This Mennonite historical and doctrinal book has been commonly known as the Stauffer book. Written by Jacob W. Stauffer in the 19th century to inform young readers of the dangers of worldliness arising within the Mennonite Church at large and to point them to a more humble way of life, one more completely separated from the world. This book continues to have a certain and specific use among Old Order Mennonite and Amish groups.