his exordium, that "in discussing a subject of this nature, it requires no small share of prudence, to separate what simply strikes our passions, from that solid truth which alone can convince our understanding :" and says, he hopes, in the few remarks he is about to offer, it will appear that he has endeavoured strictly to adhere to this principle. I certainly agree with him in this sentiment, that it not only requires no small share of prudence to separate what simply strikes our passions from that solid truth which alone convinces our understanding; but with all due deference to his judgment, I would go farther, and urge that, in balancing the good or evil likely to result to society from the establishment and influence of particular charitable institutions, our reason is too often guided by imagination, and our opposition founded in caprice: fancy represents to us, in strong and lively colours, the evils, or even the

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abuses, of a system, which our judgment disproves; while, on the other hand, we superficially view the beneficial tendency of the ultimate object to which the means are directed,

Under the present loose and degraded condition of the morals of a large proportion of the people, every endeavour reşorted to for eradicating the seeds of vice, removing the panders of voluptuousness, and fortifying the principles from the attacks of prostitution and scepticism, is worthy the strenuous support of every individual who feels himself in the least degree interested in the sacred cause of religion and humanity. The paths of error are various and infinite; the baneful effects of luxury are felt through all the arteries of the social constitution; and but for the disinterested exertions of associated philanthropists, would soon over

whelm the principles, and consume the strength and industry, of the country, in indolence, immorality, and debauchery.

Who were the first promoters or founders of this Institution I am not informed, nor is it at all necessary that I should know; and here I would remark, that I stand totally unconnected, either directly or indirectly, with the Society, which gives me greater latitude, and enables me to speak with more freedom of its members. In looking over the list of its committee and active supporters, they are found to be men of unblemished character and reputation, men of discernment and sound judgment, who, having felt a sincere compassion for the wretchedness and misery of their unfortunate countrywomen, have exerted the most benevolent zeal to snatch them from overwhelming infamy and disgrace. But if Mr. Hale's premises are

founded in truth, and his inferences correctly drawn, we cannot entertain a very favourable opinion of the strength of their faculties, either for the wisdom of foresight, or maturity of judgment. On the contrary, in the establishment of this Institution they have proceeded on false calculations, regardless of the rules of justice, and the proportion of punishment due to the objects of their mistaken philanthropy.

Of the deplorable objects of this Asylum a few words will suffice, as of their individual characters, or situations, we have no correct knowledge; but, collectively, it is intended for the reception of those women whose lamentable condition it is, in some unguarded hour, to have deviated from the paths of virtue and happiness, generally seduced by vile profligates, initiated in the arts of infamy and

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vicious habits; and the slender barriers that once guarded their virtue being now removed, and their characters lost, have no resource left wherewith to provide the necessary means of existence, but by administering to the vices, and corrupting the morals, of the other sex; unless indeed it be, that, after having been some little time hackneyed in the ways of prostitution, they can claim admittance into the workhouse.

But I shall now proceed to discuss the merits of the question at issue, and take the first part of the arguments urged against the policy of the objects the London Female Penitentiary has in view, in the order they are advanced. In the first place, Mr. Hale questions the truth of the following sentiment of Dr. Hawker, in his address to the public respecting the asylum he was endeavouring to establish at

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