endless perdition;-instead of contemplating the event with complacency, or its authors with admiration, you would turn from the one with horrour, and from the other with heartfelt grief. Penetrated with a lively sense of the guilt and misery of war, you would incessantly strive for deliverance from the desolating scourge, under which "the whole creation has groaned and travailed in pain together until now." Unquestionably there is a wide difference between offensive and defensive war. But every war is offensive, at least on one part; and if offensive war can be prevented, defensive war will of course be superseded.

'But what,' you exclaim, 'can we do, in aid of an achievement so arduous?' You can reprobate and discourage that rancorous animosity, prejudice and jealousy, which are the fuel of war; and without which its destructive flames never were, and never will be enkindled. You can accustom yourselves, and incite others to view the whole human race as brethren, bound to the constant exercise of mutual kindness, forbearance, and love. You can perceive and expose the wickedness imputable to the children of the same divine and beneficent parent, when they envy, provoke, and destroy one another. You can appreciate and portray the many and great advantages, which would flow from the universal observance of that golden rule. "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." In a word, you can 'study the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another;"—and these are the most natural and efficient means of accomplishing the design proposed. By these means, you will contribute to diffuse through your respective circles of intercourse, whether more or less extended, that concili

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atory disposition which tends, above all things else, to put an end to "the confused noise of battles," and to the agonizing spectacle of "garments rolled in blood :" a disposition, which, spreading in every direction, may, at length, reach and meliorate the policy and condition of all mankind. Yes, brethren; your exertions, however unpromising at their commencement, may eventually extend their benign influence to "principalities and powers," and induce stipulations among them, which shall bring all their differences to an amicable adjustment, without resorting to arms and bloodshed. It is possible that "this generation may not pass away, till all these things shall be fulfilled :" till a new law of nations shall give an opening to better times. Something analagous to such a law of nations, is found in the treaty, which has recently restored tranquillity to our country. In case of disagreement between the parties, the boundary line is to be determined by referring the merits of the cause to an impartial umpire; and his decision is to be final. Now if questions about territory; questions, which as frequently and as justly generate war, as any other, may be honourably settled in this way, where is the impracticability of constituting, by general consent, a Grand Tribunal of Umpires, to pass sentence upon all matters in dispute between particular governments.

Another signal event of this auspicious era, adapted to arouse attention, and stimulate activity, is the unexampled compact lately formed between three of the greatest monarchs of Europe, the Russian, Austrian, and Prussian : a compact, which they solemnly declare has no other object, than “to show, in the face of the universe, their unwavering determination to adopt for the only rule of their conduct, both in the administration of

their respective states, and in their political relations with every other government, the precepts of the christian religion, the precepts of justice, of charity, and of peace; which, far from being applicable solely to private life, ought, on the contrary, to influence the resolutions of princes, and to guide all their undertakings, as being the best means of giving stability to human institutions, and of remedying their imperfections." Meanwhile, they invite "all powers, who shall wish to profess the sacred principles" which dictated the measure, "and to acknowledge how important it is to the happiness of nations, too long disturbed, that these truths should henceforth exercise upon human destinies all the influence which belongs to them,' to join in "this holy alliance." Thus, in the face of the universe, have these three mighty potentates erected the standard of peace, and invited all nations and all people to rally round it, and combine their influence for the permanent tranquillity and happiness of the world. Only let the principles here solemnly proclaimed be universally adopted, and carried into effect; and wars will cease unto the end of the earth, the spear will be cut in sunder, and the chariot will be burned in the fire.

The late tremendous series of conflicts and calamities which have desolated Europe, and terrified the world, seem to have produced an extensive conviction. not only of the direful effects and consequences of war, but also of the unsoundness and iniquity of its principles and maxims. The signs of the times, indeed, seem clearly to indicate the approach of the long looked for period, foretold by prophets and sung by poets, when "the wolf' shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and there shall be none to hurt or destroy." When "the spirit from on high,

shall be poured out, and the wilderness shall become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be esteemed a forest; and judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and in the fruitful field shall reside righteousness; and the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, perpetual quiet and security." The felicities of such a period will be realized; for the word of Jehovah is sure. But before they can be realized, the long nurtured errours in regard to war, must be corrected, the passions and the spirit of war must be counteracted and suppressed; and the principles and the spirit of peace must be imbibed and diffused. It is hoped, and with good reason, that, by the blessing of Heaven, the societies instituted in this, and other countries, for the purpose, will gradually diffuse the purifying light of revelation throughout the earth: And is there less ground to hope, that universal and perpetual peace might be the ultimate effect of similar Associations for the abolition of war? Blessed be God, similar Associations for the abolition of war are already in existence and operation. Beside other movements of the kind in America and Europe, a "Peace Society," to which, among many others, a considerable number of our most enlightened and virtuous civilians belong, has been organized in this Commonwealth; and impressive publications, tending to illustrate and enforce the subject now submitted to your deliberation, have si multaneously issued from numerous pens, on both sides the Atlantick; a subject, to which interest, as well as duty, humanity, as well as religion, urges your most serious attention. "Consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds."

In Convention of Ministers, 29th May, 1816, Dr. Worcester, from the Committee, appointed last year, to

consider, whether it is expedient for this Convention to adopt any measure, or measures, and, if any, what, to correct the publick mind on the subject of war, made a report, and read an address to the publick, which the Committee recommended to be published.--Whereupon voted,

That this Address to the community, on the subject of war, be recommitted to Dr. Worcester, Mr. Packard, of Marlborough, and President Kirkland, to be by them revised and published, as containing the sentiments of this Convention. A true copy from the records, JOHN PIERCE, Scribe.

THE Executive Committee of the Bible Society of Massachusetts respectfully report, that their operations during the last year have been as extensive as the funds of the Society will permit. A larger number of Bibles has been distributed than in any preceding year; and as a proof that this charity is needed, your Committee would observe, that they have not been compelled to seek opportunities of distribution, but have continually received application in behalf of the destitute, from individuals, whose characters afford every security of a faithful and judicious attention to the objects of the Society. Your Committee have distributed during the last year,

186 large Bibles, 2475 Common Bibles, 556 Testaments.

3217 whole number.

Of this number, seven hundred have been committed by special order of the Trustees to Messrs. Daniel Smith and Cyrus Kingsbury, missionaries, to be distributed in the western states, where a deplorable want of Bibles still Vol. IV, No. 7.

exists. There is reason to hope, that the benevolent concern which has been expressed for the destitute condition of these extensive and newly settled regions is awakening in the inhabitants a solicitude and zeal for the supply of their own spiritual necessities; and a more animating reward cannot be desired.

The remainder of the Bibles have been distributed chiefly within the limits of this Commonwealth, and generally by the agency of the ministers of religion.

J

Your Committee have every reason for believing, that proper objects have been selected for your bounty. They have understood, however, that in some instances poor families, by making application to different individuals, have received a greater number of Bibles than they needed; and this inconvenience has been particularly experienced in this metropolis, where the distribution is necessarily made by numerous hands. Whilst it is earnestly desired that liberal principles may be adopted in communicating the Word of God to the poor, it is also hoped

that this charity may not be brought into discredit by any abuses, which a proper care may prevent.

In some towns of the District of Maine, associations have been formed for the purpose of ascertaining the number of families destitute of the scriptures, and of making joint application for their relief. A similar method might usefully be extended to other parts of the Commonwealth. Christians should every where remember, that their Master preached his gospel to the poor, and has particularly committed this suffering class of fellow-beings to their kindness and

Care.

The members of this Society will expect no recital of any sudden or astonishing effects produced by the Bibles which they have distributed. The influence of the scriptures is seen among the poor as among the rich, not in a miraculous transformation, but in a silent and gradual improvement of the character. It is enough to know, that a Bible has been thankfully received by a destitute family. The precious gift can hardly be unavailing. In hours of leisure, and especially on the Christian sabbath, its pages will be opened. It will be a resource in trouble and in declining life. It will attract the attention of the child; and we trust that, though often disregarded, it will plead successfully, with some who read it, the cause of God and eternity.

We continue to receive assurances of the very grateful ac

ceptance of the Bible by the poor. In a letter from the District of Maine, it is observed, "The Massachusetts Bible Society has added much to the triumphs of the gospel, carrying the word of life to the dwellings of the poor. Some who had lived for years without a Bible in their families, have become, as I have reason to believe, fond of reading it, and make it a book for family use. A number of aged people have been peculiarly benefitted by the large octavo Bibles. Many, in this part of the country, have expressed to me their gratitude to heaven for your bounty." In another letter from Plymouth county, it is observed, "The large Bibles were given to the aged poor, whose hearts appeared to be made glad on receiving the invaluable treasure. It has been gratifying, to convey the Bible, containing divine consolation, to a number of poor afflicted widows, left with a number of fatherless children. The consideration that others have had new Bibles has induced some who were able, but had neglected it, to purchase a large family Bible." Thus the benefits of our Institution extend to those who are not the immediate objects of its bounty. A deeper sense of the importance of the Scriptures is communicated to many by whom our efforts are observed. It should be a subject of sincere gratitude, that we are permitted to contribute to the noblest and most benevolent purposes of God, to participate in the work of enlightening the world, and of car

rying to the obscure retreats of want and wo the glad tidings of forgiveness and immortality.

The institution of Bible Societies forms an era in the history of the church. It is the chief glory of our age; and it sheds a purer and more enduring splendour on the nation in which it originated, than all her victories. We rejoice in being able to report to you the continued and increasing efforts of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to which the honour belongs, of leading the way in this career of godlike philanthropy. It is not the least of the merits of that Institution, that, by awakening inquiry, it has discovered the great and almost incredible want of Bibles in the Christian world. Who among us had imagined, that, in extensive districts of Europe, scarcely a copy of the Scriptures could be found, and that to some who bore the name of Christians, the meaning of the word Bible was unknown? The dishonour which these facts have thrown on Christians, has been, in some measure, effaced by the zeal which has every where been kindled to scatter this darkness, and to supply the destitute of all nations with the word of God. This spirit is not confined to the country in which it first broke forth. The flame has spread over Europe. Never before was so generous an impulse communicated to so many hearts. Never since the first promulgation of Christianity, has so sublime a spectacle been exhibited, as that which we now witness, of Christians, in both hemispheres, sepa

rated by language, climate, manners, and oceans, forgetting their distinctions, and conspiring as brethren in the work of illuminating the world. Perhaps human history affords no example of such extensive co-operation for the good of mankind.

From such institutions, founded by the most illustrious men, patronized by sovereigns, endowed by opulence, and inspired and sanctified by ardent love of God and mankind, are we not authorized to hope a melioration of the moral and religious condition of society? May we not anticipate a more extensive and glorious manifestation of the power of Christianity on the hearts of men? May we not especially hope, that Christian nations, being thus united under the peaceful standard of the cross, and labouring and triumphing together in the cause of their common Lord, will drink more largely into his spirit, will exchange their animosities for love, and will shrink with horrour from the thought of devoting each other to slaughter and desolation.

In contributing to the great object, which is interesting to so many hearts, it is hoped that we of this Society shall not be unfaithful. Belonging as we do to a growing and prosperous community, it will be no light reproach if we withhold our support from a work, which will associate us with the best men who have lived before us, and with the purest and most illustrious characters of the present age.

By the Executive Committee.