OPINION OF EUROPEAN PUNISHMENTS. 105 
with the same punishment ; — adultery, with death. 
They exclaim loudly against our method of ex- 
ecuting criminals ; first telling them they are to 
die ; then letting them lie for days and nights in 
prison, to think over what is to happen to them ; 
and then leading them slowly to the gallows, 
and keeping them waiting some time at the foot 
of it, before they are hanged. “ This,” when we 
upbraid them with cruelty, “ this,” say they, ‘‘ is 
more cruel than any thing we do. If a man 
commits a crime worthy of death, we shoot him, 
or chop oflp his head ; but we do not tell him first 
that we are going to do so. We secretly load 
our guns ; or go behind, and strike ; and before 
the blow can he felt, he is dead.” Were man like 
the brutes that perish, this might by many be 
regarded as the more merciful course. But the 
law of England herein is merciful, that it gives 
time to the sinner to reflect, and, by the help of 
the various means of grace, to seek the way of 
peace with God, before entering into the presence 
of his Supreme Judge, to be by him received into 
happiness, or consigned to misery for ever. 
Viewed as an uncivilized people, the natives of 
New Zealand are industrious; and, compared with 
as to toucli the sacred person of a chief, and to draw blood 
from him. — It may be here remarked, that formerly I scarcely 
ever administered a dose of medicine without the native, who 
had taken it, coming, after his recovery, to demand payment 
for taking my medicine. This state of things is now changed : 
most of the natives are willing to pay for what they receive ; 
and all will at least acknowledge the benefit, with their 
thanks. 
F 3 
