The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-26

There is place where earthly sorrows
Are SO felt up in heaven;
There is no place where earthly failings
Have such kindly judgment given;
For the love of God is broader
Than the measure of mans mind.
And the heart of the Eternal,
Is most wonderfully kind
Just set trap to catch all the sunbeams
you can these gloomy days, and hope for
brighter ones. But say what we will. hope
will not stay long when faith is gone: so,
not only strengthen your faith in our Divine
Helper. but increase your faith i'll yourself
and your power to succeed in redeemlng the
past; for only the minority have resolved to-
continue their crooked ways when released.
Would that some power could persuade you
that AN honest man is the noblest WORK Of
Cod" But in its mad rush after money.
large part of the world little heeds that
truth; for the old fashioned. plodding way
is far too slow for this fast age. For some
reason. the idea prevails to all alarming eX-
tent, that if one only has sufficient num-
Der OF bank notes they will cover a multi
tude of SnS-a clever deluSiOn Of satan. as
false as it is clever. He calculates that
every man has his price. What will you
sell yourself for. or are you out of the
market? 20 God. that bread should be so
dear. and flesh and blood so cheap"
These long days will give you plenty of
time to settle this question: for when
launched once more Oh life's rough waters,
tits most to late to make decisions. Come
with me to our dry docks for a moment
There are busy wolkmen repairing boats OF
various build and sizes. but what do you
notice in the little bay beyond? Those
al ahon6OnQH re tho inCppptnr has
nOunced unsafe" and they will probably
be left there for always. Does the scene
suggest the same comparison to your mind?
What wrecks of homes and hopes: of tai
ents and opportunities. But those human
crafts are now on the dry dock for repairs;
and while the state furnishes few tools,
you must do the work. First remove these
rotten planks, and replace them with entire
new ones; IOr future storms will severely
test the strength of every timber. And see,
brother don't you notice that screw loose
there? 1t is only falSehOOd or some tri-
fling sin, you think; but as surely as you do.
not attend to it. twill give you trouble
sometime, if not cause your wreck. Ask
for Divine strength to fasten it tight. for you
have on board lifes most precious cargo, an
immortal soul; and the waves OF sin dash
high. Though you will sometimes be
caught in storms, there is little danger un-
less the water gets within your vessel: but
then. down she goes.
Do hot start without sufficient ballast for
all emergencies-large quantities OF deter
minatiOn. self control. and that tirmnesS
which can say NO and mean it, for weak,
rising infection to the word. only invites
more persuasion from the tempter Prepare
yourself for chilly breezes and unseen DAN
gers, for there are many hidden rocks to be-
passed befOre you reach the haven. Rocks,
upon which you stranded in the past-evil
companions and the various denS of sin.
No need to name them, in order that you
may recall their location. But that Skillful
Pilot who offers his services. will steer you
clear of ALL if you only take Him on board.
What port have you decided to make? A
life without an object. without something
to work for and something to hope for, is OF
all things the most miserable. and drifting
with the tide prey to every wind that
blows. means sure destruction. Worthy
friends. and that ''hope which is ali anchor
to the soul" will hold you fast amid the
storms. Keep 4 constant watch on deck,
and if you would avoid collisions. be sure
that your lights are shining brightly. Do
you shrink at the great undertaking? In
deed. it means great deal; but tits by no
means tempest-tOssed voyage all the way;
and if you only go near enough to them.
you will catch such beautiful glimpses of
scenery here and there.
Though weather beaten by the storms
of life" may you anchor at last in the har-
Dor of eternal joy and safety.
WHITE RIBBON.