Sermons

THE wonderful occurrence that has lately been ekhibited at Manchester, in relation to the supposed murder, may be ranked among those rare events that seldom, if ever take place. The public mind has been uncommonly agitated. Reports have been circulated, tending to create prejudices, and lead astray. That many things without any foundation in truth, should be spread abroad in a matter so astonishing and interesting, could hardly have been expected. The writer of this narrative believes that: there are many things in relation to the event, that may be useful and enertaining, and calculated to throw some light upon this mysteri-

“Main respect to dreaming, about which so much has been said and published, it may be remarked, that there has been much said about the murder, and conjectures where it was committed; and where the body might be deposited. By this the mind was prepared to receive similar impressions when asleep; and there was nothing miraculous in the matter, about which so many strange things have been circulated. The dream is here related for the toes and now filled up. This pit was opened, and nothing, d sufficient evidence that any thing of this nature has been discov- by the dogs paws. Further examination was made, and in the cavity ofthe stump were found two toe nails, to appearance belonging to a human foot; others were discovered in a crumbled state, which to appearance, had passed through the fire. It was now concluded by many, that somé fragmenís ofthe body of Colvin were found. The cluster of bones were brought before the - ever, thought otherwise. A Mr. Salisbury, about 4 years ago had his leg amputated, which was buried at the distance of four or five miles. The limb was dug up, and by comparing, it was universal- - sa * Uncle to the aforesaid Stephen and Jesse, anda gentleman of re- agectability, whose character is unimpeachable.

—(' that the bones were not human. However, it was clear that the nails were human, and so appeared to all beholders. The bones were in a degree pulverised, but some pieces were ina tolerable state of preservation. Suspicions were excited that the body was. ‘burnt, and some part not consumed, cast into the stamp and other bones put among them for'déception. Sometime after e departure of Colvin, a barn belonging to M Mr. Barna Boorn was imed by fire accidentally: it was conjectured that the body s taken up and concealed under the floor of the barn and most- rconsumed. About that time a log-heap was burnt by the Boorns: near the place where the body was supposed to be deposited: it was thought by some that it was consumed there.

Some it deed looked upon the manner of the discovery asa kina of prodigy; others with. more propriety that there was nothing marvellous in the affair; that the dog was allured to the spot by. scent or game, which was common to the species. The attention f people was greatly excited; they had strong prepossessions t murder had been committed; by which some were prepared to look even on common things aa supernatural Bat still, as has before been NO of these thir re introduced or even of the examination or trial. The strange yin, his 8 heard of, together with” Me fas missing, could not

M the general idence was that the prisoners were = Some thought that it was best to dismiss Jesse from any further examination, which had commenced on Tuesday the 27th day of April. He was however still kept in custody. Search was made on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, for the body, during which time those discoveries were made above alluded to. Jesse was on the eve of being set at liberty, but on Saturday. about ten o'clock, he with a trembling voice observed, * that the first time he had an idea his brother Stephen had murdered Colvin was when he was here last winter: he then stated that he and Russel were hoeing in the Glazier lot, that there was a quarrel be- A me be Colvin attempted to run away; that he struck him with a club or stone, on the bck part of bis neck or head, and bad fractüred his skull and he was dead. He observed pite net tell what had. ofthebody. He mentionmany places where pe p uut p tonne: Search was ac. cordingly made, but to no purpose. „The authori issued a warrant to apprehend Stephen, who, aen r = — ee Y A = PE E si =

Mr E PE DA ‘idence was bre forward which was much en Lewis, son of Colvin, testified that he saw his uncle Stephen knock down ‘his father, was frightened and ran home. This witness is before the public.—Jesse Boorn, afteran interview with bis brother, denied that Stephen ever told him that he killed Colvin, and that what he had reported about him was false. Evidence appeared so strong against the prisoners, that they were bound over to await their trial ati at the sitting of the ane Aia to be holden at Manchester, the third Tuesday of tem | base: the interval, the writer frequently visited them in his of- ¡icial-capacity + but did not discover any symptoms of compunction; but they persisted i m declaring their innocence, with appeals to Heaven, Stephen, in particular, at times, appeared absorbed in passion and impatience. - One day I introduced the example of Christ under sufferings, as a pattern worthy of his imitation: he exclaimed, “ I am as innocent as Jesus Christ!“ for which extravagant expression l reproved him: he replied, I don't mean ihat J am guiltless as he was, | know lama sinner; but lam as innocent of killing Colvin as he was.” Court sat in September; a judicious and impressive charge was given to the grand jury, by his Honor Judge Doolittle, and a bill of indictment was presented against Si and Jesse Boorn: kè sé Pine l full court, the trial could not commence, according to a late act of the Legislature of this State.

The Court ap ai adjourned to the 26th of October j l

3819. li was with mach i that a j was obtained; „ ad w ay de duca

Au indictment was s presented, container a charge against | Jesse Boom, for the murder of Russel Colvin,

| prison, and that a Mire — "edt between the of te: two o'clock, they be hanged by the neck until each of them be dead df and may the Lord have mercy on their souls.“ 4 | None can express the confusion and anguish into which the | prisoners were cast on hearing their doom. “They requested by their council, liberty to speak, which was granted. In | sighs and broken accents, they asserted their innocence. The convulsion of nature attending Stephen at last, was so great as torender him unable to walk; but was supported by others, and carried to prison. The i compassion of some was excited, especially towards Jesse, which inclined them immediately to send a petition to the legislature, then sitting at Montpelier, praying that the punishment of the criminals might be commuted for that of imprisonment. for life. But few, however, signed the petition ia favor of Stephen. The assembly spent several days on the subject, and finally granted the request of Jesse, yeas 104, nays 31. The request of Stephen was negatived in the house, yeas 42, nays 97. The 5 — <a tiem

Re hy n n ee 8 „e —— pre think that the — on gh |

On the 2 00h day of pctabds,. ae we of his brother, of his friends, and family + it, Manchester, and was carried. to ihe State-

T Sod oh ki — red > oo that it was | ii that Colvin wasalive, was very a papa — Mr. Haynes, l see no way but l must die: every works against me; bnt I am an innocent man: this you will know after Lam dead.” He burst into a flood of tele; nd. aid, «What will become of my poor wife and children; they are in needy circumstances, and Hove them better than life itself.” I told him God-would take care of them. He replied, 41 don't want to die. J wish they would let me live even in this situation, some longer: something will take place that may convince people that laminnocent.” I was about io leave the prison, when be said, “Will you pray with me?” He arose with his heavy chains on his hands and legs, being also chained down to the floor, and stood on his feet during pepe with deep and bitter sighings, “A Mr. Taber Chad-

M Chadwick and Mr. Polhamue, live distant from each other about 40 miles. | Y Car a penn e a n HR ee EA ree Tm neg sol. „T ty that the man to be murdered, was yet alive, and that Mr. Whelpn, of t New kk man of Manchester, and who was inti-) k with ipn dad ac gone to Sor

- rlw inner me.” A New-York. paper anounced his arrivalalso, and that he-would soon set out for Vermont. Notwithstanding all this, many gave no creditto the report, but considered it a mere deception. Large bets were "made. On the 22d of December, Colvinarrived in the stage with Mr. Whelply at Bennington. “The County Court being then in session, all were filled with astonishment and surprise, The Court suspended business for some hours, to gaze upon one who in a sense had been dead; and is alive — — Many who formerly knew him, now saw that there be no déception: Russel could call many of them by name. Toward evening, the same day, he came to Manchester; notice being given that he was near at hand, a cry was heard, Colvin has come“ The stage was driven swiftly, and 2 - was all ip confusion. a at Capt. Black's Inn. villaze was all alive; all were ranning to obtain sight of the man, who they had no doubt was dead, aud had come as a kind of Saviour to one who was devoted to the gibbet. Some, like Thomas, in another case, would not believe without. tangible evidence. People pet around him with such eagerness, as to ren- der it impossible to press through the erowd, or obtain a. sight of him. Almost all his old acquaiban a cognize, and call them by name. Sev charged for joy; people ran to different pa give notice. The prison door was unbolted, claimed to Stephen, that Colvin had come! reception given it by the joyful prisoner, need node tioned. chains on his arms were taken off, whi on his legs remained: being impatient of an interview Yi bey who had come ek —— m aay met, Gen chot? ihe next "17 was a emos siae the neighbouring towns, who met to behold the returned exile, their places of abode, Mrs. Colvin came to see her husband, but he took but little notice of her, intimating that she-did not belong to him. Some of his children came to see him, of whom he appeared somewhat fond. Ile wondered how ac Rr ut took dpi: years ago. a can recollect ate esci and de- e scribes wilh a- cord of =- He discovers sc With a degree m | sa

A the hono our! will provide some way by which may obtain 22 dismission at their session, which is at Ber ning 2 Tuesday of January inst.

wes cu observe, that publishing the above narvind was He effect of friendly importunity. It may be ex- _ pected thst imputations of an unwarranted nature, on the town of Manchester, and on the civil authority of Vermont, will +e made; but kam fully of the opinion, was the matter

Aca." understood, that the judicious and candid would be satisfi

It must be acknowled, that it is one of the most mysterious events recorded in the annals of time. There are circum-

- stances attending it which are still invelo a m obscurity, that human sagacity cannot aprenan there murder been committed at Manchester? is a question often ted by people abroad. We are ready to answer, that evidence, to prove such an event, does not appear. “One thing we are sure of, that Russel Colvin has not been murdered: and that the ps are, and ought to be exon-

Apprrrox.—About four years after Colvin was missing, of Mr. cen ue place where it was d'ikat the marder fi een committed, found a hat; ae it home: alf-agveed titit it was Colvin’s hat: it was in euch an in state that it was pulled in pieces Ši thrown away.— yin was unwilling to return to Vermont ua juan pr mm a to hace pl agem. A young woman of Russel's acquaintance agree; accompany him, pretending that they only designed a visi a — mé New-York. While there she was missing, which excited some 5 ad ap PER While sy at ork, to prevent Tee Mi Wbelply ply t him there were British men of war ke eerta unless he kept within doors, be would b kid- = This had the desired effect. Colvin when he set oui for Manchester, quse ctr aa congu

-prisoners of hope, could the late wonderful providence Wa God in delivering our fellow mortals, be improved for the = emancipation of precious souls from the prison of death and hell, O! with what thanksgiving, with what extacies of joy | | D should we hail such an event! To improve it to this pur. pose is my main. design on this occasion, and I am persuaded = my brethren, that you will this day bid me God speed, and not withhold your — matter so solemn and i im. E portant. si Wherein there is, and IL matters be. ay " fore us, is the order proposed. | * 4 1. Prisoners are in a state of confinem E by an act ofthe pim civil authority, and are condemned by law: the the murderer for | shedding blood: so the wicked are arrested by an act of the court of Heaven, and are condemned alread y—John 87 18 - The indictment against the wicked it very high: God makes mquisition for blood, Psal. 9, 12. Is it not more — EB ble that the. kis dta No band; a wife, a brother, a sister, a child, is crying from a repository of the dead against you, with accents not less severe and significant than the blood E A of a murdered Abel! Yea; perhaps from the prison of — ' etemal-despair, to which place your unfaithfulness has con- signed them.—Yow are indicted for suicide, for destroying ` yourselyes— Hos. 13, 9. Neither does the charge stop: TB here:—You stand convicted before the court of Heaven for 2 shedding-the precious blood of the son of God, or making a: violent attempt on the life of the God-Man Mediator, for piercing the Saviour—Zech. 12, 10. Fer crucifying the son of. God afresh, and for putting him to open shame—Heb. 6, 6 Does not a groaning creation, adverse Providence, and a guilty conscience, bear a coincident testimony against you? 2. Prisoners are cut off in a great measure from human ^ society, as unfit for their communion and fellowship. Soit | his with toe wicked—they separate themselves. Saints and | Sinners are prone to keep at a distance from each other— || ue prisoner converses principally with his fellows ta jan „Ža ile those abroad are not fond of their place he nor of their compauy. While pouli M shy will thes, they are prone to exclaim in the language of David, * Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar.? Psal. 120, 5. Men naturally are deprived of the blessing of society, and the privileges of the children of God. 3. Another distressing circumstance that attend prisoners ie they are ina state of darkness, as mentioned in the text.—

The light of the sun does not shine upon them. The wicked are said to sit in darkness, to walk in darkness, to love darkness, &c. They are blind to their own characters and the

character of God—to their own danger, and to the only way of escape. Wicked men behold nothing of the divine glory in his word, orin his works. "Their eyes are blinded and they cannot see. Like prisoners confined in a dungeen, no cheering ray can penetrate the impenetrable wall, or illuminate the solitary mansion. - es A rmn fts ace of distress and trouble. What a where was no water, and his feet sunk down into the mire!

> had c wet Se

enquiring about them; but let them lie a long time in that miserable condition, wholly destitute of relief, and disregarded „says Bishop Lowth.—Prisoners among the Romans were

fettered and confinedin a singular manner. One end of the

chain, which was of a commodious length, was fixed about the right arm of the prisoner, and the other about the left arm ofa soldier, Imprisonment, says Dr. Doddridge, is a much greater punishment in the eastern part ofthe world than here. State criminals, especially when condemned to it, are not only forced to submit to a very mean and scanty allowance, but are frequently loaded with clo3s and yokes of heavy wood, in which they cannot either lie or sit at ease;

and by frequent scourgings, and sometimes by rackings, are frequently brought to an untimely eud. These instances are

der the bonds of iniquity—as perishing with hunger —as travailing in polt. ail theit, days, and diae troubled sea that cannot rest. * ry

5. The prisoner Prae to an — — is in a state of confinement; he cannot extricate himself. His case is in a sense hopeless and helpless, without an interposition of divine power, as in the case of Daniel and Silas and Peter. Sianers in scriptural bondage, cannot deliver themselves, be- | ing bound with the cords of their. sins, and are mo;ally unable ¿o burst their bands asunder, SOPA the adamantine walls of their iniquities. ES si,

6. Imprisonment isa state of degradation; 8 pised and treated with contempt. So the wicked are considered as ont · casts, forlorn, vile and despicable, in the sight of God. They are said to be cloathed with shame, like prisoners baving on them filthy garments—like wretched. captives covered with vermin, loathed and abhorred by the Almighty, and will be treated with infinite contempt, at Me d of judg- go

7. Caminals bo a time appointed s authority for their 3 when they must be brought forth, and in a public ice a shameful death. So the sentence is pronounced by the judge of quick and dead, against all the finally impenitent, and in the council of God, the day of their death is appointed by an unalterable decree of Heaven.— The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction—they shall be brought forth to the day of wraih.—Job. 21, 30.

9. The poor prisoner in jail is an object OF pity and S misseration. They excite the tender sympathy of the humane and benevolent. "Their friends mourn their sorrowful state, and tremble at the approach-af the day of their execution. Who can describe the distresses of a parent, a brother or sister, en the reflection of the state of a child, a brother, doomed to aa untimely, and ignominious death! They be-. dew their pillow with tears, and wearisome days and nights. se pie Shem, This, ple ape bi e kay in ience, ¿EA on the state of sinners doomed to the: first and second death. Paul travailed in pain for the souls of n men; wasin great heaviness and sorrow of heart. O that my head were waters, and my eyelids a fountain of tears! Rivers of water run down mine eyes,” were the exclamations. of holy David, on account of those who were under the condemnatory sentence of God's holy law, and “every moment exposed to its awful. infliction! — - Lay. Bat it may be useſul to drawa contrast etes the two cases before us.

E Prisoners committed to jail: ong us i ie fhere by men, or human tribunals, and not always sanctioned by the Almighty. But the wicked are doomed to punishment. by anact issued from the Co ourt of Heaven. Jesus. who is kk an Judge, pronounces | tbe awful. senténce, “Let him smite 4 83 another! ene e. by earth ly ju may entertain hopes that they may possibly escape che hands of men, or have the sentence reversed, or the punishment commuted; but when it isdenounced by the Lord Jesus Christ, the incorrigible sinner can have no hope in his present state. He cannot flee from the hands of the Almighty, nor support himself amidst his inflexible wrath.— God will not meet him as a man, but will take vengeance.— Isa. 47, 3. His hands cannot be strong, nor bis heart endure, | "when God shall deal with bim.

2. When the sentence is passed on e eren sometimes appeal. to higher authority. and obtain favour: bave a new trial. plead an error of court. ora commutation | r punishment; but there is no appeal from the Court of Heas and inventions of men, the council o of the Lord that shalt stand. 3. Criminslè among men are yode cil to sisal for them; and their cause is often ably defended by gentlemen | stike: bar. But this will not be admitted before the tribunal of Christ. None will even dare to undertake for them, before the assembled universe: to none of the saints can they tnrn 5 “their cause will appear so un: ASON and hopeless; pA no man or angel will dare to say a.word in their behalf. Those confined in prison for“ crimes, bear a small pro- | moua to the world in general, "The rapid increase of late of men of this character, is an alarming e: nsideration eallsall classes of men, especially rulers, to vigilan: tion and prayer. But blessed be God, humanity and philanthropy are still distinguishing characteristics of our land in general; and there is a laudable disposition prevalet among our citizens, to apprehend and detect those, who by their enormous crimes, forfeit their liberties and their lives, inte the hands of civil justice. Murderers in our land and on the high seas, ccnnot elude the hand of the pursuer. Although they flee to foreign countries, they are detected and remanded to our shores, tó receive the punishment due to their crimes. But have we not reason to fear that the number of those who are in a state of spiritual bondage and imprisonment, is very great, vastly exceeding those who have been made rey the son of God; and still have a dreadful verdict laying against them in the Supreme Court above. Not tomention heathen lands, whose dreary regions have never been illuminated by the exhilarating beams of the Sun of righteousness. How few comparatively, even under the light ofthe gospel, who are called upon to go forth from their wretched confinement, and shew themselves, and obey the "r mandate!

5. The imperfections incident to all men and all courts of jadicature, renders them liable to wrong verdicts. The most prudent and experienced cannot plead exemption. The in- K and the r

But the great searcher of hearts cannot be deceived. Brery decision is dictated by infinite wisdom and infinite goodmess: he can by no means clear the guilty or condemn the innocent. “God will judge the people with perfect equity, r justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne.— Psal 89, 14. -TI. Let Did our šiais Gėjai vhi implies deliverance, “ Go forth—shew yourselves.”— The author of it is the Lord Jesus Christ. That taou mayest say, viz. the person designated or appointed by the Father, | see verse 8th, thus saith the Lord, man acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and T will preserve thee, and give thee fora covenant of the people, sea ais desolate heritages. | This deliverance of sinners is consistent with the law st lie aks The Lord Jesus Christ brings about the deliverance nce of his elect, through the instrumentali- ty of means; not that they are efficacious; for afterall, God gives the increase. God is said to save men by the foolish.

ness of preaching—1 Cor. 1, 12. Inthe late instance among us, it was God who wrought the salvation; but it was brought about by means, andvery unexpected. There were a series of events that might be traced; but they were all directed by the invisible hand of him, who worketh all things

“after the counsel of his own will—Eph. 1, 11. In deliver-.

ing men from the bondage of sin and death, God defers it to an extreme hour, that his power and grace may ‘clearly appear“ to which men are apt to be exceedingly blind. “The senti-

T ment suggested may derive a degree of illustration by the late r LA me ce of God; with which we are all acquainted. re$ were used in vain to deliver from punishment,—

Goirt and Jury were unanimobsly against the prisoners. The public voice pronounced the verdict just; and were not altogether satisfied with the commutation of the punishment of death for that of imprisonment for life, granted to one of them by "legislative. authority. ` Wich respect to Mr. Stephen Boorn, there was ninety-seven against forty-two members in the house who were op] ose: ng him any relief, so — that he was left to suffer “dési 'agreeable to sentence," — Able council was employed—No hope of escaping out ofcus- a tody; being cast into the inner prison, bound in triple chains, and carefully gu The The object of going in search of the exile supposed. to be Mare sd, was aš Preity much reliuquished. The advertisement published at the request of the eriminals, was not a mean of the information that Colvin. was yet alive; as Mr. Chadwick’s letter was anterior to his having seen that finblicañiap The time of execution was iS à rawin nigh, and not a gleam of hope from any quarter. «Until, be hold from a far co ti ea in m | | 5 It was great, season able. 4 satisfactory and sure.; TP A DA ing t the 8 Pos - AT the trial at Manchester, and which inclined him to write the letter, by which information was obtained that the man supposed to be murdered was yet alive; but had the 2 his hand by what we are wont to call mere accident. |

The Lord displays delivering power: | The mount of danger iš the place kouti

When God says to prisoners, Go forth! Pi ns dol pe bn.

their friends, and to the liberties and itiimunities of Gods people. The poor prisoner leaps for joy—comes to the light— shews himself—is beheld with raptures of transport—appears in a different point of light to all beholders—shews himself as one exonerated, and to whom there is no condemnation, is a fellow-citizen with the saints. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness, out of the prison-house. Sing unto the Lord a new

song, and his praise from the end ofthe earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the

inhabitanis thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top

of the mountains. Let them give glory unto the Lord, and

declare his praise in the islands—lsa. 42. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and 22 n po A rated and e o. oM n the wicked bora thie bondage of sin and condemnation.— To draw a striking contrast may be useful on the present occasion, 1. In the case of the former their trial is before earthly courts—their sentence denounced by them; but the deliverance of the wicked from the power and dominion of sin, is the special and immediate work of God, orthe mighty agency of the Holy Spirit. The people of God may work; ministers may preach, and say to prisoners, come forth! but it will be foolishness; it will be ineffectual, until the arm of the Lord be revealed. "Then, and not till then, will the foundation of the dene. oon eee tea sa A PO 4 are unwilling liks it—they love prison. fare and company—love their chains—love darkness; and e the door is thrown. wide and faculties to close the door, and deeper drive the massy bolts, and shat out every ray of divine light: it being painful to them. But men confined in earthly dungeons, when they hear the news of their emancipation, How do they leap to lose their chains, and bid adieu to their gloomy abode! O how welcome the invitation! Go forth out of darkness! shew yourself! “When a poor prisoner reflects on the many painful days spent in the melancholly cell, separated from dear 1 connexions and friends, in expectation of a horrible death, O! how welcome the reversion of the doom! none bot thë experienced can form a conception. | the principle of distributive justice; they are not found guilty of the crime alleged, or for which they were committed; but the wicked can never be acquitted in this way. They are fully guilty ef the every crime with which they are charged. There can be no error in the testimony and decision to oppose or commute the punishment. No irrellevant witness can be admitted for or against the prisoner. "Tis pardoning grace through a mediator that frees the penitent from the

4. The emancipation granted by human JAN cid:

prieve of the body for a few years, months or days, perhaps Tu | hours or moments. Death may be inflicted by the hand of

God before the time specified in the sentence of civil authori | ty. Butthe act of the Almighty frees the soul from the terrors of the first and second death. -~

When God delivers sinners from the us? and dd of their sins, and the sentence thereto annexed, he confers great blessing upon them; bestows many valuable gifts by which they are made rh. Pua. 68, 18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity eaptive; thou hast received cirts for men, yea for the rebellious also. When men are liberated from prisons, people may be disposed to make them some remuneration; but it is only temporal good at best they can impart, which can ser ae eR C family from bodily wants.

į (5, Persons exonerated by Leon judiciaries, are adea arrests for new offences. Many have been aequitted from jails or state-prisons, but again commit crimes and. are sentenced to death, and in a few months executed. Such instances of late have been within our observations. But those whom the Lord acquits will never again be arraigned before the court of Heaven and condemned. None can or dare lay any thing to their charge, so as to sentence them to death; for | there is no condemnation to them: Rom. 8,1. There —.— immutable and an eternal act of “absplation issued for all past and future erimes, — - The late remarkable occurrence or dispensations of divine _ providence among us, in relation to the prisoners condemned, and their wonderful delivernace, will form an epoch in the annals of history that will be transmitted to generations yet unborn, Reflections of a apimą, m, interesting nature are ce "The imperfection of haman nature, under peculiar advantages | ges is clearly Pe | cumstantial evidence play cheno and ‘conelasives or greater in co jury, or coincidence in the public mind.

at few wh o did | hesitate to bring in their verdict of Guitty. — Ae ao of the board oftrial cannot be questioned. Neither are we disposed to impeach the witnesses in general. Even the prisoner himself had confessed the crime, and after all we are assured that they are innocent. 2 It may prove a caution to us to look as favorable as possible on the side of innocency, and to the exercise of that charity that

“ hopeth all things,” and not be too hasty in taking up a reproach against our neighbour—Psal. 15, 3. Courts of judicature are hereby taught to proceed with the utmost deliberation and carefulness, especially in cases of life and death, and not decide without very clear and conclusive evidence.*—

* These remarks are not designed as the least reflection on

| the honourable Court who attended at Manchester. I have often observed, that during the trial, there appeared to be a favorable may Pe mo A fo: criminals, and a very candid in- E ~dulgence. ide ice not directly 5 opum d Mr.

How far the. opinion of our first commentaries on law ought to be regarded, is out of the preachers province to determine; but a point to be discussed by gentlemen of the bar. “ AH

presumptive evidence of felony should be admitted cautiously, (says Blackstone,) for the law holds that it is better that ten guilly persons escape, than that one innocent suffer: and Sir Matthew Hale in particular, days down two rules, most prudent and necessary to be observed. “ 1. Never to conviet a man for stealing. the goods of a person. unknown, mere- ` ly because he will give no account how he came by them, unless an actual felony be proved of. such goods;.2dly. Never to convict any person of murder or: | the body be found dead;-on account of two instances he mentions, where persons were executed for the mender of others who were then alive, but missing...

2, The final issue and termination of the yo ze plainly m favor ofthe reputed criminals, should by no means be im- = proved as a discouragement to search after iniquity, and use all proper measures to detect trangressors, and bring them to condign punishment. In apprehending criminals there are two objects proposed, viz. to find out the guilty, or clear the innocent. These ideas are inseperably involved. When the latter is effected, character is retrieved, the man honoured | and restored to society, aad the dignity and safety of the state secured. A more important point is obtained, even to the public, than if criminality was discovered. |||

If positive evidence in the minds of all must be óbtained of offence, anterior to public process, it would render investigation in almost all cases unnecessary. That there were grounds for suspicion that murder had been committed at Man- chester, none acquainted with all the circumstances will deny; and that it became an imperious duty to enquire into the matter, will not be disputed by the candid. Whether there has been too much, or too little attention pudio the matter,

Bites’ KRE io for deciding agat kòn, considering the comence adduced, Ths has eros tome gines the iting and whether every thing has been attended to in the best manner, would be to contend with the doctrine of human imperfection. The result is favorable, and we rejoice. | 3; Were clearly taught, that there is a superintending providence, that directsall events; that the works of God are great'and marvelous, and past — out. The goodness of the Almighty is plainly illustrated. While he is one that will | by no means clear the guilty; yet he will deliver the innocent in bis own time and way.— God will execute judgment for the oppressed—give food to the hungry: the Lord looseth the prisoners: He heareth the groaning of prisoners, to loose those who are appointed to death.” If the Lord is so ready in such a wonderful way to rescue the bodies and lives of men from death, may we not argue from the less to the greater, and infer the infinite benignity ofthe Saviour, who delivers the souls of men from endless perdition. e agito A e Meer ready to forgive. n EE IT Aid vais s 4. ar ids EN sation of the Almighty, the vast importance of paying a strict. attention Ein ek rit all times, and un-

Those who have parda as of so a distress, cannot but see that the want of adhering properly to this important lesson, has been a fruitful source oftheir calamity and trouble, and how much pains and cost it has been the occasion of. Let parents inculcate this important duty on the minds of their children; and let every instance of vexation and sorrow to which a contrary conduct subjects us, teach us to pay the most sincere regard to truth and uprightness, as we would have the approbation of our Judge, and ma testimony ofa good conscience. - 5. Fhe subject is peculiarly interesting to those among us who have lately been remarkably emancipated from bondage, slavery and death. Was there ever a clearer display of divine interposition? and can they be blind to that Almighty | hand that hath wrought deliverance? God has said to you that were soners, Go forth to you who were in darkness shew yourselves! Human means were used in vain, espe-

«ially for him who continued under sentence of death. Application to legislative authority only tended to render his case more desperate; as it diminished the power of the Governor and council to grant a reprieve. Nothing scarcely but ihe appearance of the supposed murdered exile, would satisfy the public mind, or reverse the sentence of death, and it was little tobe expected. But amidst all these gloomy apprehensions, the arm of the Lord was revealed in your behalf, and has given incontestible. evidence of your. innocence. “The prisoners released, especially the one present, will recognize those melancholly days and nights he has spent in the dreary dungeon; shut out from society, from your family, and friends.

I can never forget those many solitary hours I have spent with you, amidst that dismal habitation. I have in some sense been a kind of companion with you in tribulation. I have been an eye and an ear witness to your tears, agonies and groans, under the awful anticipations of an ignominious death, and of a speedy separation from the dear companion of your youth, and helpless children, whom you declared unto me were dearer to you than life itself Ilad the event taken place who could relate the pitiful story to fatherless children! Could a broken hearted mother lead them to some obscure spot, and say, there, dear children, lies the remains of an unfortunate parent, who wished to be your support in life; the fondness of whose arms were wont to embrace you with parental affection! Could she point them to the gibbit, on whicha father was suspended, and relate the melancholly disaster!—. To conceal it would be improbable, and to relate it almost. impossible. You ought to consider, that alihough you are restored to your family, yet God must be their support. That. Almighty arm that has taken-care of you and been your preserver, must also be their protector. Your anxious desire to be restored to your family, is granted and effected by him whose tender mercies are over all his works. You cannot bat feel a TS B agria ce ve and "et * you refrain from having an altar of praise erected inyour house, to Him who has done such great things for you? Shall not the morning and evening sacrifice ascend like holy incense from your habitation? |

This display of divine goodness should lead you to repentence—Rom. 2, 4.—Although you are found innocent of the charge alledged by an human court; yet with respect to other sins in common with your fellow sinners, you cannot plead exemption. "Tis for our sins we are punished by the hand of God. "Tis for our sins that others are suffered to afflict us. You connot but see that some of your conduct during your imprisonment has had influence in the decision against you. By improper and wrong concessions, you have been led to self-erimination. I hope you will review your past conduct, and will be led to amendment oflife. You have ingenuously confessed to me, that you have too much indulged yourself in imprudent and profane language, which has greatly been improved against you in your late trial. You have been sensible of this, and to your credit I mention it, you have promised to reform. "The apostle James in relation to the tongue, says, «Behold what great matter a little fire kindleth ' The goodness of God in sparing you, is a sure pledge that he is wil- 3 and restore you to his favor. Oh! reflect on > that twenty days more would have intro-

24 disci you, ETIAM Sa ii" À more awful prison awaits the ungodly, where hope never comes. The sentence pronounced against you will doubtless soon be reversed; yet should you be found impenitent, the court of heaven still holds you a prisoner condemned, and the more awful execu- — tion may take place before the 28th of January. “This day may form a kind of anniversary in your life: you will always remember it; and oh! may it during your abode on earth, be a day of thanksgiving to God for the signal display ofhis mercy towards you! Ta this remarkable providence you can see judgment and mercy, eae ent and benignity. Affliction in subjecting for months to a dark and gloomy prison in chains—in berderer—ent off from society, your family, and lying under the sentence of death. But here is divine vis dom and goodness displayed, in reversing ihe sentence, retrieving your character, &c. Had you i been exonerated by the Court: orif the process had never commenced, "tis probable that Colvin would never have been discovered, and a stigma might be fixed on you and unborn posterity. But God has effectually wiped ay the reproach. The prisoners re- | to indulge a hard. and bitter spirit towards some who have appeared in evidence | against them. That a perfect adherence to propriety in all things, amidst such a series of events, could not be expected. If you have in any instance been injured, it is God’s prerogative to avenge the wrong, and not yours, as it is written, * To me belongeth vengeance and recompence. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord Deut. 32, 35; Rom. 12, 19. Vou, see by what has taken | place in your late trials, that God can conduct matters best even for you. Commit all to him. Be ofa peaceable forgiving temper. Suppress every unruly. passion, and all evil “speaking. Let God's goodness so wonderfully displayed, excite you to be merciful, as our. Father who is in- -Heayen is | merciful.. The general and unusual joy manifested by this and the neighbouring towns, on the return of your deserted brother in law, will I think, iucline you to believe that they were not hostile to your life, and did not thirst for human blood. Every countenance expressed gladness, and every tongue hailed the auspicious day. Shouts aad rejoicing resounded from house to house, and from town to town. All seemed apta te rmi in e cap. liverance. |

However great you may prize your pe 2 prison, | bw much more ought you to value and seek acquittance and freedom from the fatal bondage of sin and death! This would - excite singing of a more sublime and extatic nature. AN

Heaven would exult in songs. that would ee never end! — Luke 15, 10. Since the Lord has in so wonde a mar spared your lives, ch! what. obligations a rerful and — and | should this be misimproou no 2 presage of inevitable | kai reproved,, hardeneth x. the heavy hand. of the Aoi pa pails: rejoice.— ^ You have been mourning children devoted to a shameful En and untimely death. Had it taken place, perhaps it would _have brought down your gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. The miseries that come upon our children should lead us to examine, whether our unfaithfalness to the concerns of their souls has not had influence in the calamities to which they are incident. Every day, especially the shadows of evening did not fail to waft your imaginations to the doleful man-

| er conlant your unhappy children, while horrible and frightful scenes ofa disgraceſul death, disturbed your nightly repose. | Every enjoyment of life was imbittered,

| vera by ee "pe A The yearning of the bow- you not say. with the broken hearted Jacob, “ All these things are against me.” nU. | The dwellings of a brother and sister becomes a Bochiks, and their responsive cries entered the walls of distress. At home, abroad, in the house of God, grief lies heavy on their souls; while every tender feeling of the heart swells the tide of anguish and distress, Could an affectionate sister hear of the fatal destiny of two brothers, and not sink beneath the heart-rending tidings!* Oh the bitter reflections, the painful sensations among friends, eee sorb all the pleasures of life!

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But why should I harrow up the soul by too minute a detail, or dwell too long on those days of tribulation? They are passed and gone. God has turned your mourning into dancing. Although weeping endured for along and wearisome night, yet joy came inthe morning. Let Jehovah-jirah, the Lord will see and provide, be written on the posts of your door, and on the fleshy tables of your hearts. Let this motto be inscribed in legible and indelible characters, on all your deportment, that he may run that readeth—The Lord hath. done great things for us, whereof we are glad. trust this and the neighbouring towns have, in a degree, by their conduct exemplified that inspired injunction, “ Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." “Their readiness to afford pecuniary relief to the distressed family, is a practical demonstration. It has for months past been a time of peculiar mourning and distress, to see our fellow creatures in wretched confinement, awaiting an awfal execution. I trust our prayers have been ascended to Heaven for divine interposition, and the Lord in a myste- ` rious way has granted us deliverance. Through the. faithfulness and vigilence of our fellow-citizens, (under God,) the town of Manchester is delivered from the public censure of Blood-guiltiness; which otherwise would have clave to them to the latest posterity... All who read and hear this mysteri- EF ous cvents, even generations yet to come, will be constrain- | ed to exclaim, * Verily there is a God, whose Le are unsearchable, and his ways past ſinding out.” | l canscarcely persuade myself to quit the subject, altho’ it will be a kind of repetition, without adverting to that ex- — - tacy and delight, with which we beheld the devoted man quit bis direful abode. He was waiting between hope and fear, | until the glad tidings were proclaimed—the prison-door | opened, the chains unrivited, and he welcemed to the light. | May it not reprove such who are under the sentence of God's law; prisoners of hope, and will not come out. O! that! 3 piola peladas I isa g E. tulatory declaration pim ec i eliver 3 61. qe A spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent meto bind up the broken hearted; to proclaim liberty - to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. Letme say to the prisoners, Go forth! To you #hat are in darkness, Shew yourselves. The door is thrown wide open—Jesus is ready to break your bonds asunder. Angels invite—yea, all Heaven stand ready to shout your deliverance through the streets of New-Jerusalem. The nature of our inability can be infered by seeing the prisoner escape when the door is unlocked, that it is of the moral kind, being bound only with the cords of our sins, unwilling to depart. We are not convened this day to witness the awful death of a fellow mortal, suspended between the Heavens and the earth—Nor to hear the bitter sighs, or behold the distorted visage of a devoted malefactor; but to hear the jubilee trumpet proclaiming salvation. Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope. May the arm of the Lord be re-