purchasing those dreadful instruments of death which men use in war to destroy each other.

AN. No father, I see very little difference between violating a command one's self, or being instrumental in assisting another to do it. I think both must be criminal in the Divine sight.

ED. It seems very clear, I think, that Christianity entirely forbids all wars and fightings, and I think I am convinced of their incompatibility both with the precepts, and example of our Saviour, and hope I may be enabled when I am tried, to suffer loss, rather than refuse to acknowledge, that as a christian I cannot in any way contribute to war: yet I have always felt puzzled at the command given to the disciples, "He that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one."

FA. I am glad, my dear child, that thou hast mentioned the direction to procure a sword, as it affords an opportunity for explanation. Let us turn again to Bates's Doc. trines; his remarks on this passage are, I think, clear. Here they are Edward.

E

ED. It will be a relief to have this satisfactorily explained: I will read the passage, father. "Here is an incident recorded by the Evangelist which deserves to be particularly noticed. When Jesus sent his disciples out, without purse or scrip-destitute of outward dependence for sustenance or safety, he reminded them that he sent them out as sheep among wolves. As the time of his crucifixion drew near, he recalled the event to their remembrance, and inquired of them if they lacked any thing, when thus sent out, destitute of every thing, but the presence of His Spirit, and the protection of His Providence. And they could now acknowledge that they lacked nothing. But here he did not permit the lesson of instruction to close; he called on them to provide for themselves with all the outward resources within their reach, money, clothing, and weapons of defence. Little could they do in this way. Of weapons they found two swords. This, though totally useless on the policy of the world, was enough for the purpose intended-to impress in a striking manner the lesson he

designed to convey. The little band of disciples were thus provided, when the Jews, led on by Judas the traitor, laid hands on their Divine Master. At this trying moment Peter, bold in his nature and prompt to do what man could do, drew his sword for the defence of himself, his dearest friends, and his Lord and Master. Put up again thy sword into his place,' was the Divine command, for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.'

"Thus in his divine wisdom and condescension, he was pleased to place them in a situation, the most sensibly to feel the extent of his precepts, in relation to non-resistance. He also reminded them of the power he could command. Nor was it necessary that legions of angels should be summoned to his aid. Though it was then his intention to submit, though every thing in his appearance was simple, humble and non-resisting, his enemies went backward and fell to the ground."

"But passing on with the narrative, 'His disciples forsook him and fled ! What a

striking contrast do these events form, with those to which their attention had so lately been called! When sent without means, not even staves to lean upon, even the devils were subject to the power with which they were clothed. But now with all the resources of defence they had been able to provide," they were scattered as sheep without a shepherd.'

"On a review of this portion of Scripture, we are forcibly impressed with the conviction that our Lord, in directing swords to be provided for that particular occasion, did not intend that they should be used as weapons of offence or defence, but to afford an opportunity to prohibit the use of them for ever. His query to Peter, Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels,' &c. clearly proves that he never looked to his disciples for protection, and that he wanted not the sword for that

purpose. But he goes further to show its unlawfulness, and the injury that they who use it inflict on themselves, by saying, 'For all

they that take the sword shall perish with the sword," and connecting the two circumstances together, as he did, he brought them to see, and what is more, to feel the difference there is between depending on him alone, and any reliance we can place on ourselves and the resources within our reach.

"But why should we go into a more minute detail of evidence to prove that Jesus Christ, both in his precepts and example, led his disciples from the spirit and practice of war? No two things can form a more striking contrast, than his character and that of a military man. If then our Lord had nothing of the spirit of war about him, and if we are bound to imitate his example, then war is totally incompatible with the Christian character."

AN. I think, brother, that is quite satisfactory; I hope all thy doubts are now dispelled.

ED. They are. I am very glad I read that passage, for doubt is painful on any important subject; however, though I was per