the most fearful impersonation of the genius of War, conquest, military glory, ever seen in the world. Convulsing both hemispheres, overturning the ancient thrones and dynasties of Europe, sweeping with a broad track of desolation beyond the bounds of European civilization,-the nations of the earth were "in fear and great perplexity ;" and for a while seemed to gaze in helpless awe, at the terrible energy of his resistless march. But he had roused against him the self-love, the pride, the fear, the hatred, the physical, and what was still more, the moral power of Europe; and the nations combined to crush him, as an untameable wild beast, whose existence was no longer compatible with the safety of the world.

He fell for to stand in such a conflict was impossible. Exhausted by the long and obstinate struggle, the people sunk down to repose: Drained of treasure and of blood, weary and sick of War, the universal wish was for Peace. Then perhaps was not the moment for fully understanding all the lessons, which the scenes of fifteen years combined to teach. Reflection and time were necessary to gather and impress them all upon the general mind. They have not yet exhausted these sources of instruction. But these stupendous convulsions had, during their progress, forced many salutary convictions, not only upon the minds of those, who, more aloof from their influence, watched the progress of affaire, but upon the governments immediately affected by them. Thus the eyes of governments were opened to the impolicy, the danger, of any longer tolerating the monstrous principle of Conquest, which, in the hands of revolutionary Propagandism, and subsequently of military ambition, could produce such tremendous effects. And in truth, if we consider the time, the circumstances, and the theatre on which it was displayed, never has the spirit of conquest and military glory been seen in such a terrific manifestation, and so calculated to rouse the world into a fixed horror and aversion against the spirit and the agency it employs. During the brief career of Napoleon, the world saw the spectacle of five millions of human lives, and eight thousand millions of dollars, (to say nothing of the incalculable indirect losses and evils,) sacrificed

by the insatiable ambition, and boundless selfishness of a single individual. The impression of all this upon the minds of thoughtful observers, could not fail to be deep and solemn. The self-love and fear, if nothing else, of Kings, were likewise effectually alarmed. They were startled into a conviction how very dangerous and impolitic, at least, it was to sanction a principle which could put it in the power of fortune and individual ambition, to overturn or shake all the thrones of Europe. Of this at least, the declarations of the Allied Sovereigns were the expression. But we believe that they were more: we believe there was a deeper feeling of its wickedness, its sin and shame, than before,―a moral re-action against the spirit of conquest and of war. At all events, it was the first public, solemn and combined reprobation, by the great sovereigns of Europe, of what had always before been practically sanctioned. And oh, if they had then but clearly and fully discerned, honestly proclaimed, and faithfully maintained the true principles of justice and political wisdom, what an era might then have dawned on Europe; and how truly might they have deserved the title of Holy Alliance!

We will not here pursue any farther the consideration of those events, in their more strictly political influences on the principles and measures of governments; but will glance at the origin and progress of more special exertions in the promotion of peace.

While those scenes, to which we have referred, were passing, the eyes of Christian philanthropy were also watching them, and a profound impression of the melancholy contradiction of such scenes to the spirit of the gospel, and to the true end and happiness of man, could not fail to be made. Sickening at the spectacle of human nature, exhibited to their view, and the boundless crimes and miseries of war, the cry, as it would seem, burst from many a heart: shall the sword devour forever? These sentiments found their utterance through the press. As early as the year 1809, a tract by a gentleman of New York had been published, which called forth a reply and a rejoinder; this awakened some attention, led to discussion, and occasioned

the spread of pacific principles in that city. Early in 1815, the same gentleman published a treatise, entitled: "War inconsistent with the Religion of Jesus Christ."

In the mean time, a similar spirit was at work in other parts of the country, and particularly in Massachusetts. It was greatly extended by the "Solemn Review of the custom of War," a tract by the Rev. N. Worcester, D. D. published at Boston, near the close of the year 1814. The circulation of this tract was very great, both in this country and abroad, and had a most important influence in quickening the sensibilities of the humane, in diffusing pacific principles, and leading to subsequent exertions.

At this time, the duty of extending the knowledge of Christianity to the pagan nations, had just begun to be more generally felt; Christian benevolence had been quickened by new impulses, and called forth in new directions. A multitude of benevolent associations for extending the Gospel, and applying its principles as the grand remedy for human evils, were then just springing up and consolidating. This facilitated the attempt to bring the spirit of the Gospel in reference to war, to act on the conscience, and awaken the exertions of Christians. For it is a beautiful truth, that the developement and vivid enforcement of one latent Christian principle, spreads outward, quickening other latent principles, and calling forth the activities they demand. It is the quality of deeds of Love to enlarge the spirit and strengthen power of Love. At this time, too, the strength of Union and the power of Opinion were beginning to be better understood than ever before:-the unlimited resources of moral power, in rectifying opinion, combining and directing its force, were becoming every day more available.

The first

From these influences resulted Peace Societies. four that were formed, the New York, the Massachusetts, the Ohio, and the London, sprang up nearly simultaneously, (in 1815, and 1816,) and probably without a knowledge of each other's existence at the time. The American Peace Society was formed at New York, May, 1828.

These associations have now become very numerous, both in our own and in foreign countries. We have room only to speak briefly of two or three of the most important of the Foreign Societies.

The London "Society for Promoting Permanent and Universal Peace," was formed July 14, 1816. Its object, in its own language, is "to print and circulate Tracts, and diffuse information tending to show that war is inconsistent with the spirit of Christianity, and the true interest of mankind, and to point out the means best calculated to maintain permanent and universal peace, upon the basis of Christian principles." The organ of this Society is the "Herald of Peace." An active correspondence has been maintained by this Society, with the friends of Peace in all parts of the world, and more than half a million of Tracts have been published and distributed.

In France, the "Society of Christian Morals," (Societe de Morale chrettienne) was founded, Aug. 15, 1821, by the venerable Duke de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt, under the sanction of the French government. Among its early members, were the late lamented Baron de Stael Holstein, the late celebrated Benjamin Constant, Casimer-Perier, late prime minister of the King, besides other eminent individuals, now deceased. In the long list of its present members, we have counted more than forty of the most distinguished names among the French nobles, statesmen, and men of letters. The King of the French, his son the Duke of Orleans, the Duke de Broglie, the Marquis de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt, Guizot, and most of the Ministers of State, are members of this Society. Its object is expressed in the first article of its Constitution: "The object of this Society is to exhibit and recall perpetually to men's minds, the precepts of Christianity, in all its purity; to present to their notice the happy influence of these precepts upon the welfare of the human race, and thus to contribute to inspire, or more and more to quicken, sentiments of charity and general good will, so requisite to secure the reign of Peace on earth." In the Journal of this Society for June, 1832, they say: "The Society of Christian

Morals has been, for eleven years past, a genuine Peace Society in France. It corresponds with those of London and Ge neva; it professes the same principles; it aims at the same. ameliorations."*

The Geneva Peace Society was formed in December, 1830, and has been constantly animated by the zeal of its founder, the Count de Sellon, an eminent philanthropist, who has for many years been devoted to the amelioration of criminal law in regard to capital punishment. M. de Sellon has written and published many things in promotion of the principles of peace; he has also held public concourses for the reception of prize memoirs, maintained an active correspondence with governments and all the friends of humanity, and in various ways, with unwearied activity, devoted himself to this great cause. The Geneva Society publish a periodical called "Archives of the Peace Society."

The object of these Associations of which we have named a few of the principal, is, through the press and by all other resources of moral power, to create such a state of opinion as shall ultimately effect the abolition of War and the adoption of some peaceful mode of settling national differences. Their labors are, in general, directed to the diffusion of light on this subject. By developing and applying the true spirit of Christianity, and exhibiting the actual influences of war on the welfare of nations, they aim to make a combined appeal to the moral sentiments and enlightened self-interest of people and governments. Among the many special objects to which their exertions are directed, may be mentioned the purifying of the Literature and Education of christendom. Still more particularly, to cite here the language of Mr. Ladd, one of the earliest, most enlightened and zealous promoters of this great cause: to abolish paper

blockades-lessen the enumeration of articles called contraband of war-abolish the practice of privateering and establish the principle that free ships make free goods-and thus dry up many fruitful sources of war;-to increase and promote the practice of submitting national differences to amicable discus

• Journal de la Société de Morale chréttienne.