Brief illustration of the principles of war and peace,

Front matter

BY THEIR PRACTICAL OPERATIONS AND OPPOSIT1

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BRIEF ILLUSTRATION

Preface

Shortly after the conclusion of the late war in America, and the general peace of Europe, which succeeded it, the minds of many, in both countries, were led to reflect on the subject of war principles, and to examine and compare their nature and effects with those of the principles of peace. The result has been an increasing conviction of the unchristian character, and ruinous policy of war, in all its attendant consequences ; and of the beneficial effects of pacific principles, with a firm persuasion of their natural tendency, and superior efficacy, in securing the defence and protection of nations, and promoting the best interests of mankind.

Such convictions have led to the publication of many valuable essays on these subjects, and to the formation of many peace societies on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly in England and the United States. The avowed object of these societies is, to turn the attention of mankind to a serious consideration of these things.

Among the variety of publications issued from the press, under the authority of these societies, may be noticed some valuable periodicals. The Friend of Peace, a very useful work published in Boston, under the auspices of “ The Massachusetts Peace Society,” has had an extensive circulation for about thirteen years, and has produced much conviction respecting the pernicious effects and unchristian character of war, especially in the New-England States. This has been succeeded by the Harbinger of Peace , published in New-York, under the direction of “ The American Peace Society,” which tho small, is ably conducted, and bids fair to effect much good. The Herald of Peace , published in London, by “ The society for promoting permanent and universal peace,” is a valuable and interesting work, upon a larger scale, and we are informed that it has a very extensive circulation, and has produced the most beneficial effects, especially in the British dominions.

These, with many other valuable productions on the unchristian character, and destructive nature and effects of war, and the salutary and beneficent effects of peace, have spread much light on these subjects, and effected a great change in public opinion, and appear to have made no small impression on the minds of many statesmen and rulers.

IV

But among all these essays, we have never seen any work in which is embodied a connected series of the effects of war, from the earliest ages to the present time ; together with proofs of the practical results of pacific principles, drawn from historical facts. By the former, a fair view might be taken of the baleful influences and destructive consequences of war, in all ages, clearly proving from undeniable authority, that, in the issue, it has generally failed of its professed object ; and by the latter, it might be seen that the principles of peace have always been productive of the best good to man ; and have ever been far more efficacious than war, in securing the defence of nations and people, and obtaining the blessing and protection of Divine Providence.

We do not flatter ourselves that this small essay is fully entitled to the claim of such a work, as above described : but merely a humble effort towards it. Such as it is, we present it to the public, with a hope that it may be productive of some good to our fellow men, in turning their attention to the consideration of the important cause of “Peace on earth, and good will towards men;” confidently believing that a general diffusion of the knowledge and benign influence of these principles, will be productive of greater happiness and prosperity to the human family, than all other efforts of philanthropy that have ever been made by man.

We have taken considerable pains to ascertain the general correctness of the historical events which we have produced. The well known discrepancies between the accounts of different historians, render it difficult to ascertain, with precision, the accuracy of some particular incidents which are mentioned ; but the general substance so far as relates to the great object in view, we think cannot be disputed, being too well authenticated by .the concurring testimony of general history.

The field of labor is boundless ; and the powerful predilection which prevails in favor of the war system, and its almost universal popularity, seem loudly to demand the combined and ceaseless efforts of every friend of man, to counteract its baneful influence, by disseminating the principles, and advancing the work of peace. And tho we feel impressed with a desire to contribute our mite in support of the glorious cause ; yet we confidently hope, ere long, to witness the united efforts of more able philanthropists, who are better qualified to do justice to this important subject.

BRIEF ILLUSTRATION, &c.

Introduction

Their feet are swift to shed blood; destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. Rom. hi. 15.

Ever since the first murderer imbrued his hands in the blood of his brother, the principles and practice of war, in their increasing prevalence through the world, have had a most powerful and delusive influence upon the human race. A passion for military fame, like an inveterate disease, has long pervaded the nations of the earth, and inflamed mankind with an ardent zeal for warlike achievements. Scarcely a country can be found which has not been more or less infected with the war mania , and whose inhabitants have not, at some period or other, experienced its destructive and horrid effects. And yet it appears, that even the most enlightened and influential part of mankind, have been so deeply blinded to their own happiness, and the happiness and preservation of their respective countries, that they have never discovered the real nature and tendency of that spirit by which wars are produced ; and therefore the real source from whence they originate, has been but little considered, and still less understood.

Kings, princes and rulers — those who hold the reins of government, and preside over the destinies of nations, all seem to have been astonishingly blind and ignorant with regard to the necessity or policy of war. Hence it is, that the spirit and principles of war are still so much encoura-

fed and promoted in the world ; and hence so few attempts ave been made to banish the fatal illusion — to put an end to the destructive ravages of war, and promote and maintain the principles of peace and harmony.

The advocates of war strenuously urge that its principles are inherent in the nature and constitution of man, and absolutely necessary for his preservation and defence ; that wars always have existed, and therefore always must exist ; that they are as unavoidable as raging storms and sweeping tornadoes ; and that any attempts to abolish the practice of war, would be as unavailing as an attempt to oppose the shocks of an earthquake, or prevent the eruptions of a volcano. Hence they consider war as an unavoidable and ne- A2 eessary evil , which must have its course. Therefore, instead of trying to subdue the evil by diffusing and maintaining the principles of righteousness, justice and peace, they must encourage and maintain the destructive and contaminating principles of war. To effect this object, its popularity must be promoted and encouraged by the government ; the art of war must be made a necessary branch of science, and the youth of nations professing the harmless religion of the Prince of Peace, must be instructed in it, in order to enable them to practice this necessary evil against their fellow men, with the greatest advantage, under the vain pretence of defending their country and protecting; its rights.

O O t

This erroneous policy, the effect of popular delusion, has long been considered as the best policy of nations, and the most essential part of a national education. Not only the maxims of government, but even the sacred principles of religion, have been made to bend to this fatal policy. And so long as this policy prevails, and is encouraged and supported by the rulers and leading characters of nations, its popularity will be maintained, and wars will continue. — Could nations be brought to see the delusive nature and tendency of war, and be convinced of its mistaken policy, as well as of its horrid injustice and inhumanity, even in a political point of view, would they be willing any longer to hazard their national happiness and prosperity to the delusive and uncertain game of war, at such incalculable expense ? And could they believe (what calm and unbiassed reason must acknowledge) that the best policy of a nation is to cultivate, maintain and diffuse the principles of peace and good will towards all men, would they not readily exert all their energies, and improve every means to effect an object so desirable, so truly wise and beneficent ?

Can we reasonably suppose that honest, benevolent and humane rulers of any nation, after a candid and impartial investigation of the history, nature, character and consequences of war, in all ages, would not be convinced that wars and war-like principles and preparations, so far from ensuring protection and defence, or even producing any substantial benefit to a warring nation, have, in the final issue, invariably operated to the contrary, and proved the cause of destruction and ruin, especially to those nations who have carried the profession of arms and war to any great extent ? And would it be possible, after such investigation, for any but demoniacs or madmen, to wish to maintain such horrid and destructive principles and practices ?

But the generality of mankind, blinded by popular opinion and long established custom, are led to suppose that wars are necessary and unavoidable, without bestowing a single reflection upon their erroneous policy, and their inhuman and unchristian character. But let a general and impartial examination of the subject take place ; let its real nature, character and tendency be fully displayed in their true colors ; and let the erroneous and blind p flicy be clearly seen ; and its popularity would soon be lost, and all its dazzling splendors would be viewed in their naked and odious deformity, by every truly benevolent and rational mind.

It must be admitted that wars have existed ever since pride, lust and ambition have been the ruling passions in man ; nor can it be disputed that all wars proceed from the indulgence of these passions.* But shall we infer from thence that wars are necessary, and must always exist ? — We might with equal propriety suppose that the passions of pride, lust and ambition, were originally created of God, and by him designed forever to be the ruling principles of the world : for nothing short of this supposition, can afford any argument to prove, that because wars have always existed, they must always be continued. And if these passions were created of God, for this express purpose, why have they, in all ages, been so pointedly reproved by the revelation of God, and the testimony of divine truth.

* See James iv. 1, 2 and 3.

Part I

MILITARY PRINCIPLES AND OPERATIONS OF ANCIENT NATIONS THE CAUSE OF THEIR RUIN.

WARS BEFORE THE FLOOD.

Before the flood of Noah, “ God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that the earth was filled \'nth violence through them.'n This was the great cause of the flood. Commencing with unbridled lust, giants in wickedness, if not in stature, were produced, who through pride and ambition, soon filled the earth with violence : for these “ became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” Proud of their power and strength, and glorying in their skill and dexterity in handling the weapons of destruction, and ambitious to become men of renown, they exerted their power and talents over their fellow men, and became famous and mighty in human butchery. And even to this day, all those mighty men of renown, who glory in military fame, have, in like manner, continued to fill the earth with violence.

These antediluvian warriors, to accomplish their ambitious views, and become men of renown, evidently gave full scope to their unbridled passions : “for all flesh,” according to- the sacred record, “had corrupted his way upon the earth — and the earth was filled with violence through them.” It is unreasonable to suppose the earth could be filled with violence without war and contention, in some shape or other ; and it is evident that these things were the cause of the flood. It must certainly argue the height of blindness and folly, in any rational man, to believe that a just and righteous Being would create those passions in man, which have a natural tendency to produce war and violence, for the express purpose of filling the earth with these evils ; and then to destroy the human race because, in obedience to these passions, they had done what the Creator really intended they should do. Such injustice never came from Heaven.

The account we have of the wars before the flood, tho’ very short, is certainly very comprehensive and instructive. The first, and the very beginning of wars, was that bloody and successful war which the valiant Cain waged upon his brother Abel, to revenge the great affront hte had received, in consequence of God’s having respect to Abel’s offering and not to his own. So the offence, whether real or supposed, was revenged upon poor Abel, tho he was by no * means guilty of any injury towards his vindictive brother ; because the respect shown to Abel’s offering, and withheld from Cain’s, was from God, and not from Abel. There are probably very few to be found, at the present day, even among the advocates of war, who would attempt to vindicate the spirit and temper of Cain, or to justify his conduct ; yet the war he waged against his brother, was doubtless as reasonable, and as necessary, as most of the wars that have been waged by human authority since that period.

After this victory over his brother, we understand that this victorious warrior became a mighty man of renown, and built a city. This was doubtless the first city, and probably the first separate state or empire that was ever founded upon earth. Josephus says, u Cain augmented his household substance with much wealth, by rapine and violence ; he excited his acquaintance to procure pleasures and spoils by robbery, and became a great leader of men in wicked courses.” [See Jos. Ant. b. i. ch. 2.]

We also learn, that the example of this murderer, this mighty man of renown, became very contagious, and was soon followed by his posterity, who, it appears, were as ambitious to become men of renoAvn, as he had been. It also appears that Lamech, one of Cain’s offspring, following his example, made war upon some of his fellow men, and slew one, if no more of them. Tubal-Cain, the son of Lamech, was an artificer in brass and iron, and is said to have been the first in venter of the sword . J osephus says , “ he exceeded all men in strength, and was very expert and famous in martial performances.” — “Nay, even while Adam was alive, it came to pass that the posterity of Cain became exceeding wicked, every one successively dying, one after another, more wicked than the former. They were intolerable in war, and vehement in robberies ; and if any one were slow to murder people, yet was he bold in his profligate behaviour, in acting unjustly, and doing injuries for gain.” [Jos. Ant. b. i. ch. 2.]

It appears evident that the inhabitants of the world were soon divided into separate clans or tribes, which being led on by some of these mighty men of renown, waged war upon each other. And no doubt they thought themselves fully able to justify the violent part they took in these wars, contentions and murders, upon the plea of necessity, to defend themselves and their property ; or to revenge or prevent some real or supposed injury ; or to obtain glory and renown ; just as modern wars are now justified and rendered popular. Without some such plea of justification, the horrid principles and destructive terrors of war, could never have become so popular as to fill the earth with violence, especially at such an early period.

But with all their wars and violence against each other, were any of them able to save themselves from destruction ? Did they not, by these means, bring destruction upon themselves and each other ? Were not their wars and violence the very cause of their destruction ? Yea, verily : for in consequence of having corrupted the earth, and filled it with violence , they were suddenly arrested in their career, when all the glory of these “ mighty men of renown” was swept away with the flood. What then availed their mighty deeds of corruption and violence, but to show that “mighty men shall be mightily punished ?”

In the destruction of the old world by a flood of waters, and the cause of that destruction, (as given in the sixth chapter of Genesis,) we have a concise account of the origin of war and its effects. It is there said, “ God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth. — And God looked upon the earth, and behold it was corrupt ; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me ; for the earth is filled with violence through them ; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”

Hence it is clearly evident that corruption and violence, which have their consummation in war, were the great causes which brought destruction upon the old world. This corruption and violence originated in lust and pride, which produced an ambitious desire to gain distinction among their fellow men. And by indulging these corrupt passions and propensities, they continually grew more corrupt, and increased in acts of violence to such a degree, that Divine Justice could no longer endure their corruption and violence ; and hence they were swept from the face of the earth.

Had we the names of those antediluvian heroes, who were the most highly distinguished among those “ mighty men of renown,” who filled the earth with corruption and violence, together with a particular account of their heroic deeds, we should doubtless find them worthy to be classed with Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, and all those mighty madmen, whose deeds of murderous chivalry have been a greater curse to the human race, than all the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that ever took place since the creation of the world. The heroic exploits of these antediluvian warriors, had they been left on record, would, in all probability, be as well worth publishing, as examples of military prowess, for the instruction of the youthful mind, in the arts of corruption and violence, as the bloody deeds of any modern heroes who have followed their examples, and walked in the same bloody footsteps. And why should they not ? They were led by the same spirit, and actuated by the same passions, and their deeds of corruption and violence were doubtless of a similar kind. And as to the ne>- cessity or justice of those ancient wars, there can be no doubt that the warriors of those days were as firmly persuaded on 1 that point, as our modern warriors possibly can be, with regard to the necessity or justice of any of the wars of the present day ; otherwise their wars could not have been rendered so popular as to fill the world with violence, at so early a period. The truth is, the war-makers of every age think, or pretend to think, their own wars just and necessary, while they invariably condemn the wars of their enemies.

But a just and impartial view of all wars will show that they proceed from the same malignant passions, and are naturally attended with the same destructive consequences, according to their magnitude ; and that their ultimate effect has been to corrupt the morals of the people, and bring the judgments of God upon the nation, in some way or other, till in the end they have been swallowed up in ruin. A serious investigation of these things will clearly show, that many of those terrible convulsions of nature, which are attended with such destructive and melancholy effects, are, in reality, the just judgments of God upon man, for his corruption and violence ; like the flood of Noah, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Hence it must appear reasonable to believe that, if these corrupt passions were once effectually subdued, all wars would cease, and we should no longer have cause to apprehend any danger from those convulsions of nature, which have so often terrified and swept away the inhabitants of the land.

But the great objection against cultivating the spirit of peace, is still of the same nature with that advanced by the Jews of old, against permitting Jesus Christ to preach the gospel of peace unmolested. “ If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and take away our place and nation.” That is to say, if they should suffer the principles of peace to prevail, which the doctrine of the Savior inculcated, and should neglect to follow the example of Cain and his fighting posterity, they would soon be overrun by warring nations. This specious and delusive plea is the very prop of war in this day. The prevailing maxim is, “ The surest means of preserving, peace, is to be prepared for war. — That nation which neglects to prepare for war, invites aggression, and exposes itself to the warlike power of other nations.” But an impartial review of the history of all ages, will prove the total fallacy of these maxims.

It is not difficult to prove, if facts can prove any thing, that wars and warlike preparations, instead of protecting or defending a nation, have, in the final event, had a direct tendency to effect its ruin. Every nation, however great or powerful, which has relied on its physical strength and martial policy, and practiced this policy for protection and defence, has been signally marked, in some way or other, with the displeasure of heaven, and eventually fallen a victim to the policy of war. As evidence of this, we need but examine the history of wars in different ages of the world, and observe their effects upon all warring nations.

WARS AFTER THE FLOOD.

Although the flood of Noah destroyed the ungodly inhabitants who had corrupted the old world ; yet it did not destroy those ungodly passions which were the cause of war and violence. It could hardly have been supposed that, so soon after the fatal calamity which befel the old world for its wickedness, the descendants of Noah would so easily have forgotten that awful warning, and again commenced those scenes of violence which had brought destruction upon their ancestors. But so it proved : for they soon “ began to be more ungodly than at the first.” They soon began to make war and violence an honorable employment.

Shortly after the flood, we find that Nimrod, the greatgrandson of Noah, “ began to be a mighty one in the earth. — And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel.” Rollin considers him as “ the founder of the first Assyrian Empire ;” and says he certainly was a great conqueror.* It appears that in the beginning of his career of renown, he was distinguished as “ a mighty hunter;” and from his great fame and success in hunting wild beasts, it was natural and easy

* Rollin, b. iii. ch. 1.

for him to obtain followers, and seek to distinguish himself in hunting the human race, and by that means to become “ a famous conqueror, and a mighty man of renown.”

It appears that this “ mighty hunter” was the first who was honored with a statue, and had a temple erected to his memory. Rollin states that Ninus, the son of Nimrod, “ out of veneration for his father, was willing that they who had served him as their king, should adore him as their god, and induce other nations to render him the same worship. For it appears plainly that Nimrod is the famous Belus of. the Babylonians, the first king whom the people deified for his great actions. ” Thus it seems that this Belus, also called Bel, was an image or statue erected in honor of Nimrod, that mighty conqueror, that he might be adored after his death, as a god. This then, was the origin of the practice, still in use, of erecting statues to idolize sinful mortals, and perpetuate the deeds of bloody conquerors ; and it appears to have been the very beginning of image worship, and was most probably the origin of idolatry.

From the kingdom founded by this great conqueror and “mighty man of renown,” national wars and popular acts of violence doubtless took their rise after the flood. Not many ages after Nimrod had founded his empire, it appears that a number of confederate kings of that country extended the ravages of war into the land of Canaan. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, with three other kings of that country, acting upon the principle of self-defence, opposed this invasion of their country. But not being able to defend themselves, they were conquered and brought into bondage. But their pride and ambition soon led them to rebel against their conquerors, and strive for the mastery. Relying on their own valor as warriors, they doubtless expected to gain the victory ; but they were disappointed . T heir armies were defeated, and their country ravaged. And it is worthy of remark that their wars, which evidently sprung from their pride and ambition, finally produced among them such a corruption of morals and manners, as to bring down the judgment of Heaven upon them, and overwhelm their cities with destruction. The iniquities of the Sodomites are proverbial ; but who that is acquainted with the degrading vices common in modern armies, but must admit that they exceed the Sodomites in base crimes ?

It appears evident from the account of these postdiluvian wars, that the war principles of Sodom and Gomorrah, so far from defending them from their enemies, or securing

B their independence, led them into crimes and abominations which completed their own ruin, and the destruction of their country.

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT.

We will now take a view of the kingdom of Egypt. This was one of the most ancient kingdoms of the world. It is supposed to have been founded by Mizraim, the grandson of Noah. For many ages the Egyptians appear to have had very little concern in wars. During this period they cultivated the arts and sciences, brought agriculture to great perfection, and made many great and useful improvements throughout their country. And it is worthy of remark that, while they cultivated the arts of peace, and did not use their resources for the purpose of war and violence, they were greatly blessed by Divine Providence. Their country was rich and prosperous, their soil was remarkably productive, and from its extraordinary fertility, Egypt was considered, at that early period, as the granary of the world. Egypt was not then a warlike nation. We are informed by Rollin that, “ Its inhabitants, content with a country which abounded in all things, had no ambitious dreams of conquest. The Egyptians extended their reputation in a very different manner. They triumphed by the wisdom of their counsels, and the superiority of their knowledge ; and this empire of the mind appeared more noble and glorious to them, than that which is achieved by arms and conquest.”

Had these peaceable and virtuous principles continued to govern the Egyptians, in all succeeding ages, they might have continued to this day, equally distinguished and happy. And had all nations been governed by these principles, wars never would have existed. And we will further add, as our unshaken belief, that were a few respectable nations to set the example of peace before the world, there would soon be an end of all wars.

But the Egyptians having become rich and powerful, through a long period of peace and prosperity, were at length exalted by pride and ambition, and began to corrupt themselves with the cruel and ferocious principles of war, to cultivate the military arts, and to practice war as the noble and honorable employment of a great and powerful nation. Sesostris, (supposed by some to be the father* * of that king

*Rollin supposes Sesostris to be the son of that Pharaoh ; but this seems hardly probable, for it is ascertained that the power of Egypt, for a length of time, declined

• hi« death.

Pharaoh who was drowned in the Red Sea) was in his youth, by order of his father, instructed in the arts of war, together with a great number of Egyptian youths of his own age, who afterwards became his military officers. This is the first account we have on record, of a military school in any nation. And what were its effects ? They were evidently sufficient to plant the seeds of military ambition in the mind of Sesostris, and lead him, and consequently the nation , into the principles and practice of war. And the like effects may naturally be expected wherever military schools exist. Leaving the improvements of his own rich country, and its immense privileges, in which he might have enjoyed every advantage that nature could require, Sesostris, without the least appearance of provocation, was determined to prove his military skill, and try the fortune of war.