Page:Mennonite Handbook of Information 1925.djvu/80

 bravery for its advocates to stand for such a principle than it does to meet an enemy in mortal combat.

To be regarded as "slackers" and "traitors," and in the meantime to be persecuted and punished accordingly, carries with it a reproach that in the sight of men is one of the severest tests that Christian character can be called upon to endure.

Few if any Protestant denominations have ever suffered in Europe or America as have the Mennonites. Three hundred years ago they were ridiculed, imprisoned, tortured, and killed by Catholics, and in later years received similar treatment from Protestants. It was the cruel scourge of religious wars in Europe that drove Mennonites in large numbers from that continent to America. Rather would they brave the perils of a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean (requiring from eight to twelve weeks) and the trials of pioneer life in America than to longer abide amid such surroundings.

Several of the colonies in America, especially Pennsylvania, had given out the inducement that they would be granted exemption from military duty. William Penn's treaty with the Indians, "that they would live in love and peace with him and his children as long as the sun and the moon endure," inspired the emigrant to Pennsylvania shores to believe that wars and rumors of wars would be unknown in that country.

History supplements the statement that as long as white men honored and respected this pledge made by the Indians, not one drop of Quaker or Mennonite blood was shed at their hands.