The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-11-14
Sunday Services.

The evil effects of intemperance has often been
the theme of our chapel sermons and lectures,
but never before have many personal illustra-
tons been given There are a number Of the res.
idents of saltwater. both members of the clergy
and laity, who take deep, heartfelt interest in
the inmates Of this prison. That their faith and
friendship has survived the many betrayals. is a
matter of wonder. Living almost within the shad-
ow OF the prison walls, they have exceptional OPP
portunitIes for observation The results of this
observation formed the basis of the morning ad
dresses. The Rev. Mr.. Stowe, rector of the Epis
copal church. was the first speaker.
My friends: have felt i my duty. for some
time, to come here and speak few words to you,
on the subject ofintempera nee. A few weeks ago,
met young man who had recently been released.
very glad to see him. and he to see me. After
shaking hands and chatting for moment, he
two of his friends approaching; hastily cxcusing
himself he Joined them. What was my surpr:s,
to see them cross the street and enter saloon.
In his case, the saloon had been the direct cause
of his trouble. Forgetting his three years of SER
vitude, almost before the stripes had faded away,
he deliberately enters the same road that led him
to the penitentiary before. few days later,
met another man who had been free but a few
ner, he stood as far from me as courtesy would
permit. and kept his face turned from nine. Why?
Because he had been partaking of the contempti->
BILE stuff that converts mans breathing apparatus
into "a sewer. and he had sufficient refinement to
keep the outlet of that sewer from under my
Mr.. stowe gave a number of other illustrations.
not only of those who at once entered the haunts
Of crime, but also of those who had the manhood
\
orable positions in society. Among the latter he
mentioned Mr.. Mirck. our former editor, whom
he was pleased to see among the visitors. How
much better it is to so live that you visit the
scene of your former Imprisonment, knowing that
you have regained your manhood, and secure in
the respect of the officers" He closed with an
earnest plea for total abstinence.
Mr.. Seward followed giving number of cases
that had fallen under his observation One of
these was young man in whom he had a great
deal of confidence This man came to him, and
asked him to work for him. Mr.. Seward
did so. 1.-The young man went to work honestly,
with the sincere resolution. that he would do
right. However, the police warned him to leave
town. He came to me and took him to an attor
ney. The attorney advised him to attend strictly
to his business, and if the police should modest
him, that he would assure him protection. The
next heard was, that he had been arrested was
given the option of leaving town; rather than con-
tinue the unequal contest he accepted and left.
There is strong. and not entirely unwarranted
prejudice against the men who leave here. My
honest advice is for you to seek employment in
other fields. But whether you go or stay if you
will avoid liquor you will lessen suspicion: but if
you at once seek out the saloon, and make its
habitues your companions you cannot blame the
world for wishing to keep you at distance
Our Chaplain then spoke in the same strain ad
vising US to commence the work of reformation at
once. He related Aesops fable of the boy play
ing on the bank Of the river. How he kept run
ming nearer and nearer the edge and at last fell
in and of the man on the bank who commenced
giving him good advice instead of helping him OUT.
He related the circumstances under which the
beautiful hymn was written
Jesus lover of my SOUL
Let me to thy bosom fly;
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high;
Hide me. my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is 1ast
Safe into the haven guide.
O. receive my soul at last
"Of course you are not subjected to the tempta-
ton of drink now, but you choose your society
within the walls Seek good society; the good So
ciety of good books the good society of pure con-
versation and pure thoughts. When you leave
here if the world prosecute you, seek the shelter
of His wing and no harm can come to YOU"
Selections.
To do so no more is the truest repentance
Luther.