As well say, that, because a constable or policeman may keep order in a city, therefore he may inflict the penalty of death,--or, because a father may impose proper restraint upon a child, therefore he may sell him into slavery.
He uses analogies to illustrate the absurdity of extending minor powers to justify extreme actions.
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Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
Tendencies of nations, as revealed in history, teach that our aims are in harmony with prevailing laws, which God, in his benevolence, has ordained for mankind.
More precious far at that moment the consolation that he had labored for his fellow-men, and the joyous confidence that all his cares had helped the Progress of his race!
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