ciety, and of the quantity of Tracts necessary to meet their demands according to the preceding Article. V. That all members of Branch Societies be also regarded as members of the Massachusetts Peace Society, engaged for the same object, and entitled to equal privileges with other members. In proposing this plan the Committee have had in view several objects; the more rapid enlargement of the Society; the promotion of its great design; the convenience of all its members, and of such as may wish to become members, in respect to paying their annual subscriptions and receiving their Tracts; they have also aimed to diminish the labour of the Treasurer, and to facilitate the distribution of pamphlets. If on trial any of the proposed arrangements shall be found inconvenient, they can be amended; if further regulations shall be necessary, they can be made. The Committee will cheerfully attend to any propositions which may be adapted to render the plan more perfect; and they entertain a hope that a considerable number of Branch Societies will soon be organized The officers and agents of the Society and the ministers of religion who belong to the Society, are requested to employ their influence to carry into effect the plan proposed. "CONVERSION AND PATRIOTISM. The following extract of a letter from a gentleman in the state of New-York we venture to publish without having obtained his consent. But however unexpected it may be to him to see it in print, we cannot withhold from the public such an example of conversion and patriotism. He writes thus :— "Be not surprised when I tell you I was one of the most zealous advocates in our country for the late war, and continued so till after the war closed. But blessed forever be the name of the Lord, who by his grace has wrought in me an effectual change. It is now about three years since I declined to perform what is called military duty—which I declined for conscience sake. In the course of the last year, having my mind greatly exercised on account of the general delusion in favor of war, and believing it my duty to do all in my power to enlighten the minds of others on this all-important subject, I resolved on circulating The Friend of Peace" as the most effectual means. I therefore contracted with a printer for 2500 of the Solemn Review and 2000 of cach of the seven first No's., of the Friend of Peace, making in the whole 16,500 copies, at my own individual expense-which is considerable for me as I am poor, but my zeal and consciousness of duty prompted me to do it. The printing was finished last Deceniber; sime that time, as near as I can tell, about 4000 copies have been circulated by sale and gratuitous distribution.""I have received letters and intelligence from agents in sev eral places; they all agree that a pacific principle is gradually increasing. Peace Societies have been talked of in some oth er places where the work has spread. I feel an increasing solicitude for the cause and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and shall make it the highest concern of my tuture life." 4 Here is an example which seems to be worthy of imitation ; and from which may be inferred the great things that might be done in the good cause by men of large property, had they the ardor of this convert. Though not abounding in wealth he has probably done more within a year than almost any Peace Society in the United States! How many lives will this patriot have been the instrument of saving? Perhaps as many as the hero of the Seminole war has destroyed. But what a contrast-Alas! for the patriotism which thirsts for blood, and glories in carnage and desolation! O that the energies of all military heroes might receive a different direction, like those of our correspondent, and be made to co-operate in the cause of peace! Then there would be peace on earth and good will among men. ENCOURAGING FACTS. FROM a variety of encouraging facts we select the following : I. A letter has been received from Scotland in behalf of a number of gentlemen in Glasgow who are disposed to form a Peace Society and to employ their influence in the good cause. II. A letter has been received from the President of the Republic of Hayti, in which he expresses a decided approbation of the object of Peace Societies, III. By letters from different counties in the state of NewYork we are told, that a Peace Society has been formed in Chenango county, and that there is a prospect that similar Societies will soon be formed in other counties. IV. A gentleman in Pennsylvania writes that, "In Burkes county the young men have formed a Society, and raise money by contribution, to purchase your publications and circulate them among such of the advocates of war as incline to read and reflect." The Mennonists, he adds, "arc so attached to the publications of your Society that they have selected parts, printed in German, for a school book for their children, and call it THE NEW STAR IN THE EAST." V. The Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Peace Society have had their First Annual Meeting. Their Report is animating; the number of members has been greatly enlarg. ed, and their prospects are very flattering. VI. Three Branches have already been formed Auxiliary to the Massachusetts Peace Society, and several more are expected soon to be established. In addition to the foregoing particulars we may observe in general, that, from numerous letters and other sources of in. telligence, we have abundant evidence that-notwithstanding the lamentable war with the Seminoles-the principles disseminated by Peace Societies are rapidly gaining ground in our country, as well as in Great Britain. The letters received are too numerous to be inserted, or distinctly specified.They are all useful as evidence of the general fact which has now been stated; and our correspondents are entitled to thanks for their friendly communications. BRANCH SOCIETIES. In the course of the present year the following Societies have been formed as Branches of the Massachusetts Peace Society. JAFFREY BRANCH, N. H.-Formed March 30th, 1818, Benjamin Prescott, Esq. President. Lieut. James Stevens Lieut. Moses Worster Dea. Eleazar Spofford Samuel Bass, Esq. Lieut. Jerome Underwood Col. Josiah Mower Phinehas Spaulding Levi Fisk.-ll; SOUTH READING BRANCH.-Formed June 5th, 1818. Rev. Reuben Emerson, President. Rev. G. F. Davis, Secretary. Mr. B. Wiley, Treasurer. Benjamin N. Eaton George Daland Francis Hay Lilley Eaton Jonas Evans BILLERICA BRANCH.-Formed July 4th, 1818. Rev. H. Cummings, D. D. President. Rev. N. Whitman, Treasurer. Isaac Mansfield, Esq. Samuel Whiting, Esq. Josiah Rogers John Rogers John Crosby John Baldwin Blaney Abbot, Esq. Capt. J. B. Richardson Mrs. Sarah Whitman, for a Female C. Society-17. N. B. The example of this Female Charitable Society is worthy of imitation. They have a Library-their President represents the Society as a Member of the Massachusetts Peace Society. Thus the Peace Tracts are circulated among the ladies of Billerica. And thus at a small expense they might be circulated through every Society in which a Library is established. |