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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

JAY TO JOHN MURRAY, JUN. - John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, vol. 4 (1794-1826) [1893]

Edition used:

The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, ed. Henry P. Johnston, A.M. (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890-93). Vol. 4 (1794-1826).

Part of: The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 4 vols.

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JAY TO JOHN MURRAY, JUN.

Bedford, 27th February, 1819.

I thank you, my good friend, for the kind letter (without date) which my son lately delivered to me, and for the pamphlets which were enclosed with it.

The observations of your friend (inserted in your letter) are well written. I am pleased with the writer. He reasons with ability, and abstains from declamation. The lawfulness of the invasion and conquest of Canaan, being made by express Divine command, is indubitable. It does not decide the question, whether any wars, unless so commanded, are permitted by the moral law, and consequently by the gospel. Such wars occurred both before and after the time of Moses, and are recorded in Scripture without reproof. It does not appear that the war of Abraham against the kings was made by Divine command, nor that Jacob was commanded to take “out of the hand of the Amorite, with his sword and his bow,” the portion which he gave to Joseph; nor does it appear that the war of David against Hanun, and divers other wars, were so commanded.

That the theocracy admitted of no other wars by the Israelites but such as were expressly commanded by the Almighty, is not clear to me. Had Solomon been of that opinion, I think he could not with propriety have taught that “by counsel thou shalt make war; and in a multitude of counsellors there is safety. Every purpose is established by counsel; and with good advice make war.”

This, and other topics with which it is connected, open a wide field for investigation; but as the state of my health does not permit me to be more particular, I will only add that, when the arguments in favour of just and necessary war shall be shown to be fallacious, I shall not only think, but also act accordingly.

The extract from William Penn forms a useful tract; and among other reasons, because it declares that “the Scriptures were given forth by holy men of God in divers ages, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” I observe that this great truth is also inculcated by the trustees of the African Free School in their address.

I did hope to have found in your letter some tidings respecting your brother. When you write to him, assure him of my esteem and regard; and be pleased to accept the like assurance from

Your friend,

John Jay.