Christianity among convicts : Dr. Browning's labours / issued by the Howard Association, London.

Date:
[1872]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Christianity among convicts : Dr. Browning's labours / issued by the Howard Association, London. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    impressions made upon the minds of these prisoners by the surgeon- superintendent ■ and that these have not been thrown away, is best shown by the exemplary conduct of the convicts since them arrival. The superintendent of the barracks reports that they have been invariably clean, sober, and regular, whilst at the same time none of them have yet been brought before magistrates for punishment, a fact which has never before occurred within the knowledge of the chief police magistrate or principal superintendent.” Colonel Arthur particularly approved Dr. Browning’s mode of classify¬ ing his men, and of, as far as possible, developing their good qualities by giving them some useful service to do, aiid causing those prisoners who were, in however humble a degree, competent, to teach and help some of their comrades. His theology also was very practical. He taught that with Cod there is no arbitrary or unconditional forgiveness; that Christ saves by really taking away sin, and that heaven and hell are not merely localities, but mental and moral states, either of happy goodness or miserable ungodliness. He declared, “ Pardon is indeed dispensed, but not at the expense either of law or justice.” Hence he refused to remit merited punishments, on the ground that it would be unkind both to the offender and others to do so. In addressing the prisoners he said : “ What did man’s disobedience require ere he could be restored to purity and to bliss] Ho thing less than the incarnation, sufferings, and obedience, even unto death, of the Son of God. Can any of you, then, think lightly of dis¬ obedience ]” Like all good men, Dr. Browning had great faith in prayer, public, private, and intercessory prayer. He recommended and practised it constantly, and regarded it as the primary means of obtaining the indis¬ pensable aid of God’s Holy Spirit to influence the objects of his exertions. Whilst strict in repressing offences, he always recognised and fostered the good qualities remaining in convicts, some of whom he knew to be not greater sinners than many persons free and respected in the com¬ munity. And he strongly disapproved of the too-prevalent scepticism as to the reformation of criminals, especially seeing that it is only by Divine grace that any person can become a true Christian. Why then should we dishonour God and limit the Holy One “ by doubting the Divine power to convert, by His Spirit, a convict, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ His Son]” [Copies of this paper have been posted to about one thousand chief officers of prisons in Great Britain and Ireland, in addition to a wide distribution amongst other persons at home and abroad.] The Howard Association was instituted (under the patronage of the late Lord Brougham) for the promotion of the best methods of Penal Treatment and Crime Prevention. Treasurer, E. H. Lowler, Esq., M.P.; Secretary, William Tallack ; Office, 5, Bishopsgate Street, Without, London, E.C. It labours to indoctrinate the public mind with the impor¬ tance of a reformatory and radically preventive treatment. R. Barrett & Sons, Printers, 13, Mark Lane, London.