88 / Growth-and Some Decline-of the Churches

out 1864 and 1865 the Herald of Truth carried editorials, articles, and reprints on the subject of peace and nonresistance. For many years after ;the close of the Civil War this organ continued to emphasize that aspect of the Mennonite faith.

Christianity and War was perhaps the first Mennonite document in nearly one hundred years to reaffirm publicly the historic nonresistant stance. The 1727 edition of the Dordrecht Confession (1632) had been printed in Philadelphia and was the first Mennonite work to be published in the New World. It called for the recognition of the faith of "the Harmless Christians in the Netherlands, Known by the Name of Mennonists." The 1775 petition of the Mennonites and Dunkers to the Pennsylvania Assembly requested recognition of the nonresistant position in that "we are not in a Liberty of Conscience to take up Arms. . . ." Following the Revolutionary War, the founding of the new nation, and the settling of the frontier there seemed little occasion for pronouncements and expositions on the historic peace principle. The War of 1812 had little if any effect on American Mennonites by way of testing their position on war. Therefore by the Civil War it had been several generations since American Mennonites faced a challenge to their centuries-old opposition to participation in warfare. In this setting it is of interest to note something of the content of Brenneman's Christianity and War.'''

He subtitles his work "A Sermon Setting forth the sufferings of Christians" and specifies that he is addressing "Mennonite brethren." His preface highlights the fact that the Mennonite view is one often regarded with "scorn, hatred, and contempt" and those holding it "should scarcely be tolerated under a civil government." Brenneman aimed to appeal to the reader who may not agree with him but, after seeing the "cogent scriptural reasons," may be "somewhat more favorably inclined toward the Mennonites." He clearly aims to respect the opinion of "those who differ from us" and "feel clear in their conscience to go and slay their enemies. . . ."

The first Scripture text cited is 1 Peter 2:21, "Leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." At considerable length he develops the theme that "God's people have always been a suffering people from righteous Abel down to the present time." Suffering for righteousness' sake is inescapable in the very plan of redemption as carried out by Christ and as continued by His faithful followers. The true Christian being convinced of his lost,