The stability of the Pennsylvania German farmers has frequently been noted. The various socioreligious groups comprising this large ethnic body, however, are characterized by unlike degrees of stability. In general, the sectarians have been more stable as farmers than the church people. The Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonites of Lancaster County epitomize this stability. Their unusual persistence as farmers can definitely be traced to a socioreligious program whose guiding principles are separation from the world and nonconformity to the world. The desire to perpetuate old values and old patterns has made farming the preferred way of life, and all members are required to liven in rural areas. Centuries of persecution in Europe contributed to their excellence as farmers.