LANCASTER COVSTt. 287 



Was then called a 7;«/«ce, of sandstone. It was, in 1742, 

 one of the most stately mansions in the country ; and as 

 the Mennonites were a plain people, and Martin Meylin, 

 an active member, the house was not only considered too 

 palace-like, but the appearance of it might, as they rea- 

 soned, strengthen their enemies in prejudicii:g the gov- 

 ernment against them — they had been virtually charged 

 with disloyalty — "determined not to obey the lawful 

 authority of government — that they were disposed to 

 organize a government of their own." 



The bishop, Hans Tschantz, with his elders and 

 assistance, having repaired to the humble log cottage 

 hard by the "stately mansion," and organized the 

 meeting, himself presiding over the deliberations of the 

 assembled. Martin was first questioned, upon conscience, 

 to openly declare what his intentions were in erecting so 

 large, so gorgeous a dwelling — reminding him of the 

 9'umor some twelve or thirteen years ago ; and lately, of 

 the prejudices excited against the Germans. He stated, 

 he consulted only his comfort, and that he had no 

 sinister views. Next he Avas reminded that, in their 

 view, the house was rather too showy for a Mennonite. 

 The question was, whether he deserved severe censure, 

 ■if not suspension from church privileges, for this over- 

 sight. After some concessions, and mutual forbearance, 

 by the parties, it was resolved that Martin be kindly 

 reprimanded ; to which he submitted — thus the matter 

 ended, and all parted as brethren. 



The Germans were at 07ie time viewed in " double 

 visionf^ both as objects of suspicion, and subjects of 

 easy imposition. Even at this day, many of us scarcely 

 understand the "spicy and sweet Avords" " of the dear 

 people" — " the bone and sinew of the country," &c. 

 uttered by jmUticians in their scrambles for seats of 



