Oud Gebruyk van de Vryheit van spreeken in de Gemeenten der Doopsgesinden was a book published at Amsterdam in 1665; a second undated edition was published at Harlingen after 1665. This book is a Dutch translation of a Swiss Mennonite booklet, Verantwortung etlicher so man Töuffer nennt uff die Fragen warum sie nit zur Kilchen gangind, published by Chr. Froschauer at Zürich in 1561. The Dutch editors, whose names are not found in the preface, were apparently Lamist Mennonites and Collegiants, who favored the practice of speaking freely in the Mennonite meetings. In the preface they emphasize the view that the conservative leaders Bastiaan van Weenighem and Jean Boenes, who had drawn up the Verbondt van Eenigheyt, in which much stress is laid upon well-ordained ministers, who with exclusion of all other brethren are allowed to speak in the Mennonite services, are not in agreement with the old Mennonite practices, as used by the Swiss Mennonites. Besides the translation of the Verantwortung the book contains a preface, some extracts of the Martyrs Mirror, a letter of D. V. Coornhert, and four hymns.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, p. 96. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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