A little wholesome correction did wonders.

In such matters, it, at least, made the parties civil, and, I think, deterred from crime.

I am fearful that in this age mankind aim in some things to be more perfect than the Great Ruler of the Universe! To the bad habits of a prison, and the association with guilt, must be added the deplorably unprovided state, in which, at the termination of their period of imprisonment, they are sent forth into society.

What friends have they but their former companions?
What habitations, but their former resorts of iniquity?
What means of procuring a livelihood, but their former evil practices?
We accordingly find, that it is not unfrequently the case, with these young offenders, that scarcely a day elapses after their liberation, before they find themselves again in custody, and within the walls of a prison.

One cannot, indeed, view the exertions made by the "Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline" in this respect, without feelings of gratitude to those who take an active part in it[A]; neither should we forget to return thanks to the Author of all good, that he should have encouraged the hearts of persons to venture even their lives, to improve the condition of the prisoners in Newgate and elsewhere;--that even females are found, who, conquering the timidity and diffidence of their sex, have visited these abodes of vice and misery, for the purpose of ameliorating the condition of their inhabitants.