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tadical cant ; so fully was I satisfied that war , and consequently my profession , was perfectly consonant with the precepts of Christianity . About the time I have mentioned , owing to circumstances which I need not state , I began to entertain doubts on this subject . These doubts gradually gaihed strength ; and early in
the year 1822 I came to the resolution to investigate the subject more closely thau I had hitherto done ; and if , after such investigation , it should appear to me that my profession was irreconcilable with the precepts of Christ , I determined to resign my naval rank and
halfpay , although I placed a high value upon the former , and the latter forms a large portion of a very limited income ; and I was thereby subjecting rnyseif , and not myself alone , to a very considerable change in my mode of living , and this at an advanced period of life , when its comforts and conveniences are most wanted .
" To take a step so highly important to me in many points of view , but particularly in a religious one , upon the first impression of my mind , would have been highly improper ; for even the best informed persons frequently change their opinions , and see the same transaction in different points of view at different periods of time . From the verv novel
nature of the act I contemplated , I thought it possible that this might happen to myself ; and that , in my ardour to do what 1 deemed an act of religious duty , I might hastily take a step of which I might hereafter see just cause to repent , and when repentance could not avail me , I was also aware , that what I proposed doing , being so much at variance with established custom , might be attributed
to vanity , or an affectation of singularity —motives by which , as far as I know myself , I have never been greatly influenced . Added to these considerations , I felt much difficulty as to the manner in which I should withdraw myself from ray
profession . It appeared to me , ( though it may savour of vanity thus to express myself , ) that the measure I contemplated was one of very great importance both in a political and religious point of view . " Under these perplexing circumstances , I came to the resolution to retain
niy half-pay three years longer , should niy life be so long spared , and to dedicate that time to serious inquiry on a subject constantly pressing upon my mind . This delay I considered as likely to cure me of
any false notions that either ignorance , fanaticism , or vanity might generate . It has , Sire pleased the Divine Disposer of events to grant me these years ; and I hope they have not been passed impromably . After every inquiry and coiisi-
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deratton on one of the most important subjects that can occupy the humaa mind , as far as my abilities and opportunities have enabled me , and after frequent and earnest prayer to that Being who alone has power over the minds of men , that I
might do nothing dishonourable to Christianity nor injurious to society , I have seen no reason to regret the resolution I then formed . Some may blame me , and with seeming justice , for taking so long a time for consideration , on what I now speak of as so very clear a point . I do >
not , however , regret this delay , as it has effectually convinced me that I have acted not only from pure motives , but also on correct principles ; and I feel the fullest confidence that I shall never repent of the step that conscience has dictated . This delay has also enabled me to correct the false views I have entertained till
within the last twelve months concerning what is called defensive war . On this subject I have , indeed , changed my opinions . "—Pp . 24—26 .
Mr . ( for we may no longer say Captainj Thrush shews the justness of his principle that a man cannot " be at the same time a faithful follower of Christ and a warrior by profession /* by referring to the case of the two
military officers who were lately degraded by the sentence of a court martial at Malta , for refusing to obey an order to pay military honours to a Romaa Catholic procession in that island .
" The moment a man selta himself to his sovereign , or to his country , for the purpose of human destruction , he loses caste ( if I may be allowed the expression ) as a Christian . He forfeits that liberty , that freedom to think , to speak , and to act , on moral and religious principles , which , as a Christian , it is his privilege , as well as his duty , to maintain .
" If a subject may be permitted to make the remark , your Majesty appears to entertain opinions similar to these . In confirming the sentence of a Court Martial held on a foreign statiou on two officers for disobedience of orders , your Majesty most justly observes , that " RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES WERE ALLOWED
TO BE URGED BY INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS AS A PLEA FOR DISOBEDIENCE OF ORDERS , THE DISCIPLINE OF THE ARMY WOULD SUSTAIN AN INJURY WHICH MIGHT BE DANGEROUS TO THE STATE . ' Surely , Sire , this is equivalent to saying that men who are imbued with
religious principles , or Christians , are unfit for the military service . Of the justice of your Majesty ' s remark , or of
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Revieu > . ' - *~ Gaptain ThrMh g Letter to the King . 303
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1825, page 303, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2536/page/47/
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