Edited by Chuck Fager
Introduction: How have Quakers lived out their peace testimony in time of war? And in particular, what about wars in which they were directly caught up in the hostilities?
The Hicksite Baltimore Yearly Meeting was one such body. Its territory included many places which were to become some of the most bitterly contested battlefields of the U.S. Civil War. The following excerpts from the Baltimore minute books of 1861 to 1865 record their testimony and their trials in these years of trouble. They are presented here for purposes of remembrance and reflection in our time.
Through out this period, the yearly meeting’s Discipline called upon monthly meetings to prepare answers annually to a specified set of Queries, and submit them to their superior Quarterly Meetings, which passed them on to the Yearly Meeting.
At the yearly meeting sessions these responses were brought together and summarized, The state of the Society indicated by the responses was then carefully considered. This discussion was reviewed in a Minute of Exercise. Among these Queries was the following:
“Sixth Query. Do you maintain a faithful testimony against oaths; an hireling ministry; bearing arms, training, or other military services; being concerned in any fraudulent or clandestine trade; buying or vending goods so imported, or prize goods; and against encouraging lotteries of any kinds?”
As late as 1858, the responses by Baltimore’s monthly Meetings on this topic were summed up thus:
“Our testimony against a hireling ministry, oaths, military services, clandestine trade, prize goods and lotteries, appear to be generally maintained.”
But a cautionary note can be found in a letter to The Friend of London, in 11th Month, 1859, signed “Pacificus,” and which said of Friends on the eve of this contest:
“We live in a well-ordered state, where persons and property are, with rare exceptions, amply secure from the hand of violence, and in a country where the presence of a foreign enemy has not been felt for centuries. It is no trial of faith for us to abstain from the use of arms for our protection, and to refuse to engage in military service. We can scarcely, by any effort of the imagination, place ourselves in the position of those, who, in the midst of anarchy and lawlessness, feel the necessity of being always on their guard against violence, or who experience the misery of seeing their homes desolated by the invasion of a hostile army. It therefore becomes us, at the present day, while stedfastly supporting the Christian doctrines which we believe to be right, to speak with diffidence, as never having really had our principles put to the test.”
Such a test was soon to come for Baltimore Yearly Meeting Friends. The minutes that follow describe, in their own words, how they grappled with the shock and the impact of this “desolating evil.”
American Quakers Face the Civil War
Baltimore Yearly Meeting
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1861
From SUMMARY ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES
Sixth
Friends appear to be mostly careful to maintain our testimony against a hireling ministry, oaths, military service, clandestine trade, prize goods, and lotteries. Yet some deficiency is acknowledged by several of the reports to exist, in the support of our important Christian testimony against war and military services, some cases of which are under care.
Baltimore – 10th Month 30th day
The Committee appointed at a former sitting to endeavor to embody some of the exercises of this Meeting, produced the following Minute, which was read and united with, viz:
During the consideration of the state of our Religious Society, as reported from the Quarterly Meetings, this Meeting has been solemnly impressed with the great responsibility that rests upon us as professors of the Christian name, that we should manifest in our life and conversation, the fruits of a Christian spirit, devoting our hearts without reserve , to the service of God.
In view of the present unhappy condition of our country, we have been reminded of the circumstances by which George Fox, and his companions in spiritual labor, were surrounded when in a time of civil war, they went forth as ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim and exemplify his peaceable kingdom. The false rest of the people had been broken–their confidence in their spiritual guide had been shaken–and finding in ceremonial observances no spiritual sustenance, they were induced to seek in the inner sanctuary of the heart, for that communion with the Father of spirits, which alone can satisfy the longings of the immortal soul.
And so we trust, when the tempest, and the earthquake, and the fire shall have passed by, that the still small voice–the word of the Lord will be heard, and that many will be found who have not bowed the knee to Baal, nor kissed his image.
Even if suffering should be the portion of those who are called to labor in the cause of righteousness, to uphold, by example, the Testimonies of Truth, let us remember for our encouragement the language of our Lord, “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my sake: rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” . . .
We have at this time felt the necessity of digging deep, in order to secure a foundation on the rock of everlasting Truth, and may we ever bear in mind, that he only who heareth the sayings of Christ and doeth them, hath built his house on this rock, against which the winds and waves of human passion will beat in vain. . . . .
The consideration of our important testimony against war, brought a deep exercise over the meeting, accompanied by a desire, that this righteous testimony may be faithfully maintained by our members. The times we live in call loudly on us to abstain from everything calculated to encourage this desolating evil now sweeping over our land, mingled with the wail of the widow and the orphan, and the groans of our countrymen.
We were reminded that we have fallen on troublous times in regard to the welfare of our Religious Society; for the deep interest manifested by many of our members in the contest now unhappily raging in our beloved country, may gradually alienate their minds from the peaceable principles inculcated in the precepts of Jesus, and exemplified in his life. While we cannot be indifferent spectators of things passing around us, and in which we have so deep an interest, we earnestly desire that Friends everywhere may give evidence that they are followers of the Prince of Peace–that they have an abiding faith in the protecting power of our Heavenly Father, and that he will not suffer his dependent children to be tried farther than he gives ability to sustain.
The right education of our children, and their preservation from the corrupting influences too which they are too often exposed, have again claimed our attention . . . .
From the Epistle of New York Yearly Meeting, included with the Baltimore Minutes:
Dear Friends,
The condescending goodness of the Great Head of the Church has again permitted us to meet together, at a time of great outward commotion and strife, when the war cry is heard in the land–when brother is arrayed against brother in deadly strife–where the children of one common Father, (the workmanship of his holy hand,) whose watchful eye never slumbers, whose ear is ever open to the cries of the poor and needy, and whose arm of power is continually stretched forth to save all who put their trust in Him, are contending together.
At a time like this, of outward agitation, we thankfully have to acknowledge a belief that all who wholly trust in this Power, will experience the truth of the declaration of the Prophet when addressing the Most High:–”Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on thee, because he trusteth in thee.”
While we do not assume to interfere with other men’s matters, or sit in judgment upon those not of us, to mark out their path of duty–remembering the answer of the Divine Master to the question, “what shall this man do?” “if I will that he tarry until I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me” –it is with earnest and affectionate solicitude that we fervently desire that all who bear our name may rally to the standard of truth, and enlist under the banner of the Prince of Peace, who will assuredly lead us unto victory; not by the battles of the warrior, which is of confused noise and garments rolled in blood, but by that warfare which is spiritual, designed to overcome all evil, to eradicate every germ of bitterness fro the mind, and to introduce into that kingdom wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Might not the inquiry be made of us, individually, whether the perusal of the war news of the day, unless guarded against, is not calculated to excite and foster those passions in our breasts which are in direct opposition to the blessed precepts of our Saviour, as expressed in his most excellent Sermon on the Mount.
It was the declaration of the Prophet formerly, that when the judgments of the Lord are in the earth, the inhabitants thereof learn righteousness. Are not his judgments now in the earth? and will he not turn and overturn until his purpose is accomplished? “I will shake not only the earth, but he heavens also,” was his declaration by the mouth of his Prophet, clearly showing that all false rests will be removed, and our tent will be only place of safety. “God is our tent.”
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American Quakers Face the Civil WarBaltimore Yearly Meeting
1862
From ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES
Sixth
Our testimony against a hireling ministry, oaths, military services, clandestine trade, prize goods and lotteries, appears to be generally maintained. Though three reports mention deviations, respecting military services, to some cases of which care has been extended.
Baltimore – Thirtieth of the [Tenth] Month, and 5th of the week.
The Committee appointed upon the subject at a former sitting, produced the following minute of the exercises of this Meeting, to be inserted in our Extracts for the benefits of our absent members, which was approved, viz:
The reading of the Epistles, from the several yearly Meetings with which we correspond, has brought us into near unity with our distant brethren, and has afforded to our minds confirming evidence of the unity of the Christian Church; for all who are taught of the Lord, are actuated by one spirit, even that which ascribes, Glory to God in the highest, and breathes peace on earth, and good will to men.
The sorrowful condition of our beloved country, so feelingly alluded to in those Epistles, has tended much to solemnize the Meeting, and to humble us under the considerations of our many delinquencies, as a nation and as individuals. Lively testimonies have been borne in this Meeting, not only against the horrors of war, but to the all-sufficiency of that grace which emanates from the Father of Spirits, and which will save to the uttermost all who place their trust in him.
It was clearly shown, that however ardently we may feel attached to our excellent government its preservation, or that of any civil institution, is of small importance when compared with the sublime principles of the Gospel of Christ, and the salvation of immortal souls. The disciples of the Prince of Peace can only promote the advancement of his kingdom, by obedience to his Spirit, and keeping his commandments. “Without me,” he says, “ye can do nothing.” “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” These are still the unchangeable terms of discipleship; for we cannot serve two masters;–we are either conformed to this world, or transformed by the renewings of our minds.
They who have experienced the mercy and forgiveness of God, will be enabled by his grace to forgive others; and continuing under this holy influence, they will be endued with patience and confidence in him who, “ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” He sees from the beginning to the end of time, for one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Information has been received at this Meeting, that many of our members who reside in Virginia, have, during the past year, been subjected to great trials by reason of the civil war which is now desolating that portion of our country. Some of them have been arrested by the military authorities of the Southern States, and held as prisoners for a time. Among these, our beloved friend, Job Throckmorton, was one whose sufferings excited general sympathy. While on his way to attend the Monthly Meeting at Hopewell, he was arrested by the military, and with many other prisoners, who had not been bearing arms, he was subjected to fatiguing marches and great privations, which resulted in his death. His pure and blameless life was such, that we have no doubt he laid down his head in peace, and has entered in to eternal rest.
Our religious meetings in that section of the country have generally been maintained, though most of our meeting-houses have, at times, been occupied for military purposes. At Hopewell and Winchester, our members have been subjected to peculiar privations and trials, by reason of the large contending armies that have alternately occupied and despoiled that region; but the Meetings of Friends have seldom been omitted, though often held in private houses.
At Woodlawn, a branch of Alexandria Monthly Meeting, the meeting-house was, during the whole of last winter, occupied by the federal troops. The Midweek Meetings of Friends were then held in a private house; but on First days, they assembled in the meeting-house with the soldiers, who carefully prepared the house, expressed a desire that the Meetings should be kept up, and were evidently much interested in them.
At Waterford [Virginia], a part of the meeting-house was for many months, occupied by the Southern soldiers, while another part was reserved for the Meetings of Friends. The officers and some of the soldiers usually attended, behaved with decorum, and at times expressed their cordial appreciation of those seasons of deep solemnity and religious exercises. We have reason to believe Gospel of Peace and Love, at some favored seasons, was felt to flow, like a refreshing stream in a desert land.
The evidences thus afforded of the power of Divine truth, and the consolations of the Gospel of Christ, should incite us to increased diligence, that we may, through watchfulness and prayer, and unreserved obedience, fill up the measure of our duties, and obtain the rich reward of divine approbation.
While engaged in examining the condition of our religious body, an earnest desire has been felt, that we may live up to our professed principles, and faithfully maintain our religious testimonies. . . .
American Quakers Face the Civil War Baltimore Yearly Meeting
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1863
From ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES
Sixth
Friends appear to be generally careful to bear our testimonies against a hireling ministry, oaths, clandestine prize goods and lotteries; but all the reports admit a want of faithfulness in the support of our important testimony against military services and requisitions.
Baltimore – 10th Month 27, 1863
The Committee appointed at a former sitting to endeavor to embody the exercises of this Meeting whilst engaged in the consideration of the State of Society, produced the following Minute, which was approved by the Meeting, viz:
A precious solemnity has prevailed over the Meting during its several sittings, and much unity and harmony of feeling were manifested throughout. Many lively testimonies were borne during the examination of the State of Society, to the efficacy of that pure love, which is a redeeming principle in the hearts of all who yield to its benign influence, and wholly resign themselves to the Divine disposal. Many hearts were tendered and contrited under the baptizing influence of that living Gospel ministry that reached the witness in their own breasts, and much affectionate advice and tender counsel were held forth, particularly to the younger members, to come forward to the help of the fathers, in maintaining the testimonies of this people, being assured that to willing and obedient hearts, the yoke of Christ becomes easy. These were encouraged to greater faithfulness in the attendance of all our Meetings, and to unreserved dedication of heart to every feeling of duty required of them. Faithful obedience in little things leads to increased strength and greater openings, for we rarely stand still in religious experience, but are either advancing or retrograding in our course, and lamentable, indeed, is a condition of degeneracy. Let us all be awakened to increased watchfulness over ourselves and one another, and renewed concern to seek first the kingdom of heaven, and to walk answerable to the high and holy calling wherewith we are called.
Our predecessors in this Religious Society, by faithfulness to the manifestations of the Divine Power, wrought a great work in the earth, and to us is bequeathed this rich inheritance, the fruits of their labors. Shall we then let fall these great testimonies that have enlightened mankind, and modified human governments? Shall we suffer the brightness of the light of these ancient worthies to be eclipsed by our unfaithfulness? Such, alas, is to much our condition. Many deficiencies appear amongst us, and we fall far short of their primitive faithfulness. Yet such is the condescending goodness and mercy of our great heavenly Parent, that with all our frailties, He suffers not our light to be put out, but still raises up faithful standard-bearers to exalt His name in the earth..
A considerable number of our members, who live within the lines of military operations, being now in attendance with us, represent, that although they have been subjected to great trials, they have generally been preserved from personal injury, and have cause of thankfulness to the Shepherd of Israel. Two members of Fairfax Monthly Meeting [Virginia] have been arrested as hostages by the Southern troops, and so far as we know, are still held as prisoners, but measures have been taken to obtain their release, which, it is hoped, will prove successful.
On considering the condition of our beloved country, now subjected to the calamities attendant on a civil war, our hearts are affected with sorrow for the many victims who have fallen in the conflict, the many widows and orphans who mourn their bereavement, and the demoralizing effects of military service. We nevertheless hold fast our confidence in the wisdom, goodness and power of that Almighty Being, who rules in heaven and on earth, who permits the passions of men to work out their own chastisement, and brings forth, in the operations of His providence, results that cannot be foreseen by human wisdom, nor frustrated by human depravity.
The testimony to the peaceable nature of Christ’s kingdom, maintained by our fathers, is still dear to our hearts, and notwithstanding the cloud of discouragement that now overshadows us, we trust the Son of Righteousness will yet arise, and the glory of the Lord be made manifest to the nations. As the Prophet saw, in the visions of light, a stone cut out without hands, which became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth, so, we believe, will the Redeemer’s be established in the fullness of time, by the word of Divine Power.
In order that this precious testimony maybe advanced, there have been raised up in every age of the Christian Church, witnesses for the truth, who have often prophesied in sackcloth, or been slain for the testimony of Jesus. Such were the members of this Religious Society at its rise. They were faithful to the civil governments under which they lived, and when they could not actively comply with laws that conflicted with their conscientious convictions, they patiently endured the penalties, until through suffering they obtained relief, and were thus made instrumental in promoting the cause of religious and civil liberty. May we be faithful in following their example, so far as they followed Christ. How instructive is the reply of the blessed Jesus to the disciple who inquired “what shall this man do?” “if I will that he tarry until I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” It is not our place to judge others, who may believe themselves called to pursue a different path from that in which we walk, but to follow the foot-steps of our Holy Exemplar, “who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered he threatened not, but committed himself to Him, that judgeth righteously.”
Much solicitude and religious concern have been felt in this Meeting, that in the education of our dear children we may seek for a qualification to lead them, both by precept and example, in the way of righteousness. In order to promote this end, provision should be made for a guarded religious training at school, and suitable books for use in the family. . . .
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American Quakers Face the Civil WarBaltimore Yearly Meeting
1864
From ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES
Sixth
Our testimony against a hireling ministry, oaths, clandestine trade, prize goods, and lotteries, appears to be generally maintained. But many of our members have deviated from our precious testimony in relation to military services. Some cases of infringement thereof, are under care.
Baltimore 11th month 2nd day
The Committee appointed at a former sitting to endeavor to embody the exercises of the Meeting while engaged in the consideration of the state of Society, produced the following Minute, which was approved, viz:
. . . The sanguinary conflict that now rage sin our beloved country, laying waste some of its fairest scenes, bringing to an untimely grave many thousands of its inhabitants, and causing bereavement throughout the land, has called forth the expression of much sympathy for those who are suffering from this awful calamity. It has been our earnest prayer that we may not put our trust in the arm of flesh, but rather rely on the never-failing arm of Divine power, which sustained our worthy ancestors in seasons of severe suffering, made them instrumental in promoting the cause of Truth, and, in His own good time, delivered them from all their afflictions.
Our ancient testimony to the peaceable nature of Christ’s kingdom, has been made more dear to our hearts, by contemplating the scenes of carnage and destruction that abound in our land. It was doubtless the intention of the Most High in sending his beloved Son into the world, to redeem mankind from the dominion of evil, to influence them by his meek example and sublime precepts, and through the guidance of his pure Spirit, to bring them into harmony and fraternal love. This happy condition was shadowed forth in the figurative language of prophecy: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb; the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion, and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”
The primitive Christian church was the depository of this pure doctrine, which subsequently became obscured through the false teaching of a corrupt priesthood, and an alliance with the world; but being revived by the early Friends, the precious legacy has been transmitted to us. May we ever remember that the Truth of God can only be promoted by obedience to His Spiritual law; and placing the light upon the candlestick by a consistent example, may we keep alive the sacred flame which must spread far and wide, before the prophecy shall be fulfilled, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.”
We have rejoiced in the announcement that, throughout the State of Maryland, liberty has been proclaimed to the long-oppressed descendants of Africa, and an earnest desire has been expressed in this Meeting, that we may not be unmindful of the great work yet to be accomplished, in extending to the freed people who dwell among us, the benefits of education and christian care. In contemplating the progress of our testimony against slavery, from its small beginning near the close of the 17th century, to the present day, our hearts are filled with gratitude and love to that Almighty Being who called our predecessors to labor in this cause, and led them safely along through the guidance of his grace. The prophetic language of John Woolman, written nearly one hundred years ago, has been feelingly revived among us, as being now in the process of fulfilment: “I have seen in the light of the Lord, that the day is approaching, when the man that is most wise in human policy, shall be the greatest fool; and the arm that is mighty to support injustice, shall be broken to pieces: The enemies of righteousness shall make a terrible rattle, and shall mightily torment one another; for He that is omnipotent is rising up to judgment, and will plead the cause of the oppressed; and he commanded me to open the vision.”
The Christian duty of dealing with offenders in the spirit of meekness and love, has been to our minds, a subject of religious exercise, and an earnest desire is felt that at this trying season, we maybe governed by Divine wisdom, remembering that the first object to be sought, is the restoration of the diseased member to health, rather than its separation from the body.
Our Meeting this year has been unusually large, and favored with remarkable solemnity. A considerable number have attended from that section of our country where the scourge of war has exerted its desolating effects. Although great pecuniary losses have been sustained, and personal danger sometimes encountered, we have rejoiced in learning that the Meetings of Friends have been generally kept up, their lives have been preserved from the hand of violence, and amidst all their trials, they have often had cause to rejoice in the Lord.
American Quakers Face the Civil War Baltimore Yearly Meeting
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1865
From ANSWERS TO THE QUERIES
Sixth
Friends generally appear to be careful to bear our testimony against a hireling Ministry, oaths, clandestine trade, prize goods and lotteries. But a deficiency in the faithful maintenance of our precious testimony against war and Military services, is acknowledged in all our reports.
Baltimore – 11th month
The Committee appointed to prepare a minute, embodying the exercises of this Meeting, produced the following Report, which was satisfactory, viz:
On entering upon the consideration of the state of Society as portrayed in the answers to the Queries, the Meeting was brought under a solemn covering on account of the many deficiencies amongst us . . . .
We have felt it to be a cause of gratitude to the Father of all our sure mercies, that the desolations of war have been stayed in our land, while at the same time we have to lament, that so many of our precious young members, and some of more mature age, have been led to join the ranks of the warrior, disregarding the emphatic declaration of our blessed Master to His disciples, “my kingdom is not of this world, else would my servants fight.” We were exhorted that while remembering the scripture injunction to “deal gently with the young man,” we should not desert the glorious banner of the Prince of Peace. It was feelingly testified that the many departures from this distinguishing characteristic of the followers of our blessed Lord, as reported in the answers which have come up from our subordinate meetings, should teach us humility, inasmuch as we are thus shown we are not all living up to our principles in this particular; hence the necessity of a return to our first love, in humble prostration before Him “who dwelleth in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones.”
The duty of remembering the poor, and comforting the afflicted, has claimed our serious attention. We are persuaded that the spirit of Christ will, in all ages, bring forth similar fruits; and as in the Apostles’ days, no man counted aught that he had his own, but gave all to be used as any had need; so in our day, those who have abundance, should remember the afflicted and destitute, and minister liberally to their wants, thus gladdening their hearts, and causing them to glorify Him who is the Author of every blessing.
The condition of the colored people residing within our limits, has been brought feelingly before us; and while we rejoice at their liberation from the shackles that have so long impeded their moral and intellectual advancement, we are conscious that there is yet much to do on their behalf, and a wide field open for religious labor among them. An earnest desire is felt, that we may be no less faithful in this interesting concern, than were our forefathers, who, through obedience to the Divine Monitor, became the pioneers in the great work of emancipation. . . .
The attendance of our members at this Meeting has been large, and among them are many from that section of our country which has so lately been the scene of sanguinary conflict. Since our last yearly Meeting, they have been subjected to heavy losses of property, and much anxiety of mind, by the ravages of War. Notwithstanding the perilous situation in which they have sometimes been placed, their religious meetings have been very generally kept up, their lives have been, through Divine mercy, preserved from the hand of violence, and their necessities supplied. The sympathy and aid extended to them by members of this and other Yearly Meetings, are gratefully appreciated, and have tended to strengthen the ties of brotherly love by which all the branches of our religious body are united.
From the Epistle of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, included with the Baltimore minutes:
Dear Friends,
We are now permitted to address our distant brethren, under circumstances calculated to clothe the heart with rejoicing, although this has been overshadowed by the great grief of the Nation, for the death of our much lamented President.
The clouds of war, so fearfully dark upon our country’s horizon, and which have cast their shadows upon all private and public concerns, are apparently soon to pass away.
We are again assembled to examine into the affairs of the Church, with thankful hearts to the author of all our sure mercies, that he has, in great measure, removed this awful scourge.
That we may be individually and collectively, so chastened and prepared in heart, as to do always, to all men, whatsoever we would have them do to us, and feel of a truth, that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, is the moral we should draw from the terrible calamities through which the nation has passed.
It is no new thing to hear of wars and rumors of wars, but to stand unmoved amid all commotions, is the prerogative of the redeemed and ransomed of the Lord. . . . .
A lively exercise has sprung up in regard to the divided condition of those bearing the name of Friends. We have travailed in it with much feeling and unity. The exhibition of schisms, and divisions, among a people so nearly alike in themselves, and so widely differing from those who lay great stress on ceremonies and outward ordinances, is a stumbling block to inquirers Zionward, and a great impediment to their own usefulness among men.
We hope that the day is approaching, when there can be a coming together of a people, all professing to be led and guided by the spirit of Christ, and thus enabled so to labor, as to renew that “unity of the spirit, which is the bond of peace,” that was the distinguishing characteristic of the early gathering of this people. . . .
From the Epistle of Genesee Yearly Meeting [in western New York and southern Ontario], included with the Baltimore Yearly Meeting Minutes.
Dear Friends,
As we are again assembled in a Yearly Meeting capacity, we have been made to rejoice, in that we have been thus permitted to partake of the rich bounties with which the Lord’s table is spread . . . .
While we have mourned that the spirit of war should have made its inroads among us, a peace-professing people, while we have sorrowed that some of our young men should have, under the influence of the excitement around them, been induced to enter the arena of military strife, and there become the instruments of shedding the blood of their fellow men; yet we earnestly hope now, as the conflict has ceased, and as they return to their peaceful homes, they may become so convinced of the superiority of the principle of love to that of force, and that it is better to suffer wrong for a season, than to do wrong, that they may so live in the future as not only to give satisfaction to their friends, and thus be continued in the bosom of Society, but by being thus convinced by experience, of the sweeter and more hallowed influence which surrounds those who dwell under the canopy of this Divine principle, become its devoted advocates in the future.