Throughout history we find persons who were motivated to similar action at different times over different issues. Time commends history in regards to the Swiss Brethren conflict of the 17th century in that Amish beliefs and practices are well intact even after 300 years. The issues over which the Amish Brethren contended at the time of the division are articles that the Amish church is practicing today. A number of divisions have occurred since that time within the Amish church over issues that today seem to be no longer significant. One may use the example of the issue of baptizing in a stream which was cause for national conflict.
Today there are no Amish churches who adhere to that practice.
The practice of this issue had no continuity. This we cannot say of Amish beginnings. I would like to suggest that these roots find their origin in the apostolic church, and have continued through men and women whose minds have been sanctified and influenced by the truth of the Word of God. There is continuity of thought throughout different periods of church history. It is as the Amish have retained this pattern that has distinguished them from the world.