p. 27 | THE STUNDISTS

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 13, 1893

THE STUNDISTS.

It is estimated that there are in various provinces of Russia not far from 160,000 Stundists, of whom it is said 30,000 are Baptists, the remainder being either Presbyterians or Independents. The Russian Government is bitterly persecuting these humble yet faithful Christians, and exiling many of them to Siberia. Great efforts are being made also to persuade them to enter into the Established Church, but so far with little success. A correspondent of Evangelical Christendom, writing from St. Petersburg, speaks of the brethren as bearing persecution with great patience; some of them who are in prison and loaded with chains were full of joy, and counted it a great honor to endure persecution for the gospel's sake.

Another correspondent reports a striking incident which occurred in the prison at St. Petersburg, where many convicts were under orders to depart for Siberia. One of the prisoners was a Christian, who had been much reviled by his fellow-prisoners because he had conversed with them so much about faith in Christ. When all were brought out ready to march, the prisoners scoffed at this Christian because the God in whom he trusted had not delivered him. "You stand wearing bracelets [handcuffs] just as we do, and are sharing our fate." But the man replied: "Though the hands are chained, the heart has been made free; and if the Lord will, he can even now set me at liberty." At that very moment a voice was heard calling him by name, and telling him that a paper had just been received granting him full pardon. His chains were instantly taken off, and he was let go. At the same time the prison doors were opened, and all the rest marched off into exile. No one knows how that pardon was granted. The incident made a profound impression on all who were present.—Missionary Herald.