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of peace on earth and good-will to

men."

I shall now conclude, with inviting you to co-operate with us, and lend your talents towards promoting among men the benevolent and peaceful principles of Christianity.—I am, Dear Sir,

Your obedient Servant,
Thos. Bell, Secretary.

Formation of an Auxiliary Peace Society at Nailsworth in Gloucestershire; as reported to the Parent Institution. Ir had, for a considerable time past, been apprehended by a few friends of Peace in this neighbourhood, that an Auxiliary Peace Society might be established here with advantage to the general cause; a variety of opposing circumstances, however, intervened, to delay its formation, until about a month since; it was at length determined to call a public meeting, for the purpose of forming such a society, which meeting was held on the 12th inst. [Sept.] when a society was formed, officers appointed, and the plan and objects of the Parent Society met with very cordial and general support.

The resolutions adopted were those recommended by the London Society, page 16, Fourth Report -with the exception of the 6th, which was a little modified, to meet the views of a few, who opposed its adoption in its original form: we hope, and indeed apprehend, that the spirit of the original resolution is, notwithstanding, in a good degree preserved, as the sentiments of those principally concerned in the establishment of this infant institution are decidedly in unison with those of the Parent Society; but the alteration was submitted to, in order to leave the door a little open to some (of whom there are very many in this neighbour hood) who go nearly, but not quite the whole length of the Society, as it respects war under every possible circumstance. The adopted resolu

tion is as follows:- "6th. That it is desirable that every person appointed on the Committee should hold principles on the subject of war, in strict accordance with those on which the London Society is founded;"-and in compliance with this resolution, a treasurer, secretary, and three other persons, were appointed to form a committee; four out of which five, hold principles in exact accordance with the Society. The principles of the person who forms the exception do not go quite to the same length, but we are in hopes that he will follow the example of some others amongst us, (among whom may be mentioned one of our committee) who acknowledge that they have long harboured an awful delusion in their bosoms on the subject of War, which a candid perusal of the Peace tracts has led them to discover, and which the power of the Most High has enabled them to cast off for ever.

We have fixed the sum which constitutes a member at 5s. per annum, and 11. donation, from an apprehension that we should thereby excite a more general interest than if the amount was larger; and that what we should lose in amount of individual subscriptions, would be amply compensated in numbers; which expectations have been fully realized. We have since the meeting been a good deal engaged in going round among the poor, and we find a very general and lively interest awakened in their minds on this subject, and they very freely contributed according to their means to its support; some 1s. others 6d.

Our collections at this time amount to about 121. and we hope to be able to accomplish considerable more yet. Great ignorance was found to prevail, as might be reasonably expected, in many instances, as to the object in view; but in almost all cases, strong sentiments of approbation, and hope as to ultimate success were expressed, so that we have

abundant reason to be afresh animated, to prosecute the divine cause with renewed, and, I trust, with abiding and persevering ardour.Darkness has long covered the minds of the people, on this subject, in this populous district; but we earnestly hope that a brighter day is beginning to dawn upon them, in which they will clearly see their duty to their God, who is a God of peace, and faithfully serve that peaceful Saviour, of whom it is written, Of the increase of his government, and peace, there shall be no end.

Enclosed is a Ten Pound Note.We wish that Tracts to half the amount may be sent as early as possible, equal numbers of each, with the last Report; and if you have them, a few of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reports as some wish to trace the progress of the Society from its formation.

We will send further particulars of names, &c. in the next communication. I remain, &c. &c.

A. R. Fewster, Secretary.

With the foregoing communication was received the following Address to the Inhabitants of Nailsworth, being an invitation to attend the Meeting adverted to in it :

To the Inhabitants of Nailsworth and its Vicinity.

Ar a time when the infinite importance of Christianity is so generally acknowledged, the exertions of all denominations of Christians called forth for its diffusion in the world, and prayers are every where ascending to the Father of mercies to crown these endeavours with success, it is desirable that the great features of this religion should be thoroughly known, and its aspect on the present welfare of mankind, as well as its future benefits, clearly exhibited.

In the anxious solicitude of the friends of Christianity for the eternal welfare of their fellow men, it will not be matter for wonder, should it appear that some of the interesting

VOL. III.

features of religion, as to the present state of society, have been overlooked; or that, feeling the powerful influence of Divine truth, they have been treated as of minor importance; from the indulged hope, that if its momentous realities with regard to futurity were once admitted into the heart, its regulations as to this life would inevitably follow.

The

In perusing the sacred writings it seems impossible to avoid the conviction, that the result of the triumph of Christianity must be the establishment of universal peace. predictions of its spread are accompanied with the most delightful exhibitions of the happy change which society should in this respect undergo, till, the destined object fully gained, the nations should learn war no more; and that in the full conviction of its annihilation, they should convert the instruments of warfare into implements of husbandry.

For 1800 years has the benign religion of Jesus been preached in the world; for a long portion of which, it has been acknowledged as the adopted system of the nations of Europe, and has constituted the professed basis of their jurisprudence and the principles of their government. Yet during a considerable part of this time wars have been as frequent and calamitous amongst them as in any known period of their existence; so that there is reason to apprehend their councils have not been duly influenced by the sentiment, That war is not only an antichristian practice, but subversive of the best interests of society.

Under these circumstances it must be admitted, either that Christianity is not true, or that men have overlooked its tendencies, and lost sight of its design in one of its most imis the latter of these alone, which has portant objects. A conviction that it produced such painful results, has led some friends of humanity to the consideration of the best means of bringing the peaceful features of the 2 U

religion of Jesus Christ more prominently into view.

Aware of the importance of enlightening the public mind, and determined to act in the spirit of a religion which breathes nothing but peace and good-will to men, certain individuals in England and America formed themselves into societies, having for their object to circulate temperate and judicious tracts, shewing the incompatibility of War with Christianity, and thus to bear a public testimony against both its principle and its practice, and to do all in their power to promote universal peace.

The commencement was, as might be expected, small, but the cause has attracted growing attention and obtained increasing support; nor is there any reason to doubt of ultimate success, since their object is in perfect unison with the final establishment of Messiah's Kingdom.

*

A desire of co-operating with these friends of humanity has induced a few individuals in this neighbourhood to attempt the formation of an Auxiliary Society at Nailsworth, in aid of this design; in doing which they conceive that they shall best promote the objects in view, by waiving all discussions on which any diversity of sentiment might arise among the friends of peace, and confine themselves to the effort of enlightening the public mind on the evils of war, and the total irreconcilableness of its practice with the genius of Christianity.

In thus standing forward as the advocates of universal peace, they feel that they are only discharging the duty of good members of society, and supporting the legitimate ends of all lawful governments. For certainly no better foundation can be

*Auxiliary Societies have been established at Swansea and Neath, Bath, Bristol, Glasgow, Tavistock, Edinburgh, Dundee, Darlington, Stockton, Southampton, Plymouth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Worcester, Gloucester, Hertford, Frome and Leamington; the London Society has also active Correspondents in many other parts of the kingdom.

laid for obedience to the righteous laws of a nation, than in cherishing and in endeavouring to diffuse those pacific principles which the Gospel inculcates, and thus securing the chief object for which governments profess to be established, namely, to preserve good order through every branch of society, and thereby to ensure the enjoyment of social happiness and tranquillity to all generations, when, in the delightful language of ancient Prophecy, every man may sit under his own vine, and under his own fig-tree,-where none shall make him afraid.

With the objects here avowed, you are invited to attend a Meeting, to be held on Wednesday the 12th instant, at the Independent Room at Nailsworth, at half-past six o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of forming such a Society, framing its regulations, &c. &c.

The following communication has been also received from Guernsey, by the Committee of the London Peace Society:

Proposed Auxiliary Peace Society.

To the Inhabitants of Guernsey. The disposition to promote the cause of permanent and universal Peace is happily prevailing amongst the several denominations, and may be considered, under divine favour, as the precursor of every good word and work; indeed, what general service can be successfully prosecuted without its benign auspices? "For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood." To become a member of this Association no compromise of religious principle is requisite: its motto is, On earth peace, good-will to men,' apart from political considerations: on this basis we may all meet, of every nation, availingly to promote the object of that peaceful prayer so often reiterated, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, &c.

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The harmonizing effect of this spirit is now more and more conspicuous in England, France, and America, by the formation of Peace Societies in those countries, with the prospect of other nations embracing the same principle. The Parent Society in London has issued the subsequent Circular; and the Paris Peace Society has adopted the same measure, addressed to respectable individuals, benevolent and philosophical Societies, throughout Europe.

The influence of this peculiar principle has already done more in France than any other effort of benevolent institutions, however excellent. Even members of the Church of Rome, of title and influence, have bowed to this divine principle, and unite with Protestants in the formation of a Peace Society, and under the patronage of the Government of France! The friends of peace, who are Protestants, are therefore now more loudly called upon to unite in this honourable measure, whether ecclesiastical, civil or military; for, even what military character can decline to unite with his peaceable neighbours and friends in promoting the happiness of man; can he, by his refusal, appear to countenance the renewal of the calamities of war? To be convinced that War is unnecessary, the perusal of that invaluable work, "The Herald of Peace," and the Tracts of the Society, are respectfully recommended.

N. B. For the Circular above adverted to, see the Number of this Work, for Sept. p. 278.

Reflections on War, illustrative of the Prediction contained in Isaiah ch. lx. ver. 18, 19.

[An Extract of a Sermon, by the Rev. Henry Forster Burder.]

At particular request we have been favoured with the following testimony against War, which we had the pleasure of hearing delivered from the pulpit :

No single word is there, in the whole compass of human language,

which conveys to the mind the idea of such an assemblage of evils, such a complication of horrors, as the term War. War is a system which embodies almost all the vices, excludes almost all the sympathies, and inflicts almost all the miseries which are to be found in the world. Yet, dazzled by its martial array, or intoxicated by its misnamed glory, or interested in its unhallowed gains, or deluded by its encomiasts in history or in poetry, what multitudes are there, even in a Christian country, who discern not its horrid features, and who shudder not at the thought of man shedding the blood of man !-Yet is not this for man to act a part which even demons act not towards each other?-

"O shame to men-Devil with devil damn'd
Firm concord holds; men only disagree
Of creatures rational, though under hope
Of heavenly grace; and God proclaiming peace,
Yet live in hatred, enmity and strife
Among themselves, and levy cruel wars,
Wasting the earth each other to destroy;
As if (which might induce us to accord,)
Man had not hellish foes enow besides,
That day and night for his destruction wait."
Paradise Lost.

How cheering then is the thought suggested and authorized by the language of inspiration, that the period shall arrive after which the history of the world shall record no more war; when the nations of the earth shall learn war no more'-when the science of military tactics, and gunnery and fortifications, and the art of manufacturing warlike weapons, shall be discarded, as worse than useless as insupportably revolting to the mind; when in the beautiful language of the prophet,— Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.' The walls and gates of great and fortified citics, whilst among the proudest monuments of national greatness, have been also among the most striking evidences of human depravity. What was it which gave

occasion to the stupendous wall of ancient Babylon, or to the hundred gates of ancient Thebes, or to the still more astonishing wall of China? What is it which still preserves in repair the fortified walls of so many cities on the continent of Europe, and still places watchful sentinels at their gates? What is it but the fear and jealousy and suspicion still inspired by the spirit of war and ambition and aggression? What is it but the same spirit, alive and active among the nations, which gives, or seems to give, occasion for those floating bulwarks to which Britain has so long looked for protection and for glory? What is it but this which has given to some of these "wooden walls," names at the very mention of which Christianity recoils, and humanity itself might blush! Oh for the arrival of the happy period, when the population of every city which has walls and gates, shall inscribe upon its' walls, Salvation, and upon its gates, Praise.'

Review of a Sermon, on the Doctrine and Spirit of Christianity, preached at York Street Chapel, Walworth, 21 Jan. 1821, by the Rev. George CLAYTON.

(Continued from p. 283.)

THE spirit of retaliation seems to constitute one of the most powerful motives of action in every human breast, which has not fully imbibed the mind of the Saviour: And even in those who have adopted the faith of the Gospel, and avow themselves as the followers of Jesus, it will often make its hated appearance. No period of life is exempt from its secret movements, or open operations.-The tender age of infancy does not escape from its venomous attack; nor is the callousness and indifference of age proof to its virulence. Yet the spirit of retaliation, whether it be viewed in its nature or consequences, is of infernal birth, and will, if indulged, completely estrange the mind

from God and from goodness. Therefore it is that our great and perfect lawgiver has directed his keenest censures against it, and has required from his disciples a measure of forgiveness unbounded in its nature, and unlimited in its duration ;—and therefore it is that his servants are bound continually to bear their public testimony against it.

We have already presented our readers with the two first divisions of Mr. Clayton's sermon upon this important subject.-The Third consists of the grounds upon which our Saviour's injunctions to forgive injuries proceed.

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"1. These are principles in strict conformity with the character of the blessed God. His tender mercies are over all his works.' He is kind and good unto all.' He opens the hand of unsparing liberality to his friends, and to his foes. He bears with the provocations of an ungodly world, and lengthens out the forfeited lives of his revolted subjects, even while they hurl the shafts of an impious rebellion at his throne! How exemplary his patience, how unwearied his long suffering! But I say unto you, love your enemies, that ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.'

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66 2. The command and the example of Jesus Christ powerfully recommend this spirit. He has most explicitly enjoined this great duty, as the text and many other passages of similar import evince, and his whole example from the manger to the grave illustrated and enforced his preceptive requirements.

3. It is a spirit pre-eminently characteristic of true religion. To return love for love, kindness for kindness, service for service, is nothing more than reason and nature will dictate and approve. But as for

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