Page:Mennonite Handbook of Information 1925.djvu/77



Through the three centuries of their existence as a religious body, Mennonites have invariably held that the Bible teaching forbids that Christians engage in carnal warfare. This principle is clearly set forth in the sixth commandment, and is strongly emphasized and enlarged on in the Sermon on the Mount, and other portions of the New Testament. Writers of every class and period honestly admit that .Mennonites have a most unique and unimpeachable war record.

Most Christian bodies recognize in the peace doctrine one of the noblest of Christian virtues, and. that, the exercise of universal love and good will toward all human beings is man's highest duty on earth. It was originally designed by the Divine Mind that this principle should be observed among all nations of every kindred, people, and tongue under heaven.

Since love and good will are to be exercised by all mankind there are to be recognized two kingdoms among men: the one a kingdom of this world, that rules and overawes by the power of the sword and other instruments of death, and the other a kingdom whose weapon is the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God, which is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the