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3
.U,A
_J
PEACE OR WAR:
AN ADDRESS
ON
HESTORING PEACE TO OUR BORDERS,
AND TO CANADA :
WITH KE5IARKS UPON THE
ELEMENTS OF WAR, USEFUL REFORMS,
AVOIDING WARS, AND ENJOYING TRUE PEACE.
BY A FRIEND OF PEACE.
UTICA:
PRIKTEO FOR THE AUTHOR.
t * l^^k • • • •
1838.
*
I
i~, .-~:i I ^ 3 -4*
/ '
#
I
/ •
THE PROPOSITION:
Con Pjsacb be hbstoked, and uskful Repokms be greatly fbomotbb
without wars and fighting ?
INTRODUCTION.
The following Address was wiitten before it was known that the
Reformers, or Patriots, of Canada, so called, had evacuated Navy Island ;
(and might have been published had money been ready to pay the printer.)
But the evacuation of that island does not materially affect the question
of Peace and War; nor close the door* against the restoration and
salvation of the Canadian Patriots and others; nor against the Peace
and most useful Reforms in Canada, our own country, Great Britain, or
sther parts of the world.
Who can tell us where to find the elements of war?
Upon this question some remarks and evidences may be found afjei
the close of the fol'uvving Address, which was prepared before the 15tti
inst. As no one will be compelled to read, an apology for writing ans!
Dublishins: is deeniod unnecessary.
*^ ^ 'a friend of peace.
Utica, January 18, 1838.
• '• Behold, 1 have s"t hi'Hjre thee nn open door, and no man can sliiit it ;— for thou
haat a lit'le strength, ami ha«t Kept my vsord, and hnet not denied my tjottk."— Rev.
rit: 8.
»m
CANADIAN REVOLUTION,
AICD
BRITISH AGGRESSION
To the citizens of Utica, Oneida county, and .state of NeW'Yorh:
Fellow.Citizens, — From what you have lately heard, you mav
now .SCO, witli tlie mind's eye, uj)on Navy Island, in the Niagara
river, several hundred, perhaps thousands, of our fellow beings,
(some of whom may heretofore have been worthy citizens of our
own beloved country,) standing between two of the most powerful
nations* on earth, in almost as [ rilous and frightful a situation as
those (if any remained alive,) who in the late plundered and burning
American steamboat, found themselves rapidly approaching the
foaming rapids to the irrecoverable gulf of Niagara's loud thundering
cataract.
Shall we remain silent inactive spectators of such scenes? Do
you ask — What oan lawfully be done ? or why should we raise our
hands, or open our mouths, even peacefully, to save lawless and rebel -
ious subjects and traitors ?
A STIMULATING EXAMPLE.
Let me ask you, were Hancock, Adams, Washington, and all the
patriots of our American revolution, rebels and traitors ? Were Lafay-
ette and other patriotic foreigners, lawless rebels and traitors, because
they also would hazard their lives and fortunes in that struggle for the
rational freedom, equal rights and liberties of all men ? Even if it
were so, their example and success, and our enjoyment of liberty,
peace and prosperity, as the fruits of their united labors, under the
special providences of God. may have been the first and continually
stimulating causes of the attempted revolution in Canada, and of t' o
error, perhaps, of those patriotic citizens of ours (if any there be,)
who now stand upon Navy Island ready to bleed and to die with the
fugitives, or patriots, of Canada.
* See the officers of our own government striving to Maintain strict neutrality ; —
and the powers of the British lion, or his lets honorable Canadian tigtrs, throwing shot
and shells, and preparing for murderous externination by the sword, and with th»
more disgraceful halter.
«-'-i<,fe
6
rP" WICKBD M0TIVB8.
Let us suppose their motives to have been and to be, as we have
some reason to fear those were in the iate Texian revolution— a spi-
rit ofcovetousncss and avaricious specvlatmi—wcfxhh, power and ag.
grandizemont for the few, and hard labor and slavery for the many,
bven then we have the benevolence of Hearon for an example to
put forth a friendly hand in peace, to restore peace, and to save those
Who are now upon Navy Island, or olsowhoro, in wars and fighting.
MRRCY AND nENEVOLKNCK OF HEAVKH.
Whoa the glorious Son of God foresaw a world of rebels, (our-
nclves not excepted) against his holy Falhor's mild and wise govern-
ment and glorious kingdom of happiness and endless peace : and all
the rebels wore swiftly descen.iing with their arch deceiver into the
tiry and fathomless abyss of endless misery, to suffer his Father's
just and holy indignation ; He, in astonishing mercy, pity, lov; and
heavenly benevolence, quickly promised to leave the realms of eter-
nal glory to open a way and become the door of their salvation ; and
in due time He came proclaiming " Peace on earth, and good will
towards men"-" Glory to God iu the highest." Ho finished his •
work and returned to glory.
CHRISTIAN EFFORT ; OR, FAITH AND GOOD WORKS.
With such an example of heavenly love and benevolence before
us, will not all the followers of Christ; all true friends of Christ and
ot peace in this city, county, state and nation, make one peaceful
ejfi^t upon the heavenly principles of forhcarance, benevolence, Im^,
and permanent universal peace, to persuade those men, (in arms upon
Navy Island, or wherever they may be in arms,) and all the Cana-
dian pa riots, to lay down their carnal weapons of death and selfish
personal defence, and to trust only in Him who can easily mould the
Hearts of all men and rulers (princes and kings not excepted,) to do
justice, Iove,.mercy, and strive to promote and establish the rights of
man upon the permanent rock of brotherly love in Christ ? "
GOVERNMENTS MAY BR JUST AND MERCIFUL.
This being done, and an armistice concluded, would not our own
and the T^ntish government restore all those would-be reforming
patriots to all the rights and privileges they before enjoyed in this
country, or in Canada and Great Britain, and allow them, in com-
mon with others, to enjoy all the rights and privileges which all men
ought to enjoy in every country : the patriots themselves (or rebels
as they may be called,) always being governed by the pure princi-
pies ot heavenly love and peace ?
A DOOR OF HOPE — IF NEGLECTED, DANGEROUS.
Who cannot see that there is a door open, not only for their tem-
poral and eternal salvation, but for avoiding the most sanguinary
wars which have ever disgraced the earth ? And shall we, in such
ca«e, continue to slumber and fold our hands, and not open our mouthw
or move our feeU until the late fire of war kindled in Canada, and
upon Niiigara'8 banks and its awful brink, and ready to bo rekindkd
in Texas and among the Indians and Slaves, and by numerous mob«
all over our laud whall rapidly extend, and stain every part of tk
earth, and dye the seas with floods of human blood ?
A CHANGE OF POaiTION MERELY, CANWOT CLOSE THE DOOB.
If we may presume that those men will escape from Navy Island
before any thing can be done to restore peace, yet if they, or others,
remain in arms against Great Britain, or the United States, will not
the door still be open for restoring peace and establishing the true
rights and liberties of man upon permanent principles of peace, under
the heavenly Prince of eternal peace and glory ?
BIOHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE BY MEANS OP TRUE CHRISTIAN 80LDIESR.
Who will presume to say that righteousness and peace cannot
prevail upon the earth, when all the true followers and thoroughly
made willing volunteers of ihe Prince of peace, arise at his command
and stand up, and go forth in faith, with the sword of the spirit of
Ood, the eternal word of God, in their hands and hearts and upon
their tongues— making them more wise than serpents and more harm-
less than doves ?
CHRISTIANS IN FAITH AND THE POWER OF GOD.
Would not twelve righteous men, *^full of the Holy Ghost and of
J'aitK'^ in " Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God," do
more towards restoring peace, reforming Canada, and greatly im-
proving our own country, than twelve hundred, or twelve thousand
common soldiers, under ambitious, proud, self-conceited and willful
officers ?
THE GOSPEL OP CHRIST THE WORD OF GOD.
Could twenty thousand copies of the gospel of Christ be distribui-
ed by such men, upon the banks of the Niagara, the shores of LakeiJ
Huron, Erie and Ontario, and down the banks of the St. Lawrence
to the ocean, would it not be productive of much greater and infinite-
ly more useful reforms, peaceably, than could be effected by twenty
thousand soldiers armed with the instruments of death?
Do not these things require the immediate, candid and serious
attention of all the friends of peace and humanity, and of all men
every where ?
CLOSE.
Let us consider, and deliberate and act wisely and prudently, but
promptly and as efficiently as possible — always without fear of man,
and ever in the fear of God, and for the best good of all men.
A FRIEND OF PEACE.
IJtica, January 15tb, 1838.
»».'JC-
8
ELEMENTS OF WAR IN MAN.
REMAItRS, iiC, ,, .
Who can tell us where to find the Elements of War ? If thcy
aro noi to be foimd in our own bosom, need we go out of our city,
county, siul(! iiiul nation to Canada, Mexico, South America, or to
tlic Eastern Hemi.spherc?
" From whence como wars and h'hling among yon 7— Come they not hence eren
01 your lusts that war in your inombers ? Ve hut, ond have not ; yo kill, ond deaira
to hare, and cannot obtain ; yo fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ash not. Ye
nsk, and recoivo not, beciiuso yo ask amiis, that yo may consume it upon your lusts."
M. .las. .v: 1, 2, J. In tlio l.st chapter of his Epistle ho said, " Let him ask in faith,
nothing wavering. ' St. Jas. i:C.
ASK IN FAITH A.ND RE MADE FREE FROM SIN, AND ELEMENTS OF WAR.
His Ma.stor, Lord, and Friend, had said, "Ask and it shall be given you ; eetk and
yo fchall find, &c. " If yo, Uien, being evil, know linw to gim g„o destroy b-.ih soul and body i , hell. M'^'' j^; j^-, '^^"'^.'gg"
flock ; for it is your fatlier'e good pleasure to give you iho Uiiigdom. LuKe xii. «.
DECEIT.
"And Ihpy win deceive pvpry onohis neighbor, nnd will not «P^"|< ''i^/;;*'^:" .{V,[
;,. S ''IT* time workelb deceit, slnll moi dvv..|l witl.in my ii..««c. ; ho that telleth tes Bhail
II: 5. "•''»'*';^' , ',,,.",,/ „i. 7 u'i'|,e words of bs moiiib were smoother than
not tarry in my sisln. » ■'• « 'J- V'.V, & 03 - Bloody and deceitful men shall
butter, h<" «;;',;,-{;!;\f-;\?^^Evil men a,; fed cer, ihali w'ax worse and worse, de-
eSandSti ./;;l^v:d.-- 2 Ti^ iii: 13. "Beware lest men spoil y. ithrough
philosophy and vain deceit." Col. ii; 8.
0PPHE3SI0N.
" Behold the cry of the children of Isra^d i» come up /,'"'" •""'g""'^^!;^;,^
li:13. "Ye have despised the poor. Da not rich men ojrpress you ( Jai. n. 6.
" Let'not the proud oppress mo." I'e. cxix: 122.
INTEMPERANCE.
". Wine i« a moclcer and .hat are wicked to the sword." Jer. xxv: 31. " Be not deceived ;
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, noi effeminate, nor abusers uf then-
selves wiili mankind, nor tliievps, nor covetous, nor dr.inkards, .lor revilers, nor extor-
tioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Cor. vi: 9, 10. '-The wicked shall bj
turned into hell, and all the nations that forgot God." Ps. ix. 17.
UNBELIEF.
True believers in Revelation from God to man may discover in
these things some of the elements of war and tlieir final consequences
as well as present ruinous and destructive eflfects. But is there ne-
ver 9.ny unbelief among the professed followers of Christ? After
Christ's resurrection and first appearance to Mary Magdalene and
others, who had told the other apostles, " He appeared unto the ele-
ven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and
hardness of heart." (Mark xvi: 14.) And to Thomas he said, •♦Be-
cause thou hast seen me, thou hast believed ; blessed are they that
have not seen and yet believed." (St. Johnx.\:29.) "Abraham
staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was */ron^
in /ai/A giving glory to God." (Rom. iv: 20.) " He [Christ] did
not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Math,
xiii: 58.) " Because of unbelief they were broken oti", and thou
standest b^ faith/' " Be not high-minded, but fear." (Rom. xi. 20.)
"The /ear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Ps. cxi: 10.)
" Say ye not, A confederacy to all them to whom this people shall
say, A confederacy ; neither fear ye their fear." (Is. viii: 12.)
" The fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone —
which is the second death." (Rev. xxi: 8.)
BLASPIIEftiY.
Perhaps unbelief may be next in sin to the unpardonable sin
against the Holy Ghost. To blasphemous Jews Christ said, " Ye
serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation
of hell ?" ' (Matt, xxiii : 33. ) " Ye are of your father the devil, and
12
the lust3 of your father ye will do: he was a murderer from the be-
gining, and abode not in the truth ; because there is no truth in him."
CSt. John viii. 44.)
I.
ELEMENTS OP WAR SELF EVIDENT.
If the above extracts do not prove where the elements of war may
be found, perhaps other extracts from the inspired oracles might, ex-
cept to unbelievers ; and they might satisfy themselves by thorough
investigation and strict self examination, could they make it when
things come athwart their feelings and interests ; their pride, desire,
will, ambition, and party spirit.
WARS THROUfrH COVETOUSNESS, DISOBEDIENCE, AND HATRED.
Consider how much human blood has been shed in wars, occasion-
ed by coveting land and other property, since the discovery of Amer-
ica. Were not pride, lust, covetousness, &c. the principal elements
of those wars ? And not only of those, but of such as now rage upon
this continent, or elsewhere ; regardless of the commands of God, our
creator and constant preserver : viz. " Thou shalt not commit adul-
tery. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not
l)ear false witness. Thou shalt not covet." (Rom. xiii : 9.) Have
not all these commands frequently and repeatedly been disregarded,
and wilfully, and violently broken in every war ? Hatred, cruel and
murderous hatred, taking place of that love which is the fulfilling of
ail law.
PRESENT TIMES, AND ELEMENTS OF WAR, IN IDOLATROUS FASHIONS, &C.
And is there no covetousness, no avarice, no falsehood and decep-
tion, no theft, no adultery and fornication, no secret murders, no duels,
lio pride and cruel oppression connected with tho idolatrous fashions,
overtrading, and speculations of our times ? If there is, cannot every
man see that these things tend to divisions, contention, and war?
Idolatrous fashions, overtrading and speculation !* " Thy merchants
* Idolatroun fashions, cuttoms KttA traditions: [more European and Asiatic than
truly American,] introd uced by designing prcfessors and aristocratic bankers and their
agents ; the deceiving merchants, and siib-agenis ; the new fashion making mechanioa
and seamstresses ; for the purpose of mailing the rich \richer ; ths more idle, luxuri-
ous, extravagant and wicked : and the jwor poorer, more ignorant, extravagant,
idle, and vicious ; but not less devoted and deluded worshippers of the goddcsi fash-
ion, and strict observers of the customs and traditions of men.
To be more plain and explicit ; we may say that there are iMnlwr-er systems, in
the north as well as in the south, intended to burthen the people, and t^* ^e sustained
by them ; though they cause their ruin as individuals, and their utter ruin as a repub-
lican people ; even through their own vices, neglect and ignorance ; occasioned, per-
haps, bv suffering themselves to be deceived, and by the covetousness and deception of
many rjc/i, or reverond would bo gentlemen; and the pride and ambitious designs of
many wickedly aspiring politicians.
Hence the ruinous over trading, and more ruinous and wicked speculations; and the
political and i-religious /rau(Z.9 upon the people: unchecked, except in a fe sr instances,
by pure and undefiled religion ; about which great errors among the people, and some
errors by our government, with all their ruinous consequences, hear the parrot pratings
and hypocritical warnings ; the censures, accusations and charges, all over the iand,
tgainst the best of earthly governments ; as an artifice to blind, deceive, and mislead
he people, and to destroy the government ; that another government may be formed
ess willing to attempt to counUract the wicked designs of anti-Christ, Infidelity, Arts-
t(
8
O
ii
w
fc
S(
ai
ei
of
id
be
t-_.
n-13.) Look at the immenso dealings of our om couMrl'i '
less preoiou, stones, pearls, ivory, fine hnen, and c™to° DnT„ "^
scarlet, and si ks, and costiv wood in f.,m;f .„„ ''°"'"'> Pirple, and
people that ye be not partakers of her sins^ and that vei/ '' ""^^
of her plagues : for her sin« «!«"«
fatheri, may have luflee ' hemltfLT,^ h!l • ''^" "«"^-('hough they, or their
selves, and become "he aoran?ni'rJmintf^'^^'V "u' ""y ''"« "^^ceived them-
an effJrt to throw of? the roppresivvS, Zlf.L''"" °P.P!;«?«or8)-and making
""' Thbl^^^ '^^^^-^^■'^^0^^^^^ - variou^ part-
idoli -X : 'Ki^X'eS and Sr" ""-'o--"' fraud? deception, opprenio,.
before *ii bitool^uP ^ ' "'' ^"'"^ ""'^ ' "•^'^'"^ " K^"*"! '"d tAo^ougA reform
a., r.r.
14
importance to unnumbered millions. That this subject may be more
thoroughly examined, deeply considered, and more fully deliberated
upon by all those concerned, vfho are seeking after truth, these sug-
gestions, remarks, and extracts, are submitted to them and to the pub-
lic with much diffidence, and a hope that this efibrt will be charitably
considered.
HOW THE ELEITENTS O* WAR ABE DE8TB0YED.
Should it be found upon thorough and proper investigation, that,
by genuine " repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ," (Acts xx : 21,) all the individual elements of war become
null and void, subdued, and finally eradicated forever from the heart,
by the spirit and power of God, from each and every one, and all
those who love God Bnpremely, and thoir neighbors as themselves—
who reallv and sincerely " love God and honor the Son," and " walk
in the spirit," and willingly wear the "yoke "and "bear the cross
of Christ," and put on his peaceftil armor, ever remaining good ?\nd
faithful soldiers of the everlasting Prince of Peace, the King of Kings,
and Lord of eternal glory ; then the Truth, the Life, and the only way
to Eternal Life, may be found sopJa'n that "way.faring men, though
fools, shall not err therein." (Isa. xxxv : 8.)
PUBTBER SCBIPTURE EVIDENCE.
In proof of these heavenly things, much of the gospel of Christ
might be quoted. But, Avho can discern the things of the spirit of
God without his spirit ?
" The naturol mon receiveth not the things of the Spirit oi God, for they are foo)-
i»hn'^a8 unto him ; neither can he know iheni, because thry are spiritually discerned."
I Cor ii : 14. '* Except ye be converted and became as little children, ye shall not
enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Mac xviii : 3. "Except a man be born ofteater,
and of the spirit, he cannot eiUor into the kingdom of God." St. John iii: 5. " Gci
la&tpirit; and tliey that worshp Him must wurbhip Him in tpiril an^ in truth." —
(John iv: 24.) " If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Itom.
Tiii:9.) "They that are Christ's, have crucified the _/?e«/i, with the ajfectiont and
Iwila." "If we Ztue in the »pin7, let us walk in the spirit." (Gal. v: 24, 25.) And
love one another," and "oar neighbors as ourselves." Remembering that "without
Christ wc can do nothing " (John xv: 5.) And that St. Paul said, " I can do all things
ihroDgU Christ which strengtheneih mo.' (Phil, iv: 13.) Hero was faith in Christ,
who had said, "If n man love me, he willJceepmy words ; and my father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John xiv: 23.) "//
V« abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be
done unto you." John xv : 7.) " If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
" If ye love me keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall
Rive you anoilier comforter, that he may obide with you forever ; even the Spirit of
Truth— the Holy GAo»/— for he dwelleih with you, and shdU be in you." (John xiv :
14. 15, 16, 17 )
DUTY AND PRIVILEGE.
Is it not then plainly our most solemn duty, our great and glorious
fvririlege, to love God and to honor and obey his beloved Son our
Redeemer ; and to commit all things most cheerfully into his hand*
a-nd safe-keeping, (not excepting the persons and the things which
may Us under our care,) even our bodies, our temporal life, and tur
»«ul«, ♦'as unto a faithful creator." (1 Peter, it: 19.)
K,
kl:^
™WT, SAFETY, AHD PBACE,
«o good anJ^fiufilT '"^ ""I'-^e^vedly done. I think we shall firwi'
kill, but to pray forlTlZl'^u bless, and never curse, and never
^ pray lor all those who may despitefully u^e and persecute
'wIuldTh '"'l ''''^' ''"" HIOHX.OU^.S., P.ACE, A.I> .0^.
contrary wou^d'het^olfe^^ f"^^'- On the
good works; even efforts unwp^n^H^? ? ''^ productive of manv
borders and to ournJi^iZlZtt^^^^
without wars and Lht^t n«\r. k .^T?^ '"'^ useful reforms,
tionsof the earTcS un/n th ^* • ?''"^^*"^ ^° ^^^^ «» ^he na-
Lord without dlvL^bvhr«'';7'7''^'s?^.'^"^ ^''^''' liberty of the
our Lord and Savior m.rrri-'u A ^"^ ^^^ P^^^^ ^^^ jov of
the kingdom of God 'is no? r."t^ ^":f ^'^^I ""^ °"^ ^'^^^ ">or
peace, fnd Joy, in t //^;^S,^"^(^-\ IJ^. righteousness, and
to his glorious iSh " to unsln 1 f'^' 'u"*T" ^° ^P^^« '^'•"d ^v«,.
der.tand the true goWe, of c^.^.t :^ '^'^ ""'^ ^'^' «"^ "-
rnan ; reclaim hismX and wZJrin^ . ''"'''." "^^^ «P'"* ^^
earth with his knowleZrJ^hT^ ^""^P ' ^"d to f5 II the whole
Thro ^ ' ."g^teo"snes«, peace, praises and glorv
Ihese, my views and best wishes, ""^^g'^O-
are respectfully submitted, by
A FRIEND OF PEACE..
NOTE.
mipplied. I would simn V re '/rt 1 ^^ ocean--lrom whence they, are
aoul "dead in trespasses and sin7» V- '^ hvmgbody, where there i> a
J^us ChHst (as i'a .re manger) WTn'^trn.n^^^^^^^ "little child -
raent made by Christ the emcnLfJ\\ i' L'^^/ i)^rQ^xgh, the atoi>«-
t^e and A.ai^^ri^neiS^'^^XlS'^-f ^^ corresponding '^oricB of
i^iMf alone » ^St. Jame« ^ f'l^.h T -o b ' " ^'b-""? works is dead,
.,,a,; *iot by worKs 01 s»eii rigfateovanesi
■
16
'■ i
and hypocrisy, and diffusing a prosdyriag and sectarian party sfjirit, and
buildiaiK up gr(;atand splendid worldly churches, houses and societies, to
be seen of men, and applauded by the world ; and following after the idola-
trous fashions of the world, nor by dueUing, wars and fighting.
If Christ is in every man, (only as in all other created things,) bat not
brought to life and nourished in him, because the man, or persons, will not
let the Holy Spirit dMer his heart, and jorm the "little child Jesus "-^
the glorious Son of God ; (will not let himself become the " stable," the
•'manger" and the cradle of Christ, until the Holy Spirit thoroughly
cleanse him. and make him a meet temple for the indwelling of Christ
and of God,) as Christian light, knowledge and love. .Godly benevolence,
and " eternal life," the only hope of peace, righteousness and inconceiva-
ble glories :— If any one does thus voluntarily and wilfully reject the spirit
and crucify Christ within himself, and will not permit the Holy Ghost —
the only agent and power by whicH Christ can be termed in man — to
regenerate Christ within Liin, (llko ihe generation vf his fleshly body in
his mother Mary.) Does not such rejecting and crucifying man, know-
ing these things by the operations of God's spirit upon his conscience,
become a much more wicked and malicious crucifier of Christ than
those Jews who crucified his body in full manhood, as an impostor,
not knowing the wisdom and power of God? " For had they known it,
they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." (See the 1st and 2nd
chapters of I. Cor.
Let all those who would know more and more of th'2 mighty regene-
rating principles of Christ, truth, justice and goodness, and their peace-
ful, beneficial and glorious effects among the children of men, search the
scriptures, and fully understand the gospel of Christ. All those, if there
be a large majority of our countrymen, who will not see the light and
hear the truth, and love God supremely, and honor his Son, and do at all
times unto others as they would have others do unto them, cannot be too
quick in preparing for all the further desolations, and distress, and ruin,
which may come upon our country for her pride, unbelief, idolatries, ava-
rice, frauds and oppression ;* and upon them as individuals, even to end-
less misery, inconceivable woe, for their great sins against God, ingrati-
tude and murderous cruelty to his Son, for their disregard of their fellow
men, and of their own eternal welfare.
How different from those who truly love God and obey his commands
—who honor the Son as they honor the Father, and duly regard the rights
and views, and feelings, and the best interests of all their fellow men.
These things every humble Christian will do, and ever live, and joyfully
die in prayer aod faith. _
^ -^ A FRIEND OF PEACE.
• Consider the avaricious and land grasping policy of our European ancestors and
their descendants, from the first discovery of America to the present time, and their
treatment of native Americans. Wliere are they now ? Has not every part of their
country, (now erroneously called ours, for the earth i« the Lord's, and the fullness
thereof,) been stained wiih the blood of every tribe ? Whilst they perhaps were much
less guilty than their more favored and learned perwcutors. Next look at the kidnap'
ping robbery of Africa, and the cruel servitude and oppression of her sons and daiigh^
lers. And now observe the same kind of European avarice and tyrannical spint of
oppreMion, extending themselves over.and daily defrauding the poor every where, and
crushing them down to the earth by erabarrasiments, perplexities, and great servitude,
without mercy. \
I