Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1845-10-30


greatest calami,es that ever afflicted the
human race, and yet the world, after hav-
ing been involved in its crimes, and felt
the terrific sweep of its desolOlions, for
near sixty centuries, seems but just awak-
ing from the delusion that it is necessary
and consistent with the spirit and Princi.
rles of a reli gon whose all prevailing Gle.
ment is love.
Our own country, more perhaps, than
almost any other, needs this awakening
influence. The freedom happily enjoyed
by our people, seem to engender the rest
less spirit favorable to war, while it re-
ccves additional impulse from the popular
appeals incident to our system of free
suffrage, appeals made, often, by men
who love distinction and excitemen, more
than their country, while their appeals
act on minds in no condition, from the as.
ISOLATION of numbers and other causes, to
feel their true individual responsibility for
the crimes and consequence Of war,
The mayim-"In peace prepare for war, "
is, moreover Il standing excitement to war.
performing the double office Of provoking
aggression, and prompting inconsidcrae
and rash resistance to it, The state of
society in. the Southern and South West
ern portions Of the Union is an illustration
in private life, Of the practical results OF
this maxim-so apparently just, ard yet so
really questionable.
There is, however, a preparation for
war, which does not invite it. 1t is the
preparation Of simple, open hearted, uni
form fairness and ustice,-the exhibition
of a stronger solicited to do right, than to
exact it from others; and a sensiblny,
which habitually feels that the stain Of dis
honor is inflicted, not by suffering wrong,
but by doing it, The nation who shall
cultivate this spiril-who shall fairly gain
the reputation of The inst, will possess
defence, in an age ruled, as this is be-
ginning to be, by enlightened public senti-
ment, more sure and effective than the
power Of Notifications, and armies, and
navies, combined, can give.
Bat while the spirit Of peace and
scrupuIous regard 10 justice, will, by their
silent influence, check, if they do not en-
tirely subduc, the spirit of aggression, they
will not, necessarily, prevent the occur
rance of international differences, nor, in
The present, if in any future state of the
world, supersede the necessity Ct some for
NAL provision for their adjustment. This
necessity suggests resort to the principle
of Arbitration, and the introduction into
treaties between nations, Of stipulation to
that effect.
1t is to the furherance of this object,by
acting on the public scntimcn, Of our own
country and the world, that the American
Peace Society solIcits the action Of the
General Assembly Of this State; and !
could hardly be invited to the performance
of more grcalful duty than to become the
medium ofasking your attention TO it, and
recommending, as | do, such action as
may, in your wisdom, most ellectnally lend
the influence Of this State in llrtherance
of this great movement Of peace on earth
and good will towards men. The COVER
ment Of the United States has already, in
three memorable instances, submitted mat
lcrs Of difference with other nations to the
arbitramcnt of friendly powers-ln two OF
them, with results which have been effect
nal to the settlement Of the differences sub.
mitted.
must be permitted TO add an express
sion of the sense entertain Of the great
value of the efforts OF the friends Of peace,
though the organization ofpeace societies,
in dispelling the delusion So long preva-
lent in regard to war, exposing the anti
Christian principles on which it has so
long rested. and showing the extent to
which it has paralyzed the industry, vast
ed the wealth, corrupted the morals, hru-
tualized the passions, blasted the hopes,
and vitality injured the highest interests oi
men The results, thus far, Of the quiet
aud perseverlnS efforts of these assocla-
tons, have furnished most gratifying
illustration of the silent power of truth, in
the hands Of Christian benevoence, to re-
! form and save The world.
| 1t only remains for me TO tender to the
General Assembly my hearty cooperation
| in every wise and we'll directed effort TO
promote the public good-trusting that we
shall all feel how much we need the wis
dom that come from above, TO enable US TO
comprehend the true character of that good
and direct us TO the adoption Of measures
hest adapted TO ensure its successful accom-