2. War Is Unwise, For Instead of Diminishing, It Increases Difficulties As the principles and preparations of war have a natural tendency to generate war and are actually the cause of a great proportion of the wars that do exist, so actual hostilities have a natural tendency to increase difficulties and to spread abroad the destroying evil. It is almost

3. War Is Unwise, Because It Destroys Property Property is what a great proportion of mankind is struggling to obtain, and many at the hazard of their lives. Though in some instances they may misuse it, yet it is the gift of God, and when made subservient to more important things, it may be a blessing to individuals and communities.

4. War Is Unwise, as it is Dangerous to the Liberties of Men Liberty is the gift of God, and ought to be dear to every man – but not, however, that licentious liberty which is not in subordination to his commands: Men are not independent of God. He is their creator, preserver, and benefactor. Their breath is in his

5. War Is Unwise, As It Diminishes the Happiness of Mankind Happiness is the professed object that most men are striving to obtain. Alas! Few, comparatively, seek it where it is alone to be found. But that happiness which flows from the benevolent spirit of the gospel is to be prized far above rubies. It is a treasure infinitely surpassing

6. War Is Unwise, As It Does Not Mend, But Injures, the Morals of Society The strength, defence, and glory of a country consist primarily in the good moral character of its inhabitants. The virtuous and the good are the salt that preserves it from ruin: “ It is manifest from the whole tenor of his word that God is

7. War Is Unwise, As It Hazards Eternal Things for Only A Chance of Defending Temporal Things Said our blessed Saviour: “ For what is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ” The loss of a soul infinitely exceeds all finite calculations. It is not only deprived forever and ever of

8. War Is Unwise, As It Does Not Answer the Professed End for Which It Is Intended The professed object of war generally is to preserve liberty and produce a lasting peace; but war never did and never will preserve liberty and produce a lasting peace, for it is a divine decree that all nations who take the sword shall

*/ War is Criminal I am now to show that war, when judged on the principles of the gospel, is highly criminal. 1. Going to War Is Not Keeping from the Appearance of Evil, but Is Running into Temptation 2. War Is Criminal, As It Naturally Inflames the Pride of Man 3. War Necessarily Infringes On the Consciences of Men,

1. Going to War Is Not Keeping from the Appearance of Evil, but Is Running into Temptation I would have it understood that I consider every act of mankind which is palpably contrary to the spirit and precepts of the gospel criminal . It is an express precept of the gospel to abstain from all appearance of evil: “ Watch