Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1817-04-08

patronage, and thsir exeftions nave bcen-crowned
with unexpected success. Among these there are
few whose object is so important as that of Peace
Societies. Christians cannot be unmindful of the
obligations they under to promote the spirit of
their religion, which is spirit ofpeace. Their la
bours for the accomplishment of this object, will be
repaid by the consciousness that they have done
their duty; nor can their efforts be ultimately de-
featcd. The scriptures predict period when peace
shall universally prevail when nation shall
not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more" This is not the expectation
of a few individuals all christians throughout the
world, unite in the anticipation Of this joyful event.
they all look for general prevalence of the prin-
cpes OF Christianity before the contamination of
all things. We trust that there are some ndica-
tous of the approach of this blisul period that the
day is breaking and the shadows are fleeing away
The storm of war, which lately extended over the
whole political horizon, has spent its fury. We in
dulge hope that the gloom will not again collect
and while we cherish the belief that the reign ofthe
Prince of Peace has already commenced, let US u
mite efforts in extending his Kingdom over the
whole earth.
We disclaim all right 10 interfere with the rel.
gous political creeds of fellow citizens nor
is our Object TO ce8sure or embarrass those meas
ures of government, which may be considered ne
cessary, when just demands Of reparaton or secur-
ty can neither be safely waived, nor peaceably ad-
justed--nor is il our design to dictate when those
exigences exist OIL in the least degree to deyiatc
from those precepts Of Christianity which incucate
submission to civil rulers; but only object s,to
exhibit in clear and distinct manner, the pacific
nature of the Gospel, and TO diuse spirit of love
and harmony and enlightened philanthropy and
beneveence through the world.
While it is recollected that we enlisted under
the banners of the PRINCE OF PEACE, and that
with the divine aid our exertions will be ultimate
Iy crowned with success, let the happy consequent
ces which will result to the world from the diffu-
gospel anmates every friend of man, to diligence
and perseverance in this sacred cause.
Impressed with these sentiments, we agree to
form ourselves into Society by the name Of" The
Peace Society Of Moine," and hereby adopt the fol-
lowing rules and regulations.
ARTICLES.
| The design of the Society shall be executed,
and all its affairs conducted, by and under the d.
rection of a President, Vice President, Treas
urer. Corresponding Secretary, Recording Sec
rotary, and four other members of the Society, who
shall constitute Board to be denominated
"The President and Trustees of the Peace soci
| ETY. of Name" They shall be annually shosen by
written votes, and any four of them shall be quo
| rum. In case of vacancy by resignation or 9th
erwise, the other members of the Board may sup
ply the same They shall meet at least twice a
year, and may appoint such officers Committees,
as they may judge necessary in the execution of
the1 trust
2 Each person who has subscribed. or may sub
scribe to pay one dollar annually, shah become
membership be entitled upon payment to receive
one half OF bis subscription in such pamphlets or
publications the Society may procure, and at the
lowest price-and shall have liberty to receive at
such price, to the amount of two thirds of any
further SUN which he may pay to the Treasurer for
the use of the Society. And each person who
should pay to the Treasurer, gum less than one
dollar mot however less than fifty cents) shall be
entitled to the same privilege, and DE considered
member during the year in which he may make
such payment.
5 Donations will be thankfully received, and a
record of them shall be made and the donor entit-
led to receive pamphlets or publications on the
same terms as are allowed to annual subscribers
All ministers OF the gospel within the District
OF Maine, who shall signify tothe Secretary their
desire TO join the Society shall be considered as
members, without being subject to any annual con
tribution, or other expence.
meeting of the Society shall be holden at
Portland in the month of May annually, on such
day as the Board of Trustees shall direct, of which,
notice shall be previously given in TIC Portland
newspapers, by the Recording Secretary. At such
meeting address or discourse shall be delivered
by some person TO be appointed by the Board.
The Society then proceeded to the choice
OF officers agreeably to the first article of the
constitution, when the following Gentlemen
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