It has been said by some that the duties of patriotism are less binding upon us than upon our ancestors; that, whatever may have been the practice in years that are past the present generation can in no manner bear arms in their country's cause, such a course being not only _dishonorable_, but in the eye of the Christian, _wicked_, and even _infamous_! It is believed, however, that such are not the general opinions and sentiments of the religious people of this country.

Our forefathers lighted the fires of Religion and Patriotism at the same altar; it is believed that their descendants have not allowed either to be extinguished, but that both still burn, and will continue to burn, with a purer and brighter flame.
Our forefathers were not the less mindful of their duty to their God, because they also faithfully served their country.

If we are called upon to excel them in works of charity, of benevolence, and of Christian virtue, let it not be said of us that we have forgotten the virtue of patriotism.[2] [Footnote 2: For further discussion of this subject the reader is referred to Lieber's Political Ethics, Part II., book vii.chap.

3; Paley's Moral and Political Philosophy; Legare's Report of June 13, 1838, in the House of Representatives; Mackintosh's History of the Revolution of 1688, chap.

x.; Bynkershock; Vatel; Puffendorf; Clausewitz; and most other writers on international law and the laws of war.
Dr.Wayland's view of the question is advocated with much zeal by Dymond in his Inquiry into the Accordancy of War with the Principles of Christianity; Jay's Peace and War; Judd's Sermon on Peace and War; Peabody's Address, &c.; Coue's Tract on What is the Use of the Navy?
Sumner's True Grandeur of Nations.].