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strength for every good word and work. I do not feel disposed to enlarge, but am desirous you may be enabled to feel me in the covenant of life, and be willing to join in a continued and a

HENRY HULL.

From Grange, near Charlemont, in Ireland,

Third month 8th, 1811.

MEMOIR OF THOMAS COLLEY.

peace." In this happy state, those that have a greater share of tribulation than others, have the sympathy of their friends, and partake thereof to their refreshment, as a cordial reviving the drooping spirits, even of him that laboureth un-renewed care, that we may be one another's joy der the pains of the body. But he that lan- in the Lord, not suffering anything to divert our guisheth and hath no cordial administered to minds from the renewings of the Father's love. him, fainteth, and finally dies away; and where May this support me, who am exposed to various any thing of a poisonous nature is administered, perils in a distant land. And you, dear friends, his sufferings increase, and presage a speedy dis- in the land of my nativity, may you witness the solution. Seeing we are social and intelligent glory and the beauty of this world stained in beings, professing a belief in the consolations of your view, that avarice and covetousness may the holy spirit, and called upon to seek them, not have an ascendency over those who are adlet none think to obtain or to be able to advanced and are advancing in years; nor the youth minister them, but by an engagement of mind be left to sacrifice on the altars of vanity, but that preferreth the righteous cause of God to while cheerfully employed in the necessary cares our earthly joys. "God is love," saith the and concerns of life, be engaged to comfort each apostle, and "they that dwell in love dwell in other in all your tribulations, and not forsaking God, and God in them." Thus they are the assembling yourselves for the performance of near to the fountain of consolation, and are ena- that worship that is due to the Father of Jesus bled to comfort one another in all their tribula-Christ our Lord, even the God of all comfort. tions. May you be enabled to come up in use- So prayeth your friend and brother, fulness in the militant church in your day, that you may bear testimony with the beloved apostle to the sufficiency of Divine love. I often remember the seasons of refreshment we have had together, wherein we have known this as the streams of that river which makes glad the whole Thomas Colley, of Sheffield, was a friend well heritage of God. I also remember that some-known in our Society, and highly esteemed as a times these streams were obstructed, so that there faithful and diligent minister of the Gospel of was not an uninterrupted flowing of them. As Christ, in which character he labored for upthese streams of Divine consolation are very pre-wards of forty years. cious, we certainly ought to endeavour that the comfort resulting from them may be witnessed by all, and that the aged may be strengthened, the middle aged animated, and the dear youth invited to bend their necks to receive the yoke upon them, that there may continue to be a succession of those who prefer "Jerusalem to their chiefest joy." Many particular obstructions to this present to my mind, but none so forcible as where there is not a guard maintained against the love of the world and the fascinating cus- In the year 1764, he married. About this toms and fashions thereof. Where this guard is period the observations and performances, in maintained, Zion becomes beautiful; and if she which he was religiously engaged, failing to satwere preserved so by the vigilance of the watch-isfy the travail of his soul, he sought for somemen on her walls, would become the praise of thing more substantial, and in this disposition the whole earth. But the beauty has not been of mind attended the meetings of Friends. so alluring as it might have been, had her watch Waiting reverently before the Lord, he became men been on the watch at their posts; the enemy further acquainted with the operation of divine has gained an advantage, and dismay has been grace, and was engaged to press after a greater spread in the ranks of the army; and in some knowledge of things which accompany salvation. places the Truth hath not been supported, but His circumstances were then low in the world, some of its testimonies have fallen with those yet he attended our religious meetings diligently, who have fallen. May this not be the case until he observed that some, who were active in amongst you-many of you have known the the concerns of the Society, absented themselves heavenly calls, by which your love was turned to from those held in the course of the week. He the Fountain of true consolation, with desires to thought that he might follow their example; but partake thereof, and you have been refreshed found, that by so doing, he suffered in a spiritthereby. Oh that nothing may deprive you ual sense, and therefore resumed his former thereof, but that you may steadfastly look unto practice; and giving proof of his sincere atHim, who can support under every trial, and tachment to our Christian principles, he was in will continue to supply you with the needful due time admitted into membership with Friends.

He was born at Smeaton, a village near Pontefract, in Yorkshire, in the year 1742, and educated in the principles of the established church of England, and when about 11 years old went to reside at Sheffield as an apprentice. In the course of his minority, his mind was awakened to a sense of the importance of a religious life, and he joined the society of the Methodists, among whom he was zealous, active, and much esteemed.

In the year 1768, he first spoke as a minister in our religious meetings; and being careful, in humility and watchfulness, to occupy the talents committed to him, his services were acceptable and edifying. Not long afterwards, he felt himself called upon to travel in the service of the Gospel; and performed several journeys, with the unity of his friends.

In 1779, in company with his friend, Philip Madin, also of Sheffield, he paid a visit to the then remaining members of our Society on the Island of Barbadoes, and was also on a few of the other British West India islands. He was brought very low when on his passage across the Atlantic; but his mind appears, by a memorandum made at the time, to have been greatly consoled in the season of conflict of spirit, in the fresh rememberance of the sufferings of the unconquered Captain of our Salvation; and he was enabled to look, in faith, unto Him, and to lay hold on his gracious promises.

Being favored to return home in safety, he penned the following reflections.

"Under a grateful remembrance of the many favors of the Almighty, graciously extended to us, through the course of this long and perilous journey, in preserving us in the midst of a raging and tumultuous war, in opening our way in the service in which we were engaged, and affording ability and strength to discharge the duty of the day, are our spirits humbly bowed in deep reverence and thankfulness to the Father and Fountain of all our living mercies."

A few years after his return from the abovementioned voyage, this devoted servant of Christ again left his near connexions, and travelled extensively in North America, where his gospel labors were well received and made a deep and instructive impression on the minds of many of those whom he visited. In his native land he travelled much afterwards, as a minister; and was often concerned, more particularly in the latter part of his life, to labor in word and doctrine, among those of other religious societies.

In reference to one of the last-mentioned of these services, he thus writes from London: "I have labored many weeks in this populous place, visited all the meetings in this city, and most of them on First-days; and also have attended their quarterly and monthly meetings, and have had public meetings at all the meeting-houses, and in other places; in which service, I may with reverence acknowledge, that the Lord has been near, and his ancient promise fulfilled: As the day is, so shall thy strength be.' The meetings have generally been large; neither unfavorable weather, nor snow on the ground, prevented the people from attending; and that living Power, which is both ancient and new, was a crown and diadem to our assemblies." When not engaged in religious service, he was diligent in attention to his business, which was that of a cutler, and of which the superinten

dence, during the periods of his absence from home, devolved in great measure upon his wife, who, not only in a religious sense, but also in regard to temporal concerns, was truly a "help meet" for her pious husband; and the honest industry of both, was attended with the blessing of Providence.

He was a man whose deportment in life was such as becometh one employed in preaching the glad tidings of salvation; desirous to keep himself unspotted by the world,-of unaffected gravity, though at times innocently cheerful and communicative. His general demeanor showed on whom his confidence was placed. His reve rent, silent waiting in religious meetings was obvious to others, and had a tendency to draw them into the same profitable frame of mind. He was uprigh ly concerned for the due preservation of our Christian discipline, and careful to keep his place in the meetings established for its support. In the exercise of the ministry he was diligent in seeking after the renewed influ ence of Divine power; and often eminently qualified to set forth the blessing of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who came as a sacrifice for sin, and as the light of the world; fervently endeavoring to gather all to the teachings of his Holy Spirit, in the secret of the soul.

In the year 1810, he attended the yearly meeting in London, near the close of which he had a dangerous attack of illness; but was res tored to his family and friends. He afterwards held a few public meetings in his own neighborhood, and diligently attended other meetings at home. Towards the latter end of the year, there were obvious symptoms of a declining state of health, on which he remarked to one of his friends, "I have for a considerable time apprehended I should have a lingering illness, and have never desired that it might be otherwise. I do not, as some have done, wish for a sudden removal, as I think divine Providence, as well as divine Grace, is as much manifested in times of sickness as in times of health; and it now yieldeth me great consolation, that I worked while health and ability were afforded. I now see but little to be done; and it is cause of great satisfaction, that I was enabled to perform my last religious visit to London."

At his own meeting, where, for some time before, he had been but seldom heard, he now frequently spoke, both in testimony and supplication, with clearness, and in the power and love of the Gospel; manifesting, as a father in the church, bis continued and increasing solicitude for the spiritual progress of those amongst whom he had long and faithfully labored. nity which prevailed on these occasions made a deep and instructive impression on his friends.

The solem

In the Seventh month, 1811, he was seized with violent illness, which he expected to survive only a few days; but being a little revived, he said to a friend who visited him, “I am a poor,

weak creature, uncertain how this attack may | pleasures of life, his being has become a misery terminate; nor am I anxious about it. For some to him,"-" that death can have no terrors for time past, I have been concerned to use the him, but must rather appear as a refuge and a strength afforded, in discharging manifested du- rest?" The fact is, that many, if not most, murties; and, on a retrospect, I do not see one re-ders are committed for the purpose of obtaining ligious duty or service left undone." the means of continuing to live with a certain After this he gradually declined, and in the Sixth hoped-for enjoyment. What the case may bemonth, 1812, he became very weak. On the come, after the guilt of blood has actually been 10th, when one of his friends, who had called contracted and haunts the conscience of a muron him, was about to take his leave, having to derer, is a very different matter. Sixty per cent. attend a meeting of ministers and elders that of convicted murderers, it is said, attempt suievening, he said, with a calm and expressive cide,-a striking fact, it is true, and telling countenance, "The Lord bless thee; and may strongly against the penalty of death; yet no he be with you in all your movements, in the candid abolitionist will close his eye to what is promotion of his work. How long the taper may equally true-that there still remain many who glimmer in the socket, is uncertain; I think it are dragged to the scaffold and shrink in abject will not be long. My love to friends. Farewell." terror from their doom, even to the last moment. He spoke but little afterwards, appearing to Nor will any one say that the case of a certain be in a state of patient waiting for the full ac-eminent man, who so recently suffered for this complishment of the Divine will concerning him; and, on the 12th of the Sixth month, 1812, he expired in the seventieth year of his age, having been a minister forty-four years.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT INEXPEDIENT.

(Continued from page 712.)

crime, answers, in its antecedents, to the description of "having gone through every gradation of immorality.”

As one object of punishment is to deter from. crime, a wise legislator will direct his pains and penalties against the prompting passion of the criminally disposed.

The civil ruler, it is true, cannot pretend to

The second great cause of failure is the ten-punish the moral guilt of crime, but he will asdency and effects of this punishment when executed-1st. In still further brutalizing the criminal class, who witness its infliction; and 2d. In disgusting the sentiments of society in general, engendering a dangerous sympathy in favor of the victim, and thus impairing that conservative efficacy of the law, which it should be the primary object of all punishment to main

tain.

certain, as far as he can, from what propensity, or combination of propensities, it generally arises. He will then be able to inflict many penalties which, though not in themselves the severest, appear such to certain classes of criminals. The most effectual punishment is that which the criminally disposed themselves conceive to be least tolerable. Experience proves that there are many punishments which would, by most murderers, be either more dreaded than death, or felt to be more restraining, since the chances of escape under capital laws are so many. But the fact is, we can scarcely think of a man deliber

1st. Of the effects upon criminals themselves. It is only by observing the indications of its successful or unsuccessful operation that we can as certain whether the destruction of life, as a punishment, be suitable to the laws of man's indivi-ately calculating the balance of remote consedual constitution, or of the social condition. We have already prosecuted the investigation, to some extent, in examining the causes of that uncertainty which results from extreme penalties. We must now sustain our second objection.

We can have no doubt, that the dread of death has deterred many from the perpetration of murder, nor is it either just or politic to deny it. Such extreme positions must make many of the advocates of abolition wish that such writers, possessing ability more than sufficient to conduct the argument on just and tenable grounds, had been somewhat more circumspect in their assertions. Where, for instance, can be the use of affirming that "a man cannot have arrived at the determination to commit murder without having gone through every gradation of immorality," and that "having forfeited all the

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quences against the advantages or satisfaction which he seeks to reap from the commission of murder. The very act of murder is proof of great moral derangement; certain feelings, which the Creator never designed to be the guiding impulses, having gained the ascendent. The reason is almost overpowered under the captivity of an outrageous and diabolical passion-the moral judgment must therefore, to some extent, be obscured and perverted.

But in as far as the man meditating the awful crime of murder may anticipate the future, many other punishments in. prospect are found much more effectual in prevention. Perpetual imprisonment and ignominious toil concurring with remorse, and a forfeited reputation, prove far more intimidating in such cases.

It has been stated, that the proportion of murderers who commit or attempt suicide is no less than sixty per cent. "This fact," it has been truly said, "proves that there is an ignominious

exposure which is dreaded more than death., in support of this proposition. Mr. Bright, in Public infamy, if all but certain, would be more efficacious as a deterrent from crime." "Capital convicts," says Mrs. Fry, "pacify their consciences with the dangerous and fallacious notion, that the violent death which awaits them, will serve as a full atonement for all their sins." This we believe to be a most important fact, as indicating the desperate resorts and infatuation of criminal passion.

The same authority states that, in her intercourse with the worst class of criminals, she found the absurd notion of fatality very generally to prevail. They appeared to believe that, by some sort of predestination, this fate would have overtaken them sooner or later; it was therefore regarded by them as a matter of little concern, whether their days might be many or few. Those very parties, who, as the most guilty and depraved, have most to dread on the event of death, are, we find, just the persons least alive to its horrors; yet it is to this class of of fenders, that the advocates of capital punishment would present death as an engine of terror.

It is sufficient for our argument, that even at the hazard of death itself, the deed will be perpetrated the spectacle of violent death becoming, in fact, one of the things most destructive of that natural dread with which it was originally regarded.

The advocates of capital punishment have argued upon the assumption, that our instinctive dread of death is of such superior force, that an appeal to that alone could deter from murder.

But if we will look into the principles of our nature, to ascertain the suitability of any punishment, we must take under our view the whole constitution of man. We must take into account the susceptibilities as well as the active instincts of humanity. No doubt, the love of life is one of the strongest of the latter class, yet we find that certain influences so act upon man as often to conquer the force of these feelings. The love of life is no exception to this law of the mind, which, in the case of some of our passions, brings about what we call satiety; but in the case of this instinct, as well as some others, takes the form of susceptibility of induration.

If therefore, we will determine the kind and dege of punishment by its action upon our nature in preventing crime, we must embrace in our survey all the feelings and appetencies by which it is characterized. When this is done, the indications of our constitution, we maintain, are against the infliction of death as a preventive expedient.

It is a general fact, arising from our very con stitution, that familiarity with any object calculated to inspire dread, diminishes its power of producing that feeling. That it is so with the horror of death all history and experience prove. The testimony of the author of "Old Bailey Experience" affords the most satisfactory evidence

the House of Commons, July, 1850, mentioned the striking fact, that when the first execution took place at Nenagh, sixty persons in the crowd fainted; when the second execution took place, some few fainted, but the number was far under sixty; now the sight is witnessed without a shudder. Many other authorities on this subject might be quoted. With the facts the public are generally well acquainted. Strong as is the instinct of life, it is often overcome by some mere conventional feeling. Thousands have sacrificed their lives under the tyranny of a false honoras in the cases of chivalry and duelling, and also in some more brutal and disgusting, but not more criminal exercises.

It is worth our while farther to explain how these influences may become so potent as to overcome some of the most active promptings of nature.

There is no school of philosophers, who have treated of the mental and moral phenomena of man's constitution, but have recognized one susceptibility which characterizes human nature under all its phases.

We refer to what might be designated a susceptibility of mental and moral contagion. Under a great variety of names and phrases, this law of humanity is admitted as a principle most promptly and universally operative.

It is worthy of remark, too, that Christianity (which always discovers its pretensions to the very perfection of philosophy, by recognizing and taking for granted such indisputable facts) proceeds, in its counsels, exhortations, and commands, upon the assumption of this good or evil contagion from that which we familiarly contemplate, or with which we intimately commune. Numerous illustrations of this statement may found in the inspired volume. The contemplation of the Divine perfections assimilates the character of man to that of God-" beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image." And the law holds in reference to our inferior instinctive feelings not less than our moral susceptibilities.

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This law of sympathy is only one form of the law of cause and effect-contact and contemplation exert an influence in strict proportion to their intimacy and continuity. Its operation is exceedingly various and powerful. In religion, as we have said, the attractions of the Divine character, and the rectitude and vast compre hension of the Divine procedure, elevate and ennoble the soul. The contagion of human char acter and conduct, is even proverbial. From this law results the maxim that "a man is known by the company he keeps."

In literature and science its influence and results are acknowledged. The truths and objects of natural science impart something of their own attributes to the mind engaged in their study or contemplation. One noble example of phi

lanthropy begets another by sympathetic emula-, tion. Contact with vulgarity makes vulgar, unless a constant and vigilant resistance is maintained. Refinement communicates itself. Cruelty and sensuality brutalize and defile by frequent contemplation,-in short, there is not a passion or characteristic of humanity but is contagious, in the measure and proportion of its display,the result may not be inevitable, but the tendency is necessary.

The corrupt morality of trade constantly tends to its own diffusion. The doubtful casuisty of one man confirms another in his own specious pleas and unwholesome practices. Love, hatred, joy, sorrow, generosity, ambition, cunning, falsehood, profanity, dishonesty-every vice-every virtue-all are infectious; and if they do not infect, it is only because their opposites maintain a desperate struggle against their natural influence. The tendency is beyond a doubt, it is everywhere manifest, and in everything,-its necessary operation is the secret and philosophy of the power of example.

This, then, is the action of the law of sympathy; but, like every other law operative upon the nature and affection of man, it has its re-action, and, if we would ascertain the permanent and final results of any agency or influence upon human nature, we must not only look at its stimulating effects upon our active instincts, good or evil, but also take into account our susceptibilities of re-action.

[To be continued.]

From the Albany State Register. EDWARD C. DELAVAN ON THE CHOLERA.

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I was acquainted with two of the persons who died, and who were recorded "strictly temperate." One of them had recovered from a slight attack of the disease, but afterwards ate immoderately of cucumbers, was again attacked and died in a few hours. The other had been similary attacked, recovered, (he was a clerk in the old Delavan House,) ate from a basket of pine apples left there by a traveller, and died soon after. The case of one other of the five was singular. The report was bitterly assailed in the Evening Journal, by the individual who had lost his wife by the malady. He concluded she was classed with the intemperate, while the fact was otherwise. Dr. Staats, the attending physician, answered the attack, by stating that this poor woman probably lost her life by the unfeeling neglect of her intemperate husband; who, although warned by his wife in the morning, that she required medical aid, entirely neglected her during the whole day, and when returning home at night from the grog shop, he found it was too late.

I have not a doubt of the safety of an entire and immediate change from the moderate use of It appears that the cholera is again threaten- intoxicating drink, "pure," or "impure." I being our cities. It is my conviction that the in-lieve at this time, when the atmosphere appears toxicating cup, whether that cup contains pure or impure poison, is, in nine cases out of ten, the predisposing cause to this fatal disease. As regards the pure, if it was safe, I do not believe there is one gallon on sale in Albany. A large dealer honestly told me that he had not one.

charged with cholera, such a change is of vast importance. It is my belief that with total abstinence from the use of intoxicating poisons as a beverage, and with proper attention to cleanliness and food, the disease would soon die out, and I found my belief on facts. In 1832, when After the cholera had subsided in Albany in the cholera broke out in Albany, I was engaged 1832, John T. Norton, Esq., (who, during that with E. Corning and John T. Norton, in erectyear of death remained at his post administering ing that large block of buildings on Green, to the sick and dying,) was so convinced that in- Beaver and Norton streets. About one hundred toxicating drink was the cause of a vast propor- men were employed; they were all about abantion of the fatal cases, that he employed a gen- doning their labor, when they were persuaded to tleman of high character and discretion, and at resume. They all agreed to keep at their work his individual cost, to ascertain the exact history and abstain from strong drink. A beverage of of each case of death of persons over 16 years of water, molasses, vinegar, and ginger was furnishage. This history was submitted to the attended them free, and of all those one hundred men ing physicians and sanctioned by them; after which the whole record was submitted to the Board of Health. They added the following certificate:

"This document of facts we take pleasure in recommending for publication and general circu

lation."

The document thus endorsed, was handed to the New York State Temperance Society, and

engaged in the work, not one died, nor was the work intermitted a day. One man under the control of the builders, (those excellent mechanics, Fish and Hawley.) but employed by the man who furnished the brick, would not adopt the simple beverage offered him, but resorted to the grog shops. He fell a victim.

At the same time these buildings were erect ed, I had about fifty men employed in excavating

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