Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

but certain influential men were for putting one of them to death. Say they, he weakeneth the hands of the men of war: he seeketh not the good of this people but their hurt. Some of the prophets (as Jeremiah and Micaiah) were put in prison but they were patriots, they did their duty, and in due time they were delivered. Gospel ministers (as were the prophets) are watchmen, they must warn people when danger is coming: if they do not, they bring heavy guilt on themselves, see Ezekiel 33. v. 3 to 7. Their blessed master preached politics. Luke 14, 31, 33. What king going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an embassage and desireth conditions of peace. Our Lord here does not put the case as to the justice and necessity of the war to the test; but of the prudence and expediency of it, and the consequences, and whether it would not be more difficult to make peace by & by than now. when he had brought shame on himself by his own rashness, imprudence and folly. Would it not have been wiser for our administration to have consulted this good old law book before they proclaimed war? and to have considered that there is vastly a greater disproportion between our navy, with all our gun-boats, and that of Britain, than between ten thousand and twenty thousand? Our administration should have also considered another political doctrine of the great teacher from Heaven, viz. that every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every house divided against itself shall not stand. They ought to have known that this is the case in these United States, yea and in Congress: witness the able speech of General Giles, in the senate while the question of war was pending; witness also the address of the minority in congress; both of them valuable documents.

Ministers are ambassadors of the Prince of Peace. Peace is a most valuable blessing. May they not urge and plead for it? May they not suggest the importance of considering whether this war is, on our part, just necessary expedient, &c.? And if they foresee that it will be ruinous, expose our property on the ocean, and our seaports, stir up the Indians against our frontiers, procure the loss of much blood and treasure, without any advantage to the country—may they not pray for peace, & use all proper persuasions for that end? If they see plainly that those who lead them cause them to err, and destroy the way of their paths, may they not let it be known? Now they are not to revile the Gods; yet may they not point out wherein the rulers have taken wrong steps? Can they, ought they to keep silence at such a time when ruin is swiftly approaching? Methinks those who are for having ministers bolster up the administration, are like those of old, which said to the seers, see not: and to the prophets, prophesy deceit, speak to us smooth things. It is the truth only that can make us free.

Ministers, I always thought should cry aloud and not spare, shew unto people their transgressions and their sins, and not shun to declare the whole counsel of God. If they tell us that our sins separate between God & us—if they tell us that we are a backsliding people—that we profane God's name on his Sabbaths—that we are not careful to elect such men to important stations as are just, fear God and hate covetousness—that our great concern is to choose one who is of our party, or will serve our turn: can we deny these charges? Shall they hold their peace because men do not love to hear the truth, yea truth important to be heard, known and attended to? Dear sirs. I have read that you bear the characters of soldiers. I have ever found that a soldier is safest when he is vigilant and courageously attends his duty. I hope you will do yours with fidelity and prudence.

This from one who has fought many battles, and the enemy never saw him flinch: he never deserted his post.

AN OLD SOLDIER.