Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove
thee: know therefore and see, that it is an evil thing and a bitter that thou
hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the
Lord God of hosts.-Jer. ii. 19.

PHILADELPHIA :

PRINTED BY JOSEPH RAKESTRAW,
NO. 256 NORTH THIRD STREET.

PREFACE.

Although the sentiments contained in the following pages, may differ from some that are usually considered correct, yet the author submits them to the candid examination of a few of his friends, with the belief, that they are true. Under this belief, he feels no particular anxiety, regarding either the approbation or the censure they may meet with.

CHAPTER I.

The origin of the plans of general arbitration.-The origin and extensiveness of war: Peace Societies established in the will of man likely to increase it, Benevolence, or the desire of doing good, not in itself a sufficient guide. The out-ward ordinances and war, entirely inconsistent with gospel perfection. Every action of our lives, either good or evil. Reason, as a judging principle, inconsistent with a state of perfect peace. Morality not absolutely connected with religion. Perfect peace exists only in the mind; a state entirely in opposition to every selfish principle. It never can be arrived at till every kind of selfishness is done away.

IN the discussions which the subject of war gives rise to, the public seem disposed to believe, that the evil may be irradicated by the promotion of what are termed Peace Societies. I have viewed them so differently, as to think, that instead of lessening war, they will absolutely increase it. These views, I am aware, are very different from those generally considered true, because people look at