When the innocent fall into misfortune, it is the part of a generous
and brave spirit to contribute as far as possible to their relief; and
there is no quality of mind more amiable than that of tenderly feeling
for the distressed: but we ought not to let our compassion flow out
upon improper objects, lest we may, by saving a villain, be doing an
act of injustice to the community. When wicked men are entrapped in
their own pernicious schemes, and laid hold of by the arm of justice,
it is a misplaced lenity to endeavour to screen or protect them from
it, as by letting them loose to continue their depredations, we become
the advocates for their crimes, and in some degree partakers in their
enormities.
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