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Additional Rommenfj:/ Commentaires su^plementaires: Th« to 1 L'Institut a microfilmd le meilleur exempla•' TWO DISCOURSES DELIVERED IN BOSTON. THE FIRST ON THE 23d. OF JULY, 181iJ, '^^ I . THE FAST APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS; THE SECOND ON THE 20th OF AUGUST, THE FAST APPOINTED BY THE t>RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE PRESENT WAK. V \. BY JOHN LATHROP, D. D. VA8T0R OE THE SECOND CHURCH IN BOSTON. PUBLISHED JiT THE BEQUEST OF THE HEABERS. BOSTON : PUBI• ♦♦w.*' y /^ ^^ .^ -1^,;', i r ^\ ^ • •:i' f ^w.^ FIRST DISCOURSE. JEREMIAH viii. 15. " WE LOOKED FOR PEACE, BUT NO GOOD CAME." We gather important instruction from the history of past ages, and from past dispensations of the provi- dence of God. After Jehovah had warned his ancient covenant people of their dangers, and they would not be reclaimed, he proceeded to punish them. When smaller punishments were disregarded, they were in- creased and made more serious, until a rebellious and incorrigible people were broken down with calamities, and the miserable sui vivors were made captives, and carried into strange countries. Jeremiah lived before, and at the time of the inva- sion of Jerusalem by the king of Babylon. By the spirit of prophecy he was able to predict the captivity of the nation, the continuance of the captivity, and the year of deliverance. While the armies of the Chaldeans were assembling, various rumours were in circulation, and various at- tempts were made to deceive the people, and keep them quiet. Jeremiah, as a servant and messenger of God, was, however, constant and faithful in his admo- nitions and warnings ; and while he pointed out the crimes of the children of Israel, and called upon them \. 3H -^Mi / r to repent, he let them know what would be their certain fate, if they continued in their evil ways. There were other prophets who flattered the people, and told them they had nothing to fear ; and, as the truth of prophecy is not made manifest, until the time of the fulfilment, hearing one predicting evil things, and oth- ers predicting good, the people knew not which to be- lieve. Jeremijili, because he was faithful, and testified against the rulers of Israel, and against a sinful people, was persecuted, cast into prison, and confined in a dungeon. Such was the influence of the false prophets, after Jeremiah was put out of the way, that many of the peo- ple were disposed to think, the evils with which they had been threatened would not come upon them. They were deceived; they were looking for peace, and would not yield to an apprehension of danger, un- til they found the enemy had approached very near to them. With feeling emphasis may the people of the United States adopt the words of the prophet, and say, " We " looked for peace, but no good came ; and for a time •' of health, and behold trouble." Although threatened with war for some time past, we have hoped the evil would not come. We cannot say, that false prophets have deceived us, as the children of Israel werr. de- ceived ; but as we saw no reason why any foreign na- tion should make war upon us, we could not believe our rulers would make war on any foreign nation, un- til the present war was actually declared. Many of us could not think, nor do we yet think the war in which ni ..';&iialidt^>r..... be their s. There and told truth of le of the and oth- ch to be- i testified il people, led in a ets, after ■the peo- lich they n them, r peace, ger, un- r near to I United T, " We r a time reatened the evil )rophets 'err, de- sign na- believe ion, un- ly of us I which • * our country is now involved, is either necessary or ex- pedient : we saw our country broken into parties, and as we thought utterly unprovided, and therefore we could not believe cur rulers would provoke any nation to make war upon us, and especially a nation which can do us unspeakable damage, and whose strength and treasures are very much out of our reach. War is certainly a g'reat evil, an evil which the wise and the good will always deprecate. In whatever ways wars are brought upon a nation, whether by the inva- sion of an enemy, or by an attack first made by an in- jured nation, wars are certainly among the great evils, under which the sinful children of men have been doomed to suffer. Our nation is now beginning to suflfer calamities, which in the last twenty years have spread over the fairest parts of the world. We viewed the storm of war on the continent of Europe, as we view the tempest at a distance. We marked its awful progress : we hoped no winds would bring it across the wide Atlantick. But alas ! the unwelcome sound is heard along our shores. What we hoped would not come upon us is now making its appearance. The trumpet is sounding in our streets ; our young men are summoned to the field ; and it will not be long be? fore the garments of our brothers and of our sons will be rolled in blood. But I will not anticipate what will naturally come before us, while discoursing on the pre- sent subject. I will now call your attention to such remarks and observations, as shall be suggested by the text, and may be proper for us to make on the present occasion. 1/ ft. 'I ^ ^ •v. 1^.:. H i I 9 and the feelings wh.ch good men have expres^d in' M the love of peace is natural to man, and all good men desire to live in peace, war is an evil which^ good men dep,.eate, and the„.forc good rulers wm not enter .nto war, but with great caution and grelt «>luctance. Our following remarks and observaUons W.11 go to .llust^te and prove the sentiments wh c "e have now mentioned. Peace, like health of body, is a blessing which rives sweemess to all our other enjoyments. Peae wm be «.ughtand cherished by all good men, becaLT i desirable m itself, it is favourable to rdigion "o he cult.vat.on of the useful arts, to those thing! wWb e .most or^mental and dignifying to ma' in hTs Z d.v.d„al capacty, and as a member of society Sacred writers, in glowing language, have described *e b lessmgs of peace ; and wc too well know the v^ fe ofth.s blesstng, to assent to any measure which While r" " °' "• ^°" "' '"'»'"'^' --4 Wh le our country was favoured with peace, and the mtobttants were genentUy „„i,ed. it was pr^pcror and happy, and highly respected. ' Saint Paul gave the following exhortation to his fel- Iowch„st,a„satRome; "If it be possible, as much as lieth m you, hve peaceably with all men." There Ae best habits, cannot live peaceably with their fellow men. Saint Paul ktiew there might be such cases. f.' m minds * )rcsiicd in a natural i all good tvhich all ilers will nd great -rvations vhich we ch gives ; will be ise it is , to the lich are his in- scribed he val- which lessity, id the erous, lis fel- much There ;s and fellow ^asesi I- His knowledge of the world, and his own experience had taught him, that the most innocent and prudent are not always safe. When we are for peace, others may be for war ; and we may be under the disagreea- ble necessity of taking up arms in our own defence. Powerful kings are not always satisfied with the powers which they possess. If they have already am- ple dominions, they still wish to add to them. And among the subjects of great monarchs, there are many restless spirits who delight in war. Such has been the state of the world in all ages, that people who have wished to live in peace, could not be gratified. The sons of violence, and men destitute of all good princi- pie, have fallen upon the innocent and unoffending, and taken from them their property and their rights. When Paul was converted, and had joined himself to the followers of Christ, he did not give up the rights which belonged to him as a Roman citizen. Although it was impossible for him to defend himself, when lawless men deprived him of his liberty, and cruelly treated him, he boldly remonstrated against their con- duct, and in some instances his claims were respected. Christians will consider, the noble and manly spirit which Saint Paul exhibited, as an example for them to imitate. Paul did not use violence when he was insulted, for he knew that using violence would only exasperate a mob ; but he let the men know who treated him ill, that he was a Roman, and they were answerable for their conduct. A season of peace gives a favourable opportunity for iroprovenacnt in the knowledge of divine truth, : { i, ii^\S M) 6 and the cultivation of the best affections of Uie heart. The science of war, although necessary for defence, is not a science which tends to make the heart good j' but the study and Uic practice of war give strength to the fiercer passions, and tend to make men, what we certainly do not wish them to be ;— unfriendly to one another. No wise and good king will lead his subjects to make war, for insufficient reasons, and where the in- juries they would be hkcly to suffer iii war, would be greater than the advantages they could expect to gain. No wise king will make Wiir unless the necessity be uncommonly pressing. No wise king v. .11 make war, where the power which he has to oppose is vastly su- perior, and the expectation of success altogether im- probable. The Prince of Peace, whom we acknowl. edge as our Master, hath left an important lesson on th,s subject. « What king, saith he, going to make " war with another king, sitleth not down first and " consulteth, whether he be able with ten thousand, to " meet him tliat cometh against him with twenty " thousand ? or else, while the other is yet a great " way off, he sendeth an embassage, and desireth con- '' ditions of peace." Rash men, who scorn to deliberate, and in whose tatimaiion prudence is the least of all the virtues will clamour for war on the first provocation, not re'gard. ing the power of the enemy, or the strong probability of havmg disgrace added to the injury they have al- ready received. h. / ■ tlic heart. )r defence, eart good j strength to I, what we idly to one ubjects to ?rc the in- would be ct to gain, cessity be nake war, vastly su- 2ther im- acknowl. lesson on to make first and usand, to 1 twenty a great reth con- n whose ues, will t regard- obability have al- Wise and good rulers will never declare war, unless the cause be evidently just, and they have also good assurance that dieir subjects will support them ; and not then, until they have re(iucsted the assistance and blessing of the God of Heaven. Tlie good kings, who reigned over the children of Israel, had the people as- sembled before God, and humbly recjuestcd direction, before they marched against an enemy ; and a practice like this was always observed by the rulers of the col- onies in New England, on great and important occa- sions, and especially when armies were called forth in defence of the country. A practice somewhat like this was observed even by the ancient Romans. They did not go to war, without calling on the gods, whom they worshipped. It is surprising, says an excellent writer, " to find such justice, and moderation, and " wisdom among the llomans. in their manner of ma- " king war, at a time too, when apparently nothing but " carnage and ferocitt/ was to be expected from them." By such conduct, particularly invoking the gods, pre- vious to declaring war, " Rome laid the most solid " foundation for its future greatness." To be well qualified to rule over a great people, a man nuist not only be wise, but have the fear of God before him. Such a ruler will have counsellors and advisers near him, who respect the divine government, and feel a responsibility for what they do. What could the ruler of a nation expect, should he involve his subjects ^ a dangerous war, when he knew that nearly one half of them were utterly opposed to it ? An absolute monarch, with a powerful army at his { Ml < 4 —, ■ t- K) command, may b,;ar down opposition, and compel Ws subjects to obey. But -he case is very diiiirent in a country wliere a I,igh sense of liberty stUl prevails, and rulers can possess no powers but what the people are plea^d to give them, and can have no armies to com- mand but such as *e people will consent to support. Should a people thus free, give their rulers an army suifi=,ent to controul them, and to take from them nghts .vhtch they had never promised to surrender, when too late thsy may lament their folly ; but in the bitterest servitude can scarcely hope to be pitied. • !uf "I "'' ^°"' "■'^' ^ '*^' "O"- "««. ""-y seem mcred.be, but it is a sober fact, that far the greatest part ofte world is now in the very state of servitude which has just been expressed. Fa,- the greatest part of what ,s called the civilized nations of the earti, is at JUS day under a government of force. Kings and emperors have armies at command, able to hold the people m subjection. Those great republioks, which tor many ages, maintained the liberties of the subieol*' l^ve been one after another, corrupted and conquer.' ed; and the American republicfc is the 'ast to nve nenee *e change, s which the others have experienced; and to follow them too, into the shades of oblivion, io us, my hearers, the consideration is serioui. that our republican government, aUhough young, has the symptoms of disease and of death, which oihersex! lubited, at a much later age. Ancient republick, were corrupted, and divided, and conquered. Our repub. uclc, 1 fear, ,s corrupted ; it is awfully divided, and if no means can be devised to heal the divisions, we it compel his fTerent in a revails, and people are ies to com- o support. ^s an army tirom them surrender, but in the itied. may seem B greatest servitude, est part of arth, is at ^ings and ' hold the s, which, subjects, conquer- to expe- irienced, oblivion. )U3, that has the hers ex- ks were • repub- I, and if 3ns, we need not the spirit of prophecy to predict its ruin, Oiir form of government, weakened as it is by divis- ions, can remaki but a short time. You will agree with me in opinion, that the present condition of our country, and of our government, is a very unfavoura- ble condition for war. Good rulers will not suffer war to be proclaimed, until every possible method be attempted to bring an offending nation to make satisfaction ; because, when W2r is commenced, no mortal can tell vjhen or how it will end. When the chief ruler of a nation, signs a declaration of \var, he, in effect, signs the death warrant of thous- ands of his fellow creatures. The business of war is the business of destruction. When armies march against each other, each army goes with a determina- tion to destroy as many of the opposing army, as its power and skill will enable it to destroy. A prudent and humane ruler will consider these things, and will not declare war, unless he finds himself compelled to do it, in the defence of rights essential to the honour and happiness of th^; nation which he governs, and af- ter all other means have in vain been attempted. Men of high sensibility, and young men, who know little of the sufferings of the camp, or the dangers of the bloody conflict, may perceive in themselves an ele- vation of spirits when the tr impet sounds, and they are called to arms ; but bold young men, who think nothing can withstand them, will do well to read the message which the King of Israel sent to Benhadad: 1 4' 1 ' -«~^ 12 i) I K \ I '' Tell him, let not him that girdeth on the harness, boast himself as he thatputteth it ofF." Rulers qualified for the high office which they hold will consider, when they make war, they are responsi' bic to God, and to their subjects, and to the world. He who claims all the inhabitants of the earth as his own has denounced a curse against " the man who sheddeth ';the blood of man," unless it be in the execution of a righteous sentence, or on the clear principle of defence. What an awful account therefore will the kings of the earth be called to give at the last day ? The wars which kings and rulers have generally made, have been unnecessary and unjust ; and of consequence the blood of the many millions which have perished in such wars, cricth for vengeance on the authors of their destruction. War is like a devouring flame : when let loose it spreads destruction far and wide. A wise and virtuous ruler w.Il therefore deliberate calmly, and weigh all circumstances, tiiat he may be satisfied the war which he ,s about to make, is not only just and necessarv, but that the advantages he may probably gain, will be worth the lives and treasures which he must sacrifice in the conflict. A wise and virtuous ruler will endeav- our to place before him, all the probable events of the war which he contemplates. He will bring into view the field of battle : in serious meditation .he will place before him, the hundreds and thousands of killed and wounded : he will send his thoughts to the homes of the brave officers, and the brave soldiers, who must fall and never see their homes again : in imagination he be harness, they hold, 3 responsi- ^orld. He is his own, sheddeth "ution of a ^i defence. ngs of the The wars ade, have [ucnce the :rished in rs of their loose it 1 virtuous weigh all ar which Ecessarv, I, will be sacrifice 1 endeav- ts of the nto view 'ill place illed and lomes of lust fall, ation hQ 13 will hear the shrieks of widows, — the bitter wailings of fiitherless children : he will then ask himself, what shall I gain, — what can I gain by the war I am about to undertake, which will compensate in any measure for the poverty, distress and misery, which I shall bring on my fellow creatures ? A good ruler will ponder long, — will think seriously, and earnestly call on God for direction, before he opens the flood gates of de- stru':tion on any part of the family of mankind. But however carefully and seriously we may sup- pose wise and virtuous rulers will proceed in the busi- nes of making war, we find, that on the eighteenth of June last, the rulers of the United States of America, saw fit to declare war " against the United Kingdom " of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependencies " thereof." By this unexpected event, — unexpected, because our country is utterly unprepared for it, the American people in general, and the people of this commonwealth in particular, are exposed to deprivations, to losses and sufferings more painful and complicated, than we are able to enumerate. No doubt, there may be cases, in which a people as unprovided, as the American people now are, ought to make resistance, and declare war. The aggressions may be so great and provoking, and the danger of de- lay so evident, that a people, retaining any sense of lib- erty, would be justified in the view of God, in making all the resistance in their power, although the enemy may be much stronger, and much better provided. ) \. f 14 A small people may perform wonders when tliey know their cause is just, and they are well united. A case of this sort many of us have in our minds. In seventeen hundred and seventy-five, the controversy between the then colonies and provinces in America and the British government, was brought to a crisis, in which there appeared to be no alternative between absolute subjection, and a resolute opposition. The sword was drawn on the part of the British govern- ment : the blood of Americans was wantonly shed : the war was begun, if not in a formal manner declar- ed ; and an injured people had to choose cither to de- fend themselves, or submit to a condition too degrad- ing for them to bear. Resistance accordingly was made ; and the people being united, after a hard contest of more than seven years, obtained their cbject. Whoever compares the revolutionary war, with the present, will find the causes and circumstances ex- tiemely difierent. In the former case Great Britain attempted to take from the American colonies, some of their important civil rights, and this was attempted by the force of arms. Our country was invaded with a force determined to make our subjection absolute. In the present case, there is no professed design on the part of the British government to take from the A- merican people, any of their civil rights : no attempt has been made to bring the United States under sub. jection. No part of our country has been invaded by the troops of Great Britain. Had that been the case, all parties would have united and hastened to make defence. It is true, diat m the dreadful contest be- ■1 1 '4 '-? 15 tween Britain and France, the American people havfc suffered ; and by the opei-ation of certain Decrees of the one, and certain Orders of the other, vast property- has been taken from Americans unjustly. But a war with the one or the other will not bring back to sufferers the property which has been taken, and the ships which have been burned. If the war be just, it would be just against both : but if there be nothing at present to gain by war, either with the one or the other of the offending nations, and in all probability, an im- mense loss will be incurred by a war with the nation which has a power to injure us, the war is certainly in- expedient. The inexpediency of the present war will appear in a glaring point of view, when we consider the vast extent of sea coast, and of property exposed to the enemy ; the unprepared condition of our coun- try, and the powerful opposition made to war meas- ures, by those states from which the principal supports of war must be drawn, or it can never succeed. A war so unpopular, as the present war appears to be, cannot be supported. Armies to effect any great pur- poses cannot be raised. Miserable creatures may be taken from the prisons, and the work-houses, and vag- abonds, destitute of a home, and of friends, may be collected and disciplined, but such are not the men on whom our country is to depend for safety and defence. Whenever a war shall appear to the great body of the American people, to be both just and necessary, » very different sort of men will appear in the ranks, from those in g-i f"r4l, who now enlist. The promis- ing young men of our country will not quit the peace- i « 16 ful employments of life, where thev receive an .m.I. reward for their labours, and at ni^h, '^'' in their beds, for tl.e filthiness of 1 '""'"'^ get. of warfa^., unlermuch s^?™'''' "' ""^ ''^"■ rcred,tha„i.avehithertn:::r^— :-- compul.on, while the people are so divided and the -.^efamia^^rs— arr^s^^^^^^ - o the service ; but the spirits of the^AmerLan;: "potrTrb".'™''"' "---"mission ■'to':^, powers that be" ,5 not yet so absolute. cour r^hh t"""™ ""■"' ' '^'" '^'^ *is dis. cd to 1 ' '"^""'' ="" ^^™"^ — '". suit, cd to the present oc( .tiion. Our last observation is tli;« .00. ». ry and expedient, is a great evil, and eannot be proseeut But, to our astonishment, we find there are somn am™g -. who not only speak of waras a ve^ tr Z, matter, but mvtte their friends and companions to e^ m- .n war, as " their sport and pastime." Sterrftr r°,^" ""^ '-g -customed lo the ^ughter of their fellow creatures, md those onlv, can l^ supposed to possess such ferocious tempers. Ma,l sueh tempers we shall not expect to find among the 'SUMP eivc an ample in rest quietly • and the dan- easons are of- e them : and ided, and the ful, is out of where large tnay be taken r, and forced nerican peo- ion " to the ose this dis- marks, suit- vernecessa- >e prosecut- d and great d suppose, y, with ac- are some ery trifling ons to en- delight in tied to the onlj,, can 5. Many mong the 17 citizens of the United States. But if any among us be so depraved, so unlit for the society of civilized man, let them go to the places of human slaughter, where they " shall have blood given them to diink, " for they are worthy."* Let them hearken to the groans of the wounded and the dying : let them be- hold thousands weltering in their blood : let them see towns and cities in flames, and the miserable inhabi- tants flying in every direction : let them ue present at such scenes ; yea, let them be among the sufferers, themselves wounded and half dead, and then let them tell us what they think of war. After witnessing and suffering such things as these, 1 believe they will not call their companions to the field of battle, as '* to their " sport and pastime.'* Enough, perhaps, has been said to illustrate the sub- ject before us. — There is in man a natural love of peace. All good men " look for peace ;" desire to live in peace, and consider war as one of the greatest evils which can befal them in the present life. Good rulers therefore will not expose their subjects to the calamities of war, unless the reasons be very powerful, and amount to what the sober and considerate part of mankind will denominate, necessary. War however has been declared : the proclamation hath been openly made. Our country is at war with " the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, " and the dependencies thereof." In the present per- plexed and distressing condition of the United States, inquiry is made by almost every one, what shall we do ? • Rerelation xvi. 6, Id Wliat a?c the duties we owe our couniiy ? What are we called to do as members of society, in union with the i?reat body of the American people ? What are we called to do as christians ? An answer to such like questions cannot be attempt- ed at the present time. Some attempt may be made in a second part of a discourse from the text before us M-Jnch by di^-ine permission I will give on the day of pubiick humiliation and prayer, which I perceive has been appointed by the President of the United States The petitions which we are this day requested to of. fer unto Almighty God, arc in the highest sense proper and such as we can unite in making, with sineerity and a good conscience. ^^ We pray that " God would forgive our ingratitude, and the innumerable transgressions of which we ^^ have b,en guilty. That he would give wisdom, in- tegrity, and patriotism to our national and state gov- ernments, that the leaders of the people may not ' cause them to err. That he would inspire the ^^ Presidentand Congress, and the government of Great iJntain with just and pacifiek sentiments. That he - would humble the pride, and subdue the lusts and ^^ passions of men, from whence wars proceed, and that peace may speedily be restored to us on safe and ., honourable terms. That he would guard the lives ot our soldiers and mariners, and protect our com- " mcrce and navigation from the dangers with which " they are encompassed. That he would preserve us " from intestine violence and foreign invasion. That " he would dispose the people of these States to do ■.j>.t,^ .. .. *jv f • What ai-e an with the at are we € attempt- be made before us, le day of iceive has d States, ited to of- se proper, sincerity J^ratitude, ^hich we idom, in- tate gov- . may not pire the of Great Tliat he usts and ed, and safe and he lives jr com- 1 which lerve us That i to do If "justice to the Indian tribes, to enlighten, and not to ** exterminate them. That he would piotect our *' frontier settlements. That he would preserve us *' from entangling and fatal alliances with those gov- *' ernments, which are hostile to the safety and happi- " ness of mankind. That he would regard with tcn- *' der compassion the nations, whose most essential " rights have been wrested from them by fraud and " violence, and who are groaning under the cruel hand " of oppression ; and that he would break in pieces the •' power of the oj-prcssor, and scatter the people that •' delight in war." In these, and in all the other requests which are enumerated in the proclamation for the leli- gious observance of this day, we most cordially unite ; and we are encouraged to make our humble supplica- tions to the God of all grace, from the assurance w^e have of the propitiousness of his nature, and the former manifestations of his goodness to the American - eople. Those who walk in the council of the uiigodly, and who sit in the seat of the scornful, may laugh at our humiliation, and have us in derision, when we make our supplications ; but let tl.em remember, " the un. " godly shall not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the "congregation of the righteous." We do not prostrate before the throne of grace, in the expectation that we can move the Almighty from his eternal purposes ; but as many of the purposes of God may be connected with the humiliation and the prayers of his needy and afflicted creatures, it is our duty to look unto him, and beseech of him to grant us his blessing. * « (( <( (( i( <( (( (i 20 Let us therefore be earnest in our supplications, that God would take the inhabitants of this state, and of the United States under his holy protection, and hide them in his pavilion, nntil these calamities be oveipast. That he would save us from the bale- ful influence of party spirit ; and that whatever ene- mies may rise up against us from abroad, we may have peace and mutual confidence among ourselves ; and know by experience, how pleasant it is for breth- ren to dwell together in unity." ■) 1 AMEN. r^KMIUUMf^ "^i^«»*t. SECOND DISCOURSE. JEREMIAH viH. 15. « WE LOOKBD FOR PKACK, BVT NO GOOD CAME." I REJOICE, that the President of the United States hath recommended this day, to be jbserved, as a day of publick humiliation and prayer ; for however wide- ly we may differ from him in opinion with respect to the present war, all good people will unite in " offering " fervent supplications to Almighty God, for the safe- " ty and welfare of these States ;" in " acknowledging " the transgressions which might justly provoke the "manifestation of his displeasure;" in "seeking his " merciful forgiveness, and his assistance in the great " duties of repentance and amendment ; and especially " in offering fervent supplications, that in the present "season of calamity and war, he would take the " American people under his peculiar care and pro- "tection." In such solemnities we are happy to unite with " the several religious denominations and " societies" throughout the United States. Happy indeed shall we be, should our united addresses to the Supreme Majesty of Heaven and earth, be followed with an union of sentiment, and of affection, in the great family to which we belong. United in feelings and in exertions, the American people might be con- il W 22 'cnictl, safe, a,.d liaim,-. B,„ ,1,, , i'^ a spi,.i. and colLu^'r '""""' "■'*• vi.icdu.a„,,eA.eHe.„;;rrr:j:r'';- ■■"pcct 10 subjects of, he h,VI,c« . """' -■'--. .™. of c„ur.e'^X.Wr ''"'"^'""''■ P'rty justifies the war, the other T, '^ ' ""= While one pan, think t e "m emfh "'"t"""' '■ «'i"ks it inexpedient • ,„TZ ■' """' P'^'^ suppose, that :hi,eo„;;:;ttX'l,:. 7"^"' ■" a majority of Cor.gr.ss a. the "he oH ^^'' """ "ig toproseeute the war ,!,„ " °' "> '^ '"deavour. certain,, .speetab,e^o:T;st:r,'':r;r"^'''^ P'-opcrty, will endeavour ,0 coZ „'" ""<• -.atleastsofarasthel::;::!:""""''-^- I" a situation so novel so „n "^ '"^^■ d-,^rous, all thi„ki„/;;r 2"""'"""^' -<< » to know, what is dufv Th, '^ "" "'' ""^'■°"'' ;=^Mo .now What :rot,,?rdr;"^r'«'e duties we owe ot,r countrjVl . " re'"" "" warfare and danger, wha, is e2 ^d J """•' "' bers of socictv In ., • • P^^^^^ of us as mem- An,erica„eo;e;;;;:r™'''''^^'-Wyof.he -^.aschrisLns. ^' ^-'"'ed .0 do. es,,e. oceupied, than ,y attfdi ^ r::;;- "^^ ""- - been mentioned. AtLhrrr:;::::: S3 oiintry cxiiib. t irom auk-ty vcr more di. "k1 that with • The pop. f country, jg in favour of n lat'. iy pro. While I iie "idemns it. other party i natural to •^ident, and endeavour- > which is talents and ^var mca- 'f^j and so t^ anxious liry; VVe at arc the t state of «s mem- r of the ^. esjDe- How me e better as have 10 were present, will recollect, at the close of the first discourse from the text before us,, we promised, by divine per- mission, we would, on this day, attempt to answer such (juestions as were then suggested, and have now been reix^ated. Many of the duties which we owe our country are obvious, and ri«.e cleaily out of the connexions and relations which all the members of the same commu- nity bear to each other. By our country we mean, the land in which we live ; the portion of the world over which the govern- ment extends, to which wc owe allegiance. The be- nevolent wishes of every good man extend to all the inhubitiints of the eat th ; but as particular portions of the earth are inhabited by particular nations, or great associations of people, having their own forms of gov- ernment, and united for their ov\n defence, improve- ment, and happiness, the portion of the earth thus in- habited by any particular nation, or association of }>eo- ple, is the country of that nation. The confederated States of America, bounded by the ocean on the one side, and by certain British and Spanish possessions on the other, is our country. This country embraces our families, our friends, and our most important temporal interests. As citizens of the United States, and as christians, confederated for certain great purposes, we are bound to seek the prosperity and happiness of our country and of one another. It will not therefore be necessary for me to offer an apology for speaking to you this day, and from the pulpit, on what may be cailed a political subject. /I V 24 If you consult the Bible, and the best writers on the la^v of nature and of nations, you will fir.d that sound no Ileal morality, and the morality of the New Testament come so near together, that the ehristian minister who inculcates the moral duties which were inculcated by Jesus and the Apostles, must, and will inculcate the best political morals.* We proceed now to give an answer to sucl. questions as have been suggested, and consider some of the duties which are particularly required of us under the e^cisting circumstances of our coun- try. Wh,le engaged in war with Great Britain what dut.es are required of us as citizens of the Uni-' ted Istates, and as christians ? We answer, First, As citizens of the United States we are bou,«l in duty toassist in defending our country.' A t.me of war ,s a time of danger ; and however un- ^vise or imprudent we may think our rulers have been .n b„ng,ng us into danger, so long as the danger re- mams there ought to be but one opinion with Lect to defence. If the war be ever so unjust, while te mams the whole community is exposed to suffenn. ' and thc^fore the whole community must assist in at! tempts to ward off the eviUhould an en«„y bl bought to our sea coast, or our frontiers, by measu,^ wh.chwe utterly condemn, and for which we Zk our rulers exceedingly to blame, yet we are called by the arst,: '"cple of nature, ..//&/„,„,_„,,,, ^^, J ^opoose that enemy, and cKpel him from our borders. When our common rights, our property, our habiU- See V AT ITEL, PufFE.-iDOKF, UwofNa ature Pid Nations. ■JtL 'k, . f 'i*,i Jrs on the law itt sound po- ^ Testament, minister who iculcated by nculcate the er to such d consider ly required our coun- 2at Britain, )f the Uni- ited States, Lir country, awever un- have been danger re- ith respect ^hile it re- suffering ; si St in at- neiny be measures we think called by are called borders, r habita- itions. 25 tions, our lives, and the lives of those who are most dear to us are in danger, fi'om invasion, or foes among ourselves, we shall obey ihe call of our country, and stand forth in its defence. Secondly ; when our countiy is in danger, and is sufferine- under the calamities of war, we shall use all the lawful means m our power to bring the war to an honourable issue. So long as the majority of the American people, to- gether with the gentlemen in the administration of our national government, choose to continue the war, it must be continued. But while the majority of the people, together with the administration, have a legal right, and the power to contniue the war, the minority also, have riglits which they will exercise. The 7m?ior- ity have a right to think and to speak ; yea, the minor- ity have a right to print and to publish : a right to use all the force of reason and argument to convince the people at large, and even the rulers df the nation, that the war ought not to be pursued. If the minority have an opinion that the war, under present circum- stances, is unjust ; or, if not absolutely unjust, it is highly inexpedient, they have a right to express that opinion ; and whoever attempts to take that right from them, attempts to do them a very great injury; at- tempts to make them slaves. This right, however, is to be exercised with decency, as well as firmness. No false charges are to be brought against men in power ; no irritating language against the advocates and supporters of opposite opinions. 4 i 26 Although some inconveniences n,„ • . "ercise of the right for which '! "^ ""'' ^""" "" « "-t be aliowel that a, e .nl"! 'T ^-"'"5. -"n,e„t, such as that under wh ch' ^if' f" ^^- "ght, and ma/ lawfully exercise Tt ' T- ^''' "'" war, as in times of peace The ' '" •™'='' °^ -"St be alWe., or we dmh 1",T*^ "' "'^ "^ht -•-e .i>ich our rat£Tbhrra„7:rrH- ^ '""=' 'ong exploded in all f^e count't "'' ^"^ '"''" Under despotick and arbitrarir ^ know, the right which ,«. , ^ So^'nments we '"■o-d ; anil i'r :ir rt™^- '^ "°' "a..ons, wl.0 allow their sublc , hi, : ^ """^ ""^ Bntish and the American. Re d.te "' J^ T'"' "'^ «»ns, and the speeches of the most f """""• bers of parliament, and you will . ^'^ ""="'■ speaking and writing aol^lt h ^ '^^ '""J^""^ '" against the measures of 1 "'" '" P°""' and -hich the rulers of no If:::""'™'- -* « ^-^om «n, would allow ThT, ' "''P' ""^ A"-"-" dWous and teasonable e'r "''T'"'^ "^""^ ^- - and Writers do no tXTtt; "f ''"'' ''""- perfectly safe. •^"^bress those laws, they feel Daring attempts have been m ^ ""^me parts of'he United Stages t; f '^'^'r""' zens of this rieht Ti,- ' °''1'"''<= "le citi- «vag. conduct of a Wur '1" "'J^" °' ">"= '* p-i-oipai cities in :h:s:rs:rv"r°^'''^ «°ven,ment of the state Where .i::UrCS 27 tnents we "g, is not now any scept the publica- ■d mem- on> with jects in ver, and freedom Amer- fine se- speak- ey feel made le citi- e late 3f the dthe )ened will be able to detect and punish the guilty persons, and to prevent any conduct of a like kind in future.* The moment the arm of the law is found insufficient to punish such acts of violence, civil government is at an end. Your stores may be broken open; your banks may be robbed ; your houses may be set on fire while you are asleep ; you may be murdered in your beds, in your streets, or on the high way, by the most abandoned of the human race, and there will be none to check them, or make them afraid. Thirdly ; in the present state of our country, when we are not only exposed to the calamities of war, but divided almost to hostility among ourselves, every good citizen will endeavour to reconcile contending parties, and promote union and good fellowship as far as possible. I have long thought we had much to fear from the strength and the pride of contending parlies. All elective governments are liable, more or less, to the ill effects of party interests ; but where elections to the high offices, and appointments to places of great profit and trust are so frequent, as they are in the United States, and in the several States united, party interests are in almost continual operation. The heat of one of the seasons of election does not wholly subside, be- fore another season of the same kind comes on ; and the partisans who foil of success at one season, are sure to be the more zealous and persevering in tlieir preparations for the next. • The Mol)3 ia Baltimore. >^- r 38 resort to base .cans to bring up unworthy 0111. rs as well as to drive men of the hi»he« L .^^ from publick services. ^ 'espectabthty The ill effeets of party interests ore to be deprecat "" ".' ^" "■"«■ ">"' "-y are more particularly danger ous .„ seasons of war, when tlte united stt^ngthlT quired lor the common defence. use^'lrinr'""'' 7^ Soo-J ^h^tian is called to use h s influence, wherever he has an influence to onahate, and. if possible, bring his brethren and'fd ow cutzens to un.te in generous and noble plans, for the common good. ' wisxTdTV" ■ """"' "''™ *^ •"^"-•i'"' of l:tfr 'f*"-'""^-^ '•'"'l^d in their opinions, anj .n thetr feehngs towards each other. Should the w^ c ""nue. and the present divisions also among th ,1 pie contmue, no mortal can foresee what o!r sX ngsmay e If the mode.te, if the sober and :*; .the humble professors of the christian religion hav^ an mfluence, they will use that influence at the pres M r tv a„7h ' ""' ""'^ '" '"^ "'^— f- uit safety and happmess of the whole I confess that at certain times I have been exercised w.th distressing apprehensions for my country-. That form of government wluch «^s planned by some of n 29 the wisest and best men that ever Uved, and under which the confederated States flourished beyond ex- ample, during the administration of the first Presi- dents, has, of lute, been so weakened by divisions, and by causes which may not be proper for me now to mention, that many good people have feared, the re- publican confederation would fail of the noble purposes for which it was established. The federal government for many years was our strength and our glory ; and our citizens desired no name more honourable than the name, federalist. But alas ! this honoured name is now the scoff of the foolish, and the reproach of many who know not its meaning. - But if federalism is proscribed, that federal- ism which gave strength and dignity to our country, what is the form of government, I would ask, what is the form of government, which the present revilers of the federalists mean to establish ? What name will they give to their new constitution ? Do any of them wish to prostrate all government, that they may make them- selves rich with the spoils of the wealthy, whom they hate ? and make themselves powerful with the author- ity which they take from better men ? When I hear men rGwWin^ federalists, I am obliged to view them as enemies to the federal government ; and as that is the government which all the good citizens of the United States have sworn to support, those who hate federalism, hate our own government, and are dan- gerous men. 1 hope they know not what spirit they are of; but if they really mean what they say, they \ i» so only want power to accomplish their purposes, and the federal government would soon be demolished. We need not ask what government those reformers, those exclusive friends of Hberty and of mankind would es, tablish, for it is presumed, they have not yet digested their plan : their study has not been to build up, but to destroy : and to destroy has always been found much the easier work. We will not however despair of our commonwealth : We will not despair of our federal government. Let the wise and the good ; let moderate and thinking men of all parlies unite, and our government will be support- ed ; our country will be saved. Fourthly ; as vice and irreligion are the general concomitants, and to a greater or less degree, the nat- ural consequences of war, it is the duty of all good men, to use their best endeavours, to check the corrup- tions, and prevent, as far as possible, those moral evils to which the American people arc now more particu- larly exposed. In a time of wa-, a large portion of the men are drawn off from the peaceful and sober occupations of life, and have it not in their power to attend on the stated and regular institutions of religion. Armies marching from place to place, and occupied in the dreadful busi- ness of destroying the lives and the property of their fellow creatures, are not only out of the way of reli. gious improvement, but they are in the way to lose what good impressions may heretofore have been made upon their minds, and to contract feelings extremely unfriendly to piety and virtue. . 31 But if men, taken from the sober employments of life, are exposed to corruption, and to the great vices, in one species of warfare more than another, I have thought that kind of predatory warflire, which has in- deed been countenanced by civilized nations, as well as by the more savage, is the most dangerous to the morals of men, and the most vitiating of any. No- thing can be offered in justification of this sort of war- fare but the custom of nations. It must be obvious to every reflecting mind, that this kind of warfare draws into exercise the worst of the human passions. Men who engage in it, engage for plunder. They make their attack, whenever they can, on un- armed merchantmen ; and the language is exactly tlie same as that used by robbers on the land,— (/f'/irtT your property, or you must die. These observations I do not make with particular reference to our own country, but they are meant to be general ; and I hope the time will come, when the rulers of the nations, will not think of giving their sub- jects commission to plunder the innocent and unarm- ed at sea, any more than they would give a commis- sion to plunder the innocent and unarmed on the land. I know not that any of my hearers have been, or are engaged :i- this kind of warfare, and therefore none will take oifence. As that species of warfare called privateering, appears to have a peculiar tendency to harden the hearts, and to deprave the affections of those who engage in it, I hope it will be discouraged by the good people of this country ; and really, from the few attempU which have been made since the present ■A, 32 war commenced, it does not appear to be a business which good calculators will be apt to pursue. But as war, under the most favourable circum- stances in which it can be viewed, is a calamity, which all good men deprecate, both on account of the destruc- tion which it occasions, and the crimes which attend it, our hearts desire and prayer to God is, that the war in which our country is now engaged may be speedily terminated. Surely the great body of the people can- not wish to have the war continued. What can they gain by it ? I know not any thing ; but if it be contin- ucd, the losses in lives, in property, in comforts, and every thing valuable, will be immense. Surely the government of the United States cannot wish to have the war continued. When it is considered, that the measure was not obtained but with great opposition, and with a small majority ; and that the opposition will prevent the raising and supporting an army suffi- cient for any great achievements, it may be presumed the administration will embrace the first opening for an honourable settlement with the nation, on whom the attack has been made. And an opening we think is now presented. The British government has taken an important step, and by an act of justice, removed the great occasion of the war. I say the great occa- sion, because the other articles enumerated in the Pres- ident's cleckration, and in die manifesto, are of minor consideration ; and may, no doubt, be honourably set- tled by a treaty. However unjustifiable the conduct of the British government toward the United States may have been 3$ heretofore, it must be said, the prompt manner in which the obnoxious orders in council were removed on the first authe.nic account which that government received of the revocation of the French decrees, was truly honourable. And su.eiy the conduct of British offi. ceis in h.Kh eonmiand, iu America, has been generous, fur bcyoi.d H'hat we had reason to expect, since the present war commenced. Early care was taken by the governor cf Ca.uvda, and the governor of Nova- Scotia, th .t '■ubject. of the United States on the frontiers, and on ihe .ca-coasts, should not be disturbed ; and equal- ly reneroushas beeu the conduct of the commander of the'-oquadron, on the American station, (Admiral Saw- yer) in protecting the small coasting vessels from, plunder and capture, by ships cruising on our shores. The manner also in which officers under the British gov- ernment have hastened to communicate to our govern- ment, the revocation of the orders in council, and in proposing an Armistice, by sea and by land, by which a stop may be put to the farther shedding of blood, must place those officers high in the esteem of all who de- light in the peace and prosperity of our country. W e hive confidence that our government will most cheer- fully meet the advances on the part of the British, and that an tnd may be speedily put to a war, certainly unnecessary under present circumstances, whatever gentlemen may have thought of it, when it was proclaimed. Should our government embrace the opportunity to make peace, which seems now to be fairly openmg, we may, in a short time, experience 5 34 u f \\ w. a change which will fill every heart, with joy and gladness. But should the door be shut, and the voice of our gov- ernment " still be for war," (which I pray God in his mercy will prevent) calamities may be expected, such as our country nev.. experienced. In the present divided, and unprepared condition of the American States, no war, unless it be purely defensive^ can be car- ried on to any effect. If war be attempted at a gxeat distance, M^ith the view of making conquests in an ene- my's country, the armies which can be raised for such- purposes, will probably be \vastcd in battles and in sick- ness ; and such as shall survive, may be obliged to return without laurels, or rewards for their sufferings. I hope that for these unfavourable conjectures, I shall not be deemed an enemy to my country, or be treated, as the author of our text was treated by the government of his country. Because Jeremiah fore- told the misfortunes which would attend the measures which the people were pursuing, he was cruelly per- secuted, and cast into a dungeon. God knows I wish well to my country ; and I pray our rulers may know " the things which belong to their peace, at least in " this their day ; before the things of their peace, be " hidden from their eyes." Fifthly ; at all times, and more especially in times of war, it is the duty of all serious and good people, to do their utmost, to promote the work of repentance and reformation ; so that the procuring cause of the ca- lamity being removed, the calamity also may be taken ■a 35 away. We are to consider war as a judfrment of Heaven. It has always been so considered by men of religion, and is so considered in the President's proclamation for the observance of this day. " This " day is set apart, for the devout purposes of render- " ing to the sovereign of the universe, and benefactor " of mankind, the publick homage to his holy attri- " butes ; of acknowledging the transgressions which " might justly provoke the manifestations of his divine " displeasure, of seeking his merciful forgiveness and " his assistance in the great duties of repentance and " amendment." In whatever way, war is brought upon a nation, whether by the rashness or folly of the men in power, or by an unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of its rights, war is to be considered as a judgment inflicted for crimes against God. Look into the writings of the old Testament and the New, and you will find this opinion supported by Moses and Jesus ; by the prophets and apostles. When a nation therefore is suffering under the calam- ities of war, deliverance is not to be expected, until there be an ^appearance of reformation. And there- fore, as we hope and pray for peace, we shall do all in our power to reform those who are wandering from the 1 .^^nt way, and to promote true piety, righteous- ness and charity in the places where we live. And I trust in God that he will listen to the prayers of multi- tudes of serious people, which are offered to him this day, from all parts of our country. We may charita- , / ; 36 bly hope, that notwithstanding the difit-rcnt and oppo- site opinions which are entertained, with respect to the necessity and expediciicy of the war, the various de- nominations ofchristians throughout the United Slates, will unite in their prayers, that God would give his people rciK'ntance, and remove away the calamity which is beginning to fall upon them. If the people of our nation, be humble and sincere in their devotions, and in their resolutions of amend- ment, they are furnished with abundant reason to hope, from the divine clemency, and from past interpositions of providence on their behalf. In times of danger and of war, our fathers humbled themselves before God, and he was pleased to shew them his salvation. " When threatened with die most severe of all tempo- ral calamities, we may prostrate ourselves before the God of heaven and pray, that he would be pleased " to avert the tokens of his anger, and remember for *' us his former loving kindnef'S.'"* Jehovah was the defence of our fathers in times of trouble ; and they could say, they "never sought him in vain." Sixthly ; in time of war, as in all times of suffering and of danger, it is expected that serious people will be " instant in prayer." " In their affliction," said an holy prophet, " they will seek me early." People in their proh,peiity, at ease \\\ their dwellings, and having none to make them afraid, have very commonly be- come careless, and in many instances have appeared • novernnr S(rnng's proclamation for n fast, July 23, 1812, in consequence of the dt-cluraliuu of war. (( i( 37 to lose that sense of dependence on God, which they felt when in humbler circumstances. The wise and the righteous sovereit^n of the woild hath seen fit to afflict his people, when they were tJius unmindful of his goodness, and became worldly and sensual in their affections. Such was the course of discipline which God used with the children of Israel ; and such is the course which we may expect God will use with the American people, who have been highly favoured, but who have not been careful to obc}' his commandaients, and to offer unto him, those religious acknowledge- ments, which were due for his unmerited goodness. We are now corrected for our faults. In our affliction it is expected that we humbly implore the divine mer- cy. As the people of the United States are common sufferers, under the present calamity, they are called, on this day, to make their common supplications to the God of heaven, that he would " mercifully forgive " them, and however unworthy and ill-deservhig, that " he would take them under his peculiar care and " protection." If the duties of this day, be performed with serious- ness, and the prayers which are offered be made in faith, and in humble dependence on the mercy and goodness of God, we may hope he will remove from us the present calamity, and grant us peace. The scrip- tures of the Old and of the New Testament abundant- ly teach us, that we may hope not only to be delivered from evils, but to be admitted to the richest blessings, if we sincerely repent of our iniquities, and are instant f ■: ^J 38 in our prayers and supplications, to a gracious heaven- ly Father. But it is to be considered, we may ask and not re- ceive, *' because we ask amiss." Our expectation of receiving the things which we pray for, must be on the ground, that the things which we pray for, be prop- er for us to receive. We may pray for health, but God may see fit to afflict us with sickness. We may pray for riches, but God may see that riches would increase our pride, and give us the means of becom- ing more wicked, and therefore he may deny us what we request. In the present circumstances of our country, we may pray that God would go forth with our armies, and enable them to accomplish whatever they shall un- dertake ; but God may see that the war, in whole or in part is unjust, and refuse to grant his blessing. — And here, I confess to ycu, I feel extremely embar- rassed. Were the war which our rulers have pro- claimed purely defensive^ I should have no difficulty in making humble and earnest prayer for divine aids ; but when the war is not for defence only, but for con- quest, and the conquest of a people who have never injured us, in that part at least, the war appears to me unjust ; and therefore I must be excused, if I do not pray, that God would bless our armies on an expedi- tion, to which I could not give my services with a good conscience. I confess before God, I do not see that it is just to send lire and sword among an innocent people, be- \:\ 39 cause the government under which they live, a govern- ment between three and four thousand miles distant, has passed some laws which bear hard on our rights. I do not see that it is just to destroy an innocent people, because they retain their allegiance to a sovereign, whom we have declared -to be our enemy.* Such is the weakness of the human mind, and such the prejudices which men have m favour of their own schemes, that they often ask God to succeed them when they ought not to be succeeded, and to bless them when their pursuits are unjust and wicked. When two nations are at war, both of them think their cause is just ; both appeal to God, and endeavour to en- gage his protecuon and blessing. How careful then ought the rulers of a nation to be, that they have just cause, before they proceed to the last extremity, and call on their subjects to inflict the greatest of all pu- nishments, on such as may have offended them. A writer of the first reputation on the law of nations, in one of his chapters on war, has the following excel- lent observations. " Whoever forms to himself the " idea of war, considers its terrible effects, its dc- " structive and unhappy consequences, must agree, "that it should never be undertaken, without the "strongest reasons. Humanity is shocked at the " sovereign, who, without reason, exposes his people " to the havock and miseries of war, when they might • See the proclamation of Brigadier General Hull, to the inhabitants of Canada. "The United States offer jou peace, liberty and security — yoiir " choice lies between these, and WAa, slavery, and destuuction! I ! I :/i i / II n 40 "enjoy an honourable and salutary peace.— ""xsides " the misfortunes drawn on his subjects, for which he « is accountable, he is guilty also of those he carries " amidst an innocent peojile. The slaughter of men, " the pillage of cities, the devascation of provinces " are his crimes. lie is responsible to God, and ac- countable to .aan, for evert/ person that is killed ! ' War is so dreadful a scourge, that nothing less than manifest justice, joined to a kind of necessity, can " authorize it. The right of making war, belongs to " nations no farther than is necessary to their defence, " and the support of their rights. To take arms lavv- '' fully, there must be just cans of complaint; satis- " faction must have been demanded of the offending " nation, and denied. And when the injured nation " has determined to prosecute its rights by force of " arms, it owes this further regard to humanity, and "especially to the lives and tranquillity of the subjects, to declare to the unjust nation, or to its chief, its in- tention to make use of open force for bringing the " offender to reason." This i- called, declaring war. How happy would it have been for die nations of Europe, had they al- ways observed the moral principles, with respect to war, laid down by this excellent writer. Had the present emperor and king of the French been brought up at the school of Vatteh and imbibed the pure doc- trines taught by him, he would not have spread slaugh- ter and misery through a great part of Europe. I have proceeded as far perhaps, as may be neces- sary, in considering the duties which we are particu- (< (( 41 larly called to perform, at this season of vvarilire and danger. As citizens of the United States, so fiir as the present war, in which our country is engaged, or may be engaged, shall appear to be clearly in defence of our most important rights, we are bound to g've our assis- tance, in such personal services, or other aids, as may be required of us. But while a defensive war is justifiable, on the com- mon principle of self-preservation, and it may be pre- sumed that all parties in our country, would unite in repelling invaders, we cannot feel satisfied that it is our duty to assist in conquering and destroying our neigh- bours, who have never injured us, solely because they are subjects of a monarch who has injured us. We consider war, as one of the greatest evils which can come upon us ; we shall therefore do all in our power, which appears to us consistent with justice and equity, to bring the war in which our country is now engaged, to a happy and honourable iusue. We la- ment the threatening divisions among the people, and as citizens and christians, we will endeavour to heal them ; and, if possible, bring the present contending parties to unite in some generous plan, for the public good. As a season of war, has generally f)rbved to be a season of corruption and abounding iniquil}^ we will not only endeavour to check the progress of vice, but to encourage and strengthen evcvy good principle, and promote, to the best of our abilities, the duties of piety, righteousness and charity. ^ 6 K iZXr g-HW«««^ "Jjftjl- t / 42 Let our prayers be incessant. " Laying aside all mal- " ice, and all guile, and hypocrisies and envies, and all " evil speaking," let us draw nigh to God with sincere desires, and with pure affections ; and may he, who has always heard the prayers which proceed from up- right hearts, hear our prayers, and grant us Peace. AMEN. f'i/ EhiOT, Printer, // N ^-^/M t-^M ' /C, . %l> 1 .^-'