The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-19

prison, where he cannot continue to COM
nit las rule) crimes similar to the one
for which he was arrested. If he is a man
of intellect and refinement he has no incli-
nation to pick up the vile slang and abOm-
Unable blasphemy to be heard in such place.
and his first and strongest inclination is to
cry. He stands back in abject horror and
disgust in the presence of depravity. with
only the sense of lOathing and pity written
all over him. He is drop of oil thrown
into vast pool of water, and will continue
to float upon the surface. He is taken
away las rule) from all worldly affairs,
not even being allowed to see the daily
papers. He is robbed of most. if not all,
of the bOn-bOnS and delicacieS conducive of
dyspepsia. decayed teeth and general de-
bility; being placed upon the simplest diet
that could be invented. He must early to
bed and early to riSe." whether he likes it
OF not; he must keep regular hours, he can't
las rule) get drunk. or 20 on a racket and
paint the town red. In fact, he is shut
away from at least 80 per cent. of the ell
tire catalogue of crimes known to the
world. What temptations has a man to
contend with. buried in tomb of solid
stone 31ax7 feet, all alone with God and
his own thoughts? If he is carnally minded
about the only temptation he has is his own
Self-destructiOn. For to be carnaly
minded is death; but to be spiritually mind
ed is life and peace" because the carnal
mind is enmity against God" Romans,
viii. If he is pure minded man he is al
ways in good company. and always feels
the presence of God in his cell; knowing
that His eye is watching and weighing
every thought and action. Should some
one who has not been chosen in the furnace
of afflictOn ask, 'What can man do in
his cell all those long months and years?"
l will answer him saying: He can think.
and think and think, and ''As man think
eth in his heart, so is he." Of course, he
can study and learn many valuable things
about himself. about God, and the world
in general; providing he can read and
write. Most men and boys who have
failed to learn these two most important
parts of an education, seem to be satisfied
with quid of tobacco, pipe. and an
oath.
TO gain better idea OF this subject read
Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress, and you
will certainly see that 'All things work to-
gether for good. to them that love God"
think your honor will agree with me-
when l say that | consider man in prison
is removed from world of sin, and deep
dyed Williams. and instead of being plunged
into whirlpool of crime and degradation" ="
he is removed from the great mass Of per-
spring. struggling humanity, the one half
OF whom know not how the other half live,
and that from such man. the great multi =
tude OF temptations are hidden. In fact
he is set aside out of the broad pathway of
crime among many refined and intelligent
souls, many OF whom do not sin for want
of an opportunity. and many who had not
sufficient of the necessary to square it,
"A feast is made for laughter, and wine
maketh merry; but money answereth all
things" Ecclesiastes, x. Ye who are so quick
to condemn and reject should have sharp
eye to the narrow path. and try to at least
remove some of the banana peelS from be-
meath the feet of your brothers. Hatred
stirreth up strifes; but love cOvereth all
sns.''
God forbid that l should champion the
cause of crime in any sense, or that should
be unjust to any soul in trouble, but, never
theless. l do insist that all persons sent
to prison, be they guilty or not guilty of the
crimes with which they are charged by the
law, are sent there for their redemption. and
to cure them of their nfidelity to God, or
to bless them with additional grace. knOwl-
edge and understanding. All things which
go to better the life of prison official, and
to make him happy. rebound to the peace
and comfort of his charge. All things
which 90 to enlighten them. together with
the clOuded minds behind the prison bars.
are conducive to the safety and peace of
the people.
Be not discouraged at the gloomy aspect
before you, for there are to-day thousands