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diff --git a/41720.txt b/41720.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e88f8f6..0000000 --- a/41720.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,22960 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Prisons and Prayer: Or a Labor of Love, by -Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Prisons and Prayer: Or a Labor of Love - -Author: Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton - -Release Date: December 28, 2012 [EBook #41720] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRISONS AND PRAYER *** - - - - -Produced by Jana Srna, Bryan Ness, Julia Neufeld and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: _MOTHER WHEATON_] - - - - - PRISONS AND PRAYER - - OR - - A LABOR OF LOVE - - BY - - ELIZABETH R. WHEATON - - Prison Evangelist - - [Illustration: decoration] - - An account of nearly Twenty-two Years of Gospel Work, seeking - the lost, in Prisons, Reformatories, Stockades, Rescue - Homes, Saloons and Dives, and on the - Streets, Railway Trains, etc. - - [Illustration: decoration] - - "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall - doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with - him." Psa. 126:6. - - [Illustration: decoration] - - "For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave - me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye - clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I - was IN PRISON, and ye came unto - me."--Matthew 25: 35, 36. - - [Illustration: decoration] - - CHAS. M. KELLEY - Tabor, Iowa. - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1906, - - BY - CHAS. M. KELLEY. - - - - -DEDICATION. - - - To the - RAILROAD OFFICIALS who have so generously and cheerfully provided - me transportation; their EMPLOYEES, whose kindness has so many - times lightened the weariness of my journeys; the STATE and - PRISON OFFICIALS, who have heartily welcomed me and set before - me open doors; the THOUSANDS OF PRISONERS AND - OTHERS who have shown by word and deed their appreciation - of my efforts to help them to a better life; to the - many who have in any way ministered to my necessities - or offered an encouraging word by the way, - and to my SPIRITUAL CHILDREN, these pages are - cheerfully inscribed by - THE AUTHOR. - - -THE HARVEST TIME. - - The seed I have scattered in springtime with weeping, - And watered with tears and with dews from on high, - Another may shout while the harvester's reaping, - Shall gather my grain in the sweet by and by. - - CHORUS-- - - Over and over, yes, deeper and deeper, - My heart is pierced through with life's sorrowing cry, - But the tears of the sower and the songs of the reaper - Shall mingle together in joy by and by; - By and by, by and by, by and by, by and by, - Yes the tears of the sower and the songs of the reaper - Shall mingle together in joy by and by. - - Another may reap what in springtime I've planted, - Another rejoice in the fruit of my pain, - Not knowing my tears when in summer I fainted, - While toiling, sad-hearted, in sunshine and rain. - - The thorns will have choked and the summer sun blasted - The most of the seed which in springtime I've sown, - But the Lord who has watched while my weary toil lasted - Will give me a harvest for what I have done. - - --W. A. SPENCER - -Words and music copyright, John J. Hood, Philadelphia. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -DEAR READER: Over twenty years have passed since God called and -commissioned me to go to those that were bound. Within five years from -the time I entered upon the work, I had been enabled to preach the -gospel in every state and territory and had held meetings in nearly -every state-prison in the United States and in the prisons in Canada -and Mexico. My first trip to Europe was made in 1890. I have not only -held meetings in prison, but have endeavored to "preach the gospel to -every creature"--to those in authority, governors, prison and railroad -officials, and trainmen, as well as to those in churches, missions, -prisons, hospitals, alms-houses, dives, brothels, saloons and the -slums. In all places God has fulfilled His promise to be with me and -has given me evidence that my labor was not in vain in Him. - -When I was made to feel that the Lord required me to write of the -victories He had wrought and of the work yet waiting to be done I was -amazed and am still, though it is more than ten years since God first -told me to write for Him. Early left an orphan, my childhood was spent -in the country where I had to walk two miles across the fields and -through deep snows in order to get to school, and my life-work has -been crippled by my lack of education. How then can I write? Yet the -command of the Lord has been upon me and the cry of the needy has rung -in my ears. Words cannot describe the cruel wrongs, the awful -injustice, the scenes of desolation and degradation that have come to -my knowledge. Much has been done, much is being done; and yet, O how -much still needs to be done, in behalf of those in prison! Wrongs -that are indescribable still cry to God for vengeance in this our own -land. Cruelties that are beyond the power of language to describe -_still exist_, and the cry of the oppressed comes up to the ear of Him -who has declared "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." - -One reason I have for writing, is to show the great need of Holy Ghost -workers--those whose hearts God has touched--to carry the gospel to -those whose lives are darkened, blighted and blasted, and tell them of -a mighty deliverance from the bondage of sin, and of freedom in -Christ. - -Reader, if you could see the many inside prison walls going insane, -you would not wonder that, by the grace of God, I am determined to -prosecute my work as I have never done before, to save these poor -prisoners from despair, and to do with my might what my hands find to -do. - -I have kept no diary or journal and nearly all of ten years' -correspondence was destroyed at one time by fire. Hence I have written -largely from memory, and without any attempt to give an orderly and -connected account of my work. I have endeavored to put before you, -dear reader, such glimpses of the work and the field as would fairly -illustrate that which has been done and that which needs to be done. - -I ask for my imperfect work your kind consideration, and trust that -you will overlook my many mistakes and pray God's blessing to rest -upon the effort; and if I can only awaken in your hearts a deeper -compassion for lost girls and fallen men and the heart-broken friends -who mourn the loss of loved ones, I shall not have written in vain. - -In the selection, arrangement and preparation of manuscript, I have -been assisted by several friends who have been much interested in the -work, whose labor and patience can only be rewarded by Him whom we -serve. Among these are Brother and Sister Shaw, of Chicago, who have -so kindly given the introduction to the work, having full knowledge of -its contents and ability to judge of its merits. I will also mention -Brother and Sister Kelley, of Tabor, Iowa, who have rendered valuable -assistance. - -With many prayers and tears I send this work forth, hoping it may find -a place on your book-shelf and a corner in your heart, and that you -and I, dear reader, may meet where there are no prison walls, iron -bars, nor breaking hearts. And may there be gathered there with us at -Jesus' feet many of those whom we are striving to comfort and save, -while together we crown our Savior Lord of all, and through an endless -eternity worship Him who gave His life a ransom for the lost--"because -He loved them so." - - "MOTHER WHEATON." - - - - -INTRODUCTION. - - -This world is, to a large extent, a great prison house. Nearly all of -its inhabitants are prisoners surrounded by walls of sin and darkness. -Many are bound down by the curse of rum, others by the besetting sins -of lust, unholy temper, envy, revenge, malice, hatred, jealousy, -prejudice, pride, covetousness, or selfishness resulting from a carnal -mind. Out of the vast multitudes that are led captive by the devil at -his will, a few that have violated human law have been sentenced to -various prisons and reformatories. This book has much to say about the -men and women behind prison walls. It records the sad story of many -prisoners in a way that very few can read without being moved to tears -and that will awaken sympathy in the hardest hearts. It also tells of -the work of God among prisoners both in this and other countries. It -records some of the brightest of Christian experiences on record, -showing how many prisoners that have been slaves to worse than human -law and have lived in greater darkness than in the prison dungeon, -have been made free by being translated into the light that outshines -the noonday sun, and how they have been enabled to live noble, -Christian lives behind the bars. - -We are well acquainted with the author, having known her for several -years and having had the privilege of entertaining her in our home -more or less during that time. This acquaintance has enabled us to -know something of the burden that rests upon her soul for prisoners. -She has doubtless spent more time in the work, visited more prisons -and traveled farther than any other living prison worker. She has -visited practically all of the prisons of the United States and -Canada and most of them many times, and twice she has crossed the sea. -Her mission has been a mission of loving service, with but little -financial reward. But the Master who laid this work upon her heart has -given her rich reward for all her toil and privation and suffering, -for many have been converted through her instrumentality. Some have -gone to their reward. Many others, both in and out of prison, are -living honest, useful lives. - -Had this work been written only for the hasty reader who has but a few -hours at the most to give, much that it contains might better have -been omitted; but such as these can easily select from its pages that -which is most to their liking, while those who are deeply interested -in the work of soul-saving, as well as the prisoner whose spare hours -drag heavily and slowly, will here find food for study and -encouragement that will repay for many days of careful reading. - -In many respects, such a work as is here represented has never been -done by any other person. For these hundreds of pages give but a few -glimpses, as it were, of the work "Mother Wheaton" has done. We have -assisted her in gleaning from the many hundreds of letters still in -her possession (though much of her correspondence was destroyed by -fire) and in arranging and preparing matter for publication. We have -listened as with eyes filled with tears she has told us of the needs -of the work, and with every day thus spent we have become more deeply -interested in the work to which her life has been given. In a memorial -service it was said of the late Bishop William Taylor: "He was not an -organizer nor an administrator; not a statesman, in the ordinary use -of those terms. He was rather a great religious pioneer. He blazed -pathways through unknown moral wilds, and left the work of -organization mainly to those who might follow after." Such, in her -field of labor, has largely been the work of Mother Wheaton. - -No place has been far enough away, no stockade hard enough to reach, -no day warm enough or cold enough or stormy enough, no prison official -or stockade captain sufficiently abusive, to discourage her when she -felt that the Master bade her go forward. - -With a burning love for all the sinful and all the needy, she has gone -from north to south and from east to west, seeking the lost as one -seeks for hidden treasure. Through nights of weariness and days of -toil she has sought them and loved them and wept over them, man or -woman or child, as a mother weeps over and loves her own. She has -borne their burdens and shared their sorrows--ever bringing to them -the cheering word, the testimony or inspiring song, the faithful -warning, the earnest prayer, the plain gospel message, the hearty -hand-clasp, the loving "God bless you." - -We believe and pray that these pages may be greatly used of God to -reach thousands of hearts and stir up many to carry forward the work -so dear to her, when "Mother Wheaton" has crossed over to meet those -that are waiting to welcome her on the other side. - - Yours, in Jesus' love, - ETTA E. SHAW. - S. B. SHAW. - - Chicago, Ill., 1906. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - BIOGRAPHY AND CALL TO THE WORK. - - Birth--Left an Orphan--Conversion--Marriage--Sorrow-- - Sanctification--Call to Prison Work--Family Reunion--Sketch - of My Life by My Brother 23 - - - CHAPTER II. - - LETTER TO MY PRISON CHILDREN. - - My Limited Education--Disappointments--A Friend in Jesus 38 - - - CHAPTER III. - - A PLEA FOR THE PRISONER. - - In the Shadow of the Wall (poem)--Letters to Prison Officers-- - Worth While (poem)--Prejudice--A Look into the Cell--Insane - Prisoners--All Prisoners Not Criminal--Prepared to Die 43 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - A BRIEF PEN PICTURE OF PRISON LIFE. - - The Buildings--Entrance--Chapel and Dining-room--Chapel - Service--The Cell-house--Workshops--Hospital 59 - - - CHAPTER V. - - LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION AND KIND WORDS FROM GOVERNORS, PRISON - OFFICIALS, ETC. - - From Governors--Prison Wardens--Chaplains 67 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - SOME OF MY PRISON BOYS. - - A Prisoner's Conversion as Shown by His Letters--A Talented - Young Man--Under Death Sentence--Commuted--Finally Pardoned-- - Letters--Sentenced for Life--His Letters--Faithful Inside and - Outside of Prison Walls 87 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - LETTERS FROM CO-WORKERS AND MY PRISON GIRLS. - - Letters from Sister Co-workers--From My Prison-bound Girls 117 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - INCIDENTS IN MY PRISON WORK. - - Letter from the Prisoners at Chester, Ill.--Extract of Chaplain's - Report--Suicide of a Prisoner--"I Have no Friends"--Letters - from Chaplain Starr--A Way Opened in Answer to Prayer--A Letter - from a Governor--A Woman Converted and Healed--A Change - Wrought--A Chaplain in My Audience--Impressed to Tarry-- - Encouragement by the Way--Cruel Neglect--Another Suicide--Just - Out of Prison--Dying in Prison--Does It Pay?--Saved and Preaching - the Gospel--In Solitary Confinement--Crape on the Door--In a - Police Station--Burned in His Cell--The Innocent in Bonds-- - Confessed Her Guilt--Under Sentence of Death--"The Religion - Mother Had" 135 - - - CHAPTER IX. - - CONVERSION OF DESPERATE PRISONERS PREVENTS A TERRIBLE MUTINY. - - Welcomed in Prison--An After-Service--Plan of the Mutiny--Havoc - of Sin--Letters 161 - - - CHAPTER X. - - REMARKABLE CONVERSION AND EXPERIENCE OF GEO. H. COLGROVE. - - His Own Story--Infidel Literature--Burglary and Murder--Life - Sentence--Conversion--Study of the Scriptures--Bible Class - Teacher--An Enemy Kindly Treated--A Pardon Refused--Second - Effort to Secure a Pardon--Letters--Final Illness and Triumphant - Death 169 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - WORK IN STOCKADES AND PRISON CAMPS IN SOUTHERN STATES. - - Race Question--Letters of Introduction and Recommendation--A - Stockade--Letter to a Governor--Reply of Prison Manager--Plea - for Women Convicts--Bloodhounds--Coal Mines--A Touching - Incident--First Meeting in a Prison Camp--Ride on Engine of - a Coal Train--First Railroad Pass--Ride on a Mule 187 - - - CHAPTER XII. - - STOCKADES AND PRISON CAMPS CONTINUED. - - Novel Conveyances--Assisting a Colored Minister--Through - Danger Alone--Prostrate Among Prisoners--A Meeting at Day - Dawn--Helping to Bury a Prisoner--Wreck of a Coal Train--Sugar - Camps--Ride in a Cart--In a Gambling Saloon--Condition of - Convicts--Unjustly Condemned--Need of Reform 212 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - WORK IN FT. MADISON, IOWA, AND SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO. - - My First Effort for Service in a Prison--Kindness of Officers - and Men--Letters from Officials--Work in Santa Fe, N. Mex.-- - Three Christian Men Pardoned--A Forty Years' Sentence--Kind - Words from Governor and Superintendent 241 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - GONE HOME FROM THE SCAFFOLD. - - Special Mission to Doomed Men--Indifferent but Finally - Converted--Letters--Mother's Prayers--Claimed to Be Innocent-- - Hardened in Crime--Ten Men under Death Sentence--Conversion - of a Jewish Boy--Mysteriously Guided--In Long Expectation-- - Sentence Commuted--A Man Deceived--Interceded for a Boy--Went to - the Scaffold Singing--A Prominent Official--Recent Cases 254 - - - CHAPTER XV. - - WORK IN CHURCHES AND MISSIONS. - - Provided with Food in Answer to Prayer--A Great Revival--A - Man Saved from Suicide--Letters from Pastors and Others--Church - of the Redeemer in Baltimore--Successful Meetings--Young - Man Called to the Ministry--A Colored Woman Saved and - Preaching-- Incidents--Saved by a Hymn 294 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - PREACHING THE GOSPEL ON RAILWAY TRAINS. - - Accidental Death of My Nephew--My First Trip by Rail--Experience - of a Railroad Man--Transportation--A Kind Conductor--Interesting - Services--Train Saved from Wreck--A Train in Danger--Impressed - to Leave the Train--Helped to Care for a Wounded - Man--Conductor's "God Bless You"--A Woman's Faith Encouraged-- - Riding in a Parlor Car--Favor to the Railroad Company 313 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - STREET AND OPEN AIR. - - Poem--Permits to Hold Street Meetings--From a Missionary--My - First Street Meeting--A Wonderful Conversion--Became a - Preacher--The Blind Encouraged--Forbidden to Preach on the - Street--Thought They Saw a Ghost--Hurt by a Saloonkeeper--Warned - to Leave the City--In Jail 328 - - - RESCUE WORK. - - "A Mother's Plea" (poem)--A Plea for our Sisters--Drunken - Women and Men--Assaulted in a Dive--Attempts Suicide--A Girl - Saved--A Girl Rejected at a Rescue Home--Neglected by the - Churches--Visits to Hospitals--Kind Tributes--The Prodigal - Daughter (poem) 349 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - WORK IN CANADA AND MEXICO. - - Street Meetings in Hamilton--In London, Ontario--A Girl - Rescued--In Kingston--Stoned in Quebec--Victory in Toronto-- - In Victoria, B. C.--Work in Mexico--A Bull Fight--Wept with - Condemned Men--Attacked by a Fierce Dog--Ministered to a - Sufferer 365 - - - CHAPTER XX. - - ACROSS THE SEA. - - On the Ocean--In a Foreign Land--Preaching in Glasgow--My - Life in Danger--A Song Stops a Row--Arrested for Singing-- - Tumult in a Dive--Mob of Drunken Women--Letter from - America--In Paisley--Return to America--Second Visit to - Europe--Experiences in London--Safe Return to America-- - Letter from Scotland 372 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - TRAVEL AND TOIL. - - Two Nights' Service--One Weeks' Work--A Profitable Trip--Six - Weeks' Service--Recent Work--Another Trip 395 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - LETTERS FROM PRISONERS. 431 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - KIND WORDS FROM FRIENDS. - - From H. L. Hastings--Mrs. H. L. Hastings--E. E. Byrum, - Author and Editor--Mother of a Prisoner--Prisoner's - Daughter--An Editor--Ex-Prisoner--Miscellaneous 477 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - SKETCHES FROM PRESS REPORTS. 491 - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - FURNISHED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK. - - "Who Will Man the Life Boat?" (poem)--Adaptation Needed--The - Masses Not Reached--My Boy in India--Preaching the Gospel - in the Pesthouse--How the Lord Provides--Miscellaneous - Incidents 530 - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - SELECTIONS FROM MY SCRAPBOOK. - - Author of Flower Mission Day--Flower Day at the Prison--Lines - by a Prisoner--Take This Message to My Mother--Not Lonely - Now--Jesus Is Looking On--How God Calls Missionaries Out of - Prison Cells--Outside the Prison Walls--If We Knew--Little - Graves--The Mother's Warning--Harry's Remorse-- - Twenty-Thirty-Four--His Mother's Song--Perfect Peace--Sweet - Revenge--No Telephone in Heaven--A True Hero--Perfect Through - Faith--The Kid--Charged with Murder--Mother's Face--Only - Sixteen--The Dress Question 547 - - SONGS. - - 1. "Life's Railway to Heaven." - 2. "Meet Me There." - 3. "God Bless My Boy." - 4. "The Great Judgment Morning." - 5. "My Name in Mother's Prayer." - 6. "Over There." - 7. "This Way." - 8. "She's More to Be Pitied." - 9. "Some Mother's Child." - 10. "Tell My Dear Old Mother." - 11. "When the Death-bell Shall Toll." - 12. "The End of the Way." - - - APPENDIX. 596 - - The Personnel of Prison Management. By Warden C. E. Haddox. - Meditations of a Prisoner. - Discourse on "The Agony in the Garden." By a Prisoner. - Directory of Prisons and Reformatories. - - - ILLUSTRATIONS. - - Frontispiece - Ohio State Prison 27 - Family Group 34 - John Ryder 34 - Giving the Boys Counsel 42 - With Insane Prisoners 52 - Prisoners Marching 58 - Prison Chapel and Dining Room 60 - Corridor in Cell House 62 - New Federal Prison at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. 66 - The Old Tombs, New Tombs, New York 80 - Personal Work 86 - Administration Building, Mitchelville, Iowa 115 - Campus and Play-ground, Girls' Industrial School, Mitchelville, - Ia. 116 - A Chaplain's Residence 118 - Women's Prison, Allegheny, Pa. 121 - Group of Girls in an Industrial School 132 - Southern Illinois State Prison at Chester 134 - Interior of Chapel, Dining Apartment, and Row of Cells, - Chester, Ill. 160 - Geo. H. Colgrove 169 - Smelter and Work Shops, Chester, Ill. 186 - Woman Convict at Work in the Field 195 - Convicts Getting Out Coal 198 - Prison at Santa Fe, N. Mex. 240 - Church of the Redeemer, Baltimore, Md. 303 - A Railroad Engine 312 - Miss Josephine Cowgill 329 - Mother Prindle 361 - State Prison, Joliet, Ill. 394 - Prison at Deer Lodge, Mont. 397 - Criminal Insane Hospital, Chester, Ill. 408 - Prison at Huntsville, Tex. 410 - Group of Delegates at Prison Congress, 1904 414 - Industrial Reform School, Hutchinson, Kan. 416 - Industrial School, Whittier, Cal. 418 - Prisons at Jackson, Mich., Deer Lodge, Mont., and Folsom, Cal. 430 - A Ward in Prison Hospital 445 - Kitchen and Dining Room 455 - Drug Department in Prison Hospital 475 - Mother Wheaton 490 - Ruthena, India Famine Boy 535 - State Prison, Anamosa, Iowa 546 - - - - - "Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer - Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice - Rise like a fountain for me night and day. - For what are men better than sheep or goats - That nourish a blind life within the brain, - If, knowing God, they lift not the hands of prayer - Both for themselves and those who call them friend? - For so the whole round earth is every way - Bound by gold chains about the feet of God." - - --_Tennyson._ - - - - -PRISONS AND PRAYER - -OR - -A LABOR OF LOVE. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - Biography and Call to the Work. - - -I was born May 10, 1844, in Wayne County, Ohio. My parents, John and -Mary Van Nest Ryder, were honest, hard working people, and were -earnest Christians. One year after my birth, my father died, leaving -my mother with five little children--three boys and two girls. Mother -married again and had two children. The little girl was buried the day -before mother died. My half-brother, J. P. Thompson, still lives in -Ohio. Five years after my father's death my mother followed him to the -better land, and I, with the rest, was left an orphan. Well do I -remember the night my mother died. She was so troubled about leaving -her children alone in the world, but continued long in earnest prayer -until she had the assurance that God would care for them, and then she -sang the old-time hymn, - - "There is a fountain filled with blood, - Drawn from Immanuel's veins," - -and went shouting home to glory. What a lasting impression is made on -a child's heart by the life or death of a godly father or mother! - -By mother's death I was almost crazed with grief and could not be -comforted. At her grave I was separated from my brothers and sister, -and went to live with a family to whom mother had given me before her -death. Some time after this, the family moving away, I went to live -with my grandparents, under whose careful religious training I -remained until married. I received little education, as my -opportunities were very limited. - -From my earliest recollection I was deeply convicted of sin. This -conviction followed me until at the age of twelve years I gave my -heart to God and received the witness that I was His child. I united -with the people called Methodists and tried to walk in the light I -had, until God called me into His vineyard. - - - MARRIAGE. - -At the age of eighteen I was married to Mr. J. A. Wheaton. We lived -happily together, but in two years I was called to give up not only my -dear husband, but also our little baby boy. They were buried in one -grave, and I was again left alone in the world. O my breaking heart! I -was in despair! I did not know then God's wonderful comforting power -as I now do. I was scarcely more than a nominal Christian, a -fashionable proud woman, moving in high society, left to face the -battle of life alone. To try to drown my sorrow I rushed deeper into -society and fashion--only to be plunged into deeper despair. What I -suffered during those years is beyond the power of tongue or pen to -describe. My anguish of heart and mind were so great that at times -reason almost tottered on its throne. And had it not been for the -goodness and mercy of God in sending me timely aid through true -Christian friends, I should never have been able to have triumphed -over it all. - -Soon after I was converted, I felt the call of God to His service. I -longed to be a missionary. My heart especially went out to the -colored people and the Indians, and to the poor unfortunate ones of my -own sex. Their sufferings touched my heart, and it was this class with -which I did some of my first prison and missionary work in after -years. But in those days there was very little encouragement to a -woman to do such work. O how those who are called of God now should -appreciate their privileges! - -Though hindered and discouraged, this call did not leave me. I lived -in the church for years, always doing my part in church work. I was -proud and vain, but knew no better; yet I longed to be all the Lord's. - - - SANCTIFICATION. - -Several years after my conversion I heard of holiness or entire -consecration to God, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit for service. -After this, for about ten years, I was under conviction for a clean -heart, seeking for a while and then growing careless, receiving little -help from the formal professors around me. As I counted the cost, at -times it seemed too great. I knew it meant to give up fashionable -society, home, friends, reputation and all: and to take the way of the -lowly Nazarene. I heard at this time of a holiness meeting about forty -miles from home, which I attended. Here I heard the pure gospel -preached, and light shone upon my soul. I saw that none but the pure -in heart could see God in peace. After wrestling in prayer until about -three o'clock in the morning, I seemed held by an invisible power, -pure and holy, and was so filled with awe that I feared to speak or -move. Soon I heard a wonderful sound, soft, sweet and soothing, like -the rustle of angels' wings. Its holy influence pervaded my whole -being; a sound not of earth, but distinctly audible to both myself and -the sister who was in the same room! I listened enraptured. I feared -it was death, and my breath grew shorter and shorter. I did not move -nor open my eyes. Presently Jesus stood before me, and O the wonderful -look of love--so far above the love of mortals, so humble, meek and -pleading! In the tender voice of the Holy Spirit came these words: -"Can you give up all and follow me? Lay your weary, aching head upon -my breast. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Lo, I am with you -alway even unto the end of the world." I was enabled by the Holy -Spirit to say, "Yes, Lord Jesus." I knew it was Jesus. When I said -"Yes, Lord," the power of God fell upon me, soul and body, and I was -bathed in a sea of glory. When I had recovered from my rapture, Jesus -had vanished as silently as He came; but the blessing and power -remained. The sister whispered and asked, "Did you hear that sound?" -And then she told me that this was for my benefit. This occurred -November 11, 1883. That day the people looked at me and wondered, -seeing the great change God had wrought in me by His power. The night -following we had an all-night meeting. Again God spoke to me by His -Holy Spirit, saying, "Go and honor my Son's name, and I will go with -you." I prayed, "O Lord, if this is Thy voice, speak once more." The -same words came again. I obeyed and God did most wonderfully reveal -Himself to me. I knew I was called to His service and to work for lost -souls. - -[Illustration: STATE PRISON, COLUMBUS, OHIO.] - - - MY CALL TO PRISON WORK. - -The question is often asked me, "How did you become interested in this -work, and learn to understand the needs of the prisoner?" It was -through this call from God. None of my relatives or friends were ever -convicted of crime. When I was a young woman I attended the state fair -at Columbus, Ohio, and with a delegation visited the state-prison at -that place. While waiting for a guide to show us through the prison a -young man was brought in by an officer. I saw him searched, and later -as the heavy iron doors closed behind him with a clang, my sympathies -were aroused. While being shown through the prison I saw this young -man with his hair close cut, dressed in prisoners' garb, placed by the -side of hardened criminals. There my first interest was awakened to -try to make the burdens lighter for the prison-bound. As we were -leaving the prison I noticed some small articles which had been made -by the inmates in their spare moments. Among these I saw and was -especially impressed with a miniature statue of a prisoner dressed in -stripes, holding in one hand a ball and chain, the other hand shading -the eyes. Upon the pedestal of the statue were these words, "What -shall the harvest be?" I shall never forget the impression then made -upon my mind. It is still fresh in my memory. - -Years after this, shortly after my commission to preach the gospel, as -I was traveling one night to reach an appointment, stopping at a -station in Iowa to change cars, three prisoners in handcuffs, who were -being taken to the state-prison, were brought in. My heart was moved -with deep compassion for them. Many were curiously inspecting them, as -if they thought they had no tender feelings. Approaching these men, I -gave them my hand, saying, "I am sorry for you, but God can help you -in this hour of trial," and I tried to cheer them, and told them I -would sometime visit them in the prison if I could. I did not then -know I was so soon to enter upon my mission. But the burden of those -in prison kept coming heavier upon me. I told my friends I must go and - - - PREACH THE GOSPEL TO PRISONERS - -but they for a time thought me almost crazy. But as one of old, I -felt that "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel." So I gladly obeyed -the divine call and went forward. - -But I was not led into this work by any morbid sentimentalism or -enthusiasm. These would have worn off when the novelty was gone. No, -this work was given me of God, who Himself laid the burden of the -convict world upon my heart. Day and night there came up before me the -cry of despair from inside prison walls--the wail of woe from those in -dungeons whose hearts were breaking and whose minds were shattered and -whose souls were lost in despair, and the call came direct from the -mouth of the Lord, "Go and stand in the breach! Tell them of a -Savior's love--of a way of escape through the blood of Jesus Christ, -who is mighty to save and strong to deliver them from the snares of -the enemy that has sought to destroy them soul and body. Tell them -there is deliverance for the captive. Tell them there is consolation -in the gospel of Christ for those who are heart-broken and forsaken -and forgotten by all but an omnipotent God. Tell them that God lives -and rules and reigns in heaven and is able to save to the uttermost -and to comfort in their dying hours with the hope of eternal life -beyond this vale of tears." - -But how could I go? The Lord Himself showed me how to go and where to -go and that I was to leave results to Him and He would give the -increase--that He would multiply the bread and fish for the hungry -multitudes--He would feed the famished souls to whom He sent me, just -as when He walked this sin-cursed earth--that He was the same -yesterday, today and forever. I saw that my life must be entirely and -forever surrendered to the Lord for His service, and that my future -was to be left entirely in the hands of the Master whose I am and -whom I serve. - -Thus the call came day after day and night after night until I believe -I should have gone insane had I not then and there yielded my time and -talent, all I had or ever would have, to the service of Christ to go -just when and where He would have me go, do as He would have me do, -and trust Him for my support. I was shown that I would never come to -want. I was made to understand that these poor unfortunates in prison -were just as dear to God's heart as I was and that souls would be -required at my hands were I to fail to comply with the commission to -go and lift up the fallen and comfort the dying and relieve those -distressed in body and mind. I was made to know that there was power -in prayer and that God could save the very lowest criminal or the -worst woman on earth and by the transforming influence of the Holy -Spirit and the cleansing blood of Jesus, save, purify and sanctify and -lift them up even within the pearly gates of heaven; and that instead -of devils in human form, they could be made saints that could take up -the glad refrain unto Him that had redeemed them and washed them in -his own blood and made them kings and priests unto God. - -Yes, God called me. And His name shall be exalted through all eternity -for what He has done for me and through me during all these years. His -has been the hand that fed, clothed and supported me. Never has God -failed me in this pilgrim journey and He has supplied all my needs. My -heart goes out in gratitude and thanksgiving while I write, for all He -has done for me. O, the heights and depths, lengths and breadths of -His boundless love for lost humanity! How wonderfully has He led me! -How His guiding hand, His protecting care have been over me! Amid -discouragements, disappointments and misunderstandings God has given -me victory through the blood of our precious, loving Savior; and I -know that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask -or think. - -When I saw the criminal at the bar of justice, I was reminded that we -must all soon appear at the judgment bar of God. Then I saw that the -Lord wanted me to tell of a Mighty Deliverer from the sins of -intemperance, unbelief, skepticism, infidelity, covetousness, -licentiousness and hypocrisy. My eyes were opened to see that -thousands of poor helpless souls were drifting to their eternal doom -without God and without hope, and that ofttimes in their hours of most -desperate need there was no one to help, no one to point them to the -blessed Savior and to really snatch them as "brands from the burning." - -Then I took courage and said, "Yes, Lord, I will go and do my best to -help save them from destruction and an eternity in hell." Since then I -have spent more than twenty years of constant toil among the masses -and have reason to declare that God has given me success beyond what I -could have thought possible. - -Multitudes have been saved, representing all ranks and stations of -life. Many are today singing the songs of the redeemed with the -glorified hosts in the other world, who were counted by many to be -beyond redemption, already doomed and lost forever. - -For such I have taken courage and have pleaded before the Lord His -written Word, asking for their soul's salvation; and now they are -forever with the Lord. O faithless one, is there anything too hard for -the Lord? And has He not told us "All things are possible to him that -believeth" and "Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out" -and that "if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us -our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"? During these -years that I have stepped out on His promises I have proved that His -word never fails. It is faith in the living God which brings results -in the salvation of immortal souls. Never have I doubted God's power -to save the vilest person, and now I want to tell, for His glory, just -a little of what God has wrought as well as show something of what -needs to be done. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for a faith prompted of -the Spirit that will not waver--a confidence in God which takes no -denial but cries "It must be done." In answer to such a faith, -criminals of the deepest dye have been awakened and saved and women of -the worst possible character have been converted and reformed and -purified, and some have been set apart for the service of God and have -done a mighty work. Others, as we have said, have gone to swell the -grand, triumphant strain around the throne of God, where angels and -archangels unite to make all heaven resound with the praises of our -King--among those of whom it is said, "These are they which came up -through great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them -white in the blood of the Lamb." After I see the King in His beauty, -clothed in majesty and glory and power, I want to look in the faces of -those whom God has used me to help, who have come up from inside -prison walls and from haunts of sin--yea, from the scaffold -itself--those who have died in the triumphs of a living faith, -victorious over death, hell and the grave. - -Since my call to the work of the Lord He has caused many homes to be -opened to me and has given me many very dear friends. Among those of -earlier years were dear Brother and Sister H. L. Hastings, of Boston, -who kindly gave me a home and cared for me in sickness and special -time of need. And in later years are those at the Missionary Training -Home at Tabor, Iowa, with whom I have made my headquarters since 1895. -I would specially mention Mrs. Hattie Worcester Kelley, who had a call -from God to assist me in prison work and traveled some with me until -her health failed; also Mrs. Georgia Worcester and her husband, and -her father, Elder Weavers, who is president of the Home; with their -faithful helpers in charge and assisting in the work, who have given -me a hearty welcome among them. - -It was here I became more directly interested in foreign missionary -work. I have at different times taken with me in my prison and slum -mission work several of the missionaries now in foreign lands. Among -these are Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Worcester, now in Africa, whom I -accompanied on their way as far as London; Grace Yarrett, recently -sailed for India, and a number of others. - - FAMILY REUNION AFTER A SEPARATION OF FIFTY-TWO YEARS. - -The following from a paper published in Elkhart, Ind., December, 1902, -under the above heading, will explain itself: - - J. M. Ryder of Indianapolis, Ind.; Emanuel Ryder of Bryan, O.; - Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, prison evangelist, and Lida Ryder - Hoffman of this city met in a family reunion Dec. 8, after a - separation of fifty-two years, this being the first time in all - these years that the brothers and sisters, who were left orphans - in early childhood, have been together. * * * The brothers and - sisters sat for a group picture as a memento of the day, and left - for their different missions and homes, not likely to all meet - again this side of the great River. - -[Illustration: J. M. RYDER, MRS. E. RYDER WHEATON, EMANUEL RYDER, MRS. -LIDA RYDER HOFFMAN.] - -[Illustration: JOHN RYDER, DECEASED.] - -I also give the reader a sketch written by my brother and published -in his home paper at Bryan, O., some years since. - - Like Moses and the prophets of old; like Jesus and his disciples; - like Martin Luther and John Wesley, and a host of other great - lights who have been chosen at different times to be teachers and - leaders of the children of earth, so in like manner and like - purpose was Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton chosen. - - Her chief mission has been to the inmates of jails and - penitentiaries, reformatories and the lowly outcasts in the - houses of perdition, among people who never find room in the - pews. - - Unconnected with church or other organization, but aided by an - angel band, a Christ love, great charity, force of character that - knew not fear where duty called, she has worked for the uplifting - of the fallen. - - For twenty years she has toiled and struggled in her great life - work, giving her teachings, her songs and her prayers, shedding - tears of love and sympathy for the poor souls in the bondage of - sin. - - For twenty years she has traveled up and down her home land and - several foreign countries. - - The world her country, to do good her religion, giving her light, - her life, wherever the most needed; never stopping, except from - sickness or exhaustion from overwork; often meeting friends on - the long and rugged road who gave her sympathy, shelter and food; - at other times the floor her couch and but little to eat--but - whether good or bad conditions, always thankful. - - In her chosen work, in the past twenty years, no person has done - more good or has had so much influence in causing people to lead - better lives, to quit sinning, to get out of hell and enjoy the - happiness that follows from leading conscientious, truer lives. - - Her good intentions, her words of warning and sympathy, her sweet - soul songs of love, her prayers in angelic power, have moved the - people outside of the churches in the different avocations and - walks of life as they had never been moved before, the masses - perceiving by subtle agency that here was a person deserving - love, respect and honor. - - She had great influence with the employees of the different - railway companies, the good-will of the superintendents of many - of the great railway lines of the country, frequently getting - passes from New York City to San Francisco and return, a - distance of seven thousand miles, for herself and companion. - - She has spoken in more reformatories, jails and penitentiaries, - and, I believe, done more good, unconnected with any - organization, than any other in the twenty years. - - HER LIFE HISTORY. - - It is too long a story to attempt to go into details--to tell of - her trials, hardships and sickness; to tell of her individual - successes, as well as her successes when she has swayed great - bodies of people, moving the half of them to tears, causing them - to have higher thoughts, better motives, and to bless the hour - she was among them; or of how she entered the southern stockades - alone, even when warned by the Warden that her life might be - taken, and in ten minutes had the inmates as tractable as little - children, where the officials would not enter, except in a body - and thoroughly armed; how she stood her ground when menaced by - drunken western desperadoes; or of the times she divided her - raiment and her scant purse with the destitute, and the many - times she escaped great danger by being forewarned, etc. - - Bereft of both parents at the age of five years, and cared for by - cold and indifferent strangers, she misses the mother's love, - guidance, sympathy and protection. - - When she started out on her mission she left a good home with all - the substantials and many of the luxuries of life, with but - little education, without money or friends, alone to travel - unbeaten paths, to do a work that no one had ever tried before; - untrained in the great work she was to follow, but impelled by a - higher Spirit force she could not resist. "Do this work. I will - be with you to the end. When great troubles come, I will be your - shield and your helper. I will warn you of great danger. I will - protect your life. You will gather many sheaves, and, when you - are through with earth, have a high place in the heavenly abode." - - Whenever needed, the angel band assists her to say the right - words for the time and occasion, according to perceptions and - conceptions of the people addressed. - - She is gifted with a voice that is always musical, clear and - distinct, and of such compass that it can be heard a mile, or - down to the minor notes, but always with the pathos that touches - the tender chords of the soul. - - Now she is old, broken in health and strength. Soon she must lay - her weary body down, a willing sacrifice for the lowest children - of earth. - - And now with this brief outline of the work, the life and the - powerful soul magic of Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, I close. - - Respectfully, - EMANUEL RYDER, - Brother of Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - A Letter to My Prison Children. - - -You, dear ones, are my especial care and have been for over twenty -long years; and your eternal good will continue in a sense to be first -in my thoughts while life lasts. - -My own childhood was lonely and desolate. As I have already told you, -my father died when I was one year old, and mother died when I was -only six. I was taken from my mother's grave by an old man who had, -with his wife, asked mother for me before she died. My stepfather went -to law with my grandfather, who was guardian for myself and sister, -for my father's fortune, and the suit was carried from one court to -another until all was gone and we little children were penniless. - -Sister and I were reared by our grandparents, and were given a very -limited education. We were taught to work as rigidly as if we were -paupers. The experience was hard but I can now see how good it was for -me in after years to know how to do all kinds of work and be able to -do with my might what my hands found to do. - -All my life I have known much of SORROW AND DISAPPOINTMENT. It has -seemed that I have never been allowed to keep long anything that I -loved. When I was a child, my pets would sicken and die, and the -friends that I loved best would either move away from me or die; and -my heart was being continually crushed and broken by these trials. - -I loved to learn and was passionately fond of music, but I was not -permitted to gratify my desires in either direction. Why all this was -true, I know not, unless it was that I might learn deeper lessons of -sympathy and compassion for others that are in trouble. - -Perhaps, dear ones, because of these very experiences I can feel more -deeply and tenderly for you and I want to tell you that amid all the -sorrows of earth I have found _one Friend_ that has never forgotten or -forsaken me and that has promised never to leave me. _And this same -Jesus loves you._ If you but give Him your hearts He will never fail -you. Though all the world should forsake and despise you, Jesus loves -you just the same. - -It is He that has put into my heart this love for you and your souls' -salvation that I cannot explain; this love that grows deeper and -stronger and that can only be made plain in the judgment. He has -taught me to feel for you when you are forsaken and forgotten, when -even friends turn away because you are doomed to the prison cell, the -stripes, and even the scaffold. - -Often you are misunderstood and misjudged, and sometimes you grow -bitter towards every one, and sometimes you censure your best friends. -I plead with you to look on the bright side. Think of all God has done -for you and how wonderful it is that He loves you with all your sins, -that He loves your precious, immortal souls. - -You are my children. For Jesus' sake, and yours, I am a homeless -wanderer on earth. I have given up home and friends and have gone into -the darkest places of earth, and have endured hardships and faced -danger of every kind. I have endured untold sorrow of mind and heart. -I have wept and prayed night and day, and for you I have sacrificed -all. - -But dear ones, notwithstanding all this, I am happy in the love of -Jesus. His love is everything to my heart. His love and sympathy is -enough for me, and I know that He is able to provide all that I need. -He has kept me nearly sixty years, and I am sure that He will not now -forsake me. - -Let this encourage you, dear prisoners, to know that God loves and -cares for you. When the way looks the darkest, when all hope fails, -when the last friend has forsaken you, then look up to Jesus and -believe His word. I know your trials are hard to bear. I think of you -as you leave the jail for the penitentiary with the handcuffs on and -the sheriff and the deputy guarding you so closely, and the world -against you. I think of you as the prison doors close behind you. I -think of you in your loneliness as the days and months and perhaps -years go by, and again I say, yes, I know your trials are hard to -bear. But look up through the dark clouds and remember that God lives -and that He loves you. In your little lonely prison cell He is with -you and is waiting to save you. Do not conceal your sins, for God's -Word says, "He that covereth his sin shall not prosper; but whoso -confesseth and forsaketh them shall find mercy." - -Let the past be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. If you trust Him, He -has promised to separate your sins as far from you as the east is from -the west. Do not rest until His Spirit tells you this is done. Then, -"forgetting the things that are behind," press forward to those things -that are before. - -Obey the rules. Show by your daily life that you intend to do right, -the very best you know. If those in authority over you seem to be -unkind or unjust, bear what comes as brave soldiers. Even inside of -prison walls you can win glorious victories over self and sin. - -There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. I seek to show -you the way to the kingdom of heaven, where there is no more -temptation, no sin, no sorrow, no pain; to the place where Jesus has -gone to prepare a home for those who love Him, follow Him and trust -Him. - -My heart yearns over you in your sad exile from wife, children, -mother, father, husband, brother, sister, friends. Truly the way of -the transgressor is hard. - -But, my prison children, I beg of you do not go from one prison to -another. Flee from sin. I do not and dare not smooth over your sins. -Prove yourselves worthy of the confidence of good people. Give God -your hearts and be true to Him and He will not forsake you. - -Some of you are doomed to the scaffold! How long, O Lord, how long -must such things be in a Christian land? O, that I had the power to -abolish capital punishment! But I will do all I can to help you -prepare for death. Jesus loves you. He was taken from prison and -executed as a criminal. He was innocent, yet He suffered death for a -guilty world. He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without -sin. "And being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." -And though you pass through the valley of the shadow of death, if you -but trust Him, He will go with you and you need fear no evil. - -[Illustration: GIVING THE BOYS COUNSEL.] - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - A Plea for the Prisoner. - - - IN THE SHADOW OF THE WALL. - - BY OLLA F. BEARD. - - (The writer of this poem was a personal acquaintance and friend. - At the time the poem was written her father was warden of the - penitentiary at Fort Madison, Iowa, and she took great interest - in his work.--E. R. W.) - - Oh, those wond'rous gloomy walls! - What a chill their shadow calls - To creep and tingle through our veins! - Moving all our soul contains - Of pity for the woes within-- - Those who move within this pall, - Those who bear a load of sin, - In the shadow of that wall. - - Yes, you think their lot is hard; - So do all you can t'retard - Their sad downward course in time, - And save them from a greater crime. - But pause and come with me to view - Various pictures in the hall - Of the innocent and true, - In the shadow of this wall. - - There's a mother, good and true, - With a face of palest hue; - Eyes are dimmed and faint to-day, - With their brightness washed away - By the tears she's nightly shed; - Yet she does not fail to call - Blessings on her dear boy's head, - In the shadow of the wall. - - There's a father, too, bowed o'er - With age, and his head is hoar. - Ah! it surely broke his heart - With his honored name to part. - Now instead of his boy's arm, - A cane-stalk keeps him from a fall, - As he walks about his farm, - In the shadow of the wall. - - There's a wife, too, in the gloom, - Yet within her heart there's room - For the one whose name she bears; - She will share e'en now his cares. - Vows were said to God above, - And, tho' friends forget to call, - She will keep her vow of love, - In the shadow of the wall. - - There are children, bright and gay, - Now at school and now at play; - Why do playmates push them off, - Only at their tears to scoff? - Can innocence, then, guilty be? - Why are they shunned, each one and all? - Ah! these children e'en we see, - In the shadow of the wall. - - And O, for shame! to scorn some one - For the deed another's done; - For their road is hard at best; - They should never once have guessed, - From the things you do and say, - That you once those facts recall-- - How they're living day by day - In the shadow of the wall. - - But a word we'd say for him - Who inhabits those walls dim: - Shun him not; help if you can-- - Let him try to be a man. - When he's paid now for his sin, - Let not scorn bring other falls, - Just because he once has been - In the shadow of the walls. - - He has yet a heart, tho' scarred; - He has yet a soul, tho' marred; - And he has to live and try - Till his time shall come to die. - Sweet Charity, that suffereth long, - Let us now as guard install. - She will lead him from the wrong-- - From the shadow of the wall. - - We would not pet the sin and crime; - Let reproof fall in its time. - But reproof should have an end, - When the sinner tries to mend! - Give him every chance you can-- - Lend a helping hand to all; - Lead the woman or the man - From the shadow of the wall. - - - A LETTER TO PRISON OFFICERS. - -DEAR PRISON MANAGERS: You and I are trying to help the prisoners to a -better life. We want to elevate, to lift up these men and women to a -higher plane of existence. How are you to proceed? What are you to do, -is the question. How are you to command the respect of those under -you? Just where to draw the line, and how to enforce discipline? What -advantage will you give to the men who are striving to obey rules, and -do what is right? Something must be done, and done soon. The criminal -classes must be reached, reformed, saved and sent out of prison better -prepared to face the world and the temptations which will be thrust -upon them at every turn. Great responsibility rests upon you. Many of -you are doing nobly and accomplishing great good. - -There is hope for every prisoner. You can reach them by kindness. -Brutality will never accomplish anything in the way of prison reform. -By such a course a man is often turned out of prison a demon, a fiend -in human form, or an idiotic criminal. - -But to make him a good man, a noble creature, as God intended he -should be, he must have kindness shown him. Be _firm_ and _honorable_ -in all your dealings with the convict, for he has his rights, and they -should be respected if we are ever going to make the prison world -better. - -Let us ask God for help to know how to reach the manhood, the -womanhood, the better nature in the creature God has seen fit in His -wise providence to make just a little lower than the angels, in His -own likeness and image. He intended all should be free and equal, but -the people license the saloon, the gambling den and the brothel to -degrade their brothers and sisters. Some say these are necessary -evils! I say never, never! Let there be better conditions. - -There is hope for the sinner if we only get the Holy Spirit to teach -us how to reach him. I never go into the presence of convicts without -earnest prayer to God to give me wisdom, and the Holy Spirit to teach -and guide me what to say and sing, and how to reach their hearts. God -has given me what success I have had in helping the criminal classes, -in giving hope to the discouraged and in relieving the minds of some -who were partially deranged. Oh, this wholesale slaughter of men's -minds! It is horrible. It is heart-rending. And yet some go right on -committing the greatest crime against these men, by robbing them of -their reason which God intended them to enjoy as their birthright. - -Which is the greater crime, the whipping post and the lash with all -their attendant horrors and misery, or the iron rule that crushes out -all hope in the name of discipline? I believe in law and order, and -that men must be in subjection to rules and regulations. I always urge -upon them implicit obedience and subjection to the rules of the -prison. But these should be reasonable and humane. - -What you and I need is to know our man and then we will know how to -deal with him. Study human nature as well as the law, and study the -law of the all-wise God in the Bible and see if you will not have a -clear conscience as well as a clear brain to manage and control those -under your direction. - -I know prisons that are regulated entirely by kindness, and oh, the -blessed, restful, quieting influence there is there, and scarcely any -insane. All are satisfied with the treatment they receive and they are -willing to die for their officers. I know these things, for I am -behind the scenes. - -After long years of service as a prison missionary, in nearly all the -state prisons in all the states and territories, I find only an ever -increasing desire to be a worker together with Christ in reaching the -masses of prisoners who are incarcerated in our state, county and city -prisons. My success has largely been due to my sincere and intense -desire to lead them to a better life here and life eternal in heaven, -and to the victory gained over myself to never let anything or anybody -prevent my doing all I could for the prisoner, as if he were my own -child or brother. Again, my determination has been to give all a fair -trial and a liberal amount of confidence. Yes, we must place ourselves -in their condition; let our boy or brother, our mother or sister be in -prison, let us think how we would exercise every means we had in -reaching or relieving them. - -All prisoners are human, and yet, how few professors of religion show -interest in them. They are doubted at every turn. Daggers are driven -to hearts which are longing for a better life, a purer atmosphere, a -new creation. Poor souls! God pity them. O the hearts that cry out for -better things! the souls that are yearning for the good and true! O -the thousands of prisoners who may be diamonds in the rough, jewels -for whom Christ died. Souls, immortal souls are at stake. We must soon -meet these things at the judgment. O to be clear of the censure, the -rebuke, the reproof of God Almighty in the final day of accounts. - -O brother, sister, have we had charity that suffereth long and is -kind? Have we tried by example and precept to show the criminals that -we were really their friends and sincerely cared for their souls? How -long has the good Lord borne with us, and shall we not be in earnest -to save those who are not Christians, to encourage them to a better -life, to cheer up the dying convict, to show them there is a God in -Israel who hears and answers prayer, one who said, "Like as a father -pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him"? - - - WORTH WHILE. - - It is easy enough to be pleasant - When life flows by like a song, - But the man worth while is the one who will smile - When everything goes dead wrong. - For the test of the heart is trouble, - And it always comes with the years, - And the smile that is worth the praise of the earth - Is the smile that shines through tears. - - It is easy enough to be prudent - When nothing tempts you to stray; - When without or within no voice of sin - Is luring your soul away. - But it is only a negative virtue - Until it is tried by fire, - And the life that is worth the honor of earth - Is the one that resisteth desire. - - By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, - Who had no strength for the strife, - The world's highway is cumbered to-day; - They make up the item of life. - But the virtue that conquers passion, - And the sorrow that hides in a smile-- - It is these that are worth the homage of earth, - For we find them but once in a while. - - --ELLA WHEELER WILCOX. - - - PREJUDICE. - -I find but little difference between humanity in prison walls and the -humanity outside. Prisoners are our brothers and our sisters. We must -soon meet them all at the judgment. They are naturally supposed to be -guilty of crime of some kind. But they are not all criminals. Wicked -men, willing to shield themselves, oftentimes throw suspicion on -others, who are placed under arrest and convicted by circumstantial -evidence or false testimony. Others, of course, are of the worst types -of humanity. Some of them seem unworthy of the name of man or woman, -yet even these Christ died to save, and God is able to deliver them -and how shall His name be better glorified or His power be more -manifest, than in their transformation? - -Very many are so prejudiced against all those who are counted as -criminals that they believe them to be utterly incapable of any good -and are quick to believe that they see in them evidences of the -deepest depravity. - -A sad yet amusing illustration of this fact comes to my mind. Chaplain -H., of the Reformatory for Boys at Kearney, Nebraska, is an -honest-faced, true-hearted young man, full of zeal in the service of -God. At one time when I stopped at Kearney he called for me at the -train. As I looked at him he said, with a smile, "Did you think it was -one of the boys whom the superintendent had sent for you?" I replied, -"Yes; I did at first; you are so young, Mr. Chaplain;" and then he -related to me the following circumstances which I give as nearly as I -can in his own words: - - "At one time Prof. Mallalieu and myself had been to Lincoln on - business, and were returning together. We were quietly resting, - and I was sitting with closed eyes, meditating, when a lady - happened along and recognized the Superintendent, and said 'Have - you got a boy there, taking him to the Reform Schools?' - - "Considerably amused, he replied: 'Yes; this is a very bad - fellow; I have had a lot of trouble with him, and have just - recaptured him, and now I am watching to see that he doesn't make - his escape.' The woman leaned over and, scanning my face and - features, said: 'He has an awful bad look on his face; you can - see he is a criminal and needs to be under strict discipline.'" - -The dear young chaplain said, as he laughingly related this instance, -that he learned a lesson in human nature that day. That woman, who -imagined that she saw in the face of that young looking, honest, -devoted Christian young man evidences of guilt and depravity, was only -one among thousands who are led by prejudice when they imagine that -they are exercising great discernment. - - - A LOOK INTO THE CELL. - -Reader, could you and I walk together down the cell-house corridor in -almost any of our large prisons, at almost any hour of the night and -pause and listen to the sighs and smothered sobs and often to the deep -groans that might be heard welling up from hearts that are broken and -crushed by sorrow and remorse; could we, dear reader, cast one -sidelong glance in passing the rounds of the cell-house with the -guard, who, with muffled tread wends his ceaseless march throughout -the night, your heart, as well as mine, would be deeply moved. On -those stone floors, guarded by double locks and iron bars, as well as -by the living sentinel, you might see many a mother's boy kneeling in -silent prayer to his mother's God, and as he prays and communes with -his own thoughts, you might hear again the groans of anguish as the -poor unfortunate thinks of home and mother, wife and children, or -other loved ones. - -Then look with me into that poor man's cell, void of comfort, with -nothing that would remind you of home; a close narrow cell, a poor -hard cot, a straw pillow, if any, and kept under strict watch day and -night; left many times without one ray of hope, without a gleam of -sunshine or a kind word. I wonder there are not scores of insane men -in our state prisons for every one that we find, and there are many, -very many, who are either partially or entirely insane. I am convinced -that oftentimes men are crazy when the officers suppose they are only -obstinate and rebellious and mean. Often do I note insanity lurking in -the eyes and often as the prisoners file past me at the close of a -service and I clasp each one by the hand, as is my custom, among the -many who are so glad to have a kind word and a hand-clasp at parting I -notice those who are not sane by the peculiarity of the clasp of the -hand. Some have a clasp like a mad-man, others a limp, lifeless -hand-shake, with cold, clammy hands. Oh, what wisdom is needed to know -how to deal with these poor, helpless souls! I find many of them with -hearts as tender and sensibilities as acute as any I meet outside. - - - INSANE PRISONERS. - -While I was having a service for the criminal insane at Anamosa, -Iowa, state prison, a young man was very anxious to see me and tell me -something. As I waited to talk with him he said to me in _such a -pitiful way_, "Go and tell my dear mother I will try to help her. -Won't somebody help my poor mother?" This was the burden of his heart. -Poor boy! in his partial derangement his whole concern seemed to be -for her. He is only one among many! - -[Illustration: WITH INSANE PRISONERS AT ANAMOSA, IOWA.] - - - A TOUCHING INCIDENT. - -At one time I was on the train going north from Indianapolis. My -brother, J. M. Ryder, was with me. I was singing a hymn, and walking -to the end of the car as I sang I saw two men bound together by -handcuffs. One of them I supposed to be an officer. He was a fine -looking man, well dressed. It was a few days before Christmas, but I -noticed some holly-berries pinned to his coat. I remarked, "You have -holly-berries before Christmas day!" With tears rolling down his face -he answered, "My little girl pinned this on me. She said, 'Papa, you -will not be here when Christmas comes, and I will pin it on now before -you go.'" - -I said, "You are an officer, are you not?" - -"Oh, no!" he said, "I am a prisoner," and then he told me his sad -story. Money belonging to some one else, a relative, if I remember -rightly, had been left in his care. Under pressure of need he used -some of it, being confident that he could replace it before it was -needed; but the shortage was discovered, he was arrested, found guilty -and sentenced. With a broken heart he said, "I never will live to -serve out my sentence. This will surely kill me. I am not a thief, but -I was so sure I could replace the money before it was needed." - -Reader, think you this man was any more a criminal at heart than -thousands who move among men honored and respected? Who can question -that there are thousands who, perhaps, do not transgress the letter of -the law, yet more deliberately and wilfully wrong their fellow men -than this poor man? And this case is only one of many; and where shall -we draw the line? Oh, let us have fervent charity one for another. - -I am not biased in my judgment. I know sentimentalism is not -salvation. That can come only through true repentance and faith in God -and must be evidenced by restitution and good works; but if you could -see, as I have seen, the meetings in the prison guard-room between -husband and wife, mother and son, or between father and his wayward -boy, if you could see the tears and sobs as they meet and part, and -above all at the last parting before execution, I believe you would -never feel like criticising or being harsh in your judgment again. -Could you have gone with me during these twenty years, could you have -had the confidence of these prisoners as I have had it, you would -realize that they are, in very many cases, as truly open to conviction -and as easily reached as those outside of prison walls, and are they -not my children? Do I not know their faults? Do they not confess to me -their guilt? But back of all I see Jesus hanging on the cross of -Calvary, between two thieves, dying, and in His death agony, while the -blood is oozing from the print of the thorns upon His brow, while the -eyes are growing glassy in death, with the cold death sweat standing -out upon His face, I hear Him say to the penitent thief, "This day -shalt thou be with me in Paradise." And again, as He remembers all -those who have so cruelly wronged Him, he cries, "Father, forgive -them, for they know not what they do." If the Son of God gave Himself -for us, if with His dying breath He prayed for His persecutors, if He -who knew no sin and understood all hearts could say, "They know not -what they do," God help us to be willing to forgive those who have -transgressed the law either of God or man. - -These prisoners need a helping hand, need a friend with wisdom, tact -and judgment, one in whose heart there is the one thought above all -others of the need of their immortal souls, their eternal destiny. - -You and I, reader, must do our part in reforming a lost world, in -saving lost sinners. Then let us remember how good God has been to us -by keeping us out of prison, by keeping us out of the evil -surroundings and influences that might have brought us there. Let us -give the poor prisoners a fair show and fair play. Many of them long -for better things, for one more chance to prove themselves worthy of -the confidence and sympathy of their fellow men. After twenty years of -toil among those who are bound, I do bless God that He ever called me -to carry to those in prison the glad message of His love and seek by -love and faith and prayer to lift them up to better things. - - - PREPARED TO DIE. - -Once while holding services in a prison, there came to me a prisoner -saying, "Mother, I want to tell you I was saved since I saw you." -(Only a few days previous.) - -Then he told me that he was under sentence of death and that he was so -troubled that he cried to God to forgive his sins and pardon his -crime, and that God had forgiven him and that he was now prepared to -die. He said that when the Lord forgave him he was so happy that the -officers put an extra guard over him, thinking that he had suddenly -lost his mind. - -I exhorted him to maintain his faith in God and never doubt His saving -power; to walk softly before God; to keep humble and meek and pray -much. Truly there is pardon for every sinner who, in the depths of his -soul, repents of his sin. God's love and power are so great that He -will save to the uttermost all that come unto Him, not willing that -any should perish. - -Reader, perhaps you have not the opportunity to know these souls as I -know them, and so to help you understand them I give in other chapters -many extracts in their own words, taken here and there from the -thousands of letters I have received. I believe this will help you to -understand that hundreds, shut out from the companionship of their -fellow beings, are as easily moved by kindness, as capable of -gratitude, as easily won to repentance, as willing to give up sin, as -thousands of those outside, who perhaps have never been tempted as -they were tempted and have never fallen as they have fallen. In -quoting from these letters few changes have been made, except in -spelling, capitalization and punctuation. - - Some young souls are making, for a stated time, - This, their maiden effort, on the sea of crime. - Oh, Christians, teach them early what to me is plain; - Crime ever _has_ and ever _will_ result in lasting pain. - Do not be _too_ lenient, nor _too_ soon forgive, - Lest all _vice_ should flourish and no _virtue_ live. - Society demands it, the _guilty_ should atone-- - But take care you punish those, and those _alone_! - Keep them in your prison till by _virtue_ shown - They will know what _is_ and what is _not_ their own. - But let all be careful lest by _word_ or _act_ - Those who should _reform_ them from their _good_ subtract. - Rule them wisely, gently--by some _humane_ plan, - All their faults to conquer as best becomes a Man. - When your work is finished and their habits changed, - Give them honest labor, by the State arranged; - Show them honest labor _can_ a living gain, - While the _social outcast_ harvests _want_ and _shame_! - Treat them fairly, kindly; teach them all the true - Will be friendly with them while _the right_ they do. - Both principle and policy declare this course is wise; - Then why longer act the fool and wisdom's voice despise? - Crime never _can_ nor _will_ decrease until in _Wisdom's School_ - Men learn the noted lesson, "Right _through_ Law should Rule." - - --_H. P. McKnight._ - -[Illustration: PRISONERS MARCHING.] - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - A Brief Pen Picture of Prison Life. - - -For the instruction of children and others who have never visited one -of our large penitentiaries I insert the following sketch of such a -visit written by Mrs. F. M. Lambert, author of "Holy Maternity," which -was written for this work: - - The prisons and buildings connected with them are enclosed by a - high stone wall. Of course there is a gate, or gates, opening - upon driveways leading into the yard where the shops are located. - The gate is securely locked and guarded, the guard having a - little room built on the wall over the gate. There is a main - entrance to the building through which criminals as well as - visitors enter. The officer closes and locks the large door - behind you upon entering. On Sabbath mornings many things are - seen and heard there. The officers come in and take up the work - of the day. The warden or deputy takes a large bunch of keys and - opens a side door that leads into the cell room, and the guards - follow him into the corridor. Soon is heard the rattling of the - keys, and the opening and closing of heavy doors, followed by the - tramp, tramp, of many feet. Passing out at a side door with the - officer, you may watch the men passing down to their breakfast in - the dining-room, which is on the ground floor of the chapel, - perhaps one hundred feet from the prison building. - - Each guard marches with his company of men, from twenty to fifty - in number. They march in single file, each man with his right - hand resting upon the right shoulder of the man in front of him. - - The officers wear dark blue uniforms, while the convicts are - dressed in suits made of heavy woolen goods, generally striped, - the stripes being black and white, a little over an inch wide, - even the caps being striped, and of the same material as the - suits. - - You follow the officer across the yard, and notice the large - greenhouse with its beautiful plants, flowers and shrubs. But, - looking back, you see the great high wall of the prison, and - remember that the little spot in the prison yard and the sky - overhead is all the glimpse of the world that these poor men - get, and, no doubt, is all that some of them ever will get, for - some of them are shut in there for life. - -[Illustration: PRISON CHAPEL AND DINING ROOM.] - - - THE CHAPEL SERVICE. - - You follow the officer up the steps of stone into the entrance - hall, and watch the men pass out of the dining-room up the - stairway into the chapel; then you follow and are led to a seat - near the pulpit, facing the assemblage. Your eyes wander quickly - over that strange lot of from two hundred to five hundred men, - and, in some prisons, over a thousand constitute the audience. - When all are seated, the guards seat themselves on high stools - placed along the sides of the room, facing the rear door, while - the prisoners face the pulpit at the farther end of the room. - - Then the prison choir sings and the organ peals forth its - beautiful strains, the prisoners joining in the singing. You - cannot keep back the tears as you look into their faces and think - that only for sin they might be free. Verily, "the way of the - transgressor is hard." Prayer is offered, and the chaplain, and - those who have permission, talk from the written word of eternal - life. Invariably your eyes sweep over that strange audience, and - here and there you see a man, or perhaps a young boy, in tears, - and you know the tender chord in their hearts has been touched. - God grant it may be so! Several testify to hope in Christ. - - Services over, the prisoners are marched to their cells and - locked in. They must all attend the morning service, but are not - compelled to attend the Sunday school in the afternoon. Few - prisons conduct Sunday schools. In the afternoon, in company with - the chaplain and some of the guards, you may visit the cell - rooms, and are allowed to distribute papers and tracts, and speak - personally with each prisoner. - - THE CELL ROOM is a long room with a stone floor and whitewashed - walls, the cells running through the middle of its entire length. - The cells are narrow, little rooms, perhaps four feet wide and - six or seven feet long. They vary somewhat in size. They have - doors of strong bars of iron, and no windows. All the air - received must enter through this grated door in front. The back - of each cell joins with the back of the row of cells on the other - side, thus forming a double row facing in opposite directions. - - Rows of cells are built in tiers, one row above another, with a - narrow platform running along in front, with an iron railing. - - Each man's name, and the number of his cell, is placed over his - door. A wide corridor runs all around the main room, which admits - the circulation of air from the large grated windows. Sabbath is - rather a hard day for the men, for they had rather be at work - than locked in lonely cells, with only their own thoughts and - troubled consciences for company. - - Many of the men who are there for long terms have their cells - fixed very nicely, and one can usually tell those whose hearts - cling to home or friends. But there are some who seem to care for - nothing. One boy had his cell ornamented with festoons of - newspapers folded and torn into patterns representing lace - curtains. Another, a life convict, had his cell festooned with - colored tissue paper. This man was a trusty, who had the care of - the flowers and plants. In some prisons the cells are not - provided with Bibles, and some prisons have no chaplains. - - Some of the men are very expert at making beautiful things, such - as pin cushions, picture frames, hair-braided watch guards, - pen-holders, workboxes, toy chairs and many other things. One man - I saw was making designs for embossed rocking-chair backs; - another had his tools for repairing watches. - -[Illustration: CORRIDOR IN CELL HOUSE.] - - - THE WORKSHOPS. - - On Monday morning we may visit the workshops and see the men at - work. Here we see all kinds of work; farm implements, such as - hoes, rakes, pitchforks and many other things, probably all made - of iron. These tools pass through many hands before they are - complete. Each process is done by a separate set of men. For - instance, the hoes are made by some and sharpened by others. It - takes only a few seconds to sharpen a tool. As soon as this is - done it is passed on to others who polish it, and the handle is - inserted and painted. - - Some rooms are so warm from the many furnaces, and the red-hot - irons which are being beaten into shape, that a person can - scarcely stay long enough to see the work done, and is glad to - move on to cooler departments. The men seem to look well, but you - cannot help wondering how they ever work and endure the terrible - heat. They are not allowed to talk to each other, and are - continually under the guard's eye. Here and there one looks up - with a nod and a smile. - - Each man in the shops is given a certain amount of work to do, - and if he does any more than his allotted task, he is paid for - it. The amount is kept for him. But very few except long-timers - and experts can gain any time to do extra work. - - After going through all the shops we pass on to - - - THE HOSPITAL, - - which is in the rear of the chapel, and in the same building. - Here are sights that touch hearts. Some are dying with - consumption, and some with broken hearts. One poor boy's sunken - cheeks and thin, wasted hands especially touched me. Taking him - by the hand, I began to talk to him. He said: "No one cares for - _me_." "Yes, God cares for you and He loves you." "Why does He - let me stay here and die if He loves me?" "Have you a mother?" - "Yes, I have a good Christian mother, but she doesn't know I am - here." "May I write and tell her you are sick? I am sure she - wants to know about you?" "Oh, no; I had rather die all alone - than to have mother know I am here." - - So it is all through these places. For, though I have briefly - described one prison, they are all in a great measure alike, yet - vary in different states to some extent. All are not so clean - and neat as this one spoken of, and though a prison might be - lined with costly gems, it is still a prison, and without Jesus - in the heart it is only a living tomb to those confined therein. - Let none think that it is a pleasant place to be. One man may - want to be a Christian, or at least a moral man and a man of - cultured tastes, and such men find it doubly hard when they must - work side by side with the most degraded criminals. One may leave - the prison worse than when he went in. - - In these places children hide their ruined lives and breaking - hearts from their dearest earthly friends. No mother to smooth - the dying one's pillow, though small it may be! No sister or - brother to wipe away the bitter tears that _will_ fall; no father - to say good-bye. O mothers, let the memory of your boy's innocent - childhood fan all your tenderness and love into a flame that - would leap over the highest breastwork Satan could erect and take - your boy or girl back to your heart. If you have been a true - Christian and have done your duty faithfully, trust still in God. - What we need is faithful teaching among the unsaved, to warn them - against their danger, before they get into such awful places. - -[Illustration: NEW FEDERAL PRISON AT FT. LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS.] - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - Letters of Introduction and Kind Words from Governors, Prison - Officials, Etc. - - -From the great number of letters which I have received, of the -character indicated by the title of this chapter, I give a few which -may be of interest to the reader. These will suffice to show the -general interest of those in positions of honor and trust and their -willingness to share a part in the work I have tried to perform for -humanity, by making it possible for me to prosecute and carry it on. -Many letters of like topic have been lost or destroyed, and, space -being limited, I hope those who have done a like part may not feel -slighted. The true records are kept by the recording angel, and every -one shall receive a just reward. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one -of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - -Such letters received in the Southern states will be found in the -chapters on work in Stockades and Prison Camps. Also some relating to -Street and Rescue work in the chapters on these respective topics. I -should like very much to give some personal letters from railway -officials, expressing their appreciation and interest in the work, but -I have refrained lest by such some might be caused some annoyance. To -them much gratitude and credit is due, from all who have received -encouragement or spiritual benefit through my feeble efforts made in -the name of Jesus. - - - FROM GOVERNORS. - - Executive Department, - Indianapolis, Ind., Dec. 4, 1891. - - Hon. J. B. Patten, Warden, - Jeffersonville, Ind. - - Dear Sir: - - This will be presented to you by Mrs. Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, an - evangelist whose work is especially among prisoners. I hope it - will suit your pleasure and convenience to extend to her the - privilege of addressing the prisoners of your institution. - - Yours truly, - I. J. CHASE, Governor... - - * * * * * - - Executive Department, - Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 3, 1893. - - Capt. Jas. B. Patten, - Warden Prison South, - Jeffersonville, Ind. - - Dear Sir: - - This will be presented to you by Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, a prison - evangelist of long experience and considerable reputation. She - comes with the highest recommendations of her work from prisons - heretofore visited. She desires to conduct services in your - chapel, and I trust you will afford her every reasonable facility - for so doing. - - Very respectfully, - CLAUDE MATTHEWS. - - * * * * * - - Governor's Office. - - Topeka, Aug. 5, 1893. - - Hon. S. W. Chase, - Lansing, Kans. - - Dear Sir: - - This will introduce to you Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, a prison - evangelist, who comes to us very highly recommended. - - She is desirous of holding service, or taking part, at least, in - the prison. - - Any favors shown her will be appreciated by - - FRED J. CLOSE, Private Sec'y. - - * * * * * - - Dear Chase: - - I have just come in, and take pleasure in endorsing the above - letter. I bespeak for this lady a full opportunity to address the - prisoners, as I have no doubt but that the service will be - productive of good. - - Yours, - L. D. LEWELLING, Governor. - - * * * * * - - Executive Office. - State of Idaho. - - Boise City, Dec. 19, 1895. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - This will introduce Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, a lady who is - devoted to prison work. Any favors shown her will be gratefully - appreciated. - - Respectfully, - W. J. MCCONNELL, Governor. - - * * * * * - - Executive Chamber. - - Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 10, 1896. - - Warden Leidigh: - - My Dear L.:-- - - This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton, who is - interested in prison reform work and in visiting prisons for the - purpose of holding suitable services on the Sabbath day. Kindly - extend such courtesies as you can, and make the necessary - announcements so that she can conduct services in the chapel, and - much oblige, - - Very truly yours, - SILAS A. HOLCOMB, Governor. - - * * * * * - - Executive Chamber. - - Carson City, Nevada, Dec. 13, 1902. - - Mrs. Henderson: - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, the bearer of this, desires to do some - charitable work at the prison and she desires to have services - there tomorrow, as Mr. Henderson is not there. She is coming down - with Mr. Harris and will explain her mission to you. - - Yours truly, - R. SADLER, Governor. - - - PRISON OFFICIALS. - - Sheriff's Office. - Suffolk County. - - Boston, Oct. 24, 1885. - - Mr. Bradley: - - Let the bearer visit the jail and see any person she desires to. - - J. B. O'BRIEN, Sheriff. - - * * * * * - - North Carolina State Penitentiary. - - Raleigh, N. C., Nov. 14, 1885. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Friend: Your postal just to hand, and in reply I am glad - to say my daughter is much better than when you were in Raleigh, - but she is still very far from being well. The general health of - the prisoners is very good at this time. I shall be very glad to - have you at our prison as you pass on your way south. We have all - of the convicts in the prison every Sabbath, and I shall be very - much pleased for you to have service for us. We can arrange for - the service on any Sabbath morning or evening, as may be most - desirable or convenient to you. - - I regret that I did not meet you when you were here last. May the - good Lord bless you very abundantly in your Christian work. - - Your Friend, - W. J. HICKS, Architect and Warden. - - * * * * * - - Warden's Office, - Nebraska State Penitentiary. - - Nobesville, Nebr., April 11, 1886. - - R. J. McClaughry, - Warden Penitentiary, - Joliet, Ill. - - Dear Sir: - - This will introduce to your favorable notice Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - Prison Evangelist. Mrs. Wheaton is highly recommended by some of - the most prominent persons, and any favors that you can show her - will be in a good cause. - - Very respectfully, - C. F. NOBES, Warden. - - * * * * * - - San Francisco, Aug. 18, 1888. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Dear Madam: I have just received yours of the 17th inst., and in - reply will say that you have always been welcome to visit the - jail and enjoy every privilege granted to others of your sex. - - Mr. G.'s mother has not been allowed to enter his cell for some - time past. The utmost freedom consistent with our rules of order - is given to all those employed in the good work in which you are - so earnestly engaged. Should you find it convenient to visit the - institution again prior to leaving our State, we will be pleased - to admit you, and should you prevail on the sheriff to allow the - special favor you seek, we will gladly comply with the order. - - Respectfully yours, - JOHN ROGERS, Chief Jailer. - - * * * * * - - Dakota Penitentiary North. - - Bismarck, Dak., Oct. 27, 1888. - - Hon. D. S. Glidden, - Warden Penitentiary, - Sioux Falls, Dak. - - Dear Sir: - - This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton and Miss - Mary M----, Prison Evangelists. - - They paid us a visit several days ago. While they came without - introduction, I welcomed them and gave them opportunity to - examine the prison; also called officers and prisoners together - in the evening and held services. We were well repaid for our - time and trouble. They left a lasting and good impression. I - think that you will like their singing and prison talk. I bespeak - for them a cordial greeting. Fraternally yours, - - DAN WILLIAMS, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Warden's Office, - Penitentiary at Anamosa. - - Anamosa, Iowa, Dec. 2, 1888. - - This is to certify that Elizabeth R. Wheaton this day held - religious services in the prison chapel at this prison, which - were very interesting and instructive, and were highly - appreciated by both convicts and officials. I am convinced that - much good will result from the meeting. Mrs. Wheaton is very - earnest in her remarks, and her singing is charming. I can - heartily commend her to all prison officials whom she may choose - to visit. - - Very truly, - MARQUIS BARR, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Ohio Penitentiary, Warden's Office. - - Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1889. - - To Prison Officers: - - This will introduce Mrs. Wheaton, who has been at our prison and - worked among the boys. There is none who will command more - respect and no more earnest worker than Mrs. Wheaton. She will do - good Christian work wherever she goes. - - Respectfully, - W. B. PENNINGTON, - Deputy Warden, Ohio Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Huntsville, Tex., Sept. 20, 1904. - - Mother Wheaton, - Tabor Iowa. - - My Dear Madam: Your favor of the 4th instant came duly to hand, - and we certainly appreciate your kind remembrance. - - I made the men a talk last Sunday in the Chapel and told them of - your kindly words sent them by you through me, and I know they - all appreciated it. May God bless you in your good work, and - grant that your days may be long; that you may be able to turn - many poor, wayward men and women from their evil ways. - - With my very kindest regards, I beg to remain, madam, - - Yours most sincerely, - - T. H. BROWN, Asst. Superintendent. - - Dict. T. H. B. - - * * * * * - - Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aug. 31, 1891. - - To My Brethren--Wardens: - - Gentlemen: Having observed the work of Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton - as a prison evangelist, I most cheerfully recommend her to your - kind consideration and co-operation. Her presence is a - benediction, and her work is in no sense subversive of good - discipline, but, on the other hand, is most healthful and - helpful. - - Fraternally yours, - THEO. D. KANOUSE, - Warden of South Dakota Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Warden's Office. - The Anamosa Penitentiary. - - Anamosa, Iowa, Oct. 8, 1894. - - To all who entertain an interest in our common humanity: - - We deem it only just and proper to express our endorsement of the - labors and influence of Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton among the - inmates of prisons. - - Her visits to this prison have invariably been attended with good - results, and she leaves within these walls a fragrant and - wholesome influence. - - Most respectfully, - P. W. MADDEN, Warden. - J. M. CROCKER, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Southern Illinois Penitentiary. - - Chester, Ill., Menard P. O., Oct. 22, 1893. - - Dr. V. S. Benson, Asylum for Criminal Insane, - - My Dear Doctor: - - This will introduce Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, a prison evangelist who - wishes to hold open air services at your place. I am deeply - impressed with her earnestness and eloquence, and feel that she - has done us good down here. - Yours truly, - - J. D. BAKER, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Superintendent's Office. - Virginia Penitentiary. - - Richmond Va., June 8, 1893. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, evangelist, whose mission is among - prisoners, has visited and held meetings at this institution - which have made a decided impression upon the convicts, and I - heartily recommend her to the favor of prison officials and - other good people. - - Very truly yours, - B. W. LYNN, Supt. - - * * * * * - - Colorado State Penitentiary. - - Canon City, Colo., April 11, 1904. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - I wish to say that Mother Wheaton, who has from time to time - visited the Colorado State Penitentiary, has been the means, I - believe, of accomplishing much good with the inmates of this - institution. Her earnest efforts and kind, motherly advice have - instilled in the hearts of the prisoners an apparent desire to be - better men. I certainly most earnestly commend her to the kindly - care of those whom she may meet. - - JOHN CLEGHORN, - Warden Colorado State Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - South Dakota Penitentiary. - - Sioux Falls, S. D., March 12, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - 612 E St., Elkhart, Ind. - - Dear Madam: - - I take this opportunity of thanking you for the visit made to - this institution some time ago. Your work among the prisoners has - had good effect in more ways than one. A number of the inmates - have told me that your encouraging and Christian talk to them has - helped them and that they are trying to live Christian lives and - that by the help of God they expect this to be their last term in - prison. - - Hoping that you may be able to visit this institution again, I - am, - - Yours truly, - O. S. SWENSON, Warden. - - * * * * * - - South Dakota Penitentiary. - - Sioux Falls, S. D., June 5, 1905. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - This is to certify that Mother Wheaton, the bearer of this - letter, has visited the South Dakota Penitentiary in the capacity - of a missionary. I am glad of the opportunity to say that she is - doing much good to those unfortunate enough to be placed in an - institution of this kind and I heartily commend her work. - - Very respectfully, - H. T. PARMLEY, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Nebraska State Penitentiary. - - Lancaster, Neb., May 22, 1905. - - Mother Wheaton's visits to this institution always seem to cheer - up the inmates and make most of them look forward to better - things. They feel that she has a mother's heart for all. - - A. D. BEEMER, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Office of the Commissioners of the - District of Columbia. - - Washington, Aug. 19, 1893. - - Mr. W. H. Stoutenburgh, - Intendant Washington Asylum. - - Dear Sir: - - The commissioners direct me to ask that you will give the bearer, - Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, a hearing, and such favorable - action as you properly may with respect to the object of her - visit, which is to arrange for the holding of religious exercises - at the asylum. - - Very truly, - W. TINDALL, Secretary. - - - PERSONAL LETTERS. - - Kansas State Penitentiary. - - Lansing, Kan., Oct. 17, 1894. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - Dear Sister: - - I am in receipt of your card and am glad to hear of your good - success. I enclose you a money order for eight dollars and - seventy-five cents, of which fifty cents comes from the deputy - warden, and the balance from prisoners. You will remember that I - gave you one dollar and twenty-five cents, making a total of ten - dollars. - - Excuse me for being so particular, but money drawn from the - prisoners goes on record, so would like your receipt to show for - it. - - Wife and children are well. - - Fraternally, - F. A. BRIGGS, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Kentucky Branch Penitentiary. - - Eddyville, Ky., Nov. 13, 1897. - - Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton. - Dear Sister: - - I suppose you remember your visit to our prison; the boys often - speak of you. We would be glad to have you visit us again - whenever it would be convenient. I will soon have to submit my - annual report and I write you that I may get a statement from you - that I may embody in the report. I herewith enclose statement; if - you will sign and return to me I will be very thankful. I have - forgotten the lady's name who was with you. If you could get a - like statement from her for me I would be glad to embody it also. - In my report I will speak of your visit in a way that will - introduce you into other parts of the United States. - - Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, - - Yours most respectfully, - D. F. KERR, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Missouri State Penitentiary. - Office of Warden. - - Jefferson City, Nov. 22, 1897. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your card duly received and we were all glad to hear from you, D. - especially. Enclosed you will find a letter from her which she is - very anxious for you to answer. Mrs. Pike and I both ordered - books from Mr. McKnight at Columbus and are perfectly delighted - with them. Mrs. Spahr has ordered one too. We are all about as - usual, some three or four sick. We have fifty-two women at - present. Hope you are well and prospering in the Lord's work. - Will be pleased to hear from you often. With much love, - - I am sincerely yours, - BELLE MAGEE, - Matron State Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Pittsburg, Kan., April 18, 1898. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your kind letter just received. God bless you for your kind, - sympathetic heart. I have often thought of and prayed for you. I - still feel that God will open the way for me to re-enter the - prison work. I am trusting Him. He is my all and in all. - - I hear occasionally from the boys at Fort Madison. God has used - you marvelously. May you be spared long to tell to those around - what a dear Saviour you have found. - - Your son in the gospel, - C. S. LASLETT, - Former Chaplain Fort Madison, Iowa. - - Eph. 3:18-21. - - * * * * * - - Anamosa Penitentiary. - - Anamosa, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1899. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - At last we have your handkerchiefs finished, and can send to you. - The girls did not get those tiny slippers finished in time to - have them at the turnkey's office the evening before you went - away, so will enclose them now. They are very small, but we know - you will appreciate the motive rather than the result. - - They are all doing nicely and I feel quite encouraged with the - present outlook. - - I trust that you are better and that your general health may - remain good for years of usefulness yet in life. - - With best wishes from myself and my father, the Deputy Warden, - - I am sincerely yours, - MRS. ANGIE M. WATERMAN, Matron. - - * * * * * - - Kansas State Penitentiary. - - Lansing, Kan., Oct. 5, 1899. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your card of yesterday reached me today, but too late to attend - your service at the Home, which I would have been pleased to do. - Accompanied by our daughter we went to Kansas City, Mo., Monday - evening for a short visit and returned home yesterday noon. I - examined eight new prisoners just before starting and upon my - return found sixteen more. Then two more today. Twenty-six in all - this week! So I have been very busy. - - Your handkerchief was found in Chapel and my sexton and night - watch want you to know that you have found "two honest boys in - the pen." I send it enclosed. - - Are you going to remain here over another Sunday, and if so, will - you be out again or do you go to the Military Prison? - - The little book to Baby Esther, the poem and a tract, came this - evening, for which please accept grateful thanks. May the blessed - Lord greatly bless you in your noble work. May He comfort, - strengthen and keep you. - - Sincerely yours in Jesus, - R. A. HOFFMAN, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Iowa Soldiers' Home. - Marshalltown, Iowa, July 18, 1901. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister. Your card came, after a little delay, duly to hand. - - We regret very much your being sick and especially with that - dreaded disease, the smallpox. There has not been a case of it at - the Home and not any in town that I know of. - - Our family is well. Matters at the Home in usual shape. - Thirty-four of the boys have died since January 1, and so we are - being mustered out, because of service no longer needed. It will - be a wonderful relief to us all to be invited to that "house not - made with hands, eternal in the heavens." - - Your visit here was well received, much enjoyed and very - profitable. Your coming again will be hailed with delight. - - Very truly, your brother, - JESSE COLE, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Michigan State Prison. - - Jackson, Mich., Sept. 9, 1903. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - The work still progresses nicely. Many of the men speak in the - highest terms of the services you held here and wish to hear you - again and those who pray often remember you in their prayers. - - We are very thankful to you for your interest in the inmates of - Jackson Prison. God bless you in your mission of love. We send - the sincere wish and offer the earnest prayer that God may make - your book a strong influence in the upbuilding of Christian life - and character. - - Sincerely, - FRANK MCALPINE, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Rusk, Tex., April 7, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister: Your kind postal was read to "The Boys" last Sunday - and I was requested to answer it. They enjoyed your words of love - and sympathy very much. The "old timers" remember you well, and - the new men know you through the old ones. - - John B. Reagan is Assistant Superintendent, J. H. Meeks, Warden - or, as he is called here, Underkeeper; J. H. Walker, Assistant - Financial Agent, and I am Chaplain. - - We would like so much for you to visit us. If you make - arrangements to come let me know and I will meet you at the - depot. - - Yours in the work, - J. L. DAWSON. - - * * * * * - -Accompanying the following tribute from Bro. Munro, chaplain of the -Mission to the "Tombs" Prison in New York City, we give cuts of the -old "Tombs" where I have held services a number of times, and of the -"New Tombs" which has not been occupied a great while. Also a short -extract taken from the annual report of the chaplain. - - -[Illustration: THE OLD TOMBS] - -[Illustration: THE NEW TOMBS] - - Gospel Mission to the Tombs. - Rev. J. J. Munro, Chaplain. - - New York City, June 24, 1904. - - Dear Sister Wheaton, - Prison Evangelist, - Chicago, Ill. - - I am glad to hear that you are writing a book on prison labors. - You certainly have had much experience in that line. I trust your - book will have a wide circulation in which the marvels of God's - free grace to men and women behind the bars will be fully seen. - - I take much pleasure in commending your prison labors for the - Master. For when you came to the Tombs it gave me great joy to - hear you speak to the prisoners. And your earnest words for lost - souls will not be soon forgotten. Success to you and may God's - richest blessing be with you. - - In the Master's name, - JOHN J. MUNRO. - - EXTRACT. - - "Crime among boys and young men has increased greatly during the - last few years. I cannot account for this except on the ground of - a noticeable increase in the social high pressure. - - "The temptations today are greater than ever and swamp the young - men by the hundreds before they reach their majority. I meet - these boys in prison--white and colored--and talk to them. I find - out their needs and try to help them. - - "Nowhere in the wide world can the power of sin be more clearly - seen than in the Tombs Prison. It is a wreckage pool where hulks - and derelicts that have been abandoned in the ocean of life come - to a standstill. What an army of fallen humanity! They can go no - further. When they realize their condition they weep, groan and - bitterly lament over their misspent lives. Can these men be - transformed by the power of the Gospel? These moral and physical - wrecks, with bleared eyes, sunken and emaciated cheeks and many - other marks of sin. What a besotted multitude! Yet the Gospel of - Jesus can reach them. 'He can save to the uttermost all that come - unto God through Him.'" - - * * * * * - - Nebraska State Penitentiary. - A. D. Beemer, Warden. - - Lancaster, Neb., May 22, 1905. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - I have lately become acquainted with Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, - familiarly known as "Mother Wheaton," the prison evangelist, and - I take pleasure in recommending her and endorsing her work among - those who are detained in prisons and jails. - - Her manifest Christian spirit, sympathy with the unfortunate and - condemned ones, sincere humility, all entitle her to the esteem - and confidence of all, and I believe her work productive of much - good. - - Signed, P. C. JOHNSON, - Chaplain of Nebraska Penitentiary, - Lancaster, Neb. - - * * * * * - - Huntsville, Tex., Aug. 8, 1904. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - This is to certify that Sister Elizabeth R. Wheaton, prison - evangelist, has visited our prison and held a profitable service. - She is a consecrated woman and has her heart in the work. Would - to God that we had more such women. May the Lord raise them up - and help these poor unfortunate men who are confined within - prison walls. All the prisoners who know her love her and call - her mother. May the Lord in his mercy preserve her and give her - many souls for her labor. - - W. T. MCDONALD, - Chaplain Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 30, 1885. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - I am sorry I had no opportunity to see you before you left. I - trust we may see you on your way to the south. Mrs. Chapman - informed me last evening of your whereabouts and the Warden - wished me to convey his regards to you and say that he should - like to see you here again, if convenient or consistent with your - plans, on Sunday next (Nov. 1). - - Accompanying this please find some notes from different - prisoners. The Warden would be glad to have you here some - Saturday P.M. in order that you should be in the yard, at liberty - with all the men, that you might speak with them at your freedom - or pleasure personally. I trust that the divine light is flooding - your spirit and I pray it may do so forever. - - I hope that Christ is ever a satisfying portion to you and that - your comforts in Him are numberless and rich. - - May God Almighty fill you with himself. - - Respectfully, - J. W. F. BARNES, - Chaplain Mass. State Prison. - - P. S. Also find herewith a paper drawn up by one prisoner and - signed by thirty-three others. - - J. W. F. B. - - * * * * * - - Charlestown, Mass., June 4, 1887. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Things here seem to be getting on to the praise of Jehovah. I had - a good, long letter from Sister B. this morning. It is most - blessed to feel that Jesus abides in the ship and commands the - winds and sea as well. Praise his glorious name! - - What a blessing it is to be on the altar in God's service, ready - to go or stay; ready to labor or to rest; to bear burdens or be - free. - - I trust that the fullest rays of the Sun Divine may warm your - heart and make your life fruitful. - - God be with you richly in all things. - - With best of wishes, - J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Massachusetts State Prison. - Charlestown, Feb. 13, 1896. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - Your postal to the Warden concerning ---- was put into my hands. - This is the first moment I have had to devote to an answer. He is - in the city working. He has made excellent friends. He stands - well in the church he has joined; is connected with a very large - Bible class of young men and frequently has to be its teacher. He - is active in the church, but closely confined to his work. - - We are in fair condition, comparatively, in the prison. We have - tonight, 761 prisoners. I send you one of our reports with this. - - A. is still keeping a Rescue Mission and doing well. - - I presume you are still after the welfare of the prisoners. I - have been very ill since I saw you, but am able to be at my work - again. Our little prayer meeting on Saturday P. M. still goes on - doing good. The Lord is with us in the enlightening and building - up of souls. - - Such work as you used to do has been left out of the prison life - and no one is allowed now to go into the chapel on Sundays. Once - each month I take in some people to help us sing in our praise - service. The same people every time, however. Pray for us. - - Sincerely yours, - J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Massachusetts State Prison. - - Charlestown, June 14, 1899. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Yours came on Monday last. I was glad to hear from you, and to - get the enclosures in your letter. They are good--very good--for - my work and my own life. I heartily reciprocate all your good - wishes for me and pray that you may be preserved from all evil. - - We have had some blessed conversions here and one or two of our - men have gone to their reward in great peace and joy. - - F. is doing well and much loved in his work for Christ. He is at - same address I sent you before. - - Truly yours in the work, - J. W. F. BARNES, Chaplain. - -[Illustration: PERSONAL WORK.] - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - Some of My Prison Boys. - - -The writer of the following letters was one of the most remarkably -conscientious persons I ever knew. As a prisoner, he was very highly -respected by the officers. His chaplain has ever remained his sincere -friend and counselor. Years have passed since he left prison life and -he still remains an earnest Christian and an honorable member of -society. No one but his pastor, employer and former friends know his -past history. - -He was converted in prison during services I held in 1884 or 1885. He -presented me some years ago with a book of poems of his own writing. -Not being able to carry them with me, I have lost trace of them. -Otherwise would be glad to furnish some of them to my readers. - - * * * * * - - To Mrs. Wheaton, My Dear Mother in the Lord: - - I call you by this name because I am young and have lost my - mother in the flesh, and I am writing this letter because, as you - have given up all for Jesus' sake, you only can help me as I - wish. You can pray for me as a mother prays for a son. I am - twenty-four years old, have an eighteen years' sentence, have - served four years of it and expect to serve the whole of it for I - have no influential friends to help me. - - I had not been here a year until I realized what eighteen years - of prison life meant--the deprivation of all earthly pleasures, - and the wasting away of youthful hopes and ambitions in vain - regret. Grief, misery and despair overwhelmed me every night, and - every night I wished that I were dead. A great struggle was going - on in my soul. A struggle for either life or death, and, thank - God, life had the victory. - - I am now a Christian. A night of revelation came to me in which - God, as Judge, and Jesus, as Saviour, revealed to me--the one, - the power and glory; the other, the love of God. - - But my way is not like the peaceful flow of a river, but like a - stream of cascades. By leaps I draw nearer to God. In the - meantime I do not keep the image of Jesus before me. Pray, dear - mother, this special prayer for me, that my faith may be - constant; that self shall no more come between it and Jesus; that - surroundings shall not weaken it; that youth shall not neglect - it. Jesus has stamped my soul with his blood. It can never be - effaced, but my soul does not thrill as often as I wish with the - joy of right-doing. Belief in Jesus permeates my whole being. Why - do I sometimes stray from his love? Repentance is doubly grievous - then, and repent I must. My conscience compels me. The prayers of - a saintly woman will be heard. You will pray for me for Jesus' - sake. - - Yours in the Lord, - SIGNED. - - * * * * * - - Thanksgiving Day, 1885. - - Dear Mother in the Lord: - - With what mingled emotions of joy, gratitude and love, I read - your faith inspiring letter. I did not expect it, for one Sunday - in the chapel the Chaplain read one from you addressed to us all - in general. He also told us something about your way--what a - lonely, weary way. What a sorrow yours has been! Can we poor - mortals ever forget our sorrow? Does it not rise to the surface - at times and overwhelm us, so that nothing but the soothing - presence of Jesus can comfort us? "I will not leave you - comfortless; I will come to you." - - A common saying here is: "I don't believe in a man coming to - prison to reform." Ah! little they know what reform is, for where - on earth does one need the Spirit that reforms more than in - prison? Our poets tell us that prisons are the types of hell. I - bless God for bringing me to this prison. Out of its depths I - cried and He heard me, nor do I pray to be free from its thrall. - Indeed I do pray for His will to be done in me and beseech Him to - keep me here until He calls me to Himself, rather than I should - go free again and forget Him. That I never can. Though I fell to - the lowest depths, I could never forget Him. Dear Mother, we - will meet Him--Jesus--in Heaven. Oh! I do not want the pleasures - of this life! I do want to be, like you, His humble follower. How - I wish I could be near you always that your faith might ever - increase my own. I need, very much I need, the pure and tender - influence of a holy praying "mother." My own mother had a loving - heart, but neither she nor my father did I ever see praying. My - precious Saviour was never revealed to me from the lips of - either. What would have become of me had God deferred this - discipline? Would I not have gone on in sin until too late, even - had I been sent here for a short term of years? My only thought - would be for them to end, that I might pursue again the delusive - hopes of sin. - - I fully realize my position here. I see the providence of God - that makes it a blessing. - - I would tell you the way Jesus came to me, or rather how I came - to Him. When first I came here I did not think of what was in - store for me--eighteen years of prison life. I was wild and - thoughtless. The strangeness of the place helped to divert my - mind, but the solitude of my cell at night forced me to look into - the future. At length my fate dawned upon me. Oh! it was - terrible! During the day I would try to forget the thoughts of - the night by being more wild than ever, but the night brought the - ordeal again and it was driving me to despair. I longed to be - dead, but one night the thought came: "Suppose you were dead, - what then? Would you be at rest?" I say thought, but if ever the - Holy Spirit spoke to the soul of man, it spoke to mine that - night. In an instant I saw the enormity of my sins and the - punishment in store for me. In terror I cried: "O, what shall I - do? Oh, I cannot die! I cannot meet this doom!" Need I say that - my cry was not in vain? No, the spirit of Jesus taught me of - Himself that night, and the Chaplain showed me some words in the - gospel of John. I never read the Bible before, but there were - Christ's words, and those words I now read often. The Psalms and - St. John contain for me the Way of Life. - - I do not forget you in my feeble prayers morning and night, and I - hope you will be indeed my "Mother" for Jesus' sake. Amen. - - * * * * * - - June 16, 1890. - - My Dear Friend and Spiritual Mother: - - I thank you very much for your kind letter, which I received - today. I pray that you may die in the harness, leaving your work - to just pass over the river into Heaven. - - Have you heard that our dear Chaplain's helpmeet has recently - taken this journey? The Chaplain takes it just as one would - expect he would, calmly, with faith unabated, rather increased, - for he said to me the day after the funeral: "The peace of God in - my heart passeth understanding." This evidence of real trust in - God's mercy, and that He is and heaven is, has been the means of - bringing me nearer to God. - - I am reading a book by "H. W. S." entitled "Frank: the Record of - a Happy Life." It is very inspiring. I have been convinced for - some time that the higher Christian life was a reality, and had - experienced its blessings. But I lived upon the experience, - drawing my strength from it and not God, consequently I soon got - back to where I was before. But the Holy Spirit has of late been - urging me to seek it again, so that I have consecrated myself - anew to the Lord, and he has blessed me wonderfully, taking away - the irritable feeling that certain trials were sure to bring me. - I forget self and think only of doing good to those who before I - felt like shunning. It makes me very humble in my happiness. Dear - Mother, I am sure you have enjoyed this blessed experience of - living moment by moment to God, being kept by Him from all sin - and the power of temptation. - - I have read that many Christians do not believe that the blood of - Christ cleanseth from all sin. This appears very strange to me. I - don't see how they can be so blind. When this blessed thought was - shown me I could not help believing it, it seemed so plain, and - was really needful for us to have in order to live up to the - commands of the gospel. - - Tuesday P. M., 17th. - - They are celebrating the Battle of Bunker Hill today. We have had - our holiday and are now in our rooms for the rest of the day. It - is a perfect summer day, mild, with a refreshing breeze floating - through the windows. My bird hangs above me chirping, enjoying - himself, while the murmur of voices in the guard room, with now - and then the joyous shout of a baby, make me feel like shutting - my eyes and imagining myself far away from these stones and bars. - - I firmly believe that an educated Christian who is wholly - consecrated shall be used by the Lord where an uneducated one - would not. You know it was to Paul, the highly educated, that was - intrusted the greatest work of the Apostles, viz: To convert the - heathen world. In Athens, the center of intellectual life, he - preached, quoting to them from their own poets and converting - certain philosophers of whom was Dionysius, one of the city's - judges. Intellectual ability is a talent which the Lord requires - us to use for His kingdom. We need never fear for education, - "While near the school the church spire stands," as the Quaker - poet, Whittier, puts it. - - Our prayer meeting is growing both in numbers and in interest. We - hold an election of officers today. I resigned the leadership - owing to my duties in the library being such that I could not - attend regularly. I, however, accepted the place of chairman of - the standing committee. The Warden has allowed the teachers of - the night school to organize a society for the purpose of general - culture. Last Friday the constitution and by-laws were submitted - for approval. Next Friday the election of officers will be held. - I have been embarrassed by several members asking me to accept - the position of president. I know that I am not qualified for the - position, but they think otherwise and are persistent. These, and - other tokens of regard and respect for me by my fellow prisoners, - I am very grateful for. - - It makes me feel, too, that my Christian life here has not been - without results among them. They respect my scruples--something I - hardly think people outside are in the habit of doing. You will - understand that I look upon all this as the Lord's doings, and - feel no self-praise over it. To Him be all the praise for giving - me the courage and strength to let my light shine before the men - in this prison. O! it is good to be on the Lord's side, to let - Him order my way. I pray that I may never have a will of my own - in this respect. I feel so perfectly willing to remain here and - serve Him in my feeble way, only praying that if a larger - opportunity comes to me I shall not be found wanting, only - believing that with the opportunity will come added strength and - power from on high. The Holy Spirit has so witnessed to my - spirit that God is and that He is a rewarder of them that - diligently seek Him, and that Jesus is my Saviour, that the bare - thought of being unfaithful brings intense pain to my soul. No, I - can never be happy away from my Saviour. With His faith filling - my being, His peace shall abide with me. - - I pray daily for my spiritual "Mother," that the Lord shall bless - her in all heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that the Holy Spirit - shall rest upon you, giving you the word of truth to speak to the - lost souls in all the places you go to. - - With much love, I remain - - Your son and brother in the Lord, - ---- ----. - - * * * * * - - Oct. 23, 1894. - - My Dear Mother: - - I have been waiting to hear from you so I could write and let you - know of the good news that has come to me. I am no longer in - prison. I have been let out on parole. This means that I am still - a prisoner, but am given larger liberty. I shall not be allowed - to leave this city nor engage in mission work, that is to give my - whole time to it. I have to report to the secretary of the Board - of Prison Commissioners every month. When I get a room I am going - to devote the most of my spare time to study. I go to a mission - at the North End, but have no regular church connections. I have - been living with Mr. ---- since coming out, but will leave him - within a week. He has been a good friend to me. He has been so - ill all this year that he has been to the prison only a few - times. - - I am happy in my new life. The Lord is blessing me wonderfully. - There is no other life worth living here below but following in - the way of the Lord. - - With much love, I remain - - Your son in the Lord, - ---- ----. - - A TALENTED YOUNG MAN. - -Soon after entering upon prison work, I found in one of our eastern -prisons the writer of the following letters and articles. He was at -that time young, gifted, scholarly and very prepossessing in -appearance. His penmanship was beautiful, perhaps the most so I have -ever seen, but he had fallen under evil influences and the very gift -that should have been used for a better purpose proved a curse and at -the time I first saw him he was under sentence for forgery. He seemed -to be clearly converted in a meeting I held in the prison and proved -faithful during the remainder of his term. But after he went out into -the world I lost trace of him. He was only one among thousands who -need sympathy and help and encouragement. I trust that, if living, he -is still true to himself and to God. Some of his letters follow, also -the discourse on the Agony in the Garden in the form of a letter found -in the appendix is of his writing. - - Oct. 29, 1885. - - To Mrs. ---- Wheaton. - - Madame: Not being able to shake hands, and having thus been - deprived of the pleasure of verbally telling you what we had to - say, we now have recourse to our pen. Our hearts have heard, - understood and treasured your words of last Sunday. - - Dear Lady, yours is a special task. In your field of labor are - gathered crowds unnumbered, inert, inanimate, forming, as it - were, a great desert, a Dead Sea uninhabited by any living thing. - There lies a small world to be reconquered; such are the men who - are to be reclaimed. How act upon them? How move their hearts? - How gain mastery over them? In these questions lies the secret of - the future. - - Holiness in your heart and the omnipotent hand of Jesus in yours - cannot fail to bring about the reformation of a host of - criminals. He will save them. Oh! climb the heights, display the - brilliancy of those universal truths in whose presence every - being gifted with reason and accessible to reflection feels - compelled to bend the knee. Deeds, examples, striking evidence - and incontestable proofs of abnegation, devotedness, charity and - sacrifices are required. These are the sermons that awaken souls - from their torpor; these the weapons that triumph over the - world, however criminal, careless, frivolous and hardened it may - be. - - SIGNED. - - * * * * * - - December 1, 1885. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - Somewhere in America. - - Let me begin this letter by saying something very true concerning - - RUM. - - Let thy devotees extol thee, - And thy wondrous virtues sum; - But the worst of names I'll call thee, - O, thou hydra monster, Rum! - - Pimple-maker, visage-bloater, - Health-corrupter, idler's mate; - Mischief breeder, vice promoter, - Credit spoiler, devil's bait. - - Almshouse builder, pauper maker, - Trust betrayer, sorrow's source; - Pocket emptier, Sabbath breaker, - Conscience stifler, guilt's resource. - - Nerve enfeebler, system shatterer, - Thirst increaser, vagrant thief; - Cough producer, treacherous flatterer, - Mud bedauber, mock relief. - - Business hinderer, spleen instiller, - Woe begetter, friendship's bane; - Anger heater, Bridewell filler, - Debt involver, toper's chain. - - Memory drowner, honor wrecker, - Judgment warper, blue-faced quack; - Feud beginner, rags bedecker, - Strife enkindler, fortune's wreck. - - Summer's cooler, winter's warmer, - Blood polluter, specious snare; - Mob collector, man transformer, - Bond undoer, gambler's fare. - - Speech bewrangler, headlong bringer, - Vitals burner, deadly fire; - Riot mover, firebrand flinger, - Discord kindler, misery's sire. - - Sinews robber, worth depriver, - Strength subduer, hideous foe; - Reason thwarter, fraud contriver, - Money waster, nations' woe. - - Vile seducer, joy dispeller, - Peace disturber, blackguard guest; - Sloth implanter, liver sweller, - Brain distracter, hateful pest. - - Wit destroyer, joy impairer, - Scandal dealer, foul-mouthed scourge; - Senses blunter, youth ensnarer, - Crime inventor, ruin's verge. - - Virtue blaster, base deceiver, - Spite displayer, sot's delight; - Noise exciter, stomach heaver, - Falsehood spreader, scorpion's bite. - - Quarrel plotter, rage discharger, - Giant conqueror, wasteful sway; - Chin carbuncler, tongue enlarger, - Malice venter, death's broadway. - - Household scatterer, high-hope dasher, - Death's forerunner, hell's dire brink; - Ravenous murderer, windpipe slasher, - Drunkard's lodging, meat and drink! - - The rum vender's power is something enormous. We do not delude - ourselves into thinking that the fight for national prohibition - will be easily won. In many respects the liquor dealers will - prove an enemy harder to vanquish than the slave dealers were. - For slavery was an institution with a local habitation. It was - restricted to certain well-defined limits. The whole world knew - where it was and what it was doing. But rum is everywhere. Its - upholders are woven into the warp and woof of society in every - city and hamlet. It has a thousand heads, and it can hide them in - times of danger with wonderful facility. Slavery was bold, brazen - and defiant. It could be nothing else. But the liquor dealers, - with equal bravado and strength, are enabled to resort to the - cunning and subtlety of the serpent, when bravado is imprudent. - - Then the liquor dealer's influence over his victims does not end - with control of the bodies. His slaves are his allies. He owns - them, many of them, body and soul for such a cause. They will - fight for rum and vote for rum as persistently as the saloonist - himself. These facts may as well be appreciated. When it comes to - defiant antagonism, when temperance men boldly array themselves - in professed opposition to the traffic in alcohol, the struggle - will be severe. But it is certain there will come no time in the - future when it will be less severe. The liquor power is _a - rapidly growing power_. God knows it is strong enough now, but it - becomes stronger with each passing day. - - Are we willing that such a class of men not only hold such an - enormous power, but add to it indefinitely? In the census for - 1880 the capital employed in the manufacture of liquor was over - one hundred and eighteen million of dollars, and the number of - persons employed in the manufactories and in saloons aggregated - over one hundred thousand. No nation can afford to leave such - power in the hands of such men. It is suicidal. - - Having _said my say_ about "Old Devil" and his "Clerks" I guess - I'll write a _little_ letter to - - My Dear Sister: - - Your good, kind letter was duly received. We sincerely thank you. - When meeting with savages who don't treat you respectfully please - ever remember that in M---- everybody who knows you or about you - loves you. Mrs. D. told me to write to Mrs. Wheaton because "_she - is a lovely Christian_." - - "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psa. 34:8. - - That is the right way to find out that He is good. We may think - He is good, we may have some idea that He is so--but to know it, - and to know how very good the Lord is, we must taste his - goodness. He alone is good. He is goodness itself; and because He - is this, He wants us to taste, to enjoy Him. - - Good men and women, and good children, will one day be like the - angels in heaven; and they begin to be such already in this - world. If it were not for them, if they were not here to be the - bearers of peace and happiness, the ministers of mercy and of - love, to wretchedness and woe, to the weary and the bowed down, - how wretched would this world be! A thousand blessings upon you, - beloved sisters, who, from the goodness of your great big heart, - endeavor to do good to others. It is through such holy and - devoted daughters of our thrice holy King and Father as Sister - Elizabeth that we taste and see how good the Lord is. - - "You see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own - hand." Galatians 6:11. "I thank my God, making mention of thee - always in my prayers." Philemon, 4. - - "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing - that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy - Ghost." Romans 15:13. - - "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them - which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." - Hebrews 13:3. - - We salute thee, sister. - - Your real brother in Jesus, - L. J. - - * * * * * - - Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 18, 1886. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister--John 17:20, 21: "Everyone members one of another." - "If one suffer all suffer." I do not know that the relation and - consequent influence of member upon member can be better - illustrated than by the connection of the body, mind and spirit, - and the power that any one of the three has over the other two. - - The mind depends upon the body to carry out its desires, and the - mind is in constant subjection to the body in health and in - sickness. The body is controlled by the mind as the ship is - directed in her course by the man at the helm. The spirit looks - out through the eyes of the body and is entranced with the scene - of beauty, or is crushed with the sorrow with which it is seized, - according as we look upon a thing of beauty or the eye rests upon - things withered and dead. - - The life and experience of every man attest the fact that thought - and emotion, and the body in which the organs of thought and - feeling are placed, are inter-related in such a way and to such - an extent that the mind and body control, to a very great extent, - the activity of each other. The wise man, looking at the inner - life and the outer manifestation of it, from a little different - point of view, expresses it thus: "As a man thinketh in his heart - so is he. The spirit of a man will sustain his _infirmity_, but a - wounded or broken spirit who can bear?" Says a writer in the Laws - of Health: "If a man thinks he is an invalid he is one; if he - thinks himself incompetent he is incompetent, and so through the - whole list." By faith in Christ, as true and confiding as the - trust of a child; by boldness at the throne of grace; by firmness - in resisting temptation, and by resolution in the performance of - every duty we are able to maintain the connection we have formed - with Christ, the head of the body; to bear the fruit of the vine; - to suffer with each other; to be honored with the members of the - body, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. - - As the connection of the body, mind, moral nature and spirit is - such as to give one part influence over the other parts and the - power to modify their health and action, so the relation which is - formed with the household of faith, when we come into Christ, is - to be honored by striving for the faith of the gospel and by an - effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. - - If one in Christ now, this oneness can be maintained among the - brotherhood in but one way, and that is by being one with Christ - and God in purpose, plan and effort for the salvation of men and - by striving together for _the faith_ of the gospel. The unity of - God's people cannot be maintained by erecting standards of our - own--by making our own opinions bonds of fellowship and tests of - soundness--by prescribing this and forbidding that. The unity is - to be maintained by striving together for _the faith_ of the - gospel. The same thing is true with reference to the multitudes - who are following Christ as they have learned him. The unity of - all these distracted bodies is not to be brought about by any - effort to form a union, but by an effort on the part of each one - to grow up into Christ, the living Head; by all agreeing to - disagree in their opinions; and by all striving together for _the - faith_ of the gospel. This lesson is to be taught the world by - the disciples of Christ, and if we do not teach the lesson - aright, we may expect, and we ought to receive the question: What - do ye more than others? - - When we are growing in favor with God and man; when we are - increasing in the knowledge of divine things; when our lives are - hid with Christ in God; when we are appropriating the spiritual - food which God has furnished; when we are proving to the world - that we have passed from death unto life; when we are loving each - other with pure hearts fervently; when we are continuing - steadfast in the apostles' doctrines and in the fellowship, in - the breaking of bread and in prayers, we are giving to the world - and to professed Christians everywhere a living demonstration - that we are striving together for the faith of the gospel. - - "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that - bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good - tidings of good that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, - Thy God reigneth!" - - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be - in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2. - - Yours in His love, - L. J. - - - UNDER DEATH SENTENCE. - -In 1887, I found the writer of the following letters, with nine other -men, under sentence of death in the prison at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. -Before his cell door stood his wife and four little children. They all -seemed heart-broken and I was deeply impressed with the sad, touching -scene. After talking with them and praying for them, I was led to -believe that the man was innocent of the crime for which he and -another young man had been condemned. The evidence against them was -purely circumstantial. The other man was afterward given his liberty, -but this one was held, as many believed, for want of money to hire -lawyers to properly plead his case. I still believe him to be an -innocent man. - -I left the state a short time before the day set for the execution, -but prayed the Lord to let his life be spared if he was innocent. Some -time after I learned that he, with several others, had been given a -life sentence in the Ohio penitentiary. I went to the President and -Attorney General in Washington, D. C., several times, trying, if -possible, to secure his pardon. They were kind and courteous and after -looking up the evidence would have granted him a pardon if the judge -who had passed the sentence would request it, but he refused to do so -and finally died. Then all hope seemed gone. The wife died of a broken -heart. The children all died and the dear old parents, broken-hearted, -lingered on, hoping against hope, until now they, too, may have passed -away. But the poor man lingered in prison, with health, hope, friends, -youth, all gone; forgotten by the world, waiting for death to end his -misery. I say hope gone; I mean, hope for freedom here. His hope of -heaven proved an anchor to his sorrowing heart. He proved himself a -consistent Christian and a good, quiet, obedient prisoner. A letter -from Chaplain Starr, Columbus, Ohio, tells me that he had been finally -pardoned and was released January 4, 1904. - -I find in my possession two papers received from Washington regarding -his case of which I give the reader verbatim copies: - - * * * * * - - Department of Justice. - Washington. - - Case of M----, Western District of Arkansas. - Offense--Murder. - Sentence--To be hanged. - Petition for pardon filed March 11, 1899. - Commuted to life imprisonment on June 7, 1899. - - JAMES F. REED, ESQ., - U. S. Dist. Atty., Western Dist. of Ark., - Fort Smith, Ark. - - * * * * * - - Department of Justice. - - Washington, D. C., March 8, 1895. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - 902 H. Street, N. E. - - Sir: The papers in the above case have been referred, in - accordance with Department practice, to the United States - Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas for his - consideration, and he has reported adversely thereon, being of - the opinion that the case is not one in which executive clemency - should be exercised, trial judge concurring. - - In the absence of a counter showing, the report of the United - States Attorney will be considered as disposing of the case. - - By direction of the Attorney General. - - Very respectfully, - WILLIAM C. ENDICOTT, - Attorney in Charge of Pardons. - - * * * * * - - Fort Smith, Ark., Feb. 20, 1889. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Yours at hand. It found a small portion of us praying to God for - aid. We keep up our prayer meeting. There is but three of us who - attend regular. It is myself and Mr. M. and T. We want to do all - we can to save our souls. I am one who is to be executed on the - 19th and I am ready to go if God says for me to go. I am sure to - meet you in Heaven where there is no unjust court. I want you to - pray for me in good faith, for the prayers of the righteous are - powerful and I want you to remember the day I am to die and pray - for my soul to go to God where I can see everlasting enjoyment. - - I am sad, sister. It hurts my heart to think I have been a good, - affectionate man on earth and now I must die for the wicked world - or man's evil. I forgive all and will die an innocent man. "God - receive my soul" is my prayer. - - Brother and sister B. came and prayed for us last week. Write me - again and I will give you all the news. - - Yours truly, - M----. - - I had to stop writing to get to prayer meeting and I tell you, we - had a good time. It does me good to get to say a word for Jesus, - in jail or out. I am as happy as anyone could be in prison, I am - sure. I am blessed with a sure love of God who can save or - destroy. We don't have preaching very often in here. There are - ten in here who are found guilty of murder. It is no wonder - people think they can't get justice. I am sure it is on account - of so many bad people being in the territory and around it. - - I am thankful I am even spared to see a few more days and to let - me have more time to try for justice. I am doing all I can and so - are my friends and relatives. I have a good father and mother to - pray for me day and night and am sure there is many a prayer gone - to Jesus in my behalf. - - Hoping to hear from you soon, I say good-bye. I am, - - Yours very truly, M----. - - * * * * * - - Fort Smith, Arkansas, March 13, 1889. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Yours at hand. It found me well and still pleading to God to - prepare my soul to meet my fate on the 19th of April. It is an - awful day for me to think of. I do hope and pray to God I won't - be put to death in such a cruel manner. I don't deserve such a - death, or any punishment at all for the accused crime. I don't - fear death, but I don't want to disgrace so many good people as - it will be a disgrace on all my relatives and me as clear of - murder as a child, and I don't believe God will allow me to be - put to death without a cause, but if God tells me to go on the - scaffold I will obey Him. - - I had a dear brother come to see me this week, and when he left - me it just looked like it was the last sight of the dear brother, - although he said, "I will come to see you again before ----," - then he choked down and went away. He meant, "Before you are - executed." It would do my dear old parents an awful sight of good - to get a letter from you, stating what I said in regard to a - future home. I do wish you would write them. - - We keep up our prayer meeting as regular as the time comes, - except we are hindered by a good cause. Seldom we miss our - meeting and prayers together. I am sorry to say there is only - three of us and I am all the doomed one of the three. I want you - when you are visiting prisons in Texas to inquire for a man by - the name of John H., as I have heard he was arrested in Texas - somewhere and was in jail. This is the same name as the man we - are accused of killing, and it may be the same man. I wrote to - Paris, Texas, but he was not there. If you find him let me know - at once. You can ask him if he ever knew Henry M. and William W. - He might deny us, so you can give me a description and I can tell - if it is him. Ask him of what nationality he is. - - God bless you all and send me relief at the last hour. Amen. I - am, - - Your true and affectionate brother in Christ, - M----. - - * * * * * - - Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 11, 1889. - - Mrs. Wheaton, - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Your kind and welcome letter at hand. I hope you are being - blessed by our Almighty God. I am sure you are worthy of great - praise in well-doing. I am very sorry to inform you I am not - pardoned yet, but I thank God I have been respited till June 29. - It was thankful news for me and I am sure it is the power of our - God who wants justice done in everything here on earth. Oh, what - a great promise Jesus has promised us all if we will humble - ourselves and get low down at his feet! I am one that wants to - bow as low as I am required. I am a servant for Jesus as long as - I remain in this sinful world. - - I am so glad my dear old pa wrote you. I don't get any letters - from him. I suppose he writes so pitiful to me the jailer won't - let me have his letters. I do not know any other cause. I receive - letters from my brothers and sisters regular. I thank you for the - letter father sent you. My misfortune is an awful burden on their - poor, old and feeble hearts, but I pray God to stay them and help - them to bear their sorrows and I am sure He will do so. - - Mr. W., my partner, is granted a free pardon and the President - did not have time to investigate the evidence in my behalf, so he - respited me for further investigation. Several of the senators - are taking an anxious part for me and it is thought I will get a - pardon. I trust in God I will be set free and can be able to help - catch sinners for Jesus; I am sure I am willing. - - I am sorry to inform you Brother M. was convicted of a brutal - murder as the evidence shows. I hope he is not guilty, but we - must not say. - - It is a sad place here. Brother George B. and Brother T. have - gone back in the world. There is nothing done for Brother George - yet and his time is short. - - The President refused to do anything for M., that one-armed - colored man, so he must meet his Jesus on the 19th of this month. - There is three more, but the President has not ruled on their - cases yet. I don't know whether they will be hung or not. I hope - not. God help them all. - - I want you to please write me. It does me good to read a letter - from you. Write soon. - - M----. - - * * * * * - - Fort Smith, Ark., May 1, 1889. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Yours at hand. It found us all in good health, and for myself, I - am looking to Jesus. We still keep up our prayer meeting. It is - a great comfort for me to get to tell Jesus how I feel and to - hear the other brothers pray and talk for Him. Of course I know - it is hard for me and some others to bear this punishment, yet I - feel the kindness of our kind Saviour in my poor, sad heart. I - only ask God to save my life and I am willing to spend the rest - of my days in his service. I can only trust God that all will - come out right. - - I will tell you of the dear ones who were hung on the 19th. It - was J. M. and A. Both were colored men. M. had the Catholic - priest pray for him and he said he was going to heaven. He was - very moody and pale; but he seemed to know his doom. Poor fellow! - God pity us all, for we have souls to save. A. joined the - Methodist church and was baptized the same day he was hung. He - was the bravest soldier I ever heard of. He smiled and said, - "Good-bye, Henry." I had to shed tears to see and feel the nerves - quivering when he and I both knew that it was death caused the - quivering of his pulse. Poor boys! They are better off than I am, - if they had made their peace with God. - - Brother M. was convicted and is sentenced to be hung July 17. - There is five to be hung on that day. One colored man and one - Indian woman and one Indian man and F. C. and Brother M. Myself - and George B. got a respite. His is till June 21 and mine till - June 29. W. got a free pardon and I am held on the same evidence. - It is because I was poor and did not send a man to plead for me - at Washington, but people think I will come out all right yet. I - leave it all to God, who can do me justice without money. - - For the sake of each poor unfortunate soul you may chance to - meet, I ask God to be near you and show and tell you a word to - say to the poor condemned ones--a comforting word for their - souls' sake. Joy and peace be with you. You have my prayers, as - weak as they are. Jesus be with us all. Amen. - - Write me soon. - - M----. - - * * * * * - - Ft. Smith, Ark., May 20, 1889. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Yours at hand. It found us all well but Mr. T. He has been - complaining, but he is better now. We were blessed with Mr. and - Mrs. B. to sing and pray for us this morning and it was a great - comfort to us all. She was refused at first, but after she came - in and told us we sent her to Mr. C. and he told her to "sing and - pray for those men as much as she wanted to." It is queer for a - living being to not want the distressed to find relief, but it - seems as though there was but little mercy shown us here, and, - dear sister, I am sure there are some good hearts in here and God - surely will not allow them to be put to death. Yet it has been - done, and it can be done again, and I am not trusting in a single - word or act of man. I am reading my Bible and asking God to open - my heart to all faith and charity and reveal all the required - secrets to my heart so I can become one of his children in faith - and be sanctified in Him. I am so glad you wrote me. It does me - good to hear from you. Write soon, as I can only stay here till - June 21. Good-bye. - - M----. - - * * * * * - - Columbus, Ohio, March 30, 1890. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Yours found me in some better health than I was when you last saw - me. I am so glad you will continue to write me. Like all other - persecuted souls, I sometimes think I have no friends. But it - cannot be so in my case. - - I do not faint or shudder at the idea of dying in prison. It is - just as near heaven from this prison as it would be if I was at - home in the tender care of dear parents and brothers and sisters. - Yet I cannot say I am as happy here as there at home. I am not. I - feel sure my time is short in this world. I have a hard time. I - am in a sea of tears daily. Oh, it is so hard to be bound and - shut out from a free world, but this is all for some purpose, - unknown to me at present, but by the help of God, I my burden - will bear. - - "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, - And when my voice is lost in death, - Praise shall my nobler powers employ - In that Eternal World of joy." - - "Lord, remember me for good, - Passing through this mortal veil; - Show me the atoning blood - When my strength and spirit fall. - Give my sorrowing soul to see - Jesus crucified for me." - - "May God be your helper and bless you," is my prayer continually. - - I do not aim to impress on your mind that I am punished by the - prison laws, for I am not. I haven't had a bit of trouble with - any one since I came into this institution. I have to work hard - and I do more than I ought to, but I am afraid I won't please my - superiors in power over me. I put in many a sleepless night from - weariness of my daily labors. But I could not stand any - punishment, so I had better over-do myself than to be over-done. - My sorrow is now as much as I can bear. I am in need of all good - praying people's prayers, so I ask you and your friends to pray - for me. - - I am honored with all the attire of a first-grade-prison man. I - have the red stripes you told me to get and my mustache. The boys - you know are well. - - M----. - - * * * * * - - Columbus, Ohio. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - Blessed be our God! He has saved us thus far and has given us an - ark to carry us over Jordan, safe to Eternity. We, as fallen men, - sometimes err in thinking we are not under God's protection, but - I say we are. Jesus came, not to bring saints, but sinners to - repentance. It is not the righteous that are called, but sinners. - There is only one way and that is by Jesus Christ, and that is to - humble ourselves to all that is right. Life has yet many - opportunities for serving God and his Church. Hitherto the Lord - has brought me and still in his loving hands I will cheerfully, - hopefully rest and trust till the shadows of earth shall be - changed for the sunlight of eternity, when my heavenly home is - reached, to be blessed forever with the Lord. - - Sister, Brother M. says "God bless you," and you have his - prayers. Bro. F. C. says he hopes to see you soon. Bro. B. is all - right as far as I know. They all say write to them. Bro. T. has - forgotten his pledge. May God soften his heart again to say "Thy - will be done." - - I close by asking you to write soon. God bless you and all - co-workers. - - Good-bye, M. ----. - - - SENTENCED FOR LIFE. - -Early in my prison work I found in one of our penitentiaries a man -sentenced for life who claimed to have acted only with the motive of -self-defense. That man is still confined in prison, though he is one -of the best of prisoners and has given evidence of being a good, -Christian man, worthy of pardon. I wrote to the governor once in his -behalf, but too late to avail anything, as his term of office was just -expiring. While that poor man has been held there, pardons have been -granted to Chinamen, Spaniards and other foreigners who were wicked -and guilty, yet this Christian man has been kept in confinement all -these long years, until there is only one other besides himself who is -now left of the prisoners who were there on my first visit. The other -has gone insane and I have feared that the one of whom I write would -lose his mind also. His article on the need of prison reform entitled -"Meditations of a Prisoner," found in another chapter, will, I -believe, commend itself to every fair-minded reader. - -I give a few selections from his letters. I feel sure he should be a -free man. O the indifference of those who have the power to free such -worthy cases and will not! May God give power to the faint and grace -to the afflicted and let us pray God to show the governors of our land -to whom to give pardon and freedom and from whom to withhold. - - * * * * * - - State Prison, December 21, 1902. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - Your kind and welcome letter received and I was very glad to hear - from you and I do hope you will soon be strong again. The world - needs many Mother Wheatons, so it can ill afford to lose you, but - if the Lord calls you home we must all submit, for He does all - things for the best. - - I was much surprised to see by your letter that you had written - to Governor S. in my behalf. From my heart I thank you, dear - Sister, and may God bless you for your kindly interest in me. But - Governor S. will leave the office tomorrow and the newly-elected - Governor will take his seat. It is too bad that you have gone to - all that trouble for nothing. But the fact that you did so will - always be most gratefully remembered by myself and Charles G. He - also wants me to send his kind regards and thanks for your good - will to him. - - When you have your book ready please send me one. Could you say - about when it will be ready? I suppose you would like to know how - we spent Christmas. It was spent in the dining-room, but we had a - nice dinner and were kindly remembered by the Warden and Chaplain - and everything was very nice and pleasant. - - I will close with kind regards and best wishes, and may God bless - you. - - Sincerely yours in the Master's service, - - E. - - * * * * * - - State Prison, Aug. 19, 1903. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - I have just received your welcome letter and was very glad to - hear from you, also to know that you were well. It is a wonder - you never get tired of traveling so much. When I think of how you - are constantly battling for the right in the interest of lost - sinners as we are it brings forth the thought in my mind--does it - pay? If one only looks at the general result he can but say--it - does not pay that one pure life should be worn out in the cause - when so few are made to see the error of their ways and turn to - the path of truth and right along the way of righteousness. - - But again, if one life is truly brought into the light and a soul - saved, then we must admit it pays. And I know that your - pilgrimage of mercy brings forth good, for all who know you speak - kindly of you. Well, if a little spark of love is kindled in the - heart of the most hardened by the kindly deeds of another, who - can tell how great that spark may become? So let us not weary of - well doing but press on, hoping for the best and accepting the - worst in true Christian resignation. - - I gave your message of love to all the men here. All were glad to - hear from you. O, my dear friend, I am so often troubled in heart - by the attitude of some people. Certainly I have been very - sinful. I have fully realized all that was wrong in my life. It - has been my endeavor to cast it all out of my life and to build - on a foundation of righteousness and faith in its place. I have - been blessed in my effort by the help of many who I feel have a - personal interest in me. At the same time no man has been more - inhumanly treated by those who profess to be Christians than I - have been and am. - - Yes, my friend, we are commanded to pray for such people. This I - have done for nine years, but the persecution still goes on. May - God forgive them. - - Now, a few words about the prison. Everything is changed here. We - have all new officers and guards, also another Governor. The - Chinese cook you spoke to was pardoned last January. I was - denied. - - I am, with love, your sincere friend, - - E. - - * * * * * - - January 24, 1904. - - Dear Sister: - - Your welcome letter duly received and I was glad to hear from you - and to know that you were well. - - Well, sister, I am again denied a pardon. Guess I must die here. - Well, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Still the lack - of a Christian spirit is felt as rendered to me. You remember the - Chinaman who was cook for the Warden? Well, he was pardoned, - likewise several Indians and many others who were without faith, - but Christians--oh, well, prison is a good place for them it - seems. - - With kind love and best wishes to you, I remain, - - Yours in His service, - E. - - * * * * * - - State Prison, Feb. 29, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton: - - Yours received and I was glad to hear from you. I am getting - along very nicely, but the heart is often sad. Oh, I was so much - disappointed, and while I was almost heart broken over it I have - also felt sorry for the friends that stood by me. Why, just think - of it--there are five members on the Board of Pardon, and they - all voted against me! So you see it is not the Governor alone who - is against me, but every one of them. - - My dear friend, I don't think you would be able to do anything - for me. The Lord is strong certainly, but the ones who have my - freedom in their power leave the commands of the Lord out of the - question. Read the 18th chapter of Matthew, from the 21st verse - to the last of the chapter, and you will see what I mean. - - Now, dear sister, may God help, bless and comfort you in this - seemingly cold world of ours, is the prayer of your friend, - - E. - - - FAITHFUL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF PRISON WALLS. - -Another case with which I was very much impressed in the early days of -my missionary work was that of a young man of rare ability, gifted and -sensible, who was spending a term in one of our United States prisons. -He was converted and began working for God among the other prisoners. -After faithfully serving his time, he left the prison with good -prospects. He was taken into an office and did exceedingly good -service for the company, also for God and souls,--his past being known -only to his pastor, employers and prison officials. After several -years he married a most estimable lady who was doing missionary work. -They prospered well. He was promoted from one position to another. For -nineteen years he has lived a devoted Christian. All who know him -honor and respect him. His wife has recently passed over to the -kingdom of heaven. He is still living a true and noble life and he is -only one of many who have served time inside of prison walls, who are -living for God outside and for Heaven at last. I quote a few extracts -from letters received from him during the time of his incarceration. - - * * * * * - - In Prison, January 12, 1885. - - My Dear Friend: - - Your kind note was received and I was very much pleased to hear - from you, but was pained that you should think for a moment that - I was forgetting you. Since you left us we have had several very - earnest and interesting meetings--the fruit of your presence and - labor among us. Praise God, He can find his way inside prison - walls as well as outside. He is no respector of person. Many men, - not before confessing Christ or even anxious sinners, have stood - up manfully for prayers and may God give them grace to accept and - believe. It is very simple, my dear sister, is it not? How I wish - that all could see it! It only means total surrender to Him, to - give up the old longings and desires and trust Him from day to - day. Then comes the "perfect peace" which is vouchsafed to them - whose mind is stayed on God. Of course, you will see us again. - Our dear Chaplain and Warden are doing everything possible for - the spiritual welfare of all the men. The Warden dignified our - first meeting by giving us his personal religious experience at - the commencement of the service, and he is willing and anxious to - encourage in every way possible the religious sentiment now - prevailing. As for our Chaplain, I do not believe there is his - equal. I who am so closely associated with him can truly testify - to his untiring zeal in behalf of all of us. If ever there was a - living man, free from any selfish or worldly motives, I believe - it is he. The moral tone has been increasing ever since he came - among us. I shall not feel at all slighted if you save your - strength and time by not writing to me. Just send me some little - message by F. or any others (for I see them all daily), and I - shall be just as well pleased. It is not because I do not like to - have you write me, but I had rather spare you, or help you. - - If you will let me know the address of that dear lady at Raleigh - whom you stayed with, I will gladly make her something and would - like very much to make something for any other of the dear - friends who are good to you on your pilgrimage of love and mercy. - Shall not forget to make something for your brother. May God - bless and keep you and make his face to shine upon you for many - years yet to come, and may we finally meet in heaven where there - shall be no more parting and sorrow. - - Your loving brother in Christ, - - C. W. - - * * * * * - - August 8, 1886. - - My Dear Friend: - - Do you think we have forgotten you? Why, no indeed! We think and - speak of you almost daily, but you are moving so that we hardly - know where to locate you. A day or two ago L., who is my friend, - got a postal card from you, and as he cannot write, by permission - just now and I have the privilege to do so, I drop these few - lines for him as well as for myself. - - How glad we are to know the Lord has prospered your work. How - literally is the promise of Christ fulfilled, "Lo, I am with you - alway, even unto the end of the world." It seems so wonderful - that all people are opening their doors to Christian workers, the - doors which a few years ago were closed and to be opened only - through the power of God, who, as Daniel said, would "set up a - kingdom which shall never be destroyed," but it shall break in - pieces and consume all these kingdoms and shall stand forever. - Our Sabbath School is not in session this month but will renew - its course the first of September. We like our new Warden very - well. Our dear Chaplain is still with us and is quite well and - engaged as ever in his life work. His place would be very hard to - fill here. I have been reading this morning the 34th Psalm--"all - my fears," "all his troubles," "all his afflictions"--a - deliverance from all. "There is no want to them that fear Him." - This Psalm is full of comfort. Praise His name! We can find help - and comfort in any part of His holy Word. We all pray for God's - blessing upon you and your work and for the conversion and - salvation of all whom you minister unto. It does not seem too - great a thing to ask of the Lord. Both L. and F. send their love - to you and L. will write you soon. Also Mr. A. and Mr. R. and - many more send love and best wishes. I shall always consider you - my friend, and if in the Providence of God we shall never meet in - this world I hope to meet you with recognition in our eternal and - glorious home above. - - Truly your friend, - C. - - * * * * * - - January 29, 1890. - - My Dear Friend and Mother: - - Your letter received yesterday made me very happy. It was so good - of you to write so soon and send such a nice long letter, too. I - trust I am getting to value a letter from you as I ought, as I - realize more and more how your time is so zealously occupied and - needed. I have ever valued your letters for the help they gave - me, but I value them now for their scarcity. In the future, when - perhaps you may be no more, I shall esteem them among my most - valued treasures. Yet I may be called first! We know not the - hour, whether in youth, or old age, or in our prime when the - angel of death shall come to summon us to eternity. "Watch - therefore, be ye also ready," are words that I try to keep ever - in mind, or rather to keep my mind so stayed on Christ that - moment by moment He shall keep me saved so that I shall never - need to whip myself into keeping watch for my Lord. I am glad you - believe in and have the blood cleansing freedom from all sin. It - is an experience that meets with much opposition from worldly - Christians and from some whose good works follow them. These - latter really enjoy the experience, but are prejudiced at the - name given to it by others. I know that it meets with much - opposition. The "Christian Witness" comes to the prison every - week. It is an exponent of holiness and very interesting, as well - as spiritual. I have a magazine which contains a story of an - ex-convict which would do some good to those who think there is - no hope or reform for such an individual. I shall mail you the - magazine, and if you can read it do so and give it to others to - read. - - After a silence of several years my father has written me again. - You know he is living in C. and was formerly an instructor in the - State Prison at S. He is now old and broken in health, making him - incapable for steady work, so he is residing at a soldiers' home. - He expresses great anxiety in regard to my future, thinking me - friendless, etc. I have written him a long letter reviewing the - principal incidents of my prison life. How good God has been to - me and how my mind is at rest as regards the future because I - have left it in His hands. To find favor with my God is all I - desire. Having that, whatever my condition I shall be like St. - Paul, content. That is my view of a successful future or life. - Wealth, power, ability, all things that men aspire to in this - life, do not make or lead to success in my mind. Nothing but the - favor of God brings it to man, and that favor comes through the - "washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." Oh, - I am so glad that I know this--even me! How can man doubt the - wondrous love of God when He is so patient to all who will but - look and see. Well, said someone, that they do not want to look - and see lest they should be healed and be saved. My poor old - father is a church-member, but I fear he knows nothing about Holy - Ghost religion, Jesus Christ's religion, pure and undefiled. I - want to do just right all of the time. I know my heart is right - because I hate sin and love righteousness. If the Lord has no - other work for me when I leave here, I would like to labor under - your guidance. When are you coming this way again? I would love - to greet you once more before I die. - - C. - * * * * * - - From every nodding flower, from every whispering breeze - From mountain's lofty height, from towering trees, - From softly twinkling star, from lightning's giddy flash, - From the softest twitter of a bird and thunder's awful crash, - From hills the ants may call their own, - From crested elders 'round their throne, - From babbling brook, from storm-lashed wave, - From nature smiling, nature grave, - From earth and air, from sky and sea, - There comes the self same voice to me, - Like softest note of cooing dove, - And sweetly whispers, "GOD IS LOVE." - - --_A Prisoner._ - -[Illustration: ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, MITCHELVILLE, IOWA.] - -[Illustration: CAMPUS AND PLAYGROUND, GIRLS' INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, -MITCHELVILLE, IOWA.] - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - Letters from Co-workers, and Some of My Prison Girls. - - -In speaking of prisoners or of those within prison walls many think -only of men being found there. This is due doubtless to the few women -compared to the number of men found in these places. In my efforts to -do good to all, I have been especially mindful of those of my own sex, -and have ever endeavored to encourage and lift up my sisters who have -fallen victims to sin and misfortune. I give in this chapter a few -letters from sisters who are directly interested in the care and work -for the prison bound; also extracts from letters from a number of my -prison girls. The co-operation in my work and the kindness and -hospitality ever shown me by the sisters, matrons, wives of officers, -etc., are especially appreciated, and all these dear ones are often -remembered at the throne of divine grace. These too shall all share in -the fruit of the toil and labor in the final reckoning. Neither will -my girls whom I have tried to help, that have shown their appreciation -and have tried to serve the Lord, be forgotten. - -Women who are the victims of sin and are condemned by society and the -law, have as much right to be restored and encouraged when they amend -their ways, as have men. The following letters are, I believe, -sufficiently explanatory in themselves, and may be read with interest. - - * * * * * - - Huntsville, Texas, Aug. 19, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Mr. Baker, Superintendent of Prison, said he would like for you - to visit our prison once a year; they all were pleased with you. - Dear Mother, please pray for little George, that he may be truly - converted to God and take an interest in his studies. It seems - that he has no desire for them. My greatest aspiration is to live - to see him saved and have an education. How my heart goes out for - him! I feel that I won't be with him long. I sometimes think that - I had rather see him put away before I go, then I would know - where he was. When you go to the Faith Home pray for us that if - it be God's will that I may be relieved of afflictions and that - my husband may be able to do a great and lasting work for the - poor unfortunate men. Dear mother, I write you because I have - confidence in you. May God bless you. - - MRS. MARY MCDONALD. - - (Wife of Chaplain at Huntsville, Tex., a great sufferer.--E. R. - W.) - -[Illustration: CHAPLAIN'S RESIDENCE, HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS.] - - * * * * * - - My Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - Your letter to one of our boys was handed to me by him today. I - enjoyed reading it, and want to write you at once. I think V. was - very seriously impressed by your service here, although I have - not yet had an opportunity to talk with him as I have wanted to. - He was sick yesterday and not in school. Tomorrow I hope to see - him again. I am so glad that you had the opportunity of seeing - his parents. I know they will be greatly benefited spiritually by - your visit. I am sure our blessed Lord leads you, as you carry - peace and comfort wherever you go. Dear Mother, you comforted me. - I was impressed, as I have never been before, by the _power of - prayer_, and I know your prayers are heard and answered. This - text came to me _over and over_ while you were here, "The - effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." I - felt instinctively that your prayers could help me. Oh, my - friends! I _appeal_ to you to pray for me. I may be here only - until April, but if God has work here which He wishes _me_ to do, - I know He will order it that I shall stay longer. But I do want - to be _filled_ with His Holy Spirit, that while I stay I may do - _everything_ that is possible to warn and encourage these poor - fallen brothers to seek a Savior's love and forgiveness. I _want_ - a power which I feel _might_ be mine, but it has not yet come. I - want to reach the boys and tell them of Christ's love, but I have - not the power of speech. I cannot convince them that _my_ Savior - is their Savior too. So often they say to me, "Well, I guess that - kind of a life is the best kind to lead after all, but I never - will make a start in a place of this kind." - - The next day after you left one boy said to me that he had never - before heard a talk that had impressed him as he was impressed - Tuesday. I believe he is seriously awakened. I think _three_ - others are, also, beside the one of whom I told you the day you - left. I think V. is one. - - There is a boy here who says he heard you in Kansas City eight or - nine years ago. He was not at service, but saw and recognized - you. He thought you would know him if you saw him. - - Yours in Christian love, - - FANNIE A. HOYT, - (Teacher and wife of Officer.) - - Buena Vista, Colo., Oct. 24, 1896. - - * * * * * - - Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 12, 1893. - - Dear Mrs. Gore: - - This will introduce to you Mrs. Wheaton and Mrs. ----, Prison - Evangelists. You will be so glad to meet them and they to meet - you and talk about our dear boys "shut in." - - God bless you. MRS. CHARLTON EDHOLM. - - Mrs. A. B. Gore, Oakland, Cal. - - * * * * * - - Anamosa, Ia., Nov. 20, 1893. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - Anna H. has written you about the death of Emma S. She had a hard - cold, not so bad as some of the girls, however, when she left - here. We tried to persuade her to remain here over Sunday, where - it was warm, as it was very cold and stormy. She, however, - insisted upon going. We of course could not compel her to stay, - although we felt it was for the best. When she reached Algona she - was too sick to go into the country five miles where she was - going to stay. Tuesday morning she was taken out, and Thursday - afternoon died with La Grippe or Pneumonia. Several of the women - here have had La Grippe. All seem to be improving, as I insist - upon their taking excellent care of themselves. - - Now, Mrs. Wheaton, I hope you will write to Anna, also a letter - to all the girls that I can read to them. They will be glad to - think you have not forgotten them. Trusting that you are in good - health and that you see good results from your labors, I remain - your friend, - - JENNIE A. POWERS. - - * * * * * - - Jefferson City, Mo., Jan. 25, 1900. - - Dear Sister: - - Your card was received in due time. All glad to hear from you. - The quarantine is still on at the prison. No news there. No - visitors allowed. No baskets sent in, only money. Mr. Cook has - not missed a day at work since last winter. He was off twelve - days to visit his dear mother. She will soon pass to the other - side. Your card was filled with sadness. Be cheerful and rejoice, - for soon you will go to glory to praise Him forevermore. I will - write some to Sister Kelley. Write me a long letter. Chaplain P. - has been on the sick list. Everything going on nicely. Never had - a better warden than now in the last eighteen years that I have - known this prison. Hoping to hear of your good health, I am ever, - - CLARA COOK. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: WOMEN'S PRISON, ALLEGHENY CITY, PA.] - - Western Penitentiary, Allegheny, Pa., June 7, 1904. - - Mrs. Wheaton: - - I am glad to learn that you are about to embody your experiences - as a missionary to the inmates of the prisons and penitentiaries - of the various states in which you have labored in the name of - the Master. It has been no easy work. It has demanded much faith, - hope and charity on your part. You have gone with untiring zeal - to those who are despised and forsaken on account of their - criminal acts. - - In the spirit of our blessed Lord and in obedience to His command - you have gone year after year to the habitations of disgrace and - sorrow and carried the cheering and helpful promises and the - forgiving mercy of our dear Savior. - - You will have a rich reward from our Heavenly Father. I am sure - your words of gospel truth and your songs of praise have often - touched the hearts of the female prisoners under my care. The - most rebellious and hardened have felt and testified to the - gracious power of the gospel of love as you have uttered it - here. My hope and my prayer is that the Almighty Shepherd may - guide, keep and sustain you in this noble work of your life. - - SARAH J ARNER. - - Allegheny, Pa. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., Dec. 31, 1893. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - I will try and answer your kind and welcome letter which came to - hand a few days ago. We were all very glad to hear from you. Our - dear sister, Mrs. Jones, is dead. The dear old lady who was up to - the workhouse with you when you were here. She was a dear friend - to all the girls here, but she has gone home. She can come to us - no more, but we can go to her. The last words she said when she - was here was good-bye, and that she would meet us all in heaven. - We have very nice meetings now and would like to have you with - us. We pray for you every day and we want you to pray for us that - we may see the right way and that we may go out of here with - light hearts and go about doing good. - - We had a nice Christmas. Our Warden treated us with turkey, and - we were all so glad that he was so kind to us. - - Well, we will begin a new year tomorrow, and I hope we will lead - a different life, a better life, for if we believe in Jesus He - will save us; yes, He will keep us through the dark valley. He - will go with us to the end, as He has promised, if we will put - our trust in Him. I have gained a great victory since you were - here. I have forgiven an enemy that I thought I never could - forgive. - - Well, I will close by sending you my love, and as I have only one - sheet of paper my friend will send this on to you. I remain, - - Your sincere friend, - Lucy F. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., Feb. 16, 1896. - - My Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - I am so glad to hear from you once more. I had been thinking of - you so much of late and I asked God to let me hear from you or - send you to us, and so you see He answered my prayer. I cannot - express how glad we all were to receive your kind and loving - letter. It was read to all and I do wish you could have peeked - in to see how quiet all were to listen to it, and our two - matrons, too, for they do love you. - - I was very sorry to hear of your being so sick, but God has - raised you up for He has work for you to do yet. I pray for you - every night and morning that He may strengthen you and keep you, - for you are to us like the rain is and the sunshine to the - flowers, for we know that you do love us poor unfortunate ones. - - Will you please send us the hymns called "Tell of the Unclouded - Day" and the one called "When the Pearly Gates Unfold"? Dear - Mother, pray for us all, but pray for me especially, for I am in - great sorrow and trials. Pray that God may raise me up friends - and that He may keep me. - - Good-bye, hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, yours in - Christ, - - LAURA M. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., Feb. 16, 1896. - - My Dear Mother: - - I wish I could tell you how much joy and happiness your letter - gave me. It came just at the time when I needed it most. I am - sick and feeble, suffering with spine and lung trouble, have not - been able to work for the last three weeks. Can go to my meals - and wait upon myself, and I have my Jesus with me. Oh, how He - comforts and helps make the rough places smooth, and in the - lonely hours of the night when the pain is almost beyond - endurance, I think of my Savior and what He suffered without sin, - and of what a weak coward I am to complain. - - Mother, we are some of us so impatient when we have pain, and I - am afraid I am one of those. Please pray for me that I may bear - mine with Christian fortitude. - - I hope it may please God to let me live to get out of this place - and have a home for myself and baby, and if my dear Mother - Wheaton would come and see me and rest herself for a few weeks, - would it not be nice? Mother, I am a widow with one child and - some means, but not much. Still I intend to use some of my money, - when I have control of it, to do good to others. I have suffered, - God has opened my eyes and showed me my sins and selfishness of - former years, and I thank Him for sparing me to see it in this - light. - - Many of the girls that were here when you last visited us have - gone out and a good many are going out this year. Pray for them. - I pray for you every night. God bless and keep you is the prayer - of your friend, - - L. R. T. No. 9722. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., Feb. 16, 1896. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your very welcome and unexpected letter received. It is - impossible to tell you with what joy and heartfelt gladness we - all gathered together to hear it read. You do not know how often - your children speak together of you, of where you are and what - you are doing and what keeps you so long away from your Western - flock. It was so long since last we heard from you that we are - beginning to think our Heavenly Father had need of you and had - taken you home, but all praise to His name. He has spared you to - send us another loving, encouraging message, which we promptly - answer in love and sympathy, each one giving a word, although - only three different handwritings will be seen. Remember when - reading the words that twenty-five of your lone children are here - represented in your letter. - - You speak of wishing for your prison children when you were sick. - O, how gladly many of us would minister to your wants, to be - under the influence of your kind and loving advice, following in - your footsteps of love and life as it is in Christ Jesus our Lord - and Master. But though we are separated by so many miles, thanks - be to the Almighty we can feel the influence of your continued - prayers, and many of us are greatly encouraged to keep on - striving, knowing that the crowning day will come by and by. - - Each one says: "Ask Mother Wheaton when she is coming." Do not be - too long in coming, for some of your dear ones are leaving every - month during the spring, and we are anxious to receive your - blessing before entering the cold, heartless world of sin and - sorrow. Yet some of us will take Jesus with us, and in His name - begin life again. Pray for us all that our hearts may be fully - and entirely given over to God, with our hands in His hand, be - led to the mercy-seat. Yes, dear Mother, we shall, with God's - help, "strive to enter in at the straight gate." - - These are the names of those who send you special love and - requests for prayer: Emma M., Emma W., Pearl S. (who is very - sick), Laura M., Anna M., Ella A. - - With love and best wishes from our matrons, we close, hoping soon - to see you. - - Good-bye, God bless and keep you always and send you to us again. - All join in best wishes to you. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., Feb. 14, 1897. - - My Dear Mrs. E. R. Wheaton: - - Perhaps you will be surprised to get this letter, but I have - heard so much about you that I feel as though I was personally - acquainted with you, so I hope you are well, dear Mother, and - that you are doing work for the Master and that He will give you - a great many souls for your hire. - - O, I do want to see you. Indeed I would like to hear you sing and - pray. The girls all want to see and hear you. Pray for them. One - woman in here said that you were the only person that ever did - pray a prayer that touched her heart and brought tears to her - eyes. The old girls talk about you so much to the new ones that - they all love you, although they have not seen you. They tell - over and over of your love and sympathy and that you know how to - reach poor unfortunate souls. You know that they need kind words - and a loving smile to cheer up their broken hearts. - - Dear Mother, you know that a smile goes where a dollar cannot go, - for it goes to the heart and makes it so very happy. - - Good-bye, hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, - - Yours truly, - LINA S. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Feb. 14, 1897. - - My Dear Mrs. Wheaton--Dear Mother: - - I will say dear, for you are dear to me. O, you do not know how I - have been longing to see you and once more hear you sing some of - your beautiful hymns. O! just to hear you pray once more in this - world. There are only eighteen women of us now, and when you were - here last time there were thirty-three. - - O, dear Mother, do make me a special subject of prayer that God - may keep me and guide me in the right way. I have been trying to - lead a Christian life for six years now. When all earthly - friends have forsaken me Jesus comes and speaks to me, and He - alone comforts me, and I thank God for a full and free salvation. - O bless His holy name! Hallelujah in the highest to God! - - Our matron, Miss S. J. Arner, sends you her best regards. I am - very sorry to tell you that Miss Osborn was called home by the - death of her sister; pray for her and for me, Laura M., No. 9351, - that God may spare my life that I may work for the Master when I - am a free woman. The two Morgan sisters send you their love. All - of the girls send love to you. Come on a week day and perhaps you - can get the widow's mite. - - Good-bye, I remain, yours in Christ, - - LAURA M. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny City, Pa., March 21, 1897. - - Dear Friend: - - I received your very kind and welcome letter and was very glad to - hear from you, and dear Mother Wheaton, your letter did me good - as I sit and hear it read to me. I shall try to keep it, and get - it read often to me, as it does comfort my broken heart. I am a - poor orphan girl. My mother died when I was about twelve years - old, and I have wandered on in sin and I have fallen by the - wayside. Will you pray for me that I may come to live just as you - do, my true, strong friend. I do wish I could see you today, to - hear you pray and sing. All of the girls wish to see you and hope - that you will come on some day through the week so that we can - write out a money order for you. Perhaps it may be only a couple - of dollars or three, but it will be like the widow's mite. - - I remain, yours truly, - - LINA S. - - * * * * * - - Allegheny, Pa., March 21, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Dear Mother: We received your very kind and welcome letter. O, we - are so glad that you sent us a letter and some tracts. Mrs. S. J. - Arner, our matron, read the letter in the dining-room to all of - us and we did enjoy it so much. Indeed I feel that I had a visit - from a dear friend. I hope you are well and I pray for you that - God may strengthen you in your labors. You have done a great - work, but God has more for you to do yet before you shall pass - through the pearly gates of Heaven, for you have cheered so many - broken hearts. God sent you to cheer those in prisons. I was just - thinking today, O, how happy you will be in the end when Jesus - shall say unto you: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the - Kingdom prepared for you." And O, dear Mother, He will say to - you: "I was in prison and ye visited me." I am still looking unto - Jesus. He has been my only friend for these years in prison. He - keeps me day by day and makes me feel happy in prison. He causes - me to hear "songs in the night." Pray for me that God may keep me - and my children. - - I dreamed that I was sent to preach the gospel to some poor soul - and I have dreamed it three times over the same. First time I - said, "No, I cannot do it," and the Lord laid me on a bed of - sickness, and then I said, "Lord, I will go." I had no rest by - night or by day until I consented to go. - - All of the girls join me in love to you. We hope that these few - lines may find you well and happy, for you are always so happy - and bright. One of the old girls said that your face has such a - happy smile on it and a light shines over you while you talk to - them. Write soon. - - LAURA M. - - * * * * * - -This is an extract from a letter by an orphan girl, a type of many -other poor girls whose fates are equally as sad: - - Spokane Falls, ----, 1889. - - O if I was only free, the greatest pleasure of my life would be - to go with you and work for God. Your kindness has won my heart. - I have never had any one to be kind to me; I have known nothing - but sorrow all my life. My past is almost a blank. Dear, kind - sister, look on me with pity--a friendless, motherless girl. I am - alone in the world. I was drawn into this place through cruel - treatment. I have no money, and I am helpless. If God does not - have mercy on me, I do not know what will become of me. If I had - only a good, kind friend like you to guide me through life, I - would have been a far better woman than I am. If God will save me - I shall live in the future a life of honor and work for God. - - Pray for me. Tell me in what way I am going to help myself. O - sister, I am so troubled; sometimes I think I will end my - miserable existence. But I know if I should take my own life - that it would be a terrible sin; but how can I help thinking - such things in a place like this? No friends, no home, and no - money; sick at heart, sick in body, sick in mind. - - * * * * * - - Lancaster, Neb., Jan. 27, 1895. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Washington, D. C. - - Our Dear Friend: We received your kind letter of the 7th inst. We - were glad to hear from you and to know that you were enjoying - good health. Dear Mother, if we may address you thus, we were - very glad to hear our friend, Mrs. Beemer, spoken of so well, for - she is a friend never to be forgotten. And Mr. Beemer is just a - splendid warden, kind to everybody; and we ask you to pray that - they may be retained here for another time. Dear Mother, indeed - we will know how to appreciate our freedom in the future. Of - course you do not know our names, but I will give them in the - following words that each sends to you. Hattie and Edna send - their regards to you. Nannie says to pray for her. Annie sends - her best regards to you and wishes you well. Hattie R. sends love - and best wishes. Annie H. is the one who was sick when you were - here and sends love to you, and knows that God answered your - prayers that she might be restored to health. Effie joins in - sending love, and my prayer is that God may bless you and help - you in all your good work. So we close for this time, asking you - to pray for us poor unfortunate girls. - - We remain, your loving children, - - H., E., A., N., H., A. and EFFIE. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, March 27, 1899. - - Dear Friend and Mother: - - I know you are my friend and everybody's friend. I heard your - kind letter and cannot help writing to you. I cannot write very - good, so please excuse mistakes. Your letter found all the girls - well. I have often thought of you and wished that I could be a - Christian like you; but I am a poor sinner and have been all my - life. I never heard one word out of the Bible in my life till I - got in jail. I never had any Christian parents, and therefore I - am a deep sinner, but I want to do better. My conscience tells me - that I must try to be a better woman. I have been a very bad - girl, but I think my Savior will forgive me, if I repent in - time. Sometimes I nearly go crazy just thinking what a life I - have led. O if I would die now what would become of me? I want - you to pray for me, mother, for I do believe you can help me by - praying for me. - - I have not long in here now. My time expires on the 25th day of - December, 1899; pray that I will be a better girl. I want to go - home to my brother if I can when I leave here. I am tired of this - life. My soul is tired. O, I am so wicked! I have tried to pray - the best I knew and I got scared. Something seemed to bother me, - and I was afraid to go to sleep. Mother, why do I get scared? Is - it because I have sinned so much? But I will try again and again. - I am willing to do right and live an honest life, and I will or - die in the attempt. I have had a lot of trouble in my life and it - drove me to all my downfalls, but I can see that I am sending my - soul to everlasting torment, so I want to turn now and seek for - the Lord. Tell me how I can, mother. - - Mother, this is the best I can do; may God bless you in all your - undertakings. The matron was glad to hear from you and also the - girls. Pray for me. - - ANNA 4309. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., March 6, 1899. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Thank God I received your kind and Christian letter last week. We - are getting along nicely with our meetings and I know and feel - that God is with us every day and especially the eleven that have - given their hearts to God and let His dear hand guide their every - footstep. - - Our dear Matron gave me your letter. I am as contented as can be. - I believe it God's will that I should be here, and His will be - done. I love our dear Heavenly Father with all my heart and soul - and I love all my sisters and brothers and I love my enemies and - I pray for them and ask God to bless them. - - I have ten months more and I hope you can come here again before - I go. Our Matron is with us in our meetings every Saturday. I - read my Bible and pray three times a day, and I have more - strength to perform my daily work, and I know our dear Savior - will not forsake me or leave me alone because I know Jesus loves - me now, and I know He will answer my prayers. - - I told you before it is my second term, but when I sit in my - little room reading my Bible I thank God for it, for I know it - was God's will that I should be here a second time, for there is - work for me to do here as well as when I am free, and He put me - here to show me He wanted me for one of His own dear humble - children and I know and feel it now. - - "Happy day, happy day, - When Jesus washed my sins away; - He taught me how to watch and pray, - And live rejoicing every day." - - And I want you to pray for us all that we may have more of God's - grace given to us day by day and help us to be humble and meek - and willing to be led by His loving hand and pray for us that God - will keep us from all temptation and sin and may we ever prove - faithful. "Have mercy upon me, O God, according unto the - multitude of Thy tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions." - Every word here is just as I feel in my heart. - - "I may not do much with all my care, - But I surely may bless a few; - The loving Jesus will give to me - Some work of love to do. - - "I may wipe the tears from some weeping eyes, - I may make the smile come again, - To a face that is weary and worn with care, - To a heart that is full of pain." - - MRS. J. G. - - * * * * * - - Anamosa, Iowa, Aug. 11, 1901. - - Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - Tabor, Iowa. - - Dear Mother: - - We received your kind and loving letter yesterday. Was more than - glad to hear from you, but sorry that you have been so sick; but - I praise God for His healing divine. We did not have the smallpox - in the prison. There were cases of them in town, but the warden - quarantined the prison and vaccinated every prisoner. Dear - mother, I am trying to get a parole. My petition is now before - the Governor with a thousand signers, besides several letters - from friends. I have had three good homes offered to me if the - Governor will only parole me. I desire so much to be where I can - live a better life and take care of my little boy and help my - parents, who are in very poor health. I do pray so much for a - better place and better companions, where I can do something for - my own and others. Dear Mother, will you pray for me? I always - remember what I promised you when you bid me good-bye; that was, - to pray for you every day. I am so glad we have a Savior who will - hear our prayers though we are behind prison walls and our - prayers are weak. - - With love and prayers, - - FROM D. F. TO MOTHER WHEATON. - - * * * * * - - Anamosa, Iowa, Oct. 6, 1903. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I thought I would write you a few lines. We are all well at - present. We cannot express how thankful we were for your visit to - us. We only wish you could have staid longer. Mrs. Waterman has - prayer and song service every morning. It is something wonderful. - We all wish so much to hear your voice. Mrs. Waterman spoke to us - about writing to you and I was only too glad to write and ask you - to pray for us all. I believe and know it will do good. I am - trying very hard to pray and be a good Christian. I will ask you - to pray for me. - - Respectfully yours, - G. Mc. - -[Illustration: GROUP OF GIRLS IN AN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.] - -[Illustration: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS STATE PRISON AT CHESTER.] - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - Incidents in My Prison Work. - - - LETTER FROM THE PRISONERS AT CHESTER, ILL. - - Southern Illinois Penitentiary, - Menard, Ill., Nov. 27, 1902. - - Dear Mother: - - We are writing you from within these dark grim walls. Although we - are condemned as the outcasts of society and separated from - friends and loved ones and continually laboring under great - mental strain and worry, still there is no pain or sorrow great - enough to destroy our happiness in our thoughts of you. Your love - and thoughtfulness for us and our spiritual welfare is a - priceless jewel that all the wealth of the world cannot buy nor - sorrow rob us of. No, never. Although the world has condemned and - despised us, but we know that there is one--if only one--that - loves even the outcasts. - - Several of your boys have gone from here since you were among us. - Some have crossed to the beyond; others to blessed freedom. Still - a greater number are left here with fondest recollections of all - you have done for us, which is one of the greatest among our - causes for thanksgiving. It is hardly necessary to say, Remember - us. We all remain your sons until death. - - YOUR BOYS OF CHESTER, ILLINOIS. - -An extract from a report of the Chaplain of the Southern Illinois -Penitentiary will be of interest: - - Chester, Ill. - - To the Honorable Board of Commissioners, - Chester, Ill. - - Gentlemen: - - I take pleasure in making a report of my first year's work as - Chaplain. - - The regular chapel services have been held every Sunday at 9:40 - a. m. The chapel has been well filled at all regular services and - crowded on special occasions. The attendance at religious - services is voluntary, but most prisoners consider it a privilege - to attend. - - The words of encouragement I have received from prisoners in - conversation and by letter make me feel that good is being - accomplished. More than one hundred men have given me their names - as Christians or seekers of religion. - - I attend all calls made by the prisoners during the week and - visit one cell house each Sunday evening. - - My visits are so planned that I see each prisoner in his cell at - least twice a month and give him a chance to make his requests - known. - - The men have been urged to study the Bible and have been - furnished tracts and other helps in Bible study. I have been - astonished in making my rounds to find so many men reading the - Bible. One hundred and fifty new Bibles have been purchased - during the year. Six hundred Sunday-school quarterlies have been - furnished the prisoners each quarter during the year and they - have been urged to keep in touch with the outside world by - studying these lessons. The Sunday-school lesson is read every - Sunday as a scripture lesson and comments are made upon it. - - The sick in the hospital and the shut-in prisoners in the cell - houses are visited daily and are supplied with books and papers. - Some of them read a book each day. - - The Murphy Temperance Pledge has been furnished and more than - five hundred prisoners have signed the pledge. If the saloons - could be closed out poor-houses, jails and prisons would soon be - almost empty. - - Respectfully submitted, - W. N. RUTLEDGE, Chaplain. - - - SUICIDE OF A PRISONER. - -While on my way to the State Prison at Chester, Illinois, in the year -1888 (if I remember rightly) I was especially impressed by the sad -appearance of a fellow-passenger, a mother, accompanied by three -children. I was sure that she was in deep trouble. I said to my -helper, "Mary, that woman is going to the Penitentiary." She said, -"How do you know?" I answered. "I feel sure of it and I will convince -you that I am right." - -Having entered into conversation with the woman, I assisted her as I -found opportunity in caring for her children. When I asked her where -she was going, she said, "I am going to Chester." I said, "I, too, am -going to Chester and will gladly assist you in getting off with the -children." - -At the station we parted, but the next morning, which was the Sabbath, -as I passed through the guard-room of the State Prison I saw this -woman talking to her husband, who was a prisoner. She sat beside him -and he was holding one of the children and she had another in her -arms. The third was playing near by. All were too young to know of the -sorrow that had come to their home, or the shame that had fallen upon -them. They were with papa and mamma and felt safe and happy. Alas! how -little they knew how soon they were to be left fatherless! - -I passed on and was busy during the entire day for I had the liberty -of the prison and the privilege of working among the prisoners. So -busy was I that for the time being I had lost sight of that poor wife -and mother, but only the next morning the Chaplain called for me and -said, "Sister Wheaton, I have oh, such a sad task before me this -morning! I wish you would do it for me." I said, "Chaplain, I will -try. I am willing to do anything that I can to help you." And then he -said, "Do you remember the man and woman you saw yesterday in the -guard-room talking?" I said, "Yes; I remember them well; I met the -woman on the train on my way here." He replied, "Well, that man was so -heart-broken at the thought of parting with his wife and children that -he asked her to promise him that if he should die in the prison she -would have him brought home for burial. She promised him she would do -so and last night that poor man committed suicide in his cell and now -someone must go and tell that woman of her husband's death." I said, -"Chaplain, that is a hard thing to do, but I will try." He said, "I -wish you would,--being a woman you can comfort her better than I -could." Well, I went along the hall until I came to the door of the -room she occupied, for, she too, as well as myself, was a guest of the -kind warden's wife. I opened the door softly and looked in. In memory -I can see her yet as she sat with one child in her lap while the other -two little ones were playing around her knee. She was softly singing -some old country tune. As I looked my heart failed me. I turned away -in sorrow and returned to the Chaplain and said, "Chaplain, I cannot -do it. I cannot break that poor woman's heart. I just can't tell her," -and he said, "Then I will have to do it. Someone must tell her," and -so he broke the message as best he could. Never will I forget the -anguish of that poor woman's heart as she wept out her grief and -suffering! I tried to comfort her as best I could. I took the same -train with her as she started for home with her husband's body in the -baggage coach ahead. As best I could I ministered to her and those -poor helpless children as long as our journey carried us over the same -road and when I changed cars I tried to utter some words of comfort, -but oh, friends, what could I say, what could I do? Only the sympathy -of the loving Savior could reach her case and I left her, never to -meet her again on this side, but oh, may we not hope that in some way -God found a way to have mercy upon that poor, misjudged man and that -those loved ones may meet again where no mistakes will be made by -judge or jury? For many believed that poor man to be innocent of the -crime with which he was charged. If I remember rightly a barn had been -burned and he had been accused of setting it on fire and had been -convicted through purely circumstantial evidence. Brokenhearted over -his disgrace and the thought of again being separated from wife and -children, the poor man made a rope of the bed-clothing in his cell and -used it to take his own life. - - - "I HAVE NO FRIENDS." - -On the 4th of July, 1903, I was in the Ohio Penitentiary at Columbus. -Officers and chaplain were kind, as usual. After holding services in -the hospital, I held service with the men under death sentence; then -went to the prison-yard where all the others were having a holiday. -There the Chaplain assisted Sister Taylor and myself to hold services -in the open air. Many seemed glad to get the message of love in song -and prayer and preaching and many came to shake hands with us, while -singing the closing hymn. - -One poor old man, a foreigner, handed me a little package about as -large as a walnut. The paper was soiled from contact with his hand -that warm day. The poor man in tears said, "Good-bye," and I forgot -all about the little package till on the train that night going east, -where I found it in my pocket and found inside a silk handkerchief and -a 25 cent silver piece. On the paper was written his name and number -and these words, "I have no friends." I wept over that small token of -love as I do not often weep over a gift. I have that little -handkerchief safe. It seems sacred to me. How I felt repaid for my -hard day's toil. - -That night while I was holding services on the train the conductor -said, "Mother, I don't see how you stand so much hardship;" I said, -"Conductor, I had even forgotten that I had had neither dinner or -supper today." - -I think I know something of what Jesus meant when He said to His -disciples after ministering to a needy soul, "I have meat to eat that -ye know not of." - -Chaplain Starr in one of the following letters refers to the open air -service on July 4th; also to some of the men under death sentence with -whom I had labored. The Indian woman to whose death and burial he -refers is the same one who is mentioned in the letters of W. H. M. in -another place. - - Columbus, Ohio, July 11, 1903. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Sister: Your letter received this morning was a very - pleasant surprise. We have now an additional man in the Annex. - There are three men sentenced to electrocution in September and - October. What change may come we do not know. I gave them your - letter; they will read it over by themselves, and the tracts - also. They still say that your visit with them on the Fourth of - July did them much good. I have also delivered your letter to D., - and with it a letter from myself, giving him encouragement and - offering to render him any friendly assistance. The old Indian - woman, Elsie J., whom I think you have several times seen in the - female prison, died on the 9th, and we gave her a Christian - burial yesterday. She was converted and baptized some time ago. I - am glad that you are preserved and sustained in your great work - as prison evangelist. If D., and N., and W. write to you I will - forward the letters to your address. With kind wishes and - regards, I am, - - Your brother, - - D. J. STARR, Chaplain, O. P. - - Your talk in the yard on the Fourth of July did good. - - * * * * * - - Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 26, 1903. - - Dear Sister: Your recent postal came duly to hand. I received - your letter in July from the South and wrote you a reply, but - have kept it until the present time, not knowing where to mail it - so it would reach you. I will now send it in this letter, so that - you will see that I have not forgotten you and answered your - letter at the time. You inquire concerning the men in the Annex; - we have now six men in the Annex. One of them has been granted a - new trial and some others are expecting to get new trials. They - do not take any great interest in religion, but yet they read the - Bible some and talk about it. I will tell them of your interest - in them and assure them that they are not forgotten in your - prayers. - - Sincerely yours, - - D. J. STARR, Chaplain, O. P. - - * * * * * - - Ohio Penitentiary, Feb. 22, 1904. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister: I have just received your letter from Washington, D. - C., inquiring about the men in our prison death cell. - - There are ten there now and two have been taken out for new - trials. If these are sent back we shall have twelve. The largest - number, until this list, ever in the Annex was nine. - - Murders, as well as other crimes of violence to person and - property, are on the increase and society is trying to protect - its life--without much security, so far. - - Perhaps three of the men are Scripturally penitent, three others - interested and four indifferent to religion--so far as we can - see. The men have Bibles, religious song books and papers, - library books and religious letters from relatives. They are not - allowed to correspond without especially good reasons for permits - to do so. I hold a little meeting and Bible study with those who - care for it almost daily at 2 p. m., at which time you might help - us with your prayers. - - Sentiment is not salvation. The trouble, both in the prison and - out of it, is, men will not seek after God. Yes, I am busy and - ought to be busy about my Master's business, and so are you. - - With best wishes, I am, - - Respectfully yours, - - D. J. STARR, Chaplain. - - - WAY OPENED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER. - -I had for many years prayed for an opportunity to preach in one of the -largest state prisons. Again and again I had been refused by both the -warden and chaplain. But at last through a new governor of the state I -was permitted to enter this prison for religious services. - -Calling at the office of the governor and asking permission to go to -the prison and assist in the services, he said, "Certainly, we shall -be glad to have you. There will be no difficulty, as we have new -officers. You can preach in the prison." Before I had left the -Governor's private office the warden of the prison being present spoke -and said, "Certainly, they would be very glad to have you take part -with them." I asked if I should not see the chaplain, but the warden -said he would be all right, and be pleased. But I insisted that it was -only courtesy to see the chaplain. And asking the governor to please -write a note to him, he did so and remarked that the state carriage -was waiting at the door and I should be driven to the chaplain's -house. - -Arriving at his home I was met by his little daughter who carried my -card to her father and he soon came into the room asking what I -wanted. "I should like, if you please, to take part with you in the -services at the prison chapel tomorrow (Sunday) as I have been some -years in prison work," I replied. "No indeed," he answered, "I cannot -allow a woman to speak in my meetings. I will never permit any woman -to take my pulpit." I made no reply, but that the state carriage was -waiting for me and I must go, but said to him, "Here is a letter from -the governor. Will you kindly look at it before I leave?" He took the -message and noting its contents he changed color and seemed confused; -saying, "I never did allow a woman to speak in my meetings. But seeing -the governor's request and your years of experience, I will allow you -to come in the morning and conduct the women's meetings." The -governor's letter read as follows: - - Executive Department, Oct. 24, 1891. - - Dr. O. W. G., - Chaplain of Penitentiary. - - Dear Sir: - - The bearer, Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, is a prison evangelist of - national reputation and experience, who brings letters of strong - recommendation from wardens of the prisons she has visited, and I - commend her to your kind consideration. She has expressed a - willingness, if not a desire, to participate in your services - tomorrow afternoon in the chapel and I trust you will afford her - every facility for so doing. - - Respectfully, - - DAVID R. FRANCES. - - - A WOMAN CONVERTED AND HEALED. - -I went praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While I was -speaking I was impressed to step down the aisle and lay my hand upon -the head of a vicious looking colored woman. I afterward learned that -she was a life time prisoner and a very dangerous woman. Instantly the -power of God fell upon her and she was wonderfully converted then and -there, and to the best of my knowledge is still true to God. The other -women seeing this, their leader in sin (for so she was) so changed, -were subdued and convicted of their sins. The meeting closed with -victory for God. The chaplain was convinced and said, "You have won -the worst woman in the prison. You have the hearts of all the -prisoners now, for her influence is great. You come and preach to the -men this afternoon. I am convinced." Years have come and gone. -Governors, wardens and chaplains have been changed; but God does not -change, and the doors of that prison are still open to me, and God -always blesses every service. - -Some years later upon visiting this prison again we found this poor -colored woman much afflicted and walking on crutches. The sister with -me and I prayed for her, and she was instantly healed, throwing her -crutches aside at once. The matron then gave her the key to go down -and unlock the outside door for us, having so much confidence in her. -She received a pardon from the governor later. - -Another woman in the same prison was also prayed for and was instantly -healed by the Lord, of a large tumor, and ran and praised God for what -He had done for her. - - - A CHANGE WROUGHT. - -For some years another prison was closed to me. Why, I never knew. I -prayed that the doors of that prison might be opened to me. When the -Lord sent me back there I found such a change as I had never before -witnessed in the same length of time. There was a good Christian -chaplain, one of the best of wardens, and good deputies. Every -prisoner was in an improved state of mind and morals, and all in -harmony and glad to obey the rules of the prison. I was treated with -courtesy and kindness, and was given all the time in the services, and -was entertained. When I left I was conveyed to the depot with ladies -as escorts, and a "trusty" as driver. Such are the wonderful workings -of God through faith and prayer. The meetings in this state prison -were owned and blessed of the Lord. The Holy Spirit led and all seemed -to enjoy and appreciate them. The chaplain said, "How much good was -accomplished!" All were united in harmony and God was glorified. - - - A CHAPLAIN IN MY AUDIENCE. - -At another time, arriving at a certain city where there was a state's -prison, I met in the depot a young lady wearing a Salvation Army -bonnet. She was crying at not being met by friends as she had -expected, and I asked her to go with me. She gladly did so and I -proceeded to the prison to ask permission to hold services for the -prisoners on the next day which would be the Sabbath. Obtaining the -consent of the chaplain I waited till the time for the service on -Sabbath morning and returned. The guard refusing to admit me, I sent -for the chaplain. When he came he also refused me, saying he could not -permit me to hold the service, as he thought I belonged to the -Salvation Army. A friend suggested that I should go to the Governor at -his residence, saying that he was a kind man. I did so, and was very -kindly received. Having listened to my request he said, "Yes, you may -have your meeting in the prison,"--he having heard of my work before. -He wrote a card for me to carry with me, and I took it and returned to -the prison. The preacher and the Sisters of Charity had all gone to -the women's department. The men were out in the large yard. I called, -"Boys, come on, we are going to have a meeting." How they hurried pell -mell to the chapel! And such a meeting! The power of God fell. Just -then the chaplain entered, much surprised of course, and I said, -"Chaplain, I am permitted through the kindness of the Governor to hold -this service. Will you please be seated?" Had a most glorious meeting, -closing with results altogether satisfactory to the chaplain. - - - IMPRESSED TO TARRY. - -While holding a meeting in a certain city, I was impressed day after -day to tarry. I did not know why. I wanted to go, but still the Lord -impressed me to wait. One evening a cry was heard, "A man is shot." -Immediately the Spirit impressed me, "That is what I detained you here -for." I rushed out into the night, and inquired where the man had been -carried. They told me to the hotel. I went immediately, got admittance -to his room and found him in a dying condition, with no one that knew -God to pray for him. And there by the bedside of the dying man, some -mother's boy,--dying without God and without hope in the world,--I -tried to point him to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the -world, hoping that the Lord would give him a chance at the eleventh -hour to seek salvation, and I believe God heard my prayer for this -soul. - - - ENCOURAGEMENT BY THE WAY. - -In the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago one night, after addressing -the audience and singing the Gospel to the people, I gave an -invitation to all who desired to lead a new life and serve the Lord to -come forward and publicly confess Christ and repent of their sins. -Instantly a fine looking young man rose in the rear of the hall, -hurried to the front and grasped my hand, saying that he saw me three -weeks before in the Deer Lodge, Montana, State Prison. He said that -three days before, he was released and had come to Chicago, and -passing along the street he heard me singing a favorite hymn at the -open air meeting before services in the hall, and was attracted in. -With hand raised, he promised to be a Christian and live for God and -meet me in Heaven. He said he had my Bible that I gave to the matron -of the prison, who, when he was leaving, gave it to him. "Cast thy -bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." Many -others gave themselves to the Lord that night but this was one of my -prison boys, and I was his mother, in that sense, as my life has been -consecrated to God for that special line of work. - -The day following, on my way east, I was compelled to stay over night -at a way station where we were to change cars. As I left the train I -heard, as usual, the call of cab-men but passed on into the waiting -room. Several followed me, but one took me by the hand and addressing -me familiarly said, "Get into my cab, mother, it is all right; I'll -take you where you wish to go." Mother Prindle, who was with me said, -"Do you know Mother Wheaton?" He replied, "I have read about her," -but the look in his kind eyes told me it was one of my boys from -prison. He was now settled in life, a good man, with a wife and two -children. He escorted us to the jail where I desired to hold services, -then to the home of a minister, and from there to our lodging house. - -I bless God, and will through all eternity, that the dear Lord ever -called me to work in the prisons as well as in other lines of -Christian work. There are many all over this land now serving God, -leading good, honest lives, a blessing to their country and an honor -to God's cause, who were found in prisons and slums, discouraged and -having given up all hope of ever being anything but miserable and -wretched. They are now serving the blessed Christ who came to seek and -to save that which was lost, and destroy the works of the devil, not -willing that any should perish, but rather that all should be saved. O -reader, many are the lives we might rescue from the ranks of the enemy -if we were more in earnest and lived in close touch with God, and more -under the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. - -Once in a meeting I was attending, the minister in charge took another -young preacher by the hand, and said: "I want you to preach for us." -The one addressed came to the front of the platform and said: "Yes, I -will; but first I want to say I was once in an insane prison, an awful -place. No one will ever know all we had to suffer there. I was insane -through drink--no one could help me. I was sin-hardened and -hard-hearted, but this Mother (pointing to myself) came to our -criminal prison and sang and prayed and talked to us, and was kind to -us, and my heart was melted, and I wept--something I could not, would -not do until then. Her kindness won me, and I was saved, truly -sanctified, and I have been preaching the Gospel for four years." - - - A CASE OF CRUEL NEGLECT. - -At the best, life in prison is hard. How much worse when cruelty and -neglect are added to the necessary restrictions that are placed upon -those in confinement. I knew of one young colored man in prison in the -south who was compelled to endure the winter weather without proper -clothing or covering. His one blanket was so short that his feet were -so badly frozen they had to be amputated. Think you that such things -as these do not cry to God for vengeance? - - - ANOTHER SUICIDE. - -Well do I remember a promising young man, who, when I was preaching in -a prison in a southern state, began trembling and ran back into his -cell and called for an officer to bring me to him. I found that he was -quite weak from a bullet wound he had received in a drunken row in a -saloon, he having killed a man in the fight. He was a young man with -bright prospects before him, but bad company and a love for strong -drink had wrought his ruin. He told me of his uncle who was a -minister, a prominent evangelist. I was much surprised that a nephew -of so popular a minister should be in state's prison for such an awful -crime, crushed with shame and remorse. Could it be possible? His -mother was a rich lady. - -This young man either because of his wealth and position, or because -of his good conduct in prison, or both, was given privileges and often -sent outside the prison grounds. Often I plead with him to come to -Christ. But one day the old demon of drink had overcome him and having -secretly obtained some liquor, while at a game of cards he shot -himself. Let us throw the mantle of charity over that blighted life, -and leave him in the hands of a just God. Who will be willing to -answer at the bar of God for that soul? "Woe unto him that giveth his -neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him and makest him drunken -also."--Hab. 2:15. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." - - - JUST OUT OF PRISON. - - "O the wrongs that we may righten, - O the skies that we may brighten, - O the hearts that we may lighten-- - Helping just a little!" - -While traveling on the train one day, the brakeman said to me: "There -is an ex-convict in the smoking-car." "All right, I will go in and see -him," I said. I went and took him by the hand as he sat alone in the -rear seat of the car, sad and dejected, with no money, no friends, no -home. His mother had died while he was incarcerated in prison; home -broken up, nowhere to go. How glad I was to take this poor soul upon -my heart, and intercede for him in silent prayer; and then have him -come into the other coach and share my lunch. At parting he promised -me he would live a temperate life, and serve God the best he knew. I -believe the dear Lord had me travel on that train to meet that poor -unfortunate and help and strengthen his faith in Christianity, by -showing him attention outside as well as inside the prison walls. How -often a soul is saved from a downfall by a word in season; a kind -hand-clasp, a "God bless you; cheer up, look up, better days are -coming," etc. When hope is well-nigh gone, and friends have forsaken, -and all has failed; yet we can always tell such that "God never -fails." - - - DYING IN PRISON. - -One day as I was alone in a gloomy prison a poor boy called to me and -said, "Write to my mother, but don't tell her where you found me. -Please don't tell her, for it would kill her. She never could live and -know her boy was in prison." On the dirty floor, lying on a pile of -still dirtier straw I found this poor prison boy dying. I fell on my -knees and poured out my heart to God in his behalf. - - "That head had been pillowed on tenderest breast, - That form had been wept o'er, those lips had been pressed, - That soul had been prayed for in tones sweet and mild; - For her sake deal gently with some mother's child." - -Do not tell me that it does not pay to labor and pray with these dear -lost ones. For if I can be the means of rescuing but one soul from -eternal punishment, thank God, it pays me. - - - WILL IT PAY? - -Some gentlemen were once looking at a large building erected for -newsboys, that they might be brought under religious and refining -influences. One of the spectators asked a large contributor to the -benevolent institution this question: "Now you are erecting this -building at a cost of many thousands of dollars, and I admire your -motives, but suppose that after all this great expense only one boy -was saved here--would you still think it paid for time, labor and -money expended?" The man answered quickly and earnestly, "Yes, sir; if -it was my boy." The most precious thing in the sight of God is a soul. -For the redemption of every soul on earth was paid the precious blood -of the Lamb of God. Count it not then a light thing in His sight for -one to be saved or lost. For "There is joy in the presence of the -angels of God over one sinner that repenteth--more than over ninety -and nine just persons who need no repentance." Hundreds have been -saved under my observation and instrumentality both inside and outside -of prison walls, and my motto has been, "Throw out the lifeline across -the dark wave." - - - SAVED AND PREACHING THE GOSPEL. - -Upon a warm July day, starting to walk out from Bismarck, N. D., to -what I took to be the state's prison, but which proved to be a large -water reservoir, being overcome by the heat I fell, and crawling to a -shade I lay down with my Bible under my head. After a time I saw some -distance away some persons driving in an open hack and signaled to -them till they saw me and came to me. They drove me to the home of the -warden of the prison where I was kindly received by the warden's wife -and made comfortable. Late that night I held service in the prison -corridors. This was in 1885, and in 1901 I was leading a meeting in a -mission in Portland, Oregon, and asked all who had something special -for which to praise the Lord to speak. A brother arose and said: - - "I want to thank the Lord tonight for the privilege of hearing - 'Mother' Wheaton preach outside of prison walls. I have heard her - in many a prison. Years ago, one night at 9 o'clock, when all the - prisoners had been locked in their cells, the officers unlocked - the doors to let this sister sing some hymns and hold services in - the corridors. One hymn that especially touched my heart was - 'Throw out the life line.' I was an opium fiend, a morphine - fiend, a whisky fiend, and an all around bad man, and was ready - to despair. But God touched my heart and saved me and called me - to the ministry. At this time I was with my other sins a deserter - from the United States army. When my time expired I went and - gave myself up and was sentenced to five years more in prison. - But God had mercy on me and in seven months I was pardoned out. - Since that time I have lived an honest life, and for eight years - have preached the gospel." - -This man was married to a Christian woman and has done much to rescue -men from the pit from which he had been taken, and is still preaching. - - - IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. - -One Sunday I sang perhaps thirty hymns and preached seven times to -prisoners in solitary confinement, where I dare not see them or clasp -their hands as I do in other prisons. There are hundreds there, and as -I sang in all the prison wards or corridors many different hymns, the -dear souls cheered and responded with their clear voices as best they -could to show their sincere appreciation of my efforts to brighten -their lonely prison life. Each was "some mother's boy." Reader, is -there not a sympathetic chord in your heart for these poor -unfortunates? - - - CRAPE ON THE DOOR. - -I once felt impressed to go to a certain prison and hold services. -Arriving at the place early in the morning, I thought I would go to -the prison first before I would telephone for a cousin who often -helped me in the singing. When I arrived at the prison, the chaplain -said, "Mother Wheaton, the Lord sent you to help me. To-day I have a -funeral service of a prisoner, something we have never had at this -prison." I did not telephone then for my cousin, as the services were -arranged. I worked all day in the prison, holding services with both -men and women prisoners, visited the hospital, and went to the city -jail at 5 p. m. and held services, and then went to my relative's home -and was greatly shocked to find crape hanging on the door. I found my -cousin cold in death. Relatives asked me, "Who told you?" I said, "God -impressed me to come at this time." And I went with them to the grave -of my dear cousin, and kneeling beside the open grave, I promised to -faithfully do God's holy will, and meet the departed one in Heaven. - - - IN A POLICE STATION. - -In 1903, while I was in San Francisco, I was impressed to go to the -police station about nine o'clock one night. I found, on arriving, an -ambulance bringing in prisoners, among them a woman who was arrested -for drunkenness. I talked and prayed with her. Hearing a noise like -one in distress, I walked on through the corridors and I found a young -soldier who was badly wounded in one eye and the head. He was standing -alone in his cell in great pain. The bandage had been torn off, and -the blood was running down his face, though his wounds had evidently -been dressed by a physician before coming there. He was crying from -the pain, and was under the influence of drink. I wiped the blood off -his face, and put the bandage on his eye again. Then I knelt in prayer -with him. I left the city on an early train, and never saw him again, -but I believe God heard and answered my prayer for his salvation. - - - BURNED IN HIS CELL. - -I went into one of our western cities to hold services at the jail. On -the way from the depot I stopped at a store, where a young clerk told -me of a horrible crime that had been committed in the jail. That the -prisoners had been trying to make their escape, and one young prisoner -had revealed the plot to the jailer, and thus saved his life. The -prison wall had been "worked" in a cunning manner, and the prisoners -were about to escape, when this poor boy informed the jailer of what -was being done. The other three prisoners were so enraged that they -threw coal oil over the boy, set fire to his clothing, and he was -burned alive in the cell. I was grieved at hearing this, and felt that -I could see them punished severely. They were in an underground prison -for safe-keeping until the wall could be repaired. The officers were -afraid to let me go in, but I told them I was not afraid, and went -down the stairs ahead of the officers. I saw only one dim candle -burning, and called for a light. A lamp was brought, and I went boldly -into the presence of those criminals. I sat down and thought of the -awfulness of it all. So, as I wept, I sang "Some Mother's Boy," and -they cried like their hearts were breaking. I went over to them, where -they were sitting together on an old bunk, and we cried together. They -were humble and convicted, and it was love that did it all--God's love -which showed them that though their sins were as scarlet, they shall -be white as snow, though red like crimson they shall be as wool. God -heard prayer for them and I trust they were forgiven. - - - THE INNOCENT IN BONDS. - -In a certain state prison the officer called my attention to a man and -said, "That man is innocent of the crime he was sentenced for." "Then -why do you keep him here?" I asked. "Because he serves for his friend, -willingly allowing the guilt to be placed upon himself rather than see -this friend who was really guilty suffer." On leaving the prison I -came upon this man with an officer on the train, and had the pleasure -of talking to the man and hearing his story. I referred him to Psalms -15:1, 2, 4. "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell -in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, -and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that sweareth to his own -hurt, and changeth not." He was being taken to another court for -trial. - - - CONFESSED HER GUILT. - -A woman in a prison was convicted of sin under my preaching, and sent -for me to come to her cell, where she gave me such an account of her -crimes that I was shocked, and yet was powerless to liberate an -innocent man that she said was in ---- state's prison for a crime she -committed. She asked me to go and tell him for her that she was the -guilty one, and try to have him freed, but wanted the matter kept -secret. Now that she was under conviction of her sins, she could not -rest. I went to the state prison she named, found the man, and told -him her story. His agony was pitiful to behold. He said, "O how I -loved my wife and baby. I am an innocent man. How can I live my -sentence out in this way? Nothing to live for." Such bitterness as he -held toward that wicked woman, for her crime and duplicity! I left him -in an agony of grief. And yet there are so many who are serving as -unjustly for others' crimes! This woman had killed the wife thinking -she herself would then get the husband. - - - UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH. - -Going into the presence of two condemned men on our national holiday, -the chaplain remarked, "I wish you could reach these men's hearts. You -have often helped others in this prison who were under death -sentence." I prayed in silence for wisdom, and as I walked into their -presence, I said, "I have come to sing to you and have a little visit -with you, but if you prefer to be alone, I will go away." They said -they would be glad to have me stay. I sang several songs, and before -I had spoken of religion, I was made glad to see tears in their eyes, -and then we knelt in prayer, and I prayed God to pardon their sins and -make them pure in His sight. - -I do not believe in capital punishment. Lord hasten the day when the -crime of putting men to death legally shall be done away with. It does -not stop crime. I thank God that one noble warden gave up his -honorable position and salary, rather than take the lives of any more -men. I wish God would raise up men all over our land who in like -manner would be brave enough to refuse to sacrifice human lives -because the law licenses them to do so. When I see wicked men so -anxious to see poor, helpless men executed, I think of that -authoritative utterance, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the -Lord." Jesus said, "He that hateth his brother is a murderer." There -is a day of reckoning coming. - - - THE RELIGION MOTHER HAD. - -Many times prisoners have said to me when speaking to them, "That's -the kind of religion mother had. You remind me of my own dear old -mother;" and many, even statesmen, and the attendants in the capitol, -and in the President's mansion, have said to me with uncovered heads, -and tears in their eyes, "That is the kind of religion mother had. I -wish I was as good as she was." I find the crying need to-day in all -stations of life; from the palace to the dungeon, is real, genuine, -heartfelt, common-sense salvation, not to be cranks and fanatics, not -to be one-sided or half-way professors of religion; but to have the -Holy Ghost in our hearts and lives, and a burning desire to help every -one into the Kingdom of Heaven. Being "all things to all men" that we -might win some wandering souls to Christ. - -O the joy of knowing that you are doing just what God wants you to -do--winning souls for His Kingdom, from all walks of life; often in -houses of ill-fame souls are truly saved and reformed. Often in -saloons men and women are impressed by the straightforward message of -love brought them. You say, "No use to try." O thou of little faith, -wherefore did'st thou doubt? I have much encouragement among the -criminal classes, for they are despised and rejected by earthly -friends. - -I might give many more instances, but this is probably sufficient. Let -no one think for a moment that these poor unfortunates have no tender -feeling, no remorse because of sin. They see their shame and feel the -separation from home and loved ones. There must be places to confine -criminals and protect the lives and property of other people, but we -must remember that behind all the guilt there are precious souls that -live through all eternity. - -Sin is treacherous, the human heart deceitful above all things and -desperately wicked; perhaps under unfavorable conditions the heart of -the most moral man or woman may generate the evil of the human nature -and cause it to show its corruption in crime. All that saves some -people now from the felon's cell, or gambler's hell, is that they hold -the propensity of their corrupt hearts in with bit and bridle. And -thousands tread the earth in freedom, who, if justice could find them -out and fasten their guilt upon them, would be in the prison stripes -and iron cells. So be not so ready to cry "Crucify him!" "Stone her!" -until you can look into your own heart and see that it is pure and -clean. - - - CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. - - Thank God! that I have lived to see the time - When the great truth begins at last to find - An utterance from the deep heart of mankind, - Earnest and clear, that ALL REVENGE IS CRIME! - That man is holier than a creed--that all - Restraint upon him must consult his good, - Hope's sunshine linger on his prison wall, - And Love look in upon his solitude. - The beautiful lesson which our Saviour taught - Through long, dark centuries its way hath wrought - Into the common mind and popular thought; - And words, to which by Galilee's lake shore, - The humble fishers listened with hushed oar, - Have found an echo in the general heart, - And of the public faith become a living part. - * * * * * * * - - No more the ghastly sacrifices smoke - Through the green arches of the Druid's oak; - And ye of milder faith, with your high claim - Of prophet-utterance in the Holiest name, - Will ye become the Druids of _our_ time! - Set up your scaffold-altars in our land, - And, consecrators of Law's darkest crime, - Urge to its loathsome work the hangman's hand? - Beware--lest human nature, roused at last, - From its peeled shoulder your encumbrance cast, - And, sick to loathing of your cry for blood, - Rank ye with those who led their victims round - The Celt's red altar and the Indian's mound, - Abhorred of Earth and Heaven--a pagan brotherhood! - - --JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER. - -[Illustration: INTERIOR OF CHAPEL-DINING APARTMENT AND ROW OF CELLS, -CHESTER, ILL.] - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - Conversion of Desperate Prisoners Prevents a Terrible Mutiny. - - -During the fall of 1888, I was deeply impressed that I should visit -the state prison at Waupun, Wis. Following the guidance of the Spirit, -I reached the place, after a long journey, on the evening of November -third. A dear Christian girl was with me. It was a lovely moonlight -night and as we came to the prison, the yard was plainly visible -through the heavy iron grating. My companion called my attention to -its beauty but my heart was heavy and I could only reply, "Sister, -pray! O do pray! There is something awfully wrong here--some danger -pending--something terrible!" - -The officers of the prison welcomed me heartily and the chaplain said: -"I am glad you have come and shall be pleased to have you take the -service tomorrow morning." (It was Saturday.) His wife entertained us -during our stay and after taking us to their own rooms he said: -"There's a man here who is a terror to both the officers and -prisoners. All are afraid of him. Neither kindness or punishment seems -to affect him. I wish you could do something to help him." My reply -was: "I cannot do anything, but God can." And earnestly did I look to -God for help. - -The next morning a heavy burden still rested upon my heart and I -prayed God to go before me to that prison chapel and lead the meeting -Himself and give me the right message. Nor did I plead in vain, for -many souls were that day deeply convicted of sin and some were -blessedly saved as was clearly manifested a little later. - -After the sermon my friend and myself sang a hymn and this was greatly -used by the Spirit in connection with the sermon in reaching the very -depths of hearts. It was the custom to hold an after meeting for -thirty minutes, but those who wished to remain were expected to secure -cards or tickets, granting permission, on the previous day. That -Sunday the chaplain said: "All who wish to remain to this service can -do so without a card, as these ladies are here." - -A hardened looking criminal (whom I afterward learned to be the one to -whom the chaplain had referred the night before) arose to retire with -a few others. I went to him at once and took him by the hand and urged -him to stay, but he said: "No, they don't want me here. This meeting -is for good people and I am too bad to stay." But I pleaded: "No, you -stay--we want you to stay. I want you to stay." And then he said: -"Well, I'll stay for your sake," and sat down. The meeting progressed -under the power of the Lord and many arose to say that they had been -very wicked but were sorry; and if God could and would forgive them -they would lead a different life and be good men. Some told how their -dear old mothers were good and had prayed for them and that they -wanted us to pray for them and they would serve the Lord. - -I noticed that many of the men as they arose glanced furtively at the -man to whom I have referred and that he sat looking at each one as he -spoke and evidently had great influence over the other prisoners. At -last he arose and said, "Men, don't be afraid of me. If there is any -good in this religion you are talking about, go ahead and get it. I'll -stand by you and nobody shall say before me, 'There's your praying -man' or 'There's your hypocrite.' I can't be good--I'm too far -gone--but I'll stand by the men who are going to do right." All were -evidently deeply impressed by his words. As he sat down I went to him -and taking him by the hand, I said, "God loves you and He wants to -save you and to help you to live for a better world than this." Again -he insisted, "I'm too far gone! It's too late for me to try to do -right! There's no hope for me," but still I pleaded with him to return -unto the Lord--that there was still mercy and pardon for even him--and -that he would yield to the Holy Spirit's pleading and become a -Christian. He was evidently very deeply convicted of sin and soon -arose and with deep feeling he said, "Men, you know what I have -been--watch me from today and see what I will be;" and as he sat down, -the prisoners cheered. - -Fearful as to what the outcome might be and somewhat doubting his -sincerity, the chaplain quickly closed the service and ordered the men -to their cells. They obediently left the chapel, but truly God had -wondrously wrought that day in the hearts of many of the most noted -and hardened criminals. In the afternoon we went, in company with the -chaplain, from cell to cell singing, talking, and praying with the -men. The chaplain took me to the cell of the man who had given so much -trouble--a man who had taken several lives, and there he gave his -heart to God and was converted. - - - PLAN OF THE MUTINY. - -After all the prisoners had been locked in the cells and the officers -had gone to their homes or rooms, only a few guards remaining on duty, -he sent for the warden to come to his cell and requested to be taken -out into the prison yard. At first the warden refused to do so because -of his being known to be such a dangerous character. Still he -insisted, saying that he had something to show him. The warden, who -had been an army officer and was a very brave man, was only partially -convinced but finally consented saying: "I'm not afraid of you--one -wrong move and you're a dead man. I have had enough trouble with you. -I will take you into the yard, but beware!" - -Well armed, he marched the man into the yard. There the prisoner led -him to the extreme end, and taking away some dry leaves and boards he -said to the warden, "Look in." The warden did so and, O, what a sight -met his eyes! There, in a hole, were knives, guns, and other weapons! -Staggering back he exclaimed, "My ----, where did you get those -things?" "It don't matter where I got them," replied the prisoner, -"but take me back to my cell and then take away these weapons. I -intended to liberate the prison tomorrow morning and would have done -so if that woman had not come and preached here today. I am a changed -man now." - -How he got those weapons was a mystery, but he had been long years -planning an escape, and had chosen some of the most daring of his -fellow prisoners (both those inside and others who had gone out) to -aid him! Whether he could have succeeded or not, doubtless many lives -either of officers or prisoners or of both would have been lost had -the attempt been made. But God wrought so mightily that instead of -lives being lost precious souls were saved. Several were converted -that day who are still living noble Christian lives. Others may be,--I -leave that with God. I do not know whether the leader is still living -or not, but have heard that he was dead. At any rate he served his -long sentence and claimed to be still a Christian when he left the -prison. - - - HAVOC OF SIN. - -Among the many who were converted during that Sunday morning service -in 1888, was a very amiable, intelligent, refined-appearing young man, -still in his teens, who was serving under life sentence. He was a real -"mother's boy," so young and so small that after his conversion I used -to call him my little son. He belonged to one of the best families of -the state. His father was a physician and a classmate and friend of -the governor. For the sake of his broken-hearted parents, as well as -his own, and being satisfied that he was really innocent of the crime -of which he had been convicted, I began to pray earnestly for his -release. But the case dragged on and though he was pardoned some years -later, it was not until after his father died broken-hearted and the -mother's health had failed under her weight of sorrow and an aunt had -gone insane. - -During his imprisonment I at one time visited his poor mother in her -home. Oh! what havoc sin had wrought! What sorrow! For though I -believe him entirely innocent of the crime for which he was condemned, -his conviction was the result of his being led astray by evil -influences and associates. - -Oh, that I could warn young men of the dangers of bad company, and -that I could warn parents of the dangers of discouraging their -children in waiting upon and serving God. - -When this boy was quite young, he wanted to become a Christian and -engage in work for souls, but his parents thought it would be a -disgrace, as they were aristocratic, but alas! what snares had the -enemy set for him, from which he might have entirely escaped, if they -had encouraged him to be true to God. - -I received many letters from him while he was in prison and quote from -two of them. We have not heard from him for years but trust that if -alive he is still living for God and Heaven. - - Waupun, Wis., July 7, 1895. - - Dear Mother, "In His Name": - - Since my last letter to you several things of interest have - transpired. My attorney went to see the governor and then came to - see me. We went over some evidence, and at last I convinced them - that I alone can untangle the skein of false evidence. - - I located a Mrs. N. and she gave an affidavit which would have - cleared me at my trial. She said she felt that she had been the - cause of all my suffering, but that she went to LaCrosse at the - time of my trial and was met at the train by a detective, who - told her if she wanted to keep out of serious trouble to take the - first train out of the city, and she did so. I expect to soon - have another witness to corroborate her statement. Then if I can - locate the sister of the deceased and get her evidence I will - have a sure case against those who perjured themselves to send me - here. - - Yes, I have placed all my life in God's hands and have begun my - work here; but, being a convict, I am much hindered. Therefore, - in order to do a more abundant and faithful service, I desire my - freedom. If I get it, I will try and enter the Moody Institute - and take a course of training for the work. Mrs. K. is anxious to - have me do so. - - Our chaplain will preside over our Christian Endeavor Society. I - recently sent out my report to be read at the Boston convention - in session the 10th inst., and I ventured, in the light of all - events, to place the following motto over our penitentiary: - "Wisconsin Prison for Christ" for the coming year, and by the - time of the next convention, I hope to be out to represent the - Christian Endeavor boys. - - Brother H. told me of a song you sing. "Some Mother's Child" is - the song. Will says it is simply sublime and I ought to have it. - Such songs turn the mind back to home and to the memory of fond - parents and loved ones. Such pieces are always very sacred to me. - - God bless you and spare you for many years to come, that you may - continue to be a Mother to the prisoners of earth. Write me when - you can. - - I am your loving little son, "In His Name," - - ALBERT. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Nov. 27, 1895. - - My Dear Mother: - - Your excellent letter duly at hand. Both Brother Colgrove and I - were surprised, for we had concluded that God in His infinite - love and wisdom had carried you home. - - I am at work here in the official building, in the office of our - dear chaplain. Brother Colgrove is in the hospital across the - hall from our office. I have talked with the chaplain about your - coming, and he says to tell you to come and stay two weeks. He - would like to have you spend two Sundays, and in the meantime we - will no doubt, under the present warden, be able to secure the - evenings during the week for a series of revival meetings. - - Lovingly your son in the work, - - ALBERT. - - * * * * * - - Guilt comes not, thundering on the wings of time, - With vice-distorted feature and the leer of crime, - But like enchanting vision from a pagan dream, - Or softly echoed cadence of a whispering stream, - She steals upon us gently, with ever-changing art, - And usurps an empire--the waiting human heart! - Her outward form is beauty, her voice with Passion tense, - She only craves the privilege to gratify each sense; - All apparent pleasures 'round her path are spread, - But, alas! you seize the flower to find its fragrance fled; - But still pursuing, row with bated breath, - You clasp her to your bosom and--embrace a death! - Then, conscience stricken, you the wreck survey, - And with shuddering horror--humbly kneel to pray; - While the pitying angels on their pinions bear - The ever sacred burden of repentant prayer, - And almighty love descending reasserts control, - And mercy in the guise of grace has won a human _soul_. - - --_A Prisoner._ - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - Remarkable Conversion and Experience of George H. Colgrove. - - -Among the others who were saved that fourth day of November, 1888, at -Waupun, Wis., was the very remarkable case of Geo. H. Colgrove. Years -afterwards the chaplain said of him, "I regard him as an ideal--one of -whom you would expect this report: 'If ever there was a good Christian -man on earth he is one.'" At one time he had three Bible classes in -prison each week--one in English and two in German--and was the means -of the accomplishment of much good in the conversion of prisoners. - -[Illustration: GEO. H. COLGROVE.] - - - HIS OWN STORY. - -The story of his life and conversion is given, as nearly as possible, -in his own words, but as found in two different statements--some -particulars being given in one that were not in the other--in order to -make the account as complete as I can. - - It is very difficult for one in prison, especially, to write of - themselves without giving to strangers the impression of either - vanity and conceit on the one hand or of craft and deception on - the other. Therefore, it is with considerable hesitation that I - write. Yet my greet indebtedness to "Mother" Wheaton, who was - chosen of God as the agent through whom His wondrous work should - be made manifest to the world in my salvation, as also of many - others, has at last led me to make the following statement: - - Just on the verge of manhood, at the age of nineteen, I obtained - some _infidel literature_ of the mild stamp, yet scholarly and - persuasive withal, containing no harsh criticism of Christian - people and principles. This aroused my interest and admiration - and led to my obtaining more of a like nature, until under their - combined influence my youthful mind was entirely surrendered to - such doubts and disbelief as they advocated. - - This was the pivotal point in my early life from which I started - down the deceitful road that leads from peace, happiness and - honor into the depths of sorrow, infamy and despair. Having thus - imbibed the subtle poison of infidelity, I soon became blinded - and indifferent to the rights of my fellowmen and to the enormity - of violating divine law. - - BURGLARY AND MURDER. - - From this low plane of morality it was easy to enter the path of - crime; and this I did, following the precarious calling of - burglary for five years. This dark way ended in the midnight - gloom of a murderer. Detection, arrest and conviction followed in - rapid succession, soon bringing down upon me the crushing weight - of a "life sentence." So that on a cold wintry night the officers - of the law delivered me within the portals of a living tomb. - - Four dark, hopeless, weary years succeeded. Yet the Lord in His - great mercy had not forgotten me; and when all the world deserted - me, then He in His loving kindness took me up and His favor was - manifested through the instrumentality of "Mother" Wheaton. - - During the early years of my incarceration no words could portray - my intense and bitter hatred of Christianity and anything - pertaining thereto. Feeling that I had sold my soul to the prince - of darkness, it enraged me to be reminded of a better life, or a - possible Heaven. - - Burning with the fires of hatred and revenge toward those whom I - knew had unjustly deceived and wronged me, my only desire was to - escape from here even long enough to rush upon my enemies and - hurl their souls into eternity, and then follow them immediately - if need be. I continually planned and schemed for the - accomplishment of this purpose, and had a plan of escape well - defined and was making arrangements to put it into execution, - when one bright and beautiful Sunday morning it was announced - that a lady preacher was going to hold services in the chapel - that day. - - Though I did not often attend church, yet on this occasion I - swore some big round oaths that I would go up and hear the lady - talk. - - That was the morning of November 4, 1888. The beautiful sun that - shines alike on mansion and cottage, palace and prison, shone as - though a special degree of radiance had been granted to light a - benighted soul on its way out of darkness into light. But I - entered the chapel with cold indifference, drawn only by - curiosity--at least so far as I knew; but results proved that God - was leading. I awaited developments; _and they came_. Our prison - chaplain introduced "Mother" Wheaton, whom I had never seen - before, and announced the services as "entirely in her hands." - She gave us a short, earnest, impressive address; then she and - the sister who came with her sang "Meet me there." - - During the singing I heard an accompanying strain, low and - inexpressibly sweet, the like of which I had never heard nor - imagined. - - The two sounds harmonized, yet were distinct, but oh, how lovely! - Words fail to convey the most distant idea of their soothing and - attractive power. - - The thought flashed through my mind, "That is delicious music to - fall upon ears that have listened to the sound of murderous - guns." - - Suddenly and with all the vividness of continuous lightning - dispelling dense darkness, revealing all surrounding objects - distinctly, the awful depth and blackness of my iniquitous career - blazed up before my mental view, like a clear and definite - painting of each act in my wicked life--portrayed on canvas by a - master hand and set in clearest rays of the noonday sun. And at - the same time there was given an assurance of forgiveness, if - accepted then. - - Surprise, consternation and intense fear came with this - revelation of myself to myself, as my depraved spiritual - condition was, for the first time, fully realized. Also as - distinctly and positively it was granted me to know that _my last - opportunity_ for divine favor was before me. Accept and be saved - or reject and be _eternally lost_! Such was the alternative. - - Although every nerve thrilled in rebellion against Christianity - and a thousand obstacles seemed to intervene, rendering a change - in my course of life impossible, yet I dared not refuse that - stern, terrific ultimatum, "_Your last opportunity_," and before - its mighty mandate my proud, headstrong, sin-burdened soul - _surrendered unto Jesus of Nazareth_. - - I wished to fly from the room, but could not. I felt frightened - at the power which was mastering me, and thought in a confused - way of the ridicule which would be heaped upon me, of my intended - escape, and of revenge upon my foes. Ah! what? Revenge? No, no - revenge now. No, no. That was all gone. The evil desire had thus - suddenly been removed without my knowledge, and in its stead - there reigned in my heart and in the depths of my soul a feeling - of forgiveness and peace, both between them and myself and - between myself and my God. - - I said, "Surely the Lord has visited me this day; for I came in - here a devil in human form, and now my dark sins are forgiven and - I am free. Glory to God!" - - The chaplain and warden were nearly thunderstruck to learn that - the low, miserable, worthless wretch, the hopeless vagabond, - Colgrove, had been brought to the foot of the cross; still they - must have entertained but little hope of my remaining in the - straight and narrow path that leadeth unto life. How could they? - They had not heard that strange music which had floated in on my - soul. They could not feel the awakening which was permeating and - ringing through the corridors of my heart, nor could they - perceive the realizing sense of divine favor which was so clear - to my own consciousness. - - That very week it was impressed on my mind that I must at once - commence the study of the Holy Scriptures for work in the cause - of God and devote the remainder of my life to leading my - fellowmen, and especially prisoners, into the light of Calvary. I - said, "What will it all amount to--I a friendless prisoner, - doomed for life?" An answering whisper came, "Friendless, with - Jesus for your friend? Study the Word." So in blindness, with - fear and trembling, doubts and misgivings, I took from my shelf - in the prison cell the neglected, despised and dust-covered Bible - and commenced studying the Word to the best of my ability, with - none but God to direct or assist me except a hasty explanation - now and then from the chaplain as he passed on his hurried rounds - through the cell rooms. - - I immediately destroyed the implements of destruction and escape - which I had made during two years previous to my conversion. - Instead of dirks and saws, my hands now grasped the Bible and the - cross; and thanks be unto Jesus of Nazareth, they still retain - their hold, and I believe with ever increasing strength. - - The way thus far has been rendered more pleasant by the hand of - the Lord than I then thought possible amid such dark - surroundings. With an ever realizing sense of my unworthiness I - have been kindly led in the way of life and am eleven years - nearer my eternal Home; while in my soul there is the "peace of - God which passeth all understanding" which is an additional - evidence of the faithful care and guidance of Jehovah. During the - last decade the motto of my life has been, as through future - years it shall ever be (Isaiah 26:4): "Trust ye in the Lord - forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." - - I know not whether earthly freedom will ever be mine, but I do - know that, if it is His holy and righteous will, it will be given - me; and I know that it matters little, for earthly joys must soon - fade away, and down at the close of the earthly journey Jesus is - waiting for me. And with my weak and faltering hand laid in His - strong and mighty one I shall walk through the dark waters of the - Jordan of death, and with Him kindly leading His rescued child we - shall enter with joy and eternal thanksgiving the beautiful "city - whose maker and builder is God." - -The following extracts from letters written me at different times -after his conversion will, I believe, interest the reader: - - Waupun, Wis., Sept. 5, 1891. - - Mrs. E. Wheaton: - - Dear Christian Friend: No news received since you were here has - afforded me so much pleasure as the announcement of your return. - - It was through your earnest work that I was converted. When you - came here before there was, I presume, no more sinful, hopeless, - hardened, miserable wretch inside these walls than myself. When I - entered the prison chapel that Sabbath morning, November 4, 1888, - I for one came to observe, sneer and laugh. But while you were - singing that glorious anthem, "Meet Me There," power from above - opened my spiritual vision to see the horrible condition of my - soul, and so enabled me to realize my great need of divine favor. - I thank God and will bless His holy name forever that in His - infinite wisdom and kindness He brought me inside these walls and - sent you, His chosen instrument, to lead my wandering - sin-darkened soul into the path that leadeth unto life eternal. - - Amid the trials, cares and vexations of the passing days I often - look up to the blue vault of heaven's dome and rejoice at the - thought that the flying moments and hastening hours are bringing - me nearer, ever nearer to the blessed hour when I shall meet - Jesus face to face and clasp His rescuing hand, never from Him to - part. Ah, never to part! Thanks unto God most high. - - May the Lord ever bless you, my dear spiritual Mother. Good-bye. - - G. H. C. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Oct. 29, 1891. - - My Dear Spiritual Mother: - - Your kind letter most gladly received. I am surprised that our - boys do not write more frequently to you. They often inquire as - to your whereabouts and health and ever have a good word for you - and your work. Even many who do not care for their soul's - salvation speak favorably of Mrs. Wheaton. - - God knows how much your letters cheer me and brighten the prison - gloom. After twenty years of infidelity, with all its direful - train of evils, leading on from bad to worse, the prison gate - threw its protective barrier between society and one who had - become almost a devil in human form, thus showing that a just God - had taken account of my iniquitous course and had said, "Thus far - and no farther." Then followed four years of hopeless misery, - borne with the sullen stolidity of despair, while in thought, - intent and purpose I sank lower and lower into the horrible - cesspool of criminality, and farther and farther away from God. - Then, in His infinite mercy, He sent you with the message of - salvation, which He crowned with His invincible power of - conviction and a realization of my lost and hopeless condition. - - My prayers shall ever be with you, dear sister, and if I might - send a message by you to all the prisoners from the pine-shadowed - shores of Maine to the far Alaskan mountains it would be this: - "Ye captives, look aloft to the Star of Bethlehem, and whatever - betide, do not fail to grasp the hand stretched out to you from - Calvary." Hoping to hear from you soon and praying God to ever - bless you I remain, - - Yours for God and humanity, - G. H. COLGROVE. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Sept. 4, 1892. - - My Dear Mother: - - How many, many times I have thanked our kind Father above and - praised His Holy Name for sending you to our prison gate on that - November night in 1888. Three years and ten months ago today the - radiant light of Calvary, fresh from the throne of the Infinite, - came, through your ministrations, down into the dark recesses of - my sin-burdened heart and crime-laden soul, while mingled with - the music of the sweet hymn you and your companion were singing - the heavenly strains of an angelic accompaniment so entrancingly - and irresistibly soothing and lovely that my hardened heart - melted like frost before the noonday sun. - - Can you believe that I stayed to that after-meeting when every - nerve in my body thrilled to get up and run out of the chapel? - Yes, I desired to flee; yet an irresistible power restrained me. - I know now it was Satan urging me to flee away from there; for - he, of course, readily understood that he was in danger of losing - an active member from his minions of evil. But thanks be unto - Jehovah, who ruleth over all, Satan failed. God and His servant - held the field and a soul was redeemed from death. Glory to God - forever and ever. Amen. - - The years from that time have been so pleasant and bright, though - spent where sorrow, misery and gloom were on every hand, as I - journey on to our beautiful home everlasting, which Jesus has - gone to prepare. - - "Filled with delight, my raptured soul - Would here no longer stay, - Though Jordan's waves around me roll - Fearless I launch away." - - "When peace like a river attends on my way - Where sorrows like sea billows roll, - Whatever my lot, thou halt taught me to say - It is well, it is well, with my soul." - - "When we've been there ten thousand years, - Bright shining as the sun, - We've no less days to sing his praise - Than when we first begun." - - Yes, since your first visit here my bark of life has been - "standing away" on her new course over the sea of life, and she - is now nearly four years nearer the heavenly harbor, where - destructive gales of temptation will never sweep the white sails - of purity from the "masts of purpose," nor break the "yard arms" - of effort, nor rolling breakers of iniquity dash her upon the - rocky shore of eternal ruin. - - Mother, please give my kindest wishes to all who are helping you - in the great work which Jesus established while on earth and - which He left for us to continue until the resounding trump and - advancing angel hosts proclaim His return to our earth to claim - His own and crown the redeemed. When the sullen and long silent - graves shall release their victims and the long absent fleet of - the lower ocean shall again whiten the seas with their snowy - sails and bring their passengers and crews to join the vast - congregation assembled before the judgment seat of Christ. - - Ever yours, - G. H. C. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Jan. 14, 1895. - - Dear Mother: - - Your kind and most welcome letter very gladly received. It is - ever one of my chief pleasures to hear from you. - - There was a man here by the name of William L., who led a very - godless life, being extremely profane. During the past summer he - was transferred to the prison hospital. On September 4 I was - placed in charge of the sick ward as assistant steward, and I - found this man L. in here when I took charge of this department. - He had been a bitter enemy of mine for several years, as he was - utterly opposed to Christianity, and he tried to utterly - disregard me. I continued to treat him kindly, which was, of - course, a Christian duty which we owe to our Heavenly Father, and - in a short time he grew into the habit of calling on me for - favors, and as he sank lower I spent the night with him. One - evening he spoke of you and said: "Oh! I wish I could hear - 'Mother' Wheaton sing one of her sweet hymns." - - During three days and nights he continued to speak of you. The - last day on which he mentioned you was in the morning about 8 - o'clock. While sitting in his chair beside the bed he said very - earnestly and emphatically: "I would give a dollar to hear - 'Mother' Wheaton sing one of her sweet hymns just now--right - here and now." - - About midnight that night he sat in his bed looking upward for - some time in silence and then dropped his head in a most dejected - manner and in mournful tone exclaimed, "No, no, no." The intense - sadness of his manner made my heart ache for him. After that hour - he appeared to have given up all hope. The death chill came on - while he was in the rocking chair, and he asked me to assist him - into bed and send for the prison physician. He expressed himself - well satisfied with the treatment he had had while sick, and - then, seeing it was too hard work for him to talk, he relapsed - into silence, while I offered a silent prayer for the departing - soul. - - I write this explanation because of the intense desire he had to - see you and hear you sing once more. - - The Christian Endeavor still exists by the power and blessing of - God, and my Bible class is continuing and some good has been - accomplished through its instrumentality. - - Rev. B. has left us. Our new spiritual guide and counselor is - Rev. Simerville, an earnest Christian, whose influence bids fair - to lead many hitherto careless ones to turn their footsteps in - the straight and narrow path that leads to life. The beacon light - to Calvary cheers us on every day to our eternal home. Meet me - there. Good-bye, Mother. God bless you now and ever. - - G. H. COLGROVE. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Nov. 28, 1895. - - Dearest Mother: - - Your kind and welcome letter gladly received. Brother Albert - wrote you yesterday and I sincerely hope the invitation extended - to you by the chaplain and contained in Albert's letter, will be - promptly acted upon and that we shall soon behold your face among - us once more and again hear the songs of Zion fall from your - lips. - - Albert is librarian and the chaplain's assistant, while this - child is assistant steward at the hospital; thus we shall be able - to meet you frequently if you will spend a couple of weeks with - us, and a forty-day month can be used to good advantage in Waupun - and visiting among the bad boys like us, and your many good - friends in this locality. - - The Lord has given us a Christian man for warden and I can tell - you, dear Mother, we find that the warden, the chaplain and the - Lord God Almighty make a strong combination. If "Mother Wheaton" - will come and join them the quartette will be complete and this - prison can receive such a baptism of grace that his satanic - majesty will hate the very name of Waupun. - - God's blessing ever be yours and hoping to meet you once more - this side the golden gate, - - I am your spiritual son, - G. H. COLGROVE. - -The following short extract is from a letter to a brother who had -become interested in Brother Colgrove and had written him: - - Waupun, Wis., April 30, 1897. - - Mr. H----, Dear Christian Brother. - - Your kind letter received, and I most sincerely hope it may be - preliminary to a long continued and beneficial correspondence. It - will ever be a pleasure to hear from you, so please write when - convenient, and I will do as well as my adverse surroundings will - permit. - - I am pleased to learn of the continued successful work of dear - "Mother Wheaton," and it is a source of great encouragement to me - to meet and converse with Sister Kelley. We shall undoubtedly - have her for a spiritual leader when our toil-worn "Mother" has - been summoned to her rest and reward by the great Master. - - Please write soon and often to - - Your friend, - G. H. COLGROVE. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Oct. 25, 1897. - - Dear Mother: - - Your kind and most welcome letter gladly received and the - unexpected photo was a very delightful surprise. A thousand - thanks. I have many, many times wished I had a picture of the one - whom God selected as my helper to lead me from the dark valley of - despair in which I was then dwelling up into the radiant light of - Calvary. - - November 4th next will complete nine years of the homeward - journey since Jesus set my face Zionward, so we are nine years - nearer the heavenly shore and from the watch tower of the golden - city the beacon light beams bright and fair, welcoming us into - the port of peace. Our duties are pressing, time is flying, the - whistle and signal bells are sounding, and I must close for this - time. - - Kindly and sincerely yours, - G. H. COLGROVE. - -In 1897, as indicated in the two following letters especial effort was -made to secure Brother Colgrove's pardon, which I believe would have -been successful but for lack of wisdom on the part of some of his -friends. As it was Brother C. was doomed to spend the remainder of his -life in bondage. - - Waupun, Wis., Oct. 10, 1897. - - Dear Mother: - - When you were here you offered to call on the Governor of - Wisconsin in my behalf. I thank you a thousand times for that - kindness. - - Since you were here I have been promoted to the position of - prison librarian. That places me in the Chaplain's office, and it - is the position occupied by the Washburn banker when you were - here. - - I have received a letter from Mrs. Worcester in Natal, South - Africa, lately. It was just thirty-five days in coming through. - It was intensely interesting. One of our boys died last night and - two life members have died since you were here. One was a - Christian. - - Dear Mother, the enclosed card shows date, locality and offense. - I have been here over twelve years, and have a clear prison - record. My Christian work you are well versed in, as you were - God's chosen instrument for my conversion. Nine years of - Christian life on Nov. 4th next. - - If possible please inform me when you will be in Madison, and may - our Heavenly Father bless you, and crown your effort with - success. My papers are all in the executive chambers at Madison. - I have recommendations from many parties, and from my trial - judge, Hon. A. Scott Sloan. My jury did not support my - application, but the judge did. He is now dead, but he gave me a - splendid letter, and it should be just as effective. I shall have - to ask you to wait for your reward, until freedom comes to me, - and then you will not be forgotten. I hope Sister Kelley can - accompany you on your Madison trip. - - I received a letter from your friend Miss Josephine Cowgill, - Jerusalem, with several cards of Palestine flowers; those that - grew in Mount Olivet I have framed and they are hanging in our - office. - - I am on duty from 5 a. m. to 9 p. m. - - Sincerely and kindly yours, - G. H. COLGROVE. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Nov. 7, 1897. - - Dear Mother: - - Inclosed please find copy of letter just received from Executive - Clerk. It will be useful perhaps as a reference when you reach - Madison. The entire recommendation from my judge is there as is - stated herein. My judge is now deceased. A letter received today - from ex-Chaplain T. J. Brown, now of Lancaster, Wisconsin, - informs me that he will gladly meet you at Madison, and assist - you in any way possible. One of our officers is also making - arrangements with a Madison party to join you at that time. So we - seem well favored and I regard it as indicative of divine favor, - for all the present participants are Christians and we may - therefore hope for especial favor from our heavenly Father. - - The Lord be with you in all your ways. As ever, - - Sincerely yours, - G. H. COLGROVE. - -The enclosed letter read as follows: - - Executive Chamber, Madison, Wis., Nov. 4, 1897. - - Mr. G. H. Colgrove, State Prison, Waupun. - - My Dear Sir: I have looked up the matter about which you wrote me - on Oct. 21st, and find there is a letter from Judge Sloan among - your papers. This letter says, among other things: "If it be true - that Mr. Colgrove has behaved himself well during his - imprisonment and has thoroughly reformed, I think he ought to be - pardoned." - - Yours truly, - WM. J. ANDERSON, Private Secretary. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., May 1, 1901. - - Dear Mother and Sister: - - Your kind letters of 24th ult, duly at hand, and as you wrote in - unison, I hope this companion letter will be acceptable. I am - pleased to learn that your book work is progressing and will soon - be launched upon the restless sea of activity, and accomplishing - good work under the divine blessing, leading souls into the light - that never shall fade while Eternity rolls its unending years. - Sorry that so much sickness and suffering has fallen to the lot - of each of you, but rejoice that it is passed and can not assail - you again in this world, and in the world to come "There shall be - no more pain; for the former things are passed away." There, the - cheeks which we here beheld pale with suffering and tear-stained - by sorrow, will be mantling with the rich glow of everlasting - health and radiant in the matchless loveliness of deathless - bloom. A refreshing rain has broken a long drouth here, and the - world looks lovely and sparkling in the golden sunlight this - beautiful May morning. As we behold the face of the earth - beautified by the hand of God, it is a source of regret that all - this harmony of nature, this smiling peace and bloom, is marred - and clouded by the dark stain which iniquity has brought into - this fair world; and the sad, stern fact confronts us, that "The - dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty." - But it is true. Peace in its entirety, and purity in divine - perfection, are fled from this world, and we cannot possess them - in full until we have passed beyond Jordan's cold wave and - through the dark portals which intervene between this - sin-darkened land and the glory crowned hills of Immanuel's Land. - But it is a soul-cheering fact that we are daily and hourly - nearing that blest clime where sin and sorrow can no more cast - the cloud of estrangement between us and the Divine Master who - arose triumphant over sin and death and in His eternal majesty - and power has gone to prepare for our home coming. - - Though our barque of life may be tossed by violent seas of - strife, and meet with disaster in various forms, so long as we - know that Jesus is awaiting us in the Harbor of Peace we are not - dismayed by the howling blast nor raging billows of earthly - storm, but relying on His unfailing promise we keep in mind the - coming greeting of the great Master and remember - - "By cool Siloam's shady rill - How fair the lily grows; - How sweet the breath beneath the hill - Of Sharon's dewy rose." - - Yes, Mother, I too am glad and thankful that the Lord sent you to - Waupun and into our chapel on that glorious autumn morning, Nov. - 4, 1888. Surely the good work then accomplished has not been - extinguished, although Satan has exerted himself to cast dark - clouds of misunderstanding, strife and contention over it all. - But the light of Calvary shines amid the gloom, the heavenly - sheen of the cross of Christ sheds a halo of undying and - imperishable glory over all, that like the pillar of fire that - led the hosts of Israel through the wilderness, will lead and - sustain each weary heart, until we arrive on Jordan's banks, and - raise the song of everlasting triumph, as we view our eternal - home. - - With kind regards to each, and best wishes for your happiness and - welfare, I remain, - - Sincerely and kindly yours, - G. H. COLGROVE. - -The following letter from a dear sister who is deeply interested in -prison work is inserted here because of its reference to Brother -Colgrove: - - Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 19, 1900. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I cannot tell you how very glad I was to hear from you; and to - know that you have been blest all along the way, is indeed good - news. Some one asked the question, "What is the best thing that - can be said of a friend?" Many answers were given, one good one - being "He rests me," but the best answer was "He inspires me." - This can be truly said of you. No one more than yourself inspires - me to live a true Christian life. I do want to be ready at all - times to serve Christ. - - "Just ready to do His bidding, - If only I do His will. - Then I will be ready to meet him - When shadows flee away - Ready to serve Him perfectly - When dawns eternal day." - - Last week we had another meeting at the Soldiers' Home. You - cannot imagine how we missed you. So many of the sick men - inquired for you. One said if you would only come back he would - shout for joy. Of course it made me very happy to know that they - had received such a blessing from your talk. This same man said - he had prayed for you every night. - - The young man that called for you to come out to see him in the - jail was sent to St. Cloud for two and a half years. The poor - colored man was sent to State's Prison at Stillwater for five - years. - - The strangest thing has happened since the last time Mrs. ----was - at Waupun. Mr. Colgrove's wife, whom he had not heard from for - twelve years, has been to see him. His young lady daughter, whom - he thought dead, is living. Is not that precious news? I am sure - Mr. Colgrove must be the happiest man inside of these walls just - now. Had a good letter from S. yesterday. - - I have Christmas cards for all of the women and some for the men - in the prison. Must say good bye. - - Your sincere friend and sister in Christ, - GERTRUDE M. - -From an editorial written by Brother Colgrove while editor of the -Christian Endeavor Department of the prison paper published at Waupun, -we clip the following: - - Perhaps our uninformed friends may infer that we advocate the - abolition of all punishment in penal institutions. Not at all, - brother; nothing so absurd. But we do claim and will maintain to - our dying hour that punishment should be judicious, and only when - the culprit will not heed any humane treatment nor be influenced - by admonition. - - When punishment and imposition are used at the mere caprice of - some low down scoundrel, instead of discretionary treatment, at - the behest of a man of sense, reason and upright principle, the - effect has ever been, and will ever be, to develop the worst - traits inherent in the nature of the individual whom the laws - have already pronounced unsafe, and when released, the - consequences of that development, are going to fall on some - innocent and unoffending member of the law-abiding class. When we - consider the vast amount of mischief which one criminal can - accomplish in an incredibly short space of time, have we not - cause to be thankful that all over our land are self-sacrificing - souls, brave men and women, who are determined in the face of all - opposition, ridicule and every evil, to use every possible means - within their power, to elevate and reform all of the criminal - class, who may by any means be led from the old path of sorrow - and misery to themselves and danger to the peace and well-being - of their brother men? - - Men and women who will place in the hand of the prisoner the - Bible, in exchange for the revolver, dagger and bottle? The - citizen in his quiet home, who is unacquainted with the prison - systems of the various forms which are being used in different - states, depends entirely upon the laws of the land to secure him - in the peaceful possession of his accumulated earnings. But - experience proves that human law alone and unassisted by higher - power _is not sufficient to guard the home from intrusion and - desecration by those who have no regard for right principles_. - The man who has criminal tendencies, and is not striving to - restrain them in conformity to divine law, will laugh the human - power to scorn, and trample the law of man under his feet - whenever there seems an opportunity of financial gain thereby. - _The man who has been led to observe and rightly regard the - divine law will have no occasion for inducement for infringing on - the laws of the land._ Therefore these reformers, both clergy and - laity, _are striking at the very root of crime, when they lift - the fallen out of the slough of vice and iniquity_, and _turn his - face toward the higher life and the city "whose maker and builder - is God."_ - -During the fall of 1903 I received several letters telling me that -Brother George Colgrove could live but a short time. In December, -1903, I visited again the prison at Waupun. I found Brother Colgrove -in the Prison Hospital, very weak in body, but peaceful and resting in -the Saviour's love. Once more he related to the young sister who was -with me the wonderful story of his conversion; and how for over -fifteen years he had been kept by the power of God, saved and filled -with love for God and souls. We knelt and prayed with him and sang his -favorite hymns and as I bade him farewell he said, "Sister, if we -never meet on earth again I will meet you in Heaven." - -That was our final parting. Brief notes from the chaplain and warden -informed me that Brother Colgrove died February 19, 1904, and that -funeral services (an unusual thing) were held in the prison chapel -February 21. The warden's letter contains this testimony. "He died a -Christian." - -Bless God for his sustaining grace that is sufficient even amid the -trials of a prison life and enabled this one of his children to prove -true to God for so many years, inside of prison walls! - -O how wonderful is the power of God to seek and to save that which was -lost! - -[Illustration: SMELTER AND WORK-SHOPS, CHESTER, ILL.] - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - Work in Stockades and Prison Camps in Southern States. - - -During the first years of my missionary work I was led to stay much of -the time in the South. I was learning lessons in patience, faith and -humility before God. The cross was very heavy. In many places I was -not allowed to stay with white people if I preached to the negroes. -THE RACE QUESTION ran high and the color line was very closely drawn. -In those days I could not understand why this should be. I was taught -in the word of God that all nations were made of one blood and that -God was the Father of us all. I was ignorant and the views of the -southern people were new to me. In many cases, perhaps, I offended -them when I might have avoided it. I knew no better and they often -thought me obstinate. But I was only obeying God the very best I knew -in trying to keep immortal souls out of hell, and I knew that I must -obey God though all the people should misunderstand and misjudge me. I -found nearly all of the prisoners of the South confined in Stockades -and Prison Camps. In many cases the prisons themselves were almost -empty. - -The following are from among the many letters of introduction and -recommendation, received while laboring in the southern states: - - * * * * * - - Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 30, 1884. - - Col. J. T. Milner, Superintendent. - - Dear Sir: This will be handed you by Mrs. Wheaton, who is a - prison missionary. She has been having religious exercises at - the various prisons in the state, and I respectfully request - that you will permit her to do so at New Castle. - - Yours truly, - R. H. DAWSON, - President Board of Inspectors of Prisons. - - * * * * * - - Raleigh, N. C., June 10, 1893. - Gulf, N. C., C. F. & Y. V. Railroad, Halifax farm (near Weldon); - Captain Bradshaw (near Weldon); Captain McMurray (near - Weldon, on canal); Captain McIver (near Tillery); Captain - Hamlet (near Tillery); Captain Lashley (near Castle Hayne). - - The superintendent desires that every courtesy be shown Mrs. - Wheaton and Mrs. ----, and that they be given opportunities to - talk to the prisoners. - - JNO. M. FLEMING, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Rusk, Texas, Jan. 9, 1888. - - Mr. George Egbart, Coling Camp. - - Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - prison missionary, who is making a tour through southern prisons. - She passed the day with me yesterday in the prison. I was pleased - with her manner and with her talk to the men. She wants the - privilege of talking with your men today at the dinner hour. I - think you will be pleased with her. Please give her the necessary - attention and may God bless you, bless her effort, and bless the - men. - - J. C. WOOLAM, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF ALABAMA. - - Convict Bureau. - - Pratt Mines, Ala., Nov. 30, 1889. - - Mr. Thomas C. Dawson, Warden of State Prison, Wetumptka, Ala. - - Dear Tom: This letter will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth R. - Wheaton and Mrs. ----, two ladies who are devoting their lives to - the benefit of convicts all over the United States. - - These good ladies have done much good, and they should be treated - with every consideration. Give them rooms and access to your - convicts at both prisons. I hope a visit from them will result in - much good. - - Your Father, - R. H. DAWSON, - President Board of Inspectors. - - * * * * * - - Huntsville Penitentiary, Huntsville, Texas, Jan. 13, 1892. - - Capt. Abercrombie, Wynne Farm. - - Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mrs. Wheaton, who wishes to - talk to your men in a body. Any courtesies shown her will be - appreciated by me. - - Yours truly, - J. G. SMITHER, Asst. Supt. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. - - Executive Department, Raleigh, June 9, 1893. - - Hon. A. Deazer, Supt. State's Prison. - - Dear Sir: This introduces Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, prison - evangelist. I have assured her that you will grant any request - she may make not in conflict with prison rules. - - Very respectfully yours, - ELIAS CARR, Governor. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. - - Executive Department, Raleigh, June 15, 1893. - - His Excellency, B. R. Tillman, Governor of South Carolina, - Columbia, S. C. - - Dear Sir: I have the honor and it gives me pleasure to state that - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton and Mrs. ----, prison evangelists, have - held religious services at the penitentiary farm and at the - penitentiary and have given satisfaction to the authorities in - both places, and it is thought that their services were - productive of great good. With highest esteem, I am, - - Very truly yours, - ELIAS CARR, Governor. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF ALABAMA. - - Executive Department, Montgomery, April 3, 1896. - - To all Wardens of Prisons within the State: - - Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the bearer hereof, is a prison - evangelist, and well recommended as a good lady. She is desirous - of holding services in the prisons. Any courtesy shown her will - be proper and commendable. - - WILLIAM C. OAKES, Governor. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF GEORGIA. - - Penitentiary Department, Atlanta, Georgia, June 30, 1893. - - To the Captains in Charge of Convict Camps in Georgia: - - I desire that each of you extend to these ladies, Mrs. Wheaton - and Mrs. ---- any courtesies possible during their stay with you, - that they may be given opportunities to talk to the men and women - in your charge. I will particularly appreciate any kindness shown - them. The governor requests that they be shown courtesies. - - GEORGE H. JONES, Principal Keeper. - - * * * * * - - Penitentiary, Columbia, S. C., August 11, 1893. - - Mother Wheaton. - - Dear Madam: It affords me much pleasure to say that we were glad - to have you come down to the prison and visit other camps - connected therewith, and we believe that you have done lasting - good among the prisoners. - - Yours truly, - W. A. NEAL, Superintendent. - -Accompanying the above was a list of the convict camps connected with -the prison with the following order: - - The sergeant in charge of the above camps will please admit Mrs. - E. R. Wheaton and Mrs. ---- and allow them to hold religious - service at the camp with the convicts. - - W. A. NEAL. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF FLORIDA. - - Executive Department, Tallahassee, April 21, 1894. - - Messrs. West Bros., West Farm, Fla. - - Gentlemen: This will be presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Rider - Wheaton, prison evangelist, who is visiting the convict camps of - the state. Any courtesies and kindness extended to her will be - duly appreciated and reciprocated by, - - Yours very respectfully, - D. LANG, Private Secretary. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF GEORGIA. - - Penitentiary Department, Atlanta, Ga., March 21, 1896. - - To the Captains in Charge of Convict Camps in Georgia: - - I desire that each of you extend to Mrs. Wheaton and Mrs. ---- - any courtesies possible during their stay with you, that they may - have an opportunity to talk with the prisoners. Any kindness - shown them will be appreciated by this office. - - JAKE C. MOORE, Assistant Keeper Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Executive Department, Governor's Office, Jackson, Miss. - - Mr. J. J. Evans, Jr., Penitentiary. - - Dear Sir: Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, who is interested in reform - work, desires to talk to the convicts. Any courtesy shown her - will be highly appreciated. - - Very truly yours, - J. J. COMAN, Governor's Sec. - - - A STOCKADE. - -Many inquire of me what a stockade or prison camp is. I will here -explain. A man, or party of men, lease or hire from the state the -labor of a certain number of prisoners for a certain length of time. -They are "doing time," as the prisoners say, for the state. Both men -and women are thus leased out. Their labor is used in clearing up -land, working in cotton and sugar cane fields, in mines, in turpentine -camps, in building railroads, on brick-yards, in phosphate works or in -any place where a company can work together. Their food consists -mostly of swine's flesh and corn bread made with meal, water and salt. - -The stockades are large rough wooden buildings, erected by the lessee, -in which the prisoners are confined at night. The men are generally -chained by one ankle to a heavy chain which reaches through the center -of the building from one end to the other, being securely fastened to -strong posts. They usually sleep on the floor in the same clothing -worn through the day--which is generally very scant and poor; but -sometimes they may have a bunk and a rough dirty blanket. The stockade -is guarded by men with loaded guns, and besides this every camp is -abundantly supplied with great, strong bloodhounds. And woe to the -unfortunate criminal that must be tracked and caught by them! - -Each prison camp has its mode of punishment for those who break the -rules or fail to do as much as is allotted to them. The keepers of -past years were often very cruel in their treatment, and seemed to -enjoy the punishment which they inflicted upon those under their -control. These poor souls had no way of redress. If they should speak -of the cruelty, they would be treated far worse; the penalty for such -a complaint being a severe whipping. Oh, God, how long shall the cry -of the prisoner be heard? Lord Jesus, come quickly! - -Each camp has its officers, guards, etc., among whom is the whipping -boss. And God pity the man or woman who falls into his cruel hands. -There is a board of prison inspectors, the president of which travels -from place to place looking after the interests of all. The conditions -of the stockades are much improved since I first went among them years -ago. I have gone to the governors of different states and pleaded for -the betterment of conditions in the prisons. Especially have I asked -that the women might have better treatment and not be whipped so -brutally for slight offenses or violation of the rules which the -lessee is allowed to make. Upon one occasion I wrote the governor of a -certain state as follows: - - Washington, D. C., May 10, 18--. - - To His Excellency the Governer of ----. - - Dear Brother: I write in behalf of the prisoners in your state - prison at B. M. I find them greatly in need of food and clothing. - The sick prisoners are suffering with hunger. I held services - there one week ago today, and went into the kitchen myself to see - what there was for sixteen sick men and those who are supposed to - wait on them, and I found only one half gallon of milk a day for - all, one chicken, very poor bread, no vegetables, no fruits, and - no seasoning but salt. Who is to blame for this? I find you feed - those prisoners (miners and farmers) on seven cents a day. - - It is an outrage, a sin, a curse on this nation, the suffering - you men, you governors or officers, at least allow to exist in - prison walls. You permit those men in B. M. prison to be whipped - for not furnishing daily from three to five small car loads of - coal each, and feed them on food not sufficient to give them - strength to perform that amount of labor. God help you, my - friend! As you are the first officer of the state you should see - that this inhuman treatment is stopped. - - Forty men were whipped in one day on two occasions, and on an - average there are from six to eight every day. These men are not - murmuring, I gave them no chance to tell me of this. But the - officers and their wives told me. I saw with my own eyes. The - water in those mountains is very impure and many of the men have - died from mere neglect. Many more will die soon unless something - is done for their relief. Governor, for God's sake, please look - after the temporal interests of your prisoners. I would have come - to you face to face and talked these things over if possible. - Recently I have been to see governors of several of the different - states. They are not aware of the treatment of convicts in their - own states, but I have seen it all these years of my pilgrimage. - The awful suffering I see is just breaking my heart. Poor lost - men and women! Who is responsible for the sin and crime and - suffering? Largely the saloon. Men and women are born in sin and - conceived in iniquity; shut in for years and years for some - little crime, and subjected to the hardest labor, serving out - sentence in prison under whip and lash. It is inhuman and unjust. - What will God Almighty require of you and me in the day of - judgment, For surely we must meet it and answer for our - stewardship here on earth. May God help me to deal faithfully and - do my duty by all classes--to those in authority as well as those - in bondage. Now, understand me, I have no personal grievances to - bring to you. It is simply mismanagement and the desire to run - these prisons on as cheap a scale as possible, to save money for - the State and hold position; and something must be done soon. - - I told the men to be obedient and faithfully discharge their duty - as prisoners. In all my work in every state and territory, - Europe, Mexico and Canada, I have never had any trouble; and can - go again to all these prisons where I have held services. What - object have I? None, but the good of the souls and bodies of - those in bonds. They are my children, given me by the Lord, and I - feel as much compassion for them as you would for your child. All - the officers and people were kind to me and treated me with the - utmost respect. All I desire is that you obey God and cause this - starving and brutal treatment to cease. Please say nothing of - this letter but investigate for yourself and see if these things - are not so. Two meals a day (and very little then) for a sick man - is not enough. - - Yours for humanity, - MRS. E. R. WHEATON, Prison Evangelist. - -The following is an extract from the letter I received in reply to the -above, from the general manager of the prison mines referred to: - - ----, ----., ---- 22, 18--. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Madam: Your letter of recent date addressed to Gov. ---- was - referred to me. I regret exceedingly that you did not call at my - office on the occasion of your visit. While there is a great deal - of truth in your letter there is much that indicates that you - were innocently misled by statements of convicts. I know that you - must be a good woman, that your heart is in your work, and from - your wide experience, amply capable of advising and instructing - one like me. In undertaking the task of uniting to bring our - prison systems in this state to a humane basis, we have done more - than you can understand. Had you been familiar with the - conditions during the past thirty years under the lease system - you would realize that much has been accomplished even in the - short time we have been at work. I realize that more is yet to be - done. But "Rome was not built in a day." The public has got to be - educated as well as individuals in immediate charge. I hope - therefore you will be patient, and will be only too glad to see - and confer with you should you again visit us here. In the - meantime I beseech your earnest sympathy and prayers for proper - guidance in our work, for I assure you that it is one that - requires such moral support as only such as you can fully - understand and appreciate. With great respect, I am, - - Yours, etc., ----. - - - PLEA FOR WOMEN CONVICTS. - -In some instances women are made to do the farm work, work in brick -yards, and to do other kinds of hard work. At one place in the south -the women cultivated a thousand acres of cotton, doing other farming -and caring for the stockade, horses, mules, cows and hogs and having -only men to guard them. They were not allowed a woman matron to care -for them when they were sick or dying. I found them in rags and -tatters and looking almost like wild beasts. I went to the governor of -that state and pleaded with him for my own sex. I begged him to -protect the poor women from such cruel treatment and brutal -punishment. I asked him to have them taken in from the farm, where -they were clearing up the land and compelled to carry logs, to the -state prison at the Capitol which was nearly empty, and given proper -work and humane treatment. - -[Illustration: WOMAN CONVICT AT WORK.] - -Once upon my knees before a governor I begged him to take the women -from the stockades to the prison walls at the capital, and place them -under the care of a good matron and give them such work as women -should do. Also that they be properly clothed and fed and taught -morals and religion. I said, "For the sake of young men which you now -employ to control and guard these women, won't you do this?" (I had -found several young babes, born in this place.) He promised that he -would see that this was done. - -But a year later I found these women still in the fields laboring and -suffering as before. I again went to the governor. He was now so -changed I hardly knew him. I said to him, "Well, governor, I see the -affairs of state wear heavily upon you. You look ten years older than -you did a year ago when I was here. Why did you not fulfill your -promise to me about transferring those women from the stockades to the -prison here at the capital? I promised that I would not make public -the condition in which I found them if you would look after them. You -promised to have them treated better, but it is just the same now." He -was surprised at my knowledge of affairs and my firmness and tried to -excuse himself, and said that he had brought some of them away to the -prison. - -Upon one occasion in later years, in a place I had visited for some -years, I found that an old colored woman had been tied to a log and -severely whipped on the bare flesh. The other women could not bear to -see her so cruelly treated, and silently cried unto God to take the -cruel captain who had ordered her so punished out of the way. He did -so; for when I arrived there in a few days he was struck with death -and soon died. God did not allow him to compel the whipping of any -more women. - -I think that upon only one occasion was I ever treated other than -kindly and with respect by any governor. In this case I insisted that -the women prisoners, especially, should be more humanely treated. The -governor refused to take any action regarding the cruelties practiced -but said, "Go to the Principal Keeper." I replied, "I have just come -from the Principal Keeper and he sent me to you, Governor. These -captains are not permitted to strike one blow without a license from -you. It is by your permission that they whip and punish them." He was -evidently annoyed to think that I so well understood the condition of -the prisons and their management. It was now election time and he was -running for office for another term, and he dismissed me without -further ado. Many like him are saying: "Am I my brother's keeper?" -Yes, you and I dear reader, and those in authority will surely have to -answer in the great day of reckoning, if we neglect to alleviate the -sufferings of our fellowmen, when it is in our power to do so. There -are many kind men in office who really desire better conditions of -affairs, but are only servants of those who are higher in authority. -Truly the penalty for crime must be paid, but give all a chance to -reform and do right before God and man. Can we not let poor fallen -human beings see that we do care for them? And that there is hope in -Christ for them if they will repent and confess their sin to Him? Did -He not come "to seek and to save that which was lost?" - - - BLOOD HOUNDS. - -I never will forget my feelings when first the howls of the -bloodhounds sounded in my ears. I was in a stockade and there was a -noise such as I never heard before. I was on my knees praying and the -wife of the captain came in saying, "There has been an escape and the -guards and dogs are after the convict." I just lifted my heart to the -Lord in prayer for the poor unfortunate, hunted man. I never stopped -to think whether white or black; old or young; innocent or guilty; my -one cry was for the life and safety of my boy. - -Mothers you know how you would feel were it your boy. Well, I got -initiated in that part of prison management that day. I have one -thought above all others and that is to do God's will and obey Him and -help all in anyway I can into a good life here and a home in Heaven at -last; poor heart-sick, home-sick and sin-sick souls. The very thought -of the convict being helpless should appeal to our sympathy and God, -the Judge of all the universe, is going to call us to give an account -for our stewardship. Men and women must be governed but not by brute -force. We may overpower them, but do we conquer them? Have we won them -to a better life and to good citizenship? - -[Illustration: CONVICTS GETTING OUT COAL.] - - - COAL MINES. - -The prison stockades vary in number. Sometimes there may be thirty or -forty in one state, sometimes probably not half that many. It depends -upon the number of prisoners in the penitentiary and into how many -sections they are divided. When I was at Coal City, Ga., a number of -years ago, it was one of the most weird and desolate-looking places in -which I had ever found a stockade located. There were three stockades -on the summit of the mountain, and one at its base. At the last place -the men were mining coal. When I first went there they used a small -car that would hold eight passengers. Then this was abandoned and we -were obliged to ride on the engine, as they carried only coal cars for -shipping the coal that was mined by the prisoners. I was often in -great danger of my clothes taking fire as the fire blazed out of the -engine when the men were shoveling in the coal. The railroad -zig-zagged up the mountain, and once, a sister and myself were obliged -to ride on the coal-box, as the engine was packed with men and one -woman before we had arrived from the other train. I had to kneel down -and hold onto the side of the coal box with both hands, and as the -engine twisted and turned, I was in danger of falling, and it was -hundreds of feet down to the foot of the precipices in places where -our train crept along. All the way up the mountain I prayed God to -protect us. The train was run by prisoners, yet I always felt safe -with them. - - - A TOUCHING INCIDENT. - -"Lady, is you a preacher? Coz, if you is, I want you to come over to -my house 'long wid me and make a prayer, coz my mother is dead, and my -father is in prison over the stockade wall, and they are goin' to bury -my mother, and there ain't nobody to make a prayer, 'cept a colored -woman who was kind to my mother and loved her coz she was good. We -children ain't got nobody to care for us." - -It was just as I was leaving the railroad station near the Pratt Mine -prison stockade in Alabama that I was accosted as above. The speaker -was a small white boy with hands and face so black with coal dust that -one could hardly tell that he was white. The sadness of that child's -voice touched my heart, and I said, "Yes, surely I will be glad to go -with you, my child." - -Through the mountain forest the little boy had come in search of some -one to make a prayer over the dead mother who, while she was living, -had taught her children about Jesus. I found the cabin by his guiding -me along the mountain path through the underbrush. Such a sight as met -my eyes! A body covered with a ragged sheet, lying on a board held up -by a couple of rickety stools. Nothing was in the hut to make it look -like home. Two old crones sat by the stump fire in the large -fireplace, making free use of snuff and tobacco. It was a dirty little -one-roomed cabin. The funeral was to be at once, but the man who was -making the rough box which was to serve as a coffin was so slow that -we finally waited for the funeral till the next day. - -I went to the prison camp and found the husband and father of the -little boy, and obtained permission of the officials for him to attend -the funeral of his wife, providing that I should be responsible for -his return. Well, God understood it all and helped me there in that -wild country; for that was when the prison stockades were not what -they are today. Conditions are much changed since I first went with a -gospel message to those lonely prisoners and sin-bound souls. - - - MY FIRST MEETING IN A PRISON CAMP. - -That night I held my first service in a prison camp. The captain was -loth to allow me the privilege, but the Lord touched his heart and he -said that I might try. I had come a long distance on the train and had -taken little to eat for several days for those were days of much -fasting and prayer. The call of God was upon me. I must preach the -Gospel to these men. So now, I had but one thing to do, to wait alone -upon the Lord. I knelt before God in the little old wooden hut used as -an office, and cried to the Lord, "O Lord, help me! O Lord, help me! -Show me how to hold a meeting here!" Just after dark a guard came and -said, "We are ready for the meeting to begin. Come on." Imagine how I -felt when there alone before hundreds of men in rags and tatters, with -hands and faces so black and grimy with coal dust (this being in a -prison mining camp) that I could scarcely tell the white men from the -colored! The building was low and dirty, the men were seated on rude -benches, the guards standing with their guns in hand and many great -strong bloodhounds by their sides. The room was dimly lighted by three -smoky old lanterns hanging on the walls. I had conducted prayer -meetings in the church, led in temperance meetings, and labored with -church people in the cities, and had been a Sabbath school teacher for -years; but I had never before faced a congregation such as I now saw -before me. I knelt in silent prayer before stepping upon the rough old -box upon which I was to stand while I spoke. I arose and sang an -old-time hymn, and again knelt and offered prayer. I told God all -about why I was there. I sang another hymn, but could go no farther. -All eyes were fixed upon me, and I asked, "Is there one Christian -here? If so please raise your hand." I stood trembling and thought, -"Must I stand all alone here with no one to pray for me, or encourage -me in my labor for the Master?" At last one old colored man timidly -raised his hand, followed by another, and then another. How I thank -God even now for this--after all these years of toil as a prison -worker. Then, I was soon lost in the theme of Jesus and His love. I -seemed to see those rough prison miners as dear children once more in -the old home at mother's knee at night-fall listening to her "Now I -lay me down to sleep." As I closed, seeing that the Lord had spoken to -many hearts by His Holy Spirit, I asked who would kneel with me in -prayer and begin a new life. I think every prisoner bowed there before -God with the heavy prisoners' chains clanking as only such can do. The -sound is inexpressibly sad to me even now after so many years of labor -in prisons and the rattling of the great keys in the hand of the guard -and the sound of the heavy iron doors as they open and close, -receiving "some mother's boy," are still as affecting to me as in -those early days of my prison work. - -Many of these men on that night in humility and meekness sought and -confessed Christ as their Savior. I know not how many who knelt with -me there, I shall meet in heaven; but I know that God has said His -Word shall not return unto Him void. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, -bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, -bringing his sheaves with him." - -At the close of the service an officer informed me that his wife had -prepared to entertain me. I gladly accepted of the kind offer and went -to their humble home, greatly enjoying their hospitality, for I was -much exhausted and very weary with the long journey, the anxiety and -the labor of the day. These remained my faithful friends while I knew -them. I thank God for those who open their homes to the children of -the Lord. - -The next morning the lady said, "I will let my little girl go with you -to the funeral and to show you the way through the mountains to visit -the sick." So I went again to the miserable home of the poor little -ones who were left worse than orphans. How my heart was filled with -sorrow, seeing the lonely helpless children, two boys and a beautiful -little girl, with mother dead, and father in prison! I wondered what -their future might be. A few mountaineers' wives had assembled, but -there were not enough men present to lift the box that contained the -corpse into the old coal wagon. After the short, sad services, with my -assistance as a pall bearer the crude coffin was lifted into the -wagon, and I helped to steady it as we traveled over the rough -mountain road to the cemetery. I had double duty caring for this and -making sure that the husband and father did not attempt to escape; for -you know liberty is sweet. The Lord of hosts must have kept him true -to his promise, and I must say that I can always trust the poor -prisoners not to betray the confidence I place in them. At the grave I -sang the old hymn. "I would not live always" and we laid the faithful -wife and mother away to rest until the trumpet shall call the dead to -rise. - -What was the cause of the sad plight of this family? Sin. The saloon! -There had been a saloon fight, and some one was killed. Some one did -the deed. Oh, God! What a reckoning there will be in the end for those -who vote to license the saloon, as well as they who dispense the rum, -God will open the books and all shall be judged out of the things that -are written therein. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord -of hosts." This faithful wife and mother had spent all her living in -an attempt to secure the liberty of her husband. But failing in this, -she had come with her children to live in that dreary place, hoping to -be able to lead him to a better life, finally dying in want, and of a -broken heart. After the funeral I pleaded with the little girl to go -with me. But she true to her trust, true to her dead mother's loyalty, -said, "Never will I leave my poor father with no one to care for him. -Mother never would, I never will. I will go to see him and tell him of -Jesus." - -Wearied with toil and the journeying from place to place to visit the -sick to whom the little girl from the camp had guided me, I returned -in the evening with her to her home and then to the camp. Thinking to -lie down and take some rest, and kneeling to pray, I was impressed -that I must visit the other stockade some two or three miles away. I -knew it was the voice of God and said, "Yes." The lady strongly -pleading that I must not go, that it was dangerous, said I could not -go alone, that I would lose my way, etc. The husband also said one's -life was in danger, that several men were found dead in those -mountains and no one knew who killed them, etc., and pleaded with me -not to go. But I said, "If God sends me, He will see that I am not -harmed. He will not forsake me." Soon I started on my way, and -presently met the two little boys whose mother had just been buried. I -asked if one of them would not show me the way to the other camp, and -the older one kindly did so. With my little guide we hurried down that -rough mountain side, we being compelled to carry stones to build a -bridge across a stream of water, and finally came within sight of the -camp. Upon insisting that God had sent me, and that I had held -services in the other camp, the captain (overseer) invited me into his -home. I had not expected such kindness, but thanking the Lord I -accepted it as from Him. They kindly brought us food, but I would not -eat, and gave it all to the little boy who was so hungry, and praying -for him he started homeward. Here also we had a wonderful meeting. Men -with broken hearts wept with longing for a mother's sympathy and a -Savior's love. Some came to Christ and were saved, and I believe that -I shall meet some of them in the great home gathering bye and bye in -heaven. - -Early the following morning, I was told that the engine which was to -take me on my way was ready to start with its train of coal cars for -the station some ten miles distant; but that I would have time to -visit the hospital department where many were lying sick. I hurried -through the prison yard, filled with hogs and bloodhounds, to the -hospital, where I sang a song and prayed. I was turning to go when a -guard came running and said, "The whole train is waiting for you, -hurry up." As I was hurrying out a door opened and a woman called, "Do -come and see my son, he is dying. Do come and pray for him." I ran in -saying, "The train may go; I dare not refuse the request." I grasped -the dying boy's hand firmly and said, "Take hold on God as I take hold -of your hand. He will not forsake you. He will save you; look and -live." I offered a short prayer and ran down to the engine, which -still waited. There was something seeming so dismal in its sound in -those lonely regions. I had to ride on the engine, as there was -nothing but coal flats on this train. I was helped on and we were off. -The sun was just rising over the mountain and the heavy fog was -beginning to rise, and oh, such a blessing I received as we sped along -the winding way! I shall never forget the gloomy sight I left behind -me there. The poor prison-bound men marching out to the mines with -their lanterns on their caps and with their picks and shovels. They -never seemed so dear to me, and I began to see more clearly than ever -that God had a special work for me to do. I saw the value of a soul -bought with the precious blood of Christ. I saw, too, the need of -fully consecrated Christian workers. As we wound around the mountain -side I knew I had been obedient to my God, and His Spirit bore witness -with my spirit that He accepted my weak efforts. - - - DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME. - -I was not always kindly received as mentioned in some instances. We -are not carried to heaven upon flowery beds of ease. I have many times -been refused the privilege even of singing a hymn in a prison. My -singing has often been blessed as a means of touching hearts, and -through it souls have been converted and are still true to God. I went -to visit another prison mining camp or stockade, in a very lonely -region where few people lived. I arrived upon a dark, gloomy night; -there was no depot and not a house near. There I was alone, yet not -alone, for God was with me. A young mulatto man who proved to be an -ex-convict, had come to the train with a lantern, and I asked him to -kindly show me the way to the home of the captain of the camp. I found -the officer had gone in search of a prisoner who had made his escape, -and his wife refused to take any one in in her husband's absence. She -said I should go to another officer some distance away. Ascending the -steps to the large house my heart sank within me, for I felt that I -should be turned away again in the night. The officer himself came to -the door to answer my call. Telling him my mission, I asked to stay -with them till morning. His wife would not consent to entertain me, -and I answered, "Where shall I go? I am alone, and a Christian woman -sent of God to help people in prison to a better life." He replied, -"There's a boarding house a mile away down the mountain," and the door -was shut. I asked my guide, "Is there not one Christian here in these -mountains?" He said, "Only one, a poor old colored man, that's been in -prison, and he lives up the mountain with his daughter, a young -woman." Crying as I went along holding to the brush with one hand, we -finally reached the hut at the top of the mountain. I told the young -woman my story and asked if I might stay with her for the night. She -answered, "No, my father is away and I cannot take in a stranger -without his consent." "Then I must stay out on the mountain alone all -night." She seemed sorry for me, and said I should wait till her -father came. I had not to wait long till he came, and kindly consented -for me to stay. I was weary and hungry from my long journey. I saw the -old colored man open the basket he had brought home with him. It -contained some cold food given him where he was employed. He asked me -to share his lunch, but I refused, as I believed he needed all he had. - -How thankful I was for shelter in that poor hut that night, though -sleeping by my side was that poor unfortunate colored girl with a babe -in her arms that cried all the night. There were cracks in the hut -through which you could see the stars. What a change the Lord had -wrought in the once proud woman that I had been! I remembered that -Jesus said, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but -the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." And "The disciple is -not above his master." I spent the night in prayer and God heard my -cries for the poor convicts who were cruelly starved and beaten by the -drunken guards and captain who seemed to bitterly hate all who were so -helplessly bound under them. This is a strong statement but I will -meet it at the Judgment. - -In the morning one woman who had turned me from her door sent to find -out what had become of me. She said she would give the young woman who -had sheltered me a present for not leaving me out on the mountain -alone. I had prayed earnestly that God would convict her for her lack -of hospitality. Upon going to the officer to learn when I could have -a meeting with the prisoners, he unkindly turned me away saying that I -should _never_ have a meeting there, and that I might as well go. - -Well, I did go; traveling eighty miles back to the capital, -Montgomery, Alabama, to see the Governor. I knew the Lord had sent me, -and how could I meet Him at the Judgment and tell Him I had failed? I -knew, too, that Satan had hindered. I asked for the Governor but was -told that the President of the Board of Prison Inspectors was the -proper person for me to see about the matter. He was sent for and soon -came. He was a very kind old gentleman and sat down and asked me what -I wished. When I had related the facts he said, "Who dare refuse you -holding meetings in that prison camp? You go back there and hold your -meeting. I'll write him a letter and let him hear from me." I said, -"But he will say he did not receive your letter." He then said he -would write a letter for me to present to him. But, how should I get -back to the camp? After selling my trunk and such articles of clothing -as I could spare, I yet did not have enough money to pay railway fare. - - - MY FIRST FREE PASS. - -Trusting the Lord to in some way provide means for me to get back to -the camp, I went to the janitress of the depot, an intelligent -mulatto, and told her of my need, as she had previously assisted me in -securing half-fare rates on the railroad, she having known the -officials since their childhood. She insisted that I should go to the -office of the general manager of the L. & N. R. R. and ask for a -half-fare rate to the prison camp at New Castle, Ala. Oh, how I -dreaded to go to that office! But tremblingly and prayerfully I went, -and presenting to him the letter which I was to carry with me to the -camp, I told him my desires. Upon reading this letter he handed me -what I supposed was a half-fare permit. I humbly thanked him and -returned to my lodging. After making preparation to start early in the -morning on my journey, before retiring for the night I knelt by my -bedside to thank God for the permit. Thinking I would see just how it -read before I prayed, I took it up and began reading, "Pass Mrs. -_Elizabeth R. Wheaton_ From _Montgomery_ to _Birmingham, Ala., Prison, -Missionary_." What! Did my eyes deceive me, or was it a mistake. No. -It was a free pass, and the following note was enclosed to the -Superintendent at the other end of the route regarding a return pass -if I should ask for it: - - Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co., - Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 15, 1885. - - L. Hage, Esq., Supt., Birmingham, Ala. - - Dear Sir: This lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, bears credentials - showing her to be a prison missionary. Any courtesy you may - extend to her, in the way of pass, will be properly applied. - - Yours truly, - M. S. BELKNAP, Supt. - -Oh, how I did thank God for this manifestation of His goodness to -me--doing above that which I could ask or think! Mr. Belknap, that -kind R. R. officer, has been dead many years, and perhaps is forgotten -by some who knew him better than I, but I shall never forget his -unexpected kindness to me. Since then, through the goodness of God and -the favor and confidence of the railroad officials, I have received -transportation throughout the country, to carry the Gospel of Jesus to -men and women of every class. - -Upon my return to the prison camp I asked for the officer and told him -I had come to hold meeting for the prisoners. I suppose he had -received word from the Governor's office, as he so readily consented, -asking at what hour I would like to have the service. I thought best -to wait till the following day (Sunday) for the services, that I might -have sufficient time for my work. The Lord came in mighty power that -Sabbath day as I sang the old time hymns, and asked God to forgive and -help those precious souls. The Spirit gave me utterance and carried -the truth to the hearts of the hearers. Sobs and groans were heard -from men in tears who sought forgiveness and gave God their hearts. At -the close I took each one by the hand and exhorted them to be faithful -to God. I afterwards visited the sick and talked and prayed with them, -exhorting them to seek a home in heaven where sin can never come, and -where God wipes away all tears. How true the words, - - "Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, - Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; - Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, - Chords that were broken will vibrate once more." - -One Sunday morning I was going to a prison camp to hold meeting. There -was no way to get there excepting to walk through the deep mud. There -were a couple of boys going towards the stockade leading an old mule. -I said, "O, boys, CAN'T I RIDE THAT MULE?" "Certainly," they said. It -was with difficulty that I mounted the novel conveyance, and that I -remained on the mule's back. For some reason, I was filled with -apprehension. I had an impression that there was danger. I asked the -boys if they would not lead the animal, but they kept a good distance -from it, saying that they wanted to keep out of the mud. - -When we reached the camp and the officers came out and helped me to -dismount, they looked at me in great astonishment, and one of them -said, "What a narrow escape you have made! I only wonder that you got -here alive. It is a wonder that old mule didn't kill you. I wonder -that the boys let you take it!" I learned that the animal was so -utterly uncontrollable and vicious that they could only use him on a -dump cart to carry the prisoners' dinner or something of the sort and -then he would sometimes kick the cart all to pieces. - -I raised my heart in thanksgiving to God, knowing that He who stopped -the lion's mouth and held the flames of the fiery furnace had in some -way kept this ugly creature from doing me any harm and saved my life. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - Work in Stockades and Prison Camps--Continued. - - -I once had a novel experience in a prison lumber camp. I was being -entertained at the home of the superintendent of the camp and was to -hold service with the prisoners at twilight. The superintendent came -to the parlor and asked if I was ready for the service. We had not far -to go, but I was unable to walk the distance; so a carriage, drawn by -some of the prisoners, had been brought to the gate for me. I answered -that I was ready, but as I was waiting he again asked if I was ready -and why I was waiting. I replied that I was waiting for the horses. He -answered, "You come on, the horses will be all right." I had learned -to obey the officers, so followed on down through the beautiful yard -of flowers and reluctantly stepped into the carriage. Instantly four -prisoners took hold of the carriage and we were off. The men seemed -glad to assist me and I was so thankful to them. God bless them! I do -not think a queen with all her body-guard could have felt more secure -or have been more appreciated, than I, there surrounded by my dear -prison boys. After the service I was conveyed in the same manner back -to the home of the superintendent. - -At another time, desiring to visit a certain prison camp, I found -there was no way to reach it but to ride on a flat car with the men -going from their work. I was glad to go with them and have a chance to -speak a word of kindness and sing some hymns that might cheer them on -the way. - -In the pineries of Florida the stockade prisoners are engaged in -taking the sap from the pine trees. The camps are located some miles -apart, and in going from one to another the forests are so dense that -we were compelled to go in a two-wheeled donkey-cart. We encountered -great dangers, there being many poisonous reptiles and alligators in -the lakes and rivers which we had to pass. - - - ASSISTING A COLORED MINISTER. - -I arrived one Sunday morning at a stockade where hundreds of men and -some women were kept. I went to the keeper, or captain, as he was -called, and asked for the privilege of holding a gospel service with -the prisoners under his charge. He not only refused me, but was -abusive, cursing me and ordering me away. Of course I was much -grieved, as I felt the Lord had sent me there to preach the gospel. I -was greatly surprised that an official should use such language to a -lady, and without provocation. Weeping, I asked if I might sing for -the women prisoners. Again, with oaths, he refused me. But Brother -Frank Joseph, a colored preacher who knew me, was there to hold -religious services by permission of the governor, and he came and -invited me to assist him. Of course the captain could say nothing -against it and I went with him. But when he asked me to conduct the -service I could not at the first sing, preach or pray for weeping, but -I told him I would pray God to give them a kinder officer for I knew -the one they had was a cruel man. God used even my weakness and my -tears to touch their hearts and we had a blessed meeting. - -After service I had a chance to talk to the women prisoners. We wept -together and oh how thankful they were that there was one woman who -would try to help them and make their burdens lighter. They told me -how terribly they were treated and said they would be beaten if the -captain knew of their telling me of it. How glad I was to carry the -message of Jesus' love to them in their distress. Before I left they -said they wished they had something to give me, and some gave small -tokens of their regards. It was all they had to give and when they -urged me I accepted them as from the Lord, feeling that He would in -some way reward them and bless their offering as He did the widow's -mite. - - - THROUGH DANGER ALONE. - -Desiring to reach another stockade some miles distant I asked the -captain if he could not supply me with conveyance and a guide, but he -refused. I determined, however, to find the other prison and started -on foot alone. The prison women told me that it was very dangerous -because of fierce dogs and cross cattle in the mountains; but feeling -that God wanted me to go I knew no such thing as fail. After walking -some distance I sank down with exhaustion under a big tree and wept -out my heart to God for guidance, protection and success. I arose -feeling strengthened and comforted and soon came to a farm house and -asked a young man who stood in the garden if he could direct me to the -prison camp. "Yes, come in, lady, you look so tired and faint and my -mother will give you something to eat and we will show you the way," -was the kind reply I received. I stopped and rested a while but would -neither eat nor drink as I had given myself to fasting and prayer that -my way might be opened for services in the camp to which I was going. -After a long walk we found the stockade and knowing the young man who -was with me, the officers gave their consent for me to hold a service. -After I had been singing and talking to the prisoners a while suddenly -my strength failed me. I had only time to say, "Will you sing?" Then -I saw and heard nothing more. I HAD FALLEN PROSTRATE among those -chained prisoners. When I came to myself I heard singing from inside -the walls, such singing as could only come from truly broken-hearted, -repentant souls. I had been carried outside and the poor prison women -were caring for me. A good old colored sister was holding me close to -her and pleading with God to restore me. I heard her say, "She's a -woman like we is--and she's given her life for us." They were doing -all they knew and were crying around me. I said, "Please carry me back -into the prison." When they had done so I asked, "How many of you -prisoners will kneel with me in prayer and give your hearts to God, -take Him as your Savior and start today for heaven? God loves you, -Jesus died for you! And if you will come to Him and confess your sins -He will save you." Every one knelt before God, and many with prayers -and broken sobs cried out their hearts to Him who is not willing that -any should perish, but that all should have eternal life. I expect to -meet many of them in heaven; for He is able to save to the uttermost -all that will come unto God by Him--and able also to keep them from -falling. - -The following day, traveling from this prison to another stockade, -sitting near me in the car was an aged gentleman who on seeing my -Bible asked me where I was going. When I had told him, he asked me the -nature of my work and how the prisoners were treated in these places; -also how I was received by the officials of the prisons generally. -Thinking to only entertain a kind old country gentleman, I told him -many things which I probably should not have been so free to mention -had I known who he was. He asked me many questions about the -stockades. I told him that I had never been so cruelly treated as at -a camp on the previous day. "Where," he inquired, "Who did such a -thing?" In answer to his inquiry I told him who it was. Little did I -know that this was God's way of revealing sin. - - - A MEETING AT DAY DAWN. - -Reaching the small station at the foot of the mountain; we had to take -a box car only large enough for six persons. The old gentleman was one -of the passengers also. Going to the house of the captain at the top -of the mountain (such a lonely place), he thought it impossible to -have a meeting with the men, as he said they were so wicked and -unruly, etc., but finally said I might do so at day-break the next -morning. He was very careful, saying, "These men are so wicked and -cruel that never could a woman stand before them." I wept and prayed -most of the night and cried, "Oh God, can you let me fail now?" In -those early years of my labor I traveled much alone but later I -usually had a sister accompany me, or sometimes a sister and her -husband. - -Out in the prison yard at break of day I found hundreds of men all -ready to go down into the coal mines. I wondered how to gain their -attention and make them all hear my voice. I asked to have the men -drawn closer together, as they stood in the prison yard. This being -done, I sang a hymn. Oh how I do praise God for the gift of song! I -forgot my weird surroundings and the rough appearance of the men and -their dangerous looks. I saw them as little boys in the old home far -away and then as human souls, hurrying into the presence of God and I -felt that I stood between them and the Judgment. Conceive, if you can, -how this company must have looked to me, bound in companies of perhaps -fifty in a "gang," to a long strong chain to which was fastened a -number of shorter chains; these short chains being fastened to the -men's ankles. - -God enabled me to deliver His message and eternity alone will reveal -the results of the seed scattered there that morning. After shaking -hands with the men I was introduced to the old gentleman whom I had -met on the train the day before. To my surprise he proved to be the -President of the Board of Prison Inspectors of the state. I saw him no -more after that time, but a year later I visited the prison of which I -had told him. I saw at the depot a young colored man nicely dressed, -but I knew by his clothes that he was one of the prison boys. He had -come to get the morning paper for the warden. I walked with him to the -prison, and on the way asked him how they all were at the camp. "All -so nicely, thank you," he replied. "Who is your captain now?" I asked. -"Has there been any change since I was here last year?" "O yes, ma'am, -soon after you was here ma'am, just as soon as Massa (meaning the -President of the Board) could find a good man to take de place ob de -ole captun what treated de men so bad and 'bused you so, he sent him -away." "Oh, is that so?" I said. "Yes, an' we's got a good time now to -what we had befo' God sent you heah ma'am. He certainly did send you -heah ma'am dat time." So I had only suffered these indignities that -these abused ones might have better officers and treatment. The new -captain received me very kindly and giving me a seat said my breakfast -would be ready as soon as the prison women could prepare it for me. -Well, surely the Lord had been at work. Such a change all around! We -had a grand meeting and much good was accomplished, the captain -furnished a buggy to take me to the next camp and bring me back to the -depot. - - - HELPING TO BURY A PRISONER. - -After visiting the hospital department of a stockade where I had never -been before, I saw the guards nailing up a long, apparently heavy, -box. I said to them, "What have you in that box?" One replied, "A -man--a dead man." Soon after I heard an officer say to a guard, "Send -five prisoners to go with me to bury that box." I arose from where I -had been praying, and hurried out and asked permission to accompany -the men with the box, but was refused--the officer saying they had no -guard to spare to assist me up the mountain side. "Oh, just please let -me go," I said. "I do not need any one to help me to climb the -mountain. Please, won't you let me go?" He then consented, and I did -not wait for either bonnet or help; but with my shawl over my head I -hurried out after the men bearing the corpse. On we went up the -mountain side, until we came to a very steep place, and the poor weak -prisoners began to tremble under the heavy burden, along in front of -the guard who had his gun in hand. I knew if one should fall, the -guard might suppose he was trying to escape from him, and fire at him -and kill him. - -I took up a stick in my left hand to steady myself and placing my -right arm under the end of the box added my strength to that of the -tired men. When we reached the summit of the mountain we found the -grave already dug, but it was much too short for the box. I was almost -exhausted and came near falling. The grave being too short, they were -going to leave the corpse until morning and then return and bury it. -But I said, "Boys, you dig the grave longer and I will sing for you -while you work." I sang an old time hymn, and they lowered the box, by -pounding and jumping upon it and then hurriedly shoveled in the dirt. -Then I said, "Let us pray." And there in that dreary place I prayed -for the poor men who had performed this sad rite and for the guard. I -forgot my surroundings. I thought only of "SOME MOTHER'S BOY," who -perhaps died with a broken heart without a mother's care, now lying in -an unknown grave far away from home. Perhaps she had prayed for him -and God had sent me to pray over the lonely grave. There we left him -where all his mistakes should be forgotten. He may have sought and -found pardon in God. Who can tell? The stars were now shining and the -stillness filled me with awe. The men hurried down the mountain side -to the prison, leaving me behind in the dim starlight. I found my way -to the stockade, but found the door locked and with great difficulty I -made them hear me and was admitted. At about nine o'clock the -prisoners were brought together to have a meeting. The guard -ridiculed. The prisoners wondered at seeing a woman preaching. How I -trembled! Oh, for some one to share my burden! I asked, "Is there one -Christian here among you prisoners?" as I shook hands with them and -some of them pointing out an old colored woman, said, "She's a -Christian." I clasped her hand, hardened by work, and said, "Will you -pray for me, sister?" "Yes," she said, "Yes, I will, honey." - -God was there to touch and tender those hearts. They were unused to -meetings of this character, and perhaps had never heard of a woman -preaching. I well knew that unless God undertook for me the meeting -would be a failure. There seemed to be no way to reach these hard -hearts. The men and women stared at me. Suddenly I thought of the -great danger I was in, and the risk I had to run in getting back to -the village that night. I saw the head of a young prison boy droop -over on a man's shoulder, too sleepy to listen longer. Then I heard -and saw no more, but fell unconscious to the floor. The weariness from -the day's labor proved too much for my strength. But God used my -weakness to reach these hearts and when I regained consciousness, men -and women with tears, sobs and prayers, were crying to God for mercy -and forgiveness--pleading for help to be better men and women. I hope -I shall meet many of them in heaven "when the roll is called up -yonder" for they truly seemed to bring forth fruit meet for -repentance. - -The following day was spent among the sick and dying in the village. I -had asked the privilege in the morning to go with the train men to the -prison pest house where the sick prisoners were, but was refused by -the train crew, some of them ridiculing me and my work. I had only -kindly asked them the privilege, and then exhorted them to come to -Christ. I then told them I feared the next message would be judgment -from God. God bless the railroad men if some of them do make mistakes! -My heart goes out for them as they are always in much danger. I make -it a rule of my life to always pray for every train on which I travel -with its crew and passengers. And hitherto God has been my help. Bless -His holy name! - - - WRECK OF A COAL TRAIN. - -When I had returned to the boarding house in the evening I lay down to -rest. Many striking things occurred in this place. As I lay resting, -dishes were rattling and children were crying in adjoining rooms, my -room door leading into the open hall was standing open, and in came a -drove of little pigs. I looked up to see what it was, and one had -walked up to the fireplace where was burning a low fire, and stood -warming its nose. But they soon grew tired of indoor life and all -quickly scampered out as they had come in. They had seemed as much at -home there as myself. Amid this confusion I fell asleep. How long I -slept I do not know. I was awakened by heart-rending cries from men -and women. I sprang up and throwing a shawl over my head, I ran out in -the rain to see what I could do to help, for I knew some one was in -great agony. What I saw I shall never forget. The coal train and its -crew that had gone out in the morning had come in. THE ENGINE WAS -DITCHED in a terrible manner and men were crushed in the wreck. Women -were screaming as they ran to see if their loved ones were among the -victims. I met the same men I had warned in the morning carrying on a -board the fireman badly cut and bruised. I said, "Men, I gave you the -warning this morning. You rejected my counsel and I thought judgment -would come, but I little thought it would come so soon." They carried -the wounded man to an old baggage car. People were so excited they did -not know what to do. Here I was to learn a lesson in surgery. I found -an old pail and brought some water. Some bystanders gave me their -handkerchiefs and I proceeded to wash the blood from the poor wounded -head and limb, which was much crushed, and helped the doctor to bind -up the wounds. Soon there came a call for help from the scene of the -disaster. A messenger came running, saying, "Come quick! there is a -man dying whom we found under the engine." It was very dark, but I -hurried along through the mud and rain after the doctor to the scene -of suffering. They had carried him into the nearest hut, and he was -lying upon the floor unconscious. Kneeling beside him I raised his -head upon my hand. Consciousness returned. I cried, "Jesus can save -you even now; He loves you. He will forgive you now, only believe on -Him." He replied, "I do believe He does save me just now." Glory to -God! He is a present help in time of need; a friend that sticketh -closer than a brother. Dear reader, it is better to be saved before -the crash comes. The man was suffering terribly. The women, thinking -they must do something, had poured turpentine into the wounds thinking -it was camphor. We washed the wounds and I assisted the physician in -setting the broken limbs. God wonderfully helped me there to practice -what I preached, and I found what it means to love my neighbor as -myself. These railroad men were my neighbors, and they were suffering -and in a dying condition. One of the poor men cried piteously for his -mother. I traveled on the train on which one of the wounded men was -taken to the city where his mother lived and helped to care for him on -the way. We were delayed at that camp for two days. I will never -forget those days of service and suffering. - - - THE SUGAR CAMPS. - -At one time, I went into the Sugar Refining Stockades in Texas. -Leaving the train, we had to walk a long distance to the first camp. -The superintendent was angry at us for coming, and ordered us to go to -the next camp. He said there were women at the other stockade and that -he would not let us have any meeting, any way, with his men. We asked -him if he would please send a boy to carry our luggage, and he -refused, so we started on alone, to walk a long way. When we arrived -at the second camp we found only one guard and a couple of prisoners -working, and no women within miles. When the guard saw the situation, -he seemed sorry for us, and we were allowed to rest and wait until -the return of the prisoners, who were at work at a distance on -railroad repairs. In the meantime he sent a man to another stockade -some miles away, and the captain's wife there agreed to entertain us, -for which we were thankful. We had a meeting after the men came to -camp, and the guards came to us and said that the women at the camp -mentioned before had sent word that they would not keep us over night. -What _could_ we do? Finally I said, "Can you take us to the depot?" -They answered that they had no conveyance but AN OLD MULE AND A CART. -I said, "That is all right." So they got the mule and cart and helped -us in, and handed us our luggage. Then they sent a colored boy to go -before the mule with a lantern, and another followed after. In this -way we went on until we reached the little country depot, which was -all dark. One of the prisoners, who went with us, lighted the lantern -inside, and we called to the ticket agent, who had retired, asking him -to please check our luggage to San Antonio. This he refused to do, so -I said, "We are Christian women and will give you almost any price, if -your wife will allow us to stay with her until morning." He was angry, -still refusing to get up to check our luggage. He said he was not paid -for night work. We could not have gotten on the car had it not been -for a gentleman, going on the same train, who had his servant help us. -We went to San Antonio before we could get a place to rest and it was -then morning, but God blessed us in holding services in the prison -there that day. I never reported the agent who was so rude to us, as I -was sorry for him, for I was told he was a cripple, and I thought he -needed his work to provide for his family. - - - IN A GAMBLING SALOON. - -From Knoxville, Tenn., I went one night to the coal mine region. I -asked the landlord at the hotel for some one to show me a way to the -stockade some distance, and he sent his chore boy with me. We had a -long walk, and returned after meeting at night. It was late and as we -came down the mountain side I saw a light at a little distance, and I -said, "Where is that light?" He said, "That is the wickedest place; -they kill people there." Without waiting to consider the danger I -might be in, I said, "Wait here for me," and I hastened up the valley -and into the place, which I found to be a gambling saloon. Then, -without waiting, I poured out to them the Gospel message which burned -in my heart, I fell on my knees and prayed to God to save them from -the destruction to which they were going. Then I rushed out into the -darkness again, and found the boy waiting with the lantern and we went -on our way. I was thoroughly alarmed next day when I realized the risk -I had taken in going into such a place, but God has wrought mightily -for me all these years and preserved me from harm. As I write I feel -near home and heaven. Jesus is there. Soon I shall be with Him. - - - CONDITION OF CONVICTS. - -I wish that some who whine so much in church about taking up the cross -could see the inside of those stockades as I saw them--see the -suffering that existed, the sorrowful, heart-broken prisoners with no -ray of hope, no one to care about them; everything poor, scarcely -enough to keep them alive; the poorest of places to sleep; men -fastened to a large post in the middle of the stockade by a heavy -chain, compelled to wear their clothing till it would decay on them, -often so ragged that they could not hide their nakedness, and guarded -by bloodhounds and armed men. It was not proper under other -circumstances for a woman to see men in such conditions, but they had -souls to be saved or lost, and the Lord had commissioned me to go to -these men and tell them that Jesus loved them and wanted to save and -deliver them from the power of the devil who got them into such -places. - - - UNJUSTLY CONDEMNED. - -Judges often sentence men and women to years of hard labor in prison -for the slightest offenses. An old colored man employed in a store -took a box of cigars, but regretting the act, returned them confessing -his wrong, and asked forgiveness. He was arrested and sentenced to -twenty-five years in the stockade; one year for each cigar. Another -colored man was found on the street at night carrying five ears of -corn. He was sentenced to prison for five years. He with others was -working where the earth caved in and killed him. Who will answer in -the day of Judgment for that man's life and death? Yes, and his soul? -Were I to here relate some things I know to be true, awful in the -extreme, they would not be believed. Let us have the laws of God -enforced. Let those who may be anxious to punish wrong and have men -condemned upon circumstantial evidence, look into their own hearts and -lives and see if they have been free from condemnation. I do not want -to condemn judges nor jurymen, for they are not all to blame. A man or -woman should never be condemned until known to be guilty. People are -often prejudiced, and without proper investigation many are condemned -to punishment for crimes of which they are innocent. The cries of such -are come up before the Lord and He will hear and answer prayer. At one -time there were forty stockades in one state and about four thousand -prisoners in one state. Let us help those that are down. - -In many stockades I found men and women living together promiscuously -and children being born in the camp. The poor creatures were subjected -to all kinds of abuse and suffering, the women in great need of better -quarters, better food, and care. Ofttimes they were afraid for their -very lives. Many were killed outright; in one place where they were -far out in the coal mines many were brutally whipped and ill-treated. -I went to the Lord in prayer, and then to the state authorities and -the Governor went out with men and opened the graves of many, who had -died in camps. One of the officers was imprisoned for ten years; -another made his escape; others were dealt with more or less severely. -I had been out there myself, getting on the engine to ride out to the -stockade, and requested to see the prisoners after their day's work -was done, and as they came up from the mines they were so ragged that -I was compelled to turn my back as they passed. I got permission to -hold a Gospel meeting. After it was over, I requested the captain to -let one of his men take us to the next house, a distance of a mile or -more from the camp. When we knocked asking permission to stay for the -night, and telling who we were, the woman of the house said, "You had -better go and preach to those prison guards, who are killing off the -poor prisoners." She said she could not stand it to hear such awful -cries as reached her ears even at that distance from the stockade. She -told the guard just what she thought of the brutality shown the -prisoners and convicts. He said he was not to blame. He seemed to be a -kind young man. - -In one place I found one old colored man who was condemned to death. -He was filthy and dirty and had nothing to lie on but a heap of straw; -he was hungry and his cell was dark and damp. My heart ached to see -him so shamefully abused. Even condemned men have rights and they -should be respected; it is enough for them to know that they are to -die a horrible death, without having all kinds of abuse heaped upon -them; yet I have seen this in many prisons. How is it that friends are -so often denied the privilege of seeing those that are under death -sentence or those who are sick and dying? Let the truth be told and -let there be some one to investigate these things. I believe that -those who are most against prisoners, are those who are not familiar -with the conditions. Let good discipline be maintained, but let -prisoners never be brutally treated, simply because they are powerless -to help themselves. I find many things going on that are not right, -but I have never made complaint to the governors of the states, unless -compelled to do so, because of cases of extreme cruelty. - - - NEED OF REFORM. - -There is great need of reformation in the management of prisons, and -especially in the prison lease system and management of women -prisoners in the south. Oh, the shocking sights that have greeted me -on almost every hand! There is nothing more heart-rending to me than -the terrible, brutal treatment of helpless humanity. These prisoners -are entirely at the mercy of officers who are oftentimes void of -feeling, coarse and vulgar in the extreme. To get positions and make -money is the aim of many of today. The poor unfortunates shut up in -prisons and asylums are in many cases most shamefully mistreated. They -are supposed to be there for the purpose of reformation or treatment, -but were it not for the grace of God in my soul, I never could endure -the torture and anguish resulting from the sufferings I find among -these poor helpless men and women. I am not supposed to know the -conditions in these places, but twenty years of experience going -inside these walls have opened my eyes and I get behind the scenes. -There is a time of settling up of accounts and there will be a final -reckoning day at the judgment bar of God, for what was done in this -life, and how many will be weighed in the balance and found wanting! - -The following paper by Clarissa Olds Keeler was written to Brother S. -B. Shaw and read at the meeting of the National Convocation for Prayer -at St. Louis, Mo., May, 1903, and will serve to convey some idea of -conditions as they have existed in some parts of our land; though we -are glad to say that they are somewhat improved, in many places at -least. - - "LET THE SIGHING OF THE PRISONER COME BEFORE THEE." - - "Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the - prayer that is made in this place."--2 Chron. 7:15. - - When attending the Christian Workers' Convention in New York in - 1887 a man from Tennessee also attending the convention, said to - me, "I wonder the Christian people do not take up the work of - alleviating the sufferings of prisoners in the Southern States." - For years he had been an eye witness to treatment which he - described as "most atrocious," and the condition of the convicts, - especially those hired to contractors to work in coal mines, as - one of "starvation, fear and disgusting filth." Since these words - were spoken to me I have spared no pains to inform myself about - this new and most revolting form of slavery, and I can find no - words more applicable than these: "This is a people robbed and - spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid - in prison houses; they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a - spoil and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to - this? Who will hearken and hear for the time to come?" (Isaiah - 42:22, 23.) - - Each one of the twelve convict leasing states has had its own - bloody record which has been written down in God's book. - Influential politicians, United States Senators from both north - and south, members of state legislatures, private citizens, - heartless corporations, have all shared in the money coined out - of the bodies and blood of convicts in our southern states. - - But it is not my purpose now to go over the past. Wherever the - convict lease system has been introduced "Its presence has," as a - Georgian once said, "been marked by a trail of blood." The - accounts of this ghastly institution are too revolting to - present. - - But I want to call the attention of the Christian people to the - present condition of convicts, most of whom are colored, and many - of whom are guilty of but trifling offences and some of them none - at all. - - A man in Buncome County, North Carolina, wrote to the _Asheville - Gazette_, under date of March 15, 1903: "Where are we at and - where is the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals - that they or the Christian world have never heard the cries from - the poor unfortunate prisoners in the buck and the ringing of the - cruel blood stained lash? I have seen white men beaten until - their persons were blue and blood oozing from the lash from the - captain's hands in the Buncome chain-gang. And negroes--there is - no use talking." These prisoners, the writer says, have been - guilty of some misdemeanor and being poor and unable to pay a - fine are "sent to the road prison and there the lash is - administered on the naked back contrary to the spirit of the - constitution in abolishing imprisonment for debt and the lash at - the whipping-post." - - Now I would suggest that a society be formed for the prevention - of cruelty to prisoners. While the good people are praying for - the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on other lands may they not - forget that we need a baptism of fire right here in our own land. - - Our Saviour's last act of mercy and forgiving love was shown - toward a prisoner and shall we imitate His example, or shall we - not? His last command was: "Go ye into all the world and preach - the gospel to _every creature_." How many inmates of our prisons - have the gospel presented to them? When we all meet at the - judgment, as meet we must, how many will be there from the - mining pits and prison pens who can say truthfully, "No man cared - for my soul!" Neither do we care for the bodies of these - unfortunates; and as proof of this I will give you a few extracts - from papers of recent date. - - When the National Conference of Charities and Corrections was - holding its session in Atlanta the first of the present month, - some of the delegates were invited to visit the city prison - stockade where misdemeanor convicts are housed at night. This was - done "just for the amusement of the delegates." Hear what Mr. - Timothy Nicholson of Indiana, a delegate, said about his visit to - this "school of crime." He says: "I found in one room one hundred - and sixty prisoners, white men and women, black men and women and - even children, both black and white, male and female, all mixed - together indiscriminately. I was surprised and shocked to find - such a condition of affairs in a civilized country. It is simply - a shame and disgrace to civilization." The delegates declared the - place "inhuman and degrading." Yet this does not fully represent - the awful pen picture that might be given of this class of - prisoners in the county chain gangs all over the state. - - The following extracts are taken from an account given by an - Atlanta correspondent of the _Washington Post_ written under date - of May 5, 1903. "Revelations made to the Ware County grand jury - in regard to the horrors of the Georgia convict camps reached - Governor Terrell today. Hon. E---- M----, one of the leading - members of the Georgia House of Representatives, is involved in - the findings of the grand jury. - - "According to the report M---- and his brother operate an - extensive camp in Lowndes County. Witnesses before the grand jury - testified that in the M---- camp the brutalities are such that it - is revolting to describe them. For the slightest offence, it is - alleged, prisoners are stripped and chained and unmercifully - lashed by the whipping bosses. It is also alleged that the M---- - brothers go into counties adjoining Lowndes, pay the fines of - misdemeanor convicts, carry such convicts to their Ware County - (convict) camp and there keep them in serviture long after the - term for which the criminals were sentenced have expired. - - "The grand jury claims that at least twenty citizens of Ware - County are held as slaves in M----'s camp although their terms - expired over a year ago. There men are kept in stockade about - which armed guards march in order to prevent an escape, and men - thus illegally detained who escaped have been chased by - bloodhounds and recaptured." - - Official reports show that this class of convicts are guilty of - but trifling offences and some are vagrants. (For further - particulars see _Atlanta Journal_ May 5 and 11, 1903.) - - The penitentiary convicts of Georgia are worked in coal mines and - are subject to the same treatment. An experienced penologist said - recently concerning convicts worked in the mines: "In the rooms - of the mines are perpetrated practices too horrible to mention. - They become the nesting places of a bestiality that in many cases - lead the liberated convict into that crime to punish which the - mob, the rope and the stake are ever ready." (See Atlanta - Constitution, May 14, 1903.) - - Under the heading "Convict Camp Horrors," the editor of the - Memphis, Tennessee, _Commercial Appeal_ says in his paper, dated - April 11, 1903, concerning the facts recently brought out by the - legislative investigating committee: "The stories coming from - Brushy Mountain mines, with side lights from the state's convict - system, generally, furnish painful reading to the people of - Tennessee. When human beings who through fault or fortune's - untowardness are condemned to helpless and unresisting servitude - and who are subjected to torments and tortures, floggings and - flaggellations which are merciful only where they terminated in - speedy death, humanity is outraged and a sort of savagery in the - public cries out for speedy vengeance." Continuing the editor - says: - - "Convicts have been whipped to death. Convicts have been whipped - into physical helplessness. Convicts have been whipped - sufficiently to keep them in bed for months and injure them - permanently. Torturing them in the prison or in the mine recesses - is a sin against high heaven." These are some of the facts - brought to light by the prison investigating committee. - - The average number of prisoners worked in the Brushy Mountain - mines is about seven hundred and fifty. These convicts, which - form but a part of the number of the state's convicts, and who - were so inhumanly treated, earned last year for the state, clear - of all expenses, the sum of one hundred and ninety-five - thousand, seven hundred dollars. (See Nashville American, March - 30, 1903.) - - Recent developments also show that many innocent men are - kidnapped and worked and treated as convicts; especially is this - done in Alabama. Women and children share the same fate. During - the recent investigation into the enforced slavery of negroes in - Alabama by the United States Secret Service, among the abuses - which were unearthed was the whipping to death of a negro woman. - "This woman accused of being rebellious was laid across a log and - given one hundred lashes. Still showing a rebellious spirit her - hands were tied, and the rope was thrown over the limb of a tree - and pulled up so as to make it barely possible for her feet to - reach the ground. The woman, it is said, died two days later." - (See Washington Times, May 29, 1903.) - - The system of peonage slavery has been practiced for years in - Alabama and Georgia. One of the most successful plans practiced - is to bring a negro before a magistrate on a flimsy charge. As - the matter has been arranged beforehand, the negro is convicted, - and having no money to pay his fine, a white man offers to - advance him money provided the negro will make a labor contract - with him for the money and trouble he has taken to keep the negro - out of jail. He is taken away and begins what is usually a long - term of cruel servitude, frequently whipped unmercifully, and - every moment watched by armed guards ready to shoot him down at - any attempt to escape. - - Among the evils which have grown out of the prison contract - system, the number of which is legion, is that of turning out men - and women, boys and girls, thoroughly educated in these schools - of crime. They are thrown upon the world homeless and friendless - to poison and destroy those with whom they come in contact. Many - soon find their way back into prison, and some end their lives - upon the gallows. - - We sometimes on a Sabbath morning hear the President of the - United States prayed for, but what minister ever prays for the - poor parish behind prison bars? - - When the book is opened and we hear the words: "I was sick and in - prison, and ye visited me not," what are we going to answer? - - 1415 A. St., S. E., Washington, D. C. CLARISSA OLDS KEELER. - -For about four years at times Mrs. M. A. Perry, of Washington, D C., -traveled with me. In answer to my request for a brief report of the -work during that time I received a lengthy letter, from which I -extract the following: - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - -I praise God for the privilege of adding a few words for your book. -May the blessing of God rest upon it. To the readers I will say: I -first met Mrs. Wheaton in Boston, in February, 1893, in the home of H. -L. Hastings, the well-known publisher, where she was a guest. She had -then spent ten years in prison and other evangelistic work. I had -visited a jail and stationhouses, but never a penitentiary. We first -went to the Boston and Maine Railway office. Sister Wheaton said: "You -pray while I go and ask for a pass to go to the Thomaston, Maine, -prison." In about ten minutes she returned with the desired -transportation. By the kindness of the railroad officials from ocean -to ocean they have helped to forward the work of God. Many earnest -prayers are offered by Mrs. Wheaton for these men. We never boarded a -train without asking our Heavenly Father to bless the train men from -the engineer to the flagman. Many times we have spoken to conductors -who have said, "No one ever talks to railroad men about their souls." - -At Thomaston we had to wait until Sunday morning to enter the prison. -If ever the Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself in a prison chapel He -was in the midst that Sabbath day. While "Mother Wheaton" preached, I -prayed for her and the presence of the Holy Spirit was so manifest -that every man expressed a desire to serve God. The result of that -day's work for the Master will not be known until we meet when Jesus -will reward his servants. - -We next went to the jail in Bangor, Maine, and God blessed the work -there in the salvation of souls. Then we went to the prison in -Wethersfield, Connecticut, and from there to the Vermont State Prison -at Windsor. But I cannot tell about them all! But wherever we went I -saw that the prisoners, both men and women, greeted "Mother Wheaton" -with a heartfelt welcome. - -We went to the prisons of New York state--to Auburn, Sing Sing, the -Troy jail and on to Buffalo. We visited the penitentiaries in -Philadelphia and Baltimore, and the workhouses of Maryland and the -District of Columbia. We met in these places many precious souls whom -the Lord gave his life to redeem and many of them were Christians. The -blood of Jesus is all powerful to reach any man or woman who will -repent and forsake sin and believe in Him. We have great reason to -praise God for the power of the Holy Spirit to reach the hardest -hearts. But O, there are behind the bars and "in the shadow of the -walls" loving and tender hearts. O, that professors of religion would -wake up to the fact that when Jesus, the King of Glory, shall come He -will say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my -brethren ye have done it unto me." - -May God by his presence and power reveal to the managers of penal -institutions in every land and nation that Jesus Christ is the friend -of sinners in every condition. I believe the dear Lord Himself has put -such love for prisoners in the heart of our sister Wheaton that she is -willing to take a mother's place--no matter when she sees them. In -riding along on the trains sometimes we came to prisoners (leased out -to hard labor) in the most unexpected places. We were soon off the -train to look after these men who were marched from the camp or -stockade. - -I must speak of some of the experiences we had in the prisons, -stockades and prison farms of the southern states. We were, in most -cases, courteously received and entertained by the wardens and their -families. God bless the men who have done what they could! But O, how -I have been shocked at things we saw in these places, many of which I -cannot write. I wish I could give some idea of how glad the poor -manacled prisoners were to see their white-haired "mother" come again. -I believe the seed sown shall not be lost. - -The women on the farms are required to roll logs, clear land and do -all kinds of drudgery. - -We went to the camps, the phosphate mines, saw-mills, coal mines, and -the turpentine camps. Sometimes we rode for miles in wagons. I think -Mother Wheaton never felt that any place was too dangerous or too out -of the way for her to go in order to say a word of comfort and to -encourage hearts. We sometimes rode on the engine up the mountains to -camps where hundreds of prisoners were working. We saw men with iron -rings around their necks and a chain and ball attached, some with -chains around their waists and running down to their ankles with a -ring attached. - -I want to speak especially of a visit to one of the state farms where -all the prisoners, with two exceptions, were colored women. - -When we arrived at the station there was no vehicle in sight but a -buggy and mule which a little boy was driving. She asked him to take -us to the women's prison, which he kindly did. When we got there -between seventy and eighty women were at dinner, sitting on the ground -under the trees with their little tin pails which held boiled bacon -and cowpeas, with a piece of corn bread in their hands. They had -worked from sunrise. How they welcomed "Mother Wheaton"! Many of them -were in tears as she began to sing. She asked how many of them had -seen her before. Many hands went up and they told where and when they -had seen her in the past. How they shook her hand and said, "O, 'deed -I is glad to see you once more, honey." But soon they had to go back -to the field till dark. After all had their supper we went to the -stockade where they were to sleep, to hold a service. Such singing I -never heard. Then "Mother Wheaton" preached, prayed and sang. If ever -God answered prayer He surely did for those poor women and in place of -that stockade there is now a new prison house with things reasonably -comfortable. - -We went to other farms, stockades and prisons. I do thank God for the -privilege of going into these places where "Mother Wheaton" was the -first white woman to visit or to pray and sing. Regardless of danger -in approaching these out-of-the-way places, her love for God and for -those who were despised and downtrodden, carried her through untold -hardships. We were at times in danger of bloodhounds, alligators and -venomous reptiles. - -I am sure that through her intercession with governors and wardens and -superintendents "Mother Wheaton's" work has proved a blessing to -thousands of prisoners. I have seen the results of her work in many of -the states. Her preaching and singing have been used of God, but above -all I knew that the hours of prevailing prayer have been a still -greater power for good. In answer to prayer God has opened doors and -done many wonderful things whereof we are glad. - -Again we went to the South to visit prisons and stockades where we had -been in former years. Great changes had been made. There was much -improvement in their condition. I hope the time may soon come when -only the law of love and kindness shall prevail. - -We held street meetings in many places. One night after holding one of -these open-air services we boarded a train. A man and wife came on the -train. She told us that her husband had attended the street meeting -and was under such conviction for sin that he could not rest. There on -the train, while we knelt in the aisle of the car, he was converted to -God and went on his way rejoicing, while we went to visit a -penitentiary where hundreds of men and women needed the same work of -grace wrought in their hearts. - -Often we saw answers to prayer in the healing of prisoners who were -sick. God's Word is true. He says He is no respecter of persons, and -He is able to do more than we can ask or think. May God bless every -soul for whom we have prayed. - -Sister Wheaton and myself have spent many long hours at a time -together pleading for the men and women behind the bars. It means much -to be divinely called to this work. - -Oh! how many with broken hearts lie in the lonely cells every night! -May God help everyone who reads these pages to remember that there is -one MOTHER of all the prisoners who weeps and prays in sympathy with -them. I wish every mother and wife, or sister, who has a precious one -"in the shadow of the walls," would pray for "Mother Wheaton," that -she may be helped of God in preaching the Word, and that God's -blessing may rest upon her for her kind loving words and the -hand-clasp that reaches so many hearts. Pray that health and strength -may be given her as she comes in and goes out among these erring ones. - -I know she has been through deep waters and great sorrows. Her life -has been one of self-sacrifice in behalf of the unfortunate. May God -bless and help her and give her the crown of righteousness that is -laid up for the faithful. - -One night after worship at the home of the warden with whom we were -stopping, Sister Wheaton was singing a hymn, when suddenly the warden -asked, "Sister Wheaton, will you come over into the prison-yard and -finish that hymn?" She replied she would gladly do so if he thought it -would do good. So we hastened to the prison-yard, some little distance -away, and quietly entered the enclosure, and she began singing. Her -clear, strong voice awakened the sleeping prisoners. The incident was -so unusual that some of them (as we were told afterward), negroes -especially, awaking suddenly, thought that the Judgment Day had come, -and tumbling out of bed, fell upon their knees and began praying for -God to have mercy upon them and save their souls; so God evidently -used the song to bring conviction to hearts. After the singing we -returned as quietly as we had come, trusting the results with God. - -[Illustration: NEW MEXICO PRISON, SANTA FE, N. M.] - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - Work in Fort Madison, Iowa, and Santa Fe, New Mexico - - -Soon after starting out in my work, when changing cars in an Iowa town -I saw a crowd of people who were curiously gazing upon three young men -who were handcuffed, and bound together being taken to the state's -prison at Fort Madison. I went up to them, shook hands, and said, "I -am sorry for you. Don't be discouraged. Cheer up. Give God your -hearts. Obey the rules. Do the best you can and God will do the rest." -They seemed cheered and relieved seeing I neither feared nor shunned -them. I inquired their names and told them I would try to see them in -prison, but did not know how soon. - -A few weeks later I went to Fort Madison and obtained permission of -the Chaplain, W. C. Gunn, to hold a meeting the following Sunday. This -was my first effort to hold divine service in a prison. Then I -inquired for the three young men I had seen when on their way there, -but could find no record of them. I assured the Chaplain they were -there and observing the prisoners closely I saw one of them at work. -As our eyes met, I saw a look of distress on his face. He recognized -me and was afraid I would tell who he was. He had given a ficticious -name--as had also the others. - -But before Sunday came I began to think: "What if I should make a -mistake and could think of nothing to say when I come before all those -hundreds of prisoners?" And then there were the officers in their -suits of blue with brass buttons! It all seemed too much for me, and, -like Jonah, I took ship and ran away. - -That night I started by steamer for Mobile, Alabama--but God knew I -did not mean to disobey and He let me work among the stockades in the -south until I got boldness to enter other prisons. After a year or -more I returned to Fort Madison and was granted the privilege offered -me before and from that time to this I have always been made welcome -there and have had many blessed seasons within these walls. There is -no place where I have been more kindly received by both officers and -prisoners than at Fort Madison. Chaplain Gunn and wife were always -true and loyal friends. 'Tis now several years since he crossed over -to the better shore. I shall ever remember with deep gratitude the -kindness of himself and family. Chaplain Jessup and wife, and Warden -Jones and wife, as well as other officials, have been especially kind -and courteous. To the prisoners at Fort Madison, also, I must give the -credit of contributing freely from their small savings to my -necessities. While I would gladly mention all who have especially -befriended me I feel that this tribute is due to the officers and men -of Fort Madison. That it is deserved may be easily seen by the -following communications and selections from letters which I find -among my papers: - - Warden's Office, Iowa Penitentiary, - Fort Madison, Iowa, August 3, 1889. - - The bearer, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, a devoted Christian woman, - has for years been visiting the prisons and jails of this country - seeking to do good to their inmates. I think she should be kindly - received and encouraged by prison authorities. I do not think any - one has ever spoken to the convicts in this prison with better - effect and I am sure that no one who has ever addressed them will - be longer or more kindly remembered by them than Mrs. Wheaton. I - heartily commend her and her good work to those engaged in - prison management and to good people everywhere as most deserving - of their aid and encouragement. It affords me all the more - pleasure to give Mrs. Wheaton this testimonial because it was - unsolicited and because of the unobtrusive way in which she goes - about doing good. - - G. W. GROSLEY, Warden. - - * * * * * - - Ft. Madison, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1893. - - Rev. J. M. Croker, Chaplain State Prison, Anamosa, Ia. - - My Dear Brother: This will introduce to you our dear sister, Mrs. - Wheaton, the prison missionary, who would like to address the - prisoners. Any favors shown her will be duly appreciated. - - Yours truly, W. C. GUNN, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Fort Madison, Iowa, June 4, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Tabor, Iowa. - - My Dear Mother: I will first ask your pardon for not answering - your letter sooner. But I am always so busy the last days of the - month, also the first days, as I have all the time of the - contract men to make up to send to the contractors, also have my - monthly report to the governor, and as we give the boys a holiday - Monday I think you would readily see I have had my hands full. - - I sometimes think it is more than I can stand. I want to do right - by the men but it is so hard at times to tell just what is right. - I sincerely thank you for your kind interest in me. And may our - great and good God always be with you is the wish of your true - friend. - - J. R. JONES, Deputy Warden. - - * * * * * - - Fort Madison, Iowa, Sept. 6, 1899. - - Mrs. Wheaton: Enclosed please find draft for ----, the poor boys' - free-will offering in appreciation of your kindness in visiting - them. You are thought more of by them than any one else - living--even their relatives. Please sign the enclosed receipt, - and send it back to me, that I may have something to show what - became of the money. Thanking you for your visit. - - Yours truly, - W. C. GUNN, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - Fort Madison, Iowa, Feb. 13, 1901. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Tabor, Ia. - - My Dear Sister: Enclosed find draft for ---- from - prisoners--entirely a free will offering, given without other - solicitation than what you heard me say when you were here. - Please excuse delay in forwarding, partly due to uncertainty as - to your whereabouts. Perhaps you will write me a short message - for the men, who will be glad to hear from you. With best wishes - and prayers for your welfare and success in your work, I am, Very - sincerely yours, - - A. H. JESSUP, Chaplain. - - * * * * * - - My acquaintance with Mrs. Wheaton began four years ago, at the - first Sunday service I held as chaplain of this prison. Standing - by my office window before the men had come into the chapel, I - saw a motherly-appearing lady enter the prison, escorted by the - assistant deputy. A few moments later we met on the chapel - platform, and I was introduced to "Mother Wheaton," the woman who - for many years had, in prisons and jails, all over the country, - sought to quicken in the prisoners' bosom a new life, and lead to - the Savior those who all their lives have been rejecting Him. It - was my first service with the men, as I have said, and I felt - constrained to preach as I had come prepared to do, although on - subsequent visits I have gladly granted all the time to Mother - Wheaton. After I had preached, Mrs. Wheaton talked, and sang, and - prayed, and many of the men were visibly affected, some to tears, - by her earnest pleading. Later she went to my office and met a - boy who was soon going out, and prayed and talked with him in a - manner that must have made him determine to strive for a better - manhood. Our prison has received several visits from Mother - Wheaton since then, and always, I believe, with lasting good to - the men, over many of whom she has exerted an influence for good. - Earnest, apt and ready in speech, always seeming to live close to - God, and to hold instant communion with Him, and consecrated soul - and body, time and means, to her work--these perhaps account for - her useful service. That she has a ready sense of humor, too, is - perhaps one reason the "boys" listen to her so well. I recall one - incident. She had come down from Burlington, where she was - obliged to secure a pass on the railroad. The proper officer not - being at hand, she went from one to another, until at last one - was found with authority to issue a pass, but who did not know - her or her mission. "On what ground do you want a pass?" said the - railroad man. "I am working for God, and He owns the railroads," - was the unexpected reply. "But, madam, where are you going?" - gasped the official. Quick as a flash came the answer, "To - heaven!" But by this time the railroad man had recovered from his - surprise, and seemed equal to the emergency, and proved himself - to be a gentleman as well, for he said quietly: "If that is your - destination, madam, I am unable to accommodate you, for I regret - to say the place is not on our line; but if you want a pass to - any place on our road you can have it." In relating the incident - in the prison chapel Mother Wheaton added that she secured her - pass to Fort Madison, and that when she reached here she thought - she was next to heaven, for here she had first attempted her work - for souls, in State's Prisons, and here she believed many - precious trophies for the Master had been given her. - - I noticed on her last visit that while she seemed in usual - health, her hair was whiter, betokening the gathering years. I - could wish that now she who for so many years has not known the - blessing of home, might find a place in which to spend in rest - and communion with God, and helpful but gentle ministrations, the - balance of her life, until He whom she has followed in her - efforts to do good, may say: "Come up higher, thou blessed of my - Father. Inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these my brethren - ye did it unto me." - - A. H. JESSUP, - Chaplain Iowa State Penitentiary. - - Fort Madison, Iowa, April 18, 1904. - - - WORK IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO. - -Several interesting experiences have occurred in connection with my -visits to the prison at Santa Fe, New Mexico. At one time I found -there a good old Christian man, "a trusty," who had charge of the -Superintendent's horses, driving the family to town, etc., and had -much liberty given him. One day he sat in front of me, driving to -town, and I said to him, "I am going to pray to God to remove the -'stripes' from you." He said, "Pray for my release--I know God hears -prayer." I did so, as did also my good co-workers, returned -missionaries home from Africa on a visit. In three or four days the -warden gave him citizens' clothes; and soon after the governor gave -him his pardon. - -We were led to pray for a pardon for brother T. of the same prison, -and in three months he was a free man. At the time I had a sister with -me from Japan. On my return from the Pacific coast we again held -services in the prison at Santa Fe, and during the meeting I said, -"What do you want me to sing, boys?" One said, "Sing, 'Some Mother's -Boy.'" I did so, and in the morning, before I left the prison, the -officer said to me, "Here is two dollars a man sent in from the prison -for you." Upon inquiring the name of the prisoner I found it was J. L. -As they told me he was a good man, a Christian, and a good prisoner, I -took his case also to the Lord in prayer. Within three weeks he was -given a pardon by the governor. The three men mentioned were all -Christians. - -In none of these cases did I go to the governor, but just left all in -God's hands, and prayed if God was pleased to set these men free, that -He would impress the governor to give them their release. These cases -occurred at different times. I am sure that the hope of pardon has in -many cases saved the lives of prisoners, and also saved them from -insanity. - -I give below a letter received from Brother T., also quote from a -sketch of his life, as published by McAuley Water Street Mission, N. -Y., and sent me by himself; also letters from the Secretary of the -Christian Endeavor Society of the Santa Fe Prison, and very kind -letters from Governor Thornton, Superintendent H. O. Bursom, and -Brother S. H. Hadley, of Water Street Mission. - - May 26, 1903. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me. The last time I - saw you was in the Santa Fe Territorial Prison. You had a meeting - in the cell house. I was the trusty who went with you to the - depot. If you remember, you prayed for the removal of the number - from the back of No. 917 and that he would be freed; you also - told me you would pray that I would get out of prison. Your - prayers have been answered. I was pardoned last Christmas, and am - here working among the criminal classes as a missionary. You - remember of my having been converted before your visit to the - prison. It is a great blessing to me to spend the balance of my - life thus, who had been sent to prison for forty years, under - conviction and sentence for a crime of which I was perfectly - innocent, although I was a great sinner in other respects. - - Yours in the grand work, - E. U. T. - - - SENTENCED TO FORTY YEARS IN PRISON. - - On the night of July 6, 18----, I was playing the banjo in a - notorious gambling house in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It had been - my business for years and I liked the surroundings; they suited - me exactly; in fact, I have traveled from my home in the East, - from city to city, through all the slumdum of the western cities - playing my banjo; I thoroughly enjoyed it and the company which - it brought me. * * * I was arrested on suspicion and locked in - jail. I had no money, no friends and no character, and I began to - realize for the first time what my life was bringing me. I was - finally brought to trial and convicted on circumstantial - evidence, and sentenced to forty years in prison for a crime that - I knew nothing more about than the judge who sat upon the bench. - - Dear reader, can you enter into this story with me; can you form - an idea of my despair as I received practically a life sentence - for something which I did not do? My heart was hard and bitter - against myself and everybody else as I was taken to the - Territorial penitentiary at Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was in the - prime of life, only 28 years old, but, oh, what steps I had - already taken in the downward path that leadeth unto death. Every - evil habit had fastened itself upon me, and after I had taken my - place in the prison I almost went wild with terror and despair - when I realized what was before me. I was soon set to work with - pick and shovel digging out trenches on the grounds, and I tried - to do the work the best I could and be a good prisoner. I presume - I was, for a little time afterward I was placed in the library, - and had charge of the greenhouse as well. - - One Sunday afternoon in the chapel the speaker took for his text, - St. John, 3, 14th and 15th verses: "As Moses lifted up the - serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted - up;" - - "That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have - everlasting life." - - The speaker dwelt at length on this actual occurrence and also - how God commanded Moses to erect a pole with the brass serpent, - and although there were there people dying by the thousands, - those that looked on that brazen serpent were healed. He brought - the application home to us prisoners--how the serpent of sin had - stung us so deeply and our only remedy was to look to Jesus - Christ, who was lifted up on the cross, and my hard heart began - to melt and a desire came to me to be healed of this terrible - serpent's bite. The speaker instructed us when we got back to our - cells to read this whole chapter, and when I got back to my cell - I took up the book and read, and I prayed to God to open my heart - so that I could understand what He wanted of me, and as I read - the blessed Holy Spirit came to my poor soul and showed me what a - sinful man I was, and I then and there became a child of God. - Great peace came to my soul, which at first I could scarcely - understand, but although still a prisoner and wearing the - stripes, I was a free man in Christ Jesus, and I rejoiced in my - new found life. After this, prison life was not so dreary as it - was before. - - Among the many different workers who came to the prison was Mr. - and Mrs. J. E. Wood, of Santa Fe; he is Mail Agent on the road. - He is a blessed man, and one who loves the prisoners. Another - person I would like to mention is the person known as "Mother - Wheaton." I think I should speak of a little circumstance that - happened to one prisoner who went by the number 917, and who wore - this number in great big cloth figures on his back; he drove - "Mother Wheaton" to town, as he was a "trusty," and she said that - she was going to pray that the Lord would take that number off - his back, and in a few days after that the Warden came in with a - new suit of clothes for him without the stripes or - number--citizen's clothes. She once said to me: "I am going to - pray to the Lord to get you out of here," reminding me of the - prayer she made for No. 917. "Mother Wheaton" prayed for my - release. On Christmas day, 1902, three months after the above - conversation took place, I was in the chapel of the prison in the - entertainment that was going on. Governor Otero sat in the - balcony. - - The custom is that someone shall receive a pardon on Christmas - day, and no one has any intimation who it is excepting the - Governor. I had not the slightest idea that I would be the lucky - man, and after the Assistant Superintendent asked that I play a - certain composition of my own, he requested me to step out and he - read the pardon; to my surprise my name was in the pardon, and, - oh, the joy that came to me when I began to realize that I was a - free man, but, dear reader, this pardon, great as it was, did not - compare with the joy that came in my soul as I realized that I - had received the pardon from my Redeemer, and that all my sins - were forgiven and all my past crimes blotted out. - - While in the prison I read an account in a paper of the - experience of S. H. Hadley, who was then in New York connected - with the Jerry McAuley Mission, and I was desirous of going to - New York to meet this man. I did so, and before I had been ten - minutes in his office he told me what already was filling my - soul, that I should be a worker for Christ and try to save those - who had fallen, and the down-trodden. I stepped out on the Lord's - promises with but very little knowledge, except the knowledge of - sins forgiven, and a big hope in my soul of eternal life, and a - love that I cannot express, without one dollar in my pocket, but - with the simple faith in Jesus. I am working every night and day - at every door that is open, and every one that I can open, where - I can tell the wonderful story of Jesus' love to sinners. Dear - reader, pray for me that God may wonderfully use me. - - "The dying thief rejoiced to see - The Fountain in his day, - And there I do, though vile as he, - Wash all my sins away." - - * * * * * - - New York, ---- 18, 1904. - - Dear Mother: - - It gives me much pleasure when I think of your going from prison - to prison telling the poor boys and girls behind the bars of - Jesus. It always gave me great joy when I heard that our dear - mother was going to speak to her boys at ---- Prison; because I - knew you were our friend. I wish to again thank you for the day - that you prayed that God would open the prison doors for me. God - answered your prayer, and after serving about seven years of a - forty years' sentence the prison doors were opened for me, and - God sent me to New York to labor for souls. He sent me to Mr. S. - H. Hadley, the present superintendent of the old McAuley Mission, - and he has been indeed a father to me. - - I am so thankful that God sent me to such a good man--one who - loves the lost sinner; and one who is willing to do anything in - his power to help the helpless. May God's richest blessings be - your portion is the prayer of your son in the Gospel. - - E. U. T. - - * * * * * - - McAuley Water Street Mission, - New York, Sept. 11, 1903. - - "Mother Wheaton," as the boys behind the prison-bars, yes, and - those who have by her prayers gone out from behind the - prison-bars, affectionately call her, is one of the unique, - missionary characters in this country. She travels all over this - land with but one object in view and that is to tell sinners of - the powerful, deathless love of Jesus and how no one can be too - bad for Him to save. She brings sunshine to many sorrowing hearts - and hope to thousands who never knew what hope was until they met - her. An ex-convict, who is one of my helpers now, was prayed out - of practically a life sentence by Mother Wheaton. - - I have seen her curled up in some seat in a day coach at three - o'clock in the morning on a Southern railroad because she had not - money enough to take a "sleeper" and had to travel all night or - lose an appointment to speak at some stockade or prison. - - God bless her book and speed it on. - - S. H. HADLEY. - - * * * * * - - Santa Fe, N. M., May 26, 1903. - - Elizabeth Wheaton, Prison Evangelist, - Los Angeles, Cal. - - Dear Friend in Christ: Yours of 23d received, and am happy to say - that Mr. Trout (No. 99) has been pardoned, and is now engaged in - bringing souls to Christ down on Water street in the McAuley - Mission, New York City, using his musical talents to further the - cause in which he is now devoting the rest of his life. I am sure - he would be more than pleased to hear from you. All the boys are - as well as could be expected, and a visit from you would be much - appreciated. - - The C. E. S. has increased by seventy, making a total of one - hundred and five. God bless you in all your efforts in the cause - of Christ is the wish of all. - - Respectfully, - P. M., sec. Prison C. E. S. - - * * * * * - - Santa Fe, N. M., July 28, 1903. - - Dear Mother: ... Your letter to Mr. J. W. L. came to hand in due - time. I wrote you at Tabor, Iowa, in regard to the God-given - gift, sweet liberty, which came to him on the twelfth of July. - God has answered your prayer sooner than he had expected. He left - the prison gates with full trust and confidence in the mercies of - the omnipotent power of God. He is now in W---- with his brother. - May God's benign countenance look down upon you and increase the - manifold blessing and grace that He has so richly endowed you - with. I will distribute the tracts and learn the song. All your - boys send their respects and wish to be remembered in your - prayers. - - Yours in Christ Jesus, - P. M., Sec. C. E. S. - - * * * * * - - New Mexico Penitentiary, Santa Fe, N. M., Sept. 19, 1903. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I was pleased to hear from you, and was exceedingly happy to know - that you are going to put your experiences and noble work of the - past amongst the unfortunates in prison into book form. - Certainly, dear mother, no one knows the heartaches and sorrows - of this class better than yourself. God has blest you in - preparing you for this work and sending you from prison to prison - to gather in the wavering souls from eternal destruction. - - God grant you many years more of service in the field where souls - are perishing and when your earthly career shall have closed, the - shining crown of eternal bliss in the presence of the King of - Heaven and Earth, will forever be your beacon light to make you - think of the ones below. Many, yea many unfortunates not yet born - will read from these same prison cells of the work of "Mother - Wheaton" in the prisons of our country. My every breath and - prayerful utterance is "God be with you till we meet again." - - As ever, one of your boys in Christ Jesus, - - PHILIP M., Sec. C. E. S. - - * * * * * - - TERRITORY OF NEW MEXICO. - - Office of the Executive, Santa Fe, N. M., Oct., 1895. - - Judge E. V. Long, Las Vegas. - - Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mrs. Wheaton, traveling in - the interests of the prisons and asylums. She may want to hold a - service at the asylum. If so please see that the opportunity is - afforded her. - - Yours respectfully, - W. T. THORNTON, Governor. - - * * * * * - - New Mexico Penitentiary, Sante Fe, N. M., Sept. 19, 1903. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton has been paying our institution visits on - various occasions for some years past, and during these visits - has done very much valuable work towards furthering the - discipline of the institution. Her words of comfort and wholesome - advice together with her teachings of Christianity has cheered - many a poor, unfortunate soul up to believing and hoping for a - better future; to realize that justice demands that some - punishment be meted out to wrong doers and violators of the laws - of the land; that such punishment is not eternal; that they can - receive consolation and comfort their conscience even inside of - the prison walls by resolving to be better men, by a closer - observance of the moral laws as dictated by their conscience, a - faithful compliance of their duties as men or women, and a strict - obedience to their overseers acting under the law and, above all, - an abiding faith in the Almighty God. - - Mrs. Wheaton has taught them to understand that they must not - only resolve but must demonstrate by their actions in every day - life a sincerity of purpose. - - The management feels very grateful indeed for the splendid work - so generously devoted in the interest of humanity, which I - consider also a most valuable assistance to the prison management - in maintaining discipline and turning out discharged prisoners as - better men and women, better equipped morally, physically and - spiritually to meet and solve the problem of living an honest and - upright life, earn and care for those who may be dependent upon - them. - - H. O. BURSOM, Superintendent. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - Gone Home from the Scaffold. - - "Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to - the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those that are - appointed to die."--Psalms 79:11. - - "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." - - -One of the most touching things, and to me the most important of all -this God-appointed work, has been my special mission to those who are -doomed to execution. - -If there ever is a time in our lives when we need a friend, it is when -we are sick, in trouble, or about to die. The last words of our loved -ones are very dear to us all. Nearly every home has at some time had a -call from the death angel. And looking through the bureau drawer, you -might see the little garments, shoes and playthings that used to be -our darlings' before they went away. Turn the leaves of the old Family -Bible and you will see hidden between its pages a lock of hair, -perhaps father's or mother's. We look up to Heaven through our -blinding tears, and cry out between our sobs: "Oh, God, help me to say -'Thy will be done.'" - -In looking over my packages of old letters from the departed ones who -have paid the penalty of a violated law, dying either in the electric -chair or on the scaffold, I find them coming to pieces, some so badly -worn I can scarcely read them. And I know the hands that penned them -are now returning back to dust. - -In order to show how God saves when they are truly penitent, even men -of this class, who are counted the worst of criminals, I will give an -account of a few instances which have come under my own observation, -and extracts from some of the letters I have received--written before -execution. And let us remember that our Savior declared that every sin -shall be forgiven to men, except the sin against the Holy Ghost. - - - INDIFFERENT BUT FINALLY CONVERTED. - -The first one who was converted under my ministry, before going to the -scaffold, was executed in August, 1885, in the state of Kentucky. On -going to jail I found this young man there with the sentence of death -upon him. The burden of his lost condition came upon my soul in great -power. I felt I should die unless he was saved, and cried mightily to -God for his conviction and conversion. I held several meetings there -and was entertained a part of the time by the sheriff's wife, who was -a Christian lady. She, too, was very anxious for this young man's -salvation. As I took the train to leave the place, his mother -accompanied me to the depot--crying and pleading, "Oh, pray for my -poor boy. It will surely kill me." The bitter wail of that mother's -heart seems to still ring in my ears. Letters from the sheriff's wife -came often, telling me of the boy's still seeming indifferent. But she -said that he often inquired about me and wanted to see me. - -I prayed for this soul almost incessantly for forty-five days, being -scarcely able to sleep at night; and he was finally converted. After -his conversion I received from him the following letters: - - ----, KY., August 5, 1885. - - My Dear Friend: - - I received your card this morning and was very glad to hear from - you indeed. Mrs. Wheaton, I feel my Savior in my heart. I know - that He will save my soul. I am praying to my God every hour in - the day. I am praying for God to place something in my heart to - tell the people when I go to the scaffold. I want to tell them - what my Savior has placed in my heart--the man that suffered and - died that I should have everlasting life. I wish you could be - with me once more on earth to sing and pray with me, but if not, - I will meet you on that other shore. My friend Charley is praying - and singing with me every day and night and says he will meet us - in the kingdom. They are all well here but Mrs. N. (the sheriff's - wife). She has been sick, but is better now. I would like to be - with you once more before I die, and if not, look out for me when - you reach that happy land. Good-by, good-by. Remember me in your - prayers. I have yet nine days to live. - - From your friend, - H---- F----. - - * * * * * - - ----, KY., August 12, 1885. - - My Dear Friend: - - I received your card tonight at my cell door. I seem to see you - now at the door of my cell, praying for me. The sheriff came in - this morning and put shackles on me. But I thank God that after - two days more I will be at rest. I have been praying to my Father - to teach me something to tell the world at my last hour. I would - like to tell everybody what my dear Savior has done for me. He - has given me what I asked Him for and He will go with me to the - scaffold. I will see you again, "In the fair and happy land, just - across on the evergreen shore." I am ready to go home to rest. I - have suffered enough in this world, so I will bid the world - good-by. I will have to bid you good-by for the present. I will - see you again. I will watch for you. Excuse me for not answering - you sooner. I am in my cell and it is very dark for me to write, - but I do my best. I fast and pray most all the time. Good-by once - more for a while. - - From your true friend, - H. F. - -Below is an extract from a letter written by the sheriff's wife to me -shortly after the execution took place: - - Dear Sister: - - I fulfill the promise I made to poor Henry the day he was - executed, to write you a letter and tell you all about him after - he was gone to that bright glory land. It would have done you - good to have seen him the last three days he lived. He was as - happy as he could be. He had a smile on his countenance all the - time and never broke down, no difference who of his friends came - to see him. He talked to his mother and brothers so nice and gave - them such good advice. He told his mother to not grieve after - him, but to rejoice, for he would be so much better off after he - was gone, for he knew that he would be at rest. And if they would - live and do right they could come to him. The people that were - here that day (and there were between four and five thousand) - were surprised to see the beautiful countenance he left the - prison with. He helped to sing that beautiful hymn, - - "And must I be to judgment brought, - And answer in that day - For every vain and idle thought - And every word I say?" - - with the chorus, - - "We are passing away," - - and he was heard distinctly by all. He clapped his hands while he - was singing; then he stepped on to the trap and was soon gone. He - had a prayer on his lips when the black cap was drawn over his - face, and said, "Good-by" to all his friends, and repeated, - "Good-by." He told me to tell you he expected to meet you in - heaven. His mother and brothers send their kindest regards to - you. May God bless you. - - Your sister in Christ, - S. N. - - MOTHER'S PRAYERS. - -The case of C---- was one of most intense interest to the public as -well as his immediate friends. For long months I wept and prayed for -this young man. He was hoping for a new trial. He was always glad to -see me and to have me sing for him. He was refined, educated, a member -of "one of the F. F. V.'s," as they say, yet doomed to die on the -scaffold. How my heart longed to see him saved--for Jesus, too, was -longing for his salvation. - -I was called to other fields of labor before the fatal day and was not -sure of his acceptance with God, but can but hope that his poor -mother's prayers and mine were heard in heaven and that that poor, -misguided youth whose every wish had before been gratified was -forgiven. We can but cast the mantle of charity over the case and -leave it with Him who wills not that any should perish but that all -should turn to Him and live. He wrote me the following: - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Prison Missionary: - - I appreciate very highly your kindness and sympathy and more so - your prayers. I trust we may all meet in a better land. Return my - thanks to Mrs. Gen T----. - - Respectfully, - T. J. C. - - Aug. 24, 1885. - - - CLAIMED TO BE INNOCENT. - -The following letter is from one who was executed in 1887. He declared -to the very last that he was innocent of the crime for which he was -convicted. He always maintained to me that the person he was supposed -to have murdered committed suicide under circumstances which threw -suspicion upon him. For myself, I do not believe in capital punishment -and certainly if it is ever justifiable it is not in any case that -leaves a possibility of doubt regarding the guilt of the accused. - -In spite of great hindrances, being in the place, I was led to visit -the jail. After having sung for some of the other prisoners an officer -came to me asking if I would go down below to visit a condemned man -who had heard me sing and requested that I would come to him. Of -course I went--though the opening to his cell was so small that I had -to stoop very low to get in. If I remember rightly he claimed to be -converted that day. I was obliged to leave the city soon after, but -heard from him several times before his execution. - - Petersburg, Va., April, 1887. - - My Dear Friend: I received your postal and will answer it at - once. I was very glad to hear from you, especially as you remind - me so much of my dear old mother--not exactly now, but as she was - about fifteen years ago. * * * - - Mrs. R. sang the same hymn for me that I heard you sing to those - in the room above me. She said she would, if she had the chance - before she left the city, write it for me and bring it to me, but - as she has not been here yet I fear she has left, so I will be - very glad if you will be so kind as to write it for me. It is - beautiful. - - I was very sorry you left so soon. I would have been so glad for - you to have been in town longer so you could have called at least - once more! But if I never see you on this earth it is comforting - to know we may meet in heaven. But, O God! had I received - justice, today I would be as free as the birds of the field. - There is a blessed hope in knowing while we are persecuted by - men, it is only the body they can persecute on this earth, the - soul is out of their reach. And before the flesh is cold in death - my soul will be soaring above in the realms of bliss to be - forever blessed! O forever! Forevermore! It is one of the most - consoling of all consolations for me to know that it is only the - condemnation of man and the so-called law of the land by which I - was convicted--not by--no, not by--the great Judge of all hearts - and not by justice at all. Only condemned by man--not by my God - and justice. But it is all in God's hands and He will repay, for - "Vengeance is mine," saith the Lord. Vengeance is not mine nor do - I wish to revenge any one. * * * "Revenge is sweet," is an old - adage, but not to me to get revenge and by so doing lose my own - soul, for what is the whole world to gain and lose your own soul? - I am charged with that of which I am not guilty, but my - protestation is in no way believed. Neither was the only pure - one who ever trod the soil of this earth. He was caught and - charged, accused, condemned--yes, more than that, was crucified. - Was he guilty? No--emphatically no. But his innocence could not - save him. Nor did mine do me any good in my trial at all. But, - thank God, it will do me good in the world to come, where I will - receive justice and I will not be in danger of prejudice as lies - and prejudice are the cause of my being in this lonely cell - today. * * * - - All the boys in the room over me request me to be remembered in - my letter to you kindly. Many thanks to you for those tracts you - sent me. I hope to be remembered in your daily appeals to our - Maker, in whose care I prayerfully submit myself and you to his - keeping in the future. God grant it and may we meet in heaven. - Hoping this will in no way offend you and that it may be answered - soon to one in solitude--yet not alone; condemned--yet not - guilty. - - Your brother in Christ, - W. R. P. - - - HARDENED IN CRIME. - -The case of the writer of the following communications (which were -written on postal cards) was one of note. He was supposed to be so -hardened in crime and so void of feeling that there was no hope for -him--that nothing could reach or save him. But I believed that God -loved him just as the Word teaches us, and I laid hold on the promises -of the Bible for his soul's salvation. I am sure that God never turns -a penitent soul away empty who comes to Him in faith, feeling that He -is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. "O ye of little faith, -wherefore didst thou doubt?" - -After the light of God broke in upon this poor man's soul he saw that -he was a wretched sinner, but that there was pardon and peace for all -who truly repent of their sins and who confess and forsake them. To -such God has given the promise of eternal life and that the blood of -Jesus Christ his Son shall cleanse their hearts from all sin. This man -was convinced of his need of a Savior and deeply convicted of sin and -we believe was made ready to meet God. He seemed very deeply thankful -to me for my untiring efforts in his behalf and surprised at my faith -and confidence in God for him, and through these He was brought by the -power of the Spirit unto repentance toward God and faith in our Lord -Jesus Christ. - - June 18, 1887. - - My Dear, Kind Friend: - - I received your welcome postal and it makes me happy to read it. - I am now ready to go to my fate. I pray every night and day for - God to forgive me. I put my whole trust in Him. Pray for me that - God will wash my sins away and receive me in heaven. As I expect - God to forgive me I forgive and love everybody. Think of me when - I am gone. I wish you could pray with me before I go on my long - journey, for I love to hear you pray. Good-bye. - - From your penitent brother in Christ. - A. T. - - * * * * * - - Jail, June 23, 1887. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - My time on this earth is now very short (but seven days) and I am - now ready to go to my Father, whom I trust and pray will forgive - me my crime and receive me in his heavenly home. I pray every - hour in the day and, my dear sister, do the same for me that my - sins may be washed away in His blood. Pray that He may give me - everlasting life. O, if I could but live my life over again, how - I would pray and put all my trust in Him. Dear sister, this may - be the last time you may hear from me on this earth, but I hope - we may meet in heaven. Good-bye, God bless you and your noble - work. - - Yours waiting to go to his Savior, - A. T. - - May God forgive me. - - * * * * * - - L., Ky., June 25, 1887. - - Dear Sister in Christ: - - If you only knew how much a poor sinner like me needs the prayers - of such Christians and lovers of God and His Word as you are, you - would pray both night and day that He will receive me in his - heavenly home, where there is no sin or sorrow, but where all is - love and peace. I have now but five short days until all that is - of the world will be consigned to the tomb and I do so pray night - and day that Jesus will cleanse me of my sins. I think this will - be the last time you will hear from me on this earth and when I - go to eternity I do so praising God, forgiving my enemies, firm - in faith and the belief that my sins are washed away in the blood - of Jesus. Good-bye. May we meet in heaven. - - A. T. - -In 1888 I visited a county jail so crowded with prisoners that I -wondered how they could live in that poorly ventilated, filthy prison. -They had little to eat and evidently no one to care for them. There -were Indians, Mexicans, white and colored all together. There I found -TEN MEN UNDER DEATH SENTENCE; and I was convinced that several were -innocent of the charges laid against them--being condemned by -circumstantial evidence. Those ten condemned men were made the subject -of constant, earnest prayer. O, if judges and jurymen could only know -what eternal destinies hang upon their decisions, surely they would be -less ready to condemn on less than positive evidence. Several of the -ten were executed--among them the writer of the following letter: - - ----, April 2, 1888. - - My Dear Sister: - - We received your postal. I was so glad to receive it from those - who love my soul. I have not forgotten one word you left with me. - Jesus Christ is the subject of my day talk and night dreams. I - remember you when I get down on my knees to pray. I pray for the - Lord's will to be done with me as it is done in heaven. I have - forsaken the world for Jesus' sake. His love is shed abroad in my - heart. Myself and Brothers W. and A. (whose sentences have been - changed) are still serving God--also Brother S. I could not tell - you how it is with the other boys, but I talk to them every day. - Brothers W., A., and S. join with me in sending their love to - you. God bless you. I am your brother in Christ. - - ---- ---- - - * * * * * - - April 26, A. D. 1888. - - Sister Elizabeth R. Wheaton. My Dear Sister in Jesus Christ: - - My days have been numbered here on earth by man, but there is no - end to the number of days that my God has promised me in - heaven--no more a prisoner here on earth, but to live with our - Lord forevermore. Let not your heart be troubled about me, for - all is well! Yes, indeed, all is well. The love of Christ will - bear me home. Jesus Christ is in me and I am in Him. In God I - trust, in Him I die. I could not tell you how the case is with - the other boys, but I do know for myself I am ready at any time. - My dear sister, I have sent the lovely handkerchief you gave me - home to my old mother. I told mother who gave it to me and for - her to place it in my Bible and put it in her trunk and then I - said: "Here is a picture of mine and a lock of hair for my poor, - old mother and sisters and brothers." I leave a mother, four - sisters and two brothers. If you wish sometime to write to my - mother her address is ---- ----. Farewell until we meet again. I - am your brother in Jesus Christ, - - ---- ---- - - - CONVERSION OF A JEWISH BOY. - -In the same year, I found in one of the prisons of California, a young -Jew under sentence of death. While under the influence of drink, he -shot the girl he truly loved. He never realized it till he became -sober and found himself in prison. Naturally he was surprised and -greatly shocked. Wondering why he was there, and being told of his -crime, he was overwhelmed with grief, and remorse of conscience. Poor -boy! His was a sad ending. He was so grief-stricken! And yet the -courts were against him, and the world at large, for the sin was -pronounced murder in the first degree and he must die--_a boy in his -teens_. - -As I looked through the grating at the poor doomed boy, an old -gentleman spoke to me and said something very unkind about him. The -boy said, "That man is a _hypocrite_. But I like those hymns you sang. -_Won't you sing for me?_" So I sang for him, and he requested me not -to talk to him then. So I said, "Can I come and see you again?" "_Oh, -yes, come again, do."_ This poor boy was one of the lost ones, and -Jesus touched his heart while I sang, "Meet me there." This was from -that time on his favorite hymn, and I sang it for him just before he -went to the scaffold. - -I went back and forth from San Francisco to other places for six -weeks, but his case lay very heavy upon my heart. I knew that on the -14th of September he was to go, and that worse still, he was in danger -of eternal death. I pleaded and wept for him day and night, that he -might be brought to see his lost condition and his need of Christ and -yield to God. How I bless God that He hears and answers prayer! "If -any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall -ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death."--1 -John 5:16. - -Before his conversion I received from him the following letters, -beautifully and correctly written: - - San Francisco, Aug. 9, 1888. - - Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton: - - As to religion I do not profess any creed. I do not mean by the - above that I hate them--on the contrary, I love religion and hate - hypocrisy. I am not an atheist and must admit that I believe in a - true, just and most merciful God. I appreciate your visits very - much and hope you will call to see me as often as opportunity - and convenience will allow, so I now close this brief epistle by - sending kindest regards and best wishes. I am - - Respectfully, - ---- ----. - - "Condemned Cell." - - P. S.--Kind thanks for singing. - - * * * * * - - San Francisco, Sept. 7, 1888. - - Mrs. Wheaton: - - I am pleased that you called to see me and hope you will repeat - your visits. It grieves me to see you shed tears, and although I - say nothing, remember that "still water runs deep." I have faith - and believe in prayer, so I believe that the cause of a condemned - boy will be heard in heaven and will come to pass. I am not - allowed to shake hands, much less give my mother a comforting - kiss. I now end by thanking you very kindly for your kindness and - consideration to me. - - I am, respectfully, - ---- ----. - -I went, the day before the execution, to see him. No one was allowed -to go inside the doomed boy's cell, so I was compelled to submit to -the law. The sheriff said positively, "No, you cannot go inside." But -the chief jailer said, "I promised that this lady should go inside the -boy's cell before the execution, and I must keep my word. I will go in -with her." He opened the door and we went in. He was a grand man. -Myself and the sister who was with me prayed for the prisoner's -salvation. We sang and read and prayed, and at last the presence of -the Holy Spirit seemed to fill the gloomy little cell, and to touch -the poor boy kneeling there with the shackles on his limbs. (They -frequently put shackles on some days before the execution, and place -them in the "doomed cell.") We kept on praying and singing and at -last the light came into his heart, and God owned him as His child. - -On the morning of the execution, I went early to the prison; and as I -hurried along there met me a young Catholic priest, who was our mutual -friend, and very kind. He said, "_Come quickly, the boy wants you._ He -has called for you all night, and they could not find you, so they -came for me. I have been waiting for you." This priest had labored -with me to convince the poor boy that Jesus was the Christ and that He -alone could save him. I hurried on into the prison for my last -greeting on earth with the poor condemned boy. There was no loud -demonstration--he was going to die, and knew it; but he felt that he -was ready. He said to me: "I can hardly wait the hour to go home. I am -willing and ready to die. O sing for me my favorite songs. I wish you -could go with me to the scaffold, but that is against the law for -women to go to the execution in this state." Mothers could not endure -such things, but I feel, when permitted, as if I must stay till all is -over. - -I took a white silk handkerchief and gently folded it around the boy's -neck, and said, "I think the rope won't hurt so bad, and the pain -won't be so severe with this around your neck." I shall never forget -the grateful look on his face, as he smilingly thanked me. He was a -very refined young man, and only for whiskey he might be living yet. -As I bade him good-bye he said, "Please sing for me _once more_ before -I go." I sang and passed out among the crowds of people. I seemed to -be lifted above the things of earth--I was so thankful for his -salvation. Reader, do you know what it is to travail for a soul and -then count the hours and moments till you see them go over the river -of death, and by-and-by with the eye of faith see them enter the -pearly gates into the presence of Him who was crucified for them? - -After the execution I received the following kind letter from the -young priest to whom I have referred: - - San Francisco, Oct. 13, 1888. - - Dear Madam: - - It was with great pleasure I read your kind and welcome note. I - thank you very much for your pleasant remembrance and hope that - God will bless your efforts and sacrifices on behalf of the poor - prisoners. - - In regard to A., I can say that he was resigned to the last and - died well prepared, in my opinion. I was with him almost - constantly during the last twelve hours. I think his family - placed the silk handkerchief in the coffin with him. - - Please give my regards to your kind companion and say sometimes a - little prayer for me. I hope to see you soon in San Francisco and - have the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance. I have the honor - of remaining, - - Yours truly in Jesus Christ, - Rev. N---- F----. - - - MYSTERIOUSLY GUIDED. - -In April, 1891, I was in Kansas City, Mo. After waiting upon the Lord -for some days asking Him where He would have me go next I was -impressed to go to the depot and that there it would be shown me what -I must do. I did so, but even then was left for several hours in -uncertainty as to what train to take, as I had passes on four -different lines. I spent the time in earnest prayer. At last, toward -evening, I was led to take the Rock Island train for Chicago and -impressed that the Lord would show me when and where to stop. I had -two sisters and a little boy with me and they could not understand my -indecision. - -As our train hurried on during the night, I kept asking the Lord where -I should stop, and He made it very plain to me that I was to stop at -Ottawa, Ill. I knew no one there, and there was no state-prison there, -but the Lord showed me to go to the county jail and when I did so -found there were several men there soon to be executed. I was told -that no one was permitted to see them; but we went praying and the -Lord touched the hearts of the officers and we were permitted to hold -a service. We were much helped of the Holy Spirit and I believe some -of these condemned men were saved--at least they seemed to give -evidence of it. One of them afterwards wrote me two letters. These I -give to my readers. It is well to remember, however, that not many -such prisoners are accustomed to expressing their thoughts in writing -and hence their letters fail to express the depth of feeling clearly -shown in their words and manner when I am with them. Again all their -letters are to be read before they leave the prison, so they do not -open their hearts as freely when writing as when speaking with me -alone. - - La Salle County Jail, - Ottawa, Ill., April 28, 1891. - - Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister: We are doing very well. As for Mr. C. and myself, we - will do the best we can to reach that Beautiful home in the New - Jerusalem, for the Lord saith: "He that believeth and abideth in - Me shall have everlasting life." As you must have seen, our - belief is a little different from yours in some respects, but, - nevertheless, we are all working for that one place and that is - heaven. He that leaveth his sins behind him shall be saved. The - example of those who died for Christ, for the faith and for - virtue's sake are also continually placed before us that we may - learn to endure sufferings and even death rather than be - unfaithful to God and stain our conscience with sin. The - Christian's motto is, "Death before dishonor." Hoping that you - will continue to pray for us that we may be cleansed from sin and - be saved, we send you our sincere and hearty wishes for your - welfare. God bless you and keep you ever for your sincere effort - in our behalf. Hoping that we may meet in that beautiful place - where the penitent shall find rest, I remain yours in respect, - - CHARLIE ----. - - * * * * * - - La Salle County Jail, Ottawa, Ill., May 6, 1891. - - Dear Sister: - - I was glad to receive your letter and to hear that you are still - praying for us. Mr. F. has gone out, so there are just two of - us--me and Mr. C., who, I think, will get a new trial. He sends - his kind regards and is doing well. - - As for me, I am very close to the grave as I have only four more - days to live, but hope that it will be all for the best. I am - preparing myself for death as much as possible for so short a - time. My thoughts are not of the outside world, but of a higher - world, where there is no sin or trouble or care, but everylasting - life and happiness. I also hope that we may meet in that haven of - rest. I will do as you say, put my trust in God and believe in - Him. Life is very short at best, but we all have our cares and - troubles and must bear with them the best we can, as we are - helpless without the grace of God. Thanking you sincerely for - your kind efforts in our behalf, I remain your brother in all - sincerity. Farewell. - - Yours in respect, - CHARLIE ----. - - - IN LONG EXPECTATION. - -I first saw E. B---- in the jail in Wichita, Kansas. There were many -prisoners there at that time and especially in the Oklahoma ward. It -was soon after the opening up of Oklahoma territory and the rush for -claims. There was great excitement and many lost their lives. Some -were thrown from their horses and killed. Others died from exhaustion, -running as for life to get the property they so much coveted. There -were many things done that were wrong. Some are still lingering inside -prison walls for "defending their rights" as they thought. I do not -remember just what E.'s trouble was, but he was sentenced to death -and the day and the hour were set. I went often to the prison and sang -and prayed for the prisoners. They were my friends. I knew and loved -them as a mother would, and especially this young boy--the youngest of -them all. - -I went away to Europe and on my return I again visited the jail in -Wichita to hold a service. While singing the first hymn the jailer -came into the apartment where I was and said, "The Oklahoma boys have -heard you singing and want you to come at once to their ward. They did -not know you had returned from Scotland and are so anxious to see -you." And such a welcome as those dear boys and men gave me I had -received no where else since my return. Some were under death -sentences. O how my heart aches even now as I think of the tears they -shed and of their warm handclasp. Then I could only fall on my knees -and sob out my sorrow for them and my heartfelt thanks to God for the -warm welcome and as I wept and prayed I believe good was accomplished -and souls saved. Some are dead and gone. Others are in the asylum for -the criminal insane. A few were pardoned out. Eddie's case lingered. -While hoping for a commutation of sentence he wrote the following -letter: - - Wichita, May 3, 1891. - - Dear Friend: - - I received your kind letter. Was glad to hear you were well and - still at your post, working for others. I am still in my little - cell awaiting what comes and have not heard much yet regarding - commitment, but hope it may come in time. I am feeling as though - I have a heavy load on my shoulders for a boy, but I hope and - pray for the best to come. I want to see the light, if there is - any for me. I sometimes think that I am forgotten; and then again - I know better, for there is One who never forgets us. I have - read those nice tracts you sent me and they are all true. The - boys are all well and send their best respects to you and hope to - meet you again; and you know I do, for I feel the need of your - kindness and appreciate it highly. I know what a kind mother is. - I have a good Christian mother and father. Oh, if I were only - free again, so I could enjoy life with my dear mother! No one - knows how lonely I am. You are only one hundred miles from my - home in ----, Illinois. If you go there you could find them by - enquiring for them. They would be glad to see you, as I have told - them about your being here. I hope some day that you can come and - see me on the outside. What a happy boy I would be! If not, I - hope we may meet in that brighter home. I have been reading my - Bible and find relief. What a book it is, and the good that can - be gotten from it! I wish you success through life and that you - may save many a poor lost sinner. No one knows the good they can - do until they try. - - May God bless you, is my prayer. - EDDIE ----. - - - SENTENCE COMMUTED. - -Many of those acquainted with the case were anxious for his release -but met with little encouragement. I continued to pray earnestly that -at least his life might be spared. When the day appointed for his -execution came I was in a distant state some miles from a telegraph -office, but I sent a little boy to the office with a message telling -him that the Lord might even yet deliver him and if not would sustain -him in his dying moments. The same day a wire came for him from the -governor changing his sentence to imprisonment for life. He was -transferred to a northern prison, but only lived a few years. So far -as I could learn he lived and died a Christian, and I hope to see him -again by and by in heaven. - - - A MAN DECEIVED. - -At one time I held a service with the prisoners in the county jail in -Sedalia, Missouri. Among them was a poor old man awaiting execution. -He seemed unmoved, stolid, indifferent. I talked and prayed with him -and asked him about his soul's salvation. He said it was all right -with his soul and that he was saved. I knew the Lord showed me that he -was a deceived man and that the devil had deluded him into thinking he -was all right. I was faithful to my convictions, to my God and to his -soul. I said to him: "You are not prepared to face the scaffold and -death." He seemed indignant that I should doubt his word, but I left -him with the warning, "Prepare to meet thy God." - -I went to the wife of the sheriff, who was an excellent woman, and -found she too was very anxious about his soul. I told her of my burden -for him and asked for a room where I could wait on God in prayer and -she kindly furnished it. In an hour the old man sent word to the -sheriff to send for me to come and pray for him as he was not fit to -die. In company with others I went to him and the poor deceived old -man repented of his sins and confessed them to God and to us and was -blessedly saved and died in the full assurance of faith. His last -words were of his hope in Christ and of his acceptance with God. I -fully believe that the blood of Jesus--who died on the cross for -sinners and was the friend of sinners always--did cleanse his soul. -The sheriff's wife told me of his last words and that all was well. We -give a clipping from a Sedalia paper concerning the case. - - VISITORS EXCLUDED. - - WILLIAMSON WILL RECEIVE NO MORE VISITS--PREPARATION FOR THE - EXECUTION. - - Sheriff Ellis R. Smith has commenced to make his arrangements for - the execution of Thomas A. Williamson, and everything will be in - readiness before Saturday morning. The rope with which John Oscar - Turlington and Bill Price were hanged will be used, the sheriff - having received a telegram yesterday from Sheriff Mat S. Ayers, - of Saline county, stating that it had been forwarded to him by - express. On the day of execution the police force will assist the - county authorities in preserving order in the vicinity of the - jail building. - - No more visitors will be permitted to see and talk with - Williamson, except his spiritual advisers. This is in compliance - with the condemned man's wishes, which are contained in the - following note which he sent to Sheriff Smith yesterday: - - "Sheriff Smith: I would like a cell by myself the rest of my - time. You can put me any place. I will give you no trouble. My - mind is on God. I would like to be upstairs; it is lighter up - there. I will go where you put me. - - T. A. W." - -I received from him the following letters written after his -conversion. One of them reached me after his execution: - - Sedalia, Mo. - - Sister Elizabeth R. Wheaton: - - I am well this morning. I thank God for it. I hope this will find - you well. I prayed to God to watch over me through the night, and - He did. I feel happy. I will meet you across the river. We will - have a good time. May God keep you. I am going to heaven. I will - meet you in that bright land. I am glad to hear from you. - - THOS. A. - - * * * * * - - Sedalia, Mo., October 29, 1891. - - My True Mother: - - I got your letter right now. I read it and got on my knees and - prayed to God to have mercy on me. My sister, I have my mind on - Jesus all the time. I feel happy this morning. Mother, I will - meet you on the other shore. Mother S. (the sheriff's wife) is so - kind to me! My mind is on God so I can hardly write. I will pray - for you. - - THOS. A. - - - INTERCEDED FOR THE LIFE OF A BOY. - -I went to a city in 1898, where there were four under sentence of -death, and when I went into the jail found many waiting trial. Some -were going to state's prison. Others were to die on the scaffold. I -was especially impressed with the case of one boy who was under death -sentence. I held a service with the prisoners and talked personally to -those condemned to die. One man was wonderfully saved and I believe -went to heaven from the scaffold. I then went away to other states. -But I was so troubled I made inquiries and found that the young boy to -whom I referred _was not charged with being a murderer_, and was not -deserving of death. I plead to God if there was nothing the law could -find in him worthy of death, that his sentence might be commuted, and -the poor boy might live. Upon my return I went to the capital to see -the Governor, and asked him to grant the boy a life sentence in -prison. My request was granted, it was soon all settled and the boy's -life was spared. Yet the Deputy Sheriff was very angry at the Governor -for granting the commutation! - - - WENT TO THE SCAFFOLD SINGING. - -In May, 1899, another poor prisoner ended his life on the scaffold. -The Friday before, two died on the same gallows. I visited them the -day before the execution, talked and sang hymns (their favorites), and -then we three kneeled together in prayer in the little "condemned -cell." Kneeling between my boys, clasping each by the hand, we gave -ourselves to the blessed Savior, who said just before he expired on -the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I -shall never forget that last prayer meeting with those unfortunate men -who had been led astray by evil surroundings and associations, forming -habits which finally sent them to early graves, by fearful deaths. -Yet, as we knelt there together, just we three and the blessed Holy -Spirit witnessing, we promised to meet in Heaven. Jesus met us there -and forgave them their sins, and joy filled our souls with love for -Him who gave Himself a ransom for us, not willing that any should -perish, but rather that all should have eternal life. How my heart -rejoiced to hear them say they were prepared to go, and the parting -was very sweet. A solemn hush filled the little cell--sweet peace -which only comes when souls have been redeemed, fell upon my heart, -and I was glad Jesus Himself did His own work for His own name's honor -and glory. They sang hymns and prayed all night before the execution. -They refused to eat, preferring to sing and pray till the last, and -went to the scaffold singing and praising God, and were still singing -when the drop fell, and they were gone from earth. - -My heart cried out for the living that May morning, as another one -went to the scaffold, "O God, save his soul! O God, forgive him all -his sins. The same scaffold, the same sin, and the same Jesus to blot -out all his transgressions." I believe God, where he says, Isa. 1:18, -"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: -though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool." If it were not -for the promises of God in His blessed Word, I should give up in -despair, sometimes, over those cases who have been so deceived by the -devil. Yet God is able to snatch them as brands from the burning. Jude -22-23 says, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and -others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the -garment spotted by the flesh." Jesus said, "Whosoever will may come," -I believe His promises are "Yea and amen to all that believe." When I -see what saloons and other evils are doing to wreck lives and ruin -souls, I wonder how God on His throne can ever forgive such -premeditated, intentional sins. The keepers of these places sell -themselves to Satan to be used by him to defeat God's plan of saving -those who will come unto Him. O that all who claim to be Christians -would unite to overthrow the means that Satan uses to lead down to -eternal death so many precious souls! - -The case to which I shall now refer was one in many respects -especially touching. The condemned man had occupied _a prominent -official position_. The dear, noble wife never turned away from her -husband. Hers were the kind heart and hands that ministered to his -needs and cheered the long, gloomy hours of his imprisonment. She -stood by him in his trial and during those days of agony and suspense. -Then came the verdict "Guilty," and the sentence of death! Yet, though -her own heart was breaking as she thought of herself and her -beautiful, helpless children, she still sought to cheer and comfort as -best she could that poor condemned man whose heart was torn with -anguish when he realized that because of his sin that faithful loving -wife and those innocent children must be left disgraced and destitute. -What is to become of the little ones who are powerless to help -themselves and of the poor despised, rejected, forsaken mother, trying -to earn with her own hands by toiling night and day enough to feed and -clothe those helpless babes? O my God, will you not help me to provide -a home for such as these? For the sake of these heart-broken mothers -whose lives are doomed to be (only as helped by the grace of God) one -great unending sorrow--for the sake of the poor children so cruelly -robbed of their birthright--a father's good name and protection, these -who are worse than orphans, yet for whom nobody seems to care, help -me to do what I can--what thou dost require at my hands. This man was -brought up in a Christian home and but for the power of evil -associations with which he was brought in contact and the curse of the -legalized saloon, would today in all probability have been a respected -and honorable member of society. - -I first found him one Fourth of July. While others were spending the -holiday I went toiling through the heat to the prison and there I -found my reward. My soul was borne upward by the Holy Spirit as I sang -many songs of praise and tenderly led this poor man to the foot of the -cross where he was saved. His wife was there a part of the time. I -seem to see the parting even now of those dear ones! Well, God knows -it all. Had I never known a wife's and a mother's love I could not -have sympathized with them as I did. I thought--What if _my_ boy had -lived and come to such an end--and I wept with that faithful wife as -she took leave. O, sisters, there is a power in even a look of love -coming from a true heart. - -I give two letters received from the condemned man and one written me -by his wife. I omit the name of place and exact date and even the -initials, as so few years have passed and I do not wish to do anything -that might bring pain to the hearts of surviving friends. The family -was of the most cultured and respected. - - July, 1899. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - It was with the greatest pleasure that I read your card this - morning. I was wondering where you were; but I knew that if your - health permitted you, you were somewhere doing good to some poor - unfortunate. - - Yes, I am putting my entire trust in Jesus. He saves me from my - sins and when the cares and woes of this life come to disturb my - peace, I look unto the Savior and soon all is peace again. What - would I do in a place like this and under such circumstances did - not his gentle voice speak unto me and say, "Fear not, I will not - leave nor forsake you." My wife was down to see me last Monday, - and is coming today (Thursday). She wrote me that your songs and - prayer were still ringing in her ears--so you see that your good - work is not only felt by prisoners. I hope that you may be able - to go on with the good work that so much delights you and that - you may yet win many wandering souls and bring them into the fold - of God and that when your work on earth is ended you may rest - from your labors in the most beautiful palace in the city of - heaven. You may think that strange that I said "palace," but I - believe that heaven is a real and tangible city--the home of God, - from where He sends the Holy Ghost to dwell in the hearts of all - those who are willing to receive Him. - - I will now say good-by, and if I never again meet you on this - earth, I hope to meet you in heaven. - - I am yours most sincerely in the hope of heaven. - - ---- ----. - - * * * * * - - August, 1899. - - My Dear Mother, for such you seem to me, I will never while I am - on this earth cease to think of you. I have remembered your voice - since I first heard you sing and pray while in the cells of poor - W----and S----, the condemned men. I wished then that I could - have seen you, and I told the boys that you were certainly born - of God; and from that day I have desired to have your influence - and prayers. I am still trusting in the love, mercy and power of - the Savior to save my soul in the eternal world and to keep me - from sin while I am in this. I have no other hope, no other - desire than to serve my Master. I would want to attain to a state - of perfection here, if such were possible, but you know that the - cares of this life come in to rob us of the pleasure that we - would enjoy in the anticipation of heaven. But some day the dark - clouds that overshadow us and prevent us for a while from seeing - the Savior's smiling face will be rolled away. I am glad to tell - you that the sentence of R----, whose cell was next to mine, has - been commuted to life imprisonment. He and the man P---- send - their regards to you. P----'s sentence is respited until the - 17th of November, and in the meantime he hopes for a new trial. - - I will close, wishing you the choicest blessings of heaven, and I - am yours very sincerely, trusting in the hope of eternal life, - - Your brother in Christ, - ---- ----. - -The following from the _Star_ of ----, ----, explains itself. The men -are referred to in the above letter: - - BOTH TWICE CONVICTED OF THE CRIME OF MURDER. - - Everything is in readiness at the District jail for the double - execution which is to take place tomorrow, when S---- and W---- - will pay the penalty of their crimes. So far as outward - appearances are concerned, the condemned men are in a better - frame of mind than are most of the other prisoners in the big - brown-stone prison. Their spiritual advisers are with them most - of the time, and when they are absent the men pass the hours - reading religious books and praying. - - S---- and W---- have both been well-behaved prisoners and have - given the jail officials no trouble whatever. The former has been - particularly friendly with the guards and others, and today he - thanked several of them for past kindnesses. He also desired to - express his gratitude to his many friends for what they had done - for him, and said he desired to do so through the _Star_. S---- - has had many visitors during the entire time of his confinement - in jail, but more especially during recent weeks. Most of them - have been female relatives. They have been endeavoring to collect - funds enough to defray the expenses of a decent burial. In the - event of their being successful the body will be turned over to - them after the execution by the undertaker employed by the - government to prepare the bodies for burial. - - Monday afternoon, just before the prison doors were locked for - the day, the bell rang and the guard at the door admitted a woman - who handed in her card on which was printed: - - "Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, - "Prison Evangelist. - "No Home but Heaven." - - She had with her a number of tracts which she distributed to some - of the prisoners. Her religious work is all done in prisons, and - she makes a specialty of laboring with condemned men. She stated - to the guards that she had traveled about 2,000 miles to see - those in jail here before their execution. The warden admitted - her to the cells. She had W---- and S---- join her in prayer and - song in the latter's cell, and the men seemed greatly to - appreciate her hour's visit. She next saw E---- S----, who is to - die on the scaffold next week. He, too, appeared to enjoy her - call. - - ---- ---- - _Star_. - - * * * * * - - August, 1899. - - Mrs. Wheaton. - - My Dear Sister: I must write a few lines to you, in my husband's - letter, as you have shown yourself so kind to him, poor fellow. I - can see you now and hear you, in my fancy, singing those - beautiful pieces. Oh, how sad I felt on that Fourth of July as I - sat and listened, especially to the one called "Some Mother's - Child," as I looked upon my dear husband and thought of his - mother and how tenderly he had been reared by Christian parents, - and was always a good and thoughtful son and husband until by - reason of evil associations he fell into sin and kept going - further and further from God until at last he was led to do the - most dreadful of deeds. How I pity him! - - O how happy I once was! Had a pretty home and everything to - brighten it. But alas, they have vanished and now I feel alone, - without anything. Did I say "alone?" No, not so, for the God that - I have served and who has been with me these twenty years, is - still with me; and I feel to say, "Though he slay me, yet will I - trust him." I feel that he will open up a way for his children. - Now, my dear sister, I would love to see you again in this life - and talk with you, but if I never meet you here I trust I shall - meet you above, where your voice will be heard with the angels of - God. Please remember me to your lady helper. Would be glad to - hear from you at any time. Good-bye. - - Yours in love and the hope of heaven, - ---- ----. - -Two years later, while in the same city, a friend invited me to go to -an open-air service and after I had sung and spoken to those who were -gathered a dear lady clasped my hand and said: "I am so glad to see -you, mother--don't you know me?" As I failed to recognize her she -turned her careworn but lovely face so that the electric light shone -full upon her and said, "Don't you remember me now?" When I still -answered "No, I do not," the tears gathered in the dear eyes as she -said, "My husband never forgot your singing and your prayers before he -went away," and then it dawned upon me that she was the wife of the -man the people hung to gratify the saloon men's greed. She said: "I do -wish I could ask you home with me, but I have only a little hall room -for myself and children. I am keeping boarders to make a living for -myself and them." O how I wished for a home to which I could welcome -them, but I, too, am a pilgrim and a stranger, and all I could do was -to kiss the dear sister and commend her to the widow's God and her -dear ones to the Father of the fatherless. - -The letters following are from two brothers with whom I labored, and -who showed much appreciation of my efforts with them and professed to -be saved. I received a number of encouraging letters from them and -from others in the same place before they were taken away. We can not -always tell as to the sincerity of these poor men, or of their -responsibility, some of them doubtless are so nearly unbalanced in -mind, under such a strain, but we know the God of heaven before whom -we must all stand will judge righteously. - - October 18, 1903. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: - - While my dear unfortunate brother, Mr. K., has given me space in - his letter, I just wish to congratulate you for the wonderful - good you did while here with us, as we have not forgotten your - topic, "Salvation," and often speak of you and hope you will - come again at your earliest convenience. Thank God there is some - of us have the Spirit of God with us. Bless His holy name! And I - for one can praise Him for the wonderful good He has done me, and - through His wonderful love I have been granted a stay of - execution, which was to take place the 21st of this month; for - God in heaven knows I am innocent of this crime, as is also my - brother. I am sorry to say I do not know much about the Bible, - but intend to learn more about His wonderful love to man, and - will serve Him to the end. Trusting that you will look upon us as - your children, I will close, hoping to hear from you again, - - Your unfortunate boy, - B. W. - - * * * * * - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. It brought - great joy to our bleeding hearts. We think of you and wish you - could talk and sing for us every day. Your kind, loving words - bring me near to God. When I leave this world I will go to my - heavenly Father, where there is everlasting life, and if we never - meet on earth, I will meet you in heaven. I shall never forget - you and the prayer you made for me. We felt bad when you could - not come back and tell us about our loving God. Pray for me that - I may walk daily with God. I remain as ever, - - Your dear boy, - A. W. - - Columbus, Ohio. - - - THREE YOUNG MEN. - -Some cases of special interest to me because of such recent -occurrence, are the three young men mentioned elsewhere and from whom -I received the following letters. I will first give a note very kindly -written me by the son of the warden, in answer to an inquiry about the -cases while they were awaiting some decision of the supreme court: - - Colorado State Penitentiary. - Canon City, Colo., December 7, 1904. - - Mother E. R. Wheaton. Tabor, Iowa. - - Dear Mother: I have not answered your postal on account of my - absence from the city, but I hope you will overlook the delay. - The fate of the four prisoners under sentence of death is still - undecided, as their case is in the hands of the Supreme Court. - There is some doubt as to the legality of the law and it is a - hard matter to tell what the outcome will be. No, my folks did - not attend the Prison Congress this year on account of my - sister's health. The boys at the prison often speak of you and - some have started to forget the past and try to do better in the - future on account of the good words you spoke to them. I hope you - will come to see us before my father goes out of office, but if - this is impossible, I pray that we may meet at some future time. - I remain, - - Yours respectfully, - Willard Cleghorn. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., May 3, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I have received your kind letter and postal and I am very glad to - know that you have not forgotten me. I have not forgotten you - either, nor never will. For it was no other than you who put me - on the right road to heaven, and I know that if I do all you told - me that I will meet you there. I am praying both day and night, - and I pray from my heart, and mean every word that I say, and I - know that my sorrow is more than I can bear without God's help. I - know that God has forgiven me all of my sins, and will save me - too. I do not care who laughs at me for praying and asking God - for help. There is nothing that can ever make me quit praying and - believing in God, for He has done me good already. - - With love and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you soon, - - Yours sincerely, - F. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., May 3, 1904. - - Dear Mrs. Wheaton. - - It is with pleasure that I answer your most kind and welcome - letter that brother A. and I received some time ago. We also - received a postal card this morning. I have neglected my promise - of writing, but hereafter will write more promptly. I have not - been feeling well, but am better now. I hope you will forgive me - this time. - - It does my heart good to know that you are praying for us. I feel - very grateful to you. Us boys pray and read the Holy Bible every - day. I am trusting to our Heavenly Father, for He makes right the - wrong. We are being treated most kindly by the warden and the - officers of the prison. - - I will close, as Brother A. wishes to say a few words. - - Hoping to hear from you again, I ever remain - - Your son in Christ, - C. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., May 17, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Mother: I received your kind letter and was very much - pleased to hear from you, as all of us were. * * * - - When I saw and read your letter and those little tracts, they - certainly did take effect on me. As I read them and saw the - terrible mistake I had made, it caused the tears to fall. I am - trusting in God, but I can't come right out and tell you that I - am really saved, for I don't believe in deceiving you. But I do - believe that God has laid a hand on me, and I hope He will take a - stronger hold on me. I know you will think more of me for telling - you the candid facts. I have seen lots of people who would tell - that they were really saved, when they knew they were not. But - "God help my poor soul," is my regular prayer. I realize that I - need His help in my present circumstances. I still ask you to - pray for me that God will help me to look to Him. I try my best - to do what is right, and never go to sleep a night without - praying to Him to save my soul and spare me so that I may be of - some benefit to His cause, and I do fully believe that He will - answer my prayer, for when I pray I am sure I do it with all my - heart and soul. - - I am quite well at present, and hope that these few lines will - find you the same. May God bless you and protect you, is my daily - prayer. I hope to hear from you again soon. - - From one of yours, and I hope, the Lord's sons. - - Yours respectfully, - N. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., May 27, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I take pleasure in answering your most kind and welcome letter - received a few days ago. I am quite well at present. I am taking - things as easy as I can and waiting most patiently to know how I - will fare. I haven't forgot to pray and read the Bible, nor will - I as long as I live. I am trusting in the Lord, for He makes all - things right. I will close, hoping to hear from you again. - - Very sincerely yours, - C. P. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., May 27, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I take pleasure in answering your letter. You don't know how glad - I was to hear from you. This leaves me well and in good faith and - I am trusting in the Lord, for I know He will help me if I will - only be good and do His will. I pray and read my Bible every - night and day. Oh, if I ever do get my freedom I will make a man - of myself and do God's will and make my poor wife and mother and - father happy. I will never take a drop of whiskey or anything - again. So good-bye. We have heard nothing of our case yet. The - time seems so long. - - From yours sincerely, - F. A. - -The following are extracts from touching letters from the aged mother -and young wife of this young man: - - Kansas City, Mo., July 4, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - We received your card and were indeed glad to hear from you. Oh, - I am praying to God all the time to spare my baby's life. How can - I ever live if they take his life! Why do they want it? He did - not kill any one, although the deed he did almost breaks my - heart. F. never drank until he got with those people on Market - Street. They got him to smoking hop and drinking whiskey. My dear - and only child, will God and man have mercy on him? Oh, I thank - you for going to see my poor baby boy! God bless him and save his - life. - - I hope you can see the Governor and see if he will do something - for a mother to save her only child. I can hardly stand it. It - has done F. so much good for you to see him. He always speaks of - you when he writes home. Oh, I do hope the Governor will give you - some hopes, for if I could get any hopes of F. being spared it - would do me so much good! I pray day and night for my boy. He is - on my mind all the time. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am - - Sincerely yours, - MRS. A. - - * * * * * - - Kansas City, Mo., July 4, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton: - - Kind Friend: I was truly glad to hear from you and that you are - going to see my dear husband soon. I hope it will not be long - till I see him, for it seems like years since I have seen poor F. - I hope my loved one will come out better yet, for I can never - stand it. I hope and pray that F. will have a show for his life. - How short our young lives were together. F. was always kind to me - and it almost took my life when I was robbed of my darling - husband. I was an orphan girl. My dear mother died when I was - five years old. I had a hard time all my life till I was - eighteen, when I was married to F., last September. I was so - happy with him. He was a good boy and never drank till he met - with the Market Street gang and they got him to drinking and - smoking that hop. - - This is the Fourth of July and F.'s gray-haired mother and I are - here grieving over the loved one in prison. If a wife ever loved - a husband truly I love mine. I remain your friend, - - MRS. F. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., Sept. 22, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I was glad to hear from you, which I always am, for your letters - are full of kind words and it is a pleasure to read them in my - lonely cell and know there is one true friend who prays for me. - Kind words are few for me now when I am in need and going through - the most terrible and trying time of a lifetime. But I am living - in hopes and trusting God for my future, come what may. I surely - thank you for seeing the Governor in our behalf. - - My mother and wife are well. Their letter to you must have been - missent, for they wrote. This leaves me well. - - Yours sincerely, - F. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., March 26, 1905. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton: - - Dear Mother: I was very glad to hear from you as I did not know - what had become of you. Well, the law has been found good and the - death watch is over us. Poor ---- was hung the 6th. Our time - begins the 21st of May. Yes, I am trusting God and I know He has - heard my prayers, and whatever comes will be for the best. P---- - is getting better again they tell me. A---- is the same as ever. - I wrote to my mother today and told her I heard from you. - - Yours sincerely - F. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., April 12, 1905. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Los Angeles, Cal.: - - Dear Mother Wheaton: I was glad to hear from you. Your letters do - me so much good, they always give me new hope. Of course you - understand what I am going through, and at times hope seems - hopeless for the time seems so long to me in this dreary cell, - and to think if I had left that horrible liquor alone and stayed - away from bad company where I could have been to-night--free and - happy, at home with my wife and my poor old mother and father. - But as it is I am sad and lonely and my loved ones are far away, - heart-broken. But I believe my prayers will be answered yet, for - I know God has heard them. But, the Lord's will be done. I know - He will do what is best for me. - - Well, dear mother, the boys are well and send their best regards. - - Sincerely yours, - F. A. - - * * * * * - - Canon City, Colo., June 15, 1905. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I received your kind and welcome letter and was glad to hear from - you again. I will never have the pleasure of reading another - letter from you in this world, for I have been put back in a - horrible death cell again and the Board of Pardons and Governor - have refused to save me from the terrible death I am doomed for, - but I expect to meet you in heaven, dear mother, for I know God - has forgiven me all of my sins. I want to thank you again for all - you have done for me, for I know you have spent many a sleepless - night on account of me. I felt a great deal better after seeing - and praying with you the last time you were here than I had since - I've been in this trouble. I am glad things are most at an end - for I am very weary of these lonesome death cells. Of course I - don't want to die nor am I glad of it, for I have lots to live - for yet as you know, but the Lord's will be done. I know it will - be for the best. Well, I will close for this time. I am to be - hung in the next twenty-four hours, so good-bye, dear friend. - Think of me sometime in the future. - - From your son in Christ, - F. A. - - * * * * * - - Mother Wheaton: - - Dear Mother: We just received your loving letter last night and - was glad to hear from you. Oh, dear mother, my darling boy is - gone; never can I see his loving face in this cruel world. Oh, it - is terrible; it seems too hard for me to stand. Just think, my - only darling child. But I know he is in heaven. He died on the - 16th. We went to see him and he was so glad to see us. He kissed - his papa and all of us and said he wanted us not to grieve any - more than we could help.... His last words were "Good-bye, - mamma," with a smile and wave of his hand just like I was coming - back again. He said he would like to be buried close to home. - Poor, darling boy; he loved to be close to home and mamma in - life, but it is hard to think that he had to spend his last days - away from us, all on account of whiskey. - - Your friends as ever, - MRS. A. AND L. - - (The above was from the aged mother and the young wife.) - -Think you, dear reader, that these experiences are passed by lightly -when I must enter into the sorrows of these mothers and loved ones who -must give up their dear ones in this way? Only the grace and love of -God can sustain me and these dear bereaved ones in these trials. This -was one of my saddest experiences, as I was personally acquainted -with the parents and the dear young wife of one of these young men, -having been entertained at their home some days at a time during their -sorrow. This is only another example of what strong drink is doing in -our land. God pity those who in the least favor this traffic. - -I give below short extracts taken from _The Daily News_ of Denver -concerning these cases: - - "Not yet has the final word for F. A., C. P. and N. A., under - sentence of death, been said. - - "It is likely that it will not be said for at least a week or ten - days. The Board of Pardons adjourned late yesterday afternoon - without deciding the fate of the three boys.... - - "But, though the tragic element was lacking, there was present - throughout the meeting an undercurrent of deep human woe. The - mother of A. was there, clad in black, with a hopeless expression - on her face pitiful to see. Beside her at all times was the wife - of A., young, pretty in an indefinite sort of way, her blue eyes - holding ever before them the wreck of her shattered girlish - romance. Both women wept freely at times. - - "With the two women were a dozen of their women friends, whose - coming had been actuated by a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. - - - FRIEND OF ALL PRISONERS. - - "Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, friend of prisoners the world over, - was there too. She sat next Mrs. A., the elder, and wept - copiously in sympathy. 'Mother' Wheaton visited the boys at Canon - City, and she told the board the impression of her visit, how, - she was sure, they had repented of their deed and had their sins - forgiven. - - "She also pleaded for their lives on the ground of opposition to - capital punishment. She has been in state prison rescue work for - twenty-one years, and her silver hair, refined face and gentle - manner have brought comfort to criminals everywhere."--News, May - 6. - - - SESSION OF THE BOARD. - - The Board of Pardons met in special session at 10 o'clock - yesterday morning for the purpose of passing finally upon the - applications of the three boys for commutation of sentence from - death to imprisonment for life. - - Interest in the proceedings of the morning centered around four - women, two mothers, a sister and a wife of the condemned boys. - They were Mrs. J. A., bowed with the weight of her seventy years, - who had come all the way from Buffalo, N. Y., to be present at - the meeting; her daughter, Miss A., of Denver; Mrs. J. A. and - Mrs. F. A., mother and wife, respectively, of F. A. All four were - present throughout the hearing and made personal pleas to the - Board. - - After the hearing was concluded they went together into the outer - office of the executive chamber and sat huddled up in one corner - of the big room, their eyes fixed on the door which led to the - inner office where four men were deciding whether the boys they - loved should live or die. - - - HEARD THE BAD NEWS. - - When the news of the Board's action was conveyed by Secretary C. - E. Hagar to the four women waiting in the outer office, their - grief was pitiful in the extreme. Mrs. A. very nearly collapsed. - She clung to the arm of her daughter and moaned in heart-breaking - accents. The daughter, too, was almost overcome, but controlled - herself for her mother's sake. - - The mother and wife of F. A., while it was evident they were - suffering keenly, maintained an outward composure except for the - tears which welled from their eyes. They hurriedly left the - capitol building together. The young wife will go to the - penitentiary Friday to say a last good-bye to her husband. - - - PLEA OF ATTORNEY. - - W. E., attorney for A., made a wonderfully eloquent plea for his - client's life. It was logical, pathetic and at times scathing in - its denunciation of the methods used by the police to extort - confessions from the boys. He said these methods, in their - horrible brutality, were without parallel anywhere. - - "The only evidence upon which N. A. was convicted," he said, "was - the alleged confession wrung out of him by police brutality. This - confession was made after the prisoner had been 'sweated' and - intimidated. One ear had been almost torn off, he had been - cuffed, kicked and trampled upon, and then, under the influence - of threats, he made his alleged confession." - - - NEWS THAT SON IS TO HANG BROKEN TO AGED WOMAN BY HER DAUGHTER AND - CAUSES COLLAPSE. - - Sitting and staring with a blank look into space, at intervals - relieving the tension of her misery by low moans, and then again - ejaculating pitifully, "Oh, my boy! My poor, poor boy! Can I live - and know that you died upon the gallows?" Mrs. J. A. is now - hovering on the borderland of life at the home of her daughter in - Denver. - - It was not until noon yesterday that Mrs. A. was told that the - pardons board had refused to grant her son, N. A., a commutation - of sentence from death to life imprisonment. Up to that moment - when the terrible knowledge became hers she had a mother's hope - that the pardons board must save her boy. From the moment she - heard from her daughter's lips that the son and brother must die, - Mrs. A. has been verging upon a semi-comatose condition, and - under the constant care of a physician. - - She was illy prepared to hear the news yesterday, for she had - spent the night previous without closing her eyes in sleep. It - was not until 5 o'clock that slumber came to her mercifully, and - even then she merely slept in a fitful doze until 8 o'clock. - - - SUPPRESSED EMOTION. - - The serious phase of Mrs. A.'s condition, her physician regards, - is that with her it is all suppressed emotion. She does not cry - out or rave, but endures her intense suffering in quiet. It is - but seldom that tears come to her relief, and the only vent her - emotion has is in her low moans for her "poor boy." - - After the news was broken to her, Mrs. A. spent most of the day - in bed. Late last night she was still in the same condition, and - the gravest anxiety is felt by her relatives. - - Mrs. A. is 70 years old. She lives in Buffalo, N. Y., and made - the long trip of 1,500 miles to personally plead with the State - Board of Pardons for the life of her son. - - - TO TEST GALLOWS. - - Warden C. will today test the automatic scaffold upon which N. A. - and F. A. will be executed next week. He will see that - everything about the device is in perfect order and will make a - final test just prior to taking the first of the two to his - death. The execution house, where the men will be confined until - the final summons, is 28x30 feet. It contains three condemned - cells and across the hall from these are two large rooms. In the - center of one is a large iron plate and on this the condemned is - asked to stand after the noose and cap have been adjusted. The - weight of the man causes the plate to drop about an inch. This - closes the circuit of a current connecting with a bucket of water - which stands on a shelf in a closet in an adjoining room. By a - magnet arrangement a plug in the bottom of the bucket is pulled - and the water begins to flow out. As soon as the vessel is empty - an automatic connection releases a catch holding a bag of sand on - the end of the noose. - - The sand, being heavier than the man, falls, causing the body at - the other extremity of the rope to be jerked off the floor to the - height of three feet. The sandbag is in the room containing the - closet where the bucket is and the rope from the noose reaches - that room over a pulley and through a hole in the wall. - - The condemned man does not see any of the details of the - execution when he enters the death cell. The iron plate in the - floor and the noose around his neck are the only parts he can - see. He does not hear the dropping of the water nor the working - of any of the mechanism. - - The instant the man is jerked off his feet and suspended at the - end of the rope his neck is broken. The time intervening between - the pulling of the plug in the bucket and the falling of the sand - is usually about a minute. The suspense to the prisoner, however, - is not regarded as any more cruel than that experienced by a man - in the electrical chair or on the scaffold while he awaits the - fatal current or the springing of the trap. - - The hanging apparatus was invented by a convict fifteen years - ago.--_News_, May 20. - -As shown by foregoing letters these cases were continued till June 16. -Such is the suspense, sorrow of heart and grief through which many are -constantly passing in this world, all on account of sin. What are we -trying to do to lend a hand of relief? - -Such, dear reader, are a few of the many, many cases of this class -with which I have had to do in these more than twenty years of -ministry to those that are bound. Some were hardened criminals, others -innocent of the crime for which they were condemned and others no more -guilty than thousands that the world honors. For all, Christ died; and -many others beside these I have mentioned have given evidence of -saving faith in the blood that is able to cleanse the deepest stain -that sin has made. - -One case is just as near and dear to my mother heart as another and -yet how different in many respects are these condemned men--different -in their natural inclinations and unlike because of their different -circumstances in life. Among them are found the refined, the educated, -the gifted, the beautiful as well as the low, the ignorant, the -degraded. All must share the same fate. All are shown in the worst -possible light to a gaping, sensation-loving, curious world. Let us, -dear reader, take these cases home to our hearts as if they were our -very own and so learn to have that charity that suffereth long and is -kind. Even Moses and David took life, yet they were forgiven, and -Moses who in haste slew the Egyptian, became the prophet so -wonderfully used of God because of his meekness of spirit; and David -in his thankfulness declared, "This poor man cried and the Lord heard -him and delivered him out of all his troubles." - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - Work in Churches and Missions. - - -As stated in preface I have always as opportunity offered been ready -to preach the gospel to all men. In this chapter I speak very briefly -of some of the work done in churches and missions and give some -letters from pastors and friends referring to this part of my labors. - - - STRANGELY LED. - -I once had a young sister with me whom I had taken from Toronto, -Canada. I had told her mother I would return her safely and had given -her money to pay her fare home. As we returned through a field to the -city from the poor farm where I had held a service, I said to the -sister, "I am so hungry." She replied, "O wait till we get to heaven, -then we shall have of the twelve manner of fruit, and drink of the -water of life," and I was cheered and blest as I went along the way. -The Lord showed me to trust Him. When I reached my lodging-house I was -so weak and tired that I sat down to rest a few moments before -ascending the stairs to my room. The landlady sat by her well-filled -table after the boarders were all gone. She asked the servant for a -plate, and I watched her while she cut off a nice piece of turkey and -a piece of roast beef and then put some bread on the plate and handed -it to me. I was, O, so glad, but feared she was going to ask pay for -it, and I had only a dime. I asked, "How much is this?" and she -replied, "Nothing." I was so overcome with gratitude to God for His -goodness that I hastened to my room and thanked God for answering -prayer, in giving me food I needed to give me strength for the -meeting that afternoon on the street, and in the evening at the -colored people's church. At the close of the meeting in the evening -the preacher said: "The sister has given us a good sermon, and the -gospel must be carried, so come up and give us a good collection." The -people responded heartily and gave a very liberal collection, but -after the meeting the preacher handed me 25 cents, keeping the rest. I -felt very badly as I had prayed for money which I needed so much. I -must go to another city, and no money for traveling expenses. I had -been obliged to have some work done by the dentist which must be paid, -and no money, but I kept believing, yet no open heart or door. I -wondered why I was led to go to another place with no means provided. -When I had gotten the amount needed I left, heart-sick, lonely and -weary to go on alone in the work, and the sister to go home to Canada. -A few days later I was walking along the streets of Lynchburg, Va. I -met a man who said, "I am Rev. B---- from Chicago. I have met you -several times in your work. Sister Wheaton, won't you come with me to -church?" I said, "Where?" and he said, "To the First Baptist church." - -When we entered the beautiful new church building the evangelist -introduced me to the young pastor, who hurried by indifferently. He -then presented me to some fine looking ladies who also passed by on -the other side. When the evangelist had closed his sermon he said, -"Now, friends, this is the lady I told you about who has done more -good than we preachers. I know her, but she don't know me. Receive her -as a sister. She is worthy." When the service closed, one after -another came to speak to me and gave me their hand and invited me to -their homes. A gentleman and wife came up and said, "We claim you as -our guest." The husband said, "The carriage is at the door. I will -walk and you may ride with my wife." I was at a loss to know just -which invitation to accept, when the evangelist came up and said, -"These are the people for you to go with." I did so and the Lord went -with me. I was invited to preach that night and the Lord was there in -mighty convicting power. At the close of the meeting the evangelist -said, "Sister, how did it happen that I met you just as I did this -morning?" I said, "Brother B., things don't happen with me. The Lord -sent me to this place." - -The next day a young lady called at the house and inquired for me. I -went to the door and she handed me a small parcel saying, "Your -friends from the First Baptist church sent you this." Thanking her I -went inside and found it was fifteen dollars. - -I was the guest of one of the F. F. V.'s, so was welcomed everywhere. -Other churches and other preachers invited me to their pulpits. In a -few days Mrs. Col. O. asked me if I would conduct a meeting for women -only at the M. E. church if she would arrange for it. I was impressed -that the thought was of God and agreed to do so. The meeting was -appointed for Wednesday at 4 p. m. On the way to the church I was so -burdened with the responsibility of the meeting that I told the sister -(the kind friend who entertained me) that I could not talk, I must -pray the rest of the way to church. To my surprise the place became -crowded. I had expected perhaps a dozen women and no men; and here the -place was full of elegantly dressed ladies, and the pastor of the -church, Brother H., and a policeman were also present. I tried to -proceed with the service, but seemed unable to do so. After prayer and -singing, "How firm a foundation," I arose and said: "Is any one led of -the Spirit to give me a text. I have no message." A sister arose and -timidly said, "The 14th chapter of John." Well, the flood gates of -Heaven were opened to my soul. God spoke and waves of salvation rolled -over the church, and women, God bless them! arose and said, "I thought -I was a Christian until today, but I find I have never begun to serve -the Lord yet. I promise, by God's help, to begin anew today for -Heaven." The dear Lord touched proud hearts and melted them together -until the place was filled with the glory of God. The pastor and -people asked me to hold another meeting the following day for both men -and women. I said I would do so in the fear of the Lord, and the Lord -wonderfully blessed the services. Souls were brought in touch with God -and saved. I said to them, "Friends, begin a revival at once. God is -ready to work with you if you follow Him. My services are ended in -this church. The prisoners, my special care, need me, and the poor and -the colored people." I remained three weeks in that city, wonderfully -blessed of God. When I left there were over fifty dollars in my hand, -of free will offerings. I see why the Lord sent me to the city to -arouse the sleeping church members and preachers, both white and -colored, from their cold, lifeless spiritual condition. - -Soon after leaving Lynchburg I received the following letter from the -sister who planned the meeting, which greatly encouraged me: - - Lynchburg, May 2, 1887. - - My Dear Sister: - - I received your letter several days since. I am truly rejoiced to - know that you receive that peace and comfort which a child of God - knows to be her portion. - - My thoughts have followed you since your departure from our city - and prayers from many hearts have ascended to the throne for - your safety and success in the great work God has called you to - do. - - I have not known of a revival such as is now in progress at Dr. - Hannon's church. Men and women are flocking to the meetings, old - and young, to know what they must do to be saved. My son was - happily converted last Friday night. He had long been cold and - indifferent, but now all is joy and he works and speaks for God - with willingness. He is in solemn earnest now in working, praying - and speaking in the great congregation. Surely goodness and mercy - have followed me all the days of my life and I will dwell at the - feet of my Master forever. - - Though God has sent tears to my eyes and grief to my heart, - thanks to His dear name He has kept me from falling. I think you - left a good influence among the fallen women here. I have been - sent for to go to some since you left. I have sent this day a - request to the official board of my church to give me the use of - one room in the church where I can always meet them for the - purpose of hearing of their desires to lead a new life. In this - way my pastor can meet them and help me in this work. I await the - result. - - Your friend with sincere love and prayers, - Mrs. Lucy K. O. - -I went on my way, and some time after was in San Francisco, -California. Hearing one day, as I left the jail, of a holiness -convention, I was impressed to attend. When I arrived a testimony -meeting was in progress. I arose and began to sing, "Yes, I will stand -up for Jesus," and the minister in charge came down the aisle to me -and said: "Is this Sister Wheaton who held meetings in my church in -L----, Va.?" I said, "My name is Elizabeth Wheaton, and I held -meetings in that city. Are you Dr. H.?" and he said, "Yes." He -returned to the platform and told the people of my work in his church -and that about four hundred had been saved, and told the people to -receive me as a child of God. So homes were opened. The work of God -moved on. As I was a stranger in a strange city, I blessed God for -the leadings of the Holy Spirit in all my pilgrim way. I have not seen -Dr. H. since that time. He gave me a pressing invitation to his church -in San Francisco but work on other lines prevented my acceptance. - - - LETTERS FROM OTHER FRIENDS. - - Wetumpka, Ala., Jan. 12, 1885. - - My Dear Sister: - - It would be impossible for me to express in words the Christian - sympathy and love I have for you--one that has left all; yes, - all--denying yourself and taking up the cross of Jesus, carrying - the glad tidings of salvation to the despised, to the outcast, to - the poor in spirit and to the oppressed. I pray daily that the - good Lord may bless you. - - Dear sister, those in the world whose minds are carnal, cannot - understand your work, for your life is hidden in God, and cannot - be discerned in any other way but by the Spirit. Our crosses will - soon be over. Jesus will not let us suffer for Him long. He is - coming for us soon. Then "Be not weary in well-doing, for in due - season we shall reap, if we faint not." We are not the only - friends you have in Wetumpka. Long will you live in our memory. I - pray that the Lord may ever guide and lead you as He knows and - sees best. I am your brother in Christ, - - A. J. ROGERS, Pastor. - - * * * * * - - Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 2, 1897. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - We were so glad to hear from you. Our meeting closed on Sunday - evening, August 22, with twenty-eight persons asking the prayers - of the church. We are beginning special services three evenings - in the week. - - We are planning to begin another revival meeting about the middle - of October. Would be glad to have you with us. We are praying - that the dear Lord may so order it if it is His will. The Lord is - leading and we are expecting great things. - - Remember us kindly to Mrs. H. I hope you will write again, so - that we may be posted as to your movements. We are praying for - you. Do not forget us. Mrs. Cooper and Merrill wish to be - remembered to you. "The Lord bless and keep thee and cause His - face to shine upon thee." Good-bye for a little while. - - Fraternally, - M. C. COOPER, Pastor St. Paul's Church. - - * * * * * - - Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 29, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister in Christ: Your letter received and I must say I hold - it very sacred and dear. - - I think of you often, and not only I, but a large number of - others. We cannot tell the good you did while here, but God above - knows and He will reward you. Many have been more willing to do - their Christian duty. They seem to realize more fully what it - means to be a Christian. O there is so much in it! - - Dear sister, the Lord being willing, we are going to hold another - revival campaign, commencing Sunday, October 17. I am so anxious - I can hardly wait. I enjoy myself so much when I can be doing - work for my dear Lord and Master, who did so much for me. I wish - the Lord would see fit to send you this way during our revival, - and my prayers shall be to that end. It is God's work and you are - one of His workers. You have the constant prayer of St. Paul's - church, and we are sure that we have yours. May God's choicest - blessings rest upon and abide with you. "The Lord lift up His - countenance upon thee and give thee peace." - - LOUISE ROUX. - - * * * * * - - (From the _Gazette_, Fort Wayne, Ind.) - - MRS. WHEATON, FAMOUS PRISON EVANGELIST, "LED BY THE LORD HERE"--HER - FAITH IN THIS ABSOLUTE--OPENS INTERVIEW WITH PRAYER--LARGE AUDIENCES - HEAR HER. - - Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton is in town and last night and - yesterday afternoon addressed a large audience at the revival - services which Rev. Mr. Cooper, of St. Paul's M. E. church is - conducting in a tent situated near his church, on Walton avenue. - She reached this city Saturday evening over the Pennsylvania. - Having missed a train at Warsaw en route to visit a sister who - lives at Elkhart, she was directed, she said by the Lord, after - prayer, to come to Fort Wayne to spend the Sabbath. On the way - over her singing and praying on the train attracted attention to - her and a member of the Wayne Street Methodist Church, on - learning who she was, invited her and her sister, Mrs. Hoffman, - to spend the night at his home. She had heard, she said, of the - meetings that Mr. Cooper is conducting, and she said, with a - manner of absolute confidence, that she had been directed to - attend these meetings. Rev. Mr. Cooper said yesterday that the - meeting was in progress as she and her companion entered and that - he was impressed to speak to her. On learning her name he knew - her instantly by fame as the widely traveled and much beloved - prison evangelist. She was given a welcome and was at once asked - to participate in the services. At the night meeting there were a - thousand people, it is said, who listened enrapt to her prayers - and moving appeals to the sinner to accept the salvation in which - she so thoroughly believes. - - The prisoners at the jail were her first concern Sunday morning. - She told Mr. Cooper that after arising she turned to her Bible - for guidance and her eyes fell upon certain Scripture which - contained the word prison three times. She took this as evidence - that she should first visit the jail and thither she went. It is - quickly apprehended by those who come in contact with her that - she pauses not when directed, as she believes, to do a service in - the cause of the Master, but goes at once. She has no - questionings of faith. - - A Gazette reporter found her last night at the home of Mr. Bower, - No. 136 Walton avenue. Her physical appearance marks her as no - ordinary person. Her face beams with a kindly smile, being plump - and fresh with the vigor of apparent health, though gray hair - indicates her past the prime of life. She dresses modestly in - black and carries with her a satchel in which she keeps a - Testament, her pass holder and some tracts. Her handshake is a - model of firmness and heartiness, conveying the impress of - intense earnestness. Before permitting the interviewer to proceed - further than the salutations, Mrs. Wheaton kneeled and prayed for - the Lord's blessing upon the interview. This unconventional - prelude was novel in the experience of the reporter, but coming - from such a woman seemed perfectly in place. There is reverence - and piety proclaimed by her presence and no thought of - incongruity obtruded. The prayer took the range of ready - invocation and communion with the Lord, and as is probably the - evangelist's wont, the prisoner and the fallen woman were not - forgotten in her petition to the throne of grace. - - Mrs. Wheaton was not inclined to talk about herself. "What has - been done by me," she said, "was done of the Lord--His be the - glory. I was called to this work thirteen years ago, and I walk - by His guidance. I have never asked and could not accept a - salary. I have never had a collection taken for me. It is a - wonderful thing how He has led me. Here are some of the railroad - passes that have been given me." - - And here she unrolled a leathern holder full of passes from all - the leading roads. Some were "Account of Missionary Work" and - some "Account of Christian Work." It is evident that she has - traveled this country over, and her ministrations have also - extended to the old world. - - Mrs. Wheaton again attended the services last night, and moved - all by her stirring words. Many could not repress the tears. Her - address was not anchored to a formal text, but was a strong - appeal, nevertheless, to the sinner to repent. The audience was - slow to pass out after the meeting, being anxious to meet the - speaker. - -The following from Bro. Snyder and his estimable wife who are my very -dear friends and whose home is always open to me when I am in -Baltimore, are very much prized. They explain themselves. Their work -for God and souls is very exceptional: - - During the winter of 1894, Mother Wheaton was conducting a - service at the state prison, when one of our men expressed his - desire that she should attend our services. This was my first - introduction to this noble child of God, and since then she - seldom comes East without visiting our church; we all love her, - but she rarely stays over a day at one time, as her work calls - her away. - - In 1898, we induced her to remain with us a week. At this meeting - hundreds of people attended and many souls were saved. One of - the wealthiest ladies of the church received her pentecost and is - now one of our best workers. During the day Mother Wheaton would - visit the outcast of the city. I recall a case of an old colored - woman that we found in a miserable hovel, dying without Christ; - how, after preparing the room and then praying to Father for the - body, she seemed to be brought back to life by the prayers of - God's saint that she might be led to Christ, and after she gave - her life to Him we administered the Lord's supper. Mother Wheaton - has always been a blessing, whenever she has come to my church; - good people are made better, bad people made good. - -[Illustration: CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, BALTIMORE, M. D.] - - The church was dedicated to God by "Mother Wheaton" before it was - finished; while the building was in course of erection she paid - us a short visit; with the moon shining through the open windows, - mortar, bricks, etc., around us, she was prompted to take the - church to God in prayer. I will never forget the scene. Thousands - have been saved and many sanctified. The work is still spreading. - - * * * * * - - Baltimore, Md., January 19, 1901. - - Dear Mother: Your kind letter to your children received today. - Began special meetings Wednesday night, the 16th. The three - nights have been blessed and owned of Father. Those in and out of - the church saved. Thirty-three at the altar. - - You were mentioned last night in the meeting. I told them they - could look for you to come in at any time, as I believe Father is - going to send you. Never in my ministry did I feel more in - harmony with the divine Spirit. As I am writing I am thinking of - our citizenship in heaven. What a time we will have! - - How I longed for you to shout with me Wednesday night over the - conversion of a man 60 years of age, who never knew Christ. I - could not sleep, but praised the Father all that night. He had - his wife and daughter with him in church last night. - - Mrs. Snyder joins me in much love to you and Sister Taylor. As - ever, - - Your son in the Gospel, - J. K. SNYDER. - - * * * * * - - Baltimore, Md., October 20, 1902. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your kind letter came today. Mrs. Snyder and Eddie often speak of - you; and once a day, at least, we pray for you. - - Yesterday several of the boys in the Sunday School formed a - committee, and without a word being spoken about you, came to me - and asked of you and wanted to know when they would have you with - us. - - Last week had fifteen born again; four last night. So you see - Father is still blessing your children. - - God bless you and keep you, is the prayer of your son, - - J. K. SNYDER. - - * * * * * - - 1737 North Broadway, Baltimore Md., June 23, 1903. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your long expected letter received. Our dear heavenly Father - continues to bless us at home and at the church, souls saved and - believers sanctified. Glory! The Blood covers our sins. - - Eddie was glad to know you had not forgotten him. He is a great - help in the church; your prayers are not in vain. We remain - - Your children, - J. K. SNYDER AND WIFE. - - * * * * * - - (From the Whosoever Will Rescue Mission.) - - New Orleans, La., May 24, 1897. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - We are getting along nicely at the Mission. The Lord is blessing - our work and many souls are being saved. We have started a branch - mission further downtown. We call it "No. 2." - - We will never forget you, dear mother; your visit did us so much - good. The boys at the Mission often talk of you and Sister - Kelley. We would like to have you visit us again soon, the Lord - willing. Mother and all send kindest regards. Wife sends love to - you both. Pray for us. I remain - - Your brother in Jesus, - J. H. HAAG. - - * * * * * - - (From the Mission Worker, New Orleans.) - - PRISON EVANGELIST. - - "Mother Wheaton," the noted prison evangelist, arrived in the - city on the evening of February 21, and spent several nights - during her stay. This sister in Israel has visited nearly all if - not quite every state prison in the United States and some in - foreign countries, preaching to their inmates the glad tidings of - great joy. She is a forcible speaker and very deeply in earnest. - Her visit to this city was a pleasant one and resulted in much - good to many. - - During her stay here Mother Wheaton has been kept very busy about - her Master's business. She has visited about all the prisons and - eleemosynary institutions in the city, singing, praying and - exhorting the inmates to a better life. She has been at the - Mission every night, and we have had some wonderful meetings. - Sister J. H. Haag has been her almost constant companion and the - two have done splendid work. On her way from the Mission this - Mother in Israel has several times stopped in at saloons, and - talked to all present about their soul's welfare. She is - intrepid--absolutely without fear--and well she may be for she - leans upon the Everlasting Arm. - - We do not know how long she will stay with us, but probably for - some days, as she now has several invitations on hand. She will - go when and where the Lord leads her. Our prayer is that she may - be made the instrument of winning many souls to Christ that her - crown in glory may be studded with precious jewels. She says of - herself that she "has no home but heaven." - - * * * * * - - (From Pacific Garden Mission.) - - Chicago, October 6, 1903. - - My Dear Sister Wheaton, God's Chosen One: - - How I praise my heavenly Father for your life and that I ever - knew you, and for your unselfish mercy to the poor and neglected - classes. May you long be spared to "gather them in from the - fields of sin" is the prayer of - - Your sister in Christ, - SARAH D. CLARK, - Pacific Garden Mission. - - - SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS. - -During the early years of my mission work I arrived one day alone in a -Southern city. Went to the postoffice and was reading my mail when a -good old man stepped up and inquired who I was and where I stopped. I -told him I had just arrived. He said, "Come home with me. My wife has -a room and a home for good women like you." I was praying for an open -door. Did not know where I was going to stay over night, but was sure -God had sent me to that place. I found them kind, hospitable people. -He was an old-fashioned Methodist preacher already superannuated, and -he has long since gone to his reward. He sent for the pastor of their -church and arranged for me to hold a meeting. I went at the request of -the pastor to visit an old lady who was sick; thought best to have an -open air meeting on the street and invite people to the church that -night. During the service on the street I noticed a very well dressed, -fine looking young man. When I closed he came to me and taking my -hand asked me to call at his store a few doors away. I did so and he -gave me a fountain pen and seemed unusually interested in what I had -said. - -The meeting that night was led by the Holy Spirit; souls were saved, -Christians quickened into new spiritual life and power, and sinners -awakened. Other services were held in several of the churches. God was -honored and the Holy Spirit held right-of-way. Often I would have -services in the white people's church till 9 p. m., then hurry to the -colored people's church and preach and sing and pray till 11 o'clock. -Then at 5 in the morning would meet again, at the Methodist church, -such crowds of worshipers--devout, humble seekers after God. I left -the city just as the meetings were at their height. In the next world -when we all assemble together I expect to see many who were converted -at that series of meetings. - - - CALLED TO THE MINISTRY. - -The young man who seemed so interested in that first street service -came to all the meetings. He was clearly converted and was called to -the ministry. For some time he was a successful soul winner, -manifesting a pure spirit and a godly life; but he afterwards became -discouraged and went into business to support his family. In a letter -from him in later years I received the following words: - - "At the time I got your postal I was in serious meditation on - spiritual affairs and was fully considering re-entering the - Gospel ministry. I know I was called of the Lord through His Holy - Spirit to preach His everlasting gospel. Praise His holy name! He - gave me the seal of His approval in the witness of His Spirit and - the fruit of my labor in the salvation of souls. I know this of a - truth from experience. You cannot imagine how I long, Oh, so - intensely, to be again filled with His Spirit and to enter upon - His work in the salvation of souls. - - Lovingly yours, - I. H. N." - - - A COLORED WOMAN SAVED AND PREACHING. - -In the year 1886 I was holding meetings in Houston, Texas. Was in a -colored people's church one day, and was much perplexed as to how to -reach the people's hearts. I wept before the Lord in prayer. I did not -know it then, but God was working, using my zeal and grief to help -save a soul. Finally a woman who came to scoff and ridicule was -converted. She received a call to preach after vowing that women were -never called to preach. Well, the years rolled by and one night in -Oklahoma City I saw the Salvation Army gathering in a tent. I went in -and was invited to read the Word and lead the meeting. I did so, and -as the services were about to close a colored woman arose and said she -wished to state that she was saved, and told how she was also called -to preach by the Spirit of the Lord through what I said in that -meeting in Houston, Texas, so long before. She labored for years as an -evangelist and so far as I know is still preaching. In her -evangelistic work she has labored successfully in many of the states. - -At one time she wrote of her conversion as follows: - - "When I was seeking life in the Lord, I did not want to eat for - two weeks, and had no appetite, but I prayed on and the change - came and I felt brand new. I loved everybody--white and colored. - I seemed to have on a white garment, and that death had fallen - beneath my feet and had no more dominion over me. It seemed that - I had seen the Lord and He told me to go in peace and sin no - more, and I was one more happy soul. I wanted to tell everybody - what the Lord had done for my soul." - - - STRIKING EXPERIENCES. - -Once while holding meetings in Wichita, Kansas, I was greatly -troubled. I knew not why. I could neither preach nor sing. I did not -know what was wrong. Suddenly a large man rose and rushed from the -room taking his wife and children with him. He told me afterward that -he came with the avowed purpose of killing another man who was there. -And they both came there with the intention of killing each other. - -At the same mission a man came running in and said that a young -railroad man across the street in the jail was dying, having taken -poison. I went to the jail where the young man was lying on the floor -and kneeling beside him, took his hand and for two hours pleaded with -God to spare his life and save his soul. And the Lord answered prayer. -The doctors were amazed and perplexed, as they could not understand -how the man could live, as all their efforts had seemed to be -fruitless. It was simply one of God's miracles. - - - SAVED BY A HYMN. - -Passing along the street one night in Louisville, Ky., I saw standing -in a doorway a group of well-dressed young ladies, also a lady much -older. I spoke to them and asked for a drink of water and some favor -to further the conversation. When once in doors I saw a piano, and -said, "Which one of you ladies will play a piece on the piano? I love -music so much." A little boy four years old came in. They asked him to -tell me what he intended to be when he grew up. He said, "A preacher. -I am going to see my mamma in Heaven." He was their sister's boy. He -sang for me while one of his aunts played the piano. In his sweet, -lisping voice he sang, "I never will cease to love Him." I was -impressed to ask him to come to the mission where I was going to -preach that night, and sing that piece, and have the aunt play the -organ. Both consented to go with me and when I asked him the little -boy came on the platform and sang beautifully. His father had heard -of my desire to have the child sing, and had straggled into the -mission under the influence of strong drink. He was so convicted and -heart-broken he wept, and that four-year-old boy walked from the -platform down the aisle to that lonely, heart-sick father, who then -and there gave himself up to God, and was saved before he left the -hall, through the singing of a hymn! - - * * * * * - - God _will_ forgive each penitent whate'er his sin may be, - Whose heart is overflowing with _love_ for bond and free. - Oh, listen! brother, listen--'tis Jehovah's plan-- - And a _time is fixed_ to right the wrongs of Man.... - - --_Prison Poetry._ - -[Illustration: ARTHUR C. HOFFMAN, NEPHEW OF E. R. W., SITTING ON FRONT -OF ENGINE.] - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - Preaching the Gospel on Railway Trains. - - -The young man on the front of the engine in the foregoing illustration -was my sister's son. I give here an extract from the account of his -death June 7, 1890, as published at the time in the daily of -Huntington, Ind., where it occurred: - - - KILLED BY CARS. - - A. C. Hoffman, a switchman in the Chicago & Atlantic yards, was - run over and killed this morning. - - He was employed at night and about 5 o'clock this morning went to - the coal dock to run down two cars that had been unloaded there. - The track is very much inclined leading from the dock and it - requires that brakes be set very tight. When the cars started - down the track Hoffman ran from the rear end to the front of the - head car to set the brake, but in doing so stubbed his toe and - fell from the car to the middle of the track beneath. The car was - running rapidly and no sooner did he strike the track than a - brake beam of the car struck his right leg near the hip, - fracturing the bones and bruising it otherwise. That threw him - over and the flange of a wheel struck the lower part of his back, - tearing the flesh all off clear to his backbone, exposing it to - sight. - - Hoffman was picked up and taken to the Arlington house, where he - boarded, and Dr. L. Severance, the railroad surgeon summoned. He - did all in his power to make the injured man easy and alleviate - his pain, but it was out of the reach of medical skill to save - his life and at about 10 o'clock he died in awful agony. - - Hoffman's mother and brother live in Lincoln, Neb., where the - latter is a physician. He also has a sister in Elkhart county, - this state, all of whom have been telegraphed the sad news. - - He was a good switchman and more than ordinarily intelligent. - - It is a most distressing accident. The young man was here among - strangers and died surrounded by the friends of so short an - acquaintance but who did everything within human power to save - him or make his end one of peace. His injuries were fatal though - and nothing short of death would relieve him. - -"ALL ABOARD!" So shout the railroad men, year in and year out, daily, -hourly, their cry is to get on board the train. I often think if we -preachers and mission workers were as faithful in _our_ work to get -people on board the old ship Zion, how many to-day would be en route -for Heaven who are on the broad-gauge rapid transit to the bottomless -pit of destruction. Will we not arise and shine for God as we have -never done before? - -Over fifty years ago when I was a small child, I stood at a -flag-station waiting for the train. I was to go alone ON MY FIRST TRIP -by this wonderful mode of travel. It was just the grandest thing to -know I was really to ride on a railroad train--only four miles, yet I -often think of it after these twenty years of constant travel. Have I -ever had such a remarkable experience, going alone, too, and as there -was no station or ticket office, I was obliged to pay my fare on the -train. I had a silver 25-cent piece, and I sat down in the first empty -seat I came to and waited to see what next! Along came a tall man in -uniform and asked where I was going. I told him and handed him my -money. I remember yet how kindly that conductor looked at me, -hesitated a little and then handed me back my quarter, and let me ride -those four miles free. I have never forgotten that act of kindness on -the railroad, and during my pilgrimage I have been shown much kindness -by the railroad officials. - -My work among railroad men has been greatly owned and blessed of the -Lord. Many of them saying, "You are the only preacher that ever speaks -to us about our soul's salvation." They often say I remind them of -their mothers who were good Christians. - -The following by a railroad man will be of interest and profit to -all, and will doubtless have more weight with his class than anything -I could say here: - - - TO RAILROAD MEN. - - BY ONE OF THEM. - - Dear Boys: One time in my life these words came to me: "_Where - will you spend eternity?_" Then and there I turned my back on sin - and "set my face like a flint" toward God and heaven, and cried - to God for Jesus' sake to forgive me; and near the hour of - midnight while kneeling at my bedside I received the witness of - the Spirit that I was saved. Then and there I was "born again" - into newness of life. I was changed from a man of sin to a child - of God, and since then such wonderful joy and peace fills my soul - every minute of the time that I want to tell all of you about it. - - Brother, isn't there in your breast at times an awful aching - void? Aren't there times when after trying every pleasure and - amusement the world affords, you just quietly sit down all alone - before God, and realize that it is all in vain? These things - don't satisfy; and there down deep in your heart is a longing - that is never satisfied, a hungering for something that will give - you complete joy and peace, and soul rest. Brother, there is only - one thing that will give you this complete rest, and satisfy - every longing of your heart, and that is salvation from sin. - Jesus died on the cross that you might be free from sin and live - through all the ages of eternity with Him in heaven. "If we - forsake our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and - cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If we do the forsaking He - will do the forgiving, and then through His atoning blood we - become new creatures, and after we have received the clear - witness that we are adopted into the family of God and can truly - call Him Father, if we feel angry at times or have some desire - for the world and the things of it, we can come to Him again and - completely abandon ourselves to Him, our will, our life, our - desires, our time, our talents to be used for His glory, then He - will baptize us with the Holy Ghost and power so that it becomes - a pleasure to do right and all evil becomes distasteful to us. By - the power of the Holy Ghost He cleanses our hearts, and the - Comforter which is the Holy Ghost takes up His abode in us, - sanctifying us, causing us to live pure, holy lives. We railroad - men whose lives are in danger at all times should be prepared to - meet God, for one minute we are here and the next we may be - standing at the judgment bar of God to answer for deeds done here - on earth. Dear reader, are you prepared to do that? If not, make - this the time that you will settle this forever by giving your - heart to God, then if this little flame of life is snuffed out - you will be borne on angel's wings onward and upward through the - gates of pearl, over the golden paved streets of the New - Jerusalem up to the great white throne where you will see Jesus - in all His glory and majesty and hear Him say to you, "Well done, - enter thou into the joy of the Lord." - - Let me tell you, brother, when the Lord saved me and gave me such - sweet joy and peace I told Him that I would never use beer or - tobacco in any form, for I knew it was displeasing to Him, for He - says, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy - Ghost which is in you?" (1 Cor. 6:19). "If any man defile the - temple of God, him shall God destroy" (1 Cor. 3:17). "Cleanse - ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" (2 Cor. - 7:1). - - And, brother, perhaps you are a slave to tobacco. Many times you - have felt that it was a dirty, useless, expensive habit, and you - get thoroughly disgusted with it, and perhaps you quit it for a - short time, and then how surprised and disgusted you feel because - you find what an awful hold it has got on you. It is worse than a - spell of sickness to try and quit it, and you soon take it up - again, realizing as you do so that you are harboring something - that is stronger than you are, appetite; and although you are a - strong, robust man you have to admit that it is your master. And - when you go home to meet your mother, wife, sister, you notice - them shrink away from the breath made foul by the poisonous - tobacco. And the times that it almost destroys the taste for - anything else, and you use all the more of it till the - disagreeable "heartburn" warns you that the deadly poisonous - nicotine is eating away at the lining of your stomach, and you - are more disgusted than ever, but you can't quit without - torturing yourself. - - Oh, how I loved my beer, plug of tobacco and pipe before I was - saved, but I quit them all--drinking, chewing, smoking, swearing - and all immoral habits, and I would have died before I would have - indulged in any one of them in the least; but the _desire_ was - still there; at times I wanted them. And seven days after I was - saved I was convicted for sanctification or a clean heart. There - were some Holy Ghost Christian people who told me there was a - place I could get in the higher or complete Christian life where - God through Jesus' blood shed without the gate (Heb. 13:12) would - cleanse my heart from everything that was displeasing to Him, and - would so fill it with love and the power of the Holy Ghost that I - would be _completely delivered from all desires that were wrong_, - from anger, malice, pride, love of the world, lust, jealousy, - etc., and take away the appetite for beer and tobacco. I found - God's Word taught it, and believed He was "strong to deliver," - and that it was God's will, even my sanctification (1 Thes. 4:3). - - And I cried to God to give me "a clean heart, and a right - spirit," and he answered my prayer. It was done instantly. I - arose from my knees with a sweet sense of complete deliverance, - and such joy and perfect peace filled my whole being that I - couldn't praise Jesus enough for it. From that moment I have not - had the least desire for those things any more than if I never - had tasted them, and the very smell of beer or tobacco makes me - sick. This is a wonderful, grand deliverance. Now I am as free as - the very air--saved, sanctified, and sweetly kept by the power of - God. - - Brother, this is for you if you are willing to give up the - foolishness of the world for Christ. The joy that we have in one - hour in the service of the Lord is far greater than all the - pleasure the world can give in a lifetime. This power of the Holy - Ghost within us, this abiding Comforter fills us with glad - sunshine all the time, and there is constantly a power like "a - wall of fire round about us" warding off all evil. - - Oh, it's glorious and grows better and brighter each day. - - "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! - Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! - Heir of salvation, purchased of God, - Born of His spirit, washed in His blood." - - Your fellow brakesman, in Jesus' name, - M. L. ODELL. - Cincinnati, Ohio. - - TRANSPORTATION. - -People sometimes ask me how I am able to get transportation on the -railroads. Well, in a few words, it is because I pray to the Lord to -have the way open to whatever place He wants me to go, and the -railroad men know me and of my work for suffering humanity, and are -glad to help me in it. - - - A KIND CONDUCTOR. - -On July 17, 1903, I was on my way from Washington, D. C., on an -important journey, and the conductor told me the train I was on did -not stop at Sherwood, and I wanted to know where I should stop to get -another train that would stop there. He told me at Defiance, and when -we reached there I got off the train. Just then the conductor looked -out and called for a porter to "put that lady back on the train." I -was bewildered at this. He again called "put that lady back on the -train." I said, "Isn't this Defiance?" "Yes, but I shall put you off -at Sherwood." Who told that conductor to telegraph to headquarters to -get a permit to stop the train for me? God did it! That conductor will -never know how much his act strengthened my faith in God. Dear reader, -do you ever think of the hardships and dangers through which these -railroad men must pass? We put ourselves in their care without praying -for them. I seldom enter a train without praying God to protect the -railroad men and passengers, and give them His blessing. He does hear -and answer prayer. How often the dear Lord has heard my cries for the -safety of the trains! - -Some of my - - - MOST INTERESTING GOSPEL SERVICES - -have been held on railway trains. As I was once leaving Chicago over -the C. & R. I. R. R. at night, a request was made that I should sing -for the passengers. I was conversing with Mrs. Colonel Clark of the -Pacific Garden Mission, Chicago. As she was to soon leave the train I -said I would sing when she had gone. I sang some hymns, and then a -gentleman requested that I should ask all in the car who were -Christians to raise their hands. I did so and quite a number responded -to this, and he then asked all who had raised their hands to give a -word of testimony. He was the first one to speak and said, "I am a -Christian. The last thing before I left my home for Chicago was to -gather my wife and four little children around me and commit them to -God's care and ask for my safe return. I have for years been a stock -dealer and frequently come to Chicago. There is a young man in our -neighborhood who is also a dealer in stock, but being unacquainted -with the ways of the city, he did not like to go alone and as I was a -Christian came with me. When there is an opportunity like this given, -if I did not honor God and show my colors this young man could have no -confidence in me. I speak for his special benefit." He closed with an -exhortation to the unsaved to prepare to meet God and requested me to -sing again. Then one after another arose and spoke. It reminded one of -AN OLD-FASHIONED METHODIST CLASS MEETING. Prayer, testimonies and -singing continued till after midnight. The young stock dealer and -others were saved. Toward morning I fell into a sound sleep. I do not -know how long I slept, but when I awoke the sun was high and our car -was standing alone on the track. A lady passenger spoke to me saying, -"How could you sleep during that wreck?" "What! has anything -happened?" I said. "Yes, a wreck," she replied. The engine and other -cars were gone and they were clearing up the wreck. I heard from that -meeting years afterwards. - -One night a meeting was held in the open air for the special benefit -of railroad men. I asked all who wanted to be saved to raise their -hands; then said, "Will you not give your hearts to God now?" One year -from that time while in meeting a man arose and said that he was in -the crowd that night, and raised his hand, and then at once looked to -God and was saved then and there. - - - TRAIN SAVED FROM WRECK IN ANSWER TO PRAYER. - -The Lord has often made known to me when the train was in danger. I -could see the plots laid by wicked men to wreck the train, and when I -have prayed, He, in answer to prayer, has delivered us from harm and -death. He says: "The very hairs of your head are all numbered," and "I -will never leave thee nor forsake thee." - -At one time I had been in old Mexico and changing cars at El Paso, -Texas, I found a heavy trainload of passengers on the way east. I was -impressed all night of impending peril. I could not sleep, and walked -the floor of the car in silent prayer. I went to the young sister with -me and said, "The train is in great danger, and something will happen -unless the Lord delivers us. The text comes to me so forcibly, 'What, -could ye not watch with me one hour?' Watch and pray!" That night six -train-robbers had determined to wreck and rob the train. They had -stolen six horses and gone to a lonely place uninhabited for miles -about. They bound and gagged the section foreman and his men, then -took the switch-key and threw the switch to wreck the train. When they -saw the train passing on they tried to hail it with their lanterns, -but by some mysterious power of God their lights were put out, so that -the engineer did not see them. Then they tried to board the train but -were unable to succeed. It was a most remarkable occurrence. They -either did not open the switch properly and the train set it back to -its place, or the hand of God closed the switch. The newspapers -published quite an account of this incident, from which source the -above concerning the robbers was obtained, as they were caught and -made confession. - - - A TRAIN IN DANGER. - -In July, 1889, I was on my way from St. Joseph, Missouri, to St. -Louis, having with me a man and his wife. About 1 o'clock in the -morning I awoke with awful fear upon me of some impending danger. I -told my friends that we must pray for God to save the train, and that -no power but God's could avert the coming disaster, whatever it might -be. Still the horror as of death was upon me, and later in the night -the train suddenly stopped. The train men ran out with their lanterns -and found that the engine had become uncoupled from the cars and just -in front of the engine was a pile of iron. The iron rails of the track -were set so that a wreck would have been the result if God had not -interposed. God thwarted the well-laid plans that had been made to -wreck and rob the train. This was in a lonely place where no help was -near, and the robbers would have the best of chances to rob the train. -On our return west a similar terror came upon me and I said, "Pray for -this train, or something will happen to it before we reach St. Joe." I -was terrified all day. Just as the train stopped at the depot our car -was wrecked. The front wheels of the car were turned around crosswise -of the track, tearing up the planks, rails and earth. Such a queer -looking wreck, and apparently no reason for it! Yet we had been -brought in safety to our journey's end and no one was injured. - - - IMPRESSED TO LEAVE THE TRAIN. - -At another time after preaching at Canon City prison in Colorado, we -had our baggage checked to Leadville in the same state. We held -meetings on the train and some were moved to tears. When the engine -whistled for Salida a dreadful feeling of fear and terror overtook me. -Something seemed to say to me, "_Get off the train_." I felt it was a -command from the Lord. I told the friends who were with me what the -words of the Lord were, and said that we must leave the train. We -hurriedly left the train without waiting for another warning. I looked -after the train as it moved away and said, "I wonder why I had to -leave that train. Perhaps not till the judgment will I know." We went -on the street and held an open air meeting, and some one invited us to -hold a service that night in a church. We did so, and God poured out -his Spirit on the people. After the meeting we went out and visited -the saloons, and spoke to many about their souls. At about 11 o'clock -at night we returned to the depot and I asked the agent what time the -next train would leave for Leadville. He said, "I don't know. The -train you got off from was terribly wrecked twelve miles up the road. -The east-bound train crashed into it, and I have sent out two wrecking -trains already." I told him of my presentiment of danger, and how God -had impressed me to leave that train. He asked me to come into the -office and explain my impressions and talk to him. We did so, and -about 3 o'clock in the morning the wrecked train backed down to the -depot where we were waiting and we again got aboard. I told the -passengers as they looked at me as I came into the car, "The Lord -warned me of the danger and impressed me to get off the train." I have -taken the Lord as my guide all these years and He has never forsaken -me. - - - A TELEGRAM RECEIVED. - -Waiting for a train where I changed cars I was invited to sit in the -ticket office, as the waiting room was uncomfortable. I was writing at -the agent's desk when he handed me a telegram, saying, "I think this -is intended for you, Mother." It was an announcement of the death of -one of my brothers, and was being sent to another town, having to be -transferred here, and the agent seeing my name handed it to me. I -could see the hand of God in this. - - - HELPED TO CARE FOR WOUNDED MAN. - -Once on my way from Burlington to Ft. Madison, Ia., I told the -conductor I was impressed to go on that special train. When we were -about a mile out of the city, the engine accidentally struck a man and -hurt him badly. The man was put into the baggage car and as there were -no seats, I stood behind him and held his head, and after we had gone -twelve miles, warm water was secured and I washed the blood from his -head and cared for him until we arrived at the station, when they took -him to the jail, there being no other place for him, and there I -helped the doctor dress his wounds. Then I knew why I was impressed to -go on that train. - - - CONDUCTOR'S GOD BLESS YOU. - -Once the conductor on a train said to me so kindly, as he assisted me -from the train, "God bless you; let your good work go on. I gave the -tracts you gave me to the trainmen--they needed them." How this -cheered me, for I had tried to preach to them on the train, and I -feared the scoffs or reproof of the railroad officials. How I do long -to help and encourage the railroad men--they are so loyal and -faithful, and have so much to contend with in their work. "Be not -overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." - - - A WOMAN'S FAITH ENCOURAGED. - -On the way from Philadelphia to New York I was one day led to pass -quietly through the car giving out tracts. After seating myself, a -lady came and asked if she might speak with me about the work I was -doing. She said, "If I only knew God could and would heal a person -whose mind was shattered, I would give all that I possess. I am -troubled about my daughter's grieving over the death of her husband." -I told her God never fails to perform his miracles when we fully -believe and accept God's way of healing the body and soul. She seemed -much blessed and encouraged and kindly invited me to her home. "As ye -go, preach." How glad she was to find some one who would tell her -about salvation. She was a wealthy lady, as I afterward learned. We -became fast friends and she learned of healing in answer to "the -prayer of faith." - - - RIDING IN PARLOR CAR. - -Leaving the Indian School in Indian Territory on one of the coldest -mornings I ever experienced, myself and sisters were driven by two -young Indian boys to a flag station. We were wrapped in warm blankets -and hurried to the railroad. We were in danger of freezing, as the -train was long delayed on account of the blizzard and snow drifts, and -we sought the only place of shelter--a freight car in which the -section foreman and his wife lived, where we shivered with the cold -until the train came in sight. - -We were compelled to stop in the parlor car (a luxury that I never -indulge in) as platforms of the other cars were too icy to pass from -one car to another while the train was in motion. We were much -blessed, and I began singing, and praising the Lord. When the train -came to a station, we arose to go into the other car, but a gentleman -passenger called to the conductor and said: "How much is the fare for -these ladies to remain in this car?" He and his companion paid the -amount required and we were permitted to ride in the parlor car to -Topeka, Kansas. - -My soul was so blessed that I felt I must go into the other cars and -hold services. We were invited to go to the diner with friends. When -we arrived at the station where dinner was served, one after another -of the passengers handed me some money. When we came in from dinner I -knelt down in the car, and was praying in silence, thanking God for -what He had given us, when I felt someone crush some paper in my -hands. I looked to see what it was and found it was a ten dollar bill, -given by the two gentlemen who had paid our fare in the parlor car. Of -course I was greatly surprised, and as Sister Taylor was kneeling by -my side, I said, "Sister, this must be in answer to your prayer. Did -you pray for money?" She said "Yes, I prayed for hours last night." I -said, "Why you should have been praying for souls." She answered, "I -knew you needed money, and no one was giving it to you." Thus God -hears and answers prayers and provides for the needs of his little -ones. - -I give below a letter received from one of the gentlemen who gave us -the ten dollars who was a prominent business man in Pittsburg, -Pennsylvania: - - Pittsburg, Pa., March 25, 1899. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Tabor, Iowa. - - My Dear Madam: Your card of the 18th duly received and I was glad - to hear from you and to have your good wishes, but was especially - grateful for your prayers, for I believe in prayer. Do you - realize how much a busy man needs the prayers of God's people? - - Brother M., my companion whom you met last fall in Indian - Territory, is well and I know will be glad to hear from you. I - will see him next week, D. V. - - If you pass through our city on your trip East, and I know of it, - would gladly call upon you. - - With best wishes for your welfare, and Mrs. Taylor's, too, I am, - - Very truly your friend, - T. M. N. - -The following brief extract is from a report of a service on the train -as we were in company with a number of delegates on their way to the -Convocation of Prayer at Baltimore, in January, 1903: - - We left Indianapolis at 3:05 p. m., Monday. After we started - Mother Wheaton, who was with us, started up a song, then went to - the front of the car, and standing in the aisle she began - preaching to the people. She moved down the aisle still - preaching, taking about ten minutes to come through the car. This - she did several times, then went through the dining and palace - cars. As she told of her prison work, how God could save - criminals, we could see tears come into the eyes of the - passengers. A U. S. marshal sitting near us became much affected, - and made inquiry of Brother S. B. Shaw who the woman was, and - said he knew what she said was true, and said he desired to be - saved. A wealthy Mexican on the train, whose wife had recently - died while he was on a trip to Europe, was also brought under - conviction, and would have Sister Wheaton take dinner in the - dining car; also had Sisters Wheaton and Shaw take a berth in the - sleeper at his expense. I must not forget to tell you that - Brother Shaw gave us an excellent talk standing in the aisle of - the car. - - - FAVOR THE R. R. CO. - -I sometimes have an opportunity to do a kindness for the R. R. Co., in -return for the many favors they do for me. At one time I reached the -railroad station at Fort Worth, Texas, before my train arrived. While -we were waiting for a Santa Fe train, an old lady who was evidently -not in her right mind and who had been sent by friends to go alone to -other friends who lived at a distance, of her own accord tried to -climb over one train to get to another and was injured. The injury was -caused by her own mental condition and through no fault of the -railroad men. - -Before she left us, I wrote a little message of love and put it into -her hand bag with my name and address on it. In a few days I received -the following letter from her attorneys. - - Fort Worth, Tex., November 21, 1898. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Tabor, Iowa. - - Dear Madam: We conclude from a kind and sympathetic letter you - wrote to Mrs. Harper, the old lady who fell from the platform at - the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway depot at Fort Worth, Tex., - on Friday night, the 11th day of November, that you likely saw - the old lady fall. And perhaps you can tell us how she came to - fall and who else saw her when she fell. Mrs. Harper has employed - us to sue the railroad company for said injuries. She claims that - she walked off of the platform where there were no railings and - fell between two freight cars left standing on the track, left so - far apart that she could see the railroad car she wanted to board - between said opening so left. Will you please write us all you - know about the matter, and who else saw it, if any one, and where - such person or persons live if you know. By doing so you will - greatly oblige, - - Yours truly, - WYNNE, MCCART & BOWLIN. - -In reply I assured them that it would be utterly unjust to bring suit -against the railroad company--giving them the facts as far and as -fully as I knew them. I learned later that this ended the contemplated -suit. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - Street and Open Air Work. - - - THE MASTER'S QUESTIONS. - - Have ye looked for my sheep in the desert, - For those who have missed their way? - Have ye been in the wild waste places, - Where the lost and wandering stray? - Have ye trodden the lonely highway, - The foul and the darksome street? - It may be ye'd see in the gloaming - The print of My wounded feet. - - Have ye wept with the broken-hearted - In their agony of woe? - Ye might hear Me whispering beside you - "'Tis the pathway I often go!" - My brethren, My friends, My disciples, - Can ye dare to follow me? - Then, wherever the Master dwelleth, - There shall the servant be! - -Many are the shocking sights and sad experiences I have witnessed in -street and slum work. I have endured hardships and privations, -suffered arrests and ridicule, and faced many dangers. But withal, the -glorious victories have been many and precious souls have been saved: - -I might give copies of many permits to hold open air services received -in the earlier years of my labors, but perhaps these would not be of -interest or profit, so I give only a few. - - - PERMIT TO PREACH ON BOSTON COMMON. - - CITY OF BOSTON, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. - - Under Chapter 42, Section 11, of the Revised Ordinances, - permission is hereby granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, to - conduct preaching service on the Common on Sunday, October 27, - 1889, subject to the directions of the Superintendent of the - Common, who will assign a location. - - THOMAS NAST, Mayor. - - October 22, 1889. - - * * * * * - - STATE OF LOUISIANA, MAYORALTY OF NEW ORLEANS. - - City Hall, 11th day of December, 1886. - - Permission granted to Elizabeth Wheaton and Agnes Hill to preach - the gospel at such localities within the city of New Orleans as - they may select; provided that in so doing they are careful not - to interfere with the private rights of individuals or those of - corporations granted them under municipal ordinances or the - statutes of this state. By order of the Mayor. - - E. L. BOWER, Chief Clerk. - - * * * * * - - MAYOR'S OFFICE. - - Jacksonville, Fla., December 29, 1886. - - Permission is hereby granted E. Wheaton and associates to preach - the gospel within the city limits at such places as they may - select; provided the streets and sidewalks are not obstructed and - the rights of private property are not disturbed and there is no - violation of City ordinances or statutes of the State. - - P. MCQUAID, Mayor. - - * * * * * - - Galveston, Tex., Jan. 20, 1888. - - To Whom It May Concern: - - Permission is hereby granted to the bearer to hold religious - services on the streets anywhere within the corporate limits of - the city of Galveston, and the police authorities will lend such - protection as is necessary to enforce order at such meetings. - - R. L. FULTON, Mayor of Galveston. - - * * * * * - - Office of Chief of Police, - Denver, Colo., June 23, 1888. - - To any Police Officer: - - This woman has permission from the Mayor to hold services on the - street. - - M. HENNY, Chief of Police. - - * * * * * - - Sacramento, Cal., Aug. 24, 1888. - - Permission is hereby granted E. Wheaton and associates to preach - the gospel within the city limits at such places as they may - select, provided the streets and sidewalks are not obstructed and - rights of private property are not disturbed, and if not in - conflict or violation of the city ordinances. - - EUGENE J. GREGORY, Mayor. - - - FROM MISS JOSEPHINE COWGILL. - - Some Years a Missionary in Jerusalem. - -The following is contributed by a dear sister who has spent some years -as a missionary in Jerusalem, Palestine, and may be known to many of -our readers: - -[Illustration: MISS JOSEPHINE COWGILL.] - - Many years ago, while engaged in missionary work in the city of - New Orleans, La., I was one evening attracted by a large - gathering of people. In the midst was a woman kneeling on the - ground engaged in most earnest prayer. Many in the company were - of the worst class of people, yet they were quietly listening and - looking on with amazement. We were not accustomed to any one - praying on the streets in that manner. This was the first time I - had the privilege of meeting dear Sister E. R. Wheaton. I can - never forget the impressions made upon myself and others by her - prayers, exhortations and songs that evening. Standing near me in - that company was a woman who had charge of one of the worst - houses of prostitution in the city. Trembling and weeping she - said to me "I never heard anything like that before. That woman - makes me feel that I am an awful sinner, and yet she loves me." - That poor woman went to her house, sent for a Bible and read it - and spent the night in bitter repenting for her sins. She was - gloriously converted and then called her household together and - told them her experience and how the Lord had pardoned her sins - and made her happy in His love. She then exhorted them to - commence a new life; but if they would not, then they must leave - her house. - - While in New Orleans, Sister Wheaton and those in company with - her were busily and successfully engaged in mission work among - prisoners and others of the worst class. Some years afterward she - again visited that city and the Lord greatly blessed her work. - One night, on a store-box in front of a saloon, she preached to a - large crowd. The saloonkeeper became very uneasy and called a - policeman to "take her away." He came, but found it quite hard - work to get her down and to another place. The people wanted to - hear her. She sang a song, the chorus of which was, in part: - - "If to Jesus you are true, - There's a glory waits for you, - In the beautiful, the glad forever." - - Then with clasped hands she stood quietly gazing upward, with - tears rolling down her cheeks. Then with much feeling she said: - "I am homesick for heaven." I can never forget how those words - impressed me and others at that time. - - Some years after I again met Sister Wheaton in Los Angeles, - California, where her work was like it had been in New Orleans. - At one time, when she had kindly offered me the privilege of - going with her to some other points, I made inquiry about how I - should take my trunk. She replied: "Sister Josephine, pilgrims - for God do not need a trunk. One valise is enough." Many times I - have thought of that reply and the good it did me. I have never - known of a more earnest and self-sacrificing Christian worker - than Sister Wheaton. The results of her labors as she has gone - forth "weeping and bearing precious seeds," cannot be fully - known until with rejoicing she comes "bringing sheaves with her." - In loving remembrance of her, I am, - - Yours in His blessed service. - - JOSEPHINE COWGILL. - - Haifo, Palestine. - - - MY FIRST STREET MEETING. - -My first street meeting was in Washington, D. C., near the old -postoffice. I had spent the day in the jail, alms-house and hospitals. -I was then a stranger in the city. Some one asked me to go to a hall -where there was a little mission. We did so, and found they had gone -to the open air meeting. When we arrived the meeting was in progress, -one after another stepping out to testify or sing. No opportunity was -offered me to take any part in the meeting, as no woman was allowed to -testify. I looked to God in silent prayer to open some way for me to -speak to the people. At the close of their service I spoke, saying, -"The Lord has sent me with a message for you dear people, and now the -friends have closed their meeting and we will not detain them, as they -doubtless have other engagements." I began to sing and God filled my -soul with glory. The needs of those poor hungry souls rose before me, -as I sang and prayed, and the message of love came welling up in my -soul. I spoke to them of righteousness, the coming Judgment and -eternity. I had held meetings in many of the principal cities of -America, some in Europe and other countries. But that night God -anointed me for street preaching and for work in slums, dives and -saloons. - -Closing the meeting, I thought of being alone on the street at night -with scarcely any money and not knowing my way back to my lodging -place. I said, "Oh, Lord, you know all about it." Walking along I came -to the mission and stepping in I took a seat near the door. While I -sat praying, a brother rose and told the circumstances of the street -meeting I had held, and that one of the worst men in the city had been -converted through its instrumentality. The man had told the brother -that God had saved him and he was going home to write eight letters to -his people, some of them in this and some in the old country, to tell -them what great things God had done for him. God knew I was there and -sent the message to encourage me. After the service in the hall had -closed a young lady who proved to be the daughter of the landlady -where I had been staying, came to me and walked to her home with me. I -could not have found my way alone, not having their number, but God -cared for me. - -Some extracts are given from reports of the work which were published -at different points during the first few years of my labors: - - - CONVERTED TO CHRIST. - - THE CASE OF THE UNFORTUNATE WOMAN--CARD FROM MR. M. - - Editor Hawk-Eye: Last evening at about seven o'clock Mrs. - Wheaton, the prison evangelist, and another lady of the - evangelists and myself held a meeting on the levee. Mrs. Wheaton, - who spoke on the future consequence of sin with unusual - earnestness, had the effect of breaking down Mrs. A. into tears. - Mrs. Wheaton went up to her and spoke to her. In a few moments - the unfortunate woman broke into ecstasies of joy and commenced - to leap around in a circle. For ten minutes she kept up praising - God and leaping, when suddenly she leaped through the great crowd - around, some now being horrified, who, like many poor, - unfortunate people, never saw a sudden conversion. She ran up - Jefferson street, where she was arrested and locked up. - - Had the woman been rich or popular she would have been kindly - treated, but being one of the unfortunate women of our city she - was locked up in an unclean, old filthy cell, with a bunk for a - bed. The police were informed that the woman was converted and a - lady offered to take her home last night. But they kept her in - that terrible cell with inmates in adjoining cells using obscene - language. It is a sin and disgrace for the city fathers to - continue to have women locked up with men in the same line of - cells with such a horrifying stench and wooden bunks. The city - police are guilty of an outrageous act in confining the woman in - such a cell, when they ought to have given her better quarters, - as they had the opportunity. This morning she was brought out - before the police court; the woman still testified that she had - salvation before that court and crowd of people. But good came - out of it all as she witnessed a grand confession to the police - court and people who never heard the gospel. She was, by the - consent of Captain S., taken to Mrs. H.'s and is doing well and - is converted. Last evening's _Gazette_ stated that the woman went - crazy by attending the street meetings and would be examined - before the board of commissioners of insanity, which is every - word of it untrue. The woman is sane and was not before any - board. - - A. H. MERTZ, in Burlington _Hawk-Eye_, Jan. 19, 1887. - - - A WONDERFUL CONVERSION. - -In San Francisco a drunken girl came to my meeting on the street so -desperate and dangerous that even the police at times seemed afraid of -her. She seemed to be a veritable Magdalene. I was impressed with the -words, "Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie -buried that grace can restore." How could it be done? I dealt -faithfully with her and went away, returning to the city ten months -later. She came again to my meetings, once very drunk as she usually -was. I talked to her about her need of salvation and she was finally -convicted. She waited at the close of the meeting to speak with me, -but at first would not yield to God. Finally she sobered up and was -wonderfully converted. I took her to my room and cared for her, and as -she was a desperate character, and liable to do injury both to life -and property, the Rescue Home at San Francisco refused to take her, -so I took all the risks myself and took her to Helena, Montana, and -left her at the Rescue Home at that place. - -The following is an account of work in Seattle soon after this as -reported by a paper of that city: - - - THE PRISON EVANGELIST. - - MRS. ELIZABETH R. WHEATON CARRYING FORWARD HER MISSION - IN SEATTLE. - - About three o'clock yesterday afternoon two women, one quite - elderly and the other about 25 years of age, whose dress and - demeanor bespoke them to be missionaries, walked into the - sheriff's office and asked Jailer Leckie if they might hold a - short religious service in the county jail. The urbane jailor - replied that he thought "a little prayin' wouldn't do them coves - any harm," but they were eating and couldn't be interrupted for - ten or fifteen minutes. - - "Then we'll wait," said Mrs. Wheaton, laying her black shawl - aside and taking a seat, in which she was followed by her sister - evangelist. - - "Perhaps you would like to know who we are," said the elder of - the two women to a reporter who happened to be present. "Here is - my card," and she handed over a small piece of pasteboard on - which was printed with a rubber stamp, "Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - Prison Evangelist. Jesus is Coming Soon; Prepare to Meet Thy - God." - - "That will tell who I am," continued the evangelist.... - "Criminals and fallen women are the ones I try to reach. I would - rather try to save a murderer or fallen woman than your smooth, - respectable hypocrites, every time. Mary and I have just come - through from san Francisco." * * * - - At this moment Jailer Leckie announced that the prisoners were - through eating, and the two women went below to pray with them. - The younger woman held back, saying that she was afraid some of - her old associates might be there, but she was urged on by her - protector and a few minutes later the words of "Nearer My God to - Thee," from two female voices, came floating through the prison - bars. The prisoners gave them respectful hearing, and one or two - seemed to be affected by the earnest words of counsel that fell - from the lips of the evangelist. Later in the evening they held - street services for the benefit of the workingmen near the Armory - and relief tents. - - - BECAME A PREACHER. - -One of the worst women I ever knew was converted in the spring of 1885 -on the streets of Kansas City, Mo., where I was holding meetings. She -came to the meeting to abuse and ridicule me. She heard my voice, she -said, two blocks away, and became convicted. She came to where I was -standing on a box preaching. I asked if there was any one there who -would seek God and live a Christian life. I said if there was one -such, let them come and kneel with me by the box and I would pray for -them. She knelt there and cried mightily to God for mercy. But she -went away unsaved and prayed and wept day and night. She could neither -eat nor sleep. She saw herself a lost sinner. Her father had been a -minister of the Gospel, but had died when she was very young. She had -drifted to this wicked city in search of work, and you may know the -rest. For it is but the story of many a poor orphan girl in her -struggle for bread. She fell as thousands fall with none to pity or -care. She was driven from one sin to another, until at last disgraced -and filled with shame, she had tried twelve times to take her own -life. Thus I found her a miserable woman. She came again to the -meeting, this time alone, and was gloriously saved, and is still saved -so far as I know. She became a successful preacher of righteousness, -for she knew how to reach such as she had been. She became a terror to -evil doers, brave in danger, and hopeful before discouraging -obstacles. She has since told me she has saved many young girls' lives -and characters by taking them in and giving them food and shelter -when every other door except brothels and saloons was closed against -them. Bless God for the homes open to shelter and protect the -unfortunate girls. - - - THE BLIND ENCOURAGED. - -One day while traveling in Montana, I went into a smoking car to hold -a little Gospel meeting, singing and distributing tracts, when I found -a blind lady there who seemed to be alone and neglected. I spoke to -her kindly about her soul and invited her to go with me into the other -car. I said, "I am always glad to do anything I can to help a blind -person. My grandmother was blind several years before her death." She -accepted it all gratefully and seemed very sorry to part from me when -we changed cars. I exhorted her to a life of Christian service and to -meet me in Heaven. - -I never expected to meet her again, but some two years later I was -holding an open air meeting in California and a lady said, "Would you -allow me to testify?" and I said, "Certainly, if you are a Christian. -Would be glad to have you." When she began to speak she said: "This -lady don't know me, but I know her. We met once. Although I have never -seen her, as I am deprived of sight, yet I know her. I met with her on -the train one day," and she related the foregoing facts, stating that -my kindness had won her heart and she had never forgotten my advice, -and was now living a Christian life. - - - FORBIDDEN TO PREACH ON THE STREET. - -One night when I attempted to hold a street meeting in F----, -California--where I had been holding services for a few nights--the -marshal said he had forbidden me to preach and sing on the streets. A -gentleman looked up the law books and returned saying that it was not -contrary to the laws of that city at that time to hold a gospel -meeting on the street and that I could proceed, but the marshal came -and forbade me, very unkindly and impolitely. At this crisis a -gentleman came up and said that a saloon keeper down the street -requested me to come and hold a meeting in front of his place. I said: -"A gentleman has requested that we come and hold a meeting in front of -his business place. We will go there, please," but the marshal in a -very ungentlemanly way said I was not to hold a meeting on the street -any place in that city. - -I said we would go to a hall which had been opened for gospel -services. It was several blocks away and only a few of the immense -crowd would walk that distance. When I reached the place I sat down -behind the door and cried and thought, what shall I do? I was sure the -Lord wanted me to hold a meeting on the street. The blind lady -mentioned in the previous incident was in the congregation and began -to sing, "He is able to deliver thee," and I soon had the victory. The -same sister had attempted to sing on the street, as this was her only -means of supporting her old mother and sickly husband, and the marshal -came along and without any warning pushed her off the street. A couple -of strange gentlemen came and kindly led her to a place of safety. I -heard soon after this that this man became suddenly insane and it took -two men to hold him and take him to the jail and from there to the -insane asylum. - - - THOUGHT THEY SAW A GHOST. - -Once, in a city, another lady and myself were walking along a very -lonesome street late at night. When passing a large dark building she -remarked that it was a very dangerous gambling den. My heart burned -within me. I was seized with an impulse to go in that place of -iniquity and warn those men of their souls' danger. No sooner thought -than done! I was soon in the room which proved to be vacant, but I -could see light through the cracks of a closed door leading into the -next room. I passed quietly across the room and opened the door and -stood confronting a number of rough looking men who were seated at a -long gambling table. Without a word I crossed the room with noiseless -footsteps and dropping my Bible on the table and falling on my knees -before them began to cry to God in their behalf. The men seemed to -take an unexpected view of the situation, and rising simultaneously to -their feet, they rushed wildly from the room upsetting their chairs in -their haste, and I was left alone. The next day the report went out -that a ghost had been seen there the night before, and some of the men -vowed they would never touch a pack of cards again as long as they -lived--that money could not hire them to do it. Truly "The wicked flee -when no man pursueth." - - - HURT BY A SALOONKEEPER. - -While I was at Springfield, Ill., I was led one Sabbath to go to the -park to hold a gospel meeting, taking two sisters with me. We had a -good meeting, and returning to the city I asked the street car -conductor if there was another park where I could hold services. He -directed me to a place in another suburb. We went there, and in a -grove I saw some tables and men and women sitting at them, drinking. I -began to sing a hymn, thinking we were in a public park, when a man -rushed out of a house toward me, saying, "You shan't sing here." I -said, "Please let me finish this verse." He replied, "No, I won't -allow any one to sing here." I knelt in prayer. He did not say I -should not pray. The sisters were looking at him, and said he hurried -toward me in great anger. The sisters prayed to God to spare me. The -man jerked me and pushed me over, when some of the men at the tables -called out to him, "Let go of that woman. You don't know who she is. -We know her." The men in the meantime running to us, laid hold on the -saloonkeeper and took him away. I was very much hurt. I could not walk -alone. The park proved to be a beer garden. We went to the nearest -house and asked permission to rest till I should gain strength to -return to the city. The people where we stopped were very indignant, -and said the man had no license to sell liquor on Sunday, and was -violating the city ordinance. There were no arrests. The whisky men -must have their own way in this land of American liberty. They can -ruin lives, break up homes, blight the prospects of the best people on -earth and fill the prisons, almshouses, criminal insane asylums, -brothels, graves of paupers, and doom souls by the multitude, and who -cares? Who votes to put down the saloons? Who tries to save mothers' -girls as well as mothers' boys, husbands and wives? Even the parents -are overtaken by the demon of strong drink and sink into the most -depraved conditions in order to satisfy their craving for alcohol. O, -the awfulness of it all! Sisters, brothers, are you and I clear? Are -we doing our best to stop this horrible traffic in whisky and girls, -for one of these places can scarcely exist without the other. How many -girls and boys are sacrificed yearly to fill the saloonkeepers' -coffers and fill up hell? Think of these things. - - - WARNED TO LEAVE THE CITY. - -Upon entering a town in Mississippi I inquired of a woman if she could -direct me to a hotel, and she told me her sister and her husband kept -one and I would be made comfortable with them. - -We went to the hotel and left our luggage and went at once to hold an -open air meeting. The singing attracted a considerable crowd, and at -the close of the service many came to shake hands with me and thank me -for the meeting, among whom were a number of colored people, who -thanked the Lord in their characteristic way and asked me to preach -again which I agreed to do that night. - -As we turned our steps toward our hotel, we noticed a colored man -walking a short distance ahead of us who, when we were out of hearing -of the crowd, turned and said to us: "You women don't intend to hold -another meeting on the street to-night?" and I said, "Certainly, I -shall obey God." He said, "You have shaken hands with the colored -people and the white people are angry, and they will mob you. I came -along here for the purpose of warning you. If they saw me talking with -you my life would be in danger." I told him I was not afraid, thanked -him and told him I would do as the Lord led. - -On reaching our hotel the landlord asked if I intended to hold another -meeting on the street that night, and I told him I did. He said that -the townspeople had forbidden me to hold another service and that I -would have to leave his hotel at once, because I had shaken hands with -the colored people. We told him we had made the appointment and we -should keep our word. He went to his wife and told her to go and tell -those women to leave the house and take the train, as we had -associated with the colored people and the white people would not -allow us to remain in town. She replied that we had paid our money and -our money was as good as anybody's, and that we were respectable, -honest women and she was going to treat us as such. - -When we went down the street we heard a noise as of a mob, and we went -praying the Lord to show us what to do, and He showed us our life was -in danger and to step one side into the colored people's church where -God's presence was revealed in mighty power and souls were convicted -and converted. - -In the morning two colored women called upon me, saying they had come -to warn me and assist me to the train. One of them said that two -nights before she had a terrible dream about a woman coming to preach -on the streets and was so impressed that she sent her husband four -miles to see if there was anything in it. This was the man that warned -us that night. When he went home and told her what he had seen and -heard, she dreamed again and the Lord told her to come and help us out -of town, as the people would take my life. They carried our luggage -and showed us to the train and got us safely on board, and with a "God -bless you, Honey, we's prayin' for you," they were gone, and we went -on our way with thankful hearts for our Lord's protecting care. - - - IN JAIL. - -I have several times been arrested for holding services in the open -air, but have been taken to prison but twice--once in Glasgow, -Scotland, as related elsewhere, and once in Belleville, Illinois. - -In 1889, Sister Anna Kinne wrote me from Belleville that they were -holding meetings at that place, but had seen but little stir, that it -seemed to be a hard field, and that she believed the Lord wanted me to -come and help them in the meetings. I was, at the time, in -Mississippi, but after praying over the matter I felt that I should -go to Belleville in answer to her request. - -The first Sabbath after reaching there I tried to hold services in the -open air, but was stopped by policemen. I tried again with the same -results. Then I went to the mayor, but was refused permission to hold -any such meetings. When I asked him if he would take the -responsibility on the day of judgment, he said, "Yes." I then went to -the jail and held services, and the sheriff kindly inquired about my -work and showed considerable interest, and took down some notes. I -then asked him for permission to hold meetings on the court house -steps. This was readily granted, and I took Sister Kinne with me. The -marshal of the town had bitterly opposed my work, and while we were -singing he very rudely and unceremoniously came and took me by the arm -and dragged me down from the steps. - -I told him that the sheriff had given me permission to hold services, -but he was very angry and refused to let me go on. - -I said to those who had gathered, "We will have no open air meeting, -but come to Buchanan Hall to-night, and we will have a meeting there." - -I think it was the following night that I was impressed just before -the opening of our services, to sing a hymn, standing in the mission -door. I spoke to Sister Kinne of this and she said, "God bless you, -Sister Wheaton, I will pray for you." - -I went quietly down to the door and was standing there singing an -old-time hymn, when out of the darkness there came two policemen. -Without saying a word they took hold of me and dragged me along the -street. I had no bonnet on, and my shawl was dragging along in the -mud. I said, "Please let me get my shawl, and will you please let me -ask one of the ladies at the mission to go with me?" But they refused -and seemed glad to think that I was being disgraced. As I met two or -three Christian people, one of them spoke kindly to me and I replied -that I was suffering for Jesus' sake. "You seem to be well acquainted -with the men," one of the policemen said. "No," I said, "only with a -few Christians." - -When we arrived at police headquarters they gave in the report that I -was on the street holding a meeting and was having a row, etc., which -was, of course, utterly false. - -I was, of course, surprised at the treatment I was receiving. I opened -my Bible, which I still held, and began reading in silence. The -officer said, "Are you making all of this ado and trouble?" I replied, -"I was standing in our mission door singing." He said, "Will you give -bail for your good behavior?" I said, "I have no money for bail." Then -he asked me if I had no friends. I told him I was a stranger in the -city. "Then," he said, "I will have to send you to jail, or what will -you do?" I said I did not know. He then told another policeman to take -me to the jail across the square, and only a few blocks away. This -policeman said to some boys who were standing outside, "You boys stay -here, we do not want a mob." But the marshal said, "Go along boys. She -wants notoriety--give it to her." And so I went to the jail with a mob -crying after me. - -Arriving at the jail the kind jailor was shocked to see me in the -officer's charge, and said, "You are not a prisoner?" I said, "Yes, I -was singing in our mission door, but they arrested me." His wife came -in and kindly said, "Come into the parlor, and I will make ready for -you the spare bedroom." I was, of course, surprised and deeply -touched. "No, indeed," I said, "I am a prisoner. Take me into the -cell with the other women." Her little daughter came in and knelt down -by my side and kissed my hand, saying how very sorry she was for me. -It was on a Christmas eve, and the child was going to the Christmas -tree. - -Soon the sheriff came in in a hurry and said, "You are a free woman!" -He, finding I had been arrested, had notified friends who had given -bail and secured my release. Not understanding the sheriff, I said, -"No, I am here in disgrace, and I want you to put me in the woman's -cell." But he insisted that I was free. Then I said, "They have put me -here in disgrace, and I want some one to come and take me to our -mission, as it is dark." They then sent for someone to come for me, -and such a shout as went up when I again entered the mission hall. One -good old Christian friend said, "I told you that if she was a woman of -God, and I knew she was, she would return to the hall before the -meeting was over." - -It seems that a reporter who was at the police station at the time of -my arrest and heard the abuse of the officers had hurried to the -sheriff's office, and he, as I have said, had secured my release. - -We give here a verbatim copy of the paper signed by friends, the -original of which I still have in my possession. Somehow the case was -dismissed, and I was never brought to trial: - - - VERBATIM COPY OF A RECOGNIZANCE. - - (12th, 24th, 1899.) - - State of Illinois, St. Clair County, ss. - - This day personaly appeared before the undersigned, William - Bornmann, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said - County, Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, James West and Wm. Meyer, and jointly - and severally acknowledged themselves to owe and be indebted unto - the People of the State of Illinois, in the sum of Twenty-five - Dollars, to be levied on their goods and chattels, lands and - tenements, if default be made in the premises and conditions - below, to-wit: - - Whereas, The above bounden, Elizabeth R. Wheaton, was, on the - 24th day of December, A. D. 1889, arrested for violation of the - city ordinance, was adjudged and required by said Justice of the - Peace to give bonds, as required by the statute in such cases, - made and provided, for her appearance to answer to said charge. - Now the conditions of this recognizance is such that if the above - bounden, Elizabeth R. Wheaton, shall personally appear and be - before me, in Belleville, on the 27th day of December, A. D. - 1889, at 9 a. m., and from day to day, and from term to term, and - from day to day of each term hereafter, until discharged by order - of said Court, then and there to answer to the said People of the - State of Illinois on said charge of violation of the city - ordinance and then and there answer and abide the order and - judgment of said Court, and thence not depart the same without - lawful permission, then and in that case this recognizance is to - become void; otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue. - - As witness our hands and seals, this 24th day of December, A. D. - 1889. - - Taken, entered into, acknowledged and approved before me, this - 24th day of December, 1899. - - WM. BORNMANN, J. P. - Wilhelm Meyer, [L. S.] - Jas. A. West, [L. S.] - -This occurrence caused a great deal of excitement at the time. Some -time after I met one of the editors of one of the principal papers of -the town, and he stated that a serious calamity had overtaken all -those who were active in the opposing and persecuting me, and -mentioned some who had died and others upon whom God's judgments -seemed to have fallen. - -The following was taken from a paper published at Belleville: - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, a well known prison evangelist who has - labored in nearly all of the principal prisons of the United - States, was arrested Tuesday evening by Policemen S. and S., - while she was engaged in conducting a song service, standing in - the door at the entrance to Buchanan Hall, where a series of - meetings are being held by two other evangelists, Mr. and Mrs. S. - D. Kinne. The officers, on arriving on the scene, ordered Mrs. - Wheaton to stop singing, but as she paid no attention to their - command, she was at once arrested and hurried off to the police - station, where she was questioned by the captain of police and - the city marshal, and a little later she was removed to the - county jail, but through the courtesy of the jailor she was not - locked up in a cell. A complaint of disturbing the peace was made - against her before Justice B., and a hearing was fixed for - tomorrow before him, and a bond for her appearance was duly - executed; but while these formal proceedings were being attended - to Sheriff R., having heard of Mrs. Wheaton's incarceration in - the county jail, repaired to the institution, immediately ordered - her release, as there was no authority for holding her there, and - when the officer from Justice B.'s court arrived with the bail - bond for Mrs. Wheaton's signature, he was chagrined to find that - the lady had been released by order of the sheriff. No further - attempt was made to arrest her, and it is probable that the - matter will be dropped. Mrs. Wheaton is an elderly lady and is - deeply devoted to Christian work, especially among the - unfortunates confined in jails and prisons, and she has a large - number of testimonials as to her character and work from prison - officials, railway managers and others in all parts of the - country. Many prominent citizens expressed themselves yesterday - as deeply regretting the action of the officers in arresting Mrs. - Wheaton. The same lady, by written permission of Sheriff R., - attempted to hold religious services from the court house steps - on Sunday evening last, but she was forced to desist by the city - marshal. Mrs. Wheaton applied to Mayor B. recently for permission - to hold open-air religious meetings on the streets, but was - denied the privilege on the ground that considerable disorder had - been occasioned some months ago by the holding of such meetings - by members of the Salvation Army, who held forth in Belleville - for a time. The action of the mayor in refusing to allow the - evangelist to hold open-air meetings, and the arrest of Mrs. - Wheaton while engaged in conducting a song service in the door - of Buchanan Hall, where the revival services are held, is - causing a great deal of severe criticism, owing to the toleration - of the parading of the principal streets by brass bands on - Sundays, as well as other days, to draw audiences for minstrel - shows, etc., the gathering of crowds on the public square by - street fakirs, patent medicine peddlers, quack doctors and - others, who deal out rough jokes, etc., in tones loud enough to - be heard blocks away. - - Belleville, Dec. 26, 1888. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - Rescue Work. - - - A Mother's Plea for Her Fallen Daughter. - - So tenderly reared in the pure country air, - So innocent, gracious and true, - A sweet loving daughter, so gentle and fair. - Of the great wicked world naught she knew, - She roamed on the hillside and plucked the sweet flowers, - Nor far from my sight did she stray, - Till a shy cunning charmer invaded her bowers, - And stole my loved treasure away. - - With words fair and lovely he won her young heart, - Then wooed her far from the home nest, - Then hastily pressed to the city's great mart, - My darling he tore from my breast; - So simple, confiding, ne'er dreaming of harm. - She laid her young life at his feet, - And the foul, venomed viper pierced her heart with a thorn, - And left her to die in the street. - - All wounded and bleeding and covered with shame, - And knowing not wither to go, - In the haunts of the vilest she cringed her away, - To hide her disgrace and her woe; - Could I know she had gone from this cold, cruel world, - My grief would be easy to bear, - But to satiate vile passions her life-blood is sold, - And my broken heart pleads in my prayer. - - Oh, bring back my darling, a poor bruised thing, - The victim of Satan's deceit, - O tell her I love her, though cursed by the fiend - That crushed her to hell 'neath his feet. - O pity my daughter, my poor fallen one, - Ye who have daughters so fair, - And shield not the monster who spoiled my loved one - And drove my poor heart to despair. - - Chicago, Ill. - - --MARY WEEMS CHAPMAN. - -For some years I have been quite intimately associated with friends -who have, perhaps, the largest Rescue Home in the world. I am told -that they have taken in more girls than any other Home of the kind. -Over 1,250 girls have there been confined and never have they lost -one of these young mothers by death. But, oh, it is a sad sight to see -them, day after day carrying their load of sorrow in their hearts. -Often when I am there, as I manifest toward them my love and sympathy, -they tell me their story of woe sad as was the cry of Eve when -banished from the presence of God. She yielded to Satan's devices -because she believed the voice of Satan rather than the voice of God. -She became an outcast--and so our sisters are still being deceived by -the devil in human form and become outcasts from all that is good. -Some of them have been won by a mess of pottage, a mere bauble or a -gewgaw. Others have the promise of love--that which every human heart -craves. These believe, trust, yield and are ruined and some of them -are so young! so ignorant! Then there are some who have been basely -betrayed or brutally forced and then left to bear alone their shame -and disgrace--for, alas! the "traffic in girls" is not an imaginary -thing, but an awful reality. - -O that the good people of our fair land would awaken and see that -justice is done in behalf of the helpless and innocent! Prevention is -better than cure. Let us guard the children and put down every -influence that would tend to demoralize either our boys or girls! But -in the meantime, let us do all within our power to lift up the fallen -and win back those who have gone astray and share the burden and -sorrow of those who suffer through no fault of their own. - -Those who have been daring in sin often make the most gifted, -consecrated and valiant workers for God and souls when truly and fully -saved. I bless the Lord for the privilege of seeking and finding some -of these "diamonds in the rough." I have known many Christian workers -who had once been criminals or fallen, but who had been rescued by -some one who had a knowledge of human nature and a heart filled with -the love of God who told them of the love of Christ and His wonderful -power to save. O when we all meet in the great Hereafter what a time -of rejoicing there will be among the rescuers and the rescued. - - - DRUNKEN WOMEN AND MEN. - -I find hundreds of men and women, many young women, in drunkenness and -crime, and the most open daring sins. In one of the largest drinking -dens in the world I asked the proprietor if I might sing a hymn, and -he gave his consent. I was obliged to go down stairs and through many -rooms and hallways and then up a dark stairway to the platform where -the orchestra was playing. When they ceased I sang a hymn which -touched their hearts and they cheered the singing. I offered a prayer -and they all seemed to appreciate it. There were hundreds of _men_ -only, drinking, miners and others. Then I went where there were both -men and women drinking, and sang and prayed with them. At near -midnight, while I was engaged in prayer, one of the poor, unfortunate -girls clasped my hand and put a piece of silver in it, and stood -holding my hand till I rose. She cried and spoke of her desire to be -good. She was reminded of her old home and her mother. The proprietor -then told me I must leave, as he found he would lose her from his den. -He said he was once a Christian himself, and on coming west, saw the -money to be made in that kind of business, and fell, and went deep in -sin, leading others down with himself. - - - ASSAULTED IN A DIVE. - -While in San Pedro, California, I went, one night, into a saloon to -invite the men to a gospel meeting at the mission on the same block, -and the keeper sprang up from his gambling table, where he was engaged -with several others in a game of some kind, and rushing towards me, -violently grabbed me by the arms, and then with both hands clutching -me, rushed me to the door, using vile and insulting epithets to me as -he went. At the door a lady said, "This is a public house; you dare -not throw people out who have done you no harm." He finally released -his Satanic grasp upon me. I had only spoken a few kindly words to two -young men standing at the bar in the act of raising their glasses to -their lips. I had just said, "Don't drink it, boys, please don't," -when the assault was made. As the saloonist rushed at me, I said, -"Don't touch me, please; I will go out." But he seemed fiendishly -happy in injuring and insulting a helpless old woman, who only wished -to do them all good, and see them saved in Heaven at last. The only -excuse he ever made was that he thought I was Carrie Nation. -Commenting on this occurrence, a Los Angeles paper contained the -following item: - - San Pedro, March 29.--"Mother" Wheaton, a well known prison - evangelist, was roughly assaulted by John Wilkins, a Front street - saloonkeeper, shortly after seven o'clock last evening. Mrs. - Wheaton was preaching to a large gathering in front of Wilkins' - joint, and hearing loud cursing within, the aged reformer - entered, intending to invite the blasphemers to Peniel Mission, - where services are held every evening. She had scarcely passed - inside the doors of the dive, when Wilkins rushed forward, seized - her and thrust her backward. At the same time he applied vile - epithets to her, shouting angrily: "Get out of here, woman, and - be quick about it!" - - So badly was Mrs. Wheaton injured that she was unable to return - to the mission without assistance. She is confined to her bed and - is suffering severe pains from the shock. - - Wilkins explained today that he mistook Mrs. Wheaton for Carrie - Nation, whom the former resembles. No arrests have been made. - -In a city where I had been preaching the Gospel, a messenger came -stating that a young girl had cut her throat. It was an extremely hot -day and I had to walk a long distance across the city. Arriving at the -house they told me that no one was allowed to go in. But I went right -in and everybody stood back. Kneeling down by the poor girl I took her -hand already growing cold in death. Poor child! Like thousands of -others, she had been disappointed in life. The one who had plighted -his troth had broken her heart, and rather than bear her shame she -preferred death. Then and there I had the privilege of pointing this -beautiful girl to Christ who said, "Neither do I condemn thee. Go and -sin no more," and He who never turns anyone away heard and answered -prayer. - -One day I held a meeting in the Crittenden Home for Fallen Girls, in -Washington. They all seemed so glad to hear me. (There were thirty -girls.) They were deeply moved. After the meeting closed I took each -by the hand and exhorted them to live pure and holy lives. And with -tears in their eyes they promised to try and serve the Lord. One dear -little girl in a short dress (fourteen years old), clung to me crying, -and said Jesus had saved her just then, in the meeting, and she would -be a good girl and live for Heaven. I clasped her to my heart and -thought what Jesus said about him who offends "one of these little -ones." Some heartless wretch had ruined the girl and left her to die -alone. "Vengeance is _mine_, _I_ will repay, saith the Lord." - - - A GIRL SAVED. - -Trying to rescue a girl in a low dive in New York city in 1890, as I -entered the den the keeper, a large, strong man, sprang up and struck -me a blow. The girl caught his arm and cried out, "Don't strike her, -she is a lady." But he thrust me out, and I said to her, "Fly for your -life--out at the back door." I ran around the saloon and caught her -away from an angry mob and with the help of the sisters with me, -almost carried her six blocks to the Crittenden Home, and there she -was reformed and converted. - - - A GIRL REJECTED AT RESCUE HOME. - -In Ft. Worth, Texas, I once found in the jail a poor girl who was a -very desperate character. She had been at the Rescue Home several -times, and she was so very wicked that they refused to have her there -again. They said it was of no use trying to reclaim her. I well -remember the night that the Lord sent me to the jail to hold a -meeting. The service was held after dark, as the prisoners were -compelled to work during the day. I was intensely grieved and very -much burdened over the case of this poor girl. So intelligent, yet so -sinful! In my grief, I fell upon the floor weeping over her lost -condition. - -A sister who was with me, and on her way then to India, prayed for me -as well as for the poor prisoners, and the lost girl. The meeting -closed, and the next day we left the city, the sister going west, -while I started north. - -After we left Ft. Worth, my heart was still sad and greatly pained for -the poor lost girl I had seen in the jail and I wrote to the -superintendent of the Rescue Home and pleaded with her to try her just -once more--not only for my sake, but for the sake of Jesus. She did -so, and the result was that the girl was saved and began a life of -virtue and usefulness. - -A year or so later, I was again at Ft. Worth, and was holding -services in the Girls' Rescue Home. As they assembled for the meeting -I shook hands with each of them. I said of one of the girls to the -matron, "This girl looks like a good Christian--who is she?" The girl -herself replied, "Don't you know me, mother?" I said, "No." Then she -answered, "I am the girl you rescued from the prison;" and the matron -said that she was the best girl in the home. I went back after another -year, and she was the matron's assistant. Still later the -superintendent told me that she was a deaconess in New York, and was -doing a great work. This same lady told me how she had shortly before -come across my letter in which I begged her mother-in-law, who was the -former superintendent, to help the girl and give her just one more -chance! Oh, how wonderfully God had answered my prayers and the -yearning of my heart that night when the burden of her soul rested so -heavily upon me! - - - ROBBED BY HER OWN BROTHER. - -A lovely girl was once drugged by her deceiver and left to bear her -shame alone. She was led to a rescue home where she was cared for. -Sometime after the birth of her child, which she dearly loved, her -father died, and left her $1,000. She was induced by her brother to -come to the city where he was living, and give him the money, which he -and his wife used recklessly. They then moved, leaving the poor girl -sitting on the steps without money enough even to buy milk for her -babe. The poor girl was almost distracted with grief. I found her a -temporary home with Christian people and a little later secured -transportation for her to a rescue home in another city where she -could be kindly provided for. - -In that hour of despair, when I found her, she was almost ready to -yield to the enemy of her soul, through temptation of the same wretch -who had first effected her ruin. She could go hungry herself, she -said, but she could not see her babe suffer for want of food. - -Sisters, let us try by all possible means to befriend our own sex and -help all who are thrown in our way, heavenward. - - - NEGLECTED BY THE CHURCHES. - -I once went to a city where there are many churches and professors of -religion, and yet there in the Home for Fallen Girls, where I held -services I found the inmates neglected. I then went to the poorhouse -where over a hundred poor and crippled destitute people were so glad -to hear me sing hymns while they partook of their dinner. They seemed -to wonder who and what I was, yet, how glad they were when they -understood it was for the love of their souls Jesus had sent me to -tell them of His great love. Thank God for the privilege of going to -these places. God always finds a way when there seems to be no way. - -So I must say in concluding that of all those who have my sympathy and -my help, my prayers and my tears, prisoners, and all, the poor, -abandoned, forsaken girl, who has no one to share her sorrow and her -shame claims and receives my deepest sympathy and assistance. There is -no one on whom Jesus had more compassion and yet the croakers are -often the ones to send her to worse shame by their neglect and -cruelty. Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more." - - "She is more to be pitied than censured, - She is more to be loved than despised, - She is only a poor girl who has ventured - On life's rugged path ill-advised. - Don't scorn her with words fierce and bitter, - Don't laugh at her shame and downfall; - Just pause for a moment, consider - That a man was the cause of it all." - - - VISIT TO A HOSPITAL. - -One Sunday, years ago, I visited a hospital in a certain city and -found it in a most terrible condition. There were many sick, both men -and women, and how glad they were to see me! The public were not -permitted inside the grounds, but the superintendent being absent I -was admitted. The patients were suffering with hunger, and were in a -most filthy condition. - -I found both colored men and women in the same room and all covered -with body lice. One old colored woman was almost eaten alive with -vermin, and starving. They would not give her even a drink of water. I -gave her water and she drank a quart and begged for more. I asked her -if she would like to have me bring her something to eat. She said, -"Oh, yes, Honey." I said, "What can you eat?" She said, "A crust of -bread--I's so hungry, been hungry so long." - -My heart was sick at the sights and sounds of suffering and anguish. I -told the Lord about it. All night I cried and prayed. I got up early, -got a large, fat chicken, made soup, got provisions and a couple to -help me carry the things, and went to that miserable place. I got -access to the building with my food and all got a share. I never will -forget the looks on the faces of those starving sufferers, and the -tears coursing down their wan, pale cheeks, as I and dear Mary, my -helper, fed them. One poor old white brother said he was ashamed to -have us near him. - -I took along clothing for the poor old colored woman, and had to take -the scissors and cut the garment off from her, and put it in the -stove. I found the mattress decaying under her. - -I told the superintendent's wife I would be a witness against her in -the day of judgment for treating the patients so cruelly. She said she -did not have help. I said the state, county or city would send help, -that that was no excuse for their starving and cruelly treating those -sick helpless invalids. The old woman and the men told me they were -compelled to live there in that one room altogether. It was terrible! - -One man said he had killed vermin until he was so tired and weak he -could do no more. They said that seldom ever any one left that death -hole alive. The bodies were sold for dissection. - -I went early the next morning to the judge's office to relate my -experience and ask him if something could not be done to relieve the -suffering of the patients that I found there in such a filthy -condition and in such need of care and food and water. I told him I -did not see the superintendent, Mr. V. Just at that moment a dudish -young fellow in the room arose and said, "So you did not see V. when -you went there yesterday; you see him now, don't you?" He was very -angry and said I got inside by his absence, and that he would do so -and so. The judge said angrily, "Woman, you talk too much." I said, "I -have not begun to talk yet." The two men hissed and told me to leave -the office. I had taken the precaution to take with me the sister who -was traveling with me at that time, also the young man who had helped -us to carry the clothes and provisions to the hospital the day before. -They could have corroborated my testimony but the judge was evidently -in league with the superintendent of the hospital and would not -listen. - -I went to a church in the place to a Woman's Missionary meeting and -got permission to speak to the ladies in public about the awful -conditions I found in their so-called hospital. They were surprised -and greatly incensed, and told their husbands, and so there was -awakened an interest that resulted in further investigation. Facts -were found as I had stated, only, if anything, worse. - -The outcome of these things being brought to light was that the old -shanties which served as a so-called hospital were replaced by good -buildings and kind caretakers took the place of the cruel -superintendent--who died some months later after a long illness. - - - ANOTHER VISIT TO A HOSPITAL. - -The following is a description of a visit to another hospital, as -published in a paper at Chattanooga, Tenn. This was also early in my -work. - - - A BAT CAVE. - - A SANITARIUM FOR CATS AND HOTEL FOR DOGS--CALLED BY COURTESY THE CITY - HOSPITAL OF CHATTANOOGA. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, the eloquent female evangelist, who has been - in the city for the past week carrying on a series of prayer - meetings in the jails and houses of ill fame, came into the - _Commercial_ office yesterday afternoon and gave a full and - detailed report of the neglected condition of the city hospital. - She says: - - "As I approached the building I could not convince myself that I - was really in sight of a hospital, for it reminded me more of a - stable than anything else I could conceive of. I approached the - gate and met a colored female mute who raised her hand in a - deprecating manner as if to warn me of some unseen danger that I - was about to come in contact with. I motioned the negro girl to - lead the way and followed her into a dreary looking house that I - had been told was really the only hospital of which Chattanooga - could boast. Just as I opened the door six big hounds sprang - from the different beds within the building and would have torn - me to pieces had not I hastily slammed the door and shut them in. - I applied to a poor cripple man who had the appearance of a - half-fed mendicant where to find the keeper and I was informed - that he was asleep, but if I would wait he (the cripple) would go - and wake him up, and in a few moments he returned accompanied by - a healthy looking man who seemed to care little whether I went in - or remained out of doors in the rain. - - "As I followed the keeper into the room six well fed hounds and - one emaciated looking man occupied the beds that were in the - rooms. - - "I have wandered from one end of the land to the other, I have - visited prison cells, opium joints, houses of ill-fame, - almshouses, reformatories and every dreary den from New York to - San Francisco, from Florida to Montreal, but with all the sights - with which I have been confronted I have never seen a more - cheerless abode and one so utterly void of comfort and - cleanliness as the one occupied by the poor, hungry invalid that - shared the beds of the well fed dogs. - - "The sick man said he was suffering for the want of food and had - been shamefully neglected since he was placed in charge of the - manager of this cheerless institution. Two inmates have died - within the past week and two are left to suffer. - - "The other inmate was a colored man who evidently has little more - of life's suffering to endure in this world. - - "In this room six cats occupied seats of prominence, two purring - on one bed and three others romping from place to place over the - apartment, while the sixth was helping himself to the sick man's - dinner. - - "The buildings are without warmth in the winter and have no means - of ventilation for summer. The confined air is contaminated with - the odor that rises from unemptied and neglected vessels that are - allowed to stand neglected from day to day. The keeper seems to - be utterly indifferent with regard to the ease or comfort of the - sick and it is very evident that while the city pays for food to - support the sick and suffering, the countless and useless dogs - and cats eat a large portion of the food which should be used - exclusively for the unfortunate inmates." - - Mrs. Wheaton has done much commendable work not only in - Chattanooga but from one end of the land to the other. She has - consecrated her time, wealth and character to the uplifting of - fallen people, and by her devotion to Christianity and her - liberality has won thousands of friends throughout the - country.--Chattanooga Paper. - - - WORDS OF CHEER FROM OTHER RESCUE WORKERS. - -The first of the following letters I carried with me on my second -visit to Europe, mentioned elsewhere: - - FLORENCE CRITTENTON HOME, - 21 and 23 Bleecker Street, New York. - - J. F. Shirey, 67 Farrington Road, East Coast, England. - - Dear Brother: This will introduce to you Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, - a prison evangelist. She is alone and unprotected in London. - Please make the way for her as best you can where she can speak - for God to the poor prisoners. She lives by faith and trusts Him - for all. - - God bless you. - - MOTHER PRINDLE. - -[Illustration: MOTHER PRINDLE.] - - * * * * * - - New York, October 16, 1903. - - My first acquaintance with Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton was made in the - Florence Crittenton Midnight Mission, New York City, in 1890. She - impressed me then and has ever since as one whom God has called - and endowed with special gifts for a grand and noble work. Her - one strong hold is faith in God. When under the power of the - Spirit she verily treads upon serpents and scorpions and all the - powers of darkness seem to flee before her. As a singing - evangelist for prison work, I do not know her equal. Her - preaching is in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power. - She gives the Lord's message with holy boldness, fraught with - tender love to the sinner, and blessed are the results. - - The midnight call given on train, when it was my privilege to be - with her, was an hour never to be forgotten. Many will rise up - and call her blessed in that great day who but for her favored - and wonderful ministry would have gone into outer darkness. God - bless her and her book. - - MOTHER PRINDLE. - -The following taken from "Beulah Home Record," Chicago, Ill., March 1, -1902, is explanatory in itself. Also the letter that follows: - - We have had with us for a time, as our honored guest, Mother - Wheaton, the Railroad Prison Evangelist. Like Jesus, the friend - of poor sinners, she goes up and down the land in state prisons - and homes where mothers' girls are sheltered, down into the coal - mines, into the great lumber camps, and on crowded railroad - trains, while speeding along, she preaches the everlasting gospel - of our Lord and Savior, and gives out tracts. Thus she goes as - God's flaming minister, sowing beside all waters, singing and - praying poor sin-sick, tempest-tossed souls into the kingdom of - God. Do you ask what is the secret of her success? It may be - found in the Psalms, 126:6--"She goeth forth weeping," she has a - burning love for souls. So you and I, dear reader, if we are to - succeed in winning souls, our hearts must be full of love for - them. We give Mother Wheaton a warm welcome to this great and - wicked city of Chicago and a hearty welcome always to Beulah - Home. - - * * * * * - - Berachah Home for Erring Girls, - 2719 Lawton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. - - We feel in Berachah Home that we shall not forget Mother Wheaton. - She came into the "Home" and our lives just as God was leading us - out in rescue work, and as she stood among us in our first "open - meeting," we felt, "Here is a strong, brave soldier of the - cross." We found hope and encouragement as she spoke to us of His - service, and the Spirit witnessed "This is of God," as she sang - one of her songs as only Mother Wheaton can sing them. We did not - see her again until in the Baltimore Convocation of Prayer, - January, 1904, when God again used her to bring Mrs. Chapman and - me to God's full thought for us there. She with others laid hands - on us, with prayer, setting us apart for the "work whereunto we - were called." May God bless her ministry to others, as He has to - us in Berachah Home. - - MRS. J. P. DUNCAN, Mgr. - MRS. B. G. CHAPMAN, Treas. - - - THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER. - - "To the home of his father returning, - The prodigal, weary and worn, - Is greeted with joy and thanksgiving, - As when on his first natal morn; - A 'robe' and a 'ring' are his portion, - The servants as suppliants bow; - He is clad in fine linen and purple, - In return for the penitent vow. - - "But ah! for the Prodigal Daughter, - Who has wandered away from her home; - Her feet must still press the dark valley - And through the wilderness roam; - Alone on the bleak, barren mountains-- - The mountains so dreary and cold-- - No hand is outstretched in fond pity - To welcome her back to the fold. - - "But thanks to the Shepherd, whose mercy - Still follows His sheep, tho' they stray; - The weakest, and e'en the forsaken - He bears in His bosom away; - And in the bright mansions of glory - Which the blood of His sacrifice won, - There is room for the Prodigal Daughter, - As well as the Prodigal Son!" - - We've a Home for Prodigal Daughters, - Our Saviour says gather them in; - Will you help rescue these dear ones-- - Who have fallen in paths of sin? - Your girl may be one of the "fallen," - And you long to see her return; - Oh, there's room for the Prodigal Daughter, - As well as the Prodigal Son. - - --Horace. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - Work in Canada and Mexico. - - -In my several visits to the prisons of Canada I have generally found -the officers very courteous. There are sometimes there, as here, -changes of administration, making the work of reaching the prisoners -more difficult. In the large prison at Toronto the officers were -especially kind and gave me the privilege of preaching the gospel to -the prisoners as often as I could attend chapel services. Much -interest was manifested and I trust good was accomplished. - - - MY SECOND EXPERIENCE IN STREET PREACHING - -was in Hamilton, Canada. There for weeks, night after night, rain or -shine, I sang and preached the gospel in the open air. I was -especially helped of the Lord and met with blessed success. - -In 1886, I took with me from Toronto, a dear young sister, who was -called of God to join me in my work. She went with me to Florida and -many other states. She afterward married an evangelist but died a few -years later, being true to God, so far as I know, to the last. - - - SERVICE WITH Y. M. C. A. - -During a visit to London, Canada, after visiting the prisons I went to -the hospital to visit the sick. While singing, a message came over the -telephone saying that the Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. requested me to -lead their meeting on Sunday afternoon. Would I come? I said, "Better -wait till I return to the city. I can't tell." The secretary had to -know at once, so he could announce it through the papers. So I -promised to go, as they had no speaker. I felt discouraged, as I -could think of no message suitable for that large, mixed audience, and -prayed for guidance. Sunday afternoon--still with no message in -mind--I started to the hall. As I walked along the street, praying, I -said, "Lord, give me at least a text to read." Just then I saw on the -ground a scrap of paper, the torn leaf of a Bible. I picked it up, -looked at it, and there my message, text and all, opened up to my -mental vision. I went into the pulpit depending entirely on God, and -the light broke in on my soul, and the power of God fell on the -people. I told them how I was depending alone on the Lord for the -words as He gave them to me. It was a victorious meeting. I leave -results with the Lord. - - - A GIRL RESCUED. - -In one of the Canadian cities I found in the jail a beautiful girl who -was very dissipated and unruly. The officers could not control her--no -one had any good influence over her. The Lord laid the burden of her -soul on my heart. I treated her with love and respect, and tried in -every way to win her for God. Finally, she realized that I loved her -soul, though no one else cared for her. Then she sought the Lord. She -was a Roman Catholic. I told her I would go to the House of the Good -Shepherd and speak to the Mother Superior, and see if they would not -take her in, as she had no home. She wept with joy at this, and told -me of a plan some wicked men had made to be at the jail when she was -discharged at 6 o'clock Saturday evening and take her to haunts of -sin. I hurried out to the Sisters early in the morning and found them -at mass, and waited, determined to save the poor girl from further -downfall, and drunkenness. The Sisters, seeing my anxiety and -sincerity, agreed to help me. Then I went to the officers of the jail -and got them to release the girl at noon. She was taken to another -city and thus saved. When the hour came for her release from the jail -in the evening, sure enough several men made their appearance and -watched and waited for her to come out. At last they began calling her -name. Then the officers went out and told them the girl had been -pardoned, and had left at noon for another city, with protectors. -Another brand had been plucked from the burning for the Master's -Kingdom. - - - SHUT OUT--OTHERS ADMITTED. - -At one time amidst great inconveniences I reached Kingston Prison. I -saw some of the officers Saturday night and they were kind and -willingly consented that I should have opportunity to hold or assist -in services the next day. The next morning I went to the prison -through a drenching rain--without an umbrella, arrived early and -waited for the chaplain. When he came, I told him my desire and what -the other officers had said. But he refused to even let me go inside -to listen to the service. When I asked his reason he said they would -not allow women in the prison. Yet while I had been waiting I had seen -several Catholic sisters enter. I have had similar experiences in our -own land. - - - STONED. - -One day as I was passing along the street in the quaint walled city of -Quebec, some boys threw stones at me, while an old man urged them on, -saying, "If it's Salvation Army ye are, ye should be killed." The Lord -have mercy upon them and upon all who oppose His work or His workers. -For ourselves we must not count these things strange. "It is enough -for the disciple that he be as his Master, and the servant as his -Lord." - - - AN INFIDEL DEFEATED. - -While in Toronto, Canada, I often went to the parks on Sabbath days -and held services--the mayor of the city, who was a devoted Christian, -often himself helping in these open-air services. One stand in the -park was usually occupied by the infidel element. They would hold the -place all day so that others could not have the privilege of doing -work for God--so as the place was public property upon which they had -no rightful claim I went early and so secured the place before them. -When their leader arrived the people were listening to the gospel in -song and testimony from worthy witnesses. He was very angry--said it -was his place to speak and he must have it, and ordered me to stop and -leave the stand, but I kept on with the service as God directed and he -went away a few steps and called for the people to follow him, and he -would address them. No one seemed inclined to go and a bystander told -him his followers were few and he had better desist from trying to -disturb a religious service. So we had the victory and God was honored -that day in the work which He sent his servants to do. - -Among my papers I have found the following letters of introduction -given me while in Canada by Hon. John Robson, Provincial Secretary: - - Provincial Secretary's Department, - Victoria, B. C., Oct. 5. - - Dear Brother: - - The bearers of this are prison evangelists of a very high and - deserving character, whom I asked to call upon you. If you could - get up a meeting at Y. M. C. A. rooms for them, it might do good. - - In haste yours, - JOHN ROBSON. - - * * * * * - - Provincial Secretary's Department, - Victoria, B. C., Oct. 5, 1888. - - Dear Mr. McBride: - - The ladies whom this will introduce to you are prison evangelists - who are desirous of doing some work in the penitentiary, and I - take the liberty of bespeaking for them a kind reception at your - hands. They enjoy a high reputation and are well deserving of - your kind attention. - - Very sincerely yours, - JOHN ROBSON. - - A. H. McBride, Esq., Warden Penitentiary. - - * * * * * - - Victoria, B. C. - - Mr. Robson bespeaks for Mrs. Wheaton and lady companion courteous - attention at the hands of the warden of the Victoria gaol. - - - WORK IN MEXICO. - -Not many years after engaging in special prison work I went into -Mexico and have since gone there quite frequently. As a rule the -people are ignorant and superstitious and consequently hard to reach -with the gospel. But though I was compelled to speak through an -interpreter it is surprising how soon they know if one is sincere and -earnest. In the prisons they are very poorly cared for, often having -to wait years for trial and sometimes dying of neglect. I am told that -natives of our own land if thrown into prison there fare worse than -others. - - - A BULL FIGHT. - -Once while in Mexico I found there was to be a bull fight not far from -the prison where I was to hold service. My heart was sad because of -the intense anxiety of the Mexicans to see the exhibition. They came -long distances and there were many very old people who seemed -impatient for the hour to arrive when Mexicans, bulls and horses -should be thrown helplessly together--that they might view the combat. -This cruel sport--so long a favorite pastime both in Spain and -Mexico--was at one time abolished but was afterward re-established out -of policy--in order to please the Mexicans. For me to describe this -kind of fiendish pastime would not glorify God, nor help the public, -but would have a tendency to brutality, being neither elevating nor -refining. But should we not, dear reader, try to do all in our power -to lead people to a higher plane of morals and send missionaries to -help people to know Jesus who satisfies every longing of the human -soul, and gives peace and rest here, and a home in Heaven through -eternity? - - - SIX UNDER DEATH SENTENCE. - -At another time I visited a prison in Mexico where there were six men -under death sentence. They could not understand me, but I knelt by -those great, strong men and wept and prayed to God who could carry the -message of love through my tears to their hard hearts and they were so -affected that we all wept together. I am sure they were remembered -that day by the God who sent me to show them _His_ love for the lost -and who gave me a love for the poor criminals that nothing can -destroy. - - - DIFFICULTIES. - -During my last trip into Mexico, 1902, I found the prisoners in one -place in a most deplorable condition. They were almost starving and -neglected in every way. I had considerable trouble in getting into the -prison on that day, as I could find no one to interpret for me. So we -went from one office to another trying to find some one to admit us to -the prison. As I entered one public office a fierce dog came rushing -at me from an adjoining room. I fled out of the door in dismay with -the dog and an old Mexican woman at my heels. I tried to make her -understand what we wanted and then hurried away. Finally we found a -fellow decorated beyond description with tinsel and other adornings -who furnished me an interpreter and admitted us to the prison. It was -very difficult to make the poor prisoners understand how deeply I felt -for them, but I could put my arms around the poor women who were there -and I could take their little babes in my arms and thus show my -sympathy, then telling the story of Jesus who said, "Father, forgive -them, for they know not what they do." - - - MINISTERED TO A SUFFERER. - -I found one poor wounded man who had just been brought into the prison -sitting on the ground with bloody clothing and matted hair. He was -weeping and tried so hard to explain something to me. The interpreter -was evidently slow to tell me what the poor sufferer wanted. I was -heart-sick to know what to do, as we had only a short time to stay and -I could not bear to leave him without in some way ministering to him. -But I thought of the fruit remaining in my handbag. I thrust an orange -into his bony hands. He grabbed it and with both hands thrust it to -his mouth eating peel and all. Poor man--he was evidently starving. -Reader I wish I could make clear to you the pitiful sight! The sequel -showed me why that was providentially left in my handbag. How thankful -I was to minister to that poor fellow's need in even a small degree. -How I longed to help them all. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - Across the Sea. - - -I had greatly desired to preach the gospel in other lands and held -myself ever ready to go at a moment's warning, anywhere the Lord -should lead, and had been given letters of introduction to prominent -people in Great Britain. In the year 1890 my mind was much exercised -about the regions beyond--and without time for preparation, with but -an hour's notice, the call came to go forward. I was in Philadelphia -walking along the street praying--"O Lord, where next--what wilt Thou -have me to do?" Looking up I saw the large posters of steamship lines -and the thought came to me, "Go and inquire the price of a ticket to -Europe." I obeyed the impulse and went in and talked with the -steamship agent of rates and the time of departure of the first -steamer. Then I left the office praying, O God, show me Thy will--make -Thy way very plain to me. Then I went back to the office, feeling that -I must get alone with the Lord. I asked the agent if I might go into a -rear office which was unoccupied, to pray. He very courteously -replied, "Certainly, madam." There I knelt before the Lord and -inquired if He wanted me to go at once--that very night--on the first -steamer, to Scotland. The answer came clearly: "Go, my child, nothing -doubting." I arose, went into the front office and explained to the -agent the nature of my mission work; and how for years I had obeyed -the leadings of the Holy Spirit and that I had a sister traveling with -me who was waiting at the depot for my return, to know where we would -go next. Told him I would buy two steerage tickets for Glasgow, -Scotland, if he would refund the money for the one in case the sister -was unwilling to go with me. To this he consented, so I purchased the -tickets and hurried to the railway station where I had left my friend. -I knew we had only a few moments to catch the train for New York in -order to reach the steamer Devonia for Glasgow. Hurriedly I said to -her, "Do you want to go to Europe?" "Oh, yes," she replied. "When?" I -asked. "Oh, some time," was the answer. Then I said, "I have two -tickets. It is now or never. If you wish to go I will take you, if -not, I will go alone and you can return the ticket and get the money -for yourself." She said, "I will go." So we rushed to the gate, caught -the train on the move, and reached New York in time to get aboard the -Devonia. - - - ON THE OCEAN. - -Leaving America's shores far behind us, we found ourselves doomed to a -stormy voyage, but with plenty of missionary work to do. There was, in -the steerage, much profanity, continual drunkenness of both men and -women, and card playing at all times only when the passengers were -sleeping or too sea-sick. While in mid-ocean we encountered a severe -storm which greatly delayed us. There were only six Christians on -board the steamer. I believe it was in answer to prayer that the ship -was saved from wreck. After thirteen days on the ocean, we saw the -shores of "Bonnie Scotland," and as we neared port there was great -rejoicing among the passengers--almost all of whom were going home. -But how different it was with me! I felt much as Paul did when he said -to the elders of the church at Ephesus, "And now, behold, I go bound -in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall -me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying -that bonds and afflictions abide me." Like him I felt that suffering -and persecution and perhaps imprisonment and death was before me in -that strange land, but Paul was enabled to say, "But none of these -things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I -might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have -received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of -God;" and with something of the same spirit I was enabled to say, as I -wept before Him, "Lord, I will be true--only give me Thy grace -sufficient for me." - - - IN A FOREIGN LAND. - -I was a stranger in a strange land with only a few shillings and -without any great degree of strength of body and, strange to say, for -one reason and another I never saw one of those to whom I carried -letters of introduction. How the Lord was teaching me not to lean on -the arm of flesh! In answer to a letter of inquiry written to one to -whom one letter was addressed, I received the following very kind -reply from her husband: - - 11 Walker St., - Edinburgh, Oct. 18, 1890. - - Dear Friend: - - Your letter of the 16th, with one from Miss Sisson, has just - reached me, forwarded from Crieff. Since Miss Sisson's letter was - written my dear wife has fallen asleep in Jesus and having left - Crieff I am in lodgings for the present in Edinburgh with my - sister and five children. - - I have been praying over the subject of your letter, but I do not - have any light on the matter nor am I likely, so far as I can - see, to be in Glasgow for some time. Yet if the Lord sent you to - Scotland He will certainly show you what He has for you to do. - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own - understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall - direct thy paths." - - I enclose a one-pound note towards expenses. - - Yours in Christ, - G. W. OLDHAM. - -At the landing in Glasgow, I inquired of the policeman on duty and -secured a room with his family. Then I went in search of a meeting. -Found the car-fare a penny a mile and other customs quite different -from ours. The first meeting I found corresponded to our Y. M. C. A. -meetings. But our special mission was to the lost. - -That evening I received permission from the policeman to hold open-air -meetings. Going along the street a woman who was drunk spied me and -rushed after me beating me on the back. As I made no resistance other -drunken women joined their companion in sin and I would have had a -hard time of it had not the police protected me. These drunken women -thought that I belonged to the Salvation Army, as the bonnet I then -wore was quite similar to the one dear Mother Booth had worn and I was -often told that I looked like her. I was in Scotland when she passed -to her reward in the land where there are no slums, no sinners to -rescue, to weep over and save. Had I been near enough how gladly would -I have joined the great throng that gathered to show honor to her -memory! Nearly every night while in Glasgow found us on the streets -preaching, singing, and praying, with those who never went to -church--many of them not even to the Salvation Army or missions. In -many respects we found worse conditions than in our home-land. The -public houses were always filled at night with men and often their -whole families--drinking all kinds of intoxicants--women with infants -in their arms as well as others drinking with men at the bar. And the -most beautiful girls to be found were secured by the keepers of these -houses to stand behind the bar and sell the drinks. - -The prisons, my special burden, I found very difficult of access for -missionary work. I found that women were not expected, there, to do -that kind of work. Yet I fasted and prayed and wept before the Lord, -pleading that the prison doors might be opened to me and at last I was -successful in gaining admission to some of them. After some delay I -was admitted to Duke Street jail, in Glasgow, and there held several -services. It is a large prison, filled with the baser sort and those -whom the public houses had been licensed to make drunkards--to cause -to reel and stagger and abuse and kill when unconscious of what they -were doing. The Lord's presence was revealed in our services there and -souls got help from God, and I hope to meet many of them in heaven. We -visited the poor in their homes, different penal institutions--all of -the missions and Salvation Army Corps and many of the churches. While -time lasts we will find much to do to help those around us. - - - MY LIFE IN DANGER. - -Oftentimes my life was in danger when visiting the saloons, which are -there called public houses--the keepers being called publicans. Often -the keepers of brothels and other places of sin drew revolvers on -me--threatening me with death if I did not leave, as they did not want -to lose their customers and their money--which they were sure to do if -souls were converted there, but the Lord always delivered me when -death stared me in the face. One day I went into a public house where -a woman kept a dive. She at once got very angry, demanded my business, -and ordered me to leave her place. She clutched me with a fiendish -grip, and pushed me out of the door, but purposely fastened one of my -arms in the door as she slammed it shut. I prayed God to release me -and with the help of the sister who was with me we got the door open -enough to release my arm. I am sorry to have reason to say that, as a -rule, I find the women who are in charge of brothels and saloons -harder to deal with than the men. A woman of judgment and tact when -fully saved can, in many cases, do more good than men from the fact -that she can go where very few men could go without being looked upon -with suspicion. What need, then, that we should be emptied of self and -filled with the Holy Spirit, all given up to the Lord in order that we -can work successfully for God and souls. - -One Saturday night, while in Glasgow, I preached in a church. Great -crowds had turned out in the city spending their week's wages. There -was much drinking of both men and women. At the church was given a -"Penny Tea," consisting of a cup of tea and a biscuit, thus drawing -the crowds--and afterwards having some one preach to them. - - - A SONG STOPS A ROW. - -When the services had closed, we were returning to our lodging and -were attracted by a great crowd of people engaged in a row and a -fight. I soon saw there was danger of bloodshed and stepping out in -the street I began to sing an old time hymn. This drew the attention -of many and they came running to hear. Then I talked to them of Jesus -and His love, and we went on our way and held another service on -another street. Then, coming to the quarters of a company of firemen, -I asked if I might hold a service with them some time. One of them -replied, "Yes, why not now?" It was then 10 o'clock and raining. I -stepped into the street and began singing. Across the way there was a -dance hall with dancing going on upon the three floors of the hall. As -I sang, the windows of the hall were lowered with a crash, perhaps to -keep out the rain--perhaps to keep out the sound of my voice. - -As we proceeded with the service a policeman soon appeared and ordered -me to stop. I told him I was not violating any ordinance of the city -and only holding the service at the request of these firemen. He was -angry and threatened to arrest us. He soon returned with two other -officers, and while the sister who was with me was speaking, he took -her by the arm and led her down the muddy street. I began singing, "He -is able to deliver thee." The other two policemen took me by the arms -and forced me through the deep mud in the street quite a long distance -to the jail. Before being placed in the cell I was asked the cause of -our arrest. I replied, "For holding open-air service on the street, -and there is no law in Scotland to forbid us from doing so." We were -placed in a room under guard to await the decision. We could hear the -shrieks of men and women delirious from drink. - -I was asked who we were, and replied, "We have come from America to -preach the gospel." After cross-questioning and severely reprimanding -me they asked if I would hold my peace if they would let me go. I -answered, "I do not wish to disregard your request, but I must obey -God, for that is why I am here. And according to your law it is no -crime to hold open-air services; and it is a custom with the -churches." "Then we will put you into the cell." Another said, "No, we -cannot do that for this offense." Then he said I should be gone. I -said, "Will you not send an officer to show us the way to our lodging, -as you have arrested us without a cause and it is late at night?" But -they refused to send a guide. I asked if they would give me the name -of the policeman who arrested us, and told them the matter was not yet -ended; that they did not know with whom they were dealing. At first -they refused to give me the names asked for; but I said I should stay -till they did so, and I prevailed. When we had started to try to find -our way to our lodging place, we met a lady who kindly directed us to -the street and number. - -On Monday a sister who had been preaching among the policemen for some -years, called to see me--having heard of my arrest and treatment. She -was much surprised and said she could have those policemen all -discharged for their conduct toward me. I said, "No, do not do that; I -only want to see them and talk to them about their souls' salvation." -"Then," she replied, "I will have them come and ask your forgiveness." -As she started away, I handed her some recommendations and railroad -passes I had had in America and letters of introduction to parties in -that land. Glancing over them she exclaimed, "Is it possible? A lady -with such a recommend! These letters are addressed to some of the best -people in Great Britain. Will you trust me with these till I return?" -"Certainly," I replied. She returned in due time, saying the policemen -would come and make an apology. I was very glad, for I felt then that -I could tell them it was the love of Christ for the lost ones of earth -that constrained me to speak on the streets. Many ladies called during -the day to give me their sympathy and show their interest. The -policeman who caused the arrest came and asked me to forgive him. He -bowed with us in prayer, and sobs shook his heavy frame while his -tears fell like rain. He said, "It is like mother used to talk, and it -is the same kind of religion she had in olden times." I believe that -man found Christ his Savior that day. He told us of his wife sick at -home and two "wee bairns," and as he could get no girl at home, he had -overworked; and on that Saturday night had taken too much liquor in -order to keep him awake. - -He invited me to call upon his family. This I did the following day, -and found it as he had said. The two other men that had a part in -arresting us came the following day. One of them seemed very penitent -when I talked to them, and both humbly begged my pardon for their -conduct toward me. - -While in Glasgow I was invited by General Evans, of the Gospel Army, -to conduct special services for ten nights at their hall--commonly -known as the Globe Theater. We copy the following from an editorial of -the General's published in his paper while we were there: - - "Hearing of these evangelists we decided to invite them to Globe - Theater, and truly we can say God has visited his people. They do - not believe in forms and ceremonies like us formal Scotch - Christians, but speak as they are moved by the Holy Ghost. They - live by faith and do not ask for money or collections; however, - they seem to get on very well, and I never yet heard them - grumbling about having too little. They take whatever is given - them as from the Lord, and give Him their sincere thanks - accordingly. They have spent over a week speaking and singing - every night in our meetings, and not a few have been impressed by - the earnest words of our sisters. Some of the professors have had - their short-comings pretty well threshed out, the writer coming - in for his share. Our meetings have been well attended and I - believe a really good work has been begun in our midst. The elder - lady carries about with her a book full of newspaper clippings - and numerous testimonials about her work in America. Her special - field is in the prisons and among the unfortunates. She takes no - stock in sensational worship, but there is always a great - sensation wherever she puts in an appearance.... In closing I may - say that our heaven-bound sisters have had some severe trials - since leaving their native shores. Eternity alone will reveal the - amount they have endured for the Master's sake. Before they had - been many hours in Glasgow they were marched off to jail for - preaching at a street corner, and gathering a crowd. I trust - this epistle will open up our cold, hard hearts and that we may - receive our sisters as is our duty as a Christian community." - - - TUMULT IN A DIVE. - -"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil -shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried; * * * Be thou -faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."--Rev. 2:10. - -One Sunday night, as I was on my way going from the meeting, being in -company with General Evans and his wife and the sister who traveled -with me, I saw a public house open and went in and began to speak to -the men and women. I had only talked a few minutes when the proprietor -came in and asked, "Are you a customer here?" I replied, "No, I am -only speaking to these people about their souls." He said, "Now you -leave, or I'll make you." He ran into a back room, and coming out he -passed me quickly, running to the door and blowing a long blast on a -police whistle. This aroused the people and brought to the scene -several policemen and hundreds of people of all classes in general -fright. A man rushed in and catching me by the arm cried, "Come out of -this place, quick, or you'll be killed. You are in danger. You don't -know where you are! This is the Gallow Gate; the worst place in -Glasgow." I said to him, "Let me alone, I am obeying God." But as the -policemen closed in around me there was a cry raised, "It is Jack the -Ripper in disguise." The excitement in those days was intense all over -Europe. Jack the Ripper was a fiend in human form that was killing -women continually in the most horrifying manner and in cold blood. You -might see on a bulletin board in the city that a murder would be -committed on such a day and hour and these threats would be carried -out. Yet he defied the detectives and police. Large rewards were -offered for his capture. I saw that my life was in danger unless I -could convince them of their mistake, of which I now saw the cause. I -was dressed differently from them. I had on a long black cloak and had -thrown my black shawl over my head concealing my bonnet, and carried a -bag on my arm which contained my recommendations, railway passes, etc. -I said: "You are mistaken, gentlemen, I am not Jack the Ripper" -(removing my shawl), "I am a missionary from America; and preaching at -the Globe Theater every night. Come and hear me there. There is no -cause for this tumult." The General and his wife having come in, we -passed out, the mob following us several blocks with shouts and -screams giving me some blows as we went. But God delivered us from -their cruel hands. - - - A MOB OF DRUNKEN WOMEN. - -Another night when returning from the Globe Theater in company with -General and Mrs. Evans we heard a great noise up the street and soon -discovered that it was made by a mob of some kind. On their coming -nearer, we found it was an immense crowd of drunken fallen girls. The -General said: "Hide yourselves quick! There is no telling what they -might do." The policemen had slunk away--not caring to try to make any -arrests, as there were so many of them and they were so violent. Poor -souls! They were some mothers' girls who perhaps had learned to love -the taste of strong drink before they saw the light and were bound by -both inherited and acquired appetite. I was told that on an average -there were four drunken women in Glasgow for every drunken man. Such a -statement seems beyond belief, but during our stay we saw much to -indicate that it was true. What could the harvest be? - -While in Scotland I received a very precious letter of encouragement -and sympathy from Col. Geo. R. Clarke and wife of Pacific Garden -Mission, Chicago. I give it here and the reader can easily realize how -comforting it proved to me. - - Chicago, October 29, 1890. - - My Dear Sister Wheaton: - - We received yours written from Glasgow last night. I am sorry - they treat you so badly there. But that is the way nice appearing - people treated our blessed Lord when on earth, and the way they - would treat Him now should He come to earth in the flesh. But it - is blessed to us, said Jesus, when men persecute us. We have a - right then to rejoice as He told us. - - The Lord will stand by you as He did by Paul. He "will never - leave you nor forsake you." So you can boldly say: "The Lord is - my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." - - The Lord's work is prospering at our Mission and we are much - encouraged in it. We have large meetings and many precious souls - for Christ every night. - - We have started a noonday prayer-meeting for both sexes. The Lord - is greatly blessing the meetings. We have souls converted there - right along at every meeting. - - We will pray for you and may the dear Lord greatly bless you in - your work and labor of love which you do in His name. - - We have only a little time left now to wait for Him. The signs - are thickening and He will soon rush into view and then we shall - hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou - in to the joy of thy Lord." Praise His dear name. Glory to God! - Hallelujah!!! What a meeting that will be! It will be our time to - laugh then, but our persecutors will weep and wail. May God be - merciful to them now and give them repentance before that awful - day. - - Don't be in a hurry to die and go to heaven. You are more needed - by the Lord down here just now than in heaven. There are no - sinners there to whom to preach His gospel and He tells us to "Go - and preach" not "go to heaven." He will take us all home in His - own good time. Let us patiently wait for Him and "occupy until - He comes." With much Christian love we are yours in Christ. - - COL. AND MRS. GEO. R. CLARKE. - - - IN PAISLEY. - -I was summoned by telegram to go on to Paisley, Scotland, to hold -services for the Gospel Army in that place. We went immediately. Found -the city well informed of our coming by large striking posters which -read: "Hear the American Prison Evangelists--Be sure to hear these -ladies who have preached on the ruins of the Johnstown horror! Who -have visited all the prisons of note in America--led murderers to the -scaffold," etc. I was not accustomed to such sensational advertising -and tore down the posters I came across and chided with the General -for advertising us in such a way. He kindly explained that it was -customary in their work in order to arrest the attention of the people -and arouse interest in our meetings. Perhaps he was right but it was -something of a trial to me to be brought before the people in that -way. - -We found much to do in Paisley, not only in the night services but on -the streets, in the homes of refuge and in homes. Found twelve hundred -girls employed in the Coats Thread Works and eight hundred girls in -Clark's Thread Works. Found great poverty among the laboring classes, -as there was much dissipation among both men and women. - -Just before leaving Paisley I was called to go and hold services in -the Refuge for Fallen Women. During the services there did not seem to -be much feeling concerning their soul's salvation. It seemed I could -not reach them. At last, near the close of the meeting, I said: -"Girls, I am going away to my own land. I will never see you on earth -again. Will you not try and live so you will meet me in heaven? If -so, raise your hands." Not one hand was raised. Then I said, "Girls, -won't you pray?" No sign yet. "Girls, shall I pray for you when far -away? If so, raise your hands?" Not a hand went up. I was almost -discouraged. Could I leave that great crowd of lost women to go on in -their awful career without at least one manifesting a desire for a -better life? How could I meet them at the Judgment? At last I said: -"Girls, I leave to-morrow for America. I am all alone. Only this young -woman with me. How many of you will pray for _us_ as we cross the -ocean again to go to our own land? If any one will pray for us, won't -you raise your hand?" _Every hand went up_, and God's Holy Spirit -crept unawares into their hearts--so long unused to prayer, and the -spell of evil was broken, and God reached them. O the melting, tender -spirit which filled the room! And that company, I believe, gave God -their hearts. In learning to pray for us, their sisters, they found -God, and I trust to meet many, if not all, of those dear souls in -heaven. Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more." -And then the confessions, the tears, the promises! Bless God, His word -will not return void. - -Shortly after my arrival in America I received the following letter, -which explains itself, from the matron of this Home: - - Female Refuge, Paisley, Scotland, March 23, 1891. - - Mrs. Wheaton. - - Dear Friend: Glad I was to know that you had in God's good - Providence arrived safe at home among your dear ones, and rejoice - also with you that the work is prospering in your hand. - - I have been called upon to part here with dear ones since I saw - you, but they are gone before me only a little while. My - assistants are all with me yet, and with myself had much pleasure - in your card. We often talk of you and your young friend that - accompanied you. I do hope she is still with you. We have now a - household of thirty inmates, many giving proof of a new life - being theirs for time and eternity. With our united kind regards, - I am - - Yours truly in the Lord's work, - ANNIE J. BLUE. - -I have already mentioned the fact that I found it difficult to gain -admittance to the prisons of Scotland. I waited in Edinburgh for days, -on expense, seeking opportunity to hold at least one service in the -large prison there. While waiting I held services in the jail and -missions and open air. Our meetings in the open air were largely -attended, not only by the working classes, but also by others who -would stop and listen, being attracted, at first, by the singing which -usually drew large crowds. We were much blessed in these services and -especially in the slums where large numbers of neglected children -gathered around us, ragged and dirty, but with hearts glad to learn to -sing with us. - - - RETURN TO AMERICA. - -Various circumstances combined that seemed to require my return to -America and after nearly two months of constant toil in Glasgow, -Edinburgh, and Paisley, we hurried to Liverpool and November 15 took -shipping for New York on the steamship Wisconsin. On this return -voyage we encountered another fearful storm in which many ships went -down. - -The storm raged about four days. Men and women were in great fear; -some weeping, some screaming, some praying, and some cursing. Among -all that multitude there were only four Christians; only four souls -ready to face eternity! - -But our God is a very present help in time of trouble. There in that -terrible hour, I was conscious of His presence and I knew that He was -able to deliver us. When the storm had abated, with a heart full of -gratitude and thanksgiving, I tried to sing, but could only utter -softly the words of one old-time hymn: - - "How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord." - -So wonderfully did God deliver us that in spite of that fearful storm -we reached New York harbor after being only twelve days at sea. - -On board these steamers a religious service is held every Lord's day, -but it is usually led by the captain who is often an ungodly man. Many -seemed to ease their guilty consciences by observing this form of -religion. But my heart was often left more hungry and sad by a service -which seemed to me mere form if not a farce and mockery. - -During this return trip I supposed I was about out of money, and was -somewhat tempted to doubt the promises, and I prayed much for -guidance. When almost ready to land I took from my purse my small -stock to have the steward get it changed for U. S. money, and to my -glad surprise I found in another part of the purse a pound note. I -could not tell how it came to be there. So I felt reproved for my lack -of faith. - -Among my old papers I find a touching letter written by a dear young -sister to whom I became much attached while in Scotland. Had it not -been that her family were largely dependent upon her she would have -gone with me in my work. I give the following extract: - - Glasgow, Nov. 17, 1890. - - My Dear Sister in Jesus: - - I received your card Saturday night; and was very much surprised - to learn that you had gone so suddenly. But not our will but - God's will be done. Dear sister, I hope you and Nellie will have - a safe passage across the ocean and may the dear Savior be very - present to both of you. You have His blessed promise, "Fear them - not; for I am with thee." - - Mrs. P---- and the husband were asking very kindly after you. Mr. - L---- could scarcely credit that you had gone home so suddenly. - Several others also in the hall wish you a special blessing in - your effort to win souls for the Master, who will reward you in - His own time. - - Dear sister, you do not know and you will never know until you - are within the Pearly Gates, how many precious souls have been - brought to the knowledge of the truth through you. - - May the dear Lord make us truly Holy Ghost workers and may we - have a desire to point sinners to Jesus--the all-sufficient - one--the author and finisher of our salvation. Glory to God! May - we be more and more like Jesus, humble, meek and mild, loving one - another as the Lord has also loved us. May we be clean, empty - vessels for the Master's use. Dear Jesus, do strip us of - everything that would hinder the blessing and would keep our joy - from being full. Write soon; and if we do not meet again on - earth, with God's help we will meet in heaven, Praise God! - - Your loving sister in Jesus, - RACHEL SMITH. - - - SECOND VISIT TO EUROPE. - -In the year 1896 the Lord made plain to me that it was His will that I -should again go to Europe. While in Washington, D. C., I was led to -return to Iowa, and there found that a band of missionaries who were -ready to start for Africa had been praying that I might come and go -with them as far as New York. When they saw me alight at their door, -they shouted and praised the Lord. When I asked them the reason they -said because God had answered prayer--that they had prayed God to send -me to see them off for Africa. - -While we were holding a few meetings in Philadelphia I felt directed -to go on with them as far as London, so purchased my ticket with -theirs, taking steerage passage across the ocean for the third time. -Immediately after getting my ticket there came upon me a wonderful -outpouring of the Spirit and an assurance that was unmistakable that I -was in divine order. When I told those young missionaries I was going -with them as far as London they told me they had been praying that I -might be led to do that very thing. After a safe voyage we reached -Southampton in seven days. - -One Sabbath afternoon in London when we were holding an open-air -meeting on the street, God opened the flood-gates of Heaven, and I -with others sang and preached under the power of the Holy Spirit. A -Christian came and said, "Sister Wheaton, there is a preacher here who -wants to speak to you." I refused to go, as there were drunkards and -toughs on their knees under conviction of sin. I thought he was a -preacher who wanted to criticise my methods. They called me again, and -I went to see what was wanted. I found a fine-looking, well-dressed -man much past middle age under awful conviction of sin. He was a -backslider, and had stopped in passing, being attracted by a hymn I -was singing--one his mother used to sing. Yet he was unwilling to -yield himself to God. Some of those in the company had talked with him -and begged him to kneel. At last his stubborn will was broken, and he -knelt there on that London street and confessed his sins to God. When -he arose from his knees he said he had been on his way with a dagger -then in his coat sleeve, to commit suicide, but was attracted by that -song his mother used to sing, and could go no further. Thus by the -power of the Holy Ghost that Presiding Elder was saved on the streets -through faithful, honest trust in God, where the preacher and the -drunkard knelt side by side in the dust. I hope to meet them in -Heaven, and trust that all found peace with God. The word says, "Go -out in the streets and lanes of the city, and in the hedges and -highways." "Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost," not -the righteous but sinners. He came to save. How often people are -waiting for Christians, who profess to have salvation, to speak to -them, and how glad they are to receive the message if delivered in -love. - -I was located for a time at Woolwich, near the London Arsenal. There -were stationed thousands of soldiers and they were often found in the -public houses under the influence of drink. I would plead with them to -quit sinning, turn to God, and seek salvation. Often tears were shed, -and resolves made to serve the Lord. There are many incidents of souls -being saved on the streets, in the slums and public houses, but space -forbids my going into details, but suffice it to say that I have been -given many proofs of God's love and mercy from among the thousands who -have heard the gospel in those far-off lands, as well as in our home -land. Then let us encourage our missionaries everywhere to press on -until the Master says, "It is enough, come up higher." - -I was much pained, while in England, to see so many young women there, -as in Scotland, selling beer and other strong drink to customers in -the public houses; beautiful girls selling their souls to the tempter -to be lost forever unless in some way rescued before it is too late. - -During this second visit to Europe I was often stopped on the street -and asked to sing to the people, which I frequently did, regardless of -remarks or criticisms, and the Lord blessed my singing to the good of -many souls. While in London, night after night I would sing and preach -the gospel to people who longed for salvation, but knew not how to -get saved. How often we neglect an opportunity to do good. Years after -some of our missionaries returning from Africa, passing through -London, heard the people calling to them, "Where is that old lady who -sang for us?" So we labor not in vain. In due season we shall reap if -we faint not. - -After spending several weeks in England (most of the time in London) I -saw that precious band of young missionaries take the steamer for -Africa. The next day I embarked for home at Southampton. Soon after -starting we sighted the vessel on which they sailed and I could -distinguish some of them waving their handkerchiefs in farewell. One -of them died in Africa ten months later. By and by we shall meet again -in the Kingdom of heaven, each one, I trust, bringing with us sheaves -to lay at Jesus' feet. - -During the return voyage the sea was stormy at times, yet the voyage -was made safely, and on Sabbath morning, the day after my arrival in -New York, I went to the Tombs prison to hold services. I was very -tired, and after the services I was so faint I prayed for the Lord to -open the way for me to have some refreshments, as I was to preach in -the afternoon at a Rescue Mission. There were many elegantly dressed -lady visitors at that meeting, but they all passed out and left me -alone, when a young, humble-looking man came to me and said, "We are -very poor, and are able to afford but one meal a day, and not a full -meal at that, but it would be such a blessing to my wife and myself if -you would come and share it with us." My heart was touched that this -stranger should offer to share the little they had, when others never -thought of my needs. I did not go with him, although I thanked him; it -was so far to his home, but God will reward him. For Jesus said, "I -was a stranger and ye took me in, hungry and ye fed me; I was in -prison and ye came unto me, sick and ye visited me." - - Behold a homeless wanderer, poor and thinly clad, - To biting cold a victim, with hunger almost mad, - Entering yonder mansion, dares to boldly steal - What none should e'er deny a dog--the pittance of a meal! - See the greedy sleuth-hounds of the outraged law - Wage against this robber an unrelenting war; - While _Christian_ judge and jury, with ready wit, declare - His crime an awful outrage, that merits prison fare! - But he who rears his costly domes - O'er wreck and ruin of human homes, - Plants in the breast a raging thirst - And leaves his victims doubly cursed, - Can roll in luxury, loll in pride - And, with _the law_, his gain divide! - Tho' every dime he pays the state - A thousand cost in wakened hate! - - --_Geo. W. H. Harrison._ - - - Learn that in many a loathsome cell - A prisoned genius or a saint may dwell, - Whose power, developed by an act of love, - May lead a million to the Courts above. - Shall it be yours to touch that vibrant chord - And share the honor of the great reward? - What heaven endorses that alone can stand; - All else is stubble, built on shifting sand. - - --_G. W. H. H._ - -[Illustration: STATE PRISON, JOLIET, ILL.] - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - Travel and Toil. - - - TWO NIGHTS' SERVICE. - -At one time when suffering from nervous prostration I was lovingly -cared for for some weeks in the home of dear brother H. L. Hastings, -of Boston. One night while there I said to him: "I must go to the city -tonight." He replied: "Sister Wheaton, have you prayed about it?" I -said, "Yes." He answered, "Go and pray again." I did so and returned -to his office, saying, "I must go to the city tonight." They were -having watchnight service in the city. Again he replied: "The night is -very cold and you are sick. Go and pray and find out the mind of God." -Again I went to my room to inquire diligently of the Lord and was sure -that the call of the Spirit was that I should go. Again I returned to -his office and told him I must go to the city that night. Once more he -replied: "Sister Wheaton, go and pray." As I wept before the Lord He -showed me the city given up to idolatry and sin and again I went to -Brother Hastings' office and said: "I must go to the city." He dropped -his pen and hurriedly said: "Wife and I will go with you." It was one -of the coldest nights Boston had known for years, but from one saloon -to another the Lord led us and from one watchnight meeting to another -until near midnight we entered a Mission hall. A fine-looking, -well-dressed young man from the platform hurried down and said to me: -"Mother, I am so glad to see you. Come on the platform and speak to -the people." I looked at the man and he said: "Don't you know me, -mother?" When I said "No," he answered: "Don't you know your boy?" I -looked at him--so beautiful in the service of God--and then he said: -"I was in prison and you came and prayed and sang for me. I was in the -hospital, and got saved there, and God is still blessing your boy." -Reader, did it pay? Yes, that night my heart rejoiced in my Savior for -all He had done for me and for my "children" in prison walls. For -seventeen years now this man has been a blessing in helping to save -others. - -Another watchnight I spent in St. Louis, Missouri. Feeling weary, I -was about to retire for the night, when the Lord showed me to go on -the street and do service for Him. So, doubting not, I pressed out for -a cold night's work in the slums. The sister who entertained me went -with me to the places of sin and also to six different watch-meetings, -at which we witnessed for the Master, leaving the results with the -Lord, who said: "And the books were opened, and another book was -opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of -those things which were written in the books, according to their -works." - - - ONE WEEK'S WORK. - -A few years since, on arriving in Omaha after returning from the East, -I telephoned the jailer at the county jail: "Can I have a meeting?" -"Yes," came the reply. There were a good many prisoners and we had a -good service. Sister Kelley, of Tabor, Iowa, was with me. Our singing -seemed much appreciated. Went from there to the city jail. Held -services there, and in the evening in a Rescue Mission. - -At midnight we boarded the train for Deer Lodge, Montana. En route our -train stopped for a couple of hours at Ogden, Utah, and while there we -visited the Florence Crittenton Rescue Home--where we were warmly -welcomed by both the matron and the girls and had a blessed service. -God bless them all! - -[Illustration: PRISON AT DEER LODGE, MONT.] - -We arrived at the State prison at Deer Lodge on Saturday, and had the -privilege of preaching to the many prisoners the following day. God -blessed me in speaking, both to the men and women. We sang many -old-time hymns and some new ones. Took each prisoner by the hand as -they passed out, visited the sick prisoners and went to two churches -that night, and visited the women prisoners on Monday morning, and had -real victory in prayer for them. Then bidding goodbye to all we left -for the prison at Boise City, Idaho, where we arrived Tuesday. -Telephoned the warden asking permission to hold service at the prison. -The privilege was granted and a team was sent for us. We found a large -number of prisoners and the officials kind, and had a good service of -an hour. Visited the poor, condemned men in their cells, prayed and -wept with them, and commended them to the great loving God who said: -"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though -they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." After seeing the -sick we left the prison; but my heart was greatly drawn out for those -men under death sentence. I felt that one of them (a foreigner) was -innocent. I was almost overcome with sorrow. They were my "children" -and I never would see them again in this world, and yet I was -powerless to help them! - -From Boise City we went to Salt Lake City. When we arrived at the -penitentiary there and mentioned our desire to hold a service the -warden's kind wife said: "The warden is in the city and they are under -contract and must get their work done immediately--but you lie down -and rest--you are worn out" (and I was). So I slept until I heard her -tender voice, saying, "Mrs. Wheaton, lunch is ready and the warden -says he will give you forty minutes after dinner in the chapel with -the men." I was so glad and said: "This is all through your kindness -and God will reward you." I found the men seated, waiting for me, in -the chapel and thankfully I improved that opportunity, knowing that -eternity would reveal the results of that service. I was permitted to -see the two men under death sentence and sing and pray with them, and -tell them of a Savior "mighty to save and strong to deliver;" then -with sad heart I left them--never to meet them again till the trumpet -should sound. Precious in God's sight were those poor, forsaken, -criminals! And, reader, as I write these lines down in the slums of -Chicago, I see opposite me the saloon open day and night luring men -and women inside, fitting them also for the prison and perhaps for the -scaffold! - -Leaving the prison at Salt Lake, we hurried to the county jail, held -services in two departments, and had a good time with the prisoners; -then left for the city jail. Did what work we could there in the -Lord's name and hurried to the depot, only stopping on the way to get -a little lunch for the long journey before us. Weary and faint we -reached the train just as it was leaving. Too weak to go further I got -in the first car, which proved to be a dining car. I said: "The boys -will allow me to sit here awhile," and I heard a voice saying: "Come -in, mother, sit down. You are welcome in my car and you must have -something to eat. You look tired and hungry"--and wasn't I? And when I -told him of my friend in another car he had me bring her also and gave -us both a good supper, and was I not thankful to God for that kind -welcome from the dining car conductor, who knew me? Surely God will -reward him. I hope to meet and know him in that land where we shall -never get weary and hungry. - -We arrived at Rawlins, Wyoming, at nine the next morning. We hurried -to the prison. It was Decoration Day and most of the guards were off -for a holiday--the men being locked in their cells. The warden kindly -said to us: "I wish I could let you talk to the men, but my officers -are gone and there is no one to guard them, and I am compelled to -remain at the office to see after business." I was sure God had sent -us, and said: "Will you permit us to see the men in their cells?" -After much deliberation he said: "I'll tell you what I will do, I'll -turn the men loose in the dining room if you think you can control -them, and let you have an hour to talk to them." I said, "Surely I can -manage those men--why, they are my children, sir," and so down the men -came from their cells and O such a meeting! I was at home and my -"boys" were on their honor and I talked to them as a mother and we -sang together hymns that they knew, and bless God He was guarding the -men, and I had nothing to do with the matter only to obey Him and tell -them the old, old story of the redeeming love of a Savior who died to -save us from our sins and give to us eternal life. As I grasped each -one by the hand at parting, I found the men quiet and peaceable, -humbly begging me to come again. Then I saw the heavy iron doors close -between us and knew I would probably never see them together again as -we were there, but looked forward to the great day in which, if he -would, each man could have a part in crowning Jesus Lord of lords and -King of kings. - -After having dinner with the few officers present in their own dining -room we hurried to the jail. There we were permitted to preach the -gospel to the prisoners and they received us gladly. As I left the -jailer expressed his appreciation of the visit, saying it was so good -of us to come to help the prisoners--especially the girls. - -Arriving at Lincoln, Nebraska, we attended the evening service of the -National Campmeeting then in progress there and the next morning went -to the prison. The warden kindly granted us the privilege of a gospel -service with the prisoners. After holding this service and visiting -the sick in the hospital we returned to the camp ground. Reached there -during a testimony service just in time to be invited by the leader to -sing a certain hymn. Instantly I was on my feet and soon on the -platform saying, "Yes, I will sing, but first I must sing, - - "The toils of the road will seem nothing - When we get to the end of the way." - -And shouts of praise went up to God all over that ground, for He -especially anointed me to sing that hymn. I felt every word of it, for -though weary and tired from the journey, I knew God had been with me -and had given victory all along the way. - -In this brief sketch I have failed to mention some services held in -missions and also special services on all the trains on which we -traveled--perhaps bringing to some their last warning. - -One night during this week's journey a crowd of drunken men boarded -the train. They were so abusive to me that I went outside the car -door. When I went in the next car I found the same kind dining car -conductor I have before mentioned. At his inquiry as to what was the -matter I just knelt and prayed and then told him how the drunken men -had acted. He said: "Come with me. This won't do. I will see that you -and your sister have a sleeper." He went with me into the other car, -and when the men saw the man in uniform with me they tried to be very -polite. They were under the influence of drink and in a sense not -responsible for their actions. Who is responsible? The saloon, the -brewery, the devil who uses these things to make men and women -oftentimes more like fiends than creatures made in the image and -likeness of God, and all who fail to use their influence against the -liquor traffic are responsible. - -From Lincoln we went to Omaha where we parted feeling that the days -had been spent for God and souls--the dear sister to return to her -work in the missionary training home at Tabor, Iowa, I to hurry on to -Chicago, taking with me one of the sisters I met for the first time in -the slum mission work in Omaha a week previous. - -So we turned over that week's work to the Lord of the harvest, who -will see that the seed scattered along life's pathway shall bring -forth fruit unto eternal life. - - - A PROFITABLE TRIP. - -Walking along the street in Chicago on my way to the Cook County Jail -to see the "car-barn bandits" and one or two others under death -sentence, I was impressed that I must go to some State Prison for -Easter, only two days off. I stopped and prayed, inquiring of the Lord -where he would have me go. - -I had been east and just arrived in the city, weary and worn, but I -knew the voice of God was saying, "Go!" but where and by what route I -knew not. I stood still until the Lord made it plain to go -westward--to what place I need not know, but to go to the railroad -office and get transportation. When I entered the office the kind -official said, "What can I do for you, Mother?" At first I answered, -"I hardly know what to ask for, as it is not yet plain to me just -where to go;" but a little later I said to him, "I must go to Canon -City, Colorado." "All right," he said, and gave me transportation. It -was then too late, under ordinary circumstances, to visit the jail, -but I felt that I must see those condemned boys before their -execution, and I prayed that God would open my way and incline the -heart of the jailer, Mr. Whitman, to grant me the desired opportunity. -To my surprise I found Mr. Whitman on the street car. I told him that -I must leave the city at once for western prisons and asked if he -would kindly give me permission to see the condemned men who were in -his charge, before I left, as I could not return before the day set -for execution. He was very kind and answered, "Yes, I will send an -officer with you to see the boys." - -That hour will never be forgotten. Instead of tough, rough looking men -I found "mother's boys" in the prime of their young manhood. Kindly, -tenderly I talked to them, thinking to myself, what if it were my -boy, now safe in Heaven? O sisters, it seemed to me my heart would -break as I placed my hands on their heads, so soon to be cold in death -and commended them to the God who sent His only begotten Son, who, -when on the cross, said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what -they do!" I left the prison, praying that my message might not be in -vain. - -Upon leaving Chicago over the Santa Fe railroad on my way west, I -prayed earnestly for direction as to what prison I should visit on -Easter Sunday and was impressed to stop at Joliet. The warden, Mr. -Murphy, and his estimable wife were kind and hospitable, as they -always are, and the chaplain was willing that I should have a part in -the services on the Sabbath. God was present in power in all the -services. Many of the prisoners partook of the communion with their -teachers and chaplain. - -The Lord alone can reward the warden's wife for her special kindness -to me at this time, for I was taken sick from overwork and detained -over Monday. I then left at midnight for Topeka, Kansas, where the -Lord sent me to the railroad shops to hold services at the noon hour -while the men were resting after lunch. Our meeting with them was -signally owned and blessed of God. At its close I shook hands with -each of those hundreds of men and then went to the jail where the Lord -again graciously met with us. - -Reaching Pueblo on our way to Canon City we telephoned the -jailer--also the matron of the Rescue Home--and obtained permission to -hold services at each on our return. - -At Canon City the warden and his wife gave us a most kind and -courteous welcome and he granted the privilege of holding services for -the prisoners in the chapel, also at the hospital and cell houses. I -visited their night school. It was very interesting to see so many -teaching other prisoners. The most important part of my work at Canon -City, however, was seeing three young men who were under death -sentence. While I prayed day after day for them, they came to see -their true condition before God and, I believe, gave evidence of true -repentance. I hope to meet them all in Heaven. - -But oh, what a sad sight to see those young men in the prime of life, -sentenced to die; and all on account of strong drink. - -How pitifully they talked of home and mother and innocent childhood -days! Their hearts were melted and broken. Poor boys! far away from -home and friends, with few to care and many to cry out, "They deserve -to die"--never seeing the cause, the rum traffic. Why not stop that -which sends our young men by the thousands to a drunkard's or a -criminal's grave? When I bade these young men farewell they were -cheerful and confident that the Lord had forgiven them. - -Arriving at Pueblo on the return trip, we went to the Rescue Home -where we received a kind welcome; also held services in the prison -there. I forgot to mention services held in jail and almshouse while -in Canon City. - -At Denver we found friends who received us kindly. We held services in -their mission church. Also held service in the large jail in which I -conducted the first meeting ever held after it was built. - -Leaving Denver we went to Lincoln, Neb., to hold services in the State -Prison on the Sabbath. Found there my friends, Warden Beemer and wife, -who have always been so kind to me. Our meetings were crowned with -success and victory. Also did personal work, which is important. - -While I was there, two new prisoners were brought in. - -Left Monday for Omaha and went at once to the County Jail and held -meetings in the three different wards. God blessed His own word to the -good of souls! There, as elsewhere, I met some who knew me. From Omaha -I went to Chicago, where I spent some time in missions, etc. - - - SIX WEEKS' SERVICE. - -About July 1, 1904, I spent some time in St. Louis, visiting the -slums, dives and saloons, faithfully warning the multitudes I found in -sin. Left there for Jefferson City, where I held services in the State -Prison. We give here the following extract written by the sister who -accompanied me on this trip: - - - MY TRIP TO JEFFERSON CITY. - - I was glad to have the opportunity of visiting the prison in - Jefferson City with Mother Wheaton, who is one of our oldest and - most successful prison workers. - - We were off early Saturday morning, July 2, and arrived there at - 2:30 o'clock. We had dinner, then went to the prison. The guard - first took us to see the women. They were all seated at machines, - sewing very rapidly, and I was told I was not allowed to speak to - them. My heart ached and I could not keep back the tears as I - looked on the precious girls I had labored with in the jail at - St. Louis, some seven or eight of them. At 6 o'clock we had a - short meeting with a hundred and fifty shop girls. Many of them - were moved to tears, and we believe good was accomplished. Sunday - morning we had a good meeting in the jail, then at 2:30 went back - to the prison and gave the gospel to twenty-two hundred convicts. - It was a blessed time. I never saw such attention, and while - Mother Wheaton spoke and we sang "He Pardoned a Rebel Like Me," I - saw some of them wiping the tears from their eyes. These men are - not all hard-hearted. As I looked at them and heard almost all of - them join in with us and sing "We'll Never Say Good-Bye in - Heaven," somehow I lost sight of the stripes and prison walls - and bars, and thought how precious they are in God's sight, and - I believe many will be gathered to praise Him, who was pierced - for us all. After the meeting a young man asked permission to - speak to us; his face shone with the glory of God as he told how - he had been there five years, and had been saved two years and a - half and called to preach the gospel. He proved his earnestness - when Mother Wheaton asked if he would let her try to get him - pardoned, and he answered: "No, I am guilty, and I not only feel - it my duty to serve my time, but will make restitution as soon as - I am out. Then I shall give myself to the Lord's work." - -Returning to St. Louis I next went to Denver, Colo., to see Governor -Peabody in behalf of the three young men who were awaiting execution. -The governor was very kind and willing to do what was right. In Denver -I had services in the jail, also spoke at two meetings and preached at -night at a mission church. Next visited the State Reformatory for -Young Men at Buena Vista, Colo. Most of the officers and all the boys -attended the services. Leaving here in the evening arrived at Salt -Lake City next day about noon. I hurried to the State Prison and was -surprised to find a new warden, as the former warden had died. It -being a working day had only a short service with the prisoners, but -it was blessed of the Lord. Then visited the county and city jails, -holding three services. Leaving here, traveling all night, arrived the -next evening at Canon City, Colo. Hurrying to the State Prison we were -kindly received and permitted to hold services in the cell houses till -9 o'clock. The warden informed me that one of the boys under death -sentence had gone insane just the day before and could not be seen. -One of the other boys under sentence of death said the last thing that -this one had done was to write me a letter, of which I here insert an -extract: - - CANON CITY, COLO., July 12, 1904. - - Dear Mother Wheaton:-- - - It is with pleasure that I answer your welcome letter, which was - appreciated. We are waiting patiently to know the verdict. If it - is God's will that I must be taken out of this world, I will go, - but it is very hard, as I have done nothing worthy of death, but - they look at it different, I suppose. Whatever got me into such a - scrape I cannot tell. I have always worked hard for my living. - - Dear Mother, I have done as you requested. I commenced to read - the New Testament on the 28th of June and completed it on the - 10th of July. I never forget to read the Holy Bible and to pray. - - You wished to know if we boys had any work to do. It is beyond - the warden's power to let us work under the circumstances, though - he is very kind to us; also the other officials. We are allowed - all the reading matter we can use and have exercise each day. - - Dear Mother Wheaton, I hope that we will meet again on earth. If - not, I pray we may in heaven. And may our Heavenly Father protect - you in the work of His cause. I ever remain your son in Jesus. - - C----. P----. - -Leaving Canon City we hurry on, visiting next the State Prison at -Lincoln, Neb. There we found another poor man under death sentence, -who gladly listened while I taught him the way of life. Oh, the joy -that filled my soul as I told him of the Savior who would pardon all -his sins. After seeing the other prisoners who are always glad to see -true friends, we hastened on to Omaha, Neb. Here I held four services -in jails and Rescue Homes. When leaving Omaha as I was singing on the -train I found some ladies crying; one of them, grasping my hand, said, -"When you sang 'My Name in Mother's Prayer,' I thought how often my -mother, who is in the baggage coach, has prayed for me, and I will -never hear her pray again." I soon changed cars and bade farewell to -the sorrowing friends, hoping to meet them with that mother where -there is no death nor tears. - -[Illustration: CRIMINAL INSANE HOSPITAL, CHESTER, ILL.] - -Resting for a short time at Tabor, Iowa, I then went to St. Louis and -on to Chester, Ill., to hold services in the State Prison. We were -here four days and held services in the State Prison, jail, and -Criminal Insane Hospital, where there are more than one hundred -inmates. - -Once while holding services here one young man was saved and his mind -restored. He has now been preaching the Gospel for several years. "Is -there anything too hard for the Lord?" - -We next visited Gatesville, Texas, where is located the Reform School -for Boys. Obtained permission to see the boys and it fortunately being -a holiday I was allowed to hold services in both the white and colored -wards. The way the boys seemed to enjoy the meetings and to hear them -sing was encouraging. Leaving for Huntsville, Tex., we went to -different towns, holding services in jails and on the streets till -Saturday, when we arrived at Rusk, Texas, and were met by the -chaplain, Mr. Dawson, who treated us kindly and gave me the privilege -of holding meetings on the Sabbath. Had a very impressive service in -the afternoon in the prison yard where we gathered round a coffin to -pay the last tribute of love to a departed prisoner, after which we -held a meeting in the prison hospital. - -We next visited the State Prison at Huntsville, Texas, where we were -kindly given the entire time in chapel service, and also the privilege -of holding services in the different wards of the hospital. Here all -seemed encouraged and were much effected, the tears flowing freely -upon many of the pale faces. - -I received upon this visit the following kind tribute from the -Assistant Superintendent and Prison Physician: - - I was present at the services conducted by Mother Wheaton at the - Huntsville Penitentiary, on August 7, 1904, and noticed with much - satisfaction that her remarks and singing were very much - appreciated by the men, and many of them seemed very much - affected, and I think that the service will be conducive to much - good hereafter. - - T. H. BROWN, - Assistant Superintendent, in charge Huntsville Penitentiary. - -[Illustration: PRISON AT HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS.] - - Mother Wheaton visited the Huntsville Prison Hospital this - morning and I think her words of cheer and advice given to the - sick will be the means of doing great good. - - W. E. FOWLER, - Prison Physician. - -At the Woman's Prison, also located at Huntsville, we found over one -hundred women prisoners all working on the farm except the few white -women. We held meetings with these women in the afternoon and evening -for three days, which were blessed of the Lord. While I wept with -them I thought of the Scripture, "Weep with those that weep." Jesus -loved me and saved me and has put a real love in my heart for those -souls. - -The kind chaplain took us with his invalid wife on Sabbath afternoon -to visit the consumptives' prison a few miles from Huntsville. Here -the prisoners sick with consumption are located on a farm. Had a -blessed meeting with them. The weather being so warm my health would -not permit me to visit the several stockades in this state, where are -mines, sugar refineries or farms. - -Returning to St. Louis, Mo., worn and weary, we were kindly -entertained at the Berachah Home for Girls. Again we visited the -slums, missions, and dives. The sin during these fairs and expositions -is awful in the extreme. I have no time or desire to go to see the -sights, but am after souls. - -Next we went to Leavenworth, Kan.; was kindly given the hour for -service Sabbath morning, at the State Prison at Lansing, also a -service with the women prisoners. Also visited the Soldiers' Home, and -by the kindness of the superintendent was permitted to speak to the -aged soldiers. - -We then found a welcome in the home of Sister Two-good, who -accompanied us to the Old Ladies' Rest, where I held services in their -lovely new home. In the evening till after 10 o'clock we were speaking -to crowds on the streets who seldom attend church. - -Returning then to Tabor, Iowa, weary with this six weeks' constant -service, I was for some weeks unable to travel. One night when as I -thought, near death, I cried mightily to God and he heard my cry, -touched my body and healed me. After a few weeks' rest, yet scarcely -able to travel, I started again on my mission seeking the lost. - - - RECENT WORK. - -During these weeks of waiting the responsibility of finishing this -book then in preparation, and getting it to its readers bore heavily -upon me. Knowing that I could not attend to this and continue my work, -I was in answer to prayer assured that I should be relieved of the -burden of managing the publication, sale, and distribution of the -book. After much prayer about the matter I was relieved of this burden -in a very satisfactory manner, Bro. C. M. Kelley taking the management -of the same for the Lord. - -While yet weak in body, receiving indication from the Lord that I -should be about His work, I went on my way, taking with me a young -sister from the Training Home, who expects to devote her life's -service as a missionary in Japan, the Holy Spirit assuring her also -that she should accompany me on this trip. I leave it for her to write -the account of the following few weeks' work. - -I was blessed with an opportunity to travel a few weeks with "Mother -Wheaton" in her work in prisons, etc. Leaving the Home at Tabor, Ia., -September 28, 1904, we first visited the jail at Council Bluffs, where -Mother Wheaton held a Gospel service. A number of the prisoners asked -for prayer. We next went to Chicago, where on the Lord's day we -visited the county jail, where were about 540 men and a few women. -After their chapel service we were given access to the corridors where -we could talk to all. We also took part in several services at the -Beulah Rescue Homes, some missions, etc. - -On October 15, we were at Ft. Madison, Iowa, and visited the several -wards in the State Prison and sang and prayed with the sick. On -Sabbath Mother Wheaton conducted services in the chapel, also at the -county jail and the Santa Fe Railroad Hospital. - -We next attended the National Prison Congress in session at Quincy, -Ill. We here had opportunities to witness for God. Monday evening, by -invitation, Mother Wheaton spoke at the Soldiers' Home, where God -poured out His Spirit and melted the hearts of some who were steeped -in sin. The following morning we visited the hospital and prayed and -sang with the sick who seemed very glad to hear the good old-time -hymns. We then went to the jail where one woman accused of murder was -especially touched and broken up, seeing there was someone who loved -and cared for her. It is the love of Jesus that brings sinners to -repentance. The day following, October 18, we held service at the -Chaddick Boys' School which is under Deaconess' management. Here -Mother Wheaton spoke to ninety young boys. - -Provision was made for those in attendance at the Prison Congress to -take an excursion down the river, but instead of going with this -company we went to the House of Correction, where the superintendent -seemed glad to have Mother Wheaton speak to the prisoners, both men -and women, even calling in the men from their work. - -[Illustration: GROUP OF DELEGATES AT THE NATIONAL PRISON CONGRESS, -QUINCY, ILL., OCTOBER, 1904. - -Mrs. Wheaton in upper right hand corner.] - -October 19 we returned to Chicago. The next morning we took the train -for Marquette, Mich., on the shore of Lake Superior, where is located -a State Prison. Upon our arrival there we went to the chaplain, who -kindly gave permission to conduct the next Sabbath morning services. -We then visited the poor house, where we sang and prayed with those -who were lonely and sad, and knew nothing about Jesus. On Saturday it -was stormy, but Mother Wheaton held a service at the county jail, -which God blessed. The Lord's day, October 23, was a day long to be -remembered by many of the prisoners, who that day received a ray of -hope. The Spirit of God so anointed Mother Wheaton to speak that the -prisoners seemed to be held spellbound, with hearts open to receive -every word and song. In the afternoon we were given the privilege of -talking and singing in the corridors and speaking to the prisoners in -their cells. It was told us that these were the worst men in the -state, twenty-four of whom were serving life sentences. But God -touched their hearts, many being moved to tears. We left some of them -with new hopes, calling upon God for help and asking us to pray for -them. Mother Wheaton said they were all her own dear boys. - -Journeying eastward we held services in Indianapolis, Ind., also in -the State Prison at Columbus, Ohio, and in the Woman's Prison at -Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Sabbath morning, November 5, Mother Wheaton -spoke in the corridors of the State Prison in Philadelphia, and in the -afternoon at the House of Correction. Here the Lord wonderfully spoke -to the hearts of many young girls. Many men were moved upon by the -Spirit. The officers looked on with amazement to see how attentive -they all seemed to be. - -At Trenton, N. J., at the county jail God moved upon hearts and many -asked for prayer. - -At the State Prison at Trenton, N. J., we received a warm welcome and -Mother Wheaton was given opportunity to preach on the following Lord's -day in the chapel. We visited the woman's department and held a -service with them, all stopping their work and giving attention. God -melted the hearts of those women who have gone away from Him. Jesus' -blood is able to cleanse from every stain. - -After a few busy days of service in New York city we returned to -Trenton, for the service in the prison on the Sabbath. We then -returned westward by way of Baltimore and Washington, D. C. We next -held a service in the prison at Canton, Ohio, and then went to -Mansfield to the State Reformatory, where were nearly a thousand young -men. Here God wonderfully answered prayer. The superintendent and -chaplain were very kind, supplying us with such things as we had need -of. We arrived in Chicago November 20. Leaving there we went by way of -Marion and Anamosa, Iowa, where we held services. We arrived at Tabor -on Thanksgiving day, November 24, which was truly a thanksgiving day -with us, for the wonderful way in which God had answered prayer and -brought us safely through so many dangers and given us such glorious -victories in His blessed service. - - ROSA MINTLE. - -[Illustration: INDUSTRIAL REFORM SCHOOL, HUTCHINSON, KAN.] - -Leaving Tabor December 15, taking with me Sister Taylor, who for -several years has accompanied me at intervals in my work, silently -praying for me while I preach, sing or pray, I started for San -Francisco, California, via Santa Fe, New Mexico. We stopped at -Hutchison, Kansas, where is located the State Industrial Reform School -for Young Men. We net the wife of the superintendent of that -institution, who kindly took us to the school. I had held service -here with prisoners who were working on the buildings when they were -being erected. - -The officers arranged for a service in the chapel though it was a week -day and just before Christmas. The meeting was owned and blessed of -the Lord. Also at Santa Fe we were kindly entertained by the wife of -the superintendent of the prison, and the officers gave us a service -in the chapel and the prisoners, both men and women, privilege to -attend. About half the prisoners being Mexicans I had to speak to them -by the aid of an interpreter. This service was also signally owned of -the Lord. We also held special service with the women. - -We then left for the coast and had several services en route with the -passengers and railroad men; also with a hundred soldiers who were -going to their winter quarters. I had warned the soldiers about -drinking. It seemed so sad to see them drinking and gambling. Poor -boys, there seems to be no way of restraining them from strong drink -so long as they can get it. Some trouble arose between them and other -parties and one of the soldiers was badly cut in the throat. In a town -in California I held services in a number of saloons and dance halls. -It was Christmas day and I never saw more drinking among the people -and I never want to witness such again. Why will people indulge in -strong drink, when God has said no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom -of heaven? - -We arrived in San Francisco and found many open doors to preach the -Gospel. I visited the State Prison at San Quentin. The chaplain was -very kind, giving me privileges of the chapel services and a special -service with the women. This prison was first opened to me in 1898 in -direct answer to prayer. I also held services in the city prisons. - -We also visited the Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island, where we held -three services with the manifest blessing of God upon our souls. The -kindness of the officers and the appreciation shown by the prisoners -there will not be forgotten. I am sure God will reward those who are -kind to His children, and who assist His workers in any way. - -During the first four months of 1905 we found much to do for the Lord -in Los Angeles, San Pedro and other places in California, one of these -of special importance was the Reformatory at Whittier. - -[Illustration: INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, WHITTIER, CAL.] - -Early in May, having received a letter from one of the boys in -Colorado under sentence of death, I hastened to that state to see the -new governor in their behalf. I was kindly received and heard by the -governor, but as the Board of Pardons was to soon meet he declined to -make any promises. Tarrying several days for the board to meet, I met -with them and made a plea for the lives of the boys who had, under the -influence of drink, accidentally, as they claimed, taken life. - -They received a reprieve for four weeks, but the two who were adjudged -sane were executed June 16. I give elsewhere an extract from a letter -received from the mother of one of these boys shortly afterward. Also -an extract from a paper concerning the mother of the other. - -After returning to Iowa and remaining but a few days, accompanied by a -young sister from the Home, I returned to Colorado, visiting, en -route, the jail at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the State Prison at -Lincoln, Nebraska, where we held service on the Lord's day. We then -proceeded to Canon City to visit the condemned boys, and held services -in the corridors of the prison till late at night. We next went to -Buena Vista, where we held service in the State Reform School for -Boys, and in the jail. On our return east we stopped at a camp meeting -at Newton, Kansas, where the Lord blessed in the jail and in the work -on the street. Going next to Chicago we held service in the county -jail with about four hundred men. We next visited the prison at -Joliet, Illinois, but only had service in the prison hospital and -proceeded to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for services on the Lord's -day; then returned to Tabor, stopping in Omaha and holding a service -in the county jail. - -Taking with me the young sister whom I have elsewhere mentioned as -having first known as an orphan girl, now starting for India, I spent -a day at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where we talked and sang in a tent -meeting, on the street, and in the jail. The time set for the -missionary band to sail being near, we hurried westward, stopping at -but a few places till we reached Sacramento, where we had work to do -for souls in the prison and other places. We next visited the prison -at Salem, Oregon, and also made a short stay at Portland. Upon -reaching Tacoma we learned that the time of sailing had been put off a -week, so we improved the time seeking out the lost in mission work, -etc. - -The company of nine missionaries, including one child, boarded the -steamship "Minnesota," and by the kindness of the general -superintendent of the company we were permitted to spend a night -before sailing on board the vessel with them, which was a time very -much enjoyed in the Lord. The parting was not one of sadness, but of -sweet peace and calmness. As we looked into the faces of the dear ones -as they were being borne away we rejoiced that God has a few whom He -can trust to carry the precious Gospel to the heathen. As the vessel -bearing its precious burden sailed from our view, the little company -of anxious watchers kneeled down and committed the dear ones to Him -who has said that His children are as dear to Him as the apple of His -eye. We were afterward delighted to hear that they had a most -delightful voyage, reaching Yokohama, Japan, in eighteen days, just in -time to escape a very disastrous storm on the sea. - -As a sister had accompanied some of the missionaries to the coast and -was to return with me, assisting me in the work, we turned our -attention to the needs of the lost ones about us. I will let this -sister here give a brief sketch of our return trip, on which we trust -much good was done for souls: - - - RETURN FROM PACIFIC COAST. - -Mother Wheaton's companion to the coast, Sister Yarrett, having -sailed for India, it was my privilege to accompany her from Seattle to -Iowa. From the wharf, when we had committed the company of dear -missionaries to the Lord, we went to the rooms of the Y. W. C. A. and -held religious service while the young ladies had lunch. About two -hundred young women lunch in these rooms daily. At night Mother -Wheaton spoke at the Life Boat Mission with the anointing of the Holy -Spirit, and many hearts seemed touched. - -Early the next morning we left Seattle on board the S. S. Whatcom, en -route to Victoria, British Columbia. This was a most enjoyable trip to -me. At Victoria we had a very profitable service in the W. C. T. U. -Rescue Home, and the Lord especially blessed the visit and service. -Later we spent five days very profitably in Portland laboring in the -Exposition Camp Meeting, visiting the jails, saloons and slums, -preaching and singing the Gospel. - -We next went to Boise, Idaho, where we held services in the Soldiers' -Home and in the State Prison. Service with the women prisoners and -prayer with the men under death sentence were special features of our -visit to this place. We next spent a day in Rawlins, Wyoming, visiting -the state and county prisons, holding short but profitable services in -each. In the county jail here a raving maniac was quieted by Mother -Wheaton's singing. - -Another night and day's travel across the plains and beautiful country -and we were in Omaha, Nebraska. Here we spent several days, being -entertained in the Tinley Rescue Home. This indeed is a refuge for the -fallen. Our time here was well occupied in the jails, missions and -churches. Then we hurried on to Tabor. I to resume duties in the -school room, and Mother Wheaton, after a few days' rest, to continue -her pilgrimage seeking the wandering and the lost ones of earth till -she shall be called from toil to her reward which shall surely be one -worth gaining. - - EMMA H. HERR. - - - ANOTHER TRIP. - -After attending Prison Congress at Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 21 to 26, I -left for western prisons and other institutions. Held services at Old -Soldiers' Home, Grand Island, Nebraska, the 27th, then went to -Rawlings, Wyoming; held services on Sunday at the prison chapel with -all the prisoners, then at the county jail. Had great liberty in both -prisons. Left at night for Salt Lake City, Utah. Found open doors. -Held services at state prison jail on Monday afternoon; also in the -county jail, two services. Left that night for Ogden; held services in -the county jail and at Crittendon Rescue Home. Left for Deer Lodge, -Montana, where I was kindly received by the warden, Frank Conley, who -has ever proved one of the best of friends to me in my work in -prison--always arranging for services Sunday or week day and -entertaining myself and any one I brought with me, and never letting -me go away without something to help defray expenses along the way. -Sunday afternoon at Butte City held two services at the county jail; -took train at night for Walla Walla, Washington and arrived there at -3:30 a. m., and went to Chaplain Lacornu's home. After resting, prayer -and breakfast, we went to the state prison, where I held services with -the twelve women prisoners; then in the dining room, held services -with the men--about eight hundred prisoners. The Lord was present in -both services to own and bless and many were helped to a better life -and higher aims. Left there for county jail where we had profitable -service with men and women. - -Left that night for Portland, Oregon. Was kindly entertained by one -who has been preaching the gospel for nearly twenty years, who was -convicted in prison while I was preaching in the prison in Bismark, N. -D., one night after nine o'clock. He was converted and has done great -good in the work, both in prison and outside ever since. Much of his -success is due to his faithful Christian wife, who has ever been his -true friend and helpmeet. - -Called on Mrs. Smith, a prison missionary, who for years has done -mission work in Salem and Walla Walla prisons. Then left for Salem, -Oregon, where I held services with the prisoners in the jail on the -Sabbath day, also with the women prisoners on Saturday afternoon. Was -kindly received by the Superintendent of the prison and his family, -also by the Bible school in charge of Brother and Sister Ryan, where I -held services on Sunday night in the chapel with students and -citizens. Left Monday morning for the South. Stopped in Sacramento, -and went to the Rescue Home and held services for the girls while I -waited for the train to Carson City, Nevada. Changed cars at Reno and -waiting for neither rest or food hurried on to Carson City to see the -Governor and the Attorney General about prison work. Found four men -under sentence of death. I pleaded with the Governor for a commutation -of sentence. Governor Sparks asked me if I could meet with the Board -of Pardons and himself at 2 p. m., and gave me a letter to the warden -to allow me to see the condemned men and hold services with them--also -with all of the prisoners. The Governor also arranged for me to go to -the prison with one of the officers. Found the poor men heart broken -over their condition, and really sorry for their sin. They had all -been drinking, and among the four of them they had killed a young man, -and all were doomed to die. - -When I entered their prison with the death-watch I was overcome with -sorrow for the poor unfortunates who so soon would be in eternity, and -as I came in the door one of the prisoners said, "O, it is Mother -Wheaton." As I clasped his hand he said, "Mother, I knew you twenty -years ago." I said, "Where?" and he said, "In San Francisco." Reader, -you may try to sympathize or criticize at such a time, with them and -me, but you never will know what the suffering is until you have -passed through this ordeal of just standing alone with the good Lord -and the condemned, so soon to die that horrible death. You cannot -picture it, for death is awful to those not prepared to die--filled -with remorse of conscience and sorrow for the deed done while under -the influence of whiskey and possessed with the devil, which the -strong drink causes--and then to have no hope in this world or the -world to come, and alone with their conscience, the death-watch, -myself and our God. - -I knelt in prayer. First to ask wisdom of the blessed Christ who never -turned anyone away, and then, taking each one by the hand through the -iron bars, I was lost to this world and its opinions and criticisms. I -entered into their heart-sorrow, and at once took hold on God for the -salvation of their immortal souls. Quietly, but with strong faith in -God and the atoning blood of Jesus our Saviour, I believed for their -salvation. Human sympathy will not avail. It is the suffering and -death of Christ which avails in the face of death. And I believe, if -Jacob prevailed in prayer as a prince, it is our privilege to believe -God hears and answers prayer and saves to the uttermost the vilest -sinner who truly repents of his sins, and claims His promises. "Though -your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they -be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18. - -We wept and prayed together, and while I sang the good old hymns our -mothers knew and loved and sung for us in childhood, we took hold on -God by faith for their souls' salvation, and I believe God heard and -answered our prayers, that fifteenth day of November, 1905, in that -prison, and that those men that day were forgiven their sins. I know -God's Word is sure, and I depend daily on the Bible and its holy -teachings, and accept His promise, and receive the answer from God -that His pardon is sure. - -I told the men I had no hope for their lives to be spared--that the -Governor had not given me any encouragement for them, but had invited -me to meet with him and the Board of Pardons at 2 p. m., and see what -they would do in the case. I pleaded with them to let go all hope of a -life sentence, and prepare to die, for there was only one more day for -them to live--that I had nothing to give them of hope, only in the -precious blood of Jesus--that their days were numbered. - -O, the human heart is susceptible to suffering, and my suffering was -intense for them. I was weak and weary, having traveled two days and -two nights without rest. Yet I could not rest when there was so much -at stake for them. I abandoned myself to the Holy Ghost to guide me in -the service, and then as I took each hand, so soon to be cold in -death, I knew only God could save them. I shall not forget the parting -with those poor, unfortunate men, all in the prime of life and -strength of manhood. I will meet them again soon in the presence of -God. - -I was so weak in body that the officer kindly assisted me to the main -prison, where I was to hold services with all of the prisoners. It -was high noon, and the warden and officers urged me to take -refreshments. I said, "No, I am soon going to the judgment, and I want -to go with a clear conscience. How could I eat, when all these -prisoners need the gospel so much?" And they kindly gave me the -privilege of an hour's service. Then, after a hurried lunch, which was -both breakfast and dinner, the state carriage was ready to take me to -the Capitol to meet the Governor and Board of Pardons. But there was -no hope, the Board refused to commute the sentence, and all four were -executed November 17, for the death of one young man. Soon I must -stand together at the judgment bar of God, with those whose lives were -taken, one by the four under the influence of whiskey, which makes men -and women crazy and worse than brutes; licensed by the laws of our -land--the others by the men who, in their right minds, as executors of -the law, put to death the helpless victims who had truly repented of -their sins and promised to obey God and the rules, and live good -law-abiding citizens. - -I want it understood that I believe in law and its enforcement. I -sympathize with both the murdered and the murderers. I believe in -obeying God and His laws and enforcing discipline, and I assist the -officers of the state to maintain law and order, but I say, give -deliverance from the abominable saloon and all the evil that follows -in its wake. Give us judges, jurymen and officers, who, in every sense -try to banish and abolish the liquor traffic and the dens of sin, and -there will be no need of our state officers having to take life which -none can give. - -Leaving the Capitol after the decision was made by the Board of -Pardons and Governor, I went to the hotel to tell the two sisters of -one of the condemned men that all hope of their brother's life was -gone, and that they must prepare to face the awful sorrow of losing -their brother. That scene was O, so pitiful! The brother and these two -sisters were orphans. He was a good boy and supported the two sisters -after the parents had died, but he had fallen into bad company who had -led him astray. The sisters were heart broken. It seemed as if they -could not give up that dear brother who had done so much for them. I -helped them on the train, and went with them as far as Reno, Nevada, -and we parted to meet again after all the sorrow and mistakes of our -lives are forgotten and forgiven. - -After leaving them I held services for the Salvation Army friends and -on the street. Then left that night, though very weary, for the east. -After taking the train, I could see in my mind those poor condemned -men, waiting the few last hours until the law should have its way. -Eternity alone will reveal all hearts and lives. - -Arrived at Ogden, I went to the Crittendon Home, then on to the State -Industrial School for Boys and Young Men, and had a service in all the -cottages. Was with them two evenings. They all seemed cheered by the -old good songs and the services. Saying "Good-bye" to all in their -dining room at their daylight breakfast hour, I left them for the -east. - -I stopped at Columbus, Nebraska, a day, and at Omaha, where many -railroad friends and others met and greeted me kindly. Then hurried on -to Joliet, Illinois, State Prison, where dear Mrs. Murphy, wife of the -warden, gave me a warm welcome to her lovely home in the state prison. -Went with the chaplain to visit the hospital and spoke with the men at -the Sabbath School hour, and then to the women's prison, where I was -given the privilege of addressing all the female prisoners. Many were -much affected, and shed tears as I spoke or sang to them "My Name in -Mother's Prayer," "Is There Anyone Can Help Us" and "Old Time -Religion." Shook hands with most of the women, prayed and sang for a -sick girl in the prison hospital, and left for the jail. Spoke there, -then on to Chicago. After some days in the city, busy for the Lord, I -made a trip to Washington, D. C., and returned before the close of the -year, and proceeded to the Pacific coast early in the new year. - -O, how I praise the Lord for His grace and love, and the strength and -endurance He gives me to keep going to carry His messages of love and -good cheer to the lost ones in low and in high pursuits of life. - -Dear Reader: We must here close the account of our travel and toil in -the Master's vineyard, and we feel that it will all soon be over, and -the victory be won. When I shall have finished my course I want to be -able to say, like Paul of old, that "I have fought a good fight." I -want, too, to know that the crown is laid up for me as one of those -who have been faithful and that love the appearing of my Savior. - -Though but sixty-one years of age, the excessive toil, the wearisome -journeys, the heart-rending scenes and experiences for more than -one-third of my life, have told upon my once strong body until I am -now a physical wreck. Only in the strength of Jehovah and leaning upon -His everlasting arm am I able to pursue the calling He has given me. -"But the toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of -the way." You and I shall meet again, on that great Judgment morning, -and must give an account to God. "Grace be with all them that love our -Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." - -[Illustration: PRISONS AT JACKSON, MICH., DEER LODGE, MONT., AND -FOLSOM, CAL.] - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - Letters from Prisoners. - - -The extracts from letters found in this chapter are gathered from my -correspondence with those within prison walls who have been encouraged -by the way and have received help; many of them having borne testimony -to a clear conversion and a life of service for the Lord, even within -prison walls. These will serve to show their appreciation of any -effort made in their behalf. They have been a source of great -encouragement to me in my work. - -I should like to give more of similar character, and all more in -detail, would space permit, but let these suffice as examples of the -thousands of letters I have received during these twenty years from my -"children." The names and that which might identify the individuals, I -have omitted; for many of them are now good citizens and some are -engaged in the work of the Lord. I have omitted many references to the -instrumentality which God has seen fit to use in carrying His message -of love to these souls, giving only what others thought were needed to -show the writers' appreciation and gratitude. I have ever dealt with -these, when present and by correspondence, as souls whom I must meet -at the Judgment. The honor and praise for what good may have been -accomplished belongs to Him whom I serve, and who has given me the -commission, "Go and preach the Gospel." - - Inman, Tenn. - - Dear Sister in the Lord: - - We write you a few lines praying that God will allow you to call - again and preach for us, for we believe that the Spirit of God - is with you. We need thy aid here. So, our dear sister in the - Lord, we do wish to hear you once more, so will come much good in - the name of the living God! - - THE PRISONERS. - - * * * * * - - Boise City Penitentiary, July 29, 1890. - - Elizabeth Wheaton, Portland, Oregon. - - Dear Madam: I am instructed to thank you in behalf of all of us - for your kind visit. We fully appreciate your labor, your - courage, and integrity; your singleness of heart and purpose, - your purity of motives; but above all do we appreciate your - sincerity. Your indefatigable efforts, even in your old age, to - reach the criminal, to lead him upward and onward to his true - destiny under so many disadvantages, without money and without - price, without the support of state or church, and, I may add, - without the support of public sentiment which appears to be - against you and us--all this, I say, inspires us with faith and - confidence in you. And when I am paying you this tribute, I am at - the same time aware that I am paying it to Him who came on earth - to seek and save us, for without Him you would not love us as you - do. - - Come again, say we all. - - PRISONERS. - - * * * * * - - Lancaster, Nebr., Oct. 25, 1903. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - - Dear Mother: We, the undersigned, as a token of our appreciation - of your efforts in our behalf, respectfully request that you - accept our assurance of appreciation of to-day's services, and - especially the song service held in our cell-house, and best - wishes for your future success. - - Signed by 199 prisoners, each giving his number. - - * * * * * - - Bushy Mountain State Prison, - Petros, Tenn., May 4, 1896. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: We, the undersigned, unfortunate children, - assemble together to try to show you how grateful we are for the - devout interest you are taking in the welfare of our souls. We - hope and trust that the Lord will continue to be with you all - along your journey, trusting that if we don't meet again on - earth, that we may meet in Heaven. - - Pray for us. - - We enclose the following sums for each of us: - - W. J. 25 cents - W. S. 10 cents - C. R. R. 10 cents - - * * * * * - - Walla Walla, July 11, 1889. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - - Dear Friend: Your postal received. You have the appreciation and - kind thoughts of many here for your kind remembrance of us all in - our secluded prison home. Aside from your own particular means - and the many other ways adopted by religious people to draw the - attention of the indifferent to the subject of their spiritual - welfare, the evident disinterested motive which characterizes - your extended labors, is of itself sufficient, to highly - recommend your kind endeavors to all fair-minded people, and to - give you a hearty welcome, from prisoners especially, wherever - you may find them. - - We would all, therefore, send you a kind word of encouragement - and Godspeed in your good work and _labor of love_, believing - that your gospel message is fully adapted to meet the spiritual - wants of the whole human family under whatever condition found. - - PRISONERS OF WALLA WALLA PENITENTIARY, Per F. S. - - * * * * * - - Richmond, Va., August 23, 1885. - - Dear Madam: I take much pleasure to introduce myself to you, and - stating to you how I first found rest for my sinful soul. I am a - stranger to you by name, but not by the love of Jesus Christ, and - I was highly delighted to hear you speak to us. It lifted up my - downhearted feeling and caused me to look around myself, and I do - truly hope that those words that you have spoken may be as seed - sowed in good ground, and take root and the future may tell. And - for myself, when I first came to this place I was a vile sinner - and thanks be to the good Lord that I have my soul awakened in - Christ Jesus, and if it had not been for this place I think that - I would have been a sinner until now, but now all my trust is in - the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. Although I have many crosses - and trials and temptations, my trust is in the Lord, and I truly - pray and trust the Lord that after awhile we shall all meet in - heaven where there will be no more parting. - - I trust you will be successful in this work of the Lord. I desire - your prayers. - - I am your humble servant, - H. T. - - * * * * * - - Massachusetts State Prison, October 25, 1885. - - Dear Madam: It is with much pleasure that I listened to your - address to-day. Please accept my thanks for the interest which - you take in the poor unfortunate prisoners. There are many - skeptic ones among us because we see so much hypocrisy. May God - bless you, and let me inform you that your motherly-like - appearance sank deep into the hearts of many. - - Our chaplain tries to do all the good he can, but no one knows - what a prisoner's life is but a prisoner. - - My poor mother used to pray like you. I will not forget your - earnest advice. I wish there were more like you, for then there - would be a true reform in prisons. These places ruin young men. O - it is not understood by those men who govern us even. Some of the - officers are not fit to be over young men. Every officer should - be a religious man, but we have few in accordance with the text: - "Love your neighbor as yourself." Many of them take God's name in - vain. - - I shall try to think much upon what you said, with God's help. - Please pray for an unfortunate one. May God bless you. - - J. J. - - * * * * * - - New York, Nov. 26, 1885. - - My Dear Friend: Your postal reached me this morning and I can - assure you it gave me pleasure to hear from you and see you had - not forgotten Ludlow Street Jail. Today is Thanksgiving Day, and - to us poor unfortunates I can assure you it is a gloomy one, but - we must give thanks to our Heavenly Father that we are not in a - worse place than this. I for one do pray to Him and thank Him for - His kindness and pray to Him to give us strength of mind to - resist all temptations. - - I cannot remember who you enquire about. I am the small man who - introduced you to my wife and sister the first time you called. - - We were treated today by our kind warden to a good Thanksgiving - dinner and I pray before another Thanksgiving Day that I may have - the pleasure of seeing you under more favorable circumstances. - May God be with you in your good work is the prayer of, - - Sincerely yours, - I. L., - Ludlow Street Jail, New York City. - - * * * * * - - Cell No. 35--Tombs, - New York City, Sunday, Nov. 1, 1885. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: Forgive me for calling you so as I cannot - rightly call you otherwise. Your prayer today came from your very - soul. I felt it deeply. It has entered into mine. I feel a new - man. You were a Godsend to me. Your words have given new life, - they have inspired me to live in the future a real Christian. I - feel so light of heart since you were here, that I cannot find - words adequate to properly express myself. I pray your good work - may be crowned with success. I feel now that I am again a child - of God. I shall pray and try to live as Jesus desires. I pray to - Him that He will give me all encouragement to lead a Christian - life and do His will only. O! how I have learned to love Jesus - through your inspiring words of comfort and goodness. - - I shall daily pray for your health and prosperity in Jesus. Do - likewise for me, and may we meet in Heaven. To this end I shall - ever pray and so sign myself, - - A brother in Jesus, - J. M. S. - - * * * * * - - New York, November 10, 1885. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: Many thanks for your kind visit today and - for the memorandum book and envelopes you brought me. - - I herewith reiterate every word and the combined meaning - contained in my letter to you of last Sabbath. You were a Godsend - to me from heaven. Formerly it was a hard task for me to stop to - think as I do now. Now I can pray so easy, and it seems to do me - so much good. Such a blessing I have never experienced - heretofore. With pleasure I give this evidence of the goodness of - our beloved and only Jesus. Him I shall worship daily, aye, at - all times and in all places. I think of nothing more grand and - noble than to believe in our Redeemer who offers His salvation - for our souls. He is my God and no other will I have but Him. I - love Him truly. In my prayers I have vowed to devote the rest of - my life for His good cause. I sincerely hope that many, through - you, may come out of darkness into light. God grant you good - health to do His good work here. I will pray for you and ask you - to do likewise for me, and others. - - I pray to God daily that He may give me renewed strength to keep - on in the good path which I have chosen, and may His spirit and - love be alike with you and me, is the wish of Your brother in - Christ Jesus. - - J. M. S., Cell 35, Tombs, New York City. - - * * * * * - - Charleston, January 4, 1886. - - My Dear and Much Esteemed Friend: As I sit here in the prison - tonight I ponder upon the kind and good advice you gave me, and my - heart of hearts goes out to you in gratitude. - - My past life has been a blank, in fact, an utter failure. But - since I saw you I have come to God in all simplicity and have - asked Him to give me a new spirit and pardon my past sins; and - since I have offered up this petition my heart seems lighter. How - often have I cried out in my despair, O I am weary of the - conflicts and strife of this life! weary with the constant - struggle for a higher and better life! And when I see the lives of - yourself and others--so Christlike, and hear you say mid darkest - shadows: "Not my will, but thine be done," then I think of the - rebellion in my heart and so oft find when I feel the path I am - treading leaves the sunshine all behind. - - As the way looks dark before me and the end I cannot see, - Oft I long to drop the burdens and from sorrow be set free, - But I know such thoughts are sinful; God knows best the way - That will lead from earth's dark shadows to the brighter realms - of day. - - Words cannot express the comfort I have received since I saw you. - I have prayed to God to help me every night and morning since and - as I sit and ponder upon the past and think of the wasted hours - that have drifted by, it puts me in mind of a song I learned when - I was a child. I will only write you a couple of verses to let you - see how true they are. - - "Oh, the wasted hours of life that have drifted by; - Oh, the good we might have done, lost without a sigh; - Love that we might have sowed by a single word, - Thoughts conceived but never penned, perished all unheard. - Take the proverb to thy heart, take and hold it fast-- - The mill will never grind with the water that is past. - - "Oh, love thy God and fellow men, thyself consider last, - For come it will when thou must count dark errors of the past, - And when the fight of life is o'er, and life recedes from view, - And heaven in all its glory shines midst the pure and good and true, - Then you will see more clearly the proverb deep and vast-- - The mill will never grind with water that is past." - - May God bless you for what you have done for me. You have saved me - from that downward road to ruin. May God bless you and permit you to - return to us once more. - - W., Charleston State Prison. - - * * * * * - - Nobesville, Neb., April 17, 1886. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - - Kind Lady: I will, according to promise, drop you a few lines. I - am some better now than when you were here to see me. How glad I - am that I met you last Sunday! I have felt better ever since, and - I do believe that the good Father will answer your prayers. Don't - fail to pray for me, that, if it is God's will, He will heal me, - for God has got the same power that He had when He raised Christ - from the tomb. And pray that He will give me the guidance of His - loving Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth and at the last take - me to Heaven. - - There has not a day passed since you were here that I have not - thought of you and prayed for you. You did more good here than - you know. - - My candle is going out. - - Direct to JOHN W. C., Nobesville, Nebraska. - - * * * * * - - Charlestown, Mass., Jan. 10, 1886. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - - To My Dear Sister in Christ: "Whosoever believeth in Him shall - not perish but have everlasting life." I believe and trust in - God. My faith and my belief grow stronger every day of my life. I - pray to God to keep me from evil, and to make me worthy of His - kingdom, that I may meet you there, for I am a better man for - knowing you. God bless you, my dear sister! My heart is full of - love for my God, and for my fellowman. I cannot find words to - express my feelings or to tell you how happy I am, and how - precious Christ is to my soul. It passes my understanding. But I - am satisfied, for I know that Christ has come into my heart to - dwell. There are no doubts, no fears, everything is well with me. - I thank God for it, and I want to see every one around me - enjoying this great gift which comes from God. O how it would - have rejoiced your soul to have been with us the last evening of - the old year. We had a prayer meeting. I am told that there were - one hundred and forty men in the chapel. Our warden was the first - to testify. Many acknowledged Christ to be precious to their - souls. There are many here that are feeling uncomfortable. They - will be at the feet of Jesus yet, crying for mercy. Pray for them. - Pray for us all. Only think of it, one hundred and forty prisoners - on their knees and their warden kneeling with them! O it was a - blessed sight! I never heard Chaplain Barnes pray as he did that - night. His whole soul went out to God. How he did plead with God - for the salvation of our souls. God bless the chaplain. God bless - everyone on the face of the earth, and may every one see as I see, - and enjoy what I am enjoying. In His paths there is peace, and - that in keeping of His commandments there is great reward. - - There is a young man here by the name of Charles B. He has formed - good resolutions with beginning of the new year. I tell him that - he cannot keep them without he gets divine help. I am praying for - him. Please make mention of him in your prayers, and with the - help of God we will have him at the feet of Jesus crying for - mercy. We had a prayer meeting last week and I am informed that - we are to have them often. How good it is of the warden! God - bless him. He is always looking for some way to benefit us. I - praise the Lord for it. - - I leave the prison this year. I hope that I may meet you again on - earth. If not permitted, I will live a life that shall make me - worthy of the kingdom and meet you there. I thank you for the - letter read this day to us by the chaplain. - - Your brother in Christ Jesus, - J. L. W. - - * * * * * - - Jeffersonville, Ind., May 22, 1887. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - - My Dear Kind Lady: In answer to your request I address this note - to you trusting that this may be the commencement of life in a - different sphere to that which I have heretofore moved in, so do - not think that I am flattering if I tell you the truth. I have - traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the British - Possessions to the Gulf of Mexico. I have moved in all classes of - society and have been a close observer. I have made myself - acquainted with all kinds of religious sects from the Jewish - synagogues to Mormonism, Protestantism in all its various forms, - Catholicism, as well as Spiritualism, and I found so much - hypocrisy and inconsistency existing that I felt inclined to - believe Christianity a fraud, but I could see plainly that there - were in every church some few that I could feel were true - Christians. I could feel a secret convincing power almost - irresistible when in their society, but it always seemed strange - to me why more true converts were not made in proportion to the - great work done. - - It seems to me that the handling of God's cause should only be - entrusted to those that are godly--then the fruit will bear - witness to the quality and health of the tree. God will prosper - His own, but it is not natural that the Lord can or will prosper - one who is half God's and half Satan's. That is why I have - remained in the world. I am earnest in everything I do. It is my - nature, I cannot help it. Therefore, if I ever become a - Christian, bold and true and faithful, too, I'll be. - - I must refer to that now which I spoke of in the first of this - note. All the convicts in this prison have been moved by your - godly advice and teaching as this prison has never been moved - before, either by man or woman. You won the hearts of the hardest - criminals and a noticeable change for the better has taken place. - We all pray God to bless and protect you wherever His wisdom may - lead you, and even though this prayer comes from convicts, - perhaps God will hear us. Some of us have been convicted by man, - while God, being just, and our own consciences declare us - innocent. Those of us who are innocent and can suffer with - patience, what a virtue we possess. Such strength comes only of - God. - - I must close for want of room. Please answer if you have time. We - hope to see you soon again. - - Your humble servant, - H. McL., Box 340. - - * * * * * - - Tracy City, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1887. - - Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, - - Dear Friend: Your visit to this place was a great blessing. A - great many of the men often speak of you and say that by the help - of God they are going to live better the rest of their days. - - I will thank you for every paper or good book you may send to us. - The way that we do about papers and books is to place them among - our fellow prisoners. - - You have our prayers and best wishes and we hope you will come to - our prison again, as your work will be remembered here for years - to come. May God bless you all the way along. - - There have been deaths here since you were here. Neither of those - parties belonged to the church. Lots of the men spoke of the - great warning you gave before you left, what you said about the - last warning some of them would ever get, and sure enough it was - true. - - Yours in Christ, - W. A. M. - - * * * * * - - Carson City, Nev., Sept. 23, 1888. - - Dear Kind Friend: Through the kindness of the Warden, we received - your letter, with the song and accompanying texts, and I take the - liberty of answering it and thanking you for your kindness in - thus remembering us. I was seriously impressed by your kind words - of sympathy and exhortation when you came to the prison and I - should have liked to have spoken to you, but feared to trespass - too much on your time. I am here under a life sentence for the - crime of murder, committed during a fit of delirium resulting - from drink. I have been here three years. Hitherto my life has - been anything but a happy one. I was driven from home at the age - of ten years, after the death of my mother. Since then I have - associated with gamblers and men of that stamp, and the result of - my ill-directed course is my present unhappy condition. What I - have suffered, no one but myself will ever know. I would gladly - end my life, if my death could blot out the crimes for which I - suffer. I have one friend, who has taken an interest in me, and - who has written me several kind letters and I thank God for - letting me have one kind and faithful friend. She is weak in - body, but strong in mind, and a faithful servant of God. She has - advised me to give myself to God, and since you were here I have - resolved to try to do so. Peace of mind is what I want, but fear - I shall never attain it. I hope to hear from you again. Most of - my fellow prisoners have read your letter and all entertain the - greatest respect for you. Some to whom your kind words and - motherly advice have brought tender memories, desire to be - remembered to you. - - You are passing through ... , where I have lived and where I - spent the happiest of my boyhood days, but they are gone. I hope - you may meet some of my old companions and that they may be - benefited by your kind words. - - Your humble, grateful servant, - M. - - * * * * * - - Stillwater, Nov. 2, 1888. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: I was pleased beyond expression to receive - your letter. It came like a benediction. I shall never forget - you. The few words spoken have left an impress upon the tablets - of memory that time can not efface. You can tell the boys - wherever you see them in prison or out that Jesus is near--ever - near. Tell them that I know that no locks ever were made that can - lock the Saviour out. He came to me when I was, oh, so lonely, so - broken-hearted and despairing! You know just how it was I was - saved. - - I am innocent in the presence of God, and still I am here; but - never alone. Jesus is ever with me. Oh, how I wish every one in - the wide, wide world could know our Saviour! How true is the - fourteenth chapter of John, and especially the eighteenth verse: - "I will not leave you comfortless. I will come unto you." Never - in all my persecution and imprisonment has my Lord failed in that - promise. I am very hopeful. My innocence is recognized and I hope - soon to be at liberty. Had any one told me twelve months ago that - this was all for my good I should have laughed them to scorn; - but, thank God, I know it now. This life is but a few days at - most compared to the home beyond, and I can and do say, "God's - will be done." He can do no wrong, and right must prevail. God - bless and prosper you until you go home. - - Yours in His name, - H. R. - -[Illustration: A WARD IN PRISON HOSPITAL.] - - * * * * * - - Stillwater, Nov. 14, 1888. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: I received your letter and it came just - right to comfort me, for I am in the hospital. In prison--not - alone. In the hospital--not alone. Jesus is always with me. How I - love Jesus who died for me! My heart always turns to Him, and - when I heard I had to come to the hospital I just prayed to Jesus - and left it all to Him, and I am cheerful and happy and hopeful - even here. He is the Great Physician. - - I can do anything for Jesus' sake but I am in such a queer - position! Poor mother has been nearly killed and heart-broken - about this, and she claims my presence for a time at least if I - get out. Poor mother is nearly worn out but full of faith and - hope. May God bless you and be with you forever. - - Your son and brother in Christ, - H. R. - - * * * * * - - Little Rock, Ark., June 10, 1888. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister: I will take the liberty and let you and Sister M. - know who I am. My name is C. S. I guess you remember the coal - mines and that evening when I was singing with Sister M. in her - book. O I wish I had them songs! - - I am so happy in Christ. I am going home to my mother above. I - hope it will be very soon. That song - - "A Ruler once came to Jesus by night - To ask Him the way of salvation and light," - - made me a different man. - - O the happy thoughts of a home which Christ our Redeemer has - prepared for us and calls us to come to Him. "Come unto me all - that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." O, such - a Saviour! Pray for me and I hope we may meet above. I hope to - hear from you soon. - - From your servant, - C. S. - - * * * * * - - Little Rock, January 13, 1889. - - Mr. J. M. Ryder, - Indianapolis, Ind. - - I received your most welcome letter and thank you for the - information you have given me, but I haven't heard yet from your - sister. The last letter I got she said that she was going to - California. At that time she was at Salem, Oregon. Have you heard - from her yet? There are some boys and men here would like to hear - from her, for she came where some of us could not see the sun in - a week, and about 150 feet under the surface of the earth. That - was at a coal mine. - - We all hope and pray to God, our dear Redeemer, for her to come - back to us again. - - Please answer this for I am a convict and glad to hear from such - friends. In hope to hear soon, I remain, - - Yours sincerely, - C. S. - - * * * * * - - Germantown, Ark., Nov. 29, 1889. - - My Dear Sister: I am at Germantown at the present time working on - Mr. W. H. Ward's farm or plantation, and the Warden of the camp - and the guards are followers of Christ. There are several of the - boys with me which were at Coal Hill at the time you were there. - - O sister, God worked that all right, His name be praised. One of - the Coal Hill wardens got five years in the penitentiary. That is - God's work. - - God be with you and bless you is my daily prayer, that you will - keep strong and well to preach to the poor prisoners and pray for - them that they will "flee from the wrath to come." O sister it is - terrible to think and study over how the Book of Life tells us - about that everlasting torment, and how sweet it is to think that - there is a life eternal. - - Sister, there are three ways, "a broad road," "a narrow way" and - "a highway," that are thus brought to our attention in the - Scriptures. - - The broad road to destruction, the narrow way to life, the - highway to holiness. - - "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called - the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it - shall be for those, the wayfaring man, though fools shall not err - therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go - up thereon; it shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall - walk there." Isa. 35: 8, 9. Sister, am I right or wrong? - - The first great judgment (trial and sentence) was at the - beginning, in Eden, when the whole human race, as represented in - its head, Adam, stood on trial before God. The result of that - trial was the verdict--guilty, disobedient, unworthy of life; and - the penalty inflicted was _Death_. "Dying, thou shalt die," and - so "In Adam all die." But, dear sister, the sweet and dear - thought in "Christ we all shall live" is a great comfort to our - poor souls. Ours is a rugged, steep and narrow way, and were it - not that strength is furnished for each successive step of the - journey, we never could reach the goal, but our Captain's word is - encouraging: "Be of good courage, I have overcome"; "My grace is - sufficient for thee, and my strength is made perfect in - weakness." The difficulties of this way are to act as a - separating principle to sanctify and refine "a peculiar people," - to be "Heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ." In view - of these things, "let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that - we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need," - "while we fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of the crown - of life." Immortality, the divine nature. - - Sister, I hope that we may meet together here in this world once - more in life so we can talk about what Jesus has wrought, God - will be with you. I know He is with me. Sister, I gave myself to - Jesus and I feel more satisfied, and how sweet it is to have - Jesus with you. - - THE DAY IS AT HAND. - - "Poor, fainting pilgrim, still hold on thy way, - The dawn is near; - True, thou art weary now, but yon bright ray - Becomes more clear. - Bear up a little longer; wait for rest; - Yield not to slumber, though with toil oppressed. - The night of life is mournful, but look on the judgment near. - Soon will earth's shadowed scenes and forms be gone. - Yield not to fear. - The mountain's summit will, ere long, be gained - And the bright world of joy and peace attained. - Joyful through hope, thy motto still must be-- - The dawn is near. - What glories will that dawn unfurl to thee! - Be of good cheer. - Gird up thy loins, bind sandals on thy feet, - The way is dark and long, the end is sweet." - - I hope to hear soon from you, dear sister. Meet me in heaven. - Jesus is with me. Because He cometh to judge the earth, let the - heavens be glad and the earth rejoice. - - Your brother, - C. S. - - * * * * * - - Germantown, Jan. 27, 1890. - - Dear Sister: I received yours of the 28th. I am so glad that you - have not forgotten me, and the words which I heard you say, - although it is a long time since you said them at Coal Hill. - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Acts - xvi., 31. Jails are dark, dull, damp, loathsome places even now; - but they were worse in the apostolic times. I imagine tonight we - are standing in the Philippian Dungeon. Do you not feel the - chill? Do you not hear the groan of those incarcerated ones who - for ten years have not seen the sunlight, and the deep sigh of - women who remember their father's house, and mourn over their - wasted estates? Listen again. It is enough. Oh, it is the cough - of the consumptive, or the struggle of one in a nightmare of a - great horror. You listen again, and hear a culprit, his chains - rattling as he rolls over in his dreams, and you say: "God pity - the prisoner." But there is another sound in that prison. It is a - song of joy and gladness. What a place to sing in. The music - comes winding through the corridors of the prison and in all dark - wards the whisper is heard: "What's that? What's that?" It was - the song of Silas and Paul in prison, and they cannot sleep. - Jesus went to prison then, and as you say He will and does come - nowadays also to visit the prisoners as they are shut up. God - will be and is our helper. I will not fear, He leadeth me in - pastures green. - - Your brother in Christ, - C. S. - - * * * * * - - Germantown, May 16, 1890. - - Dear Sister: Your letter of February 17th duly received, and glad - to hear from you. But, sister, I am so glad to have some - Christian friend to write to me in a place of temptation and - trouble. I know that Jesus is my rock and my salvation and a - shelter in a storm. Jesus is with me right now. He is waiting for - us every day and hour. O, how many will there be that will call - on Christ on that day, when the book of the Lord will be opened, - with the seven seals, and who will be able to open the seals? No - one is able to open it but the Lamb. Sister, this is my idea and - opinion about that Day: There will be a great big scale, with a - cross beam and Satan will be on one side of it and the people of - all trades will be weighed, and if Christ the Son of God and our - Redeemer is not there to balance them, what will become of them? - Won't they be thrown down in hell? - - Hoping and trusting faithfully that there be many of the poor - prisoners among the hundred and forty and four thousand with the - Lamb on Mount Zion, with the Father's name written in their - foreheads and the harpers will be harping with their harps and - singing the new song which no man could learn, but the hundred - and forty and four thousand which were redeemed from the earth. - O, what a day that will be! O that song is so true. O sinner give - your heart to God and you shall have a new hiding place that day. - O the rocks in the mountain shall all fade away and you shall - have a new hiding place that day. "O sinner turn, why will ye - die? God in mercy asks you why." - - O, I am so happy tonight! - - Your brother, - C. S. - - * * * * * - - Germantown, Ark., Dec. 18, 1890. - - Dear Sister: Your kind words gladly received, and may God bless - you and give you strength in your undertakings. - - Sister, forgive those wicked men who put you in prison for - preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, for He, the Lord, - said: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," and - Silas and Paul in prison sang praises to the Lord our God and He - delivered them from the prison in which they lay, and the jailor - got saved. - - Oh! my dear sister, I trust and pray to the Lord that we could - safely say with Robert McChane, the ascended minister of - Scotland, who, seated on the banks of Galilee's Lake, wrote, in - his last sick days, and just before he crossed the Jordan (not - the Jordan that empties into the Lake of Gallilee, but the Jordan - that empties into the "sea of glass mingled with fire"), these - sweet words, fit to be played by human fingers on strings of - earthly lute, or by angelic fingers on seraphic harps: - - "It is not that the mild gazelle - Comes down to drink thy tide, - But He that was pierced to save from hell, - Oft wandered by thy side. - Graceful around thee the mountains meet - Thou calm, reposing sea; - But, ah! far more, the beautiful feet - Of Jesus walked o'er thee. - O Saviour! gone to God's right hand, - Yet the same Saviour still, - Graved on thy heart is this lovely strand - And every fragrant hill." - - O! is it not good to be with one's Lord and to think how sweet He - says in his Book of Books: "I am the way," and in danger He - speaks again: "Fear not, it is I." - - The Lord is with me for I do not have to work in the ranks any - more, and by His help I am assistant postmaster of this place. - - Until we leave, and that time will be Christmas, address your - next letter to Little Rock. - - That you may save many souls from everlasting torture is my - prayer every hour. My love to the poor sinful prisoners and to - you, my dear sister in Christ. - - A happy Christmas, and may God bless you to live and see many - more. - - I will sing now: - - "I was once far away from the Saviour" and - - "When Jesus shall gather the nations before Him at last to - appear." - - Oh! I am so happy! Goodnight, - - Ever, - S. - - * * * * * - - Wichita, Kansas. - - Dear Sister: - - This is to acknowledge yours of the 15th inst., and was glad to - hear that you have received my letter. Well, sister, we have our - regular meeting every Sunday, and I will never cease praying to - the Lord that He may help me to live my life, and that I can say, - like our great Brother said, that no man can measure the glories - which God has revealed to us. Glory to Thee, O God, glory to - Thee! * * * - - It is said that religionists make too much of the humanity of - Christ. I respond that they make too little. If some doctor or - surgeon of His day, standing under the cross, had caught one drop - of the blood on his hands and analyzed it, it would have been - found to have the same plasma, the same disk, the same fiber, the - same albumen. It was unmistakably human blood. It is a man that - hangs there. His bones are of the same material as ours. His - nerves are as sensitive as ours. If it were an angel being - despoiled, I would not feel it so much, for it belongs to a - different being. But my Saviour is a man and my whole sympathy is - aroused. Jesus our King is dying. Let couriers carry the swift - dispatch. His pains are worse; He is breathing a last groan; - through his body quivers the last anguish. The King is dying; the - King is dead! His royal blood is shed. - - I can imagine something of how the spikes felt; of how the - temples burned; what deathly sickness seized His heart; of how - mountain and city and mob swam away from His dying vision; - something of that cry for help that makes the blood of all ages - curdle with horror: "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" - * * * - - O! Jerusalem, my happy home, - When shall I come to thee; - When shall my sorrows have an end? - Thy joys, when shall I see? - Jerusalem, my happy home, - Would God that I were there! - Would God my tears were at an end, - Thy joys, that I might share. - - I am so glad that I can write to you. I never will cease praying - for you. - - I remain, your brother. - - C. H. Z. - - * * * * * - - Washington County Jail. - - Greenville, Miss., Jan. 29, 1889. - - My Dear Sisters: - - I cannot express my feelings when I read your kind letters. They - make me feel as though you were still at my prison door. I know I - am not the same boy that came to prison. I feel much better in - every way. I read my Bible instead of novels, and find more - pleasure in it. - - I expect to get out of prison soon, and when I do I want to write - you a long letter. Mr. McL. was to see me to-day, and read your - letters. He said he would also write you to-day. There is a great - change in him since you were here. - - All the boys send love. Direct me as before, care Geo. S. If I - get out I will work for him here. I am, as ever, - - Your true friend and brother, - J. F. D. - - * * * * * - - Penitentiary at Yuma, Ariz., May 19, 1889. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - Dear Friend: Your kind letter, written from Los Angeles, Cal., - has been received, after much delay. We are all glad to hear from - you, and thank you very much for your kind remembrance and the - good advice given to us in your letter, and when you spoke to us - here in the prison. Most all the boys hold you in kind - remembrance and often express their wishes to see you and hear - you talk again, and I sincerely hope it will be convenient for - you to call and see us in the near future. The short visit you - paid us awakened earnest thought in a number of the boys, and I - am confident a few more such visits would result in much good to - many of the inmates of this institution. - - Asking your prayers, I remain, - - Respectfully, - J. E. W. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM OF PRISON, DEER LODGE, - MONT.] - - Deer Lodge, July 15, 1889. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Madam: I received your postal last Friday, and was very pleased - to hear from you and to know that although far away you still - hold us in kindly remembrance. There are so few who think of us - after the prison door has closed. The boys who were so fortunate - as to meet you, and even those who only heard of your good work, - wish to be remembered to you. So far as we are personally - concerned, there have been no changes, and we will very probably - go through the same routine day in and out until our several - times have expired. - - I can safely say that you have made a greater impression upon us - than any others we have been privileged to hear. In the - intercessions you make with the Ruler of All, we ask to be - remembered, and hope that you will receive all the returns of - good which your work so richly merits. If you can find time in - the future, you can give us no greater pleasure than writing us, - even if only so much as may be placed upon a postal. - - Yours very sincerely, - HERBERT A. M. (Librarian). - - * * * * * - - Cole City, Dade Co., Ga., July 5, 1890. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton: - - Yours of May 25th received yesterday in this camp and contents - duly noted. How it thrills the hearts of the boys to hear the - reading of a letter written by the hand of "Mother Wheaton," the - friend of the unfortunate ones. Dear Christian Mother, you can't - imagine the encouragement it gives to the boys here, especially - those who are trying to do right. Your work has been implanted - here so very deep that God cannot, according to His promise, - obliterate it, for He approves of all good works. You shall have - our prayers, and we desire to have your presence again when - possible. - - I intended to take your letter to Rattlesnake Camp No. 4 to read - to the boys up there, as Capt. Brock promised me I might go, but - for some reason, I know not what, I failed to get off, but I do - hope and believe the way will be opened for us prison-bound boys - who desire to do a work for Him to do it without fear. - - I received also enclosed in your letter a most interesting - pamphlet of "Capt. Ball's Experience," which is so grand. Also - another of the "Widow and the Judge." - - We have a very good Sunday school here now, and I am trying to - make it as interesting as I possibly can, and any books and - Sunday school papers and catechisms you can send us will be quite - a favor. That would have been my business at No. 4 Camp to-day, - if I could have gone, to organize a Sunday school. - - I must close by asking an interest in your prayers. Write often. - - Your friend and brother in Christ, - - J. W. S., Camp No. 3. - - * * * * * - - Eastern Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1890. - - Dear Madam: - - Your invitation given any of the prisoners who may wish to write, - I for one accept. I was greatly impressed with your words of - truth and the earnest, determined manner in which they were - spoken. I believe they proved an exception to the routine of - professed Christianity we are used to, and have set more than one - mind to thinking of their spiritual condition. I assure you they - were not without effect, and that you are engaged in a noble - work, of which I and others would be glad to hear more. - - True it is that in the world around us are many persons - struggling with poverty as great as ours, who are loaded with - cares and anxieties which seem to hinder them in the service of - God. There are many who cannot offer him a pure heart which has - never been stained by sin, yet in the grief for misspent time and - neglected grace would gladly atone for the past by fervent, - grateful love, casting themselves upon the mercy of the Saviour. - - I am an old soldier, have fought in the late war, but the - greatest battle I have yet to fight is with myself--the battle of - reformation. - - Almighty God, in His wondrous wisdom, has chosen His saints from - every rank of life--some poor and unknown to the world while they - are in it; others great and powerful; no two have been exactly - alike, even in their way of pleasing the Lord. - - The "boys" here are satisfied your mission was for good, and left - them knowing that for once they were not locked up within the - hearing of false professors. To say that "locks" would not be - necessary to hold a congregation within your hearing would be - well founded. For a great many others this could not be said. - - The boys from Block 9 send you their respects, and would be glad - to hear from you again; would be glad to hear that you received - this and that our appreciation of your service be accepted. - - Respectfully yours, - A 2552. - - * * * * * - - Washington County Jail. Greenville, Miss., Jan. 9, 1890. - - Dear Sister: - - Your postal of the 5th to hand. The boys are all glad to hear - from you. - - Mr. McL. was acquitted and was the proudest boy I ever saw. The - St. Louis boy also got free and went home to his mother. - - There has been a great change in the prisoners since you were - here. They are always praying and singing, and you are remembered - in every prayer. I don't think I am the same boy that came to - jail; I know my poor old mother will be proud of me when I see - her again. She lives in Mobile, Alabama, and it has been three - years since she saw me, but I am praying to meet her soon and be - a son to her, as I never was before. I feel like I could teach - young men some good lessons if I get out of this place. - - We received some reading matter from you a few days ago. Please - let me hear from you whenever you can spare the time to write. - All the boys join me in love and hope to hear from you again - soon. - - Your friend and brother, - J. D. (alias the Artist). - - * * * * * - - Penitentiary, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 14, 1901. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - - Dear Madam: Your welcome and interesting letter to hand and - contents noted, being exceedingly pleased to hear from you. In - response would state, your letter, though a great surprise, has - been read by many of the inmates of this institution with great - interest, you being the only one, so far, who has shown enough - respect for us to address a few lines to us by mail. For this - kindly remembrance and respect, please accept our united thanks, - with the wish that as you are journeying along life's pathway you - may escape many of the annoyances which you have been subjected - to in the past, while dispensing the gospel tidings to a class of - unfortunates. After your departure from here, am pleased to - state, the "Boys" have taken a deeper interest in Jesus and His - works than ever before, and I verily believe that were you to - come again you would have no difficulty in bringing many of them - to the foot of the Cross. Bibles that have lain for months in - cells, covered with dust, have been taken up and read with - avidity, selecting texts as you suggested for future guidance, - and many are the prayers and kind words which ascend nightly to - the Throne of Grace in your behalf--prayers for your future - guidance and welfare, with health to sustain you in your glorious - work of reclaiming the erring and fallen. God speed the good work - along! We wish there were more like you, to bring a few kind and - cheering words to sustain us, while undergoing this isolation. - Your voice has lingered in our ears ever since you left, and many - of the boys here would like to secure, if they possibly could, a - copy of that wonderful song you sang for us, "Throw Out the - Life-line." If you would kindly forward a copy, as it is not in - our hymn-books, it would be very acceptable. - - You may rest assured, no firmer, truer or better friends are to - be found than those you possess in the Utah Penitentiary. Allow - us to hope that when comparing this institution with some of the - grander ones you may visit in the East, you will not speak - disparagingly of your boys out West, but remember there are as - many honest hearts beating beneath striped jackets here as you - will find anywhere, with none more willing to do you a favor. In - conclusion, accept our united and kindest regards. Hoping that - after your life's labors are finished on this earth, you may find - that "Haven of Rest," where it shall be said to you, "Well done, - thou good and faithful servant; enter ye into the kingdom of - Heaven," trusting these few lines may give you further - encouragement, and hoping to hear from you again, with united - thanks for past remembrance, I remain, - - Yours most respectfully, - M. M. - - * * * * * - - Baton Rouge, La., October 11, 1891. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Sister: Yours addressed to the boys in prison here was - received, and I shall take the responsibility of answering your - letter, which is so full of the Word of God. - - Your songs I shall never forget. I wish you could come and pray - for us and sing those sweet songs to us every day. - - I have got a life sentence in this prison. I do not know whether - you remember me or not, but I remember you and always will, I - hope, and I pray to meet you in Heaven. Since I listened to the - songs you sang, I have felt that I was nearer Heaven than ever - before. Your few minutes with us in this prison helped me more - than all others that I ever heard preach the Word of God. Your - service enlightened me more. I feel better and I think that every - one in here will long remember your few minutes' talk with them - on that blessed Sunday morning. I shall constantly pray and try - to become as pure in heart as I think you are. Your home is - surely in Heaven, and I will endeavor to reach that home and - meet you there. Pray for me that I may become acceptable in the - sight of our Lord. - - I pray the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and - the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you. - - B. P. - - * * * * * - - Lancaster, Neb., Oct. 25, 1891. - - Our Dear Sister in the Lord: - - I received your kind note through our Brother Burge. I am - thankful for your words to us and for the encouragement I - received through you. I am trying to live a Christian life, to - follow the teachings of the words of God in the book He has - given. I am persuaded of myself I can do nothing, but by the help - of God and our Saviour I am able to resist temptations and sin. - The world looks down upon me from two standpoints--the one - because of my color, and the other because I try to serve the - living God through Christ our Lord. I feel that I am weak and - need much help, both from the Lord and from the brethren and - sisters. I need your prayers daily to help me in my surroundings - and trials. We are hated and mocked, but this does not move us. - My faith is strong and I will, through the grace of God, meet you - in Heaven. In my imagination I still hear those words that you - spoke to us, and I hope they will continue to ring in my ear. - - I do not fail to mention you in my prayer to God the Father, in - the name of our Lord and Master. - - Our chaplain has just returned from the prison congress and he - gave us a talk on prison reform. - - From your brother that is colored, that had a talk with you in - the warden's office. - - J. H. No. 1579. - - * * * * * - - West Virginia Penitentiary, Jan. 31, 1892. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Your letter to "Boys in the Penitentiary" was received, and it - gave me pleasure to read it to them in the chapel, as also that - enclosed for the female prisoners; and after reading the latter - the officer in charge gave it to the sisters, and they can digest - its helpful contents in the quietude of their own apartments. - - At the very mention of a letter from you I could see many faces - light up with interest, and I am sure your earnest and faithful - appeals for recruits to the Master's cause on your visits to this - place will never be forgotten; also that many hearts feel to - thank you for the kindly and unabated interest that prompted your - letter of cheer and encouragement. God bless you with power by - His Spirit in your noble work. Twenty-six lifetime men are - confined here, and I am one of the number; but I am glad to tell - you that even here I have learned a freedom which is not - compassed by iron bars, and I am looking forward with confidence - when I will come into the full enjoyment of that inheritance - which is "incorruptible, undefiled and fadeth not away." Have - been here over thirteen years; converted twelve years and nine - months ago, and have been trying to do something for my Master - ever since, and I feel glad that He has wonderfully blessed and - kept me in His love. Pray for us that God will save the fallen. - - Yours in Christian love, - W. S. D. - - * * * * * - - Oregon State Penitentiary. - - Salem, Ore., April 3, 1892. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Your kind letter was handed to me by our Superintendent to-day, - and we were more than pleased to hear from you. May our Father in - Heaven protect and keep you for many years to come in the faithful - work of rescuing the souls of men who are so far astray that each - one saved seems like a miracle. Many a prayer has gone up from the - solitudes of our prison cells for Mother Wheaton's health and - success, and many of us in conversation have oft repeated, "God - bless Mother Wheaton!" But we have not lost sight of Jesus, always - our Friend. We have services every Sunday. Mother Smith (God bless - her!) comes once a month, and each Sunday our pulpit is occupied - by some minister from the city. Then some night during the week - our choir has rehearsal; so you see, we have plenty of opportunity - to worship and listen to the divine Word, and in consequence we - are very grateful to our kind officials, who earnestly look out - for our spiritual welfare, especially Mr. Downing, our good - Christian Superintendent, who would not rest easy if he thought - one of us was in want of anything that he could obtain for us that - would be for our good. We often think of the difference between - some other prisons and ours. "Oh, Father in Heaven, not as we - will, but as Thou wilt, but spread a little divine love in those - quarters where it is so much needed"--that is often our prayer. - - God bless you and protect you in your noble work, and may the - jewels in your crown be many, are the prayers of many of the - inmates of this institution, and when you come again many an - honest hand will unite with yours in our expression of love and - faithfulness for Him who died on Calvary, not in the arms of a - loving mother, but between two such men as many of us have been; - yet one of them dwells with Him in Paradise, which proves to a - certainty that He saves to the uttermost. God bless you again. - Write us often, and when you reach those pearly gates there will - be those to meet you who will say, "You showed me the way." - - Yours in Christ. - - WM. AND YOUR BOYS. - - * * * * * - - Lancaster, Neb., Aug. 20, 1892. - - Dear Sister in the Lord: - - Yours of the 5th at hand. I always rejoice to hear from you, or - to hear you speak, for your words are words of comfort, and are - after the doctrine of our Lord and Master and according to the - Scripture. It is a great comfort to me to hear or speak with - those that live in Christ Jesus. No I have no thought of turning - back to the poor and weak elements of this world. By the help of - the Lord I will press on to the ends that I may claim all the - promises, and I want to be found faithful in all good works, and - in doing good to those that have need. The promise you spoke of - can be found in Revelation, 14:12. You ask if I will seek to be - such. Yes, with all my heart. God, that knows all our hearts, - knows that my desire is to live and work for His sake and for His - glory. As for me, I am not worthy to be called His child, but - only a servant, because I have wasted my life in sin when I ought - to have served my God and Lord. But four years ago the Lord drew - me unto Him. I repented of my ways, gave my heart and soul to God - the Father, and Jesus our Lord. I received forgiveness of my - sins, and not many days after I received the promise of my Lord. - That was the promise of the Comforter, which came to me--even me. - And now shall I turn back? No, God helping me, I will endure all - things; for He is able to keep me in the hour of temptation. And - oh! His promises are so true to them that put their trust in Him. - In Isaiah, 41st chapter and 10th verse, and again in 1st Kings, - 19th chapter, 7th verse, we are told the journey is too great for - us without God's help. But if we accept the help we shall be - faithful to the end. And here is another promise that He will - help in time of need: "Lo! I am with you always, even unto the - end of the world." (Matt. 28:20.) - - He has promised to reward us according to our works. (Rev. - 22:12.) I have done nothing worthy of reward. But you have - labored and have kept the faith, and God will reward you for all - your trials and tribulations, and give you a crown that will - never fade. Yes, God helping me, I will meet you in Heaven, where - there is no more sorrow and no more weeping, but joy in our - Saviour. May God bless you. May He give you health and strength - to the end, is my prayer. Pray for me, for the prayer of the - righteous availeth much. - - Yours in Jesus, - P. B. - - * * * * * - - Ionia, Mich., October 21, 1894. - - Mrs. Wheaton. - - Dear Madam: I write to thank you for those pamphlets you sent me, - and I think I can say they did me good. At any rate, I am trying - to faithfully follow their suggestions. I practically devour any - of that kind of reading, for, thank God, I do hunger and thirst - after instruction in His word--I should like to have said - righteousness, but I don't--there! I cannot finish what I was - going to say, for a blessed thought has just come to me--that is, - Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for - righteousness. I not only believe God, but Jesus Christ also. So - I believe I may say I hunger and thirst after righteousness. - Anyhow, I pray every day to get nearer to God. You will be glad - to hear that I have decided to leave all and follow Him. I have - consecrated my life to His service. When I get out, wherever I - feel that He calls me, I shall go there, if it is to China. I am - praying for sanctification. I want to get so close to God as to - always be able to feel His presence. This is just two weeks since - you were here, and I started to serve God. Praise the Lord, I - think I am justified in saying that I am a new lad. - - I have given up tobacco and don't feel the need of it any more - than if I had never tasted it. I have given up profanity just as - easily. Now I want to read the Bible every day. Since you were - here I have read Corinthians I and II, Revelations, Proverbs, - Ecclesiastes, Ruth, and am now reading the Acts of the Apostles. - Before you came I had thought a little of being a Christian, but - had not taken any steps towards it, but you decided me, and I - thank you for it. - - I must close now or my paper will give out. Pray for me that I - may receive sanctification and have the indwelling of the Holy - Ghost. God bless you. - - I remain, yours sincerely and respectfully, - M. J. B. - - * * * * * - - Lancaster, Neb., Feb. 3, 1895. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Sister in Christ: Yours was received with welcome and - thanksgiving to our Lord that comforts us through His Holy - Spirit. Yes, God has given me grace to overcome many temptations. - He is my whole trust and confidence, and I know He hears my - prayers, and He will open a door for you here. There are some - hungry souls here for the truth. I believe if you had been - permitted to have service, some would have been saved. About the - first of December there were some seeking quite sincerely. My - desire is that I might be found faithful to the end, and I ask - your prayers for me to Him who is able to save to the uttermost. - I am so glad you had the Spirit of God in your service in - Lincoln December 25. We had the follies of this world without - the Spirit of God. But the world knows its own and they please - not our Lord. And because we are not of the world, the world - hates us, and that without a cause. I have been praying for you - that God will give you the victory in all things. And now may the - peace and grace of God our Lord be with all His saints and them - that truly love Him. - - From your brother in Jesus, - P. B. B. - - * * * * * - - Cole City, Ga., April 26, 1896. - - Mrs. Wheaton. - - Dear Mother: I take the pleasure of writing you a few lines. - - I do hope that I can meet you and tell you the good you have done - me. God is the one and the only one I look to. I want to go to - Heaven and believe I will. I believe some day, if we do not meet - on earth again, that we will meet in Heaven. - - Poor and needy though I be, - God, my maker, cares for me; - Gives me clothing, shelter, food; - He will hear me when I pray. - He is with me night and day, - When I sleep and when I wake. - Keeps me safe for Jesus' sake, - He who reigns above the sky, - Once became as poor as I. - - He whose blood for me was shed, - Had not where to lay His head. - Though I labor here awhile, - He will bless me with His smile. - And when this short life is past, - I shall rest with Him at last. - - I hope and pray that you will have power and strength to obey the - Master's will. - - Good-bye, - P. McM. - - * * * * * - - Boise City, Idaho, May 11, 1896. - - Mrs. Wheaton. - - My Dear Mother in Christ: I hope you are well and enjoying the - love of the Lord. It is a great thing to be in a position to work - for the Lord Jesus. We are having good services now every Sunday, - and we have a good Bible class of our own. The Lord has - wonderfully blessed this place, and I hope to see many souls - saved. Praise God! All the boys send love and wish to see you, - and we all wish you success. God bless you in your good work. - - W. B. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., Feb. 26, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton and Mrs. Kelly, - - Dear Friends: Enclosed please find P. O. order for $6.66, which - is sent you with the best wishes of the inmates of this - institution, as a slight token of the appreciation which we have - of your efforts toward the uplifting of fallen beings like - ourselves, and the upbuilding of Christ's Kingdom. - - Although most of the contributions came from the C. E. members, - yet they were not confined strictly to them. - - It was a surprise to me, when in conversation with many of the - boys, during our short time of liberty on Washington's Birthday, - to find among them such a general feeling of friendliness and - respect toward you, even from those who usually scoff at - everything religious, and who are thoroughly hardened in sin and - crime. - - I am sure it will be gratifying to you to know that God so - blesses your efforts that even the most hardened ones can feel - the influence of His Holy Spirit in your ministrations. - - Rest assured that we shall always hold you in kindly - remembrance, and shall never cease to pray that God's richest - blessing may crown your efforts. - - While our contribution is very small, we know that you will - receive it remembering only the motive which prompts its - bestowal, which is the only method by which the value of a gift - can be determined. - - With renewed expression of our wishes and prayers for your - success, we are, - - Yours for Christ, - WAUPUN PRISON C. E. SOCIETY. - A. I. W., COR. SEC. - - P. S.--The enclosed order is sent in the chaplain's name, W. G. - Bancroft. - - * * * * * - - Eddyville, Ky., April 18, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - My Dear Christian Friend: It is with pleasure that I write you - these few lines to let you know that your visit to Eddyville was - not in vain. Many of my brothers here express their appreciation - of your visit. We have some earnest workers for the salvation of - men in this prison. We are praying for you that God will - strengthen you for His work. We hope to see you again soon, and - receive a message from Jesus, for we receive you as His - messenger. - - All my brothers send their thanks to you, for they say you seem - like a mother to them. Some of us have not seen our mothers for - thirteen or fourteen years, and only live in hope of seeing them - in heaven, when we can lay down these stripes and greet them - there. - - O my dear Christian friend, when I think of a wasted life and how - easy a poor frail being like myself is led off, it almost crushes - my heart, but thank God that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth - from all sin, and that is my only hope. I want to meet you in - heaven and, by the grace of God, I'll be there. We will not be in - prison always. Jesus will come to claim his children soon. Those - who oppress us now will all have to stand before that just Judge - and give an account of what they have done to crush the hearts of - their fellowmen. May God forgive them, is my prayer, for they - know not what they do. - - I hope to hear from you soon. May God bless you in His service. - - Your friend in Christ, - L. P. - - * * * * * - - Laramie, Wyo., May 31, 1897. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - I got your letter some time ago and also the papers. Was real - glad to get them and to hear from you. I also get the paper - regularly, and when we are through reading it I send it to a - little boy in Montana that I used to know. We still continue our - Bible class and have several new members. We have changed the - time from Thursday until Sunday, on account of some of the boys - who work on the farm. - - I got a good letter from a friend in Kansas not long ago. He - tells me that my wife and little girls have joined the Christian - Church. The happiest days of my life were spent with them, and if - there is one of us four who has to be lost I hope it may be me. I - want your prayers for our Bible class and that God will make me a - better man; and especially for my wife and children I want your - prayers. It will be four years to-morrow since I have seen them. - - Some of the boys often speak of you, and I can assure you of a - welcome by us if you ever come this way again. May God bless you - and sustain you in this world for many years to come, is my - prayer. The text of the sermon we heard to-day was John 3:16. - - W. J. T. - - Luke 15:15. - - * * * * * - - Waupun, Wis., July 4, 1897. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Madam: The privilege of writing is accorded me by the rules of - this institution, and as I have no friends to whom I write, I - will address this letter to you. I have not taken any great - interest in your work, but have heard you speak before you - visited this place last February, and under similar - circumstances. - - All are doing nicely here and are looking forward to the treat we - shall get to-morrow by being allowed the liberty of the yard, as - we celebrate the Fourth then. - - The Christian Endeavor Society is getting along nicely, I guess, - though I have not been present at their last two or three - meetings, but some of the boys seem to take considerable interest - in the work. - - The front yard is very pretty. All the flowers are in bloom and - nature seems to bless the convicts as well as those whose conduct - permits them to remain out in a cruel world. - - Flower Mission Day was observed here June 20th. Some ladies of - the W. C. T. U. distributed some flowers and spoke in the chapel. - Told us of the sufferings of Jennie Cassidy of Kentucky, the - originator of Flower Mission Day, invoked a divine blessing on - us, and sent us to our cells, feeling that our lot was not so bad - as others have had to endure. - - The prison is about the same, six hundred males and ten or twelve - females; some changes in the discipline; the lock-step is - dispensed with; we are allowed two books a week from the library, - and other changes which lighten our burden. - - Believing you will pardon this liberty I have taken, I am, - - Most respectfully, - - No. 6965. - - * * * * * - - Laramie, Wyoming, May, 1898. - - Dear Mother: - - Mr. ---- requests me to answer your kind and most welcome letter. - I was thinking of you this morning, and of your mission on earth, - and how you had spent your life in the service of the Lord, and - in trying to benefit others. We regard you as the Good Samaritan, - and pray that the Lord will bless you in your work wherever you - may go. The members of the Bible class unite in sending you their - love and best regards, and will be delighted to have you visit us - again. According to nature, your earthly mission will soon come - to a close, but your acts of kindness and deeds of mercy will - live on forever. Remember us in your prayers. It is written that - the prayers of the righteous avail much. Our class has increased - considerably since you were here. Some of the boys seem to be - very much in earnest and sincerely repent of their past conduct. - I hope to live the remainder of my life in the service of the - Lord, and I hope to meet you in a brighter and a better world, - where parting and sorrow are no more; where our tears are all - wiped away, and the light of the Lord shines forever. - - Sincerely yours, - F. P. 309. - - * * * * * - - Eddyville Prison, March 17, 1900. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, Prison Evangelist: - - Though it has been one year the 5th of February past since I - heard your kind, sweet, motherly voice, how glad and proud I am - to see you once again and hear your kind voice, full of a - mother's pity for her children. May God bless you, mother, in - your journey from prison to prison to teach fallen men that there - is a Jesus who loves them and will forgive their sins if they - only believe on Him. Thank God for His Son He sent into the world - to save sinners, for Jesus has pardoned all my sins, and I mean - to serve God for the remainder of my life. - - You are welcome--thrice welcome. If you did not love us you would - not come to visit us each year so faithfully. May God bless and - go with you wherever you may be or go. - - Though I have only about three weeks to serve here yet, I thank - God I will leave a saved boy through the blood of Jesus. Bless - His holy name! - - I highly appreciate your kind words and the advice you gave me. I - will take your advice. - - I will close by saying, "May God watch between me and thee." - Amen. My motto through life is, "In God I trust." - - I remain, - - Your son in Jesus, - F. P. K., Jr. - - * * * * * - - Yuma, Arizona, May 25, 1903. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Our kind Superintendent handed me your letter of the 22d inst., - also the tracts you sent, which I distributed to those who I knew - would read and appreciate them. I also showed your letter to - several, and intended reading it, or having it read, during - church yesterday morning, but our minister was late, so I thought - best to wait till next Sunday. During the week I will pass it - around to as many as I can. All to whom I showed the letter - seemed glad to hear from you, and requested me to ask you to - remember them in your prayers, and said to tell you they hoped - you would be able to visit the prison again soon. - - I am sorry I haven't a more favorable report of Christian - progress in the prison; but Satan seems to hold the upper hand, - and there has been no conversion for some time, and there has - been quite a number of Christian boys sent out, and a great many - new men came in of late, which may account for the small - attendance at services. - - I hope the Lord will open the way for some good revivalist to - come to Yuma and stay for a while at least. This place needs a - real stirring up. - - I hope that the Lord will continue to bless you in your work for - Him among fallen men and women, and that you may lead many to - live better lives and be prepared for heaven. - - Your brother in Christ, - R. C. - - * * * * * - - Frankfort, Ky., October 8, 1903. - - Elizabeth R. Wheaton, Prison Evangelist. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: It is a matter of the deepest regret that I - am in prison, but I am very proud to have you call me one of your - boys. - - My dear mother was named Elizabeth. I was her pride and joy, but - rejoice to think that my fall did not occur until after her - death. - - It would please my sweet wife if you could write her a letter of - encouragement and good cheer. - - I hope that your latter years may be many, and am certain they - will be filled with the joy and blessedness which come to those - who are serving the Master in such a noble work as yours. - - Most respectfully yours, - H. E. Y. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: DRUG DEPARTMENT IN PRISON HOSPITAL.] - - Frankfort, Kentucky, November 15, 1903. - - Mrs. Elizabeth Wheaton, Tabor, Iowa. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: Your visit to those who were confined to - their beds in our prison hospital October 6th was a great - blessing to them. Your gospel hymns gave them visions of angels - singing the praises of their Master, and your prayers carried - them before the great white throne for mercy and pardon. - - Prisoners need Christianity more than any other class of men, and - when they get the love of God in their hearts they immediately - become better prisoners, are more contented, and have more hope - for this life and the life to come. - - Surely your work is a noble one, and each song and prayer for - prisoners makes your heavenly reward more glorious. - - With many thanks for the kind words spoken to me, I remain, - - Most respectfully, - H. E. Y. - - * * * * * - - Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 2, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, Tabor, Iowa. - - Dear Mother in Jesus: I thought I would address you in behalf of - a Christian friend by the name of J., as he is sick. He requested - me to write to you, and as I would like to hear from a Christian - from the outside world, he said you would answer my letter. I am - trying to live a Christian life. When I was almost ready to give - up and go back to my sinful life, there was a bright light came - in my pathway to refresh my soul and to point out the dark places - wherein I stood. And this light was Brother J. When he talks to - any one it is in a loving way, and to talk to him five minutes - one can tell that he is one of God's true children. I enjoy - greatly to hear him talk of Jesus' love, for it does my soul - good. Have you any Christian papers and tracts that you would - please send to me? I would enjoy reading them greatly. - - I am your boy, saved in Christ Jesus. - - Geo. W. R. - - * * * * * - - Huntsville, Texas, Feb. 17, 1905. - - Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Yours to our chaplain, Dr. M., has just been handed to me, and it - affords me great pleasure to write you, for I often think of you, - and the good lady that was here with you, and I knew it would be - gratifying to you to know how sincerely the boys appreciate your - words of kindness and Christian advice for their spiritual - welfare. I have heard many of them speak of you, and it was - always with heartfelt wishes for your success and happiness. I - trust and pray that many lost souls will be brought to Christ - through your noble work in the meeting you mention. - - Through reading the Christian Herald I have been much impressed - with the need of missionary work in India. And I pray that Miss - Grace, who was with you here, will be abundantly blessed in her - undertaking. I assure you that we will all be glad to see you at - any time. God's richest blessings upon you. I beg to remain, - - Yours in Christ, - - W. H. S. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - Kind Words from Friends. - - -We give here a few letters from dear friends who have been especially -interested in the Master's work, some of whom have given me many words -of encouragement, or otherwise been helpful to me in advancing the -work of the gospel. - - - FROM H. L. HASTINGS AND WIFE. - - 47 Cornhill Place, Boston, Mass., January 27, 1886. - - Blessed Sister: - - Your card came duly. Glad to hear. Sorry you could not call. Mrs. - Hastings wanted to see you. Come to our house when you will. If - you go to New York, call on Miss Annie Delaney, Fruit and Bible - Mission, 416 E. 26th St., New York, opposite the Bellevue - Hospital--right in the middle of prisons and prisoners. Tell them - I sent you. Miss D. is superintendent and has lived with us and - can open doors there. - - I was at State Prison one night. Heard many good testimonies from - your friends there. Surely, your labors have been blessed. May - the Lord direct your way in all these things, and guide your - endeavors. How much you need the Heavenly Father's guidance. He - will guide you with His eye. Pray that you may know and do His - will, and pray for us that we may please Him in all things. Do - you need some tracts or papers? Let us know. - - Yours in the work, - - H. L. HASTINGS. - - * * * * * - - Goshen, Mass., March 9, 1900. - - My Dear Sister: - - I am very glad indeed to hear from you, and to know that you are - still alive and still at work. - - It was a great shock to me when Mr. Hastings left us. But the - Lord has been very good to me, and I feel that He means what He - says: "E'en down to old age I will never leave thee." "I'll - never, no, never, no, never forsake." This is a beautiful and a - comforting thought to me at this time. - - May God bless you, my sister, and keep you in health to do His - work, is the prayer of - - Your friend, - MRS. H. L. HASTINGS. - - (Per E. B.) - - * * * * * - - E. E. BYRUM, AUTHOR AND EDITOR. - - September 11, 1903. - - During the past few years I have been acquainted with Mrs. - Elizabeth R. Wheaton, and known of her earnestness and zeal in - behalf of the unfortunate prisoners of our land. For many years - her time has been almost wholly given to the work of relieving - the distressed and discouraged in their cells, and in prison - chapels. - - Her songs and words of encouragement, mingled with tears, have - caused the feelings of depression and sadness to flee away, and - those bowed down with sorrow to grasp a ray of hope and look - forward with renewed energy to a higher life, trusting in Him who - is able to keep. Many years of continued evangelistic work in the - penitentiaries and prisons of America have given her a wide range - of experiences of prison life, a description of which cannot fail - to be of intense interest to every reader. It was partially due - to her untiring zeal that I was moved to write the book entitled - "Behind the Prison Bars." Her written words will continue to warn - and comfort after her departure from this world to her home - beyond the cares of life. - - E. E. BYRUM. - - Moundsville, W. Va. - - - FROM MOTHER OF PRISONER. - - Chicago, March 4, 1900. - - Dear Friend: - - I was greatly surprised and glad to hear from you, for my son has - often spoken of you and has regretted that the quarantine has - kept you away. I feel very grateful to you for taking an interest - in my dear boy, for he is still very dear to me. - - You cannot imagine my feelings all these years, knowing he was - behind gloomy walls. My health has given way two or three times - on account of it. Like so many others, he thought he knew best, - and left a good home to go roving. The cause of his downfall is - due to bad company, but then, his time is up in October. I hope - to see him once more and keep him with me, for I am growing - old--am nearly sixty-two. - - I shall be very glad to welcome you to our home. - - If you should see my dear boy before you come to Chicago, tell - him I am waiting patiently until I see him. - - This letter hardly expresses my feelings, but, sleeping or - waking, my thoughts are nearly always with my absent boy. Once - more accept thanks from a broken-hearted mother. - - Mrs. M. E. F. - - - FROM A PRISONER'S DAUGHTER. - - Denver, Colo., Jan. 7, 1903. - - My Dear Mother Wheaton: - - Praise God for salvation this afternoon! I am glad I found your - address, for I have wanted to write to you for a long time and - tell you the result of your visit to R. State Prison, where you - talked with my precious father. - - He wrote me soon after you left and said you left him under awful - conviction. He confessed and forsook his sins and is now a man - saved by the blood that was shed on the cross for him. He said - that he was restless from the time you left until he found Jesus. - He told how you and a young lady talked and prayed with him, and - how, after he retired, he rolled and tossed in awful agony until - about eleven o'clock, when he cried to God for mercy. God heard - his cries and came to his release. O hallelujah! It just makes me - shout to read his letters now. I can tell by them that he is - really resting in Jesus. He before seldom wrote more than two - pages, and now he writes from fifteen to twenty-four. And oh, - such letters! I just can't help but cry for joy when I read them - and realize that my precious papa is serving the only true and - living God. I give God the glory and all of the honor for what - has been done; and I praise God for using you as an instrument - through whom He worked. Eternity alone can reveal the result. - - My heart is full of praises to Jesus my King this evening. He has - done so much for me lately. He blesses me in soul and body and - supplies all my needs. - - I may go to C. soon and try to do something for my father. Pray - that God may lead me and that the devil may not hinder in any - way, if God sees fit to release papa from prison. I am perfectly - resigned to God's will. - - Your sister for Jesus, - M. H. - - (This daughter was a successful Christian worker.) - - - FROM AN EDITOR. - - Ashburn, Ga., May 12, 1897. - - Dear Sister: - - Grace and peace be multiplied to you. I received your letter and - communication for "Holiness Advocate," which will appear in the - next issue. Always let me know where to find you. I would have - written sooner, but have been away to Macon, where I saw Sister - Perry. She has been here and visited the convict camps since you - were here. I have been visiting those camps pretty regularly - since you left here. You put it on me and I am trying to be - faithful. You asked me in your letter if you knew me. Yes, I met - you here. It was in front of my store. You held the street - service here at Ashburn, while waiting for the train, and I was - with you until the train left. Well, sister, I will never get - done praising God for ever meeting you. It marked a new epoch in - my experience. I want you to take my paper on your heart. Ask the - Holy Spirit to run it for me and the Father to supply financial - help. I am trusting Him for it. How glad the prisoners in the - camp will be to hear from you in this way. I will send up to both - the camps a bundle of the issue containing your letter. I want - you all to pray for the South, that a deeper work may be done in - the hearts of the Holiness people; that the missionary spirit may - get hold of us so that we will send out our sons and daughters to - tell of Jesus' love to a perishing, dying world. - - May the Lord bless you and use you in the future even more - powerfully than in the past. Come and see us when you can. - - Yours, bound for Heaven, - J. LAWRENCE, - Ed. Holiness Advocate. - - * * * * * - - Ashburn, Ga., August 25, 1898. - - Dear Sister Wheaton: - - Your letter came to us all right, and you have no idea what - gladness it brings to us all to hear from you, and yet - conviction. For it certainly convicts us for the little we are - doing when we see how the Lord is enabling you to put in full - time. Pray for me that I may be more zealous. Things are taking a - deeper move in the South. A great number of the Holiness people - are getting down for a real experience. We have been satisfied - long enough with a profession. So you may expect something from - the South in the near future. Men and women giving themselves for - the foreign field and for the home field, working in the slums - and in the prisons and wherever God may lead them. Love to all - the saints at Tabor. I have never met any of them, but I do love - them and the work they are doing. "Blessed be the tie that - binds." - - God bless you, and may you be preserved blameless unto His - coming. - - Yours in Jesus' love, - J. LAWRENCE. - - - FROM AN EX-PRISONER. - - Sioux City, Ia., Jan. 31, 1901. - - Mrs. Wheaton: I don't suppose you will remember me, but possibly - you may, as I think I was one of the most wretched in or out of - prison at that time. It was at Sioux Falls, So. Dak., between - three and four years ago, if I remember correctly. You visited - the prison and spoke to us in chapel, and later in the day you - and a lady with you, came around to the cells. I was in cell No. - 13. You shook hands with me and asked, "Are you a Christian?" I - replied, "No." Again you asked, "Have you ever been one?" "No." - "Will you meet me in Heaven?" you asked again, and I answered, "I - will try to." You spoke only a few words, saying, "Do not be - discouraged." These few words and that warm hand-shake helped me - very much. I was indeed much discouraged. Life seemed dark - indeed. I was serving an eleven years' sentence. I was under deep - conviction of sin. Not long after that the blessed Christ came - into my heart. I believed on His name and He saved my soul. Two - years ago last August I was pardoned from the prison. The 17th of - last March I became Superintendent of a Rescue Mission in Dakota, - and for ten months or nearly that I was there and the Lord - blessed our efforts by saving souls. I am now married. My wife - was converted in the mission last June. She is an accomplished - musician and singer and, the Lord being willing, we expect to go - out and preach the gospel among railroad men in the near future. - - I have often thought of you and your labor of love among - prisoners. May God bless and encourage you in the work, is my - earnest prayer. I heard that you were in Sioux Falls at the - prison a short time ago. I did not know it in time to see you. If - the prisoners only knew what joy and peace there is in the - service of Jesus, it seems to me they would yield their hearts to - Him. Again I wish you godspeed in your work. May you have many - precious jewels for the Master's crown. To Him belong the praise - and glory. - - Good-bye, and God bless you and the sister that was with you. - Never be discouraged. Jesus loves and uses you. - - Yours, in His service, - T. F. M. - - * * * * * - - Sioux Falls, S. Dak., Feb. 9, 1904. - - Mrs. E. R. Wheaton. - - Dear Sister: Your card of November was received. Hope you will - pardon me for not writing before. I am glad that you are still - trusting Jesus, and working in His vineyard. May God bless, - comfort, strengthen and keep you. - - Jesus is coming again, perhaps soon. It may be that we shall be - alive when He comes. If so we shall be caught up together with - the dead in Christ to meet Him in the air, so shall we ever be - with Him. Blessed be His name. (I Thess. 4-17.) I want to exalt - Him. I want my daily life to be a testimony of His power to save - and to keep. Many years of my life were spent in sin. Finally I - was tried, convicted and sentenced to state's prison for a long - term of years. God says: "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he - also reap, for He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh - reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the - Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7, 8.) God's word is - true. - - I found my mind giving away and my body a physical wreck. I read - the Bible and God showed me that I was a lost man. I tried to - destroy my life, but God in his love and mercy would not permit - it. I was in great darkness. I said to a friend, there is no hope - for me in this life or the life to come, but I did not know Jesus - Christ nor His saving power. God sent His ministers each Sunday - morning to preach the blessed gospel, and one Sunday morning He - sent "Mother Wheaton" to us. In the afternoon, I believe it was, - she visited us in our cells. I had quarreled with my cell-mate, - and he had left me. Mrs. Wheaton came and shook hands with me, - and asked if I was a Christian. I said, "No." Again she asked, - "Have you ever been a Christian?" I replied, "No." She said, - "Will you meet me in Heaven?" I said, "I will try." With a warm - hand-shake and a few words of encouragement, she left me. God - helped me to believe in Jesus Christ, and there came into my life - joy and peace such as I had never known before, even in my best - days on the outside. - - After my conversion I asked God if it was His will that I might - be pardoned out. He also heard and answered that prayer. God is - love. He loves the vilest sinner. To-day I have a loving - Christian wife and two lovely children. I have no desire for the - old life of drinking, gambling, etc., but my desire is to love - and serve God and help my fellowmen to find Jesus, who is mighty - to save and to keep. To Jesus belongs all praise and glory. If it - is his will, may He use this testimony to bring souls to Himself. - - T. F. M. - - * * * * * - - 4064 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Mo., - October 25, 1899. - - My Dear Mrs. Wheaton: - - I thank you so much for your letter. I was greatly pleased in - reading it. I will be so glad to see you when you come. I - realize, as you say, that I have never fully let go of myself in - the Master's work, but I have given my life to Him, and if I know - my own heart, I am willing to be and do anything He shall choose - for me. I love to help lost ones, and if the Lord should use me - as He does you, I believe I should be the happiest person in the - world. Do pray for me, won't you, that the Lord may lead me into - all His will? Time is flying, and soon all of our opportunities - will be over and our Lord will take us to Himself. Pray that the - Lord will keep me busy serving Him. I love you and pray for you. - May you be kept rejoicing in hope even though you see nothing but - sin and sorrow around you. (Psalm 125:5, 6.) - - Lovingly yours, - TULA D. ELY. - - * * * * * - - Sapphire, N. C., August 15, 1901. - - My Dear Sister: - - I received your letter to-day. I have been thinking about you and - praying for you often, and see by your letter that God has made - all of your trials a blessing to you and know that God can make - up for any loss He lets us have. What a hard time you did have, - dear sister. I praise God for bringing you through it with such - joy. Sometimes it seems true He does with us like He did with - Job--just tells Satan he may do everything but take our lives, - and when our self-justification and friends are gone, He joins us - in with Himself and makes us powerful in His own power. He knows - whether we want Him, and if we do we will be taken through death - to self and put to hard tests. It seems sometimes as if He hides - His face to let us suffer and say, "Though He slay me yet will I - trust Him." I am glad you are with the people who hold you up in - prayer. We need one another's prayers in these times when Satan - has so many snares. Tula is well. She and Mildred send love. - - Affectionately and in Jesus, love, - CLARA D. ELY. - - * * * * * - - S----, Colo., June 24, 1903. - - Dear Mother in Christ: - - May this find you well and happy in the Lord Jesus. We have not - forgotten you and we never shall. Our gospel tent meeting at P. - was a blessed time. Souls were saved and sanctified. We give all - the glory to Jesus. We are holding meetings here in our tent. The - Lord is blessing the preaching of His Word. The Lord willing, we - will begin a meeting at Raton, New Mexico, the 2nd of August. We - would like to have you with us if it were the Lord's will. The - Lord is helping us while we are here to open a home for poor - girls. We have rented a five-room house and He is giving us - everything we need for the home. Glory to God for all things! - - My brother H. is with us in the gospel work. God is blessing him - in singing the gospel. Remember us all in prayer. May the Lord - give you many souls in your work. We both send love to you. - - Your children, - J. E. AND WIFE. - -The above is of especial interest to me though the reader may have to -read between the lines, as it were, to understand why it is so. The -writers are faithful and efficient workers in the Master's cause. - - - A TESTIMONIAL. - - Columbia, South Carolina. - - To Christian Women: - - Dear Sisters: We have long known the bearer, Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, - and can testify as to her arduous labors for the most needy - classes. It was our privilege to have her in our Home for one - week and we certainly received the Lord's blessing during that - time. We are working for Christ, but her labors are more - abundant, her trials far greater. As she goes forth without - commission or salary she must depend entirely upon God. He - usually supplies her through His people. Few of us could work - where and as she does, but we may lovingly minister to her - necessity and the dear Lord will surely bless in so doing. Yours - in Christ, - - MARIA JONES, - ELLA F. BRAINARD. - -The writer of the following sketch was an orphan girl making her home, -when I first met her, with some of my relatives in Iowa. She was -raised by her aunt and was kept in school and in society till she was -grown. Having been converted at the age of twelve years and engaging -some in Christian work, soon after my first acquaintance with her she -received a call from God to devote her life wholly to His service. -Being an orphan the Lord gave me a mother's love and care for her. She -went with me to the Missionary Training Home at Tabor, from whence she -went as a missionary to India. While at the Home she was faithful in -caring for orphan children, etc., and traveled with me some, staying -at one time several months as a worker in a rescue home in Chicago, -and later spending some time in evangelistic work. I have elsewhere -mentioned her trip with me to the Pacific coast on her way to India. - - It was my privilege in the fall of 1903 to travel with Mother - Wheaton in Gospel work in prisons, jails, missions, churches, - etc. God made her a blessing to many souls who needed a mother's - love and sympathy. She always lifts up Jesus, that souls might be - drawn unto Him and be saved. We first visited the Reformatory for - Girls at Mitchelville, Iowa. We were kindly received by the - Superintendent who had been a friend of Mother Wheaton's for - several years. He gave her the privilege of holding services in - the chapel with the several hundred girls. She also visited the - girls in their cottages, singing, praying and talking with them. - - We then visited the prisons at the following places: Moundsville, - W. Va.; Baltimore, Md.; Allegheny, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Waupun, - Wis.; Stillwater, Minn.; Frankfort, Ky.; Nashville and Brushy - Mountain, Tenn. - - In the hospital of the prison at Waupun we visited Mr. Colgrove, - a prisoner who was converted fifteen years previously when Mother - Wheaton was holding a service in the prison. He was a life - prisoner but he yielded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and - was saved. During these years he proved by his daily walk that he - was a Christian. He often conducted the devotional exercises, and - he had taught three Bible classes, two in German and one in - English, until his health failed. As I bade him goodbye he said, - "I will meet you in the better world if I never meet you here - again." He was in poor health and a few months later died a - triumphant death. - - The prison physicians gave permission to visit the sick, for they - know the words of comfort and songs of cheer by Mother Wheaton - will give them encouragement and a desire to live for the better - world. - - In a Gospel Mission I heard an ex-convict testify to how God had - saved him from a life of sin. He said that he knew "Mother - Wheaton" but perhaps she did not know him dressed as he was; for - when she had met him before he was behind prison bars. He praised - God for such a person who was willing to work among that class of - people. I am sure there is much good accomplished in the prisons - for individuals as Mother Wheaton stands at the door after - services and shakes hands with the hundreds of prisoners as they - pass out. Her "God bless you" is not soon forgotten. When her - work is ended and the rewards of the righteous are given, many - will arise and call her blessed. - - GRACE YARRETT. - -[Illustration: MOTHER WHEATON.] - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - Sketches from Press Reports. - - -My call being not only to the prison bound but to every creature, the -newspaper men have received their part of the Gospel message and were -often instrumental in heralding some truth to their readers whom I -have been unable to reach in person. I have often been interviewed by -reporters regarding my work for the Master and they frequently give -accounts of meetings held in the prisons, on the streets, etc., very -correctly, though sometimes in a humorous style and from that -standpoint of the onlookers or the prisoners. In this chapter I give a -few sketches from reports of my work clipped from the papers. - - - A LABOR OF LOVE. - - A WOMAN WHO LEFT A LUXURIOUS HOME TO SERVE THE UNFORTUNATE. - - MRS. WHEATON AMONG THE CRIMINALS AT THE PENITENTIARY. - - SHE VISITS THE HOSPITALS, JAIL AND WORK-HOUSE--AFFECTING SCENES WHILE - SHE PREACHED. - -A white-haird lady, clad in deep mourning, carrying a volume bound in -morocco, visited the penitentiary yesterday. This was Mrs. E. R. -Wheaton. In a few minutes she was delivering a sermon to the convicts. -She is a remarkable woman. Four years ago she left a luxurious home in -Ohio to preach the gospel to convicts, and since then has exhorted in -the penitentiaries of thirty-seven States. She visits hospitals and -the abodes of fallen women, also, and has ministered to the wants of -thousands of unfortunates. An _American_ reporter asked her how she -happened to be engaged in the work. - -"No member of my family was ever in a prison or afflicted as are those -to whom I speak," she exclaimed; "my evangelical work did not -originate in any morbid sympathy because of personal bereavement. I -simply felt called of God to preach his word to the people, and have -entered upon it for the remainder of my life. My heart and soul are in -it, and though I am far from my dear ones I am happy." - -She had been speaking to the convicts but a few minutes when the -effect of her words of exhortation was visible. At first the majority -were listless, but as she warmed to her cause they responded with -closer attention and in fifteen minutes every eye was fixed intently -upon the gentle, earnest woman, who sought to save their souls and -bring a divine light to their benighted lives. When she closed her -discourse and asked if any desired her prayers twenty hardened men of -crime, with tears in their eyes, raised their hands and three advanced -to the mourners' seat. With these she prayed and every word was -fraught with all the potent power with which the voice of woman in -prayer is capable. The three unfortunates were moved as men seldom are -and at the close of the meeting professed conversion. - -Mrs. Wheaton then visited the hospital department of the penitentiary, -after which she went to the jail, work-house and city hospital and at -each place delivered a discourse. To-day she will see fallen -women.--Nashville American, Nashville, Tenn., 1887. - - - A PRISON EVANGELIST. - - ELIZABETH R. WHEATON TALKS AT THE COUNTY JAIL. - -Elizabeth R. Wheaton, the celebrated prison evangelist, visited the -Buchanan county jail yesterday, and conducted a religious service of -forty minutes' length. The evangelist pointed out the errors of her -hearers and advised them to make early amends. The evangelist assured -the audience that all they needed to be saved was faith. Wife murderer -Bulling was one of the evangelist's most attentive hearers, and the -horse thieves, burglars and other criminals were among her closest -listeners. Sheriff Spratt thinks much good will result from Evangelist -Wheaton's visit to the bastile.--St. Joe, Mo., paper, Aug. 8, 1889. - - - PRISON EVANGELIST. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, prison evangelist, held services in the -county jail this afternoon, lecturing and singing to the eleven -prisoners there. She told in few words and four songs the whole plan -of salvation, and it didn't take her but twenty minutes to do it. She -talked a little while and sang "I Will Tell the Wondrous Story," -following with a few words of comment her rich contralto voice burst -into "You Must Be Born Again," followed in the same way. Then "It Pays -to Serve the Lord," and "Parting to Meet no More," closing with a -short prayer. These songs coming in the order they do, tell the whole -story and make a very pretty one.--Unidentified. - - - EVANGELISTIC SERVICE AT PRISON. - -Elizabeth Wheaton, a noble Christian woman who has consecrated her -life to work in prisons, jails, reformatories, houses of correction, -houses of refuge and hospitals, visited our city Saturday, and after -presenting her credentials was given hearty permission to hold -services at the prison on Sunday, Father Murphy, the Catholic -chaplain, whose day it was to officiate, kindly consenting to this -arrangement. Her manner would probably not be agreeable to an aesthetic -Christian audience in a fashionable, upholstered church, but she -knows how to reach the hearts of the men and boys who wear the -stripes, one of the prisoners, a Catholic, who has been behind the -bars for almost seventeen years, remarking that this was the best -service they had had there during his long term of imprisonment. No -one, be he Christian or pagan, could have listened to the service at -the prison chapel last Sunday without being convinced that there was -an opening for unselfish work among prisoners and that this lady was -pre-eminently fitted for such work. There is no mawkish sentimentality -about her, but an all absorbing zeal in the work of leading the -criminals, the erring, the lowly, the sick and the afflicted to Christ -and a better life. It is doubtful if there is an ordained minister in -the land who can do as much good in this field as this plain, -unpretentious, but thoroughly consecrated woman. She has now been -nearly five years in this work, and has visited nearly every prison in -the United States and Canada, a few in Mexico, and also the jails, -reformatories, houses of refuge and hospitals in all the prominent -cities through which she has passed. She has traveled almost 100,000 -miles and has never met with an accident. Wherever she goes she is -kindly received, non-Christians in fact treat her better than those -whose sympathy and co-operation she has a right to expect. Thus does -the world ever recognize and honor earnest, conscientious and capable -laborers in the cause of God and humanity. She never allows a -collection to be taken up in her behalf, though frequently invited to -speak in churches, but accepts such offerings as may come without -solicitation. Last Sunday, while she and the citizens in the audience -were retiring from the chapel, a Swedish servant girl, whose name is -unknown to the writer, took from her scanty purse a silver dollar and -gave it to Mrs. Wheaton. If the lesson of the story of the widow's -mite be true this humble girl's gift was greater than that of the -millionaire who gives thousands of dollars toward the erection of a -magnificent church edifice.--Stillwater, Minn., Messenger, Oct. 27, -1888. - - - MRS. WHEATON'S ELOQUENCE. - - CAUSES A SUFFERING WIFE TO FORGET HER BRUISES AND - FORGIVE HER CRUEL HUSBAND. - -The case of Henry Cooper was brought up before 'Squire F. yesterday -afternoon at 2 o'clock. - -Catharine Cooper stated that her husband had beat her brutally on last -Saturday afternoon and that this was not the first ill treatment she -had received at his hands. - -The court room was converted into a prayer meeting and Mrs. Wheaton's -prayers presented an affecting scene; before the trial was ended Mrs. -Cooper asked to withdraw her prosecution and was willing to forgive -her cruel husband. 'Squire F. ordered the prisoner to be taken to the -workhouse to work out the cost of the suit.--Chattanooga, Tenn., -paper. - - - FROM A PRISONER IN THE PRATT MINES STOCKADE, ALABAMA. - -To the Chronicle: - -Supposing a line or two from our prison, its surroundings, happenings, -etc., would be acceptable, prompts me to drop you this. - -The monotony of prison life is such that hardly anything transpires, -that would command the notice of a news reporter, or draw an article -from a newspaper correspondent. But, Mr. Editor, we had something to -take place here last night that beats anything we ever saw or heard -of. - -About the time all the convicts had finished eating the evening meal, -Captain P. J. Rogers announced that all should remain seated awhile, -to hear preaching. Now to hear preaching is no uncommon occurrence -here, Brother Rush preaches regularly for us, and occasionally other -ministers deliver discourses upon the importance of living the life of -a Christian, so when Capt. R. announced that we were about to have -preaching, no one experienced much motion of spirit. The minds of -those who gave the matter any thought were picturing in expectation, a -man, perhaps baldheaded, clad in a long priestly robe with Bible and -Hymn-book in hand, and of a solemn, or sanctimonious countenance, -others, perhaps, drew a different man in appearance, but none had -drawn the picture correctly. - -Imagine our surprise when instead of a man, a woman of mature age, -clad in the usual mourning apparel worn by the ladies, armed with -Bible and Hymn-book, mounted the rostrum, and announced that she was -going to preach to us. This announcement at once produced the most -profound and reverential silence imaginable--every eye was at once -riveted upon the face of the fair preacher, whose countenance wore a -pleasant smile and indicated an affectionate and amiable disposition, -and complete surprise or amazement was vivid upon the countenance of -her entire audience. The discourse was one worthy of the attention of -all who heard it--the sufferings of Jesus in and around Jerusalem--His -temptation and trial of toil and misery--His holy life--His triumphant -death and resurrection--His grand ascension to the realms of the -blessed, were eloquently delineated. The certainty of death--the -shortness of life--the never ending of the life beyond the grave were -theories eagerly pressed for reception upon the minds of her hearers. -Taking all in all, the discourse was well delivered and spiced with -enough enthusiasm to produce good effect. But, Mr. Editor, the idea -of a woman canvassing the world in behalf of the church is simply an -incident so unusual that quite a number of us here eagerly inquire, -what has become of the men? * * * * - -Elizabeth R. Wheaton, for such is the name of our distinguished -visitor, related among other things, that she was called and led by -the God of Glory to go all over the world and preach the gospel to the -lost children of men, that the prisons, saloons, dens of sin and -pollution were the places of her special care. The huts of the poor -and outcast were by her to be visited and that she did not ask for -money, that her Master had promised to provide all things for her and -did so daily. - - - SAW MOTHER WHEATON. - - THE NOTED PRISON EVANGELIST VISITED THE COUNTY JAIL PRISONERS TODAY. - -A kindly faced, white-haired old lady walked into the county jail this -morning and asked permission to address the prisoners. She was -"Mother" Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the prison evangelist, who is known -from coast to coast. As soon as her identity was made known Turnkey -Reynolds and his corps of assistants did their utmost to assist the -generous old lady. She was shown through the building, and then -allowed to enter each ward. - -From 11 o'clock until long after the noon hour she remained with the -unfortunates, visiting them separately and then preaching to all. -Tears were in the eyes of many of these hardened criminals before she -had finished. - -"Mother" Wheaton was met at the jail entrance and asked to explain her -system of working. "It is all done by faith," she said. "I have faith -in God, and that is sufficient. He will provide me with all that is -necessary to carry on this work." - -"Under whose guidance do you work?" was asked. - -"The Lord's, and His only," was the reply. - -"But are you not employed by some religious sect?" - -"No. I do this on my own responsibility, and for the glory of God. For -the past fifteen years this has been my life's work. I go where I -please and do as I please." - -"How far have you traveled?" - -"Thousands and thousands of miles. Last year I was in Europe and have -been all over America." - -For the past forty years "Mother" Wheaton has been a professed -believer in Christianity. Fifteen years ago she started in the work of -visiting prisons, and has been in every place of detention in any city -of note. She is received with the utmost courtesy both by the -officials and the prisoners. Many of the latter have met her at -different places, and most all the officials are acquainted with her -and her work.--A Detroit paper. - - - THE PRISON EVANGELIST. - - MRS. E. R. WHEATON DELIVERS AN ADDRESS AT THE PENITENTIARY CHAPEL - SUNDAY MORNING. - -The service at the penitentiary chapel Sunday was made memorable by -the presence and discourse of Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, the world-known -prison evangelist. Chaplain Winget conducted the services and offered -the invocation and in a few explanatory remarks introduced Mrs. -Wheaton. Mrs. Wheaton's hair is white as silver, but she still retains -her ever-youthful appearance and sprightly step. She sang in an -indescribably sweet, but powerful, voice "Some Mother's Child." At the -conclusion of the singing Mrs. Wheaton preached a wonderful discourse. -"I was on my way to Jerusalem," said she, "and had gotten as far as -London, England, when the Lord turned me back to my own country and to -my suffering boys in prison; and I said God bless my children, my -boys, for I am their mother. - -"Oh! how sad and discouraged many of you are, but if you will believe -in God and read your Bible you will be comforted. How can any man have -the heart not to believe the Bible and rest his case upon the bosom of -the good Lord who died for us? I thank God that the good old-time -religion still lives. The devil, my children, causes you all your -sufferings and sorrows. Exchange him for Jesus. He will keep you. -Forgive your enemies and submit yourself to the officers of the -prison. You must obey--it is the Lord's will. He has placed you here -for his own purpose, maybe for your soul's good and salvation. Jesus -says, 'Come to me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you -rest.' Have faith. I am so sorry when some of you do wrong for the -innocent must suffer with the guilty and society becomes stern with -you. God bless you all."--Columbus, Ohio, paper. - - - MRS. ELIZABETH RIDER WHEATON PREACHES TO UNFORTUNATES. - - VISITS THE BRIDEWELL AND HEARS THE COMPLAINT OF - ONE OF THE CITY'S CHARGES. - -"What's the use? What have I to hope for? Who cares for me? Who'll -help me? What can I do when my time expires? Everybody's hand will be -against me! A hopeless drunkard is past redemption." - -Tears came to the eyes of Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton yesterday -afternoon as she heard these words fall from the lips of a dejected -prisoner at the bridewell. The prison and train evangelist whose work -for fifteen years among convicts had brought her many such questions, -which she was unable to answer to the satisfaction of the prisoners, -spoke to the wretched man in tender tones, and told him of the -consolation offered by religion. - -"But," she said, turning to a reporter, "what can I do in one -conversation? It needs many. I'm going back to Chicago next week, and -I intend to devote considerable time to every prison and house of -refuge in the city. I haven't done any work in the city since the -anarchist execution." - -Mrs. Wheaton's methods of evangelizing are sometimes dramatic. For -instance, Mrs. Wheaton arrived in Chicago from St. Louis on a Wabash -train early yesterday morning. Night before last, while the train was -speeding along in the darkness, the occupants of the reclining chair -car were startled. - -"Look out!" cried a voice in shrill tones. "We're coming to a high -bridge. Before we reach it we pass over a curve. The rails may be all -right, the bridge may be safe; but who knows?" - -The passengers turned around in their seats. They looked frightened -and appeared anxious to know whether there was really an impending -danger. They saw only a woman whose face, softened by grief, bore -lines of pain and care. She was Mrs. Wheaton. - -"But the Christian is not afraid to die," she continued. "He welcomes -death as a release from care and a blessing." - -Then the evangelist preached a sermon, to which all listened with -attention. - -Although Mrs. Wheaton has visited every state in the Union many times -during her fifteen years of missionary work, she has been in a -sleeping car but once. Railroads give her passes. She has no -property, and, of course, can collect no money from convicts, though -occasionally she receives a contribution on trains. - -"The trouble of it all," said she after her talk with the man in the -bridewell, "is not in the prisons. It is after the convicts get out. -For that, humanity is to blame. Prisoners have not much hope, and some -of them accept religion in a tentative sort of way. - -"When they are released they are hounded by the police, marked by all -citizens as ostracized men, unable to get employment, and, in fact, -the second termers tell me they are reduced almost to the necessity of -choosing between starvation and stealing. Those whose conversion is -real do neither, because no man need ever starve in this country, but -the weak go under and are brought back to jail. What the world needs -is more Christian charity. We should forgive, as our Saviour did, -seventy times seven." - -In addition to her charm as a speaker, Mrs. Wheaton is a singer of no -mean ability. She is not a believer in men who accept religion for the -sake of business and put on a sanctimonious air. The view that she -takes of life meets with favor among the convicts, and she sings a -song called "The Twin Ballots," which illustrates her opinion on the -temperance question. The song is about two rum votes that sanctioned -the license plan, "but one was cast by a cunning brewer and one by a -Sunday-school man." - -The evangelist left last night for Pittsburg, but will return next -week. She said she wished to impress upon people the fact that -converted prisoners are not hypocrites, although the guards often -suspect insincerity and treat a converted man worse than any other, -because they think he is seeking to curry favor.--A Chicago paper. - - - A DISGRACEFUL PROCEEDING. - -Thursday afternoon, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, the noted prison -evangelist, accompanied by a sister, asked permission from a -policeman, which was granted, to hold a street meeting for religious -purposes. - -After singing some hymns, which, from their superior rendition, -attracted a large crowd, Mrs. Wheaton, an elderly lady who has devoted -seven years of her time entirely to prison evangelical work, began an -earnest exhortation to sinners. After preaching for a few minutes -Officer C. came up and said that the mayor had ordered him to put a -stop to the proceedings. - -Mrs. Wheaton said she would do her duty without fear of man and -continued for a moment longer. Then the party knelt on the snow and -began to pray for the mayor and the policeman. While they were praying -the officer came up closely followed by Mayor J., and roughly pushed -Mrs. Wheaton over. The mayor with fire in his eye as well as his -complexion, spoke in a very rude manner to the ladies, practically -endorsing the rough treatment already accorded the party. - -Mrs. Wheaton showed _The Dispatch_ credentials from very high sources -and a very bulky bundle of railroad passes which gave substantial -evidence of the manner in which she and her work are regarded -elsewhere. - -She has traveled over the United States and Mexico, and parts of -Europe, and it remained for a Leadville mayor to break the record and -treat her with indignity. She was very much shocked and grieved and -said she felt deeply sorry for Leadville, which she had often heard -spoken of as a wicked city. - -_The Dispatch_ is free to say that Mayor J. acted without adequate -provocation and displayed an unnecessary exercise of authority. If the -services had been prolonged to any great extent he might have sent a -request to have them discontinued, but there was no occasion for any -such arbitrary exhibition of power as was made. - -Far greater blockades with less meritorious objects have existed -without protest in Leadville. A medicine faker who pays a few dollars -license can yell and sing and make night hideous for hours and it is -all right, but a humble evangelical missionary, whose sincerity and -good intentions are not doubted, however persons may differ concerning -the methods, is unceremoniously made to move on. If the authorities -displayed as much zeal in suppressing vice as they do in shutting off -missionaries, Leadville would be a model city. - -The prison evangelists, after having been ordered off Harrison avenue, -visited both city and county jails, where they were kindly received -and permitted by the officers to hold services among the prisoners. It -is said that this is the first religious service held in the Leadville -jails.--Leadville, Colo., Dispatch, March, 1891. - - - DISGRACEFUL. - -Last night, when the ladies who have been conducting religious -services in the park, were preparing to close, some miscreant in human -form threw a small torpedo at them and struck Mrs. Wheaton above the -right eye. It did not produce any serious injury, but was very painful -at the time, and may terminate worse than at first supposed. This act -evidently issued from some low, depraved fiend whom the darkness of -the hour shielded from justice. The ladies departed from the city this -morning, and the exact result of the disgraceful episode cannot be -learned. As soon as it was done some man in the crowd offered $100 -reward for the identification of the party who did the dastardly -trick, but of course no one knew who the miscreant was except he -himself.--Jacksonville, Ill., paper, June 26, 1887. - - - THE PRISON EVANGELIST. - -"Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, prison evangelist, Chicago, Ill. Meet me in -heaven. No home but heaven." This is what is printed on the card of a -remarkable woman who visited the penitentiary and talked to the -convicts at 11 o'clock on Sunday. This woman has been engaged in this -work for about nine years, and she has visited nearly every prison and -jail in the United States, Canada and Mexico. She is the Moody of the -convict world. She asks for no money. She gives her services free, and -trusts to Providence for her support. "The Lord provides," she says. -She has held services in a different state or territorial prison the -past five Sundays, from Stillwater, Minn. (where Cole Younger is -confined and assists in and sometimes leads religious services), to -Salem, Oregon. Mrs. Wheaton also visits reform schools. She is one of -the chief advocates of the reformatory system being adopted in some of -the Eastern prisons whereby convicts of different classes are graded -and kept separate, wear different uniforms, etc., and are also let out -on furloughs on trial or probation. Mrs. Wheaton devotes her whole -time to prison work. She certainly accomplishes some good from all -this effort. She was a Methodist before taking up this life work, but -now holds to no sect.--Salem, Oregon, paper, Nov. 16, 1891. - - - A NOBLE WORK. - -Among the evangelistic workers who go out among the people seeking the -low and degraded and trying to lift them up to be better men and -women, Elizabeth R. Wheaton is one of the chosen few who is well -adapted to this work. She asks no pay and receives none, but with -noble purpose and with heart and mind fully in the work which has been -given her, she travels from Maine to California and from British -Columbia to the Gulf of Mexico. - -Her work is chiefly among the state prisons, county jails and reform -schools. Here she meets a class of people schooled in vice and who -have been kept face to face with the different evils all their lives; -these are the people whom she seeks to save. - -Mrs. Wheaton has just returned from a successful trip through Mexico -and the South and is now on her way to Walla Walla, Portland and -British Columbia. She stopped off here to visit our penitentiary and -jail. Through the kindness of the warden she held a song service last -Sunday at the State penitentiary, and the amount of good which she did -was shown by the eager attention of the convicts, and the tear-stained -faces of some who, when the good old-fashioned hymns were sung, -thought of their far-away homes and mothers. Sunday evening she held -services at the jail and on the street, both of which were much -appreciated.--Unidentified. - - - GOSPEL FOR THE PRISONERS. - - THE INMATES OF ATLANTA'S PRISONS HEARD PREACHING YESTERDAY. - -The prisoners at police headquarters, at the jail and at the city -stockade listened to the gospel of Christ yesterday. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the famous prison evangelist, of -Washington, held services at all these places. Her talks were of the -most interesting character and evidently made deep impressions upon -her hearers. - -The service at the jail was held in the morning, the one at the -stockade in the afternoon, and the one at the police station at night. - -Mrs. Wheaton is perhaps the most famous evangelist of her kind in the -country. She makes a specialty of this work and follows it closely -week after week. She has preached to convicts and prisoners in every -state in the Union, frequently traveling as far as 700 miles between -Sundays in order to make an appointment. She has letters of -introduction from the governors of many states, and free passes on -railroads. She is here with the Christian Workers, but is not a -delegate.--Atlanta, Ga., paper, Nov. 14, 1893. - - - PRISON EVANGELISTS. - - THE INMATES OF THE COUNTY JAIL TREATED TO A SERMON. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the prison evangelist, who has been -traveling over the United States for ten years past, and two sisters -from Washington, D. C., and Kansas City, arrived in the city this -morning and held religious service in the county jail. The twenty-four -inmates of the bastile were much pleased with the service. - -Mrs. Wheaton and her companions held services yesterday at the -prison at Lansing, Kan., where 900 convicts are confined. Lately -they have come from the convict camp of South Carolina and Mrs. -Wheaton can tell many tales of the sufferings endured by the -prisoners there.--Unidentified. - - - THE NEWS AT LEAVENWORTH. - - MOTHER WHEATON, PRISON EVANGELIST, VISITS THE UNITED - STATES PRISON. - -Religious services at the federal penitentiary at Fort Leavenworth -yesterday were somewhat out of the usual order. Mother Wheaton, the -prison evangelist, late of Washington, D. C., now of Iowa, preached to -the convicts at the morning hour. Her address was a most effective -one and men all through the audience were moved to tears. At the close -of the service she stood at the chapel door and shook the hand of each -prisoner as he went out. - -Her head is white with age, yet she has visited the prisons of the -United States and many in Europe, bearing messages of hope and cheer -to the condemned. She is not alone a woman of ready speech, but is a -sweet singer as well. Her life is dedicated to her work, and many is -the unfortunate who has cause to bless the visit of Mother Wheaton. -Mrs. T., of this city, accompanied her to the prison.--Leavenworth, -Kan., paper. - - - JAIL SERVICE. - -The inmates of the county jail were honored yesterday by a visit from -that well known prison evangelist, Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, who was -accompanied by a Mrs. S., of Kansas. Mrs. Wheaton conducted religious -services and her talk had a deep effect upon murderer Williamson, the -old man being visibly moved. - -Mrs. Wheaton has made the visiting of prisons, condemned men and -fallen women her life work, and in the course of her travels during -the past seven years has visited Europe, the British provinces, Mexico -and the United States. As an example of her earnest efforts it may be -mentioned that during the past thirteen Sundays she has visited and -held services in fourteen different state penitentiaries. Mrs. Wheaton -is a lady of striking appearance. She has a motherly countenance and a -magnetism which attracts the closest attention to what she says. Her -discourse yesterday was eloquent, yet at times plain and pointed to -severity. Mrs. Wheaton left yesterday on the afternoon train for the -Pacific coast.--Sedalia, Mo., paper, November, 1891. - - - PREACHED TO CONVICTS. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the noted evangelist, and Mrs. Perry, -who are engaged in preaching and working among the prisons, visited -the Virginia penitentiary yesterday and held services in each chapel. -Their exhortations and singing were of a high order and produced a -powerful effect among the prisoners. Many of them made a profession of -faith. Mrs. Wheaton has preached in most of the penitentiaries of the -United States. She has also traveled and preached in Canada and Mexico -as well as in the Old World. The ladies are being entertained by -Superintendent Lynn and will remain in the city several days. - - - POLICE STATION SERVICES. - - MRS. ELIZABETH RIDER WHEATON TALKS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FORCE. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the evangelist, was at the police -station last night at roll call and held a short service for the -benefit of the members of the police force. She delivered an -interesting address to the officers and offered a prayer, after which -she led them in a song. The officers expressed themselves as having -been greatly benefited by the service, and the evangelist was invited -to call again.--Unidentified. - - - SERVICES AT THE WORKHOUSE. - -"Mother" Wheaton, the prison evangelist, who was mentioned last Monday -as holding meetings in Island Park the day before, called at the -police station this morning to ask permission to talk and sing to the -prisoners confined in the workhouse. The permission was granted. The -lady has traveled extensively in her evangelistic work, making flying -trips all over the United States especially. Within the last thirty -days she has talked to prisoners at Walla Walla, Tacoma and in other -northwestern cities. While in this city she is the guest of her -sister, Mrs. Huffman, of Kenwood.--Elkhart (Ind.) Paper. - - - A STRANGE LIFE OF DEVOTION IN NEGLECTED FIELDS. - -The prisoners in the Dade coal mines made the acquaintance yesterday -of two women--two religious tramps, if you please, using the word -literally--whose adventures in evangelizing are probably without -parallel. - -They are Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the famous prison evangelist, -and her temporary assistant, Mrs. P. - -Mrs. Wheaton has for ten years been preaching in prisons, convict -camps, houses of ill-fame and the like, not only in the United States, -but in Canada, Mexico and Europe. One, upon meeting her, would -naturally be very uncertain as to where one might or might not meet -next this spirit-led traveler--recognizing which uncertainty, perhaps, -she has printed upon her cards, in lieu of an earthly address: - -"Meet me in heaven." - -The two women visited the jail Thursday, becoming very much interested -in the case of P. S., it seems, on account of his relationship to Rev. -S. J. Mrs. Wheaton spoke of P. as a "beautiful black-eyed young -married man." - -They took part in the Christian alliance meeting Friday afternoon at -51 James street, at which over thirty people were present. - -They will hold special services at the coal mine convict camps to-day, -returning to Atlanta within a few days. They carry this letter--an -"open sesame" to every prison and camp in Georgia: - - "Atlanta, Ga., June 30.--To the captain in charge of convict - camps in Georgia: I desire that each of you extend to these - ladies, Mrs. Wheaton and Mrs. ----, any courtesies possible - during their stay with you; that they may be given opportunities - to talk to the men and women in your charge. I will particularly - appreciate any kindness shown them. The governor also requests - that they be shown courtesies." - -It is signed by George H. Jones, the principal keeper. "Courtesies," -by the way, is spelled "curtisys" in the letter, but it's official, -and "it goes." - -Return to Atlanta--that is to say they will return unless the spirit -moves Mrs. Wheaton to go on from Chattanooga to St. Louis, or -Montreal, or Berlin, or somewhere else. - -Coming to Atlanta on the Richmond and Danville, Mrs. Wheaton was moved -to hold services in the smoking car. Just as the train was rolling out -of Calhoun, S. C., Mrs. Wheaton spied some convicts at work. - -Convicts! - -Instantly she decided to stop over. She and Mrs. P. bundled up their -wraps and packages and got off after the train had started. They knew -nobody there. They had no money--that is, "not enough to count." -Somehow or other they got transportation to and from the station, and -supper, and to other works, and arranged a meeting. It was a glorious -meeting, they say. - -Mrs. Wheaton's faith--and railroad passes, she adds laughingly--have -kept her going for ten years. - -She traveled 5,000 miles between one Sunday and the second Sunday -afterwards, collecting only fifty cents on the way. - -The Lord will provide, she knows. - -The faith that removes mountains is here in reality. - -Always on the go--never stopping but a day or two in one -place--meeting men to be hanged the next day--praying with fallen -women--interceding with governors for human life--blindly following, -without regard to time or distance, the mysterious dictates of what -she calls "the Spirit." - -She is so well known now throughout the United States--having been -engaged in this work for ten years--that she is rarely refused a -railroad pass. She has letters of commendation from governors and -prison authorities. * * * - -Mrs. Wheaton's services in the jails and convict camps are unique, -remarkable for their fervency and impromptu character. Singing plays -an important part. * * * - -Mrs. Wheaton has made many wonderful conversions in the slums and -prisons, and has seen many famous criminals in their last hours. - -She is the guest in Atlanta of Mrs. J. H. Murphy, at 267 East Cain -street.--Atlanta (Ga.) Herald, July 2, 1893. - - - PREACHING ON THE STREETS. - -Thursday evening the sound of an alto voice singing a familiar hymn on -Sandy street, near Murphy's corner, soon gathered a crowd, when a -lady, whose hair was beginning to silver with gray, mounted a box and -preached to the mixed assemblage a sermon, after which the singing was -resumed, the meeting concluding with a fervent and earnest prayer. A -reporter called at the hotel and learned that the lady was Mrs. -Elizabeth R. Wheaton, a prison evangelist. Heretofore she has had a -"sister" to travel with her. She showed the reporter stacks of letters -from the wardens of various state penitentiaries, commending her, and -praising the work she has done in this specialty. She has preserved -files of newspaper criticisms, many of which are complimentary of the -work she has done, and some from the secular press making light of her -work. - -That she is in earnest no one who considers that she has given up home -and friends and roamed all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and -in part of Europe to preach to unappreciative street crowds, prison -convicts, etc., can doubt. And whatever may be said of the method, as -was illustrated on the streets here last night, there are many -reached with a sermon that have not perhaps heard one for -months.--Unidentified. - - - PRAYER SERVICE IN JAIL. - -Through the efforts of Mrs. E. R. Wheaton, the prison evangelist, the -county jail was turned into a house of prayer last evening, and for an -hour or more the walls of the building resounded with the shouts of -prayer and praise of this earnest woman. - -During the afternoon Mrs. Wheaton called on Gregory, the horsethief -and desperado, and was the first to bring to the surface in his case -any signs of remorse or sentiment of any kind. When the gray-haired -and motherly woman took the hand of the confessed thief and ex-convict -in hers and prayed for him great tears flowed down his cheeks and he -was affected as none of the other prisoners had been. Gregory said he -had known Mrs. Wheaton for fourteen years. She does not remember him, -but says it is not unlikely that he has seen her if he has been in the -several prisons in which it is said he has served time, as she has -been visiting them all off and on in her work for a great many -years.--Council Bluffs, Iowa, Nonpareil, Jan. 19, 1900. - - - THEIR WORK IS IN PRISONS. - -Party of Evangelists Pay a Visit to the County Jail. - -Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, the prison evangelist, was in Butte for -a short time yesterday on her way west, and between trains conducted -services in the corridor of the county jail. - -In addition to being an earnest exhorter, Mrs. Wheaton, despite the -fact that she is well advanced in years, is the possessor of a fine -voice. When she sings in a prison the most hardened criminals never -fail to listen to her with great respect. During the services in the -jail yesterday clerks and court officers ceased from their duties and -with the people who had business in the building, blocked the passage -ways leading to the jail to listen to her. The other members of the -party also delivered exhortations and joined in the singing. The -farewell hymn, given in a clear soprano voice by Mrs. Wheaton, "God be -with you till we meet again," was especially sweet. Whether the -services made any lasting impression on the men behind the bars cannot -be known, but the fact remains that when they were over there was an -unusual quiet in the jail and the air seemed more wholesome. From -Butte she went to Deer Lodge to visit the penitentiary.--Butte, -Montana, paper, 1897. - - - STREET SERVICES. - -On Wednesday and Thursday our town was visited by two lady -missionaries or preachers of the gospel. They were perfect strangers -here and claimed that their mission was to try to open the eyes of -sinful people and beg them to come to Christ. They sang, prayed and -preached upon the streets, and at the colored church, having been -refused the use of some of the white churches. We know not whom these -persons are, or from where they came, but we do know that they were -very lady-like in their conduct, and there was a terrible earnestness -about their work. They preached pure gospel in the most Christ-like -manner that it was ever our privilege to hear--down upon their knees -in the streets, surrounded by a motley multitude, begging God in a -most pleading and fervent manner to save the sinners of this place, -and singing glorious praises to Him on this beautiful day of national -thanksgiving, was a spectacle that we had never expected to witness. -Whether or not this is proper in the eyes of the world we cannot say, -but if their work is earnest as it seems, they will be rewarded in -heaven.--Unidentified. - - - FOR PRISONERS. - - TOUCHING SCENES IN BANGOR JAIL.--GOOD DEEDS THAT - SHINE IN MORAL DARKNESS. - -Never were gospel hymns--words of comfort set to hopeful music, sang -more sweetly and earnestly, or with better effect than were the songs -of a plainly dressed woman of tranquil face and gentle manner in the -echoing corridors of Bangor jail Tuesday afternoon. - -This woman was Mrs. Elizabeth Rider Wheaton whose home is everywhere -in earth's saddest ways. She is a prison evangelist and her card bears -the simple admonition: "Prepare to Meet Thy God." - -She came lately to Maine, and arrived in Bangor Tuesday noon from -Belfast. On the train Mrs. Wheaton talked of Christian things, and she -sang hymns to the passengers--"Throw Out the Life Line" and other -well-remembered songs--in a way that reached the hearts of all. When -she got here she went for a few minutes to a low-priced hotel, and -thence to the county jail. The officials received her kindly, and the -prisoners, who, after their dinner of soup, had gone into the work -shop, were brought in to hear some of the kindest words and most -touching songs that they had listened to for many a day. - -Those innocent and comfortable Christians who have only heard hymns -sung in churches or chapels to well-dressed and presumably good -people can have no idea of the sweetly weird effect of gospel melodies -swelling in the vast and dismal spaces of a jail, while gathered -around are the very lost sheep that the shepherds of churches are -commanded to find. It is a reproachful picture from the realism of -blasted lives--a startling, chilling glimpse of the depth of -wretchedness, lighted up by a feeble ray from the goodness that yet -survives amid it all. - -Some old and hardened habitues of jails mock and sneer at the voices -raised in their behalf and scoff at the hands held out to lift them -up, but most men, in jail or out, treat women like this with silent -respect. It was so in the jail Tuesday. - -When the men had filed out to the broom shop again Mrs. Wheaton went -to a cell occupied by two elderly women and talked and sang to them. -The women, whose wickedness all lay in drink, seemed pleased and -affected. They thought this evangelist the kindest they had ever met. - -The evangelist may hold some meetings here before she leaves. She was -much pleased with her reception in Bangor, and would like to remain a -few days. She has letters of recommendation from the governors of -several states and from the officials of numerous prisons. She belongs -to no army or organization, but travels independently, doing what good -she can.--Bangor, Me., paper. - - - ELIZABETH R. WHEATON. - - THE NOTED PRISON EVANGELIST PAYS THE TRINIDAD JAILS A VISIT. - -Elizabeth R. Wheaton, the well-known prison evangelist, arrived in the -city Monday evening and yesterday visited the county and city jails, -where she talked and prayed with the poor unfortunates confined -therein. * * * More than one poor fellow has blessed the short hour -when her motherly presence and sweetly spoken words of comfort have -made his fate seem easier to bear, while repentant tears have filled -the eyes of many a hardened criminal when listening to her pleadings. -She approaches the most degraded with a familiar motherly air, which -at once wins their most profound respect and reverence. * * * - -Mrs. Wheaton expects to leave today for Pueblo where she will be -joined by a sister in the work, when they will continue their journey -together. She spoke very highly of the courteous treatment received -from the officers and of the cleanly condition of the jails.--Daily -Advertiser, Trinidad, Colo. - - - VISIT FROM MISSIONARIES. - -Elizabeth Rider Wheaton, better known as "Mother Wheaton," the prison -evangelist, and Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, of Tabor, Iowa, called at the -Institution Thursday afternoon on a missionary errand. Mother Wheaton -has spent fifteen years in evangelical work among the inmates of the -various prisons throughout the United States. Her friends among the -convicts are numbered by the thousands. We so rarely meet with any one -who really sympathizes with us in our misfortune that when these two -good women come inside the walls for no other purpose but to encourage -us to do better and give assurance of their love and good wishes, we -are made to feel that we are still human and may hope for a better -day. By reason of the chapel building undergoing repairs, it was -impossible for them to meet many of the boys or hold services.--A -Prison Paper. - - - A REMARKABLE SCENE. - - A WORK OF LOVE BY AN ELDERLY LADY.--THE SCENERY OF OAK CLIFF. - -Last night the moon shed its full luster slightly dimmed by thin -clouds. - -The crowd stood by a negro church at the point of the hill, just above -the creek banks at their intersection. The view from the top of the -hill was enchanting. - -The lady passed the crowd and stopped in the moonshine in front of the -church. Here she was joined by a party of three other ladies and two -men, whom she had preceded a little. Two of the ladies held babies in -their arms. - -In a strong and beautiful alto voice a song burst forth from the lips -of the elderly lady: "I Will Tell the Wondrous Story of the Christ Who -Died for Me." Her companions joined her in the song and the refrain -echoed far and near over the hillsides: "Of the Christ who died for -me." - -The inhabitants heard it. - -But this is the part of Oak Cliff inhabited by negroes. In response -they swarmed out as would have done the followers to the signal of -Roderick Dhu. - -Pretty soon the church was filled and a few white people were among -the audience drawn thither by the song. - -The services were begun with prayer by the elderly lady, whose hair, -when she had removed her bonnet, shone silvery gray. It was nothing -out of the usual order of prayers except that it was accompanied with -unusual fervor and simplicity being adapted to the circumstances. If -any had assembled through curiosity she prayed that their hearts would -be turned. - -Then came other singing and prayer by a good colored sister named -Cynthia Maria, who wore a white bonnet, and chanted her words, making -the scene a wierd one. - -Then the elderly lady rendered in beautiful solo, "Oh Christ, I am -lost forever. I am to confront an angry God," from which she began her -discourse, pleading to her colored hearers to open their hearts that -night. She said she had the old time religion. This announcement was -greeted with religious laughter from the congregation. The women had -not been allowed to preach and she thought that there were souls in -perdition on this account. People said that she had no business there -last night. She had business in glory and was going to help crown -Christ the Lord of Lords. For seven years she had been a pilgrim and -had traveled from ocean to ocean and from state to state without -receiving a salary or taking up a cent. There was the same God with -her who was with Daniel in the lions' den, and who led the Children of -Israel through the Red Sea. She had seen sore trouble, but there were -few who knew it. She had the old-time religion, and that was what her -hearers needed. She forsook home and country to go and preach the -gospel to convicts and fallen women and most of her friends had -forsaken her for this. She used to be proud. She had given up pride -and given up style. She was glad that God had called the meeting. She -did not know that she was to preach there until yesterday afternoon -when someone informed her that the colored people wanted her to -preach. She had visited the county jail last Sunday and prayed and -sang with the prisoners. Some of them had forgotten about the old-time -religion and requested her to sing the song having that title. - -Here the woman began that song joined by the congregation, a large -number of whom got happy. It required the efforts of several of the -colored portion of the congregation to hold down one sister who wore a -straw hat and got shouting happy and paid no attention to her -surroundings. - -After a short talk by Rev. B., colored, the congregation was -dismissed. - - - AT THE COLORED CHURCH. - - MRS. ELIZABETH R. WHEATON LECTURES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF - CONVERSION--SHE SAYS THE HARDEST PEOPLE TO CONVERT ARE PREACHERS. - -As a News reporter and a News special artist, guided by a friendly -star, wended their muddy way last night to the little negro church -upon the hill at Oak Cliff, they overtook two solemn looking figures -going up an incline. One of them proved to be the famous prison -evangelist, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton. This lady turned her face to -the News emissaries and inquired in a sweet silvery tone: - -"Going to church, brothers?" - -"Yes, ma'am." - -"Oh, God bless you, brothers, come on." - -A few minutes later the church was reached. The penitent sister with -the white bonnet, who was inspired on the previous night and started -to shouting, had already arrived, as also had the good sister who -called on the baseball man to run from the devil. What influence -drives those simple worshipers to shouting and to imitate flying, is a -question for the psychologists. Certain it is that the little and the -great are linked together in this life and perhaps the present is -linked to the future. Quien sabe. The meeting last night was free from -shouting, but fervid with emotion. On arriving in front of the church -Mrs. Wheaton turned her face to the pale moon, which had sailed high -in the heavens, and sang "Sweet are the tidings that greet the -pilgrims' ear." As she sung she gesticulated and her gray hair shone -like silver. She had not gone beyond the third line of the said -stirring hymn before the penitents inside of the church started to -sing a hymn and then the scene was as impressive as the music was -discordant. The hymns over, Mrs. Wheaton knelt on the wet ground and -prayed while Deacon Banks did likewise inside of the church. The -interjections were so many that he was forced to use short sentences. - -"Come one, come all, while it is day." - -"O, yes, Lord, we come, we'se a'comin'." - -"O Lord, put the move on and call us away." - -"O, yes, good Lord, we come." - -At this point Mrs. Wheaton entered and ascended the low pulpit from -which, for a moment, she silently surveyed the assembled multitude of -black faces. She was wreathed in smiles, looking like the sun of -righteousness shining on a dark, murky cloud of suffering humanity. - -"God grant," she observed, "that nobody goes down to the lake of -fire." "God grant it, ma-a-a-m." "Oh-oh-bo-bo." "Nobody knows de -trouble I see," and any number of exclamations each giving vent to an -exclamation suited to the feelings of the penitent. The mention of -fire seemed to cause a panic among the good colored people with a -single exception. He was a dude who did not deign to sit down, but -stood near the door seemingly watching the females. Only once did he -drop on his knees and that was when he discovered the News artist in -the act of tracing his outlines on the flyleaf of a prayer book. - -Mrs. Wheaton then lectured upon the importance of conversion. As she -proceeded, describing the fate of convicts and other sufferers, the -iron of the ways of the world seemed to enter her soul and she wept. -Nobody who hears her doubts her sincerity. She does not criticise the -fallen; she weeps for them. The folks in heaven do the same. Only once -last night did she criticise, and she said she did it for a benevolent -purpose, and as she did it (as indeed throughout her entire remarks) -the colored woman with the man's straw hat interlarded her remarks -with her own opinions rendered in a whanging, chanting voice. This was -how it ran: "The churches have got away from the old land marks [yes, -ma'am; deed they has, ma'am]. It is hard, hard work to reach preachers -[yes, ma'am; yes, ma'am]. The big white preachers and the colored -preachers are nearly just as bad [O Lord, yes; good Lord ye-e-s, -ma'am.] They put on plug hats, jewelry and the trickery of the devil. -If preachers would do their duty I would not have to visit the -penitentiaries. Oh, the hardest work I have is to preach to preachers. -[Dat's so, ma'am; dat's so!] How many of you are living in -lasciviousness, the sin that's hidden but that God sees? It is going -on in the churches among some of the preachers. [Ah, yes, ma'am: good -Lord! Deed'n 'tis, ma'am]. Ah! I have got to go to judgment and I will -tell you the truth. There are other sins, but I do not want to mention -them because I feel that you know all about them; but they won't be -hidden and unless you have a pure spirit and a clean heart you can -never see the face of God. Now say you will sin no more. [Several -voices in alto: A-a-a-men.] These white churches," proceeded Mrs. -Wheaton, "are a little worse than the colored churches, for there is a -little Holy Ghost left in the colored churches. Oh, how many of those -white church members are going down to hell! It grieves me to think -of it. I'm going to meet some of you in glory. After I get there the -first ones I want to see crowned are the poor convicts who have been -murdered on the scaffold after they had turned their faces to God, and -those poor convicts who have suffered, oh, you know not how much, how -much, without human sympathy." - -At this point a sad-looking man volunteered a hymn, during the singing -of which much of Mrs. Wheaton's remarks were drowned. Mrs. Wheaton -resumed: "It troubles my heart to see the people drifting down, down -to hell. I feel like getting down to the foot of the cross and crying -mercy. For the attractions of this world I have no use; I have no use -for newspaper puffs. [They's no good, ma'am: yes, ma'am.]" - -The way in which the penitents chimed in as Mrs. Wheaton proceeded -rendered it impossible to report her fully. The best that could be -done was to catch sentences on the fly. The stronger she appeared to -her colored listeners to seek for mercy the longer they sought it. -Their bodies were moved by their souls. Some swayed from side to side; -others placed their faces on their hands and wept; others wrung their -hands, and there was weeping and wailing. - -This was the state of affairs at the conclusion of the address. Just -then Deacon Banks started a hymn and a few others drifted off into -different familiar hymns, so that the music was varied. It was a -spontaneous outburst of songs of praise from away down in the bottom -of afflicted hearts which pays no attention to the measures of music. -The singing was awful. One female screeched and no two voices were in -harmony. - -At the conclusion of the hymn a deacon kneeling by a chair prayed, -striking the chair with his fists while a hundred voices accompanied -him. It was impossible to follow him throughout, but among other -things he said: "I know that hell is broad and eternity too long. Oh -King, King, Lord have mercy on us. Guide us by the still water's side -and give us new pastures. Bless this congregation in the hollow of thy -hand, amen." - -Mrs. Wheaton informed the News reporter that she will not go to -Galveston.--Dallas News. - - - PRISON WORKER VISITS TACOMA. - - "MOTHER" WHEATON CALLS AT COUNTY JAIL AND FEDERAL - PENITENTIARY.--KNOWN ALL OVER THE WORLD.-- - TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF HER LIFE DEVOTED - TO LABOR AMONG UNFORTUNATES - OF MANY NATIONS. - -"I trust in God and the railroad men." - -This is the explanation of her ability to carry on her work, expressed -by "Mother" Wheaton, the prison evangelist, who has an international -reputation for her work in the penitentiaries of the United States, -Canada, Mexico and Europe. Mother Wheaton is in Tacoma carrying on her -work among prisoners, work that has taken her into every penitentiary -in the United States and Canada. For over twenty-one years she has -carried the gospel to the men in stripes and to those who wear the -broad arrow of England's displeasure, and it is Mother Wheaton's boast -that during all that time she has never asked for a contribution or -received a cent of salary. - -Mother Wheaton came to Tacoma from her headquarters in Tabor, Ia., -accompanying Miss Grace Yarrette, a young woman who is going as a -missionary to India. - - - MANY YEARS IN PRISON WORK. - -There is no woman in the world, and perhaps no man, who has had the -prison experience of Mother Wheaton. The last twenty years of her life -have virtually been spent inside prison walls, and there is not many -in the country in which she is not a familiar figure. Long terms and -lifers all over the land know her. Frequently she inquires for some -prisoner whom death or the leniency of the law has released, whom she -has not seen or heard of for years. - -Dressed in a soft gray suit, with a gray bonnet, Mother Wheaton's -appearance is distinctly motherly, and her smile the personification -of kindness and tenderness further bears out the "Mother" by which she -is known to thousands of unfortunates. She is the guest of Mrs. Ellen -M. Bates, 1211 North Prospect street. She is at work from the time she -arises in the morning until services are over in the evening. While -her principal work is in the prisons and penitentiaries she takes part -in evangelical and religious work and finds time to visit rescue homes -where her advice is eagerly sought. - - - MANY EXPERIENCES. - -"Experiences?" Mother Wheaton exclaimed, when asked if her life had -not been productive of many events out of the ordinary run. -"Experiences, why I have had so many and such varied experiences that -they are all a jumble in my head. I have been in nearly every prison -in the land. I have consoled men who were but a few feet from the -gallows and I have held the hand of those unfortunates as they sank -into their last sleep in a cheerless prison hospital. - -"I have seen sights that made my blood run cold and then I have had -the joy of seeing the word of God prevail and the most case-hardened -sinners the human mind could conceive of have reformed before me. It -has been a curious mixture of sunshine and shadows, but after -twenty-one years I think I can say that the sunshine has predominated. -I put my trust in God for my work and I trust the railroad men for -transportation, and between the two I believe I have been fairly -successful." - - - ONCE TAKEN FOR CARRIE NATION. - -"I have spent nights in the toughest slums of New York, Chicago and -St. Louis, places where men by force of habit always carry their hand -near their hip pocket, and I have not always been welcomed. Sometimes -I have been roughly handled, yes, indeed. Why, one time I was mistaken -for Carrie Nation. Of course I don't look like Carrie Nation, and I -would never think of adopting smashing methods. I was holding services -in San Pedro, California, one night, and went into a saloon. There -were two bright looking young men standing at the bar and I asked them -to come with me. The owner of the saloon was sitting at a faro table -in the back end of the saloon, and as soon as he caught sight of me he -rushed at me and literally threw me out into the street. - -"When he learned afterwards who I was he was very sorry and avowed -that he would never have treated me in that manner had he not thought -that I was Carrie Nation and that I had a hatchet to chop up his -expensive bar fixtures." - - - OPPOSES CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. - -"As sad an experience as I ever had in my life was my effort to save -the life of a young man who was condemned to hang in Colorado. I heard -of the case through the young man's mother, who was heart-broken. I -interceded with Governor Peabody and secured a reprieve for a year, -and when Governor McDonald took office he fixed the date for the -death of the young man. I tried to save him the second time, but -public sentiment demanded his death. I don't believe in capital -punishment. I have seen how a man can be punished in prison and I -don't believe in taking a life to avenge a life, for stripped of all -the specious arguments which surround capital punishment, it simmers -down to nothing more than revenge." - - - ESTABLISHES NEW RECORD. - -"I think I established a prison visiting record upon one trip. I -visited five penitentiaries in as many states in a week. I started at -Deer Lodge, Montana; from there I went to Boise, Idaho; then to -Rawlins, Wyo.; then to Salt Lake City, and from Salt Lake City to -Lincoln, Nebraska, all of which I call pretty fast traveling. I hold -meetings on the train, in depots, at water tanks, any place I can -gather a little knot of people together, and I could tell of some -queer conversions in out of the way places, the last places in the -world where you would expect the seed to sprout and bear fruit. - -"I was over to the federal prison on McNeil's Island Saturday, and -this morning I went to the county hospital. This afternoon I called at -the county jail. I will be here a day or so longer and then must start -East, as I have work to do in New York City. You see I will have to -stop at the prisons on the way back and I have to make allowances for -delays." - -Mother Wheaton has become interested in Grace Russell, the young woman -in the county jail, who is addicted to the use of morphine. Mother -Wheaton will try to secure a place for her in some home.--Tacoma, -Washington, paper of July 31, 1905. - -I give the following extract from a Baltimore paper published while I -was there attending the Convocation of Prayer in that city, January, -1903: - - - SPIRITUAL ADVISER OF FAMOUS CRIMINALS. - - WORK OF "MOTHER" WHEATON IN PRISONS ALL OVER THE LAND. - -For twenty years Mrs. Wheaton has been traveling throughout the United -States, Europe, Canada and Mexico, working among prisoners in hundreds -of prisons and penitentiaries. On a number of occasions she has -converted criminals under death sentence. She has preached in the -Maryland Penitentiary. - -Mrs. Wheaton came to Baltimore direct from Ohio, where she had been -holding prayer in the cells of the state prison with eight men -condemned to die. She was in San Francisco a number of years ago when -Alexander Goldenson killed his sweetheart, Mamie Kelly, and after -Goldenson had been tried, convicted and sentenced to death "Mother" -Wheaton prayed with him for forty days. The day of the execution, -September 14, 1888, he was converted through her instrumentality, and -just before walking to the gallows she tied her silk handkerchief -about the condemned man's neck. - - - IS NOT A STRANGER. - - OLD-TIMERS AT COUNTY JAIL GREET MRS. WHEATON AS LONG-TIME FRIEND. - -Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, of Tabor, Ia., famous in this and other -countries as a worker among the inmates of jails and penitentiaries, -yesterday morning went to the county jail and prayed and sang hymns -with the prisoners in the tanks. - -Although her time was very much circumscribed, Mrs. Wheaton shook -hands with most of the prisoners, many of whom had heard of her, and -some of whom had met her in other prisons. John King, awaiting his -transportation to Walla Walla, and one of the most admittedly -professional criminals in the jail, stated that he had met "Mother -Wheaton" several times before, both at Salem and at Walla Walla. - -Both he and J. H. Le Roy, another old-timer, had many anecdotes to -tell of her kindnesses in past years.--Paper of August 9, 1905. - - The above sketch was accompanied by a cut from protograph taken - by the reporter and a nicely finished photograph presented me. - From this photograph the cut was made that is inserted at the - beginning of this chapter.--E. R. W. - - - PRISONERS ON BENDED KNEE. - INMATES OF COUNTY JAIL BOW IN PRAYER WITH MOTHER - WHEATON. - -On bended knees and with low bowed heads nine prisoners at the county -jail reverently followed a prayer addressed to the throne of grace in -their behalf yesterday by Mother Wheaton, the noted prison evangelist. -Under the remarkable influence of the woman who came among them as a -messenger of soul-saving, every rough instinct of the men was quelled -and every scoffing word hushed on their lips. No more devout prayer -meeting was ever held in a sanctuary than that which took place in the -jail corridor. - -Mother Wheaton and a younger woman called upon the prisoners and sang -a song such as the men might have heard their mothers or sisters sing -in the long ago, when their feet had not strayed from youthful paths -of innocence. If there was any inclination to ridicule or make light -of the service at the start, it was entirely subdued inside of five -minutes. Mother Wheaton talked to the men and told of the work she has -been doing for twenty years among the inmates of jails and -penitentiaries. She declared that she and her assistant wanted to help -save them. - -There was no hesitation whatever when Mother Wheaton asked the -prisoners to get down on their knees. One and all, the nine assumed -the attitude of humble submission to the deity and remained in that -position until their patroness had finished her petition for the -pardoning of their sins. Some of the men were seen to blink -significantly and wipe their eyes with handkerchiefs. When the prayer -was done and another hymn rendered, the men joining in, hands were -shaken all around before the visitors departed. - -Mother Wheaton has been coming to the Council Bluffs jail for -several years. She was in the city on her way from Nevada to -Wisconsin.--_Council Bluffs Paper._ - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - Furnished unto Every Good Work. - - - Who will man the life-boat, who the storm will brave? - Many souls are drifting helpless on the wave; - See their hands uplifted; hear their bitter cry: - "Save us ere we perish, save us ere we die!" - - See! amid the breakers yonder vessel toss'd, - Onward to the rescue, haste, or all is lost; - Waves that dash around us cannot overwhelm, - While our faithful Pilot standeth at the helm. - - Darker yet, and darker grows the fearful night, - Sound the trump of mercy, flash the signal light; - Bear the joyful message o'er the raging wave, - Christ, the heavenly Pilot, comes the lost to save. - - Who will man the life-boat, who will launch away? - Who will help to rescue dying souls to-day? - Who will man the life-boat, who will breast the wave? - All its dangers braving, precious souls to save? - - --_Sel._ - -The dear Lord wants workers, both men and women, whom He can trust in -every line of Christian work, and what do Christians most need in -order to be successful soul-winners for God? - -First of all, it is to be born of the Spirit; then to be filled with -the Holy Spirit, whereby we are sealed unto God. Then the fruits of -the Spirit will be manifest in our lives. Of course, we should not -presume to go out as mission workers without a divine call from God. - -The first thing, then, is to know God and then to know ourselves as -utterly helpless without the cleansing power of the blood of Christ on -our own souls. Then the especial anointing for service in the vineyard -of the Lord. If to these be added a thorough knowledge of human -nature and a sincere desire for the salvation of souls, then the glory -of God will be revealed in us and we will be forgetful of self and -alive to the needs of others. We must see men and women lost, going -down to eternal death and must reach them at any cost and be willing -to gladly suffer the loss of all things that we might gain Christ and -win souls for Him. - -We should acquire from the Lord the gift of adaptation to any and all -kinds of work, people and places. We must see the people from their -own standpoint and then from God's standpoint and then have implicit -confidence in God and in the power of the blood of Jesus to cleanse -from all sin. We must be humble and meek and yet strong, through faith -in God and His promises. Is anything too hard for the Lord? And has He -not told us, "Greater works than these shall ye do because I go unto -my Father?" Is He not at the Father's right hand, interceding for us -and for the souls to whom He sends us? - -We must be all things to all men that we might win some. We must watch -for opportunities for service and be quick to use them when they are -given us. We must be ready to launch out into the deep at the Master's -command. We must have grace, not only to serve, but if need be, to -die, in order that souls might be saved--souls that are going to -destruction for the want of a kind word or a helping hand at just the -right time. I have often found them upon the verge of suicide. Men and -women in despair, both in prison and outside, were goaded into -desperation and the enemy of their souls was urging them to end it -all--that nobody cared, and God had forgotten them. - -How glad I have been to clasp their hand and tell them there was One -who cared; that He loved them still and I have seen the long pent-up -tears start from their eyes and hope has sprung up once more in their -desolate hearts. I hope to hear God say in the Day of Judgment of -some, "Here are the discouraged, the tempted and tried ones, who were -almost lost, but who were won through your faithfulness." To God be -all the glory. - -We must not seek our own ease. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, -would have died in agony, only that an angel came and ministered unto -Him, yet he prayed, "Not My will, but Thine be done." Such must be our -heartfelt cry and we must abandon ourselves to God's will in all -things and forgetting ourselves and the opinions of the World, seek to -please Him only. Then He will make even our enemies be at peace with -us. - -Multitudes all about us are going down to despair for want of true -love such as Jesus had when He said, "Father, forgive them, for they -know not what they do," and "Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no -more." - -Having this spirit, God has promised to furnish us unto every good -work. That is, every work to which He calls us. We each have our -responsibility to meet, our especial capability, our gift or talent. -Then let us adapt ourselves to the work which God has given us to -do--not ignoring the work of others, nor lording it over God's -heritage, but each abiding in the calling wherein we are called, -having charity for all, whether saints or sinners. Surely, with the -field so wide and the work so great, there is the greatest need for -love and the unity of the Spirit among all Christians. Why there are -so many divisions, I know not. I find true and earnest hearts among -all classes, all denominations and all nationalities. - -Jesus prayed, before He ascended on high, for his children, that they -all might be one as He and the Father were one--one in purpose and one -in heart. If we manifest this oneness, sinners will come flocking home -to God and souls will be saved and God will get all the glory. The -lack of oneness among God's people stands in the way of souls and the -poor and ignorant are at a loss as to what to think or believe. - -Surely, there was never greater need for Holy Ghost, Spirit-filled -Christian workers than now, when false doctrine is proclaimed on every -side and in every form. But let Christians unite, losing sight of -everything but God and souls and it will not be long until God will -fulfill his promise that a nation shall be born in a day. Oh, that -there might be a rallying of all of God's true children of every class -and nationality; that they might, with united forces, charge upon the -enemy and soon the world, which now seems to be at variance, would be -won for God and for our Christ. - -THE MASSES ARE NOT REACHED through the ordinary channels of the -churches. Look at the need of the Gospel being carried to the railroad -and street-car men, the soldiers, sailors, policemen, firemen, and -postmen. Are we seeking to reach the people? We must get the love of -God in our hearts to that degree that we will not only be willing to -suffer, but to die for them, and mean it--mean business, and fast and -pray and call mightily on God for help and direction, and look to Him -for results. Don't expect an easy time--don't let us expect to be -above our Master. Jesus had no place to lay His head. He went among -the despised, the poor, the fallen, the lowest of earth; and if He -were to return now, how many of us would He find filling the places -appointed us? - -The Lord is ready to do exceeding abundantly above all we can think or -ask, and will bless every unselfish effort on our part to help save a -lost world. When the end comes for you and me, dear one, let us have -our lamps trimmed and burning, ready to go in to the marriage supper -of the Lamb, which is to soon take place. - -God help us do our part, to be instant in season and out of season; to -keep free in our souls; to be filled with the spirit of Jesus; to be -ever ready with a kind word, a "God bless you," a silent prayer, a -warm hand-clasp. Let us be quick to follow the leadings of the Holy -Spirit, humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Let us take a -firmer hold on God and be ourselves in His hands. Let us see our own -responsibility as God sees it, and by His grace measure up to it. - -Then the hosts of hell shall not be able to prevail against us and God -will use us to his glory, and with hearts filled with love and -compassion, we will go forward and God will go with us and give us -victory. - - - MY BOY IN INDIA. - - Some years ago the Lord made plain to me that I should support a - famine orphan in India, and since that time He has enabled me to - give twenty dollars per year for the support of my adopted son, - John Ryder Wheaton, named for my brother, who departed this life - a few years ago, and for myself. I give his picture and a copy of - his first letter to me, translated by one of the missionaries; - also some letters from Brother and Sister Jarvis, in charge of - the Orphanage in Lahore, India. We ask the prayers of our readers - for this dear boy, and if God should lay it upon any of your - hearts to provide for one of these famine orphans, any money sent - to the Missionary Home in Tabor, Iowa, will be promptly - forwarded to any orphanage or missionary you may designate. God - has laid this boy upon my heart, and the tie is dearer, perhaps, - because I am alone in the world, having laid my only child in the - grave with my husband. My heart was touched when I received this - letter from John's own hand, and sometimes I long to see and know - him for myself. He is being trained for a missionary, and when my - labors are ended, I hope to see him coming home from India, - bringing his trophies with him--precious souls from his own - native land, and that there we may praise the Lord through all - eternity together. - - Lahore, Frontier Faith Mission, April 12, 1904.--Dear - Mama:--Salam, I am well by the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, and - hope you are well. Matter is this that I live here very happy, - few days ago that the fever and cough attacked me so I went to - the hospital, now I am well and do my duty. I learned the work of - Gardener. I pray every day. May God help me and make me His true - Christian and grant me abundant grace. I also hope that you do - pray for me. I pray for you. Here are all well. I am also with - other boys well. My compliment to you, - - Your son, - JOHN WHEATON, - Head Gardener. - -[Illustration: JOHN RYDER WHEATON, INDIA FAMINE BOY.] - - * * * * * - - Frontier Faith Mission and Orphanage, Lahore, N. India, Dec. 11, - 1901.--Dear Sister Wheaton--We have chosen for you a bright - little boy by the name of Ruthena, about ten years old. He is one - of our brightest little boys, one that bids fair to be something - for God. He is a shoemaker by trade and is doing well at it. We - are endeavoring to teach the boys trades, wanting them to be like - Paul where they can preach the Gospel while they make tents for a - living. Ruthena is a bright boy in every way and will be named - John Ryder as you wished. We do not have time to write often but - our hearts are with you. - - Yours for India's redemption, - LAURA E. JARVIS. - - * * * * * - - Lahore, N. India, Sept. 18, 1902.--My Dear Sister--Your dear boy - is healthy and well. He is such a help, and seems to know just - what to do at the right time. We feel that we can count on him at - all times. He is a precious Christian boy, and God is using him. - - God is blessing our precious children, and the work is going - forward. We are so glad to be on our own land. Our homes are only - temporary, but our faith is in God for the permanent ones. He - says no good thing will He withhold from them that walk - uprightly. - - Your Sister seeking the lost, - L. E. J. - - * * * * * - - Lahore, North India, August 20, 1903.--Dear Sister Wheaton--Your - kind offering of twenty dollars for the support of your boy, - John, is very thankfully received. The Lord bless and repay you. - Continue to pray for him, and for the rest of our great family. - God is hearing prayer for us. There are some slight fever cases - among the children. This is our sickly season. Unite in prayer - that our workers may keep well. We are all burdened because of - the lack of workers and much has to remain undone. - - Though burdened, we will stand at our post until Jesus comes. (R. - V.) Our faith is in God. So many young people at home seem to be - wasting their lives and talents, when they might be doing so much - for God in this land. - - Your brother seeking the lost, - ROBERT JARVIS. - - * * * * * - - Lahore, N. India, March 16, 1904. - - My Dear Sister Wheaton--Greetings in Jesus' name. "Lift up your - eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to - harvest." - - I write to tell you today that your boy John is quite poorly. He - has been having an attack of lung fever. I believe that in answer - to prayer God will raise him up. I felt he would have better care - in the hospital than we could give him, so we took him there, but - we go to see him frequently, and I will keep you posted as to how - he is doing. I know you are interested and are praying for him. - We thank you much for your interest, and all you are doing for - him. I hope you are keeping well and seeing souls saved. - - John was a real help in the garden outside of school hours. He - has always been a willing little worker. God bless you much, dear - Sister Wheaton, and use you greatly, is our prayer. - - Your sister, - L. E. JARVIS. - - * * * * * - - Lahore, N. India, April 12, 1904. - - My Dear Sister Wheaton--Greeting in Jesus' name. I am glad to - write you this time that John is all right again. I think his - sickness has drawn him closer to God. He is writing you a few - lines that I will translate for him and send it with this. - - Yours to be faithful, - L. E. JARVIS. - - - PREACHING IN THE PEST-HOUSE. - -Just why the dear Lord saw best to permit me to take the loathsome -disease of smallpox into my system, I know not; but I do know the same -God that made man and pronounced him very good, permitted Job and many -others of His people to suffer many things. Of one thing I am certain, -the Lord permitted me to preach the Gospel in the pest-house. No one -was allowed there but the physician of the Board of Health and those -in charge, and there were many lost ones there and no gospel services -for years and not even the superintendent and his family were allowed -to go to church. I had held meetings in almost every other place and I -now had opportunity to go there, this being the only way to get to -them. During the summer of 1901 I was taken very ill and the sixth -doctor pronounced the disease smallpox. There was no alternative but -to prepare for the hospital, which I did unaided. This was -remarkable; for I had been very near death, the suffering both -mentally and physically was so intense and the agony so great. Surely -God heard the prayers of His believing ones and raised me up to once -more go forth to glorify His name by preaching His gospel and singing -His praises. Bless His holy name! - -I was hedged in with God. He got the glory of my healing. I bless the -Lord that in answer to prayer He never let one person take the disease -from me that we knew of. When leaving the minister's home where I was -taken sick, I was shouting and praising the Lord. I told the mission -workers I was sure I could go to Heaven even from the pest-house, with -the smallpox. I told the young sister with me to bring the tracts for -service in the hospital. I had told her that morning that there would -be several doctors call and hold a consultation and pronounce the -disease smallpox and they would take me to the pest-house, and I -expected I would die there. I had such victory in my soul that I just -shouted and praised the Lord. - -In the hospital I was given the privilege of all the wards to sing and -pray and talk with the patients. Some were in a very dangerous -condition, and others convalescent. Others were trembling with fear, -having been exposed and quarantined here to protect the public from -contagion. Those were weeks of suffering, although full of service and -song. The hymns were listened to with the greatest delight even by -foreigners who could not understand our language. I often wonder why -professing Christians are not as careful about the spread of sin as -people are about the transmitting of disease. The same day I left the -hospital the Lord sent me out on a long journey to preach the gospel -on the train. As I was talking with the conductor, there was a sudden -stop and he ran to find the cause. Our engine had become disabled on a -bridge, and as a train was coming behind us, the trainmen ran to flag -the coming train before it should overtake us; but it was too late. I -dropped on my knees on the platform of the rear car and asked God to -spare our lives. I arose, took in the situation, went to my seat in -the center of the car and again knelt in prayer. I turned to look just -as the engine struck our car, raising it about five feet in the air, -crushing timbers and glass, and causing a panic among the passengers. -I was blest of God through it all, and went immediately to work -holding meetings while we waited some hours for help to come. I see so -plainly the hand of the Lord in all this. I might have left the train -when on the rear platform, but I felt impressed to stay with those on -board and call on God for help. Do you wonder that when all our lives -were spared I felt that as the Lord gave all on the ship into Paul's -hands, so in this case, as in many others, the wise Master gave me -those who traveled with me? "As thy days so shall thy strength be." "A -thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, -but it shall not come nigh thee." - - - HOW THE LORD PROVIDES. - -One night in San Francisco while holding a meeting in the Old Adelphi -Theater, I was impressed to give a dollar to a sister who often sang -and exhorted in our service and who assisted me that night. At the -close of the meeting I handed her a silver dollar. She seemed much -surprised and said, "No, I should not take this from you." I told her -God showed me to give her that dollar and I must obey Him; so she took -the money. - -The next day, while waiting for the street car on a public -thoroughfare, I saw a man giving out ladies' fashion plates. I spoke -kindly to him and suggested how much more good he could do by giving -out tracts. He replied that that was the way he made his living--that -the firm paid him for his services. I told him that God would care for -him if he only trusted and served Him, but he evidently thought me -somewhat of a fanatic. Just then a well-dressed old gentleman spoke to -me and said, "Do you belong to the Salvation Army?" I said that I did -not and he then asked, "What is your work?" I answered, "I am a -missionary to the prisoners and lost girls." He handed me a dollar and -hurried on. The man with whom I had been speaking looked on surprised -and said, "Who was that man?" I said, "I do not know; I never saw him -before and may never see him again." He was evidently thinking, for I -had told him that God provided for me and would provide for him if he -would but work for Him, and God was giving him an object lesson. I -said, "I believe the Lord sent that man to convince you that what I -said was true for I never ask any person for money, but trust all to -Providence." - -Going on my way later in the day, outside the city where I changed -cars, I saw hurrying toward me the same man who had given me the -dollar in the morning. He said, "I have been thinking all day about -you and what you said and here is another dollar for you." I told him -how I felt God had used him to convince the fashion plate man, that if -we fully trust and serve the Lord He will provide for us. I have never -seen either of these men again since that day, but God sent me the two -dollars in place of the one dollar I had given that poor woman the -night before, in the meeting. - -The sequel was given me sometime after this when I again met that poor -sister. She said to me, "Sister Wheaton, I want to tell you about the -dollar you gave me that night in the meeting," and then she said: "I -had nothing in my house for my children to eat (there was a large -family of them), and husband was out of work. I had to wash next day -and had neither soap nor starch, and I had to go across the city to -pray for a sick woman, whose son had said that he would believe in God -and serve him if his mother were healed in answer to prayer. I had to -take that young man with me and pay his car fare and my own. The -mother was healed and the young man, being convinced, yielded himself -to God and was converted and became a Christian." And then she added, -"All this your dollar did, for I had prayed God to send me a dollar -that night and you obeyed God and see what was accomplished through -obedience to the God who hears the ravens when they cry and notes the -sparrow's fall." - -Then I related to her my experience to show how the Lord used a -stranger to return me double, or two dollars instead of one, and -perhaps saved two men--for God was evidently dealing both with the -stranger who gave me the money and with the one with whom I was -speaking on the street. - - - MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS. - -I was once called upon to minister to the needs of a woman who was -burned almost to death. I assisted the doctor as best I could to dress -the burns. I took the scissors and cut the loose flesh from her arm, -and held her while the doctor filed the rings from her hands. - -If I had not been previously convinced by the Scriptures of the folly -of wearing rings I think this awful sight would have been sufficient -to satisfy any doubts in my mind, as they cut so cruelly deep into the -charred and swollen flesh. She finally passed away to that land where -there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither -shall there be any more pain. - - * * * * * - -While being entertained at a certain place a few years ago, a caller -was announced one evening, to see "Mother Wheaton." Entering the -parlor a tall, handsome man, dressed in the uniform of a policeman, -advanced to greet me. I bowed politely, but perhaps a little -distantly, as I did not know him. He came forward and extended his -hand cordially, saying, "Don't you know me, Mother?" I said, "No, I do -not know you." He said "I sang in ----prison in the choir. I served a -term there and heard you sing and preach there. This is my daughter," -and he presented a nice looking young lady who was with him. He said -he now held a responsible position and was getting along nicely, and -invited me to come and visit his family. - - * * * * * - -While holding meetings in a little town in one of the southern states, -I was entertained at the home of a wealthy man who was accused of -crime. He had a beautiful wife and lovely children. I was greatly -troubled about his condition. I held meetings there in the home. I was -treated very kindly and cordially welcomed, but he would not yield to -God. I warned him faithfully, and plead with him to repent of his sins -and become a Christian. I told him that a terrible calamity awaited -him if he did not yield himself to the Lord. I went away believing it -was his last chance of salvation. Not long after that he laid in wait -to kill a man against whom he had had a grudge for some time; but the -other man seeing his intention, drew his revolver and fired in -self-defence. The man fell dead. He had had his last call. He had -rejected the Lord and was ushered into eternity without a moment's -warning. - - * * * * * - -One day years ago, in M----, Mississippi, I went on the street to hold -a meeting. A policeman came along and forbade me after I had begun to -sing, saying it was against the law to hold religious services on the -street. My spirit was grieved as I felt the Lord had a work for me to -do among the poor and lowly who were too poorly clad to attend church -services. A sister (a woman of God who entertained me) was with me. -She then proposed taking me to see a sick child, an infant. When we -reached the house we found the young parents weeping over their dying -child. My heart was touched with sympathy, and kneeling down I asked -Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me," to heal the -child for His glory. I believed His word where it says, "The prayer of -faith shall save the sick." My faith touched divinity, the child was -healed and the young parents, seeing the power of God manifested, were -converted, and gave their lives to God for His service. - -[Illustration: Height Out Arms Trunk Head Length Head Width Cheek -Width Ear Foot Length Finger L. Fore-arm Color of Eyes Marks & Scars - -BERTILLON MEASUREMENTS] - -[Illustration: PRISON AT ANAMOSA, IOWA. 1. FEMALE DEPARTMENT. 2. CELL -HOUSE. 3. MAIN ENTRANCE.] - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - Selections from My Scrap Book. - - -Many of the selections given in this chapter were written by prisoners -and given me by them. The others may not all be new to the reader, but -I have thought them of sufficient value to thus preserve, as they may -be reread with profit, and no doubt may be read here by many who have -not seen them elsewhere. Such will surely feel the time it takes to -read them well spent. - -Many of the songs I have sung are not in print here, as they are -familiar or may be found in popular books; others I thought might be -copyrighted and I do not know the owner, etc. I have not meant to use -any copyright selections without procuring the right to do so, but if -through mistake any have been used I shall be glad to make due -requital. - - - THE AUTHOR OF FLOWER MISSION DAY. - -I once visited this sister, a saint, meekly lying upon her bed, and -when I asked if she would like for Jesus to heal her, she said God -could use her better in that condition. - - E. R. W. - - Jennie Cassady was born in Louisville, Kentucky, June 9, 1840. - She came to earth through no royal line of ancestry. No booming - cannon and flying flags proclaimed the birth of a princess. No - jeweled hand beckoned her to a place of rank and title. Nothing - in babyhood or girlhood distinguished her above what is visible - in ten thousand homes to-day. But as she stepped over the - threshold into womanhood, there fell upon her a great calamity--a - cruel accident made her a cripple and an invalid for life. But in - her afflictions she arose to a sublimity and sweetness of soul - that has challenged the admiration of two continents. And out of - the awful shadows that fell upon her she has gathered up the - sunbeams of God's smiles and scattered them into the dark places - of earth. Out of that one little darkened room in Kentucky there - has gone forth an inspiration that has fired the heart of heroic - Christian womanhood. And out of the darkness that smote her - pathway leaped the lances of light that pierces the gloom of - prison walls. A gleam from that radiant life touches the poet's - fancy, and gives us these beautiful lines. - - J. M. CROCKER, - Prison Chaplain. - - - FLOWER DAY AT THE PRISON. - -Composed and read by F. L. Platt at the Iowa State Prison at Anamosa, - June 9th, 1894. - - In a cottage in Kentucky, - In the years that have gone by, - Was a woman, oh, so lonely, - She'd been given up to die. - - As she lay upon her sick bed, - Ere the spark of life had flown, - Neighbors called, and strangers also, - Whom before she had not known. - - They had heard of her misfortune, - Day and night she lingered there; - And to make her life more cheerful - Seemed to be their every care. - - Now they come, with noiseless footsteps, - As the rose is kissed with dew, - Each one bringing in some sunshine, - In "these flowers I've brought for you." - - As she looked into their faces, - Realizing death had come, - "Take these flowers," she said, "I'm dying," - They will brighten other homes. - - Take them, give them to the children - Who in orphans' homes are found, - Who have parents silent sleeping - Underneath some grassy mound. - - Take them, place them by the bedside - Of some one whose life is drear; - They will bring a ray of sunshine, - They will drive away a tear. - - Take them, bear them to the prison, - Where the trembling convict stands; - They'll encourage and they'll cheer him, - And they'll help him be a man. - - They will speak to him of Heaven, - Of a home with God above; - They'll dispel the gloom and heartache, - They'll recall a mother's love. - - They'll remind him of a sister, - With youth's bloom upon her brow, - With whom he used to gather flowers - When life was bright as yours is now. - - They'll recall some little sweetheart - In the early spring of life, - Who, when summer flowers were blooming, - He had asked to be his wife. - - Oh, that wife! may God's own blessing - Rest upon her loyal head; - Though he's caused her many a heartache, - She would love him were he dead. - - Then with all these sacred memories - Welling in these hearts of ours, - Who in all this land of sunshine - Could forbid this gift of flowers? - - Bring the flowers with sweetest perfume, - This is flower mission day; - Some forlorn, discouraged prisoner, - "You may rescue, you may save." - - Blest the home that knows no sorrow, - Blest that wife, whose tears are joy, - Blest that mother who in old age, - Can lean upon her darling boy. - - Men, look up, the clouds have gathered, - Some of them are silver-lined; - There's a day when all creation - Will be marshalled into line. - - When these prison walls are sundered; - When the grave gives up its dead, - All may march the streets of Heaven - Who by Jesus Christ are led. - - - LINES BY A PRISONER TO HIS WIFE. - -These lines were handed me by the author. I insert them here because -of their clear testimony to the saving grace of God and the love they -manifest for wife and children: - - Dearest wife, you know I love thee, - Deep as yonder sky; - Know that love can never fade, - Affection never die. - - Though in prison I am cast, - And cannot now return, - Yet on thee my love reclines, - For thee my heart will burn. - - God has made us one indeed, - In ways the world can never know. - One, like drops of water found - Within the pure white snow. - - God has made us one indeed; - Has joined us, hand and heart; - What God has joined together, wife, - Let no man put apart. - - As well might men uproot the earth - As by their scoff or scorn - Think to accomplish parting us - Because our hearts now mourn. - - Nay, dear wife, I feel for thee, - As ne'er I felt before, - Prizing thee with deeper strength - For pining sad and sore. - - While there you wait my glad release, - The day that sets me free, - Await my coming home to wife; - Yes, wife and children three. - - And I will come. Have patience, wife, - The time will wear away, - And day by day approaches near - That glad releasing day. - - With little baby in your arms, - Two others at your knee; - I know, dear wife, your heart is sad - And longs to see me free. - - To help you in your daily toil; - To earn for them their bread; - To clothe and help and comfort them, - And find a shelter for each head. - - But cheer up, wife, and so will I, - As mankind surely may, - Till darkness fade in morning light - That ushers in the day. - - And oh, what joy will visit us, - What peace in that glad hour; - Our home shall then renew its strength - In all its silent power. - - Here as I lay me down to sleep, - In my narrow little cell, - I think of the happy times we've spent - In the shady wooded dell. - - How we plucked the flowers beside our path, - And strolled along the stream, - Neither feeling aught of sorrow, - For life was like a pleasant dream. - - But alas, my dear one, all is changed; - And we are parted now for years; - But well we know that God will come - And wipe away our falling tears. - - Sin, dear wife, hast brought the change; - Sin has caused our grief and pain; - But now that I trust in Jesus - I will never fall again. - - In my very darkest moments - Would you know what comforts me? - 'Tis my living faith in Jesus, - In Him who died on Calvary. - - He died on the cross for you, dear wife, - His precious blood was shed for me; - All our sins on Him were laid - When they nailed Him to the tree. - - And now that blessed Saviour, - Who was born at Bethlehem, - Looks down from the heights of heaven - On the sinful souls of men. - - His thoughts are full of mercy, - His heart is filled with love. - He is pleading with the Father - That we might come above. - - So we will trust our Saviour, - And follow where He leads; - And say, in faith believing, - He'll provide for all our needs. - - So we'll walk close beside Him - And let Him take our hand; - As He points, with face all shining, - To that bright and happy land. - - And oft to others round us - The story we will tell, - How Jesus Christ saves sinners, - The heavenly hosts to swell. - - You will tell them, wife, how He found me, - Sinful and all cast down, - And how through love He raised me up - And promised me a crown. - - And when we see still others - Caught in Satan's snare, - We'll lead them on to Jesus, - And leave them in His care. - - And when He treats them gently, - As He treats both you and me, - Other sinners, looking on, - To His bosom soon will flee. - - For thus the world around us - For Christ could soon be won; - He'll end in glorious triumph - The work He has begun. - - All glory then to Jesus! - Sing praises to His name! - He saved lost sinners years gone by, - And today He'll do the same. - - In language very simple - I've told to you, dear wife, - My love to you, your love to me, - And the love of Jesus Christ. - - So we'll just keep on trusting - In the Saviour God has given; - And He will fill with peace - Our journey on to heaven. - - And we'll not forget the Father, - But give thanks for all He's done, - In giving us our Saviour, - In His own beloved Son. - - - WOMAN'S LOVE. - - TO MRS. WHEATON. - -These lines are most respectfully presented as a prisoner's tribute of -sincere respect: - - O, woman's love, past understanding! - So near to God's, so wondrous deep: - Deep as the depths of space; expanding - Till it blooms beyond death's mystic sleep - - Throughout the earth, the rich and lowly - It reigns supreme within her breast. - O, woman's love! through its beauty holy - She will win eternal rest. - - Born of woman, purest, dearest - Lily of fair Bethlehem, - Christ to her will be the nearest - In his bright home--Jerusalem. - - A fadeless flower in beauty blooming - 'Midst heaven's host of immortelles. - His peerless love her soul perfuming - She'll reign a queen mid arch angels - - J. W. L. - -Cole City, Ga., Sunday night, Nov. 17, 1889. - - - TAKE THIS MESSAGE TO MY MOTHER. - - (Written by a Prisoner in Jackson, Miss.) - - Take this message to my mother, - It will fill her heart with joy; - Tell her that her prayer is answered, - Christ has saved her wandering boy: - - Tho' through sin from home I've wandered, - And I almost broke her heart; - Tell her to be glad and cheerful, - Never from the Lord I'll part. - - CHORUS. - - Take this message to my mother, - It will fill her heart with joy; - Tell her that her prayer is answered, - Christ has saved her wandering boy. - - How she wept when last we parted, - How her heart did ache with pain - When she said: "Good-bye, God bless you, - We may never meet again." - - O my boy, just look to Jesus, - What a friend He is to all! - Only trust Him, He will save you-- - Can't you hear His sweet voice call? - - In this world of sin are many - Who have wandered far from God. - Will your mother's prayers be answered? - Listen, sinner, you, her boy. - - You have ofttimes heard this warning, - In your heart conviction's deep; - God is calling to the wanderer - Who asks mercy at his feet. - - - NOT LONELY NOW. - - I am not lonely, mother, now, - Though far from me you roam. - One dried my tears and smoothed my brow, - And stilled the sob and groan. - I am not lonely, mother, dear, - For Jesus dwells with me, e'en here. - - All day I feel Him by my side; - And when betimes would come - The Evil One, I quickly hide - Behind my Precious One. - Think you I'm lonely, mother, dear, - When Jesus thus is ever near? - - And when at night I think of thee, - As in my cell I sit, - Bright vision of thy form I see - By His own presence lit. - Can I be lonely, mother, dear, - When thy pure spirit is so near? - - Farewell, my darling mother-friend, - And if for aye, Oh! fare thee well! - Whate'er betide, unto the end, - Christ's love for me I'll gladly tell. - -The following was written by a young brother who, with his wife, were -with me for a time in my work. In thanking them for a kindness done me -I used the words, "Jesus is looking on," implying that He would reward -them. Only an hour or so afterward the young brother handed me these -lines, suggested by my words: - -Little did I think when I spoke the words that they would make so deep -an impression upon his mind. How little we realize what a word may -do. - - JESUS IS LOOKING ON. - - "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are - open unto their cry." Ps. 34. - - [TUNE, "ARE YOU WITHIN THE FOLD TONIGHT?"] - - 1. While traveling as a pilgrim - Across life's desert drear, - My feet ofttimes are weary, - Mine eyes oft drop a tear; - But when I look to Jesus, - All weariness is gone, - My heart then joys within me - To know He's looking on. - - CHORUS. - - Yes, He is ever looking on, - With anxious ear our cry to hear. - He hears each sigh, - He sees each tear; - He knows each heart "with sorrow riven," - He hears each word of joy or moan, - And whispers gently in our ear, - I'm looking, looking on. - - 2. When troubles rage around me, - And trials fiery come, - My thoughts are then directed - To my eternal home. - Though walking on the mountain, - Or on the verdant lawn, - This is the thought that cheers me, - He's always looking on. - - 3. When friends do turn against me, - And frown and persecute, - I'm then brought nearer Jesus, - Than when my foes are mute. - While Jesus walks beside me, - His arm I'll lean upon, - And ne'er forget the promise, - He's always looking on. - - 4. Take courage, brother pilgrim, - And let us journey on, - For soon life's many trials - Will all have passed and gone; - Then sweeping up to glory - We'll join the ransomed throng, - And sing God's endless praises, - While He is looking on. - - - HOW GOD CALLS MISSIONARIES OUT OF - PRISON CELLS. - - S. H. HADLEY. - - _Superintendent of the Old McAuley Mission._ - -Some of the best missionaries this world ever knew are men who have -been sentenced to long terms in prison. Wholly shut away from the -world and its dreadful temptations, God had a chance to speak to them. -Jerry McAuley was a wonderful example of this, and that drunken loafer -and thief was finally used so wonderfully by the Lord God that his -name has gone all over this world and has been an inspiration to -millions. He was sent to prison from the Fourth Ward of New York for -fifteen years at the age of nineteen. - -One Sunday morning in the chapel the speaker was old "Awful" Gardener, -an old-time ruffian and prize-fighter in New York, but God had got -hold of him and he had been wonderfully saved. With tears streaming -down his face, he told of the love of Christ, and he said, "Boys, I -ought to be wearing the stripes the same as you are, and I feel a deep -sympathy for you." - -He also quoted some verses from the Scriptures, and after the boys had -gone back to their cells Jerry found a Bible in the ventilator of his -cell, and, looking it over aimlessly, tried to find the text that -"Awful" Gardener had quoted, but instead he found that Christ came to -save sinners, and the Holy Spirit showed him his dreadful past life. -As the day grew into night, Jerry got down on his knees and began to -pray. He had never prayed before, but now he cried to God for help and -mercy. How long he was there he does not know, but some time during -the night a glorious light dispelled the deep darkness of his soul, -and he cried out, "Oh, praise God, I found Jesus, and He gives peace -to my soul." The unusual sound brought the keeper, who asked, "What is -the matter with you?" - -Jerry answered, "I found Jesus, that's what's the matter with me." - -He found some opportunities to breathe out the new-found hopes of his -soul and the love of Jesus to the prisoners about him. Soon a revival -broke out in the prison such as never had been seen before or since, -and Jerry was the center of it all. He was pardoned in 1864, but when -he got home he had no friends, no money, and he soon fell into bad -company, and got to be a worse scoundrel than he ever was before. It -was after this he became known as the dangerous East River pirate. He -was reclaimed in 1868, and although he fell five times after that -during the first eight or nine months, he was finally anchored to -Christ. - -Do you know that every drunkard uses tobacco? Jerry was no exception. -Some faithful friends said to him. "Jerry, give up your tobacco for -Jesus' sake," and he gave it up, and then he never fell afterward. - -He was afterward married to Maria, his faithful wife, who also was -redeemed from a drunkard's life, and in 1872 opened the world-renowned -McAuley Mission, at 316 Water Street, down on the East Side, nearly -under the Brooklyn Bridge. - -He stayed here ten years, and then opened the Cremorne Mission, -Thirty-second Street and Sixth Avenue, where he died in 1884, and had -the largest funeral of any private citizen who was ever buried in New -York. - -The writer succeeded Jerry McAuley down there, and the work is going -on night and day. Drunkards and thieves come in by the thousand, and, -thank God, many of them are saved unto life eternal. The writer is -also a convert of Jerry McAuley Mission.--_The Life Boat._ - - - OUTSIDE THE PRISON WALLS. - - Free, free at last he left the dreary jail, - And stepped into the dewy April night; - Once more he breathed, untainted, God's pure air, - And saw the evening star's sweet trembling light. - How strange! how strange! and yet how strangely dear - The old familiar turf beneath his feet! - How wonderful once more to be alone - Unwatched, unguarded, 'neath the sky's broad sweep. - - Free! free again--but O, so old and worn-- - So weary with his wasted, ruined life-- - Full twenty years the cell, his only home-- - Full twenty years with hopeless misery rife! - His thoughts sped backward till they reached that day - When he had entered that grim house, a boy-- - Naught but a boy in stature and in years, - But with a heart all bare of hope and joy. - - For in a dreadful moment, crazed with rum, - His hand had laid a fellow creature low, - And for that glass of brandy in his brain - Full twenty years of wretchedness and woe. - And now, a gray-haired man, he walked again - The very path his boyish feet had pressed - So many, many years ago; - And now he wandered lonely, seeking rest. - - Where should he go? Where now his footsteps turn? - No living soul was there to welcome him! - No friend of all his youthful days he knew - Would greet again this wanderer in sin. - Unconsciously, he sought his boyhood's home, - The low, white cottage he had held so dear; - 'Twas standing in its old accustomed place, - But strangers had dwelt there for many a year. - - Where next? The tears stood in his mournful eyes; - His breath came thick and fast--he could not stir, - But leaned upon the old familiar gate - With thoughts of mother--O, could he find her? - Where was she now--that mother, sweet and good, - Who tried with tears and prayers to save her boy, - Who knelt alone at midnight's solemn hour - And mourned for him who should have been her joy. - - His faltering steps at last he vaguely turned - Unto the silent churchyard near the sea, - And stood alone while pitying moonbeams spread - Around his form a veil of charity. - Alone with God in that still, solemn place, - Alone with hundreds of the silent dead, - The outcast stood with lowly, sin-sick heart, - The cold night dew upon his drooping head. - - At last he found her in a place apart, - Where moonbeams sparkled through the willow boughs, - And shone upon her simple headstone white - That marked the limit of her narrow house. - 'Twas but a snowy marble, simple, plain, - That bore her name, her age, and just below-- - "Died of a broken heart"--alas! he knew - The cause of all that life and death of woe. - - He flung himself face down upon the grass, - Alone between the living and the dead, - And wept and prayed beside the lonely grave - Until in sorrow's slumber sunk his head. - They found him in the morning, stiff and cold, - His hands clasped o'er his mother's lowly grave, - His head upon its turf, as though he thought - That turf the bosom his poor heart had craved. - - Upon his pallid cheeks the trace of tears - Showed in the glowing ray of morning's sun, - But o'er that face there shone a wondrous peace, - A smile of joy now all his life was done. - Men marveled that he looked so young again - Despite his crown of sorrow-silvered hair, - And tender-hearted women sighed and wept - And smiled to think that they had found him there. - Ah! God is good! with loving tenderness - He saw the sad, repentant soul alone - Weep out his sin upon his mother's grave, - And gently led the weary wanderer home. - This we believe: That now in Heaven's street - The mother and her son are reconciled, - And all the pain and sin of earth below - Are blotted out, and he is God's own child. - - --_Hattie F. Crocker, in Union Signal._ - - - IF WE KNEW. - - If we knew the heart's sad sighing - In the secret hour; - If we knew the bitter crying - O'er the tempter's power, - Slower would we be to censure, - Kinder in reproof; - From the erring, peradventure, - We would not stand aloof. - - If we knew the hard, stern struggle - Of the one who fell, - Toiling on 'mid grief and trouble - That none but God can tell, - Our thoughts, perhaps, would be kinder, - Our help more pitiful-- - Be of God's love a reminder - To the tempted soul. - - If we knew the fierce temptation, - Could we feel the pain - Of the deep humiliation, - The tears shed all in vain, - We, perchance, would be more gentle, - Our tones more tender be; - O'er his fault we'd draw the mantle - Of fervent charity. - - If we knew how dark and cheerless - Seem the coming years, - We might then appear more fearless - Of each other's cares. - Could our eyes pierce through the smiling - Of the face so calm, - See the bitter self-reviling, - We'd apply the balm. - - Did we walk a little nearer - To Jesus in the way, - Hear His voice a little clearer - We would know how to pray. - He has words of comfort given - That we to them should speak, - Ere the hopeless soul is driven - His faith with God to break. - - We shall know each other better, - The mists shall roll away; - Nevermore we'll feel the fetter - Of this toil-worn clay. - Only let us love each other, - 'Tis our Lord's command, - To each fainting friend or brother - Reach a helping hand. - - --_Anna L. Dreyer, of Missionary Training Home at Tabor, Iowa._ - - - LITTLE GRAVES. - -You have your little grave; I have mine. You have your sad memories; I -have mine. For, - - "There is no flock, however tended, - But one dead lamb is there; - There is no fireside, howsoe'er defended, - But hath its vacant chair. - - "The air is full of farewells to the dying, - And weepings for the dead; - The heart of Rachel for her children crying - Will not be comforted." - -I have pleasant thoughts sometimes about these little graves. I think -what a safe place the little grave is. Temptations never come there. -Sins never pollute there. Tears, pains, disappointments, bereavements, -trials, cares, and snares, are all unknown in that silent resting -place. And then, Jesus has the keys, and he keeps our treasures -safely, and guards them securely. No mother's heart is anxious about a -child that is laid in the little grave. No prayers of anguish go up -for it as for those tossed by the storms of passion, sunk in the -whirlpool of vice, or lost in the wide wilderness of sorrow and of -sin. There is now no need of chiding, reproving, watching, and -restraining. The chief Shepherd bears the lamb on his own bosom, and -it is forever safe. - -The little grave is a sacred place. The Lord of glory has passed into -the sepulchre, and from it he has opened up the path of life. Hope -blooms there, and hearts-ease and amaranth blossom amid the shadows -that linger over it, and Jesus watches his treasures and counts his -jewels in the little graves. - -The little grave shall be opened by and by. The night is dark, but -there is a flush of morn upon the mountains, and a gleam of sunlight -glows along the distant hills. He who bears the keys of hell and of -death, shall come back to open the little graves, and call the -sleepers forth. Then cherub forms shall burst the silent tombs, and -these green hillocks shall bear their harvest for the garner of our -God.--Sel. - - - THE MOTHER'S WARNING. - - Touch it not--ye do not know, - Unless you've borne a fate like mine, - How deep a curse, how wild a woe, - Is lurking in that ruby wine. - Look on my cheek--'tis withered now; - It once was round and smooth as thine; - Look on my deeply furrowed brow-- - 'Tis all the work of treacherous wine. - I had two sons, two princely boys, - As noble men as God e'er gave; - I saw them fall from honor's joys - To fill a common drunkard's grave. - I had a daughter, young and fair, - As pure as ever woman bore. - Where is she? Did you ask me where? - Bend low, I'll tell the tale once more. - I saw that fairy child of mine - Linked to a kingly bridegroom's side; - Her heart was proud and light as thine, - Oh, would to God she then had died! - Not many moons had filled their horn, - While she upon his bosom slept; - 'Twas on a dark November morn, - She o'er a murdered husband wept; - Her drunken father dealt the blow-- - Her brain grew wild, her heart grew weak; - Was ever tale of deeper woe - A mother's lips had lived to speak? - She dwells in yonder darkened halls, - No ray of reason there does shine; - She on her murdered husband calls. - 'Twas done by wine, by cursed wine! - - --_Temperance Banner._ - - - HARRY'S REMORSE. - - It's curious, isn't it, chaplain, what a twelve months may bring? - Last year I was in Chicago, gambling and living in sin; - Was raking in pools at the races, and feeing the waiters with ten, - Was sipping mint juleps by twilight, while today I am in the pen. - - What led me to do it? What always leads a man to destruction and crime? - The prodigal son you have read of has altered somewhat in his time. - He spends his money as freely as the Biblical fellow of old, - And when it is gone he fancies the husks will turn into gold. - - Champagne, a box at the opera, high steps while fortune is flush; - The passionate kisses of women whose cheeks have forgotten to blush. - The old, old story, chaplain, of pleasure that ends in tears, - The froth that foams for an hour and the dregs that are tasted - for years. - - Last night as I sat here and pondered on the end of my evil ways, - There rose like a phantom before me the vision of boyhood days; - I thought of my old, old home, chaplain, of the schoolhouse that - stood on the hill, - Of the brook that ran through the meadow--I can hear its music still. - - And again I thought of my mother, of the mother who taught me to pray, - Whose love was a precious treasure that I heedlessly cast away; - And again I saw in my vision the fresh-lipped, careless boy, - To whom the future was boundless and the world but a mighty toy. - - I saw all this as I sat there, of my ruined and wasted life, - And the thoughts of my remorse were bitter, they pierced my heart - like a knife. - It takes some courage, chaplain, to laugh in the face of fate, - When the yearning ambition of manhood is blasted at twenty-eight. - - --_Composed and written by Harry S----while taking a retrospection - of the past._ - - - TWENTY--THIRTY-FOUR. - -The line of dingy-coated men stretched along the broad granite walk -and like a great gray serpent wound in and out among the wagon shops -and planing mills that filled the prison yard. - -Down beyond the foundry the beginning of the line, the head of the -serpent, was lost at the stairway leading to the second floor of a -long, narrow building in which whisk brooms were manufactured. - -An hour before, on the sounding of a brass gong at the front, the same -line had wound round the same corners into the building whence now it -crawled. There, the men had seated themselves on four-legged stools -before benches that stretched across the room in rows. Before each man -was set a tin plate of boiled meat; a heavy cup of black coffee, a -knife, a fork, and a thick bowl of steaming, odorous soup. - -During the meal other men, dressed like the hundreds who were sitting, -in suits of dull gray, with little round-crowned, peaked-visored caps -to match, moved in and out between the rows, distributing chunks of -fresh white bread from heavy baskets. Now and then one of the men -would shake his head and the waiter would pass him by, but usually a -dozen hands were thrust into a basket at once to clutch the regulation -"bit" of half a pound. The men ate ravenously, as if famished. - -Yet a silence that appalled hovered over the long bare dining-hall -where eight hundred men were being fed. There was no clatter of -knives and forks; there were no jests; they moved about as noiselessly -as ghosts. - -There were faces stamped with indelible marks of depravity and vice, -but now and then the "breadtossers" would see uplifted a pair of frank -blue eyes, in which burned the light of hope. Men were there who -dreamed of a day to come when all would be forgiven and forgotten; -when a hand would again be held out in welcome, and a kiss again be -pressed to quivering lips. Men there were of all kinds, of all -countenances, young and old; the waving, sunlit hair of youth side by -side with locks in which the snow was thickly sprinkled. All these men -were paying the penalty society imposes on proved criminals. - -And now, their dinner over, they were marching back to the shops and -mills of the prison, where days and weeks were spent at labor. Those -men employed in the wagon-works dropped out of the line when they came -opposite the entrance to their building. Those behind pushed forward -as their prison-mates disappeared, and never for more than ten seconds -was there a gap in the long, gray line. - -The whisk-broom factory occupied the second floor of the building at -the far end of the prison yard. On the ground floor men worked at -lathes, turning out the wooden handles to the brooms that were -finished, sorted and tied up-stairs. At the corner the line divided, -sixty-five of the men climbed the stairway to the second floor, the -other thirty entered the lathe-room below. - -A dozen men in blue uniforms marched beside the line on its way from -the mess-hall, six on each side, at two yards' distance. Their caps -bore "Guard" in gold letters, and each guard carried a short, heavy, -crooked cane of polished white hickory. On entering the work-room of -the second floor, the men assembled before a railed platform, upon -which a red-faced, coatless man stood behind a big desk. In cold, -metallic tones he called the numbers of the convicts who in turn -replied "Here!" when their numbers were spoken. - -"Twenty-thirty-four!" called the red-faced man. There was no response. - -"Twenty-thirty-four?" The red-faced man leaned over the desk and -glared down. Then a voice from somewhere on the left answered "Here!" - -"What was the matter with you the first time?" snapped the foreman. - -The man thus questioned removed his cap and took three steps toward -the platform. In feature the word "hard" would describe him. His head -was long, wide at the forehead, and yet narrow between the temples. -His eyes were small and close together. His nose was flat, and mouth -hardly more than a straight cut in the lower part of his face. The -lower jaw was square and heavy, and the ears protruded abnormally. A -trifle above medium height with a pair of drooping, twitching -shoulders, the man looked criminal. - -To the question he replied doggedly, "I answered the first time, sir, -but I guess you didn't hear me." - -The foreman gazed steadily at the man. Their eyes met. The foreman's -did not waver, but "2034" lowered his and fumbled nervously at his -cap. - -"All right," said the foreman, quickly, "but I guess you'd better -report to the warden as soon as you get through in here. Don't wait -for any piece-work. Go to him as soon as you have finished your task. -I'll tell him you're coming. He'll be waiting for you at the front -office." - -"Yes, sir." The convict did not raise his eyes. He stepped back into -the line. - -Then, at the clap of the foreman's hands, the men broke ranks, and -each walked away to his own bench or machine. Five minutes later, the -swish on the corn-wisps as they were separated and tied into rough -brooms, and the occasional tap of a hammer, were the only sounds in -that long room where sixty-five men toiled. - -Now and then one of the men would go to the platform where the foreman -sat bent over half a dozen little books, in which it was his duty to -record the number of "tasks" completed by each of the workmen "on his -contract"--a "task" in the prison vernacular being the work each man -is compelled to accomplish within a certain space of time. On the -approach of a workman the foreman would look up and a few whispered -words would pass between the two. Then the broom-maker would dart into -the stock room, adjoining the factory, where, upon receiving a written -requisition from the foreman, the officer in charge would give him the -material he needed in his work--a ball of twine, or a strip of plush -with which the handles of the brooms were decorated. - -At ten minutes past three, 2034 crossed to the platform. - -"What do you want?" asked the foreman, as he eyed keenly the man in -the gray suit. - -"A paper of small tacks," was the reply, quickly spoken. The order was -written, and as 2034 moved towards the door leading toward the -stock-room, the man on the platform asked in an undertone, "Anything -wrong, Bill?" - -"That's what I don't know, George," the foreman replied. "That man -Riley's been acting queer of late. I've got an idea there's something -up his sleeve. There's not a harder nut on the contract than that -fellow, and by the way he's been carrying on, sullen like and all -that, I'm fearing something's going to happen. You remember, don't -you? What, no? He's that Riley from Acorn. He came in two years ago on -a burglary job in Clive, where he shot a drug clerk that offered -objections to his carrying off all there was in the shop. They made it -manslaughter and he's in for fifteen years. There's another warrant -ready for him when he gets out, for a job done four years ago in -Kentucky. He's a bad one. A fellow like that is no good around this -shop." - -The guard smiled cynically at the foreman's suggestion that a convict -may be too bad even for prison surroundings. - -"But I've got my eye on him," continued the foreman. "I'm sending him -up to the warden this afternoon. Say, George, when you go back, will -you tell the warden Riley's coming up to call on him?" - -"Sure, Bill," was the smiling reply of the guard as he moved away. -Twenty-thirty-four had returned with a paper of tacks and gone -directly to his bench. - -It was a quarter of four by the foreman's watch when the door at the -head of the stairway opened and the warden entered, accompanied by two -friends whom he was showing through the "plant," as he preferred to -call the prison. - -"This is where the whisk-brooms are made," said the warden. "On the -floor below, which we just left, you will remember we saw the boys -turning out broom-handles. Well, here the brooms are tied and sewed -through by hand, over at those benches. In the room beyond, through -that door, we keep the stuff handy that is called for from time to -time. In a further room is stored the material used in the manufacture -of the brooms, the tin tips, the tacks, the twine, and about ten or -twelve tons of broom straw." - -As the warden ceased speaking, the foreman leaned across the desk and -tapped him on the shoulder. "Riley's coming up to see you this -afternoon. He's been acting queer--don't answer the call and the -like." - -The warden only nodded, and continued his explanation to the visitors. - -"Now," he said, moving towards the door of the stock-room, "if you -will come over here I'll show you our store-room. You see we have to -keep a lot of material on hand. Beyond this second room the stuff is -stored up, and is taken into the stock-room as it is wanted. Between -the rooms we have arranged these big sliding iron doors that, in case -of a fire, could be dropped, and thus, for a few minutes at least, cut -the flames off from any room but that in which they originated. You -see," pulling an iron lever which let the heavy iron sheet slide to -the floor, "that completes the wall." - -The visitor nodded. "Now, come on through the second room, and into -the third," there, ranged regularly on the floor were huge bales of -broom straw, and piled against the walls were boxes upon boxes of -tacks, velvet, ornamental bits of metal, and all the other separate -parts of the commercial whisk broom. - -The visitors examined the tacks and the tins and felt of the bales of -straw. - -"Very interesting," observed one of the men, as he drew his cigar case -from his pocket, and biting the tip from one of the cigars it -contained, struck a little wax match on the sole of his shoe. He held -the match in his hand till it had burned down, then threw it on the -floor, and followed the warden and the other visitor under the heavy -iron screen into the workingroom of the factory. - -The foreman was busy at his books and did not observe the little party -as it passed through on the other side of the broom-bins and out at -the big door. - -Two minutes later, 2034 happened to look out through the window across -his bench and he saw the warden with his friends crossing the prison -yards to the foundry. A guard just then sauntered into the room and -stopped at the first of the bins. He idly picked up one of the -finished brooms and examined it. His attention a moment later was -attracted by some one pulling at his coat from behind. He turned. - -"Why, Tommy, my boy, what is it?" - -The two soft brown eyes of a little boy were turned up to him. "I'm -looking for papa," replied the little fellow. "The foreman down-stairs -said he come up here. Uncle George is back in the house, and mamma -sent me out to find papa." - -The guard patted the little fellow's head. "And we'll find him, -Tommy," he said. He went over to the foreman's desk. "Bill, did the -warden come up here? Tommy is looking for him; his mother sent him -out." - -The foreman raised his eyes from his books. "Yes," he replied, "he -went in there, with a couple of gentlemen." - -The guard looked down at the little boy. "He's in the store-room," he -said, "you'll find him in there, Tommy." - -Then he turned and walked out of the shop. The child ran on into the -room beyond. His father was not there. The stock-keeper did not -observe the little boy as he tiptoed, in a childish way, past the -desk. Tommy passed on into the farther room. He knew he would find -his father in there, and he would crawl along between the tiers of -straw bales and take him by surprise. - -He had hardly passed when the stock-keeper, raising his head from the -list of material he was preparing, held his face and sniffed the air. -Quietly he rose from his revolving chair and went to the straw-room -door. He merely peered inside. Turning suddenly, he pressed upon the -lever near the door and the iron screen slid down into place, cutting -off the farther room. Then, snatching a few books that lay on his -desk, he slipped out into the shop, and at that door released the -second screen. As it fell into place with a slight crunching noise, -the foreman turned in his chair. The eyes of the two met. The -stock-keeper raised his hand and touched his lip with the first -finger. He crossed rapidly to the desk. - -"Get the men out! Get the men out!" he gasped. "The store-room is on -fire!" - -The foreman rapped on the table twice. Every man in that room turned -and faced the desk. - -"Work is over for today," said the foreman. His manner was ominously -calm, and the men looked at one another wonderingly. - -"Fall in!" - -At the order, the dingy gray suits formed in the same old serpent, and -the line moved rapidly through the door at the end of the room and -down the outside stairs. - -There, in front of the building, they were halted, and a guard -dispatched to find the warden. He was discovered in the foundry. "Fire -in the broom-shop!" whispered the guard. - -The warden's face paled. He dashed through the doorway, and one -minute later came around the corner of the building, just in time to -see the first signs of flames against the windows of the rear room -up-stairs. - -Within five seconds, a troop of fifteen guards had drawn the little -hand-engine from its house and hitched the hose to the hydrant nearest -the shop. From all the other buildings the men were being marched to -their cells. - -"These men!" hurriedly whispered the foreman to the warden. "What -shall I do with them?" - -"Get 'em inside as soon as you can! This won't last long, the front of -the building is cut off. It'll all be over in ten minutes." - -The foreman gave an order. At that instant a woman came running down -the prison yard. Reaching the warden's side, she fell against him -heavily. - -"Why, Harriet," he exclaimed, "what is the matter?" - -"Oh," she gasped, "Tommy! Tommy! Where is Tommy?" - -A guard at the end of the engine rail turned ashy white. He raised a -hand to his head, and with the other grasped the wheel to keep from -falling. Then he cried, "Mr. Jeffries, I--I believe Tommy is up there -in the stock-room. He went to look--" - -The warden clutched the man's arm. "Up there? Up there?" he cried. - -The sudden approach of the woman and the words that followed had -wrought so much confusion that the men had paid no attention to the -foreman's command, and he had even failed to notice their lack of -attention, in the excitement of that moment. - -"Great God!" cried the warden. "What can I do--what can I do? No one -can live up there!" - -There was a crash. One of the windows fell out. "Get a ladder!" some -one cried. A guard ran back toward the prison-house. Then, in the -midst of the hubbub, a man in a dingy gray suit stepped out a yard -from the line of convicts. His prison number was 2034. He touched his -little square cap. - -"If you'll give me permission, I think I can get up there," was all he -said. - -"You! you!" exclaimed the warden. "No, no; I will tell no man to do -it!" - -There was a second crash. Another window had fallen out, and now the -tongues of flame were lapping the outer walls above. - -The convict made no reply. With a bound he was at the end of the line -and dashing up the stairway. - -The warden's wife was on her knees, clinging to the hand of her -husband. In his eyes was a dead, cold look. A few men bit their lips, -and a faint shadow of a smile played about the mouths of others. They -all waited. A convict had broken a regulation--had run from the line! -He would be punished! Even as he had clambered up the stairs a guard -had cried, "shall I shoot?" - -The silence was broken by a shriek from the woman kneeling at the -warden's feet. "Look!" she cried, and pointed towards the last of the -up-stairs windows. - -There, surrounded by a halo of smoke, and hemmed in on all sides by -flames, stood a man in a dingy gray suit. One sleeve was on fire, but -he beat out the flames with his left hand. Those below heard him cry, -"I've got him!" Then the figure disappeared. Instantly it returned, -bearing something in its arms. It was the limp form of a child. - -All saw the man wrap smoking straw round the little body and tie -round that two strands of heavy twine. Then that precious burden was -lowered out of the window. The father rushed forward and held up his -hands to receive it. - -Another foot--he hugged the limp body of his boy to his breast! On the -ground a little way back lay a woman, as if dead. - -"Here's the ladder!" yelled the foreman, and that moment the eyes that -were still turned upon the window above where stood a man in a dingy -gray suit, witnessed a spectacle that will reappear before them again -and again in visions of the night. - -The coat the man wore was ablaze. Flames shot on either side of him -and above him. Just as the ladder was placed against the wall, a -crackling was heard--not the crackling of the fire. Then like a -thunderbolt, a crash occurred that caused even the men in their cells -to start. The roof caved in. - -In the prison yard that line of convicts saw 2034 reel and fall -backwards, and heard, as he fell, his last cry, "I'm a-comin', -warden!" - -He was a convicted criminal, and died in prison gray. But it would -seem not wonderful to the warden if, when that man's soul took flight, -the recording angel did write his name on the eternal Book of Record, -with a strange cabalistic sign, a ring around a cross--that stands for -"good behavior."--_The Youth's Companion._ - - - HIS MOTHER'S SONG. - - Beneath the hot midsummer sun - The men had marched all day; - And now beside a rippling stream - Upon the grass they lay. - Tiring of games and idle jest, - As swept the hours along, - They cried to one who mused apart, - "Come, friend, give us a song." - - "I fear I cannot please," he said; - "The only songs I know - Are those my mother used to sing - For me, long years ago." - "Sing one of those," a rough voice cried, - "There's none but true men here; - To every mother's son of us - A mother's songs are dear." - - Then sweetly rose the singer's voice - Amid unwonted calm, - "Am I a soldier of the Cross, - A follower of the Lamb? - And shall I fear to own His Cause?" - The very stream was stilled, - And hearts that never throbbed with fear - With tender thoughts were filled. - - Ended the song; the singer said, - As to his feet he rose, - "Thanks to you all, my friends, good-night, - God grant us sweet repose." - "Sing us one more," the captain begged, - The soldier bent his head, - Then glancing round, with smiling lips, - "You'll join with me?" he said. - - "We'll sing this old familiar air, - Sweet as the bugle call, - 'All hail the power of Jesus' name, - Let angels prostrate fall;'" - Ah! wondrous was the old tune's spell, - As on the soldier sang, - Man after man fell into line, - And loud the voices rang. - - The songs are done, the camp is still, - Naught but the stream is heard; - But ah! the depths of every soul - By those old hymns are stirred, - And up from many a bearded lip, - In whispers soft and low, - Rises the prayer that mother taught - Her boy long years ago. - - --_Safeguard._ - - - PERFECT PEACE. - -[Lines written by a lady on the steamship "Mongolia," near Malta. She -was en route from China, where she had been a missionary for seventeen -years, to her home in England. She gave the verses to Bishop Bowman, -who was on the steamer with her, and he sent them to his wife, not -knowing she had died a few days before he wrote his letter.--_A. -Lowry._] - - Lonely? No, not lonely - While Jesus stands by; - His presence always cheers me, - I know that He is nigh. - - Friendless? No, not friendless, - For Jesus is my friend; - I change, but He remaineth - The same unto the end. - - Tired? No, not tired, - While leaning on His breast; - My soul hath full enjoyment, - 'Tis His eternal rest. - - Saddened? No, not saddened - By darkest scenes of woe; - I should be, if I knew not - That Jesus loves me so. - - Helpless? Yes, so helpless, - But I am leaning hard - On the mighty arm of Jesus, - And He is keeping guard. - - Waiting? Oh, yes, waiting, - He bade me watch and wait; - I only wonder often - What makes my Lord so late. - - Joyful? Yes, so joyful, - With joy too deep for words; - A precious, sure possession, - The joy that is my Lord's. - - --_Divine Life._ - - - SWEET REVENGE. - -A few years ago while Robert Stewart was Governor of Missouri, a -steamboat man was brought in from the penitentiary for a pardon. He -was a large, powerful fellow, and when the governor looked at him he -seemed strangely affected. He scrutinized him long and closely. -Finally he signed the document that restored to the prisoner his -liberty. Before he handed it to him he said, "You will commit some -other crime and be in the penitentiary again, I fear." - -The man solemnly promised that he would not. The governor looked -doubtful, mused a few minutes and said, "You will go back on the river -and be a mate again, I suppose?" - -The man replied that he would. - -"Well, I want you to promise me one thing," resumed the governor. "I -want you to pledge your word that when you are mate again, you will -never take a billet of wood in your hand and drive a sick boy out of a -bunk to help you load your boat on a stormy night." - -The boatman said he would not, and inquired what he meant by asking -him such a question. - -The governor replied, "Because some day that boy may become a -governor, and you may want him to pardon you for a crime. One dark -stormy night many years ago you stopped your boat on the Mississippi -River to take on a load of wood. There was a boy on board working his -way from New Orleans to St. Louis, but he was very sick of fever and -was lying in a bunk. You had plenty of men to do the work but you went -to that boy with a stick of wood in your hand and drove him with blows -and curses out into the wretched night and kept him toiling like a -slave until the load was completed. I was that boy. Here is your -pardon. Never again be guilty of such brutality." - -The man, cowering and hiding his face, went out without a word. - -What a noble revenge that was, and what a lesson for a -bully.--_Success._ - - - NO TELEPHONE IN HEAVEN. - - "Now, I can wait on baby," the smiling merchant said, - As he stooped and softly toyed with the golden, curly head. - "I want oo to tall up mamma," came the answer full and free, - "Wif yo' telephone an' ast her when she's tummin' back to me. - - "Tell her I so lonesome 'at I don't know what to do, - An' papa cries so much I dess he must be lonesome, too; - Tell her to tum to baby, 'tause at night I dit so 'fraid, - Wif nobody here to tiss me, when the light bedins to fade. - - "All froo de day I wants her, for my dolly dot so tored - Fum the awful punchin' Buddy gave it wif his little sword; - An' ain't nobody to fix it, since mamma went away, - An' poor 'ittle lonesome dolly's dittin' thinner ever' day." - - "My child," the merchant murmured, as he stroked the anxious brow, - "There's no telephone connection where your mother lives at now." - "Ain't no telephone in Heaven?" and tears sprang to her eyes. - "I fought dat God had every'fing wif Him up in de skies." - - --_Atlanta Constitution._ - - - PERFECT THROUGH FAITH. - - God would not send you the darkness - If He felt you could bear the light, - But you would not cling to His guiding hand - If the way were always bright; - And you would not care to walk by faith - Could you always walk by sight. - - 'Tis true He has many an anguish - For your sorrowing heart to bear, - And many a cruel thorn-crown - For your tired head to wear; - He knows how few would reach home at all - If pain did not guide them there. - - If He sends you in blinding darkness, - And the furnace of seven-fold heat; - 'Tis the only way, believe me, - To keep you close to His feet; - For 'tis always so easy to wander - When our lives are glad and sweet. - - Then nestle your hand in our Father's - And sing if you can as you go; - Your song may cheer some one behind you - Whose courage is sinking low; - And, well if your lips do quiver, - God will love you better so. - - --_Selected._ - - - A TRUE HERO. - -Two men were sinking a shaft. It was dangerous business, for it was -necessary to blast the rock. It was their custom to cut the fuse with -a sharp knife. One man then entered the bucket and made a signal to be -hauled up. When the bucket again descended, the other man entered it, -and with one hand on the signal rope and the other holding the fire, -he touched the fuse, made the signal, and was rapidly drawn up before -the explosion took place. - -One day they left the knife above, and rather than ascend to procure -it, they cut the fuse with a sharp stone. It took fire. "The fuse is -on fire!" Both men leaped into the bucket, and made the signal; but -the windlass would haul up but one man at a time; only one could -escape. One of the men instantly leaped out, and said to the other, -"Up wi' ye; I'll be in heaven in a minute." With lightning speed the -bucket was drawn up, and the one man was saved. The explosion took -place. Men descended, expecting to find the mangled body of the other -miner; but the blast had loosened a mass of rock, and it lay -diagonally across him; and, with the exception of a few bruises and a -little scorching, he was unhurt. When asked why he urged his comrade -to escape, he gave a reason that sceptics would laugh at. If there is -any being on the face of the earth I pity, it is a sceptic. I would -not be called "a sceptic," today for all this world's wealth. They may -call it superstition or fanaticism, or whatever they choose. But what -did this hero say when asked, "Why did you insist on this other man's -ascending?" In his quaint dialect, he replied, "Because I knowed my -soul was safe; for I've give it in the hands of Him of whom it is -said, that 'faithfulness is the girdle of his reins,' and I knowed -that what I gied Him He'd never gie up. But t'other chap was an awful -wicked lad, and I wanted to gie him another chance." All the -infidelity in the world cannot produce such a signal act of heroism as -that.--_Selected._ - - - THE "KID." - -It was not a long procession or a pleasing one but it attracted much -attention. - -There was a policeman in the lead. Beside him walked a stockey, -bullnecked young fellow in a yellowish suit of loud plaid. His face -was bloody and his right wrist encircled by the bracelet of the -"twisters" which shackled him to his captor. The face of the policeman -was also bloody and his clothes were torn. Behind these two walked -three other patrolmen, each with a handcuffed prisoner. - -The "kid" and his "gang" had been caught in the act of robbing a -saloon, and the fight had been lively, although short. The prisoners -had been taken to the detectives' office, and photographed and -registered for the rogues' gallery. They were now on their way to -court, and thence, in all probability, to jail. - -At Broadway there was a jam of cars and heavy trucks, and the -procession had to wait. Nobody has been able to tell just what -happened, but they all agree as to the essential points. First the -bystanders saw a streak of yellow, which was the kid; then a streak of -blue which was the policeman. The prisoner had wrenched the twisters -from his captors' hand, and made a dash across the tracks. The -policeman, thinking, of course that he was trying to escape, had -followed. - -Then everybody saw a little child toddling along in the middle of the -track. A cable-car, with clanging bell, was bearing down upon it with -a speed which the gripman seemed powerless to check. The baby held up -its hands, and laughed at the sound of the gong. On the other side of -the street a woman was screaming and struggling in the arms of three -or four men who were trying to keep her from sacrificing her own life -to save that of her child. - -Then the kid stood there with the child safe in his arms, the steel -twisters hanging from his wrist. He set the baby down gently at his -feet, loosened the clasp of the chubby hand on his big red fist, and -quietly held out his wrist to the policeman to be handcuffed again. He -had one chance in a million for his life when he made that desperate -leap, but he had not hesitated the fraction of a second. - - - CHARGED WITH MURDER. - -"Prisoner at the bar, have you anything to say why sentence of death -should not be passed upon you?" - -A solemn hush fell over the crowded court-room, and every person -waited in almost breathless expectation for the answer to the judge's -question. - -"I have, your honor! I stand here convicted of the murder of my wife. -Witnesses have testified that I was a loafer, a drunkard and a wretch; -that I returned from one of my debauches and fired the shot that -killed the wife I had sworn to love, cherish and protect. While I have -no remembrance of committing the awful deed, I have no right to -condemn the verdict of the jury, for their verdict is in accordance -with the evidence. - -"But, may it please the court, I wish to show that I am not alone -responsible for the murder of my wife! The judge on this bench, the -jury in the box, the lawyers within this bar and most of the -witnesses, including the pastor of the church, are also guilty before -God and will have to stand with me before His judgment throne, where -we shall all be righteously judged. - -"If it had not been for the saloons of my town, I never would have -become a drunkard; my wife would not have been murdered; I would not -be here now, soon to be hurled into eternity. - -"For one year our town was without a saloon. For one year I was a -sober man. For one year my wife and children were happy and our little -home was a paradise. - -"I was one of those who signed remonstrances against re-opening the -saloons of our town. One-half of this jury, the prosecuting attorney -on this case, and the judge who sits on this bench, all voted for the -saloons. By their votes and influence the saloons were opened, and -they have made me what I am. - -"Think you that the Great Judge will hold me--the poor, weak, helpless -victim--alone responsible for the murder of my wife? Nay; I, in my -drunken, frenzied, irresponsible condition have murdered one; but you -have deliberately voted for the saloons which have murdered thousands, -and they are in full operation today with your consent. You legalized -the saloons that made me a drunkard and a murderer, and you are guilty -with me before God and man for the murder of my wife. - -"I will close by solemnly asking God to open your blind eyes to your -own individual responsibility, so that you will cease to give your -support to this hell-born traffic."--_Sel._ - - - MOTHER'S FACE. - - There's a feeling comes across me-- - Comes across me often now-- - And it deepest seems when trouble - Lays her finger on my brow; - O it is a deep, deep feeling, - Neither happiness nor pain! - 'Tis a mighty, soulful longing - To see mother's face again! - - 'Tis, I think, a natural feeling; - Worst of me, I can't control - Myself no more! It seems to stir - And thrill my very soul! - Try to laugh it off--but useless! - Oh! my tears will fall like rain - When I get this soulful longing - Just to see her face again! - - You won't know how much you love her - (Your old mother) till you roam - 'Way off where her voice can't reach you, - And with strangers make your home; - Then you'll know how big your heart is, - Think you never loved before, - When you get this mighty longing - Just to see her face once more. - - Mother! tender, loving soul! - Heaven bless her dear old face! - I'd give half my years remaining - Just to give her one embrace; - Or to shower love-warm kisses - On her lips, and cheeks, and brow, - And appease this mighty longing - That I get so often now! - - --_Sel._ - - - ONLY SIXTEEN. - - Only sixteen, so the papers say, - Yet there on the cold, stony ground he lay; - 'Tis the same sad story we hear every day. - He came to his death in the public highway. - Full of promise, talent and pride, - Yet the rum fiend conquered him--so he died. - Did not the angels weep o'er the scene? - For he died a drunkard and only sixteen. - Only sixteen. - - Oh! it were sad he must die all alone, - That of all his friends, not even one - Was there to list to his last faint moan, - Or point the suffering soul to the throne - Of grace. If, perchance, God's only Son - Would say, "Whosoever will may come."-- - But we hasten to draw a veil over the scene, - With his God we leave him--only sixteen. - Only sixteen. - - Rumseller, come view the work you have wrought! - Witness the suffering and pain you have brought - To the poor boy's friends; they loved him well, - And yet you dared the vile beverage to sell - That beclouded his brain, his reason dethroned, - And left him to die out there all alone. - What if 't were your son instead of another? - What if your wife were that poor boy's mother? - And he only sixteen. - - Ye freeholders who signed the petition to grant - The license to sell, do you think you will want - That record to meet in the last great day - When heaven and earth shall have passed away, - When the elements melting with fervent heat - Shall proclaim the triumph of right complete? - Will you wish to have his blood on your hands - When before the great throne you each shall stand? - And he only sixteen. - - Christian men! rouse ye to stand for the right, - To action and duty; into the light. - Come with your banners inscribed: "Death to rum." - Let your conscience speak, listen, then come; - Strike killing blows; hew to the line; - Make it a felony even to sign - A petition to license; you would do it I ween - If that were your son and he only sixteen, - Only sixteen. - - - THE DRESS QUESTION. - -One day, at Louisville, riding with Mrs. Wheaton to visit the sick -prisoners, she said, "Do you think it your duty to rebuke Christians -who wear jewelry?" I saw her question was a kindly reproof to me, and -said, "If the Lord wants me to give up the jewelry I have, He will -show me." "Yes, He will," she answered; "for I am praying for you." -The next morning the friend who was entertaining me told me her little -eleven-year-old daughter, Emma, just converted, said, "Mamma, I wish -you would read to me in the Bible where it says not to wear jewelry." -The mother read the verses. Then the child said, "Mamma, if the Lord -does not want me to wear jewelry, I don't want to;" and she brought -her little pin and ring to her mother. I took my Bible and read, -"Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the -hair and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it -be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even -the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God -of great price" (1 Peter ii, 3, 4); and, "In like manner also, that -women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and -sobriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly array, but -(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." (1 Tim. -ii, 9, 10.) Then I thought: "The child is right. The Bible means just -what it says." Then I recalled that Mrs. Wheaton had told me how she -went one day to visit a poor, sick girl, to whom she had talked of the -love of Christ until she was almost won. She went again with a wealthy -woman, who was decked with diamonds. As they entered the room, the -girl pointed to the jewels, and said: "O mother, mother! I have wanted -them all my life!" The rich woman tried to hide her diamonds, and Mrs. -Wheaton tried to turn the girl's attention again to the Savior, but in -vain. Her last thought was of the diamonds, and her last words, "I -have wanted them all my life!" - -Sitting there, with this incident fresh in my mind, I quietly slipped -off ring, watch, chain, cuff-buttons, and collar-stud; and gold, as an -adornment, was put away forever.--_Abbie C. Morrow, in Revival -Advocate, March 7, 1901._ - - - SONGS USED IN MY WORK. - - ROCK ME TO SLEEP, MOTHER. - - "Backward, turn backward, oh time in your flight, - Make me a child again just for tonight. - Mother, come back from that echoless shore, - Take me again to your arms as of yore; - Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care, - Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair; - Over my slumbers your loving watch keep, - Rock me to sleep, mother, rock me to sleep." - - - LIFE'S RAILWAY TO HEAVEN. - - Life is like a mountain railroad, - With an engineer that's brave; - We must make the run successful, - From the cradle to the grave; - Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels; - Never falter, never quail; - Keep your hand upon the throttle, - And your eye upon the rail. - - CHORUS: - - Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us - Till we reach that blissful shore; - Where the angels wait to join us - In Thy praise forevermore. - - You will roll up grades of trials; - You will cross the bridge of strife; - See that Christ is your conductor - On this lightning train of life; - Always mindful of obstructions; - Do your duty, never fail; - Keep your hand upon the throttle, - And your eye upon the rail. - - You will often find obstructions; - Look for storms of wind and rain; - On a fill, or curve, or trestle, - They will almost ditch your train; - Put your trust alone in Jesus; - Never falter, never fail; - Keep your hand upon the throttle, - And your eye upon the rail. - - As you roll across the trestle, - Spanning Jordan's swelling tide, - You behold the Union Depot - Into which your train will glide; - There you'll meet the Superintendent, - God the Father, God the Son - With the hearty, joyous plaudit, - Weary pilgrim, welcome home. - -_By permission of Charlie D Tillman, owner of copyright._ - - - MEET ME THERE. - - 1. On the happy golden shore, - Where the faithful part no more, - When the storms of life are o'er, - Meet me there. - Where the night dissolves away, - Into pure and perfect day, - I am going home to stay, - Meet me there. - - CHORUS: - - Meet me there, - Meet me there, - Where the tree of life is blooming - Meet me there. - When the storms of life are o'er, - On the happy golden shore, - Where the faithful part no more, - Meet me there. - - 2. Here our fondest hopes are vain, - Dearest links are rent in twain, - But in heav'n no throbs of pain, - Meet me there. - By the river sparkling bright, - In the city of delight - Where our faith is lost in sight, - Meet me there. - - 3. Where the harps of angels ring, - And the blest forever sing, - In the palace of the king, - Meet me there. - Where in sweet communion blend, - Heart with heart and friend with friend; - In a world that ne'er shall end, - Meet me there. - -_Words and music copyrighted by W. J. Kirkpatrick, Philadelphia._ - - - GOD BLESS MY BOY - - 1. When shining stars their vigils keep, - And all the world is hushed in sleep, - 'Tis then I breathe this pray'r so deep-- - God bless my boy tonight. - - CHORUS: - - God bless my boy, my wandering boy, - And keep his honor bright; - May he come home--no longer roam-- - God save my boy tonight. - - 2. I know not where his head may lie, - Perchance beneath the open sky; - But this I ween, God's watchful eye - Can see my boy tonight. - - 3. As pass the days, the months and years, - With all the change, the hopes and fears, - God make each step of duty clear, - And keep his honor bright. - - 4. And when at last his work is o'er, - And earthly toil shall be no more, - May angels guide him to the shore - Where there shall be no night. - - - THE GREAT JUDGMENT MORNING. - - Tune--"Kathleen Mavourneen." - - One cold Winter eve when the snow was fast falling - In a small, humble cottage a poor mother laid; - Although racked with pain she lay there contented - With Christ as her Friend and her peace with Him made. - - CHORUS: - - We shall all meet again on the great judgment morning, - The books will be opened, the roll will be called; - How sad it will be if forever we're parted, - And shut out of heaven for not loving God! - - That mother of yours has gone over death's river. - You promised you'd meet her as you knelt by her bed, - While the death sweat rolled from her and fell on the pillow; - Her memory still speaketh, although she is dead. - - You remember the kiss and the last words she uttered, - The arms that embraced you are mouldering away; - As you stood by her grave and dropped tears on her coffin, - With a vow that you'd meet her, you walked slowly away. - - My brother, my sister, get ready to meet her, - The life that you now live is ebbing away, - But the life that's to come lasts forever and ever, - May we meet ne'er to part on that great judgment day! - - - MY NAME IN MOTHER'S PRAYER. - - 'Twas in the days of careless youth - When life seemed fair and bright, - When ne'er a tear, nor scarce a fear - O'er cast my day or night. - 'Twas in the quiet even tide, - I passed her kneeling there, - When just one word I tho't I heard - My name, my name in mother's prayer. - - CHORUS. - - My name, my name in mother's prayer, - My name in mother's prayer! - There is just one word I tho't I heard - My name, my name in mother's prayer. - - I wandered on, but heeded not - God's oft repeated call, - To turn from sin and live for Him, - And trust to Him my all in all. - But when at last convinced of sin, - I sank in deep despair, - My soul awoke when memory spoke - My name, my name in mother's prayer. - - That kneeling form, those folded hands, - Have vanished in the dust; - But still for me for years shall be - The memory of her trust. - And when I cross dark Jordan's tide, - I'll meet her over there; - I'll praise the Lord, and bless the word, - That word, my name in mother's prayer! - - - OVER THERE. - - Come all ye scattered race, - And the Savior's love embrace; - You may see His smiling face - Yet with care; - He is on the giving hand, - Will you come at His command, - Will you with the angels stand - Over there? - - CHORUS. - - Over there, over there, - There's a land of pure delight - Over there, - We will lay our burdens down, - And at Jesus' feet sit down, - And we'll wear a starry crown, - Over there. - - Yes, He went to Calvary, - And they nailed Him to the tree, - That poor sinners such as we, - He might spare; - From the bitter pangs of death, - He does with His dying breath, - Seal an everlasting rest, - Over there. - - God has placed us on the field, - To the foe we will not yield, - On our tower we will stand, - By His care. - Wave the Christian's banner high, - Hold it up until we die, - And go home to live with God, - Over there. - - - THIS WAY. - - Our life is like a stormy sea, - Swept by the gales of sin and grief, - While on the windward and the lee, - Hangs heavy clouds of unbelief; - Out o'er the deep a call we hear, - Like harbor bell's inviting voice; - It tells the lost that hope is near, - And bids the trembling soul rejoice. - - CHORUS. - - This way, this way, O heart oppressed, - So long by storm and tempest driven, - This way, this way, lo here is rest, - Rings out the harbor bell of heaven. - - O tempted one, look up, be strong; - The promise of the Lord is sure, - That they shall sing the victor's song, - Who faithful to the end endure; - God's Holy Spirit comes to thee, - Of this abiding love to tell; - To blissful port, o'er stormy sea, - Calls heaven's inviting harbor bell. - - - MORE TO BE PITIED THAN CENSURED. - - There's an old concert hall on the bowery - Where were assembled together one night - A crowd of young fellows carousing, - To them life looked happy and bright. - At the very next table was seated - A girl that had fallen to shame; - How the fellows they laughed at her downfall, - When they heard an old woman exclaim: - - CHORUS. - - "She's more to be pitied than censured, - She is more to be loved than despised; - She is only a poor girl who ventured - On life's rugged path ill-advised. - Don't scorn her with words fierce and bitter, - Don't laugh at her shame and downfall, - Just pause for a moment--consider, - That sin was the cause of it all." - - There's an old-fashioned church 'round the corner, - Where the neighbors all gathered one day, - To listen to words from the parson, - For a soul that had just passed away. - 'Twas the same wayward girl from the bowery, - Who a life of adventure had led; - Did the parson then laugh at her downfall? - No, he prayed and wept as he said: - - - SOME MOTHER'S CHILD. - - At home or away, in the alley or street, - Wherever I chance in this wide world to meet - A girl that is thoughtless or a boy that is wild, - My heart echoes softly: It is some mother's child. - - CHORUS. - - Some mother's child, - Some mother's child, - My heart echoes softly: - It is some mother's child. - - And when I see those o'er whom long years have rolled, - Whose hearts have grown hardened, whose spirits are cold; - Be it woman all fallen, or man all defiled, - A voice whispers sadly: It is some mother's child. - - No matter how far from right she hath strayed; - No matter what inroad dishonor hath made; - No matter what elements cankered the pearl; - Though tarnished and sullied, she is some mother's girl. - - No matter how deep he is sunken in sin; - No matter how much he is shunned by his kin; - No matter how low is his standard of joy; - Though guilty and loathsome; he is some mother's boy. - - That head hath been pillowed on tenderest breast; - That form hath been wept o'er, those lips have been pressed; - That soul hath been prayed for in tones sweet and mild; - For her sake deal gently with some mother's child. - -_Used by permission of Charlie D. Tillman, owner of copyright._ - - - JUST TELL MY MOTHER. - - 'Twas in a Gospel Mission, in a distant western town, - The meeting there that night had just begun, - When in came a poor lost sinner who by sin had been cast down, - Thinking perhaps that he might have some fun; - But as he heard of Jesus' love, of pardon full and free, - He sought it and the wanderer ceased to roam. - And going to his room that night, his heart all filled with joy, - He wrote a letter to the folks at home. - - CHORUS. - - Just tell my dear old mother, my wandering days are o'er, - Just tell her that my sins are all forgiven, - Just tell her that if on earth we chance to meet no more, - Her prayers are answered and we'll meet in Heaven. - - His mother got the message as she lay at death's dark door, - Which told her of her boy so far away, - How his sins were all forgiven and wandering days were o'er, - And that his feet were on the narrow way. - Her heart was filled with gladness, as it had not been for years, - Her dear old face was all lit up with joy, - As on her dying pillow she said amid her tears, - God bless and keep my precious darling boy. - - Your mothers have prayed for you, my friends, for many and many a day, - Perhaps these days of life will soon be o'er, - Come, give your hearts to Jesus, get on the narrow way, - And meet her on that happy golden shore. - Oh, come just now while still there's room, and pardon free for all. - The Savior pleads, oh, do not longer roam. - And then with Jesus in your heart, you will send the message - To your dear mother, praying still for you at home. - - - SOON THE DEATH-BELL WILL TOLL. - - When the last Gospel message has been told in your ears, - And the last solemn warning has been given you in tears; - When hope shall escape from its place in your breast, - Oh, where will your poor weary soul find its rest? - - CHORUS. - - Soon the death-bell will toll--look after your soul; - O, sinner be ready, for the death-bell will toll. - - When the darkness of death shall compass you round, - When the friends you have loved are all standing around; - Unable to save you now from the tomb, - Unable to alter your terrible doom. - - When before the white throne of His Judgment you stand, - "What have you to answer?" the Judge will demand; - Oh, terrible moment to be standing alone, - When mercy forever and forever is gone. - - - THE END OF THE WAY. - -The following beautiful lines were written by a girl in Nova Scotia, -an invalid for many years: - - My life is a wearisome journey; - I'm sick of the dust and the heat; - The rays of the sun beat upon me, - The briars are wounding my feet. - But the city to which I am journeying - Will more than my trials repay; - All the toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - There are so many hills to climb upward, - I often am longing for rest, - But He who appoints me the pathway - Knows what is needed and best. - I know in His word He has promised - That my strength shall be as my day; - And the toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - He loves me too well to forsake me, - Or give me one trial too much; - All His people have been dearly purchased, - And Satan can never claim such. - By and by I shall see Him and praise Him, - In the city of unending day; - And the toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - When the last feeble steps have been taken, - And the gates of the city appear, - And the beautiful songs of the angels - Float out on my listening ear; - When all that now seems so mysterious - Will be plain and clear as the day-- - Yes, the toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - Though now I am footsore and weary, - I shall rest when I'm safely at home; - I know I'll receive a glad welcome, - For the Savior Himself has said "Come." - So, when I am weary in body, - And sinking in spirit I say, - All the toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - Cooling fountains are there for the thirsty, - There are cordials for those who are faint: - There are robes that are whiter and purer - Than any that fancy can paint. - Then I'll try to press hopefully onward, - Thinking often through each weary day, - The toils of the road will seem nothing - When I get to the end of the way. - - - - - Appendix. - - -The matter which I have here appended I thought of too much value to -omit from this volume. The first article is explanatory in itself. The -second is by a prisoner whom I have known for many years. The third -(regarding Christ in Gethsemane) was written by a prisoner as a letter -to myself. I hope the reader may profit by the reading of each page. - - E. R. W. - - - THE PERSONNEL OF PRISON MANAGEMENT. - - Address of C. E. Haddox, warden of the West Virginia - penitentiary, to the National Prison Association, at its annual - session, Louisville, Ky., Congress of 1903: - -This is the age of industrial development. On every side we see -colossal enterprises undertaken and prosecuted to a successful and -profitable conclusion. - -Great railroad systems span the continent, carrying millions of -passengers and countless tons of freight, with safety, celerity and -dispatch, to the doors of factory, workshop, store and consumer. - -Immense industrial enterprises are constantly being projected, -consolidated and carried on in a manner to excite the admiration, -mayhap, the wonder and fear of mankind. - -Colossal financial transactions amaze the minds of those uninitiated -to the magnitude and the intricacies of such undertakings. - -The unexplored recesses of the earth are exploited in a manner and on -a scale heretofore undreamed of and unknown, and every department of -enterprise is carried on to a degree that distinctly stamps this -decade as the acme of industrial enterprise and achievements, the -golden age of industrial prosperity, and the acquirement of material -improvement and material gain. - -If it be asked why such strides have been made along industrial lines, -the answer is that it is due to ORGANIZATION AND SPECIALIZATION. - -The PERSONNEL of the management have devoted their lives, their talent -and their energies to the special work before them. They have been -drilled and educated along special lines; they have been deaf and -blind to outside matters not relevant to the work in hand, and by -close and careful study, by unceasing and constant labor, care and -effort, having evolved, projected and carried on these immense -enterprises. - -The National Prison Congress at its meeting this year is mindful of -the material progress of the country. - -This association is equally ambitious along the lines peculiar to -itself to obtain from the various penal institutions of the country -the highest and best results morally, educationally, reformatively, -and as an incident, punitively and financially. - -How shall we keep pace in penal improvements with the great material -progress of the outside world? - -The answer necessarily must be, that improvements in our department of -work must come, as they do elsewhere, by the investigation, the study, -the thought and the effort of those who are in actual control, of -those who are in a position to see, to observe and to know. - -In other words, the question as to whether prisons are to improve, -whether their work shall continue to be of a higher and nobler -character, whether we are finally and forever to break away from the -customs of the galleys of France, the prisons of Hawes in England, of -the Mamertine of Rome and of Rothenburg in Germany, will depend -utterly, entirely and absolutely upon the personnel of the prison -management of the country. - -Prof. Henderson, in his admirable address delivered at the -Philadelphia meeting in 1902, on "The Social Position of the Prison -Warden," says: "Some institutions have no marked qualities; they have -walls, cells, machinery, prisoners, punishments, but no distinct, -consistent and rational policy." - -Where this is true it means that the worst possible condition of -affairs exists. Such an institution has the dry rot. It is managed (or -rather mismanaged) by time servers, too careless to feel the high -responsibility devolving upon them, and too listless to acquaint -themselves with the many opportunities spread before them to improve -and keep pace with the onward march of progress. - -Such officers in their abuse, by inaction, of the opportunities -afforded them, commit "Crimes against criminals" and through them -against society. - -On the contrary institutions which have distinct features and -characteristics, have them as the result of the careful investigation, -the patient research and thought of those who are in responsible and -actual control, and these characteristics and features reflect the -wisdom and intelligence of those who have given their energies and -their lives to the special work before them. - - - THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. - -In the management of penal institutions a Board of Directors or of -Control is, ordinarily, the nominal head. - -By the laws of most states they are supposed to fix the administration -policy, to restrict and define the powers and duties of the officers -in actual and intimate control. - -In some institutions they meet a day or so each month, in most -institutions not so frequently. Their duties while at the institution -may or may not be largely perfunctory, and as they are generally -active business men at home in other channels, the day or two a month -or quarter is apt to be regarded by the unthoughtful as a respite or -surcease from other duties. The main duty of a Board of Directors or -of Control may be said to be the determining of the general policy -upon which the institution shall be conducted, and a cursory oversight -of the conduct of its affairs. - - - THE WARDEN. - -The warden or superintendent is the one official who can give tone, -expression and color to the institution. He is distinctly and -positively its actual managing head, and upon his intelligence, -interest, zeal, tact and discretion will depend, almost entirely, its -weal or its woe. - -He must be a man of intelligence, and be willing and anxious to -increase his fund of knowledge and information. - -He should be a profound student not only of the ordinary subjects that -attract the student, but of prison systems, of laws, business, -government, society as it exists, and of human nature in all its many -phases. - - - HE MUST BE AN ORGANIZER. - -No difference how elaborate a system may be found in any institution -of this kind, the warden will always be an intensely busy and greatly -occupied officer. - -If he would prevent chaos and confusion and obtain from every official -the highest and best work of which he is capable, he must organize -every department thoroughly. Every officer and every inmate must know -his exact duties, so far as it is possible to know them, and be made -responsible for those duties and the warden must be enabled to -appreciate a high order of talent and the accomplishment of good work, -and to locate the blame for omissions and short comings, and provide -for their correction. - -Thorough system in every detail will conserve the capacities of all -his subordinates and leave him in a measure free to observe the actual -conditions and to plan and to put into effect improvements along -moral, industrial, physical and financial lines. - - - HE MUST BE A FINANCIER. - -The financial question in every prison in the land is an extremely -important one. Funds for prisons are doled out grudgingly, and the -demand for absolutely necessary purposes is always far greater than -the supply. - -A warden performs no more important function than when he sees that -the funds of the institution are so used as to effect the highest -possible results, and that all the forces of the prison are so -energized and conserved as to permit, under ordinary conditions, a -satisfactory and proper earning and economizing power. With the many -demands made upon him for means for increasing the usefulness of his -institution, a high order of financial aptitude is an absolutely -necessary characteristic in a successful warden. - - - DISCIPLINE. - -Discipline in a prison is its first requisite. Nothing can be -accomplished until officers and convicts are under its sway and -control. - -The warden who would have control of those under him must himself at -all times, be under self control. - -The maxim "No one knows how to command who has not first learned how -to obey," is a trite and a true one. The population of a prison is -made up of a heterogeneous collection of people whose first instincts -have been and are, not to obey. - -To bring such people into habits of obedience and control requires the -highest type of skill, tact and discretion. Punishments and reward -must be so blended and combined as to effect the needful results with -the least possible friction, and in the most humane and rational -manner possible. - -No warden can afford to delegate the matter of enforcing discipline -entirely or partly, if at all, to another. His first duty to himself, -that he may know actual conditions as they exist, is to preside over -or assist in, the trial of offenders and to order discipline. - -Individual treatment is a necessity in our dealings with delinquents, -and a study of the many phases of delinquency is a prime requisite in -a successful warden's repertoire. - -Brainard F. Smith says: "Many a prisoner has been reformed--or, if not -reformed, made a better prisoner--by punishment." - -Will the warden have any higher duty to perform than to face his -delinquent delinquents and to order in merciful severity, rational -punishments for their short-comings? - -But a warden's disciplinary powers are apt to be taxed more severely -in another direction. The great problem ordinarily, is not so much the -discipline of convicts as that of subordinate officers. If subordinate -officers will obey the spirit and the letter of the rules, the convict -has the potential influence of a powerful example to aid him. "Like -master like man." - -In institutions where officers are appointed solely with reference to -their fitness, comparatively little trouble should be had in the -matter of proper official discipline. But where places are given to -heelers, ward-workers and political strikers, the matter of efficient -discipline is a question of grave concern to the warden. In the -absence of better material, however, he must address himself to -organizing what he has to the highest efficiency possible, and insist -and require a rigid regimen and adhere to his demands and requirements -with Spartan firmness. - - - THE PRISON SCHOOL. - -The educational work of a prison is of the highest, I may say, of the -first importance. The education of the hands to work comes naturally, -partly as an incident of the necessary work carried on in prison. - -Nearly all convicts are densely ignorant. The polished, scholarly, -shrewd criminal of whom we hear so much, and to whom the papers and -books give so much prominence, is the exception, not the rule, in -prison. - -If the prison is to have a reformatory feature, it must come very -largely through the school. Many prison schools are such only in name. -The work accomplished is very meager. The results are very -unsatisfactory. - -To no part of prison work should a warden address himself with more -ardor and determination than so to organize the prison school as to -make it the great positive factor in dispelling ignorance and its -attendant viciousness, and in quickening and enlivening the moral -sense in those whose moral judgment is exceedingly obtuse. - -The course of study in a prison school is necessarily a very -elementary one, and unless followed by a supplementary course of -reading and study, will be of little permanent and practical benefit. -Many prison libraries, largely the result of indiscriminate and -heterogeneous donations of all kinds of literature, good, bad and -indifferent, chiefly the latter, are not in a position to be a -positive force. - -Let the warden see that his library is so arranged, classified and -used as to be a source of information, profit, help and pleasure to -the inmates, and that a course of reading along rational lines is -laid out, encouraged, and, if possible, adhered to, in order that the -preliminary school course may not have been in vain. - - - COURAGE NEEDED. - -The warden must be a man of courage. I do not refer to the kind of -courage necessary to face a regiment of depraved and wicked men shorn -of their power and their stimulus to do evil, but that high moral -courage necessary to clean the Augean stables of abuses of customs, to -reverse policies of long standing that are nevertheless wrong in -principle and in practice, to fight against unjust, improper and -unwise legislative propositions concerning his institution; the kind -of courage that prompted the chaplain in Chas. Reade's "NEVER TOO LATE -TO MEND," to fight and destroy the iniquitous prison system of Keeper -Hawes and his minions; the courage that will keep to the fore-front a -persistent opposition to prostituting penitentiaries into eleemosynary -institutions and political cribs and feeding troughs for political -strikers. - -He must have the courage to weed out and eliminate useless barnacles -in the shape of incompetent and worthless employes, and substitute in -their stead men of capacity, character and intelligence, who are in -love with their work and believe in its dignity and usefulness; the -courage to face demagogues in their efforts to take from the prison -its educative, moral, reformatory and economic force, the right of the -unfortunate inmates to learn the gospel of labor under right and just -conditions. - - - OPTIMISM NECESSARY. - -The warden needs to be intensely optimistic. He must have a reserve -fund of enthusiasm. He must believe profoundly in the high character -of his office and educate others constantly to believe in it. The -ignorance of the great mass of the people as to the real function of -penitentiaries and the methods by which they are carried on is amazing -and mortifying to prison officials. - -A part of the warden's mission is to acquaint the outside world with -conditions as they exist inside, and to inspire the interest and -support of the general public in measures for bettering and improving -prison conditions. Legislative bodies especially, need to be brought -into closer relations and the law makers made to realize their duty to -the public and the convict in the enactment of wise, proper and -righteous legislation. - -Longfellow, in his beautiful poem, "THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP," tells -why the master builder achieved success. It was because - - "His heart was in the work and the heart - Giveth grace to every art." - -The warden's heart must be in his work. His whole soul must be -animated and permeated with an honest and sincere desire to bring -penology up to a higher and nobler standard. - -He must have a reserve force of enthusiasm that will not be daunted -and destroyed by temporary failures or the lapses of some discharged -or pardoned convicts, who, in spite of care and pains, will return to -their evil ways. The enthusiasm that can bear the harsh and ignorant -criticism and misrepresentations incident to his work; the enthusiasm -that in its contagion will inoculate directors, subordinate officers, -the press and the people with a desire for more light on penal -problems and a purpose to be governed by that light; the enthusiasm -that will beget great patience for the exacting, difficult and trying -problems before him; that will make him believe that "a convict saved -is a man made"; that will make him believe with the great English -novelist "It is never too late to mend," and that as infinite care and -pains finally brought Robinson, the twice convicted thief, up to the -estate of honest manhood, so, infinite care and pains should be -exerted with every man under his charge. - -Pessimism has no rightful place in a penitentiary. In the language of -Socrates, "Why should we who are never angry at an ill-conditioned -body, always be angry with an ill-conditioned soul?" - -The ignorant Hawes believed in the profitless crank, the black-hole, -the deprivation of food, of bed, of clothing, the tortures of the -waist jacket and the collar, and a sign over the door, "ABANDON HOPE -ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE." - -The twentieth century warden believes in the gospel of productive -labor, of education of hand, head and heart, in the deprivation of -privileges, largely as punishment, the segregation of the desperate -and nearly hopeless, the enlightenment of an all-powerful, all -potential, all influential example and the motto of Pope Clement, "It -is of little advantage to restrain criminals by punishment unless you -reform them with training and teaching." - - - THE CHAPLAIN. - -The chaplain occupies an extremely important but delicate position in -prison management. It is possible for him to be of vast influence and -power for good. - -The chaplain needs to be a man of large heart, aided by an abundance -of sound common sense. He needs to bear in mind constantly, in the -difficult and delicate work he is called upon to perform, that the -discipline of the prison must be upheld and enforced. - -Associate officers are frequently disturbed with the fear that the -chaplain's influence will subvert the discipline of the prison; that -the shrewd, unprincipled convicts by pouring into his ears their -imaginary tales of woe, may succeed in working him. - -The chaplain's first requirement, if he would succeed, is not to lose -sight of the majesty of the law and of the prison rules. - -The chaplain and the warden should go hand in hand, the one sustaining -the other. They need to have a perfect understanding, neither -mistrusting the other. Frequent conferences ought to enable them to -proceed along proper lines. The chaplain's opportunities are -limitless. I do not undertake to say what direction his duties shall -take him. That will be discussed fully in the Chaplain's Association. - -It is personal, individual work that counts in a prison. All the -chaplain's work should be thought out beforehand, be methodical, -premeditated, intentional, systematic and thorough. His chapel service -should be rational, of the proper length, with exercises, song service -and preaching service carefully chosen. There should be no room in a -prison service for the spectacular, the highly emotional and the -haphazard sermons and addresses of a chance visitor. A reasonably -rigid censorship ought to be exercised over the contributions of -outsiders to the chapel service. - -The influence of sight seers and idle visitors to prisons, always bad, -reaches the acme of its perniciousness in the chapel service, if -unrestrained and unguided by prison officials of experience and -firmness, who alone are in a position to know that sickly -sentimentality is the worst possible pabulum to offer men already too -eager to justify their evil deeds. - - - THE PHYSICIAN. - -A physician's duties in a prison are necessarily onerous, important -and difficult. Convicts are constantly claiming that they are unable -physically to do the work assigned them. No one can determine the -truthfulness of their statements except the physician, and to -determine whether the convict is really ill or exercising his usual -finesse to shirk his duties, requires keen judgment of human nature as -well as an accurate knowledge of his profession. - -The convict, housed and hemmed in, is peculiarly susceptible to -hallucinations and to thinking that he is afflicted with imaginary -ills. - -A physician needs a large fund of good judgment, will-power and common -sense to combat successfully with this class of people. How far he -should use some of the subterfuges supposed to be employed by -physicians in the outside world in dealing with people afflicted with -hypochondria, I am unable to say, but a certain amount of cheerfulness -coupled with firmness is undoubtedly of great value. - - - SUBORDINATE OFFICERS. - -The subordinate officers of a prison are very important factors in the -management of a prison. They come in actual, continual, personal -contact with the men. - -No difference how capable and zealous may be the warden and his -deputy, unless they have men of character, zeal, intelligence and -discretion to carry out their orders and wishes faithfully and well, -all their plans will come to naught. - -Guards, keepers and watchmen should be of good moral character. It is -useless to talk about reforming convicts unless they have continually -the benefit of good examples set before them. Precept amounts to -nothing unless re-enforced by good examples. - -They should be educated and intelligent. - -Their duties are largely discretionary, and in their contact with -convicts a high order of intelligence is necessary to know the right -thing to do. Strict integrity and truthfulness are prime requisites. -An officer's word should be beyond question and he should be -absolutely impartial in his dealings with his men. - -No special system will bring the highest results with any kind of men -behind it. Any system with men of character, conscience and capacity -will achieve great good. Any system with men of bad character, -ignorant, careless and indifferent, will fall to the ground. - -A common impression prevails that any one is good enough for a prison -guard, and if he is too old, too feeble and decrepit or too lazy for -other work, his political strikers will try to unload him on the -penitentiary authorities. - -Prison Directors, Wardens and all in authority should set their faces -resolutely against this erroneous and terribly harmful idea. Partisan -politics should not be a factor in the appointment or the retention of -any prison officer. All subordinates should be appointed under civil -service rules and be required to pass a civil service examination, and -after entering upon his duties be required to take up a course of -study on penological questions and problems and be otherwise carefully -schooled and drilled along the lines of their work. If time -demonstrates their unfitness for the position they should be summarily -removed. If they manifest an aptitude and an interest in their work -they should be encouraged, promoted and protected against removal for -partisan reasons. - -Whenever directors in banks are elected with reference to their -political proclivities and not with reference to their business -sagacity, it will be proper to select prison officials for the same -reason. - -Whenever great business firms discharge their managers because their -political views do not coincide with those of the owners, then and not -till then should prison officials step down and out for political -reasons. - -What would be thought of directors of a business enterprise or the -regents of a university who selected their business manager, their -teachers, with regard to their views on finance or on the tariff, or -who would remove a faithful, efficient and capable servant after years -of experience in his work, merely because he did not coincide with the -political views of the majority of his directors in a matter in no way -germane to his work? - -As Boards of Directors spend but a small percentage of their time at -the institutions they control, it necessarily takes them years to get -a clear insight into all the details of its work, and to make a change -just when, through the process of time, the director becomes fitted -for his work, is the height of unwisdom and folly. Boards of Charity -and Correction having charge of all the institutions in the State -would certainly be much more desirable. Such officers could devote -their entire time and attention to the work, and thus be able to give -all the institutions of the State uniform treatment and attention. -Boards of Directors or of Control should be appointed and reappointed -as long as they are efficient and manifest an interest in the work. - -And so with all other officers from the warden down, and each should -feel and know that faithfulness and efficiency is the only standard, -and that they would not be expected, required or permitted to weaken -their influence or their energies by undue or active participations in -political effort or political manipulations. - -The surest sign of unfitness for prison work and lack of interest in -the work is an undue activity in political caucuses and conventions. -The official practically advertises that he cannot hope to hold his -place on account of his efficiency, but expects to do so because of -his services as a political henchman. - - - THE DEMANDS OF THE AGE. - -As this age demands a high order of talent and effort in the -industrial, so it should demand and require great ability and power in -the penal world. - -The third of a century of the life of the National Prison Congress has -witnessed great progress in the domain over which it has advisory -power. Many problems pressing for solution demand the highest -functions of those in control. - -Do punishments deter men from crime? - -Do the universal customs of the times foster and beget much of the -crime committed? - -Does war beget murder elsewhere? - -Is social vengeance a failure, and are other means necessary to -prevent crime? - -Should not executives now clothed with power to terminate or shorten -sentences of imprisonment also have power to lengthen terms of -imprisonment or to change from a definite to an indefinite term -whenever they become in possession of facts regarding the convict's -previous life or present character, which were unknown to the -sentencing judge? - -Should not United States prisoners incarcerated in the various state -prisons have the restrictions of the indeterminate sentence and the -parole, thus securing a uniform system of treatment for all prisoners -and greatly promoting the discipline? - -Should we go back of the commission of crimes and ascertain if the -State itself is not committing a crime in imposing and permitting -conditions that beget crime? - -Should not the pardoning power be exercised frequently before the -convicted man ever reaches the prison at all? Could not many a man be -saved by being put on probation from the start, who otherwise would be -in great danger of being lost? - -Does the discipline of prisons have anything to do with the commission -of offenses by convicts when released? Does the enforced restraint -exerted to the very last moment of his release and then wholly -relaxed, cause the released convict to swing to the other extreme like -Jean Valjean, who after nineteen years of imprisonment for stealing a -loaf of bread and an attempt to escape, robbed his benefactor, the -Bishop, of his plate, and upon being forgiven robbed little Gervais of -his forty sou piece, but afterward got his bearings, attained his -balance and lived an honorable life? - -Should any prisoner ever be released at the prison door, or should he -not for his own sake as well as society's be required to live a period -on probation and under oversight, subject to return for violations; in -other words, should not paroles be, under proper restrictions, the -universal and only rule? - -To the solution of these and countless other problems let the highest -order of talent, the best combination of head, heart and brain be -summoned: let every prison be a school for study and investigation, -and be engineered and controlled by men of skill, drilled and educated -along these lines, and who are animated by a desire to contribute -their full share towards the upbuilding and uplifting of the race and -the amelioration of the woes that beset mankind. - - - MEDITATIONS OF A PRISONER. - - PREFACE. - - To any one who may read these lines I will say: Do not criticise; - I know you will find many mistakes, but I hope you will remember - they are written by one who has not had the advantage of an - education. My school days ended when I was nine years old. - Knowing this, I hope you will excuse mistakes. Respectfully - yours, - - E. S. K. - -I often wonder if the busy world ever gives a thought to the men -incarcerated in places made for the punishment of crime and -reformation of criminals, but often failing of reaching the desired -result. Why is this failure? It must be from defect in the law or -prison discipline. Some think perhaps the rigid enforcement of the law -in its severest way is right, and that the prisoner should be shown no -mercy. But this is wrong in every detail and should be just the -reverse, so far as consistent with good order and discipline. - -A judge in sentencing a prisoner should give a sentence consistent -with justice and mercy, regardless of public sentiment, considering -his own judgment, and not the possible consequences of his act on his -future. Until this is more generally practiced, I am afraid there will -be many too severe sentences passed on minor criminals and first -offenders, as now, which will work to the injury of the convicted -instead of his reformation. In my humble opinion, one year would give -the lesson desired to many a novice in crime who is now serving from -three to ten years. It should be remembered that short sentences give -a novice in crime a wholesome dread of the law and fear of prison -life, while custom and association with criminals tend to harden. The -cases of old offenders, require more severity as regards time of -confinement. Nor can we say to the jurors--or, rather, gentlemen of -the jury--be very careful of what you do. Don't treat the trust you -have in charge too lightly; give it all the consideration you are -masters of. Remember you have the liberty, and, perhaps the life, of -your fellowman at stake. Be very careful of what you do. Allow no -personal motive to interfere with your duty, for, if we believe in the -Bible, those who do so will answer in the hereafter for actions in -this life. Beware, then, of how you mete out justice to your -fellowman. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Weigh -well the evidence given against the prisoner. If you find that there -is a motive on the part of the witnesses to convict the prisoner being -tried, you may rest assured they will trifle with the truth. In such -cases a juror should try and put himself in the defendant's place and -try to assume his feelings and condition, as much as possible, and see -how he would act in a like case. If all jurors would do this, I think -they would give a just and true verdict in nearly all cases. But I -fear as things are now they let the press have too much weight with -the rendering of a just verdict, and it may be of what their friends -will say to them if they have a different opinion. Yet the man who -does such a thing is a coward, a devil incarnate, and unfit to be at -large. Such action may be the cause of making a criminal out of a so -far really honest man. May God forgive them who recklessly tamper -with the liberty of their fellowman. Some may think I am not for -punishment of crime. If so, they are wrong. I believe in punishment of -crime. But I believe in tempering justice with mercy. There should be -no lingering doubt in a person's mind when he gives his verdict -against the prisoner. It is a very easy thing to place a man in -prison, but oh! so hard to get him out. A lie sworn to and believed is -one of the hardest things in the world to get righted. And I know from -personal experience what it is. Though it seems hard to say a lie is -more readily believed against a person charged with a crime than the -truth, yet it seems easier to a great many to believe bad rather than -good of their neighbor. Yet, thank God, it is not so with all. We have -many noble and true Christians yet in this vale of tears--gentlemen -and ladies who practice what they say by many kindly acts to the poor, -unhappy men who are unfortunate enough to get behind prison bars. God -bless them for such acts. It does not hurt them, and gives to the -unhappy prisoner a little happiness--a ray of sunshine through the -clouds that surround him. Continue your noble work. You will be the -gainer in the end, from the knowledge that you have done in the Lord's -work, if in no other way. Oh, could you see the happiness beam from -the eyes of some of those here, after the call of some who take -friendly interest in them, you would know the good they are doing. -Others seem to say: Oh, well, I am forgotten by all. Poor heart; what -a sad lot. It would seem the sooner that death ended their misery the -better. But while there is life there is hope. I must say that many -ladies of C---- are very kind in giving up their own pleasures on -Sundays that prisoners in this prison may have some little change in -their life. The visiting chaplains always bring a choir with them, and -to them we give our heartfelt thanks, with a God bless you. I love to -read of the progress made in these penal institutions where reform is -practiced. I am sure the prisoners must take an interest in it all, -for it is all for their own good. The Stillwater prison and Elmira -prison must be models of neatness and good order, with a perfect -system of discipline. It would be well for all prisons to copy them. -If prisons are supposed to be erected for the purpose of reformation, -why not make them in reality what they are intended to be? Of course, -there are many different kinds of crime committed by men of different -temperaments, all of which are thoroughly understood, or as nearly as -possible. For example, take the greatest crime committed in the eyes -of the law--murder--which is often called murder when there is no -ground for it. The public outcry when one man is unfortunate enough to -take the life of another at a time when he may have every reason to -believe his own life is in the greatest danger. The cry is raised by -some one, possibly an eye-witness--Murder! It is taken up by the press -and conveyed to every one, and possibly a slight coloring given to it. -The people believe it all. The consequence is the public mind is -prejudiced against the prisoner, and it takes a great amount of proof -by the defendant to change that belief, and should he not be able to -produce this evidence, in spite of all he can say he is convicted of -the crime of murder, when in reality he is guilty of manslaughter, if -anything. For, no matter how truthful a man he may be known to be, his -word, unsustained by evidence, is not accepted; while, on the other -side, no matter how untruthful a witness be known to be, he is given -credit for the truth. What kind of a state of affairs is this? No -wonder we often hear the cry go up from some poor wounded or crushed -heart saying: O, God, is there no mercy left in man? Is humanity -wholly dead? Must death overtake me here? Shunned I am by all whom I -once called friends--wife, children, it may be a brother--but never by -a mother, God bless her. - -Let us take a look at this class of sufferers. What will we find them? -Idle? No. They are as a rule men attending to their work and -submitting to all the courtesies of life, only asking the same in -return. Surely, such cannot be very bad men, who, hearing the cry of -distress, respond at once to the appeal. I know some such to have a -heart as tender as a woman. Yet you will shut them up, it may be -forever. Don't understand me to say that murder is not committed. Of -course it is, and the law should deal with it accordingly. All true -men regret the taking of human life, even on the field of battle. How -much more so under other circumstances? And the causes are many which -make men do this; some of them hard to understand, may be. In many -cases of this kind they deserve punishment and should be punished. -But, for God's sake, let the punishment be consistent with justice and -mercy. If ten years is not sufficient punishment to make man control -himself in future, why not be merciful and kill him at once? For as we -hope for mercy, so must we show it to others. All other crimes should -be dealt with accordingly. Give a man a chance to reclaim himself. -Should he return to a life of crime in preference to an honest one, -the law has its remedy and can act accordingly. This is well worth a -trial, and by all means should be given one. But I hear some one who -never gave these things a thought say: How is this to be done? I will -answer, Very easily, if it receive the support of our legislative -body, by the recommendation of the state governor. Provide your -prisons with workshops of different kinds--provide them with schools, -and teach the prisoners how to make a living by some useful trade. -Give them a chance to improve themselves by an education. Make the -prison a place of reformation, one of improvement as well as -punishment, and instead of increasing crime you will reduce it, which -should be the aim of all having the good of their fellowman at heart, -and society will be the gainer. I would give a prisoner who would show -by his conduct a spirit of reform a parole after half of his time, -with conditions attached, as is done in the Minnesota state prison, so -that, should he fall back into his old way of living, he would be -returned to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence. By this -means you to all intents and purposes hold a power over him, and he -will be very careful as to what he is about. This habit in time will -grow upon him and be the cause of making him a good citizen and -trustworthy member of society. To men serving life sentences I would, -on the recommendation of the prison warden, give a parole after -manslaughter sentence has been served. This is a class of men that -deserve some looking after by the kindly interest of humane persons. -Give them hope and encouragement. Do not leave them to their own -morbid thoughts; you cannot tell what drove them to an act they will -regret, whether in or out of prison. If hasty once, it is no reason to -suppose they will be so again. Why not, then, look after them? Let -some of you Christian people talk with them, and if you find they -ought to be assisted, help them. You know not what good you may do, -and without such aid a poor and friendless man in prison is without -hope. Will you, as Christians, let him die believing the word -Christianity a mockery? God forbid. I know there are many good -Christians that feel and mean what they say. But I am afraid that -many of the less courageous are deterred from doing all they would -like to do by the sneers of the hard, cruel world. But this should -only spur you on. If you feel you are right, push on; do not stop half -way. - -In connection with the parole law we should have our prisoners graded -as first, second and third class, giving to the second grade or class -advantages above the third, and to the first above the second, giving -them a motive to reform their ways while yet in prison, and their -partial liberty from the first class by parole. By this means you -instill into the prisoner a habit for good which in time will take -root and prove a blessing, not only to the prisoner, but also a source -of pleasure to those bringing it about. It must be expected that some -will fall again; but why should the many suffer for the few? I have -heard and read such sayings as this: The worst men are the best -behaved while in prison if there is anything to be gained by it. I -dispute this. No man can control or hide his real nature for any great -length of time. Nature is bound to come to the surface sooner or -later. The officers and guards of a prison should be men strict in the -enforcement of the prison rules, humane and just in all their actions, -men who by their own actions and deportment will gain and hold the -respect of those under their charge. They should reward the good as -well as punish the evil in men. It would, in my humble opinion, be -nothing but true justice to the prisoner to put the whole power of -pardoning, commuting and paroling prisoners in the hands of the -governor. I do not say a judge will not give justice where clemency is -asked. But it may be the case that a judge on the board of pardons has -sentenced the prisoner, and probably in some way became prejudiced -against the applicant, and it might be the cause of influencing his -vote; consequently, it would look like a piece of injustice to the -prisoner to allow that judge to sit on his case. I think it would be -well for a governor to make himself perfectly acquainted with all -pertaining to the mode of life of the prisoners, as much as possible. -It ought to be remembered that when the prison doors close on a man -your duty is only half done to yourself, the prisoner and society at -large. He needs looking after mentally, morally and physically. Do not -leave him to his own morbid thoughts, but help him to forget his -surroundings as much as possible. Give him hope, for without hope we -are lost to ourselves and the world. It is possible some will say they -ought to be; but it must be a very heartless person who makes this -remark. Remember, while you are walking about to-day, feeling -self-conscious of your own strength to resist any and everything in -the line of temptation, the time may come when you will lose control -of yourself; or, it may be, some one dear to you will fall. In such -cases, how many excuses you can find for yourself or him. Can you find -none for those now suffering for the same? I feel impelled by some -power to speak of those very people in a few lines. Perhaps it may -catch their eye. Why will you follow one to prison with hate, malice -and persecution, one who would not harm a single hair of your head, -one who never had or has a single bitter thought against you, one that -nightly asks God's protection to you and yours? And yet you persecute -him, or it may be them, with all the might you can. Is it not enough -that he has lost home, friends, wife, children and happiness at one -false move? Is it not enough that he is condemned to a living death, -hearing every hour of the day the clang of the iron bars that shut him -out from the world, that separate him from all he loves? I say to you, -is this not enough to satisfy the most bitter feelings of any avowed -enemy? It ought to be. Yes, this ought to satisfy you without trying -to obliterate the memory of the father from the child's heart and -without denying him the privilege of communicating with them; without -denying him the pleasure of doing something for them and of one day -seeing them, which is all he has left to live for. To all to whom -these lines refer, who read them, I will say, change all this. Ask -God's help to give you strength to do right. In time you will feel a -restful peace come to you, and it will make you content, if not happy. -Try this, and may God in his mercy show you the way. And to all -prisoners who may be suffering from the persecution of injustice by -others, I will say the same. Say with all your heart: God forgive -them, they know not what they do. And you will always find a comfort -in helping one another. For as we hope to be forgiven, so must we -forgive. What use in saying the Lord's prayer--Forgive us our -trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us? We must -consider well the meaning of those lines, and if we cannot or do not -comply with all they mean it is better for us not to use them. I thank -God from my heart, I can say I forgive all my enemies. I have nothing -but a kindly feeling for all mankind. I do not mean to say that I am -not ruffled at times, for I am; I would not be human if I were not. - -There is one class of men who come to prison that should command the -attention of our lawmakers--namely, married men. Not on their own -account, for they should pay the penalty of the law as well as -another, but on account of their families. It must be remembered that -when you take away the father and supporter of a family you leave them -without the means of support; and if the mother happens to be a sick -and weakly person, what is to become of them? - -To be sure, we have the orphans' home and the alms-house, but this is -only taxing more heavily the already over-burdened taxpayers of the -country. Then it would be a commendable act of the legislative bodies -to enact laws to provide for the improvement of such married men and -give the earnings of their labor to their families. This, to me, looks -reasonable and just, and easy of accomplishment, and should be acted -upon by all means. Let me draw you a picture from my imagination: We -will visit a family who are in easy circumstances these cold nights. -What do we see? Well-clad and well-fed children, a happy, contented -look rests upon the wife's and husband's faces. Why should it not be -so? They have plenty to eat and wear; a full bin of coal. Again, visit -one where the husband may be languishing behind the prison bars, but -of the same class. It is not so cheerful, but still no want is felt, -and the father and husband, although chafing at confinement, feels -that his family is not in want. This, of course, will be a consolation -to him. Now let us visit another house, where they have always lived -from hand to mouth. The father is gone. The mother and children, poor -souls, ill-clad, ill-fed, and, my God, it may be, no fire. What a -picture to contemplate. It makes me shudder to think of it. Now come -with me behind the prison bars and see the head of this family. -Knowing the want and needs of his family, and knowing how impossible -it is for him to alleviate their suffering, it is enough to drive a -man insane. But, on the other hand, if this man could earn something -for his family's support, it would relieve his mind of a heavy burden. -Think well of this, and in the name of God change the law that -certainly works contrary to what it was intended for. As it now -stands, you simply provide punishment for the criminals. In so doing -you cause untold suffering and shame to innocent ones. In God's name, -let it cease to be so. Now, then, for fear I may tire the reader, I -will close. Very respectfully, - - E. - - - CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE. - - ---- State Prison. - - January 18, 1886. - - Mrs. Elizabeth R. Wheaton, - Prison Evangelist. - - My Dearest Sister:-- - - "What might a single mind may wield, - With Truth for sword and Faith for shield, - And Hope to lead the way: - Thus all high triumphs are obtained, - From evil good--as God ordained - The night before the day!" - -"And being in an agony, He prayed."--St. Luke 22:44. - -When the last supper was over, and the last hymn had been sung, our -Lord and His Apostles--with the one traitor fatally absent from their -number--went out of the city gate, and down the steep valley of the -Kidron to the green slope of Olivet beyond it. Solemn and sad was that -last walk together; and a weight of mysterious awe sank like lead upon -the hearts of those few poor Galileans as in almost unbroken -silence,--through the deep hush of the Oriental night,--through the -dark shadows of the ancient olive-trees,--through the broken gleams of -the Paschal moonlight,--they followed Him, their Lord and Master, who, -with bowed head and sorrowing heart, walked before them to His willing -doom. - -That night they did not return as usual to Bethany, but stopped at the -little familiar garden of Gethsemane, or "the oilpress." Jesus knew -that the hour of His uttermost humiliation was near,--that from this -moment till the utterance of that great cry which broke His heart, -nothing remained for Him on earth, save all that the human frame can -tolerate of torturing pain, and all that the human soul can bear of -poignant anguish--till in that torment of body and desolation of soul, -even the high and radiant serenity of His divine spirit should suffer -a short but terrible eclipse. One thing alone remained before that -short hour began; a short space was left Him, and in that space He had -to brace His body, to nerve His soul, to calm His spirit by prayer and -solitude, until all that is evil in the power of evil should wreak its -worst upon His innocent and holy head. And He had to face that -hour,--to win that victory,--as all the darkest hours must be faced, -as all the hardest victories must be won--alone. It was not that He -was above the need of sympathy,--no noble soul is;--and perhaps the -noblest need it most. Though His friends did but sleep, while the -traitor toiled, yet it helped Him in His hour of darkness to feel at -least that they were near and that those were nearest who loved Him -most. "Stay here," He said to the little group, "while I go yonder and -pray." Leaving them to sleep, each wrapped in his outer garment on the -grass, He took Peter and James and John, the chosen of the chosen, and -went about a stone's-throw off. But soon even _their_ presence was -more than He could endure. A grief beyond utterance, a struggle beyond -endurance, a horror of great darkness, overmastered Him, as with the -sinking swoon of an anticipated death. He must be yet more alone, and -alone with God. Reluctantly He tore Himself away from their sustaining -tenderness, and amid the dark-brown trunks of those gnarled trees -withdrew from the moonlight into the deeper shade, where solitude -might be for Him the audience-chamber of His Heavenly Father. And -there, till slumber overpowered them, His three beloved Apostles were -conscious how dreadful was the paroxysm through which He passed. They -saw Him sometimes with head bowed upon His knees, sometimes lying on -His face in prostrate suffering upon the ground. And though amazement -and sore distress fell on them,--though the whole place seemed to be -haunted by Presences of good and evil struggling in mighty but silent -contest for the eternal victory,--yet, before they sank under the -oppression of troubled slumber, they knew that they had been the dim -witnesses of an unutterable agony, in which the drops of anguish which -dropped from His brow in that deathful struggle looked to them like -gouts of blood, and yet the burden of those broken murmurs in which He -pleaded with His Heavenly Father had been ever this, "If it be -possible,--yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt." - -What is the meaning, my beloved sister, of this scene for us? What was -the cause of this midnight hour? Do you think that it was the fear of -death, and that that was sufficient to shake to its utmost center the -pure and innocent soul of the Son of Man? Could not even a child see -how inconsistent such a fear would be with all that followed;--with -that heroic fortitude which fifteen consecutive hours of sleepless -agony could not disturb;--with that majestic silence which overawed -even the hard Roman into respect and fear;--with that sovereign -ascendency of soul which flung open the golden gate of Paradise to the -repentant malefactor, and breathed its compassionate forgiveness on -the apostate priest? Could He have been afraid of death, in whose -name, and in whose strength, and for whose sake alone, trembling old -men, and feeble maidens, and timid boys have faced it in its worst -form without a shudder or a sigh? My friend, the dread of the mere act -of dying is a cowardice so abject that the meanest passions of the -mind can master it, and many a coarse criminal has advanced to meet -his end with unflinching confidence and steady step. And Jesus knew, -if any have ever known, that it is as natural to die as to be -born,--that it is the great birthright of all who love God;--that it -is God who giveth His beloved sleep. The sting of death--and its only -sting--is sin; the victory of the grave--and its only victory--is -corruption. And Jesus knew no sin, saw no corruption. No, that which -stained His forehead with crimson drops was something far deadlier -than death. Though sinless He was suffering for sin. The burden and -the mystery of man's strange and revolting wickedness lay heavy on His -soul; and with holy lips He was draining the bitter cup into which sin -had infused its deadliest poison. Could perfect innocence endure -without a shudder all that is detestable in human ingratitude and -human rage? Should there be no recoil of horror in the bosom of -perfect love to see His own,--for whom he came,--absorbed in one -insane repulsion against infinite purity and tenderness and peace? It -was a willing agony, but it was agony; it was endured for our sakes; -the Son of God suffered that He might through suffering become perfect -in infinite sympathy as a Savior strong to save. - -And on all the full mysterious meaning of that agony and bloody sweat -it would be impossible now to dwell, but may we not for a short time -dwell with profit--may not every one whose heart--being free from the -fever of passion, and unfretted by the pettiness of pride--is calm and -meek and reverent enough to listen to the messages of God, even be -they spoken by the feeblest of human lips,--may we not all, I say, -learn something from this fragment of that thrilling story -that--"being in an agony, He prayed"? - - "The chosen three, on mountain height, - While Jesus bowed in prayer, - Beheld His vesture glow with light, - His face shine wondrous fair." - -To every one of us, I suppose, sooner or later the Gethsemane of life -must come. It may be the Gethsemane of struggle, and poverty and -care;--it may be the Gethsemane of long and weary sickness;--it may be -the Gethsemane of farewells that wring the heart by the deathbeds of -those we love;--it may be the Gethsemane of remorse, and of well-nigh -despair, for sins that we will not--but which we say we -cannot--overcome. Well, my dearest sister, in that Gethsemane--aye, -even in that Gethsemane of sin--no angel merely,--but Christ Himself -who bore the burden of our sins,--will, if we seek Him, come to -comfort us. He will, if being in agony, we pray. He can be touched, He -is touched, with the feeling of our infirmities. He, too, has trodden -the winepress of agony alone; He, too, has lain face downwards in the -night upon the ground; and the comfort which then came to Him He has -bequeathed to us--even the comfort, the help, the peace, the recovery, -the light, the hope, the faith, the sustaining arm, the healing -anodyne of prayer. It is indeed a natural comfort--and one to which -the Christian at least flies instinctively. When the water-floods -drown us,--when all God's waves and storms seem to be beating over our -souls,--when "Calamity comes like a deluge, and o'erfloods our crimes -till sin is hidden in sorrow"--oh, then, if we have not wholly -quenched all spiritual life within us, what can we do but fling -ourselves at the foot of those great altar stairs that slope through -darkness to God? Yes, being in an agony, we pray; and the talisman -against every agony is there. - -And herein lies the great mercy and love of God, that we may go to -Him in our agony even if we have never gone before. Oh, if prayer were -possible only for the always good and always true, possible only for -those who have never forsaken or forgotten God,--if it were not -possible for sinners and penitents and those who have gone -astray,--then of how infinitely less significance would it be for -sinful and fallen man! But our God is a God of Love, a God of Mercy. -He is very good to us. The soul may come bitter and disappointed, with -nothing left to offer Him but the dregs of a misspent life;--the soul -may come, like that sad Prodigal, weary and broken, and shivering, and -in rags; but if it only come--the merciful door is open still, and -while yet we are a great way off our Father will meet and forgive and -comfort us. And then what a change is there in our lives! They are -weak no longer; they are discontented no longer; they are the slaves -of sin no longer. You have seen the heavens gray with dull and -leaden-colored clouds, you have seen the earth chilly and comfortless -under its drifts of unmelting snow: but let the sun shine, and then -how rapidly does the sky resume its radiant blue, and the fields laugh -with green grass and vernal flower! So will it be with even a withered -and a wasted life when we return to God and suffer Him to send His -bright beams of light upon our heart. I do not mean that the pain or -misery under which we are suffering will necessarily be removed,--even -for Christ it was not so; but peace will come and strength will come -and resignation will come and hope will come,--and we shall feel able -to bear anything which God shall send, and though He slays us we still -shall seek Him, and even if the blackest cloud of anguish seem to -shroud His face from us, even on that cloud shall the rainbow shine. - -You do not think, my sister, that because God never rejects the prayer -of sinner or sufferer, that therefore we may go on sinning, trusting -to repent when we suffer. That would be a shameful abuse of God's -mercy and tenderness; it would be a frame of mind which would need -this solemn warning, that agony by no means always leads to prayer; -that it may come when prayer is possible no longer to the -long-hardened and long-prayerless soul. I know no hope so senseless, -so utterly frustrated by all experience, as the hope of what is called -deathbed repentance. Those who are familiar with many deathbeds will -tell you why. But prayer--God's blessed permission to us, to see Him -and to know Him, and to trust in Him--_that_ is granted us not for the -hours of death or agony alone, but for all life, almost from the very -cradle quite to the very grave. And it is a gift no less priceless for -its alleviation of sorrow than for its intensification of all innocent -joy. For him who would live a true life it is as necessary in -prosperity as in adversity,--in peace as in trouble,--in youth as in -old age. Here, too, Christ is our example. He lived, as we may live, -in the light of His Father's face. It was not only as the Man of -Sorrows, it was not only in the moonlit garden of His agony, or on the -darkening hills of His incessant toil, that prayer had refreshed His -soul; but often during those long unknown years in the little Galilean -village,--daily, and from childhood upwards, in sweet hours of peace, -kneeling amid the mountain lilies or on the cottage floor. Those -prayers are to the soul what the dew of God is to the flowers of the -field; the burning wind of the day may pass over them, and the stems -droop and the colors fade, but when the dew steals down at evening, -they will revive. Why should not that gracious dew fall even now and -always for all of us upon the fields of life? A life which has been -from the first a life of prayer,--a life which has thus from its -earliest days looked up consciously to its Father and its God,--will -always be a happy life. Time may fleet, and youth may fade,--as they -will, and there may be storm as well as sunshine in the earthly -career; yet it will inevitably be a happy career, and with a happiness -that cannot die. Yes, this is the lesson which I would that we all -might learn from the thought of Christ in the garden of -Gethsemane;--the lesson that Prayer may recall the sunshine even to -the dark and the frozen heart; but that there is no long winter, there -is no unbroken night, to that soul on which the Sun of Righteousness -has risen with healing in His wings. - -And that because true prayer is always heard. We read in the glorious -old Greek poet of prayers which, before they reached the portals of -heaven were scattered by the winds; and indeed there are some prayers -so deeply opposed to the will of God, so utterly alien to the true -interests of men, that nothing could happen better for us than that -God should refuse, nothing more terrible than that He should grant -them in anger. So that if we pray for any earthly blessing we may pray -for it solely "if it be God's will"; "if it be for our highest good," -but, for all the best things we may pray without misgiving, without -reservation, certain that if we ask God will grant them. Nay, even in -asking for them we may know that we have them,--for what we desire to -ask, and what we ask, we aim at, and what we aim at we shall attain. -No man ever yet asked to be, as the days pass by, more noble, and -sweet, and pure, and heavenly-minded,--no man ever yet prayed that the -evil spirits of hatred, and pride, and passion, and worldliness, might -be cast out of his soul,--without his petition being granted, and -granted to the letter. And with all other gifts God then gives us His -own self besides,--He makes us know Him, and love Him, and live in -Him. "Thou hast written well of me," said the Vision to the great -teacher of Aquinum, "what reward dost thou desire?" "Non aliam, nisi -te Domine"--"no other than Thyself, O Lord," was the meek and rapt -reply. And when all our restless, fretful, discontented longings are -reduced to this alone, the desire to see God's face;--when we have -none in Heaven but Him, and none upon earth whom we desire in -comparison of Him;--then we are indeed happy beyond the reach of any -evil thing, for then we have but one absorbing wish, and that wish -cannot be refused. Least of all can it be refused when it has pleased -God to afflict us. - -"Ye now have sorrow," said Christ, "but I will see you again, and your -heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." Yes, when -God's children pass under the shadows of the Cross of Calvary they -know that through that shadow lies their passage to the Great White -Throne. For them Gethsemane is as Paradise. God fills it with sacred -presences; its solemn silence is broken by the music of tender -promises; its awful darkness softened and brightened by the sunlight -of heavenly faces, and the music of angel wings. - - "I am baptized into thy name, - O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! - Among thy seed a place I claim, - Among thy consecrated host; - Buried with Christ and dead to sin, - Thy Spirit now shall live within." - -"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be -the Savior of the world." - - Your Brother in Christ, - - L. J. - - - - - DIRECTORY - OF - PENITENTIARIES, STATE REFORM SCHOOLS, - STATE INDUSTRIAL REFORMATORIES, - ETC., OF THE UNITED STATES - AND CANADA. - - - UNITED STATES PRISONS. - -United States Penitentiary, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. - -United States Penitentiary, Atlanta, Georgia. - -United States Penitentiary, McNeil Island, Washington. - -United States jails in the Indian Territory: Vinita, Muskogee, South -McAlester and Ardmore. - -United States Jail, Fort Smith, Arkansas. - -United States Jail, Guthrie, Oklahoma. - -DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.--District Jail, Reform School, and Reform School -for Girls, Washington. - -There are several small United States jails in Alaska and within the -States occupying rented quarters. - - - STATE INSTITUTIONS. - -ALABAMA.--Penitentiary, Wetumpka; two prisons at Pratt Mines. Boys' -Industrial School, East Lake. - -ARIZONA.--Territorial Prison, Yuma. - -ARKANSAS.--Penitentiary, Little Rock. - -CALIFORNIA.--Prisons, Folsom and San Quentin. State Schools, Whittier -and Ione. - -COLORADO.--Penitentiary, Canon City. Reformatory, Buena Vista. Reform -School for Girls, Denver. Industrial School for Girls, Morrison. -Industrial School for Boys, Golden. - -CONNECTICUT.--Prison, Weathersfield. Reform School, Meridan. -Industrial School for Girls, Middletown. - -DELAWARE.--Ferris Industrial School and Industrial School for Girls, -Wilmington. - -FLORIDA.--Stockade Camps (13 in 1900). Prisoners farmed out, mining -phosphate. Reform School, Marianna. - -GEORGIA.--Woman's Prison, Milledgville. Stockades at mines and farms; -prisoners leased. - -IDAHO.--Penitentiary, Boise City. - -ILLINOIS.--Penitentiaries, Joliet, Chester. Reformatory, Pontiac. -Industrial School for Girls, South Evanston. Home for Female -Offenders, Geneva. Erring Woman's Refuge, Chicago. - -INDIANA.--Prisons, Jeffersonville, Michigan City. Woman's Prison, and -Reform School for Girls, Indianapolis. Reform School for Boys, -Plainfield. - -IOWA.--Penitentiaries, Fort Madison, Animosa. Industrial Schools: -Boys, Eldora; Girls, Mitchelville. - -KANSAS.--Penitentiary, Lansing. Reform School, Topeka. Industrial -Reformatory, Hutchinson. Industrial School for Girls, Beloit. - -KENTUCKY.--Penitentiaries, Frankfort, Eddyville. Reform School, -Lexington. Industrial School of Reform, Louisville. - -LOUISIANA.--Penitentiary, Baton Rouge. Boys' House of Refuge, New -Orleans. - -MAINE.--Prison, Thomaston. Reform School, South Portland. Industrial -School for Girls, Hallowell. - -MARYLAND.--Penitentiary, Baltimore. House of Refuge for Boys, Female -House of Refuge, and St. Mary's Industrial School, Baltimore. -Industrial Home for Colored Girls, Melvale. House of Reformation for -Colored Boys, Cheltenham. - -MASSACHUSETTS.--Prison, Charlestown. Reformatory, Concord. Reformatory -Prison for Women, Sherborn. Industrial School for Girls, Lancaster. -Lyman School for Boys, Westboro. State Primary School, Monson. - -MICHIGAN.--Prison, Jackson. Branch prison and House of Correction, -Marquette. House of Correction and Reformatory, Ionia. Industrial -School for Boys, Lansing. Industrial Home for Girls, Adrian. - -MINNESOTA.--Prison, Stillwater. Reformatory (for 16 to 30 years old), -St. Cloud. State Training School, Redwing. - -MISSISSIPPI.--Penitentiary, Jackson. Farms. - -MISSOURI.--Penitentiary, Jefferson City. Reform School for Boys, -Boonville. Industrial Home for Girls, Chillicothe. House of Refuge, -St. Louis. - -MONTANA.--Prisons, Deer Lodge, Billings. Reform School, Miles City. - -NEBRASKA.--Penitentiary, Lincoln. Industrial School for Boys, Kearney. -Industrial School for Girls, Geneva. - -NEVADA.--Prison, Carson City. - -NEW HAMPSHIRE.--Prison, Concord. Industrial School, Manchester. - -NEW JERSEY.--Prison and Industrial School for Girls, Trenton. Reform -School, Jamesburg. - -NEW MEXICO.--Penitentiary, Santa Fe. - -NEW YORK.--Prisons, Sing Sing, Auburn (also one for women). -Reformatories, Elmira; Ellensville; Bedford. Institutions also at New -York, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Hudson and Albion. - -NORTH CAROLINA.--Penitentiary, Raleigh. Prisoners mostly on State -Farms. - -NORTH DAKOTA.--Penitentiary, Bismark. - -OHIO.--Penitentiary, Columbus. Reformatory, Mansfield. Industrial -School, Boys, Lancaster; Girls, Delaware. House of Refuge, Cincinnati. - -OREGON.--Penitentiary, Reform School, Salem. - -PENNSYLVANIA.--Penitentiaries, Philadelphia, Allegheny. Industrial -Reformatory, Huntingdon. Reform School, Morganza. House of -Correction, Philadelphia. House of Refuge, Glen Mills. - -RHODE ISLAND.--Prison, Work House and House of Correction, -Sockanosset. School for Boys, and Oaklawn School for Girls, Howard. - -SOUTH CAROLINA.--Penitentiary, Columbia. State Farms. - -SOUTH DAKOTA.--Penitentiary, Sioux Falls. Reform School, Plankinton. - -TENNESSEE.--Penitentiaries, Nashville, Petros. Industrial School, -Nashville. - -TEXAS.--Penitentiaries, Huntsville, Rusk. House of Correction and -Reformatory, Gatesville. - -UTAH.--Penitentiary, Salt Lake City. Reform School, Ogden. - -VERMONT.--Prison, Windsor. House of Correction, Rutland. Industrial -School, Vergenes. - -VIRGINIA.--Penitentiary, Richmond. Laurel Industrial School, Glen -Allen. - -WASHINGTON.--Penitentiary, Walla Walla. Reform School, Chehalis. - -WEST VIRGINIA.--Penitentiary, Moundsville. Reform School for Boys, -Pruntytown. Girls' Industrial School, Salem. - -WISCONSIN.--Prison, Waupun. Reformatory, near Green Bay. Industrial -School for Boys, Waukesha. For Girls and Boys, Milwaukee. - -WYOMING.--Penitentiary, Rawlins. - - - PRISONS IN CANADA. - -Penitentiaries or Prisons, Kingston, Toronto, St. Vincent de Paul, -Dorchester, New Westminster, and Stony Mountain. - - * * * * * - -"_IT WILL STIR THE SOUL._" - -A NEW AND WONDERFUL BOOK. - -OLD-TIME RELIGION. - -BY REV. S. B. SHAW. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: Old Time Religion book cover] - -Including an account of the Greatest Revivals since Pentecostal Days, -and telling how to bring about an old time revival. Also recording -many remarkable answers to prayer. - - -MAKE MONEY AND DO GOOD - -By selling good books that the people want. The first edition of -10,000 copies of this new book is already selling rapidly and is doing -great good. It will attract both saint and sinner. Some of the old -time sermons that moved the multitudes toward God, like men slain in -battle, until their cries seemed to rend the very heavens, are -recorded in this book. The description of sin and depravity, of hell -and the judgment, by such men as Edwards, Bunyan, Fletcher, Whitfield, -Finney, Caughey, Finley, and many others, will waken the slumbering -conscience and reveal the wrath of God against sin and this evil -generation. - - -FROM TESTIMONIALS RECEIVED, WE SELECT A FEW. - - =Michigan Presbyterian:= "A mine of gold. Thoroughly practical. - Intensely interesting. It will stir the soul." - - =The Way of Faith:= "In this timely book the author discusses 'Old - Time Views of Sin and Depravity,' 'Old Time Conviction and - Repentance,' 'Old Time Conversion,' and so on through ten - chapters. Old time revivals are described and incidents related - which are calculated to thrill the reader and beget a longing - desire for the return of the Old Time Revival Power." - - =Bishop N. Castle:= "It surely has the old time swing. It is rich - in sentiment, thrilling, heart-inspiring. It certainly will have - a large sale." - - =The Free Methodist:= "An excellent compilation of facts in - connection with old time revivals and contains much solid truth - respecting old time repentance, conversion, and righteousness. - The author quotes from 'Fletcher's Appeal,' Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's - Progress,' James B. Finley, James Caughey, and other noted 'old - time' writers and evangelists. The work is full of interest and - can but do good. We bespeak for it a large sale." - - =Religious Telescope:= "'The Old-Time Religion,' by S. B. SHAW, is - a new book, which is a revelation of the awful corruption of sin - and of the mighty transforming power of the grace of God. Other - books by the same author have had a sale of nearly a HALF MILLION - copies, and we consider this book fully equal, if not superior, - to any of them." - -320 PAGES, 5 BY 8 INCHES. - -Price, per copy, post-paid: Cloth, $1.00; Paper, 35 cents. - -Be early in the field. Secure a copy of the book. It will be all the -outfit needed. Write us at once for terms to agents. - - S. B. SHAW, Publisher, - - 212 West Chicago Avenue, CHICAGO, ILL. - -[Illustration: Ad Page] - -RELIGIOUS BOOKS - -THAT STIR THE SOUL - - - -Books worth having. Books that record facts. Books that do good and -permanent good. Books that reveal heaven and hell. Books that melt -hearts to tears. Books that awaken conviction and WIN SOULS. Books -that people love NEXT TO THEIR BIBLES. See list below. - -HALF MILLION SOLD - -ALL BOOKS ARE UNIFORM IN SIZE. 5 x 8 INCHES - -=The Great Revival in Wales=, Shaw. Compiled, Concise, Complete. -Includes full account of Great Revival in Ireland in 1859. In great -demand 256 pages. - - Cloth 75c Paper 25c - -=Miracles in the Slums=, Rees. Timely, True, Touching, Rightly named. 40 -illustrations. Selling fast. 304 pages. Cloth $1.00 - -=Spiritual Flashlights=, Perry. New, Neat, Nothing like it. Selected -from hundreds of writers. 153 topics. Alphabetically arranged. 408 -pages. Cloth $1.00 - -=Old Time Religion=, Shaw. Primitive, Pathetic, Powerful. Contains -accounts of greatest revivals since Pentecost. Stirs hearts, wins -souls, and will help to bring about an old time revival. 288 pages. - - Cloth $1.00 paper 35c - -=Wayside Sketches=, Cooke. Bright, Bracing, Biographical. 28 -illustrations. 382 pages. Cloth $1.00 - -=Touching Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer=, Shaw. Attractive, -Absorbing, Authentic. 300,000 sold. 320 pages. - - Cloth $1.00 Paper 35c - -=Children's Edition of Touching Incidents=, Shaw. 42 illustrations. 128 -pages. 125,000 sold. - - Cloth 60c Board 35c - -=Dying Testimonies of Saved and Un-Saved=, Shaw. True, Thrilling, -Triumphant. 160,000 sold. 320 pages. - - Cloth $1.00 Paper 35c - -=The Men Behind the Bars=, Sanders. Interesting, Instructive, -Illustrated. 320 pages. Cloth $1.00 - -=God's Financial Plan=, Shaw. Searching, Scriptural, Spiritual. Largest -sale of any book of its theme ever published. 320 pages. - - Cloth $1.00 Paper 35c - -=Traits of Character=, Kletzing. Elevating, Entertaining, Excellent. 180 -illustrations. Cloth $1.00 - - Any =FOUR= of the above books sent POST PAID to one address, - - Cloth $3.00 Paper $1.10 - - Any THREE of the above books sent =POST PAID= to one address, - - Cloth $2.50 Paper 90c - - -ONE THOUSAND AGENTS WANTED - -WRITE FOR TERMS AND LARGE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE - - Address, S. B. SHAW, Publisher, - - 212-214 W. Chicago Avenue, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's note: - -Page xviii: In the table of contents for CHAPTER XI., the transcriber -has changed the incorrect page number 88 to 87. - -Page xix: In the table of contents the words "CHAPTER XVIII" are -missing and have been added by the transcriber. - -Page 169: "who was chosen of God as the agent". 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