OF AN OFFICER, FOR WITHDRAWING FROM THE PROFESSION OF ARMS: CONTAINED IN A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE KING; AND A SERIES OF LETTERS TO A FRIEND, ON THE CAUSES AND EVILS OF WAR, ITS UNLAWFULNESS, &c. : "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall work conviction in many SECOND EDITION. LONDON: CHARLES FOX, PATERNOSTER-ROW : W. ALEXANDER AND SON, YORK; AND R. BLACKBURNE, HARROWGATE. PREFACE. DR. PALEY has justly observed that "no two things can be more contrary than the heroic and the Christian characters :" and, speaking of the former, he observes, "that it is, and ever has been, the favourite of the world. It is the character of great men. There is a dignity in it which commands respect. The latter is poor-spirited, tame, and abject: yet so it hath happened, that with the Founder of Christianity, this latter is the subject of his commendation, his precepts, his example; and the former is so in no part of its composition *.” With equal truth it may be observed, that no two things can be more contrary than the pliant and selfish policy by which nations and individuals are generally governed, and the firm, noble, and disinterested conduct which is founded on implicit obedience to the precepts taught by Christ. It may be added, that the former is, and ever has been preferred. It is the character generally adopted by the great; and it recommends to their notice persons in the inferior ranks of society. There is in it a suavity of manners, a ready acquiescence in the opinions of those with whom we associate, calculated to conciliate their regard and affection. It is the step-ladder to wealth, to honour, and every thing this world can give. The latter promises little for this world, but much for the next. The evils arising out of this departure from the require * See Paley's Evidences, Chap. II. On the Morality of the Gospel. |