CONTENTS. Review of the correspondence with Mr. Adams, Review of Military Martyrdom, Review of the case stated by Mr. Jefferson, Review of some passages in Dr. M'Leod's five dis- Review of Dr. M'Leod's arguments from the Old A serious question proposed, A miniature picture of war, Proceedings of the Massachusetts Convention of Report of a Committee appointed by the Massa- The address reported by the above named commit- Lines from Cowper, 174 177 180 182 185 191 199 205 207 208 209 ib. 216 217 Encouraging facts, ib. A just reflection, 218 Peace Societies compared with other benevolent institutions, 219 Review of Dr. M'Leod's argument from the New 225 Interesting reflections on war by Mr. Jefferson, 233 235 Extracts from parliamentary speeches, applicable to the custom of war, and to an attempt for its abolition, Christians on this subject may be removed; when the repugnance of the gospel to this inhuman eustom may be carried with power to every pious heart; and when all who love the Lord Jesus, the Prince of peace, may be brought to feel, and with one solemn voice to pronounce, that of all men he is most stained with murder, and most obnoxious to the wrath of God, who, entrusted with power to bless, becomes the scourge, and curse, and ravager of the creation; scatters slaughter, famine, devastation, and bereavement through the earth; arms man against his brother; multiplies widows and fatherless children; and sends thousands of unprepared souls to be his accusers at the judgment seat of God?-Once let Christians of every nation be brought to espouse the cause of peace with one heart and one voice, and their labor will not be in vain in the Lord. Human affairs will rapidly assume a new and milder aspect. The predicted ages of peace will dawn on the world. Public opinion will be purified. The false lustre of the hero will grow dim; a nobler order of character will be admired and diffused; the kingdoms of the world will gradually become the kingdoms of God and of his Christ. I might easily extend this head by the suggestion of other methods, by which ministers should resist the causes of war. But I will only add; let this subject recur more frequently in our preaching. Let us exhibit to the hearts and consciences of men the woes and guilt of war, with all the energy of deep conviction and strong emotion. Let us labor to associate images of horror and infamy with this unchristian custom in the minds of the young; and awaken, at once, their sympathy towards its victims, and their indignation against its imposing and dazzling crimes. To men of adventurous and daring minds, who thirst for achievements which bear the stamp of greatness, let us point out services to humanity and religion which demand the most powerful energies of our nature. Let us teach and show, that war is not necessary as a field for greatness and glory, but that peace and philanthropy give scope to generous enterprize, and furnish objects commensurate with the noblest impulses and boldest aspirings of the heart. My friends, I did intend, but I have not time, to notice the arguments which are urged in support of war. Let me only say, that the common argument, that war is necessary to awaken the boldness, energy, and noblest qualities of human nature, will, I hope, receive a practical refutation in the friends of philanthropy and peace. Let it appear in your lives, that you need not this spark from hell to kindle an heroic resolution in your breasts. Let it appear, that a pacific spirit has no affinity with a tame and feeble character. Let us prove, that courage, the virtue which has been thought to flourish most in the rough field of war, may be reared to a more generous height, and to a firmer texture, in the bosom of peace. Let it be seen, that it is not fear, but principle, which has made us the enemies of war. In every enterprise of philanthropy which demands daring, and sacrifice, and exposure to hardship and toil, let us embark with serenity and joy. Be it our part, to exhibit an undaunted, unshaken, unwearied resolution, not in spreading ruin, but in serving God and mankind, in alleviating human misery, in diffusing truth and virtue, and especially in opposing war. The doctrines of Christianity have had many martyrs. Let us be willing, if God shall require it, to be martyrs to its spirit-the neglected; insulted spirit of peace and love. In a better service we cannot live-in a nobler cause we cannot die. It is the cause of Jesus Christ, supported by almighty goodness, and appointed to triumph over the passions and delusions of men, the customs of ages, and the fallen monuments of the forgotten conqueror. 24 |