“ Such were some of the reflections which this unhappy man occasionally uttered in prison, often did he lament the insensability with which he had treated the warnings that Providence had given him; and he declared, that were he to obtain a free pardon, he could not tell whether he would not after all yield again even to the worst temptations of lust, or sloth, and of avarice. Let every one who even allows himself with secret desire, to contemplate the possibility of robbing, or pilfering without detection, think well of this declaration; for one act of dishonesty will lead him to another. ”

“ His behaviour in the prison here, and at the place of execution, was exemplary, and seemed to accord with his unhappy situation. As this was the first execution that ever took place at Greenock, we sincerely hope it may be the last, and that the recollection of the source that produced such an awful spectacle to the crowd assembled, and painful task to those more immediately charged with having the law put in execution, may serve as a warning and admonition to that part of the community who by their heedless or determined course of life, render such dreadful examples necessary. ”

“ How willing to flatter itself with the hope of always escaping detection and punishment! Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily his heart is fully set in him to do evil. A man who has not the fear of God may receive repeated warnings in the punishment of his companions or in diseases or dangers which befall himself, and his conscience may smite him for his sins ”