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207 wish it were better than it is, especially since it may well be supposed, as the state of religion is at present among us, that some condemned malefactors may have never had the doctrine of the gospel enforced upon their consciences. Bat since it must be acknowledged of greater consequence, in a religious, as well as civil respect, how persons live than how they die, it cannot but be even more incumbent on us to endeavour, in all ways, to reclaim those offenders who are to return again into the world, than those who are to be removed out of it: and the only effectual means of reclaiming them is, to instil into them a principle of religion. If persons of authority and influence would take things of this and a like kind under their consideration, they might perhaps still improve those charities, which are already, I truly believe, under a better management than any other of so large a compass in the world. But,

4. With regard to the two particular branches of them last mentioned, I would observe, that our laws and whole constitution, civil and ecclesiastical, go more upon supposition of an equality amongst mankind than the constitution and laws of any other countries. Now, this plainly requires that more particular regard should be had to the education of the lower people here than in places where they are born slaves of power, and to be made slaves of superstition. It is, I suppose, acknowledged that they have greater liberty here than they have anywhere else in the world; but unless care be taken for giving them some inward principle, to prevent their abusing this greater liberty, which is their birthright, can we expect it will prove a blessing to them? Or will they not, in all probability, become more dissolute, or more wild and extravagant, whatever wrong turn they happen to take, than people of the same rank in other countries?

5. Let me again remind you of the additional reason which persons of fortune have to take particular care of their whole behaviour, that it be in all respects good and