Puslapio vaizdai
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NOTE.

The Committe of Award, consisting of the Hon. SIMON GREENLEAF, LL. D., the Rev. WILLIAM JENKS, D. D., and the Rev. BARON Srow, D. D., adjudged to the following work the Premium of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS offered by the American Peace Society for "the best Review of the Mexican War on the principles of Christianity, and an enlightened statesmanship."

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PREFACE.

THE delay in publishing this Review demands a word of apology or explanation. The author was absent in the West Indies for the benefit of his health when the award was made by the judges, and he did not return home until June. Since that date the leisure which could be snatched from numerous professional duties has been devoted to a careful revision of the work, and the incorporating of some new materials, procured at the seat of government by personal research and the kindness of friends. For a session of Congress has intervened since the essay was written, which has confirmed and developed some important points. Hence the attempt is made to bring its conclusions down to the present time.

The conflict with Mexico was short, and, measured on the scale of European warfare, comparatively insignificant, but in its lessons it is instructive, and in its effects on a forming national character powerful. To draw good out of its evils, is the aim of the American Peace Society, and of the work which now goes forth under

its auspices. War, the great social wrong, like idolatry, the great spiritual injury, must fall in due time before the progress of the Gospel. To doubt this result, seems to presume that the Prince of Peace has come in vain, and that finite creatures can eventualy frustrate the plan of the Infinite Creator. Meanwhile, for the justification of the humble labors of any individual or society in so stupendous a regeneration, it is enough to say, that God works by means and by men. When was the lowest whisper of prayer unheeded, or the faintest effort unblessed, that ran parallel with his benevolent purposes and his eternal laws?

The highest ambition of the writer will be amply satisfied, if these pages shall contribute to swell in a small degree the rising tide of public opinion in favor of Peace, and awaken a deeper abhorrence for the bloody and needless arbitration of the sword.

A. A. LIVERMORE.

KEENE, N. H., September 11, 1849.

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