pline and instruction of the house; that her temper and her conduct are closely and strictly observed, and reported on; and that it is on the exhibition of penitent and virtuous feelings and desires, only, that she is fully received into this asylum. A prostitute can only be punished, under any law existing in this country, whilst she continues in a state or in the walks of prostitution. The moment she quits these criminal courses, from any motive whatever, she is Fable to no punishment for any former acts of prostitution. If, therefore, a woman of this description quits her criminal pursuits, she does that which the voice of law, of reason, and of religion call upon her to do; and the conductors of the Magdalen and the Penitentiary are not only justified in inviting them to quit their guilty courses, but they are acting most wisely and benevolently in receiving them also, into their respective asylums. That this answer to Mr. Hale may have full weight, and a satisfactory effect, on the mind of every impartial person, it is only necessary to separate the two cases, which Mr. H. has confounded together: that of a murderer and of a prostitute. The crime of the former, is at all times whilst he lives, liable to be punished; the crime of the latter ceases to be punishable the moment at which, from any motive whatever, she quits a state of prostitution. Mr. Blair being engaged as a professional man, in the service of this charity, may be supposed to sympathize much on occasion of finding a necessity for its defence: he adduces several instances of the inefficacy of our laws and public in stitutions to accomplish the object in view; which, together with some other informa tion collected by him, we shall set before our readers. The first case is from the public newspapers. "The beadle of St. Bride's parish brought, or rather accompanied, before the sitting magistrate (Mr. Alderman Prinsep) a very preuy-looking young woman, who, tired and disgusted at a life of prostitution, and anxious to be received once more into the bosom of society, hoped that, through the recommendation of the magistrate, she might procure admittance to the Magdalen hospital." ing; but that small request was not granted, and he then kindly provided a lodging elsewhere. In the morning, after various delays and examinations before parochial officers, the poor girl consented to go voluntarily as a culprit to the Lord Mayor's and thence to the house of correction, and was even entrusted with the order from the magistrate for her own commitment during twenty-one days! Thus the way was paved by Providence, for her being ultimately rescued from a life of infamy and shame, subsisting on the wages of pollution. In May 1808, B. a girl aged nineteen, came to the gate of the Penitentiary, without a farthing in her pocket, and having no lodging. She had been taken to the Lord Mayor, for a pass to her place of settlement; but was refused one, because "she had not committed an act of vagrancy." Many others might be added: and some additional cases are collected and commented on, by Mr. Blair. The following facts have been forwarded to the Panorama in confidence, by private communication: considerations of various kinds, withheld our making them public before; but, we now avail ourselves of Mr. B.'s language, in which to state them. There are many instances of young women very urgent necessity. In multitudes of cases, becoming prostitutes, through compulsion or probably, the first exciting cause of irregular desire was the accidental inspection of abominable prints or toys, hawked about this kingdom,and which are fabricated by ITALIAN pedlars or FRENCH prisoners! The horrible and extensive trade of this kind, which (as a member of the Society for the Suppression of Vice) I know to be carried is a fact not generally suspected; and I ain on in most, if not all, our French prisons, extremely sorry to say, that British troops, stationed on guard at these places, are found to have given too much facility to the circulation of those obscene articles, in cities, watering places, and various other towns, &c. The different modes of secreting and vending such filthy productions, the diversity of channels through which they may be distributed, and the infectious quality of the poison, in whatever form it is administered, She had been four years on the town, and, render the Society for the Suppression of at length bitterly wailing her sin, implored Vice a national blessing, while its efforts are the refuge which a watch-house might have directed towards the eradication of so enorafforded; but was denied by the men in mous an offence against the public morals! attendance, because she had no charge It is perfectly unaccountable that Mr. Hale, brought against her." Mr. Wightman the when writing of the dealers in "obscene beadle urged them to take her into the watch-prints in schools," should affirm "the moral house for only one night, promising to try turpitude of their crimes was not greater, nor and get her hard case mitigated in the morn- more injurious to society, than common pros titution" for the open iniquities of one class are but as the streamlets of vice, while the concealed workings of the other constitute the dead sea" in which all the former offenders have been polluted, and are an exhaustless source of innumerable irregular and immoral actions ! Besides, the sellers of filthy pictures can obtain their bread in many other ways, not being excluded from society. What can we say to a nation which though visibly punished by Providence with exemplary sufferings, yet continues to persevere in such gross abominations? Mr. Blair gives a glance at the history of receptacles for penitents: they appear to have been of a much earlier date, than might be supposed. The earliest intimations I have met with in historical writers, of the establishment of such an asylum as this, are the following; whence it clearly appears, that one existed in Paris above three centuries ago. "Anno 1494, Collegium Prostitutarum Pænitentium Lutetiæ instituitur."-Jo. Tillii Chronicon de Regibus Francorum, Lutetiæ, 1550. "Another establishment, first called Filles pénitentes ou repenties, and afterw Filles de St. Magloire, was institute 1497 by a Cordelier, and had the same d nation. He preached against libertin and with such success, that two hun dissolute women were converted by his fer eloquence. The Friar admitted them his congregation, which was sanctioned the Pope." Mr. Hodson's pamphlet is written very reasoning strain: he appears to h felt his subject deeply. His manner be judged of from the following sp mens. Every description of our fellow-creat has an indisputable claim upon us, as ch tians, to use every means in our power alleviate their miseries, to rescue them f vice, and to save their souls. The degre moral turpitude which may exist objects of our benevolence makes no di ence, as to the foundation of this d Indeed, if their characters be flagitious worth of the christian duty would appea be enhanced. "They that be whole n not a physician, but they that are sick.' restore a person to health, whose life i imminent danger, is a more valuable act t to heal a slight wound. To reclaim a fen deep sunk in iniquity, corrupt and corr Hispanos ex Indica navigatione cum Christophoro Columbo rediuntes, ea [Lue] infcetos rediisse; junctosque postea Consalvi coppiis, mali contagione serpente, socios infecisse.-Circa idem tempus institutum fuerating, is a more estimable service to society t Lutetiæ Coenobium Prostitutarum Mulierum, ad frugem rediuntium resipiscentiumque."Arnoldi Ferroni Rerum Gallicarum, Lib. II. p. 23. If my memory does not deceive me, there were also Penitentiaries instituted nearly as soon in Germany, and in particular at Strasburgh. I have since seen a work* in which notice is taken of a still earlier asylum for Penitents, namely in 1226, called, "Les Filles de Dieu." No authorities are, however, quoted by the writer; and therefore I cannot vouch for the authenticity of his statements, nor have I leisure at present to verify them by further inquiries. The Penitentiary, it is said, "was founded at Paris in 1226, and continued for some years open for the reception of female sinners who had gone astray and were reduced to beggary. In the time of St. Lewis, their number amounted to two hundred; but, becoming rich, they became dissolute, and in the year 1483 they were succeeded by the reformed Nuns of Fontevrault." Paris as it was and as it is, or a Sketch of the French Capital, &c. in a series of letters, written by an English traveller during the years 1801-2." 8vo. 1803. Lond. Vol. ii. p 15. to rectify a principle in one piously dispo We are, therefore, commanded to be "k unto the unthankful and to the evil," that may be the children of our heavenly Fath who maketh his sun to rise on the evil the good, and sendeth rain on the just unjust." Thus we are to be merciful, he is merciful.". In that unhappy class of women, fr which the Penitentiary selects its objects, are aware that there is a striking distinct in natural temper, as well as in the degree their moral depravity. Now it is to least exceptionable of these, if they mani a desire to be reformed, that the Penitenti opens its benevolent heart, and adapts its m and temperate discipline. As to the m vile and hardened transgressors, upon wh kind treatment would make no salutary i pression, let such, if you please, be subjec to a discipline of a severe and rigorous c racter. If it be possible to save them, le even be with fear, plucking them out the fire;" but let not the Penitentiary condemned, if upon others it have co passion, making a difference." If, then, these unhappy females be prop objects of christian charity; if it be a ch tian duty to attempt their rescue from vi and their salvation from eternal perdition, the aspect and dispositions of the Penitentia I are adapted to the particular description of females which it selects, and if its administration be wisely and faithfully conducted, then, I say, it is the duty of christians, according to their opportunities and means, to countenance and support it. meditated return to virtue, by open sinners impracticable.-This he supposes to be adopted from the Jewish national institutes. This gentleman intends to offer his sentiments on this subject in a distinct That there is ample room for amend- treatise. We hope he will carefully disment of morals in the private families of tinguish between local and moral appointthis vast metropolis, must be acknow-ments. He differs from Mr. Hale, and ledged with deep regret. As to our being calls in gospel parables, as well as princia Christian people-but let us hear ples, to his support. His work is dedicated Mr. Hodson. to Mrs. Pugett, a very pious lady, who, having examined the institution fully, and passed several hours there, left a donation of 100 towards additional buildings. What, in this vast city, it might be asked, is the number of those families, in which a system of christian order, instruction, and precaution is established? * In how many houses is family worship habitually and reverently performed? How many masters and mistresses on the sabbath day, in the intervals of divine service, instruct their servants, as well as their children, in the principles and duties of religion? How many, in their temper, conversation, and conduct, exhibit to their domestics an example deserving of imitation? What are the numbers of those who treat their servants as having like feelings with themselves, and manifest a solicitude to make them, as far as possible, comfortable and happy; speaking to them with kindness, and making suitable allowances for the trivial errors of human infirmity? I fear, Sir, a correct answer to these inquiries would not be Lighly flattering to the christianity and morals of the capital. Mr. Clarke conceives that there is too much of a spirit of vindictive justice extant among the institutions of christian nations, and especially in this country :— that this counteracts the winning and gracious principles of our holy calling; and that it tends to harden the hearts of professors of Godliness, and to render any You notice the rain coquettish dress of female servants," as a "growing evil." I sincerely hope, Sir, that the hint which you have thus thrown out will be properly improved. It is, however, important, for this end, that their mistresses should remove from before the eyes of their female servants, the examples which they imitate A proper distinction, nevertheless, should be preserved; for if female domestics are suffered to dress like ladies, and to go to places of public amusement, where they are treated as such, it is not probable that they will be much disposed to discharge, in a proper spirit, the menial duties of their situation. The evils which flow from this source, both as to the peace of families, and the ruin of their are incalculable. domestics, We must oppose the inference in Mr. C.'s last paragraph, that Mr. Hale's pam phlet is sold at half price in order to force its sale: the insinuation is unbecoming; especially, following the concession to Mr. H.'s liberality of mind, that had he visited the Penitentiary his conviction would have withheld his strictures. It may be suggested, that the sentiments we have adduced in this article, are those of professed moralists: so they are; and that must plead our apology for introducing from Dr. Smollett, who would have cried out methodists! at the writings under consideration, a passage, which he cer tainly composed, as a man conversant with the world. Let those who recollect Smollett's opportunities give him credit for the accurate colouring of his picture. "Of all professions," says he "that of a courtezan is the most deplorable. The most fashionable woman of the town is as liable to contagion, as one in the most humble sphere"; she infects her admirers, her situation is public, she is avoided; neglected; unable to support her usual appearance, which, however, she strives to maintain as long as possible; her credit fails, she is obliged to retrench and become a night walker, her malady gains ground, she tampers with her constitution and ruins it; her complexion fades, she grows nauseous to every body, finds herself in a starving condition; tempted to pick pockets, is detected, committed to Newgate; where she remains in a miserable condition, till she is discharged because the plaintiff appears not to prosecute her; nobody will afford her lodging, the symptoms of her distemper are grown outrageous; she snes to be admitted into an hospital, where she is cured at the expence of her nose; she is turned out naked into the streets, depends upon the addresses of the lowest class, is fain to allay the rage of hunger and cold with gin, degenerates into a state of brutal insensibility; rots and dies upon a dunghill." Is this lamentable case, then, totally hopeless-We repeat, is it TOTALLY HOPELESS-We trust it is not: steps are taking in several considerable parishes to remove this contagious disgrace on our civil police, and our public morals: when they are ready for discussion the PANORAMA will not be backward to introduce them. We hope to see our benevolent Sovereign's name at the head of the undertaking. In the mean time let us hear the opinion of a philanthropist, in another case of equal notoriety; equally difficult to be met by public institutions, equally difficult to be quitted by a party once engaged init jo a nuisance equally attendant on a crowded population, great cities, and relaxed manners. In his "State of Mendieity in the Metropolis," speaking of public beggars, Mr. Martin says, I was unwilling to admit, that the whole in a mass, were either sunk by their vices beneath our pity, or by their distresses placed beyond the possibility of relief. In such a multitude, there must needs be found a great diversity of character, as well as different shades of misery; and it appeared to me, that we were called upon by justice to discriminate with respect to the former; and by charity to endeavour to remove, or at least to palliate, the latter. But various evils require various modes of treatment; and beggary considered in the aggregate, is a complication of so many, arising from, and aggravated by, a variety of causes, to such a degree of malignancy, as no simple remedy is adequate to remove. It would not be merely to the REDUCTION OF EXPENSE to the public, nor to the encouragement of INDUSTRY in the parties with a view to their bodily sustenance, that the Commissioners would confine their attention;there is yet another point MORE ESSENTIAL THAN, ALL THE rest. It is the interest of the state, in a political point of view, to promote the moral character of the subject; and RELIGION is the only stock on which morality can be successfully grafted. To inculcate therefore the sacred and subJime truths of Christian revelation, and enforce the practical duties consequent on a genuine faith, is a matter of the first importance to the nation, and to the individual; and surely a little reflection will be sufficient to evince the cruelty of such frequent execution of unhappy wretches, for the transgression of Jaws, which they were never properly in structed to respect.. Indeed no permanent extensive advantage, can be justly.expected to be derived to the poor, without inculcating in them the principles of RELIGION and MoRALITY; and on this ground the education of youth of both sexes; and the early impressing on their minds a sense of the obligations of religion, and habituating them to industry, may be strongly recommended, as a momentous object of national concern. We shall only add, that Mr. Colquhoun estimates the number of women living by public or private prostitution in London at 50,000: also that, on an average, of the last half century, every thirteen years, not less than ONE HUNDRED THOU SAND YOUNG WOMEN, IN THE PRIME OF LIFE, AND BEAUTY, AND CAPABLE OF SUNK FROM A MISERABLE EXISTENCE OF CHRISTIANITY, HAVE NEITHER OP Four Discourses on Subjects relating t the Amusement of the Stage: preached a Great St. Mary's Church, Cambridge, e Sunday, September 25, and Sunday, Octo ber 2, 1808; with copious supplementar Notes. By James Plumptre, B. D. Fellow of Clare Hall, 8vo. pp. 211, price 7s. J Deighton, Cambridge; J. Hatchard, Lon don; Cook and Parker, Oxford. SERMONS on theatrical subjects ar bold undertakings. To discuss question relating to the amusement of the stag in the PULPIT certainly calls for great pru dence and caution; and to discuss them before such an audience as meets in th church of Great St. Mary, Cambridge (where we have often sat;) an audienc of which young men of cultivated mind and ardent feelings form a large majo rity, demands the greatest delicacy i the choice of topics, the greatest propri ety in the management of the argument and the most judicious selection of word and expressions. The contrast betwee the sanctity of the place, and any acci dental indecorum of language whic might occur, or any phrase of equivoc meaning, which might casually be em ployed, is so striking; that he must pos sess no small courage who ventures to ru the hazard of such an explosion as migh burst out. doour opinion Mr. Plumptre has acquit, ted bimself in this dangerous attempt, with admirable skill and complete success. We did not hear these discourses* delivered; but we may be sure that the preacher well performed his task; since the Master of Sidney College, the pious and learned Dr. Pearson (well known for his many excellent writings, and revered for his virtues, as rector of Rempstone in Nottinghamshire,) now VICE CHANCELLOR OF CAMBRIDGE, who had sanctioned and ad vised" the composition of them, honoured "the result with his approbation, expressed in private" to the author; and we are confident that the VICE-CHANCELLOR" will have no reason to alter his good opinion upon making the discourses public." (pp. iii, ix.) They are dedicated to Dr. Pearson; and we beg leave to call the attention of our readers to them. They were preached last year, when the subject of the middle Bachelors' prizes, recited in the Senate House, was Quanquam histrionis artem miremur, quærendum tamen utrum mores hominum emendet magis, an corrumpat scena?" They were delivered during the continuance of Stirbitch Fair. The learned author has been carried through all the difficulties hanging about his subject, by the force of SIMPLICITY. His language is never inflated. He never He avails himself of the labours of many great men who have incidentally touched upon the matter he bad in hand. He quotes liberally; and be plants his authorities (powerful auxiliries) betwixt himself and the furious adversaries with whom he contends. With truth, and such allies, on his side, he grapples with the most renowned heroes opposed to him; engages them in a manly, but not an insulting way; and, in our judgment, he has atchieved a brillant victory. It is time that some ductor dubitantium should write casuistically on "the amusement of the stage ;" treating of the duties of authors, licensers, managers, actors, and those persons who frequent our theatres. If the quantum of good or detriment resulting from any thing, may depend in any measure on its universal prevalence, there can be no doubt but that" the amusement of the stage" calls aloud for regulation. Says Mr. Plumptre: The influence of the stage upon the manners and passions of mankind is universally acknowledged; and, when we consider the size and attractions of the theatres of the metropolis, (under which term I would include all places where any entertainment of a dramatic cast is performed) when we'reflect, that there are regular theatres for a con and that there is scarcely a town of a few siderable part of the year in most large towns, hundred inhabitants throughout the kingdom, (and some villages,) in which plays are not performed for a few weeks in the year, or every other year, or once in a few years, that there are companies of players travelling about to our principal fairs, and that these are visited by the inhabitants of the smallest villages,-and when we consider the farther and read in the closet,-it must be acknow influence of plays, from their being published ledged as a matter of no trifling concern, whether their general and particular tendency be to promote vice or virtue. The rev. author of these discourses treats his subject as becomes a christian moralists. The Scripture formthe only true criterion of morality Custom,opinion, fan. cy, fashion, or expediency, furnish the ba sis of all morality beside that laid down in the pages of holy writ, illustrated by the recorded operation of the attributes of the Deity, and the luminous example of the 'Redeemer of mankind. The BI They are four in number.-I. The lawfulness of the stage considered. Text, 1. Cor. X. 31. Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.-II. The abuses and uses of the stage pointed out. Text, 1. Cor. XV: 33. Be not deceived; evil communication corrupt good manners. -III. On wit and ridicule: their lawfulness, and the uses and abuses of them.BLE is the load-star by which our authorText, Ephes. V. 3, 4. Let not foolish talking nor jesting, which are not con venient, be once named amongst you, as becometh saints.-IV. On the most probable means of improving the stage. Text, James IV: 17. To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. steers. He never loses sight of his divine guide. He praises, or he brands with the mark of reprobation, whatever he finds in the whole circle of the drama, in proportion as it quadrates with, or departs from the rule of fitness he adopts; as it promotes to the glory of the Supreme |