contempt and confusion overtake him! But till then, place confidence, and pay respect to that authority where confidence and respect are due. "And now, gentlemen, give me leave to take notice of one public offence, so alarming in its nature, and so mischievous in its effects, that, like a pestilence, it does not only stand in need of your immediate assistance, but that of all good men, to stop its corroding progress; I mean the exposing to sale, and selling such indecent and obscene prints and books as are sufficient to put impudence itself to the blush. Surely, gentlemen, Providence has placed too strong propensions in our nature to stand in need of such inflammatory aids as these; on the contrary, in this particular, we rather require restraints than encouragements; but, if at that period of life when our children and apprentices stand in need of a parent to advise, a master to restrain, or a friend to admonish and check the first impulse of passion, pictures like these are held forth to meet their early feelings, what but destruction must be the event? Indeed, by care, you may prevent youth in some degree from frequenting bad company; you may accustom them to good habits, afford them examples worthy imitation, and by shutting your doors early, may oblige them to keep good hours; but, alas! what doors, what bolts, what bars, can be any security to their innocence, whilst Vice in this deluding form counteracts all caution, and bids defiance to the force of precept, prudence, and example, by affording such foul but palatable hints as are destructive to modesty, sobriety, and obedience? But, what is still more shocking, I am informed that women, nay mothers of families, to the disgrace of their sex, are the cruel dispensers of this high-seasoned mischief; but, if duty or humanity should spirit up any one to prosecute such offenders, I conjure you as fathers, masters, and subjects, to afford them the best assistance in your power, to put a stop to this shameful and abominable practice. "I am very sensible that I have already trespassed much on your time, but cannot take my leave without acquainting you that our Courts of Judicature of late have abounded with prosecutions for wilful and corrupt perjury--dreadful offence! But, as oaths are the foundation of all our judicial proceedings, and the negligent administration of these oaths is one great cause of perjury, I do earnestly recommend it to you, Mr. Foreman, not to permit any witness to give his testimony without reminding him that he is about to speak under the sacred influence of an oath, and that he has called the great God himself to witness that he is speaking truth."