to maintain permanent and universal peace on the basis of Christian principles. Its labours were not limited by local attachments of any kind, nor circumscribed by geographical boundaries. Its objects, it would be perceived, were at once simple and sublimely benevolent. The Society had grown up from a very small germ, in rather a short time, to its present extent. Its principles were known and approved by multitudes in this highly-favoured country, and they were advocated by historians, poets, authors, ministers of religion of all denominations, and the tutors of youth. Two valued friends had borne their public testimony in favour of the institution. The worthy chairman then read an extract from a letter of J. H. Wiffen, Esq., speaking in high terms of the object which the Society had in view; he also read some stanzas from a poem written by James Montgomery, Esq., of Sheffield, entitled, "Farewell to War," in which the author condemned in the strongest terms the prac tice of war. These were favourable indications, when they recollected how much poetry had done to foster and encourage the spirit of war. He then called upon the Secretary to read the Report.

The Rev. J. W. WAYNE, Secretary of the Hitchen Auxiliary, read letters apologizing for the absence of Mr. Buckingham, M.P., and the Rev. Drs. J. P. Smith, Philip, A. Reed, and Mr. Jefferson, and also the following Report :

"Almost twenty years having elapsed since the formation of this Society, your Committee deem it expedient, in this Report, to take a brief view of the history of Peace Societies, and of the efforts which have been made, during that time, to promote the high and holy cause in which those Societies are engaged.

"Peace Societies appear to have originated almost simultaneously in England and America. The first proposition for the formation of these institutions, was made in a pamphlet entitled, A Solemn Review of the Custom of War,' which was published anonymously, in America, late in the year 1814. This valuable essay, written, as it has since appeared, by the venerable Dr. Noah Worcester, is now No. 1 of this Society's 8vo. tracts.

"In the following year a similar proposal was made in England, in a work called, The Philanthropist,' and in August of that year, (1815,) The New York Peace Society' was privately formed by a few respectable gentlemen, who deemed it prudent to keep the fact a secret for several months.

"On the 14th of July, 1816, was formed in London, The Society for the Promotion of Permanent and Universal Peace,' the twentieth anniversary of which has called us together this evening.

"Thus it appears that Peace Societies originated in both countries nearly at the same time, and without any previous concert whatever.

"These several Societies, with their Auxiliaries and Associations, have, in successive years, engaged the attention, and secured the co-operation, of the great, the wise, and the good; for divines, philanthropists, poets, philosophers, and statesmen, have been, and still are, found among the eloquent and efficient advocates of peace.

"The press has been successfully employed, and many prayers have been of fered, imploring the Divine blessing upon efforts designed to promote glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and goodwill to men.'

"Thus happily the benign principles of the gospel have slowly and silently, yet progressively, extended their meliorating influence among all classes of society; for, even in the cabinet of kings and rulers, has that influence been beneficially felt and gratefully acknowledged. Several national disputes have been already settled by arbitration, and by negotiation, instead of the sword; thus clearly showing that the impartial awards of deliberative wisdom, are far better than the most triumphant decisions of expensive and destructive warfare.

"This brief review, while it calls for gratitude to the God of Peace,' also furnishes strong motives to increased and energetic exertions.

"Your attention must now be directed to the operations and events of the past year.

"A large number of the publications of the Society have been put into circulation during the year. Among those recently sent out, have been a parcel to Primitive Methodist ministers, and another to the ministers of the Wesleyan New Connexion. The former of these bodies is now holding its Annual Conference, at Lynn; the latter, at Liverpool.

"The Agency Fund, designed for the employment of Lecturers, has, during the past year, been increased by the liberal donations of a few friends, who are convinced of the great importance of lectures to the prosperity of the cause; and the Committee hope, that many others will be stimulated to follow so good an example.

"Lectures.-Your Home Secretary, (the Rev. James Hargreaves,) in addition to his former numerous and very acceptable services, has, during this year, delivered lectures and circulated tracts at the following places:-In August last, at Tunbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Battle, Lewes, Hastings, Brighton, Horsham, Staines, Chatham, Sheerness, and Maidstone; and more recently has delivered two lectures, at each of the following_places:-Baptist Chapel, Cotton-street, Poplar; Independent Chapel, Cheshunt-street; and at the Baptist Meeting, Harlow; in addition to which Mr. Hargreaves held a Peace prayermeeting on Christmas-day, and, on the following Sabbath, preached two sermons on the principles of the Society to his own congregation, at Waltham Abbey.

"Last autumn, the Secretary of the Hitchin Auxiliary, (Rev. John W. Wayne,) at the request of your Committee, delivered lectures, distributed tracts, formed Societies, or obtained correspondents at Southampton, Portsmouth, Portsea, Gosport, Fareham, Lymington; at Newport, Ryde, and Brading, (Isle of Wight,) and also at Margate, Ramsgate, and Dover.

In

"At nearly all these towns, the assemblies were large and respectable, and both the lecturers, and their lectures and tracts, were received with great kindness. many places, a deep conviction of the unlawfulness of war was produced, and several serious and reflecting persons wondered they had never before viewed the subject under the aspect in which it was then set before them. In many other places, open doors presented themselves; but, from want of time, the lecturers were under the painful necessity of putting a negative upon the pressing invitations which they had received. And it is the united and decided opinion of these friends of the cause, that by the extensive employment of an efficient and prudent agency, the princi ples of peace would rapidly spread through the length and breadth of the land.

"George Pilkington, Esq., to whom reference was made in your last Report, though not connected with the Society, is still zealously labouring to promote the same object, and your Committee unfeign

edly rejoice in the success of his unwearied efforts.

"With equal pleasure your Committee record the valuable services of another friend of his species, George Thompson, Esq., who, by his undaunted courage, untiring perseverance, and resistless eloquence, so greatly promoted the abolition of slavery in the British colonies, and who is now labouring for the abolition of slavery throughout the world, has also several times advocated, with powerful effect, the kindred cause of peace.

"Robert Marsden, Esq., who was for many years the chairman of your Committee, has been compelled, in consequence of ill health and increasing infirmities, to resign his office. To Mr. Marsden, on his retirement, this Committee, on behalf of the Society at large, tenders thus publicly its best thanks for his valuable and longcontinued services. In the earlier years of the Society, when the utmost prudence and caution seemed almost essential to its existence, his counsels were of great importance, and his uniformly kind and conciliatory conduct as chairman, are recollected and recorded with feelings of sincere esteem, and accompanied by the ardent wish that the peace which passeth all understanding' may cheer and sweeten his declining days.

"Auxiliaries and Associations.-A female Association was formed in August last, at Southampton, in connexion with the Auxiliary already in existence in that town, which your Committee sincerely hope will render essential service to the cause of peace, not only by active exertion in its own locality, but also by provoking others to love and good works.'

"In September, last year, an Auxiliary Society was formed at Dover, after a lecture to a numerous audience, by the Hitchin Secretary.

"In February, another Auxiliary was formed at Chatham, called, 'The Chatham, Rochester, and Strood Auxiliary Society, for the Promotion of Permanent and Universal Peace.' Mr. Pilkington kindly assisted at the formation of this Society.

"From the Auxiliaries at Newcastleupon-Tyne, Bath, and several other places, reports or letters have been received; notices of these will be found in the full Report, which will soon be published, with a corrected list of subscriptions and donations.

"We must next take a brief survey of continental operations.

"The correspondence with The Society of Christian Morals,' in France, is

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continued. This important Institution, while it is labouring to annihilate slavery, abolish the punishment of death, and to improve prison discipline, is also unwearied in its efforts to disseminate the principles of peace.

"Geneva.-The philanthropic and everactive Count de Selon, continues assiduous in his endeavours to extend the principles of brotherly union, over the European continent. In a letter addressed to your Committee, some time since, he says, 'I hope our operations will throw new light upon a subject of so great importance to humanity. I have already received Prize Essays, in French, English, German, and Italian, which prove that the enlightened classes throughout Europe take an interest in the question.' On the 10th of July last, a public meeting was held, to appoint judges of the pacific competitions, when, in a very interesting address, the Count de Selon observed, that a letter had been sent to him from Northern Germany, on the subject, stating that their operations had been noticed by several journals, that they had excited the interest of more than one crowned head, and of several distinguished men of letters. In this address, the following reference is made to the assistance given by England and France, to one of the parties contending for predominance in the Peninsula:You have, doubtless, observed, gentlemen, that the kings of France and England, called upon to execute the quadruple alliance, have restricted themselves to permitting their subjects to engage in the Spanish contest, instead of calling upon them to do so, as was the custom, before a serious appeal had been made to the sentiments of humanity, in civilized countries. This distinctive evidence of the progress of our cause ought not to be overlooked,-it affords to us a welcome encouragement to persevere in our efforts, to produce in the public mind an abhorrence of the effusion of blood.

"America must next pass in review before us. From the seventh Report of 'The American Peace Society,' it appears that the exertions in the cause of peace, in that country, are rapidly increasing. The lawfulness of what is call d defensive warfare, is now more generally repudiated; and the important truth, that all war is inconsistent with the gospel, is now boldly asserted. Several new Societies have been formed, which have been based upon this principle; among these, the ladies stand in the foremost rank. One of these female Associations is called, 'The Ladies' Essex County Olive Branch Circle.' May these circles

increase till they shall form a chain of peace which shall encircle the world!

"It has been remarked, that formerly, in America, appeals were made to philanthropy, political economy, and patriotism; but, at length, relying more fully on Christianity, the appeals are now chiefly made to the churches of Christ. In connexion with this appeal, a proposition has been made for a concert of prayer,' and a prayer-meeting is now held by many of the American churches, on the 25th of December, annually, to implore the Divine blessing on the cause of peace. At these meetings a collection is made in aid of the funds this amounted last year to 311 dollars and 41 cents

"It is also a delightful consideration, that not only Christian ministers and churches, but senators also, in some of the states, are becoming coadjutors in the cause of peace. The senate of Massachusetts has, we believe, the high honour of being the first legislative body in the world, that has had the moral courage to come boldly forward and openly avow itself in favour of a congress of nations. A plan which has, for more than a century, elicited the praises of philanthropists and civilians, and the prayers of Christians, but which had never before drawn forth the approbation of legislators.

"William Ladd, Esq., the General Agent of Peace Societies, in America, is still labouring, with untiring zeal, in the good work. It appears from the Report, and also from his own letters, lately received, that he has travelled in the service of the cause, since their last anniversary, about 1300 miles, delivered 40 public addresses, edited and distributed 4 numbers of The Cabinet,' and collected 962 dollars and 26 cents for the Society, and procured eight life memberships, and pledges for four others, besides writing numerous essays for the newspapers, and keeping up an extensive correspondence, and all without any expense to the Society, except that of postage.

"The Rev. G. C. Beckwith has also acted as a voluntary agent, and, after a successful tour, writes in the most encouraging manner to the General Agent, and strongly recommends the employment of a suitable man, who could devote his whole time and energies to the business.

In looking at the cause of peace in connexion with passing political scenes, while your Committee deeply lament the unnatural contest which is now dividing one of the finest countries in Europe, it looks with feelings of delight to the settlement of the

"In conclusion, the Committee earnestly intreat the sympathy and assistance of Christian ministers and churches.

"Beloved Christian brethren and friends, -you have caught the zeal, and imitated the example of America, in other labours of love, why not in this? Let us have your sermons, your contributions, your prayers. We ask them in the name of the Prince of Peace.'

"To you, Christian females, we make a special and affectionate appeal, entreating your immediate, cordial, and vigorous cooperation. Will you refuse to respond to this appeal? Shall your aid be again invoked in vain ?"

The Rev. J. HARGREAVES, Honorary Secretary to the Institution, rose to move the first Resolution :

"That the Report, the substance of which has now been read, be adopted, and printed under the direction of the Committee."

He had been announced as the Honorary Secretary, and it seemed hardly in keeping that he should move the adoption of the report, for the meeting might be sure he approved of it, more especially as they would infer naturally that he had been engaged in drawing it up. But he thought it due to himself to state, that such was not the case. Allusion had been made in the Report to their late secretary, Mr. Bevans. The name of that gentleman was particularly dear to him, for their acquaintance had been long, and their intimacy close. Ile (Mr. B.) had "the pen of a ready writer;" he was a man of extraordinary talents and of deep penetration; he could at once detect a sophism, draw the sophist out of his lurking hole, and expose him to the view of the public. He was well versed in the various systems of theology; but it was as the advocate of the principles of peace, that he shone with his brightest Justre. He (Mr. H.) had often been reminded, by his conduct, of an anecdote related of the Duke of Marlborough, that he never besieged a place but he always took it. With respect to the Peace

Society itself, he might observe, that the friends of peace were loyal to their king, and bore a strong attachment to the welfare of their country. The question of peace and war was not one of expediency, but of right and wrong; it was not to be decided by circumstances, but by the unerring standard of eternal truth. He had often wondered how those who were the friends of war could plead for Bible, and Missionary, and Anti-slavery Societies. He considered slavery, in whatever form it might exist, as the child of war; and, while he rejoiced that the shackles had been knocked off so far as Britain was concerned, yet the work would not be completed, until the axe had been laid at the root of the tree, and they endeavoured to overturn the principles of war. The subject of peace was no new invention. In the primitive ages of Christianity the disciples of Christ would not fight; but when Constantine united the sword and the Bible, then darkness began to creep over the face of the earth, and in course of time professed Christians really took the Bible in one hand and the sword in the other. He (Mr. H.) had never learned yet what were the charms or the gains of war. He thought that Britain, and France, and America, could speak feelingly upon its losses. seau had said, that the best revolution ever accomplished in the world was bought too dear, if it cost one drop of human blood. The celebrated Dr. Franklin once remarked, that he never knew a bad peace, and never knew a good war. And Wellington had uttered words to this effect, that he knew nothing so terrible as a battle won, except it were a battle lost. War reminded him (Mr. H.) of two boys, who once found a box, and quarrelled respecting it till they came to blows, and after they were exhausted, and could fight no longer, they agreed to divide the contents; they opened the box, and, lo! it was empty! That was just the case with regard to nations at the close of a war. He had heard of a lawyer, who was applied to to enter an action against a person in his neighbourhood. The lawyer was reluctant to proceed, but nothing would dissuade his client from it: the legal genleman then said he would do the best he could, but observed,-" You have now a coat with two sleeves on; if you win the cause it will only have one sleeve; and if you lose it, it will have none at all." Such was exactly the case with

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