WHAT SHALL WE WAR AGAINST f 63 



find, on referring to the pamphlets I have mentioned in the 

 note on a previous page.* 



It seems to me like a great invention, so simple, so natural, 

 so in every way commending itself immediately to my mind, 

 that I am amazed that the world is but just arriving at it, and 

 I thank God that I have to live and do my work in the day it 

 brightens. For it seems to me more than an invention an 

 inspiration. At least I find in it the principles of Jesus Christ, 

 now at length consistently and satisfactorily applied to the 

 treatment of criminals. The most prudent regard for the in 

 terests of society at large will oblige us no longer to set our 

 teeth, and clench our hands, and steel our hearts to pity, in the 

 jury-box, but will combine with the truest kindness, hope, and 

 prayer in faith, for the individual good of the criminal. Under 

 our present criminal laws, and with our present systems of 

 punishment, the first task of the prosecuting attorney is, too 

 often, to turn us from the estate of warm-hearted Christian 

 love, into cold, calculating, vengeful savages. But now, that 

 which has heretofore been the most trying, confounding, and 

 insnarmg responsibility upon the Christian citizen, may become 

 a reasonable, happy, improving duty and privilege. Punish 

 ment shall be awarded with loving-kindness. Punishment shall 

 be the handmaid of Love. 



And now, is it more than a question of how long we halt 

 in this wretched, self-destructive darkness ? Is there not light 

 enough for the next step 1 ? Speak out, good heart of the 

 People ! Shall we henceforth do battle with Criminals or 

 with Crime? 



* For a refutation of objections, see, particularly, the Eeport of the 

 Committee on Criminal Law of the &quot; Society for Promoting the Amendment 

 of the Laiv.&quot; 



