Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-11-30
PEACE DEPARTMENT.
LswruIness OF War for Christians, Exam-
~ ined.

hheue
But says the justifier Of war, Ifwars
had been absolutely unlawful God would
not have commanded the Jews to wage
war against their enemies" To this plea
il may be replied, first, That various have
been the dspensations of Providence to
men. Many things were by the Mosaic
law, enjoined on the Jews, that were not
on the Gentle nations Many are en-
Joined on Christians that were not on
Jews by their law. The legal dispersal
ton did not command TO love enemies,
aud do good for evil. Thus, it is evident,
that the object Of the gospel dispensation,
was a greater perfection Of the human
character, than the law of Moses contem-
plated therefore, for christians to whom
new commandments of a higher nature
are given; tn descend5to practice of the
Jews, in opposition to their new command,
Is as unjustifiable, as it. would have been
for Jews to have adopted heather Gus
toms forbidden by their law.
Secondly. The Jewswentto war atthe
command Of God, and against nations
whom for their wickedness, he, in his in
serutable wisdom, had determined to ex.
tirpate from the earth. But it was only
ut his immediate command that they were
70 do it. Have protesting christians re-
eeiyed similar commands. to destroy ma.
.tionsi Or rather, do they not fight at the
command Of their passions And is it not
by athirst for riches and glory, some dis
pated claim, OF causes more trifling. that
the flames Of war are often kindled, and
thousands Of lives sacri6ced7 But why
do christians pitch upon the Jews war
like acuons. as the only model for imita.
}. toni Why not practice circumcision p
WHY not sacrifice eattle2 Admit plurali.
nv Of wives2 live disapprove these prac.
tees, as not COMFORTING with the dispen.
sation Of the gospel let US, for the same
reasons, disapprove following their exam
pie relative to war; that destroyer Of life
religion and morals, and entailer of mis-
cry and distress on millions that are left tc
deplore its consequences.
Il is worthy Of notice, that David, en-
deared as he was by his virtues; yet, be
cause "he had shed much blood, anC
made great wars" was forbidden to builc
the temple.' Although the wars that h,
carried on, were At the command of tn,
Lord, and against the wicked; and though
neither be nor the rest Of mankind, haC
been taught, that they ought to love enc
mics the building Of house 10 the Lord
was reserved for Solomon, whose nam
signifies pacific. ' I.. ~
For Christians TO plead Jewish exam
pie to justify them in wars, is but fig
leaf covering; for. If they properly re
feet, they Taust see, that the Jews practis
ing war. even among themselves, is M
plea Tor l. under the gospel; because, a
hath been observed, the Mosaic law dix
not command to love enemies, forgive in
iuries, and do good for evil. These ar
commands that appertain to the higher, I,
the gospel dispensation, when swords ar
10 be beaten into plongh-shares. Christ
divine law, is so far from allowing to kill
that il forbids to cherish the passion of re
venge. Thus, in his allusion to the Mo
sale law, he says, F" Ye have heard that
hath been said, an eye for an eye, and
tooth Tor a tooth but say unto you, tina
We resist. not evil, but whosoeyer shall
smite thee onthy right cheek. turn to hin
the other also. Yehaye heardthat It hat
been said, thou shalt love thy neighbo
and bate thine enemy; but l say unto you
love your enemies, bless them that ours
YOU, and do good to them that hate you
and pray Cor them. that despitefully us,
you. and persecute you. For If We Low,
them which love you, what reward hav,
you7 and il ye salute your brethren only
what do you more than others2 Be VI
therefore perfect even as your father
which is in heaven is perfect What a
.elenr distinction between the law and the
gospelis here pointed OUT How much
greater purity . required Of Christians
than was Of Jews. TO whom the commands
Of love and forbearsnee were never given !
And rs our Lords commandments and
promises remain 10 be inseparable. moth.