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he gained more authority over neighbouring princes by esteem and reverence, than they had over their subjects.

саме.

"In this manner elapsed the six years, till the fatal period The vision was fulfilled; but very differently from what was expected. For at this precise period, a vacancy happening, he was unanimously elected EMPEROR OF GERMANY."

We are not disposed to encourage a superstitious respect to dreams; but when a dream of a character so uncommon is regarded and improved by the dreamer, as a divine admonition to him, to forsake the paths of vice and cruelty, and to adopt a course of active benevolence, the hand of God may justly be acknowledged.

Happy will be the effects of this narrative, should it be the means of exciting unprincipled rulers suitably to reflect on the benefits which would result to themselves, as well as to others; should they change their course and act the part of just and beneficent fathers. Let them duly reffect on the admonitory message" After six"-lest they, when weighed in the balances, should be found wanting.

DELIGHT IN WAR EXPLAINED.

"IT is not a little surprising," says Soame Jenyns, "that mankind have in all times so much delighted in war; and that, notwithstanding all the miseries it has brought upon them, they should still continue to rush into it with as much alacrity as ever. The true, though secret reason of which is certainly this :-There is implanted in human nature, corrupt as it is, so strong an approbation of virtue, that however determined men are to indulge their evil inclinations, they never enjoy them with any satisfaction, unless they can find out some means of hiding their deformities, not only from the eyes of others, but even from their own; and they are therefore extremely fond of every expedient that can assist them in this favourite self-deception, and procure them

leave to be wicked with a good character and a good conscience. Now war is the most effectual for this purpose, as it grants us a plenary indulgence for every vicious disposition in the human mind, exempted from all punishment or even censure, as well as from all reluctance and remorse. It so dresses up idleness and profligacy, malevolence and revenge, cruelty and injustice, in the amiable habit of zeal for the glory and prosperity of our country, that we can give a loose to them all, not only with the applause of the world, but with the sincere approbation of our own hearts and of such high estimation is this privilege, that we think it sufficient recompense for all the miseries and desolations which the mutual exercise of it cannot fail to introduce."

Reflections on several subjects.

In these reflections there is much truth as well as sarcasm. A great portion of those who delight in war rejoice in its occurrence, as affording an opportunity to gratify the vilest passions with impunity, and with applause. War is regarded by them as cancelling their obligations to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God; also as licensing various species of vice, and as rendering acts of flagrant injustice, robbery, and murder, deeds of patriotism and glory.

It is not, however, to be supposed that all who engage in war, delight in this horrid work. Many are misled by education and custom, rather than by evil passions. They have been taught to believe that rulers have a right to make war when they please; and that it is the duty of subjects to fight, if commanded so to do, without any inquiry as to the justice or injustice of the part assigned them. But these are principles derived from ages of barbarism, and which the progress of fight will banish from the world. It will hereafter probably be seen, that rulers and subjects stand on equal ground as to the right of waging war, and the power of changing acts of depredation, cruelty, and revenge into deeds of virtue and righteousness. If the delusions which now exist on this subject, should at once be dispelled, deeds of rapine, vengeance,

and conquest, which are now the boast of every country, would soon become occasions of the deepest regret, amazement, and horror. Men would no longer imagine that war "procures for them leave to be wicked with a good character and a good conscience." No longer would idleness and profligacy, malevolence and revenge, cruelty and injustice" be permitted to wear the" amiable habit of zeal for the glory and prosperity of our country;" and no longer would the ravagers of the world, the tormentors of their species, be the objects of human applause and adoration.

THE FIRST WAR-MAKER.

IT has long been a custom to erect monuments of fame to the founders of empires, or sects, or important institutions,also to the authors of useful discoveries and inventions, and especially to men who have greatly distinguished themselves, as the destroyers of their species. With regard to any popular art, profession, or custom, there is a general desire to know by whom it was first introduced, that his name may be had in grateful remembrance. Therefore, as war has obtained an unparalleled celebrity-as the profession of arms is regarded as the most honorable and important, and as the science of human destruction is studied and practised as the most useful art; it is very natural to inquire, who was the first War-maker? and have due honors been paid to his memory?

By a careful examination of history, it will be found that Cain-afterwards Duke of Nod-was the first War-maker, and the first conqueror. We have indeed but a brief account of the war of Cain. It was made when there were but few men in the world, and for reasons which are not fully explained. But it is very clear that he obtained a complete victory, and proved beyond a doubt, that men are liable to be killed, and capable of killing one another.-What wonderful discoveries!

One writer says, that "Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.”

Another writer makes the inquiry—“ Wherefore slew he him?" and answers" Because his own works were evil and his brother's righteous."

It should be remembered, that these accounts were written by men who were friends to the character of Abel. Had Cain written a history of the war, he would probably have mentioned something offensive in the conduct of Abel, and represented the war on his own part. as a war in self-defense-a just and necessary war. Such is the general policy

of War-makers.

Cain is not renowned in history, as having slain a greater number of men than any of his followers; but as the first in giving an example of war and victory. Any new art or invention is first reduced to practice on a small scale, by way of experiment; if successful, it is continued, improved, and extended. Though Cain killed but one man, he was the founder of the war institution, which has since been greatly improved, extolled as of the highest importance, and practised on an extensive scale. "This wonderful man" has had more disciples and followers, than any other founder of a sect, in any age or country. Among his followers may be reckoned by far the greater part of all the Kings, who have ruled over men. Some of his disciples have been deified, and many others have obtained a high rank in the annals of fame. History, poetry, sculpture and painting, have all been employed to immortalize the names of the principal followers of Cain. Why then has the FOUNDER of war been so much neglected?

If it be useful to aggrandize, blazon, and encourage the practice of war, by giving renown to its chief agents and promoters,-shall the FAHER of War-makers be any longer buried in obscurity? It is true that Cain stands first on the catalogue of warriors; but he stands there wi hout any decorations or encomiums. Though he is no where in

the Bible called a murderer, yet the idea of murder seems to be generally attached to his successful war on Abel. This impression respecting his character has probably been the principal reason why he has not been deified, as the FOUNDER of the war institution. But, prejudice apart, we may ask, why is Cain more deserving of the name of a murderer, than any one of his sons, who, by ravaging the world, has obtained the name of a Conqueror?

Who then can any longer withhold the tribute of praise due to Cain? Shall not the most costly statues be erected to his memory, in every country where war is held in admiration? Why not have splendid paintings of his victory to adorn every War Office, and every hall or chamber, in which wars are either devised or celebrated? Might not a likeness of Cain be usefully prefixed to every volume of the various histories of Christian nations? May not the lovers of war, throughout the world, be distinguished as his followers by the denomination of Cainites, or Cainians? And would it not be of great use to institute an anniversary and universal festival, to commemorate the first martial victorya victory which led the way to an innumerable multitude of similar deeds of glory!

By such ordinary means, the FOUNDER of war-that intrepid, daring, and successful Hero-may yet be elevated to his proper rank among the DESTROYERS of mankind, and be honoured as CAIN THE GREAT.

STATE OF MANNERS IN FRANCE PRIOR TO LOUIS XIV.

"EVER since the death of Francis II, France had been continually torn to pieces by factions or civil wars The yoke had never been borne willingly or peaceably. The nobility were nursed in conspiracies Plotting was then the science of the court, as that of pleasing their sovereign has been since.

"This spirit of discord and faction had extended itself from the court even to the smallest towns, and insinuated itself into every community in the kingdom. Every thing was contested, because there was nothing settled There was not a parish in Paris which The processions fought with one another banners. The canons of our Lady were

did not come to blows. for the honour of their

Vol. II. No. 12.

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