The Records will show that in order to obtain peace, men must only wish for it fervently; and that charity, even the most liberal is unable to furnish the needy, so many helps and blessings as will naturally be conferred upon them, by the awaking of commerce and industry, which will be the necessary result of a general and permanent peace, that is to say, of a full security.

The second number of the Records will give an account of the decision pronounced by the Peace Society, upon the memoirs which have concurred together for the premium proposed by its founder, in favour of a general and permanent peace. Adverse to party spirit, the Records are especially directed to prescribe the use of brutal proceedings and angry discussions which arises among men for whatever causes, and to establish in their stead a peaceful arbitrage approved by both sides. By dint of repeating that the human life is inviolable, whatever may be his social condition; we will perhaps see the day when the masses will be persuaded, and when their representatives or sovereigns will be convinced of the truth of our assertion. God grant that this period may be near: Let us work to bring it nearer.

DEAR SIR,

A letter to the General Agent, dated Hartford, July 26th, 1832.

When we parted at my house some years ago, I expected to see you again shortly, and if I mistake not, you gave us encouragement, but providence has so ordered it that we have not met, nor have I attended the benevolent anniversaries at New York, to my regret and to my shame.

But sir, since I saw you, I have read and thought much on the subject of peace and war, and my reflections have led me to inquire-can the imagination paint on this earth, a more awful, appalling and heart rending scene than two christian nations professing love to God and benevolence to men, meeting each other in tens of thousands in mortal combat on the field of battle, fired with rage, thirsting for blood, infuriated with martial glory, and worst of all—if any thing more blasphemous can be--each nation praying for victory to one and the same Almighty God, in the name of Christ the prince of peace?

Again, doth the history of our race tell us of so great a crime committed against God and man as aggressive war?-and all wars are aggressive on one side or the other, and probably on both-one nation aggressive in one point, and the other in another point. Farther, doth our history tell of a crime so malicious in its nature, so revengeful in principles, so brutal in its operations, or so contrary to the nature of love, peace and good will to man? And what crime is so demoralizing, and so generally and lastingly destructive of all the best interests of man in all its appropriate results and consequences as war?

At such an era of benevolence as the present, and when the judgments of the Almighty are abroad in the earth--the blessing and the curse plainly set before us, and when God appears in his providence, in majesty and glory, in mercy and in judgment, shaking the nations in mercy, blessing all the benevolent institutions of the day with wonderful success, and in judgment sending a new scourge into the world, first among heathen nations, and then among those who call themselves Christians—at such a

time as this, shall not the infidel tremble? shall not the world learn righteousness? and more especially shall not all of every denomination who profess to fear God and love the Saviour, unite in solemn pause, stop for a while and consider the subject of PEACE AND WAR, and count the millions of our race who have been slain in battle? Let the imagination paint the horrors of the field of blood--consider the savage triumph of the victors and the deadly hatred of the vanquished, the individual sufferings, lamentation and woe, and the consequent corruption of morals, the degradation, poverty and distress. Estimate the amount of only the interest which is annually paid for the war debts of Europe, and virtually paid by the labouring class, a sum, which, if a fiftieth part of it had been expended in educating the poor under gospel influence, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, would have converted this world to a paradise, in comparison to what it now is. And further on the other hand.-Compare the native principles, operations, results, and consequences of war, as hitherto practiced with the native principles, doctrines, duties, practical operations, results, and consequences of the divine laws and gospel; and inquire, is public opinion correct on this important subject?-is the opinion and practice of civil rulers wise and correct? and more particularly, is the opinion of many professors of religion consistent with the gospel? It is true there were wars under the Jewish dispensation, but examine this subject seriously, extensively, candidly, and conscientiously. Though God did in his righteous providence, and for particular objects in his own mind authorize wars, and miraculously make them successful, yet when wars were waged without his authority, even by his own servants they were unsuccessful. Did not God expressly forbid murder in the Decalogue, and have civil rulers or nations any more right to commit murder than individuals? Has God given permission to any rulers or nations of the earth to proclaim war since the old testament dispensation? Further, what do we find in the new testament; is there any commission given for war on any occasion? What said our Saviour and his apostles on the subject? What were the opinions and practice of the primitive christians, the first two centuries of the christian era? But I cannot enlarge or illustrate. I have neither health or talents to do justice to the subject. The field is unbounded and immensely important to the whole world, and worthy the most profound consideration and zealous effort of all christians, patriots, statesmen and philanthropists of all nations, and it is time to erect the standard of peace and good will among them.

Say not that nothing can be done. Look at the progress of anti-slavery and other benevolent objects. The Almighty hath proclaimed himself a prayer hearing God, and he hath promised a day of PEACE to the world; but he will accomplish it by human instrumentality. Truly, of ourselves we can do nothing, but with divine assistance we can do all things, necessary to accomplish the object. Take then the book of life for your guide, and be sure of final success, Is war natural and unavoidable, even like earthquakes and tornadoes? in which human beings have uo instrumentality? Does not its continuance depend on public opinion? Is it impossible to assemble a convention of nations represented by delegates, with powers to form a confederate constitution, and a code of international laws, and a court of nations to hear and determine all international controversies, and to devise other means of preventing future wars, and promoting peace and harmony, at least among christian nations? How small the expense of such a convention when compared with the thousands of millions wasted in war!

For the accomplishment of this object, let there be peace societies formed in every state, county, and town in the Union, auxiliary to the American Peace Society, who

should assist in preparing petitions for signatures throughout the Union, praying Congress to take up the subject of a Congress or convention of national representatives and propose the measure to all the governments of the civilized world. Let subscriptions be presented for the support of travelling agents,and of an able editor of the peace periodical who is devoted to the cause of peace and will devote his whole time to it.

It is respectfully sclicited that the christian public would give more serious attention tothis important subject than they have hitherto done, and examine more minutely and under the influence of the gospel into the nature, principles, lawfulness and conse. quences of war. If they do, it is confidently believed that the cause will be supported, and that the peace society will eventually be the means by the aid of divine providence of doing great good to the whole world.

Yours, respectfully, K. P.

P. S. We have formed a state peace society with a president, and we have a vicepresident in each county. We have two county peace societies, and our state society has appointed two gentlemen who have engaged to go this and the next month into the others counties, address the public and form peace societies, their expenses only being paid. We have printed and circulated several of our addresses and have one now in the press. We have published three thousand copies of Mr. Grimke's address delivered before our legislature and distributed gratuitously, half of them including those sent to the author, and one hundred to the London Peace Society. Our cause gains ground, but our greatest difficulty is to persuade our citizens to attend to this subject. Those who do attend to it.generally approve our object and become supporters of the institution. K. P.

Dear Sir,

An Extract of a Letter from CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO.

I seize the first opportunity to inform the Parent Society that the Worthington Auxiliary, held her semi-annual Meeting, on Thursday week, in the Episcopal Church, where a sermon was preached by the Rector, from Luke 11. 14. of —" and on earth peace." The audience was small, but composed of such characters as one would desire to see there-members of Christian churches, since it is from them the sound must go forth, which is to awaken a slumbering world on the irrational as well as anti-christian parties of war. Doubtless, the evening which was more than usually stormy, detained many who would otherwise have been there; yet it must be confessed that our cause is very unpopular. The majority view it as productive of utter ruin to the common wealth, and finding its support amidst the disaffected only.

The little Society of which I had the pleasure of being the Secretary till my removal to this place, has been cheered by the conversion of two most respectable christians, who joined us at its last meeting. The one a member of the Presbyterian, the other of the Episcopal church.-The former, the wife of a respectable Physician; the latter, a worthy Mechanic, and an officer in the Militia. Till Mr. Howell's address, here in the writer, like thousands of christians, he had not for one moment supposed that any doubt existed as to the consistency of war with the Gospel; but from that time, he doubted—he inquired of the oracles of God-he meditated, he prayed, and, like an honest man, he acted out his convictions; resigned his commission, and paid the fine. Another, a member of the same church, has declared that he will not muster again, and others are excited on the subject. A Colonel, an Associate Judge, and a pious man, inquired of one of our members: did

he know any one who would buy his uniform, for, added he, "I am heartily tired of it-such a waste of time, and above all there is the wear and tear of conscience"-On the whole I am led to think that the cauce is in progress. My successor, the Rev. Mr. Eels, is an active zealous friend, and one who is not afraid to speak and act. We have been disappointed in the receipt of the Calumet, but one number having reached either the secretary or me. Believe me, yours, truly,

R. ROGERS.

[For the Calumet.]

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence even from your lusts, James iv. 1.

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Matt. vi. 15.

We have the satisfaction of acknowledging two names added to our list of life members.

The Rev. Ezra Stiles Gannet, Boston, Mass. by Ladies of the Federal street Congregational Society, $30.

The Rev. Herman Halsey, Cambria, New-York, his own subscription, $20.

NEW HAVEN COUNTY PEACE SOCIETY.

A New Peace Society was formed for New Haven County, in July. We have not received the list of officers.

Errata in last number.

Page 197, third paragraph, for national read natural; page 198, line 25, for depreciated read deprecated; page 199, line 15, for fearful read peaceful; same, 5th from bottom, for honor read power.

The Signature to the Poetry in the last No. should have been L. H. S.

In consequence of the Cholera, this No. has been delayed.