Letter of Caution on Discord

Grace and Peace: Beloved brothers, it is known to all the churches that in the southern countries there is great trouble over the divinity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit, which has caused much unbelief, discord and division in some bodies, to the great affliction of all the saints. And it sometimes happens that this one or that one who comes from those countries is affected by it and causes trouble with some. Therefore love has constrained me to write the following to the churches, and for these reasons:

First, that the unaffected and sound hearts may beware of such frightful disputations and incomprehensible murmurings, so that their hearts do not, to their eternal loss, drown in such bottomless depths and become forever ashamed before their God.

Second, that all those who err in ignorance and unwittingly and are bound in their consciences, and yet fear God and walk under the cross, may be saved and freed through this our service and Christian warning, to the eternal praise and glory of God and to the joy of all the saints. I have written it to all my beloved brothers and companions out of sincere love and compassion. If even one afflicted, wavering, doubting soul could be helped by it, I would count it the dearest thing under heaven. My children, beware of all discord and division, so that you may thrive and multiply in Christ Jesus. Avoid all those who disturb you and stir you up to disunion, all those who would set up something novel and peculiar by which they might weaken and destroy Christian, evangelical love, peace and unity. O my sincerely beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord! Consider carefully what I write to you, so that God the heavenly Father, with his blessed Son Christ Jesus and with his Holy Spirit, may keep their divine honor. Peace be with you.

Note. I cannot write such long writings with my own hand and send them to each particular church.

MENNO SIMON.