The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-09-19

instead of u story, give you something more
like sermon? Ifyou ask why | suppose It
will not suit you as well, may answer play
fully in the language ofold DIR. Mayhem of
Boston, who sometimes INDUCED in vein of
pleasantly not usual with clergymen in his
Puritanic times. Being asked what was the
reason that the Council of Bishops voted the
Song ofSolomon into the Bible aud the Wis
dom of Solomon out, he replied, "Indeed
cannot tell; except mankind have always pre-
ierred songs to wisdom.
Moreover you may listen more coldly 10 the
advocacy ofpeace principles than to other
wise words; because few men protesting TO
believe the Christian religion venture TO deny
their truth, while at the same time all agree
in giving them sort ofmoonlight reputation,
a wll-o'-the-whisp foundation, as beautiful
but impracticable theories. But cannot help
feeling n strong hope, amounting to faith that
the world will be at least redeemed from the
frightfu vortex sin and misery into which
it has been drawn by the prevailing law of
Force. And surely it is mission worth liv-
ing for, that the Christian doctrine of over
coming evil with good is not only beautiful
| sentiment, as becoming to the religious soul
as pearls to the maiden's bosom, but that it is
really the highest reason, the bravest manli-
ness, the most comprehensive philosophy, the
wisest political economy.
The amount of prooithat it is so, seems A.
bundant enough 10 warrant the belief that n
practical adoption ofpcace principles would
he altcayS safe, even with the most savage
men, and under the most desperate circum-
stances, providing that there was chance to
have it distinctly understood that such n
course was not based on cowardicc, but on
principle.
When Captain Back went to the Polar re-
gions, in search of his friend, Capt. Ross, he
| fell in with band of EsquimauX. who had
never seen n white man. The chief raised his
spear TO hurl il ut the strangers head; but
when Captain Back approached calmly and
unarmed, the spear droppcd,and the rude saw
age gladly welcomed the bpther man, who
had trusted in him. Had Capt. Back adopt
ed the usual maxim that it is necessary TO
carry arms in such emergencies he would
probably hive accustomed his own death,and
tlIat of his companions.
Raymond, in his Travels, says: THE assas-
sin has been my guide in the defles Of Italy,
the Sniuggler of the Pyrences has receive d
me with n welcome in his secret paths
Armed,I should have been the enemy ofbo tn;
uuarmed, they have alike respected me. In
such expectation, have long since laId aside
Tall mepacing apparatus whatever. Arms may
indeed be employed against wild beasts; but
men should never forget that they are no de-
!
the wicked and iutimitade the simple The
man ofpeace has much more sacred de-
| fencc-hs character"
Perhaps the severcSt test to (which the
peace principles were ever put, was in Ire
| land during the memorable rebellion of l7!l6.
During the terrible conflict, the Irish Quak-
ers were continually between two fires. The
Protestant party viewed them with suspicion
and dislike because they refused TO fight or
pay military taxes; and the fierce multitude
ofinsurgents deemed it sufficient cause of
death, that they would neither profess belief
in the Catholic religion nor help them fight
for Irish freedom. Victory alternatcd be-
tween the two contending parti cs, aud as u
sual in civil war, the victors made almost in
discriminate havoc of those who did not
march under those banners. 1t was peri
lous time for all men; but the Quakers alone
were liable to rakIng fire from both sides
Foreseeing calamity, they had nearly two
years before the war broke out, publicly de-
stroyed all their guns, and other weapons us
ed for game. But this pledge ofpucifc inteu-
tons was not sufficient to satisfy the govern
ment which required warlike assistance at
their hands, Threats and insults were heap
ed upon them from all quarters; but they
stead(astly adhered TO their resolution of do
ing good to each party and harm 10 neither
Their houses were filed with widows and or
phans, with the sick. the wounded, the dy-
ing, belonging both to the loyalist and the reb-
els. Sometimes, when the Catholic insur-
gents were victorious, they would be greatly
enraged to find Quaker houses filled with
Protestant families. They point their pistols
and threaten death, ftheir enemies were not
Immediately turned into the street, TO he
massacred. But the pistol dropped, when
the Christian mildly replied, "Friend do what
thou wilt will not harm thee, or any other
human being" Not even amid the savage
fierceness of civil war, could menfire at one
who spoke such words as these. They saw
that this was not cowardice, but bravery
much higher than their own.
On one occasion, an insurgent threatened
| to burn down a Quaker house, unless the own
er expelled the Protestant women and child
rem, who had taken refuge there. 81 cannot
help it." replied the Friend: $50 long as
have a house, ] will keep it open to succor the
helpless and the distressed, whether they be-
Iloug to thy ranks, or to those of thine enemies.
If my house is burned must he turned out
with them, and share their aflliction." The
| fighter turned away, and did the Christian 10
harm. ... .rt. ....t
The Protestant party seized the Quaker
schoomaster of Ballitore, saying they could
see no reason why he should stay at home in
quiet, while they were obliged 20 fight to de-
fend his property. "Friends,J have asked no
MN to fight for me-" replied the schoolmast-
err. But they dragged him along swearing
that he should stand in front of the army, and
| if he would not fight, he should at least stop a
bullet. His house and schoolhouse were fill
ed with women and children, who had taken
refuge there; forit was an instructive fact,
throughout this bloody contest that The houses
Of the men Of peace acre he on,ypGces Of safety.
Some ofthe women followed the soldiers