"For several years I have devoted my time principally to the object of abolishing the anti-Christian custom of war. In this business I expect to spend the remainder of my days. I very much desire that the ministers of your denomination should get hold of this subject. A little attention will convince them that the errors which support war are the most fatal of any which ever afflicted or disgraced mankind, and that to be consistant 'Christians' they must renounce all participation in the dreadful work of revenge and murder. The state of my health requires brevity. The peace tracts which I send you are gratis, except that I request you to examine them impartially. I should be happy to see you. I had the pleasure of some acquaintance with your uncle, Rev. Mr. Smith, of Gilmanton, N. H., also with your noble grandsire, Gen. Badger.
"Affectionately yours,
"N. Worcester."
Other letters indicate the deep interest taken by Mr. B. in the productions of this author, and often in later years did he recommend them to the careful study of every young minister. More than this, he often bestowed them as gifts upon those who were engaging in the work of the ministry.
Among the theological papers of Mr. B., written about this time, is one on the character of God, which furnishes an example of his concise and successful method of getting at the truth of an important subject when he became fully interested in it. He commences thus:—
"Oh with what reverence ougth we to make mention of the exalted name of our Creator, and speak of his lovely character! Almost all sects acknowledge there is one God, though their opinions of his character may widely differ, owing to their present imperfection and the darkness of their minds. Truly our best discoveries are but imperfect, and, as the Apostle says, 'We see in part.'"
He then proceeds to state the modes by which the Deity is known, and offers remarks on his undivided supremacy.
"There are," says he, "three ways by which men receive the knowledge of God. 1. In the works of creation. 2. By the revelation of the Holy Spirit. 3. By the Holy Scriptures, which is a record God gave of his Son.
"In these remarks I would show that the Eternal God is alone supreme, and that he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first name given to the Creator in the Scriptures is God, Gen. 1:1, which, in a peculiar manner, is expressive of his power and greatness, and is applied to him in a very different manner from what it is when bestowed on any other beings. Yet it is an ambiguous word, and in the Scripture is applied to seven different characters which are, 1. The Eternal God.—Phil. 1:2. 2. To Jesus Christ in prophecy.—Isa. 9:6. 'For unto us a child is born, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.' 3. To angels.—Ps. 97:7; Heb. 1:6. 'Worship Him, all ye gods.' 'Let all the angels of God worship him.' 4. To Moses.—Ex. 7:1. 'And the Lord God said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh.' 5. To the Hebrew Rulers or Judges.—Ex. 22:28; Ps. 82:1. 6. To Pagan idols.—Isa. 44:10. 7. To Satan. 'In whom the God of this world hath blinded their eyes.' From these passages it is evident that the word God of itself cannot teach the self-existent Divinity of that to which it is given.
"God has no equal. I will show that he is greater than all others. He is so,