to add the Ladies of Tavistock, whose formation of a Female Association in connexion with the Auxiliary Peace Society established in that place, was adverted to in a former Report; an example which we should be glad to see imitated in other places where there are already Auxiliary Societies, as believing it to be calculated more effectually to bring into operation female influence, in favour of the mild and benignant virtues of Christianity.

It might seem almost superfluous to solicit the co-operation of ministers of the Gospel on an occasion like the present; it being their peculiar province to enforce on men the doctrines and precepts of our holy Religion; but, alas! so long and so general have been some of the deviations from the apostolic practice, and so interwoven with the ecclesiastical as well as civil institutions of Christian nations, that many good and pious men have been carried away with the prevailing customs, without sufficiently examining whether they were authorized by the Christian moral code as exhibited in the New Testament. *** Eras

mus, a Roman Catholic Ecclesiastic of the 16th century, saw the inconsistency of War with Christianity; and he has, with a boldness which redounds to his honour, publicly, in his writings, exposed, with his usual acuteness and eloquence, the incongruity of the character of the Warrior with that of the Christian. And shall Protestant Divines of the 19th century be less zealous to purge Christianity from the corruptions by which it has been debased, than a Roman Catholic Priest of the 16th century? Shall they evince less earnestness in their attempts to restore to the Christian character that genuine mark of discipleship which may again revive the observation, "Behold these Christians, how they love one another!"

In connexion with the preceding invitation to the ministers of the Gospel in this nation, it is peculiarly gratifying to your Committee, that they have to announce a good example which has been set by our American brethren. In a communication which has been received from an American mission, settled at Bombay, the Missionaries freely offer to co-operate with the London Peace Society, in its endeavours to remove the stain of War from the Christian profession. *

We

Your Committee have received the Seventh Annual Report of the Peace Society of Massachusetts and the Sixth Annual Report of that of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. These Reports evince the same zeal and persevering exertions in the common cause, for which our American coadjutors have been so eminently distinguished. cannot refrain from congratulating our Trans-atlantic brethren on the additional bond of union which has been cemented by the late Treaty between the two countries, formed upon the noble principle of reciprocally waving some national rights, more effectually to attain their object of eradicating that most wicked Vol. IV. No. 2.

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system of robbery and murder-the Slave Trade. The philanthropic and humane object of this Treaty is highly creditable to both the contracting parties. May the future contests between two nations "allied by common ancestry, common language," and by religion, be only those bloodless ones of endeavouring to excel each other in promoting Christian benevolence and the good of mankind. Neither can we forbear from adverting with satisfaction to the recent address of the President of the United States to the Congress, in which he mentions the proposals which had been made by that government to the great European Powers, for "the abolition of private war on the seas;" as evincing a more enlightened policy than that which has heretofore influenced nations in their intercourse with each other.

The last communication from the Hants Peace Society, at Rawden, in Nova Scotia, was encouraging; but a detailed account of their proceedings and progress has not yet been received. The connexion with the Society of Christian Morals at Paris is maintained, with whom your Committee exchanges publications.

Two new Auxiliary Societies have been established within the past year; one at Ross, in Herefordshire, the other at Loughborough, in Leicestershire; and from the accounts received, it appears, that in some parts of the country, where there has been no regular correspondent, an increasing conviction of the pacific obligations of the Gospel is produced, by the circulation of the Tracts and Herald of Peace. Among other means which your Committee have adopted, to call the attention of the public to the important Gospel principles which we advocate, may be noticed, the plan adopted of laying the Herald of Peace, as it comes out, on the tables of Reading Rooms, in different parts of the kingdom. They have also adopted measures which they hope may produce a more extended co-operation of the ministers of the Gospel. New editions of the Tracts Nos. 1, 3, 4, and 6, besides the Seventh Annual Report and the Herald of Peace, have been published since the last Report, making in all 23,000; comprising a total of 304,250, printed since the foundation of the Society. The sales and distributions this year have been 21,750. The amount of subscriptions and donations received this year is £575. 7s. 94d. But though your Committee have to congratulate you on this increase of the contributions during the past year, they have nevertheless to regret that their resources are not sufficient to allow them to embrace new openings of service which have presented themselves: they have therefore to solicit the increased exertions of their friends, to enable them to disseminate the principles of the Society with a vigour and activity commensurate with their importance.

The labours of your Committee are not directed through a channel which leads to brilliant results-their movements are tranquil and unobtrusive; these results, and these movements

for the past year, are now before you; and to them your Committee think they may confidently appeal, as proofs that they have not neglected the trust reposed in them. That the object, which by moral means only we are endeavouring to accomplish, is not a popular one, you cannot be ignorant. Those corrup tions of the Christian system which we oppose, are too strongly upheld by a complication of secular interests, to give way to the light of truth without a long and severe conflict; but let us, for our encouragement, remember, that this conflict is the same in its nature as that which Christianity had to maintain at its first promulgation. The interests (at least the supposed interests) of this world, and the obligations of Christianity, always have been, and will more or less continue to be, at variance, till the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ.

N. B. In the Nos. of the Herald of Peace which accompanied the above Report, there are several animating Reports from Auxiliary Societies. In these are mentioned some new publications in favor of peace, and considerable aid from newspapers, in which important articles have been inserted. Our British brethren appear to entertain a high opinion of that part of our President's last Speech to Congress which relates to privateering and maritime depredations. They are much gratified with his proposition to the maritime powers of Europe for the abolition of this unjust and piratical mode of warfare, deeming it as evidence of the progress of light and humane principles. They have also recorded with strong marks of approbation, the following sentiment publickly avowed by Mr. Canning, the British Secretary of the Foreign Department-" OUR ULTIMATE OBJECT must be the PEACE OF THE World." EDITOR.

EXTRACTS FROM THE SEVENTH REPORT OF THE RHODE ISLAND PEACE SOCIETY.

"EACH returning anniversary of the Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations Peace Society, reminds its Directors of their obligations to place before its members a faithful account of their exertions and prospects in the cause of peace, and of the state of other Societies who are engaged in the heavenly cause of promoting "peace on earth and good will to men." Nor would they be unmindful of their paramount obligations to the God of Peace, whose goodness and mercy has been extended to us as a nation, in preserving us from the direful calamities of war, and the desolations of pestilence and famine. To Him would we offer the homage of our hearts, and fervently desire, that as individuals, as a Society, and as a nation, we may never forget any of his benefits.

"On reviewing the doings of the Society the past year, the Directors view with regret that their limited resources have not permitted them to make greater exertions in printing and circulating tracts which might enlighten the understandings of our fellow-citizens upon the sinfulness of that state of mind which permits man to be the foe of his fellow-man. They cannot but hope that the generous subscriptions and donations of the friends of peace will enable them in the ensuing year to increase their exertions in promoting the benevolent objects of our Association.

"There have been printed and circulated at the expense of the Society the year past, five hundred copies of the Sixth Annual Report, eight thousand five hundred copies of valuable selections on the subject of War, attached to the Rhode-Island Almanack, and the usual number of copies of the Friend of Peace have been purchased and distributed, making in the whole, fiftyfive thousand nine hundred and seventy-six tracts, which have been printed, purchased and circulated since the formation of this Society. In addition to this, many benevolent members of this Society have printed and purchased at their own expense, the Letters to Governor Strong, and the Friend of Peace. These tracts have been distributed throughout this State, and several of the sister States. Our Reports have been regularly forwarded to all the Societies with which we correspond, both in our own and foreign countries. As far as our knowledge extends, we have good reason to believe that they have been favourably received, and that they have contributed towards exciting a spirit of inquiry among Christians, whether war is consistent with the spirit and design of the peaceful religion which they profess."

"The accounts received from the Peace Societies in the United States, are encouraging, and there is reason to hope that the seed which has been sown will in due time yield a plentiful harvest. The Ohio Peace Society, with its branches, is still devoted to the good work, and the Pennsylvania, recently formed, has two auxiliaries, one in Philadelphia, and one in the State of NewYork.

"The new Societies formed in different parts of the United States, and the numerous periodical publications which appear in defence of pacifick sentiments, are sure indications that the publick mind has become more enlightened and interested upon these important subjects. The state of peace which we now enjoy, is highly favourable to the progress of our views, and we cannot but hope that our highly favoured country will be as distinguished for its love of peace, as for its love of liberty; and that those who profess the name of Jesus, will possess and exercise his spirit, and imitate his divine example.

"Since our last Anniversary, we have received from the London Peace Society, several interesting letters, accompanied with the Herald of Peace, and their Seventh Annual Report. From

these, we have obtained the cheering intelligence that the cause of peace is gradually advancing in Great-Britain and the neighbouring countries, that the Society had then printed since its commencement, two hundred and sixty-nine thousand two hundred and fifty Tracts, and that the sales and distributions of the preceding year had amounted to twenty thousand four hundred and ten; and that the receipts of the Society in subscriptions and donations, exceeded one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars.

"We have thus given a brief outline of the proceedings and prospects of this and the other Peace Societies with whom we maintain a correspondence. And from all that has come to our knowledge, we are firmly persuaded that their labours are not in vain, and that in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.""

MR. EDITOR,

APOLOGY FOR FEMALES. BY A LADY.

[For the Friend of Peace.]

THE extract from the Christian Mirror containing some remarks respecting the influence of women on public opinion relative to war, together with the often repeated inquiries of my son, about 12 years old, respecting the wars recorded in the Jewish Scriptures, gave rise to the following reflections. If they contain any hints, that may be useful in promoting the grand object of your society, they are at your disposal.

It is observed in the extract from the Christian Mirror, that "not one female writer of any eminence has ever employed her pen in favour of peace." Can this be, because we delight in rapine and murder? Can this be, because we wish to be torn from husbands, sons, brothers, and all the dearest relations of life? Can this be-but I will trace the horrors no farther; venturing at once to deny that such depravity attaches itself to any, excepting the worst of the daughters of Adam.

Why then, it will be asked, do they not exert all their influence, and it is great, in turning their husbands, sons, brothers, and friends from their false notions of true heroism of character? We will inquire into some of the prevailing causes of the incorrect views, which good women, as well as good men, have formed on the subject of war. We will confine ourselves to countries where the Bible is read, and where the people are, at least, nominal Christians.

It is the custom to put the Bible into the hands of Children before they can attach any correct ideas to what they read. Under the Old Testament dispensation, wars were very frequent. God commanded his chosen people to go up against the heathen, and utterly to destroy them. The extermination of man and