Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1842-09-21
From The Portsmouth Journal.
CONCLUSIVE REASONING.
Don't SMILE |!


DON'T SMILE
In the Boston Daily Courier, about q
fortnight since, we noticed an article over
the signature OF p, who, as christian,
upheld war to be right, giving the reas-
ons for his opinion. We extract below
some OF these reasons, placing the writ
ers own language in quotation marks.
Isl, "God has implanted in the breast
OF every animal an instinct for war, either
aggressive or defensive. The feeblest an.
imals under certain circumstances will
resist and fght,'' &c. Therefore man,
with reasons to control his instincts. and
revelation to enlighten his reason should
fight; for instinct is to govern both reas-
on and revelation We would like to
ask the writer if, in his own experience,
ne has never found instinct rather treach-
erous guide?
I'd. Because there is good even in ag-
gressire war; and Of course christians
should have this good
Sd. "Does not parent love his child
when he Furnishes him2'' Of course then
there should be an army and navy to kill
those we love!
18th. The surgeon perpetrates great
evil when he cuts off leg or an arm,
but il is better TO lose limb than life IL
SELF" The surgeon therefore who oper-
ates for the good of the patient, is an
example TO the soldier who cuts and mu-
tildtes and kills his enemies for his ovn
good.
5th. Because at is the will of God that
We prevent greater evil by lesser evil
when the greater evil cannot be otherwise
prevented" That is, the greater evil is
that which is done to as, the lesser evil
that which is done to others; of course
we should Kill the enemies we love to
save our own lives. The overcoming
evil with good" is done away with = or
rather each christian is to decide whether
it is best to overcome evil with erit or
with good
9th. Because "sleep, iu aad by itself,
is an evil" therefore should we fight !;
because There is no rose without thorn"
and no cat without claws, therefore should
every man have sword.
7th. Because war is better than slavery,
therefore. should the Southern slave rise
up against his master and free himself by
blood Those who are little "aboilion
list" hold that slavery will not justify the
cutting of the masters throat!
9th. Because unless we do fight, no one
will know that we can fight
9th. Because peace men have all the
advantages of others fighting, therefore
should they fight for others good.
10. Because tour Savior at first con-
templated resistance and self-defense by
the sword; but he soon after relnquished
that design on account, probably, Of its
Iimpracticability Written A. D. I842!
18th. Because sensualily, and wretch
edness, and war have prevailed in the
world since the advent Of our Savior,
therefore ''as Christianity has failed" to
SUPPRESS these sins, latter an experiment
| OF loO0 years, IL can mot be supposed
that the gospel is opposed to sensuality,
wickedness and war; P's remark refers
to war alone - we added other crimes to
test the reasoning.
18th. Because, as the instructions oil
our Savior (Sermon on the Mount) were
given TO his disciples. these Instructions
do not bind as, who are not disciples oil
the Saviorl!
| 18th. Because, IF every person were
to live, act and feel strictly according tc
the precepts and spirit Of Christianity
Then, eren then, they might continue tc
fight for "ho7sest differences of opinion. .
P. said this!
18th. Because "such persons" refer.
ring TO real Christians, "regenerated anc
renewed in heart by the Holy Spirit
"ARE THE CoMBUsTIBLEs WHICH EN-
KINDLE WAR" There is no mistake
| it is so printed
18th. Because the Rev Nh. Judd preach
ed sermon against all war! and is q
tory
10th. The last and best reason of all
because :" without compunction we eat o
the flesh of the OK, or the calf or the lamb,
innocent creatures; therefore. should VIZ
kill land eat?l our enemies II his is rich
ELLIOTT
/ The RUSSIAN CLERGY.-The Rus
slams themselves allow that their clers,
are deplorably ignorant; and in man,
cases coarse and vicious. This is prett,
well borne out by the fact, that they ar,
never admitted into society, unless thei
lpresence is requested, at some religious
ceremony or festival. The anecdote rela
ted to Mr.. Venabes, by Russian gentle
man, will give a good idea of the degrade
ltion 10 uhirh thpu reduce thoneoIuos