The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-05-10


to be correct, it will not be difficult for
a man of your peculiar talents to show
that the modern advocates of capital
punishment, do not derive any authori-
ty from the passage under consdera-
ton; because by hanging the murderer
his blood is not shed, butrenlains in his
body. Here then, you perceive, that
instead of deriving authority for hang
ing from this passage, it is in direct vIo-
lation of its plain, AMI obvious CON-
mand.
But sir, as you very happily remark,
1--WE live in the blaze Of gospel light"
and in consequence have not to travel
back through the long vista of time, to
discover our duties on this cny other
subject. 1t is our happy lot toiive at
time and in an age, when the leg tall
onis which stained with blood the rec
ords Of antiquity, has given place to a
milder state of things. You sir, recol-
lcct that one of the most important re-
quirements ofthe Gospel, is that we are
bound to render good for eva. Now it
appears to me that if this preoept was
fully understood, it would of itself be
amply sufficient to overturn every ar
gument which could be adduced in. ia
vor of capital punishment. Lei US ex-
anime the principle contained in this
precept fov one moment. lpresume It
will be admitted by all, that the same
rule will apply between the State and
an individual, as between individuals.
II this be true, it will inevitably follow,
that the State would be bound to render
good to the individual that had done e.
vii. Let US apply this rule to the case
of the murderer. 1t will not be denied
that he has done evil, in committing
murder, and if we are bound to do good
for evil, confess | see no way OF a.
voiding the conclusion, that we are
bound to do him some good, if we would
carry out the PLAN principle contained
in the precept.
My object in thus addressing you, is
not to assist you in discussing this SUBJ
ject. am aware my assistance is not
required; and indeed, it would be vani-
ty in me to attempt it. AS well might
light a candle to assist the Sun to en-
tighten the globe. But sir, my object
is to induce you, in some of your COM
munications, to take up the subject. If
you sir, would make the effort, have
no doubt you would succeed in convin-
cling the people that 1t would be to their
everlasting honor and benefit, to send
murderers if they can find them, to the
This | admit may starte
some weak minded people; but sir, you
can easily convince them that by do
ing this they would be fulfilling the
plain command by rendering good for
evil; and another great and good result
will be, the repeal Of the law which in
flicts capital punishment, as know of
no class Of men who would be more
likely to vote for the repeal.
There is another thing wEichI wished
to say to you, in this letter. You oc-
cupy difficult and trying position at
present; you, like all the great bene-
factors OF mankind who have gone be-
fore you, find as they did that this is an
envious world. was IA day or two
since) forcibly reminded of your situa-
ton by aHttle Incident which occurred
IN our street, / was sitting on a store
box rejecting on the new light 1 had
received, and of its illustrious author;
when my attention was attracted by a
very large noble looking dog, one that
to be stranger in town, trot-
ting along in all the pride of conscious
strength and beauty. Presently lheard
some little envious cur, from his hiding
place, commence a furious yelping.
This appeared to be signal, in few
moments all the little ours of the neigh
borhood we're yelping al his heels.
The large dog stopped a moment to
take survey of the motley group, and
felt afraid least he would compromise,
his dignity, by condescending to pun
sh their audacity; but he walked of,
and admired his greatnes of spirit.
Just so you appear to be situated at
present. You are surrounded by per-
sons envious of the giant strides you
ire making up the "Mount of Fame."
They see you towering above them,
md they wish to bring You back to
heir l.vel. But sir, heed them not.
tecollect that all the other great men,
who have gone before you, had to ex-
,erience the same. True it is that
envy will merit as its shade pursue,
And like the shadow prove the substance true.''
One thing more, and have done.
on told US in your first that those who
anctloned our laws, were guilty Of
murder, whenever person was exc
,uted. Judge then Of the feelings OF
hose who are being-convinced oftheir
rrors, when they look back to what