| dc.description.abstract | The many public executions which have taken place in these
kingdoms, within a short and recent period of time, have forcibly
drawn renewed public attention to the subject of capital punishment.
To make such principles our own, and to engraft them on
the practice of our lives is no hasty work; time to elicit opinion,
time to fix truth in the public mind, so that it shall bring forth
good fruit, is a necessary element in all our social changes, if we
would make those changes improvements, and lastingly available
in the promotion of human happiness. I do not, therefore, deplore
the occupation of time, to any extent that may be necessary, in
satisfying the public mind as to the real value of proposed amendments
in the customs and practices of society. On the other hand,
however, the friends of reform should be careful that no indecision,
or want of perseverence on their part, should give a sanction to
unnecessary delay in the accomplishment of such alterations, from
time to time, in these customs and practices, as man's increasing
knowledge, advancing civilization, or purer and more enlightened
views of the Divine government demand. | en |
