troops of Spain, of Naples, and of Portugal, have, in pretty rapid succession, severally taken a stand, to effect a change in their respective governments, and to introduce a greater extent of liberty. Even kings have been controlled by the menacing attitude of regular troops, and obliged to comply with their demands.

There seems to have been a kind of contagion in the spirit or sentiments by which these sons of violence have been animated ;and it is possible that this contagion will be diffused throughout the world, and cause a general revolution in the forms of governments. A revolution effected by regular troops, may be designed in Providence, as a means for the abolition of military establishments-and a consequent abolition of the atrocious trade of public

war.

When regular armies shall understand, that governments are dependant on them, and liable to be changed by their influence; and when rulers shall perceive that their preparations for war may all be turned against themselves,-that the troops which they have armed for the purposes of destruction, and on which they have relied for their own defence, may be induced to employ their swords for the subversion or curtailment of regal power,―a new order of things will occur. Rulers may find it needful to change their policy, and for their own safety to cultivate the principles and spirit of peace. They may be led to reflect with horror on the atrocity of that system which has so filled the world with professional murderers,---which has so banished from the minds of these men all due regard to human life, and taught them to glory in the work of human slaughter. The events which have occurred in Europe are adapted to open the eyes of soldiers, and to lead them to reflect on their own condition-and to understand that they, as well as others, have personal rights, which ought to be respected; and we hope they will also learn, that they were made for better purposes than that of destroying and being destroyed, and that their lives are of too much value to be gambled away in the needless and disgraceful contests of men in power. The soldiers of different countries will probably learn, that there is no reason why they should shed each other's blood for alleged offences which neither of them ever committed, or in deciding quarrels which they never made, and in which they have no personal concern.

When soldiers shall have made these advances in knowledge, rulers will be induced to settle their controversies like rational and civilized men, rather than expose themselves to the vengeance of soldiers, whom they have educated for works of violence.

It is not, however, our wish, that the soldiers of any country should employ their skill in the work of slaughter against those who have caused them to be instructed. On the contrary, we ardently desire, that the soldiers of every land may be taught the principles of peace, before they shall have become apprized cf the degraded condition in which they have been held.

Considering the multitude of unprincipled men, who have been bred up to the trade of violence and cruelty; it cannot be denied that the late occurrences have an alarming aspect, as they relate to the safety of rulers. This aspect becomes still more alarming when we consider the justice with which the Lord of all might make the preparations for human slaughter, the means of ruin to the principal agents in promoting them. This would be causing them to "eat the fruits of their own ways, and to be filled with their own devices." Still we hope in the mercy of God, that better things are ordained for men in power. We hope that their eyes will be seasonably opened, to see the wickedness of that policy, which has trained up so many of the human race for the purposes of ambition, violence, and butchery, and which has attached glory to crimes of the deepest dye. We hope also, that they will be disposed to employ their own influence to dispel the delusion and to correct the error, by teaching and exemplifying the doctrines of "peace on earth," and "good will to men." This is "the noblest of all ambitions." By such a change of policy, and by acting the part of beneficent fathers and guardians, they may secure the affection and esteem of their subjects, abate the ferocity of soldiers, gradually disband and provide for their subsistence, and thus free themselves and their dominions, from the terror of myriads of armed men, trained to delight in havoc and violence..

If rulers wish to have their own lives respected, they should evince a tender regard for the lives of others, and cease to educate men for mischief and manslaughter.

If governments are surprized at the course adopted by the troops of Spain, Naples, and Portugal,-let them seriously consider, whether it is not still more wonderful, that armies of such men have for ages submitted to the condition of military slavesthat while the arms of their respective governments were in their own hands, and they themselves deprived of liberty-they have so long consented to be instruments of oppression and cruelty to fellow-beings, and to shed each other's blood in the atrocious and sanguinary games of their rulers!

In the whole history of human beings, there is perhaps nothing more wonderful, than the patience with which armies, habituated to violence, have endured intolerable privations, the loss of liberty, extreme sufferings, and cruel abuses, under the controul of a few men, weak and vulnerable as themselves;—and all this, while these very soldiers were the strength of their oppressors.

How astonishing is the fact, that Napoleon Buonaparte could induce or compel five hundred thousand men of different countries, to expose themselves to the perils of the Russian campaign! while in truth the greater portion of these men had a hundred fold more cause of complaint and anger against him, than against any Russian who fell by their arms!

Shall men always remain such dupes to military ambition? "God forbid !"

Perhaps nearly all the rulers in Europe would have applauded the conduct of Napoleon's army, had they unanimously refused to march into Russia, or to shed blood in such a cause. Yet in approving such a just and noble act, they would have implicitly censured every war which has occurred between civilized nations. For each of those wars, on one side if not on both, was as positively unjust and unnecessary, as the wanton war of Napoleon on Alexander,-If in all such cases the soldiers of different nations would boldly assert their right of exemption from murderous conflicts, and refuse to kill one another; they would deserve and receive the applause of enlightened men of every country.

Happy would it be for the world, if the recent occurrences should open the eyes of rulers and their subjects, to see the barbarity of public war. It was of barbarous origin; and notwithstanding all the improvements and embellishments of civilization, it is still barbarous in its motives, its spirit, its laws, its principles, and its practices. Its abominations transcend all the powers of description; and the glory attached to its crimes caps the monstrous climax of human follies and delusions.

FRIENDLY QUERIES AND INTIMATIONS.

Was there ever an object proposed of greater importance to the world than Peace on earth and good will among men? What insti tutions, aiming at objects of equal importance, have been less encouraged by donations, or have done more according to their funds, than Peace Societies?

Shall an object of such universal interest fail of accomplishment for want of pecuniary aid; or shall the practical language of the mass of Christians continue to be-Millions for war, but not a cent for peace? What better than war can be expected from such a principle!

Are there not many men of wealth, who are not only able but willing to make donations to promote the cause of peace? Shall it much longer be true, that, except the worthy President-the greatest donor to the Massachusetts Peace Society is a Gentleman in India, many thousand miles distant from the United States? See auspicious occurrences, p. 40.

Are there not Gentlemen and Ladies of our own country, near the close of life, who will give their dying testimony against war, by bequeathing something to effect its abolition? How can any good person think of leaving the world, having done nothing to promote a cause so noble and benevolent?

Are there not philanthropists in every part of the country, who will exert their influence to multiply Peace Societies?

Are there not members of the M. P. S. who would willingly

double their annual subscription, or become Life Subscribers, to increase the means of doing good? And will not each member exert himself to obtain at least one new member. that the present number of members may be doubled before the year shall close!

Should there be ten years of due exertion in Great Britain and the United States-in the several forms which have now been intimated-such impressions would probably be made on public sentiment, as to preclude every prospect of future wars between the two countries. In the mean time the probabilities of civil wars in the United States, and wars between these states and other nations, would be continually diminishing. For the probabilities of future wars diminish, in proportion as the friends of peace are multiplied. Who then shall despair of success, or refuse his aid?

I. MASSACHUSetts.

AUSPICIOUS OCCURRENCES.

A Boston gentleman has obtained the PREMIUM of public approbation for declining a duel, and for resorting to the laws of his country for protection against a man who demanded an opportunity to shed his blood. Thus virtuous sentiments have gained a victory over the principles of barbarism.

II. ALABAMA. "At a late session, the Legislature passed a law for the suppression of duelling. Besides other provisions of the act, the second section declares, that all concerned in a duel shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned three months, be fined not exceeding two thousand dollars, and for ever disqualified from holding any appointment of honour or profit in the state." National Intelligencer.

III. INDIANA. "At the last session of the Legislature, a law was passed directing that any person,-travellers excepted-wearing any dirk, pistol, sword in cane, or any other unlawful weapon concealed, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, by presentment or indictment, shall be fined a sum not exceeding $100 for the use of country seminaries." See also the protest of the Richmond Grand Jury, p. 34. IV. SPAIN. "In the government Gazette of July 7th there is a lively eulogium on the Peace Societies of this country." Boston Daily Advertiser. V. INDIA. J. N. Mooyaart, Esq. a benevolent magistrate of Ceylon, has made a second donation to the Massachusetts Peace Society, of $20. His first donation was $25. Is there not a voice to some wealthy Gentle men-" Go thou and do likewise ?"

VI. By information from various parts of the United States, we learn that strong desires have been expressed in favor of the general introduc tion of school books which may be adapted to imbue the minds of the young with a love of peace and an abhorrence of war. A more reasonable and important desire has seldom been expressed ;—should it prevail, and its object be attained, durable benefits will unquestionably result.

It was expected that our list of auspicious occurrences in this Number would be enlarged by accounts from London; but we have received no copies of the Herald of Peace of later date than the Number for March.

N. B. The HON. JOSIAH QUINCY has been appointed to deliver an Ad. dress to the M. P. S. at the next Anniversary.

Deceased Members. At Weymouth, Dr. N. Lovell and Dea. E. Bates. At Hollis, N. H Daniel Emerson, Esq. President of Hollis Branch of M.

P. S.