No,

their species on the score of state-reasons. they are not human reasons, but reasons of state,-that invisible fiction, the state, in contradistinction to man. For man is interested as well in the political justice as in the happiness of his species. What MAN does not instinctively shudder at a custom so full of injustice, crime and misery? But PEACE that is a positive state, producing among nations a system of reciprocal benevolence. It is their happiest and most glorious era. Compare it with war; contrast the blessing with the curse. Christians,- philanthropists,- men of enterprise and public spirit,-statesmen, — ye who rule and who are ruled,—we invoke you, be ye poor or rich, baseborn or noble, peasant or prince, to examine with the faithful impartiality it demands, and to aid with all the energy of mind and soul it claims, the CAUSE OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND PEACE.

ESSAY

ON A

CONGRESS OF NATIONS,

FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES, AND for the PROMOTION of UNIVERSAL PEACE, WITHOUT

RESORT TO ARMS.

By M.

ESSA Y.

THE idea of introducing a state of uninterrupted peace among the nations of the earth, has not unfrequently been regarded as altogether extravagant and absurd. That kings should ever be induced to strip themselves of the most conspicuous insignia of monarchical power-that rival and jarring states should suddenly smother the hereditary animosities, the national feuds, the hostile rancor, that have kindled their strifes for ages, and spontaneously substitute sentiments of fraternal kindness and Christian philanthropy-that restless and aspiring individuals, for whose ear the trump of warlike glory swells with the sweetest eloquence, should willingly exchange what has long been deemed the loftiest pursuit of honorable ambition, for a state of pacific obscurity and inglorious quiet-are anticipations thought to be only engendered among the wildest dreams of the visionary, or the most irrational extravagances of the fanatic. When, therefore, an association of individuals seriously undertake to

accomplish an object seemingly so impracticable, the experienced politician is apt to regard their efforts with ridicule—the unthinking multitude with incredulous contempt.

But a more thorough acquaintance frequently induces us to regard with respect projects which, upon a cursory examination, seemed most unequivocally ridiculous. The efforts of the Peace Society, at first glance, may seem directed to an end altogether unattainable; but a closer survey of the grounds of their hope will, I am confident, convince any unprejudiced mind that its friends have, at least, some plausible prospect of success. To such, then, I would make the ardent request, that they would candidly examine our plans, and objects, and expectations. The subject is well worthy a liberal and thorough examination. We have engaged in one of the most humane undertakings that ever elicited the exertions and aspirations of philanthropy. If we fail, the disappointment is our own; the world can receive no detriment from our exertions, however unsuccessful. But if we succeed,-if our efforts for ameliorating the lot of humanity are triumphant,-what a fountain of the bitterest woes will be dried! what rivers of blood will cease to deluge and destroy the choicest of human bliss! how will the heart of philanthropy exult, and what a smile of unmingled delight will kindle over the face of a suffering and desponding world! That a foul stigma, which for so many ages has defaced the annals of humanity, should be wiped away-that man should cease to follow the fratricidal