The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-06-06
sIn Hoe SignO Vinces. -

months been so ably and frequently venti-
lated in the columns of the THE MIRROR,
that any additional criticism from my pen
would be like bringing Goals to Newcastle;
but L cannot help thinking that one branch
of true reform, and one of the most import
ant factors in the moulding of our future
life after.we leaye these prison walls, has
been. with one exception. (aE article headed
Self COntrOP'), in some way or another
omitted from the previous articles On pris-
on reform. | refer to the reformation of
our inward selves Our ableSt writers in
our little weekly have told us time and
again what the public should or might do
for us on our release; have suggested this
and that improvement in the regulation of
prisoners while here. but why have they
not bethOught them of the fact that God
helps those that help themselves" Does
an ambitious athlete enter the list of
competition fresh from some prolonged de-
bauch or enervating orgie? Does he not
rather bring his desires and appetite under
control so that he may fit that bodily frame.
which is to endure the strain of some great
physical contest into perfect condition, by
careful and prolonged training for success
full struggle? Can we, then. expect after
perhaps a long Incarceration here to combat
successfully with the temptations that will
beset lis on every hand when we are re-
leased. unless we undergo some kind of
moral training while here? We will often
say, either to ourselves or Others, Il have
firmly made up my mind to abstain from in
f,x- fOap ,fS ,hnv I
will never gamble again." etc., etc. You
will never." Poor. deuded mortal. MAN
proposes and God disposes." Where do you
draw your strength from to support these
assertions?
You will enter the ring to fight the battle
of life, blOated with your own Self-cont7
dence, and fall an easy prey to your we'll
trained antagOniSt-te But how
can we train ourselves here in place like
this where there are no temptations like
those we have to encounter OH the outside?
BE gin with what may seem to you little
things, but before you have mastered them
see how big and formidable they are.
Probably nine out of ten of every unfOrtu-
nate within these walls has been or is adj
dicted to the use of prOfane and blasphemous
language, and can hardly speak without en-
forcing his conversation with an oath. |
know the time when | could hardly speak
without swearing or indulging in lewd con-
versatiOn when in the society of other men,
and am trying hard to break myself of this
vice. for hard it is, and every now and then
you will catch yourself tripping; but when
at last an oath or foul word seems to CRATE
a little on your ear you will have made one
step in the right direction. Would you use
these words before your mother? A thou
sand times no! Surely, then. there can be
in 10 hob rod
and a terribly tenacious one to shake off,
but it can be DONE Try it and see for your
self. 1t is..harder yet to control our thoughts.
for we have SO much time for meditation
that we are very apt to go astray. But you
will find the control of your language will
assist you materially in this latter, for the
purging OF your tongue from what is foul
and unclean must naturally improve your
mind somewhat If while you are here you
can conquer in this one thing, you will have
done a great deal towards training yourself
to meet greater temptations on the outside.
and you will have more strength to fulfill
your good resolutions.
Don't be ashamed to say your prayers.
Say them where and how you like, but say
them. l hadn't said mine for many long
year until came here. but believe me it is
help. am long way from being saint,
but even the most abandoned wretch has
died with the cry of 20 God" upon his lips.
Try and suppress all little, petty jealousies
in your heart. Don't borrow trOuble-we've
all got enough withOut-and you will be all
the happier for it. wish l could write
more eloquently on this subject, but Pm
afraid mOralizing is not my forte; still, even
these few thoughts. if followed out here,
will do much toward helping us when we
again get outside these walls. WILL. T.
The Brotherhood of Man.
The educated man or woman of the gen.
tler class however kindly diSnOSed too