A Pilgrimage Of Faith, J.B. Toews, 1993

itself. The reasoning was that the better plays would not lift up the institution, but rather, the unsavory institution would drag the plays down to its lev- el. The whole was stronger than any part and in fact gave quality to every part.36 The wearing of jewelry, cosmetic makeup, and sometimes even the wearing of rings was also prohibited. In the 1930s the cutting of women's hair became an issue of much concern 7^ A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH and discipline. In 1927 the General Conference declared: "The cutting of hair by our sisters is in direct contradiction with the word of God as found in 1 Corinthians ll:6.w37 This resolution remained in force for some years, and prompted discipline when violated. Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco The use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages was also strongly prohibited.3* At issue was the adverse effects on health and the possible enslavement resulting from their use.3* Relation of Church and Government Though governments were an institution from God (Rom, 13), the active participation in government by a people "in the world but not of the world" was questioned. The 1878 North American General Conference acted as follows: "Resolved, that our members are not permitted to hold government of- fice or take any part at the polls. However, we appreciate the protection we enjoy under our government."40 Ten years later the following modification appeared: "In regard to being dele- gates to National Political Conventions it is strongly advised that, while we desire to have a good government, members should be careful so as not to defile their conscience. How- ever, the conference does not want to form a definite resolu- tion in this matter"41 This position remained the standard in America, as well as in Russia, until the crisis of the First World Wan A notable exception was a Mennonite Brethren who served in the Duma, the highest institution in the Russian gov- ernment, as a representative of the Mennonite people. How- ever, his position was primarily one of recognition, in which the Russian government expressed its high regard for the cul- tural and industrial/agricultural contribution of the Mennonite colonies. Mennonite Brethren had a long tradition of uneasiness with government. The interrelationship of ecclesiastical and 78 IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD civil power had been a major force opposing the initial re- newal movement of the Mennonite Brethren, and the I860 se- cession became the occasion that broke this alliance. Later, the threat of increasing government intrusion into the lives of the