"You cannot have, by the laws of God or man, power to take away the life of a human creature, however deserving he may be of death.

If it is murder even in a lawful magistrate to execute an offender otherwise than in the place, time, and manner which the judges' sentence prescribes, what must it be in you, who have no warrant for interference but your own wills?
In the name of Him who is all mercy, show mercy to this unhappy man, and do not dip your hands in his blood, nor rush into the very crime which you are desirous of avenging!" "Cut your sermon short--you are not in your pulpit," answered one of the rioters.
"If we hear more of your clavers," said another, "we are like to hang you up beside him." "Peace--hush!" said Wildfire.

"Do the good man no harm--he discharges his conscience, and I like him the better." He then addressed Butler.

"Now, sir, we have patiently heard you, and we just wish you to understand, in the way of answer, that you may as well argue to the ashlar-work and iron stanchels of the Tolbooth as think to change our purpose--Blood must have blood.

We have sworn to each other by the deepest oaths ever were pledged, that Porteous shall die the death he deserves so richly; therefore, speak no more to us, but prepare him for death as well as the briefness of his change will permit." They had suffered the unfortunate Porteous to put on his night-gown and slippers, as he had thrown off his coat and shoes, in order to facilitate his attempted escape up the chimney.