Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-12-19
SOsIETV'S OUTCAs7s.
THE FLORENCE NIGHT MISSIONS Eff
FORTS TO SAVE THEM.
Gratifying Results of the Good Work in
the East-Good Field for Mis-
sionary Work Here.

The Florence Night Mission, recently in
Mr.. Charles N. Crittenton of New York,
has commenced its good work under the
most favorable auspices. The Mission is
crowded nightly by all classes Of people,
and many kind-hearted and Christian men
and women, aided and encouraged By the
clergymen of the city, Gre doing their
utmost to make its work effective.
Mr.. Crittenton is to be congratulated on
the excellent beginning that has been made
in the commendable work inaugurated by
him in this city. He was the founder of
the Florence Night Missions in New York,
New Brunswick, n. j., and San Jose, in
this State, which are doing much toward
the redemp ion of fallen women and
young girls just taking the first step that
leads to misery. Some such organization
as this is needed to reach out helping
hand to the unfortunate outcasis of soci-
ETY. who have not the heart TO face the
scorn and sneers of those who can see no
palliation for dovnfallen women.
Every community has lis quota of this
class, and this city is by no means an ex-
ception TO the rule. There is plenty of
missionary work 10 be done here in this
direction, and the good people of the city
should encourage those engaged in it if
they do not themselves feel like taking an
:. active part. There are hundreds, if not
thousands, of fond fathers and mothers
here who would thank and bless any per-
son that would befriend their sons or
daughters should they fall from grace in a
strange land; and these fathers and mothers
should not forget the prscepts of the
Golden Rule.
Mr.. Crittenton is in constant receip! of
reminders, from those who have neeD
rescued through the Florence Missions of
their appreciation of what these homes
have done for them. Yesterday he received
from one OF the New York converts the
following lines, signed Miriam" showing
whst the hand of friendship and charity
has done for an unfortunate girl:
"Now lay NE DOWN TO SLEEP"
Golden heap so lowly bending
Little feet so white and bare;
Dewy eyes half shut, half opened,
Ilsping out her evening prayer.
Well she knows when she is saying
Now lay me down to Sleep
lis to God that she is praying,
Praying Him her soul to keep.
Half asleep and murmuring family,
''lf should die before / wake
Tiny fingers clasped SO sanity
i pray the Lord my soul to keep"
Oh, the rapture sweet, unbroken,
of the sou who wrote that prayer.
Childrens' myriad voices floating
Up to Heaven record it there.
II of all that has been written
could choose what might be mine,
1t should be that child's Petition
Ring to the Throne divine.
New York, Christmas, 1890, MIRIAM"
The author of these lines, Mr. Crittenton
states, was rescued from life of shame in
1887. Since then she has been married to
ayoung man who was also saved through
ae medium of the Mission, and they are
now living happy and contented lives in
their own home.
Such good work as this deserves the en-
enlargement of those the thresholds of
whose homes have never been, and prob
ably never will be, invaded by sin and
misery. That modern evil, the "women's
entrance to the saloon, is paving the way
for the downfall of many young girls who
do not realize their danger, and who, if left
to themselves. will not realize it until the
habit of tipping becomes firmly fastened
upon them. If something be not done to
caeck or to$lly eradicate this growing evil,
he Florence Missions and the churches
will some day find themselves confronted
with social problem Of such magnitude
that they will be unable to cope with it.
The time to meet such an enemy is before
It becomes invincible, for the 'heavy hand
Of the law" cannot always be relied upon
;or effective relief. Long inactivity is APT
TO cause partial paralysis of that member.
1t is gratifying to note the fact that there
are to be found IN the audience each night
nsny of our best people. Some of the
most prominent church people of the city
are faithful workers every night. In the
nix nights that the Mission has been
opened they have not failed to win con-
yerts. Twenty-seysn persons in all have
been converted. Last night there were five
conversions, some of them persons who
had lived very wicked lives.
Tonight will be the last night that Mr..
Crittenton and Mr.. Carpenter will address
the Mission, as they go to Woodland to-
morrow to open meetings there. But the
Mission meetings will continue to De held
every night. led by the Superintendent,
Mr.. Marshall, assisted by the local minis
tiers and others.