Barbara and George Remain True To The Community.
Though banished, Barbara and George held fast to the beliefs of the Inspirationists. Barbara tells Scheuner that she and George went to Strasbourg to appear before a court that was hearing a complaint against the Bischweiler congregation. Witnesses were asked to swear that they would tell the truth. Barbara and George refused, holding to the Inspirationists' prohibition against oath-taking. When challenged, Heinemann cited the teachings of Jesus.
- Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew, 5:33-37).
Strasbourg had a statute saying that anyone who refused to take the oath would be fined heavily and imprisoned for three months. After Barbara cited Scripture, the judges retired. When they returned, they read from a paper on which they had written that the punishment would not apply to those witnesses who refused to swear an oath because of the teachings of Jesus. Rather, their affirmative word would be accepted in place of an oath.
Barbara rejoiced in this victory. She told Scheuner that the Lord struck down a Community member who had urged her to take the oath.
- He was no longer well when he left the courtroom, and was not even able to return to his home and family, rather, like a madman, came to a miserable end there in Strasbourg. (Scheuner, 1873)
Following such demonstrations of faith, Barbara and George were re-admitted to the Community of True Inspiration.
Here ends the Short Narration, the story that Barbara told Scheuner about her early years.
Read more about this topic: Barbara Heinemann Landmann
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