Our associates of the animal
kingdom do not escape the influence of such causes: the mountain
shepherd and his dog are equally hardy, and form an instructive
contrast between a delicate lady and her lap-dog; the extreme point of
degeneracy and imbecility of which each race is susceptible. In the
early ages of society man enjoyed long life, his manner of living was
simple, his food, habitation, and pursuits, were all calculated to
fortify the body, and no anxious cares disturbed his mind.
_Curtis's Essay on the Deaf and Dumb._
* * * * *
REFORM OF CRIMINAL LAW.
How noble and pure was the ambition of Sir Samuel Romilly we may learn
from the following beautiful passages, where he has explained the
motives by which he was actuated in his proposed reforms of the
criminal law. "It was not," said he, "from light motives---it was from
no fanciful notions of benevolence, that I have ventured to suggest
any alteration in the criminal law of England. It has originated in
many years' reflection, and in the long-established belief that a
mitigation of the severe penalties of our law will be one of the most
effectual modes to preserve and advance the humanity and justice for
which this country is so eminently distinguished. Since the last
session of parliament, I have repeatedly reconsidered the subject: I
am more and more firmly convinced of the strength of the foundation
upon which I stand; and even if I had doubted my own conclusions, I
cannot forget the ability with which I was supported within these
walls; nor can be insensible to the humane and enlightened philosophy
by which, in contemplative life, this advancement of kindness has been
recommended.
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