The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1902-03-05

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is more interesting TO the Christian
world than the Mamertine pris.
on, which is excavated from the solid
rock under the capitol hill Of Rome,
for there the Apostles Peter and Paul
were confined forsnine months, bound
by chains to pillar which is still
shown. There isl no doubt as to the
historical accuracy Of this statement,
although most Of the traditions and
legends connected with the place are
probably fabulous. For example, Wis
itors are shown deep impression in
the rocky walls Of the dungeon which
bears some resemblance to the profile
of human face, and the monk in
charge. tells them that it was made by
Peters head as he leaned against the
stone. Another version accounts for
it in an even more remarkable manner.
One Of the guards is said to hsve
jammed Peter against the wall Of the
dungeon with such violence that his
head made this deep impression.
In the center Of che floor, which is
of natural rock, 10 . flowing spring, q
remarkable phenomenon which, ac.
cordipg to the isgends Of the church,
opened miraoulously in answer to the
prayers Of ST.. Peter in order that he
might have water to baptize the
guards whom he had converted. Livy
and Plutarch, however, mention this
spring long before the apostles were
confined here. Juvenal also describes
it, and it is mentioned by Sallust who
depicts the horrors Of the prison in
his account Of the execution OF the
Catiline conspirators. a staircase
leading to the dungeon is compare
lively modern. At the time Of Peter
and Paul prisoners were lowered
through hole in the upper floor. 1t
was from this prison that Cicero came
forth and announced to the people in
the Forum the execution of the Cati-
line conspirato1s by the single word
"Vixerunt" <they have ceased to
live.)
What is more interesting to us,
however. is the fact that from here
Peter wrote his second opistle, and
Paul his second epistle to Timothy,
their farewells to the Christian world.
Peter said: "Shortly ] must put OF
this tabernacle, even as our Lord Je-
sus Christ has showed me. Neverthe-
less, We, according TO His promise
look for new heavens and q new earth
wherein dvelleth righteousness"
And Paul said: For I ana now ready
to be offered, and the time Of my de-
parture is OF hand. have fought Q
good fight; I have finished my course;
I have kept the faith" '7
The prisons are entered sarough o
email church known as s'st. Pietro in
Garcere." hung round with votive Of
fering and blazing with candles and
lamps. 1t is the fayorite church OF
the criminal glasses, and upon the
walls are curious contributions to the
honor OF the ssints--rusty ,daggers,
knives, pistols and other Instruments
OF murder and violence, which are
supposed to have been brought here
fresh from use and hung up beside the
altar to propitiate ST. Peter. It is
customary for tka assassins, thieves,
pickpockets and burglars Of Rome to
make offerings here as soon as possible
after they have committed crimes,
with the hope, no doubt, Of securing
pardon. Formerly, when thee clergy
had stronger hold upon the people,
the receipts we're very large. Nov
they are much less and growing small
er every year. Almost valuable and
interesting contribution to criminal
annals might be made if the priests Of
"St. Pieero in Carcere' had kept q
record Of the confessions that have
been made in this little church. There
is an impression that tho priests have
had frequent and close communion
with the police authorities, but the Sc
crets of the confessional have never
been violated.
A little further up the hill is the
church of "St. fietro in VincoIi,:.' in
which chains worn by Peter in prison
are now preserved and form one Of
the greatest attractions to pilgrims in
Rome. In chapter IL Of the acts Of
the apostlea we read, 'tAnd when He.
rod would have brought him forth, the
same night Peter was sleeping be.
tween two soldiers bound with two
chains and the keepers before the door