Barbara Heinemann Landmann - Krausert Is Timid.

Krausert Is Timid.

Krausert now journeyed to Birstein, accompanied by Barbara.

The Prince of Birstein was sick at the time. Barbara felt impelled to write a testimony for the Prince, promising him a return to good health and God's blessing if he were to support and freely acknowledge the truth. She asked Krausert to give the Prince this testimony. Krausert would have had an excellent opportunity to do so, because the Prince requested his presence at his bedside and talked with him for a long while. Krausert, however, failed to deliver Barbara's testimony. Barbara thought him timid.

While at Birstein, Barbara had difficulties with three members of Krausert's party: his wife, her sister, and J. G. Ciriaci. These three were in charge of copying testimonies. They complained because Barbara was unable to help them. Barbara countered by saying that everyone must answer his own calling. The three became furious. Suddenly it seemed as if an invisible hand struck a mighty blow upon the table where they were sitting. Then Krausert entered the room. He paced up and down repeating: "This is yet another of the enemy's powers!" Then he took Barbara with him into the room where the Brethren were assembled. Krausert became inspired and spoke out concerning the activities of the enemy. Barbara then became inspired, and spoke out as well. While they spoke, alternately, Christian Metz became inspired and wrote a testimony on the same subject. The Brethren wondered at all this, whereupon the three members of Krausert's party acknowledged that the testimonies were directed at them, because they had treated Barbara wrongly.

In spite of their confessions, Krausert decided that Barbara should be separated from them. He sent her to a farm about 45 minutes from Birstein and told her to stay there until she was summoned.

After a few days at the farm, Barbara saw Krausert and others from his party hurrying toward her. They said that a persecution movement was beginning in Birstein. Barbara was given to know that this was not true, and she frankly said as much. Krausert became uncertain and sent Hammerschmidt back to Birstein to investigate. Back in Birstein, Hammerschmidt found no sign of an impending persecution. The Prince had issued a command to his subjects, but it had nothing to do with the Inspirationists. Hammerschmidt returned to the farm and reported his findings.

Barbara now had reason to suspect that Krausert was fallible.

Krausert returned to Birstein the next day, Barbara now with him. When they arrived, they found that the congregation no longer wanted anything to do with Krausert, because of his timidity. Barbara suggested that they hold a prayer meeting; but the congregation was disinclined. However, the congregation held a formal worship service soon after, which Barbara attended but Krausert did not. At this service she delivered an Aussprache, telling the congregation of the fate that awaited those who persisted in error. She told them that they would now be given a preview of the torments of hell that awaited the unrepentant. Immediately Peter Hammerschmidt fell into a seizure. His face turned green and blue, and he began to foam at the mouth. He shook dreadfully for a time, and groaned while flailing about. When his seizure was over, Barbara continued her Aussprache. The congregation was moved, and the worship service continued in a pleasant manner. In the months to come, however, the congregation regressed, and they met the fate that had been foretold in Barbara's Aussprache.