Page:Remarkable life and death of Agnes Webster.pdf/7

7 no crime is more injurious to the bodies and souls of individuals, to the peace and comfort of families, and to the welfare of society, and no sin makes way for more horrible consequences, as introductory to all other wickedness. But how will these heathens rise up in judgment against, and condemn thousands falsely called Christians, who, having seduced and defiled the objects of their pretended affection, afterwards treat them with contempt and hatred, leave them to the infamy and misery of prostitution, disease, and death; and without the least compassion for them or their broken-hearted parents, proceed to add new trophies of their infamous success, and to multiply the victims of their unbridled lusts. Surely Shechem was in this more honourable, not only than all the house of his father but than all the rest of his brethren, the whole tribe of seducers, who are in honour and conscience, bound to propose and make this only but inadequate reparation, though few of them are willing to do it!

It appears from the statement made by the unfortunate Agnes, that she is a native of Cambuslang, near Glasgow;—her father and mother having both died when she was about 14 years of age. It seems her father’s death took place somewhat suddenly, caused by apoplexy, leaving her to the care of a