extensive co-operation with them. I was induced to give this lecture from a sense of duty; and I had great occasion to render God hearty thanks, for enabling me to unfold to the company something of the working of the mystery of iniquity, as connected with the use of strong drink, and to do it in such a way as to keep hold of their kindly feelings, whilst attacking unsparingly the habits and indulgences of many present.
10th mo. 4th. I read, "Three Months in Jamaica, " by Henry Whitely. What a picture does it present of colonial slavery, and human depravity! Severe as is the discipline of the prisoners in this colony, it is not to be compared with the tyrannical barbarity exercised upon the poor Negroes; yet I think the vengeful part of the former, both degrading and demoralizing. A Magistrate who formerly thought the flagellation of prisoners necessary, said, a short time ago, when conversing with us on the subject, that he was now convinced that it was an ineffectual punishment, universally degrading in its consequences. This is an increasing conviction among men who have gained some degree of victory over themselves: those who are. in bondage to their own evil passions are attached to the system, by which a man may receive far beyond "forty stripes save one,"—upon complaint before a magistrate. It may, however, generally be observed, that those who plead for flogging, practice swearing, whether magistrates or others: and their own overbearing manner is often the exciting cause of the insolence in the prisoner, which occasions him to be brought before a magistrate and to receive flagellation.
Had justice toward offenders been more duly considered the legislature would probably, long ere this, have been induced to inquire more seriously than it has done, into the causes of crime, with a view to remedying them. This consideration is especially due to prisoners, when it appears, that the use of ardent spirits is the chief cause of crime, and that, by legalizing the sale of this article, and by the countenance given to its use by the community, they and the Government are the chief patrons of crime.
Want of education being another fertile source of vice,
