Edward Hitchcock sermon no. 172, "Wars," 1823 April
Description:
Edward Hitchcock's sermon on war, based on James 4:1-3 (From whence come wars and fightings among you?). Hitchcock noted on the first page where he had delivered this sermon on Fast Days in 1823 and 1832 as well as Bible chapters and hymns related to the sermon. In examining the greatest temporal evil in the world, Hitchcock focused on three subjects: the source of all wars; the effects of wars; and, the remedies for their abolition. Hitchcock pronounced that the resort to arms was as opposite to the Spirit of Christ as light is to darkness. As long as men tolerated it, even as a necessary evil, it would not disappear. He urged action in defeating the foulest blot on the Christian name. In the course of his remarks, Hitchcock quoted anonymously a number of lines of poetry from Lara, by Lord Byron, and from The Task, by William Cowper. Among several works he recommended reading was The Friend of Peace, a quarterly of the Massachusetts Peace Society.
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The finding aid indicates that the sermon was written in June of 1823. Other sources indicate that Fast Day in Massachusetts in 1823 occurred on 3 April.
Notes (object):
The final 4 pages are attached to the end of the 20 page booklet. These extra pages contain the original ending of the sermon and what appears to be an alternative ending composed at a later date.
