Richmond palladium., 1847-06-22

cution Of murderers, or the killing the enemies
of our country in war any violation of the
divine law, Thou shalt not kiI.''-1hat the
execution Of murderer is another murder, ap-
pears to me one of the most absurd notions that
ever arose in human brains In cases. the
law of Moses made it one of the highest crimes
to refuse to execute the law on criminals CON
demned to die.
Some suppose contrast between the Old and
New Testame nj; that war was lawful under the
old dispensation, and forbidden by the gospel in
the New. But as God IS unchangeable, his
al law and government never change. The
same duties of love aud mercy enjoined in the
gospel, were also en- oined under the ol1 dispen-
sation, and always of moral obligation.
Even the golden rule was no more than the law
and the prophets. And the precept, .'thou shalt
love they neighbor thyself,'' is also a precept
in the law of Moses. And even that sweet and
beautiful passage in the last part Of the 18th Of
Romans, is all in the Old Testament, almost ver-
batin. "Dcarly belo~ed avenge not yourselves,
bat rather give place unto wrath for il is write n
Vengeance is mine; will repay. saith the Lord
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him: if
he thirst give him drink: for ia so doing thon
shalt heep Goals Of fire on his head. He not over
come of evil, but overcome evil with good :"
And the New Testament approves and eup!auds
the glorious victories of the people Of God as
well as the Old. Let US hear how ST Paul eulo-
gizes the mighty vaour Of the pious heroes Of
oldcd times; who all died in the faith. He says
''Through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises. stopped the
mouths Of lions. quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, ont Of weakness
were made strong, waxet valiant in fight, and
turned to flight the armies Of the aliens" And
he represents these celebrated worthless, as look
ing down from the celestial world, the follow
ers of the same faith in their christi0n race, for
the same prize and crown Of celestial glory.
Now surely II inis inspire. ::,'"-'i- had Believed
and taught, that all military service and defen-
sive contrary to the gospel, and unlaw-
ful, he could not have approved and praised the
faith and valour Of their renowned heroes and
supposed them enjoying the reward Of their
heroic faith and virtue in Heaven. This argu-
mcnt appears conclusive, overwhelming, and ir
resistibc.
And II appears from the scriptures, that there IS
military power even in heaven, well as here
below. We read of legions of angels, and the
armies of heaven; and of the holy Of
Michu:l and his angels. And the glorious throne
of God is represented surrounded with military
hosts, thousands of mighty angels hcarkcning to
the voice of his word; ana like faitAfu! soldiers
executing his holy orders. And they
times sent down to this lower world as ministers
of mercy; and sometimes as ministers of veurc-
ance. They are all said to be ministcriug spirits
to the chosen heirs Of salvation; and charged TO
guard the just, and keep them in all their ways
And like the civil rulers, they are sometimes
made the ministers Of God to execute Justice ana
vengeance on evil doors. the enemies of G Cd and
man. An angel was sent, and smotc the proud
and presumptious king Herod with death And
when a powerful Assyrian army was bcsiegiug
he city of Jeruaaie,s,, and threatening IL with
Dreadful destruction, and the proud aud impious
Disappearing and defying the GOD OF
heaven. a blast was sent upon him mighty
angel was sent down. and in one night he smote
,ne hundred and eighty five thousand of his sold
ers dead. III the Book Of Daniel, we read Of
Michael the archangel, and another of the angelic
princess assisting in the holy of the people
# God. And in the scriptures, we often read Of
angels, and even God himself going forth with
he armies of Israel. And it appears that angels
Is well as patriotic men, some times indig
lant at people who refuse to defend their country.
y hen Deborah and Barak were leading the vail
mt hosts OF Israel TO glorious victory: and
ther brave and yituous heroine was driving a
al into the head Of the proud and cruel tyrant
hat had so long oppressed her people, it appears
hat some of the people remained at home. at
ending to their selfish interests; aud would not
o OUT ia the war And this appears to have
aised the holy Indignation Of an angel. ..Curse
e Meroz, said the angc. Of the Lord, curse ye
utterly the inhabitants thereof; because they
anne not 10 the help Of the Lord, against the
Mighty" Who read the patriotic song Of
Deborah and Bar;,k, and not feel their heart
.low with strong emotion. And read Of the
-irtuous virgins of Israel going out in grand pro
essionS, with harPs and timbrcs in their hanas :
laying and singing iheir songs Of triumph, re-
ocing at the victories Of their country. aad the
destruction of their enemies; they sung of thou
anas and tens Of thousands slain. Now, surely
l!esc patriotic anu yirtac15 tarsrIs were not
quaker Cir,s.
About offensive there is 10 controversy; !
II are agreed that this is unlawful and wrong. i
nd very great evil But the important ques-
4 employing military power remedy and
efcnce against the dreadful evil; and to protect
nd the people fro.n violence and d!struc- {
ion. :
The difference between offensive ana defen-
i've war is clear the light OF day: and the