AT the time of writing this, a youth named John Cossey lies under sentence of death in Norwich prison. He had, in a moment of anger, taken the life of a fellow-creature; and the law of this country, agreeably to the law of God, sentenced him to the penalty of death. It is not within the province of these pages to make any remark as to the guilt of the unhappy man, or refer to his position as so near eternity. The present desire is to place upon record a very solemn warning. He had a painful interview with his parents, and afterward wrote the following letter:
“MY DEAR MOTHER AND FATHER, BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
“Just a few lines to you, and I hope they will reach you quite well as they leave me.
“I am very sorry to have caused you so much sorrow and trouble, but I really did not know what I was doing of at the time. I must have been out of my mind, and I pray God will forgive me.
“I hope this will be a lesson to the other boys and girls, and may they learn to do as you wish them to, for if I had obeyed you this would not have happened; but I must suffer for it, God helping me.
“It looks to me as I am born unlucky, for I have never been able to get on. I have had good chances in my life, but that cursed drink has been my downfall, and I hope the other boys will not make it a practice to spend their time in the public house, but do as you bid them to, and learn to love God and do His will, and love one another.
“I hope they will take care of you both in your old days and make you comfortable and happy. Give my love to uncle and tell him not to fret about me; and you must not.
“I must now draw this to a close as it is dinner time. You can do as you like with my clothing and box, and tell to give my best respects to—. So now, good-bye to you all.
“If I don’t see you no more on earth, I pray God we may meet in Heaven, where there will be no more parting.
“Good-bye, from your unworthy son,
“JOHN COSSEY.”
May this be useful as a word of warning to our young people.