This circumstance of permission to leave the prison before
the time expressed in the sentence, is of great importance to the
prisoners. For it operates as a certificate for them of their amendment
to the world at large. Hence no stigma is attached to them for having
been the inhabitants of a prison. It may be observed also, that some of
the most orderly and industrious, and such as have worked at the most
profitable trades, have had sums of money to take on their discharge,
by which they have been able to maintain themselves honestly, till they
could get into employ.
Such is the state, and such the manner of the execution of the penal
laws of Pennsylvania, as founded upon Quaker-principles, so happy have
the effects of this new system already been, that it is supposed it will
be adopted by the other American States.
May the example be universally followed! May it be universally received
as a truth, that true policy is inseparable from virtue; that in
proportion as principles become lovely on account of their morality,
they will become beneficial, when acted upon, both to individual and to
States; or that legislators cannot raise a constitution upon so fair and
firm a foundation, as upon the gospel of Jesus Christ!
CHAP.
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