Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1848-04-20
" Shall the sword devour forever ?r-2 sam. il. 20.


Shall the sword devour forever l"-2 Sam. Ii. 20.
Solemnly Impressed, as We are, with the be-
hef that war is Irrecoaclabe with the precep's
and the spirit of the Gospel, and prohibited by
It we cannot but leel that d ieartul weight OF
responsibility is assumed by Christian nalons
IN ITS prosecution aud under this conviction
we are constrained 10 invite the professors Of
the Christian religion, and especially those who
are looked 10 as It's expounders, 10 very serl-
Gus and unbiased consideration Of this subject.
If we advert TO the consequences resulting
from wlr-lls tendency 10 lower The siandard
of public morals-the slaughter and misery 1t
produces--,he domestic bereavements, anguish,
and mourning lnseparable from ia subject Is
presented 10 our view, possessing the strongest
claim TO the serious reflection of the professors
Of the benign religion of Jesus Christ.
II has been highly gratifying to observe OF
latter wears, that the most enlightened naiIons
have manifested an increasing reluctance 10 ap-
neal TO The sword-lhat cruel and uncertain
arbuer--in the settlement of national con'ro-
versies and that the efforts TO adjust those con-
troyerses by peaceful negotiation, have, IN n"-
merous instances, been crowned with the most
satisfactory resulls.s
The hope, indeed, had been cherished, thai
in the present enlightened age of The world,
and particularly in this enlightened country, The
influence of pure, elevated moral principles aud
feelings, had obtained such an ascendency In
The minds of the people, as TO prevent al aP-
Peal 70 arms; but this pleasing anticipation has
not been realized Our country, for consld.
cradle lime, has been engaged In war--exert-
lne lis powerful energies IN The work OF human
slaughter. The fields OF neighborlng nation
have been strewR with the bodies of lt,e slain,
aad lis soil drenched with their blood. Can II
he that this is in accordance with the preceps
and The spirit of our holy religion
The Prophets. in foreleIllng The coming OF
he Messiah, and describing the nature OF his
mission, presen, him in the character OF The
Prince of Peace of the increase Of whoSe goo-
ernment and peace. there shall be no end. Il
Is declared that " He shall Judge among The
nations. and shall rebuke many people and
they shall beat their swords into plongh,liare~
and their spears into pruning books nation
shall not lift up S,OOrd against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more" This strong
and unequivocal language clearly indicates. 'ha
it was the will and purpose of the Most High
ihai war should eventually he abolished.
And ia The fulness of lime, when an ange
was commissioned TO announce the advent %
The promised Saviour, the annunciarion wa
accompanied with rapurous song from - Z
multitude of the heavenly host, pralsing God
aud sayiag, glory TO God in the highes, and
on earth peace, good will towards men."
Ia harmonious agreement with The language
of prophecy, and the ecstarc song OF the an
gelic host, was The life and ministry al "n
Lord and Saviour The law of the Precedin!
dlspenss,ion, admitted the principle ot re'a''a
'ion--" An eve for an eye, tooth inr tooth
He advetrs TO this for the express pprpose I"
placing a prohibition upoa il. But LAY "n''
you. That ye resist not evil: but who>oe'e
shalI smite thee on Thy rlgh, cheek, turn 10 h'n
ihe other also" While those under she Law
were allowed 10 hate an enemy, His command
Isl say unIo you, love your enemies. bless
rhem lhs, curse you. do good to them hal haze
you, aud pray for them that despi,efuIv "Se
YOU aad per.ecuie you--tAat ye may be th'
children Of your Father Which IS IN Heaoen"
Now, if The followers Of Chris, are forbidden
10 resist evil, and 10 hate an enemy II Is evI
dent that The spirl which engenders war can
not be entertained by them; and this concln
slon is rendered. if possible, still stronger. by
me high standard, aud holy indueemeut le