Page:Last and great sermon, of the Rev Dr William Dodd.pdf/12

( 12 ) thought, that when they were to die, they paid the legal forfeit, and that the world had no farther demand upon them; that therefore they might, by keeping their own secrets, try to leave behind them, a disputable reputation; and that the falshood was harmless because none were injured; they had very little considered the nature of society. One of the principle parts of national felicity arises from a wise and impartial administration of justice. Every man repo upon the tribunals of his country, the stability of and the serenity of life. He therefore who unjustly exposes the courts of judicature to suspicion either of partiality or error, not only does an injury to those who dispence the laws, but diminishes the public confidence in the laws themselves, and shakes the foundation of public tranquility.

For my own part, I confess, with deepest compunction, the crime which has brought me to this place; and admit the justice of my sentence, while I am sinking under its severity. And I earnestly exhort you, my fellow prisoners, to acknowledge the offences which have been already proved; and to bequeath to our country that confidence in public justice without which there can be neither peace nor safety.

As few men suffer for their first offences, and convicts are conscious of more crimes than have been brought within judicial cognizance, it is necessary to enquire how far confession ought to be extended. Peace of mind, or desire of instruction may sometime demand that to the minister, whose counsel is required, a long course of evil life should be discovered but of this every man must determine for himself. To the public, every man, before he departs from life, obliged to confess those acts which have brought,  may bring unjust suspicion upon others; and to convey such information as may enable those who have suffered losses to obtain restitution.

Whatever good remains in our power we must perform. We must prevent, to the