The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-03-07


ing effect; never saw the scriptures received
in the same way. When | have sometimes
gone and said it was my intention to read, they
would flock up stairs after me, as if it was
great pleasure Ihad to afford them."
When asked by the committee if the ladies
confined themselves 10 the reading of the scrip
lures, without inculcating any peculiar doc
trine, Mrs. Fry replied: 1--WE consider, from
the situation we fill, as it respects the public,
as we'll as the poor creatures themselves, that
it would be highly indecorus to impress any
peculiar doctrines of any kind-anythng be-
yond the fundamental doctrines of Scripture.
To the same effect is also the following ex-
tract:
"The remarkable transformation effected in
Newgate, and the interesting scenes so often
witnessed were theme the of conversation in all
circles, and induced strange variety OF per-
sons to attend Mrs. Fry's readings. How
many of the number were actuated by high
and holy feelings could not be determined; but
all acknowledged the readings to be deeply
solemn and impressive. Persons of distinguish
ed rank, not only English, but from other
countries, often mingled with the multitude on
these occasions. All were addressed as sim
ners all were directed to the Saviour; and
frequently the visitors of every class, and the
prisoners themselves were equally affected
"a near relative of the Duke of yelling
ton said, he was amazed at the reverence of
Mrs. Fry in reading the Scriptures, and at the
attention of the prisoners. His heart melted
into tenderness while he listened to her faith
full and compassionate addresses to her serious
congregation he had never before seen any
thing like it. He was an officer in the royal
navy, and it was remarked by one who was
present "When Mrs. Fry kneeled down and
offered prayer in the name OF our Great High
Priest, Jesus Christ, as our onl y Mediator and
Advocate with the Father, for the divine mer-
cy and pardon, and grace to rest upon all pres
ent for their salvation and eternal glory, the
gallant Captain was overcome burst into
tears and wept like child' Such is the
power of the Bible
As nearly parallel with the above, we may
also mention the influence of the Bible over
another class OF our unfortunate felow-crea-
tures-the insane. Little as they are open to
the common impulses of humanity, it is satis-
factorily proved that in many cases they are
not keyond the reach Of religions influence
1t is generally known we presume, that in
many of our institutions for the insane, they
have chapels for religious worship and regular
service the patients attending with great in
terest and good effect. They generally con.
slider it severe punishment to be prevented
from attending chapel, and the dread of it will
often control them when other threats fail
But the object of making these remarks is to
introduce the following testimony which we
recently met with. 1t is worthy of cousidera.
ton:
"Miss Dix, the philanthropist, states that,
among the hundreds of crazy people with
whom her sacred mission has brought her into
companionship, she has not found one Indvid.
ual, however fierce and turbulent, that could
not be camcd by scripture and prayer, uttered
in low and gentle tones. The power Of reli'
rious sentiment over those shattered souls
seems miraculous. The worship of quiet,
loving heart affects them like voice from
heaven Tearing and rending, yelping and
swearing, singing and groaning, gradually SUBJ
side into silence, and they fall on their knees,
or gazed upward with clasped hands, as if they
saw, throug the opening darkness golden
CLEAN from their Fathers throne of love-"
TO what other book can so mighty an inau-
ence be ascribed! Here is an influence, s"oth-
ing elevating subdueing, and halowing, exer-
ted over the human mind in its most deplora-
BILE earthly condition. But it is Gods own
Book, and it bears upon it the stamp of its d.
vine original. II.