Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-09-04
Tho Aunisi II.

EproRs OF TIE FARMER-As German and
Walnutcreck Townships are far behind the 9th.
ers in this county, in the number of volunteers
sent to the army, many persons who are unac.
quaintcd with the people Of those townships, may
naturally think, as many ha, already accused us
Of being nearly all rebels. But this is far from
being the truth. The great majority Of the peo
pie are as loyal to the Goyernmentas ever though
they have sent bul few volunteers; and to explain
the reason OF this, is the object of my writing,
In the Eastern part Of the county is large set
tlcment, Of what are generally called the Amish,
which is a Branch of the Mcuonitc Church. These
constitute moro than one-half, probably three,
tourths of the population Of those two townships.
There are also many in Berlin, Paint and Salt
creek, but are not so numerous as i'll German and
Walnutcrcek. We (thc Amish or Menonites) are
religiousy opposed to all wars, or fighting of
whatever kind or nature, (as are also some other
denominations believing that the Gospel forbids
us to take the sword in any case whatever.
The Amish and Menonites, until the year 69G
were one and the same Church, and both adhere
to the same Creed or confession Of faith, differ
ing only in few minor points; the former main.
taing more strict discipline in regard to simple.
ity in dress and Few other minor points.
Now in order that we may not be accused ofbc-
ing disloyal as has aften been the case of late
by persons who are unacquaintod with our faith
or doctrine, on account of our not taking any part
in the present war, have thought it proper to in
scrt here two Articles of our Creed Confess
sion of faith, which relate to our duty to the Gov
ernment, and about war. This Greed or Comics.
sion of faith was established by a convention of
Ministers from various parts Of the world, in the
city of Dartrecht, in Holland on the 2lst day of
| APRIL A. D. 1923,
The 18th and l4th articles are as follows:
J OF GOVERNMENT.
ARTICLE 18th, We confess and believe that
God hath ordained the higher Powers, (gov.
ernment, } for the punishment of the evil and the
protection Of the good, (Rom, Mi. 10 to gov
eu the world, and to keep countries and cities in
good government and order, and that we therefore
sEall not despSc, revile, resist, or oppose them
! q Pet II, ~ but we should recognize them ms
the ministers of G 3D. and honor them and be
obcdicnt unto them, in all good works; in every.
thing that is not contradictory te the word of God.
And it is our Christian duty to pay honestly, all
W
to them, as the Son of God himself has done and
COMMANDED his Disciples to do, Mat, XIII, 2l
and XVII, 2l) and it is our duty always TO pray
to God in behalf Of those that are in power that
we may under their protection, lead pcaccabe
and quiet life, aud the Lord may reward them in
time and eternity, for the liberties, benefits and
lavors we enjoy under their protection.
OF WAR OR VENGEANCE.
Article l4th, As regards war, or the resistance
of an enemy with the sword, of that confess
and believe, that our Lord Jesus Christ has entire
ly forbidden his Disciples all resistance and ven
gcance; but on tie contrary has ord red and com
manded (Mat. V. 3S-ll, Rom. XII. II, Pet ILL.,
81 that We should not render evil for evil railing
for railing butShould put away the sword, or as
the prophets have said lsaiah ii, 4, Micah ", 3,
make powsharcs OF them. From this, and the
example given by our Lords life and doctrine
We understand that we should not offend or nure
any one, or render any evil unto any any one, but
rather seek the welfare and Happiness Of all men
and if necessity should require, rather flee from
one country or city to another, yea even suffer
r,bbing plundering Of goods or property, rather
than resist or injule any onc and if we are smotc
turn to him the other cheek also, rather thanrcsis
or revenge; and that we must pray for our enc
mics, feed them when they are hungry, clotl
them when they are naked, and conquer them b.
returning good for evil, and do nothing unto 9th
J (Mat VII, l2)
The reader will hereby see, that we regard it t.
be religious duty to be obedient unto the Gov
eInm ent under which we live in everything tha
J Is not contrary to the Gospel But t. meet al
enemy lIh the sword we can not conscientious
do, believing that the Gospel teaches us other
wise. And on that account our church has oftc
suffered sevarn nnrSocntions In f,,r,or ,;,,, =; A.
old country. Whatever the Government may de
mand of US in money, will be cheerfully and hon
estly paid, and it is our sincere prayer, that
} kind Providence may so lead the destiny of on
country, that peace be speedily restored and tina
we may continue to enjoy the liberties and free
dom OF conscience, we have so long enjoyed un
der our excellent Government, and that it ma
continue to be an ASYLUM for those that fee from
the tyranny and oppression of the old countr,