ringing them out. But a solemn
sense of duty seemed to impel him to this task. He has delayed any move
hoping the turn of events would excuse him from penning these truths for
the public eye. But his conscience and his God will condemn him, if
longer delayed. He has brought forward names with no unkind feeling, or
purpose to expose or wound, but to show the way things have moved. No
matter what course others may have taken towards him, he has endeavored
studiously to follow the exhortation he has so often given to the
prisoners in yielding all that into the hands of God, for his disposal.

This matter is now before the people. Will you not study the questions
carefully and act? Will not ministers of religion and of law, merchants
and artisans, all those in the various industries of life, men and women
come to the help? True, the latter, however pure and exalted, is now
forbidden entrance to the chapel in labors of love for the fallen men.
Hence, that somewhat recent shock to the community in the stern refusal
of Elizabeth Comstock's request for permission to address the inmates on
their moral and religious interests. How long shall such things be in
our prison? How long shall the light of science, of morality and of pure
religion be virtually shut out from that abode? How long shall we work
so as to make bad men worse, hard hearts harder, the depraved more
iniquitous, the pestiferous more destructive to the safety and quietness
of society? Till the people shall stir effectively, make their voice
heard and their power felt. Why not change our system of imprisoning and
put it fully on that of reform? Why not adopt the course of dismissing
prisoners only on condition of good evidence of reform and on further
condition of being returned in case of relapse into crime? Why not
arrange for those who will not reform, as some will not, to serve in
prison for life, thus freeing society of their depradations? Then why
not use them humanely while keeping their time occupied in useful
employment, still permitting each to enjoy the means of mental, moral
and religious culture. Many, thus situated would, no doubt, live really
good, pious lives, who, from their moral weakness, could not resist the
temptations to crime which are met on every hand without. To such, the
prison should act as a kind, beneficent guardian.

Transcriber's Note: The following typographical errors which were
present in the original edition have been correc