It is not my intention to deny to the executive officers of the State the right to put into execution the penalty of anyone of its statutes. I do believe, however, that as the civilization of the times cried out against the evil of slaveholding, it to-day urges us on to use all persistent effort tp strike the death penalty from our statute books. We must not delude our thought in anticipation lest human life be rendered of less value in the sight of man. Can the destruction of a second life restore the life that has been taken or increase the rever ence for its sacredncss? Plainly not. What was the Creator's judgment and action in the case of the first murderer, Cain?
Not only did he not inflict death, but by a special providence protected him from its infliction by his fellow-man. The prime object of reformers should be to cultivate a public sentiment that would lead legislatures to abolish the death pen alty, as not securing the objects which should be intended, viz., the correction of the culprit, the safety of life and the good of the Commonwealth. My conviction is strong that capital pun ishment as at present administered is against the spirit of the gospel of love, and no cure for homicidal impulse, therefore I must not hesitate in the expression of sentiments here in contained.
ON A STATUE OF JUSTICE. By George H. Westley. Justice is blind, she hath no eyes to see Her great offender's awful misery. From sight to soul no swift petitions speed To stay the punishment for man's misdeed.
But ah, not deaf! The penitential prayer, Reaching her heart compels her hand to spare. With sympathy her soul is quick to thrill, Disguised as Justice, she is Mercy still.
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