Funk in 1871, Menno Simon relates that in 1546, at a place in Holland where it was boasted the Evangelical Christians or Baptists predominated. four dwellings were confiscated because the owner had rented one of them for a short
time to his (Menno's) sick wife and children. This severe persecution compelled him to move to a place be- tween Hamburg and Lubeck, where there was formely a large forest, owned by a German who though cruel otherwise was much inclined toward the Holland martyrs. This he did in defiance of the King. After Menno settled there exiles from all sides came there too and shortly there was a large colony of them.
1546-Leonard Schneider and Dirk Peters Executed.
This year these persons bearing eastern Pennsylvania and Lancaster County names were executed for their faith, the former in Vienna and the latter in Amsterdam. Peters we have frequently referred to.
1547-The Diet of Augsburg.
This year says Brons (p. 88) it was lucky for the Protestants that when Charles V was successful over them all, he at the same time had serious difficulties with the Catholic Church. We remember he, though a Catholic, undertook to regenerate it. To re- concile the difference of views he called the Diet of Augsburg Septem- ber 1, 1547. Over the deliberations of the Diet he had two Catholics and one Protestant theologians as moderators and they got a creed framed up; but the Protestant was out-voted by the Catholic.
1547-Lutheran Hatred of Menno Simon.
This year says Brons, (p. 77) a Lutheran Minister named Vincentius appeard in Wismar and preached so vehemently against Menno that he was smitten by a stroke of apoplexy. But Menno was not much disturbed by it. He kept a steady home there. 1547-Menno Simon Tries to Consoli- date Reform Movement.
In 1547 Menno Simon went to Emb- den to have a talk with the elders and
57
PERSECUTIONS IN HOLLAND-NAME "BAIR" APPEARS
bishops of the Baptists-Obbe and Dirk Philips, Gillius of Achen, Henry of Vrenen, Antonius of Cologne and others. In the meeting there were two present named Adam Pastor and Franz Cuyper, whose divergent views disheartened Menno very much, (Brons, p. 77).
1550-Menno Simon Defines Separa- tion from the World.
In 1550 Menno Simon wrote a dis- cussion in the form of "Questions and Answers" on doctrine. He concludes that the regenerated must be separate from others-or the world. And that those who disobey this are to be ban- ned, and that this extends to mem- bers of the same family. Dealing with the banned should only be such as necessity requires, he declares. He then sets out who are the banned, ac- cording to Galations, Corinthians, Ephesians, etc. What Menno advises here is more nearly the "Reformed" Mennonite doctrine than the "Old". Its strict practice today would cause much consternation, (Menno's Works, part 2, pp. 276-8).
1550-Inquisition Revived in Holland and Belgium.
About this time the Romish clergy became more bitter in Holland against Mennonites and all evangeli- cals. They caused the Emperor to revive the Inquisition there. Old au- thors cited in the Mirror say that, though many persecutions were con- stantly inflicted in Holland earlier, yet in 1550 the hatred and ill will of the people increased to a dreadful de- gree and caused Emperor Charles V at Brussels, April 29th, to revive an inquisition by the church whose de- crees of death the government car- ried out. The decree was somewhat modified later, but not before many had fled to Brabant and Flanders, (Mirror, p. 483).
1551-John Bair, of Lichtenfels, Died
Here we have another familiar Eastern Pennsylvania or Lancaster County name. The Bair or Barr fam- ily is very numerous, there being in Lancaster City, according to the Di- rectory of 1910, by count 103 Bair and Barr heads of families and self sup- porting adults and in the county by 1910 directory 140 of them.
The Mirror tells us (p. 485) that the above John Bair was imprisoned - 23 years in a tower at Bamberg in Franconia on account of his faith, that is from 1528 to 1551 when he died. In 1548 he wrote a letter as he states in a dark dungeon at Bamberg. He states that he has received six pens, writing tablets, accounts of the doctrine (religious tracts) but a Bible he has not yet received. And this after 20 years' imprisonment. In the letter he pitiably begs for release without being compelled to change his belief. But it was not to be; and he died three years later. Franconia was an old dutchy, now the grand duchies of Baden and Hesse and Kingdoms of Saxony and Bavaria,Ger- many, (Webster's Dict. Gaz.).
Menno Simon Writes His People's Complaints.
This year Menno Simon wrote what he called the "Complaint or Apology of the Despised Christians and Exiled Strangers, to All the Theologians and Preachers of the German Nations, Concerning the Bit- ter Falsehoods, Slanders and Abuses, with which they Burden these suffer- ing Christians". In this he laments (1) the falsehood of the accusations (2) that the accusations are of capital crimes-(3) the accusations are against nature and reason aud (4) the accusations are out of accord with the spirit of Christ and are animated by hate, etc. Finally he invites all to come together in a friendly discus- sion. (Menno's Works, Part 2, p. 115).
58 MENNONITE DOCTRINE -- STRASBURG TROUBLES-PALATINATE
1552-Menno Simon's Reply to Gel- lius Faber.
This year Menno wrote his reply to Faber. The reply is really a book of 115 pages, (See Part 2, pp. 1 to 115, Menno's Works). He says that Gel- lius in a publication slandered the Christians and attempted to receive them. He then takes up each posi- tion of Faber.
1552-Menno Writes an Explanation of the Mennonite Doctrine.
In the same work last cited, part 2, from pp. 259 to 276, Menno Simon this year wrote his "Fundamental and Clear Confessions of the Poor and Distressed Christians Concerning Jus- tification, The Preachers, Baptism, The Lord's Supper and the Swearing of Oaths, On account of which we are so much Hated. Slandered and Belied. Founded the Word of God".
In this work he takes up each of the last named subjects in an exposi- tion based on the Bible explains them. He shows strong power of discussion in the paper.
Two years later Menno wrote a treatise on the causes and facts of his conversion, (See His Works, p. 1). In 1555 Menno also wrote a series of letters, found in the same book, pp. 277-83.
1555-Great Religious Convention at Strasburg, Germany
Brons tells us (p. 52) that this year a great meeting of Menonites and Evangelicals generally was held. Some of the delegates traveled 150 miles. One delegate was present in whose house Michael Sattler 30 years before made an agreement on re- ligious subjects. Sattler was then an active Anabaptist teacher. Another delegate was present who stated that he had been on the rack eleven times, but escaped. But he reported that many of his brethren died. There were 50 delegates here, made up of
| elders and teachers, representing 600 members of different congregations. Many were Swiss. Some descen- dants of the old Waldenseans were here too.
1555 -- Ediet Inspired by Lutherans.
This year says Brons (p. 86) a new edict in Germany, not only against Mennonites but against all Reformed bodies was promulgated. It seems the edict was issued by the Lutherans or at least the Lutherans of six large towns advocated it; and the goveril- ment followed their suggestion.
1555-Mennonite Strength and Synod at Strasburg, Germany.
In his chapter on Taufers in Switz- erland, the Palatinate and adjoining countries, Müller says under the date of 1555, that the Swiss through perse- cution were driven over the north boundary of that country and found asylum with their brethren in the Palatinate. He says at the beginning of the Reformation, the Mennonites then known as Baptists or Anabap- tists were of nearly the same nu- merical strength as the Reformed. They were both living in and about Strasburg as early as 1526, when the Baptist leader Reubiin appeared in Strasburg. Hoffman also helped them there, and through him the Baptists gained an equal foothold there in spite of persecution. In 1555 in Strasburg, Germany, took place the first important general synod of the Mennonites as they were later caller, (Müller, p. 195).
1555-Calvinism at Geneva.
This same year says Müller, (p. 76), Zorkinden wrote a letter to Cal- vin that the differences between the various branches of the "Reformers" could never be wiped out. It seems from this that Calvin, who began his branch of the Reformation, (known as Calvinism, later a form of Presbyter- ianism), about Geneva, hoped to have his doctrine accepted by several
: 59
MENNO'S WORKS-BLOODY PHILIP II.
branches of the Reformation move- ment. He was a contemporary of Zwingli and one of the great Swiss religious powers.
1556-Menno Simon Issues Several Works.
This year Menno Simon issued a series of letters (Menno's Works, pp. 277 to 284),-one to his followers in Holland pointing out the errors of papacy there-one of consolation to the Amsterdam brethren-one to his brethren in Friesland (Holland), re- buking them for their dissentions, and one to the Church at Emden on the subject and effect of separation in families of the Christian members and the "worldly" members, which doc- trine caused much grief, in many homes. The same year he wrote a work on the Anti-Christ doctrine as he called it, (Do., Part 2, pp. 351 to 422). This work is entitled, "A Very
Plain and Pointed Reply To the Anti Christian Doctrine." This was a reply to a false account given by Martin Micron of the Discussion between himself and Micron in 1553, on the subject of the incarnation of Christ. This is an interesting work, written with fairness; but it lacks the learn- ing which Menno shows in other works.
The same year he published a work on the subject of Excommunication, the Ban, Exclusion, etc. In this he discusses fully "the separation from the world" as the phrase is. The same year he wrote a work on the nature of the "Resurrection" (Do., Part I, p. 229), or the , "Heavenly Birth." In this he shows considerable learning. The same year there came out his "Fundamental Doctrine From the Word of the Lord", exhorting all to the "Heavenly Birth", etc. (Do., p. 165). In this he attempts to set peo- ple right, he says, from the discus- sion of learned men perverting the truth. He attacks, of course, the ten- ets of practice of the Romish church
in these particulars. This treatise is well worth reading by all. He also wrote his dissertation on "True Christian Faith" and his "Consoling Admonition Concerning the Suffer- ings, and Persecutions of the Saints" the same year, (Do., pp. 103 and 179).
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