MENNONITES, a body consisting of a dozen or more brandies of followers of Mcnno Simons, akin to Baptists in faith and practice: Menno Simons (1492-1559),.a Holland Ana baptist, was not the founder of the body that bears his name, but was a convert to it several years after it began, and became its chief leader and author. He early left the priest hood of the Roman. Catholic Church, espousing the views of the Anabaptists, but opposing the fanatical extremists of Miinster. His books were his thief contribution to the movement, which really grew out of the division of Prot estantism which is called by the name Ana baptist. The Anabaptists were opposed to the baptism of infants, baptizing only on confession of faith. The followers of Menno Simons be came numerous in Holland, Germany and Switzerland, and thousands were persecuted to death, particularly in Holland, because of their views in regard to the temporal poker. Rising in the first half of the 16th century (they were first called Mennonites in 155(1, though the name was never adopted in Europe as it was in America) they increased under persecution and emigrated to Russia and the United States to escape it—to the former country near the close of the 18th century and to the latter from 1640 on, coming from Hol land, and Germany to New York and New Jersey. They were drawn to Pennsylvania by William Penn's announcement that those set tling in that colony would enjoy freedom in the practice of their religious faith. The So ciety of Friends in England assisted the Men nonites cif Holland to emigrate. The first Mennonite colony was formed at Germantown, near Philadelphia, in 1683. Thence they spread to Lancaster, Bucks, Berks and other counties in Pennsylvania and from that State to other States and to the Canadian provinces. They came in constant contact, in colonial and post colonial days:with the Indians, but like the Friends, being opposed to bearing arms and inclined to peace they suffered little from at tacks by the savakes. It is worthy of note that a Mennonite meeting at Germantown as early as 1688 adopted a protest against the traffic in slaies, saying that those steal or rob men and those who buy or purchase them" are all alike... '*
Though 'Mennonites are widely divided among themselves' on questions of practice and principle, they arc in substantial agreement in' holding doctrines of the evangelical type, as extrressed in a declaration of faith adopted afl!jort; Holl'and, in 1632, WhiOt confes sion is generally accepted by the Mennonites of America. They adhere to the principles of autonomy of the churches, freedom of con science, separation of church and state, adult baptism, non-resistance and practical piety. Baptism is administered on confession of faith, not by immersion, but by pouring, the candi date either kneeling or standing in water and the minister taking up water in both hands and pouring it upon the head, using the scriptural formula. In the ministry there are bishops, or elders, ministers, who are pastors or evangel ists, and deacons, who are almoners and assist in administering the ordinances and take charge of congregations in the absence of bishop or minister. Ministers are selected by members of the church, who go one by one to a private room for the purpose. If more than one are thus selected choice between them is made by lot. A bishop has charge of all the churches in his particular district and ordains the min isters and deacons. He is selected in like man ner as ministers and deacons. The Lord's Supper is observed twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, preceded by an examination of each member in faith and standing, and fol lowed by the ceremony of feet-washing and the kiss of peace, the sexes separating for this purpose.
Mennonites are opposed to the judicial oath and many practise non-conformity to the world. Their polity provides for the autonomy of the churches, but appeals are taken to the conference. Decisions of conference are sub mitted to the churches for approval.