done by sending small parcels through Indians were collected at Naaman's the Post Office. As these all go into creek, resolved on indiscriminate the hands of active laborers, we have slaughter. A messenger, dispatched the assurance that they are all thoroughly distributed, and that many thousand readers have been reached by the 500,000 pages thus distributed. Most of the orders ask for the "John Ashworth tracts." Our Treasurer has a balance of $151 68 in his hands, which will be absorbed by orders for tracts now outstanding. As we have no other means until the appropriation from the Y. M. treasury is received, our labors must be much reduced for a time. A letter from a Friend was read, proposing the employment of Railway colporteurs or news boys to sell our tracts, especially the Ashworth series, on the cars, and the proposition favorably considered, but the lack of means and of suitable persons to attend thereto, scem to render it impracticable at the present. The Publishing Committee was directed to publish or purchase an edition of "Spurgeon's Address on George Fox," for distribution among our members. The extent and interest of the work increases, and the committee feel that its importance and usefulness throws additional responsibilities on them. A feeling of much brotherly love prevailed at this meeting. Remembering our weakness, we felt that we can only look to Christ to strengthen C. F. C. us. 1st mo. 28, 1867. "WHAT THINGS ARE CAESAR'S?" CONCLUDED. Ir is interesting and instructive, however, to turn for a moment to some of the exhibitions repeatedly occurring among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, (as also in many other places,) of the superiority of true Christian courage and mildness in times of panic and supposed danger. Thus* in 1689 it was reported in Philadelphia that five hundred armed *Gordon, p. 91. for intelligence, confirmed the report, with some slight variation. Many of the Quakers, relying upon the justice and humanity which had been observed towards the Indians, refused credence to these reports; and Caleb Pusey, a member of the Council, then in session, offered to proceed to the village if five others would accompany him unarmed. This proposal was instantly accepted. On the arrival of the deputies at the wigwam, they beheld everywhere the semblance of peace. The king was lying quietly in his bed, the women were at work in the fields, and the children at play round the doors. In 1706, Governor John Evans, for the very purpose of testing, and, as he thought, frightening away the objection of Friends in Philadelphia, to an organized militia, concerted with some other persons a strategem by which the news was published, with all the appearance of authenticity, that a fleet of French ships was in the Delaware, making for the city. Evans, monnted on horseback, with his sword drawn, rode through the streets, commanding all the people to arm for the public defence. Although this succeeded in alarming many of the population, and causing a good deal of personal property to be secreted and business suspended, yet, "this experiment on the principles of the Quakers was wholly unsuccessful; the greater part attending their religious meeting, as was their custom on that day of the week, and persisting in their religious exercises, in the midst of the general tumult, instead of flying to arms. Four members only repaired with weapons to the rendezvous." When, in 1748, Benjamin Franklin was very active in promoting the formation in Philadelphia, of a volunteer militia, John Churchman felt it his duty to go into the Assembly, and preach against it. But, examples of the use of force for magisterial purposes promotive of the public safety were, on the oth er hand, not wanting among the early Friends of Pennsylvania. In 1692+ a man named Babit, with others, stole a sloop from the wharf at Philadelphia, and in their passage down the river, committed many robberies. A warrant was issued "in the nature of a hue and cry,' "" on which they were apprehended and brought to justice. George Keith, who was at that time giving Friends a great deal of trouble, censured the force used on this occasion as unchristian and incompatible with the Quaker character. But among the loyal members of the Society, it was recognized as an appropriate and necessary act. Our Savior, us. I desire to quote here a passage somewhat relevant to our subject, from a familiar work-Hancock on Peace: "When, indeed, the frame of civil society has been for a long time leaning upon outward weapons for its support, its integrity appears to be identified with them; so that to take them away would seem to unhinge In 1697,* the Legislature, at the the whole structure, and to expose it suggestion of Penn, enacted more se- to certain ruin. If a question, therevere penalties against piracy and il- fore, as to its preservation in this licit trade. A watch was kept on state should arise, probably no pruCape Henlopen, to give notice, dent man would recommend an imthrough the Sheriffs, from county to mediate change to an opposite state." county, of the approach of suspicious Thus writes Robert Barclay: "As vessels, in order to prevent surprise. to what relates to the present This may remind us of the epistle magistrates of the Christian world, said to have been written by George albeit we deny them not altogether Fox to Friends in Barbadoes, advising the name of Christians, because of them to make themselves useful by watching against pirates; although there, as the authority was not in Friends' hands, it is probable that a more summary process of dealing with them was usual than in Pennsylvania. It is also a familiar fact that Isaac Pennington went so far as to justify purely defensive warfare. Recalling, then, the citation already made, showing that William Penn, the great historical exponent of the application of peace principles to the affairs of State, was willing to sanction the contribution of means as to Cæsar, although he and his friends could not participate in Cæsar's known and intended way of using them, in view of these things we should be led not hastily or severely to condemn any who, in our day, may hold similar views. We ought to be careful, indeed, not to usurp responsibilities not properly belonging to + Gordon, vol. 1, p. 99. * Gordon, p. 110. the public profession they make of Christ's name, yet we may boldly affirm that they are far from the perfection of the Christian religion, because in the state in which they are, they have not come to the pure dispensation of the gospel. And, therefore, while they are in that condition, we shall not say that war, undertaken upon a just occasion, is altogether unlawful to them. For, even as certain ceremonies were for a season permitted to the Jews, not because they were either necessary of themselves or lawful at that time, after the resurrection of Christ, but because that Spirit was not yet raised up in them, whereby they could be delivered from such rudiments; so the present confessors of the Christian name, who are yet in the mixture, and not in the patient suffering spirit, are not yet fitted for this form of Christianity, and therefore cannot be undefending themselves until they attain that per fection. But for such whom Christ has brought hither, it is not lawful to defend themselves by arms, but they ought over all to trust to the Lord."* uses, need not be hindered in selling them by an apprehension that they may be employed for the clothing or other service of soldiers or armies. This passage conveys, I think, a most just sense of the double duty of firmness in our own principles and charitable judgment of others: which, when perfected, gives the greatest force as well as harmony to the Christian character. I venture to sum up the conclusions to which the above considerations and others have led my mind, as follows: 1. A Christian has no right to take the life of another, in order to save his own. 2. Abstractly considered, it is not right for a Christian intentionally to take the life of an assailant to defend the lives of others; or to use deadly weapons, even in defensive warfare, or to suppress rebellion, although the use of force, short of the deadly intent, to prevent injury or crime, is not only just, but a duty, in certain instances. 3. The Society of Friends is called upon to advocate and carry out the absolute duty of the Christian in these respects. Therefore, Friends having the control of the governmént of a community or State, cannot consistently use arms, or maintain militia for its defence: nor even sustain an armed police force. 4. The duty of supporting lawful government being recognized, the private citizen must not inar the performance of that duty by attempting to usurp responsibilities which belong to his rulers, but should "render unto Cæsar the things that belong to Casar;" paying taxes cheerfully, therefore, although increased by National troubles and disturbances. 5. A Friend cannot, however, with propriety contribute means, definitely and expressly, for the hire of soldiers, or the building of forts, or the purchase of arms or munitions of war. 6. Nor can a Friend properly engage in the manufacture of arms or other articles solely or especially used in warfare. 7. But those who deal in goods not martial in their nature or ordinary *Apology, p. 525. 8. Railroad companies should have no scruple in transporting soldiers, any more than other passengers whose business and actions they have no duty to inquire into. 9. A Friend cannot properly serve as a Surgeon or Assistant Surgeon in an army or navy, such a position, officially held, not being practically separable from military service, although non-combatant. 10. To feed, nurse, or give surgical, medical, or other assistance to soldiers or their families, when suffering, whether from war or from other causes, is an act of obvious Christian charity and duty. The good Samaritan did not ask the business, character or habits of the sufferer to whom he gave his needful aid. During the Irish rebellion of 1796 and 1798, the "houses of Friends appeared to be marked out for places of entertainment. They were almost constantly full, day and night."* One more thought, and I have done. The members of the community at large, unconvinced by the objection of Friends to defensive war or armed police, believe it to be a high and most imperative duty of all to support actively, with means and arms, the lawful power of the government, and the cause of order and civil liberty. Thousands thus give their money, influence and time, and undergo hardships, leaving their families, and risking or losing their lives in behalf of their country. Should Friends be less disinterested and less devoted to the common welfare and to the highest interests of humanity, because they claim to hold a higher standard of Christianity? Rather, let them embrace such occasions, as well as all others, by all acts and sacrifices within their sphere, to show that it is not fear or fanaticism, or, on the other hand, cold indifference, that withholds their persons from the battle field, or their *Hancock on Peace, p. 38. Thus means from the army fund. LOUIS AND SARAH STREET. Last week we went to see William Ellis, and as I write his name I feel how feeble a description my pen can give of this, one of the most interesting opportunities of my life. We went on 5th day, and returned 6th day evening. Our whole time, save a few hours of sleep, was spent on Madagascar, and we only left with pressing invitations to return. His wife is one of the noblest of English INTERESTING letters have been re- women; a sweet spirited, warm-heartceived from our dear friends, Louis ed Christian. She has a great misand Sarah Street, by which we learn sionary spirit, and enters into symthat they had a rough and boisterous pathy with all her husband's plans. sea voyage of fourteen days, during Notwithstanding the age of each, they which they suffered much from sea both seem young. Wm. Ellis is 72, sickness, but were favored to reach and I should have guessed him to be England safely on the 21st of 12th month. They proceeded immediately on landing to Hitchin, where they were guests of Joseph S. Sewell, a valuable minister, who has been liberated to accompany them to Madagascar. We make the following extracts from Louis Street's letter, dated Hitchin, 1st mo. 6, 1867: not over 45, at farthest. His heart is still in Madagascar, and bnly his age prevents him again leaving all the comfort around him, luxury, refinement, and all that heart can desire, and returning with us. It seems really a trial to him very hard to bear that he cannot go. 1 was exceedingly interested in his Madagascar pho"It is now two weeks since first we tographs-more particularly those of touched British soil, but in this short many who have suffered for the "testime we have seen so much, it seems timony of Jesus," and the children of to us much longer. We landed at the martyrs, their wives, husbands Liverpool late at night on 6th day, and relatives who have been left bethe 21st of last month. A kind hind. We also saw a fine photograph, friend met us on board the vessel, and full length, of the lamented Radama, saw us safely on the train the next painted by Mrs. Ellis. He was a nomorning, for this place. Everything ble looking fellow, handsome beyond we saw so entirely different from most men; and one can not hear Wm. what we had ever come in contact Ellis talk about him without feeling with before, made us fully realize that a measure of the same lively interest. we were indeed in a strange land. We also saw photographs of many The country looked to be under such places of interest, and were very a high state of cultivation as to re- much entertained in a short peep in mind one of vast gardens and pleas- his greenhouse, among his fine collecure grounds, rather than ordinary tion of plants and flowering shrubs farming. We were annoyed with from Madagascar and the East Indies. numerous detentions from various The present state of Madagascar is causes, and instead of reaching exceedingly critical, and it is greatly Hitchin at 5 o'clock, as we should to be feared that there will again be have done, it was 11 at night. Our scenes of cruelty and bloodshed witdear friend, Joseph S. Sewell, was at nessed there; so that all reports rethe depot in waiting for us, he having ceived from there tend to admonish been telegraphed to from Liverpool us to do what we have to do quickly. of our being on the train We have The doctor of the mission is now in found in him a kind and valuable Scotland. He came on a short visit, friend. He is an acknowledged min- and expects to return about the time ister of our religious society, and sits we go. at the head of Hitchin Meeting. We have made some headway in the language, but have not been able for. They are brightening up now, to make much progress, owing to the and seem quite at home with us. multiplicity of our engagements. I think it will not be difficult, and my heart fairly aches in its longings to be able to preach the gospel in this strange tongue. Our friend Sarah Street also writes under date of the 8th: have seen nothing since we met, to shake my confidence in the movement being of the Lord, and with Sarah Street's competency for a missionary's wife I was much struck. In relation to Louis and Sarah Street, our friend John Henry Douglas writes from Birmingham, 1st mo. 18, 1867, (where he had gone to attend the Conference of First day school teachers, &c. :) Friends here are very kind and social, and keep us going out to tea almost every evening, but I judge we shall soon be through, as the meeting is quite small. Hitchin is a small "A meeting for worship was held but very old town; much of it was on Fourth day. Lewis Street and built before America was known, wife were in attendance. He spoke and bears the marks of age in many most appropriately and acceptably. ways. I do not know how this may On Fifth day morning a meeting was compare with other places, but there held on account of his and Joseph S. is a great difference between this and Sewel's concern, which was a crownour bright, cheerful-looking Ameri- ing meeting. It not only brought can towns, The streets are narrow, out great sympathy and prayer for dark and serpent-like; the houses are the dear friends who were soon to low, old-fashioned and moss-grown, and not at all pleasant, looking outwardly, but generally have an air of comfort upon entering that one would not look for from the exterior. We go to Birmingham next week, to attend the Sabbath School Conference; also the Provisional Committee, when they decide whether or not they accept us as missionaries to Madagascar. Should they come to the conclusion to send us home, I do not think it will be a source of very great sorrow to me; at the same time my mind is calm and peaceful in looking forward to the prospect, yet I still have my hours of darkness and deep discouragement, and need your continued and united prayers for preservation and strength to persevere. The query again and again comes before me, can it be possible that the Lord would call so feeble and unworthy an instrument to so great a work, when there are so many others so much better fitted for it; but I know it is not for me to question His power, and it is only as he works in us that we are made instrumental in doing any good. Our friend Joseph S. Sewel writes: Our interesting visitors arrived safely, after a very weary journey, and they were very much to be felt dwell in heathen lands, but it awakened a deep sense of our own individual part in the great harvest field. Louis Street spoke most beautifully of how the Lord had led him along, and prepared him for the engagement, and opened the way before him. He is warmly received, and the Provisional Missionary Society have furnished himself and wife with a full certificate of their approval, unity and fellowship. I have no doubt their labors will be blessed. Joseph S. Sewel is a most excellent man, and of much experience, and will be a great comfort to our dear friends." RELIGION VS. CREEDS. THERE has ever been a strong tendency in mankind to forget the simplicity of the gospel, and to frame some creed, or to set up some standard of their own devising, which must be acknowledged by all who would be considered of the household of faith, and to which the new convert must conform before being accounted worthy to receive the right hand of fellowship. And it is generally noticeable that the more deeply absorbed any sect or class of persons becomes in what are sometimes called doctrinal points, the more complex |