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mont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. It appears that Mr. Simpson has very generally been well received. He thinks that "nine tenths of the people would join Peace Societies, but they say the Bible, the Missionary, and other demands in the same way are so hard upon them that they have not cash to spare. Among hundreds, I believe I did not converse with ten persons who did not approve the work."-He adds, "The clergy, I believe, are convinced generally; but few of them preach it openly, frankly, and as its importance demands.-I profess myself an Episcopalian, but not a fighting one, and defend the principle on no other ground than as it tends to peace and love.

4. At the late meeting in the city of Washington, when General Lafayette was welcomed by the Officers of the American government, the following benevolent sentiment was given as a toast by the President of the Board of Common Council;-"Great Britain and the United States: Let their only contention in future be, which shall best defend the rights of man. They have begun nobly by making the slave-trade piracy."

This, or a similar sentiment, expressed on various occasions both in Great Britain and in the United States, has frequently appeared of late in our Newspapers. From this we gladly infer, that unchristian prejudices are subsiding, and benevolent feelings gaining ground, between the people of the two countries. But the sentiment as expressed in the toast, in the presence of General Lafayette and the officers of our government, is the more remarkable, as the General's popularity in these States resulted from the part he acted in our war with Great Britain. It seemed to imply a philanthropic desire that old prejudices should be done away, and that more friendly feelings between the two nations should be cherished and become permanent. If such noble sentiments should be duly cultivated, they will afford ample security against the recurrence of any future hostilities; and this surely would be much cheaper, as well as much surer mode of defence, than the usual preparations for war.

"They have begun nobly by making the slave-trade piracy;" but both nations have still much to do to become consistent in defending the rights of man. Why should the domestic slave-trade be tolerated as lawful commerce, while the foreign trade is denounced as piracy? And why should slavery itself be perpetuated, if the trade in slaves has become the worst of crimes?

Notices.

THE Constitution of the Massachusetts Peace Society requires the subscription of one dollar annually to constitute a member.

The subscriptions in each year to be paid on or before the first day of February; and one half of the subscription is refunded in Peace Tracts at the wholesale price, the Friend of Peace at ten cents a copy.

The Numbers of the Friend of Peace prior to the present year, may also be had by subscribers, of the Editor, at 10 cents a copy, or 10 dollars a hundred

The several Nos. of the Friend of Peace are also for sale at the Boston Bookstore, Cummings, Hilliard, and Co. No. 1 Cornhill, and at the Bookstore of J. W. Burditt, No. 94 Court Street.

Any member who shall fail of otherwise receiving his copy at any quarterly distribution, may obtain it by applying to Mr. Burditt.

N. B. The Treasurer of M P. S., Mr. David Reed, will receive subscriptions, at No 4, Spear's Buildings, Congress Street, Boston. All who can do it with convenience are desired to make their payments to him; those who cannot without expense settle with the Treasurer, may send their subscriptions inclosed to the Corresponding Secretary, as Post Master in Brighton, and the will return receipts.

THE

FRIEND OF PEACE.

Vol. IV.....No. III.

PRESIDENT DWIGHT'S ANTICIPATIONS.

AT the close of the fourth volume of his Travels, Dr. Dwight indulged himself in pleasing anticipations of the future prosperity and peace of the United States. Having mentioned the various advantages already enjoyed by his countrymen, and the institutions which they have established for improving the state of society, he gives us the following paragraph :

"The Chinese, with very corrupt morals, have, as a nation, mild and gentle manners. May not such manners grow as effectually out of freedom, intelligence, and Christianity, as out of idolatry, ignorance, and slavery? Particularly, will not such manners spring up from these sources, if my countrymen should, as a body, come to understand the true nature of war, and hate it accordingly; and should they, as would be the necessary consequence, prize peace according to its inestimable value. The manners of the people of New England, unless I mistake, are already more gentle, more softened, in the middle and inferior classes, than in those of the same classes in most other countries. Perhaps, also, they more generally detest war. The institutions

which have given these characteristics to the people of New England, will give them to any other people, and these institu

ns are spreading, both their reputation and their efficacy, through the United States; their progress is silent indeed, and is made amid many prejudices and difficulties, but, as I believe, is real. Christianity stamps an immense value on human life, as the period in which the blessings of immortality are to be obtained. In this manner, it extrminates duels, and all other wars besides that which is purely defensive. From these two sources have arisen most of the coarse, harsh, tiger-like feelings of the Vol. IV. No. 3.

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human mind; and most of that gross, odious, and brutal behaviour extensively seen, both in countries which call themselves civilized, and in men who challenge to themselves the character of gentlemen. Religion is plainly extending its influence over these states, although much less rapidly than every good man must wish, and wherever it prevails, softens and harmonizes both the heart and behaviour. That it will hereafter increase with wonderful celerity, and that at no great distance of time, is the general belief of Christianns. That it will first shed its happy influence upon the nations where it already exists, may be regarded as a thing of course; and here, certainly, as probably as in any other country. Should this expectation be realized, both the manners and morals of the Americans, as a people, will be raised to a higher degree, on the scale of intellectual existence, than the world has hitherto witnessed."

Such anticipations afford present pleasure to the philanthro⚫ pist and the Christian. It is very true that "Christianity stamps an inestimable value on human life;" but it is not by this impression only that it operates for the extermination of "duels and all other wars." The spirit of love and forbearance which it enjoins, has a powerful influence on men of reflection.

Dr. Dwight was probably correct in supposing that "from these two sources, duels and other wars, have arisen most of the coarse and tiger like feelings of the human mind." But he seems to have been under a misapprehension, as many others are, as to the extent in which Christianity tends to exterminate "duels and all other wars." For he excepts "that which is purely defensive." Here we may ask :

1. When, or where was there ever a duel or a public war which was "purely defensive" on either side? Or when was there a duel or a war in which both parties did not profess to act in self-defence?

2. If Christianity, or any thing else, shall exterminate all offensive wars, will it not at the same time render defensive wars absolutely impossible? If there be none to insult or challenge, duelling must cease of course. So if there be no aggressing or assailing government, there can no opportunity even for a pretended defensive war. If there be no one to give the first blow, a second blow will be impossible.

We may bere remark, that there is precisely the same reason for making a distinction between offensive and defensive duelling, as between offensive and defensive war. In regard to each, it is often difficult to tell which was in fact the aggressor;

and as difficult to say, at the close of a conflict, which party has been on the whole, most guilty in the sight of Heaven.

We sincerely hope, that the anticipations of Dr. Dwight will be realized in our country; and such a hope may well excite every Christian patriot to the most vigorous exertions for hastening the glorious day. All that can be done should be done, to diffuse the light and the spirit of Christian philanthropy.

MEMORABLE EXAMPLE OF ALIA BHYE.

BELIEVING that example is more powerful than precept, and that nothing is more wanted than good rulers to preserve peace among men, we shall now exhibit the example of an amiable princes, who reigned in India for thirty years. The following account is from the Edinburgh Review of Sir John Malcolm's Memoirs of Central India. The Reviewer observes:

"Sir John Malcolm was personally acquainted with some of the individuals whom he describes; and living in the country, and associating with all classes, he gathered at first hand, the impression which had been made on the community at large, by the administration and character of its different chiefs.

"Among the portraits with which he has presented us, one of the most pleasing, as well as the most remarkable, is that of Alia Bhye, who married into the Holkar family, and on the death of her husband, ascended the throne, in 1765, and reigned for the long period of thirty years. Sir John Malcolm dwells on the character of this illustrious lady, as the model of all that is just, magnanimous, and wise; and her conduct, as he represents it, seems fully to justify his eulogium. Her reign was the commencement of a new and brilliant era of prosperity and peace; it was a gleam of happiness, such as had seldom shone on the ill-fated country over which her good genius was now to preside with such felicity and glory. The spirit of moderation and justice which ever ruled in her counsels, quelled all opposition to her measures. She was regular in the despatch of business; sat daily in open court for the administration of justice; was naturally disposed to gentleness and clemency, and was only severe when just occasions required it; order and economy reigned through every branch of the revenue department; and a great part of her income was expended in works of charity and religion. Her whole reign indeed presents one continued and striking illustration of the ascendancy of worth and wisdom among mankind. These were the main pillars of her throne, the true foundation of

her power. It was not by her armies, but by the force of her character that she ruled and preserved her dominions in peace, in a time of general confusion and trouble. Sir John Malcolm, conversing with an intelligent Brahmin respecting the character of this princess, ventured to question the propriety of such a liberal expenditure on religious edifices; to which the latter replied, by asking, Whether Alia Bhye, by spending double the money on an army that she did in charity and good works, could have preserved her country for above thirty years in a state of profound peace, while she rendered her subjects happy, and herself adored? No person,' he added, doubts the sincerity of her piety; but if she had merely possessed worldly wisdom, she could have devised no means so admirably calculated to effect the object. I was,' said he, in one of the principal offices at Poonah, during the last years of her administration, and know well what feelings were excited by the mere mention of her name. Among the princes of her own nation, it would have been looked upon as sacrilege to have become her enemy, or, indeed, not to have defended her against any hostile attempt. She was considered by all in the same light. The Nizam of the Deckan and Tippoo Sultan granted her the same respect as the Paishwah; and Mahomedans joined with Hindus, in prayers for her long life and prosperity.'

"Among her own subjects, Alia Bhye never experienced the slightest disturbance. There could not indeed be any opposition to her authority, which was continually exercised in acts of beneficence and justice. Sir John Malcolm details several anecdotes in confirmation of the character of this distinguished princess; and he states, that he collected his information from all classes, who vied with each other in their veneration for her memory."

We have now before us a princess, whom Christians would denominate a heathen or a pagan. We earnestly request our readers to examine it impartially, and then compare it with the characters of the most renowned emperors and kings of christendom. What was Charles V. of Germany, Edward III. of England, Frederic the Great of Prussia, or Louis XIV. of France, compared with Alia Bbye! Was not each of these celebrated Robbers a demon of mischief, a curse to his own country, and a scourge to neighbouring nations, while Alia Bhye was an angel of peace, justice, and beneficence! We hear in our day loud complaints against the pirates; but is it not a fact, that either of the European monarchs which have been named, was justly chargeable with more mischief and injustice, more robbery and murder, than the aggregate of all that has been done by pirates in the Atlantic Ocean for fifty