Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-01-14

and the Western part Of Ohio. repre- sente1 BY
their Meeting for Susferings. held At Richmond,
Indiana. on the 22i day OF the 18th month. re
specially representa-
That Il has been a part OF the religious faith
and belief Of the Society of Friends from is
origin. now more than 300 years since, that all
wars ana fghtings. are contrary u the Gospel OF
Christ. Of whose reign il predicted that
swords should be beaten into plough shares, and
spears into pruning hooks. and men learn war no
more. and bose coming Was announced with the
angelic song, "GlOry TO God in the highest, on
earth peace good will toward men :" and that no
plea of necessity policy. however urgent or
peculiar, can avail 10 release either individuals
nations from the paramount allegiance which
they owe unto Him who hath said love YOUR
enemies We dare not believe that our Lord
aud Saviour. in erjoining the love of enemies.
and the forgiveness of injuries. has prescribed
for man series of precepis incapable of being
carried into prsctice, OF which the practice
shall be postponed, until all shall be persuaded
10 act upon them.
As followers of the Prince of Peace we cannot
contribute TO the support Of war, or in any way
participate in its spirit IL has ever been our be
lief that to pay money for exemption, or 10 rem
der other services as an equivalent for. or in lieu
of acquisitions for military purposes. Is com
4 promise OF vital principle which feel our
j
circumstances. and notwithstanding any trials to
which We may be suijec We further believe
4 that liberty OF conscience is both civil and re
ligious right. inahenable and not be restricted
by human laws. Ii has been recognized by the
loug established usage of our government, and
in order To enjoy the free exercise of it. most oil
4 the citizens of the original colonies which now
form this government, sought refuge in hi:
land. Any attempt TO cOerce a citizen TO DO that
which he cOnscenIOusly and religiuusly believes
to be wrong. Is contrary 20 the genius and spir
! of our free and republican government.
We have ever believed, and do without any
reservation believe. in the necessity OF civil gov
ernment-lhat il is a Divine ordinance-and tina
IL Is our duty 10 sustain 1t 6y all the influence ",
4 may be able to exert. both by word and deed
subject to the paramount law of Christ. and il
this day of fearful strife. and when many o
our fellow citizens are brought Into suffering. VI
nave no desire To shrink from the discharge OF al
our duty, nor from contributing To the relief o
distress by every means in our power. We believ
there various wIys in which We can disch n 2
the duties of good citizens without infringing
up N the principles OF peace
Entertaining these views. would respect
fully, bu; earsestly ask for continu ,tiOn of III
liberty of conscience. and the constitutions
right to the free exercises of our religious views
which Ia, been hitherto 50 literally and freel
granted: and for exemption from any require
mentS Of a military tture-lnd that in the leg
is!alion relative to military laws. our religion
scrupies may be respected, and no pen dry ex
acted tor that which We bhlieve il wrong Tor Us I
perform
Signed by direction. end on behalf Of tn
meeting aforesaid: LEVI JE.suP. Clerk