This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827. Excerpt: ... NO. 20. OPINIONS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT JEFFERSON On peace AND WAR. It has been frequently observed, that the enrolment of Mr. Jefferson's name in the list of the members of the Massachusetts Peace Society, was without his consent. In order to correct this error, and to shew the opinions of this able statesman and philosopher, on this important subject, I send you the whole of Mr. Jefferson's letter to the Secretary of the above named society, dated Nov. 26, 1817. Sir--You have not been mistaken, in supposing my views and feelings to be in favour of the abolition of war. Of my disposition to maintain peace, until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war-itself, the world has had proofs, and more perhaps than it has approved. I hope it is practicable by improving the minds and morals of society, to lessen the disposition to war; but of its abolition I despair. Still, on the axiom that a less degree of evil is preferable to a greater, no means should be neglected, which may add weight to the better scale. The enrolment you propose, of my name in the records of your society, cannot be unacceptable to me. It will be a true testimony of my principles and persuasion, that the state of peace is thatf which most improves the manners and morals, the prosperity and happiness of mankind; and, although I dare not promise myself that it can be perpetually maintained, yet, if, by the inculcations of reason or religion, the perversities of our nature can be so far corrected, as sometimes to prevent the necessity, either supposed or real, of an appeal to the blinder scourges of war', murder, and devastation, the benevolent endeavours of the friends of peace will not be entirely without remuneration. I pray you to accept the assurance of my respect and c...