Mennonites in the World War/preface
As many have undertaken to write the history of the recent World War and the issues involved, it seemed good to some that we also should write upon that phase of it Which most vitally affects nonresist- ant people, especially the Mennonites of America.
Among- the first to suggest such a work was J. S. Hartzler, the principal writer of this volume. As one of those who were actively engaged in looking after the welfare of our young men who for conscience sake could have no part in carnal war fare, he with others felt that there should be a care ful writeup of events, a clear statement of issues in volved, and a record kept of what our nonresistant people did to meet the problems arising from the war. After one of his trips to the camps he gave expression to his convictions in this matter. The proposed book was thoroughly discussed from every angle, and all who expressed themselves gave voice to the conviction that it should be written.
But who to write the book was the question. Most of those who had given the problems arising from the war the most serious attention were encumbered with other duties and therefore not in position to undertake the work. Brother Hartzler was finally chosen to write the book.
Soon after this, letters came from brethren in different communities who (without knowing any thing about this which we have just mentioned) described the identical book and urged that it be writ ten. Accordingly a committee, including those who had thus written, was formed, and after further consultation it was again decided that Brother Hartzler should be the writer. The committee thus formed was as follows : J. S. Hartzler, N. H. Mack, S. G. Shetler, Vernon Smucker, Daniel KaufTman. The work was prepared as rapidly as circumstances would permit. The manuscripts about completed, we found ourselves near the meeting of another session of General Conference. This body discussed the advisability of publishing such a work at some length. The concensus of opinion expressed was that a work of such general interest should be published by authority of General Conference and an enlarged committee was appointed to take charge of it.
Following are the names of those on the committee: S. G. Shetler, J. S. Shoemaker, George R. Brunk, N. H. Mack, Vernon Smucker, J. S. Hartzler, Daniel Kauffman. By action of the committee it was decided that Brother Hartzler should rewrite the book in conformity with the views expressed at General Conference, and with the aid of the committee the work was completed. Thanks are due, also, to a number of other brethren and friends who aided materially in furnishing the necessary data and compiling the work.
This book, having been more than two years in the making, is before you. It is dedicated to the cause of peace and good will, to the cause of truth and righteousness. The imperfections of men are apparent in the makeup of the volume, but we trust that the strength and importance of the cause may make this a valuable reference book. With the hope that God may use this effort to the strengthening of His cause among men, and with confidence that He will always care for His own, we submit this message for your prayerful consideration.
- D. K.