486 MACHETECHNICS. 



wars preserved Europe from the grasp of the Saracens ; and secured 

 to our own fair country the blessings of civil and religious freedom. 

 For such sacred purposes, and such only, do we think that these arts 

 should be practically studied ; till the time shall come, when the 

 sword may safely be beaten into the ploughshare, and the spear into 

 the pruning hook, in token of final, universal peace. 



Although war is one of the greatest evils that can befall a nation, 

 whether through its own fault, or the fault of another, still it is one 

 for which we ought to be prepared ; even as we would prepare to 

 defend ourselves against personal violence, in a land where no laws 

 could protect us. Nations, as well as individuals, may do wrong : 

 but where is the authority to arrest them, or the court to give sen- 

 tence ? They may enter innocent lands, with fire and sword, ravag- 

 ing and plundering; but who will shield the injured party, if it make 

 no effort in its own defence ? The hand of Omnipotence, will it be 

 said ? No : the Deity works by means ; and requires us to use the 

 necessary means for self-preservation. Would the advocate of un- 

 conditional peace consent to abolish all law in the land, and let the 

 robber and murderer go free ? Or would he offer no resistance to a 

 personal attack ; especially if there were no laws to redress him ? 

 Such, however, must be his conduct, in order to be consistent with 

 his principles. 



Doubtless it is our duty to avoid war, as far as lies within our 

 power, by giving no cause for just complaint, on the part of other 

 nations. The great apostle of our Saviour says, " If it be possible, 

 as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." But this 

 doctrine is evidently different from that of unconditional submission; 

 inasmuch as it implies that there may be cases where we cannot thus 

 live peaceably, except by bowing our necks to oppression. How 

 far we ought to suffer wrong, before taking arms in offensive war, 

 how great should be the provocation to justify the first step, it is 

 not for us to decide : but to defend ourselves, when assaulted, is 

 manifestly a necessary right, however painful may be its exercise. 

 While, therefore, we rejoice that the more just and humane policy 

 of nations is removing many of the causes of war, we still think it a 

 duty to be always prepared to resist aggression, as the surest way to 

 prevent its being attempted. The project of a Congress of nations, 

 to settle international difficulties, is a noble one ; and it would be 

 worthy of our own Congress to propose the subject to the leading 

 foreign states. But we have doubts of its practicability ; and espe- 

 cially of the potency of such a Congress, however wisely constituted, 

 to secure universal peace ; and hence we would still adopt the pre- 

 cept of our immortal Washington ; " In peace, prepare for war." 



War has been defined, " the act of compelling an opponent to 

 submit to one's will :" but it might with equal propriety be styled 

 the means of self-redress, and self-defence. Armies, fortifications, 

 and fleets, are the great instruments of warfare : battles are the occa- 

 sions, and blood the price of victory. Armies require provisions and 

 weapons, organization and instruction, and brave men and skilful 

 commanders, to give them a full chance of success : and should they 

 be too feeble to cope with the enemy, or unsuccessful in the onset, 



