San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1894-10-10

dIt ODtlltu w SNtAN AAOAd . utt
and this think can be taken a
evidence that the authorities ar
fully cognizant OF the fact tina
good is being done and society ben
Gifted by the doctor.
The service usually opens will
the singing of one or two familia
gospel hymns and the prisoner
having been previously supplied
with books many of them join il
most heartily, often selecting theil
own hymns, which they frequently
practice during the week. This is
followed by one or two short
prayers, the singing of an
other hymn, then bible les
son, after which a few words
of exhortation, sometimes by one
of the preachers in charge and in
their absence by one or other of the
lay brethren. This is succeeded
by the distribution of literature, a
fairly good supply of which is al
ways provided by the kindness OF
friends interested in the work. 1t
is eagerly sought and much appre-
ciated by the unfortunate inmates.
Our superintendent will be glad Of
any contributions in this direction
from persons desirious of aiding in
the work.
1t may be asked if there is any
visible result and it is with the
deepest sense of gratitude to God
we are able to answer in the
affirmative.
During the last year about forty
of the prisoners have protested sor-
row for past sins, faith in the Lord
Jesus and a determination to lead
a new life, often with tears of peni-
tence entreating the prayers of
Gods people in their behalf.
Many of these who have been
to terms of imprison-
ment are in regular communica-
tion with some one or other of the
workers and if time and space
would allow their letters could be
quoted in proof of the genuineness
of changed spiritual condition, show
ing that even with their present
dark external surroundings their
inner experience is brighter. The
writer has heard very many eX-
press their heartfelt gratitude for
having been brought under the in
fluence of such loving sympathy
and good counsel.
In one instance prisoner (whose
name for special reasons is for the
present witheld) who is not only
intelligent but well educated and
who of course at first repelled
every effort to approach,him, has
renounced his old faith and EN-.
braced the Christian religion. To
quote from a letter received from
him by the writer he says, 81 am
today in jail, a long term of i'm
is before me, but /
would not change places with In
gersoll and such for all the money
they are worth. If / have to go to
the penitentiary, I'll take Christ
with me; it would be better to be
in prison with Him than at large
without Him."
Within the past year twelve of
the prisoners have been received
INTO the church and eleven have, by
their own special request, been
Baptized inside the jail. These
facts speak for themselves.
Special mention should be made
Of the earnest faithful work Of our
brother, the pastor Of the Mexican
NJ. E. church, who is constant in
his attendance and unremitting in
his zeal for the Masters cause
amongst his own cOuntrymen and
the Spanish speaking prisoners. He
also is assisted by one or two faith
full helpers,all of whom are devoted
to the work.
Services in the city Jail are also
conducted upon each Sabbath af-
ternoon, this branch OF the work
being superintendent by DR.. l.. F.
Chain who has recently taken the
matter specially in hand.
He reports attentive and
seemingly appreciative au-
dience at every meeting and
says there is no gainsaying the
fact that drink accounts for the
majority of the inmates in this
place of confinement. He reports
also several cases of men who have
been induced to abandon their life
of indulgence and says ne frequent
ly meets persons on the streets who,
with a warm shake of the hand,
not only thank him for his advice,
but testify to the fact of the change
it has been instrumental in making
in their lives and habits. "a word
spoken in due season, how good is
it?"
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