on this deep conviction, and intended to lift up the exposed and tempted poor, is to do infinitely more for that suffering class, than all our artificial associations; and, till Christianity shall have breathed into us this spirit of respect for our nature, wherever it is found, we shall do them little good. I conceive that in the present low state of christian virtue, we little apprehend the power which might be exerted over the fallen and destitute, by a benevolence which should truly, thoroughly recognise in them the image of God. Perhaps none of us have yet heard, or can comprehend the tone of voice, in which a man, thoroughly impressed with this sentiment would speak to a fellow creature. It is a language hardly known on earth; and no eloquence, I believe, has achieved such wonders as it is destined to accomplish.'* Respectfully, JOSEPH TUCKERMAN. Boston, May 5th, 1833. P. S. I have not been taken from my service by any severe sickness during the last six months; and each month has brought to me increased evidence of the importance of this ministry. The connexions which are formed in it are favorable to the daily exertion of a very important moral influence, in cases which are hardly to be reached by any other institution; and I am more and more persuaded, if suitable instruments for the work can be obtained, that by no means can the well being of cities be more effectually advanced, than through the operations of this ministry. I am very happy in being able to inform you, that our friends in New York have invited Mr Arnold to take the office of a minister at large there; and I believe that he will at once enter upon * Channing's Discourses, p. 165. 48 REPORT OF THE MINISTER AT LARGE. 316 its duties. May our heavenly Father crown his service with the choicest blessings! Within the past six months, I have received very efficient aid from my coadjutor and friend, Mr C. F. Barnard. He has taken the entire charge of the services of the Chapel, and has devoted himself to his work with unremitted fidelity. The next report to you of this ministry will probably be made by him. J. T. A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE HON. HARRISON GRAY OTIS, MAYOR OF BOSTON, RESPECTING THE HOUSE OF CORRECTION, AND THE COMMON JAIL, IN BOSTON. BY JOSEPH TUCKERMAN. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY CARTER AND HENDEE. M DCCC XXX. A LETTER TO THE HON. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. DEAR SIR, In my capacity as a minister at large in our city, for the special service of the poor, I was early led to an acquaintance with the condition of our prisons; and I have long wished to be able, in some manner, to extend correct information concerning them among our fellow citizens. I thank you, therefore, for your permission to address to you my views upon this important subject. Your well earned influence in the high office which you sustain among us, will secure attention to a public letter, to which your name shall be prefixed. With myself, I am aware, will rest all responsibility, both for the facts and sentiments which I have to communicate. Nor have I asked you to allow me thus to address you, that I might call upon you for great and immediate efforts, in behalf of these prisons. I know that great changes are always to be made cautiously; and, that a time of extensive embarrassment and depression, is not a time in which to call upon the public for great expenditures. There is, however, no impropriety, as I conceive, even at a time like the present, in bringing a subject before the public, |