There are men who seem formed to discharge a certain class of duties, beyond which they lack zeal and fail of efficiency. But Townsend Sharpless seemed to fulfil the injunction of Scripture, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might.” In business or rational recreation, in works of general benevolence, in the councils and labor of this Society, he was constant, zealous and successful. No half-way measures satisfied his plans, or gratified his wishes. He satisfied himself first that the work was one of benevolence, and then he made it a duty, and discharged it. In the walks of business there was no man who seemed better to understand the whole routine of trade, and few were ever more devoted, or more successful. As a philanthropist the same zeal, the same method secured equal success to his labors. And warm-hearted in his friendship, his social relations were of the most pleasing and gratifying kind. The Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons, then, in referring to the death of such a member, feel that they have lost in the demise of Townsend Sharpless, a valued member, a respected Vice-President, an exemplary merchant, a useful citizen, and a practical philanthropist. As the Scriptures inform us that it is “well with the righteous,” we have only to mourn in the death of our several valued colleagues, our personal deprivations, and the loss which the cause of humanity sustains in the withdrawal from its labors of men whose experience gave weight to their counsel, and efficiency to their labors. The starred names of our muster-roll show how much of purity, piety, zeal and judgment have been vouchsafed to this Society. The cause in which they labored is transmitted to our hands. In addition to their motive to stimulate us, we have their bright examples by which to direct our course and regulate our conduct. ------------------ CONCLUSION.