inud comestica
glas

/ FM
|| 1

Samud bemutocad
Mr. Channing's
SERMON,
At the Execution, &c.


GOD admoniſhing bis People of their Duty,
as Parents and Maſters.
Samul
S E E R
A bomstort booth
M
O N,
PREACHED AT
NEW - LONDON,
December 20th, 1786.
OCCASIONED
BY THE EXECUTION
Or Hannab Ocuiſh, a Mulatto Girl,
Aged 12 Years and 9 Months.
FOR THE MURDER
I EUNICE BOLLES,
Aged 6 Years and 6 Months.
By HENRY CHANNING, M. A.
THE SECOND EDITION.
Sheb
Left to himſelf, bringeth bis Mother to ſhame.
WISDOM.
If I did deſpite the cauſe of my Man-Servant, or of my Moid-
Servant, when they contended with me : what then bell I do
when God riſeth up ? and when he viſiteth, what ſhall I an-
fwer?... Did not be that made me in the womb, make bim?
JOB.
NE W - LOND ON:
Printed by T. GREEN, M.DCC LXXXVI.
1286

WT

A SERMON, &c.
JEREMIAH VI. 8.
Be vbou intručled, O Jeruſalem, Left my soul depart from
S
pelen ſcene !
NOIEM and deeply affecting to the feeling mind is the
We here behold a truly pitiable
oljed one of our guilty race, who; left to the guidance
of an nitructed mind; or rather to the uncontrouled in-
fluence ofthe direful paffions, malice and revenge,
has
per-
petrat/dcrime which freezes the mind with horror.-
She bls leen ſummoned before the Civil Tribunal; and, after
a fair anulimpartial trial, was convicted of the crime for
which ſhe is this day to fuffer,
The cry of innocent blood hath entered into the ears of the
LORD of Sabaoth ; but this day will filence its claims.
Yes; in a few hours, will be executed the fatal, the tremen-
dous ſentence which puts a period to the life of one, who had
never learned to live.
In the beginning of life, a murderer,
Juſtice forbids that ſhe ſhould live out half her days : for---
W bolo

[6]
Whoſo heddeth Man's blood, by Man fhall bis blood be fhed. *
This is the voice of Juſtice and of the God of Juſtice: There-
fore " a man that doth violence to the blood of any perſon, ſhall
flee to the pit---let no man ſtay him."'!
The preſent ſeaſon is all-important :---How ſhall I anſwer
its claims On the one hand, the poor priſoner loudly
claims every moment as her own : for that her laſt fands are
now falling, and that in a few hours ſhe muſt launch into that
world whence there is no return.---On the other hand, are the
intereſts of this numerous aſſembly of fellow-men, who are alſo
ſoon, very ſoon to cloſe this mortal life; and the eternal ſtate
of each be determined according to his preſent improvement
of divine inſtruction. And, how big with important in-
ftruction is the melancholy event, of which we are this day to
be witneſſes Principally then to my Auditory let the
preſent opportunity be devoted,
To this I the more readily confent, from a conviction of the
impracticability of adapting a Difceurſe upon this
to the improvement of one who, until with a few weeks,
was ignorant of the firſt principles of Religion having been
left to heatheniſh darkneſs in a Chriſtian lard. Yes; my
brethren, this poor priſoner, when committefito gaol, ap-
peared to have no higher principle than the pleaſure of
gratifying her ungoverned paffions.---And ſo far from having
the fear of GOD before her eyes--- ---O tell it mt in Goth!
---fhe hath repeatedly declared to me, that the did not
know that there was a GOD, before ſhe was tdd it after
her impriſonment.
Are there any in this aſſembly whoſe confinces reproach
them with the ſame cruel inattention to their Children and
Servants ? Such are this day called to their duty in language
which muſt pierce a Parent's heart. May every ſpectator of
this day's painful ſcene, learn the importance of faithfulneſs
in the relations of Parent and Maſter.
The
# Gen. 9. 6. Il Proy. 28. 17

[ 7 ]
2
The melancholy event, which we are how called to con-
template, ſpeaks to us in thunder from the Mercy-Seat.-
Though wrath is kindled againſt us; yet Heaven addrefres
us as he did his choſen people : Be thou inſtructed, 0 Jeruſa-
lem, left my foul depart from thee,
I may not enlarge in ſhewing the occaſion of this paffage
For this I ſay, brethren, the time is ſport. What
thou doeſt, do quickly.
In a word therefore this
paffage was delivered by the Prophet in the name of the
LORD, at a time when Judah had almoſt filled up the mea-
fure of her iniquities, and exhauſted the patience of her
God. In the verfe preceding our text we have her charac-
As a fountain caſteth out her waters, so ſhe caſteth out
ber wickedneſs : violence and Spoil is beard in ber, before me
continually is grief and wounds. Then follows our text : in
which we behold the mercy and compaſſion of her God.
Though he had fent unto them all bis fervants the Prophets,
raying, Obey my voice and I will be your GOD, and ye ſhall be
my people. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear,
but walked in the counſels and imaginations of their evil beort.
God, at length wearied with their incorrigibleneſs, is about
to pour out upon them the fury of his juft indignation ---Yet,
bow ſhall I give thee up Ephraim !---Mercy interpoſeth and
tenderly perſuades. Be thou inſtructed, O Jeruſalem, left my
Coul depart, or as the original more ſtrongly expreſſes it, be
lisjointed from thee. We haſten to apply this paffage to the
preſent occaſion : in doing which, let us
I Attend particularly to the inſtruction which God, in
ghteous judgment, is this day calling us to receive.
ch
hd II. Conſider the argument by which attention to this in-
ge ruction is here enforced.---Left my ſoul depart from thee.
of
oſs FIRST. We are to attend particularly to the inſtruction
hich God, in righteous judgment, is this day calling us to
ceive.
Various

[8]
Various are the ways in which the Most High inſtructs
his people.---His works lie as an open volume to be read
by all. The inviſible things of GOD from the creation of the
world, are clearly ſeen, being underſtood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and Godhead.+--- His Word
ſpeaks in plainer language ; and is profitable to direct, to make
the man of GOD perfect, throughly furniſhed unto all good
works. *
But theſe means of inftruction, without the ſpecial influen-
ces of divine grace, are of no avail :---For, the heart of the
children of men being fully ſet in them to do evil, they bear.
ken not, nor incline their ear. We have loved pleaſures, and
after them will we go.
But, when God ſpeaks in the thunders of Judgment; the
people, if not left to a judicial blindneſs and hardneſs of heart
bear and fear and do no more ſuch wickednefs. By thy Judy
ments, ſaid David, is thy ſervant warned : and in keeping 4
them there is great reward. The adverſe events of Provi
dence, frequently, affect thoſe whom nothing else totita
---Senſible objects gain attention, where an addreſs to the
underſtanding will not be heard. The Senſes are an avenu
by which there is an eaſy acceſs to the heart. When this
brought to eſpouſe the cauſe of virtue, the underſtanding
eaſily convinced.
The melancholy event, of which we are this day to be
witneſſes, conſidered with all its attendant circumſtances
addreſſes every tender feeling, and cannot fail to reach thi
heart.---Struck with horror at the bloody deed :---Amazed !
ſuch an inſtance of cruelty and revenge in one ſo young :-
And
every
tender emotion of the foul awakened at beholdir
this early victim facrificed to Juſtice :---
:---Will not every o
preſent, with earneſtneſs enquire---Wherefore has our la
been thus ſtained with a crime, which, with all its pain
circumſtances, it has never known before ? Wherefore
we called to this ſcene of woe ---What doth the LOM
require of us?
I anſwer
† · Ron. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 17.

[ 9 ]
I anſwer, in the name of the LORD, that ye reſolve with
his Servant of old---I will behave myſelf wiſely in a perfect
way: I will walk WITHIN MY House with a perfeEt beart.*
Shameful and unpardonable, my brethren, is the almoſt
univerfal neglect of family Inſtruction and Government.
One of the truly unhappy conſequences of this neglect, we
behold in the ignominious end of this poor girl who is now
to pay the forfeit of life into the hands of juſtice. Be thou
inſiruited, o Jeruſalem, left my soul depart from thee.
When I reflect on the nature of the duties in which God
is now inſtructing us, to which therefore we are now to at-
tend; I could wiſh that the ſpeaker had been ſuch an one as
* Paul the Aged," rather than the Youth whom the requeſt
of the priſoner has called to addreſs you upon this occa-
fion. But ſince this may not be, permit me, with that
reſpect which is due to my auditory, in the warmth of love
to my country and the Sons of men, and with that fidélitv
when the four great Mucila IsuKD, to point out
fome of the ffe duties, to the diſcharge of which you are obli-
gated as Parents and Maſters; and to the neglect of which
the melancholy ſcene of this day is in a great meaſure to be
charged
----
T: Family Devotion, though a very unfaſhionable, is,
however, a very important part of the duty of the Head of
a family, if he would walk in bis houſe with a perfeet beort.
Every houſe ſhould be a Bethel, and every maſter of
a family, in his houſe, a prieſt of the Most High God."
A daily reverential attendance upon this duty, early impreſſes
the young mind with a ſenſe of the divine omnipreſence, and
teacheth the fear of that God whoſe eyes are in every place.
Shall the heathen, my brethren, guided by the dim light of
Nature, bow down at their family altars ; and ſhall the fa-
milies, in which the Sun of Righteouſneſs ſhines with the
clear light of divine Revelation, pay no worſhip to the true
B
GoD ?
Pfal. 101. 2.

[ 10 ]
2.
God ? Are there no family wants to be ſupplied ? No
family bleſſings to be acknowledged ?---Or are we like Iſrael
of old, « who ſat down to eat and drink and roſe up to play ?”
---“ She did not know, faith God by his Prophet, that I
gave her corn and wine and oil, and multiplied her ſilver and
gold, which they prepared for Baal : Therefore will I return
and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in
the ſeaſon thereof; and I will recover ny wool and my flax
given to cover her nakedneſs.” I
Children and Servants ſhould be early taught to read.
This is an advantage which the children in a family generally
enjoy. But are not our fervants, my brethren, too often for
gotten? How few have the means of inſtruction ? Moſt
of thoſe who have, inſtead of being fpurred to that applica-
tion, without which there can be no proficiency, are conſtantly
interrupted by our many calls. At length ambition flags,
and, being diſcouraged, they trifle away the little time allotted
them. Their confeauent little progreſs is now imputed to
a ware of genius peculiar to their complexion
diſtinguiſhed from lis brethren, ano lignilý ravoured will be
that ſervant, who is not left, either to heatheniſh darkneſs in
a Chriſtian land, or to ſpell out unaffifted the principles of
Religion, and every truth which reſpects his eternal falvation.
Hard is their lot!--- ---Humanity drop a tear.------I would
here anticipate an objection which may perhaps be made to
the idea of duty in the relation of Maſters to Servants.
-
Objection. Servants bought with our money are our abfo-
lute property : and may we not do as we will with our own
While he, who is not ſteeled to the feelings of a generous
mind, bluſhes at this objection; I am not careful to anſwer
in this matter. But, in a word ;---they are not your own :
for they are bought with a price. If you alienate them from
his ſervice who hath bought them even with his own blood,
the debt contracted on your part will, I fear, render you
in-
folvent,
I Hoſea 2. 8, 9.

[ 11 ]
folvent, and conſign you to that priſon whence there is no
diſcharge 'till thou haft paid the uttermoſt farthing.---The
blood of fouls will be charged to your account.---Think well,
---How will you diſcharge it?
I haften to
another
part of the duty under conſideration.
3. Early inſtil the great principles of Religion and Vir-
tue.---Thoſe under our care ſhould be taught that great firſt
principle of Religion---There is a GOD.---As the young
mind enlarges, it ſhould be made acquainted with the glori-
ous Perfections of God. This will lead to explain and en-
force our obligations to him as our Creator, Preſerver and
Redeemer. Did the Redeemer when on earth take little
children into his arms and bleſs them? Can Chriſtians then
forget to devote theirs to himn who thus loved them ?---
Point them to their Saviour on the croſs, and let his agoni-
zing death teach them the evil of fia, and its dreadful punish-
ment. The beauties of holineſs and its glorious rewards, are
alſo to be ſet before them in language adapted to their
capacities, and calculated to reach the heart.
.
The beginning of our days is an important part of hu-
man life.
"Juſt as the twig is bent the Tree is inclin'd."
The ſubſequent periods of life will take their ſtamp from
that of childhood. Happy is it when the firſt impreſſions are in
favour of virtue. To effect this there muſt be line upon line,
and precept upon precept. The firſt openings of the mind
are to be carefully watched , and every opportunity of in-
ſtilling that which is good, faithfully improved.
Here, I am aware, will ſtart up that frightful fpectre, pre-
judice of education ; with which fome men appear panic-
ſtruck. To deliver themſelves from this, they exert themſelves
to the utmoſt : 'till at length, having effected their purpoſe,
their lives ſhew that to be delivered from, what they call,
the prejudice of education is, in other terms, to be diverted
of every virtuous and religious principle. Far be it, however,
from any one to ſuppoſe that we ſhould have no higher fup-
B 2
port

[ 12 ]
port for our principles in religion and virtue, than education
----A fender ſupport indeed !----No; my brethren, the
mind properly cultivated will, when matured by age, know
its own importance, and ſearch whether thoſe things are so
which it had received as true.
That the mind of man, in the firſt buddings of reaſon,
diſcovers an ardent thirſt for knowledge, and, incapable of
determining the quality of what is offered, drinks in with
avidity what is firft preſented is a truth which will not be
diſputed ---Since then the mind cannot be kept a blank until
brought to maturity : Thoſe, who do not chuſe to give vir-
tuous principles the firſt poffeffion, muft, unavoidably give
this advantage to thoſe which are vicious. That Society
may long be ſecured againſt the influence of minds thus early
formed to the ſervice of the enemy of all Righteouſneſs, will
be the prayer of every friend to virtue and his country.---
But to purſue our ſubject :
With the knowledge of God is connected that of cur
duty to Him, our Neighbour and ourſelves. Every duty
ſhould be clearly explained and the diſcharge of it firictly
enjoined. Thus did the Father of the faithful approve him-
ſelf faithful in all his houſe :---GOD himſelf bearing witneſs
for him. I know Abraham, ſaid he, that he will command
bis children, and his houfbold after him, and they fall keep
the way of the LORD.*
4. To private inſtruction is to be added the public in-
ſtructions of the Houſe of God. Tbe LORD loveth the
gates of Zion more than eil the dwellings of Jacob. I Here
thoſe committed to our care behold the worſhip and order of
the Goſpel, with its Ordinances and Inſtitutions :---bear the
word of ſalvation at the mouth of the Meſſenger of the LORD
of Hoffs :---and learn that fear of the LORD which is
the beginning of wiſdom, and that knowledge of the boly which
is underſtanding. For this purpoſe was the direction given,
Deut. 31. 12, 13. “Gather the people together, men and
women and CHILDREN, and thy ftranger that is within thy
gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and
< fear
* Gen. 18. 19.
I Pſal. 87. 2.

[ 13 ]
your God.
« fear the LORD your God, and obſerve to do all the words
66 of this Law ;---and that their CHILDREN, which have not
« known any thing, may hear and learn to fear the LORD
''
When we attend with our children upon the public inſtruc-
tion, the great object in view ſhould be to train them up in the
nurture and admonition of the LORD.------This, however,
will not be the weightier matter of the law where the Pulpit
is proſtituted to ſerve the intereſts of a party But, the
faithful Miniſter of that Religion which breathes Charity and
good will to man, will not diftinguiſh himſelf in the facred
deſk, by uttering ſevere invectives or artful infinuations an
gainſt the Miniſters and Churches of other denominations.---
When this takes place, one ſays, I am of Paul; another, I am
of Apollos.---But my brethren, let it be your concern that you
and
your children may be of CHRIST. Again,
5. The beginnings of an amiable diſpoſition are to be
cultivated. This ſuppoſes that we ſtudy the diſpoſitions of
thoie under our care : that we may be able to diſtinguiſh
the good from the bad. The tempers of mankind are vari-
ous, and require as different modes of cultivation as the
various foils under the hand of the diſcerning huſbandman.
The tender benevolent diſpoſition is already fitted for the
feed. Haften therefore to ſcatter the good ſeed'; and, under the
influence of divine grace, 'ere long it ſhall yield a joyful crop.
The firſt dawnings of that which is amiable and praiſe-
worthy ſhould be encouraged.---Particularly : that ingenuous
fincerity which gives the impreſs of gold to every other
virtue :---an unſhaken attachment to truth :---a modeſt and
reſpectful deportment towards Superiors : an obliging atten-
tion to Equals. an eaſy condeſcention to Inferiors : and that
compaſſion for thoſe in diſtreſs which leads to imitate him
who went about doing good. A mind, thus liberally endowed,
ſhould not be left unguarded againſt that by which meny
ſtrong men have been ſlain. Therefore thoſe under our care
fhould be early inſpired with fentiments which will raiſe them
fuperior to irregular deſires, and fleſhly luſts which war againſt

[ 14 ]
the foul. Theſe too often like a ſtrong man armed take cap-
tive the unguarded Youth, and lead him to the firange wo-
man, whoſe houſe is the way to beli, going down to the cham-
bers of death. I-
This leads to obſerve,
6. The beginnings of a vicious diſpofition ſhould receive
an early and effectual check. Vices are like thoſe weeds
which, having once taken root, are with the utmoſt diffi-
culty deſtroyed. A bad natural diſpoſition if not early ſub-
dued will, 'ere long, bring forth nothing but briars and
thorns, to pierce a parent's heart with many forrows. To
prevent this too often unhappy caſe : the command of a parent
ſhould enforce the motives to virtue. Thus did David com-
mand Solomon, when inſtructing him in the way of wiſdom.
And thou, Solomon my ſon, know thou the GOD of thy Father,
and ſerve him with a perfe&t beart and with a willing mind;
for the LORD ſearcheth all bearts, and underfondeth all the
imaginations of the thoughts ; if thou ſeek bim, be will be
found of thee; but if thou forſake him he will caſt thee off for-
ever. * But the language of parental authority in all caſes
fhould be the laſt reſource. When the yearnings of parental
tenderneſs in the mild and gentle language of perſuaſion prove
ineffectual, then the deciſive tone of authority becomes neceſſa-
ry. Withold not correction from the child, faich Solomon, for if
thou beateſt him with the rod be ſhall not die.---Thou ſhalt beat
bim with the rod and ſalt deliver his foul from bell. Here,
however, exceſſive ſeverity becomes equally prejudicial with
an exceſs of indulgence : for human nature is like the
ſpring of an engine, which, being forcibly preſſed, upon the
firſt liberry returns back with ſo much the greater violence.'
Happy is he who knows the golden mean ; who can temper
the ſeverity of reproof with the tenderneſs of a parent.
A due proportion ſhould ever be obſerved between the
crime and the puniſhment. While lighter offences are paſſed
with a gentle rebuke ; more heinous crimes call for greater
ſeverity. A light reproof in the latter cafe would countenance
rather than correct the offence : and, let me add, the
parent
or maſter would not be guiltleſs. Heavy is the charge brought
by
1 Prov. 7. 27.
* I Chron. 28. 9. + Prov. 23. 13, 14.

[ 15 ]
by Heaven againſt Eli, for his indulgence to his fons, when
they made themſelves vile, and wounded Religion by their
impiety. For their aggravared wickedneſs they receive this
gentle rebuke from their father :-Why do ye ſuch things : for
I bear of your evil dealings by all this people ; Nay, my sons :
for it is no good report that I hear : you make the LORD's
people to tranſgreſs. I This is conſtrued into a neglect on the
part of the father ; for which the rod of the Almighty came
upon him and his houſe. For I have told him, ſaid the LORD
to Samuel, that I will judge his houſe forever, for the iniquity
which be knoweth : becauſe his fons made themſelves vile and be
reſtrained them not.
We may not here point out very particularly where paren-
tal reſtraint is neceſſary. Every thing that ſavours of impiery
or a contempt of God and his fervice ſhould not be ſo much
aš named among children. But above all things, * reſtrain them
from that prophane abuſe of the facred name of God, with
which the virtuous ear is, at this day, ſo often wounded. To
- a this it may be ſufficient, having before taught them the
fear of the LORD, to ſhew them how pitiable in the fight
of obſervers, is the character of that man who, without even
the ſhadow of honour, pleaſure or profit in return, can wan-
tonly trifle with his Maker, and thus ſell his ſoul for nothing.
Further, parental reſtraint ſhould extend to every thing
which is oppoſed to that good name which is better than
pre-
cious ointment.--Here I cannot but particularly mention thoſe
ſervile vices, falfhood and diſhoneſty. Theſe diſcover a
meannefs of foul incompatible with the manly virtues.
“ A wit's a feather, and a chief's a rod ;
“ An honeſt man's the nobleſt work of God.”
To be juſt to ourſelves, our neighbour and our God, is the
ſum of moral virtue : for be bath ſhewed thee, O man, what
is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to
do juftly, and to love mercy, and to walk bumbly with thy
GOD ?
The
I 1 Sam. 2. 23, 24.
§ 1 Sam. 3. 13.
Micah 6. 8.
• James 5. 12. But above all things, my brethren, ſwear not, &C.

[
16 1
The ſmalleſt deviation from the path of righteouſneſs will,
even in early life, give a wound to reputation which will not
be eaſily healed. To this conſideration I might add that of
the numerous unhappy inſtances, in which the little pilferings
of childhood paffing unpuniſhed have ariſen to that height
of wickedneſs which is to be puniſhed by the Judges ; and
thus the end is public infamy, or an ignominious death.
Therefore it is of the laſt importance that children ſhould learn
to conform every action to the golden rule of equity.--
Whatſoever ye would thai men should do to you, do ye even yo
to them. This great law of benevolence and juſtice cannot be
too early inculcated or too deeply impreffed on the mind
while tender.---But I have already been more particular than
I intended. ---
Yet with the ſtriking inſtance before us of the truly melan-
choly conſequences of furious and ungoverned paflions, I
may not paſs on without urging the abſolute neceſſity of a
very early reſtraint upon theſe. When Anger, Malice and
direful Revenge get poffellion of the heart of man ; he be-
comes a monſter, an enemy to Society and fit only to herd
with his fellow-monſters of the deſert. Curfed be that anger
which is fierće, and that wrath which is cruel !---Where is
contention ? Where is murder and every evil work? In
the heart of the furious and revengeful man.
- my ſoul,
come not thou into his ſecret ; unto his aſſembly, mine honour,
be not tbou united.
# 7. Enforce your inſtruction by your own example. It is
a common though very juít obſervation, that example goes
before precept. Thoſe heads of families who indulge them-
ſelves in furious paflions,----intemperance ----falfhood ----
diſhoneſty,----prophane fwearing----or an impious contempt
of God and Religion will be found, with reſpect to thofe
under their care, blind leaders of the blind. To theſe the
words of the apoſtle; apply.Thou therefore who teacheſi ano-
ther, teacheft thou not thyſelf? *
8. Finally,
Rom. 2. 21.

[ 17 ]
8. Finally, Brethren, pray for your families. Except the
LORD keep the City the watchman waketh but in vain.---
Without the bleſſing of the kind Parent of the Univerſe;
the anxious concern, faithful inſtruction and prudent govern-
ment of an affectionate parent will end in diſappointment
and ſorrow. To the Father of mercies, therefore, who like
as a father pitieth his children s pitieth them that fear bim :
apply earneſtly and with unceaſing ſupplication for the bleſ-
fing of an affectionate and dutiful family.---Whether this
be a bleffing worth wreſtling for with the God of Jacob:
ye who are parents beſt can tell.
I mult now haften, remembering that the time is short and
with brevity,
SECONDLY. Conſider the argument by which attention
to divine inſtruction is enforced in the text.---Left my ſoul
depart from thee.
By this is to be underſtood, the withdrawing from a Na-
rion, a Family or an Individual the gracious preſence of that
God, in whoſe hand it is to make great, and by whom the
haughtineſs of man is bowed down.
Thus when a people favoured of the LORD will not hearken
nor incline their ear to his inſtruction ; their national bleſ-
fings are accurſed from Heaven, and their pleaſures will be
bitterneſs in the latter end. Though for a feaſon they may
be proſpered, and riot in the bounties of Providence ; yet
let them not flatter themſelves with ſecurity, while that hand
can reach them, which plucked down from the height of
national dignity the peculiar people of the Moſt High. They
are waxen fat, ſaid God by his Prophet, they ſhine : yea they
overpaſs the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the Cauſe,
the Cauſe of the fatherleſs, yet they prosper : and the right of
the needy do they not judge. Shall I not viſit for theſe things 3
faith the LORD : Shall not my ſoul be avenged on ſuch a
nation as this ? I Be thou inſtructed; O MY COUNTRY |
left thy God depart from thee.
Bus
| Jer, s. 18, 39.

[ 18 ]
But the preſent occaſion leads me to conſider the argument
in the text, more particularly as it reſpects divine inſtruction
addreſſed to families. The argument in this view implies,
that, when Heads of families are inſtructed in their duty, if
they refuſe and will not hear, the Lord will withdraw his
preſence from them and write their deareſt bleffings accurſed.
For ſuch God hath his quiver full of arrows which will
pierce them to the heart.
Dutiful and obedient children are an heritage of the LORD.
Iſaac was the obedient ſon of the father of the faithful : at
whoſe command he yielded himſelf as a lamb to the ſlaughter.
Faithful Eliezer of Damafcus was the ſervant of Abraham
who was faithful in all his houſe. Theſe are among the bleſ-
ſings of that man who is inſtructed out of the Law of the
LORD. Bleſed is the man that feareth the LORD, that de-
lighteth greatly in his commandments. His feed ſhall be mighty
upon the earth : the generation of the upright ſhall be bleſſed.
Wealth and riches ſhall be in his houſe : and his righteouſneſs
endureth forever. I
But thoſe, who, though they acknowledge the fear of the
LORD, will not regard his inſtruction; being found unfaithful
in their houſes; will realize the withdrawing of the divine pre-
fence in the fate of an unfaithful Eli: to whom was fulfilled
the following meflage from the LORD. Them that honour
me. I will bonour : and they that deſpiſe me ſhall be lightly
eſteemed. Bebold, the days come thai I will cut off thine arm,
and the arm of thy father's houſe; that there ſhall not be an
old man in thine houſe. And the man of thine, whom I ſhall not
cut off from mine altar, ſhall be to conſume thine eyes and to
grieve thine heart : and all the increaſe of thine houſe ſhall die
in the flower of their age. Theſe evils, I might add, are the
natural conſequences of too great parental indulgence. Ap-
petites and paſſions unreſtrained in childhood, become furious
in youth , and enſure diſhonour, diſeaſe and an untimely death.
So true it is that a child left to himſelf bringeth his mother to
foame.t
APPLICATION.
I Pfal. 112. 1, 2, 3. 1 Sam. 2. 31, 33. + Prov. 29. 15.

[ig
Α Ρ Ρ L Ι C Α Τ Ι Ο Ν.
May I now be permitted to apply the ſubject in particular
addreſſes---- Firſt, -to HEADS OF FAMILIES.
Fathers and Brethren,
Permit one to addreſs you upon this occafion, who acknow-
ledges that he knows not the joys or forrows of a Parent's
breaſt : yet, God forbid that he ſhould be a ſtranger to that
reſpect and warmth of affection which becomes a Son : for
he was his father's ſon, tender and beloved in the fight of bis
mother. Suffer me then : while with fidelity as in the fight
of God, yet affectionately and with all reſpect I intreat an
elder as a father and the elder women as mothers.
I do now beſeech you, in Chriſt's ſtead, that you attend to
the flean admonitions of Heaven this day. Be thou inftruc-
ted, O Jeruſalem! Let this inſtance of aggravated wicked-
neſs in one ſo young, aların your fears for the little ones
committed to your care, and engage you to be juſt to your-
ſelves, to your Children, to Society and to your God. The
curſe of the Lord is in the houſe of the wicked; but be bleſſet b
ibe babitation of the juſt.
The happineſs of an affectionate parent depends much upon
the conduct of his children. For the truth of this, fathers,
I might appeal to yourſelves : And doubt not, but that with
feelings known only to a parent you would declare, with So-
lomon, a wiſe fon maketh a glad father ; but a fooliſh for is
the heavineſs of his mother.
But if the happineſs of parents thus depends upon their
children, may we not expect that that happineſs which is real
and
permanent will be preferred? What then can we think
of thoſe, who riſe up early and fit up late and eat the bread
of carefulneſs that they may leave an inheritance to their chil-
dren : while the proviſion for their minds is ſcarcely thought
C 2
Prov. 3. 33.

[20]
of ? Wilt thou ſet thine eyes upon that which is not ? for
riches certainly make to themſelves wings; they fly away ;
but
a good education is a durable portion. Wiſdom is the prin-
cipal thing, therefore get wiſdom; and with all thy getting, get
underſtanding.† Surely every man walketh in a vain Thew,
ſurely they are diſquieted in vain ; for be heapeth up riches and
knoweth not who fall gather then. I
It is indeed a part of parental duty to attend to the wants
of a family and provide things honeft in the fight of all
men.". -If any provide not for his own, and eſpecially for
thoſe of his own houſe, he hath denied the faith and is worſe than
an infidel. This is the declaration of an inſpired Apoſtle
But what do ye more than an infidel, if, in providing for your
children and ſervants, your care be confined to their bodies
while their Souls are left to ſtarve ?-If your children aſk
bread will you thus give them a ſtone ? Suffer, fathers, this
boldneſs of ſpeech :-if you condemn it I muſt appeal to a
HIGHER TRIBUNAL.
Do
you
love your children? O then, as you regard your
own happineſs and theirs, guard them as the apple of your
eye. While their minds are tender and open to every im-
preffion, leave them not unguarded to receive their firſt im-
preffions from a corrupt heart and a degenerate world. Be
affured, if you leave them uncontrouled to the government of
their paffions, and the almoſt irreſiſtible influence of ill exam-
ple, I ſpeak as to wiſe men ; judge ye what I ſay, they
will ſoon come forth weil verſed in all the myſteries of iniqui-
ty. Then will they repay your fond indulgence, or rather
cruel neglect, into your own boſoms. Will they render you
the returns of filial obedience and fincere affection ?
--To
obey is a leſſon they were never taught. And as you never
gave them any proofs of the affection of a parent; but on the
contrary, cruel like the Oſtriches in the wilderneſs," left them
expoſed to be trampled under foot by every paſſenger : you
cannot expect that they will regard you with the warm affec-
tion of a fon.
O ye parents, why will you thus wring out
to yourſelves the full cup of wormwood and gall ? Who
hath
+ Prov. 4. 7.
| Pfal. 39. 6.

[ 21 ]
hath bitterneſs ? Who hath woe? Is it not he who .
hath a fon that hearkeneth not to his father's inſtruction and
deſpiſeth his mother when ſhe is old ? Is it not he who hath
a fon that being left to himſelf bringeth his mother to ſoame
But if you are not yet alarmed for your helpleſs offspring :
and are yet to be convinced of the dangers attending child-
hood and youth ; go into our ſtreets and, if your hearts can
endure, be witneſſes for yourſelves. Behold on every fide
children unreſtrained practiſing iniquity with greedineſs, Not
only thoſe vices which frequently attend meanneſs of birth and
education, ſuch as theft and lying ; but alſo thoſe, which ariſe
from a total neglect of family government, mark the preſent
riſing generation. Your own obſervation muſt determine the
juſtice of this remark. It is indeed painful to obſerve child-
ren through a want of early education, poffeffing nothing
amiable or praiſe-worthy ; but on the contrary, devoted to
guilty paffions, and chuſing the way which leadeth to deatha
They are malicious and revengeful and love contention.
But do they ſtop here ?
--Gladly for the honour of
human nature and my Country would I now draw the veil.
Bur fidelity forbids.. - Be aſtoniſhed, O ye heavens,
and give ear O earth! A wonderful and horrible thing is
committed in our land : and there are thoſe who love to have
it ſo. Children that have but juſt learned to ſpeak are heard
liſping forth horrid oaths and impious curſes, They probably
would not have known that there is a God; had they not
been taught to trifle with his Name, that Name which is great
and terrible, for it is holy. And equally ignorant would they
have been with reſpect to a future world; had they not learned
to curſe their companions and, with impious boldneſs,“ damn
" their ſouls to hell."
But I tread on un-
hallowed ground.
I cannot proceed,
My ſoul ſhudders at the recollection of the horrid expreſſions
of curfing and blaſphemy, with which the virtuous ear is fo
often pained.
I dare not repeat them. Should I
attempt it, it would but renew your pain : and I fear, left,
like the "fretting teproſy,” its toạch ſhould leave me unclean.
Now,

[ 22 ]
Now, ye virtuous Parents, fuffer me, while you are behold
ing theſe ſcenes of wickedneſs, to bring before you your little
families, helpleſs and expoſed to this torrent of vice and im-
piety : They are looking to you alone for guidance and pro-
tection. Are you ſure that you can protect them? Are
there not numerous painful inſtances of
But why
ſhould I add to fears already inſupportable ? Difficult
indeed is a parent's duty. But can the difficulty ſo far dif-
courage you that you can relinquiſh your charge and leave
them to certain infamy and ruin? Can a woman forget ber
fucking child? The more difficult the duty, the greater are
the exertions neceſſary to diſcharge it with fidelity and ſucceſs.
But amidſt all your exertions forger not that except the LORD
keep your little city, you watch but in vain. Therefore, with
humble importunity, wreſtle with the God of Jacob, and let
him not go until he bleſs you in your families. .
And now, fathers and brethren, while you are inſtilling the
principles of wiſdoin and virtue, and endeavouring to raaka
your children ſuch as will honour you in life and be bleſſings
to Society, do not forget, I beſeech you ; that the FEAR of
the LORD is the beginning of wiſdom : and to depari from
evil is underſtanding.
O teach them to fear that name
which Angels adore, and at which devils tremble. Tell
them, - tell them, and write it upon the palms of their
hands, that they may never forget : THE LORD WILL
NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS THAT TAKETH
HIS NAME IN VAIN, Exodus 20. 7.
But how long ſhall it be that the ſaying of the Prophet
fhall apply to us! Becauſe of ſwearing the land mourneth.
O ye Guardians of our publick peace ! Shall an inſult of-
fered to an inferior magiſtrate not paſs with impunity : and
fhall the barriers of virtue be broken down and the Throne
of the KING OF KINGS be openly inſulted; and they
who are not to bear the sword in vain, be filent ? Forbid
it Virtue ! Forbid it O MY COUNTRY !
But
+ Jer. 23. 10.

[ 23 ]
But recollecting that the time is ſport, I cloſe this addreſs
with but one confideration further.
It is appointed unto
men once to die, but after this the Judgment : For the
LORD himſelf ball deſcend from heaven with a ſhout, with
the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of GOD. *
Heaven, earth and hell are moved at his preſence, and the
fleeping dead awake to ſleep no more. Then, fathers, you
with the children and ſervants committed to your care ſhall
be fummoned before the Judgment-Seat of CHRIST.--
Solemn Tribunal ! -All-important day ! If in this
deciſive trial you can make your appeal to HEAVEN :-Lo !
Here am I and the children which thou haſt given me : of
thoſe which thou gaveft, none have periſhed through my in-
dulgence, or forgetfulneſs of thee ; ---Unutterable will be
your
joy and great your reward.----Well done, thou good and
faithful ſervant : enter thou into the joy of thy LORD.
Amen.
I would now with the warmeſt affection, addreſs myſelf
to the Younger part of the aſſembly.
My Young Friends,
To you the preſent ſcene ſpeaks in ſtriking language,
teaching you the value of a parent's tender care. Think
not that crimes are peculiar to the complexion of the priſoner,
and that ours is pure from theſe ſtains. Surely an idea fo illibe-
ral and contracted cannot find a place in the breaſt of a gene-
rous youth.----Know, my brothers, that that calker, not-
withſtanding its colour, contains an immortal ſoul, a Jewel
of ineſtimable value ; which, poliſhed by divine grace, would
Shine in yonder world with a glorious luftre : while the
Jewel in a brighter caſket, being left in its natural ſtate,
would be blackneſs and darkneſs forever.
There behold, my young brethren, the fate of one, who,
with a mind not below the common level, has been left un-
reſtrained
Heb. 9. 27
1 Thef. 4. 16.

[ 24 ]
Can you
reſtrained to the guidance of guilty paſſions and a corrupt
heart. Have you virtuous and affectionate parents
who, with anxious concern, endeavour to inſtruct
you
in
thoſe principles which are neceſſary to ſecure you from in-
famy like this? Can you refuſe them an unreſerved obe-
dience and the returns of grateful affection -
wiſh to add one pang to thoſe which a parent's heart has
already felt on your account? Think, o heart-rending
thought ! think what would be their feelings, if they whom
their fouls love ſhould for their over-much wickedneſs be
made, as this unhappy criminal, à public ſpectacle of infamy
and guilt.
-Could there be any forrow like unto this
ſorrow ?---Spare, O ſpare a parent's aching heart and let
there be no cauſe to look forward to a ſcene which cannot
be borne even in thought.
Hear, my brother, the inftruction of thy father, and for-
fake not the law of thy mother : for they ſhall be an ornament
of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck. Enter not
into the path of the wicked, and ġo not in the way of evil
Avoid it, paſs not by it, turn from it, and paſs away:
for they ſeep not except they have done miſchief ; and their
Neep is taken away, unleſs they cauſe ſome to fall. For they
cat the bread of wickedneſs and drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the juſt is as the ſhining light, that hineth
more and more unto the perfeEt day. Early chuſe this path
of wiſdom, and your own experience will prove that the ways
of wiſdom are ways of pleaſantneſs, and that all her paths are
peace. Great indeed will be your peace when a dying Parent
fhall pronounce you an obedient and affectionate child ; and
thoſe lips which had not inſtructed you in vain, ſhall cloſe
with commending you in the quivering accents of death, to
that Being in whom the fatherleſs findeth mercy. May he
hear and be well pleaſed with this laſt effort of parental love :
and repay your reſpectful obedience and fincere affection into
your own boſoms. And may God in his infinite goodneſs,
grant, that when you ſhall take the places of your fathers,
you may never have cauſe to feel the unutterable pangs of
that
inen.

[ 25 ]
that parent's heart, who has a ſon that is a grief to his father,
and bitterneſs to her that bare bim:
I would now turn my addreſs to the whole Affembly.
Men and Brethren
I beſeech you, in the name of the LORD, to conſider ſeri-
bully the things of which you are this day witneſſes. We
have here a ſtriking evidence of the depravity of human
nature that we are indeed tranſgreſors from the womb. .
We here ſee the natural productions of a heart uncultivated
and left to itſelf ; that indeed, it is deceitful above all things
and deſperately wicked. At one view we now behold the
conſequences of the firſt apoſtacy, and the iſſue of actual tranf-
greſſion: Surely the way of tranſgreffors is bard : for be
that purſueth evil purſueth it to his own death. Let us there-
fore hear and fear and do no more wickedly. Let every ſoul
be ſubjeet to the higher powers, for rulers are not a terror to
good works, but to the evil. If thou do that which is evil be
afraid ; for ye fee brethren that they bear not the ſword in
vain; for they are the Miniſters of GOD, to execute wrath
upon bim that doth evil. Wherefore be ſubjeet, not only for
wrath, but alſo for conſcience fake.
Let us learn from what we now behold, that it is an evil
and bitter thing to forſake the LORD our GOD. Doubtleſs
the pity of every one preſent, is excited towards this criminal,
thus in the beginning of life condemned to death, and now
furrounded by the officers of juſtice, for execution. Indeed,
that heart muſt be paſt feeling which can unmoved, be a
witneſs to a ſcene like this. But, while we indulge a generous
pity for a fellow-creature in diſtreſs, let us fear left we fall into
a worſe condemnation, as criminals before the Tribunal of
Heaven. For thus faith the faithful and true Witneſs; He
that believeth not is condemned already.* Is this priſoner then
condemned ? So is the unbeliever, Is ſhe held in bonds
D
unto
John 3. 18.

[ 26 ]
unto the time of execution ? So is the unbeliever faſt bound
in the chains of fin and fettered by his guilty. paffions unto
the final, dreadful day of execution : that day in which be
that made him will not have mercy on him, and be that formed
bim will fhew him no favour. Let us therefore brethren, take
beed left there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, in
departing from the living GOD. And when CHRIST who
is the believer's life mall appear, then' may swe alſo appear
with him in glory.
Amen.
After having devoted to the ſervice of my Auditory ſo
many of theſe, to the priſoner, all-important moments, I muſt
now be indulged in addreſſing myſelf to her, in a few words
with great plainneſs of ſpeech.
To the Priſoner.
Yes; poor
Hannch, the time for you to die is comes
girl !-in about two hours, your eyes will be ſhut by death
and you will not ſee the light of this fun again forever.
This is the laſt time that you will ever hear my voice from
this place : for you are now going where I cannot ſee you ;
inſtruct you; or even pray for you.--You are going where
you
will find that thoſe things which I have told you are true.
-Yes, you will ſoon ſee that there is a great GOD who
loveth goodneſs and good people ; but is ongry with the
cvicked every day, and will puniſh forever thoſe whoſe fins
are not pardoned before they die. You will foon fee
that Saviour who came into this world to fave finners. You
will one day ftand before his Judgment-Seat, and if you do
not, this day, truly repent of your wickedneſs and truft in
him alone for mercy; he will pronounce againſt you a ſentence
infinitely more dreadful than that which has already been
pronounced.---
You are now going to be hanged until you are dead : after
that you will know, better than I can tell you, either the
joys of Heaven, or the miſeries--the miferies my
foul !--the miſeries of hell. Oh Hannah! repent
of
your
wickedneſs:

[ 27 ]
me that
mercy and
wickedneſs: this is the only time. ---Be aſhamed before GOD
of your crimes. Think how cruel you was, in not
ſparing the little girl, when ſhe cried to you for mercy.-
Don't you wiſh for mercy from God? You have told
you
do. -If he is not more merciful than you,
your ſoul cannot be ſaved. Remember, if he has mercy upon
you, it will be from his own goodneſs; not from any good
thing which he ſees in you :--He fees nothing in you but wick-
edneſs,-a poor wicked creature covered with the innocent
blood of a helplefs child crying to you
for
you
would ſhew no mercy: -
-Repent and believe in CHRIST,
he is the only Saviour : if you are ſaved it will be for his
fake alone. Pray earneſtly to God that he would pity your
ignorance and have mercy upon you for Carist's fake.-
Think, Hannab, of what you have to do-
haften,
will be too late --your time is ſhort, ---- poor girl, how
much is to be done and how little time have you to do it in ?
Your day is already far ſpent, and, o dreadful thought!
be night of death is cloſe at hand. ---The guard, the officers
of juſtice with all the dreadful attendants of your death, are
now around you waiting for me to ſtop. -I muſt ſay no
-Poor girl!
-farewell. May God in his
abundant goodneſs give you repentance unto life, and have
mercy on your ſoul. AMEN AND AMEN.
more.-
APPENDIX


[ 29 ]
Α Ρ Ρ Ε Ν DI X.
A
S the Public may wiſh to be informed more particularly reſpecting
the criminal, Hannah Ocuiſh, than they have yet been . we have
collected the following particolare, which it may not be improper to
annex as an appendix to the preceding diicuuta
She was born at Groton.—Early in life ſhe diſcoverea
neſs and cruelty of her diſpoſition: as appears from the following laus
which was repreſented in evidence before the grand-jury. When about
fix years old, ſhe with a brother about two years older than herſelf, meet-
ing a little girl at a diſtance from the neighbourhood, they endeavoured
get away her clothes and a gold necklace which ſhe had on.--After
Beating the child until they had almoſt killed her, they ftripped her, and
diſputing about the diviſion of the clothes the child recovered, and getting
away came home, covered with blood. This affair was immediately ex-
amined into, and the ſelect-men of the town concluded to bind them both
Out.
Their mother, who is one of the Pequot tribe of indians, is an aban-
doned creature, much addicted to the vice of drunkenneſs.-She, it ſeems,
not liking to have the girl bound out ; brought her away and left her at
a houſe, about three miles from the city of New-London, promiſing to
return in a few days and take her away again. But ſhe did not return
Ptill after ſeveral months,
when urging the family to keep her longer they
at length confented. She continued in this family until ſhe was appre-
hended for the crime, for which fhe was executed.
Her condu&t, as appeared in evidence before the honorable Superior
Court'was marked with almoſt every thing bad. Theft and lying were
her common vices. To theſe were added a maliciouſneſs of difpofition
which made the children in the neighbourhood much afraid of her. She
nad a degree of artful cunning and fagacity beyond many of her years.
In ſhort, her mind wanted to be properly inſtructed, and her diſpoſition
be corrected.
We now come to the particulars of the horrid crime for which ſhe ſuf-
On the 21ſt of July, 1786, at about 10 o'clock in the morning, the body
of the murdered child was found in the public road leading from New-
London
fered.

[ 30 ]
London to Norwich, lying on its face near to a wall. Its head was covered
with ſtones, and a number lay upon its back and arms. Upon examining
the body the ſkull appeared to be fractured; the arms and face much bruif.
ed, and the prints of finger-nails were very deep on the throat. The
neighbourhood were immediately engaged in making ſearch and enquiry
for the murderer. The criminal made uſe of her uſual art, to prevent
fufpicion. She ſaid that ſhe ſaw four boys in her miſtreſs's garden near
where the child was found : that ſhe called to them for being in the gar-
den and ſoon after heard the wall fall down. After ſearching and enquir-
ing for theſe boys to no effect, fufpicions became ſtrong that ſhe was the
guilty perſon. On the 22d, ſhe was cloſely queſtioned, but repeatedly
denied that ſhe was guilty. She was then carried to the houſe where the
body lay, and, being again charged with the crime, burit into tears and
confeſſed that the killed her ; ſaying if ſhe could be forgiven ſhe would
never do ſo again. The particulars which ſhe then gave, and which ap.
peared in the courſe of the trial were as follow.
On the morning of the 2ift - went to a brook which is near her
miſtreſs's houſe toare a pail of water :-when at the brook, the faw the
little
come into the road, going to ſchool. She immediately haftened
home with the water, and ſetting it down at the door, ran acroſs the gar-
den to overtake the
child :
-when near her, the criminal jumped over the
wall and called to her : offering her a piece of calicoe which the then held
in her hand. The child coming to her, the ſtruck her on the head with
a ſtone which ſhe had taken up for the purpoſe, and repeating the pow.
the child cried out, “Oh, if you keep beating me ſo I ſhall dre." She
continued the blows until the child lay ftill. But after a few moments,
ſeeing that ſhe ſtirred; he took her by the throat and choaked her 'till
fe was dead. Being aſked why ſhe laid ſtones upon the child. She ſaid ;
it was to make people think that the wall fell upon her and killed her.
Upon being aſked why ſhe killed her : ſhe ſaid that ſhe had intended giv-
ing her a whipping becauſe ſhe had complained of her in ſtrawberry time
(about five weeks before) for taking away her ſtrawberries,
Such an inſtance of deliberate revenge and cruelty in one ſo young, has
ſcarcely a parallel in any civilized country.
When the criminal was first committed to priſon ſhe appeared uneaſy
with her ſituation ; but after a little time ſeemed to be quite contented
and happy.--She would divert herſelf with the children that went to ſee
her, and frequently would make very ſhrewd turns upon thoſe perſons who
made fevere remarks upon her.
When arraigned at the bar, ſhe, at the direction of her council, plead
« not guilty. During her trial ſhe appeared entirely unconcerned.
After the verdi&t was brought in, and ſhe was carried back to the priſon ;
a perſon viſited her and told her what muſt now be her puniſhment; and
that ſhe muſt prepare for death, and for another world : fhe feemed
greatly affected, and continued in tears moſt of the day. After this ſhe
feemed as unconcerned as before, and was very backward in converfing
with the perſon who had thus alarmed her fears. It appeared that ſome
perſons had been there afterwards and encouraged her with telling her that
The would not be hung.
When,
Pam
Channing
, Henry
31697
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