On death punishments

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.