Jonas Smucker Hartzler

“ We also desire to express the loyalty of our people residing in the United States in the support of the nation in every Christian duty in the practice of peaceable vocations, respecting authority and praying for divine guidance of those who rule over them, prayng also that God may preserve the nation from war and continue her beneficence to her pepole. ”

“ From this we see, that, according to the ex ample, life, and doctrine of Christ, we are not to do wrong, or cause offense or vexation to any one; but to seek the welfare and salvation of all men; also, if necessity should require it, to flee, for the Lord's sake, from one city to another, and suffer the spoil ing of our goods, rather than give offense to any one; and if we are struck on our right cheek, rather to turn the other also than to revenge ourselves or return the blow. ”

“ In the days of William Penn our fathers accepted his invitation to immigrate to this land where they might enjoy the freedom of conscience in religion and exemption from military serv ice. These benefits were later confirmed to them by the Constitution of the United States and by State Constitutions. We rejoice that freedom of conscience is thus recognized by the laws of our land. We appreciate the exemption accord ed our brethren, both in the North and in the South, during the Civil War, when once their position with reference to war became fully known. ”

“ With a fervent prayer to almighty God that He may bless and so direct the rulers of our land that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in the full exercise of our religious conviction; that we, as His children, may be faithful to and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints ”

“ We appeal to the President of the United States and all others in authority to bear with us in this attitude and not to construe our position as a lack of appreciation for past favors or as an act of disloyalty; also to grant unto us full liberty of conscience and the free exercise of our faith.
Recommendations
1. To the Brotherhood. We recommend that in hu mility we seek at the throne of grace the blessings which others have sought to secure through the power of the sword. ”

“ To show their appreciation for the degree of im munity which we have enjoyed hitherto and for the prom ise of future exemption, that our opposition to war is not founded upon disloyalty to our government, but upon the conviction that the Gospel of Christ is the Gospel of peace, and ever pray for our rulers that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ”

“ The Mennondte General Conference met near Archbold, Ohio, August 18-20, 1915. One of the questions which came before that body was, "Will this Conference state the position which the Men- nonite Church holds with reference to carnal war fare?" The following answer was adopted:
"We believe that in the light of the life and teaching of Christ and the apostles, no Christian should engage in carnal warfare under any circumstances nor for any cause. ”

“ But believing as we do, that any form of service under the mil itary arm of the government means responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the taking of human life and other destructive acts of war, we cannot consistently do otherwise than hold aloof from every form of military service. ”

“ We are grateful for the exemption clause for nonresist- ant people in the new Selective Draft Law, and hereby ex press the hope that when the powers that be fully under stand our position with reference to military service, this clause referring to noncombatant service may be accordingly modified.
Our Standard
We acknowledge with deep humiliation that not all of our people have lived in full conformity with the Gospel standard or consistent with our profession of a holy life. ”

“ While we expect an attitude of submission and loyalty on the part of our members, we should not deal harshly, but charitably and with consideration, with our brethren who may be put to the test in these days of trial. ”

“ That they bear in mind that they are subjects to the higher powers and to obey magistrates and uncomplainingly submit themselves to every good work for the Lord's sake so long as it is not in violation to the fundamental teachings of Christ as interpreted by the Mennonite Church. ”

“ That we continue our prayers in behalf of the rul ers of our land and all others in authority, continue to pray for the peace of nations; that we maintain a calmness of mind and heart that naturally accompanies a trust in God; that we refrain from uncharitable criticism in any form, and avoid heated controversy with those who do not agree with us on points of doctrine, missing no opportunity of com plying with the Scriptural injunction of returning good for evil. ”

“ Brethren drafted for military service should state their position on nonresistance meekly but unhesitatingly, get re lieved if that is possible, but if forced by violence into the army, should suffer themselves to be imprisoned or court- martialed rather than do anything which could in any way result in the loss of life at their hands. ”

“ While on the way to the dhurch a letter was re ceived from Government which granted some con cessions and the meeting was changed to a praise service. The brotherhood in the United States prayed much in behalf of our brethren in Canada, at the same time praying earnestly that the awful carnage in the East might be made to cease. ”

“ Church leaders were intensely interested in doing all that they possibly could for the young brethren. Late Sat urday night, July 21, 1917, the executive committee of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference de cided to hold a meeting at the Clinton Frame Church, near Goshen, Indiana, to which all the brethren in the draft and their ministers should be invited. ”

“ The committee sent day messages direct from Washington to the various sections informing the brotherhood of the favorable reception and ask-
IMPORTANT MEETINGS 67
ing them to look for a night letter on Sunday morn ing. In addition to these, letters were sent out by mail giving more details. Here is a copy of the let ter:
"Washington, D. C. September 1, 1917. Dear Brother: In an interview with Secretary Baker, who received us, kindly, we received the following information and instruc tion:
"1. That none of our brethren need to serve in any capacity which violates their creed and conscience. ”