The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-02-06
life in its true light Men ii other prisons can do

life in its true light Men ID other prisons can do
as well. God regards mans intent BY the motive
that prompts him, and not by the action itself.
who comes up.to see your asked him. He
was silent for moment. then replied, Mother
comes. but no one else thinks of me-" -.
That thought of the faithful mother whom he
had forsaken aroused the better nature within
him. We may trample upon all other affections.
but somewhere in the heart there is chord that
responds to the magic word 'Motherv' We know
that that poor old mother will never forget us.
and that no matter under what circumstances we
may have left her. the uppermost thought in her
mind always is, where is my boy" 1 would not
give three cents for the man who has not that
chord of motherly affection in his heart.
''Where is the rest of the gang with whom you
associated-this gang that prowled Montgomery
street and terrified the residents of Cliff House
BeachH'
He had no answer. They had no more use for
him now that he was in prison; they were friends
to him only while he was free and of some COM
mercial value to them. But the old mother was
his true friend in darkness as wen as sunshine
Is there man in this hail. old or young but
sometimes must have the thought: what am 1
going to do when get out-am going to come
1FoGs
domT' If you 90 out among your loose compan-
ions and set EN- up for the boys they will say you
are jim dandy, an up and up good fellow. If
you go to mother her love and prayer will enable
you to keep clear of the gang. Many men lie we
prison with the best possible intentions. but they
must try lust drink, after being with tut it
so long, But just as certain you take one drink
your love for it Will return and you will take a
md
will be back in the old rut again. Go back among
your people, is the advice would give to all. Go
back to your parents and comfort them in their
declining years. They are your true friends and
will strengthen you in all honest endeavors.
In course of time the young man 1 spoke of got
out of prison. met him the streets of San
Francisco. AS he turned his face toward me it
was worth dollars to see the picture OF happiness
upon it caused by his liberty l asked him what
he was going to do. hut he was at loss to answer
my question. He must make up his mind which
way to go. and it took him a long time to dec de.
He is on a street where he can hear them singing
in the saloons the ribald songs that we're once so
attractive to him. l reminded him of the mother
who had been faithful to him in times of dis.
tress and l am happy to say that the thought
moved him to return to his devoted old mother
and the last heard of him he was leading an ex.
emplary life.
In concluding would ask you to think over the
words have spoken to you this Sabbath morning.
am an old-tmer aud know every move. for 1
have reported police in every big city in the
Union. You cannot give me any slang funny
business that do not understand. know what
You suffer and what were your temptations, as
well as know the plea for liberty that is ever In
your heart. Go to your good old mothers side
she will help you All! can love mothers man.
have been on the battle ground and witnessed
the death of many a brave man whose last ag-
onizing cry was for Mother! 1 can remember es-
pecially we'll the death of one young soldier. He
lay on the cold ground feve-ed and frenzied with
pain, and the last words spoken by him were:
oh, M other, comet help me, am dying! come to
me, mother, comev'
There is no disgrace in shedding an honest tear
for your dear old mother no matter how old you
may be. Her sainted memory will always call up
tender recollections to lead you in the right path.
l would ask you every one. for all that God can
give you, to turn your hearts upward to better
life.