structed and governed like those at Auburn, Wethersfield, and Sing Sing, the ten thousand human beings who are constantly confined in them, would be found seriously and profitably spending the sabbath, in attending the sabbath school or on public worship, or in reading the bible, instead of abusing this sacred day, by gambling, profaneness and profligacy. And the two hundred thousand who are leaving our prisons every year to go abroad in society, would exert upon others a favorable, instead of a pernicious influence. Will any one say, that prisoners cannot be expected to pay much attention to the sabbath, and that it is of no great consequence whether they regard it or not? True, it cannot be expected of them, while they continue to be neglected as they have been. But is it of little consequence in the view of Him who sees alike those that are in prison and those who are not, whether ten thousand of his creatures sanctify or profane his holy day? And is it of little consequence to the interests of society, whether two hundred thousand of its members have been taught to reverence or to abuse the sabbath?

7. We here see the value of solitude. The facts in regard to the importance of solitary confinement at night, and the remarks on the connection between architecture and morals,* are also illustrative of this point. The fact that "the great and the worthy, the pious and the virtuous, have ever been addicted to serious retirement," testifies to the importance of occasional solitude. But there are not a few who seem to consider solitude as an intolerable burden instead of a delightful privilege; as necessary only for the student, the philosopher, the statesman, the ecclesiastic; forgetting that, as intellectual and moral beings who are bound to make the highest attainments in every excellence which their circumstances will permit, it is equally necessary for themselves. Such individuals are most in danger of suffering from the want of solitude, and could any considerations be presented to lead them occasionally from the bustle of life, into the silence of retirement, it would be putting them in possession of a most valuable blessing. Whether it is true or not in all cases, that in solitude the mind is necessarily led to meditation, and accustomed to think; that the charms of truth are unfolded with "superior splendor," and "the important value of time" taught "with the happiest effect;" that the taste is refined, the conceptions of the mind elevated, and its powers enlarged; that the force of those tormenting passions which disturbed the tranquillity of the soul is diminished, and the mind rendered superior to the vicissitudes and miseries of life; whether, in solitude, all this is accomplished for the other members of the

* See Report, pp. 54-60.

human family or not, "it is now admitted as an axiom, that little or nothing can be done for the benefit of those who are found in prison, without a time and place for solitude." The value of it to this class of individuals, is very great, and the effects of it upon their hearts, as those have testified who have visited the reformed prisons, are beyond any thing they had before conceived. Were there no other result from these admirable institutions, than a deeper impression upon the public mind of the value of solitude in leading vicious individuals to reflection and remorse for the past, to form resolutions of living a better life, to study the bible and to listen to good advice, they would be of great use to the world. 8. We see here exhibited THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE. In those prisons where the bible has been introduced and accompanied with proper instruction, there is evidence that this is the best of books. What other book, from its simplicity, is so well adapted to the capacity of the ignorant? What other, from the nature and variety of the subjects, the history, the poetry, the beauty and sublimity, the warnings and consolations, the threatenings and promises, which it contains, and above all, from the solemn sanctions with which it comes to men, can compare with the bible? The answer is plain. "No other book, nor all other books together, could supply the place of the bible in prison." None could subdue these rebellious spirits, nor impose restraints upon them, nor teach them their ruined condition, nor excite in their wretched bosoms the hope, "full of immortality," like the bible. Take from prisons the bible, and you leave a void which nothing else can fill. The prisons at Auburn, Wethersfield, and Sing Sing, are living witnesses to the truth of this remark. A large proportion of the prisoners may be found on the sabbath and at other times, reading the scriptures in the solitude of their cells. In the prison at Wethersfield, a person, from curiosity looked into the cells of thirty-six convicts, and all without exception, and without the knowledge of each other, were employed in reading the bible. So great was their interest in this employment, that they had deferred their supper in order to occupy the time in reading, till the darkness of night prevented them—thus preferring the word of God to "their necessary food." If the bible has power thus to charm the most heedless, and subdue the most obstinate, and reform the most profligate, and inspire with hope the most forlorn, and cheer the most wretched of human beings, it possesses a value pre-eminent above all other books.

9. The labors of this Society show the importance of sabbath schools. On inquiry it is ascertained, that very few who have been regular members of sabbath schools, are to be found in prison. We learn from those who have much to do with criminals, both in Europe and in this country, that these schools exert a

powerful influence in preventing crime. Their effects are seen not only in this way, but in reforming criminals, wherever they have been brought under the influence of such institutions. Sabbath schools have been organized in several of the State prisons. In the Houses of Refuge in Boston and New-York, the number of scholars in all is nearly nine hundred, under the care of about sixty teachers; and the effect is visible in the order and sobriety of conduct, the more sacred observance of the sabbath, the more diligent and systematic study of the bible, and in the docility, gratitude and affection for their teachers, among the convicts. A deep interest is also felt by the teachers in their scholars, and the expressions of affection are strong and mutual; "the teachers wondering why they have never felt for this class of men before, and the convicts feeling that they have, at last, found friends." These facts exhibit an efficacy and a value in these institutions, which should give a new impulse to the exertions, and increase the confidence of all who are laboring to promote their interests.

10. "This Society, without thwarting the purposes of justice, calls into action the sympathetic and compassionate feelings of man towards his fellow." This is an article in which are embodied facts, which it would seem impossible for a benevolent heart to contemplate without deep emotion, and we cannot forbear quoting the language of the Report in full.

Were it not for some such operation as this, it might not only be unfelt but unknown, that there are in the United States about 300 lunatics, 500 youth and children, 1000 females, 10,000 of all classes, in prison at the same time; and in the lapse of a single year, about 125,000 criminals, and 75,000 debtors, committed to prison. Much more would it be unfelt and unknown, how friendless are these lunatics in prison; how miserable their condition; how incurable they become, if they do not soon die, in consequence of their dreadful malady, when aggravated by imprisonment. Even with the operations of this Society, we know not how much time must elapse, before this wretched class of prisoners will excite so much commiseration as to cause other provision to be made for them. Five hundred youth and children, too, might have remained for ages, in the old penitentiaries, subject to the brutal passions of old offenders, and no houses of refuge for juvenile delinquents have been provided for them, except for the publicity which has been given to the facts in regard to the unutterable abominations to which they have been exposed. One thousand females, also, among whom are daughters once promising, wives with husbands and children living, and mothers with infant children in their arms, might have remained in prison, and may still remain there a long time, before it shall be felt generally that female commiseration, prayer and corresponding effort, can find scope for its ever active spirit within the walls of prisons. This would not be because the same heart which was first at the sepulchre of Him, who was anointed to preach liberty to the captive, does not remain on earth; but because it has been so extensively unknown that there were so many females in prison. And 10,000 persons of all classes might have remained in prison, and every year 125,000 crimi. nals and 75,000 debtors might be committed to prison, and still this might

remain a subject so unimportant, and uninteresting, as not to excite the commiseration of the public, were no publicity to be given to the facts concerning it. "pp. 68, 69.

Having thus endeavored to give as brief and impartial a view as possible, of the condition of prisons, of what they ought to be, and of the improvements that have been made; of the indirect influence, and immediate consequences of this Society's labors, we close our remarks upon the report before us-a Report containing much valuable information; in the perusal of which we have been deeply interested, and which we sincerely wish might be read by every patriot, philanthropist, and christian, throughout this nation. For we believe, that, were the facts in regard to prisons known, there are hearts that would feel, and hands that would labor in behalf of an object so benevolent and noble, as that which this Society is laboring to accomplish. Indeed who, with the facts and circumstances of the case before him, can remain indifferent in relation to a cause like this? Who, that possesses the common sensibilities of our nature, does not feel his heart moved with compassion for the miseries of the thousands of prisoners in our land? And who, that knows any thing of their wretchedness, can sit unconcerned, without incurring great guilt in the sight of heaven?

This Society comes among us on its message of mercy, to instruct and reform our kindred, to make them happy and restore them again to the bosom of their families and friends-it comes like an almoner of heaven, to cheer the wretched, and guide the wanderer back to the paths of wisdom and virtue. Our readers will remember, that the evils arising from mismanagement, and the benefits resulting from a wise course of discipline, are not limited in their influence to the walls of prisons, but are connected with the good order and happiness of the whole community. Every member of society, therefore, should feel, that so far as he has a personal interest in the public peace and safety, he has also an equal interest in the regulation of prisons; and should promptly act in aid of every proper measure, to make them places of salutary punishment and reformation.

But it is our magistrates and legislators, on whom the most solemn responsibilities rest, in relation to this subject. Supported by the opinion and voice of the public, and vested with the requisite authority, to them we look for the exertion of a power, that shall carry light and order into those dwellings of darkness and confusion. "PARUM EST COERCERE IMPROBOS PŒNA, NISI PROBOS EFFICIAS DISCIPLINA,' ,"* is a sentiment, which should be inscribed upon the walls of every prison, and engraven upon the hearts of all who have any concern in their management or control.

* To restrain the bad by punishment, without reforming them by discipline, is of but little moment.

ART. II.-REVIEW OF LETTERS ON REVIVALS OF, RELIGION. Dr Porter or Mitchell. Letters of an English Traveller, to his friend in England, on the Revivals of Religion in America. Boston. Bowles & Dearborn. 1828.

It is a common remark, that a wise man will listen to what his enemies say of him. Their report, though false, may be supposed often to have so far the semblance of truth, as to indicate the points at which he is most vulnerable. For the same reason it may be useful for the friends of religion, to know what representations of it are made by its enemies; and especially what is said concerning it in those favored seasons, when it appears in its most powerful influence. If errors or indiscretions occur in revivals of religion, the enemies of these revivals will not fail to expose them; and if there are means on which their progress especially depends, these also will be discovered, and the very uneasiness with which they are regarded, may encourage their friends to press them with the more decision. It is with the hope of deriving this practical use from the work before us, that we have placed its title at the head of this article.

That these letters are the production of an enemy of revivals, the author himself would not deny. That they were written by an English traveler, however, no attentive reader will believe. They have nothing more than the patch work of an English costume; and would certainly do but little credit to a scholar, trained, as the writer would be understood to have been, at an English university. We greatly mistake if they are not the effusions of an unhappy mind, which has once felt a deeper interest in the scenes pretended to be described, than a passing traveler can be supposed to possess. They are at least sufficiently marked with bitterness to indicate such an origin; and if we are right in our conjecture, they may be regarded as a fearfully monitory specimen of the rancorous hatred against the gospel, which that person may be expected to indulge, who, "after he has received the knowledge of the truth," wilfully resists and overcomes his convictions of it. After these remarks, our readers will not be surprised to be told that these letters are, in no respect, what they profess to be. The title page bespeaks an account of revivals of religion in America; but in fact, with only the exception of a few sentences, alluding to revivals in the State of New-York, they are confined to those which have occurred in New-England. Nor are the revivals in New-England which they are intended to expose, such as are claimed to occur at camp-meetings, and midnight assemblies for prayer (which are comparatively tolerable in the writer's view) but only to those, as he hastens to inform us, which are found "in the Calvinistic churches of New-England." Nor do they contain a single description of