The New Hampshire Gazette

MILITIA RETURNS.—The following is copied from the original notice to a citizen of Philadelphia, of the enrollment for the present spring; the captain of the company took the trouble of issuing a circular notice to every citizen of the legal age, and the following is the answer of one of them, claiming to be exempted, as having already enrolled under a SUPERIOR COMMANDER.

Brother traveller to Eternity:
You send me your order as captain, to meet you on a certain day for the purpose of parading, by the command of your general.—
But I have to inform you, that I have already enlisted under the banners of the cross, which has been supported near 1800 years, and as an officer under this flag, I charge and summon you to prepare to meet me and my commander in the world of spirits, to answer for your rebellion or disobedience to his commands. Although you have an earthly commander, I much fear you are enlisted under the black flag of the grand enemy of mankind, and though a faithful subject, yet he will not reward with any thing but evil here, and add to it hereafter!—now if you return to mine, he is a loving commander, who will receive you and grant you a full and free pardon, and place a crown of Glory on your head.
You command me to appear on the 2d and 4th of this month; but I set no time, as we may be in eternity before that time.
How bold to speak of days, as though we could command death to disappear when he hath laid hold on us.
You inform me to notify you if I wished to be placed on the exempt list; but I have to inform you, that I have been some time on the exempt from the sinful vanities or follies of this world, such as you are now pursuing; for I must tell you this proceeds out of the pride and malice of an unregenerate heart, and no greater proof can be given, than that you find within yourself; for you find yourself ready to go forth, that the blood of your fellow worms and servants may flow on the ground, and they reeling with the same wrath for yours; thus are servants of Satan meditating destruction, that they may the sooner people the regions of darkness and despair. But the children of my commander (who is no less than the Son of God, the creator and preserver of all flesh) do not meditate revenge, but pity the subjects of Satan and rejoice when they return.—Having received a portion of his loving spirit they delight to do them good.
Your commander says, do all the evil you can—but my commander says, do all the good you can. To conclude, you cannot purchase his favors any other way, than to come and lay down the weapons of your rebellion, and besiege the throne of grace for mercy and pardon, believing you will receive it.

From your fellow worm,

Signed
The portion that is taken out of eternity, which is called time May 2d, 1808—part of that space given you to repent and return, confessing your sins, to him who searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins of the children of men; and woe unto you if you turn not.