Sixth Annual Report of the Massa

chusetts Peace Society. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." But while we are thus reminded of our dependence on God for success in all our enterprises, his word and his providence afford abundant encourage ment for benevolent exertions.

The season having arrived when a Sixth Report of the Massachusetts Peace Society is expected, the executive committee propose to give a concise statement of what has been done in the last year, and to suggest some grounds of hope for more abundant success in years to come.

In the course of the year there have been distributed at the expense of this Society and its Auxiliaries :-Of the various numbers of the Friend of Peace, 6462; Of smaller tracts, 9368. In this distribution, besides what have been circulated in the United States, 570 copies of the Friend of Peace have been sent to Europe, Asia, and

the British Provinces in America, with about the same number of smaller tracts.

In consequence of a donation of twenty dollars from a gentleman of the Society of Friends, submitted to the chairman of the committee, there have been distributed :-Copies of the Friend of Peace, 170; of other Tracts, 145. An edition of 1500 copies of the Convention Sermon, by the Rev. Dr. Parish, was printed at the expense of one gentleman of this society, and after a considerable sale, the residue was given to the committee for gratuitous distribution.

The Hollis branch of this society caused to be published an edition of an Address, delivered to them on the 4th of July, by the Rev. H. Moore.

To Peace Societies in other states, and to individuals, there have been sold in the course of the year, 2049 copies of the Friend of Peace, and 467 smaller tracts.

Four auxiliary Societies have been added to the fifteen which had been previously formed: one at Franklin, of fifteen members; one at Uxbridge, of eighteen members; one at Shirley, of nine or ten members; another at Campton and Thornton, in New Hampshire, of twenty members. The East Haddam branch in Connecticut has been increased from sixty to eighty members.

In Framingham, in this state, twenty-seven new members have been added to the Massachusetts Peace Society; in Charlestown, eleven; and many respectable individuals have joined the society from different towns in this and the neighbouring states.

But while we have had reason to rejoice in the accession of many new members, we have been called to mourn the decease of a considerable number, who had joined the society in former years; among whom were two respected officers of the Society, [Elisha Ticknor, Esq. treasurer, and Rev. S. Worcester, D. D. of the executive committee;] and one of its

honorary members [Hon. Elias Boudinot. These brethren were so well known, as to supersede the necessity of any eulogium from the committee. Without this they will long be had in grateful remembrance for their services in the cause of religion and philanthropy.

No very recent accounts have been received from the Peace Societies in other states; but from their last reports, it appeared that several of them were making considerable advances. The society in Rhode Island, at its last annual meeting, consisted of 200 members. This is probably one of the most flourishing and active societies in the United States.

A new society has been organized in Maine, called the Oxford County Peace Society; and a female Peace Society has been formed in Ohio.

A letter has been received from the Society in London, accompanied with copies of the Herald of Peace to August, 1821. From these sources it appears, that the Society for Promoting Permanent and Universal Peace has been supported and encouraged by numerous and liberal subscriptions, from people of both sexes, and of several denominations; that important auxiliary societies have been formed in various parts of the king dom; that one or another of their tracts has been translated for distribution in Germany, Holland, France, and Spain, and that in France a Society has been formed in favour of universal peace. The Peace Societies in Britain and in this country have had increasing cause to acknowledge the aid derived from the editors of newspapers and periodical works, by giving extensive publicity to many important articles, original and selected, which tend to advance their object. New periodical works have also been established in both countries, which promise much aid by the dissemination of humane and philanthropic sentiments. For as war, root and branch, is of the very essence of barbarism, whatever tends to enlighten or hu

VOL. I. NEW SERIES.

manize the minds of men, must also tend to diminish its atrocities and accelerate its abolition.

If the benevolent object of our association, and its immense importance to the whole human fandily, should be duly considered, it might appear asto nishing that so little has been effected in six years; for it should seem that nothing more than a fair statement of the case could be necessary, to induce all men of common sense to abandon war, and flock to the standard of Peace. But on the other hand, when it is considered with what reluctance men generally relinquish hereditary opinions, however absurd or injurious; and the thousands of years in which the nations of the world have been made to believe, that wars are as inevitable as earthquakes, that rulers have a right to wage them whenever they please, and that “military glory is the greatest of all glories;" the advances which have already been made by peace societies may appear not only encouraging, but matter of wonder, and of praise to the Father of mercies.

To enumerate distinctly in this report, all the sources of encouragement, or all the means now in operation, which are advancing the cause of peace, would be as improper, as it is impossible. Such an enumeration would embrace every thing which tends to improve the character and condition of human society, all the various institutions and means for enlightening the minds of men, correcting their errors, or rendering them more virtuous, humane, and happy. The progress of these means is annually adding to the long catalogue of exploded laws and customs, and gradually rending the veil, which ages of barbarism had thrown over the crimes of war, and the inhumanity of appealing to the sword for the decision of political controversies. proportion as this delusive veil shall be rent and removed, the imaginary glories of war will disappear; and men will become astonished at the T

In

deformity of the monster, which has been nourished at so great expense. All the objections, therefore, to the exertions of Peace Societies, might, with equal propriety, be made to every humane or benevolent institution; to all public or private instructions, which tend to make men more wise and good, or to imbue their minds with just sentiments of God, as the Father of all, and correct views of their obligations to each other as brethren. Indeed the objectors, to be consistent, should also object to the gospel dispensation, with all its gracious provisions, precepts, and institutions; to all examples of love, meekness, forbearance, and forgive ness; but especially to the conduct of the Saviour, who suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps," and to the example of our heavenly Father, by whose kindness their own lives are prolonged, and who showers down his blessings both on the just and the unjust. For it is certain that all these things, when duly considered, tend to the same result-Peace on earth, good will among men.

But from the multitude of encouraging facts, the committee have selected one, to which they invite the most serious attention. In times of war, all good people pray for peace; in times of peace, they thank God for the favour pray that it may be continued, and that the predicted day may come, when the nations shall learn war no more.

Now if this practice is not an insult to the Almighty, war is regarded, by praying people, as an evil to be deplored and dreaded; and peace is regarded as a blessing, which God can give and render permanent. If wars were inevitable occurrences, it would be as great folly to pray that God would cause them to cease, as to pray that our daily wants may be supplied by the transmutation of stones into all the necessaries and comforts of life. But if wars are not inevitable, and never occur but by the criminal agency

of men, our prayers should be accompanied with all proper exertions to prevent their recurrence.

Christians pray for their daily bread; they also cultivate the ground, sow good seed, inclose their fields with fences, and gather the fruits of their industry in the season of harvest. Besides these ordinary means, agricultural societies are formed, which are patronized by the affluent and by the state legislatures, to investigate and disseminate facts and principles relating to the best methods for multiplying the means of human subsist→ ence and comfort, and for preventing the evils of pauperism and famine. Why all this care and exertion, if praying is sufficient? Or rather, why not use similar means to preserve peace and prevent war? Peace is not more dependent on the power of God, nor less dependent on the exertions of men, than our daily bread. In each case, prayer is proper, but, if not accompanied by other means, it must be unavailing "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." If we desire peace, we should sow the seeds of peace, and cherish its spirit. To cultivate the principles and spirit of war, while we pray for peace, is as incongruous, as to sow thistles, and pray for a harvest of wheat.

What all good people pray for, Peace Societies are endeavouring to effect, by disseminating the principles and diffusing the spirit of peace; and by exposing and eradicating the baneful principles and spirit of war. Why then should not their exertions be encouraged and patronized by all praying people, by all men of wealth, and by every Christian legislature?

All acceptable prayers proceed from benevolent hearts. They imply an aversion to war, and tend to increase that aversion. Such prayers in public assemblies have a tendency to render war abhorrent in the view of all who hear and regard them. Therefore, unless it is supposed that peace societies are more sincere and more in earnest in their desires to

prevent war, than people are who content themselves with merely praying for peace, the objections to our efforts might as reasonably be urged against the prayers of all Christians throughout the world.

The glaring inconsistency between praying for peace, and still objecting to exertions for obtaining the prize,cannot much longer escape the general notice of good people, nor fail of being corrected; and as soon as professed Christians shall act in accordance with their own prayers, there will be a vast accession of strength to Peace Societies, and an end to the wanton and disgraceful wars of Christendom. Then, and not till then, will the taunting bucanier be deprived of his self-consoling plea, that the conqueror, whom the world applauds, is a more atrocious robber than himself, and that his own course of depredation and murder is "conformable to the course pursued" in the wars of all Christian governments.

N. B. After the above report had been communicated to the society, the fourth annual report of the Ohio Society for the promotion of Peace was received. From which the following extracts are made :

"The number of Peace Societies in the state of Ohio has been increased

since our last report. A Female Peace Society has been organized on Mill Creek, near Cincinnati. A society at Athens has been some time since organized, composed of about twenty members; the president of which is the Rev. Mr. Lindley, president of the college, and Professor Dana, their corresponding secretary. There are also several officers of the college, who are officers of this newly organized Peace Society. This Society is composed of some of the principal characters in Athens county. The whole number of Peace Societies in Ohio, known to us, is eight."

.

Proceedings at the Second Anniversary Meeting of the Bath Auxiliary Peace Society, holden at the Freemasons' Hall, on Friday, January 18th, 1822-HENRY WANSEY, Esquire, in the Chair. THE report of the Committee was presented by the Treasurer, Mr. WILLIAM DAVIS, to the Chairman; who requested the Secretary, Mr. GEORGE WOOD, to read the same.

The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted :-Moved by Rev. J. P. Porter, and seconded by Mr. R. Carpenter,

I. That the report of the Committee, and audited account, which have been now read, be printed, and distributed under the direction of the Committee.

Moved by Mr. T. Langdon, seconded by Mr. J. Pearson,

II. That this Meeting congratulates the parent Society on the encouraging iuformation it has received from the European Continent and the American States, of the spread of the principle of Peace; and trusts that the Divine blessing will eminently attend its future efforts to promote 'peace on earth and good-will among men."

Moved by Mr. H. Crook, seconded by Mr. R. Godwin,

III. That the thanks of this Meet

ing be given to the Treasurer and Secretary, for their services during the present year; and that they be requested to continue the same for the ensuing year.

conded by Mr. J. Allport, Moved by Mr. W. Maggs,, se

IV. That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Committee, for their exertions in promoting the objects of the Society, and for the report now read; and that the following gentlemen be the Committee for to their number: the ensuing year, with power to add

a

perienced his affability and kindness, to lament the decease of Mr. Robert Carpenter, at whose office these meetings have (by his generous permission) always been holden, favour which is still continued by Mr. Carpenter's father, and which they avail themselves of this occasion gratefully to acknowledge.

It will be gratifying to the members to know, that the cause of Peace has, generally, obtained an accession of strength since the last Anniversary.

Auxiliary Societies have been instituted at the city of Gloucester, and in the populous district of Nailsworth in the same county. It is also proposed to form one at Exeter, and another in the island of Guernsey.

The efforts of the friends of peace are very materially promoted by a (now) quarterly publication, entitled The Herald of Peace, published by Hamilton, of London. "As a record of the progress of the pacific principle as an arena where the question, Whether man must needs be a slayer of man? may be brought to the test of inquiry as a storehouse, where every thing tending to promote the spirit of fraternity, and to subdue the fatal influence of the malevolent affections, may be treasured up," your Committee recommend this work to the attention of the friends of peace: they entreat them to co-operate by their literary contributions; and, by their personal exertions, to give it interest, influence, and circulation.

Nor is it only in London that the Press has, within the last year, been made subservient to the advocacy of this good but infant cause. The conductors of the Christian Recorder, a respectable monthly publication printed at Glasgow, have already spoken their sentiments on the subject of War pretty freely on certain occasions, especially in the number for February, in their review of Dr. Chalmers's Commercial Sermons. Indeed they lose no opportunity of dropping a hint on the delusive prin