The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-02-21
Five Gents.
Saltwater Minn, Thursday, Feb. Fl, 1882

sI Was a Drunkard, and Worthless.',
Capt. Taylor received the following let
ter from an old friend to whom he had sent
a few copies OF THE MIRROR. 1t speaks
for ITSELF
Grove House
CleveS o.. Feb. Z 1886.
Capt. W. H. H. Taylor.
DEAR FRIEND: Through your kind
ness l am favored with the pleasure
and profit of reading The MIRROR pub
lshed at Saltwater, MINI. / rejoice
that such a paper is published. 1t is
clear evidence of the progress Of Christian
civilization. and the teachings of the great
Prophet of Nazareth in the treatment OF
criminals. The editorials and cOmmnica-
tiOns flOm cOnviets, original: well written
and instructive, deserve cOmmendatiOn. 1t
shows we'll for the prison management, hu-
name and refOrmatOry. that such paper is
issued. Every man who writes these art-
cles, or reads them, feels the uplift into
better life; is made better prisoner. and
when his Imprisonment ends he will be bet
ter prepared for good, useful and happy
life outside. And, when the paper is read
by the public, it will, by it's revelations OF
the inner life of the convict, his honest ef-
forts to reform. and the obstacles in his way
UuSide prison walls, create a sympathy and
an interest that may be the oil OF joy. and
the helpful force to aid the discharged pris
oner to help himself to earn an honest liv-
ing and to regain his place in society. The
sooner we learn that nothing is gained by
dragging men down. or keeping them down,
the better it will be for all concerned.
For over thirty years have annually visi
ted our state prison at Columbus; spending
tho Ga hho fh within ifS xvolic QffQudinU the
Sunday school and prayer meeting, and
preaching the gospel that brings salvation
on a level with the condition of every poor
sinner, with all honesty pressing every man
and woman to accept it and be saved. On
my last visit told my audience. 400 men
and 30 women. that Jesus Christ had au-
thOrty, power and willingness to save to
the uttermOst all that would believe. repent
and follow Him. The glorious gospel of
the Son of God. won by its triumphs within
prison walls at Phillippi and why not at
Columbus and Saltwater? In THE MIR
RoR of Jan. 81, read the account of your
Sunday service with pleasure, and hope the
sermon of Archbishop Ireland. the address
Of your Warden and the pledge of SO many
to abstain thereafter from all intOXicantS
were in the direction of Eelpfulness and en-
cOuragement and must produce important,
practical results.
Some time ago. while | was passing a
new building in Cincinnati man covered
with brick dust and lime. approached me
and greeted me very cordially. saying: Il
heard you preach three times i'm Columbus,
Ohio" | enquired at what church. With
rather a subdued voice he said; I'm the
penitentary." adding 81 was a drunkard,
and worthless when l was sent there for
seven years, but am now a different man.
l am serving God and this helps me in every
way. InOw earn good wages. support my
aged mother comfortably, and my life is
bright and happy. l owe it all to religion.
Once you preached from the text. Lay
hold of eternal life. that sermon awakened
me to a sense of my sin and ruin. and in
spired in me a desire to be saved. Our
Chaplain gave me encouragement and in
structiOn, and thank God l was converted,
and in that grace stand to-day"
MY hearts desire and prayer to God is,
that every man in your prison may be true.
happy and growing Christians. Then life
will be grand in its possibilities. now and
forever. B. w. G.
A merely fallen enemy may rise again,