Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1848-04-14

~ US ~ ~ ~ AtAhNh ANNNlNN w lA
those virtues that must efiectually exclude
Them. If Christianity forbids those passions
1 which engender war-which are fed by it,
and without which, indeed, it cannot exist,
It follows inevitably that Christianity forbids
war.
1t will be admitted, that the views and the
practice of the earliest converts to Christianl-
ty-living as they did, near the time oil It's
Founder, and under the teaching Of the Apos-
ties, or their immediate successors-are enti-
tied 10 great influence in deciding this mo-
mentous question; and ecclesiastical history
Of the highest authority establishes the fact,
that tie early Christians, not only insisted
that they were forbidden 10 fight-but that
they manifested their sincerity, by Offering
up their lives, rather than violate, what lucy
deemed, an Injunction Of their Divine Mas
Ter. A few cases may here be cited
Macmillan, a Roman youth, on being
brought before the tribunal, to be enrolled as
a soldier, refused-saying to the Proconsul,
~ an a CHRISTIAN, and cannot Gght." On
being told that there was no alternative be.
tween bearing arms, and being put 10 death,
he promptly and firmly ~replied-"I cann0f
..Gghi, If I die" He continued firm 10 his
principles, and was led TO execution.
The primitive Christians not only refused
to enlist, as soldiers, but those in the army
who embraced Christianity, Immediately a.
bandoned the profession, without regard 10
consequences.
Marcellus, a Roman Centurion, on beccm-
ing a convert TO Christianity, promptly re-
signed his commission, declaring, that hav-
Jag become a Christian. he could serve no
longer. 81 is not lawful" said he, 81 for a
Christian to bear arms for any earthly c0nsi-
dcration." He continued firm in his refusal,
and suffered death on that account.
Cassian, who was a Notary in the same
legion, on embracing Christianity, resigned
his commission, and firmly adhering to the
sentiments avowed by Marcellus-like him
was led to execution. Martin, another I1o-
man, who was bred 10 the profession Of arms,
on being converted 10 Christianity, abandon
ed'the army, saying, 81 am a Christian, and
therefore | cannot fight.
These are not isolated cases-many more
might be adduced if it were necessary-but
the fact we aim TO establish will not be de-
MED. Tertullian, in speaking Of a large por-
ton Of the Roman armies, after Christianity
had been widely spread over the world, ex-
Pressly assures us, that moi a 'Christian could
be found among them" I~reneus, Justin Mar
tyr. and others, furnish conclusive evidence
that the Christians of their day bore the most
ample testimony TO the incompatibility of war
nv IF ,Lorn so.IaJ ia. ,saf a..;,u - Lpi
hiood CL,S"a ~ s"J NV '"o't
Chr;s,i.ns ~ 49, cIt..""n 70, :,
saws axnrassIu H., H." - 49, ~
n;rIe,nnn,s 80, - ,"e
a,rt, CL.;S,. ii ~ o"o"el
H. III 10" a'Vseo '""'' Ca" new,
Tic sviIaro g. 10. n = wal
tanned bv Tho ssrlv nnranan,s 81 Cbr;s,;g, ;,n.
Oelsrs ,.ha TnaJ ri a"
second csn,r,r aooMsoa Ta ES,;nIsse n ~
d,v, {. 30 raCJ,~ y "'
Of necessity" O1;gen' ,hs 49,. IS
Chris,ianily. does moi d,nv. but admi,s tho
fact. and insii6es il. nm ,he ground ,b,, mar
was unlawful.
If. then. The language of nro,becy ;s cI.or
and positive thai Inc lime nil come wben
nation shall not Iift nm sword aoains, nation
nor the peonls learn war any moro -
If in accordance with This nronbecv. The
precep,s and commandment, If nrr S,v;or
are pacific in the fullest dsgree. strictly on.
ioining the forg;veness Of ;n;u,;es. msL;nr
it the only condition mon which men can
hone IN he corqiven-and If las ]s,r;c,Iv
nrnhihi,oJ ,ho Si...1" oo'y
ment. pr retaIiation
If the early converts. under the teaching
of the Anos,ies and ,heir ;nn, di,,o src.aS9
sors, were so solemnly IMPRESSED with the
belief that war was forbidden bv ,beir boIv
Redeemer, that they could not he induced ~
"bear arms for anv earthly consider,Iion. !"
many of them nohiv Welded nm ,Lo;r L.
in confrma,;or of 10 sinoou ~ 80.
faith =
If all this be indisputable. we ask. if the
proposition is not fulj, and clearly establish.
ed-tbat war il a crievous viol.iion If Tho
principles of our boIy relipiont
1t remains now TO account for the cl,anoe
that has taken Mace in the nractirs If re
professors of this benign religion. in relation
10 war. The importance of he Srhiec, and
the magnitude of the evils consequent mon
| the change, calls for the clearest evidence of
its propriety. and Of its consistency with tIs
p~recepts and spirit of the Gospel.
The Apostles rore,eld that after their de.
cease, a departure from the purity of the Chris.
tan faith would take place-that "men would
arise speakinq peryerse things. To draw away
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