The Molokani by S. N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 23, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 40.

The Molokani.

By S. N. Haskell

It is evident that God has chosen the United States as the missionary center for the world; and if the true missionary spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ, actuates us individually and as a people, we shall find avenues through which the truth can be sent to every part of the civilized world. We do not know of a nation on the globe that is not represented in America. The providence of God has been over this nation from its commencement to the present time. There is a freedom of conscience here that exists in no other nation.

While at the spring camp-meeting in Nebraska, we learned through friends who had recently come from Russia, some facts concerning the Molokani, who live at present in Caucasus, and in Mennonite villages, also in Hungary, and in the southern part of Russia. They became a distinct sect over a century ago. It is said that a man by the name of Neketa Iwawowitch Neisteroff, who was an attache of the Russian Legislature, had accepted Protestant principles from friends in London. He returned to Russia, where his labors were especially directed against the ceremonies and rites of the Greek Church. He believed in the operations of the Spirit of God, and sought to instruct the people to have a living experience for themselves with God. As the result of his labors, many left the Greek Church, and at the present time they number about one hundred thousand. They do not bear arms, nor believe in the judicial oath. They never use intoxicating drinks nor tobacco, and they believe that no conscientious Christian can use them.

Subsequent to the time that they became an independent people, the seventh-day Sabbath was introduced among them, and at the present time a goodly number observe the Sabbath day. The Russians gave them the name of Molokani, which signifies in English milk-eaters, because of their principles as vegetarians.

The priests raised a great persecution against them, and as the result, they were banished from where they were to the places where they now reside, and were placed under great restriction lest they should impart their principles to others. They were not allowed to go long distances from home at first, but through their frugality and exemplary lives they soon became a powerful people, and were known as having fine farms and public wealth. They are noble-looking people, and the men all have a fine beard. They are very entertaining and kind-hearted. At present, not being in connection with the world, they are rather retrograding in their educational advantages, yet they hold the Scriptures as very sacred. Their children are taught to commit certain portions of the Scriptures to memory, especially the Psalms. Their meetings are held in private houses, and in every village they have several large rooms set apart to these services. They have so often been betrayed by strangers that they do not care to have intercourse with them; do not wish to have them enter their midst unless they are Mennonites, or persons of the same faith, whom they cordially welcome.

The friend who gave us the information concerning them had been with them many years. What interested us very much was the fact that the Sabbath had found its way into their midst, and that they were observing it at the present time. The above facts show that the Sabbath reform goes with every other reform.

There is no nationality or people that is not represented in America, and if we are vigilant in watching the openings that the providence of God will bring to us, we shall find avenues to reach all portions of this world. There has been no time in the history of the work of God when the Lord seems to be especially blessing efforts to get the truth before the people more than the present. God has gone out before his people, and those persons with whom the fear of God exists, his providence will direct, so that the truth will find its way to their hearts.

There is nothing but encouragement for those who believe in the truth of God. The efforts of God's people are backed up by one mightier than man. "It is not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord." The important question comes home to us, Who will be ready to act his part in the closing work of the gospel? Who will stand ready as God opens doors for us to act as light-bearers to those whom his providence brings before us?

S. N. HASKELL.