The Apology of an Officer, for Withdrawing from the Profession of Arms: Contained in a Letter ...

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Contents

Preface. „ ^

Fage.

Letter addressed to the King by the Author on resigning his commission t

II

stead of thus considering^ it^ would it not be hailed by all as a most auspicious event ? And^ instead of thereby subjecting^ themselves to insult^ would they not command the admiration^ the esteem, and the friendship^ of every civilised^ and even of every savage nation ? May it henceforth, Sire^ be the ambition of Britain and France^ to set to other nations the glorious example of cultivating a Christian instead of a martial spirit

In withdrawing myself from Your Majesty's Na* val Service^ I have the consolation of doing it in a time of profound peace, when the least possible objection can be made to such a measure. It is also less repugpnant to my feelings to retire from half-pay than from actual service. This pay, I have been led to believe, is not only considered as a reward for past services, but also as a retaining fee for future exertions. Being unwilling to comply with the terms, I feel that I am not entitled to the fee ; and that I ought not to receive it. Did I, on the other hand, regard my half-pay as exclusively a reward for past services ; having earned it by what I now consider as a transgression of Christian duty, or as a de«* sertion of my allegiance to God, it appears to me, in receiving it, that I virtually renew, or continue, my disobedience. If I may be allowed to apply to myself the figurative and emphatical language of St. Paul^ '' I crucify afresh the Lord Jesus Christ/' (the Prince of Pbace^) ^'and put him and his religion to an open shame.''

To enumerate only a few of the evils emanating from war would swell this letter far beyond the limits to which it is my wish to confine it. Of war it may safely be affirmed that^ if it does not cause^ it aggravates every evil^ moral or political^ by which mankind is assailed. In the Old Testament^ war, or the sword^ is uniformly spoken of as the instrument whereby God punishes rebellious and idolatrous nations. This ought to be regarded as a warn* ing voice from Heaven, both to nations and individuals, not to engage in it.

I might here. Sire, lay down my pen, trusting that in a situation of considerable difficulty I have acted (at least according to the best of my judgement) on correct Christian principles. It seems necessary, however, upon an occasion like the present, that I should endeavour to prove that I have acted on these principles.

The prophecies of the Old Testament, when taken in connexion with the precepts of the Gospel, appear decisive against the practice of war, under the Christian dispensation. To this evidence I appeal with the more satisfaction, as it affords, at the same time, the pleasing and sure testimony, that the degrading and sanguinary scenes of past and present times are not to endure^ but, on the contrary, that they will be succeeded by ages of permanent peace and happiness.

I am not, Sire^ so great a visionary as to expect that the example of any individual, much less of one so little known to the worid as myself, will have the least influence with others ; yet I confidently anticipate that a time will arrive^ when not only insulated individuals^ but when men in great number^^ — when the nations, — when many people* will act on the same principles that I have done. I do not entertain this belief, merely because I think the divine precepts of the Christian religion are admirably calculated to produce so glorious an events or because the ^' signs of the times" lead reflecting persons to expect it ; but chiefly because I am a believer in those prophecies of the Old Testament which speak of this devoutly to be wished for event as a certainty. These prophecies give evidence concerning this triumph of Christianity^ with as much precision and clearness as they testify the truth of Christianity itself. Their accomplishment^ indeed^ seems to form a necessary connecting link in the grand chain of the prophecies concerning Christianity : this link wanting^ the fortress of Christian truth is rendered assailable^ and is exposed to the attacks of Jews and sceptics^ who taunt Christians with the remark that their religion cannot be true^ inasmuch as the Prince of Peace is not yet come into the world. As it was^ Sire^ the practice of our Saviour and his Apostles to appeal to the prophecies of the Old Testament^ it seems wise that Christians of the present day^ in examining

* Isaiah i)* 4.

a disputed pointy such as the lawfulness of war^ should follow the example of these infallihle ^ides. However acute and excellent the writings of many learned commentators on the Prophecies^ and however decisive the proofs they draw from them of the truth of the Christian revelation^ it would seem certain that some of the most important of these prophecies^ generally applied to Christianity^ are at variance with all history, whether civil or ecclesiastical, of the last fourteen or fifteen centuries. The following prophecies are of this description :

I. Isaiah ii. 2. And it shall come to pass, in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountain and shall be exalted above the hiUs, and all the nations shall flow unto it.

3. And many people shall go and say. Come ye and let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths ; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4t. And he will judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plough-shares and their spears into pruning'hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither sliall they learn war any more. — See also M)cah iv. I — 4.

II. Isaiah xi. I. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse.

5. Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, a nd faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard lie down with the kid; and the calf and tae young lion, and the failing together; and a little child shall lead them.

7. And the cow and the bear shall feed: and their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.

9. They shall not hurt or destroy in all the holy mountain ; Jor the earth shall be full of the know^ ledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

These prophecies^ though couched in lan^age so very dissimilar^ are no doubt descriptive of the same events viz.^ the great happiness destined for mankind through the medium of the Christiai% re-^ ligion. This happiness many of the virtuous^ the enUghtened^ and the philanthropic^ in alleges since the Christian era^ have ardently^ but vainly^ wished to see realised. The former prophecy describes this triumph of Christianity in terms so plain and literal^ that they cannot be misunderstood. The latter^ though couched in symbolical language, is also descriptive of a state of great happiness under the Christian dispensation. In two important particulars these prophecies remain yet to be fulfilled^ viz. : in establishing peace in the world ; and in spreading that knowledge of the Lord which is finally to produce this blessed effect.

Should it be asked^ Sire^ of what use these prophecies are to Christians of the present day^ — are they recorded merely to gratify a prying curiosity^ and to convey to them information concerning events which are to take place at some future and indefinite period^ and in which they have no interest or concern? This question is answered by St. Paul ; that prophecy (like other parts of Scripture) is '' written for our admonition^ upon whom the ends of the world are come." These prophecies, therefore, are handed down to inform us that it is the will of the great and benevolent Parent of mankind, and consequently the duty of Christians, to live together in harmony and love, instead of hating and destroying each other by war. — They are written to show us that if wars now exist, the fault is npt in Christianity, but in those who are called Christians. — They are written to tell us what effects real Christianity tmll produce hereafter, and consequently what it ought to produce now.— They are written. Sire, to admonish Christians to refrain from war. These prophecies are still more important, for they point out the way to put an end to war ; viz., by spreading abroad Christianity (or '' the knowledge of the Lord *') till '' it shall cover the earth.*' When Chri;stians cease from war, this undertaking will become comparatively an easy task. Thus understood and applied, these pron

phecies^ instead of being a mere dead letter and a matter of useless speculation, become practically and individually useful; they become, like other parts of Scripture, '' profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for cprrection, for instruction in righteousness/'

It is well. Sire, for Christians who feel a deep interest for the honour of their religion, that the history of the first two centuries establishes the fact .that the professors of Christianity, in those early ages, refrained from war. It is also well for the cause of Christianity that an apostasy from the faith was predicted. In Scripture language, faith and Christian practice are often synonymous ; and it is impossible to conceive a greater departure from Christian practice than war. Thus, Sire, this departure from the practice of the Apostles and early Christians, like every other fact connected with the Christian history, when duly considered, bears tes* timony to its truth.

So long as nations professing Christianity shall make a trade of war, the superstructure of Christianity must and will be assailable through these prophecies : but its foundations are imperishable. When Christians shall cease from war, which, on the sure word of prophecy, they will do ; then may we hope that Christianity " will cover the earth,"' and that ^^all the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ/' Till

c then^ warriors must be considered as the foes of Christianity.

If^ Sire^ we ask ourselves the question— what changes would be effected in the moral and political worlds if our Lord's sermon on the mounts instead of being a subject of occasional eulogium and admiration^ were made the standard rule of men's actions ? Let the prophet Isaiah answer the question : men would ''beat their swords into ploughshares/' and ''nation would not lift up sword against nation^ neither would they learn war any more/' The all-powerful cause that is to produce these glo* rious effects is Christianity. Connecting it with the prophecies of the Old Testament^ we may con^ sider " the knowledge of the Lord/' and Christian knowledge^ as the same thing ; and taking the sermon of our Lord on the mount as a summary of this knowledge^ we may consider it as the noble instrument that is finally to produce these glorious effects.

The close agreement^ Sire^ between these prophecies and the probable result of our Saviour's precepts^ if practically embraced^ affords a strong presumptive proofs that both the prophecies and the precepts are of divine origin. I have^ I trusty shown that the former never can be fulfilled so long as Christians shall engage in war. It will be equally easy to show that the precepts of the Gospel can never be complied with by nations or by individuals' engaging in war. Their obedience to such precepts and commands as the following seems to be an impossibility.

Have peace one with another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples^ if ye have love one to another.

Walk with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering ^ forbearing one another in love.

Be ye all of one mind^ having compassion one of another : love as brethren^ be pitiful^ be courteous^

not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing.

Be at peace among yourselves. See that none render evil for evil to any man. God hath called us to peace.

Follow after love, patience, meekness. Be gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. Lave in peace.

Lay aside all malice. Put off anger, wrath, malice. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, udth all malice.

Avenge not yourselves. If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. Recompense to no m>an evUfor evil. Overcome evil with good.

What a strange anomaly^ Sire^ would be exhibited^ were these truly noble and characteristic pre>- cepts of the Christian religion placed at the head of every naval or military officer's commission^ and at the head of every warlike order issued from the Admiralty or War-offi<ie, or at the head of every regimental orderly-book! No incongruity could

c3 appear ^eater than such a mixture of war and Gospel — no impossibility more evident than the im« possibility of obedience in both cases — no truth more clear than that war and Christianity are utterly irreconcilable. When the Christian and military duties are thus contrasted^ the discrepance is so glarings that it has rather the appearance of burlesque than of sober truth. But surely this striking contrariety affords no mean argument that the duties of a Christian and a warrior can never be faithfully discharged by the same individual.

A due consideration of these truly Christian precepts will show us the fallacy of one of the most popular arguments in favour of war : viz.^ that as the Jews, the highly-favoured people of God, were commanded, by God himself, to wage war, it cannot therefore be sinful for Christians to do the same. But our Saviour has left his followers without this excuse ; for he tells them they are not to be guided . by the customs of the Jews : '' Ye have heard," says he, ^' that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth : but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil ; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.'' — "Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy : but I say unto you, love them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefuUy use you and persecute you.'* The practice of the Jews, therefore. Sire, can be no excuse for Christians to engage in war.

Another popular argument in favour of war is^ that the moral precepts of the Gospel^ though im* perative to individuals^ niay, in cases of necessity, be dispensed with by sovereigns, or nations. On this subject an acute reasoiier thus expresses himself : '^ In the transactions of private persons, no advantage that results from the breach of a general law of justice, can compensate to the public for the violation of the law ; in the concerns of empire this may sometimes he doubted.'' I deeply regret. Sire, that a sentiment so derogatory to Christian morals should have proceeded from the pen of Dr. Paley. My regret, however, is softened by the knowledge that Christian sovereigns united in Holy Alliance ''have not so learned Christ/' These sovereigns solemnly declare ^^ their fixed resolution^ both in the administration of their respective states^ and in their political relations with every other government, to take for their sole guide the precepts of that holy religion" (the Christian) : ^^ namely y the precepts of justice, ChTistian charity , and peace, which, far fi^om being applicable only to private concerns, must have an immediate influence on the counsels ofprinceSy and guide all their steps, as being the only means of consolidating human institutions and remedying their imperfections.'' Whenever Christian nations shall act on these principles, wars among them will cease, and ''the know-* ledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the watera cover the sea."

Considering the high importance of the subject-matter of these pages to myself individually, 1 trust. Sire, that I shall not, . in concluding them, be accused of egotism, or of improperly indulging my own feelings or vanity, in stating the following particulars concerning myself.

When the first impressions. Sire, were formed in my mind concerning the unlawfulness of Christians entering into or remaining in the military profession^ I cannot exactly recollect. To my shame, I may, I believe, say that I never thought seriously on the subject till within the last four years. Whenever I heard feelings of disapprobation expressed concerning war, I was led to regard them, as Bishop Horsley did, as a species of puritanical cant ; so fully was I satisfied that war, and consequently my profession, was perfectly consonant with the precepts of Christianity. About the time I have mentioned, owing to circumstances which I need not state, I began to entertain doubts on this subject. These doubts gradually gained strength; and early in the year 1822 I came to the resolution to investigate the subject more closely than I had hitherto done ; and if, after such investi* gallon^ it should appear to me that my profession was irreconcilable with the precepts of Christ, I determined to resign my naval rank and half-pay, although I placed a high value upon the former, and the tatter forms a large portion of a very limited income; and I was thereby subjecting myself, and not myself alone^ to a. very considerable change ifi my mode of livings and this at an advanced period of life^ when its comforts and conveniences are most wanted.

To take a step so highly important to roe in many points of vieWj but particularly in a religious one^ upon the first impression of my mind^ would have been highly improper ; for even the best informed persons frequently change their opinions^ and see the same transaction in different points of view at different periods of time. From the very novel nature of the act I contemplated^ I thought it possible that this might happen to myself; and that^ in my ardour to do what I deemed an act of reli*- gious duty^ I might hastily take a step of which I might hereafter see just cause to repent^ and when repentance could not avail me. I was also aware^ that what I proposed doing, being so much at va« riance with established custom^ might be attributed to vanity^ or an affectation of singularity — motives by which^ as far as I know myself, I have never been greatly influenced. Added tp these considerations^ I felt much difficulty as to the manner in which I should withdraw myself from my profession. It appeared to me, (though it may savour of vanity thus to express myself,) that the measure I contemplated was one of very great importance both in a political and religious point of view.

Under these perplexing circumstances, I came to the resolution to retain my half-pay three years longer, should my life be so long spared, and to dedicate that time to serious inquiry on a subject con* stantly pressing upon my mind. This dehy I considered as likely to cure me of any false notions that either ignorance^ fanaticism^ or vanity might generate. It has^ Sire^ pleased the divine Disposer of events to grant me these years ; and I hope they have not been passed unprofitably. After every inquiry and consideration on one of the most important subjects that can occupy the human mind^ as far as my abilities and opportunities have enabled me^ and after frequent and earnest prayer to that Being who alone has power over the minds of men^ that I might do nothing dishonourable to Christianity nor injurious to society^ I have seen no reason to regret the resolution I then formed. Some may blame me^ and with seeming justice^ for taking so long a time for consideration^ on what I now speak of as so very clear a point. I do not however regret this delay^ as it has effectually con* vinced me that I have acted not only from pure motivesj but also on correct principles ; and I feel the fullest confidence that I shall never repent of the step that conscience has dictated. This delay has also enabled me to correct the false views f have entertained till within the last twelve months cour cernjng what is called defensive war. On this subject I have^ indeed^ changed my opinions.

When I first formed the resolution of withdrawing from the naval profession^ I was^ Sire^ impress-* ed with an idea^ perhaps rather a confused one.

that though wars of conquest and aggression were clearly unjustifiable and wicked^ yet that wars of defence were not so. For individuals or nations to engage in these^ I considered as not merely lawful, but as highly honourable and meritorious. How-^ ever I may subject myself to scorn and contempt, I now feel no hesitation in declaring my conviction^ that warfare of any kind, offensive or defensive, national or individual^ is most plainly interdicted by the spirit, if not by the letter, of the Gospel. It is absolutely irreconcilable with the characteristic precepts of Christianity, as well as with the prophecies which I have already quoted . These precepts and prophecies teach us that to obey the will of God is "the whole business of morality/' I may be under a delusion; but regarding war of any kind as incompatible with this obedience, I musteitherreject as sophisticated the excuses and apologies of learned and ingenious men in favour of defensive war, or set at nought both the Gospel and the prophecies. Politicians consider the being ready for war as the surest mean of avoiding it, and as a proof of true wisdom. This is mere assertion : and history and experience admonish us, that if one nation arms by way of precaution and self-defence, another and another will do the same ; and these defensive armaments, it is more than probable, will produce offensive operations. Defensive armaments may se^ cure temporary safety, but they are calculated to create jealousy and provoke hostility, and to verify the remark of him who ''spake as never man spake ;" viz^ that ''they that take the sword shall perish with the sword/' We are told on the sure testimony of prophecy that wars will cease ; but we have not the slightest intimation that this will be effected by defensive armaments : on the contrary^ we have abundant reason to believe that the spread of Christianity (or "the knowledge of the Lord/') will produce this. (Isaiah xi. 9.)

A meek and an unresisting spirit seems to be the key-stone of Christianity : it appears to be regarded by our Saviour as a kind of celestial panoply^ not merely securing to its possessor the approbation of God^ but al^o protecting him from wrong and insult. The same remark may be applied to families^ and also to nations. Its effects with, these latter^ it is true, remain to be fully tried ; but in^ I believe^ the only instance in which this spirit has been put in practice upon an extended scale, it succeeded. It will succeed with Christian nations, unless Christianity and civilisation render men more ungovernable and unprincipled than the untutored Indians with whom William Penn had to deal : these were completely won and subdued by this defensive and truly Christian armour ; and, when its use shall be better understood. Christian nations will cease to learn war ; and there will be "nothing to hurt or destroy/'

Some, Sire, may cavil with my having, on the present occasion^ appealed so confidently to pro* jphecy. It has^ indeed^ been too much the custom with several commentators^ even with men of considerable eminence as writers and scholars^ to identify the awful and wonderAil events that have been passing in our own days^ with some of the prophecies of the Old and New Testaments^ which admit of a variety of interpretation. The prophecies to which I have appealed are of a very different description^ and can hardly be misapplied or misunderstood. These prophecies place our holy religion in the most dignified and delightful point of view^ as the path to universal peace and philanthropy. The Author of our divine religion is also by these prophecies placed in the most lovely and captivating light, as peculiarly entitled to our veneration, our gratitude, our obedience, and our love. This application of prophecy adds strength to the Christian evidences, and repels one of the most powerful arguments of sceptics against the religion of Christ.

I trust. Sire, that the state of gross darkness*, which has for so many centuries been producing war and destruction, is fast passing away, and light approaching with a steady step ; and that, without improperly indulging the imagination, we may consider the present times as those described by the prophet as neither day nor night, previous to the evening time (of Christianity), when it shall be light f. We are accustomed to regard the times

* Isaiah Iz. 2. f Zachariah xiv. 6, 7.

in which we live with a partial and complacent eye ; and^ comparing them with those that are past^ to exult in our superiority over our predecessors. We have^ indeed^ much cause for gratitude for many national blessings ; but^ as Christians^ none for exultation^ when we call to mind the torrents of human blood that have been shed in our own times^ in direct opposition to the precepts of Jesus.

When Christians, Sire, shall subdue the anti-christian spirit of ambition, of resistance^ and revenge, — or, in the words of St. James^ those lusts from whence wars arise^ — ^and^ instead of emulating the heroes of antiquity^ to which the present course of education propels them^ they shall take Jesus Christ for their pattern : — when, like him, men shall think it more honourable to submit with patience to a blow, tlian to return it with interest : — when men shall prefer the approbation of God, to the admiration of their fellow-men; or, in a word, when they become Christians : — ^then ^' will they beat their swords into plough-shares ;" and ^^ nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more."' This, Sire, is the language of prophecy ; and in the application of it, and of the precepts of Jesus, I trust that ^' / have spoken forth the words of truth and soberness."

I think it incumbent upon me. Sire, before I conclude this letter, to assure Your Majesty that, in retiring from your Naval Service, I am solely actuated by those motives which I have set forth ; and that I have not been led to take this step by any men or body of men. To one friend only has my intention been known from the first ; and I have the happiness to know that this friend^ (who will be a fellow-sufferer from the act,) most cordially approves what I have done. Nor, Sire, have I, till very near the time of sending these pages to the press, read any of the valuable publications of Peace Societies in this and other countries. The recent perusal of some of their works has afforded me the most heart-felt satisfaction, together with the plea^ sure of knowing that though these pages may excite feelings of pity and contempt in many, yet that they are in accordance with the opinions of numbers of pious Christians of distinguished rank and literary attainments in different parts of the worid. Believing, Sire, that the publications of the Peace Societies have not only a tendency to annihilate war, but also to promote religion, and with it obedience to sovereigns, I sincerely wish they may be more extensively read than they have hitherto been.

May it. Sire, please the Supreme Disposer of events to grant that Your Majesty's reign may be prolonged, and that it may continue to be peaceable, prosperous, and happy ; and may it accord with the wisdom and benevolence of His divine government of the world, shortly to put an end to all war and bloodshed, and incline the hearts of men to deeds of mercy and philanthropy : and may

Your Majesty^ and the highly-favoured nation you govern^ be made the glorious instruments of spreading through the world pure and unadulterated Christianity^ or that ^'knowledge of the Lord*' which can alone produce and secure the peace and civilisation of the world.

Thus highly honoured^ Britain may indulge in the hope that not only her existence as a nation^ but also her tranquillity will endure ; and that she will not be consigned^ by the great Ruler of the universe^ to the lot uniformly recorded in history of other great and warlike nations^ who^ having been raised by the sword^ have also perished by the sword.