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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/35221-8.txt b/35221-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db7e08e --- /dev/null +++ b/35221-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5674 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Nation Behind Prison Bars, by George L. Herr + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nation Behind Prison Bars + +Author: George L. Herr + +Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35221] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Leonard Johnson and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + + + + + +[Illustration: GEORGE L. HERR AND WIFE] + + + + + THE + + NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS + + + BY + + GEORGE L. HERR, Prison Evangelist + + + + "_I was in prison, and ye came unto me_" + + + + PUBLISHED BY + + THE CARTER PRINTING COMPANY + + LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY + + + + COPYRIGHT 1913 + + BY + + GEORGE L. HERR, LOUISVILLE, KY. + + + + To My Wife + + WHOSE CONSTANT HELP AND + + ENCOURAGEMENT + + MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO THE WORK + + TO WHICH + + God + + HAS CALLED ME, THIS VOLUME IS + + INSCRIBED WITH THE + + PRAYER THAT + + God + + WILL USE IT TO SAVE MANY SOULS + + + + +The Nation Behind Prison Bars + +BY + +GEORGE L. HERR, Prison Evangelist + + Author of "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoner," "The + Life Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The + Missionary," "The Bethel," "Lost and Is Found," and "A Glorious + Rescue." + + THE WORLD OF PRISONERS UNKNOWN TO MANY BROUGHT FORWARD IN + DESCRIPTIVE SPEECH AND VIVID PICTURES + + +There are enough people in prison in these United States to furnish a +citizenship to a considerable territory, or to populate a good-sized +city. For the psychological student, they form the most interesting of +all objects of study. For the philanthropist, and for the Christian +missionary, they constitute a wonderful field of activity. How to lift +them out of the criminal strata is the question to which Mr. Herr is +devoting his life, in an effort to answer. In a good measure he is +answering it. Many prisoners to whom the grace of God has appeared, +bringing salvation, will rise to call him blessed.--Rev. Jno. Paul, +Mississippi. + +[Illustration: MY DEVOTED FATHER + +THE LATE HON. RICHARD S. HERR + +"And their works do follow them."] + +[Illustration: MY PRECIOUS MOTHER + +The Late Mrs. RICHARD S. HERR + +"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in +the gates."] + + + + +Foreword + + +Gathered within these pages are recitals of scenes and incidents in a +field of existence fortunately unfamiliar to the majority of our +readers. The subject has been handled without any attempt to embellish +the hard facts or gloss over the cruel details--the paramount desire +upon the part of the author being an endeavor to show the crying +necessity for a constant, earnest labor among the unfortunates who are +shut away from God's sunshine; whom God still loves, despite their sins +of omission and commission. If the perusal of this volume brings to the +reader a belief that the cause is worthy, that labor in this field +brings a reward which amply compensates for the time and effort +expended, the author will rest in the knowledge of a duty well +performed. There has been no effort at exaggeration in presenting these +sketches of daily experiences among the outcasts of society, no +straining for effect, no striving to paint word pictures that may touch +the heart. It is simply the story of everyday life in the field of the +prison missionary's labor, and is given to the public with a fervent +prayer that God, in His infinite wisdom, will instill in the hearts of +our readers a feeling of charity toward those whose burden is almost +greater than they can bear. + + Faithfully, + G. L. H. + + + + +Contents + + + Title i + + Copyright ii + + Dedication iii + + Advertisement iv + + Foreword v + + Contents vii + + Illustrations ix + + Commendations from Louisville Ministers x + + Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr xiii + + Subscription Card xvi + + Chapter First--Life of Geo. L. Herr 1 + + Chapter Second--"Lost, and Is Found" 10 + + Chapter Third--"Political Peril," Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell 23 + + Chapter Fourth--"Christ the Interpreter," Sermon by Dr. Hawes 34 + + Chapter Fifth--Throwing Out the Life Line 41 + + Chapter Sixth--Reformation of Criminals 46 + Visit to Nashville Prison 52 + + Chapter Seven--Does Prison Work Pay? 54 + The Work of a Prison Evangelist 57 + Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner 66 + Practical Religious Work in County Jail 67 + Praise for Prison Evangelist 69 + Sermon in State Prison 70 + Revival Stirs Up Inmates 72 + + Chapter Eight--A Man of Honor 74 + + Chapter Nine--Jim O'Brien, the Modern Miracle 76 + Jim O'Brien Passes Away 83 + + Chapter Ten--Columbus Ohio Prison 85 + The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week 88 + Chapel Services 89 + Chapter Eleven--Incontestable Proof 92 + + Prison Evangelist's Good Work 97 + A Grand Work Highly Commended--John R. Pflanz 98 + "Worked Wonders" 100 + Strong Endorsement 101 + Speaks to Prisoners 102 + Sad and Pitiful Story 103 + Resolution Never Broken 104 + What is a Friend? 106 + "Another Chance I Crave" 108 + Letter from Col. Will S. Hays 110 + Letter from Capt. Scheider 111 + Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency 112 + Cincinnati Work House 115 + Extermination of Habitual Criminals 116 + Criminal Becomes Minister 120 + Poem to Brother Herr 122 + Success of Reform Criminals--Wm. A. Pinkerton 124 + Letter from Editor Star of Hope 137 + Lost and is Found 138 + Christmas at the Frankfort Prison 139 + Hundreds of Letters 144 + A Tribute from Jos. M. O'Hara 145 + Fishing for Men 147 + Branch Library in the Jail 149 + Change comes in Curt Jett 151 + Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison 158 + Capital Punishment 165 + Indiana Reformatory 168 + Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services 169 + Clinging to the Bible 172 + Tree of Life and Knowledge 173 + The World Dying for Love 174 + George L. Herr's New Book 176 + + + + +Illustrations + + + Geo. L. Herr and Wife--Frontispiece i + The Late Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Herr iv + Rev. Chas. R. Hemphill, D.D. xv + Rev. Steve P. Holcombe 6 + The Late Mr. George Gaulbert 8 + Rev. Carter Helm Jones 9 + The Late Rev. E. A. Ferguson 10 + Rev. E. L. Powell 22 + First Christian Church and Presbyterian Theological + Seminary 28 + Rev. T. M. Hawes, D.D. 34 + Rev. Henry Clay Morrison, D.D. 40 + Rev. John Paul 46 + Dwight L. Moody 48 + Valentine Burke 50 + The Late Col. Mat. Ragland 54 + Jefferson County Jail 58 + The Late Hon. J. C. Bohart 60 + Hon. John R. Pflanz 64 + Rev. C. S. Hanley 92 + Hon. Chas. F. Grainger 106 + Judge Aaron Kohn 108 + Rt. Rev. Chas. E. Woodcock, D.D. 112 + The Hon. and Mrs. John L. Whitman 116 + Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill 118 + Wm. A. Pinkerton 124 + Louisville Free Public Library 149 + Curtis Jett 151 + Henry E. Youtsey 158 + + + + +Commendation from Louisville Ministers + + + Louisville, Ky., Jan. 27, 1910. + + To His Honor Judge Muir Weissinger, + Judge of the County Court, + Jefferson County, Ky. + +Dear Sir: + +The undersigned Ministers of the Gospel in the city of Louisville, being +members of the Ministerial Association, do hereby recommend to your +Honor the appointment of the Rev. George L. Herr, a regular ordained +minister of the gospel, as Chaplain of the Jefferson County Jail, in +accordance with Part 9, Sections 627-632 Russell Statutes, 1909, +inclusive. + +The Rev. Mr. Herr is thoroughly well qualified to fill the position of +Chaplain at the County Jail, he having for seven years previous to the +enactment of the present law given up his time and money in this noble +work, without compensation from any source whatever, either state, +county or city, as the present Jailer of Jefferson County and many other +will testify. + + R. D. SMART, + Pastor Broadway Methodist Church. + + CHARLES R. HEMPHILL, + Professor Presbyterian Theological Seminary. + + W. N. BRINEY, + Pastor Broadway Christian Church. + + W. J. CLARKE, + Minister Clifton Church. + + A. R. KASEY, + Pastor Clifton Crescent Hill Methodist Church. + + S. G. SHELLEY, + Pastor Jefferson St. Methodist Church. + + THAD. S. TINSLEY, + Pastor Third Christian Church. + + W. F. IRWIN, + 4th Ave. Presbyterian Church. + + E. B. PATTERSON, + Pastor Trinity Church. + + W. R. HENDRIX, + Pastor Methodist Temple. + + J. T. RUSHING, + Pastor Virginia Ave. M. E. Church, South. + + D. B. GREGORY, + Pastor Woodland Pres. Church U. S. + + G. W. NUTTER, + Pastor Parkland Christian Church. + + B. F. ATKINSON, + Pastor Rivers Memorial M. E. Church, South. + + C. F. WIMBERTY, + Marcus Lindsay Memorial. + + CHAS. A. HUMPHREY, + Pastor Portland M. E. Church, South. + + J. D. SIGLER + + E. L. POWELL, + Pastor First Christian Church. + + S. H. LOVELACE, + Pastor Oakdale Methodist Church. + + C. R. CROWE, + Pastor Highland Park and Hill Street. + + T. R. KENDALL, + Lander Memorial Church. + + T. L. CRANDELL, + Dumesnil M. E. Church. + + C. E. CARTER, + Asbury M. E. Church. + + ARTHUR W. BROOK, + M. E. Church, South. + + W. B. BEAUCHAMP, + Pastor Fourth Ave. M. E. Church, South. + + J. R. McAFEE, + West Broadway M. E. Church, South. + + + + +Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr + + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, has received from Chicago +his book entitled "The Story of His Life," by Edward De Alma. Mr. Herr +distributed 100 copies yesterday in the Jefferson County jail, and the +men received them with great eagerness. Mr. Herr will place the story in +all penal institutions. A letter from the Rev. James M. Taylor, +complimenting the book, says: "I have read with soul-stirring interest +the sad, heart-rending experience of Brother Herr, and the miraculous +deliverance by the grace of God; how, by a life of sin, he squandered a +fortune; how God found him and gave him deliverance; the romantic way in +which his God-given companion entered his life and how they are being +used, perhaps, as no other persons to-day in helping those behind the +bars. This story will warn the reckless, encourage the 'outcast,' and +put a desire in the hearts of thousands to lead better lives." + --_Louisville Courier-Journal_ + +The Rev. Paul, of Meridian, Miss., says: "The story of Brother Herr's +life, 'Redeemed from the depths of sin to the mountain top of +salvation,' is a thrilling narrative, published as a warning to the +fallen." + +The Rev. J. B. Foote, chaplain of the Onondaga county penitentiary, in +New York, acknowledging receipt of the life story of Mr. Herr and +thanking him for it, states in his letter that he will use the book in +his preaching in prison. + +When asked if prison work paid, Mr. Herr said: "Who will ever know the +vast number that will attribute their first impulse to a better life, +formed while in the seclusion of a prison cell, while reading this book. +The world will never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon +themselves, have learned the great secret, that it takes an omnipotent +power to change the current of their lives and give them deliverance +from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth, not to live a new +purpose, but a new life." + +In 1909 Mr. Herr published 150,000 sermons, books and tracts. + +The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in our chapel last +Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of +life lead through a labyrinth that would require a half century of years +to make its journey at an ordinary pace.--Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., Ohio +Penitentiary. + +Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is a man of large +sympathy, and having had an experience of fifteen years as an +evangelist, knows how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire +confidence of both prisoners and officials and is always given a most +hearty welcome by all.--Jos. Severance, Chaplain. + +"The large number who have been helped by hearing your message will be +still further benefited by reading your book."--Rev. Albert J. Steelman, +Ph.D., Chaplain, Illinois State Penitentiary. + +Get Rev. Herr's book for your good, but chiefly for the good of others. + +Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D.D., Louisville, Ky.: "I believe Rev. George L. +Herr especially equipped for the difficult work of an evangelist to +those in prison and to the neglected." + +Rev. Wm. Edmond Foster: "His love for lost souls and his zeal knows no +bounds. I bespeak for him a life of great usefulness to his fellowmen +without hope and without God." + +[Illustration: REV. CHAS. R. HEMPHILL, D.D. + +President Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky. One of the +South's greatest scholars and teachers; whose heart is full of sympathy +for and helpfulness of the unfortunate.] + +Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., New York: "I have been placed where I have +known intimately his work as prison evangelist. I can say he has made a +superb record. He has taken an enlarged field of work, and I have every +confidence in his increased usefulness. His book merits a large +circulation." + +Rev. Ed. Ferguson: "For years he, with his most estimable wife, have +given their time and talent to the uplifting of the down-trodden of this +great metropolis and they have the respect and hearty co-operation of +the best people in Louisville." + +Rev. James M. Taylor: "The story will warn the reckless, encourage the +'outcast,' and put desire in the hearts of thousands to lead better +lives." + +Rev. T. T. Taliaferro, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: "Your sermons are +blessed of God to the furtherance of the works of grace in our midst. +May God bless you in your noble work." + +Rev. W. O. Vreeland, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: "You are worthy of +the highest commendation." + +Men's Bible Class, James Lee Memorial Presbyterian Church: "Rev. George +L. Herr's talk at last Sunday's session was a treat." + +Rev. George L. Herr, 195 Coral Avenue, Louisville, Ky.: "Who will ever +know the vast number that will attribute their first impulse to a better +life, formed while in seclusion of a prison cell while reading this +book." + +The Rev. George L. Herr is bringing out a book on prison life which is +abundantly capable of two effects, namely: Enlisting the attention of +readers, like a romance, and benefitting the class of whom he writes. It +is a two-hundred page book, illustrated with pictures of prisons, and +scenes behind the bars. + + + + +DEAR FRIEND: + +We know you will rejoice with us in the work being accomplished behind +prison bars. Many thousands we are preaching the gospel to every year. +There are converts all over the United States that we hear from. The +outlook of the work was never more encouraging. May we submit to you our +plan to secure auxiliary memberships at $10.00 each? + +Will you be one? + + GEO. L. HERR AND WIFE, + Prison Evangelists. + + +DEPARTMENTS OF WORK. + +Distribution of thousands of papers, tracts, and other religious +reading. + +Visiting the sick and poor. + +Street work in the slums. + +Evangelistic work in the different penitentiaries a specialty. + + + + +CHAPTER FIRST + +LIFE OF GEORGE L. HERR + +BY EDWARD DE ALMA + +A BRAND PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING. + +"As we sow so shall we reap." + + +Born in the city of Louisville, of an old Kentucky family, whose +escutcheon had never been shadowed by smirch or breath of shame or +ignominy, it might truthfully be said of George L. Herr that he had been +ushered into this world with the proverbial "gold spoon in his mouth," +his father, the late Richard S. Herr, being a prominent and highly +esteemed and wealthy citizen of the grand old state of Kentucky. Though +surrounded by the luxuries of life, by environments unusually favorable +for the development of a strong, healthy, vigorous and clean life, yet +Brother Herr's life from his youth up to the period of this writing, +presents an aspect checkered with the lights and shadows of temptation, +sin, remorse, repentance, redemption and restful peace of heart in +salvation through Jesus. + + -------- + Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man.--Ps. + 108:12. + + God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in + trouble.--Ps. 46:1. + -------- + +At the age of three months, the death of his precious mother caused him +to be given into the keeping of his aunt, a noble Christian woman, and +it was due to her teachings that the seeds of reverence for God, belief +in his dearly beloved Son and faith in the promise of a life of +everlasting happiness were planted deep in the recesses of George Herr's +heart, while his father, a Christian gentleman, spared no efforts in his +endeavor to bring up his son in the way he should go. + +At the age of eighteen years, through the death of his father, he came +into the possession of a large estate, but lacking the experience which +usually comes with maturity, he developed a spirit of independence which +soon brought in its train of attendant evils. + + -------- + Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak; O Lord, heal me.--Ps. + 6:2. + + My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect + in weakness.--2 Cor. 12:9. + -------- + +The story of George Herr's experience is the recital of a man's gradual +surrender to the power of drink, until the enormity of his fall can but +be depicted by contrasting his condition with that as it was a few years +before. Then he was a well known young man of Louisville's elite +society, wealthy, respected, esteemed and sought after. Friends without +number, well wishers innumerable, the door of any refined home in the +city would have swung wide open in welcome at his knock. Now the other +picture: A drunken outcast, a prey to the buffetings of every chance +wind of fate, deprived of friends, stripped of wealth, position and +reputation; exposed to every form of evil, subject to the cruelty of +every character of temptation that assails human nature. Ostracized from +society, barred from contact with any self-respecting acquaintance of +former days, can you imagine a more potent example of the victory of +Satan through the agency of his chief field marshal, Drink? God grant +that this may come as a warning to some one of the thousands of young +men who, with prospects as bright or even more flattering than were +those of George Herr at the age of eighteen, are at this moment entering +upon the path which will lead them, as it has countless thousands, into +the abyss of eternal destruction! God grant that the moral to be drawn +from this picture will burn itself in indelible letters of fire upon the +very soul of each young man who reads this. + + -------- + I am poor and needy; make haste unto me, O God.--Ps. 70:5. + + My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in + glory by Christ Jesus.--Phil. 4:19. + -------- + +These were indeed dark days, the past a record of sin, the present a +nightmare of misery and shame, the future black with the darkness of +despair, with not the faintest gleam of hope to pierce the gloom. "Poor +fellow," you say, "only one of a multitude." Yes, only the prototype of +one of the thousands who are traveling the same broad thoroughfare at +this moment. + +It was at this critical juncture, when reputation was blasted, hope +departed and the future barren of promises, that a remnant of respect +for his home and the associates of better days awakened the residuum of +pride remaining and brought the determination to remove his unwelcome +presence from the scenes of former pleasures. He went West, but his +hopes were blasted, and penniless, homeless, wretched, obliged to accept +any kind of menial work in order to eke out a bare living, he wandered +about until an overwhelming homesickness brought him back to Kentucky. +There was, perhaps, a flickering intention to do better, to cut loose +from the bands that bound him, but good resolutions were made only to be +broken, and the cords of sin drawn tighter than ever. + + -------- + Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?--Acts 9:6. + + Follow thou me.--John 21:22. + -------- + +None but God can realize the extreme bitterness of that bondage, the +depths of that dark and unrelieved despair. Without light, without hope, +without rest, and worst of all, without Christ? With not one friendly +hand held out to greet him, with not one word of encouragement, but +rather the cold glance of scorn, the bitter sneer of contempt, it is not +strange that there stretched out before him apparently nothing but a +drunkard's life, a drunkard's death and an endless eternity in a +drunkard's hell. + +Then the fearful temptation of suicide met him; but God, in his infinite +mercy, destined him to pass through even this fearful ordeal unharmed +and spared him that he might carry the gospel of a Savior's love to a +lost and ruined world. Then a helping hand was extended. A lifelong +friend, meeting him one day, and overcome with pity, gave him one more +chance to make a man of himself, fitted him out with clothes, gave him a +railroad ticket and money, advising him to leave Louisville and start +life afresh elsewhere. But the fetters of sin were riveted so strongly +that the well-meant advice of his boyhood friend was unheeded, and a few +hours found him in as fearful a plight as ever. Then there came into +this, the darkest hour in all his life, the experience of the prodigal +son. A determination came into his life to sever forever all ties +binding him to the life of degradation he was then living and to take +the first step back into the narrow path of righteousness. + + -------- + Show me thy ways, O Lord.--Ps. 25:4. + -------- + +It was then that the Rev. Steve P. Holcombe of Louisville, Ky., took him +to the Union Gospel Mission. + +At this critical period there came within the radius of his sphere of +existence a noble, devout woman, who proved to be the one thing needful +to round out the life now worth living. In spite of all remonstrances on +the part of her friends, she was greatly interested in the welfare of +this man and prayed earnestly that God would make him a strong Christian +man. + +Her tireless energies, endless prayers and earnest teachings were ever +present to hold him up and help him onward in the new life. God placed +her in the sphere of George Herr's experience at a critical stage, using +her as a medium for cementing his faith and determining his purpose to +devote his remaining years to the work of redeeming unfortunates sunk in +the darkness of sin. Their destinies were welded together by mutual +interest in the work of saving lost men and the affinity of feeling +between them developed into a bond of love, each seeing within the other +those qualities necessary to happiness in wedded life, and on the 14th +of April, 1898, George L. Herr and Miss Lillie M. Joyce, the woman +who was such an essential portion of his existence, were joined in the +holy bonds of matrimony by the Rev. Carter Helm Jones, D.D., pastor of +the Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky. + + -------- + The meek will he teach his way.--Ps. 25:9. + + Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit + from me.--Ps. 51:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. STEVE P. HOLCOMBE + +The founder of the Holcombe Mission of Louisville, Ky.] + +George Herr says that the old life, with its bondage in sin and its +darkness of evil, is a thing of the eliminated past. Finding happiness +in his new life, he has consecrated his time, energy, ability and +talents to continuous devotion to the task of spreading the gospel among +the fallen. Into the gloomiest recesses of penitentiaries, workhouses +and jails, beyond portals where visitors are excluded, he has carried +the message of Christ's saving grace into the darkness of despairing +men's and women's lives. + +God has blessed George L. Herr in many ways, giving him daily recompense +for the days of misery, shame and degradation, giving him a happy home, +glorified by the presence of a loving, devoted wife and the precious +daughter, and this story is sent forth with the earnest prayer that God +may use it, with its message of hope and cheer, for the salvation of +many despairing, discouraged ones who are bound by the awful fetters of +sin as he once was. + + -------- + All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that + cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--John 6:37. + -------- + +One of the greatest privileges accorded man is to be a messenger for +Christ. George Herr has tasted the sweets of liberty in Christ and he +loves to tell those in the terrible bondage of sin that there is an +avenue of escape. In his rescue work he has been able to take a great +number of homeless, friendless and hopeless men and women by the hand. + +Does it pay? The results of George Herr's labors among the unfortunates +are a satisfactory answer to this question. It pays a hundredfold in the +feeling of duty well done, in the knowledge of many useful lives saved. +It pays in words of gratitude feelingly uttered by noble men and women, +who, formerly sunk in the quicksands of despair, are now restored to a +world of happiness and peace. + + -------- + Jesus own words are: "They that be whole need not a physician, + but they that are sick, for I am not come to call the righteous, + but sinners to repentance."--Matt. 9:12, 13. + -------- + +It is our earnest prayer to the Father of all good, that this story of +George Herr's redemption from the clutches of sin may, through his +unfailing love for all suffering ones, carry its message of hope, its +promise of salvation from eternal despair, into the hearts of many who +are despondent, discouraged, despairing. May it instill into the hearts +of the unfortunate a desire to come back into the fold of the Father's +unending love, bringing with it the sweet conviction that no matter how +far we have wandered from within the radius of his love, we are still +his children, the erring ones for whose redemption he gave his Son to be +offered upon the altar of human sacrifice that we, through the atonement +of his innocent blood, should inherit the kingdom of heaven. + + -------- + Hold up my goings in thy path, that my footsteps slip not.--Ps. + 17:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE MR. GEORGE GAULBERT + +One of my best friends. Many heart-to-heart talks I have had with this +grand and wealthy merchant] + + + + +CHAPTER TWO + +"LOST AND IS FOUND" + + +Jesus said, "A man had two sons; and the younger one of them said to his +father, 'Father, give me my share of the inheritance!' so the father +divided the property between them. A few days later the younger son got +together all that he had and went away into a distant land; and there he +squandered his inheritance by leading a dissolute life. After he had +spent all that he had, there was a severe famine through all that +country, and he began to be in actual want. So he went and engaged +himself to one of the people of that country, who sent him into his +field to tend pigs. He even longed to satisfy his hunger with the bean +pods on which the pigs were feeding; and no one gave him anything. But +when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants +have more bread than they can eat, while here am I starving to death; I +will get up and go to my father and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned +against Heaven and against you; I am no longer fit to be called your +son; make me as one of your hired servants.' And he got up and went +to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him +and was deeply moved; he ran and threw his arms around his neck and +kissed him. 'Father,' the son said, 'I sinned against Heaven and against +you; I am no longer fit to be called your son; make me one of your hired +servants.' But the father turned to his servants and said, 'Be quick and +bring a robe, the very best, and put it on him; give him a ring for his +finger and sandals for his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, +and let us eat and make merry; for here is my son who was dead, and is +alive again, was lost and is found." + + -------- + For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the + government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be + called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting + Father, The Prince of Peace.--Isa. 9:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. CARTER HELM JONES, D.D. + +The late Pastor Broadway Baptist Church Louisville, Ky.] + +This younger son thought he was wiser than his father and wanted to +manage his own affairs. So it is with men who think they can manage +their own affairs without God. + + -------- + He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all + thy ways.--Ps. 91:11. + -------- + +A case in hand: An acquaintance of mine in Louisville, a young man of +handsome face and fine physique, with all the advantages wealth, +education and social position could give him, started out at the age of +twenty-one with unfaltering prospects of a prosperous, useful and happy +life, but, like the young man in our lesson, thought he could manage his +own affairs without God; in other words, he refused to give his heart +and life to Jesus Christ, and not having Christ to protect, shield, +restrain, and assist him, in a time of temptation he was led along +little by little, almost without knowing it, until he was ready to +commit any crime. One day in a house of ill repute he shot and killed a +young man; for this crime he was arrested, tried and convicted, but the +wealth and influence of his family secured him a pardon. Even this +bitter experience failed to teach him that he had made a mistake in +thinking he could manage his own affairs, for, after regaining his +liberty, he plunged deeper and deeper into sin, ending in himself being +murdered. + +As the prodigal in the parable wanted to get as far from his father's +presence as possible, "into a far country," so the man when he +determines to give himself up to others. He does not want to hear about +God or even think about him. Reader, was not this so with you? The +father did not compel the son to stay at home; he allowed him to choose +what he preferred. So it is with God; he does not compel us to +obedience. For my part I wish he did. "He wasted his substance in +riotous living;" and so it is with the sinner, in the service of sin; +he wastes and destroys his property, his health, his reputation, his +intellect, his conscience. + + -------- + Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy + name; thou art mine.--Is. 43:1. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE REV. E. A. FERGUSON One of the Author's best +friends] + +There is nothing in this world valuable enough to recompense such a +loss, or balance the misery of a tormenting conscience. If you violate +it for the sake of a gratification of the body it will remember the +injury many years after. Gen. 42:21; Job 13:26. It will not only retain +the memory of what you did, but it will accuse you for it. Matt. 27:4. +It will not fear to tell you that plainly, which others dare not +whisper. It will not only accuse, but it will also condemn you for what +you have done. This condemning voice of conscience is a terrible voice. +You may see the horror of it in Cain, the vigor of it in Judas, the +doleful effects of it in Saphira. It will produce shame, fear, and +despair, if God give not repentance to life. The shame it works will so +confound you, that you will not be able to look up. Job. 31:14; Psa. +1:5. The fear it works will make you wish for a hole in the rock to hide +you. Isa. 2:9, 10, 15, 19. And its despair is a death pang. + + -------- + "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though + your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though + they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."--Is. 1:18. + -------- + +Young man, consider the nature of your present actions; they are seeds +sown for eternity, and will spring up again in suitable effects, rewards +and punishments, when you that did them are turned to dust. What a man +sows, that shall he reap. Gal. 6:7. And as sure as the harvest follows +the seedtime, so shall shame, fear, and horror follow sin. Dan. 12:2. +What Zeuxis, the famous painter, said of his work, may much more truly +be said of ours: "I paint for eternity." Ah! how bitter will these +things be in the day of reckoning, which were pleasant in the acting! It +is true our actions, physically considered, are transient. How soon is a +word or action spoken or done, and there is an end of it! But morally +considered, they are permanent, being entered upon God's book of action. + + -------- + I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, + as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed + thee.--Isa. 44:22. + -------- + +Let me illustrate: Some time ago a young man, son of a nobleman of +Germany, came to our home poorly clad, without money, without friends, +realizing to some extent the depth to which he had fallen, filled with +remorse on account of disgrace he had brought upon himself and his +family, and like the prodigal in the parable he said, "I will arise and +go to my father." He left our home for his home in New Orleans, La. +After his arrival there we received the following letter: + +My Dear Brother Herr: My letter to you from San Antonio told of the +happiness which had come to me as a result of the reunion of my wife and +little ones. Can you realize how full those days were spent in the sweet +companionship of those who are so dear to me? I would have wished to +have remained with them until Christmas, but my obligations to business +intervened, and I was compelled to leave in order to attend to matters +here. + +My thoughts are with you so much that I often feel as though I could +reach out and grasp your hand; and so often during the day there goes up +a whispered prayer from my heart that our Father will bless you in just +proportion as you have been a sweet, helpful blessing to others. + +My route includes Louisville, and while I may not be in there on this +trip, it will not be many days before I will have an opportunity to +greet you in person. May God bless Sister Herr and yourself if only in +recompense for your kindness to me. + + EDWARD. + + -------- + Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy + God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will + uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.--Isa. + 44:10. + -------- + +Does not the life of this man preach a more eloquent sermon, and tell a +more powerful tale, and teach a more eloquent lesson than I or any other +preacher could do? Reader, you cannot ignore, disregard, or shut your +eyes to the lesson which this man's life teaches, impresses and enforces +of the awful danger and the deadly and destructive effects of sin. + + -------- + Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from + before mine eyes; cease to do evil.--Isa. 1:16. + -------- + +Here is a lesson in life that appeals to us and bids us stop in our mad +way. This parable of the prodigal son shows that we can have our own way +if we determine to do it; father and mother can't keep us from it, and +God by force will not keep us from it; but we will certainly pay for it, +and pay the price of tears and sorrow, remorse and ruin. This nobleman's +son, by refusing to heed God's warning, was brought to want. No matter +whose son it is, if he determines to have his own way and give himself +up to self-indulgence and riotous living, he will come to want, shame, +bitterness, and many are the men who tried to master themselves but +failed. Some evil habit had fastened itself upon him, and realizing +himself a slave, tries to shake it off, but, alas! the will has been +paralyzed, and it does not respond in warding off the fearful habit. +Defeat after defeat occurs until the poor fellow, discouraged, +broken-hearted, gives up and goes down to utter ruin. Man is no match +for the devil. How hopeless would be the outlook for the great army of +men whom we labor with were it not for a Deliverer. "The cross held his +body; the sun hid his face for shame, and the bowels of the earth were +moved in compassion, when Jesus expired on Calvary's rugged tree, thus +purchasing redemption for every man from the curse of sin. It is +possible through Christ for every man to be a Christian." + + -------- + "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."--John 6:37. + What a wonderful invitation--these words of the Savior! + -------- + +And now here are some of the ways God has taken to tell you of his love: +Psalm 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord +pitieth them that fear him." Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her +suckling child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her +womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee." Luke 11:13: "If +ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how +much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that +ask him?" Luke 18:13-14: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not +lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, +saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down +to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that +exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be +exalted." Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in +heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine +just persons, which need no repentance." Luke 15:10: "Likewise I say +unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one +sinner that repenteth." Luke 7:36-50: "And one of the Pharisees desired +him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, +and sat down to meat. And behold a woman in the city, which was a +sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, +brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him +weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with +the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the +ointment. + + -------- + Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise + her in the gates.--Prov. 31:31. + -------- + +"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within +himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who +and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a sinner. +And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto +thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which +had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. +And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, +therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I +suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast +rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest +thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for +my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the +hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman, since the +time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou +didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. +Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for +she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. +And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. + + -------- + And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, + Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.--Matt. 8:2. + -------- + +"And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who +is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith +hath saved thee; go in peace." + +A father whose son had gone away to California, and was a gambler in San +Francisco, sent him word by a friend: "Your father loves you still." And +it made him ashamed; it broke his heart; he repented, returned home and +was saved. "God, your heavenly Father, loves you still." Will you not +believe it and come to him for safety? He will not abuse you for your +sins. He will save you from your sins, and make you happy. + +"And he began to be in want." + +That is what sin brings a man to--want. + +And it was this which brought him to his senses--"he came to himself" +(verse 17). + +And when he does come to himself he can think of only one place where he +can hope to find relief, and he bravely determines to go straight to the +very father he had so shamefully abandoned, and to make a full +confession and throw himself on that father's mercy with the hope of +being taken back as a hired servant. He is willing to take the humblest +and meanest place if he can only get back to that home he was, a short +time before, so eager to leave. Nor does he offer any excuse; he calls +his sin by the right name and confesses it without trying to excuse it +or justify it. + + -------- + And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; + be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.--Matt. + 8:3. + -------- + +And how did his father receive him? Why, he did not wait till his poor, +ragged, worn and wasted boy got in and made his confession; but he saw +him a great way off (verse 20) and he knew what had passed in the boy's +heart and life, and moved with compassion toward him, he ran and fell on +his neck and kissed him a glad welcome back to his heart and home. But +the son goes on to make his confession and his offer to be a hired +servant anyhow, and yet the father says, "No! no! bring forth the best +robe and put it on him." + + -------- + "And their works do follow them."--Rev. 14:13. + -------- + +A man married a young widow with a small son. Her former husband had +left her $10,000 in his will. The man said: "I will take care of you and +we will lay away that $10,000 for your boy." Two other sons were born to +them. The stepson was educated and taught habits of business. At +twenty-one years of age he asked for the money his father had left. He +was told that instead of being $10,000, it had been invested for him and +was now $50,000. He was asked to let the money stay in the business and +to become a partner with his stepfather. The young man refused, took his +$50,000, fell into bad habits and lost it all and came home in rags, a +tramp. His stepfather met him at the train, took him to the barbershop +and clothier and presented him to his mother at the house as a +gentleman. The nicest room in the house was assigned him and he was told +that it was his permanent home. He was also told by his stepfather that +he was to be taken into the business firm composed of the father and the +two half-brothers. This was more than he could stand. He began to weep +at his ingratitude and at the love which had been lavished upon him. He +devoted himself to business, was devoted to his stepfather, and was as +loyal to his interests as his own sons. This picture, though it seems +overdrawn, is one of real life. The stepfather had a good disposition +naturally, but his magnanimous treatment of the prodigal was out of his +sincere affection for his wife. There were few ties of love that bound +him to the bad boy, only the love of his faithful wife. He loved the boy +for the sake of his mother. Our Father loves his children and receives +the prodigals returning to him for their own sake and the sake of his +Son who died for them, and treats them, in his affection, as though they +had never sinned against him. + + -------- + The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and + the good.--Prov, 15:3. + -------- + +[Illustration: DR. E. L. POWELL + +Pastor First Christian Church, Louisville. One of the ablest ministers +of the Christian Church who has done a wonderful work among the +masses.] + + + + +CHAPTER THREE + +POLITICAL PERIL + + Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell, on "The Need of Prophets in a Time + of Political Peril," delivered at the First Christian Church, + Louisville, Ky. + + "And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, + (for they are a rebellious house,) shall know that there hath + been a prophet among them."--Ezekiel 2:5. + + +He thought it would not be questioned by thinking persons that we are +living in a time of political peril. He did not mean that revolution was +at our door; he did not mean that we are threatened with a reign of +terror; he did not mean that there was any prospect of immediate +bloodshed. + + -------- + I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I + have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. + + I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have + declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not + concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the great + congregation.--Psalm 40:9, 10. + -------- + +Our perils spring from our state--the state of our own souls. They are +lacking in moral sensibility--we are in danger. We are told on every +hand our country was never more prosperous--that is unquestionably so. +The same might be said of Rome when that colossal empire was tottering +to its fall. There were persons then who paid from $200,000 to $400,000 +for a single feast. It is recorded of one man that, after spending +several millions of dollars in luxurious living, he committed suicide +because he had only $400,000 between him and starvation. National +bankruptcy does not stare us in the face. Fortunes grow up in a +generation--the dollar smiles upon us as a beneficent sun. Yet our moral +condition is such as to call forth from thinking men serious and earnest +fear. We are as a man living in a luxuriously appointed house, and yet, +on account of invalidism, unable to appreciate his splendid home and +environments. + + -------- + Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my + brethren, ye have done it unto me. + -------- + +He had called the attention of the congregation last Sunday night to +what was the fundamental source of our political corruption--the +unnatural separation of religion and politics. He did not mean +separation of Church and State; that was right and proper; but he did +mean that we need the reign of truth, purity and righteousness, because +of the ills to which attention was called last Sunday night. His lecture +tonight would be on "The Need of Prophets in a Time of Political Peril." +He did not wish to call attention to the peculiarly inspired Bible +prophet. So far as he was concerned he was a man apart, who could not be +our example--he constituted an order of his own; but we mortals can to +some extent, recognizing our limitations, reproduce the power of the +prophets, and it is not limited by arbitrary metes and bounds, as God +sends his teachers to every age and every clime. If there ever was a +time when we stood in need of moral leadership it is now. We want men +who come like the prophets of old, who shall come before us as genuine +leaders to take us out of this wilderness in which we find ourselves. A +fine moral leadership is the exception rather than the rule. Unless the +standard be lifted up the hosts will not rally. Truth will not win its +way on its own merits. Let the call come from the lips that speak not +lies, but the truth, and there is that in the humblest of men that will +give back an amen. And when our leaders come we shall recognize them. We +are not likely to mistake the rumble of cart-wheels for thunder. The +leader carries his credentials. When a community is visited by a prophet +it is known by that community that a prophet has been among them. You do +not mistake genuine fire. You are never deceived by a genuine voice. It +has been true in all ages of the world that wisdom is recognized by its +people. Deep down in the hearts of the people are the instincts of +truth. When we find men willing to pay the price of leadership we shall +have leaders. It is as true today as it was in the days of prophecy that +such leaders as we have have taught us to err. We need men with +political consciences--men who recognize that there are such things as +truth, purity and righteousness in the world. + + -------- + What must I do to be saved?--Acts 16:30. + + Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.--Acts + 16:31. + -------- + +In speaking of moral leadership the all-inclusive qualification is +inspiration. He did not mean the exceptional inspiration that applies to +the Bible prophets. He meant that inspiration which kindles the powers +we already have into life. When he spoke of inspiration he meant the +enlivening, the stirring up of the powers we already have as opposed to +the shallow indifference of one who draws about him the robes of his +silken selfishness and says, "Let well enough alone"--a man whose +inspiration glows and glows intensely. The inspired man feels the +degradation of his country as a personal infliction. Those who dishonor +her are his own foes, and insults flung in the face of political liberty +are felt by him as an affront to himself. Our prophets must be men who +feel the woes that they oppose, men who feel the humiliation before they +can strike with the right arm clothed with power. Indifference to the +public weal on the part of the average political leader is one of the +most distressing features of our political situation. These people do +not seem capable of feeling righteous indignation in the presence of the +moral infamy by which they are confronted, and hence their words do not +come forth as thunderbolts, but as spent balls. Beware of the man whose +heart has not been pierced by the woes of his country. The sting is the +needed spur to effort. The sleeping lion is not dangerous; but let him +be wounded and his roar shall ring as the trumpet of doom in the ears of +his enemies. We must seek our leaders among those who can feel the woes +of humanity--men of profound feeling--as those are the best prophets. + + -------- + Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from + the hand of the enemy; + + And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the + west, from the north and from the south.--Psalm 107:2, 3. + -------- + +He believed that we must strike at the evil of social indifferentism. +Who does not feel profound shame that the law against carrying concealed +and deadly weapons is not strictly enforced, which made possible +tragedies such as that at Frankfort, which has disgraced the fair name +and fame of our State. The leaders' voices should ring throughout our +land until we are bowed to the earth in shame in view of the infamies +which disgrace us. + + -------- + Lord, save us; we perish.--Matt. 8:25. + + There shall not a hair of your head perish.--Lu. 21:18. + -------- + +Another element required for leadership was the power of vision. There +must be a clear recognition of evils. The idealist is not a mere +dreamer, but acquainted with the actual wants of the people. In fact our +leaders must see something better. The man who is working in the slums +must keep his eyes fixed on the stars. There can be no change for the +better until the better is made to shine with the brightness of a +beckoning angel. + + -------- + I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my + heart. + + I am a companion of them that keep thy precepts.--Psalm 119:63. + -------- + +Here is the opportunity and duty of newspapers. James Russell Lowell +says: "What a pulpit the editor mounts daily, sometimes with a +congregation of fifty thousand within reach of his voice, and never so +much as a nodder, even, among them! and from what a Bible can he choose +his text--a Bible that needs no translation, and which no priestcraft +can shut and clasp from the laity--the open volume of the world, upon +which with a pen of sunshine or destroying fire the inspired Present is +even now writing the annals of God!" + +[Illustration: PROMINENT IN THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF LOUISVILLE] + +[Illustration: PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY] + +But has the editor no mission other than to tell us of partisan +political measures? To be a simple annalist who shall bring before us +the events of the day, but who creates no perspective along which we may +tread to better customs, better men and better times? He never leaves us +in doubt--"Let us do the best we can, and leave the rest alone." In +God's name, is there not something better? "Let us go up and possess the +land." Standing on the mountain height up there we shall all see fairer +lands below. The inspired editor not only sees the battle from afar, but +also the coming of the imperial guard of righteousness with victory. +There is that in the heart of every man that responds to the ideal. No +leader has ever succeeded in having an evil reformed who wanted an +ideal. Napoleon, when he said, "Beyond the Alps lies Italy," was +appealing to that sentiment--to something beyond--to something in the +future. When Cortez drew an imaginary line before his men, who had +become mutinous, and said "On this side lies danger, death, duty and +glory; on that, safety, shame and infamy. Choose ye whether you will +step this side of the line or remain where you are," he was appealing to +something in their hearts--put there by the Almighty himself. Editors +should not think it their only mission to mirror forth things as they +occur, but say to their 50,000 readers, "Let us go up and possess the +land" of truth, purity and righteousness. This is not weakness on their +part but evidence of the profoundest philosophy. Fifty years ago we had +senatorial utterances that would reach across the continent. The secret +power of those utterances was that they were ideal. In the days when +boys spoke pieces in school we declaimed them, and we feel their +influence today. + + -------- + Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. + + When wilt thou comfort me?--Ps. 119:82. + + Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the + fulfilling of the law.--Rom. 13:10. + -------- + +Another element of leadership is moral enthusiasm. The idealist in art +is so for the love of art. He enters into the discussion of art subjects +with enthusiasm. So with the moral enthusiast. Sin is hateful to him, +and he seeks to crush it as he would a viper, and instinctively and +spontaneously his denunciations come forth. Truth is his pole-star, and +he will tell his best friend, "I will do anything but lie for you." Try +to bribe him, and you will think that the central fires of the earth +have been concentrated into his blistering rebuke. Suggest a compromise +involving dishonor, and if you escape a blow you will be fortunate. Like +Luther he says: "Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me." He would +not go with the crowd to moral destruction. Moral enthusiasm has been +the virtue of all epoch-making men. Men do not die for fancies; they do +not die for offices. They die for what they believe is right. Give them +something that appeals to their moral nature and they will die for it. +The grand martyrs were men who laid down their lives for what they +believed to be right. There came to them those lines of James Russell +Lowell: + + "Once to every man and Nation + Comes the moment to decide, + In the strife of truth and falsehood + For the good or evil side; + Love's great cause, God's new Messiah, + Offering each the bloom or blight, + Parts the goats upon the left hand + And the sheep upon the right, + And the choice goes by forever + 'Twixt the darkness and the light." + + -------- + As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.--Is. + 66:13. + + He who loveth God loveth his brother also.--1 John 4:21. + -------- + +We must have leaders who possess the elements of leadership for the +great task of making the world better--who possess the elementary +virtues of honesty and truth. He had indicated some of the elements of +moral leadership that these times demand. He did not mean to say that +the political stage had not such leaders. Certainly there were a few; +but we can make it possible to have a thousand. When we can see one we +are surprised. In the past, thank God, we have had such leaders, and in +the future we shall have such leaders again. + +It is slumbering in the hearts of men and women all around us. It needs +only some one to sweep the harp strings. The trouble is with ourselves. +How can we be leaders with sensual and selfish appetites and desires? +Does God no longer speak to man? Burns there no fire upon the altar? He +did not believe God had exhausted himself. God had not exhausted himself +by casting out a few bright stars from his own luminous presence. There +is power for him to bring to the front the men we are longing and +praying for. + + -------- + He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea in seven there shall + no evil touch thee.--Job 5:19. + -------- + +In conclusion, he wished to say only these few words--that every leader +is a man that must bring to us the message of hope. The prophets through +all those weary years carried the torch of hope and handed it to their +successors. Abraham believed with all his soul that he should have a +posterity as numerous as the stars. He died leaving only one heir. +Moses, the great law-giver, had a vision that a community of slaves +should be made into a great nation. He went up into Pisgah and died, +leaving them still slaves. Long ago a prophet looked over the sea at a +vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Two thousand years have passed +away and no new heaven or new earth has come--but as sure as truth is +stronger than falsehood it will come--just so sure we shall one day see +a new heaven and a new earth, where dwelleth no political corruption, +but righteousness. Not in our time, perhaps, not in our children's time, +shall the thing be; but it will come. Let us pray, then, that we may +answer in the language of the great poet. + + "Oh, well I know that to him who works, and knows he works, + This same glad year is ever at the door." + + The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: + + The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: + + The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. + + + + +CHAPTER FOUR + +CHRIST THE INTERPRETER OF THE PICTURE + +A Sermon preached by Rev. T. M. Hawes in the Slums + + + "I have somewhat to say unto thee."--Luke 7:40. + +The scene presented in this narration is worthy of the painter's brush. +We have a beautiful and striking presentation of the gospel--not set +forth in theological terms as abstract truth--but presented in the form +of a concrete example--a picture with Christ himself as the interpreter. + +And now as we look at this picture with Christ to explain and interpret +it to us, let us see what he will teach us concerning the gospel. + +First, we can learn here for whom the gospel is not intended. + + -------- + Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one + another.--1 John 4:11. + -------- + +Evidently it is not intended for those who find fault with it. Christ is +among a people who seem determined not to be pleased. He has just +wondered to whom he could liken them, and observing a number of children +at play he likens them to children playing in the market place. "We +have piped unto you and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you and +ye have not wept." They found fault with John the Baptist because he was +too severe--they found fault with Jesus because he was too liberal. And +here Simon is finding fault with him because he is allowing this sinful +woman to wash his feet. Am I saying too much when I say that there is +that same trait in human nature today, and that it keeps people out of +the kingdom? Yea, more than that, it often keeps those who are in the +kingdom from receiving the blessings which otherwise might be theirs. +There are those on the outside who remain out because they are +constantly finding fault. There are those on the inside who are always +unhappy for the same reason. If the preacher hews to the line they say +he is a scold--if he doesn't they say he is afraid to stand up for what +he believes, and so it goes. + +[Illustration: REV. T. M. HAWES, D.D. + +The beloved pastor of the Highland Presbyterian Church. The "Beloved +John" of the Louisville ministry.] + +Let us learn from this picture that the gospel is not for faultfinders. +Our late Mr. Moody says a true thing when he says that a faultfinder is +usually a lightweight. + + -------- + He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me + was love.--S. of S. 2:4. + -------- + +Again we can learn from this picture that the gospel is not intended for +those who do not think they need it; not intended for self-righteous +people. No one is ever going to appreciate the gospel until he feels the +need of it. The spirit of the Pharisee will shut us out from the +blessings of the gospel whether we are church members or not. Simon +looked down on the sinful woman and felt that he was far superior to +her. Evidently he felt no need of a Saviour. The Scribes and Pharisees +rejected Christ on the very grounds that he was the friend of publicans +and sinners. Oh, yes, in the very nature of the case the gospel cannot +reach those who do not feel their need of some power beyond themselves. + +Furthermore, the gospel is not meant for those who are ashamed of it. +There is something very touching and beautiful in this picture of the +woman who was a sinner coming into this public court to do honor to +Christ. She had true humility. Simon was far from doing anything of this +kind, he was willing to show a certain sort of respect for Christ, but +he would have been too proud to have ever done such a thing as this. + + "Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far + Let evening blush to own a star." + +Is it not true that a sense of being ashamed of the gospel shuts out +from its blessings those who entertain such unworthy feelings? + + -------- + Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.--Mk. 12:30. + -------- + +Finally, let us learn from this picture that the gospel is not meant for +those who are not glad to make a free-will offering of sacrifice as a +token of this grateful love. This woman brought an alabaster box of +ointment. + +"My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but this woman hath anointed my +feet with ointment." Christ did not exact this of her--it was a +free-will offering. If the gospel does not draw out our gratitude and +liberality, then it has never touched us. It is not because of our gifts +that we are forgiven, but it is because of our forgiveness that we give. +"To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." + + "That man may last but never lives, + Who much receives but nothing gives; + Whom none can love, whom none can thank, + Creation's blot, creation's blank. + + "But he who walks from day to day + In generous acts his radiant way, + Treads the same path his Saviour trod-- + The path to glory and to God." + +Now, having learned from this picture for whom the gospel is not +intended, let us learn for whom it is intended. Ah! how with a few bold +and simple strokes the whole matter is made plain. + + -------- + Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.--Mark 11:31. + -------- + +First, I notice that it is meant for sinners. "Behold a woman in the +city which was a sinner." Jesus "a friend of publicans and sinners." +That tells the story. "I came to call not the righteous, but sinners." +Some people find fault with the church because there are so many sinners +in the church. Just as well find fault with a hospital for having sick +people in it. Just as well find fault with the doctor for visiting +invalids. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; you are finding +fault with me for allowing this sinful woman to touch me. Let me tell +you, Simon, that it is just for this very purpose that I am come into +this world." "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, +that Christ came into the world to save sinners." He was the great +Physician and great physicians are those who have a specialty. This was +Christ's specialty--to save sinners. Who is this that forgiveth sins, +also? + + -------- + The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart.--1 Tim. + 1:5. + -------- + +Secondly, I learn from our Saviour's interpretation of this picture that +the gospel is for the very greatest of sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat +to say unto thee. There was a certain creditor who had two debtors," +etc. Our Saviour proceeds with an illustration which shows that this +woman was one of the greatest of sinners. She was ten times worse than +the average sinner, and yet she was more welcome to the Saviour than +this proud, self-righteous Pharisee. Oh, men and women! if you are in +this hall, feeling that you are unworthy to be here, your very unfitness +makes you fit. Draw nigh to this Saviour from sin and hear him say, "Thy +sins are forgiven; go in peace." Let no pharisaical Simon frighten you +away--the Saviour will give him the rebuke which he deserves and will +whisper into your ear words of pardon and of peace. + + -------- + Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown + it.--S. of S. 8:7. + -------- + +I learn from this picture which Christ interprets that the gospel is for +penitent sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; seest thou +this woman? She hath washed my feet with her tears." Oh, those were +precious tears in the sight of our Saviour. Every tear-drop was a jewel. +The breaking of the alabaster box of ointment was a sweet incense to +Jesus, but this ten-fold sinner bathing his very feet with her +penitential tears was a sight which made the angels in heaven rejoice, +"for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than +over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Simon despised +this woman's tears and sat unmoved at the pathetic scene--but not so +with Jesus. He could refrain himself no longer, but speaking out before +all the company he said, "Thy sins are forgiven." Oh, gracious words! +How sweet and soft must have been this music to the ears of this sinful +outcast. + + "They fall as soft as snow on the sea + And melt in the heart as instantly." + +Finally, I learn from this picture which Christ is interpreting for us +that the gospel is for sinners who commit themselves in implicit faith +to Christ. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." "Behold this +woman; you have done a great deal of talking--this poor woman has not +spoken a word--but behold how she has thrown herself upon my mercy with +unquestioning confidence! Do you think I will disappoint such trust as +that? She has heard me say, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise +cast out' and has taken me at my word, and I consider it an honor to +turn from thy company to the company of this sinful woman." + +And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." + + -------- + Without faith it is impossible to please God.--Hebrews 11:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, D.D. + +A Giant Against Unrighteousness] + + + + +CHAPTER FIVE + +THROWING OUT THE LIFE-LINE + +By Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D. + + +"Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world," "Let +your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and +glorify your Father which art in heaven."--Matt. 5:13, 14, 15. + +These sayings of Jesus from the sermon on the mount are quite +remarkable. No other teacher ever used such words to his disciples, "Ye +are the light of the world." Had the Jewish doctor of the law heard +these words of our Lord to his humble sun-tanned, bare-footed, +shaggy-browed fishermen, he would have been quite disgusted with what to +him would have seemed the consummate egotism of the Nazarene. + +The meaning of the words of Christ is very plain. The disciples, their +lives, character, spirit, the power of the Christ in them must, and +would, permeate society like salt, and purify and save from sin. They +must illuminate the world, so dark with vice, and show it the way back +to God. + + -------- + Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with + God.--Rom. 5:1. + -------- + +These words of Jesus to the disciples who sat before him that day, are +addressed by him to all of his followers for all time, to all of those +who trust him and gladly obey him (and only such are disciples). He +says, "Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world." +"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, +and glorify your Father which is in heaven." + + -------- + I have somewhat to say unto thee.--Luke 7:40. + -------- + +We must not forget that God's plan is to save the lost, through the +instrumentality of those who were themselves once lost, but are now +saved from sin. If we would have a great testimony meeting in the city +of the skies, and all of the countless hosts there should one by one +stand up to tell how they were brought from sin to Jesus, each one of +them would point out some person who had been the chief instrument in +his or her salvation. There is this one characteristic of all who are +truly saved--they desire the salvation of all souls. In fact, this is a +very good thermometer with which to get the correct temperature of one's +spiritual life. Does he long for the salvation of the lost? If so, in +the nature of things he must be in a state of salvation. Is he +indifferent to the condition of the lost? Then he is himself in a lost +state. Let us here impress the important truth that Jesus did not say to +his disciples, "Ye must try and salt the earth," but said, "Ye are the +salt of the earth." He did not say, "Ye shall kindle a flame that shall +illuminate the world." He said, "Ye are the light of the world." We are +not, as the disciples of Christ, to be makers of light and salt, but we, +by the power of Christ, must be made into salt and light. It will be +interesting to notice the processes through which one must pass in order +to become salt and light. Let us go back to the beginning of this sermon +of our Lord and we will hear him saying, "Blessed are the poor in +spirit." First of all to become salt and light one must be poor in +spirit; he must awake to the fact that he owes a million and has not one +cent with which to pay. From his heart he must say, + + -------- + "Nothing in my hands I bring, + Simply to thy cross I cling." + + Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit + within me.--Psalms 51:10 + -------- + +He must realize in his inmost soul his perilous condition, and pray from +the fullness of a deep conviction in his heart, "Lord save, or I +perish." Not only must he be poor in spirit, but our Lord says, "Blessed +are they that mourn." God loves to see the falling tears of sorrow for +sin against himself. Those that truly mourn because of their sins will +forsake them. How blessed for the returning prodigal to come with a +heart all full of deep contrition. They that mourn because of their sins +shall be comforted. After deep poverty of spirit and true mourning for +sin and the comforting of the soul by the pardoning mercy of God. Then +meekness will most certainly follow. + +Now, the soul comforted, born of God, sitting in meekness at the feet of +Jesus, will "hunger and thirst after righteousness." A dead man has no +appetite or desire for food, but a living one must eat. The soul that is +born of God will at once begin to hunger for Godlikeness. The cry of +such a soul is not so much for his blessings as it is for him. The +Psalmist says, "As the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so panteth +my soul for Thee, O God." Jesus says of such, "They shall be +filled"--filled with purity, love and peace; filled with the Holy Ghost; +filled with all the fulness of God. All such will be merciful, pure in +heart, peace-makers, and be sure that persecution will follow. This +world that hated and killed our Lord will not let his followers pass +through without persecutions. Of this we may be sure. + + -------- + Be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land.--Num. + 13:20. + -------- + +But with all these graces and past experiences herein named the +persecuted can rejoice and be exceedingly glad. And of such Jesus says, +"Ye are salt and light." Would the reader be salt and light? Then pass +through the program laid down in the sermon on the mount. One must be so +poor in spirit that he will be such a mourner, that he will receive such +comfort, that he will become so meek, that in him there will be such +hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that he will be so filled +with righteousness, that he will become so merciful and pure in heart, +that he will be such a peacemaker, that he will be so persecuted, that +he will so rejoice, that he will be salt and light, so shining that men +will see it and glorify our Father in heaven. It is folly to be striving +to do something before. By the grace of God and his divine power we are +ourselves made something. Make the tree good and the fruit will be good. +If by the power of the Holy Ghost we are made right it will be easy for +us to do right. Salt salts, and light shines without effort. So with +true disciples of our Christ. They cannot exist without proving a +blessing to those with whom they come in contact. + + -------- + Pray for them which despitefully use you.--Luke 6:28. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER SIX + +REFORMATION OF CRIMINALS + +[Louisville Times] + + +In a sermon delivered in the Nashville penitentiary, the Rev. George L. +Herr, formerly chaplain of the jail here, spoke encouragingly to the +inmates, citing cases of reformation where reform seemed impossible. The +Rev. Mr. Herr took occasion to pay a high tribute to Jailer John R. +Pflanz, of Louisville. He said in part: + + -------- + Repent ye therefore and be converted.--Acts 3:19. + -------- + +When I address you upon this subject I speak from the standpoint of one +who knows by bitter experience. I know that sin can rob man of fortune, +and all the luxuries of life. I know that it can rob him of the love of +all who ever loved him; I know that it can drag him down from a position +of prominence, and make him a habitue of the dives; I know that it will +cause him to place a rope around his neck and hang himself to a rafter +in his own barn; I know that sin will lead him to pause at the railing +of a bridge, his mind set upon the awful deed of self-destruction; I +know that it will tempt him to take a razor in hand and draw it across +his throat. I know that sin will reduce him from a position of +influence, a welcome visitor to the homes of the elite, to a degraded +drunkard, homeless upon the streets of his native city, robed in a short +linen duster and a straw hat in the dead of a bitter winter's night. + +[Illustration: REV. JOHN PAUL + +He gave the title to this book after reading the manuscript] + + +River Thief's Reformation. + +Jerry McAuley was a river thief, and, while serving a term in the +penitentiary, caught a glimpse of what the life beyond with Christ would +be, and the verse, "God so loved the world," etc, (John iii., 16), won +his heart and life, and this poor, weak vessel in the few years he +labored for Christ has planted the gospel light through some convert at +every port where a ship now lands throughout the world. + + +Case of Sam Hadley. + +Sam Hadley, who was saved through this man of God, was a poor friendless +drunkard, and at the time God spoke peace to his soul had committed +almost every crime in the calendar; over one hundred forgeries looked +him in the face when he confessed, but he had faith in God, and he led +him through all the dark valleys. Sam Hadley, was delivered. + + -------- + If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be + established.--Isa, 7:9. + -------- + +I met in the office of the prison every day the jailer, and I can +safely state, without any fear of contradiction, that I have never met a +warden or jailer who has such mercy and charity. + + +A Jail "Miracle." + +I shall speak now of a miracle of the prison cell. Several years ago the +great D. L. Moody was holding meetings in St. Louis, Mo. The Globe +Democrat announced that it was going to publish Mr. Moody's sermons. He +made up his mind that he would weave in plenty of Scripture for the +newspaper to carry into places that he could never enter. One night he +preached on the Philippian jailer, and next morning the paper came out +with a sensational headline, "How the Jailer of Philippi Was Caught." A +copy of the paper was carried into the city jail, and fell into the +hands of a notorious prisoner. This man was one of the worst characters +known to the St. Louis police. He was about forty years old at that +time, and had spent about twenty years in prison, and was then awaiting +trial on a serious charge. As he glanced over the morning paper, the +headline caught his eyes. Thinking that it was some jail news he began +to read it. + + -------- + This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our + faith,--1 John 5:4. + -------- + +God used it to convict him, and a sense of his responsibility before +God rushed upon him. There in his cell at midnight he prayed for the +first time in his life. On the following Sunday he talked with Christian +friends who held service in the jail, and was led into the light of the +gospel. From that night he was a changed man. The sheriff thought he was +playing the "pious dodge," and had no confidence in his professed +conversion. But when he came to trial the case against him was not +pressed, and he escaped through some technicality. + +[Illustration: DWIGHT L. MOODY + +Who sent the Gospel through the daily press that fell into the hands of +Valentine Burke. He was always interested in the lost man.] + + +Unexpected Good Fortune. + +For some months after his release Burke tried to find work, but no one +would take him, knowing his past history. He thought perhaps it was +because of his ugly face. He went to New York and was taken in by a +member of the police force, who knew him, and who told him he would +shoot him dead if he abused his confidence. + +Being unsuccessful in New York, he returned to St. Louis. One day this +man who had realized what the "enemy" had done for his life received a +message from the sheriff that he was wanted at the courthouse. He obeyed +with a heavy heart. + + -------- + Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver + thee.--Dan. 16:6. + -------- + +"Some old case they've got against me," he said, "but if I'm guilty I'll +tell them so; I've quit lying." The sheriff greeted him kindly. + +"Where have you been Burke?" + +"In New York." + +"What have you been doing there?" + +"Trying to find an honest job." + +"Have you kept a good grip on the religion you told me about?" inquired +the sheriff. + +"Yes," answered Burke; "I've had a hard time, sheriff, but I haven't +lost my religion." + +"Burke," said the sheriff, "I have had you shadowed ever since you left +jail. I suspected your religion was a fraud, but I am convinced that you +are sincere, as you have lived an honest life, and I have sent for you +to offer you a deputyship under me. You can begin at once." + + -------- + Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him + stand.--Rom. 14:4. + -------- + + +Tribute to Burke's Honesty. + +This was in 1880. When Mr. Moody was preaching in Chicago in 1890, +Burke, who had not been off duty for the ten years, came to see him. +During all that time there had been many changes in the administration +of the sheriff's office, and they had changed every deputy but him. +Finally they appointed the ex-convict treasurer of the sheriff's +office. Mr. Moody preached in St. Louis again in 1895. A short time +before his visit an evangelist was called away in the middle of the +revival meetings. The committee wanted Burke to come and preach in his +absence, but the sheriff said he had just levied on a jeweler's store +and had not had time to take an inventory, and Burke was the man he +could trust to put in charge of it. + +[Illustration: VALENTINE BURKE + +Fac-simile of photograph taken for the Rogues' Gallery.] + +[Illustration: VALENTINE BURKE + +From a photograph taken in 1887, seven years after his conversion] + +He was held in such confidence by the police that they did a most +unusual thing; they gave him a photograph they had of him in the Rogue's +Gallery. He had his photograph taken again in 1887, and in sending a +copy of this along with the original Rogue's Gallery photograph, to Mr. +T. S. McPheeters of St. Louis, to show the change in his features, Burke +wrote a note: + +"Notice the difference in the inclosed pictures. See what our holy +religion can do for the chief of sinners." On the back of the Rogue's +Gallery photograph he wrote: + +"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of +the dunghill, that he may set him with the princes, even with the +princes of his people." (Ps. cxiii, 7, 8.) + + -------- + Buy the truth and sell it not, also wisdom and + instruction.--Prov. 23:23. + -------- + +This incident shows what the grace of God can do for a hardened sinner. +Not only can it save him, but it can keep him. Valentine Burke lived an +active, consistent Christian life in the position until God called him +home in 1895. + + +Visit to Nashville, Tenn., Prison + +Mrs. Wilburn, of Nashville, writes of Mr. Herr's visit to the Nashville +prison as follows: It was my great pleasure as we reached the door to +find Brother Herr, of Louisville, Ky., awaiting admission. It was +raining, cold and dreary without, but he carried sunshine on the inside +of the prison to the sad prisoners. The large chapel was filled with +eager listeners and he received a most hearty welcome and all were +delighted to see their true friend Brother Herr. It was indeed a sight +to make angels rejoice to see how eagerly they drank in every word. I +believe many darkened lives from whom all hope had fled were encouraged +once more to look up. Hundreds of faces grew brighter as he told with +burning words how God had saved convicts steeped in many crimes, causing +judges in different states to set them free; when they were told that +Jesus had blotted out their past and made new men of them. At the close +of his sermon Brother Herr asked all who would pray when alone in their +cells that Christ would save them too from the power of sin, and +transform their lives as He had others, to hold up their hands; as quick +as a flash hundreds of hands white and colored were raised above their +heads and, oh, how our hearts rejoiced as we saw the hope in so many +lives. We are looking to God who giveth the increase to bless the seed +sown in those sad hearts, and earnestly pray that when the great harvest +day comes many of these men may testify that the sunshine of God's great +love entered their hearts on that dark dreary day in December. + + -------- + Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.--Isa. 52:11. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER SEVEN + +DOES PRISON WORK PAY? + + +Who will ever know the vast number that attribute the first impulse to a +better life, formed while in the seclusion of a prison cell--alone with +God. + +The world will never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon +themselves, have learned the great secret that it takes an _Omnipotent +Power_ to change the current of their lives, and give them deliverance +from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth not to live a new +purpose, but a new life. + +Many of these unfortunate ones, not remaining criminals from choice, but +because they have never known there was an antidote provided for the +deepest-dyed criminals, "a scarlet atonement for a scarlet sin," whereby +the power of evil possessing them could be eradicated from their lives, +and they no longer victims. While some do not seemingly heed the kindly +admonition given, yet we believe the promise of God will be fulfilled, +that "His word will not return void," and some time--somewhere--the +fruition of their hopes will be realized. + + -------- + Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand + against the wiles of the devil.--Eph. 6:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE COL. MAT. RAGLAND + +Who aided the Author in securing a pardon from Gov. Beckham for a young +man who is now at the head of a great firm] + +If Mr. A. could speak for himself when 14 years ago he bowed in his cell +as a poor forlorn sinner, and surrendered himself to God, and has since +been testifying of his saving grace; Mr. B., after leading a criminal +life for years, but when touched by the mighty power of God, came forth +to become a preacher of the gospel, and has since been magnifying the +grace that brought his deliverance; Mr. C., a desponding infidel, +persuaded to believe there was efficacy in prayer, and in the atoning +blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; if the multitude of witnesses who have +been saved through the faithfulness of prison workers were known, the +verdict would be--_it pays_. + + Louisville, Ky., February 15, 1912. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +When you handed me your little book "Lost and is Found" I had no idea +what a treasure you were placing in my hands. Undisturbed in my cell +tonight I read it through and wished for more. I read it the second and +third time, and your sermon so impressed me I read it the fourth time, + + -------- + Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues + of life.--Proverbs 4:23. + -------- + +Before I wandered away from my mother's teaching and fell into my awful +sin and disgrace, I had heard many sermons on the "Prodigal Son," but +none that in such a convincing way drives home the awfulness of sin as +does your description of this, to me, the dearest of Christ's parables. + +What I like about you most in all your talks with the prisoners is this, +you never show a man how bad he is or how low he has fallen without +showing him how good he can become or how high he may rise, and it's +always in a way that appeals to the heart of the man. + +God grant that while under your influence and in the knowledge of "your +way back to Christ" I and many of the lost ones within the prison may be +able to throw off the shackles of sin and return to our Father's love. + +Your noble work among fallen men will never be known in its entirety in +this world, but in that to come God will surely number you among those +who have brought unto him a great harvest of precious souls. + +May God bless you and your dear Christian wife in uplifting the fallen +ones, is the earnest prayer of one who desires your influence over the +remainder of his life. + + Yours for a better life, + CURTIS. + + -------- + My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregation I will + bless the Lord.--Psalm 26:12. + -------- + + Louisville, Ky., Dec. 26, 1911. + + Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + Jefferson County Jail. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +I want to thank you for the Christmas service which you held in the +chapel yesterday afternoon. + +I was greatly helped in my own spirit and I was profoundly impressed +with the very evident influence of the occasion and your address upon +the hearts and spirits of all the other prisoners. + +May God richly reward you in your labors of love for these people. + + Faithfully yours, + HENRY. + + +The Work of a Prison Evangelist + +By Geo. Wm. Wood + +[From the Courier-Journal Nov. 17, 1912] + +To the right-thinking man there can be but one answer to the question, +does the work of an evangelist pay? As well might we ask does the +beautiful life of a true Christian pay? As well might we ask the farmer, +as he carefully tills the soil and sows the seed and labors to +cultivate the grain, does it pay? What answer would you expect from the +shrewd business man of today should you ask him the question does it +pay, when he labors and advises to keep down expenses. He would promptly +answer in the affirmative. Let us bring the question closer home. Ask +the prisoner behind the bars, does it pay to respect the law? He will +answer yes. So for the question does the work of an evangelist pay +behind prison bars there can be but one answer--yes. + + -------- + Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly.--1 + Ch. 19:13. + -------- + +Sitting tonight in our lonesome cell, bounded on three sides by blank +and barren walls of steel, through our two-by-six door, constructed of +massive bars of iron, there comes to us the conversation of our fellow +prisoners, as with head pressed close against the bars to catch the +other fellow's words, we listen to the talk of the men "committed for +crime"--men strong and healthy, who should be engaged in some honest +labor, but, instead, are "doing time" for a broken law. We had no idea +of the meaning of the words "doing time" until being placed behind these +bars, we took up the daily life of a prisoner, and with nothing but +"time" to look to, began the task of trying to be contented. We believe +from our own past ideas of prison life that very few of the outside +world have any conception of what the prisoner's life really is, or +what it means to be sentenced to a term in prison. + + -------- + No good thing will he withhold from them that walk + uprightly.--Psalm 84:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY. + +Members of the International Prison Congress pronounced this prison the +model jail of the world.] + + +Judge Does Not Understand. + +The judge who pronounces sentence upon the evil and unfortunate knows as +little of the meaning of the terms he uses in meting out punishment as +the mail clerk knows of the contents of the letters he handles at his +daily task. "Danger" conveys but little meaning to the mind of the +engineer who has never had a wreck. By the standard of freedom, a day in +prison is a year, and it is only those who mingle daily in our midst can +talk to the "man behind the bars," who can have a fair idea of what the +prisoner suffers daily in "doing time." The world that lies beneath the +bars is a strange world to the average citizen, the citizen blessed with +average good fortune. Prison life is a queer and twisted one, and a law +to itself. + + -------- + Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of + Christ--Ph. 1:27. + -------- + +But to return to the prisoners' conversation, of which we spoke. +Vile--yes, dear reader, this word does not convey to you the full +measure within the writer's mind. At times it seems that some have sunk +so low that all conception of honor and truth have passed entirely away. +No reverence whatever for such words as "mother, home or heaven" left +within their minds, for they are rendered entirely void of good thoughts +or honest ideas, having been so long filled with the one thought--crime. + + +Prison Record for Life. + +Men who started on their "career of crime" as mere boys, with years of +youth spent in reform schools only to be developed into men of crime, +have prison records to follow them through life. Many of these men feel +that they have lost all hope of any but the criminal's life. Many of +them have been forsaken by family and friends. So to the man or woman +who is at all interested in the uplift of his fellow man, can you think +of any field where the labor of an evangelist is more needed than it is +among the men we have attempted to describe to you? + + -------- + Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong--1 + Corinthians 16:13. + -------- + +Then there is the paramount reason why the evangelist is needed. Men who +would not on the outside of prison give one minute of their time to +listen to the evangelist as he tried to persuade them to take a new +lease on life let him engage their attention by the hour as he shows +them the error of their way and points them to a better life. There are +those that listen to his talk and turn away in scorn to ridicule his +teaching. But as the days follow on, and the newness of the prison life +begins to wear away, they listen with more respect to the "man of God." + +[Illustration: THE LATE HON. J. C. BOHART + +of Chicago, one of the Author's main supporters while living in Chicago, +Ill.] + +We have seen men behind the bars who never before bent their knee in +prayer. After listening to the evangelist's story of God and his love, +they go to their cells, and upon bended knees, beg for mercy and help. + +Brother George L. Herr has taken the word of the Master into many of the +prisons of the United States, but the jails and penitentiaries of his +native State of Kentucky have claimed much of his time and attention. We +must confess when first coming in contact with him, our feeling against +him was bitter, we did not want his friendship nor his help, only +because we were angered by his denouncing our pet sins. But as days +lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months, the truth of his kindly +spoken words came home to us. Life was stripped of all its so-called +pleasure, with nothing but its disgrace and shame left to mock us, +having sold out to the "demon of crime." + + -------- + Why art thou cast down? Hope thou in God.--Psalm 42:5. + -------- + +Then we began to feel the need of his wise counsel and to realize the +good of having him among us. He was always ready and willing to help +each and every man, not only with advice and counsel, but in so many +substantial ways, trying to lighten the prisoner's burden and make his +life better and brighter. + +He has also devoted part of his time to writing books. Those we call to +mind are "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoners," "The Life +Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The Missionary," "The +Bethel," "Lost and is Found," "A Glorious Rescue," and his new book, +"The Nation Behind Prison Bars," soon to be brought out. Hundreds of +thousands of these books have been sent broadcast over the world, and +through them great good has been accomplished. Well might he be called +the "Prisoner's Friend," for his desire to aid each and every man gives +to him this well-earned title. + +Full of generosity, kind far beyond the ordinary meaning of the word, +always ready to forgive the aggressor and to forget the offense, he wins +his way into the hearts of wicked and violent men in a manner that makes +them his lasting friends, and turns their words of condemnation into +words of praise. + + -------- + He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that + believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God + abideth on him.--John 3:36. + -------- + +We fancy, as we write tonight, while, for the moment, the stillness of +death has fallen upon the entire prison, we can hear his voice, as it +rings out in righteous indignation, through the prison corridors, +calling some man to account for his vile language or his taking in vain +the name of God. + + +Works Without Pay. + +If you were to ask a prisoner to what church Brother Herr belongs he +would no doubt plead ignorance, as no faith nor creed is known in his +work among the men. He makes no distinction between chapel-goers and +non-attendants, and will do a favor for the worst man in prison as +readily as for the leader of the chapel quartet; but ask the same +prisoner, "Who is it that speaks to judge and the warden about the sick +mother who longs to see her imprisoned son before she dies? Ask him. + +Who pleads with the Governor? + +Who tries to soften the heart of the prosecutor? + +Who provides shoes and clothing for the poor prisoners? + +What unpaid messenger runs the errands of the prisoners? + +Who reconciles the erring son in prison with his mother and father? + +He will answer, "Brother Herr." + + -------- + I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.--Psalm 101:2. + -------- + +Now, the average prisoner may be deficient in the matter of mental +balance, but he is not an imbecile. He is a better judge of character +and a keener observer than the more honest and commonplace fellow man. +By the same keen powers of observation that belong to the criminal type, +he notes that Brother Herr differs from many other prison evangelists, +for he helps without asking questions. He has no theory or dogma to +exploit, and he labors for the uplift of humanity. + + +Tribute to Jailer. + +Much that we have written of this great work was made possible by Jailer +John R. Pflanz, who for the past twelve years has been at the head of +the Jefferson County jail. He is constantly laboring to better the +conditions of the prisoners and give to the people an honest +administration and progressive system of prison management. + +To him Louisville and Jefferson County owe a great deal for the good +work accomplished among the criminals. Brother Herr says: + + -------- + Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.--2 Ch. + 19:11. + -------- + +"If such men as John R. Pflanz, of Louisville; John L. Whittman, of +Chicago; Co. E. E. Mudd, of Frankfort, and Col. Dan Bartley, of +Cincinnati, were placed in office for life the criminal world would +greatly decrease every year, instead of being on the increase." + +[Illustration: HON. JOHN R. PFLANZ + +Jailer of Jefferson County. A friend of the unfortunate.] + +We have never heard of any prisoner complain of unjust treatment by him, +but on the other hand, many are the unfortunate men who leave this +prison to take their places in business again, because of assistance +given them by Mr. Pflanz. + +His regular rounds through the entire prison are always hailed with +delight by the prisoners, as he is ever ready to hear their complaints +and remedy any existing evil. He listens to all the appeals for help by +the prisoners and leaves no unfulfilled promises. + +His personal inspection of the "cell-house" and inquiries about the +health and general welfare of all the prisoners, make him always a +welcome visitor among the men. + +Mr. Pflanz's desire to change the criminal into a respected citizen and +the assistance he gives to bring about this result proves his thorough +understanding, brought about by years of study and personal contact, of +how to deal with this class of our citizenship. + + -------- + Be strong and of a good courage; for the Lord thy God is with + thee whithersoever thou goest.--Joshua 1:9. + -------- + + +Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner + +[Louisville Herald] + +Henry E. Youtsey, sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary for +his complicity in the murder of Governor Goebel, and at the present time +the most distinguished prisoner confined behind the cold, gray walls of +the State prison at Frankfort, has at last "got religion." + +The man who has succeeded in reaching the heart of this man whose name +emblazened the front pages of newspapers from coast to coast almost ten +years ago, is the Louisville prison evangelist, the Rev. George L. Herr. +The medium he employed was a little pamphlet containing the simple story +of the reformation of one Dad O'Brien, an erstwhile scalawag who was +finally converted to a new life. + + -------- + As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our + transgressions from us.--Psalm 103:11. + -------- + +Rev. Herr, who has carried the gospel into the cells of many a poor, +crime-stained wretch, not only here in Louisville, but in every +prison-house in the country and has accomplished a great amount of good +among the outcasts of society, recently received a letter dated October +16, 1909, which reads: + +"I am delighted to learn that you visited all the cells today and left +in each one the tract, 'How Dad O'Brien Became Converted.' I have read +it, and it is simply an additional evidence of a truth that has long +been known to sincere evangelists like yourself to the effect that no +matter how hardened and steeped in sin a poor fellow may be, the love of +God can win him and Jesus can save him, and he can start life anew, +singing praises to his Redeemer, and winning the lives of his old +companions for the Master. I believe that the happiness of O'Brien's +latter years more than made up for all he suffered--for he enjoyed a +portion of the most glorious life that could be lived here below. When +you get into heaven, as you surely will, Dad O'Brien will be the +brightest star in your crown. Yours most sincerely, + + HENRY E. YOUTSEY." + + +Practical Religious Work in County Jail + +Dear Brother Herr: + +Whenever I think of my confinement in the Louisville jail, a picture +arises before me in which I can clearly see in the main corridor in the +building, down the center of which extended a long table covered with a +snowy cloth, and then in charge of the Hon. John R. Pflanz, than whom +there never was a kinder-hearted jailer in all the world. + + -------- + Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and + I will receive you.--2 Cor. 6:12. + -------- + +But that table and its delicious burden: Turkey after turkey, four of +which weighed more than twenty-five pounds each, with all the trimmings, +including dressing, cranberry sauce, etc. There were oysters fried, and +oyster soup, with crackers and celery. And what an array of cakes! As I +remember, there were chocolate and caramel, layer and black ones, in +short, almost every kind of cakes and pies known to the culinary art. +Then there were bushels of oranges, apples and mixed nuts, and for a +time all of us forgot about stone walls and iron bars, for what a merry +time we did have discussing that repast! + + -------- + For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, + that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have + everlasting life.--John 3:16. + -------- + +Whence came all of those good things? Why, the little man who has so +often walked a square or two further in the rain to buy one banana more +for a nickel for some poor prisoner, and who has worn out more +shoe-leather in helping unfortunate men in durance vile than any other +man in Kentucky: the Rev. Geo. L. Herr, affectionately called "The +Little Missionary," made personal calls on the wealthy and charitable +merchants in the city of Louisville, soliciting this food and dinner in +the name of humanity, and may God richly bless all those who helped him +make it such a grand success. + + HENRY E. YOUTSEY. + + +Praise for Prison Evangelist + +[Courier-Journal] + +To the tributes that have been paid to the Rev. George Herr, after +filling the pulpit of the Clifton Baptist church, of Louisville, the +Rev. James A. Clark yesterday added a testimonial, in which he praised +the prison evangelist for work which he considers "little short of +wonderful." + +"It gives me pleasure to add my testimonial to the many I have seen +concerning the work of the Rev. George Herr as prison evangelist," says +the Clifton Baptist church pastor. "Three times I have heard him tell +the simple gospel story of Jesus and his love. He has a message few +preachers have, and tells it with power and effect. He has a message the +world needs to hear, because it is an example of the power of God to +save to the uttermost. + + -------- + My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.--Prov. 1:10. + -------- + +"Mr. Herr has had a wonderful, but costly experience, which fits him +peculiarly for the special work among prisoners. From a wealthy man, +living in a mansion, sin blindly led him to poverty, robbed him of his +money, property and friends; but God came into his life and now he +rejoices that he is a child of the King. + +"George Herr is doing a work little short of wonderful. He deserves the +co-operation of the Christian brotherhood, and I take pleasure in +commending him." + + +Sermon in State Prison + +Rev. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, says in the Courier-Journal: + +One of the most remarkable meetings in the annals of the prison was held +in the chapel of the penitentiary at Frankfort, Ky., Sunday morning. +George L. Herr, of Louisville, a friend of Chaplain Severance, was +present and spoke from the fourth and twelfth verses of the 103rd Psalm. +The sermon was a strong appeal to the men for gratitude to God for the +rich provision for the redemption of the race and urging them to accept +the mercy of God and allow him to remove their sins from them "as far +as the East is from the West." The chapel was crowded to the doors, and +during the sermon that lasted for an hoar no one moved and none went +out. + + -------- + My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped.--Psalm + 73:2. + -------- + +At the close of the sermon the gospel invitation was given and a total +of forty-two men came forward, some to confess faith in Christ (of these +there were thirty-seven) and others to renew their vows. Hundreds asked +for prayer in their behalf. Among those who came were some of the +hardest men in the prison and more noted for insubordination and +disobedience than for piety and morality. + +But the Chaplain believes that the per cent. of those who remain true is +as great among prisoners as among those outside. + +Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is a man of large +sympathy, and having had an experience of fifteen years as an evangelist +knows how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire confidence +of both prisoners and officials and is always given a most hearty +welcome by all. + +The baptism of the thirty-seven men who made confession Sunday will be +attended to next Sunday morning. Mr. Herr will return to the baptism. + + -------- + Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my + brethren, ye have done it unto me.--Matt. 25:40. + -------- + + +Revival Stirs Up Inmates + +[Courier-Journal] + +The Rev. George L. Herr preached yesterday at the Frankfort penitentiary +for the Rev. Joseph Severance, who was filling another engagement. +Several hundred men and women asked for prayer, and fourteen confessed +Christ and were baptized in the prison pool in the afternoon by the +chaplain, assisted by the Rev. C. R. Hudson and the Rev. Herr, prison +evangelist. + + * * * * * + +The prisoners in the Frankfort penitentiary were again blessed by a +visit from Bro. Geo. L. Herr, the Louisville prison evangelist, who came +unexpectedly to us. It was doubly fortunate, for the reason that Bro. +Jos. Severance, the chaplain, was absent from the city and therefore +could not fill his appointment. + + -------- + He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth + not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the + name of the only begotten Son of God.--John 3:18. + -------- + +Bro. Herr read that most beautiful 37th Psalm, which is replete with +comfort for those who are in dire distress and in need of consolation, +placing special emphasis on those passages which teach patience and +faith in "The God who is mighty to save and strong to deliver." + +Bro. Herr never fails to extend the invitation of the gospel; in fact, +that is his strong point, and is recognized by him to be the most +important part of his work as an evangelist. His labor was rewarded, as +he won eight souls for our Lord and Saviour. + +The following representatives, members of the present General Assembly, +were present at the morning services: W. H. Jones, Princeton, Ky.; John +T. Shanklin, Johnson, Ky.; W. A. B. Davis, Mt. Vernon, Ky.; Albert +Butler. These gentlemen have been coming regularly, which proves that +they are interested in our welfare, and also devoted to the church +services. We are always proud of their presence, and invite all their +colleagues. + +At the afternoon Christian Endeavor service, Bro. Herr made an +extemporaneous address in which he revealed the secret of his wonderful +success as a soul-winner, which the writer would call unlimited charity, +and inexhaustible brotherly love; the love that always instantly +forgives, and as quickly extends a hand to help a fallen brother rise. + +The eulogy he paid his wife, whom he acknowledged to be the inspiration +to his life, was most beautiful. At this service he won five more souls +for his hire, making thirteen for the day. HENRY E. YOUTSEY. + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHT + +A MAN OF HONOR + + +For several years I have been deeply interested in the men confined in +the prison, and in the betterment of their condition. Each time I held +service in the prison I came in contact with, and was very much +encouraged and assisted by the warden's great kindness. He did much to +improve the conditions of life within the prison walls. G. L. H. + + * * * * * + +[Evening Post.] + +FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 23.--The body of Edward E. Mudd, late warden of the +Frankfort State Reformatory, who died yesterday morning, was taken this +morning to his former home at Glendale, in Hardin County, where it will +be buried this afternoon. + +Yesterday afternoon the body lay in state in the prison chapel and was +viewed by 1,300 convicts. + + -------- + My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.--Prov. 1:10. + -------- + +Five floral designs were sent from the penitentiary. The guards and the +deputy wardens and the clerks sent two, a few of the "trusties" sent +another, and the white prisoners and the colored prisoners each sent a +design. These latter were paid for in 5 and 10-cent contributions. + +The Prison Commission, which is in session, ordered flowers sent from +Louisville, and adopted the following resolution: + +"Resolved, That in the death of Edward E. Mudd, warden of the State +Reformatory at Frankfort, the State of Kentucky has lost a valuable +public official, and the prison has been deprived of an ideal executive. + +"His long experience in prison work had supplemented his natural +ability, with the result that he brought to a difficult task a trained +mind and an admirable judgment. He was firm without being severe; gentle +without being weak; with a heart full of kindness for the unfortunates +under his control. + +"The Board of Prison Commissioners recognized his worth; had the fullest +appreciation of his manliness, his integrity and his devotion to duty. +They sought his advice on all important matters, and in his demise they +realize that the State has sustained an irreparable loss. The sincere +sympathy of the board is hereby extended to his bereaved wife and +children." + +Until a successor to Warden Mudd is appointed one of the commissioners +will be constantly in Frankfort. + + -------- + Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.--Jno. 8:11. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER NINE + +JIM O'BRIEN: MODERN MIRACLE + +By George L. Herr + + +Several years ago I met in the Jefferson County jail, Louisville, Ky., +"Dad O'Brien," one of the worst criminals I have ever known. Fifty odd +years of age, forty years a thief and twenty-five years behind the bars. +The sentence in the jail was a light one--one year and a half--for +having received stolen property, but he had stolen from one to tens of +thousands. He was son of a prominent physician of Cincinnati, for twenty +years professor of anatomy in the Ohio Medical College. He began by +stealing from his mother's purse and then, when punished by his father, +would steal his father's instruments and sell them for revenge. His +father, being a very stern man, drove "Billy" from home, and the night +came on with no place to go. + + -------- + Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and + believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall + not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto + life.--John 5:24. + -------- + +He led a low, degraded life, and was finally arrested and sentenced to +serve ten years in the Columbus penitentiary. When he was about to serve +his first sentence--which seemed to him a lifetime--a young lady, an old +schoolmate and who had been visiting him in jail, proposed marriage to +him, so she could have the right to visit him in Columbus and provide +him with the comforts of life, as far as possible. She was a girl of +means, and he was stunned by the proposal. For, he said, he had not +thought of such a thing as a wife. But he told her to come back the next +day and he would let her know. She did, and he accepted and they were +married on the eve of his leaving for the penitentiary. He only served +part of the sentence, and when released went to the home of the girl and +began life in a new way, only to fall in the old rut in a short time. He +kept up his criminal life for years. + + -------- + "But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them + snared in holes, are for a prey, and none delivereth: for a + spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to + this? Who will harken and hear for the time to come?"--Isaiah + 42:22. + -------- + +The good wife died, and after her death he became one of the most +notorious bank robbers in this country. While in the county jail at +Louisville, Ky., Dad's friends were standing nobly by him. He had plenty +of money sewed in his clothes to meet his every need. I tried hard to +reach him, but he was determined not to have anything to do with a "Sky +Pilot," as he called me. The first time I spoke to him he almost spit in +my face, but that never daunted me. I was more determined to win him. I +saw he was a diamond in the rough. He had a bright mind, a man filled +with history. + +While in prison in Louisville, Ky., he became interested, and determined +to quit the old life. After this determination he immediately wrote his +intentions to his old pals on the outside, and told them not to send him +any more money, for he was done with that life. They told him he was a +fool and had gone crazy, and everything else they could think of. + +But he was that kind, when he made up his mind to do a thing he did it. + + -------- + The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our + refuge.--Psalm 46:7. + -------- + +Then it was my opportunity for the practical side of Christianity, for I +believe in that side. His clean laundry must be supplied, extra food +that his old companions had been having sent in from the restaurants +must now be brought by the missionary from home. Many are the baskets of +food I have carried from my cottage home to this man. But the time was +coming when he was to be released and nowhere to go, and that was the +thing that seemed to trouble him most. + +I said: "Never mind, 'Dad,' when you get out of this prison-house come +to my home, I'll take care of you and help you to a good life." Well, +one night, at about 8 o'clock he knocked on the door. How glad wife and +I were to see him! He often said, "How warm the fire looks and how +home-like to see you all sitting around." We gave him a good warm +supper, a good bed, the best room in the house, but that was not all he +needed. The next day was the beginning of the real battle. The +detectives were hounding him. But to keep them from rearresting him we +sent him across the river until we could plead with the officers to give +this man another chance. We believe had it not been for the great +interest taken by John R. Pflanz, the jailer, at this time for this man, +that he would have died in a cell in some far Eastern prison. He said, +"What's the use? Let me alone; there is only one thing for me and that +is to go back to the old life." We said, "'D,' we'll see you through." + + -------- + I know not how to go.--1 Kings 3:7. + -------- + +All this time we were trying to find employment for him. All this time +he was growing impatient and would say: "A great big husky fellow like +me laying around on a little man like Brother Herr." He weighed about +190 pounds, but we would encourage him by saying, "Well, Dad, you know +God's people have all things in common, and he knows you are here, and +when he sends to us he sends it for you as well." + +One day when we were talking, he said: "Brother Herr, those old charges +in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and New York are hanging +over me and I must face them." + +We said, "Well, Dad, if you have made up your mind you would rather live +for God behind the bars than to live for the devil on the outside or the +inside, God will see you through. Go and face these charges, and if you +mean business, God will take care of you." + + -------- + I will guide thee.--Ps. 32:8. + -------- + +He went first to St. Louis and told the judge on the bench that he had +quit the old life forever. They looked at him, and even those who were +his bitter enemies, said, "Give him another chance; go and be a man and +we will help you." He came back to our home from St. Louis, stayed a few +weeks and started for the other charges, encouraged by the last trip. He +went to Chicago first, and they told him the same thing there; then he +went to Cincinnati, then to Pittsburg, and they said, "Dad, if you mean +business you shall have a chance." Then he went to New York where he +and three other men had robbed a bank of $175,000. When he went in to +see the New York people they did not know him. He had been living a +Christian life for several months. Salvation changes the looks of a man, +and takes away the hard lines and softens the eye; and when he told them +who he was, they said: "My God! where did you come from and what are you +doing here?" + +He told these gentlemen what had taken place in his life, and of his +determination for the future. Said one wealthy man, "Well, Dad, go on +your way and may God be with you and help you." + + -------- + Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy + God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.--Is. 41:10. + -------- + +He went on a hunt for the old friend "Hinky Dink" down in the first +ward. "Hinky Dink" saw him, paid for a week's lodging at the Mills +Hotel, and gave him money for meals each day. Finally one day "Hinky +Dink" and Dad, standing in the front of his (Hinky Dink's) saloon, +called "the workingmen's bar," where they line up by the fifties at a +time, looking in, "Hinky Dink" said, "Dad, you are worth $18 a week to +me behind that bar." Dad said, "Me? Not me for $1,800 a week. I am a +Christian, I have quit all that, never to return again." "Hinky Dink" +said: "Well, what do you want, anyhow?" Dad said: "I want to go to +Cincinnati to the Holiness camp meeting." "Hinky Dink" said, "Where?" +(this being all Greek to him), as it was not in his line, he knew. + +"Dad" repeated what he had said, and "Hinky Dink" said: "Come right over +here and I'll buy you a ticket." He took him over to the railroad +office, and bought him a limited ticket to Cincinnati. Dad said, when +telling us, "He thought he was shipping me in the quickest way possible, +but it was the Lord taking care of 'Old Dad,' and sending him in +first-class style." + +Again he came back to our home, stayed several weeks, then we got him +$20 worth of religious books to travel around to the camp meetings to +sell, and to tell his experience, for the people were eager to hear this +wonderful experience of God's transforming power, wherever he went. We +started him off, and he soon felt his call to preach the gospel. He was +ordained in Indianapolis in 1905, and preached up and down the land, +winning lost men and women for Jesus. His life was a miracle of what +God's grace can do. He married a fine Christian woman, who was a great +help to him in his work. + +In the fall of 1908 he died a triumphant death, leaving a glorious +testimony behind. + + +Jim O'Brien Passes Away + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Indianapolis Herald an +editorial by the Rev. George E. Bueler, pastor of the Methodist +Episcopal church, Indianapolis, Ind.: + +"The Rev. William H. Frazier, alias Jim O'Brien," died at Indianapolis +on Monday, October 30, 1908. + +"At an early age Frazier began associating with bad boys on the streets +of Cincinnati and of course was soon drawn into sin. At the age of 14 he +began stealing, at first on a small scale, and increasing with the years +until he became one of the most daring and successful bank robbers known +in America. He was arrested and in prison many times, but when at +liberty he drifted back into crime again. For forty years he was a +criminal; of that time twenty-three years and six months was spent +behind prison bars. Although he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars +he was released from prison the last time in Louisville with only $2.40 +left. What wages for forty years in the service of Satan! While +incarcerated in the Jefferson County jail, at Louisville, Ky., +Missionary George L. Herr found this wretched man and through many +months of persistent effort found a way to his heart. At first the +missionary was met with curses and abuses, but love conquered, and the +result was Jim's conversion, a miracle indeed, for, from that time in +January, 1903, "Dad," as he was known, lived a godly life and retrieved +for the past by telling everywhere he went his life story, showing forth +the glory of God's redeeming grace. No one knew better than Bro. Frazier +what it meant for a man to be released from prison and again face the +world. With the disgrace and odium upon him it is well nigh impossible +for him to find honest employment, for no one knowing him to be an +exconvict wants him in their employ, the temptation to return to the old +life is strong. With this in view he began making homes for such men in +large cities. While Bro. Frazier was working and starting a home in +Cincinnati he was made prison chaplain for the entire city. During the +past summer he and his wife came to Indianapolis. While here his +physical condition gave way; he knew his end was near. To those who +waited on him in his last hours he constantly affirmed his faith in God +and passed peacefully away. The funeral was conducted by the Revs. +Parker, Stevens and Bueler, with special singing by Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. +Bueler and Mrs. Nelson. All who want a more complete account of this +wonderful life should read his book, "From Crime to Christ." + + + + +CHAPTER TEN + +COLUMBUS OHIO PRISON + +[Ohio Penitentiary News] + + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, returned yesterday from St. +Louis, where he went in the interest of the men "behind the bars." The +Rev. Mr. Herr also had a delightful visit with his son, of St. Louis. +Mr. Herr, on his return home, received the following letter from the +Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at Columbus, O., penitentiary: + +Dear Brother: I thank you for your letter informing me that you will +spend Sunday, March 8, with us at this prison. We intend to make good +use of you for the Master's cause. We will wish you, unless it will +weary you to do so, to speak to our Sunday-school at 8 o'clock; address +the prayer meeting at 9 o'clock; preach in chapel at 10 o'clock; attend +Female Bible class and talk at 3 p.m., and men's Bible class at 7 p.m. + + * * * * * + + -------- + "I was in prison, and ye came unto me."--Matt. 25:36. + -------- + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Ohio Penitentiary News +an editorial by the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at the Columbus, +O., prison: + +"The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in our chapel last +Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of +life lead through a labyrinth that would require a half century of years +to make its journey at an ordinary pace. But George L. Herr is not the +man to do anything in an ordinary way. The itinerary of his life shows +few curves--mostly acute angles. He was born in an old Kentucky family +of the city of Louisville. His ancestral stock was golden, and his +infancy was fed with a golden spoon on sugar and cream. When he was +three months old his Christian mother went to be with God. When he was +18 years old his father, Richard S. Herr, a capitalist of Louisville, +died and left George the heir of a large patrimony. + +"The orphan was genial, sportive, rich and without domestic restraint. +Men seized the opportunity to take advantage of his tendencies and youth +to filch from him his wealth. He yielded, and threw on the neck of +appetite the slackened rein and became woefully dissipated. He mounted +the toboggan and went down the slide, landing in a few years in the +gulch of destitution and near the precipice of suicide. + + -------- + Teach me thy way, O Lord.--Ps. 86:11. + -------- + +"Here in destitution and despair on the day after Christmas, 1893, the +Rev. S. P. Holcombe, of Louisville, found the prodigal and led him into +the Union Gospel Mission, where he sought and came to know God as a +personal Saviour. What a change! New bottles for the new wine of the +Spirit! As language cannot picture the degradation of the prodigal, +neither can it picture the exaltation of the son restored to the Father. +George was as whole-hearted in his new life as in his old. He had beauty +for ashes and a spirit of praise instead of heaviness. After nearly five +years of the new life George L. Herr, in the city of his fall and his +recovery, was married by the Rev. Dr. Carter H. Jones, pastor of +Broadway Baptist Church, to Miss Lillie M. Joyce. George says that if a +man ever outmarried himself he's the man. He says God gave him this +priceless treasure of a Christian wife in answer to prayer. Those who +know Mrs. Herr speak of her as sweet-spirited, noble, devout, gifted in +song and speech and one in spirit with her husband in the work of saving +those who are out of the way. Their home is filled with the aroma of +grace and their united lives are spent in doing good. How wonderfully +God fulfills His ancient promise to present-day prodigals: 'As ye were a +curse, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing.'" + + + The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week + + Weekly Budget of Personal, Local and Other Newsbits. + + To-morrow in the Chapel. + + Sunday School 8 A.M. + Prayer Meeting 9 A.M. + The Great Congregation 10 A.M. + Entry March Band + (Thomas McCaskie, Leader.) + Gloria Patri Entire Congregation + (Directed by Choirmaster Prof. J. H. Chavers.) + + Invocation. + + Songs By Miss Luale Bethel + + "A Rose in Heaven." + "Life's Lullaby." + + First Scripture Lesson. + + Anthem Choir + Morning Prayer Chaplain + Lord's Prayer Response by Choir + + Second Scripture Lesson. + + Hymn No. 3 Choir + + "Within Thy Courts." + + Sermon Rev. George L. Herr + Hymn No. 355 Choir + + "Calvary." + + Doxology. Benediction. + + Band. March. Exit. + + +Chapel Services + +In the Bible-school at 8 o'clock through the doorway of life beyond, +which Christ left open that men might both look in and go in, the 300 +students saw some of the things that "God hath prepared for them that +love Him." The germinal thoughts of John 14:1-14 are that heaven is a +place--a roomy place, a prepared place, a place where the Lord abides +and where he will have his prepared people to abide with him. And that +in this doctrine is the cure for human sorrow. "Let not your heart be +troubled * * believe." + +At the 9 o'clock meeting the quotation of Scripture verses appeared like +apples of gold in pictures of silver. Rev. George L. Herr was introduced +and the hearts of hearers beat warm under their jackets as the speaker +sang and talked to them of Jesus and His love. It was good to be there. + +The Great Congregation gathered at 10 o'clock and was welcomed with the +stirring notes of the band men. The many voices lifted in the chant, +"Gloria Patri," showed how grand the effect would be if all would join +in the song. Why not all? + + -------- + Give me understanding.--Ps. 119:34. + -------- + +"A Rose in Heaven," and "Life's Lullaby," were admirably sung by Miss +Lucile Bethel with her sister Miss Bethel as accompanist at the piano. +The anthem, "Ashamed of Jesus? Never, No Never," was sung by the choir +as the author of the song might have wished to hear it rendered. + + * * * * * + +That old story of the prodigal son was the subject on which Rev. George +L. Herr of Louisville, Ky., preached to the inmates of the penitentiary +Sunday morning in the chapel, but it was the twentieth century prodigal +who formed his main theme. + +Mr. Herr is known all over the country as the prison missionary. He has +all the vivacity and warmth of the Southerner. He illuminated the old +parable with the story of his descent from the position of a son of a +wealthy Kentucky home, possessing a large estate, to the destitution of +a linen duster for a December coat, and from a seat in a Pullman to +riding the bumpers of a cattle train. That was his condition sixteen +years ago. The men enjoyed the object lesson and cheered the moral +heroism evinced in the life-story of the missionary. + + * * * * * + + -------- + I am understanding.--Prov. 8:14. + -------- + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Evangel an editorial +by the Rev. L. B. Haines at Columbus, O.: + +"The editors of the Evangel were pleased to meet Mr. George L. Herr +while in Columbus a few days ago. He addressed the prisoners at the Ohio +penitentiary and was heartily received by all who heard him. He is doing +a noble work in the prisons all over our country. We spent a pleasant +afternoon together, visiting the sick in the prison hospital, and we +believe God blessed the seed sown. The Evangel wishes him and his dear +wife God speed in their self-sacrificing efforts for the lost. We take +great pleasure in calling the attention of the readers of the Evangel to +Herr's new book entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," a notice of +which you will find on another page of this issue.--Eds." + + -------- + For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, + that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have + everlasting life.--Jno. 3:16. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER ELEVEN + +INCONTESTABLE PROOF + +OUR MOTTO: + +"Seeking the Lost." + +"Helping the Helpless to Help Themselves." + +JAILER PFLANZ PAYS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO EVANGELIST GEO. L. HERR + + Louisville, Ky., March 12, 1901. + +Mr. Geo. L. Herr, + +Dear Sir: I have recently been asked by several persons on different +occasions if I thought much good could come out of the rescue work done +at the county jail. In every instance I would answer "yes." A great deal +of good is done through the Christian workers, and especially by you, +who not only give your time and attention to this work, preaching the +gospel on the Sabbath, but on every day of your life doing everything in +your power to lighten the burden of the unfortunates confined in the +jail. + + -------- + My glad heart says in the language of the Psalmist: "Bless the + Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. C. S. HANLEY + +President of International Federation of Christian Workers, by whom we +were ordained in Chicago, Ill., in 1907.] + +I have known prisoners of all classes look forward to your arrival each +day with gladness, knowing that if you did not have something to +distribute among them you would give them a cheery good morning. + +As a rule you always have something to give them, which gladden their +hearts and make them think better of our harsh world, wherein they are +buffeted around like so many things to be despised. + +I have never known you to come to this jail that you were not interested +in some poor fellow's case, and often have I known you to call on either +the Judge of the Police or Criminal Court to intercede for some person +confined in our jail. I have noticed that whenever you come you are +asked by more than one of our prisoners to go on some mission, either to +a father, mother, or some other relative. Distance and barriers have no +terror for you, as was evidenced in your recent trip fifteen hundred +miles for one of our prisoners to see his parents. + +In every case you have with promptness attended to requests, always with +a cheerfulness that is surprising to those who cannot understand and +will not learn. These are the things that lift up the hearts of the poor +unfortunate prisoner and make him feel that there is something worth +living for. + + -------- + Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it.--Ps. 69:18. + -------- + +My wish and prayer is that you may go on in the good work you are doing. + + Sincerely yours, + JOHN R. PFLANZ. + + * * * * * + +Following are letters of endorsement to Missionary George L. Herr and +his wife in their life-work among outcasts, fallen ones and victims of +sin. Among those who have lent substantial aid and hearty encouragement +to the work will be noted many of our leading citizens, men of +irreproachable character and standing in society, who have not hesitated +to add their quota of praise to the universal word of approbation +accorded the missionary in his efforts to lead the wayward ones back +into the path of self-respect and manhood. + + -------- + Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; Lord be thou my + helper.--Ps. 30:10. + -------- + + Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 22, 1904. + +Dear Bro. Herr: I regret that you and your good wife and "Sunshine" can +not be with us in our services next week at the Frankfort Penitentiary, +but am glad to have you promise to be with us soon. No one understands +this work for the salvation and elevation of those in our penal +institutions,--the possibilities, the discouragements, the trials, the +triumphs, the rejoicing--as we do who are constantly engaged in it. Your +frequent visits to us are always appreciated both by the chaplain and +the prisoners, and your sermons and talks and songs are blessed by God +to the furtherance of the work of grace in our midst. I can truly say +there are eyes that "mark your coming and look brighter when you come." +I wish also to say for your encouragement and those who work with you +that your faithful labors are plainly manifest in the lives of many whom +you come in contact with--the deep and lasting impressions made upon +their minds and hearts so we are enabled to take up the well begun work +and by God's help carry it on to salvation of the soul. May God bless +you abundantly in your noble work. + + Truly yours, + T. T. TALIAFERRO, + Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary. + + -------- + Forsake me not, O Lord.--Ps. 38:21. + -------- + + * * * * * + +Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D., Editor Pentecostal Herald, Louisville, Ky., +and President Wilmore College, Wilmore, Ky., says: + +I take pleasure in commending my friend and brother, Geo. L. Herr, as a +devout Christian and earnest worker for the salvation of men. He has +had wide experience on both sides of the line, and has been greatly +blessed in rescuing men who have gone down into the depths of sin. He +has been especially blessed in prison work. Those who help him forward +in the good work in which he is now engaged will do me a personal favor. + +Wishing him and his wife great success as they shall go from prison to +prison seeking after the lost, + + I am Respectfully yours, + H. C. MORRISON. + + * * * * * + +Rev. James M. Taylor, world-wide evangelist, says: + +I have read with soul-stirring interest the sad, heart-rending +experience of Bro. Herr, and the miraculous deliverance by the grace of +God, how by a life of sin he squandered a fortune, how God found him a +bond slave of appetite and other sins and delivered him, the romantic +way in which his God-given companion entered his life, and how they are +being used perhaps as no other persons today in helping those "behind +the bars." This story will warn the reckless, encourage the "cast out" +and put a desire in the heart to help the fallen. + + JAMES M. TAYLOR, Evangelist. + Knoxville, Tenn. + + +(Frankfort Journal.) + +The Rev. Geo. L. Herr, of Louisville, will spend the fourth as the guest +of Rev. Jos. Severance, chaplain of the State prison, today. Rev. Herr +is a widely known, talented and enthusiastic prison evangelist, and has +a national reputation as such. He will shortly publish his famous +sermon, "Man's Worst Enemy," and will place numerous copies of it in +every penal institution of the United States. + + * * * * * + + + + +Prison Evangelist's Good Work + +(Courier-Journal.) + + +Prison evangelists published in 1906-07 36,000 sermons in booklet form +and sent them North, South, East and West. The Rev. George L. Herr and +wife closed a most remarkable year. The meetings which they have held +for the most part have been in large prison houses, erected for sinful +men and women. + +Mr. Herr has delivered sermons to many thousand listeners; many have +professed conversion and thousands have asked for prayer. The good that +this work has done will probably never be fully known until the business +of this old world has been brought to a close. Influences have been set +in motion that are going to roll on until time shall be no more. + +Rev. W. O. Vreeland, chaplain Frankfort Reformatory, says: + +It gives me great pleasure to testify of the splendid work among the +prisoners done by a man I believe to be deeply consecrated to the work +of rescuing the "fallen brother." George Herr is worthy of the highest +commendation. + + W. O. VREELAND. + Oct. 12, 1912. + + * * * * * + + + + +A Grand Work Highly Commended + + + Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1902. + +Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + +Dear Brother Herr: I regret very much to learn of your departure from +the city, and the work you have so nobly, and for so long a time, +engaged in at this institution and elsewhere. To say that you will be +missed by us is but faintly expressing my feelings at your departure. +You will not only be missed by myself and other officials at the jail, +but by the poor unfortunates placed in my custody, for I know I can +truthfully say we will never be able to get any one who will take the +pains and do the great good you have done for all with whom you have +come in contact. + + -------- + I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.--Heb. 13:5. + -------- + +I can assure you that your farewell sermon to all of the one hundred and +eighty prisoners in this jail on yesterday was the cause of great +depression in the spirits of all who heard you on that occasion, for +every one of them felt that he or she was about to lose their best +friend, who had not only ministered to their spiritual wants but made +their troubles his own, and in every way in his power relieved them of +their every ailment. + +You and your good wife were as father and mother to them, their guardian +angels, who made their rugged paths smooth and their futures bright and +happy. + +It is with much sorrow that I write you today, and my only consolation +is in the hope that you may some day return and take up the good work +again for the betterment of the unfortunates who may be confined in this +and other institutions in which you have worked in this city. + + Sincerely yours, + JOHN R. PFLANZ. + + -------- + O Lord, make haste to help me.--Ps. 40:13. + + I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One + of Israel.--Is. 41:14. + -------- + + + + +"Worked Wonders" + +Declares Dr. Garvin, Physician Jefferson County Jail + + + Louisville, Ky., July 24th, 1902. + +Rev. George L. Herr, + +My Dear Brother Herr: It is with much regret I have heard of your +determination to leave us. You and your good wife have now been engaged, +for about four years, in the noble work of saving souls in the Jefferson +County jail, and to the success of your efforts I can truly bear +testimony. + +I must confess that at first I had little hope of much good being +accomplished, but your constant devotion at all hours, night and day, +has worked wonders, and I am satisfied that many who came steeped in sin +and in their own minds hopelessly lost, have left the prison at peace +with God, and with a determination in the future to lead a better life. + +Wherever you go, may God be with you, is the wish of all who know you, +and especially that of your friend, + + SAM'L H. GARVIN. + Physician to Jefferson County Jail. + + + + +Strong Endorsements + +Evangelist Herr's work commended by Minister. + +[Louisville Evening Times] + +Louisville, Ky., June 21, 1905. + +Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., Pastor Trinity M. E. Church, Louisville, +Ky., says: + +To Whom It May Concern: + +I take pleasure in commending Mr. Geo. Herr to the esteem and confidence +of the public. I have been placed where I have known intimately his work +as Prison Evangelist in Jefferson County Jail--a place incomparable in +my opinion for testing the character and power of a Christian worker. I +can say he has made a superb record and been able by divine assistance +to rescue many from the life of crime. He has taken an enlarged field of +work because he has been convinced it was the call of the Highest, and I +have every confidence in his increased usefulness. I cheerfully commend +him and his work. His book is true and merits large circulation. Mr. +Herr is a fine public speaker. + + Sincerely, + HORACE G. OGDEN. + + + + +Speaks to Prisoners + + +The Rev. J. A. Holton, Chaplain Eddyville Penitentiary, commends Rev. +Herr's work: + +The Rev. George L. Herr, the well-known Louisville prison evangelist, +conducted the chapel services at the Eddyville State penitentiary, +Eddyville, Ky., on Sunday, February 16. Mr. Herr's address to the +prisoners made a very decided impression upon the men. In a letter to +Louisville, J. A. Holton, Chaplain of the penitentiary, writes of Mr. +Herr's visit to Eddyville as follows: + +"Brother Herr is a fluent and earnest talker and speaks from personal +experience and observation with telling effect, timely words that tend +to the betterment of his hearers. No one who is acquainted with his +personal history and present effort in the cause of prison reform could +doubt his sincerity. It is not a surprise, therefore, that from every +sphere of his labor along the line of evangelistic work in the prisons +of the land come unsolicited testimonials commending him and his +work."--The Louisville Times. + + -------- + And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, + which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the + house of bondage.--Ex. 20:1-2. + -------- + + + + +Sad and Pitiful Stories + +[The Louisville Herald] + + +For fifteen years Mr. Herr has carried the great truths to the outcasts, +giving warning of the danger, and thousands have repented and have been +rescued from lives of sin and shame and are now blessings to the +community. Hundreds of thousands of tracts, sermons, books, papers, +etc., have been distributed, the results of which can never be known. + +"One of the saddest features of this work is that we are constantly +beset by the sad-faced, grief-stricken, broken-hearted mothers and wives +who have been so unfortunate as to lose their loved ones in sin," +declared Rev. Herr. "They come to us and plead for us to help find the +wanderer. + +"The pitiful stories of disgrace, shame and disappointment that come +from the broken hearts who are victims are beyond expression and almost +enough to melt the heart of stone into a river of tears, and to stir us +who hear them and see the helplessness of unfortunate ones. + +"There never was a place where the gospel was needed more and where it +would do more good, than in the prison houses of our beautiful land." + + -------- + Open them mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of + thy law.--Ps. 119:18. + -------- + + + + +Resolution That Was Never Broken + + "I am done with a life of thieving."--E. B. + + +Another of the days in jail that will long be remembered by some of the +poor unfortunates who have been making this place their residence for +some time. The missionary who makes prison work the work of his life +preached to the men today, the service being in the place of the regular +Saturday services, because the convicted men were to go to the +penitentiary Saturday morning, and Brother Herr intended to go to +Cincinnati, Ohio, this evening. So the good brother gave the men some +good, wholesome advice. + +And in opening the services, that always appropriate song of "Let a +little sunshine in" was sung, and the good God knows that if any one in +this world needs "sunshine" that person is the one who is behind prison +bars. + + -------- + Thou shalt have no other gods before me. + -------- + +I have seen some curious things in my wandering life, and some very +curious and saddening sights are to be seen in jail. To see men right in +the prime of their manhood going to a living tomb, to actually bury +themselves for years, is a sight not easily forgotten. Oh, the misery, +the shame, and the degradation of it all. It is no wonder that some of +the unfortunates weep. The sight of so much misery seen at one time is +enough to melt the heart of the most hardened criminal. As I watched the +men put up their hands in reply to the question of "How many of you men +want to lead a better life?" I could not blame any one of the prisoners +for putting up their hands in a resolve to lead a clean life. + +My sympathy is with the unfortunate. I have been placed in positions +just like these men are placed in, but never again! Oh, I hope that when +I finish this term of imprisonment that I may find some means of +employment that will bring me in enough money to keep body and soul +together. From this time forward I am done with stealing. I hope that my +right hand may lose its cunning and my eyes grow dimmer, so dim that I +cannot see anything to steal. I am done, done with a life of thieving. I +don't know how I am going to exist, but I am not going to steal any +more. By the help of the good Lord I intend to reform. + + -------- + For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will lighten my + darkness.--Ps. 18:28. + -------- + + + + +What Is A Friend? + + +A friend is the first person who comes in when the world has gone out. + +A bank of credit on which we can draw supplies of confidence, counsel, +sympathy, help and love. + +One who considers my need before my deservings. + +The triple alliance of the three great powers--love, sympathy and help. + +One who understands our silence. + +A jewel whose lustre the strong acids of poverty and misfortune cannot +dim. + +One who smiles on our fortunes, frowns on our faults, sympathizes with +our sorrow, weeps at our bereavement, and is a safe fortress at all +times of trouble. + +One who, gaining the top of the ladder, won't forget you if you remain +at the bottom. + +The holly of life, whose qualities are overshadowed in the summer of +prosperity, but blossom forth in the winter of adversity. + +He who does not adhere to the saying that No. 1 should come first. + + -------- + God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in + trouble.--Psalm 41:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: + +When the author left Louisville to 1905 for Chicago to be ordained, he +was greatly helped by his friend Chas. F. Grainger, kindness never to be +forgotten. + +HON. CHAS. F. GRAINGER + +Former Mayor of Louisville; now President Louisville Water Co. + +Mr. Grainger says, "Mr. Herr's work among prisoners has been very +successful, and through his efforts many have reformed."] + +A watch which beats true, for all time, and never "runs down." + +An earthly minister of heavenly happiness. + +A friend is like ivy--the greater the ruin, the closer he clings. + +One who to himself is true, and therefore must be so to you. + +The same to-day, the same to-morrow, either in prosperity, adversity or +sorrow. + +One who guards another's interest as his own and neither flatters nor +deceives. + +One truer to me than I am myself.--Exchange. + + -------- + Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be + acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my + redeemer.--Ps. 19:14. + -------- + + + + +"Another Chance I Crave" + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Austin, Tex., Dec. 2.--(Special.)--Jake McKinney, who was serving a life +term in the State penitentiary at Rusk for the murder of Robert Walker +in Jones county seven years ago, has just received his pardon from Gov. +O. B. Colquitt on the strength of an appeal for liberty in the form of a +poem that he wrote and sent to the Governor. This poetic application was +turned over to Mrs. Colquitt by the Governor and it was upon her +recommendation that McKinney was given his liberty. McKinney was +twenty-four years old at the time of his conviction. During the last +four years of his imprisonment he was editor of the prison newspaper, +the Alcalde Chronicle. He attended night school while in the +penitentiary. His poems and articles in the little newspaper that he +published attracted much favorable attention. His pardon application +reads in part as follows: + + Another chance, 'tis all I ask, + In freedom's sun again to bask; + To hear the voice of loved at home, + And amid familiar scenes to roam. + What saith the Scripture? Is it wise + To gain a world and lose the prize + Of future Joys of Him above, + Who came to save because of love + For sinful men imprisoned here + In sin's corrupted atmosphere? + Another chance to know the life + Beyond the cruel prison strife, + Where Beauty, Truth and Culture reign, + And pleasure comes from Labor's gain; + To see the golden sun at dawn + Spring forth to kiss the rural lawn, + Wet with the kiss of midnight dew, + And brightens to a gorgeous hue, + To please the eye of all mankind. + A gift of God to man so blind, + Another chance to show the world + That darkness hid my flag unfurled; + That flame of ingenuity + Burns brightest where the darkest be; + As all is not as some would tell; + "A soul defiled and booked for hell." + Another chance I crave of thee, + Oh, Governor, but feel and set me free! + Make the conditions what you may, + I will live up to them every day; + I have no friends to plead for me, + Dear Governor, can't you set me free? + + Most sincerely + JAKE MCKINNEY. + +[Illustration: JUDGE AARON KOHN + +One of the greatest criminal lawyers of the American bar + +There is none in this world who has been a greater friend in my sorest +need.] + + + + +Letter from the Late Col. Will S. Hays + +Editor, Poet, and Song Writer + + +My Dear Rev. Geo. L. Herr: It is a pleasure to express the sentiment of +pure friendship I have for you and for the Christian work in which you +are now engaged. Knowing you from boyhood, I am free to say you are one +of God's chosen ones to do his will and work, and heaven never had a +more faithful representative than yourself. May your words and works in +the Master's cause result in adding souls to the kingdom of glory, and +may God and the angels watch over and guard you through life is the +prayer of your friend, + + WILL S. HAYS. + + -------- + The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.--Ps. 19:7. + -------- + + + + +The Late J. P. Scheider + +Captain of Police + + +I have met him at all times and in all places, from the palace to the +prison, striving to better the conditions of his fellowmen. At the same +time serving our Lord in such a noble manner as to attract the attention +of the least appreciative person. He has taken for his duty the task of +working principally among the criminal classes that frequent our city +prisons, and to my personal knowledge has done more to benefit the +inmates than any other man of his vocation. Oh! how far more pleasant +this life would be if the world was full of just such noble, +good-spirited men as my friend George L. Herr, whom I know to be serving +our God in the most appropriate manner known to mankind. + + Respectfully, + JOHN P. SCHEIDER + + + + +Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency + +[Louisville Herald] + + +The habitual user of profane and indecent language was mercilessly +flayed by Bishop Charles E. Woodcock, of the Episcopal Church, at the +Board of Trade noon-day Lenten service yesterday, where in the course of +his sermon the Bishop pronounced the profane man to be intellectually +deficient, corrupt, morally and wholly unchristian. + +"No gentleman will use profane language; it is only the low-born and +vulgar-minded person who will do so," declared the Bishop. "No man who +believes in God and in God's commandments can be profane." + +Among other things stated by the Bishop of a like nature are the +following: + +"The profane man in God's eyes is on the same plane as the murderer or +thief. He violates the ten commandments." + +"Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, vicious, vulgar and most +reprehensible." + +"The man who is well thought of in a community is nine times out of ten +the man who does not curse." + + -------- + Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God In vain; for + the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in + vain. + -------- + +[Illustration: RT. REV. CHAS. E. WOODCOCK, D.D. + +Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky] + +"The profane man is in many cases and in most cases the man who will +steal, slander, lie and violate the every commandment of God." + +In beginning his sermon the Bishop spoke of the work of the noon-day +Lenten services. He said in part: + +"By coming before you men and preaching we rectors hope to arouse, +encourage and bring out all the good in you. We aim to plant high ideals +in your hearts and make you better men. It is one of the greatest +pleasures I have--preaching these noon-day Lenten sermons. It is my +earnest and sincere wish to do good and to carry a message to you. + +"Christ will lighten your eyes: He will enable you to see things worth +being and worth doing. The worth while in life is what makes life worth +living. He will give you a view of yourself. He will make you see +yourselves as others see you. He will not only do this, but he will set +a guard before your lips. + + -------- + The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, + my strength, in whom I trust.--Ps. 18:2. + -------- + +"No man ever regretted keeping from impure speech. Habitual obscene +story telling grows like other vicious habits. It is a manly thing to +possess clean lips. Does not the Bible say, 'Blessed are the pure in +heart?' Well, no man can be pure in heart and impure in speech. Would +you tell some of the stories you tell your fellow men to your wives and +daughters? No, I do not think you would. Then say to yourself, 'Thou God +hearest me.' + +"Keep your lips from profanity. The profane man in God's eyes is on the +same plane as is the murderer and thief. He, like both, violates the ten +commandments. Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, vicious and +vulgar and most reprehensible. The man who will curse and swear is in +most cases the man who will steal, slander, lie and violate every +commandment of God. + +"I have been in hotels and in public places where I have heard men swear +as though they thought it a virtue. These men I find are seldom well +thought of in a community. The man who is well thought of will not +swear. + +"The man who will swear will say mean things about his friend; he will +gossip and slander. If you keep your lips clean you will never besmirch +a man's or woman's character. You will never speak until you know it is +time; you will be restrained from telling vicious things, because you +will reason whether or not it is right, and whether or not it ought to +be told." + + -------- + Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your + work shall be rewarded.--2 Chron. 15:7. + -------- + + + + +At Cincinnati Workhouse + +[Louisville Times] + + +Never did Mr. Herr have a more interested audience than greeted him in +the Cincinnati work house yesterday when he preached for an hour in the +prison chapel. The men and women wept as his words brought conviction to +their hearts. Were it not for this wonderful gospel, said the speaker, +he himself might be as the worst prisoner among them. At the close of +the sermon he asked all those who desired to lead better lives to bow +their heads in prayer, and almost every man and woman in the chapel fell +on their knees, while the eloquent evangelist lifted his voice in their +behalf. The closest attention was accorded him during the whole time and +when the prisoners were dismissed and passed out of the chapel amid a +stillness that was very impressive, Mr. Herr spoke to a great number +personally shaking them by the hand and urging them to repent and +believe the gospel. + + + + +Extermination of Habitual Criminals + + +The extermination of the habitual criminal--his removal like a weed from +a garden--was advocated today in a startling address made in Minneapolis +to the Interstate Sheriffs' Association by Charles W. Peters, chief +deputy sheriff of Cook County. + +The unexpected suggestion that the man who will not reform ought to be +slain by legal means aroused much discussion in Chicago among ministers, +lawyers and laymen. + +Leniency for first offenders, parole for the worthy, an adult probation +law, were advocated by Mr. Peters, who then insisted that in cases where +life has proved a failure, where efforts of reformation have been +ineffectual and the criminal is a body sore on the social system, that +extermination should be resorted to. + + +Only One True Reform. + +Furthermore, he created intense surprise by his assertion that in twenty +years' experience in handling criminals he could recall only one case of +true reformation on the part of an "habitual." + +[Illustration: THE HON. AND MRS. JOHN L. WHITMAN, CHICAGO, ILL. + +Mr. Whitman is Superintendent of the Bridewell. They have been friends +to thousands in need of friends.] + +[Illustration: Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill.] + +In his address to the Association, Mr. Peters recommended various ways +of dealing with crime and its perpetrators, and then for the +irredeemably incorrigible made this recommendation: + +"And then if they fail to embrace the many opportunities offered them, +and after everything has been done that is possible for mankind to do, +they repeatedly persist in returning to their old ways, I think in such +a case life has proven a failure, and they become a menace and a burden +to our social welfare and should be exterminated. + + +Like Weeds in a Garden. + +"They are like weeds in a garden and unless removed will supersede the +useful plants. + +"Many students of criminology have suggested life imprisonment, but in +my opinion that has proven a failure. By that method the menace is +removed, but the burden remains. + +"I am sorry to acknowledge that in the twenty odd years of my experience +in the handling of criminals I can recall only one case of true +reformation on the part of habitual criminals, and that man is employed +in a bridge works, where it would be impossible for him to carry +anything off." + + +"Judge Not," Says Pastor. + +Among the ministers who commented on the startling theory of +extermination were: + +Rev. P. J. O'Callaghan, pastor of St. Mary's Church and the priest who +saved Herman Billik from the gallows--What is man that he should put +himself in judgment on a fellow and say that the culprit is beyond +reformation and redemption and slay him? Man is too fallible to condemn +another as an habitual criminal and exterminate him. No one knows when a +man has passed beyond the pale of reform. As a matter of fact, many and +many a criminal branded as 'habitual' has been saved to a useful life. I +most heartily disagree with any suggestion to execute any man on the +theory that he is irredeemable. + + +Hope While There Is Life. + +Rabbi Tobias Scharfarber--In the first place I am opposed to capital +punishment, but, in any event, I should not agree with this suggestion +of Mr. Peters. It is much like Osler's plan to kill off men of sixty or +more years of age, or Ingersoll's suggestion that when a man believed +himself to be a failure and useless to the world he should go and shoot +his brains out. While a man lives there is hope for him, and no one has +either power or right to say that he will always be a menace to society. + + "Christ in His charity taught those who came to Him, + Ill deeds should pardoned be seventy times seven; + Succor the least here and you do the same to Him; + These are his precepts on earth and in heaven. + Oh, then, when laboring hard for humanity, + Never believe that your labor is vain. + Kindness will conquer the criminal insanity; + Speak to him gently and try him again." + + + + +Criminal Becomes Minister + +[Courier-Journal] + + +"Do you know who I am?" once said a person in the jail here to the Rev. +George L. Herr, prison evangelist. "I will tell you. I am the worst and +most treacherous man in this prison." Then the Rev. Mr. Herr says he +told him the story of his fearful crimes. "I have been in prison North, +South, East and West, I have been in the dismal, solitary cell for one +year, have been put in large tanks of ice water, have been punished over +and over again, but it has always made me more of a demon. Would you +like to know what the officer who last locked me up said about me?" + +"'Take him and lock him up like a brute beast, for that is what he is.'" + +Then he turned and said: "Do you think there is any hope for me?" "I was +at once on ground where I could speak without hesitation," said Mr. +Herr, "and I told him simply that if he was through with an evil life, +if he was tired of wrong-doing and was determined to do right, there was +a love that could forgive him, and a power that could help and keep him +in the future. When at last we knelt together there I prayed that God, +who could bring light into our darkness, might dispel the thick clouds +that had shut in this soul from hope, and bring to him the revelation +that would change his life. There were tears in our eyes as we parted, +and, taking my hand in his he said: "I will try, Brother Herr." + +"He did try, and, more than that he conquered. At first it was a stern +battle of an awakened will and conscience fighting against desperate +odds. The feeling that friends were watching and waiting anxiously for +good reports proved an undoubted incentive. It was not long before he +sought and found Christ as his Saviour, and he became an earnest +Christian, and to-day is an ordained Methodist minister, at the head of +a great rescue work in an Eastern city, and also chaplain of a model +penal institution." + + * * * * * + + -------- + "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, + that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have + everlasting life."--John 3:16. + -------- + + + + +To Brother George L. Herr + +By Joseph M. McGuire + + + The days are long and dreary, + And the hours go slowly by, + While the prisoner, sad and weary, + Longs for the time to fly. + But one brings joy and sunshine + To the prisoners sad at heart, + And it is but a short time + 'Till with him we'll have to part. + We cannot find another, + Search, I care not where, + Who will do as much for a brother + As our Bro. George L. Herr. + + He comes early in the morning, + And never leaves till night; + He always seems untiring, + Helping wayward men do right. + He is always up and willing + Whene'er a prisoner call, + To go and do the bidding + Of a man behind the wall. + And then there is another, + Who shares his joy and strife; + She is called by the prisoners "Mother," + And is Bro. Herr's good wife. + + Early Sunday morning, + In rain, snow, sleet, or hail, + You will find him holding meeting + In the Jefferson County Jail. + I love to hear him tell the story + Of the "Prodigal Son," + And of the "Mighty Prince of Glory," + From whom salvation sprung. + Round his good face there seems a halo, + His work is for One on high, + He makes sunshine out of sorrow, + Whenever he is nigh. + + + + +Success of Reformed Criminals + +After Blotting Out the Past + + +"Once a Thief, Always a Thief," has been disproved in thousands of cases +according to Mr. William A. Pinkerton. + +"Do criminals ever reform, really turn over a new leaf and become good +citizens?" + +I fired the question at random, little dreaming what a wealth of +interesting and convincing anecdote it would evoke. I expected the time +honored cynical reply, something to the effect of "Once a thief, always +a thief," But I was disappointed--agreeably disappointed. For my answer +was a quick, emphatic, earnest "Yes." + +And the man who said "Yes" was William A. Pinkerton, and he knows. + +Probably no living man knows more intimate details about the individual +members of the underworld, those who are active criminals to-day, as +well as the notorious crooks of the past, than the head of the Pinkerton +Detective Agency. And every crook will tell you, what every honest man +who knows Mr. Pinkerton will tell you, that when he says "Yes" there +is no possibility that the correct answer should be "No." + +[Illustration: WILLIAM A. PINKERTON + +Head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency + +New York] + +"I know what the average man thinks--that a real crook never turns +straight. But it isn't so. Thousands of crooks--and I don't mean +one-time offenders, but men in the class we call hardened +criminals--have become honest men to my knowledge. It is not true, as +some recent writer said, that as many crooks turn honest as there are +honest men turn crooked, but I believe that one of the reasons is that +so few men are willing to lend a helping hand. I don't mean that every +crook is ready to reform if he is encouraged, but I do mean that society +makes it hard for any man who has once been a criminal to lead an honest +life. + +"And I'll tell you another thing," continued Mr. Pinkerton: "I'm prouder +of the fact that I have helped a few criminals to become honest men than +of all the work I have done in putting criminals behind the bars. I'm +proud of the fact that every crook knows that Pinkerton will deal +squarely with him if he will deal squarely with Pinkerton--that I +believe it is as important to keep faith with a bank thief as with a +bank president. + +"I know a score of business men in Chicago--not saloonkeepers, but +reputable merchants--who have criminal records. These men have done time +and have paid their debt to society for their crimes. I cannot tell you +their names, for it would be unfair to them and to their wives and +families, many of whom have no suspicion that there is anything wrong in +the pasts of their husbands and fathers. Besides, when society discovers +that a man is a former criminal it is not content to cancel the debt no +matter how much imprisonment at hard labor the former crook may have +given in expiation of his sin. + +"I know men in trusted positions in New York who were convicts. In many +cases only the man himself and his employer know the secret and +sometimes the employer does not know it. I know men scattered all over +the West--business men, professional men, many of them wealthy and +prominent citizens--who have seen the inside of Joliet, Moyomensing, +Sing Sing or Leavenworth. They have sons and daughters who never have +suspected and never will suspect the truth. + +"These are good men--as good men as any living. They have turned away +from their old ways, in many cases have changed their names, and who +shall say they are not as much to be respected as the honest man who +never was tempted, never was forced into crime? I'll tell you about some +of them. + +"When I was a boy in Chicago there were two brothers, neighbors, about +the age of myself and my younger brother, and we were friends. When the +civil war broke out I went into the army secret service at the age of +fifteen, and the older of these two boys, John, enlisted in an Illinois +regiment. Jerry, the younger, was not old enough, but a little later, +when the government began offering a bounty for soldiers, he became a +bounty jumper. He would enlist, get the bounty money, then desert and +enlist over again under another name. He was with a band of young +fellows who were engaged in that way of getting easy money, and who +found it so easy that they turned to other kinds of crime. + +"When the war was over John came back to Chicago and settled down as a +rather plodding sort of a mechanic. He tried to get Jerry to straighten +out, but the younger brother was too far along the road to prison. + +"In those days the Northwestern Railroad used wood for fuel, and the +wood agent of the road was Amos Snell--the same Snell who was later +murdered by 'Willie Tascott.' He lived in a suburb of Chicago, and one +night Jerry and his crowd went out there and 'stuck' up the whole +family--robbed them of everything they had. John was along with them, +lying in the bottom of the hack. The police got a clew through the +hack-driver and rounded up the whole band. All of them, including John, +were sentenced to five years each except Jerry. When he came into the +hands of the police a citizen who had been held up on the street some +time before identified him as the hold-up man, and on the strength of +that the Judge gave him fifteen years. It was an unjust sentence, for +Jerry had not committed the hold-up--that was found out later. + +"Well, John's old Colonel and some other army men and my father got +together and got a pardon for John, who had merely gone along with the +crowd and had taken no part in the robbery. He went back to work at his +trade of brass finisher, but Jerry stayed in Joliet, rebelling against +those long unjust years of his sentence. + +Jerry was put to work in the engine room of the prison and soon +displayed great aptitude for machinery. He served out his term with time +off for good behavior and finally got out. I met him in Chicago. He was +despondent. He felt that he had no chance to be anything but a crook, +but he knew the terrible chances a once convicted man runs if he returns +to crime. I told him the best thing for him to do was to go to New York, +and I sent him on to my brother Robert, who had also known him as a +boy. + + +Reform of Jerry. + +"Now, here's a part of this story that will interest you. Robert had a +friend who was chief engineer of a building in Ann street. He told this +friend about Jerry, and the engineer said he'd take a chance on him. He +put Jerry to work stoking the boiler at a dollar and a half a day. After +a year or so there was a vacancy and Jerry became assistant engineer. A +little while later the chief engineer resigned and Jerry after awhile, +the ex-crook, became chief engineer. He left there after awhile to take +charge of a big plant on Long Island, and he sent for his brother John +and gave him a job. + +"A few years later the two brothers called on me in Chicago. They had +saved about $6,000 between them and were on their way to a new town in +the West to start a manufacturing business of their own. Each had +married a girl who knew nothing of their prison record and had children. +They prospered exceedingly. John died several years ago, but only a few +months ago, when my brother Robert died, an old man, whom nobody but +myself recognized, came from the West for the funeral and shed tears at +the grave. It was Jerry. He is still living, and is the leading citizen +of his town and worth at least half a million dollars. + +"Criminals who reform? There are thousands of them. I remember a little +Liverpool Irishman who was a pickpocket around New York. He was known as +'Jimmy the Nibbler'. The police picked him up in Tennessee, where he +lifted somebody's pocketbook, and he was sent to Nashville for seven +years. In the prison they put him to work in the hospital. Then the +cholera epidemic broke out. "Jim" helped the doctors and nurses, and +when the doctors got sick he nursed them and the warden and his family +and helped save a good many lives. After the epidemic was over the +warden and the Prison Board were so grateful they got "Jim" a pardon and +made up a purse of $350 for him. With the money in his pocket he came +right to Chicago to see me. I began to lecture him on the futility of +going back to the life he had led before. + +"'I've cut that all out,' he said. 'I'm not going to be a gun any more. +I've been studying medicine down there in Nashville. The doctors have +been telling me things and giving me medical books to read and now I +want to get into one of these colleges where I can get a diploma quick.' + +"There were a number of diploma factories, as the lower class of medical +colleges were called, running in Chicago then, and Jim found he had +money enough to go through one of them--in the front door and out the +back. But he got his diploma and license to practise and started for one +of the new towns in the West. I looked him up a while ago. He comes +pretty near being the most prominent citizen in the town. He is a +director in a national bank and the leading physician, and has +officiated at the births of half the present population. Moreover, he is +an enthusiastic church member. But how long do you think it would take +for the whole town to turn against him if they should ever learn out +there that he is 'Jimmy the Nibbler'? + +"Crooks that turn straight? Your next door neighbor, your family +physician, even your clergyman, may be one of them. The world is full of +them. There was one man, a professional thief, a fellow who had done +time in half a dozen State prisons and penitentiaries, whom I used to +labor with earnestly every time he got out, but he apparently never +tried to reform. He was always doing time, it seemed. + +"I lost track of him for several years. Then two years ago, when the +National Association of Chiefs of Police was in session in Buffalo, I +found a note in my box in my hotel signed by this man's name. He said he +was going to call at seven o'clock. There was a banquet on for that +evening, and hundreds of police officials from every part of the United +States were there. I wondered if he knew what sort of a lion's den he +was walking into. Sure enough he came into the hotel and spoke to me. + +"'Don't you know that you are surrounded by policemen, some of whom are +sure to spot you?' I asked him. + +"'You're the only man in the world who knows me,' he said, 'My name now +is So and So'--giving me another name--'and I'm a respected and +prosperous man. I just wanted to let you know before you found it out +for yourself, for I knew you'd be on the square with me.' And I was. So +far as I knew he was not wanted for anything, and what good would have +come of exposing him? + +"Thieves who resist the temptation to steal? Hundreds of them. There's +one right here, only a few blocks from where we are talking. He's the +watchman in a big silk warehouse--and if there's anything your +professional thief likes to steal, short of money or diamonds, it's +silk, for you can get so much value into so small a package. This man +was a professional safe blower, and did several big jobs. When he got +out of prison I helped him to get the job he has now. His employer knows +his record. I told it to him on the man's own request. When work stops +for the day this man is left alone in charge of hundreds of thousands +of dollars worth of valuable silks. He isn't bonded, for he couldn't get +a bondsman if he wanted to. He has held the job seven years now, and not +a cent's worth has been taken from the warehouse in that time. + +"You may say that he does not dare to steal--that he knows a single +false move on his part will bring instant punishment. But I say he has +no desire to steal--that he has reformed. And thousands of other +criminals would reform if society would give them half a chance. + + +Baffling Hotel Robberies. + +"Several years ago there was a series of hotel robberies in New York +that baffled the police. The thief always worked with keys, opening +doors and then unlocking baggage left in rooms, and he always got away +with the goods. At last one night the word came to headquarters that a +man had been caught in one of the big hotels who was suspected of being +the author of all the robberies. I was visiting Chief Devery at the time +and he asked me to go with him to the West Thirtieth street station to +look the man over. + +"The man arrested was a well dressed, respectable looking little man, +with a white beard--the last man who would be taken for a thief if seen +in a hotel corridor. His face was vaguely familiar to me, but I had +some difficulty in placing him. Finally it struck me. I had seen him +nearly thirty years before on the occasion of a big prize fight in New +Orleans, when he had been arrested for the same trick. It came over me +like a flash and I told him I knew him. + +"'What's the use of making trouble?' he asked. 'These fools don't know +anything about me unless you put them wise.' + +"I told Chief Devery what I remembered about the man, who protested +violently that he had never been in New Orleans in his life. Then +another thought struck me. + +"'You've been in New Orleans more than once,' I said. 'The last time was +about six months ago, when you got Denman Thompson's diamonds in the St. +Charles Hotel.' I remembered the report of that case, but it was a +chance shot on my part, for no one had seen the thief. The old fellow +denied this vigorously. + +"He was wearing a new derby hat. I don't know what impulse prompted me, +but I took the hat off his head and looked inside. It bore the mark of a +New Orleans hatter. + +"The Chief and I left the station and had just turned into Sixth avenue +when I remembered the old fellow's name. We went back to the station +house and I confronted him again. I told him his name. He denied that +it was his. + +"'What's the use of making trouble, Mr. Pinkerton?' he pleaded. His +inadvertent use of my name, which had not been mentioned there, gave him +away. + +"'I don't know what kind of a case the police here have on you,' I told +him, 'but we are retained by the Jewelers' Protective Association, and +if you get after any jewelry drummers I'll make it hot for you.' And as +a precaution I got his photograph from the New York police. They didn't +have much of a case on him and he got off. + +"Not long after a jewelry drummer was robbed in a Chicago hotel of about +three thousand dollars' worth of diamonds which he had carelessly left +in his grip instead of putting them in the safe. The same day a friend +of mine who was stopping in another hotel lost his new overcoat and told +me about it. I thought of the old man in the first job, and found a +chambermaid and bellboy who had seen him on the floor, but didn't +connect him with the second because he had never stolen anything but +very valuable articles, so far as I knew. My friend had to leave for New +York that night, and some time in the evening I got a telegram from him +which had been filed in Fort Wayne. + +"'Positive man who got my coat is in same sleeper, ticketed to New +York,' it read. I wired my friend at a point further along the line to +get off at Pittsburg and hold a white handkerchief in his hand so he +could be identified and be prepared to point out the thief. Then I got +in touch with Pittsburg by wire, and sure enough back came a wire after +a while to the effect that they had got the man, whom my friend +identified, and found on him besides the overcoat about $3,000 worth of +diamonds. I asked for a description and the one they wired fitted that +of the man I had seen in New York. I referred Pittsburg to the man's +photograph, which had been published that week in a police periodical, +and they were sure they had the same man. And so it proved. He was +brought back to Chicago and convicted of the jewelry theft. He served a +short sentence, and when he got out he came to me. + +"Mind you, this was an old man, who had been a thief all his life--I had +known him as a thief more than thirty years before. It is criminals of +that kind that are commonly regarded as the most difficult to reform, +but even hardened and lifelong offenders like this man will go straight +if they get the right kind of encouragement. I found this old man +apparently anxious to be honest, but he had never had a chance after +his first slip as a young man. I determined to do what I could for him +and I got him a job in New York. He is more than seventy years old now, +but he is still holding that job, and he hasn't made a false step since +he got out of prison the last time. + +"Do criminals ever reform? I think I have told you enough to prove that +they do--and I could tell you of hundreds of other instances if you +needed any further proof." + + * * * * * + + + + +A LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE "STAR OF HOPE" PAPER PUBLISHED IN +SING SING PRISON. + + + Ossining, N. Y., April 9, 1906. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +Your book, "Light in Dark Places," received. I do so much appreciate +your kindness in remembering poor me in durance. I not only voice the +sentiments expressed in this precious book, but add thereto my message +of Christ's power to cleanse the wicked one and bring back into God's +path the weak and unfortunate. May God spare you and yours many years, +and give you manifold blessings in your great work. + + Sincerely yours, + 54179, + Editor in Chief. + + + + +"Lost and Is Found" + +Noted Prison Worker issues an Interesting Book + +(Louisville Herald) + + +An interesting booklet containing the sermon "Lost and Is Found," the +newest publication of the Rev. George L. Herr, the noted prison +evangelist whose home is in this city, has just been issued from the +press. The sermon is one of the strongest yet issued by the Rev. Herr, +and is written in the characteristic vein which marks all those issued +by the prison worker. + +Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic field. He is +considered the greatest evangelist among prisoners in the United States. +Scarcely a big prison in the country has not been visited by him in his +work, and the number of men in stripes who have been reformed by the +indefatigable prison worker reaches into thousands. + +Some of the most notable redemptions of so-called "hardened criminals" +known to evangelistic work have been accomplished by the Rev. Herr. All +of the booklets by him have been extensively read and quoted, and it is +probable none will attract more interest than that which has just been +issued by him. + + + + +Christmas at Frankfort Prison + + +The prisoners had what was unanimously voted the best Christmas dinner +in many years. There were 1100 lbs. of turkey, cranberries, mashed +potatoes, oranges, and bananas. There were about 75 fine cakes, 68 of +which were sent from Lexington by Mrs. Frances H. Beauchamp, Pres. W. C. +T. U. The entire dinner was well cooked and heartily enjoyed by all. + +At 11:30, Bro. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, Bro. Geo. L. Herr, of +Louisville, Mrs. M. B. R. Day, of Frankfort, and Miss Nellie E. +Williams, Junior C. E. Superintendent, of Maysville, entered, and took +seats on the stage; these are four of our truest and strongest friends +and are most heartily welcomed. + +Bro. Severance opened the services by reading the Christmas lesson, i. +e., the 2nd chapter of Matthew, which gives the most beautiful +description of the birth of the lowly Jesus. + +Bro. Herr then offered a fervent prayer. + +Bro. Severance' remarks were few; he is still grieving over the loss of +his two children, and simply said that this Christmas had lost all of +its charms for him, for instead of feeling joyful, he felt sad all of +to-day and yesterday, and that we understood why, for instead of four +little girls, he had only two. He felt his inability to proceed further, +and gave the meeting over into the hands of Bro. Herr to conduct as he +saw fit, and catching an idea from the foregoing remarks, Bro. Herr +referred to the fact that years ago, Christmas was very sad to him. That +he was lying in a saloon in the city of Louisville without friends and +without hope. Then in a jovial manner showed by comparison what a +difference then and now. + +He then said: "I am so glad that Jesus said: 'Him that cometh to me, I +will in no wise cast out; I am so glad that he is the same yesterday, +to-day and forever. He said: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of +men. There is not a man behind prison bars that Jesus Christ cannot +clean up and make him a man." + +The audience sat up and took notice when he mentioned a man who had been +a homeless wretch, and a degraded sinner, who had spent thirty-two years +of his life behind prison bars, but had been converted in the Louisville +jail and was now a man of God, the leader in a Rescue Mission in one of +our largest cities, and had the financial support of eight of the +wealthiest men in that city. He said that whenever a man goes blind, or +deaf, or is afflicted in any other way, he is sent to a hospital for +treatment, and that this prison is a sort of hospital, and that some of +us are so blind that we cannot tell the difference between our own and +other peoples' horses. This simile was put forth in such a humorous +manner as to cause much laughter. + +He then launched into an earnest exhortation to the men to do better. To +quit their meanness, as Sam Jones said. "Cease from evil and learn to do +well." That to quit one's evil ways was only half the duty, and that the +remainder consisted in doing the right thing, and you may have this +assurance that the man who is serving the Lord will not get into +trouble. "An idle mind is the devil's work-shop." In this connection he +gave a very pretty illustration of how one's energies are used in either +the right way or wrong way; that if you build a fire under a steam +boiler, place the proper quantity of water in it, and then open the +throttle and allow the steam to get into the engine, the entire +machinery will perform a good work, but if you shut off the steam and +tie down the safety valve, the steam is going to exert itself in a +disastrous manner by an explosion, and the killing of several men. + +"The wages of sin is death, and if you can only open your eyes and see +that, you can also see that "The gift of God is eternal life." The only +way under heaven by which a man can be saved, is to come over to the +service of God and begin to do that which is right. + +Now what is the purpose of Christmas day? The world has agreed that this +is as near the birth of Christ as we can possibly figure it; it means +that 1907 years ago Jesus was born into the world, and the star of +Bethlehem came and stood over the place where the young child lay; the +angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will +towards men," and we celebrate the day in memory of that event. + +What is the trouble to-day that causes all these penitentiaries over our +land; why all these jails and the strong arm of the law? It is because +men will not allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to reign in their hearts. +As long as the children of Israel served the Lord, they were happy and +prosperous, but as soon as they turned to the flesh pots of Egypt, they +began to despair and shame came upon them. + +If you were asked what you would rather have above all things, you would +say, Just a piece of paper with the great seal of the state impressed +upon it, and the signature of the Governor attached. Why? Because prison +life is a hard life and you are tired of it. If I were a prisoner, I +would want to make my confinement as pleasant as possible and I would +become converted immediately, for of all men on earth the man in prison +should be the quickest to accept Jesus Christ. I would not want to be a +prisoner all my physical life, and then a spiritual prisoner throughout +eternity. Did it ever occur to you that hell must be infinitely worse +than it is pictured? We read of a place "Where their worm dieth not, and +the fire is not quenched." If this is a picture of hell, then what must +the reality be? There is a chance for every man to get out of this +prison, but there will be no chance whatever to get out of hell. + + -------- + The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath + anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent + me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the + captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are + bound.--Isa. 61:1. + -------- + + Oh, my friend, there is hope, + Will you come this hour; + For Jesus is yours + With all His Power; + Look upward, not back. + Or in, or around; + But up to Christ, + Where hope is found. + + + + +Hundreds of Letters + + Below appear but a few of the Hundreds of Letters we have + received from those Helped by Our Work + + +If you have asked the question, "Does it pay to labor among the fallen +ones in prison--are the results from this work permanent in character?" +let the answer be found in these letters. They come from writers' +spontaneous offerings of gratitude, who have been restored to society as +useful respected citizens: + +My Dearest Friend: It is very gratifying to find myself alone long +enough to pen you a few lines. + +Arrived at 6:05 p.m. Well, I cannot tell you how very pleased everyone +was to see me. Went in at once to see the president of a concern and +told him everything. He was entirely satisfied and told me to commence +work in the morning, which I did. They all have used me fine, and I +would never know I had been away for no one mentions it. Brother, I +think of you fifty times a day, of the unselfish, never fatiguing +interest you manifested in my behalf, of the hundred and one favors, and +when I think that was only a single factor in your work, I cannot but +wonder how you stand the strain. + +Cannot tell you how much I prize liberty, and I owe having it, to a +great extent, to your dear self. I assure you your efforts and prayers +of yourself and wife for me done wonders. I have fully resolved to be a +good man. + +Brother Herr, I am going to close, for I am going to write to you every +few days, as I consider you as dear as an own brother. Give my sincere +regards to any inquiring friends. My heartiest to your dear wife, and +may God bless you both. I do. + + I am affectionately yours, + W. + + + + +A TRIBUTE FROM JOS. M. O'HARA. + + +The success that has attended the efforts of this truly pious and +angelic woman in her noble and heroic work of rescuing sinful men and +women from the vortex of ruin and perdition is marvelous; and her labor +among the prisoners of the county jail is not less remarkable. Mrs. +Herr, unlike many religious workers, realizes that before attempting to +moralize with a prisoner, his confidence must first be gained, and to +accomplish this she invariably succeeds in dispelling that false and +erroneous opinion so prevalent among criminals, that they are held in +contempt by society and are considered undeserving of sympathy and +assistance; then, by kind and encouraging words and gentle deed, +instills, not by the dry and laborious way of the brain, but into the +heart, the story of the kind and loving Saviour. + +Like her contemporary, Mrs. Ballington Booth, Mrs. Herr possesses that +divinely urgent and persistent, yet gentle and sympathetic spirit that +can persuade where others cannot convince; that can subdue where others +cannot conquer. + +The writer of this article through her kind and encouraging words, has +been led from the error of his way, and to take up again the thread laid +down in early years; has realized that though the fruitage of the tragic +and pathetic life that ended in the ignominious death of Him who was the +grandest character, the most sublime ideal and the highest type of +humanity the world has ever seen--Jesus of Nazareth--we can, if we come +with faith and hope, be cleansed from our sins and iniquities. May the +Omnipotent God, who holds the destiny of nations, pour out his blessings +upon this saintly woman and her noble hearted husband and guide them +through long and honored days, and when the "shadows of even" gather and +the sun of life is setting, show them in the darkness of the end, "words +of light we never saw by day." + + JOS. M. O'HARA. + + + + +FISHING FOR MEN. + + +Dear Brother Herr: We, as prisoners in the Jefferson County Jail, +desire, for your encouragement, and because it is the spontaneous +expression of our hearts, to thank you for your continued, untiring and +unselfish devotion to our interests, spiritual and temporal. We desire +in this manner to show you and the public that we thoroughly appreciate +the efforts of those who try to draw us from the broad road of vice and +crime into the narrow path of virtue where we are satisfied alone peace +and happiness can be found. Many persons, Bro. Herr, who have attempted +the task of rescuing the fallen have become discouraged and given up the +work because they could see no good resulting from their efforts. Those +persons had not the faith to continue their work and leave results with +God. A prisoner who was an inmate of this jail several years ago +recently found himself again an inmate, and expressed surprise at the +changed tone, as it were, of the jail, and he laughingly asked if the +world was getting better, for he said the men now in jail were more +refined in their conversation, more unselfish in their actions toward +each other, and of a higher moral tone generally. What this man said is +undoubtedly true, and it is the result of the efforts of yourself and +other Christian workers who do not become weary in well-doing. But it is +you, Brother Herr, whom we especially desire to thank, because you are +with us daily and no day passes that you do not perform some act of +kindness for some one of our number, who, but for you, would have no +friend. That perfect man, Jesus of Nazareth, has said, "by their fruits +ye shall know them," and it is by this standard we as prisoners have +measured you and have not found you wanting. You have gained our +confidence and we have proved your sincerity and we love you, Brother +Herr, because you daily prove your love for us. Prisoners are naturally +inclined to suspect the sincerity of those who profess an interest in +their welfare, but when once you gain their confidence they are +teachable. + +A London lawyer who wrote the tragedy "Ion" makes one of his characters +say, "It is but a little thing to speak a word of kindness which by +daily use has almost lost its sense, but on the ear of him who thought +to die unmourned will fall like sweetest music." Many are the words of +kindness which daily fall from your lips, by which we are soothed and +blessed, and we firmly believe that they do not fall upon stony ground +and that the good God will reward you in his own good time with a +bountiful harvest of redeemed lives. + + Your grateful friends, + JAMES L. DORAN + HARRY GRAVEN + JOHN CARTER + JOS. M. O'HARA + JULIUS PHILLIPS + Committee of Prisoners of Jefferson County Jail. + +[Illustration: LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY--MAIN BUILDING + +Branch of this Library in the County Jail.] + + + + +Branch Library in the Jail + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Prison libraries are nearly always more or less poor, indefinite sort of +affairs, with a questionable lot of reading matter, mostly paper-backs +and second-hand magazines, forming its contents. But the Jefferson +county jail has marked a departure from the routine of prison life in +the establishment of a library station for its inmates. + +This little institution is a remarkable affair. Mrs. Chester Mayer is +responsible for its organization. Mrs. Mayer is a member of the visiting +board at the county jail, and noticing the absence of good reading +matter, the continual idling of prisoners, she took up the matter with +Jailer John R. Pflanz, who approved the idea of a library station. Then +she approached her husband, Dr. Mayer, a member of the Board of Trustees +of the Louisville Free Public Library. + +When George T. Settle, the recently elected librarian, was approached, +he gave his hearty consent. One hundred volumes were sent immediately +for the men's department and fifty for the women prisoners. The books +were selected by Miss Annie V. Pollard, former acting librarian, who +gave considerable time to a study of the most desirable literature. The +books sent were non-denominational, nonpolitical, and mostly fiction, +works of the popular authors, but nothing too heavy for the mental +appetite of the inmates. The books were taken from the open-shelf room. + +As these books are used they are changed. Since the establishment of the +jail library station the circulation has reached 2,000 books. Of course, +the same book is read by nearly all the regular borrowers. + +An interesting sight is presented when the prisoners are at liberty in +the open places at the jail. About 75 per cent. of the prisoners can +read. The other 25 per cent. gather about an appointed reader, who reads +aloud. + +How much better is this for those unfortunates than idling their time, +brooding, planning evil deeds, perhaps, or thinking criminal thoughts! + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, is in charge of the work and +he and Jailer Pflanz have made it a success. + +[Illustration: CURTIS JETT + +How he found God, he tells you in his own words. God bless Curt, and +give him the desires of his heart, is the prayer of the Author.] + + + + +CHANGE COMES IN CURT JETT. + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Frankfort, Ky., March 14.--(Special.)--Although he is serving two life +sentences for murder, Curt Jett, "the wild dog of the mountains," has +not yet abandoned hope of getting a pardon and being given another +chance to show that his reformation has been sincere and final. He says +that God has pardoned him for his crimes and he thinks the Governor +ought to. + +"The best thing ever happened to me was when I was sent to the +penitentiary," said Jett last night in his cell in the prison here as he +was talking to some newspaper men, who were inside the cellhouse for +another purpose than talking to Jett. "I realize that I never would have +been reformed but for being put in here," continued Jett. "I only wish +that they would give me another chance to show that I really have +changed my ways." + + +License To Teach Sunday-School. + +Jett showed the newspaper men who had stopped to talk to him, when they +saw him lying on his cot reading, a certificate from the International +Sunday-school League entitling him to teach in a Sunday-school. He was +prouder of that than he ever was of his ability to shoot and he showed +it with great pride. Jett recently wrote out his religious experiences +for the Rev. Geo. L. Herr, the prison evangelist, and last night Jett +said he would give the story to the newspapers if Col. E. E. Mudd, the +prison warden, had no objections. Col. Mudd was with the newspaper men +and readily consented to Jett giving out the story. He had written it +with a pencil and gave it to the newspaper men, desiring that it be +published. + +Jett's cell is covered with pictures, most of them selected with care as +to their beauty, and he has shown taste in arranging them. One of the +newspaper men remarked on the decorations in the cell last night and +Jett said: + +"Yes, it cheers this cell up a little and makes it brighter." + + +Expression On Face Changed. + +Even the expression of Jett's face has changed and he has none of that +hard look that he used to wear. He is bright and cheerful and Col. Mudd +says there is not a better prisoner in the penitentiary than Jett. Col. +Mudd said that he could not say that Jett's conversion was genuine from +a religious standpoint, but he says Jett has certainly changed inside +the prison. The Rev. Joseph Severance, the prison chaplain, says that +Jett is one of the best Bible scholars he ever saw and knows more about +the Bible than many earnest church workers. + +In his story which he gave out last night Jett freely admits his guilt +of the crimes that are charged against him. He added, when he said that +it was a good thing that he had been put in the penitentiary: + +"I do not mean that it was good to kill men." + +He said that whisky was largely responsible for his misdeeds and he +wanted to do good now that he had done so much harm. The following is +Jett's story as he wrote it in his cell: + + +Jett's Story. + +"State Prison, Frankfort, Ky., March 13, 1909.--To the Whole World: I +want to let the whole world know what God in his great mercy has done +for me, and prove to you by words which are true that Jesus is willing, +able and does save to the uttermost. After a life of sin and shame, God +sent his Holy Spirit into my soul and made a new man out of me. It was +in this wise: A dear, good woman who is dead now, but who then lived in +Lexington; her name was Mrs. Fanny A. Penn--I shall never forget that +name--she wrote me a good Christian letter, full of good advice, and +begged me to become a Christian. I had never seen her, or she me, as I +know of; she had only read in the press regarding what a desperado and +outlaw I was. I read her letter and it sounded like a fairy tale to me, +with no sense in it; but after reflection, I answered it, and we began +to be good friends, and she kept begging me to turn from my sinful ways +and be a Christian man. + + +Read New Testament. + +"I want to state right here that because a man is in prison, he don't +have to be a Christian or behave himself; and Mrs. Penn sent me a small +revised Testament and begged me to read it. At first I laid it up and +would not read it. I don't remember of ever reading a whole chapter in a +Bible up until that time in my whole life; and at last, by her begging +me in every letter to read my Testament, I began to read it, and started +out with a resolution to read it through, and after I began to read, I +became interested in it, and the more I read it the deeper I became +interested in it, and God's Holy Spirit began to work in me, and I began +to pray. At first it seemed that I was afraid that God would not answer +my prayers, but still something made me pray anyway, and it wasn't long +until I was praying to God every night from one to three times, from the +depths of my heart. I had taken his name in vain ever since I was a +child, and I asked him to make me quit taking his name in vain, and +after a day at my work, and when I would curse God, I would think of my +prayers, and then at night when I would go to my cell, I would let my +thoughts wander over a day that had just passed, and I could tell after +reflecting that I hadn't cursed so much that day. And little by little +God removed that evil spirit, cursing, from me, until one night when I +went to my cell and my thoughts wandered over the day that had just +passed, and not an oath had I uttered, and I was happier than ever +before, I fell on my knees on the hard stone floor, and thanked God for +His goodness and for removing that swearing away from me. + + +Quits Smoking Cigarettes. + +"I had smoked cigarettes for at least fifteen years and I quit them. I +was full of revenge and hatred, and I cried aloud to God in my lonely +cell to redeem my soul, which He did, and it wasn't long before I was a +friend to everyone and praising God for full and free salvation. He has +made a new man out of me. The Holy Spirit is like a fever, and it is all +and all before a man gets right with God. Condemning and deceitful +spirits will rise up in a man, but all we have to do is to ask God and +he will remove them all; to live a true Christian life is the +straightest life that anyone ever tried to walk. It is a great warfare. +I read and study my Bible and have learned a great deal about God's word +since I joined the church, a few short months ago, under a great, good +and noble man of Frankfort by the name of C. R. Hudson, and I love him +as a very dear brother. There is not a man in all this world that I hold +the least bit of malice against, and before I got right with God I had +revenge in me against many. + + +Warns Young Men. + +"Young men, as you read this, from one who has done many and great +wrongs, take warning; shun evil companions and don't do as I have done +in days gone by. Don't be led astray by older heads, for the man that +will advise you to do a wrong is not your friend; but I could not see it +that way. God has given me a new mind and I know as well as I know that +I am living that religion is true, real and no fake, as I once thought. + + +Has Been Born Again. + +"I was raised on a Bluegrass farm in Madison County, Kentucky, and my +parents were as good a father and mother as ever lived; but my father +died while I was young and I went from bad to worse, committing crime +after crime, and I am guilty of the charges against me, but God has +forgiven me of every wrong I ever did. Why won't the Governor? All the +punishment that I will ever have to go through with will be on this +earth, for God has forgiven me of every wrong and I have a clear +conscience now, for I have been born again. There are so many men in +prison that trample the lowly God under foot to try and gain their +freedom in that way, and I hope that no one single person that reads +this will think that I am making mockery of God's love, for I am sincere +with God, as I used to be with Satan. I wish that every paper in the +whole world would publish this so that it could have a chance to touch +the hearts of many sinful men; I long to tell the story to young men, +from East to West, from North to South, how God redeemed my soul. + + +Refers to Scriptures. + +"We have organized a Bible reading circle here in the prison which is a +grand and good work. Now I refer you to some Scripture which I hope +everyone will read carefully, and it will show you how God will forgive +a man for the crime of murder and for all crimes except one. + +"Read Exodus ii., 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; II. Samuel xi. and xii.; Ezekiel +xviii., from 20th verse to end of chapter; Jeremiah xxxiii., 8, 9; +Mathew xii., 31; Luke xv.; Acts vii., 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60; Acts +viii., 1 to 7; 16, 17, 22; Galatians iii., 24. + +"I ask for the sincere prayers of every good Christian in this whole +world; pray for me, that I may be true to God the rest of my life. When +I was repenting my whole face would draw and I could feel the hot, +burning love of God in my whole being. I am in prison, maybe never to +hear the birds sing or the rippling of the water again, a free man, but +I say unto you that I am a free man in Jesus; I have found a friend that +sticks closer than a brother. People, let your light shine, for I +believe that there are many diamonds in the rough. I am yours in Jesus, + + "CURTIS JETT ." + + + + +Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison + + + Frankfort, Ky., Penitentiary. + Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + Prison Evangelist, + Louisville, Ky. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +As you have been so kind to me and have asked a somewhat detailed +account of Christian Endeavor work in this prison and my connection with +same, it is my pleasure to comply, especially as you do not visit us +as often as we would like and cannot see for yourself all that goes on. + +[Illustration: HENRY E. YOUTSEY + +The Author knows of no man behind prison bars in whom he is more +interested than Henry E. Youtsey.] + +When I commenced my life sentence here, February 6th, 1901, I fell in +love with our Christian Endeavor Society at first sight, and in all +those 104 months I have only missed about 15 meetings, due to +unavoidable causes. I was ill for three months with malaria and could +not go at all. + +During the early days of my imprisonment our membership at its best +averaged about 100, but during the summer months when the boys were +given their choice between the open air of the yard and attendance at +the meetings the average was less than 20. + +In the summer of 1905, and at the instance of Mrs. M. B. R. Day, of +Frankfort, I organized and managed a memorizing contest in which a +number of prisoners learned and recited verses of scripture, and I +obtained a number of handsome Teachers' Bibles and other presents which +were given to them as prizes on Thanksgiving day. I continued this work +for the three following summers, and in all forty-five prisoners learned +and recited a grand total of 33,332 verses, (over four times as many as +are contained in the New Testament), which is an average of 741 verses +per man. The men studied so hard that some of them injured their eyes, +and it was thought best to discontinue the work for a while. + +I was Corresponding Secretary of our Society for about two and one-half +years, and last December I was elected its President by the largest +majority ever given any candidate for the office. + +I started in to raise our membership to two hundred, and succeeded in +getting it as high as one hundred and sixty-six. It was also my desire +to have better attendance during the hot months, and I used every means +I could think of to make our meetings attractive, and I was frequently +both pleased and surprised to count from sixty-five to seventy, more +than three times what it used to be. Some of our members being delicate +are in great need of all the fresh air they can get and remain in the +yard all day Sundays in pretty weather although their hearts are with +us. + +A part of our pledge binds the members to carefully read the Bible every +day, and I wondered how they were going to keep that pledge without the +Bibles, so I set to work again writing letters in every direction, and +almost before I knew it our Ky. C. E. Societies sent us 50 Bibles, and +Miss Mary B. Rohrer, of Franklin, Pa., sent me 150 of the prettiest +Bibles you ever saw; they have flexible, over-lapping backs, +red-under-gold edges, maps, and other helps. This is the most +magnificent present we have ever received from outside parties, and +besides all these, the Prison Commissioners offered us 100 more, which +we could not use. One thing that has impressed me very forcibly is the +fact that the Christian people outside are ready at all times to shower +blessings upon us, and all we have to do is to ask for them. + +At the suggestion of Bro. Jos. Severance, our splendid Chaplain, I +numbered the Bibles and gave them out to the members, keeping a careful +record of them, and the men were instructed to return the Bibles to the +Society on leaving the prison, and although about a score of our members +have gone out since then we have only lost one Bible, which speaks +volumes for their honesty. + +A few Sundays ago I proposed that the Society set apart a small sum of +money for prizes, and that all the members who wished to do so would be +invited to write compositions on the subject, "What Christian Endeavor +has done for me." Nine brothers entered this symposium, and their +compositions signed, "Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry +Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian, aggregate about 7,500 words, +and make fine reading; Bro. Severance was appointed Judge. + +This summer I organized a little band of workers who go with me to the +hospital every Sunday, where we hold little services of song, prayer and +Bible reading at the bedsides of those who are ill, and I have found +great joy in this work. + +We have had some splendid C. E. meetings, the best ones being those when +the Senior and Junior societies of the Frankfort Christian Church and +the Epworth League of the Methodist Church united with us. Of course, we +could not go to them, but they came to us, and gave us rare spiritual +and intellectual treats. The music was specially beautiful. + +Quite recently I assisted Bro. Severance in re-organizing a Bible class, +of which I am Secretary. We are studying Moninger's "Training for +Service," and have 52 members. Splendid progress is being made. So you +see my hands are pretty full, and when Sunday night comes I am about +ready to drop in my tracks. Of course, it is all voluntary, and I do not +have to turn my hand over if I do not want to. + +I am going to add a "Soul-winners Department" to our C. E. Society for +the purpose of assisting Bro. Severance in the conversion of the men, +but I am in some doubt as to how to proceed as there is no chance to get +at the men in the winter time. However, I am determined to find +opportunity somehow. + +We have a new Superintendent of Prison C. E. work, in the person of +Miss Georgia Dunn, of Marksbury, Ky. She is the most energetic little +Christian lady I have seen in a long time, and our society will surely +hum this winter under her guidance, as we are all very proud of our good +little sister. + +January 1st, I commenced to read my Bible through, at the rate of three +chapters each week night, and five each Sunday night, in order to get +through by December 31st, but I read more than that and finished up +three months ahead of time. Although I have read the good book +constantly during the last eight years, this is the first continuous +reading to completion that I ever did. + +I have enjoyed Bro. Severance's sermons very much and I believe there is +nothing that thrills and inspires me with enthusiasm like fine +preaching, and right here I am going to tell you something which you +must keep under your hat; one Sunday Bro. Severance was unexpectedly +called away, and asked for a volunteer to fill his place, and I was +delighted at the opportunity, and although I could not fill it I +"rattled about in it," for about 30 minutes, and one dear fellow +accepted the gospel invitation and joined the church. As soon as my +sermonette was over quite a number of friends crowded around me and +showered congratulations on me. This was a temptation to try again, and +the next time three brothers joined the church, and that pleased me +immensely, you know. + +I have many good friends in Louisville, including Dr. Powell, of the +Christian Church; Dr. T. M. Hawes, of the Highland Presbyterian Church, +whose C. E. Society sent us $7.50, and, say, there is a pastor after +God's own heart. Give them all my love when you see them, and say to +them that while I am ashamed of the sins that brought me here I am +trying to leave foot-prints that I will be proud of in the great day of +judgment. + +The Christian Endeavor Societies of Newport, Paris, Winchester and +Lexington have helped us wonderfully. Lexington is the principal center +of Christian Endeavor activity, from my point of view, and I have an +especially warm place in my heart for those societies. + +How is Mr. John R. Pflanz getting along? He is another whom I love, and +I hope that he will get every office that he goes after. + +Be sure and give my kindest regards to your most excellent wife; she is +certainly a queen among women. + +Trusting that I have not tired you, and that you will excuse my +remissness in failing to write sooner, I am, + + Most respectfully yours, + H. E. YOUTSEY. + + + + +Capital Punishment + + +The following forceful expressions regarding capital punishment by Gov. +Geo. W. Hunt, of Arizona, are in exact keeping with the thoughts of the +author. "Thou shalt not kill" applies to governments, corporations, +societies and individuals alike. + +Capital punishment is simply the commission by the State of an act which +is regarded as a horrible crime if committed by an individual. One man +must not kill another man, but several men vested with official titles +can hold a conference and send a soul to eternity. The State says: "You +must not kill; but if you do, I will kill you." This theory of a State's +power or duty owes its origin to the lowest class of barbarians in the +early history of the world. Their logic, if it may be called that, +sprang solely from a spirit of revenge. The idea that a legal execution +would deter others from committing murder probably never occurred to +them. Their crude minds did not rise above the thought that the victim +should be avenged, and that adequate vengeance could be found only in +the hangman's noose or the guillotine. + +There are a thousand other practices originating with barbarians which +the footsteps of civilization and progress have crushed. But capital +punishment, the worst heritage of the dark ages, lingers with us, +betraying one of the spots in humanity where the veneer of civilization +is thin. I am inclined to think that the spirit of revenge still is the +ruling motive back of the legal execution, even though pleas are made in +its behalf which barbarians never thought of. They could not very well +think of such punishment as a curb to more murders, for even they could +not help seeing that the beheading and quartering of offenders had no +such effect. The legal execution has no such effect today, a fact which +any fair-minded man will recognize after proper investigation. And if +that plea falls down, as it does and must continue to do, what defense +of the legal killing of our fellowman is left us? The moment we are +convinced that the number of murders is on the increase, or does not +decrease, in spite of the rope and electric chair, we will have to +justify capital punishment on some other ground. What is that other +ground, if it is not the old savage impulse of meting revenge--a species +of revenge, at the last analysis, confers no good whatever upon society +as a whole, and is of no consolation or comfort to the family circle +most affected by the original murder? + +Arizona has taken most advanced ground upon social and economic +questions, and while the old territorial law, permitting capital +punishment, is still on the statute books, it must be remembered that +statehood has been in operation less than a year, and that the first +State Legislature was overwhelmed with work during the comparatively +short session prescribed by the Constitution. I am confident that public +sentiment in Arizona is opposed to capital punishment. During the +special session of the Legislature, which will be held early in 1913, an +effort will be made to repeal the old law. If the Legislature is too +busy to give the matter attention, or is disinclined to assume the +responsibility, the initiative provision of the State Constitution will +be invoked, thus putting the question square up to the people. I have no +fears for the outcome. Arizona citizenship has proved itself too +intelligent to lag behind the advanced thought and progress of +civilization. + + GEO. W. H. HUNT, + Governor of Arizona. + + + + +Indiana Reformatory + +Inmates Subscribe for Pipe Organ + + +Each one a Carnegie in proportion to his ability to give, a majority of +the 1,204 inmates of the Indiana Reformatory yesterday voluntarily +contributed toward the purchase of a pipe organ for the handsome chapel +of the institution, the total offerings approximated $900. When the +contribution cards were checked up by the Rev. W. E. Edgin, chaplain of +the reformatory, he was surprised at the generosity shown by the +inmates. The individual sums given ranged from 25 cents to $35. + +When Gov. J. Frank Hanly was a guest at the Reformatory recently he was +asked by Mr. Edgin as to the best plan to pursue to get from Andrew +Carnegie a contribution sufficient to buy a pipe organ. Gov. Hanly +replied that this sum could be raised in Indiana, and he started the +list with $100. It then occurred to Mr. Edgin to ask voluntary +contributions from the inmates, and permission was given by Supt. +Whittaker. Cards were left in each cell, with blanks for subscriptions, +but it was distinctly stated that all offerings should be entirely +voluntary. A great many of the inmates bring money with them to the +Reformatory, and this, with that which they earn by overtime work, which +is considerable, is credited to them. + +When the success of the offering was learned the inmates were as much +pleased as Chaplain Edgin. The new organ soon will be forthcoming. + + * * * * * + + + + + PROGRAM. + + + Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services. + + Sunday, April 14, 1907. + + + March--"Camp Organ" Narovec + March--"Steel King" St. Clair + + Musical Selection. + + Paraphrase--"Melody in F" Rubenstein + + Doxology. + + The Lord's Prayer. + + + I SHALL BE LIKE HIM. + + When I shall reach the more excellent glory, + And all my trials are passed, + I shall behold Him, O wonderful story! + I shall be like Him at last. + + Cho: I shall be like Him, I shall be like Him, + And in His beauty shall shine; + I shall be like Him, wondrously like Him, + Jesus my Savior divine. + + We shall not wait till the glorious dawning + Breaks on the vision so fair, + Now we may welcome the heavenly morning, + Now we His image may bear. + + More and more like Him, repeat the blest story, + Over and over again, + Changed by His Spirit from glory to glory, + I shall be satisfied then. + + Prayer. + + Piano Solo J. S. Hathaway + Selection--From "Romeo and Juliet" Gounod + + +THE VIRTUE OF SHAME. + +Confession is a duty too little regarded even by many Christians. Some +men are ashamed to confess that they have done wrong. Sir John Lubbock +says: "It is well to be ashamed of yourself if you are in the wrong; but +never be ashamed to own it." The Bible says: "Confess your faults one to +another." + + +CONQUEST. + + Creation's heir, the world, the world is mine.--Goldsmith. + All things are yours.--Paul. + + The world is mine. I hold no title-deed + To one small acre, yet have all I need, + And should Dame Fortune proffer me her store + I could not linger wistful, at her door. + + Unfortunate is he beyond compute, + Whose love of fortune makes his conscience mute. + I will not look to fortune. I will do + My best, though small that best to her or you. + + All things are mine. I walk with firmer tread + Than Caesar at his best; for I am led + By mightier One than Fortune or than Fate, + And I shall conquer all things, soon or late. + + All things? Yes, all. Then well may Fortune frown, + And clutch with trembling hand her imperial crown. + I will stoop to conquer. I will rise + And climb the rugged path where duty lies. + + Sermon Geo. L. Herr + + Benediction. + + March--"Boston Press Club" Rollinson + March--"Yankee Grit" Holzman + + + + +"CLING TO THE BIBLE." + + Tis the anchor of hope and the lamp that gives light, + Tis the star that will shine thro' your life's darkest night, + If you follow its guidance, you'll always be right, + So cling to the Bible and walk in its light. + + +To neglect, reject or doubt the Bible in any particular is but an +entering wedge to spiritual apathy. The "Bible tinkers" of this or any +other age have been men whose hearts are cold and whose soul saving +powers were limited. + +To obey the Bible, will lead to a perfect salvation, make possible a +victorious faith, surmount the difficulties of life and gain an +"inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled and that fadeth not away, +reserved in heaven for you." + +Watson says, "The Bible is a rock of diamonds; a chain of pearls; the +sword of the Spirit, a chart by which the Christian sails to eternity, +the map by which he daily walks; the sun dial by which he sets his life; +the balance by which he weighs his actions." + + + + + The + Bible + contains + 3,566,480 + letters, 810- + 697 words, 31- + 175 verses, 1,189 + chapters, and 66 + books. The longest + chapter is the 119th + Psalm. The shortest + and middle chapter the + 117 Psalm. The middle + verse is the 8th of the 118th + Psalm. The longest name is + in the 8th chapter of Isaiah. + The word "and" occurs 46,627 + times; the "Lord" 858 times. The + 37th chapter of Isaiah and the 9th + chapter of the 2d book of Kings are + alike. The longest verse is the 9th of + the 8th chapter of Esther and the shortest + verse is the 35th of the 11th chapter of + John. In the 21st verse of the 7th + chapter of Ezra is the alphabet. The + name of God is not mentioned in + the book of Esther. The model + prayer is the 17th chapter of + John. The 13th chapter of + 1st Corinthians is the + most practical. + It Contains + Knowledge + Holiness + Wisdom + and Love + The Tree of Life and Knowledge + + + + +"DO YOU KNOW THE WORLD IS DYING FOR A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE?" + + +Practical results are happy homes, husbands and fathers restored to +their families, wives and children made happy, multitudes rescued, and +the world made better. + +The magnitude of this work will never be known until Eternity's records +are disclosed. Little did we think twenty years ago that so humble a +beginning would be attended with such remarkable results. + +Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic field. He is +considered the greatest evangelist among prisoners in the United +States.--Louisville Herald, May 17, 1909. + +When you help the missionaries, you help the poor fellow in trouble. +When you help those in trouble, you help yourself, and when you thus +help the missionary, the outcast, and yourself, God will help you. + + +OUR MOTTO: + + "Seeking the lost." + "Helping the helpless to help themselves." + All along life's pathway there are men and women in need: + Go and help somebody just now. + With a word of kindness or a loving deed, + Go and help somebody just now. + + +Dear Friend--Our country is taxed with a burden of thousands of +prisoners. These people are crippled, not in body, not in mind, but +almost always in morals, which is the most serious. It is to help or +recover them that we are giving our lives. Our labors have not been in +vain, as the testimonials will show you. We want you to "hold the rope +while we go down into the pit," by subscribing for our support and +transportation in this work of prison evangelism; and in so doing you +become the benefactor of a submerged class. + +May we not hope to have your check to help in this concerted effort? I +am, + + Yours sincerely, + GEO. L. HERR, + Louisville, Ky. + + * * * * * + + -------- + "He that hath the Son, hath life, and he that hath not the Son + of God hath not life."--1 John 5:12. + + "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"--Heb. + 2:3. + + "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world + and lose his own soul?"--Mark 8:36. + + "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and + all these things shall be added unto you."--Matt. 6:33. + -------- + + + + +GET REV. HERR'S NEW BOOK. + + +Entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," for your good; but chiefly for +the good of others. + +The nation behind the bars is an interesting nation, a pitiful nation, a +needy nation. Help them and interest yourself in them by buying and +reading this book. + +"You have a superb record."--Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D. + +"He has wide experience on both sides of the line."--Rev. H. C. +Morrison, Editor Pentecostal Herald. + +"His labors are abundantly blessed."--Rev. Joseph Severance. + +"The large number who have been helped by hearing your message will be +still further benefited by reading your book."--Rev. Albert J. Steelman, +Ph.D., Chaplain, Illinois State Penitentiary. + +"You and your good wife were father and mother to the prisoners."--John +R. Pflanz, Jailer. + +"George L. Herr is not the man to do anything in an ordinary way."--Rev. +D. J. Starr, D.D., Chaplain of Columbus, O., Penitentiary. + +"His work among prisoners has been very successful, and through his +efforts many erring creatures have been induced to reform."--Charles F. +Grainger. + + + + +Transcriber's Notes + + Table of Contents + (Practical Religious Work in County Jail) + Pratical changed to Practical. + + Page 7 + (glorified by the presence) + glorifield changed to glorified. + + Page 144 + (Hundreds of Letters we have + have have changed to have. + + The following are used interchangably: + today and to-day, + exconvict and ex-convict + cellhouse and cell-house + brokenhearted and broken-hearted + + Several unbalanced quotes were left as in the original. + + Page 128 + (Jerry was put to work in the engine room) + This paragraph appears to need an open quote. Unchanged. + + Page 141 + ("The wages of sin is death,) + Phrase seems to need a closed quote. Unchanged. + + Page 161 + ("Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry + Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian,) + List of names seems to need a closes quote. Unchanged. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nation Behind Prison Bars, by George L. Herr + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS *** + +***** This file should be named 35221-8.txt or 35221-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/2/2/35221/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Leonard Johnson and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Herr + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nation Behind Prison Bars + +Author: George L. Herr + +Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35221] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Leonard Johnson and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 430px;"> +<img src="images/ill-001.jpg" width="430" height="600" alt="GEORGE L. HERR AND WIFE" title="" /> +<p class="caption">GEORGE L. HERR AND WIFE</p> +</div> + + + + +<div class="front"> +<h1><span style="font-size:.8em;">THE</span><br /><br /> + +NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS<br /><br /></h1> + + +<p>BY</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">George L. Herr</span>, Prison Evangelist</p> + + + +<p style="margin: 4em 0;">"<i>I was in prison, and ye came unto me</i>"</p> + + + +<p style="font-size: .8em">PUBLISHED BY</p> + +<p>THE CARTER PRINTING COMPANY</p> + +<p style="font-size: .8em"><span class="smcap">Louisville, Kentucky</span></p> + + +<div style="font-size: .8em; margin:6em 0;"> +<p>COPYRIGHT 1913</p> + +<p>BY</p> + +<p>GEORGE L. HERR, LOUISVILLE, KY.</p> +</div> + + +<p style="font-size: 1.4em">To My Wife</p> + +<p>WHOSE CONSTANT HELP AND</p> + +<p>ENCOURAGEMENT</p> + +<p>MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO THE WORK</p> + +<p>TO WHICH</p> + +<p style="font-size: 1.4em">God</p> + +<p>HAS CALLED ME, THIS VOLUME IS</p> + +<p>INSCRIBED WITH THE</p> + +<p>PRAYER THAT</p> + +<p style="font-size: 1.4em">God</p> + +<p>WILL USE IT TO SAVE MANY SOULS</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> + + + +<h1>The Nation Behind Prison Bars</h1> + +<p class="center">BY</p> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: 1.3em;">GEORGE L. HERR, Prison Evangelist</p> + +<p class="center">Author of "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoner,"<br /> +"The Life Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing<br /> +Better," "The Missionary," "The Bethel,"<br /> +"Lost and Is Found," and "A<br /> +Glorious Rescue."</p> + +<p class="center">THE WORLD OF PRISONERS UNKNOWN TO MANY<br /> +BROUGHT FORWARD IN DESCRIPTIVE<br /> +SPEECH AND VIVID PICTURES</p> + + +<p>There are enough people in prison in these United States +to furnish a citizenship to a considerable territory, or to +populate a good-sized city. For the psychological student, +they form the most interesting of all objects of study. For +the philanthropist, and for the Christian missionary, they +constitute a wonderful field of activity. How to lift them +out of the criminal strata is the question to which Mr. +Herr is devoting his life, in an effort to answer. In a good +measure he is answering it. Many prisoners to whom the +grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation, will rise to +call him blessed.—Rev. Jno. Paul, Mississippi.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 479px;"> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">My Devoted Father</span></p> +<img src="images/ill-008.jpg" width="479" height="600" alt="My Devoted Father" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Hon.</span> RICHARD S. HERR<br /> +"And their works do follow them."</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 445px;"> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">My Precious Mother</span></p> +<img src="images/ill-009.jpg" width="445" height="600" alt="My Precious Mother" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Mrs.</span> RICHARD S. HERR<br /> +"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works +praise her in the gates."</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Foreword" id="Foreword"></a>Foreword</h2> + + +<p>Gathered within these pages are recitals of scenes +and incidents in a field of existence fortunately unfamiliar +to the majority of our readers. The subject +has been handled without any attempt to embellish +the hard facts or gloss over the cruel details—the paramount +desire upon the part of the author being an +endeavor to show the crying necessity for a constant, +earnest labor among the unfortunates who are shut +away from God's sunshine; whom God still loves, despite +their sins of omission and commission. If the +perusal of this volume brings to the reader a belief +that the cause is worthy, that labor in this field brings +a reward which amply compensates for the time and +effort expended, the author will rest in the knowledge +of a duty well performed. There has been no effort +at exaggeration in presenting these sketches of daily +experiences among the outcasts of society, no straining +for effect, no striving to paint word pictures that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span> +may touch the heart. It is simply the story of everyday +life in the field of the prison missionary's labor, +and is given to the public with a fervent prayer that +God, in His infinite wisdom, will instill in the hearts +of our readers a feeling of charity toward those whose +burden is almost greater than they can bear.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">Faithfully,</div> +<div>G. L. H.</div> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Contents" id="Contents"></a>Contents</h2> + +<table summary="Table of Contents" width="100%" border="0"> +<tr><td colspan="2">Title</td> +<td align="right">i</td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Copyright</td> +<td align="right">ii</td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Dedication</td> +<td align="right">iii</td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Advertisement</td> +<td align="right">iv</td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Foreword">Foreword</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_v">v</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Contents">Contents</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_vii">vii</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Illustrations">Illustrations</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_ix">ix</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Commendation_from_Louisville">Commendations from Louisville Ministers</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_x">x</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Story_of_the_Life_of_Geo_L_Herr">Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_xiii">xiii</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Subscription Card</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_xvi">xvi</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_FIRST">Chapter First—Life of Geo. L. Herr</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_TWO">Chapter Second—"Lost, and Is Found"</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_THREE">Chapter Third—"Political Peril," Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_FOUR">Chapter Fourth—"Christ the Interpreter," Sermon by Dr. Hawes</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_FIVE">Chapter Fifth—Throwing Out the Life Line</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_SIX">Chapter Sixth—Reformation of Criminals</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Visit to Nashville Prison</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_SEVEN">Chapter Seven—Does Prison Work Pay?</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>The Work of a Prison Evangelist</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td><ins title="Original had Pratical.">Practical</ins> Religious Work in County Jail</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Praise for Prison Evangelist</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Sermon in State Prison</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Revival Stirs Up Inmates</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_EIGHT">Chapter Eight—A Man of Honor</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_NINE">Chapter Nine—Jim O'Brien, the Modern Miracle</a></td> +<td align="right">76<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Jim O'Brien Passes Away</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_TEN">Chapter Ten—Columbus Ohio Prison</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td>Chapel Services</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHAPTER_ELEVEN">Chapter Eleven—Incontestable Proof</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Prison_Evangelists_Good_Work">Prison Evangelist's Good Work</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#A_Grand_Work_Highly_Commended">A Grand Work Highly Commended—John R. Pflanz</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Worked_Wonders">"Worked Wonders"</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Strong_Endorsements">Strong Endorsement</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Speaks_to_Prisoners">Speaks to Prisoners</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Sad_and_Pitiful_Stories">Sad and Pitiful Story</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Resolution_That_Was_Never_Broken">Resolution Never Broken</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#What_Is_A_Friend">What is a Friend?</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Another_Chance_I_Crave">"Another Chance I Crave"</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Letter_from_the_Late_Col_Will_S_Hays">Letter from Col. Will S. Hays</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#The_Late_J_P_Scheider">Letter from Capt. Scheider</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Profanity_Shows_Mental_Deficiency">Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#At_Cincinnati_Workhouse">Cincinnati Work House</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Extermination_of_Habitual_Criminals">Extermination of Habitual Criminals</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Criminal_Becomes_Minister">Criminal Becomes Minister</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#To_Brother_George_L_Herr">Poem to Brother Herr</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Success_of_Reformed_Criminals">Success of Reform Criminals—Wm. A. Pinkerton</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#A_LETTER_FROM_EDITOR-IN-CHIEF_OF_THE_STAR">Letter from Editor Star of Hope</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Lost_and_Is_Found">Lost and is Found</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Christmas_at_Frankfort_Prison">Christmas at the Frankfort Prison</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Hundreds_of_Letters">Hundreds of Letters</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_144">144</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#A_TRIBUTE_FROM_JOS_M_OHARA">A Tribute from Jos. M. O'Hara</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#FISHING_FOR_MEN">Fishing for Men</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Branch_Library_in_the_Jail">Branch Library in the Jail</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CHANGE_COMES_IN_CURT_JETT">Change comes in Curt Jett</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Christian_Endeavor_at_Frankfort_Prison">Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Capital_Punishment">Capital Punishment</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#Indiana_Reformatory">Indiana Reformatory</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#CLING_TO_THE_BIBLE">Clinging to the Bible</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2">Tree of Life and Knowledge</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#DO_YOU_KNOW_THE_WORLD_IS_DYING_FOR_A">The World Dying for Love</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2"><a href="#GET_REV_HERRS_NEW_BOOK">George L. Herr's New Book</a></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_176">176</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="Illustrations" id="Illustrations"></a>Illustrations</h2> + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="List of Illustrations"> +<tr><td>Geo. L. Herr and Wife—Frontispiece</td> +<td align="right">i</td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Late Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Herr</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_iv">iv</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. Chas. R. Hemphill, D.D.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_xv">xv</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. Steve P. Holcombe</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Late Mr. George Gaulbert</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. Carter Helm Jones</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Late Rev. E. A. Ferguson</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. E. L. Powell</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>First Christian Church and Presbyterian Theological Seminary</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. T. M. Hawes, D.D.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. Henry Clay Morrison, D.D.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. John Paul</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Dwight L. Moody</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Valentine Burke</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Late Col. Mat. Ragland</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Jefferson County Jail</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Late Hon. J. C. Bohart</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Hon. John R. Pflanz</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rev. C. S. Hanley</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Hon. Chas. F. Grainger</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Judge Aaron Kohn</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Rt. Rev. Chas. E. Woodcock, D.D.</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>The Hon. and Mrs. John L. Whitman</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Wm. A. Pinkerton</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_124">124</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Louisville Free Public Library</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Curtis Jett</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td>Henry E. Youtsey</td> +<td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> +</table> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="Commendation_from_Louisville" id="Commendation_from_Louisville"></a>Commendation from Louisville +Ministers</h2> + + +<div class="date">Louisville, Ky., Jan. 27, 1910.</div> + +<div>To His Honor Judge Muir Weissinger,</div> +<div style="margin-left:3em;">Judge of the County Court,</div> +<div style="margin-left:6em;">Jefferson County, Ky.</div> + + +<p>Dear Sir:</p> + +<p>The undersigned Ministers of the Gospel in the city +of Louisville, being members of the Ministerial Association, +do hereby recommend to your Honor the appointment +of the Rev. George L. Herr, a regular ordained +minister of the gospel, as Chaplain of the +Jefferson County Jail, in accordance with Part 9, Sections +627-632 Russell Statutes, 1909, inclusive.</p> + +<p>The Rev. Mr. Herr is thoroughly well qualified to +fill the position of Chaplain at the County Jail, he +having for seven years previous to the enactment of +the present law given up his time and money in this +noble work, without compensation from any source +whatever, either state, county or city, as the present +Jailer of Jefferson County and many other will testify.</p> + +<ul id="ministers"> +<li>R. D. SMART, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Broadway Methodist Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>CHARLES R. HEMPHILL, +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span> + <ul> + <li>Professor Presbyterian Theological Seminary.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>W. N. BRINEY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Broadway Christian Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>W. J. CLARKE, + <ul> + <li>Minister Clifton Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>A. R. KASEY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Clifton Crescent Hill Methodist Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>S. G. SHELLEY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Jefferson St. Methodist Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>THAD. S. TINSLEY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Third Christian Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>W. F. IRWIN, + <ul> + <li>4th Ave. Presbyterian Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>E. B. PATTERSON, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Trinity Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>W. R. HENDRIX, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Methodist Temple.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>J. T. RUSHING, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Virginia Ave. M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>D. B. GREGORY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Woodland Pres. Church U. S.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>G. W. NUTTER, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Parkland Christian Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>B. F. ATKINSON, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Rivers Memorial M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>C. F. WIMBERTY, + <ul> + <li>Marcus Lindsay Memorial.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>CHAS. A. HUMPHREY, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Portland M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>J. D. SIGLER<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span></li> + +<li>E. L. POWELL, + <ul> + <li>Pastor First Christian Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>S. H. LOVELACE, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Oakdale Methodist Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>C. R. CROWE, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Highland Park and Hill Street.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>T. R. KENDALL, + <ul> + <li>Lander Memorial Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>T. L. CRANDELL, + <ul> + <li>Dumesnil M. E. Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>C. E. CARTER, + <ul> + <li>Asbury M. E. Church.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>ARTHUR W. BROOK, + <ul> + <li>M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>W. B. BEAUCHAMP, + <ul> + <li>Pastor Fourth Ave. M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> + +<li>J. R. McAFEE, + <ul> + <li>West Broadway M. E. Church, South.</li> + </ul></li> +</ul> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Story_of_the_Life_of_Geo_L_Herr" id="Story_of_the_Life_of_Geo_L_Herr"></a>Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr</h2> + + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, has received +from Chicago his book entitled "The Story of His +Life," by Edward De Alma. Mr. Herr distributed 100 +copies yesterday in the Jefferson County jail, and the men +received them with great eagerness. Mr. Herr will place +the story in all penal institutions. A letter from the Rev. +James M. Taylor, complimenting the book, says: "I have +read with soul-stirring interest the sad, heart-rending experience +of Brother Herr, and the miraculous deliverance +by the grace of God; how, by a life of sin, he squandered a +fortune; how God found him and gave him deliverance; +the romantic way in which his God-given companion entered +his life and how they are being used, perhaps, as no +other persons to-day in helping those behind the bars. This +story will warn the reckless, encourage the 'outcast,' and +put a desire in the hearts of thousands to lead better +lives."—<i>Louisville Courier-Journal</i></p> + +<p>The Rev. Paul, of Meridian, Miss., says: "The story of +Brother Herr's life, 'Redeemed from the depths of sin to +the mountain top of salvation,' is a thrilling narrative, published +as a warning to the fallen."</p> + +<p>The Rev. J. B. Foote, chaplain of the Onondaga county +penitentiary, in New York, acknowledging receipt of the +life story of Mr. Herr and thanking him for it, states in his +letter that he will use the book in his preaching in prison.</p> + +<p>When asked if prison work paid, Mr. Herr said: "Who +will ever know the vast number that will attribute their +first impulse to a better life, formed while in the seclusion +of a prison cell, while reading this book. The world will +never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon +themselves, have learned the great secret, that it takes an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span> +omnipotent power to change the current of their lives and +give them deliverance from the power of sin, and enabling +them to go forth, not to live a new purpose, but a new +life."</p> + +<p>In 1909 Mr. Herr published 150,000 sermons, books and +tracts.</p> + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in +our chapel last Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, +is a man whose vicissitudes of life lead through a labyrinth +that would require a half century of years to make +its journey at an ordinary pace.—Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., +Ohio Penitentiary.</p> + +<p>Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is +a man of large sympathy, and having had an experience of +fifteen years as an evangelist, knows how to reach the +hearts of the men. He has the entire confidence of both +prisoners and officials and is always given a most hearty +welcome by all.—Jos. Severance, Chaplain.</p> + +<p>"The large number who have been helped by hearing +your message will be still further benefited by reading your +book."—Rev. Albert J. Steelman, Ph.D., Chaplain, Illinois +State Penitentiary.</p> + +<p>Get Rev. Herr's book for your good, but chiefly for the +good of others.</p> + +<p>Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D.D., Louisville, Ky.: "I believe +Rev. George L. Herr especially equipped for the difficult +work of an evangelist to those in prison and to the +neglected."</p> + +<p>Rev. Wm. Edmond Foster: "His love for lost souls and +his zeal knows no bounds. I bespeak for him a life of +great usefulness to his fellowmen without hope and without +God."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 310px;"> +<img src="images/ill-021.jpg" width="310" height="400" alt="Rev. CHAS. R. HEMPHILL, D.D." title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. CHAS. R. HEMPHILL, d.d.</span><br /> +President Presbyterian Theological +Seminary, Louisville, Ky. One of the +South's greatest scholars and teachers; +whose heart is full of sympathy for +and helpfulness of the unfortunate.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</a></span></p> + +<p>Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., New York: "I have been +placed where I have known intimately his work as prison +evangelist. I can say he has made a superb record. He +has taken an enlarged field of work, and I have every confidence +in his increased usefulness. His book merits a +large circulation."</p> + +<p>Rev. Ed. Ferguson: "For years he, with his most estimable +wife, have given their time and talent to the uplifting +of the down-trodden of this great metropolis and +they have the respect and hearty co-operation of the best +people in Louisville."</p> + +<p>Rev. James M. Taylor: "The story will warn the reckless, +encourage the 'outcast,' and put desire in the hearts +of thousands to lead better lives."</p> + +<p>Rev. T. T. Taliaferro, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: +"Your sermons are blessed of God to the furtherance of +the works of grace in our midst. May God bless you in +your noble work."</p> + +<p>Rev. W. O. Vreeland, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: +"You are worthy of the highest commendation."</p> + +<p>Men's Bible Class, James Lee Memorial Presbyterian +Church: "Rev. George L. Herr's talk at last Sunday's session +was a treat."</p> + +<p>Rev. George L. Herr, 195 Coral Avenue, Louisville, Ky.: +"Who will ever know the vast number that will attribute +their first impulse to a better life, formed while in seclusion +of a prison cell while reading this book."</p> + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr is bringing out a book on prison +life which is abundantly capable of two effects, namely: +Enlisting the attention of readers, like a romance, and benefitting +the class of whom he writes. It is a two-hundred +page book, illustrated with pictures of prisons, and scenes +behind the bars.</p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</a></span></p> +<p style="margin-top:4em;"><span class="smcap">Dear Friend</span>:</p> + +<p>We know you will rejoice with us in the work being +accomplished behind prison bars. Many thousands we +are preaching the gospel to every year. There are +converts all over the United States that we hear from. +The outlook of the work was never more encouraging. +May we submit to you our plan to secure auxiliary +memberships at $10.00 each?</p> + +<p>Will you be one?</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;"><span class="smcap">Geo. L. Herr and Wife</span>,</div> +<div>Prison Evangelists.</div> +</div> + + +<p class="center" style="margin-top:4em;"><span class="smcap">Departments of Work.</span></p> + +<p>Distribution of thousands of papers, tracts, and +other religious reading.</p> + +<p>Visiting the sick and poor.</p> + +<p>Street work in the slums.</p> + +<p>Evangelistic work in the different penitentiaries a +specialty.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FIRST" id="CHAPTER_FIRST"></a>CHAPTER FIRST</h2> + +<p class="chp">LIFE OF GEORGE L. HERR</p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By EDWARD De ALMA</span></p> + +<p class="center">A BRAND PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING.</p> + +<p class="center">"As we sow so shall we reap."</p> + + +<p>Born in the city of Louisville, of an old Kentucky family, whose +escutcheon had never been shadowed by smirch or breath of shame or +ignominy, it might truthfully be said of George L. Herr that he had been +ushered into this world with the proverbial "gold spoon in his mouth," +his father, the late Richard S. Herr, being a prominent and highly +esteemed and wealthy citizen of the grand old state of Kentucky. Though +surrounded by the luxuries of life, by environments unusually favorable +for the development of a strong, healthy, vigorous and clean life, yet +Brother Herr's life from his youth up to the period of this writing, +presents an aspect checkered with the lights and shadows of temptation, +sin, remorse, repentance, redemption and restful peace of heart in +salvation through Jesus.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man.—Ps. +108:12.</p> + +<p>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in +trouble.—Ps. 46:1.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> + +<p>At the age of three months, the death of his precious +mother caused him to be given into the keeping +of his aunt, a noble Christian woman, and it was due +to her teachings that the seeds of reverence for God, +belief in his dearly beloved Son and faith in the +promise of a life of everlasting happiness were +planted deep in the recesses of George Herr's heart, +while his father, a Christian gentleman, spared no +efforts in his endeavor to bring up his son in the way +he should go.</p> + +<p>At the age of eighteen years, through the death of +his father, he came into the possession of a large estate, +but lacking the experience which usually comes +with maturity, he developed a spirit of independence +which soon brought in its train of attendant evils.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak; O Lord, +heal me.—Ps. 6:2.</p> + +<p>My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made +perfect in weakness.—2 Cor. 12:9.</p> +</div> + +<p>The story of George Herr's experience is the recital +of a man's gradual surrender to the power of drink, +until the enormity of his fall can but be depicted by +contrasting his condition with that as it was a few +years before. Then he was a well known young man of +Louisville's elite society, wealthy, respected, esteemed +and sought after. Friends without number, well +wishers innumerable, the door of any refined home in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> +the city would have swung wide open in welcome at +his knock. Now the other picture: A drunken outcast, +a prey to the buffetings of every chance wind of fate, +deprived of friends, stripped of wealth, position and +reputation; exposed to every form of evil, subject to +the cruelty of every character of temptation that assails +human nature. Ostracized from society, barred +from contact with any self-respecting acquaintance of +former days, can you imagine a more potent example +of the victory of Satan through the agency of his chief +field marshal, Drink? God grant that this may come +as a warning to some one of the thousands of young +men who, with prospects as bright or even more flattering +than were those of George Herr at the age of +eighteen, are at this moment entering upon the path +which will lead them, as it has countless thousands, +into the abyss of eternal destruction! God grant that +the moral to be drawn from this picture will burn itself +in indelible letters of fire upon the very soul of +each young man who reads this.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I am poor and needy; make haste unto me, O God.—Ps. +70:5.</p> + +<p>My God shall supply all your need, according to his +riches in glory by Christ Jesus.—Phil. 4:19.</p> +</div> + +<p>These were indeed dark days, the past a record of +sin, the present a nightmare of misery and shame, the +future black with the darkness of despair, with not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> +the faintest gleam of hope to pierce the gloom. "Poor +fellow," you say, "only one of a multitude." Yes, +only the prototype of one of the thousands who are +traveling the same broad thoroughfare at this moment.</p> + +<p>It was at this critical juncture, when reputation +was blasted, hope departed and the future barren of +promises, that a remnant of respect for his home and +the associates of better days awakened the residuum +of pride remaining and brought the determination to +remove his unwelcome presence from the scenes of +former pleasures. He went West, but his hopes were +blasted, and penniless, homeless, wretched, obliged to +accept any kind of menial work in order to eke out +a bare living, he wandered about until an overwhelming +homesickness brought him back to Kentucky. +There was, perhaps, a flickering intention to do better, +to cut loose from the bands that bound him, but good +resolutions were made only to be broken, and the +cords of sin drawn tighter than ever.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?—Acts 9:6.</p> + +<p>Follow thou me.—John 21:22.</p> +</div> + +<p>None but God can realize the extreme bitterness of +that bondage, the depths of that dark and unrelieved +despair. Without light, without hope, without rest, +and worst of all, without Christ? With not one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> +friendly hand held out to greet him, with not one +word of encouragement, but rather the cold glance of +scorn, the bitter sneer of contempt, it is not strange +that there stretched out before him apparently nothing +but a drunkard's life, a drunkard's death and an +endless eternity in a drunkard's hell.</p> + +<p>Then the fearful temptation of suicide met him; +but God, in his infinite mercy, destined him to pass +through even this fearful ordeal unharmed and spared +him that he might carry the gospel of a Savior's love +to a lost and ruined world. Then a helping hand was +extended. A lifelong friend, meeting him one day, +and overcome with pity, gave him one more chance +to make a man of himself, fitted him out with clothes, +gave him a railroad ticket and money, advising him +to leave Louisville and start life afresh elsewhere. But +the fetters of sin were riveted so strongly that the +well-meant advice of his boyhood friend was unheeded, +and a few hours found him in as fearful a +plight as ever. Then there came into this, the darkest +hour in all his life, the experience of the prodigal son. +A determination came into his life to sever forever +all ties binding him to the life of degradation he was +then living and to take the first step back into the narrow +path of righteousness.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Show me thy ways, O Lord.—Ps. 25:4.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was then that the Rev. Steve P. Holcombe of +Louisville, Ky., took him to the Union Gospel Mission.</p> + +<p>At this critical period there came within the radius +of his sphere of existence a noble, devout woman, who +proved to be the one thing needful to round out the +life now worth living. In spite of all remonstrances +on the part of her friends, she was greatly +interested in the welfare of this man and prayed earnestly +that God would make him a strong Christian +man.</p> + +<p>Her tireless energies, endless prayers and earnest +teachings were ever present to hold him up and help +him onward in the new life. God placed her in the +sphere of George Herr's experience at a critical stage, +using her as a medium for cementing his faith and determining +his purpose to devote his remaining years +to the work of redeeming unfortunates sunk in the +darkness of sin. Their destinies were welded together +by mutual interest in the work of saving lost men and +the affinity of feeling between them developed into a +bond of love, each seeing within the other those qualities +necessary to happiness in wedded life, and on the +14th of April, 1898, George L. Herr and Miss Lillie M.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> +Joyce, the woman who was such an essential portion +of his existence, were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony +by the Rev. Carter Helm Jones, D.D., pastor +of the Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The meek will he teach his way.—Ps. 25:9.</p> + +<p>Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy +Holy Spirit from me.—Ps. 51:11.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 380px;"> +<img src="images/ill-031.jpg" width="380" height="400" alt="Rev. STEVE P. HOLCOMBE" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. STEVE P. HOLCOMBE</span><br /> +The founder of the Holcombe Mission +of Louisville, Ky.</p> +</div> + +<p>George Herr says that the old life, with its bondage +in sin and its darkness of evil, is a thing of the eliminated +past. Finding happiness in his new life, he +has consecrated his time, energy, ability and talents +to continuous devotion to the task of spreading the +gospel among the fallen. Into the gloomiest recesses +of penitentiaries, workhouses and jails, beyond portals +where visitors are excluded, he has carried the +message of Christ's saving grace into the darkness of +despairing men's and women's lives.</p> + +<p>God has blessed George L. Herr in many ways, giving +him daily recompense for the days of misery, +shame and degradation, giving him a happy home, +<ins title="Original had glorifield.">glorified</ins> by the presence of a loving, devoted wife +and the precious daughter, and this story is sent forth +with the earnest prayer that God may use it, with its +message of hope and cheer, for the salvation of many +despairing, discouraged ones who are bound by the +awful fetters of sin as he once was.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and +him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.—John +6:37.</p> +</div> + +<p>One of the greatest privileges accorded man is to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> +be a messenger for Christ. George Herr has tasted +the sweets of liberty in Christ and he loves to tell +those in the terrible bondage of sin that there is an +avenue of escape. In his rescue work he has been able +to take a great number of homeless, friendless and +hopeless men and women by the hand.</p> + +<p>Does it pay? The results of George Herr's labors +among the unfortunates are a satisfactory answer to +this question. It pays a hundredfold in the feeling of +duty well done, in the knowledge of many useful lives +saved. It pays in words of gratitude feelingly uttered +by noble men and women, who, formerly sunk in the +quicksands of despair, are now restored to a world +of happiness and peace.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Jesus own words are: "They that be whole need not a +physician, but they that are sick, for I am not come to call +the righteous, but sinners to repentance."—Matt. 9:12, 13.</p> +</div> + +<p>It is our earnest prayer to the Father of all good, +that this story of George Herr's redemption from the +clutches of sin may, through his unfailing love for +all suffering ones, carry its message of hope, its promise +of salvation from eternal despair, into the hearts +of many who are despondent, discouraged, despairing. +May it instill into the hearts of the unfortunate a +desire to come back into the fold of the Father's unending +love, bringing with it the sweet conviction that +no matter how far we have wandered from within the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> +radius of his love, we are still his children, the erring +ones for whose redemption he gave his Son to +be offered upon the altar of human sacrifice that we, +through the atonement of his innocent blood, should +inherit the kingdom of heaven.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Hold up my goings in thy path, that my footsteps slip +not.—Ps. 17:6.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-035.jpg" width="400" height="543" alt="The Late Mr. GEORGE GAULBERT" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Mr. GEORGE GAULBERT</span><br /> + +One of my best friends. Many heart-to-heart +talks I have had with this grand +and wealthy merchant</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWO" id="CHAPTER_TWO"></a>CHAPTER TWO</h2> + +<p class="chp">"LOST AND IS FOUND"</p> + + +<p>Jesus said, "A man had two sons; and the younger +one of them said to his father, 'Father, give me my +share of the inheritance!' so the father divided the +property between them. A few days later the younger +son got together all that he had and went away into +a distant land; and there he squandered his inheritance +by leading a dissolute life. After he had spent +all that he had, there was a severe famine through all +that country, and he began to be in actual want. So +he went and engaged himself to one of the people of +that country, who sent him into his field to tend pigs. +He even longed to satisfy his hunger with the bean +pods on which the pigs were feeding; and no one gave +him anything. But when he came to himself he said, +'How many of my father's hired servants have more +bread than they can eat, while here am I starving to +death; I will get up and go to my father and say to +him, 'Father, I have sinned against Heaven and +against you; I am no longer fit to be called your son;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> +make me as one of your hired servants.' And he got +up and went to his father. But while he was still a +long way off, his father saw him and was deeply +moved; he ran and threw his arms around his neck +and kissed him. 'Father,' the son said, 'I sinned +against Heaven and against you; I am no longer fit +to be called your son; make me one of your hired servants.' +But the father turned to his servants and +said, 'Be quick and bring a robe, the very best, and +put it on him; give him a ring for his finger and sandals +for his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill +it, and let us eat and make merry; for here is my son +who was dead, and is alive again, was lost and is +found."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and +the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name +shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, +The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.—Isa. 9:6.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-039.jpg" width="400" height="557" alt="Rev. CARTER HELM JONES, D.D." title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. CARTER HELM JONES, d.d.</span><br /> +The late Pastor Broadway Baptist Church +Louisville, Ky.</p> +</div> + +<p>This younger son thought he was wiser than his +father and wanted to manage his own affairs. So it +is with men who think they can manage their own +affairs without God.</p> + +<div class="verses"><p>He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee +in all thy ways.—Ps. 91:11.</p> +</div> + +<p>A case in hand: An acquaintance of mine in Louisville, +a young man of handsome face and fine physique, +with all the advantages wealth, education and +social position could give him, started out at the age +of twenty-one with unfaltering prospects of a prosperous, +useful and happy life, but, like the young man +in our lesson, thought he could manage his own affairs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> +without God; in other words, he refused to give his +heart and life to Jesus Christ, and not having Christ +to protect, shield, restrain, and assist him, in a time +of temptation he was led along little by little, almost +without knowing it, until he was ready to commit any +crime. One day in a house of ill repute he shot and +killed a young man; for this crime he was arrested, +tried and convicted, but the wealth and influence of +his family secured him a pardon. Even this bitter +experience failed to teach him that he had made a +mistake in thinking he could manage his own affairs, +for, after regaining his liberty, he plunged deeper +and deeper into sin, ending in himself being murdered.</p> + +<p>As the prodigal in the parable wanted to get as far +from his father's presence as possible, "into a far +country," so the man when he determines to give himself +up to others. He does not want to hear about +God or even think about him. Reader, was not this +so with you? The father did not compel the son to +stay at home; he allowed him to choose what he preferred. +So it is with God; he does not compel us to +obedience. For my part I wish he did. "He wasted +his substance in riotous living;" and so it is with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +sinner, in the service of sin; he wastes and destroys +his property, his health, his reputation, his intellect, +his conscience.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee +by thy name; thou art mine.—Is. 43:1.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-043.jpg" width="400" height="527" alt="The Late Rev. E. A. FERGUSON" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Rev. E. A. FERGUSON</span><br /> +One of the Author's best friends</p> +</div> + +<p>There is nothing in this world valuable enough to +recompense such a loss, or balance the misery of a +tormenting conscience. If you violate it for the sake +of a gratification of the body it will remember the injury +many years after. Gen. 42:21; Job 13:26. It +will not only retain the memory of what you did, but +it will accuse you for it. Matt. 27:4. It will not fear +to tell you that plainly, which others dare not whisper. +It will not only accuse, but it will also condemn you +for what you have done. This condemning voice of +conscience is a terrible voice. You may see the horror +of it in Cain, the vigor of it in Judas, the doleful effects +of it in Saphira. It will produce shame, fear, and +despair, if God give not repentance to life. The shame +it works will so confound you, that you will not be +able to look up. Job. 31:14; Psa. 1:5. The fear it +works will make you wish for a hole in the rock to +hide you. Isa. 2:9, 10, 15, 19. And its despair is a +death pang.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; +though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as +snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as +wool."—Is. 1:18.</p> +</div> + +<p>Young man, consider the nature of your present<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +actions; they are seeds sown for eternity, and will +spring up again in suitable effects, rewards and punishments, +when you that did them are turned to dust. +What a man sows, that shall he reap. Gal. 6:7. And +as sure as the harvest follows the seedtime, so shall +shame, fear, and horror follow sin. Dan. 12:2. What +Zeuxis, the famous painter, said of his work, may +much more truly be said of ours: "I paint for eternity." +Ah! how bitter will these things be in the day +of reckoning, which were pleasant in the acting! It +is true our actions, physically considered, are transient. +How soon is a word or action spoken or done, +and there is an end of it! But morally considered, +they are permanent, being entered upon God's book +of action.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, +and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed +thee.—Isa. 44:22.</p> +</div> + +<p>Let me illustrate: Some time ago a young man, +son of a nobleman of Germany, came to our home +poorly clad, without money, without friends, realizing +to some extent the depth to which he had fallen, +filled with remorse on account of disgrace he had +brought upon himself and his family, and like the +prodigal in the parable he said, "I will arise and go +to my father." He left our home for his home in New<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +Orleans, La. After his arrival there we received the +following letter:</p> + +<p>My Dear Brother Herr: My letter to you from San +Antonio told of the happiness which had come to me +as a result of the reunion of my wife and little ones. +Can you realize how full those days were spent in the +sweet companionship of those who are so dear to me? +I would have wished to have remained with them until +Christmas, but my obligations to business intervened, +and I was compelled to leave in order to attend to +matters here.</p> + +<p>My thoughts are with you so much that I often feel +as though I could reach out and grasp your hand; +and so often during the day there goes up a whispered +prayer from my heart that our Father will bless you +in just proportion as you have been a sweet, helpful +blessing to others.</p> + +<p>My route includes Louisville, and while I may not +be in there on this trip, it will not be many days before +I will have an opportunity to greet you in person. +May God bless Sister Herr and yourself if only +in recompense for your kindness to me.</p> + +<p class="citation"> +<span class="smcap">Edward.</span> +</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; +for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help +thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my +righteousness.—Isa. 44:10.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + +<p>Does not the life of this man preach a more eloquent +sermon, and tell a more powerful tale, and +teach a more eloquent lesson than I or any other +preacher could do? Reader, you cannot ignore, disregard, +or shut your eyes to the lesson which this +man's life teaches, impresses and enforces of the +awful danger and the deadly and destructive effects +of sin.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your +doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.—Isa. 1:16.</p> +</div> + +<p>Here is a lesson in life that appeals to us and bids +us stop in our mad way. This parable of the prodigal +son shows that we can have our own way if we determine +to do it; father and mother can't keep us from +it, and God by force will not keep us from it; but we +will certainly pay for it, and pay the price of tears +and sorrow, remorse and ruin. This nobleman's son, +by refusing to heed God's warning, was brought to +want. No matter whose son it is, if he determines to +have his own way and give himself up to self-indulgence +and riotous living, he will come to want, shame, +bitterness, and many are the men who tried to master +themselves but failed. Some evil habit had fastened itself +upon him, and realizing himself a slave, tries to +shake it off, but, alas! the will has been paralyzed, and +it does not respond in warding off the fearful habit.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +Defeat after defeat occurs until the poor fellow, discouraged, +broken-hearted, gives up and goes down to +utter ruin. Man is no match for the devil. How hopeless +would be the outlook for the great army of men +whom we labor with were it not for a Deliverer. "The +cross held his body; the sun hid his face for shame, +and the bowels of the earth were moved in compassion, +when Jesus expired on Calvary's rugged tree, +thus purchasing redemption for every man from the +curse of sin. It is possible through Christ for every +man to be a Christian."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."—John +6:37. What a wonderful invitation—these words of +the Savior!</p> +</div> + +<p>And now here are some of the ways God has taken +to tell you of his love: Psalm 103:13: "Like as a +father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them +that fear him." Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget +her suckling child, that she should not have compassion +on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, +yet I will not forget thee." Luke 11:13: "If ye +then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto +your children, how much more shall your heavenly +Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" +Luke 18:13-14: "And the publican, standing afar +off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, +but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his +house justified rather than the other: for every one +that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that +humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 15:7: +"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven +over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety +and nine just persons, which need no repentance." +Luke 15:10: "Likewise I say unto you, there is joy +in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner +that repenteth." Luke 7:36-50: "And one of the +Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. +And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down +to meat. And behold a woman in the city, which was +a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the +Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, +and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and +began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them +with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and +anointed them with the ointment.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own +works praise her in the gates.—Prov. 31:31.</p> +</div> + +<p>"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him +saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if +he were a prophet, would have known who and what +manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is +a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> +I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, +Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which +had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, +and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to +pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, +which of them will love him most? Simon answered +and said, I suppose that he to whom he forgave +most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly +judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto +Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine +house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she +hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with +the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but +this woman, since the time I came in, hath not ceased +to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not +anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with +ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which +are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to +whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And +he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, +saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.—Matt. 8:2.</p> +</div> + +<p>"And they that sat at meat with him began to say +within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins +also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath +saved thee; go in peace."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>A father whose son had gone away to California, +and was a gambler in San Francisco, sent him word +by a friend: "Your father loves you still." And it +made him ashamed; it broke his heart; he repented, +returned home and was saved. "God, your heavenly +Father, loves you still." Will you not believe it and +come to him for safety? He will not abuse you for +your sins. He will save you from your sins, and make +you happy.</p> + +<p>"And he began to be in want."</p> + +<p>That is what sin brings a man to—want.</p> + +<p>And it was this which brought him to his senses—"he +came to himself" (verse 17).</p> + +<p>And when he does come to himself he can think of +only one place where he can hope to find relief, and he +bravely determines to go straight to the very father he +had so shamefully abandoned, and to make a full confession +and throw himself on that father's mercy +with the hope of being taken back as a hired servant. +He is willing to take the humblest and meanest place +if he can only get back to that home he was, a short +time before, so eager to leave. Nor does he offer any +excuse; he calls his sin by the right name and confesses +it without trying to excuse it or justify it.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, +I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was +cleansed.—Matt. 8:3.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<p>And how did his father receive him? Why, he did +not wait till his poor, ragged, worn and wasted boy +got in and made his confession; but he saw him a +great way off (verse 20) and he knew what had passed +in the boy's heart and life, and moved with compassion +toward him, he ran and fell on his neck and +kissed him a glad welcome back to his heart and home. +But the son goes on to make his confession and his +offer to be a hired servant anyhow, and yet the father +says, "No! no! bring forth the best robe and put it +on him."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"And their works do follow them."—Rev. 14:13.</p> +</div> + +<p>A man married a young widow with a small son. +Her former husband had left her $10,000 in his will. +The man said: "I will take care of you and we will +lay away that $10,000 for your boy." Two other sons +were born to them. The stepson was educated and +taught habits of business. At twenty-one years of +age he asked for the money his father had left. He +was told that instead of being $10,000, it had been invested +for him and was now $50,000. He was asked +to let the money stay in the business and to become +a partner with his stepfather. The young man refused, +took his $50,000, fell into bad habits and lost +it all and came home in rags, a tramp. His stepfather +met him at the train, took him to the barbershop and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> +clothier and presented him to his mother at the house +as a gentleman. The nicest room in the house was +assigned him and he was told that it was his permanent +home. He was also told by his stepfather that +he was to be taken into the business firm composed +of the father and the two half-brothers. This was +more than he could stand. He began to weep at his +ingratitude and at the love which had been lavished +upon him. He devoted himself to business, was +devoted to his stepfather, and was as loyal to his interests +as his own sons. This picture, though it seems +overdrawn, is one of real life. The stepfather +had a good disposition naturally, but his magnanimous +treatment of the prodigal was out of his sincere +affection for his wife. There were few ties of +love that bound him to the bad boy, only the love of +his faithful wife. He loved the boy for the sake of +his mother. Our Father loves his children and receives +the prodigals returning to him for their own +sake and the sake of his Son who died for them, and +treats them, in his affection, as though they had never +sinned against him.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil +and the good.—Prov, 15:3.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-055.jpg" width="400" height="507" alt="Dr. E. L. POWELL" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Dr. E. L. POWELL</span><br /> +Pastor First Christian Church, Louisville. One of +the ablest ministers of the Christian Church who +has done a wonderful work among the masses.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_THREE" id="CHAPTER_THREE"></a>CHAPTER THREE</h2> + +<p class="chp">POLITICAL PERIL</p> + +<p class="center">Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell, on "The Need of Prophets in a<br /> +Time of Political Peril," delivered at the First<br /> +Christian Church, Louisville, Ky.</p> + +<blockquote><p>"And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will +forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) shall know that +there hath been a prophet among them."—Ezekiel 2:5.</p> +</blockquote> + + +<p>He thought it would not be questioned by thinking +persons that we are living in a time of political peril. +He did not mean that revolution was at our door; he +did not mean that we are threatened with a reign of +terror; he did not mean that there was any prospect +of immediate bloodshed.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: +lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.</p> + +<p>I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I +have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have +not concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the +great congregation.—Psalm 40:9, 10.</p> +</div> + +<p>Our perils spring from our state—the state of our +own souls. They are lacking in moral sensibility—we +are in danger. We are told on every hand our +country was never more prosperous—that is unquestionably +so. The same might be said of Rome when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> +that colossal empire was tottering to its fall. There +were persons then who paid from $200,000 to $400,000 +for a single feast. It is recorded of one man that, +after spending several millions of dollars in luxurious +living, he committed suicide because he had only +$400,000 between him and starvation. National bankruptcy +does not stare us in the face. Fortunes grow +up in a generation—the dollar smiles upon us as a +beneficent sun. Yet our moral condition is such as +to call forth from thinking men serious and earnest +fear. We are as a man living in a luxuriously appointed +house, and yet, on account of invalidism, +unable to appreciate his splendid home and environments.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of +these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.</p> +</div> + +<p>He had called the attention of the congregation last +Sunday night to what was the fundamental source +of our political corruption—the unnatural separation +of religion and politics. He did not mean separation +of Church and State; that was right and proper; but +he did mean that we need the reign of truth, purity +and righteousness, because of the ills to which attention +was called last Sunday night. His lecture tonight +would be on "The Need of Prophets in a Time of Political +Peril." He did not wish to call attention to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> +the peculiarly inspired Bible prophet. So far as he +was concerned he was a man apart, who could not be +our example—he constituted an order of his own; but +we mortals can to some extent, recognizing our limitations, +reproduce the power of the prophets, and it +is not limited by arbitrary metes and bounds, as God +sends his teachers to every age and every clime. If +there ever was a time when we stood in need of moral +leadership it is now. We want men who come like the +prophets of old, who shall come before us as genuine +leaders to take us out of this wilderness in which we +find ourselves. A fine moral leadership is the exception +rather than the rule. Unless the standard be +lifted up the hosts will not rally. Truth will not win +its way on its own merits. Let the call come from the +lips that speak not lies, but the truth, and there is +that in the humblest of men that will give back an +amen. And when our leaders come we shall recognize +them. We are not likely to mistake the rumble of +cart-wheels for thunder. The leader carries his credentials. +When a community is visited by a prophet +it is known by that community that a prophet has +been among them. You do not mistake genuine fire.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +You are never deceived by a genuine voice. It has +been true in all ages of the world that wisdom is recognized +by its people. Deep down in the hearts of +the people are the instincts of truth. When we find +men willing to pay the price of leadership we shall +have leaders. It is as true today as it was in the days +of prophecy that such leaders as we have have taught +us to err. We need men with political consciences—men +who recognize that there are such things as truth, +purity and righteousness in the world.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>What must I do to be saved?—Acts 16:30.</p> + +<p>Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be +saved.—Acts 16:31.</p> +</div> + +<p>In speaking of moral leadership the all-inclusive +qualification is inspiration. He did not mean the exceptional +inspiration that applies to the Bible prophets. +He meant that inspiration which kindles the +powers we already have into life. When he spoke of +inspiration he meant the enlivening, the stirring up +of the powers we already have as opposed to the shallow +indifference of one who draws about him the +robes of his silken selfishness and says, "Let well +enough alone"—a man whose inspiration glows and +glows intensely. The inspired man feels the degradation +of his country as a personal infliction. Those who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +dishonor her are his own foes, and insults flung in the +face of political liberty are felt by him as an affront +to himself. Our prophets must be men who feel the +woes that they oppose, men who feel the humiliation +before they can strike with the right arm clothed with +power. Indifference to the public weal on the part of +the average political leader is one of the most distressing +features of our political situation. These people +do not seem capable of feeling righteous indignation +in the presence of the moral infamy by which +they are confronted, and hence their words do not +come forth as thunderbolts, but as spent balls. Beware +of the man whose heart has not been pierced by +the woes of his country. The sting is the needed spur +to effort. The sleeping lion is not dangerous; but let +him be wounded and his roar shall ring as the trumpet +of doom in the ears of his enemies. We must seek +our leaders among those who can feel the woes of +humanity—men of profound feeling—as those are the +best prophets.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed +from the hand of the enemy;</p> + +<p>And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and +from the west, from the north and from the south.—Psalm +107:2, 3.</p> +</div> + +<p>He believed that we must strike at the evil of social +indifferentism. Who does not feel profound +shame that the law against carrying concealed and +deadly weapons is not strictly enforced, which made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +possible tragedies such as that at Frankfort, which has +disgraced the fair name and fame of our State. The +leaders' voices should ring throughout our land until +we are bowed to the earth in shame in view of the infamies +which disgrace us.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Lord, save us; we perish.—Matt. 8:25.</p> + +<p>There shall not a hair of your head perish.—Lu. 21:18.</p> +</div> + +<p>Another element required for leadership was the +power of vision. There must be a clear recognition of +evils. The idealist is not a mere dreamer, but acquainted +with the actual wants of the people. In +fact our leaders must see something better. The man +who is working in the slums must keep his eyes fixed +on the stars. There can be no change for the better +until the better is made to shine with the brightness +of a beckoning angel.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within +my heart.</p> + +<p>I am a companion of them that keep thy precepts.—Psalm +119:63.</p> +</div> + +<p>Here is the opportunity and duty of newspapers. +James Russell Lowell says: "What a pulpit the editor +mounts daily, sometimes with a congregation of fifty +thousand within reach of his voice, and never so much +as a nodder, even, among them! and from what a Bible +can he choose his text—a Bible that needs no translation, +and which no priestcraft can shut and clasp +from the laity—the open volume of the world, upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +which with a pen of sunshine or destroying fire the +inspired Present is even now writing the annals of +God!"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<p class="caption">PROMINENT IN THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF LOUISVILLE</p> +<img src="images/ill-063a.jpg" width="500" height="286" alt="PROMINENT IN THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF LOUISVILLE" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/ill-063b.jpg" width="500" height="339" alt="PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY" title="" /> +<p class="caption">PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY</p> +</div> + +<p>But has the editor no mission other than to tell us +of partisan political measures? To be a simple annalist +who shall bring before us the events of the day, +but who creates no perspective along which we may +tread to better customs, better men and better times? +He never leaves us in doubt—"Let us do the best we +can, and leave the rest alone." In God's name, is +there not something better? "Let us go up and possess +the land." Standing on the mountain height up +there we shall all see fairer lands below. The inspired +editor not only sees the battle from afar, but also the +coming of the imperial guard of righteousness with +victory. There is that in the heart of every man that +responds to the ideal. No leader has ever succeeded +in having an evil reformed who wanted an ideal. Napoleon, +when he said, "Beyond the Alps lies Italy," +was appealing to that sentiment—to something beyond—to +something in the future. When Cortez drew +an imaginary line before his men, who had become +mutinous, and said "On this side lies danger, death, +duty and glory; on that, safety, shame and infamy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +Choose ye whether you will step this side of the line +or remain where you are," he was appealing to something +in their hearts—put there by the Almighty himself. +Editors should not think it their only mission +to mirror forth things as they occur, but say to their +50,000 readers, "Let us go up and possess the land" +of truth, purity and righteousness. This is not weakness +on their part but evidence of the profoundest +philosophy. Fifty years ago we had senatorial utterances +that would reach across the continent. The +secret power of those utterances was that they were +ideal. In the days when boys spoke pieces in school +we declaimed them, and we feel their influence today.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.</p> + +<p>When wilt thou comfort me?—Ps. 119:82.</p> + +<p>Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is +the fulfilling of the law.—Rom. 13:10.</p> +</div> + +<p>Another element of leadership is moral enthusiasm. +The idealist in art is so for the love of art. He enters +into the discussion of art subjects with enthusiasm. +So with the moral enthusiast. Sin is hateful to him, +and he seeks to crush it as he would a viper, and instinctively +and spontaneously his denunciations come +forth. Truth is his pole-star, and he will tell his best +friend, "I will do anything but lie for you." Try +to bribe him, and you will think that the central fires +of the earth have been concentrated into his blistering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> +rebuke. Suggest a compromise involving dishonor, +and if you escape a blow you will be fortunate. +Like Luther he says: "Here I stand. I can do no +other. God help me." He would not go with the +crowd to moral destruction. Moral enthusiasm has +been the virtue of all epoch-making men. Men do not +die for fancies; they do not die for offices. They die +for what they believe is right. Give them something +that appeals to their moral nature and they will die +for it. The grand martyrs were men who laid down +their lives for what they believed to be right. There +came to them those lines of James Russell Lowell:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Once to every man and Nation<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Comes the moment to decide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the strife of truth and falsehood<br /></span> +<span class="i1">For the good or evil side;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Love's great cause, God's new Messiah,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Offering each the bloom or blight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Parts the goats upon the left hand<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And the sheep upon the right,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the choice goes by forever<br /></span> +<span class="i1">'Twixt the darkness and the light."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort +you.—Is. 66:13.</p> + +<p>He who loveth God loveth his brother also.—1 John +4:21.</p> +</div> + +<p>We must have leaders who possess the elements of +leadership for the great task of making the world<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +better—who possess the elementary virtues of honesty +and truth. He had indicated some of the elements of +moral leadership that these times demand. He did +not mean to say that the political stage had not such +leaders. Certainly there were a few; but we can make +it possible to have a thousand. When we can see one +we are surprised. In the past, thank God, we have +had such leaders, and in the future we shall have such +leaders again.</p> + +<p>It is slumbering in the hearts of men and women all +around us. It needs only some one to sweep the harp +strings. The trouble is with ourselves. How can we +be leaders with sensual and selfish appetites and desires? +Does God no longer speak to man? Burns +there no fire upon the altar? He did not believe God +had exhausted himself. God had not exhausted himself +by casting out a few bright stars from his own +luminous presence. There is power for him to bring +to the front the men we are longing and praying for.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea in seven there +shall no evil touch thee.—Job 5:19.</p> +</div> + +<p>In conclusion, he wished to say only these few words—that +every leader is a man that must bring to us the +message of hope. The prophets through all those +weary years carried the torch of hope and handed it +to their successors. Abraham believed with all his +soul that he should have a posterity as numerous as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> +the stars. He died leaving only one heir. Moses, the +great law-giver, had a vision that a community of +slaves should be made into a great nation. He went +up into Pisgah and died, leaving them still slaves. +Long ago a prophet looked over the sea at a vision +of a new heaven and a new earth. Two thousand +years have passed away and no new heaven or new +earth has come—but as sure as truth is stronger than +falsehood it will come—just so sure we shall one day +see a new heaven and a new earth, where dwelleth no +political corruption, but righteousness. Not in our +time, perhaps, not in our children's time, shall the +thing be; but it will come. Let us pray, then, that we +may answer in the language of the great poet.</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:20em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Oh, well I know that to him who works, and knows he works,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This same glad year is ever at the door."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:</p> +<p>The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:</p> +<p>The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.</p> +</div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FOUR" id="CHAPTER_FOUR"></a>CHAPTER FOUR</h2> + +<p class="chp">CHRIST THE INTERPRETER<br /> +<span style="font-size: .7em;">OF THE PICTURE</span></p> + +<p class="center">A Sermon preached by Rev. T. M. Hawes in the Slums</p> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I have somewhat to say unto thee."—Luke 7:40.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The scene presented in this narration is worthy of +the painter's brush. We have a beautiful and striking +presentation of the gospel—not set forth in theological +terms as abstract truth—but presented in the +form of a concrete example—a picture with Christ +himself as the interpreter.</p> + +<p>And now as we look at this picture with Christ to +explain and interpret it to us, let us see what he will +teach us concerning the gospel.</p> + +<p>First, we can learn here for whom the gospel is +not intended.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one +another.—1 John 4:11.</p> +</div> + +<p>Evidently it is not intended for those who find fault +with it. Christ is among a people who seem determined +not to be pleased. He has just wondered to +whom he could liken them, and observing a number of +children at play he likens them to children playing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> +in the market place. "We have piped unto you and +ye have not danced; we have mourned to you and ye +have not wept." They found fault with John the Baptist +because he was too severe—they found fault with +Jesus because he was too liberal. And here Simon +is finding fault with him because he is allowing this +sinful woman to wash his feet. Am I saying too +much when I say that there is that same trait in human +nature today, and that it keeps people out of the +kingdom? Yea, more than that, it often keeps those +who are in the kingdom from receiving the blessings +which otherwise might be theirs. There are those on +the outside who remain out because they are constantly +finding fault. There are those on the inside +who are always unhappy for the same reason. If the +preacher hews to the line they say he is a scold—if he +doesn't they say he is afraid to stand up for what he +believes, and so it goes.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/ill-071.jpg" width="300" height="497" alt="Rev. T. M. HAWES, D.D." title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. T. M. HAWES, d.d.</span><br /> + +The beloved pastor of the Highland +Presbyterian Church. The "Beloved +John" of the Louisville ministry.</p> +</div> + +<p>Let us learn from this picture that the gospel is +not for faultfinders. Our late Mr. Moody says a true +thing when he says that a faultfinder is usually a +lightweight.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner +over me was love.—S. of S. 2:4.</p> +</div> + +<p>Again we can learn from this picture that the gospel +is not intended for those who do not think they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> +need it; not intended for self-righteous people. No +one is ever going to appreciate the gospel until he +feels the need of it. The spirit of the Pharisee will +shut us out from the blessings of the gospel whether +we are church members or not. Simon looked down +on the sinful woman and felt that he was far superior +to her. Evidently he felt no need of a Saviour. The +Scribes and Pharisees rejected Christ on the very +grounds that he was the friend of publicans and sinners. +Oh, yes, in the very nature of the case the gospel +cannot reach those who do not feel their need of +some power beyond themselves.</p> + +<p>Furthermore, the gospel is not meant for those who +are ashamed of it. There is something very touching +and beautiful in this picture of the woman who was a +sinner coming into this public court to do honor to +Christ. She had true humility. Simon was far from +doing anything of this kind, he was willing to show a +certain sort of respect for Christ, but he would have +been too proud to have ever done such a thing as this.</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:20em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let evening blush to own a star."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Is it not true that a sense of being ashamed of the +gospel shuts out from its blessings those who entertain +such unworthy feelings?</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.—Mk. +12:30.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>Finally, let us learn from this picture that the gospel +is not meant for those who are not glad to make +a free-will offering of sacrifice as a token of this grateful +love. This woman brought an alabaster box of +ointment.</p> + +<p>"My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but this +woman hath anointed my feet with ointment." +Christ did not exact this of her—it was a free-will offering. +If the gospel does not draw out our gratitude +and liberality, then it has never touched us. It is not +because of our gifts that we are forgiven, but it is +because of our forgiveness that we give. "To whom +little is forgiven, the same loveth little."</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:20em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"That man may last but never lives,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who much receives but nothing gives;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whom none can love, whom none can thank,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Creation's blot, creation's blank.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"But he who walks from day to day<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In generous acts his radiant way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Treads the same path his Saviour trod—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The path to glory and to God."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Now, having learned from this picture for whom +the gospel is not intended, let us learn for whom it is +intended. Ah! how with a few bold and simple +strokes the whole matter is made plain.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.—Mark 11:31.</p> +</div> + +<p>First, I notice that it is meant for sinners. "Behold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> +a woman in the city which was a sinner." Jesus +"a friend of publicans and sinners." That tells the +story. "I came to call not the righteous, but sinners." +Some people find fault with the church because there +are so many sinners in the church. Just as well find +fault with a hospital for having sick people in it. Just +as well find fault with the doctor for visiting invalids. +"Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; you are +finding fault with me for allowing this sinful woman +to touch me. Let me tell you, Simon, that it is just +for this very purpose that I am come into this world." +"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, +that Christ came into the world to save sinners." +He was the great Physician and great physicians are +those who have a specialty. This was Christ's specialty—to +save sinners. Who is this that forgiveth +sins, also?</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The end of the commandment is love out of a pure +heart.—1 Tim. 1:5.</p> +</div> + +<p>Secondly, I learn from our Saviour's interpretation +of this picture that the gospel is for the very +greatest of sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say +unto thee. There was a certain creditor who had +two debtors," etc. Our Saviour proceeds with an illustration +which shows that this woman was one of +the greatest of sinners. She was ten times worse than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +the average sinner, and yet she was more welcome to +the Saviour than this proud, self-righteous Pharisee. +Oh, men and women! if you are in this hall, feeling +that you are unworthy to be here, your very unfitness +makes you fit. Draw nigh to this Saviour from sin +and hear him say, "Thy sins are forgiven; go in +peace." Let no pharisaical Simon frighten you away—the +Saviour will give him the rebuke which he deserves +and will whisper into your ear words of pardon +and of peace.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods +drown it.—S. of S. 8:7.</p> +</div> + +<p>I learn from this picture which Christ interprets +that the gospel is for penitent sinners. "Simon, I +have somewhat to say unto thee; seest thou this woman? +She hath washed my feet with her tears." +Oh, those were precious tears in the sight of our Saviour. +Every tear-drop was a jewel. The breaking of +the alabaster box of ointment was a sweet incense to +Jesus, but this ten-fold sinner bathing his very feet +with her penitential tears was a sight which made the +angels in heaven rejoice, "for there is more joy in +heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over +ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." +Simon despised this woman's tears and sat unmoved +at the pathetic scene—but not so with Jesus. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> +could refrain himself no longer, but speaking out before +all the company he said, "Thy sins are forgiven." +Oh, gracious words! How sweet and soft must have +been this music to the ears of this sinful outcast.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"They fall as soft as snow on the sea<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And melt in the heart as instantly."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Finally, I learn from this picture which Christ is +interpreting for us that the gospel is for sinners who +commit themselves in implicit faith to Christ. "Simon, +I have somewhat to say unto thee." "Behold +this woman; you have done a great deal of talking—this +poor woman has not spoken a word—but behold +how she has thrown herself upon my mercy with unquestioning +confidence! Do you think I will disappoint +such trust as that? She has heard me say, 'Him +that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out' and +has taken me at my word, and I consider it an honor +to turn from thy company to the company of this +sinful woman."</p> + +<p>And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved +thee; go in peace."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Without faith it is impossible to please God.—Hebrews +11:6.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-079.jpg" width="400" height="513" alt="Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, D.D." title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, d.d.</span><br /> +A Giant Against Unrighteousness</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_FIVE" id="CHAPTER_FIVE"></a>CHAPTER FIVE</h2> + +<p class="chp">THROWING OUT THE LIFE-LINE</p> + +<p class="center">By Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D.</p> + + +<p>"Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light +of the world," "Let your light so shine before men +that they may see your good works, and glorify your +Father which art in heaven."—Matt. 5:13, 14, 15.</p> + +<p>These sayings of Jesus from the sermon on the +mount are quite remarkable. No other teacher ever +used such words to his disciples, "Ye are the light of +the world." Had the Jewish doctor of the law heard +these words of our Lord to his humble sun-tanned, +bare-footed, shaggy-browed fishermen, he would have +been quite disgusted with what to him would have +seemed the consummate egotism of the Nazarene.</p> + +<p>The meaning of the words of Christ is very plain. +The disciples, their lives, character, spirit, the power +of the Christ in them must, and would, permeate society +like salt, and purify and save from sin. They +must illuminate the world, so dark with vice, and +show it the way back to God.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with +God.—Rom. 5:1.</p> +</div> + +<p>These words of Jesus to the disciples who sat before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +him that day, are addressed by him to all of his followers +for all time, to all of those who trust him and +gladly obey him (and only such are disciples). He +says, "Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light +of the world." "Let your light so shine before men, +that they may see your good works, and glorify your +Father which is in heaven."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I have somewhat to say unto thee.—Luke 7:40.</p> +</div> + +<p>We must not forget that God's plan is to save the +lost, through the instrumentality of those who were +themselves once lost, but are now saved from sin. If +we would have a great testimony meeting in the city +of the skies, and all of the countless hosts there should +one by one stand up to tell how they were brought +from sin to Jesus, each one of them would point out +some person who had been the chief instrument in +his or her salvation. There is this one characteristic +of all who are truly saved—they desire the salvation +of all souls. In fact, this is a very good thermometer +with which to get the correct temperature of one's +spiritual life. Does he long for the salvation of the +lost? If so, in the nature of things he must be in a +state of salvation. Is he indifferent to the condition +of the lost? Then he is himself in a lost state. Let +us here impress the important truth that Jesus did +not say to his disciples, "Ye must try and salt the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> +earth," but said, "Ye are the salt of the earth." He +did not say, "Ye shall kindle a flame that shall illuminate +the world." He said, "Ye are the light of the +world." We are not, as the disciples of Christ, to be +makers of light and salt, but we, by the power of +Christ, must be made into salt and light. It will be +interesting to notice the processes through which one +must pass in order to become salt and light. Let us +go back to the beginning of this sermon of our Lord +and we will hear him saying, "Blessed are the poor +in spirit." First of all to become salt and light one +must be poor in spirit; he must awake to the fact that +he owes a million and has not one cent with which +to pay. From his heart he must say,</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Nothing in my hands I bring,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Simply to thy cross I cling."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right +spirit within me.—Psalms 51:10</p> +</div> + +<p>He must realize in his inmost soul his perilous condition, +and pray from the fullness of a deep conviction +in his heart, "Lord save, or I perish." Not only +must he be poor in spirit, but our Lord says, "Blessed +are they that mourn." God loves to see the falling +tears of sorrow for sin against himself. Those that +truly mourn because of their sins will forsake them. +How blessed for the returning prodigal to come with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +a heart all full of deep contrition. They that mourn +because of their sins shall be comforted. After deep +poverty of spirit and true mourning for sin and the +comforting of the soul by the pardoning mercy of +God. Then meekness will most certainly follow.</p> + +<p>Now, the soul comforted, born of God, sitting in +meekness at the feet of Jesus, will "hunger and thirst +after righteousness." A dead man has no appetite or +desire for food, but a living one must eat. The soul +that is born of God will at once begin to hunger for +Godlikeness. The cry of such a soul is not so much +for his blessings as it is for him. The Psalmist says, +"As the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so panteth +my soul for Thee, O God." Jesus says of such, +"They shall be filled"—filled with purity, love and +peace; filled with the Holy Ghost; filled with all the +fulness of God. All such will be merciful, pure in +heart, peace-makers, and be sure that persecution will +follow. This world that hated and killed our Lord +will not let his followers pass through without persecutions. +Of this we may be sure.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the +land.—Num. 13:20.</p> +</div> + +<p>But with all these graces and past experiences herein +named the persecuted can rejoice and be exceedingly +glad. And of such Jesus says, "Ye are salt and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +light." Would the reader be salt and light? Then +pass through the program laid down in the sermon +on the mount. One must be so poor in spirit that he +will be such a mourner, that he will receive such comfort, +that he will become so meek, that in him there +will be such hungering and thirsting after righteousness, +that he will be so filled with righteousness, +that he will become so merciful and pure in heart, that +he will be such a peacemaker, that he will be so persecuted, +that he will so rejoice, that he will be salt and +light, so shining that men will see it and glorify our +Father in heaven. It is folly to be striving to do +something before. By the grace of God and his divine +power we are ourselves made something. Make +the tree good and the fruit will be good. If by the +power of the Holy Ghost we are made right it will be +easy for us to do right. Salt salts, and light shines +without effort. So with true disciples of our Christ. +They cannot exist without proving a blessing to those +with whom they come in contact.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Pray for them which despitefully use you.—Luke 6:28.</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SIX" id="CHAPTER_SIX"></a>CHAPTER SIX</h2> + +<p class="chp">REFORMATION OF CRIMINALS</p> + +<p class="center">[Louisville Times]</p> + + +<p>In a sermon delivered in the Nashville penitentiary, +the Rev. George L. Herr, formerly chaplain of the jail +here, spoke encouragingly to the inmates, citing cases +of reformation where reform seemed impossible. The +Rev. Mr. Herr took occasion to pay a high tribute to +Jailer John R. Pflanz, of Louisville. He said in part:</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Repent ye therefore and be converted.—Acts 3:19.</p> +</div> + +<p>When I address you upon this subject I speak from +the standpoint of one who knows by bitter experience. +I know that sin can rob man of fortune, and all the +luxuries of life. I know that it can rob him of the +love of all who ever loved him; I know that it can +drag him down from a position of prominence, and +make him a habitue of the dives; I know that it will +cause him to place a rope around his neck and hang +himself to a rafter in his own barn; I know that sin +will lead him to pause at the railing of a bridge, his +mind set upon the awful deed of self-destruction; I +know that it will tempt him to take a razor in hand +and draw it across his throat. I know that sin will +reduce him from a position of influence, a welcome visitor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +to the homes of the elite, to a degraded drunkard, +homeless upon the streets of his native city, robed in +a short linen duster and a straw hat in the dead of +a bitter winter's night.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-087.jpg" width="400" height="555" alt="Rev. John Paul" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. JOHN PAUL</span><br /> +He gave the title to this book after reading the +manuscript</p> +</div> + + +<p class="sect">River Thief's Reformation.</p> + +<p>Jerry McAuley was a river thief, and, while serving +a term in the penitentiary, caught a glimpse of +what the life beyond with Christ would be, and the +verse, "God so loved the world," etc, (John iii., 16), +won his heart and life, and this poor, weak vessel in +the few years he labored for Christ has planted the +gospel light through some convert at every port where +a ship now lands throughout the world.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Case of Sam Hadley.</p> + +<p>Sam Hadley, who was saved through this man of +God, was a poor friendless drunkard, and at the time +God spoke peace to his soul had committed almost +every crime in the calendar; over one hundred forgeries +looked him in the face when he confessed, but +he had faith in God, and he led him through all the +dark valleys. Sam Hadley, was delivered.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.—Isa, +7:9.</p> +</div> + +<p>I met in the office of the prison every day the jailer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> +and I can safely state, without any fear of contradiction, +that I have never met a warden or jailer who +has such mercy and charity.</p> + + +<p class="sect">A Jail "Miracle."</p> + +<p>I shall speak now of a miracle of the prison cell. +Several years ago the great D. L. Moody was holding +meetings in St. Louis, Mo. The Globe Democrat announced +that it was going to publish Mr. Moody's sermons. +He made up his mind that he would weave in +plenty of Scripture for the newspaper to carry into +places that he could never enter. One night he +preached on the Philippian jailer, and next morning +the paper came out with a sensational headline, "How +the Jailer of Philippi Was Caught." A copy of the +paper was carried into the city jail, and fell into the +hands of a notorious prisoner. This man was one of +the worst characters known to the St. Louis police. +He was about forty years old at that time, and had +spent about twenty years in prison, and was then +awaiting trial on a serious charge. As he glanced +over the morning paper, the headline caught his eyes. +Thinking that it was some jail news he began to read +it.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our +faith,—1 John 5:4.</p> +</div> + +<p>God used it to convict him, and a sense of his responsibility<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> +before God rushed upon him. There in +his cell at midnight he prayed for the first time in +his life. On the following Sunday he talked with +Christian friends who held service in the jail, and was +led into the light of the gospel. From that night he +was a changed man. The sheriff thought he was playing +the "pious dodge," and had no confidence in his +professed conversion. But when he came to trial the +case against him was not pressed, and he escaped +through some technicality.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-091.jpg" width="400" height="468" alt="DWIGHT L. MOODY" title="" /> +<p class="caption">DWIGHT L. MOODY<br /> +Who sent the Gospel through the daily press that fell +into the hands of Valentine Burke. He was always +interested in the lost man.</p> +</div> + + +<p class="sect">Unexpected Good Fortune.</p> + +<p>For some months after his release Burke tried to +find work, but no one would take him, knowing his +past history. He thought perhaps it was because of +his ugly face. He went to New York and was taken in +by a member of the police force, who knew him, and +who told him he would shoot him dead if he abused +his confidence.</p> + +<p>Being unsuccessful in New York, he returned to St. +Louis. One day this man who had realized what the +"enemy" had done for his life received a message +from the sheriff that he was wanted at the courthouse. +He obeyed with a heavy heart.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver +thee.—Dan. 16:6.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Some old case they've got against me," he said, +"but if I'm guilty I'll tell them so; I've quit lying." +The sheriff greeted him kindly.</p> + +<p>"Where have you been Burke?"</p> + +<p>"In New York."</p> + +<p>"What have you been doing there?"</p> + +<p>"Trying to find an honest job."</p> + +<p>"Have you kept a good grip on the religion you +told me about?" inquired the sheriff.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Burke; "I've had a hard time, +sheriff, but I haven't lost my religion."</p> + +<p>"Burke," said the sheriff, "I have had you shadowed +ever since you left jail. I suspected your religion +was a fraud, but I am convinced that you are +sincere, as you have lived an honest life, and I have +sent for you to offer you a deputyship under me. You +can begin at once."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him +stand.—Rom. 14:4.</p> +</div> + + +<p class="sect">Tribute to Burke's Honesty.</p> + +<p>This was in 1880. When Mr. Moody was preaching +in Chicago in 1890, Burke, who had not been off duty +for the ten years, came to see him. During all that +time there had been many changes in the administration +of the sheriff's office, and they had changed every +deputy but him. Finally they appointed the ex-convict<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +treasurer of the sheriff's office. Mr. Moody +preached in St. Louis again in 1895. A short time before +his visit an evangelist was called away in the middle +of the revival meetings. The committee wanted +Burke to come and preach in his absence, but the +sheriff said he had just levied on a jeweler's store and +had not had time to take an inventory, and Burke +was the man he could trust to put in charge of it.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/ill-095a.jpg" width="200" height="245" alt="VALENTINE BURKE" title="" /> +<p class="caption">VALENTINE BURKE<br /> +Fac-simile of photograph taken for +the Rogues' Gallery.</p> +</div> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"> +<img src="images/ill-095b.jpg" width="200" height="254" alt="VALENTINE BURKE" title="" /> +<p class="caption">VALENTINE BURKE<br /> +From a photograph taken in 1887, +seven years after his +conversion</p> +</div> + +<p>He was held in such confidence by the police that +they did a most unusual thing; they gave him a photograph +they had of him in the Rogue's Gallery. He +had his photograph taken again in 1887, and in sending +a copy of this along with the original Rogue's +Gallery photograph, to Mr. T. S. McPheeters of St. +Louis, to show the change in his features, Burke wrote +a note:</p> + +<p>"Notice the difference in the inclosed pictures. See +what our holy religion can do for the chief of sinners." +On the back of the Rogue's Gallery photograph +he wrote:</p> + +<p>"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth +the needy out of the dunghill, that he may set him +with the princes, even with the princes of his people." +(Ps. cxiii, 7, 8.)</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Buy the truth and sell it not, also wisdom and instruction.—Prov. +23:23.</p> +</div> + +<p>This incident shows what the grace of God can do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> +for a hardened sinner. Not only can it save him, but +it can keep him. Valentine Burke lived an active, +consistent Christian life in the position until God +called him home in 1895.</p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Visit to Nashville, Tenn., Prison</p> + +<p>Mrs. Wilburn, of Nashville, writes of Mr. Herr's +visit to the Nashville prison as follows: It was my +great pleasure as we reached the door to find Brother +Herr, of Louisville, Ky., awaiting admission. It was +raining, cold and dreary without, but he carried sunshine +on the inside of the prison to the sad prisoners. +The large chapel was filled with eager listeners and +he received a most hearty welcome and all were delighted +to see their true friend Brother Herr. It was +indeed a sight to make angels rejoice to see how +eagerly they drank in every word. I believe many +darkened lives from whom all hope had fled were +encouraged once more to look up. Hundreds of faces +grew brighter as he told with burning words how God +had saved convicts steeped in many crimes, causing +judges in different states to set them free; when they +were told that Jesus had blotted out their past and +made new men of them. At the close of his sermon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> +Brother Herr asked all who would pray when alone +in their cells that Christ would save them too from +the power of sin, and transform their lives as He had +others, to hold up their hands; as quick as a flash +hundreds of hands white and colored were raised +above their heads and, oh, how our hearts rejoiced as +we saw the hope in so many lives. We are looking to +God who giveth the increase to bless the seed sown +in those sad hearts, and earnestly pray that when the +great harvest day comes many of these men may testify +that the sunshine of God's great love entered +their hearts on that dark dreary day in December.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.—Isa. +52:11.</p> +</div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_SEVEN" id="CHAPTER_SEVEN"></a>CHAPTER SEVEN</h2> + +<p class="chp">DOES PRISON WORK PAY?</p> + + +<p>Who will ever know the vast number that attribute +the first impulse to a better life, formed while in the +seclusion of a prison cell—alone with God.</p> + +<p>The world will never know how many, when sitting +in judgment upon themselves, have learned the great +secret that it takes an <i>Omnipotent Power</i> to change +the current of their lives, and give them deliverance +from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth +not to live a new purpose, but a new life.</p> + +<p>Many of these unfortunate ones, not remaining +criminals from choice, but because they have never +known there was an antidote provided for the deepest-dyed +criminals, "a scarlet atonement for a scarlet +sin," whereby the power of evil possessing them could +be eradicated from their lives, and they no longer +victims. While some do not seemingly heed the kindly +admonition given, yet we believe the promise of God +will be fulfilled, that "His word will not return +void," and some time—somewhere—the fruition of +their hopes will be realized.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to +stand against the wiles of the devil.—Eph. 6:11.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-101.jpg" width="400" height="515" alt="The Late Col. MAT. RAGLAND" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Col. MAT. RAGLAND</span><br /> +Who aided the Author in securing a pardon from Gov. +Beckham for a young man who is now at +the head of a great firm</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + +<p>If Mr. A. could speak for himself when 14 years +ago he bowed in his cell as a poor forlorn sinner, and +surrendered himself to God, and has since been testifying +of his saving grace; Mr. B., after leading a criminal +life for years, but when touched by the mighty +power of God, came forth to become a preacher of the +gospel, and has since been magnifying the grace that +brought his deliverance; Mr. C., a desponding infidel, +persuaded to believe there was efficacy in +prayer, and in the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus +Christ; if the multitude of witnesses who have been +saved through the faithfulness of prison workers were +known, the verdict would be—<i>it pays</i>.</p> + +<p style="text-align: right;"> +Louisville, Ky., February 15, 1912. +</p> + +<p>Dear Brother Herr:</p> + +<p>When you handed me your little book "Lost and +is Found" I had no idea what a treasure you were +placing in my hands. Undisturbed in my cell tonight +I read it through and wished for more. I read it the +second and third time, and your sermon so impressed +me I read it the fourth time,</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the +issues of life.—Proverbs 4:23.</p> +</div> + +<p>Before I wandered away from my mother's teaching +and fell into my awful sin and disgrace, I had +heard many sermons on the "Prodigal Son," but none<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +that in such a convincing way drives home the awfulness +of sin as does your description of this, to me, +the dearest of Christ's parables.</p> + +<p>What I like about you most in all your talks with +the prisoners is this, you never show a man how bad +he is or how low he has fallen without showing him +how good he can become or how high he may rise, +and it's always in a way that appeals to the heart of +the man.</p> + +<p>God grant that while under your influence and in +the knowledge of "your way back to Christ" I and +many of the lost ones within the prison may be able +to throw off the shackles of sin and return to our +Father's love.</p> + +<p>Your noble work among fallen men will never be +known in its entirety in this world, but in that to +come God will surely number you among those who +have brought unto him a great harvest of precious +souls.</p> + +<p>May God bless you and your dear Christian wife +in uplifting the fallen ones, is the earnest prayer of +one who desires your influence over the remainder of +his life.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">Yours for a better life,</div> +<div>Curtis.</div> +</div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregation +I will bless the Lord.—Psalm 26:12.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + + +<p style="text-align:right;">Louisville, Ky., Dec. 26, 1911.</p> + +<p>Rev. Geo. L. Herr,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Jefferson County Jail.</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Dear Brother Herr:</p> + +<p>I want to thank you for the Christmas service which +you held in the chapel yesterday afternoon.</p> + +<p>I was greatly helped in my own spirit and I was +profoundly impressed with the very evident influence +of the occasion and your address upon the hearts and +spirits of all the other prisoners.</p> + +<p>May God richly reward you in your labors of love +for these people.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">Faithfully yours,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">Henry.</span></div> +</div> + + +<p class="chp_a">The Work of a Prison Evangelist</p> + +<p class="center">By Geo. Wm. Wood</p> + +<p class="center">[From the Courier-Journal Nov. 17, 1912]</p> + +<p>To the right-thinking man there can be but one +answer to the question, does the work of an evangelist +pay? As well might we ask does the beautiful +life of a true Christian pay? As well might we ask +the farmer, as he carefully tills the soil and sows the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +seed and labors to cultivate the grain, does it pay? +What answer would you expect from the shrewd business +man of today should you ask him the question +does it pay, when he labors and advises to keep down +expenses. He would promptly answer in the affirmative. +Let us bring the question closer home. Ask the +prisoner behind the bars, does it pay to respect the +law? He will answer yes. So for the question does +the work of an evangelist pay behind prison bars there +can be but one answer—yes.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly.—1 +Ch. 19:13.</p> +</div> + +<p>Sitting tonight in our lonesome cell, bounded on +three sides by blank and barren walls of steel, through +our two-by-six door, constructed of massive bars of +iron, there comes to us the conversation of our fellow +prisoners, as with head pressed close against the bars +to catch the other fellow's words, we listen to the talk +of the men "committed for crime"—men strong and +healthy, who should be engaged in some honest labor, +but, instead, are "doing time" for a broken law. We +had no idea of the meaning of the words "doing time" +until being placed behind these bars, we took up the +daily life of a prisoner, and with nothing but "time" +to look to, began the task of trying to be contented. +We believe from our own past ideas of prison life that +very few of the outside world have any conception<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> +of what the prisoner's life really is, or what it means +to be sentenced to a term in prison.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>No good thing will he withhold from them that walk +uprightly.—Psalm 84:11.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/ill-107.jpg" width="600" height="343" alt="JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY." title="" /> +<p class="caption">JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY.<br /> +Members of the International Prison Congress pronounced this prison the +model jail of the world.</p> +</div> + + +<p class="sect">Judge Does Not Understand.</p> + +<p>The judge who pronounces sentence upon the evil +and unfortunate knows as little of the meaning of the +terms he uses in meting out punishment as the mail +clerk knows of the contents of the letters he handles +at his daily task. "Danger" conveys but little meaning +to the mind of the engineer who has never had +a wreck. By the standard of freedom, a day in prison +is a year, and it is only those who mingle daily in our +midst can talk to the "man behind the bars," who +can have a fair idea of what the prisoner suffers daily +in "doing time." The world that lies beneath the +bars is a strange world to the average citizen, the citizen +blessed with average good fortune. Prison life +is a queer and twisted one, and a law to itself.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of +Christ—Ph. 1:27.</p> +</div> + +<p>But to return to the prisoners' conversation, of +which we spoke. Vile—yes, dear reader, this word +does not convey to you the full measure within the +writer's mind. At times it seems that some have sunk +so low that all conception of honor and truth have +passed entirely away. No reverence whatever for such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +words as "mother, home or heaven" left within their +minds, for they are rendered entirely void of good +thoughts or honest ideas, having been so long filled +with the one thought—crime.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Prison Record for Life.</p> + +<p>Men who started on their "career of crime" as +mere boys, with years of youth spent in reform schools +only to be developed into men of crime, have prison +records to follow them through life. Many of these +men feel that they have lost all hope of any but the +criminal's life. Many of them have been forsaken by +family and friends. So to the man or woman who +is at all interested in the uplift of his fellow man, +can you think of any field where the labor of an evangelist +is more needed than it is among the men we +have attempted to describe to you?</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong—1 +Corinthians 16:13.</p> +</div> + +<p>Then there is the paramount reason why the evangelist +is needed. Men who would not on the outside +of prison give one minute of their time to listen to +the evangelist as he tried to persuade them to take a +new lease on life let him engage their attention by +the hour as he shows them the error of their way and +points them to a better life. There are those that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> +listen to his talk and turn away in scorn to ridicule +his teaching. But as the days follow on, and the newness +of the prison life begins to wear away, they listen +with more respect to the "man of God."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 439px;"> +<img src="images/ill-111.jpg" width="439" height="500" alt="The Late Hon. J. C. BOHART" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Late Hon. J. C. BOHART</span><br /> +of Chicago, one of the Author's main supporters while living in +Chicago, Ill.</p> +</div> + +<p>We have seen men behind the bars who never before +bent their knee in prayer. After listening to the +evangelist's story of God and his love, they go to +their cells, and upon bended knees, beg for mercy and +help.</p> + +<p>Brother George L. Herr has taken the word of the +Master into many of the prisons of the United States, +but the jails and penitentiaries of his native State of +Kentucky have claimed much of his time and attention. +We must confess when first coming in contact +with him, our feeling against him was bitter, we did +not want his friendship nor his help, only because we +were angered by his denouncing our pet sins. But +as days lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months, +the truth of his kindly spoken words came home to us. +Life was stripped of all its so-called pleasure, with +nothing but its disgrace and shame left to mock us, +having sold out to the "demon of crime."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Why art thou cast down? Hope thou in God.—Psalm +42:5.</p> +</div> + +<p>Then we began to feel the need of his wise counsel +and to realize the good of having him among us.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +He was always ready and willing to help each and +every man, not only with advice and counsel, but in +so many substantial ways, trying to lighten the prisoner's +burden and make his life better and brighter.</p> + +<p>He has also devoted part of his time to writing +books. Those we call to mind are "Light in Dark +Places," "You Are My Prisoners," "The Life Line," +"Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The +Missionary," "The Bethel," "Lost and is Found," +"A Glorious Rescue," and his new book, "The Nation +Behind Prison Bars," soon to be brought out. +Hundreds of thousands of these books have been sent +broadcast over the world, and through them great +good has been accomplished. Well might he be called +the "Prisoner's Friend," for his desire to aid each +and every man gives to him this well-earned title.</p> + +<p>Full of generosity, kind far beyond the ordinary +meaning of the word, always ready to forgive the +aggressor and to forget the offense, he wins his way +into the hearts of wicked and violent men in a manner +that makes them his lasting friends, and turns +their words of condemnation into words of praise.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and +he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the +wrath of God abideth on him.—John 3:36.</p> +</div> + +<p>We fancy, as we write tonight, while, for the moment, +the stillness of death has fallen upon the entire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +prison, we can hear his voice, as it rings out in +righteous indignation, through the prison corridors, +calling some man to account for his vile language or +his taking in vain the name of God.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Works Without Pay.</p> + +<p>If you were to ask a prisoner to what church Brother +Herr belongs he would no doubt plead ignorance, +as no faith nor creed is known in his work among the +men. He makes no distinction between chapel-goers +and non-attendants, and will do a favor for the worst +man in prison as readily as for the leader of the chapel +quartet; but ask the same prisoner, "Who is it that +speaks to judge and the warden about the sick mother +who longs to see her imprisoned son before she dies? +Ask him.</p> + +<p>Who pleads with the Governor?</p> + +<p>Who tries to soften the heart of the prosecutor?</p> + +<p>Who provides shoes and clothing for the poor prisoners?</p> + +<p>What unpaid messenger runs the errands of the +prisoners?</p> + +<p>Who reconciles the erring son in prison with his +mother and father?</p> + +<p>He will answer, "Brother Herr."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.—Psalm +101:2.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> + +<p>Now, the average prisoner may be deficient in the +matter of mental balance, but he is not an imbecile. +He is a better judge of character and a keener observer +than the more honest and commonplace fellow +man. By the same keen powers of observation that +belong to the criminal type, he notes that Brother +Herr differs from many other prison evangelists, for +he helps without asking questions. He has no theory +or dogma to exploit, and he labors for the uplift of +humanity.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Tribute to Jailer.</p> + +<p>Much that we have written of this great work was +made possible by Jailer John R. Pflanz, who for the +past twelve years has been at the head of the Jefferson +County jail. He is constantly laboring to better +the conditions of the prisoners and give to the people +an honest administration and progressive system of +prison management.</p> + +<p>To him Louisville and Jefferson County owe a great +deal for the good work accomplished among the criminals. +Brother Herr says:</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.—2 +Ch. 19:11.</p> +</div> + +<p>"If such men as John R. Pflanz, of Louisville; John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +L. Whittman, of Chicago; Co. E. E. Mudd, of Frankfort, +and Col. Dan Bartley, of Cincinnati, were placed +in office for life the criminal world would greatly decrease +every year, instead of being on the increase."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-117.jpg" width="400" height="570" alt="Hon. JOHN R. PFLANZ" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Hon. JOHN R. PFLANZ</span><br /> +Jailer of Jefferson County. A friend of the unfortunate.</p> +</div> + +<p>We have never heard of any prisoner complain of +unjust treatment by him, but on the other hand, many +are the unfortunate men who leave this prison to take +their places in business again, because of assistance +given them by Mr. Pflanz.</p> + +<p>His regular rounds through the entire prison are +always hailed with delight by the prisoners, as he is +ever ready to hear their complaints and remedy any +existing evil. He listens to all the appeals for help +by the prisoners and leaves no unfulfilled promises.</p> + +<p>His personal inspection of the "cell-house" and inquiries +about the health and general welfare of all the +prisoners, make him always a welcome visitor among +the men.</p> + +<p>Mr. Pflanz's desire to change the criminal into a +respected citizen and the assistance he gives to bring +about this result proves his thorough understanding, +brought about by years of study and personal contact, +of how to deal with this class of our citizenship.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Be strong and of a good courage; for the Lord thy God +is with thee whithersoever thou goest.—Joshua 1:9.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner</p> + +<p class="mag">[Louisville Herald]</p> + +<p>Henry E. Youtsey, sentenced to life imprisonment +in the penitentiary for his complicity in the murder of +Governor Goebel, and at the present time the most distinguished +prisoner confined behind the cold, gray +walls of the State prison at Frankfort, has at last +"got religion."</p> + +<p>The man who has succeeded in reaching the heart +of this man whose name emblazened the front pages +of newspapers from coast to coast almost ten years +ago, is the Louisville prison evangelist, the Rev. +George L. Herr. The medium he employed was a little +pamphlet containing the simple story of the reformation +of one Dad O'Brien, an erstwhile scalawag +who was finally converted to a new life.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed +our transgressions from us.—Psalm 103:11.</p> +</div> + +<p>Rev. Herr, who has carried the gospel into the cells +of many a poor, crime-stained wretch, not only here in +Louisville, but in every prison-house in the country +and has accomplished a great amount of good among +the outcasts of society, recently received a letter +dated October 16, 1909, which reads:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am delighted to learn that you visited all the +cells today and left in each one the tract, 'How Dad +O'Brien Became Converted.' I have read it, and it +is simply an additional evidence of a truth that has +long been known to sincere evangelists like yourself +to the effect that no matter how hardened and steeped +in sin a poor fellow may be, the love of God can win +him and Jesus can save him, and he can start life +anew, singing praises to his Redeemer, and winning +the lives of his old companions for the Master. I believe +that the happiness of O'Brien's latter years +more than made up for all he suffered—for he enjoyed +a portion of the most glorious life that could be lived +here below. When you get into heaven, as you surely +will, Dad O'Brien will be the brightest star in your +crown. Yours most sincerely,</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Henry E. Youtsey."</span></p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Practical Religious Work in County Jail</p> + +<p>Dear Brother Herr:</p> + +<p>Whenever I think of my confinement in the Louisville +jail, a picture arises before me in which I can +clearly see in the main corridor in the building, down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> +the center of which extended a long table covered with +a snowy cloth, and then in charge of the Hon. John R. +Pflanz, than whom there never was a kinder-hearted +jailer in all the world.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith +the Lord, and I will receive you.—2 Cor. 6:12.</p> +</div> + +<p>But that table and its delicious burden: Turkey +after turkey, four of which weighed more than twenty-five +pounds each, with all the trimmings, including +dressing, cranberry sauce, etc. There were oysters +fried, and oyster soup, with crackers and celery. And +what an array of cakes! As I remember, there were +chocolate and caramel, layer and black ones, in short, +almost every kind of cakes and pies known to the culinary +art. Then there were bushels of oranges, apples +and mixed nuts, and for a time all of us forgot +about stone walls and iron bars, for what a merry +time we did have discussing that repast!</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten +Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not +perish, but have everlasting life.—John 3:16.</p> +</div> + +<p>Whence came all of those good things? Why, the +little man who has so often walked a square or two +further in the rain to buy one banana more for a +nickel for some poor prisoner, and who has worn out +more shoe-leather in helping unfortunate men in durance +vile than any other man in Kentucky: the Rev. +Geo. L. Herr, affectionately called "The Little Missionary," +made personal calls on the wealthy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +charitable merchants in the city of Louisville, soliciting +this food and dinner in the name of humanity, +and may God richly bless all those who helped him +make it such a grand success.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Henry E. Youtsey.</span></p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Praise for Prison Evangelist</p> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + +<p>To the tributes that have been paid to the Rev. +George Herr, after filling the pulpit of the Clifton +Baptist church, of Louisville, the Rev. James A. Clark +yesterday added a testimonial, in which he praised the +prison evangelist for work which he considers "little +short of wonderful."</p> + +<p>"It gives me pleasure to add my testimonial to the +many I have seen concerning the work of the Rev. +George Herr as prison evangelist," says the Clifton +Baptist church pastor. "Three times I have heard +him tell the simple gospel story of Jesus and his love. +He has a message few preachers have, and tells it with +power and effect. He has a message the world needs +to hear, because it is an example of the power of God +to save to the uttermost.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. +1:10.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Herr has had a wonderful, but costly experience, +which fits him peculiarly for the special work +among prisoners. From a wealthy man, living in a +mansion, sin blindly led him to poverty, robbed him +of his money, property and friends; but God came +into his life and now he rejoices that he is a child of +the King.</p> + +<p>"George Herr is doing a work little short of wonderful. +He deserves the co-operation of the Christian +brotherhood, and I take pleasure in commending +him."</p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Sermon in State Prison</p> + +<p class="mag">Rev. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, says in the Courier-Journal:</p> + +<p>One of the most remarkable meetings in the annals +of the prison was held in the chapel of the penitentiary +at Frankfort, Ky., Sunday morning. George L. +Herr, of Louisville, a friend of Chaplain Severance, +was present and spoke from the fourth and twelfth +verses of the 103rd Psalm. The sermon was a strong +appeal to the men for gratitude to God for the rich +provision for the redemption of the race and urging +them to accept the mercy of God and allow him to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> +remove their sins from them "as far as the East is +from the West." The chapel was crowded to the +doors, and during the sermon that lasted for an hoar +no one moved and none went out.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh +slipped.—Psalm 73:2.</p> +</div> + +<p>At the close of the sermon the gospel invitation +was given and a total of forty-two men came forward, +some to confess faith in Christ (of these there were +thirty-seven) and others to renew their vows. Hundreds +asked for prayer in their behalf. Among those +who came were some of the hardest men in the prison +and more noted for insubordination and disobedience +than for piety and morality.</p> + +<p>But the Chaplain believes that the per cent. of those +who remain true is as great among prisoners as among +those outside.</p> + +<p>Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. +He is a man of large sympathy, and having had an +experience of fifteen years as an evangelist knows +how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire +confidence of both prisoners and officials and is +always given a most hearty welcome by all.</p> + +<p>The baptism of the thirty-seven men who made confession +Sunday will be attended to next Sunday morning. +Mr. Herr will return to the baptism.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of +these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.—Matt. 25:40.</p> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Revival Stirs Up Inmates</p> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr preached yesterday at the +Frankfort penitentiary for the Rev. Joseph Severance, +who was filling another engagement. Several hundred +men and women asked for prayer, and fourteen +confessed Christ and were baptized in the prison pool +in the afternoon by the chaplain, assisted by the Rev. +C. R. Hudson and the Rev. Herr, prison evangelist.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>The prisoners in the Frankfort penitentiary were +again blessed by a visit from Bro. Geo. L. Herr, the +Louisville prison evangelist, who came unexpectedly +to us. It was doubly fortunate, for the reason that +Bro. Jos. Severance, the chaplain, was absent from +the city and therefore could not fill his appointment.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that +believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not +believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.—John +3:18.</p> +</div> + +<p>Bro. Herr read that most beautiful 37th Psalm, +which is replete with comfort for those who are in dire +distress and in need of consolation, placing special +emphasis on those passages which teach patience and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> +faith in "The God who is mighty to save and strong +to deliver."</p> + +<p>Bro. Herr never fails to extend the invitation of +the gospel; in fact, that is his strong point, and is +recognized by him to be the most important part of +his work as an evangelist. His labor was rewarded, +as he won eight souls for our Lord and Saviour.</p> + +<p>The following representatives, members of the present +General Assembly, were present at the morning +services: W. H. Jones, Princeton, Ky.; John T. +Shanklin, Johnson, Ky.; W. A. B. Davis, Mt. Vernon, +Ky.; Albert Butler. These gentlemen have been coming +regularly, which proves that they are interested +in our welfare, and also devoted to the church services. +We are always proud of their presence, and invite all +their colleagues.</p> + +<p>At the afternoon Christian Endeavor service, Bro. +Herr made an extemporaneous address in which he +revealed the secret of his wonderful success as a soul-winner, +which the writer would call unlimited charity, +and inexhaustible brotherly love; the love that always +instantly forgives, and as quickly extends a hand to +help a fallen brother rise.</p> + +<p>The eulogy he paid his wife, whom he acknowledged +to be the inspiration to his life, was most beautiful. +At this service he won five more souls for his hire, +making thirteen for the day.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Henry E. Youtsey.</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_EIGHT" id="CHAPTER_EIGHT"></a>CHAPTER EIGHT</h2> + +<p class="chp">A MAN OF HONOR</p> + + +<p>For several years I have been deeply interested +in the men confined in the prison, and in the betterment +of their condition. Each time I held service +in the prison I came in contact with, and was very +much encouraged and assisted by the warden's great +kindness. He did much to improve the conditions of +life within the prison walls. <span class="smcap">G. L. H.</span></p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p class="mag">[Evening Post.]</p> + +<p>FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 23.—The body of Edward +E. Mudd, late warden of the Frankfort State +Reformatory, who died yesterday morning, was taken +this morning to his former home at Glendale, in Hardin +County, where it will be buried this afternoon.</p> + +<p>Yesterday afternoon the body lay in state in the +prison chapel and was viewed by 1,300 convicts.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. +1:10.</p> +</div> + +<p>Five floral designs were sent from the penitentiary. +The guards and the deputy wardens and the clerks +sent two, a few of the "trusties" sent another, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +the white prisoners and the colored prisoners each +sent a design. These latter were paid for in 5 and +10-cent contributions.</p> + +<p>The Prison Commission, which is in session, ordered +flowers sent from Louisville, and adopted the following +resolution:</p> + +<p>"Resolved, That in the death of Edward E. Mudd, +warden of the State Reformatory at Frankfort, the +State of Kentucky has lost a valuable public official, +and the prison has been deprived of an ideal executive.</p> + +<p>"His long experience in prison work had supplemented +his natural ability, with the result that he +brought to a difficult task a trained mind and an admirable +judgment. He was firm without being severe; +gentle without being weak; with a heart full of kindness +for the unfortunates under his control.</p> + +<p>"The Board of Prison Commissioners recognized +his worth; had the fullest appreciation of his manliness, +his integrity and his devotion to duty. They +sought his advice on all important matters, and in his +demise they realize that the State has sustained an +irreparable loss. The sincere sympathy of the board +is hereby extended to his bereaved wife and children."</p> + +<p>Until a successor to Warden Mudd is appointed one +of the commissioners will be constantly in Frankfort.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.—Jno. 8:11.</p> +</div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_NINE" id="CHAPTER_NINE"></a>CHAPTER NINE</h2> + +<p class="chp">JIM O'BRIEN: MODERN MIRACLE</p> + +<p class="byline">By George L. Herr</p> + + +<p>Several years ago I met in the Jefferson County jail, +Louisville, Ky., "Dad O'Brien," one of the worst +criminals I have ever known. Fifty odd years of age, +forty years a thief and twenty-five years behind the +bars. The sentence in the jail was a light one—one +year and a half—for having received stolen property, +but he had stolen from one to tens of thousands. He +was son of a prominent physician of Cincinnati, +for twenty years professor of anatomy in the Ohio +Medical College. He began by stealing from his +mother's purse and then, when punished by his father, +would steal his father's instruments and sell them for +revenge. His father, being a very stern man, drove +"Billy" from home, and the night came on with no +place to go.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, +and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, +and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from +death unto life.—John 5:24.</p> +</div> + +<p>He led a low, degraded life, and was finally arrested<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> +and sentenced to serve ten years in the Columbus +penitentiary. When he was about to serve his first +sentence—which seemed to him a lifetime—a young +lady, an old schoolmate and who had been visiting him +in jail, proposed marriage to him, so she could have +the right to visit him in Columbus and provide him +with the comforts of life, as far as possible. She was +a girl of means, and he was stunned by the proposal. +For, he said, he had not thought of such a thing as +a wife. But he told her to come back the next day +and he would let her know. She did, and he accepted +and they were married on the eve of his leaving for +the penitentiary. He only served part of the sentence, +and when released went to the home of the girl +and began life in a new way, only to fall in the old +rut in a short time. He kept up his criminal life for +years.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all +of them snared in holes, are for a prey, and none delivereth: +for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among +you will give ear to this? Who will harken and hear for +the time to come?"—Isaiah 42:22.</p> +</div> + +<p>The good wife died, and after her death he became +one of the most notorious bank robbers in this country. +While in the county jail at Louisville, Ky., Dad's +friends were standing nobly by him. He had plenty +of money sewed in his clothes to meet his every need.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> +I tried hard to reach him, but he was determined not +to have anything to do with a "Sky Pilot," as he +called me. The first time I spoke to him he almost +spit in my face, but that never daunted me. I was +more determined to win him. I saw he was a diamond +in the rough. He had a bright mind, a man filled +with history.</p> + +<p>While in prison in Louisville, Ky., he became interested, +and determined to quit the old life. After +this determination he immediately wrote his intentions +to his old pals on the outside, and told them not +to send him any more money, for he was done with +that life. They told him he was a fool and had gone +crazy, and everything else they could think of.</p> + +<p>But he was that kind, when he made up his mind +to do a thing he did it.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our +refuge.—Psalm 46:7.</p> +</div> + +<p>Then it was my opportunity for the practical side +of Christianity, for I believe in that side. His clean +laundry must be supplied, extra food that his old +companions had been having sent in from the restaurants +must now be brought by the missionary from +home. Many are the baskets of food I have carried +from my cottage home to this man. But the time was +coming when he was to be released and nowhere to go,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +and that was the thing that seemed to trouble him +most.</p> + +<p>I said: "Never mind, 'Dad,' when you get out of +this prison-house come to my home, I'll take care of +you and help you to a good life." Well, one night, +at about 8 o'clock he knocked on the door. How glad +wife and I were to see him! He often said, "How +warm the fire looks and how home-like to see you all +sitting around." We gave him a good warm supper, +a good bed, the best room in the house, but that was +not all he needed. The next day was the beginning of +the real battle. The detectives were hounding him. +But to keep them from rearresting him we sent him +across the river until we could plead with the officers +to give this man another chance. We believe had it +not been for the great interest taken by John R. +Pflanz, the jailer, at this time for this man, that he +would have died in a cell in some far Eastern prison. +He said, "What's the use? Let me alone; there is +only one thing for me and that is to go back to the +old life." We said, "'D,' we'll see you through."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I know not how to go.—1 Kings 3:7.</p> +</div> + +<p>All this time we were trying to find employment for +him. All this time he was growing impatient and +would say: "A great big husky fellow like me laying +around on a little man like Brother Herr." He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +weighed about 190 pounds, but we would encourage +him by saying, "Well, Dad, you know God's people +have all things in common, and he knows you are +here, and when he sends to us he sends it for you as +well."</p> + +<p>One day when we were talking, he said: "Brother +Herr, those old charges in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburg, +Cincinnati and New York are hanging over me +and I must face them."</p> + +<p>We said, "Well, Dad, if you have made up your +mind you would rather live for God behind the bars +than to live for the devil on the outside or the inside, +God will see you through. Go and face these charges, +and if you mean business, God will take care of you."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I will guide thee.—Ps. 32:8.</p> +</div> + +<p>He went first to St. Louis and told the judge on the +bench that he had quit the old life forever. They +looked at him, and even those who were his bitter enemies, +said, "Give him another chance; go and be a +man and we will help you." He came back to our +home from St. Louis, stayed a few weeks and started +for the other charges, encouraged by the last trip. +He went to Chicago first, and they told him the same +thing there; then he went to Cincinnati, then to Pittsburg, +and they said, "Dad, if you mean business you +shall have a chance." Then he went to New York<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +where he and three other men had robbed a bank of +$175,000. When he went in to see the New York people +they did not know him. He had been living a +Christian life for several months. Salvation changes +the looks of a man, and takes away the hard lines and +softens the eye; and when he told them who he was, +they said: "My God! where did you come from and +what are you doing here?"</p> + +<p>He told these gentlemen what had taken place in +his life, and of his determination for the future. Said +one wealthy man, "Well, Dad, go on your way and +may God be with you and help you."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; +for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help +thee.—Is. 41:10.</p> +</div> + +<p>He went on a hunt for the old friend "Hinky +Dink" down in the first ward. "Hinky Dink" saw +him, paid for a week's lodging at the Mills Hotel, and +gave him money for meals each day. Finally one day +"Hinky Dink" and Dad, standing in the front of his +(Hinky Dink's) saloon, called "the workingmen's +bar," where they line up by the fifties at a time, looking +in, "Hinky Dink" said, "Dad, you are worth $18 +a week to me behind that bar." Dad said, "Me? +Not me for $1,800 a week. I am a Christian, I have +quit all that, never to return again." "Hinky Dink" +said: "Well, what do you want, anyhow?" Dad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +said: "I want to go to Cincinnati to the Holiness camp +meeting." "Hinky Dink" said, "Where?" (this +being all Greek to him), as it was not in his line, he +knew.</p> + +<p>"Dad" repeated what he had said, and "Hinky +Dink" said: "Come right over here and I'll buy you +a ticket." He took him over to the railroad office, +and bought him a limited ticket to Cincinnati. Dad +said, when telling us, "He thought he was shipping +me in the quickest way possible, but it was the Lord +taking care of 'Old Dad,' and sending him in first-class +style."</p> + +<p>Again he came back to our home, stayed several +weeks, then we got him $20 worth of religious books +to travel around to the camp meetings to sell, and to +tell his experience, for the people were eager to hear +this wonderful experience of God's transforming +power, wherever he went. We started him off, and he +soon felt his call to preach the gospel. He was ordained +in Indianapolis in 1905, and preached up and +down the land, winning lost men and women for Jesus. +His life was a miracle of what God's grace can do. +He married a fine Christian woman, who was a great +help to him in his work.</p> + +<p>In the fall of 1908 he died a triumphant death, +leaving a glorious testimony behind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="chp_a">Jim O'Brien Passes Away</p> + +<p>The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the +Indianapolis Herald an editorial by the Rev. George +E. Bueler, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, +Indianapolis, Ind.:</p> + +<p>"The Rev. William H. Frazier, alias Jim O'Brien," +died at Indianapolis on Monday, October 30, 1908.</p> + +<p>"At an early age Frazier began associating with +bad boys on the streets of Cincinnati and of course +was soon drawn into sin. At the age of 14 he began +stealing, at first on a small scale, and increasing with +the years until he became one of the most daring and +successful bank robbers known in America. He was +arrested and in prison many times, but when at +liberty he drifted back into crime again. For forty +years he was a criminal; of that time twenty-three +years and six months was spent behind prison bars. +Although he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars +he was released from prison the last time in Louisville +with only $2.40 left. What wages for forty years +in the service of Satan! While incarcerated in the +Jefferson County jail, at Louisville, Ky., Missionary +George L. Herr found this wretched man and through +many months of persistent effort found a way to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> +heart. At first the missionary was met with curses +and abuses, but love conquered, and the result was +Jim's conversion, a miracle indeed, for, from that +time in January, 1903, "Dad," as he was known, +lived a godly life and retrieved for the past by telling +everywhere he went his life story, showing forth the +glory of God's redeeming grace. No one knew better +than Bro. Frazier what it meant for a man to be released +from prison and again face the world. With +the disgrace and odium upon him it is well nigh impossible +for him to find honest employment, for no +one knowing him to be an exconvict wants him in +their employ, the temptation to return to the old life +is strong. With this in view he began making homes +for such men in large cities. While Bro. Frazier was +working and starting a home in Cincinnati he was +made prison chaplain for the entire city. During the +past summer he and his wife came to Indianapolis. +While here his physical condition gave way; he knew +his end was near. To those who waited on him in his +last hours he constantly affirmed his faith in God and +passed peacefully away. The funeral was conducted +by the Revs. Parker, Stevens and Bueler, with special +singing by Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. Bueler and Mrs. Nelson. +All who want a more complete account of this wonderful +life should read his book, "From Crime to +Christ."</p> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TEN" id="CHAPTER_TEN"></a>CHAPTER TEN</h2> + +<p class="chp">COLUMBUS OHIO PRISON</p> + +<p class="mag">[Ohio Penitentiary News]</p> + + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, returned +yesterday from St. Louis, where he went in the +interest of the men "behind the bars." The Rev. +Mr. Herr also had a delightful visit with his son, of +St. Louis. Mr. Herr, on his return home, received +the following letter from the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., +chaplain at Columbus, O., penitentiary:</p> + +<p>Dear Brother: I thank you for your letter informing +me that you will spend Sunday, March 8, with us +at this prison. We intend to make good use of you +for the Master's cause. We will wish you, unless it +will weary you to do so, to speak to our Sunday-school +at 8 o'clock; address the prayer meeting at 9 o'clock; +preach in chapel at 10 o'clock; attend Female Bible +class and talk at 3 p.m., and men's Bible class at 7 +p.m.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"I was in prison, and ye came unto me."—Matt. 25:36.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the +Ohio Penitentiary News an editorial by the Rev. D. J. +Starr, D.D., chaplain at the Columbus, O., prison:</p> + +<p>"The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered +in our chapel last Sunday morning was charmingly +refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of life lead +through a labyrinth that would require a half century +of years to make its journey at an ordinary pace. But +George L. Herr is not the man to do anything in an +ordinary way. The itinerary of his life shows few +curves—mostly acute angles. He was born in an old +Kentucky family of the city of Louisville. His ancestral +stock was golden, and his infancy was fed with +a golden spoon on sugar and cream. When he was +three months old his Christian mother went to be +with God. When he was 18 years old his father, +Richard S. Herr, a capitalist of Louisville, died and +left George the heir of a large patrimony.</p> + +<p>"The orphan was genial, sportive, rich and without +domestic restraint. Men seized the opportunity to +take advantage of his tendencies and youth to filch +from him his wealth. He yielded, and threw on the +neck of appetite the slackened rein and became woefully +dissipated. He mounted the toboggan and went +down the slide, landing in a few years in the gulch of +destitution and near the precipice of suicide.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Teach me thy way, O Lord.—Ps. 86:11.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Here in destitution and despair on the day after +Christmas, 1893, the Rev. S. P. Holcombe, of Louisville, +found the prodigal and led him into the Union +Gospel Mission, where he sought and came to know +God as a personal Saviour. What a change! New +bottles for the new wine of the Spirit! As language +cannot picture the degradation of the prodigal, neither +can it picture the exaltation of the son restored to +the Father. George was as whole-hearted in his new +life as in his old. He had beauty for ashes and a +spirit of praise instead of heaviness. After nearly +five years of the new life George L. Herr, in the city +of his fall and his recovery, was married by the Rev. +Dr. Carter H. Jones, pastor of Broadway Baptist +Church, to Miss Lillie M. Joyce. George says +that if a man ever outmarried himself he's the +man. He says God gave him this priceless treasure +of a Christian wife in answer to prayer. Those who +know Mrs. Herr speak of her as sweet-spirited, noble, +devout, gifted in song and speech and one in spirit +with her husband in the work of saving those who +are out of the way. Their home is filled with the +aroma of grace and their united lives are spent in +doing good. How wonderfully God fulfills His ancient +promise to present-day prodigals: 'As ye were +a curse, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing.'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> + +<hr /> +<p class="chp">The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week</p> + +<p class="sect">Weekly Budget of Personal, Local and Other Newsbits.</p> + +<p class="sect">To-morrow in the Chapel.</p> + + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Sunday School</td><td align="right">8 A.M.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Prayer Meeting</td><td align="right">9 A.M.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The Great Congregation</td><td align="right">10 A.M.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Entry March</td><td align="right">Band</td></tr> +</table> +<p class="center">(Thomas McCaskie, Leader.)</p> + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Gloria Patri</td><td align="right">Entire Congregation</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">(Directed by Choirmaster Prof. J. H. Chavers.)</p> + +<p class="center">Invocation.</p> + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Songs</td> +<td align="right">By Miss Luale Bethel</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">"A Rose in Heaven."</p> +<p class="center">"Life's Lullaby."</p> + +<p class="center">First Scripture Lesson.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Anthem</td><td align="right">Choir</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Morning Prayer</td><td align="right">Chaplain</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Lord's Prayer</td><td align="right">Response by Choir</td></tr> +</table></div> +<p class="center">Second Scripture Lesson.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Hymn No. 3</td><td align="right">Choir</td></tr> +</table></div> +<p class="center">"Within Thy Courts."</p> + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="left">Sermon</td><td align="right">Rev. George L. Herr</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Hymn No. 355</td><td align="right">Choir</td></tr> +</table></div> +<p class="center">"Calvary."</p> + +<table class="sched" border="0" width="80%" summary="schedule"> +<tr><td align="center" colspan="3">Doxology.</td><td align="center" colspan="2">Benediction.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left" colspan="2">Band.</td><td align="center" colspan="2">March.</td><td align="right">Exit.</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> + +<hr /> +<p class="chp_a">Chapel Services</p> + +<p>In the Bible-school at 8 o'clock through the doorway +of life beyond, which Christ left open that men might +both look in and go in, the 300 students saw some of +the things that "God hath prepared for them that love +Him." The germinal thoughts of John 14:1-14 are +that heaven is a place—a roomy place, a prepared +place, a place where the Lord abides and where he +will have his prepared people to abide with him. +And that in this doctrine is the cure for human sorrow. +"Let not your heart be troubled * * believe."</p> + +<p>At the 9 o'clock meeting the quotation of Scripture +verses appeared like apples of gold in pictures of silver. +Rev. George L. Herr was introduced and the +hearts of hearers beat warm under their jackets as +the speaker sang and talked to them of Jesus and His +love. It was good to be there.</p> + +<p>The Great Congregation gathered at 10 o'clock and +was welcomed with the stirring notes of the band men. +The many voices lifted in the chant, "Gloria Patri," +showed how grand the effect would be if all would +join in the song. Why not all?</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Give me understanding.—Ps. 119:34.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A Rose in Heaven," and "Life's Lullaby," were +admirably sung by Miss Lucile Bethel with her sister +Miss Bethel as accompanist at the piano. The anthem, +"Ashamed of Jesus? Never, No Never," was sung by +the choir as the author of the song might have wished +to hear it rendered.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>That old story of the prodigal son was the subject +on which Rev. George L. Herr of Louisville, Ky., +preached to the inmates of the penitentiary Sunday +morning in the chapel, but it was the twentieth century +prodigal who formed his main theme.</p> + +<p>Mr. Herr is known all over the country as the prison +missionary. He has all the vivacity and warmth of +the Southerner. He illuminated the old parable with +the story of his descent from the position of a son of +a wealthy Kentucky home, possessing a large estate, +to the destitution of a linen duster for a December +coat, and from a seat in a Pullman to riding the bumpers +of a cattle train. That was his condition sixteen +years ago. The men enjoyed the object lesson and +cheered the moral heroism evinced in the life-story +of the missionary.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I am understanding.—Prov. 8:14.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the +Evangel an editorial by the Rev. L. B. Haines at Columbus, +O.:</p> + +<p>"The editors of the Evangel were pleased to meet +Mr. George L. Herr while in Columbus a few days +ago. He addressed the prisoners at the Ohio penitentiary +and was heartily received by all who heard +him. He is doing a noble work in the prisons all over +our country. We spent a pleasant afternoon together, +visiting the sick in the prison hospital, and we believe +God blessed the seed sown. The Evangel wishes him +and his dear wife God speed in their self-sacrificing +efforts for the lost. We take great pleasure in calling +the attention of the readers of the Evangel to Herr's +new book entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," +a notice of which you will find on another page of this +issue.—Eds."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten +Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not +perish, but have everlasting life.—Jno. 3:16.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_ELEVEN" id="CHAPTER_ELEVEN"></a>CHAPTER ELEVEN</h2> + +<p class="chp">INCONTESTABLE PROOF</p> + +<p class="center">OUR MOTTO:</p> + +<p class="center">"Seeking the Lost."</p> + +<p class="center">"Helping the Helpless to Help Themselves."</p> + +<p class="center">JAILER PFLANZ PAYS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO +EVANGELIST GEO. L. HERR</p> + +<p class="date">Louisville, Ky., March 12, 1901.</p> + +<p>Mr. Geo. L. Herr,</p> + +<p>Dear Sir: I have recently been asked by several +persons on different occasions if I thought much good +could come out of the rescue work done at the county +jail. In every instance I would answer "yes." A +great deal of good is done through the Christian +workers, and especially by you, who not only give +your time and attention to this work, preaching the +gospel on the Sabbath, but on every day of your life +doing everything in your power to lighten the burden +of the unfortunates confined in the jail.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>My glad heart says in the language of the Psalmist: +"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 274px;"> +<img src="images/ill-147.jpg" width="274" height="340" alt="Rev. C. S. HANLEY" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rev. C. S. HANLEY</span><br /> +President of International Federation of +Christian Workers, by whom we were +ordained in Chicago, Ill., in 1907.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p>I have known prisoners of all classes look forward +to your arrival each day with gladness, knowing that +if you did not have something to distribute among +them you would give them a cheery good morning.</p> + +<p>As a rule you always have something to give them, +which gladden their hearts and make them think better +of our harsh world, wherein they are buffeted +around like so many things to be despised.</p> + +<p>I have never known you to come to this jail that +you were not interested in some poor fellow's case, +and often have I known you to call on either the +Judge of the Police or Criminal Court to intercede +for some person confined in our jail. I have noticed +that whenever you come you are asked by more than +one of our prisoners to go on some mission, either to +a father, mother, or some other relative. Distance +and barriers have no terror for you, as was evidenced +in your recent trip fifteen hundred miles for one of +our prisoners to see his parents.</p> + +<p>In every case you have with promptness attended +to requests, always with a cheerfulness that is surprising +to those who cannot understand and will not +learn. These are the things that lift up the hearts of +the poor unfortunate prisoner and make him feel that +there is something worth living for.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it.—Ps. 69:18.</p> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> + +<p>My wish and prayer is that you may go on in the +good work you are doing.</p> + + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">Sincerely yours,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">John R. Pflanz</span></div> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Following are letters of endorsement to Missionary +George L. Herr and his wife in their life-work among +outcasts, fallen ones and victims of sin. Among +those who have lent substantial aid and hearty encouragement +to the work will be noted many of our +leading citizens, men of irreproachable character and +standing in society, who have not hesitated to add +their quota of praise to the universal word of approbation +accorded the missionary in his efforts to lead +the wayward ones back into the path of self-respect +and manhood.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; Lord be thou +my helper.—Ps. 30:10.</p> +</div> + +<p class="date">Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 22, 1904.</p> + +<p>Dear Bro. Herr: I regret that you and your good +wife and "Sunshine" can not be with us in our services +next week at the Frankfort Penitentiary, but am +glad to have you promise to be with us soon. No one +understands this work for the salvation and elevation +of those in our penal institutions,—the possibilities,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +the discouragements, the trials, the triumphs, the rejoicing—as +we do who are constantly engaged in it. +Your frequent visits to us are always appreciated +both by the chaplain and the prisoners, and your +sermons and talks and songs are blessed by God to +the furtherance of the work of grace in our midst. +I can truly say there are eyes that "mark your coming +and look brighter when you come." I wish also +to say for your encouragement and those who work +with you that your faithful labors are plainly manifest +in the lives of many whom you come in contact +with—the deep and lasting impressions made upon +their minds and hearts so we are enabled to take up +the well begun work and by God's help carry it on +to salvation of the soul. May God bless you abundantly +in your noble work.</p> + +<div style="width:auto; height:4em;"> +<div style="width: 18em; height:4em; float:right;"> +<div class="center">Truly yours,</div> +<div class="center"><span class="smcap">T. T. Taliaferro</span>,</div> +<div class="center">Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary.</div> +</div></div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Forsake me not, O Lord.—Ps. 38:21.</p> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D., Editor Pentecostal +Herald, Louisville, Ky., and President Wilmore College, +Wilmore, Ky., says:</p> + +<p>I take pleasure in commending my friend and +brother, Geo. L. Herr, as a devout Christian and earnest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> +worker for the salvation of men. He has had +wide experience on both sides of the line, and has +been greatly blessed in rescuing men who have gone +down into the depths of sin. He has been especially +blessed in prison work. Those who help him forward +in the good work in which he is now engaged will do +me a personal favor.</p> + +<p>Wishing him and his wife great success as they +shall go from prison to prison seeking after the lost,</p> + +<div style="width:auto; height:3em;"> +<div style="float:left;">I am</div> +<div style="width: 14em; height:3em; float:right;"> +<div>Respectfully yours,</div> +<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="smcap">H. C. Morrison.</span></div> +</div> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Rev. James M. Taylor, world-wide evangelist, says:</p> + +<p>I have read with soul-stirring interest the sad, + +heart-rending experience of Bro. Herr, and the miraculous +deliverance by the grace of God, how by a +life of sin he squandered a fortune, how God found +him a bond slave of appetite and other sins and delivered +him, the romantic way in which his God-given +companion entered his life, and how they are being +used perhaps as no other persons today in helping +those "behind the bars." This story will warn the +reckless, encourage the "cast out" and put a desire +in the heart to help the fallen.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">James M. Taylor</span>, Evangelist.</p> +<p>Knoxville, Tenn.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="mag">(Frankfort Journal.)</p> + +<p>The Rev. Geo. L. Herr, of Louisville, will spend +the fourth as the guest of Rev. Jos. Severance, chaplain +of the State prison, today. Rev. Herr is a widely +known, talented and enthusiastic prison evangelist, +and has a national reputation as such. He will shortly +publish his famous sermon, "Man's Worst Enemy," +and will place numerous copies of it in every penal +institution of the United States.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + + +<h2><a name="Prison_Evangelists_Good_Work" id="Prison_Evangelists_Good_Work"></a>Prison Evangelist's Good Work</h2> + +<p class="mag">(Courier-Journal.)</p> + + +<p>Prison evangelists published in 1906-07 36,000 sermons +in booklet form and sent them North, South, +East and West. The Rev. George L. Herr and wife +closed a most remarkable year. The meetings which +they have held for the most part have been in large +prison houses, erected for sinful men and women.</p> + +<p>Mr. Herr has delivered sermons to many thousand +listeners; many have professed conversion and thousands +have asked for prayer. The good that this work +has done will probably never be fully known until +the business of this old world has been brought to a +close. Influences have been set in motion that are going +to roll on until time shall be no more.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p>Rev. W. O. Vreeland, chaplain Frankfort Reformatory, +says:</p> + +<p>It gives me great pleasure to testify of the splendid +work among the prisoners done by a man I believe +to be deeply consecrated to the work of rescuing the +"fallen brother." George Herr is worthy of the +highest commendation.</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">W. O. Vreeland.</span></p> +<p>Oct. 12, 1912.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + + +<h2><a name="A_Grand_Work_Highly_Commended" id="A_Grand_Work_Highly_Commended"></a>A Grand Work Highly Commended</h2> + +<p class="date">Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1902.</p> + +<p>Rev. Geo. L. Herr,</p> + +<p>Dear Brother Herr: I regret very much to learn +of your departure from the city, and the work you +have so nobly, and for so long a time, engaged in at +this institution and elsewhere. To say that you will +be missed by us is but faintly expressing my feelings +at your departure. You will not only be missed by +myself and other officials at the jail, but by the poor +unfortunates placed in my custody, for I know I can +truthfully say we will never be able to get any one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> +who will take the pains and do the great good you +have done for all with whom you have come in contact.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.—Heb. 13:5.</p> +</div> + +<p>I can assure you that your farewell sermon to all +of the one hundred and eighty prisoners in this jail +on yesterday was the cause of great depression in +the spirits of all who heard you on that occasion, for +every one of them felt that he or she was about to lose +their best friend, who had not only ministered to their +spiritual wants but made their troubles his own, and +in every way in his power relieved them of their every +ailment.</p> + +<p>You and your good wife were as father and mother +to them, their guardian angels, who made their +rugged paths smooth and their futures bright and +happy.</p> + +<p>It is with much sorrow that I write you today, and +my only consolation is in the hope that you may some +day return and take up the good work again for the +betterment of the unfortunates who may be confined +in this and other institutions in which you have +worked in this city.</p> + + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:4em;">Sincerely yours,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">John R. Pflanz.</span></div> +</div> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>O Lord, make haste to help me.—Ps. 40:13.</p> + +<p>I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the +Holy One of Israel.—Is. 41:14.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Worked_Wonders" id="Worked_Wonders"></a>"Worked Wonders"</h2> + +<p class="center">Declares Dr. Garvin, Physician Jefferson County Jail</p> + + +<p class="date">Louisville, Ky., July 24th, 1902.</p> + +<p>Rev. George L. Herr,</p> + +<p>My Dear Brother Herr: It is with much regret +I have heard of your determination to leave us. You +and your good wife have now been engaged, for about +four years, in the noble work of saving souls in the +Jefferson County jail, and to the success of your efforts +I can truly bear testimony.</p> + +<p>I must confess that at first I had little hope of much +good being accomplished, but your constant devotion +at all hours, night and day, has worked wonders, and +I am satisfied that many who came steeped in sin and +in their own minds hopelessly lost, have left the prison +at peace with God, and with a determination in the +future to lead a better life.</p> + +<p>Wherever you go, may God be with you, is the wish +of all who know you, and especially that of your +friend,</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:2em;"><span class="smcap">Sam'l H. Garvin.</span></div> +<div>Physician to Jefferson County Jail.</div> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Strong_Endorsements" id="Strong_Endorsements"></a>Strong Endorsements</h2> + +<p class="center">Evangelist Herr's work commended by Minister.</p> + +<p class="mag">[Louisville Evening Times]</p> + +<p class="date">Louisville, Ky., June 21, 1905.</p> + +<p>Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., Pastor Trinity M. E. +Church, Louisville, Ky., says:</p> + +<p>To Whom It May Concern:</p> + +<p>I take pleasure in commending Mr. Geo. Herr to +the esteem and confidence of the public. I have been +placed where I have known intimately his work as +Prison Evangelist in Jefferson County Jail—a place +incomparable in my opinion for testing the character +and power of a Christian worker. I can say he has +made a superb record and been able by divine assistance +to rescue many from the life of crime. He has +taken an enlarged field of work because he has been +convinced it was the call of the Highest, and I have +every confidence in his increased usefulness. I cheerfully +commend him and his work. His book is true +and merits large circulation. Mr. Herr is a fine public +speaker.</p> + + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:8em;">Sincerely,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">Horace G. Ogden.</span></div> +</div> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Speaks_to_Prisoners" id="Speaks_to_Prisoners"></a>Speaks to Prisoners</h2> + + +<p>The Rev. J. A. Holton, Chaplain Eddyville Penitentiary, +commends Rev. Herr's work:</p> + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr, the well-known Louisville +prison evangelist, conducted the chapel services at +the Eddyville State penitentiary, Eddyville, Ky., on +Sunday, February 16. Mr. Herr's address to the +prisoners made a very decided impression upon the +men. In a letter to Louisville, J. A. Holton, Chaplain +of the penitentiary, writes of Mr. Herr's visit to +Eddyville as follows:</p> + +<p>"Brother Herr is a fluent and earnest talker and +speaks from personal experience and observation with +telling effect, timely words that tend to the betterment +of his hearers. No one who is acquainted with his +personal history and present effort in the cause of +prison reform could doubt his sincerity. It is not a +surprise, therefore, that from every sphere of his +labor along the line of evangelistic work in the prisons +of the land come unsolicited testimonials commending +him and his work."—The Louisville Times.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>And God spake all these words, saying, +I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of +the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.—Ex. 20:1-2.</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Sad_and_Pitiful_Stories" id="Sad_and_Pitiful_Stories"></a>Sad and Pitiful Stories</h2> + +<p class="mag">[The Louisville Herald]</p> + + +<p>For fifteen years Mr. Herr has carried the great +truths to the outcasts, giving warning of the danger, +and thousands have repented and have been rescued +from lives of sin and shame and are now blessings to +the community. Hundreds of thousands of tracts, +sermons, books, papers, etc., have been distributed, +the results of which can never be known.</p> + +<p>"One of the saddest features of this work is that +we are constantly beset by the sad-faced, grief-stricken, +broken-hearted mothers and wives who have +been so unfortunate as to lose their loved ones in sin," +declared Rev. Herr. "They come to us and plead for +us to help find the wanderer.</p> + +<p>"The pitiful stories of disgrace, shame and disappointment +that come from the broken hearts who are +victims are beyond expression and almost enough to +melt the heart of stone into a river of tears, and to +stir us who hear them and see the helplessness of unfortunate +ones.</p> + +<p>"There never was a place where the gospel was +needed more and where it would do more good, than in +the prison houses of our beautiful land."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Open them mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous +things out of thy law.—Ps. 119:18.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Resolution_That_Was_Never_Broken" id="Resolution_That_Was_Never_Broken"></a>Resolution That Was Never Broken</h2> + +<p class="center">"I am done with a life of thieving."—E. B.</p> + + +<p>Another of the days in jail that will long be remembered +by some of the poor unfortunates who have been +making this place their residence for some time. The +missionary who makes prison work the work of his +life preached to the men today, the service being in +the place of the regular Saturday services, because +the convicted men were to go to the penitentiary Saturday +morning, and Brother Herr intended to go to +Cincinnati, Ohio, this evening. So the good brother +gave the men some good, wholesome advice.</p> + +<p>And in opening the services, that always appropriate +song of "Let a little sunshine in" was sung, +and the good God knows that if any one in this world +needs "sunshine" that person is the one who is behind +prison bars.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Thou shalt have no other gods before me.</p> +</div> + +<p>I have seen some curious things in my wandering +life, and some very curious and saddening sights are +to be seen in jail. To see men right in the prime of +their manhood going to a living tomb, to actually +bury themselves for years, is a sight not easily forgotten.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> +Oh, the misery, the shame, and the degradation +of it all. It is no wonder that some of the unfortunates +weep. The sight of so much misery seen at one +time is enough to melt the heart of the most hardened +criminal. As I watched the men put up their hands +in reply to the question of "How many of you men +want to lead a better life?" I could not blame any +one of the prisoners for putting up their hands in a +resolve to lead a clean life.</p> + +<p>My sympathy is with the unfortunate. I have been +placed in positions just like these men are placed in, +but never again! Oh, I hope that when I finish this +term of imprisonment that I may find some means of +employment that will bring me in enough money to +keep body and soul together. From this time forward +I am done with stealing. I hope that my right hand +may lose its cunning and my eyes grow dimmer, so +dim that I cannot see anything to steal. I am done, +done with a life of thieving. I don't know how I am +going to exist, but I am not going to steal any more. +By the help of the good Lord I intend to reform.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will +lighten my darkness.—Ps. 18:28.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="What_Is_A_Friend" id="What_Is_A_Friend"></a>What Is A Friend?</h2> + + +<p>A friend is the first person who comes in when the +world has gone out.</p> + +<p>A bank of credit on which we can draw supplies of +confidence, counsel, sympathy, help and love.</p> + +<p>One who considers my need before my deservings.</p> + +<p>The triple alliance of the three great powers—love, +sympathy and help.</p> + +<p>One who understands our silence.</p> + +<p>A jewel whose lustre the strong acids of poverty and +misfortune cannot dim.</p> + +<p>One who smiles on our fortunes, frowns on our +faults, sympathizes with our sorrow, weeps at our bereavement, +and is a safe fortress at all times of +trouble.</p> + +<p>One who, gaining the top of the ladder, won't forget +you if you remain at the bottom.</p> + +<p>The holly of life, whose qualities are overshadowed +in the summer of prosperity, but blossom forth in the +winter of adversity.</p> + +<p>He who does not adhere to the saying that No. 1 +should come first.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in +trouble.—Psalm 41:6.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 275px;"> +<p class="caption">When the author left Louisville to 1905 for Chicago +to be ordained, he was greatly helped by his friend +Chas. F. Grainger, kindness never to be forgotten.</p> +<img src="images/ill-163.jpg" width="275" height="390" alt="HON. CHAS. F. GRAINGER" title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Hon. CHAS. F. GRAINGER</span><br /> +Former Mayor of Louisville; now +President Louisville Water Co.</p> + +<p class="caption">Mr. Grainger says, "Mr. Herr's work among prisoners +has been very successful, and through his +efforts many have reformed."</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p>A watch which beats true, for all time, and never +"runs down."</p> + +<p>An earthly minister of heavenly happiness.</p> + +<p>A friend is like ivy—the greater the ruin, the closer +he clings.</p> + +<p>One who to himself is true, and therefore must be +so to you.</p> + +<p>The same to-day, the same to-morrow, either in +prosperity, adversity or sorrow.</p> + +<p>One who guards another's interest as his own and +neither flatters nor deceives.</p> + +<p>One truer to me than I am myself.—Exchange.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my +heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and +my redeemer.—Ps. 19:14.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Another_Chance_I_Crave" id="Another_Chance_I_Crave"></a>"Another Chance I Crave"</h2> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + + +<p>Austin, Tex., Dec. 2.—(Special.)—Jake McKinney, +who was serving a life term in the State penitentiary +at Rusk for the murder of Robert Walker in Jones +county seven years ago, has just received his pardon +from Gov. O. B. Colquitt on the strength of an appeal +for liberty in the form of a poem that he wrote and +sent to the Governor. This poetic application was +turned over to Mrs. Colquitt by the Governor and it +was upon her recommendation that McKinney was +given his liberty. McKinney was twenty-four years +old at the time of his conviction. During the last four +years of his imprisonment he was editor of the prison +newspaper, the Alcalde Chronicle. He attended night +school while in the penitentiary. His poems and articles +in the little newspaper that he published attracted +much favorable attention. His pardon application +reads in part as follows:</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:20em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Another chance, 'tis all I ask,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In freedom's sun again to bask;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">To hear the voice of loved at home,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And amid familiar scenes to roam.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What saith the Scripture? Is it wise<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To gain a world and lose the prize<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of future Joys of Him above,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who came to save because of love<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For sinful men imprisoned here<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In sin's corrupted atmosphere?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Another chance to know the life<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beyond the cruel prison strife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where Beauty, Truth and Culture reign,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And pleasure comes from Labor's gain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To see the golden sun at dawn<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spring forth to kiss the rural lawn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wet with the kiss of midnight dew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And brightens to a gorgeous hue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To please the eye of all mankind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A gift of God to man so blind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Another chance to show the world<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That darkness hid my flag unfurled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That flame of ingenuity<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Burns brightest where the darkest be;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As all is not as some would tell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"A soul defiled and booked for hell."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Another chance I crave of thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, Governor, but feel and set me free!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make the conditions what you may,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will live up to them every day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have no friends to plead for me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dear Governor, can't you set me free?<br /></span> +<br /></div></div> + +<div style="text-align:right; margin-top:.7em;"> +<div style="padding-right:10em; font-size:.9em;">Most sincerely</div> +<div><span class="smcap">Jake McKinney.</span></div> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;"> +<img src="images/ill-167.jpg" width="450" height="581" alt="JUDGE AARON KOHN" title="" /> +<p class="caption">JUDGE AARON KOHN<br /> + +One of the greatest criminal lawyers of the American bar. + +There is none in this world who has been a greater friend in my sorest need.</p> +</div> + + + + +<h2><a name="Letter_from_the_Late_Col_Will_S_Hays" id="Letter_from_the_Late_Col_Will_S_Hays"></a>Letter from the Late Col. Will S. Hays</h2> + +<p class="center">Editor, Poet, and Song Writer</p> + + +<p>My Dear Rev. Geo. L. Herr: It is a pleasure to +express the sentiment of pure friendship I have for +you and for the Christian work in which you are now +engaged. Knowing you from boyhood, I am free to +say you are one of God's chosen ones to do his will +and work, and heaven never had a more faithful representative +than yourself. May your words and works +in the Master's cause result in adding souls to the +kingdom of glory, and may God and the angels watch +over and guard you through life is the prayer of your +friend,</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Will S. Hays.</span></p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.—Ps. 19:7.</p> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="The_Late_J_P_Scheider" id="The_Late_J_P_Scheider"></a>The Late J. P. Scheider</h2> + +<p class="center">Captain of Police</p> + + +<p>I have met him at all times and in all places, from +the palace to the prison, striving to better the conditions +of his fellowmen. At the same time serving our +Lord in such a noble manner as to attract the attention +of the least appreciative person. He has taken +for his duty the task of working principally among +the criminal classes that frequent our city prisons, +and to my personal knowledge has done more to benefit +the inmates than any other man of his vocation. +Oh! how far more pleasant this life would be if the +world was full of just such noble, good-spirited men +as my friend George L. Herr, whom I know to be +serving our God in the most appropriate manner +known to mankind.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:5em;">Respectfully,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">John P. Scheider</span></div> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Profanity_Shows_Mental_Deficiency" id="Profanity_Shows_Mental_Deficiency"></a>Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency</h2> + +<p class="mag">[Louisville Herald]</p> + + +<p>The habitual user of profane and indecent language +was mercilessly flayed by Bishop Charles E. Woodcock, +of the Episcopal Church, at the Board of Trade +noon-day Lenten service yesterday, where in the +course of his sermon the Bishop pronounced the profane +man to be intellectually deficient, corrupt, morally +and wholly unchristian.</p> + +<p>"No gentleman will use profane language; it is only +the low-born and vulgar-minded person who will do +so," declared the Bishop. "No man who believes in +God and in God's commandments can be profane."</p> + +<p>Among other things stated by the Bishop of a like +nature are the following:</p> + +<p>"The profane man in God's eyes is on the same +plane as the murderer or thief. He violates the ten +commandments."</p> + +<p>"Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, vicious, +vulgar and most reprehensible."</p> + +<p>"The man who is well thought of in a community +is nine times out of ten the man who does not curse."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God In +vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh +his name in vain.</p> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"> +<img src="images/ill-173.jpg" width="275" height="414" alt="Rt. Rev. CHAS. E. WOODCOCK, D.D." title="" /> +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rt. Rev. CHAS. E. WOODCOCK, d.d.</span><br /> +Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The profane man is in many cases and in most +cases the man who will steal, slander, lie and violate +the every commandment of God."</p> + +<p>In beginning his sermon the Bishop spoke of the +work of the noon-day Lenten services. He said in +part:</p> + +<p>"By coming before you men and preaching we rectors +hope to arouse, encourage and bring out all the +good in you. We aim to plant high ideals in your +hearts and make you better men. It is one of the greatest +pleasures I have—preaching these noon-day Lenten +sermons. It is my earnest and sincere wish to do +good and to carry a message to you.</p> + +<p>"Christ will lighten your eyes: He will enable you +to see things worth being and worth doing. The worth +while in life is what makes life worth living. He will +give you a view of yourself. He will make you see +yourselves as others see you. He will not only do this, +but he will set a guard before your lips.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; +my God, my strength, in whom I trust.—Ps. 18:2.</p> +</div> + +<p>"No man ever regretted keeping from impure +speech. Habitual obscene story telling grows like +other vicious habits. It is a manly thing to possess +clean lips. Does not the Bible say, 'Blessed are the +pure in heart?' Well, no man can be pure in heart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +and impure in speech. Would you tell some of the +stories you tell your fellow men to your wives and +daughters? No, I do not think you would. Then say +to yourself, 'Thou God hearest me.'</p> + +<p>"Keep your lips from profanity. The profane man +in God's eyes is on the same plane as is the murderer +and thief. He, like both, violates the ten commandments. +Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, +vicious and vulgar and most reprehensible. The man +who will curse and swear is in most cases the man +who will steal, slander, lie and violate every commandment +of God.</p> + +<p>"I have been in hotels and in public places where +I have heard men swear as though they thought it a +virtue. These men I find are seldom well thought +of in a community. The man who is well thought of +will not swear.</p> + +<p>"The man who will swear will say mean things +about his friend; he will gossip and slander. If you +keep your lips clean you will never besmirch a man's +or woman's character. You will never speak until +you know it is time; you will be restrained from telling +vicious things, because you will reason whether +or not it is right, and whether or not it ought to be +told."</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: +for your work shall be rewarded.—2 Chron. 15:7.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="At_Cincinnati_Workhouse" id="At_Cincinnati_Workhouse"></a>At Cincinnati Workhouse</h2> + +<p class="mag">[Louisville Times]</p> + + +<p>Never did Mr. Herr have a more interested audience +than greeted him in the Cincinnati work house yesterday +when he preached for an hour in the prison +chapel. The men and women wept as his words +brought conviction to their hearts. Were it not for +this wonderful gospel, said the speaker, he himself +might be as the worst prisoner among them. At the +close of the sermon he asked all those who desired to +lead better lives to bow their heads in prayer, and +almost every man and woman in the chapel fell on +their knees, while the eloquent evangelist lifted his +voice in their behalf. The closest attention was accorded +him during the whole time and when the prisoners +were dismissed and passed out of the chapel +amid a stillness that was very impressive, Mr. Herr +spoke to a great number personally shaking them by +the hand and urging them to repent and believe the +gospel.</p> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Extermination_of_Habitual_Criminals" id="Extermination_of_Habitual_Criminals"></a>Extermination of Habitual Criminals</h2> + + +<p>The extermination of the habitual criminal—his +removal like a weed from a garden—was advocated +today in a startling address made in Minneapolis to +the Interstate Sheriffs' Association by Charles W. +Peters, chief deputy sheriff of Cook County.</p> + +<p>The unexpected suggestion that the man who will +not reform ought to be slain by legal means aroused +much discussion in Chicago among ministers, lawyers +and laymen.</p> + +<p>Leniency for first offenders, parole for the worthy, +an adult probation law, were advocated by Mr. Peters, +who then insisted that in cases where life has proved +a failure, where efforts of reformation have been ineffectual +and the criminal is a body sore on the social +system, that extermination should be resorted to.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Only One True Reform.</p> + +<p>Furthermore, he created intense surprise by his +assertion that in twenty years' experience in handling +criminals he could recall only one case of true reformation +on the part of an "habitual."</p> + +<table width="100%" summary="Whitman"> +<tr> +<td align="center"><img src="images/ill-180a.jpg" width="280" height="385" alt="The Hon. and Mrs. JOHN L. WHITMAN, Chicago, Ill." title="" /></td> +<td align="center"><img src="images/ill-180b.jpg" width="266" height="400" alt="The Hon. and Mrs. JOHN L. WHITMAN, Chicago, Ill." title="" /></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Hon. and Mrs. JOHN L. WHITMAN, Chicago, Ill.</span><br /> + +Mr. Whitman is Superintendent of the Bridewell. They have been friends to +thousands in need of friends.</p> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/ill-181.jpg" width="600" height="256" alt="Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill." title="" /> +<p class="caption">Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> + +<p>In his address to the Association, Mr. Peters recommended +various ways of dealing with crime and its +perpetrators, and then for the irredeemably incorrigible +made this recommendation:</p> + +<p>"And then if they fail to embrace the many opportunities +offered them, and after everything has +been done that is possible for mankind to do, they repeatedly +persist in returning to their old ways, I +think in such a case life has proven a failure, and +they become a menace and a burden to our social welfare +and should be exterminated.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Like Weeds in a Garden.</p> + +<p>"They are like weeds in a garden and unless removed +will supersede the useful plants.</p> + +<p>"Many students of criminology have suggested life +imprisonment, but in my opinion that has proven a +failure. By that method the menace is removed, but +the burden remains.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to acknowledge that in the twenty odd +years of my experience in the handling of criminals +I can recall only one case of true reformation on the +part of habitual criminals, and that man is employed +in a bridge works, where it would be impossible for +him to carry anything off."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sect">"Judge Not," Says Pastor.</p> + +<p>Among the ministers who commented on the startling +theory of extermination were:</p> + +<p>Rev. P. J. O'Callaghan, pastor of St. Mary's +Church and the priest who saved Herman Billik +from the gallows—What is man that he should put +himself in judgment on a fellow and say that the culprit +is beyond reformation and redemption and slay +him? Man is too fallible to condemn another as an +habitual criminal and exterminate him. No one knows +when a man has passed beyond the pale of reform. As +a matter of fact, many and many a criminal branded +as 'habitual' has been saved to a useful life. I most +heartily disagree with any suggestion to execute any +man on the theory that he is irredeemable.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Hope While There Is Life.</p> + +<p>Rabbi Tobias Scharfarber—In the first place I am +opposed to capital punishment, but, in any event, I +should not agree with this suggestion of Mr. Peters. +It is much like Osler's plan to kill off men of +sixty or more years of age, or Ingersoll's suggestion +that when a man believed himself to be a failure and +useless to the world he should go and shoot his brains +out. While a man lives there is hope for him, and no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> +one has either power or right to say that he will always +be a menace to society.</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:24em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Christ in His charity taught those who came to Him,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Ill deeds should pardoned be seventy times seven;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Succor the least here and you do the same to Him;<br /></span> +<span class="i1">These are his precepts on earth and in heaven.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, then, when laboring hard for humanity,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Never believe that your labor is vain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kindness will conquer the criminal insanity;<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Speak to him gently and try him again."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Criminal_Becomes_Minister" id="Criminal_Becomes_Minister"></a>Criminal Becomes Minister</h2> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + + +<p>"Do you know who I am?" once said a person in +the jail here to the Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist. +"I will tell you. I am the worst and most +treacherous man in this prison." Then the Rev. Mr. +Herr says he told him the story of his fearful crimes. +"I have been in prison North, South, East and West, +I have been in the dismal, solitary cell for one year, +have been put in large tanks of ice water, have been +punished over and over again, but it has always made +me more of a demon. Would you like to know what +the officer who last locked me up said about me?"</p> + +<p>"'Take him and lock him up like a brute beast, for +that is what he is.'"</p> + +<p>Then he turned and said: "Do you think there is +any hope for me?" "I was at once on ground where +I could speak without hesitation," said Mr. Herr, +"and I told him simply that if he was through with an +evil life, if he was tired of wrong-doing and was determined +to do right, there was a love that could forgive +him, and a power that could help and keep him in the +future. When at last we knelt together there I prayed +that God, who could bring light into our darkness, +might dispel the thick clouds that had shut in this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> +soul from hope, and bring to him the revelation that +would change his life. There were tears in our eyes +as we parted, and, taking my hand in his he said: "I +will try, Brother Herr."</p> + +<p>"He did try, and, more than that he conquered. At +first it was a stern battle of an awakened will and conscience +fighting against desperate odds. The feeling +that friends were watching and waiting anxiously for +good reports proved an undoubted incentive. It was +not long before he sought and found Christ as his +Saviour, and he became an earnest Christian, and to-day +is an ordained Methodist minister, at the head of +a great rescue work in an Eastern city, and also chaplain +of a model penal institution."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"For God so loved the world that he gave his only +begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should +not perish, but have everlasting life."—John 3:16.</p> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="To_Brother_George_L_Herr" id="To_Brother_George_L_Herr"></a>To Brother George L. Herr</h2> + +<p class="byline">By Joseph M. McGuire</p> + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The days are long and dreary,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And the hours go slowly by,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While the prisoner, sad and weary,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Longs for the time to fly.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But one brings joy and sunshine<br /></span> +<span class="i1">To the prisoners sad at heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And it is but a short time<br /></span> +<span class="i1">'Till with him we'll have to part.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We cannot find another,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Search, I care not where,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who will do as much for a brother<br /></span> +<span class="i1">As our Bro. George L. Herr.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He comes early in the morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And never leaves till night;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He always seems untiring,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Helping wayward men do right.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He is always up and willing<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Whene'er a prisoner call,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To go and do the bidding<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Of a man behind the wall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And then there is another,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Who shares his joy and strife;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">She is called by the prisoners "Mother,"<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And is Bro. Herr's good wife.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Early Sunday morning,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">In rain, snow, sleet, or hail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">You will find him holding meeting<br /></span> +<span class="i1">In the Jefferson County Jail.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I love to hear him tell the story<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Of the "Prodigal Son,"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of the "Mighty Prince of Glory,"<br /></span> +<span class="i1">From whom salvation sprung.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round his good face there seems a halo,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">His work is for One on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He makes sunshine out of sorrow,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Whenever he is nigh.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Success_of_Reformed_Criminals" id="Success_of_Reformed_Criminals"></a>Success of Reformed Criminals</h2> + +<p class="sub">After Blotting Out the Past</p> + + +<p>"Once a Thief, Always a Thief," has been disproved +in thousands of cases according to Mr. William +A. Pinkerton.</p> + +<p>"Do criminals ever reform, really turn over a new +leaf and become good citizens?"</p> + +<p>I fired the question at random, little dreaming what +a wealth of interesting and convincing anecdote it +would evoke. I expected the time honored cynical +reply, something to the effect of "Once a thief, always +a thief," But I was disappointed—agreeably +disappointed. For my answer was a quick, emphatic, +earnest "Yes."</p> + +<p>And the man who said "Yes" was William A. Pinkerton, +and he knows.</p> + +<p>Probably no living man knows more intimate details +about the individual members of the underworld, +those who are active criminals to-day, as well as the +notorious crooks of the past, than the head of the +Pinkerton Detective Agency. And every crook will +tell you, what every honest man who knows Mr. Pinkerton +will tell you, that when he says "Yes" there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +is no possibility that the correct answer should be +"No."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/ill-191.jpg" width="400" height="629" alt="WILLIAM A. PINKERTON" title="" /> +<p class="caption">WILLIAM A. PINKERTON<br /> +Head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency +New York</p> +</div> + +<p>"I know what the average man thinks—that a real +crook never turns straight. But it isn't so. Thousands +of crooks—and I don't mean one-time offenders, +but men in the class we call hardened criminals—have +become honest men to my knowledge. It is not +true, as some recent writer said, that as many crooks +turn honest as there are honest men turn crooked, +but I believe that one of the reasons is that so few men +are willing to lend a helping hand. I don't mean +that every crook is ready to reform if he is encouraged, +but I do mean that society makes it hard for +any man who has once been a criminal to lead an +honest life.</p> + +<p>"And I'll tell you another thing," continued Mr. +Pinkerton: "I'm prouder of the fact that I have +helped a few criminals to become honest men than of +all the work I have done in putting criminals behind +the bars. I'm proud of the fact that every crook +knows that Pinkerton will deal squarely with him if +he will deal squarely with Pinkerton—that I believe +it is as important to keep faith with a bank thief as +with a bank president.</p> + +<p>"I know a score of business men in Chicago—not +saloonkeepers, but reputable merchants—who have +criminal records. These men have done time and have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +paid their debt to society for their crimes. I cannot +tell you their names, for it would be unfair to them +and to their wives and families, many of whom have +no suspicion that there is anything wrong in the pasts +of their husbands and fathers. Besides, when society +discovers that a man is a former criminal it is not content +to cancel the debt no matter how much imprisonment +at hard labor the former crook may have +given in expiation of his sin.</p> + +<p>"I know men in trusted positions in New York who +were convicts. In many cases only the man himself +and his employer know the secret and sometimes the +employer does not know it. I know men scattered all +over the West—business men, professional men, many +of them wealthy and prominent citizens—who have +seen the inside of Joliet, Moyomensing, Sing Sing or +Leavenworth. They have sons and daughters who +never have suspected and never will suspect the truth.</p> + +<p>"These are good men—as good men as any living. +They have turned away from their old ways, in many +cases have changed their names, and who shall say +they are not as much to be respected as the honest +man who never was tempted, never was forced into +crime? I'll tell you about some of them.</p> + +<p>"When I was a boy in Chicago there were two +brothers, neighbors, about the age of myself and my +younger brother, and we were friends. When the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> +civil war broke out I went into the army secret service +at the age of fifteen, and the older of these two +boys, John, enlisted in an Illinois regiment. Jerry, +the younger, was not old enough, but a little later, +when the government began offering a bounty for +soldiers, he became a bounty jumper. He would enlist, +get the bounty money, then desert and enlist over +again under another name. He was with a band of +young fellows who were engaged in that way of getting +easy money, and who found it so easy that they +turned to other kinds of crime.</p> + +<p>"When the war was over John came back to Chicago +and settled down as a rather plodding sort of +a mechanic. He tried to get Jerry to straighten out, +but the younger brother was too far along the road +to prison.</p> + +<p>"In those days the Northwestern Railroad used +wood for fuel, and the wood agent of the road was +Amos Snell—the same Snell who was later murdered +by 'Willie Tascott.' He lived in a suburb of Chicago, +and one night Jerry and his crowd went out +there and 'stuck' up the whole family—robbed them +of everything they had. John was along with them, +lying in the bottom of the hack. The police got a clew +through the hack-driver and rounded up the whole +band. All of them, including John, were sentenced to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> +five years each except Jerry. When he came into the +hands of the police a citizen who had been held up +on the street some time before identified him as the +hold-up man, and on the strength of that the Judge +gave him fifteen years. It was an unjust sentence, +for Jerry had not committed the hold-up—that was +found out later.</p> + +<p>"Well, John's old Colonel and some other army +men and my father got together and got a pardon for +John, who had merely gone along with the crowd and +had taken no part in the robbery. He went back to +work at his trade of brass finisher, but Jerry stayed +in Joliet, rebelling against those long unjust years of +his sentence.</p> + +<p>Jerry was put to work in the engine room of the +prison and soon displayed great aptitude for machinery. +He served out his term with time off for good +behavior and finally got out. I met him in Chicago. +He was despondent. He felt that he had no chance +to be anything but a crook, but he knew the terrible +chances a once convicted man runs if he returns to +crime. I told him the best thing for him to do was +to go to New York, and I sent him on to my brother +Robert, who had also known him as a boy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sect">Reform of Jerry.</p> + +<p>"Now, here's a part of this story that will interest +you. Robert had a friend who was chief engineer of +a building in Ann street. He told this friend about +Jerry, and the engineer said he'd take a chance on +him. He put Jerry to work stoking the boiler at a +dollar and a half a day. After a year or so there was +a vacancy and Jerry became assistant engineer. A +little while later the chief engineer resigned and Jerry +after awhile, the ex-crook, became chief engineer. He +left there after awhile to take charge of a big plant +on Long Island, and he sent for his brother John and +gave him a job.</p> + +<p>"A few years later the two brothers called on me +in Chicago. They had saved about $6,000 between +them and were on their way to a new town in the +West to start a manufacturing business of their own. +Each had married a girl who knew nothing of their +prison record and had children. They prospered exceedingly. +John died several years ago, but only a +few months ago, when my brother Robert died, an old +man, whom nobody but myself recognized, came from +the West for the funeral and shed tears at the grave. +It was Jerry. He is still living, and is the leading +citizen of his town and worth at least half a million +dollars.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Criminals who reform? There are thousands of +them. I remember a little Liverpool Irishman who +was a pickpocket around New York. He was known +as 'Jimmy the Nibbler'. The police picked him up in +Tennessee, where he lifted somebody's pocketbook, +and he was sent to Nashville for seven years. In the +prison they put him to work in the hospital. Then +the cholera epidemic broke out. "Jim" helped the +doctors and nurses, and when the doctors got sick +he nursed them and the warden and his family and +helped save a good many lives. After the epidemic +was over the warden and the Prison Board were so +grateful they got "Jim" a pardon and made up a +purse of $350 for him. With the money in his pocket +he came right to Chicago to see me. I began to +lecture him on the futility of going back to the life he +had led before.</p> + +<p>"'I've cut that all out,' he said. 'I'm not going to +be a gun any more. I've been studying medicine +down there in Nashville. The doctors have been telling +me things and giving me medical books to read +and now I want to get into one of these colleges where +I can get a diploma quick.'</p> + +<p>"There were a number of diploma factories, as the +lower class of medical colleges were called, running +in Chicago then, and Jim found he had money<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +enough to go through one of them—in the front door +and out the back. But he got his diploma and license +to practise and started for one of the new towns in the +West. I looked him up a while ago. He comes pretty +near being the most prominent citizen in the town. +He is a director in a national bank and the leading +physician, and has officiated at the births of half the +present population. Moreover, he is an enthusiastic +church member. But how long do you think it would +take for the whole town to turn against him if they +should ever learn out there that he is 'Jimmy the Nibbler'?</p> + +<p>"Crooks that turn straight? Your next door neighbor, +your family physician, even your clergyman, may +be one of them. The world is full of them. There +was one man, a professional thief, a fellow who had +done time in half a dozen State prisons and penitentiaries, +whom I used to labor with earnestly every +time he got out, but he apparently never tried to reform. +He was always doing time, it seemed.</p> + +<p>"I lost track of him for several years. Then two +years ago, when the National Association of Chiefs +of Police was in session in Buffalo, I found a note in +my box in my hotel signed by this man's name. He +said he was going to call at seven o'clock. There was +a banquet on for that evening, and hundreds of police<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> +officials from every part of the United States were +there. I wondered if he knew what sort of a lion's +den he was walking into. Sure enough he came into +the hotel and spoke to me.</p> + +<p>"'Don't you know that you are surrounded by +policemen, some of whom are sure to spot you?' I +asked him.</p> + +<p>"'You're the only man in the world who knows +me,' he said, 'My name now is So and So'—giving me +another name—'and I'm a respected and prosperous +man. I just wanted to let you know before you +found it out for yourself, for I knew you'd be on the +square with me.' And I was. So far as I knew he +was not wanted for anything, and what good would +have come of exposing him?</p> + +<p>"Thieves who resist the temptation to steal? Hundreds +of them. There's one right here, only a few +blocks from where we are talking. He's the watchman +in a big silk warehouse—and if there's anything +your professional thief likes to steal, short of money +or diamonds, it's silk, for you can get so much value +into so small a package. This man was a professional +safe blower, and did several big jobs. When he got +out of prison I helped him to get the job he has now. +His employer knows his record. I told it to him on +the man's own request. When work stops for the day<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +this man is left alone in charge of hundreds of thousands +of dollars worth of valuable silks. He isn't +bonded, for he couldn't get a bondsman if he wanted +to. He has held the job seven years now, and not a +cent's worth has been taken from the warehouse in +that time.</p> + +<p>"You may say that he does not dare to steal—that +he knows a single false move on his part will bring +instant punishment. But I say he has no desire to +steal—that he has reformed. And thousands of other +criminals would reform if society would give them +half a chance.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Baffling Hotel Robberies.</p> + +<p>"Several years ago there was a series of hotel robberies +in New York that baffled the police. The thief +always worked with keys, opening doors and then unlocking +baggage left in rooms, and he always got away +with the goods. At last one night the word came to +headquarters that a man had been caught in one of +the big hotels who was suspected of being the author +of all the robberies. I was visiting Chief Devery at +the time and he asked me to go with him to the West +Thirtieth street station to look the man over.</p> + +<p>"The man arrested was a well dressed, respectable +looking little man, with a white beard—the last man +who would be taken for a thief if seen in a hotel corridor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> +His face was vaguely familiar to me, but I +had some difficulty in placing him. Finally it struck +me. I had seen him nearly thirty years before on the +occasion of a big prize fight in New Orleans, when he +had been arrested for the same trick. It came over me +like a flash and I told him I knew him.</p> + +<p>"'What's the use of making trouble?' he asked. +'These fools don't know anything about me unless +you put them wise.'</p> + +<p>"I told Chief Devery what I remembered about the +man, who protested violently that he had never been +in New Orleans in his life. Then another thought +struck me.</p> + +<p>"'You've been in New Orleans more than once,' I +said. 'The last time was about six months ago, when +you got Denman Thompson's diamonds in the St. +Charles Hotel.' I remembered the report of that case, +but it was a chance shot on my part, for no one had +seen the thief. The old fellow denied this vigorously.</p> + +<p>"He was wearing a new derby hat. I don't know +what impulse prompted me, but I took the hat off +his head and looked inside. It bore the mark of a +New Orleans hatter.</p> + +<p>"The Chief and I left the station and had just +turned into Sixth avenue when I remembered the old +fellow's name. We went back to the station house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> +and I confronted him again. I told him his name. He +denied that it was his.</p> + +<p>"'What's the use of making trouble, Mr. Pinkerton?' +he pleaded. His inadvertent use of my name, +which had not been mentioned there, gave him away.</p> + +<p>"'I don't know what kind of a case the police here +have on you,' I told him, 'but we are retained by the +Jewelers' Protective Association, and if you get after +any jewelry drummers I'll make it hot for you.' And +as a precaution I got his photograph from the New +York police. They didn't have much of a case on him +and he got off.</p> + +<p>"Not long after a jewelry drummer was robbed in +a Chicago hotel of about three thousand dollars' +worth of diamonds which he had carelessly left in his +grip instead of putting them in the safe. The same +day a friend of mine who was stopping in another +hotel lost his new overcoat and told me about it. I +thought of the old man in the first job, and found a +chambermaid and bellboy who had seen him on the +floor, but didn't connect him with the second because +he had never stolen anything but very valuable articles, +so far as I knew. My friend had to leave for +New York that night, and some time in the evening +I got a telegram from him which had been filed in +Fort Wayne.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>"'Positive man who got my coat is in same sleeper, +ticketed to New York,' it read. I wired my friend at +a point further along the line to get off at Pittsburg +and hold a white handkerchief in his hand so he +could be identified and be prepared to point out the +thief. Then I got in touch with Pittsburg by wire, +and sure enough back came a wire after a while to +the effect that they had got the man, whom my friend +identified, and found on him besides the overcoat +about $3,000 worth of diamonds. I asked for a description +and the one they wired fitted that of the +man I had seen in New York. I referred Pittsburg +to the man's photograph, which had been published +that week in a police periodical, and they were sure +they had the same man. And so it proved. He was +brought back to Chicago and convicted of the jewelry +theft. He served a short sentence, and when he +got out he came to me.</p> + +<p>"Mind you, this was an old man, who had been a +thief all his life—I had known him as a thief more +than thirty years before. It is criminals of that kind +that are commonly regarded as the most difficult to +reform, but even hardened and lifelong offenders like +this man will go straight if they get the right kind +of encouragement. I found this old man apparently +anxious to be honest, but he had never had a chance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> +after his first slip as a young man. I determined to +do what I could for him and I got him a job in New +York. He is more than seventy years old now, but +he is still holding that job, and he hasn't made a false +step since he got out of prison the last time.</p> + +<p>"Do criminals ever reform? I think I have told +you enough to prove that they do—and I could tell +you of hundreds of other instances if you needed any +further proof."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + + +<p class="sect"><a name="A_LETTER_FROM_EDITOR-IN-CHIEF_OF_THE_STAR" id="A_LETTER_FROM_EDITOR-IN-CHIEF_OF_THE_STAR"></a>A LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE "STAR +OF HOPE" PAPER PUBLISHED IN SING SING PRISON.</p> + + +<p class="date">Ossining, N. Y., April 9, 1906.</p> + + +<p>Dear Brother Herr:</p> + +<p>Your book, "Light in Dark Places," received. I +do so much appreciate your kindness in remembering +poor me in durance. I not only voice the sentiments +expressed in this precious book, but add thereto my +message of Christ's power to cleanse the wicked one +and bring back into God's path the weak and unfortunate. +May God spare you and yours many years, +and give you manifold blessings in your great work.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:5em;">Sincerely yours,</div> +<div style="padding-right:6em;">54179,</div> +<div>Editor in Chief.</div> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Lost_and_Is_Found" id="Lost_and_Is_Found"></a>"Lost and Is Found"</h2> + +<p class="sub">Noted Prison Worker issues an Interesting Book</p> + +<p class="mag">(Louisville Herald)</p> + + +<p>An interesting booklet containing the sermon "Lost +and Is Found," the newest publication of the Rev. +George L. Herr, the noted prison evangelist whose +home is in this city, has just been issued from the +press. The sermon is one of the strongest yet issued +by the Rev. Herr, and is written in the characteristic +vein which marks all those issued by the prison +worker.</p> + +<p>Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic +field. He is considered the greatest evangelist +among prisoners in the United States. Scarcely a +big prison in the country has not been visited by him +in his work, and the number of men in stripes who +have been reformed by the indefatigable prison worker +reaches into thousands.</p> + +<p>Some of the most notable redemptions of so-called +"hardened criminals" known to evangelistic work +have been accomplished by the Rev. Herr. All of the +booklets by him have been extensively read and +quoted, and it is probable none will attract more interest +than that which has just been issued by him.</p> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Christmas_at_Frankfort_Prison" id="Christmas_at_Frankfort_Prison"></a>Christmas at Frankfort Prison</h2> + + +<p>The prisoners had what was unanimously voted the +best Christmas dinner in many years. There were +1100 lbs. of turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, +oranges, and bananas. There were about 75 fine +cakes, 68 of which were sent from Lexington by Mrs. +Frances H. Beauchamp, Pres. W. C. T. U. The entire +dinner was well cooked and heartily enjoyed by all.</p> + +<p>At 11:30, Bro. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, Bro. Geo. +L. Herr, of Louisville, Mrs. M. B. R. Day, of Frankfort, +and Miss Nellie E. Williams, Junior C. E. Superintendent, +of Maysville, entered, and took seats on the +stage; these are four of our truest and strongest +friends and are most heartily welcomed.</p> + +<p>Bro. Severance opened the services by reading the +Christmas lesson, i. e., the 2nd chapter of Matthew, +which gives the most beautiful description of the birth +of the lowly Jesus.</p> + +<p>Bro. Herr then offered a fervent prayer.</p> + +<p>Bro. Severance' remarks were few; he is still grieving +over the loss of his two children, and simply said +that this Christmas had lost all of its charms for him, +for instead of feeling joyful, he felt sad all of to-day +and yesterday, and that we understood why, for instead<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> +of four little girls, he had only two. He felt +his inability to proceed further, and gave the meeting +over into the hands of Bro. Herr to conduct as he +saw fit, and catching an idea from the foregoing remarks, +Bro. Herr referred to the fact that years ago, +Christmas was very sad to him. That he was lying +in a saloon in the city of Louisville without friends +and without hope. Then in a jovial manner showed +by comparison what a difference then and now.</p> + +<p>He then said: "I am so glad that Jesus said: +'Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out; +I am so glad that he is the same yesterday, to-day and +forever. He said: 'Follow me, and I will make you +fishers of men. There is not a man behind prison bars +that Jesus Christ cannot clean up and make him a +man."</p> + +<p>The audience sat up and took notice when he mentioned +a man who had been a homeless wretch, and +a degraded sinner, who had spent thirty-two years +of his life behind prison bars, but had been converted +in the Louisville jail and was now a man of +God, the leader in a Rescue Mission in one of our +largest cities, and had the financial support of eight +of the wealthiest men in that city. He said that +whenever a man goes blind, or deaf, or is afflicted in +any other way, he is sent to a hospital for treatment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +and that this prison is a sort of hospital, and that +some of us are so blind that we cannot tell the difference +between our own and other peoples' horses. This +simile was put forth in such a humorous manner as +to cause much laughter.</p> + +<p>He then launched into an earnest exhortation to +the men to do better. To quit their meanness, as Sam +Jones said. "Cease from evil and learn to do well." +That to quit one's evil ways was only half the duty, +and that the remainder consisted in doing the right +thing, and you may have this assurance that the man +who is serving the Lord will not get into trouble. +"An idle mind is the devil's work-shop." In this +connection he gave a very pretty illustration of how +one's energies are used in either the right way or +wrong way; that if you build a fire under a steam +boiler, place the proper quantity of water in it, and +then open the throttle and allow the steam to get into +the engine, the entire machinery will perform a good +work, but if you shut off the steam and tie down the +safety valve, the steam is going to exert itself in a +disastrous manner by an explosion, and the killing +of several men.</p> + +<p>"The wages of sin is death, and if you can only +open your eyes and see that, you can also see that +"The gift of God is eternal life." The only way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> +under heaven by which a man can be saved, is to +come over to the service of God and begin to do that +which is right.</p> + +<p>Now what is the purpose of Christmas day? The +world has agreed that this is as near the birth of +Christ as we can possibly figure it; it means that 1907 +years ago Jesus was born into the world, and the +star of Bethlehem came and stood over the place +where the young child lay; the angels sang "Glory +to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will +towards men," and we celebrate the day in memory +of that event.</p> + +<p>What is the trouble to-day that causes all these +penitentiaries over our land; why all these jails and +the strong arm of the law? It is because men will +not allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to reign in their +hearts. As long as the children of Israel served the +Lord, they were happy and prosperous, but as soon +as they turned to the flesh pots of Egypt, they began +to despair and shame came upon them.</p> + +<p>If you were asked what you would rather have +above all things, you would say, Just a piece of paper +with the great seal of the state impressed upon it, and +the signature of the Governor attached. Why? Because +prison life is a hard life and you are tired of +it. If I were a prisoner, I would want to make my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> +confinement as pleasant as possible and I would become +converted immediately, for of all men on earth +the man in prison should be the quickest to accept +Jesus Christ. I would not want to be a prisoner all my +physical life, and then a spiritual prisoner throughout +eternity. Did it ever occur to you that hell must +be infinitely worse than it is pictured? We read of +a place "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is +not quenched." If this is a picture of hell, then +what must the reality be? There is a chance for every +man to get out of this prison, but there will be no +chance whatever to get out of hell.</p> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the +Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the +meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to +proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the +prison to them that are bound.—Isa. 61:1.</p> +</div> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Oh, my friend, there is hope,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Will you come this hour;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For Jesus is yours<br /></span> +<span class="i1">With all His Power;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Look upward, not back.<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Or in, or around;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But up to Christ,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Where hope is found.<br /></span> +</div> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Hundreds_of_Letters" id="Hundreds_of_Letters"></a>Hundreds of Letters</h2> + +<p class="sub">Below appear but a few of the Hundreds of Letters we have +received from those Helped by Our Work</p> + + +<p>If you have asked the question, "Does it pay to +labor among the fallen ones in prison—are the results +from this work permanent in character?" let the answer +be found in these letters. They come from +writers' spontaneous offerings of gratitude, who have +been restored to society as useful respected citizens:</p> + +<p style="margin-top:2em;">My Dearest Friend: It is very gratifying to find +myself alone long enough to pen you a few lines.</p> + +<p>Arrived at 6:05 p.m. Well, I cannot tell you how +very pleased everyone was to see me. Went in at +once to see the president of a concern and told him +everything. He was entirely satisfied and told me +to commence work in the morning, which I did. They +all have used me fine, and I would never know I had +been away for no one mentions it. Brother, I think +of you fifty times a day, of the unselfish, never fatiguing +interest you manifested in my behalf, of the hundred +and one favors, and when I think that was only +a single factor in your work, I cannot but wonder +how you stand the strain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> + +<p>Cannot tell you how much I prize liberty, and I owe +having it, to a great extent, to your dear self. I assure +you your efforts and prayers of yourself and wife +for me done wonders. I have fully resolved to be a +good man.</p> + +<p>Brother Herr, I am going to close, for I am going +to write to you every few days, as I consider you as +dear as an own brother. Give my sincere regards to +any inquiring friends. My heartiest to your dear +wife, and may God bless you both. I do.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div>I am affectionately yours,</div> +<div style="padding-right:4em;">W.</div> +</div> + + + + +<p class="sect"><a name="A_TRIBUTE_FROM_JOS_M_OHARA" id="A_TRIBUTE_FROM_JOS_M_OHARA"></a>A TRIBUTE FROM JOS. M. O'HARA.</p> + + +<p>The success that has attended the efforts of this +truly pious and angelic woman in her noble and heroic +work of rescuing sinful men and women from the vortex +of ruin and perdition is marvelous; and her labor +among the prisoners of the county jail is not less remarkable. +Mrs. Herr, unlike many religious workers, +realizes that before attempting to moralize with a +prisoner, his confidence must first be gained, and to +accomplish this she invariably succeeds in dispelling +that false and erroneous opinion so prevalent among +criminals, that they are held in contempt by society<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> +and are considered undeserving of sympathy and assistance; +then, by kind and encouraging words and +gentle deed, instills, not by the dry and laborious way +of the brain, but into the heart, the story of the kind +and loving Saviour.</p> + +<p>Like her contemporary, Mrs. Ballington Booth, Mrs. +Herr possesses that divinely urgent and persistent, +yet gentle and sympathetic spirit that can persuade +where others cannot convince; that can subdue where +others cannot conquer.</p> + +<p>The writer of this article through her kind and encouraging +words, has been led from the error of his +way, and to take up again the thread laid down in +early years; has realized that though the fruitage of +the tragic and pathetic life that ended in the ignominious +death of Him who was the grandest character, +the most sublime ideal and the highest type of humanity +the world has ever seen—Jesus of Nazareth—we +can, if we come with faith and hope, be cleansed from +our sins and iniquities. May the Omnipotent God, +who holds the destiny of nations, pour out his blessings +upon this saintly woman and her noble hearted +husband and guide them through long and honored +days, and when the "shadows of even" gather and +the sun of life is setting, show them in the darkness +of the end, "words of light we never saw by day."</p> + +<p class="citation"><span class="smcap">Jos. M. O'Hara.</span></p> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> +<p class="sect"><a name="FISHING_FOR_MEN" id="FISHING_FOR_MEN"></a>FISHING FOR MEN.</p> + + +<p>Dear Brother Herr: We, as prisoners in the Jefferson +County Jail, desire, for your encouragement, +and because it is the spontaneous expression of our +hearts, to thank you for your continued, untiring and +unselfish devotion to our interests, spiritual and temporal. +We desire in this manner to show you and the +public that we thoroughly appreciate the efforts of +those who try to draw us from the broad road of vice +and crime into the narrow path of virtue where we are +satisfied alone peace and happiness can be found. +Many persons, Bro. Herr, who have attempted the +task of rescuing the fallen have become discouraged +and given up the work because they could see no good +resulting from their efforts. Those persons had not +the faith to continue their work and leave results with +God. A prisoner who was an inmate of this jail several +years ago recently found himself again an inmate, +and expressed surprise at the changed tone, as it +were, of the jail, and he laughingly asked if the world +was getting better, for he said the men now in jail +were more refined in their conversation, more unselfish +in their actions toward each other, and of a higher +moral tone generally. What this man said is undoubtedly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> +true, and it is the result of the efforts of yourself +and other Christian workers who do not become weary +in well-doing. But it is you, Brother Herr, whom we +especially desire to thank, because you are with us +daily and no day passes that you do not perform some +act of kindness for some one of our number, who, but +for you, would have no friend. That perfect man, +Jesus of Nazareth, has said, "by their fruits ye shall +know them," and it is by this standard we as prisoners +have measured you and have not found you +wanting. You have gained our confidence and we +have proved your sincerity and we love you, Brother +Herr, because you daily prove your love for us. Prisoners +are naturally inclined to suspect the sincerity of +those who profess an interest in their welfare, but +when once you gain their confidence they are teachable.</p> + +<p>A London lawyer who wrote the tragedy "Ion" +makes one of his characters say, "It is but a little +thing to speak a word of kindness which by daily use +has almost lost its sense, but on the ear of him who +thought to die unmourned will fall like sweetest +music." Many are the words of kindness which daily +fall from your lips, by which we are soothed and +blessed, and we firmly believe that they do not fall +upon stony ground and that the good God will reward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +you in his own good time with a bountiful harvest +of redeemed lives.</p> + +<div style="width:auto; height:10em;"> +<div class="center">Your grateful friends,</div> +<div style="width:auto; height:6.5em;"> +<div style="width: 10em; height:6em; float:right;"> +<div><span class="smcap">James L. Doran</span></div> +<div><span class="smcap">Harry Graven</span></div> +<div><span class="smcap">John Carter</span></div> +<div><span class="smcap">Jos. M. O'hara</span></div> +<div><span class="smcap">Julius Phillips</span></div> +</div></div> +<div style="text-align:right;">Committee of Prisoners of Jefferson County Jail.</div> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/ill-217.jpg" width="600" height="342" alt="LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY—MAIN BUILDING" title="" /> +<span class="caption">LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY—MAIN BUILDING<br /> +Branch of this Library in the County Jail.</span> +</div> + + + + +<p class="chp_a"><a name="Branch_Library_in_the_Jail" id="Branch_Library_in_the_Jail"></a>Branch Library in the Jail</p> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + + +<p>Prison libraries are nearly always more or less poor, +indefinite sort of affairs, with a questionable lot of +reading matter, mostly paper-backs and second-hand +magazines, forming its contents. But the Jefferson +county jail has marked a departure from the routine +of prison life in the establishment of a library station +for its inmates.</p> + +<p>This little institution is a remarkable affair. Mrs. +Chester Mayer is responsible for its organization. +Mrs. Mayer is a member of the visiting board at the +county jail, and noticing the absence of good reading +matter, the continual idling of prisoners, she took up +the matter with Jailer John R. Pflanz, who approved +the idea of a library station. Then she approached +her husband, Dr. Mayer, a member of the Board of +Trustees of the Louisville Free Public Library.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<p>When George T. Settle, the recently elected librarian, +was approached, he gave his hearty consent. One +hundred volumes were sent immediately for the men's +department and fifty for the women prisoners. The +books were selected by Miss Annie V. Pollard, former +acting librarian, who gave considerable time to a +study of the most desirable literature. The books sent +were non-denominational, nonpolitical, and mostly fiction, +works of the popular authors, but nothing too +heavy for the mental appetite of the inmates. The +books were taken from the open-shelf room.</p> + +<p>As these books are used they are changed. Since +the establishment of the jail library station the circulation +has reached 2,000 books. Of course, the same +book is read by nearly all the regular borrowers.</p> + +<p>An interesting sight is presented when the prisoners +are at liberty in the open places at the jail. About +75 per cent. of the prisoners can read. The other 25 +per cent. gather about an appointed reader, who reads +aloud.</p> + +<p>How much better is this for those unfortunates than +idling their time, brooding, planning evil deeds, perhaps, +or thinking criminal thoughts!</p> + +<p>The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, is in +charge of the work and he and Jailer Pflanz have +made it a success.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> +<img src="images/ill-221.jpg" width="500" height="645" alt="CURTIS JETT" title="" /> +<p class="caption">CURTIS JETT<br /> + +How he found God, he tells you in his own words. God bless Curt, and +give him the desires of his heart, is the prayer of the Author.</p> +</div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> +<p class="sect"><a name="CHANGE_COMES_IN_CURT_JETT" id="CHANGE_COMES_IN_CURT_JETT"></a>CHANGE COMES IN CURT JETT.</p> + +<p class="mag">[Courier-Journal]</p> + + +<p>Frankfort, Ky., March 14.—(Special.)—Although +he is serving two life sentences for murder, Curt Jett, +"the wild dog of the mountains," has not yet abandoned +hope of getting a pardon and being given another +chance to show that his reformation has been +sincere and final. He says that God has pardoned him +for his crimes and he thinks the Governor ought to.</p> + +<p>"The best thing ever happened to me was when I +was sent to the penitentiary," said Jett last night in +his cell in the prison here as he was talking to some +newspaper men, who were inside the cellhouse for another +purpose than talking to Jett. "I realize that +I never would have been reformed but for being put +in here," continued Jett. "I only wish that they +would give me another chance to show that I really +have changed my ways."</p> + + +<p class="sect">License To Teach Sunday-School.</p> + +<p>Jett showed the newspaper men who had stopped to +talk to him, when they saw him lying on his cot reading, +a certificate from the International Sunday-school +League entitling him to teach in a Sunday-school. He +was prouder of that than he ever was of his ability to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +shoot and he showed it with great pride. Jett recently +wrote out his religious experiences for the Rev. Geo. +L. Herr, the prison evangelist, and last night Jett +said he would give the story to the newspapers if Col. +E. E. Mudd, the prison warden, had no objections. +Col. Mudd was with the newspaper men and readily +consented to Jett giving out the story. He had written +it with a pencil and gave it to the newspaper men, +desiring that it be published.</p> + +<p>Jett's cell is covered with pictures, most of them +selected with care as to their beauty, and he has shown +taste in arranging them. One of the newspaper men +remarked on the decorations in the cell last night and +Jett said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, it cheers this cell up a little and makes it +brighter."</p> + + +<p class="sect">Expression On Face Changed.</p> + +<p>Even the expression of Jett's face has changed and +he has none of that hard look that he used to wear. +He is bright and cheerful and Col. Mudd says there +is not a better prisoner in the penitentiary than Jett. +Col. Mudd said that he could not say that Jett's conversion +was genuine from a religious standpoint, but +he says Jett has certainly changed inside the prison. +The Rev. Joseph Severance, the prison chaplain, says<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +that Jett is one of the best Bible scholars he ever saw +and knows more about the Bible than many earnest +church workers.</p> + +<p>In his story which he gave out last night Jett freely +admits his guilt of the crimes that are charged against +him. He added, when he said that it was a good thing +that he had been put in the penitentiary:</p> + +<p>"I do not mean that it was good to kill men."</p> + +<p>He said that whisky was largely responsible for his +misdeeds and he wanted to do good now that he had +done so much harm. The following is Jett's story as +he wrote it in his cell:</p> + + +<p class="sect">Jett's Story.</p> + +<p>"State Prison, Frankfort, Ky., March 13, 1909.—To +the Whole World: I want to let the whole world +know what God in his great mercy has done for me, +and prove to you by words which are true that Jesus +is willing, able and does save to the uttermost. After +a life of sin and shame, God sent his Holy Spirit into +my soul and made a new man out of me. It was in +this wise: A dear, good woman who is dead now, but +who then lived in Lexington; her name was Mrs. +Fanny A. Penn—I shall never forget that name—she +wrote me a good Christian letter, full of good advice, +and begged me to become a Christian. I had never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +seen her, or she me, as I know of; she had only read +in the press regarding what a desperado and outlaw I +was. I read her letter and it sounded like a fairy tale +to me, with no sense in it; but after reflection, I answered +it, and we began to be good friends, and she +kept begging me to turn from my sinful ways and be +a Christian man.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Read New Testament.</p> + +<p>"I want to state right here that because a man is in +prison, he don't have to be a Christian or behave himself; +and Mrs. Penn sent me a small revised Testament +and begged me to read it. At first I laid it up and +would not read it. I don't remember of ever reading +a whole chapter in a Bible up until that time in my +whole life; and at last, by her begging me in every letter +to read my Testament, I began to read it, and +started out with a resolution to read it through, and +after I began to read, I became interested in it, and +the more I read it the deeper I became interested in it, +and God's Holy Spirit began to work in me, and I began +to pray. At first it seemed that I was afraid that +God would not answer my prayers, but still something +made me pray anyway, and it wasn't long until I was +praying to God every night from one to three times, +from the depths of my heart. I had taken his name<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> +in vain ever since I was a child, and I asked him to +make me quit taking his name in vain, and after a +day at my work, and when I would curse God, I would +think of my prayers, and then at night when I would +go to my cell, I would let my thoughts wander over a +day that had just passed, and I could tell after reflecting +that I hadn't cursed so much that day. And +little by little God removed that evil spirit, cursing, +from me, until one night when I went to my cell and +my thoughts wandered over the day that had just +passed, and not an oath had I uttered, and I was happier +than ever before, I fell on my knees on the hard +stone floor, and thanked God for His goodness and for +removing that swearing away from me.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Quits Smoking Cigarettes.</p> + +<p>"I had smoked cigarettes for at least fifteen years +and I quit them. I was full of revenge and hatred, +and I cried aloud to God in my lonely cell to redeem +my soul, which He did, and it wasn't long before I +was a friend to everyone and praising God for full +and free salvation. He has made a new man out of +me. The Holy Spirit is like a fever, and it is all and +all before a man gets right with God. Condemning +and deceitful spirits will rise up in a man, but all we +have to do is to ask God and he will remove them all;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> +to live a true Christian life is the straightest life that +anyone ever tried to walk. It is a great warfare. I +read and study my Bible and have learned a great +deal about God's word since I joined the church, a few +short months ago, under a great, good and noble man +of Frankfort by the name of C. R. Hudson, and I love +him as a very dear brother. There is not a man in all +this world that I hold the least bit of malice against, +and before I got right with God I had revenge in me +against many.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Warns Young Men.</p> + +<p>"Young men, as you read this, from one who has +done many and great wrongs, take warning; shun evil +companions and don't do as I have done in days gone +by. Don't be led astray by older heads, for the man +that will advise you to do a wrong is not your friend; +but I could not see it that way. God has given me a +new mind and I know as well as I know that I am living +that religion is true, real and no fake, as I once +thought.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Has Been Born Again.</p> + +<p>"I was raised on a Bluegrass farm in Madison +County, Kentucky, and my parents were as good a +father and mother as ever lived; but my father died +while I was young and I went from bad to worse, committing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +crime after crime, and I am guilty of the +charges against me, but God has forgiven me of every +wrong I ever did. Why won't the Governor? All the +punishment that I will ever have to go through with +will be on this earth, for God has forgiven me of every +wrong and I have a clear conscience now, for I have +been born again. There are so many men in prison +that trample the lowly God under foot to try and gain +their freedom in that way, and I hope that no one +single person that reads this will think that I am +making mockery of God's love, for I am sincere with +God, as I used to be with Satan. I wish that every +paper in the whole world would publish this so that +it could have a chance to touch the hearts of many sinful +men; I long to tell the story to young men, from +East to West, from North to South, how God redeemed +my soul.</p> + + +<p class="sect">Refers to Scriptures.</p> + +<p>"We have organized a Bible reading circle here in +the prison which is a grand and good work. Now I +refer you to some Scripture which I hope everyone +will read carefully, and it will show you how God +will forgive a man for the crime of murder and for all +crimes except one.</p> + +<p>"Read Exodus ii., 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; II. Samuel xi. +and xii.; Ezekiel xviii., from 20th verse to end of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +chapter; Jeremiah xxxiii., 8, 9; Mathew xii., 31; Luke +xv.; Acts vii., 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60; Acts viii., 1 to +7; 16, 17, 22; Galatians iii., 24.</p> + +<p>"I ask for the sincere prayers of every good Christian +in this whole world; pray for me, that I may be +true to God the rest of my life. When I was repenting +my whole face would draw and I could feel the +hot, burning love of God in my whole being. I am in +prison, maybe never to hear the birds sing or the rippling +of the water again, a free man, but I say unto +you that I am a free man in Jesus; I have found a +friend that sticks closer than a brother. People, let +your light shine, for I believe that there are many diamonds +in the rough. I am yours in Jesus,</p> + +<p class="citation">"<span class="smcap">Curtis Jett."</span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="Christian_Endeavor_at_Frankfort_Prison" id="Christian_Endeavor_at_Frankfort_Prison"></a>Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison</h2> + + +<p class="place">Frankfort, Ky., Penitentiary.</p> +<div>Rev. Geo. L. Herr,</div> +<div style="margin-left: 2.5em;">Prison Evangelist,</div> +<div style="margin-left: 6em;">Louisville, Ky.</div> + + +<p>Dear Brother Herr:</p> + +<p>As you have been so kind to me and have asked a +somewhat detailed account of Christian Endeavor +work in this prison and my connection with same, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> +is my pleasure to comply, especially as you do not +visit us as often as we would like and cannot see for +yourself all that goes on.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 270px;"> +<img src="images/ill-231.jpg" width="270" height="425" alt="HENRY E. YOUTSEY" title="" /> +<p class="caption">HENRY E. YOUTSEY<br /> +The Author knows of no man behind +prison bars in whom he is more interested +than Henry E. Youtsey.</p> +</div> + +<p>When I commenced my life sentence here, February +6th, 1901, I fell in love with our Christian Endeavor +Society at first sight, and in all those 104 +months I have only missed about 15 meetings, due to +unavoidable causes. I was ill for three months with +malaria and could not go at all.</p> + +<p>During the early days of my imprisonment our +membership at its best averaged about 100, but during +the summer months when the boys were given their +choice between the open air of the yard and attendance +at the meetings the average was less than 20.</p> + +<p>In the summer of 1905, and at the instance of Mrs. +M. B. R. Day, of Frankfort, I organized and managed +a memorizing contest in which a number of prisoners +learned and recited verses of scripture, and I +obtained a number of handsome Teachers' Bibles and +other presents which were given to them as prizes on +Thanksgiving day. I continued this work for the +three following summers, and in all forty-five prisoners +learned and recited a grand total of 33,332 verses, +(over four times as many as are contained in the New +Testament), which is an average of 741 verses per +man. The men studied so hard that some of them injured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> +their eyes, and it was thought best to discontinue +the work for a while.</p> + +<p>I was Corresponding Secretary of our Society for +about two and one-half years, and last December I +was elected its President by the largest majority ever +given any candidate for the office.</p> + +<p>I started in to raise our membership to two hundred, +and succeeded in getting it as high as one hundred +and sixty-six. It was also my desire to have better +attendance during the hot months, and I used +every means I could think of to make our meetings +attractive, and I was frequently both pleased and +surprised to count from sixty-five to seventy, more +than three times what it used to be. Some of our +members being delicate are in great need of all the +fresh air they can get and remain in the yard all day +Sundays in pretty weather although their hearts are +with us.</p> + +<p>A part of our pledge binds the members to carefully +read the Bible every day, and I wondered how +they were going to keep that pledge without the Bibles, +so I set to work again writing letters in every +direction, and almost before I knew it our Ky. C. E. +Societies sent us 50 Bibles, and Miss Mary B. Rohrer, +of Franklin, Pa., sent me 150 of the prettiest Bibles +you ever saw; they have flexible, over-lapping backs,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> +red-under-gold edges, maps, and other helps. This +is the most magnificent present we have ever received +from outside parties, and besides all these, the +Prison Commissioners offered us 100 more, which we +could not use. One thing that has impressed me very +forcibly is the fact that the Christian people outside +are ready at all times to shower blessings upon us, +and all we have to do is to ask for them.</p> + +<p>At the suggestion of Bro. Jos. Severance, our splendid +Chaplain, I numbered the Bibles and gave them +out to the members, keeping a careful record of them, +and the men were instructed to return the Bibles to +the Society on leaving the prison, and although about +a score of our members have gone out since then we +have only lost one Bible, which speaks volumes for +their honesty.</p> + +<p>A few Sundays ago I proposed that the Society set +apart a small sum of money for prizes, and that all +the members who wished to do so would be invited +to write compositions on the subject, "What Christian +Endeavor has done for me." Nine brothers entered +this symposium, and their compositions signed, +"Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry +Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian, aggregate +about 7,500 words, and make fine reading; Bro. +Severance was appointed Judge.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> + +<p>This summer I organized a little band of workers +who go with me to the hospital every Sunday, where +we hold little services of song, prayer and Bible reading +at the bedsides of those who are ill, and I have +found great joy in this work.</p> + +<p>We have had some splendid C. E. meetings, the best +ones being those when the Senior and Junior societies +of the Frankfort Christian Church and the Epworth +League of the Methodist Church united with +us. Of course, we could not go to them, but they came +to us, and gave us rare spiritual and intellectual +treats. The music was specially beautiful.</p> + +<p>Quite recently I assisted Bro. Severance in re-organizing +a Bible class, of which I am Secretary. We +are studying Moninger's "Training for Service," and +have 52 members. Splendid progress is being made. +So you see my hands are pretty full, and when Sunday +night comes I am about ready to drop in my +tracks. Of course, it is all voluntary, and I do not +have to turn my hand over if I do not want to.</p> + +<p>I am going to add a "Soul-winners Department" +to our C. E. Society for the purpose of assisting Bro. +Severance in the conversion of the men, but I am in +some doubt as to how to proceed as there is no chance +to get at the men in the winter time. However, I am +determined to find opportunity somehow.</p> + +<p>We have a new Superintendent of Prison C. E.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +work, in the person of Miss Georgia Dunn, of Marksbury, +Ky. She is the most energetic little Christian +lady I have seen in a long time, and our society will +surely hum this winter under her guidance, as we +are all very proud of our good little sister.</p> + +<p>January 1st, I commenced to read my Bible +through, at the rate of three chapters each week night, +and five each Sunday night, in order to get through +by December 31st, but I read more than that and finished +up three months ahead of time. Although I +have read the good book constantly during the last +eight years, this is the first continuous reading to +completion that I ever did.</p> + +<p>I have enjoyed Bro. Severance's sermons very much +and I believe there is nothing that thrills and inspires +me with enthusiasm like fine preaching, and right +here I am going to tell you something which you must +keep under your hat; one Sunday Bro. Severance was +unexpectedly called away, and asked for a volunteer +to fill his place, and I was delighted at the opportunity, +and although I could not fill it I "rattled about +in it," for about 30 minutes, and one dear fellow accepted +the gospel invitation and joined the church. +As soon as my sermonette was over quite a number of +friends crowded around me and showered congratulations +on me. This was a temptation to try again,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +and the next time three brothers joined the church, +and that pleased me immensely, you know.</p> + +<p>I have many good friends in Louisville, including +Dr. Powell, of the Christian Church; Dr. T. M. Hawes, +of the Highland Presbyterian Church, whose C. E. +Society sent us $7.50, and, say, there is a pastor after +God's own heart. Give them all my love when you see +them, and say to them that while I am ashamed of +the sins that brought me here I am trying to leave +foot-prints that I will be proud of in the great day of +judgment.</p> + +<p>The Christian Endeavor Societies of Newport, +Paris, Winchester and Lexington have helped us wonderfully. +Lexington is the principal center of Christian +Endeavor activity, from my point of view, and +I have an especially warm place in my heart for +those societies.</p> + +<p>How is Mr. John R. Pflanz getting along? He is +another whom I love, and I hope that he will get +every office that he goes after.</p> + +<p>Be sure and give my kindest regards to your most +excellent wife; she is certainly a queen among women.</p> + +<p>Trusting that I have not tired you, and that you +will excuse my remissness in failing to write sooner,</p> +<div>I am,</div> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">Most respectfully yours,</div> +<div><span class="smcap">H. E. Youtsey.</span></div> +</div> + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Capital_Punishment" id="Capital_Punishment"></a>Capital Punishment</h2> + + +<p>The following forceful expressions regarding capital +punishment by Gov. Geo. W. Hunt, of Arizona, are +in exact keeping with the thoughts of the author. +"Thou shalt not kill" applies to governments, corporations, +societies and individuals alike.</p> + +<p>Capital punishment is simply the commission by the +State of an act which is regarded as a horrible crime +if committed by an individual. One man must not +kill another man, but several men vested with official +titles can hold a conference and send a soul to eternity. +The State says: "You must not kill; but if you +do, I will kill you." This theory of a State's power +or duty owes its origin to the lowest class of barbarians +in the early history of the world. Their logic, if +it may be called that, sprang solely from a spirit of +revenge. The idea that a legal execution would deter +others from committing murder probably never occurred +to them. Their crude minds did not rise above +the thought that the victim should be avenged, and +that adequate vengeance could be found only in the +hangman's noose or the guillotine.</p> + +<p>There are a thousand other practices originating +with barbarians which the footsteps of civilization and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> +progress have crushed. But capital punishment, the +worst heritage of the dark ages, lingers with us, betraying +one of the spots in humanity where the veneer +of civilization is thin. I am inclined to think that the +spirit of revenge still is the ruling motive back of the +legal execution, even though pleas are made in its behalf +which barbarians never thought of. They could +not very well think of such punishment as a curb to +more murders, for even they could not help seeing +that the beheading and quartering of offenders had no +such effect. The legal execution has no such effect today, +a fact which any fair-minded man will recognize +after proper investigation. And if that plea falls +down, as it does and must continue to do, what defense +of the legal killing of our fellowman is left us? +The moment we are convinced that the number of +murders is on the increase, or does not decrease, in +spite of the rope and electric chair, we will have to +justify capital punishment on some other ground. +What is that other ground, if it is not the old savage +impulse of meting revenge—a species of revenge, +at the last analysis, confers no good whatever upon +society as a whole, and is of no consolation or comfort +to the family circle most affected by the original murder?</p> + +<p>Arizona has taken most advanced ground upon +social and economic questions, and while the old territorial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +law, permitting capital punishment, is still on +the statute books, it must be remembered that statehood +has been in operation less than a year, and that +the first State Legislature was overwhelmed with work +during the comparatively short session prescribed by +the Constitution. I am confident that public sentiment +in Arizona is opposed to capital punishment. +During the special session of the Legislature, which +will be held early in 1913, an effort will be made to repeal +the old law. If the Legislature is too busy to give +the matter attention, or is disinclined to assume the responsibility, +the initiative provision of the State Constitution +will be invoked, thus putting the question +square up to the people. I have no fears for the outcome. +Arizona citizenship has proved itself too intelligent +to lag behind the advanced thought and progress +of civilization.</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:3em;"><span class="smcap">Geo. W. H. Hunt,</span></div> +<div>Governor of Arizona.</div> +</div> + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="Indiana_Reformatory" id="Indiana_Reformatory"></a>Indiana Reformatory</h2> + +<p class="sub">Inmates Subscribe for Pipe Organ</p> + + +<p>Each one a Carnegie in proportion to his ability to +give, a majority of the 1,204 inmates of the Indiana +Reformatory yesterday voluntarily contributed toward +the purchase of a pipe organ for the handsome +chapel of the institution, the total offerings approximated +$900. When the contribution cards were +checked up by the Rev. W. E. Edgin, chaplain of the +reformatory, he was surprised at the generosity shown +by the inmates. The individual sums given ranged +from 25 cents to $35.</p> + +<p>When Gov. J. Frank Hanly was a guest at the Reformatory +recently he was asked by Mr. Edgin as to +the best plan to pursue to get from Andrew Carnegie +a contribution sufficient to buy a pipe organ. Gov. +Hanly replied that this sum could be raised in Indiana, +and he started the list with $100. It then occurred +to Mr. Edgin to ask voluntary contributions +from the inmates, and permission was given by Supt. +Whittaker. Cards were left in each cell, with blanks +for subscriptions, but it was distinctly stated that all +offerings should be entirely voluntary. A great many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +of the inmates bring money with them to the Reformatory, +and this, with that which they earn by overtime +work, which is considerable, is credited to them.</p> + +<p>When the success of the offering was learned the inmates +were as much pleased as Chaplain Edgin. The +new organ soon will be forthcoming.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + +<p class="sect">PROGRAM.</p> + + +<p class="center">Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services.</p> + +<p class="center">Sunday, April 14, 1907.</p> + + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="program"> +<tr><td align="left">March—"Camp Organ"</td><td align="right">Narovec</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">March—"Steel King"</td><td align="right">St. Clair</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Musical Selection.</p> + +<div class="center"> + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="program"> +<tr><td align="left">Paraphrase—"Melody in F"</td><td align="right">Rubenstein</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p class="center">Doxology.</p> +<p class="center">The Lord's Prayer.</p> + + +<p class="center">I SHALL BE LIKE HIM.</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:22em;"> +<div class="stanza"> +<div class="i0">When I shall reach the more excellent glory,</div> +<div class="i1">And all my trials are passed,</div> +<div class="i0">I shall behold Him, O wonderful story!</div> +<div class="i1">I shall be like Him at last.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span><br /><br /></div> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<div class="i0">Cho: I shall be like Him, I shall be like Him,</div> +<div class="i1">And in His beauty shall shine;</div> +<div class="i0">I shall be like Him, wondrously like Him,</div> +<div class="i1">Jesus my Savior divine.<br /><br /></div> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<div class="i0">We shall not wait till the glorious dawning</div> +<div class="i1">Breaks on the vision so fair,</div> +<div class="i0">Now we may welcome the heavenly morning,</div> +<div class="i1">Now we His image may bear.<br /><br /></div> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<div class="i0">More and more like Him, repeat the blest story,</div> +<div class="i1">Over and over again,</div> +<div class="i0">Changed by His Spirit from glory to glory,</div> +<div class="i1">I shall be satisfied then.<br /><br />man</div> +</div> +</div> + +<p class="center">Prayer.</p> + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="program"> +<tr><td align="left">Piano Solo</td><td align="right">J. S. Hathaway</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Selection—From "Romeo and Juliet"</td><td align="right">Gounod</td></tr> +</table> + + +<p class="sect">THE VIRTUE OF SHAME.</p> + +<p>Confession is a duty too little regarded even by +many Christians. Some men are ashamed to confess +that they have done wrong. Sir John Lubbock says: +"It is well to be ashamed of yourself if you are in the +wrong; but never be ashamed to own it." The Bible +says: "Confess your faults one to another."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + + +<p class="sect">CONQUEST.</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:90%;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Creation's heir, the world, the world is mine.—Goldsmith.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All things are yours.—Paul.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<div class="poem" style="width:25em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The world is mine. I hold no title-deed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To one small acre, yet have all I need,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And should Dame Fortune proffer me her store<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I could not linger wistful, at her door.<br /><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Unfortunate is he beyond compute,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose love of fortune makes his conscience mute.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will not look to fortune. I will do<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My best, though small that best to her or you.<br /><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">All things are mine. I walk with firmer tread<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than Caesar at his best; for I am led<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By mightier One than Fortune or than Fate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I shall conquer all things, soon or late.<br /><br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">All things? Yes, all. Then well may Fortune frown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And clutch with trembling hand her imperial crown.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will stoop to conquer. I will rise<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And climb the rugged path where duty lies.<br /><br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="program"> +<tr><td align="left">Sermon</td><td align="right">Geo. L. Herr</td></tr> +</table> + +<p class="center">Benediction.</p> + + +<table border="0" width="100%" summary="program"> +<tr><td align="left">March—"Boston Press Club"</td><td align="right">Rollinson</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">March—"Yankee Grit"</td><td align="right">Holzman</td></tr> +</table> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> + + + + +<p class="sect"><a name="CLING_TO_THE_BIBLE" id="CLING_TO_THE_BIBLE"></a>"CLING TO THE BIBLE."</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width:28em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Tis the anchor of hope and the lamp that gives light,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Tis the star that will shine thro' your life's darkest night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If you follow its guidance, you'll always be right,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">So cling to the Bible and walk in its light.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + +<p>To neglect, reject or doubt the Bible in any particular +is but an entering wedge to spiritual apathy. The +"Bible tinkers" of this or any other age have been +men whose hearts are cold and whose soul saving powers +were limited.</p> + +<p>To obey the Bible, will lead to a perfect salvation, +make possible a victorious faith, surmount the difficulties +of life and gain an "inheritance incorruptible, +and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in +heaven for you."</p> + +<p>Watson says, "The Bible is a rock of diamonds; a +chain of pearls; the sword of the Spirit, a chart by +which the Christian sails to eternity, the map by +which he daily walks; the sun dial by which he sets +his life; the balance by which he weighs his actions."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/ill-247.jpg" width="350" height="766" alt="The Tree of Life and Knowledge" title="The Tree of Life and Knowledge" /> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + + + + +<p class="sect"><a name="DO_YOU_KNOW_THE_WORLD_IS_DYING_FOR_A" id="DO_YOU_KNOW_THE_WORLD_IS_DYING_FOR_A"></a>"DO YOU KNOW THE WORLD IS DYING FOR A +LITTLE BIT OF LOVE?"</p> + + +<p>Practical results are happy homes, husbands and +fathers restored to their families, wives and children +made happy, multitudes rescued, and the world made +better.</p> + +<p>The magnitude of this work will never be known +until Eternity's records are disclosed. Little did we +think twenty years ago that so humble a beginning +would be attended with such remarkable results.</p> + +<p>Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic +field. He is considered the greatest evangelist +among prisoners in the United States.—Louisville +Herald, May 17, 1909.</p> + +<p>When you help the missionaries, you help the poor +fellow in trouble. When you help those in trouble, +you help yourself, and when you thus help the missionary, +the outcast, and yourself, God will help you.</p> + + +<p class="sect">OUR MOTTO:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"Seeking the lost."<br /></span> +<span class="i1">"Helping the helpless to help themselves."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All along life's pathway there are men and women in need:<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Go and help somebody just now.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a word of kindness or a loving deed,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Go and help somebody just now.<br /></span> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></div></div> + + +<p>Dear Friend—Our country is taxed with a burden +of thousands of prisoners. These people are crippled, +not in body, not in mind, but almost always in morals, +which is the most serious. It is to help or recover +them that we are giving our lives. Our labors have +not been in vain, as the testimonials will show you. +We want you to "hold the rope while we go down into +the pit," by subscribing for our support and transportation +in this work of prison evangelism; and in so +doing you become the benefactor of a submerged class.</p> + +<p>May we not hope to have your check to help in this +concerted effort? I am,</p> + +<div class="citation"> +<div style="padding-right:5em;">Yours sincerely,</div> +<div style="padding-right:3em;">GEO. L. HERR,</div> +<div>Louisville, Ky.</div> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="verses"> +<p>"He that hath the Son, hath life, and he that hath +not the Son of God hath not life."—1 John 5:12.</p> + +<p>"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"—Heb. +2:3.</p> + +<p>"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the +whole world and lose his own soul?"—Mark 8:36.</p> + +<p>"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his +righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto +you."—Matt. 6:33.</p> +</div> + + + + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> +<p class="sect"><a name="GET_REV_HERRS_NEW_BOOK" id="GET_REV_HERRS_NEW_BOOK"></a>GET REV. HERR'S NEW BOOK.</p> + + +<p>Entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," for +your good; but chiefly for the good of others.</p> + +<p>The nation behind the bars is an interesting nation, +a pitiful nation, a needy nation. Help them and interest +yourself in them by buying and reading this +book.</p> + +<p>"You have a superb record."—Rev. Horace G. Ogden, +D.D.</p> + +<p>"He has wide experience on both sides of the line."—Rev. +H. C. Morrison, Editor Pentecostal Herald.</p> + +<p>"His labors are abundantly blessed."—Rev. Joseph +Severance.</p> + +<p>"The large number who have been helped by hearing +your message will be still further benefited by +reading your book."—Rev. Albert J. Steelman, Ph.D., +Chaplain, Illinois State Penitentiary.</p> + +<p>"You and your good wife were father and mother +to the prisoners."—John R. Pflanz, Jailer.</p> + +<p>"George L. Herr is not the man to do anything in +an ordinary way."—Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., Chaplain +of Columbus, O., Penitentiary.</p> + +<p>"His work among prisoners has been very successful, +and through his efforts many erring creatures +have been induced to reform."—Charles F. Grainger.</p> + + +<h2>Transcriber's Notes</h2> + +<p><a href="#Page_vii">Table of Contents</a><br /> +(Practical Religious Work in County Jail)<br /> +Pratical changed to Practical.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_7">Page 7</a><br /> +(glorified by the presence)<br /> +glorifield changed to glorified.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_144">Page 144</a><br /> +(Hundreds of Letters we have<br /> +have have changed to have.</p> + +<p>The following are used interchangably:<br /> + today and to-day,<br /> + exconvict and ex-convict<br /> + cellhouse and cell-house<br /> + brokenhearted and broken-hearted</p> + +<p>Several unbalanced quotes were left as in the original.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_128">Page 128</a><br /> +(Jerry was put to work in the engine room)<br /> +This paragraph appears to need an open quote. Unchanged.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_141">Page 141</a><br /> +("The wages of sin is death,)<br /> +Phrase seems to need a closed quote. Unchanged.</p> + +<p><a href="#Page_161">Page 161</a><br /> +("Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry<br /> +Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian,)<br /> +List of names seems to need a closes quote. Unchanged.</p> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nation Behind Prison Bars, by George L. Herr + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS *** + +***** This file should be named 35221-h.htm or 35221-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/2/2/35221/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Leonard Johnson and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..45b2cda --- /dev/null +++ b/35221-h/images/ill-221.jpg diff --git a/35221-h/images/ill-231.jpg b/35221-h/images/ill-231.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bac485e --- /dev/null +++ b/35221-h/images/ill-231.jpg diff --git a/35221-h/images/ill-247.jpg b/35221-h/images/ill-247.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..6607a1d --- /dev/null +++ b/35221-h/images/ill-247.jpg diff --git a/35221.txt b/35221.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..63a4271 --- /dev/null +++ b/35221.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5674 @@ +Project Gutenberg's The Nation Behind Prison Bars, by George L. Herr + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nation Behind Prison Bars + +Author: George L. Herr + +Release Date: February 9, 2011 [EBook #35221] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Leonard Johnson and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) + + + + + + +[Illustration: GEORGE L. HERR AND WIFE] + + + + + THE + + NATION BEHIND PRISON BARS + + + BY + + GEORGE L. HERR, Prison Evangelist + + + + "_I was in prison, and ye came unto me_" + + + + PUBLISHED BY + + THE CARTER PRINTING COMPANY + + LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY + + + + COPYRIGHT 1913 + + BY + + GEORGE L. HERR, LOUISVILLE, KY. + + + + To My Wife + + WHOSE CONSTANT HELP AND + + ENCOURAGEMENT + + MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO THE WORK + + TO WHICH + + God + + HAS CALLED ME, THIS VOLUME IS + + INSCRIBED WITH THE + + PRAYER THAT + + God + + WILL USE IT TO SAVE MANY SOULS + + + + +The Nation Behind Prison Bars + +BY + +GEORGE L. HERR, Prison Evangelist + + Author of "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoner," "The + Life Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The + Missionary," "The Bethel," "Lost and Is Found," and "A Glorious + Rescue." + + THE WORLD OF PRISONERS UNKNOWN TO MANY BROUGHT FORWARD IN + DESCRIPTIVE SPEECH AND VIVID PICTURES + + +There are enough people in prison in these United States to furnish a +citizenship to a considerable territory, or to populate a good-sized +city. For the psychological student, they form the most interesting of +all objects of study. For the philanthropist, and for the Christian +missionary, they constitute a wonderful field of activity. How to lift +them out of the criminal strata is the question to which Mr. Herr is +devoting his life, in an effort to answer. In a good measure he is +answering it. Many prisoners to whom the grace of God has appeared, +bringing salvation, will rise to call him blessed.--Rev. Jno. Paul, +Mississippi. + +[Illustration: MY DEVOTED FATHER + +THE LATE HON. RICHARD S. HERR + +"And their works do follow them."] + +[Illustration: MY PRECIOUS MOTHER + +The Late Mrs. RICHARD S. HERR + +"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in +the gates."] + + + + +Foreword + + +Gathered within these pages are recitals of scenes and incidents in a +field of existence fortunately unfamiliar to the majority of our +readers. The subject has been handled without any attempt to embellish +the hard facts or gloss over the cruel details--the paramount desire +upon the part of the author being an endeavor to show the crying +necessity for a constant, earnest labor among the unfortunates who are +shut away from God's sunshine; whom God still loves, despite their sins +of omission and commission. If the perusal of this volume brings to the +reader a belief that the cause is worthy, that labor in this field +brings a reward which amply compensates for the time and effort +expended, the author will rest in the knowledge of a duty well +performed. There has been no effort at exaggeration in presenting these +sketches of daily experiences among the outcasts of society, no +straining for effect, no striving to paint word pictures that may touch +the heart. It is simply the story of everyday life in the field of the +prison missionary's labor, and is given to the public with a fervent +prayer that God, in His infinite wisdom, will instill in the hearts of +our readers a feeling of charity toward those whose burden is almost +greater than they can bear. + + Faithfully, + G. L. H. + + + + +Contents + + + Title i + + Copyright ii + + Dedication iii + + Advertisement iv + + Foreword v + + Contents vii + + Illustrations ix + + Commendations from Louisville Ministers x + + Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr xiii + + Subscription Card xvi + + Chapter First--Life of Geo. L. Herr 1 + + Chapter Second--"Lost, and Is Found" 10 + + Chapter Third--"Political Peril," Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell 23 + + Chapter Fourth--"Christ the Interpreter," Sermon by Dr. Hawes 34 + + Chapter Fifth--Throwing Out the Life Line 41 + + Chapter Sixth--Reformation of Criminals 46 + Visit to Nashville Prison 52 + + Chapter Seven--Does Prison Work Pay? 54 + The Work of a Prison Evangelist 57 + Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner 66 + Practical Religious Work in County Jail 67 + Praise for Prison Evangelist 69 + Sermon in State Prison 70 + Revival Stirs Up Inmates 72 + + Chapter Eight--A Man of Honor 74 + + Chapter Nine--Jim O'Brien, the Modern Miracle 76 + Jim O'Brien Passes Away 83 + + Chapter Ten--Columbus Ohio Prison 85 + The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week 88 + Chapel Services 89 + Chapter Eleven--Incontestable Proof 92 + + Prison Evangelist's Good Work 97 + A Grand Work Highly Commended--John R. Pflanz 98 + "Worked Wonders" 100 + Strong Endorsement 101 + Speaks to Prisoners 102 + Sad and Pitiful Story 103 + Resolution Never Broken 104 + What is a Friend? 106 + "Another Chance I Crave" 108 + Letter from Col. Will S. Hays 110 + Letter from Capt. Scheider 111 + Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency 112 + Cincinnati Work House 115 + Extermination of Habitual Criminals 116 + Criminal Becomes Minister 120 + Poem to Brother Herr 122 + Success of Reform Criminals--Wm. A. Pinkerton 124 + Letter from Editor Star of Hope 137 + Lost and is Found 138 + Christmas at the Frankfort Prison 139 + Hundreds of Letters 144 + A Tribute from Jos. M. O'Hara 145 + Fishing for Men 147 + Branch Library in the Jail 149 + Change comes in Curt Jett 151 + Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison 158 + Capital Punishment 165 + Indiana Reformatory 168 + Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services 169 + Clinging to the Bible 172 + Tree of Life and Knowledge 173 + The World Dying for Love 174 + George L. Herr's New Book 176 + + + + +Illustrations + + + Geo. L. Herr and Wife--Frontispiece i + The Late Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Herr iv + Rev. Chas. R. Hemphill, D.D. xv + Rev. Steve P. Holcombe 6 + The Late Mr. George Gaulbert 8 + Rev. Carter Helm Jones 9 + The Late Rev. E. A. Ferguson 10 + Rev. E. L. Powell 22 + First Christian Church and Presbyterian Theological + Seminary 28 + Rev. T. M. Hawes, D.D. 34 + Rev. Henry Clay Morrison, D.D. 40 + Rev. John Paul 46 + Dwight L. Moody 48 + Valentine Burke 50 + The Late Col. Mat. Ragland 54 + Jefferson County Jail 58 + The Late Hon. J. C. Bohart 60 + Hon. John R. Pflanz 64 + Rev. C. S. Hanley 92 + Hon. Chas. F. Grainger 106 + Judge Aaron Kohn 108 + Rt. Rev. Chas. E. Woodcock, D.D. 112 + The Hon. and Mrs. John L. Whitman 116 + Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill 118 + Wm. A. Pinkerton 124 + Louisville Free Public Library 149 + Curtis Jett 151 + Henry E. Youtsey 158 + + + + +Commendation from Louisville Ministers + + + Louisville, Ky., Jan. 27, 1910. + + To His Honor Judge Muir Weissinger, + Judge of the County Court, + Jefferson County, Ky. + +Dear Sir: + +The undersigned Ministers of the Gospel in the city of Louisville, being +members of the Ministerial Association, do hereby recommend to your +Honor the appointment of the Rev. George L. Herr, a regular ordained +minister of the gospel, as Chaplain of the Jefferson County Jail, in +accordance with Part 9, Sections 627-632 Russell Statutes, 1909, +inclusive. + +The Rev. Mr. Herr is thoroughly well qualified to fill the position of +Chaplain at the County Jail, he having for seven years previous to the +enactment of the present law given up his time and money in this noble +work, without compensation from any source whatever, either state, +county or city, as the present Jailer of Jefferson County and many other +will testify. + + R. D. SMART, + Pastor Broadway Methodist Church. + + CHARLES R. HEMPHILL, + Professor Presbyterian Theological Seminary. + + W. N. BRINEY, + Pastor Broadway Christian Church. + + W. J. CLARKE, + Minister Clifton Church. + + A. R. KASEY, + Pastor Clifton Crescent Hill Methodist Church. + + S. G. SHELLEY, + Pastor Jefferson St. Methodist Church. + + THAD. S. TINSLEY, + Pastor Third Christian Church. + + W. F. IRWIN, + 4th Ave. Presbyterian Church. + + E. B. PATTERSON, + Pastor Trinity Church. + + W. R. HENDRIX, + Pastor Methodist Temple. + + J. T. RUSHING, + Pastor Virginia Ave. M. E. Church, South. + + D. B. GREGORY, + Pastor Woodland Pres. Church U. S. + + G. W. NUTTER, + Pastor Parkland Christian Church. + + B. F. ATKINSON, + Pastor Rivers Memorial M. E. Church, South. + + C. F. WIMBERTY, + Marcus Lindsay Memorial. + + CHAS. A. HUMPHREY, + Pastor Portland M. E. Church, South. + + J. D. SIGLER + + E. L. POWELL, + Pastor First Christian Church. + + S. H. LOVELACE, + Pastor Oakdale Methodist Church. + + C. R. CROWE, + Pastor Highland Park and Hill Street. + + T. R. KENDALL, + Lander Memorial Church. + + T. L. CRANDELL, + Dumesnil M. E. Church. + + C. E. CARTER, + Asbury M. E. Church. + + ARTHUR W. BROOK, + M. E. Church, South. + + W. B. BEAUCHAMP, + Pastor Fourth Ave. M. E. Church, South. + + J. R. McAFEE, + West Broadway M. E. Church, South. + + + + +Story of the Life of Geo. L. Herr + + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, has received from Chicago +his book entitled "The Story of His Life," by Edward De Alma. Mr. Herr +distributed 100 copies yesterday in the Jefferson County jail, and the +men received them with great eagerness. Mr. Herr will place the story in +all penal institutions. A letter from the Rev. James M. Taylor, +complimenting the book, says: "I have read with soul-stirring interest +the sad, heart-rending experience of Brother Herr, and the miraculous +deliverance by the grace of God; how, by a life of sin, he squandered a +fortune; how God found him and gave him deliverance; the romantic way in +which his God-given companion entered his life and how they are being +used, perhaps, as no other persons to-day in helping those behind the +bars. This story will warn the reckless, encourage the 'outcast,' and +put a desire in the hearts of thousands to lead better lives." + --_Louisville Courier-Journal_ + +The Rev. Paul, of Meridian, Miss., says: "The story of Brother Herr's +life, 'Redeemed from the depths of sin to the mountain top of +salvation,' is a thrilling narrative, published as a warning to the +fallen." + +The Rev. J. B. Foote, chaplain of the Onondaga county penitentiary, in +New York, acknowledging receipt of the life story of Mr. Herr and +thanking him for it, states in his letter that he will use the book in +his preaching in prison. + +When asked if prison work paid, Mr. Herr said: "Who will ever know the +vast number that will attribute their first impulse to a better life, +formed while in the seclusion of a prison cell, while reading this book. +The world will never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon +themselves, have learned the great secret, that it takes an omnipotent +power to change the current of their lives and give them deliverance +from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth, not to live a new +purpose, but a new life." + +In 1909 Mr. Herr published 150,000 sermons, books and tracts. + +The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in our chapel last +Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of +life lead through a labyrinth that would require a half century of years +to make its journey at an ordinary pace.--Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., Ohio +Penitentiary. + +Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is a man of large +sympathy, and having had an experience of fifteen years as an +evangelist, knows how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire +confidence of both prisoners and officials and is always given a most +hearty welcome by all.--Jos. Severance, Chaplain. + +"The large number who have been helped by hearing your message will be +still further benefited by reading your book."--Rev. Albert J. Steelman, +Ph.D., Chaplain, Illinois State Penitentiary. + +Get Rev. Herr's book for your good, but chiefly for the good of others. + +Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D.D., Louisville, Ky.: "I believe Rev. George L. +Herr especially equipped for the difficult work of an evangelist to +those in prison and to the neglected." + +Rev. Wm. Edmond Foster: "His love for lost souls and his zeal knows no +bounds. I bespeak for him a life of great usefulness to his fellowmen +without hope and without God." + +[Illustration: REV. CHAS. R. HEMPHILL, D.D. + +President Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky. One of the +South's greatest scholars and teachers; whose heart is full of sympathy +for and helpfulness of the unfortunate.] + +Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., New York: "I have been placed where I have +known intimately his work as prison evangelist. I can say he has made a +superb record. He has taken an enlarged field of work, and I have every +confidence in his increased usefulness. His book merits a large +circulation." + +Rev. Ed. Ferguson: "For years he, with his most estimable wife, have +given their time and talent to the uplifting of the down-trodden of this +great metropolis and they have the respect and hearty co-operation of +the best people in Louisville." + +Rev. James M. Taylor: "The story will warn the reckless, encourage the +'outcast,' and put desire in the hearts of thousands to lead better +lives." + +Rev. T. T. Taliaferro, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: "Your sermons are +blessed of God to the furtherance of the works of grace in our midst. +May God bless you in your noble work." + +Rev. W. O. Vreeland, Chaplain Kentucky State Prison: "You are worthy of +the highest commendation." + +Men's Bible Class, James Lee Memorial Presbyterian Church: "Rev. George +L. Herr's talk at last Sunday's session was a treat." + +Rev. George L. Herr, 195 Coral Avenue, Louisville, Ky.: "Who will ever +know the vast number that will attribute their first impulse to a better +life, formed while in seclusion of a prison cell while reading this +book." + +The Rev. George L. Herr is bringing out a book on prison life which is +abundantly capable of two effects, namely: Enlisting the attention of +readers, like a romance, and benefitting the class of whom he writes. It +is a two-hundred page book, illustrated with pictures of prisons, and +scenes behind the bars. + + + + +DEAR FRIEND: + +We know you will rejoice with us in the work being accomplished behind +prison bars. Many thousands we are preaching the gospel to every year. +There are converts all over the United States that we hear from. The +outlook of the work was never more encouraging. May we submit to you our +plan to secure auxiliary memberships at $10.00 each? + +Will you be one? + + GEO. L. HERR AND WIFE, + Prison Evangelists. + + +DEPARTMENTS OF WORK. + +Distribution of thousands of papers, tracts, and other religious +reading. + +Visiting the sick and poor. + +Street work in the slums. + +Evangelistic work in the different penitentiaries a specialty. + + + + +CHAPTER FIRST + +LIFE OF GEORGE L. HERR + +BY EDWARD DE ALMA + +A BRAND PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING. + +"As we sow so shall we reap." + + +Born in the city of Louisville, of an old Kentucky family, whose +escutcheon had never been shadowed by smirch or breath of shame or +ignominy, it might truthfully be said of George L. Herr that he had been +ushered into this world with the proverbial "gold spoon in his mouth," +his father, the late Richard S. Herr, being a prominent and highly +esteemed and wealthy citizen of the grand old state of Kentucky. Though +surrounded by the luxuries of life, by environments unusually favorable +for the development of a strong, healthy, vigorous and clean life, yet +Brother Herr's life from his youth up to the period of this writing, +presents an aspect checkered with the lights and shadows of temptation, +sin, remorse, repentance, redemption and restful peace of heart in +salvation through Jesus. + + -------- + Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man.--Ps. + 108:12. + + God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in + trouble.--Ps. 46:1. + -------- + +At the age of three months, the death of his precious mother caused him +to be given into the keeping of his aunt, a noble Christian woman, and +it was due to her teachings that the seeds of reverence for God, belief +in his dearly beloved Son and faith in the promise of a life of +everlasting happiness were planted deep in the recesses of George Herr's +heart, while his father, a Christian gentleman, spared no efforts in his +endeavor to bring up his son in the way he should go. + +At the age of eighteen years, through the death of his father, he came +into the possession of a large estate, but lacking the experience which +usually comes with maturity, he developed a spirit of independence which +soon brought in its train of attendant evils. + + -------- + Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak; O Lord, heal me.--Ps. + 6:2. + + My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect + in weakness.--2 Cor. 12:9. + -------- + +The story of George Herr's experience is the recital of a man's gradual +surrender to the power of drink, until the enormity of his fall can but +be depicted by contrasting his condition with that as it was a few years +before. Then he was a well known young man of Louisville's elite +society, wealthy, respected, esteemed and sought after. Friends without +number, well wishers innumerable, the door of any refined home in the +city would have swung wide open in welcome at his knock. Now the other +picture: A drunken outcast, a prey to the buffetings of every chance +wind of fate, deprived of friends, stripped of wealth, position and +reputation; exposed to every form of evil, subject to the cruelty of +every character of temptation that assails human nature. Ostracized from +society, barred from contact with any self-respecting acquaintance of +former days, can you imagine a more potent example of the victory of +Satan through the agency of his chief field marshal, Drink? God grant +that this may come as a warning to some one of the thousands of young +men who, with prospects as bright or even more flattering than were +those of George Herr at the age of eighteen, are at this moment entering +upon the path which will lead them, as it has countless thousands, into +the abyss of eternal destruction! God grant that the moral to be drawn +from this picture will burn itself in indelible letters of fire upon the +very soul of each young man who reads this. + + -------- + I am poor and needy; make haste unto me, O God.--Ps. 70:5. + + My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in + glory by Christ Jesus.--Phil. 4:19. + -------- + +These were indeed dark days, the past a record of sin, the present a +nightmare of misery and shame, the future black with the darkness of +despair, with not the faintest gleam of hope to pierce the gloom. "Poor +fellow," you say, "only one of a multitude." Yes, only the prototype of +one of the thousands who are traveling the same broad thoroughfare at +this moment. + +It was at this critical juncture, when reputation was blasted, hope +departed and the future barren of promises, that a remnant of respect +for his home and the associates of better days awakened the residuum of +pride remaining and brought the determination to remove his unwelcome +presence from the scenes of former pleasures. He went West, but his +hopes were blasted, and penniless, homeless, wretched, obliged to accept +any kind of menial work in order to eke out a bare living, he wandered +about until an overwhelming homesickness brought him back to Kentucky. +There was, perhaps, a flickering intention to do better, to cut loose +from the bands that bound him, but good resolutions were made only to be +broken, and the cords of sin drawn tighter than ever. + + -------- + Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?--Acts 9:6. + + Follow thou me.--John 21:22. + -------- + +None but God can realize the extreme bitterness of that bondage, the +depths of that dark and unrelieved despair. Without light, without hope, +without rest, and worst of all, without Christ? With not one friendly +hand held out to greet him, with not one word of encouragement, but +rather the cold glance of scorn, the bitter sneer of contempt, it is not +strange that there stretched out before him apparently nothing but a +drunkard's life, a drunkard's death and an endless eternity in a +drunkard's hell. + +Then the fearful temptation of suicide met him; but God, in his infinite +mercy, destined him to pass through even this fearful ordeal unharmed +and spared him that he might carry the gospel of a Savior's love to a +lost and ruined world. Then a helping hand was extended. A lifelong +friend, meeting him one day, and overcome with pity, gave him one more +chance to make a man of himself, fitted him out with clothes, gave him a +railroad ticket and money, advising him to leave Louisville and start +life afresh elsewhere. But the fetters of sin were riveted so strongly +that the well-meant advice of his boyhood friend was unheeded, and a few +hours found him in as fearful a plight as ever. Then there came into +this, the darkest hour in all his life, the experience of the prodigal +son. A determination came into his life to sever forever all ties +binding him to the life of degradation he was then living and to take +the first step back into the narrow path of righteousness. + + -------- + Show me thy ways, O Lord.--Ps. 25:4. + -------- + +It was then that the Rev. Steve P. Holcombe of Louisville, Ky., took him +to the Union Gospel Mission. + +At this critical period there came within the radius of his sphere of +existence a noble, devout woman, who proved to be the one thing needful +to round out the life now worth living. In spite of all remonstrances on +the part of her friends, she was greatly interested in the welfare of +this man and prayed earnestly that God would make him a strong Christian +man. + +Her tireless energies, endless prayers and earnest teachings were ever +present to hold him up and help him onward in the new life. God placed +her in the sphere of George Herr's experience at a critical stage, using +her as a medium for cementing his faith and determining his purpose to +devote his remaining years to the work of redeeming unfortunates sunk in +the darkness of sin. Their destinies were welded together by mutual +interest in the work of saving lost men and the affinity of feeling +between them developed into a bond of love, each seeing within the other +those qualities necessary to happiness in wedded life, and on the 14th +of April, 1898, George L. Herr and Miss Lillie M. Joyce, the woman +who was such an essential portion of his existence, were joined in the +holy bonds of matrimony by the Rev. Carter Helm Jones, D.D., pastor of +the Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky. + + -------- + The meek will he teach his way.--Ps. 25:9. + + Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit + from me.--Ps. 51:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. STEVE P. HOLCOMBE + +The founder of the Holcombe Mission of Louisville, Ky.] + +George Herr says that the old life, with its bondage in sin and its +darkness of evil, is a thing of the eliminated past. Finding happiness +in his new life, he has consecrated his time, energy, ability and +talents to continuous devotion to the task of spreading the gospel among +the fallen. Into the gloomiest recesses of penitentiaries, workhouses +and jails, beyond portals where visitors are excluded, he has carried +the message of Christ's saving grace into the darkness of despairing +men's and women's lives. + +God has blessed George L. Herr in many ways, giving him daily recompense +for the days of misery, shame and degradation, giving him a happy home, +glorified by the presence of a loving, devoted wife and the precious +daughter, and this story is sent forth with the earnest prayer that God +may use it, with its message of hope and cheer, for the salvation of +many despairing, discouraged ones who are bound by the awful fetters of +sin as he once was. + + -------- + All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that + cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--John 6:37. + -------- + +One of the greatest privileges accorded man is to be a messenger for +Christ. George Herr has tasted the sweets of liberty in Christ and he +loves to tell those in the terrible bondage of sin that there is an +avenue of escape. In his rescue work he has been able to take a great +number of homeless, friendless and hopeless men and women by the hand. + +Does it pay? The results of George Herr's labors among the unfortunates +are a satisfactory answer to this question. It pays a hundredfold in the +feeling of duty well done, in the knowledge of many useful lives saved. +It pays in words of gratitude feelingly uttered by noble men and women, +who, formerly sunk in the quicksands of despair, are now restored to a +world of happiness and peace. + + -------- + Jesus own words are: "They that be whole need not a physician, + but they that are sick, for I am not come to call the righteous, + but sinners to repentance."--Matt. 9:12, 13. + -------- + +It is our earnest prayer to the Father of all good, that this story of +George Herr's redemption from the clutches of sin may, through his +unfailing love for all suffering ones, carry its message of hope, its +promise of salvation from eternal despair, into the hearts of many who +are despondent, discouraged, despairing. May it instill into the hearts +of the unfortunate a desire to come back into the fold of the Father's +unending love, bringing with it the sweet conviction that no matter how +far we have wandered from within the radius of his love, we are still +his children, the erring ones for whose redemption he gave his Son to be +offered upon the altar of human sacrifice that we, through the atonement +of his innocent blood, should inherit the kingdom of heaven. + + -------- + Hold up my goings in thy path, that my footsteps slip not.--Ps. + 17:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE MR. GEORGE GAULBERT + +One of my best friends. Many heart-to-heart talks I have had with this +grand and wealthy merchant] + + + + +CHAPTER TWO + +"LOST AND IS FOUND" + + +Jesus said, "A man had two sons; and the younger one of them said to his +father, 'Father, give me my share of the inheritance!' so the father +divided the property between them. A few days later the younger son got +together all that he had and went away into a distant land; and there he +squandered his inheritance by leading a dissolute life. After he had +spent all that he had, there was a severe famine through all that +country, and he began to be in actual want. So he went and engaged +himself to one of the people of that country, who sent him into his +field to tend pigs. He even longed to satisfy his hunger with the bean +pods on which the pigs were feeding; and no one gave him anything. But +when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants +have more bread than they can eat, while here am I starving to death; I +will get up and go to my father and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned +against Heaven and against you; I am no longer fit to be called your +son; make me as one of your hired servants.' And he got up and went +to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him +and was deeply moved; he ran and threw his arms around his neck and +kissed him. 'Father,' the son said, 'I sinned against Heaven and against +you; I am no longer fit to be called your son; make me one of your hired +servants.' But the father turned to his servants and said, 'Be quick and +bring a robe, the very best, and put it on him; give him a ring for his +finger and sandals for his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, +and let us eat and make merry; for here is my son who was dead, and is +alive again, was lost and is found." + + -------- + For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the + government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be + called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting + Father, The Prince of Peace.--Isa. 9:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. CARTER HELM JONES, D.D. + +The late Pastor Broadway Baptist Church Louisville, Ky.] + +This younger son thought he was wiser than his father and wanted to +manage his own affairs. So it is with men who think they can manage +their own affairs without God. + + -------- + He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all + thy ways.--Ps. 91:11. + -------- + +A case in hand: An acquaintance of mine in Louisville, a young man of +handsome face and fine physique, with all the advantages wealth, +education and social position could give him, started out at the age of +twenty-one with unfaltering prospects of a prosperous, useful and happy +life, but, like the young man in our lesson, thought he could manage his +own affairs without God; in other words, he refused to give his heart +and life to Jesus Christ, and not having Christ to protect, shield, +restrain, and assist him, in a time of temptation he was led along +little by little, almost without knowing it, until he was ready to +commit any crime. One day in a house of ill repute he shot and killed a +young man; for this crime he was arrested, tried and convicted, but the +wealth and influence of his family secured him a pardon. Even this +bitter experience failed to teach him that he had made a mistake in +thinking he could manage his own affairs, for, after regaining his +liberty, he plunged deeper and deeper into sin, ending in himself being +murdered. + +As the prodigal in the parable wanted to get as far from his father's +presence as possible, "into a far country," so the man when he +determines to give himself up to others. He does not want to hear about +God or even think about him. Reader, was not this so with you? The +father did not compel the son to stay at home; he allowed him to choose +what he preferred. So it is with God; he does not compel us to +obedience. For my part I wish he did. "He wasted his substance in +riotous living;" and so it is with the sinner, in the service of sin; +he wastes and destroys his property, his health, his reputation, his +intellect, his conscience. + + -------- + Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy + name; thou art mine.--Is. 43:1. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE REV. E. A. FERGUSON One of the Author's best +friends] + +There is nothing in this world valuable enough to recompense such a +loss, or balance the misery of a tormenting conscience. If you violate +it for the sake of a gratification of the body it will remember the +injury many years after. Gen. 42:21; Job 13:26. It will not only retain +the memory of what you did, but it will accuse you for it. Matt. 27:4. +It will not fear to tell you that plainly, which others dare not +whisper. It will not only accuse, but it will also condemn you for what +you have done. This condemning voice of conscience is a terrible voice. +You may see the horror of it in Cain, the vigor of it in Judas, the +doleful effects of it in Saphira. It will produce shame, fear, and +despair, if God give not repentance to life. The shame it works will so +confound you, that you will not be able to look up. Job. 31:14; Psa. +1:5. The fear it works will make you wish for a hole in the rock to hide +you. Isa. 2:9, 10, 15, 19. And its despair is a death pang. + + -------- + "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though + your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though + they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."--Is. 1:18. + -------- + +Young man, consider the nature of your present actions; they are seeds +sown for eternity, and will spring up again in suitable effects, rewards +and punishments, when you that did them are turned to dust. What a man +sows, that shall he reap. Gal. 6:7. And as sure as the harvest follows +the seedtime, so shall shame, fear, and horror follow sin. Dan. 12:2. +What Zeuxis, the famous painter, said of his work, may much more truly +be said of ours: "I paint for eternity." Ah! how bitter will these +things be in the day of reckoning, which were pleasant in the acting! It +is true our actions, physically considered, are transient. How soon is a +word or action spoken or done, and there is an end of it! But morally +considered, they are permanent, being entered upon God's book of action. + + -------- + I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, + as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed + thee.--Isa. 44:22. + -------- + +Let me illustrate: Some time ago a young man, son of a nobleman of +Germany, came to our home poorly clad, without money, without friends, +realizing to some extent the depth to which he had fallen, filled with +remorse on account of disgrace he had brought upon himself and his +family, and like the prodigal in the parable he said, "I will arise and +go to my father." He left our home for his home in New Orleans, La. +After his arrival there we received the following letter: + +My Dear Brother Herr: My letter to you from San Antonio told of the +happiness which had come to me as a result of the reunion of my wife and +little ones. Can you realize how full those days were spent in the sweet +companionship of those who are so dear to me? I would have wished to +have remained with them until Christmas, but my obligations to business +intervened, and I was compelled to leave in order to attend to matters +here. + +My thoughts are with you so much that I often feel as though I could +reach out and grasp your hand; and so often during the day there goes up +a whispered prayer from my heart that our Father will bless you in just +proportion as you have been a sweet, helpful blessing to others. + +My route includes Louisville, and while I may not be in there on this +trip, it will not be many days before I will have an opportunity to +greet you in person. May God bless Sister Herr and yourself if only in +recompense for your kindness to me. + + EDWARD. + + -------- + Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy + God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will + uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.--Isa. + 44:10. + -------- + +Does not the life of this man preach a more eloquent sermon, and tell a +more powerful tale, and teach a more eloquent lesson than I or any other +preacher could do? Reader, you cannot ignore, disregard, or shut your +eyes to the lesson which this man's life teaches, impresses and enforces +of the awful danger and the deadly and destructive effects of sin. + + -------- + Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from + before mine eyes; cease to do evil.--Isa. 1:16. + -------- + +Here is a lesson in life that appeals to us and bids us stop in our mad +way. This parable of the prodigal son shows that we can have our own way +if we determine to do it; father and mother can't keep us from it, and +God by force will not keep us from it; but we will certainly pay for it, +and pay the price of tears and sorrow, remorse and ruin. This nobleman's +son, by refusing to heed God's warning, was brought to want. No matter +whose son it is, if he determines to have his own way and give himself +up to self-indulgence and riotous living, he will come to want, shame, +bitterness, and many are the men who tried to master themselves but +failed. Some evil habit had fastened itself upon him, and realizing +himself a slave, tries to shake it off, but, alas! the will has been +paralyzed, and it does not respond in warding off the fearful habit. +Defeat after defeat occurs until the poor fellow, discouraged, +broken-hearted, gives up and goes down to utter ruin. Man is no match +for the devil. How hopeless would be the outlook for the great army of +men whom we labor with were it not for a Deliverer. "The cross held his +body; the sun hid his face for shame, and the bowels of the earth were +moved in compassion, when Jesus expired on Calvary's rugged tree, thus +purchasing redemption for every man from the curse of sin. It is +possible through Christ for every man to be a Christian." + + -------- + "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."--John 6:37. + What a wonderful invitation--these words of the Savior! + -------- + +And now here are some of the ways God has taken to tell you of his love: +Psalm 103:13: "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord +pitieth them that fear him." Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her +suckling child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her +womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee." Luke 11:13: "If +ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how +much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that +ask him?" Luke 18:13-14: "And the publican, standing afar off, would not +lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, +saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down +to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that +exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be +exalted." Luke 15:7: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in +heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine +just persons, which need no repentance." Luke 15:10: "Likewise I say +unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one +sinner that repenteth." Luke 7:36-50: "And one of the Pharisees desired +him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, +and sat down to meat. And behold a woman in the city, which was a +sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, +brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him +weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with +the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the +ointment. + + -------- + Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise + her in the gates.--Prov. 31:31. + -------- + +"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within +himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who +and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him; for she is a sinner. +And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto +thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which +had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. +And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me, +therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I +suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast +rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest +thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for +my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the +hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman, since the +time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou +didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. +Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for +she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. +And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. + + -------- + And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, + Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.--Matt. 8:2. + -------- + +"And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who +is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith +hath saved thee; go in peace." + +A father whose son had gone away to California, and was a gambler in San +Francisco, sent him word by a friend: "Your father loves you still." And +it made him ashamed; it broke his heart; he repented, returned home and +was saved. "God, your heavenly Father, loves you still." Will you not +believe it and come to him for safety? He will not abuse you for your +sins. He will save you from your sins, and make you happy. + +"And he began to be in want." + +That is what sin brings a man to--want. + +And it was this which brought him to his senses--"he came to himself" +(verse 17). + +And when he does come to himself he can think of only one place where he +can hope to find relief, and he bravely determines to go straight to the +very father he had so shamefully abandoned, and to make a full +confession and throw himself on that father's mercy with the hope of +being taken back as a hired servant. He is willing to take the humblest +and meanest place if he can only get back to that home he was, a short +time before, so eager to leave. Nor does he offer any excuse; he calls +his sin by the right name and confesses it without trying to excuse it +or justify it. + + -------- + And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; + be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.--Matt. + 8:3. + -------- + +And how did his father receive him? Why, he did not wait till his poor, +ragged, worn and wasted boy got in and made his confession; but he saw +him a great way off (verse 20) and he knew what had passed in the boy's +heart and life, and moved with compassion toward him, he ran and fell on +his neck and kissed him a glad welcome back to his heart and home. But +the son goes on to make his confession and his offer to be a hired +servant anyhow, and yet the father says, "No! no! bring forth the best +robe and put it on him." + + -------- + "And their works do follow them."--Rev. 14:13. + -------- + +A man married a young widow with a small son. Her former husband had +left her $10,000 in his will. The man said: "I will take care of you and +we will lay away that $10,000 for your boy." Two other sons were born to +them. The stepson was educated and taught habits of business. At +twenty-one years of age he asked for the money his father had left. He +was told that instead of being $10,000, it had been invested for him and +was now $50,000. He was asked to let the money stay in the business and +to become a partner with his stepfather. The young man refused, took his +$50,000, fell into bad habits and lost it all and came home in rags, a +tramp. His stepfather met him at the train, took him to the barbershop +and clothier and presented him to his mother at the house as a +gentleman. The nicest room in the house was assigned him and he was told +that it was his permanent home. He was also told by his stepfather that +he was to be taken into the business firm composed of the father and the +two half-brothers. This was more than he could stand. He began to weep +at his ingratitude and at the love which had been lavished upon him. He +devoted himself to business, was devoted to his stepfather, and was as +loyal to his interests as his own sons. This picture, though it seems +overdrawn, is one of real life. The stepfather had a good disposition +naturally, but his magnanimous treatment of the prodigal was out of his +sincere affection for his wife. There were few ties of love that bound +him to the bad boy, only the love of his faithful wife. He loved the boy +for the sake of his mother. Our Father loves his children and receives +the prodigals returning to him for their own sake and the sake of his +Son who died for them, and treats them, in his affection, as though they +had never sinned against him. + + -------- + The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and + the good.--Prov, 15:3. + -------- + +[Illustration: DR. E. L. POWELL + +Pastor First Christian Church, Louisville. One of the ablest ministers +of the Christian Church who has done a wonderful work among the +masses.] + + + + +CHAPTER THREE + +POLITICAL PERIL + + Sermon by Dr. E. L. Powell, on "The Need of Prophets in a Time + of Political Peril," delivered at the First Christian Church, + Louisville, Ky. + + "And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, + (for they are a rebellious house,) shall know that there hath + been a prophet among them."--Ezekiel 2:5. + + +He thought it would not be questioned by thinking persons that we are +living in a time of political peril. He did not mean that revolution was +at our door; he did not mean that we are threatened with a reign of +terror; he did not mean that there was any prospect of immediate +bloodshed. + + -------- + I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I + have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. + + I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have + declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation; I have not + concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the great + congregation.--Psalm 40:9, 10. + -------- + +Our perils spring from our state--the state of our own souls. They are +lacking in moral sensibility--we are in danger. We are told on every +hand our country was never more prosperous--that is unquestionably so. +The same might be said of Rome when that colossal empire was tottering +to its fall. There were persons then who paid from $200,000 to $400,000 +for a single feast. It is recorded of one man that, after spending +several millions of dollars in luxurious living, he committed suicide +because he had only $400,000 between him and starvation. National +bankruptcy does not stare us in the face. Fortunes grow up in a +generation--the dollar smiles upon us as a beneficent sun. Yet our moral +condition is such as to call forth from thinking men serious and earnest +fear. We are as a man living in a luxuriously appointed house, and yet, +on account of invalidism, unable to appreciate his splendid home and +environments. + + -------- + Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my + brethren, ye have done it unto me. + -------- + +He had called the attention of the congregation last Sunday night to +what was the fundamental source of our political corruption--the +unnatural separation of religion and politics. He did not mean +separation of Church and State; that was right and proper; but he did +mean that we need the reign of truth, purity and righteousness, because +of the ills to which attention was called last Sunday night. His lecture +tonight would be on "The Need of Prophets in a Time of Political Peril." +He did not wish to call attention to the peculiarly inspired Bible +prophet. So far as he was concerned he was a man apart, who could not be +our example--he constituted an order of his own; but we mortals can to +some extent, recognizing our limitations, reproduce the power of the +prophets, and it is not limited by arbitrary metes and bounds, as God +sends his teachers to every age and every clime. If there ever was a +time when we stood in need of moral leadership it is now. We want men +who come like the prophets of old, who shall come before us as genuine +leaders to take us out of this wilderness in which we find ourselves. A +fine moral leadership is the exception rather than the rule. Unless the +standard be lifted up the hosts will not rally. Truth will not win its +way on its own merits. Let the call come from the lips that speak not +lies, but the truth, and there is that in the humblest of men that will +give back an amen. And when our leaders come we shall recognize them. We +are not likely to mistake the rumble of cart-wheels for thunder. The +leader carries his credentials. When a community is visited by a prophet +it is known by that community that a prophet has been among them. You do +not mistake genuine fire. You are never deceived by a genuine voice. It +has been true in all ages of the world that wisdom is recognized by its +people. Deep down in the hearts of the people are the instincts of +truth. When we find men willing to pay the price of leadership we shall +have leaders. It is as true today as it was in the days of prophecy that +such leaders as we have have taught us to err. We need men with +political consciences--men who recognize that there are such things as +truth, purity and righteousness in the world. + + -------- + What must I do to be saved?--Acts 16:30. + + Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.--Acts + 16:31. + -------- + +In speaking of moral leadership the all-inclusive qualification is +inspiration. He did not mean the exceptional inspiration that applies to +the Bible prophets. He meant that inspiration which kindles the powers +we already have into life. When he spoke of inspiration he meant the +enlivening, the stirring up of the powers we already have as opposed to +the shallow indifference of one who draws about him the robes of his +silken selfishness and says, "Let well enough alone"--a man whose +inspiration glows and glows intensely. The inspired man feels the +degradation of his country as a personal infliction. Those who dishonor +her are his own foes, and insults flung in the face of political liberty +are felt by him as an affront to himself. Our prophets must be men who +feel the woes that they oppose, men who feel the humiliation before they +can strike with the right arm clothed with power. Indifference to the +public weal on the part of the average political leader is one of the +most distressing features of our political situation. These people do +not seem capable of feeling righteous indignation in the presence of the +moral infamy by which they are confronted, and hence their words do not +come forth as thunderbolts, but as spent balls. Beware of the man whose +heart has not been pierced by the woes of his country. The sting is the +needed spur to effort. The sleeping lion is not dangerous; but let him +be wounded and his roar shall ring as the trumpet of doom in the ears of +his enemies. We must seek our leaders among those who can feel the woes +of humanity--men of profound feeling--as those are the best prophets. + + -------- + Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from + the hand of the enemy; + + And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the + west, from the north and from the south.--Psalm 107:2, 3. + -------- + +He believed that we must strike at the evil of social indifferentism. +Who does not feel profound shame that the law against carrying concealed +and deadly weapons is not strictly enforced, which made possible +tragedies such as that at Frankfort, which has disgraced the fair name +and fame of our State. The leaders' voices should ring throughout our +land until we are bowed to the earth in shame in view of the infamies +which disgrace us. + + -------- + Lord, save us; we perish.--Matt. 8:25. + + There shall not a hair of your head perish.--Lu. 21:18. + -------- + +Another element required for leadership was the power of vision. There +must be a clear recognition of evils. The idealist is not a mere +dreamer, but acquainted with the actual wants of the people. In fact our +leaders must see something better. The man who is working in the slums +must keep his eyes fixed on the stars. There can be no change for the +better until the better is made to shine with the brightness of a +beckoning angel. + + -------- + I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my + heart. + + I am a companion of them that keep thy precepts.--Psalm 119:63. + -------- + +Here is the opportunity and duty of newspapers. James Russell Lowell +says: "What a pulpit the editor mounts daily, sometimes with a +congregation of fifty thousand within reach of his voice, and never so +much as a nodder, even, among them! and from what a Bible can he choose +his text--a Bible that needs no translation, and which no priestcraft +can shut and clasp from the laity--the open volume of the world, upon +which with a pen of sunshine or destroying fire the inspired Present is +even now writing the annals of God!" + +[Illustration: PROMINENT IN THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF LOUISVILLE] + +[Illustration: PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY] + +But has the editor no mission other than to tell us of partisan +political measures? To be a simple annalist who shall bring before us +the events of the day, but who creates no perspective along which we may +tread to better customs, better men and better times? He never leaves us +in doubt--"Let us do the best we can, and leave the rest alone." In +God's name, is there not something better? "Let us go up and possess the +land." Standing on the mountain height up there we shall all see fairer +lands below. The inspired editor not only sees the battle from afar, but +also the coming of the imperial guard of righteousness with victory. +There is that in the heart of every man that responds to the ideal. No +leader has ever succeeded in having an evil reformed who wanted an +ideal. Napoleon, when he said, "Beyond the Alps lies Italy," was +appealing to that sentiment--to something beyond--to something in the +future. When Cortez drew an imaginary line before his men, who had +become mutinous, and said "On this side lies danger, death, duty and +glory; on that, safety, shame and infamy. Choose ye whether you will +step this side of the line or remain where you are," he was appealing to +something in their hearts--put there by the Almighty himself. Editors +should not think it their only mission to mirror forth things as they +occur, but say to their 50,000 readers, "Let us go up and possess the +land" of truth, purity and righteousness. This is not weakness on their +part but evidence of the profoundest philosophy. Fifty years ago we had +senatorial utterances that would reach across the continent. The secret +power of those utterances was that they were ideal. In the days when +boys spoke pieces in school we declaimed them, and we feel their +influence today. + + -------- + Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. + + When wilt thou comfort me?--Ps. 119:82. + + Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the + fulfilling of the law.--Rom. 13:10. + -------- + +Another element of leadership is moral enthusiasm. The idealist in art +is so for the love of art. He enters into the discussion of art subjects +with enthusiasm. So with the moral enthusiast. Sin is hateful to him, +and he seeks to crush it as he would a viper, and instinctively and +spontaneously his denunciations come forth. Truth is his pole-star, and +he will tell his best friend, "I will do anything but lie for you." Try +to bribe him, and you will think that the central fires of the earth +have been concentrated into his blistering rebuke. Suggest a compromise +involving dishonor, and if you escape a blow you will be fortunate. Like +Luther he says: "Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me." He would +not go with the crowd to moral destruction. Moral enthusiasm has been +the virtue of all epoch-making men. Men do not die for fancies; they do +not die for offices. They die for what they believe is right. Give them +something that appeals to their moral nature and they will die for it. +The grand martyrs were men who laid down their lives for what they +believed to be right. There came to them those lines of James Russell +Lowell: + + "Once to every man and Nation + Comes the moment to decide, + In the strife of truth and falsehood + For the good or evil side; + Love's great cause, God's new Messiah, + Offering each the bloom or blight, + Parts the goats upon the left hand + And the sheep upon the right, + And the choice goes by forever + 'Twixt the darkness and the light." + + -------- + As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.--Is. + 66:13. + + He who loveth God loveth his brother also.--1 John 4:21. + -------- + +We must have leaders who possess the elements of leadership for the +great task of making the world better--who possess the elementary +virtues of honesty and truth. He had indicated some of the elements of +moral leadership that these times demand. He did not mean to say that +the political stage had not such leaders. Certainly there were a few; +but we can make it possible to have a thousand. When we can see one we +are surprised. In the past, thank God, we have had such leaders, and in +the future we shall have such leaders again. + +It is slumbering in the hearts of men and women all around us. It needs +only some one to sweep the harp strings. The trouble is with ourselves. +How can we be leaders with sensual and selfish appetites and desires? +Does God no longer speak to man? Burns there no fire upon the altar? He +did not believe God had exhausted himself. God had not exhausted himself +by casting out a few bright stars from his own luminous presence. There +is power for him to bring to the front the men we are longing and +praying for. + + -------- + He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea in seven there shall + no evil touch thee.--Job 5:19. + -------- + +In conclusion, he wished to say only these few words--that every leader +is a man that must bring to us the message of hope. The prophets through +all those weary years carried the torch of hope and handed it to their +successors. Abraham believed with all his soul that he should have a +posterity as numerous as the stars. He died leaving only one heir. +Moses, the great law-giver, had a vision that a community of slaves +should be made into a great nation. He went up into Pisgah and died, +leaving them still slaves. Long ago a prophet looked over the sea at a +vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Two thousand years have passed +away and no new heaven or new earth has come--but as sure as truth is +stronger than falsehood it will come--just so sure we shall one day see +a new heaven and a new earth, where dwelleth no political corruption, +but righteousness. Not in our time, perhaps, not in our children's time, +shall the thing be; but it will come. Let us pray, then, that we may +answer in the language of the great poet. + + "Oh, well I know that to him who works, and knows he works, + This same glad year is ever at the door." + + The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: + + The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: + + The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. + + + + +CHAPTER FOUR + +CHRIST THE INTERPRETER OF THE PICTURE + +A Sermon preached by Rev. T. M. Hawes in the Slums + + + "I have somewhat to say unto thee."--Luke 7:40. + +The scene presented in this narration is worthy of the painter's brush. +We have a beautiful and striking presentation of the gospel--not set +forth in theological terms as abstract truth--but presented in the form +of a concrete example--a picture with Christ himself as the interpreter. + +And now as we look at this picture with Christ to explain and interpret +it to us, let us see what he will teach us concerning the gospel. + +First, we can learn here for whom the gospel is not intended. + + -------- + Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one + another.--1 John 4:11. + -------- + +Evidently it is not intended for those who find fault with it. Christ is +among a people who seem determined not to be pleased. He has just +wondered to whom he could liken them, and observing a number of children +at play he likens them to children playing in the market place. "We +have piped unto you and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you and +ye have not wept." They found fault with John the Baptist because he was +too severe--they found fault with Jesus because he was too liberal. And +here Simon is finding fault with him because he is allowing this sinful +woman to wash his feet. Am I saying too much when I say that there is +that same trait in human nature today, and that it keeps people out of +the kingdom? Yea, more than that, it often keeps those who are in the +kingdom from receiving the blessings which otherwise might be theirs. +There are those on the outside who remain out because they are +constantly finding fault. There are those on the inside who are always +unhappy for the same reason. If the preacher hews to the line they say +he is a scold--if he doesn't they say he is afraid to stand up for what +he believes, and so it goes. + +[Illustration: REV. T. M. HAWES, D.D. + +The beloved pastor of the Highland Presbyterian Church. The "Beloved +John" of the Louisville ministry.] + +Let us learn from this picture that the gospel is not for faultfinders. +Our late Mr. Moody says a true thing when he says that a faultfinder is +usually a lightweight. + + -------- + He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me + was love.--S. of S. 2:4. + -------- + +Again we can learn from this picture that the gospel is not intended for +those who do not think they need it; not intended for self-righteous +people. No one is ever going to appreciate the gospel until he feels the +need of it. The spirit of the Pharisee will shut us out from the +blessings of the gospel whether we are church members or not. Simon +looked down on the sinful woman and felt that he was far superior to +her. Evidently he felt no need of a Saviour. The Scribes and Pharisees +rejected Christ on the very grounds that he was the friend of publicans +and sinners. Oh, yes, in the very nature of the case the gospel cannot +reach those who do not feel their need of some power beyond themselves. + +Furthermore, the gospel is not meant for those who are ashamed of it. +There is something very touching and beautiful in this picture of the +woman who was a sinner coming into this public court to do honor to +Christ. She had true humility. Simon was far from doing anything of this +kind, he was willing to show a certain sort of respect for Christ, but +he would have been too proud to have ever done such a thing as this. + + "Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far + Let evening blush to own a star." + +Is it not true that a sense of being ashamed of the gospel shuts out +from its blessings those who entertain such unworthy feelings? + + -------- + Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.--Mk. 12:30. + -------- + +Finally, let us learn from this picture that the gospel is not meant for +those who are not glad to make a free-will offering of sacrifice as a +token of this grateful love. This woman brought an alabaster box of +ointment. + +"My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but this woman hath anointed my +feet with ointment." Christ did not exact this of her--it was a +free-will offering. If the gospel does not draw out our gratitude and +liberality, then it has never touched us. It is not because of our gifts +that we are forgiven, but it is because of our forgiveness that we give. +"To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." + + "That man may last but never lives, + Who much receives but nothing gives; + Whom none can love, whom none can thank, + Creation's blot, creation's blank. + + "But he who walks from day to day + In generous acts his radiant way, + Treads the same path his Saviour trod-- + The path to glory and to God." + +Now, having learned from this picture for whom the gospel is not +intended, let us learn for whom it is intended. Ah! how with a few bold +and simple strokes the whole matter is made plain. + + -------- + Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.--Mark 11:31. + -------- + +First, I notice that it is meant for sinners. "Behold a woman in the +city which was a sinner." Jesus "a friend of publicans and sinners." +That tells the story. "I came to call not the righteous, but sinners." +Some people find fault with the church because there are so many sinners +in the church. Just as well find fault with a hospital for having sick +people in it. Just as well find fault with the doctor for visiting +invalids. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; you are finding +fault with me for allowing this sinful woman to touch me. Let me tell +you, Simon, that it is just for this very purpose that I am come into +this world." "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, +that Christ came into the world to save sinners." He was the great +Physician and great physicians are those who have a specialty. This was +Christ's specialty--to save sinners. Who is this that forgiveth sins, +also? + + -------- + The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart.--1 Tim. + 1:5. + -------- + +Secondly, I learn from our Saviour's interpretation of this picture that +the gospel is for the very greatest of sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat +to say unto thee. There was a certain creditor who had two debtors," +etc. Our Saviour proceeds with an illustration which shows that this +woman was one of the greatest of sinners. She was ten times worse than +the average sinner, and yet she was more welcome to the Saviour than +this proud, self-righteous Pharisee. Oh, men and women! if you are in +this hall, feeling that you are unworthy to be here, your very unfitness +makes you fit. Draw nigh to this Saviour from sin and hear him say, "Thy +sins are forgiven; go in peace." Let no pharisaical Simon frighten you +away--the Saviour will give him the rebuke which he deserves and will +whisper into your ear words of pardon and of peace. + + -------- + Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown + it.--S. of S. 8:7. + -------- + +I learn from this picture which Christ interprets that the gospel is for +penitent sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; seest thou +this woman? She hath washed my feet with her tears." Oh, those were +precious tears in the sight of our Saviour. Every tear-drop was a jewel. +The breaking of the alabaster box of ointment was a sweet incense to +Jesus, but this ten-fold sinner bathing his very feet with her +penitential tears was a sight which made the angels in heaven rejoice, +"for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than +over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Simon despised +this woman's tears and sat unmoved at the pathetic scene--but not so +with Jesus. He could refrain himself no longer, but speaking out before +all the company he said, "Thy sins are forgiven." Oh, gracious words! +How sweet and soft must have been this music to the ears of this sinful +outcast. + + "They fall as soft as snow on the sea + And melt in the heart as instantly." + +Finally, I learn from this picture which Christ is interpreting for us +that the gospel is for sinners who commit themselves in implicit faith +to Christ. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." "Behold this +woman; you have done a great deal of talking--this poor woman has not +spoken a word--but behold how she has thrown herself upon my mercy with +unquestioning confidence! Do you think I will disappoint such trust as +that? She has heard me say, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise +cast out' and has taken me at my word, and I consider it an honor to +turn from thy company to the company of this sinful woman." + +And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." + + -------- + Without faith it is impossible to please God.--Hebrews 11:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, D.D. + +A Giant Against Unrighteousness] + + + + +CHAPTER FIVE + +THROWING OUT THE LIFE-LINE + +By Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D. + + +"Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world," "Let +your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and +glorify your Father which art in heaven."--Matt. 5:13, 14, 15. + +These sayings of Jesus from the sermon on the mount are quite +remarkable. No other teacher ever used such words to his disciples, "Ye +are the light of the world." Had the Jewish doctor of the law heard +these words of our Lord to his humble sun-tanned, bare-footed, +shaggy-browed fishermen, he would have been quite disgusted with what to +him would have seemed the consummate egotism of the Nazarene. + +The meaning of the words of Christ is very plain. The disciples, their +lives, character, spirit, the power of the Christ in them must, and +would, permeate society like salt, and purify and save from sin. They +must illuminate the world, so dark with vice, and show it the way back +to God. + + -------- + Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with + God.--Rom. 5:1. + -------- + +These words of Jesus to the disciples who sat before him that day, are +addressed by him to all of his followers for all time, to all of those +who trust him and gladly obey him (and only such are disciples). He +says, "Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world." +"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, +and glorify your Father which is in heaven." + + -------- + I have somewhat to say unto thee.--Luke 7:40. + -------- + +We must not forget that God's plan is to save the lost, through the +instrumentality of those who were themselves once lost, but are now +saved from sin. If we would have a great testimony meeting in the city +of the skies, and all of the countless hosts there should one by one +stand up to tell how they were brought from sin to Jesus, each one of +them would point out some person who had been the chief instrument in +his or her salvation. There is this one characteristic of all who are +truly saved--they desire the salvation of all souls. In fact, this is a +very good thermometer with which to get the correct temperature of one's +spiritual life. Does he long for the salvation of the lost? If so, in +the nature of things he must be in a state of salvation. Is he +indifferent to the condition of the lost? Then he is himself in a lost +state. Let us here impress the important truth that Jesus did not say to +his disciples, "Ye must try and salt the earth," but said, "Ye are the +salt of the earth." He did not say, "Ye shall kindle a flame that shall +illuminate the world." He said, "Ye are the light of the world." We are +not, as the disciples of Christ, to be makers of light and salt, but we, +by the power of Christ, must be made into salt and light. It will be +interesting to notice the processes through which one must pass in order +to become salt and light. Let us go back to the beginning of this sermon +of our Lord and we will hear him saying, "Blessed are the poor in +spirit." First of all to become salt and light one must be poor in +spirit; he must awake to the fact that he owes a million and has not one +cent with which to pay. From his heart he must say, + + -------- + "Nothing in my hands I bring, + Simply to thy cross I cling." + + Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit + within me.--Psalms 51:10 + -------- + +He must realize in his inmost soul his perilous condition, and pray from +the fullness of a deep conviction in his heart, "Lord save, or I +perish." Not only must he be poor in spirit, but our Lord says, "Blessed +are they that mourn." God loves to see the falling tears of sorrow for +sin against himself. Those that truly mourn because of their sins will +forsake them. How blessed for the returning prodigal to come with a +heart all full of deep contrition. They that mourn because of their sins +shall be comforted. After deep poverty of spirit and true mourning for +sin and the comforting of the soul by the pardoning mercy of God. Then +meekness will most certainly follow. + +Now, the soul comforted, born of God, sitting in meekness at the feet of +Jesus, will "hunger and thirst after righteousness." A dead man has no +appetite or desire for food, but a living one must eat. The soul that is +born of God will at once begin to hunger for Godlikeness. The cry of +such a soul is not so much for his blessings as it is for him. The +Psalmist says, "As the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so panteth +my soul for Thee, O God." Jesus says of such, "They shall be +filled"--filled with purity, love and peace; filled with the Holy Ghost; +filled with all the fulness of God. All such will be merciful, pure in +heart, peace-makers, and be sure that persecution will follow. This +world that hated and killed our Lord will not let his followers pass +through without persecutions. Of this we may be sure. + + -------- + Be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land.--Num. + 13:20. + -------- + +But with all these graces and past experiences herein named the +persecuted can rejoice and be exceedingly glad. And of such Jesus says, +"Ye are salt and light." Would the reader be salt and light? Then pass +through the program laid down in the sermon on the mount. One must be so +poor in spirit that he will be such a mourner, that he will receive such +comfort, that he will become so meek, that in him there will be such +hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that he will be so filled +with righteousness, that he will become so merciful and pure in heart, +that he will be such a peacemaker, that he will be so persecuted, that +he will so rejoice, that he will be salt and light, so shining that men +will see it and glorify our Father in heaven. It is folly to be striving +to do something before. By the grace of God and his divine power we are +ourselves made something. Make the tree good and the fruit will be good. +If by the power of the Holy Ghost we are made right it will be easy for +us to do right. Salt salts, and light shines without effort. So with +true disciples of our Christ. They cannot exist without proving a +blessing to those with whom they come in contact. + + -------- + Pray for them which despitefully use you.--Luke 6:28. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER SIX + +REFORMATION OF CRIMINALS + +[Louisville Times] + + +In a sermon delivered in the Nashville penitentiary, the Rev. George L. +Herr, formerly chaplain of the jail here, spoke encouragingly to the +inmates, citing cases of reformation where reform seemed impossible. The +Rev. Mr. Herr took occasion to pay a high tribute to Jailer John R. +Pflanz, of Louisville. He said in part: + + -------- + Repent ye therefore and be converted.--Acts 3:19. + -------- + +When I address you upon this subject I speak from the standpoint of one +who knows by bitter experience. I know that sin can rob man of fortune, +and all the luxuries of life. I know that it can rob him of the love of +all who ever loved him; I know that it can drag him down from a position +of prominence, and make him a habitue of the dives; I know that it will +cause him to place a rope around his neck and hang himself to a rafter +in his own barn; I know that sin will lead him to pause at the railing +of a bridge, his mind set upon the awful deed of self-destruction; I +know that it will tempt him to take a razor in hand and draw it across +his throat. I know that sin will reduce him from a position of +influence, a welcome visitor to the homes of the elite, to a degraded +drunkard, homeless upon the streets of his native city, robed in a short +linen duster and a straw hat in the dead of a bitter winter's night. + +[Illustration: REV. JOHN PAUL + +He gave the title to this book after reading the manuscript] + + +River Thief's Reformation. + +Jerry McAuley was a river thief, and, while serving a term in the +penitentiary, caught a glimpse of what the life beyond with Christ would +be, and the verse, "God so loved the world," etc, (John iii., 16), won +his heart and life, and this poor, weak vessel in the few years he +labored for Christ has planted the gospel light through some convert at +every port where a ship now lands throughout the world. + + +Case of Sam Hadley. + +Sam Hadley, who was saved through this man of God, was a poor friendless +drunkard, and at the time God spoke peace to his soul had committed +almost every crime in the calendar; over one hundred forgeries looked +him in the face when he confessed, but he had faith in God, and he led +him through all the dark valleys. Sam Hadley, was delivered. + + -------- + If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be + established.--Isa, 7:9. + -------- + +I met in the office of the prison every day the jailer, and I can +safely state, without any fear of contradiction, that I have never met a +warden or jailer who has such mercy and charity. + + +A Jail "Miracle." + +I shall speak now of a miracle of the prison cell. Several years ago the +great D. L. Moody was holding meetings in St. Louis, Mo. The Globe +Democrat announced that it was going to publish Mr. Moody's sermons. He +made up his mind that he would weave in plenty of Scripture for the +newspaper to carry into places that he could never enter. One night he +preached on the Philippian jailer, and next morning the paper came out +with a sensational headline, "How the Jailer of Philippi Was Caught." A +copy of the paper was carried into the city jail, and fell into the +hands of a notorious prisoner. This man was one of the worst characters +known to the St. Louis police. He was about forty years old at that +time, and had spent about twenty years in prison, and was then awaiting +trial on a serious charge. As he glanced over the morning paper, the +headline caught his eyes. Thinking that it was some jail news he began +to read it. + + -------- + This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our + faith,--1 John 5:4. + -------- + +God used it to convict him, and a sense of his responsibility before +God rushed upon him. There in his cell at midnight he prayed for the +first time in his life. On the following Sunday he talked with Christian +friends who held service in the jail, and was led into the light of the +gospel. From that night he was a changed man. The sheriff thought he was +playing the "pious dodge," and had no confidence in his professed +conversion. But when he came to trial the case against him was not +pressed, and he escaped through some technicality. + +[Illustration: DWIGHT L. MOODY + +Who sent the Gospel through the daily press that fell into the hands of +Valentine Burke. He was always interested in the lost man.] + + +Unexpected Good Fortune. + +For some months after his release Burke tried to find work, but no one +would take him, knowing his past history. He thought perhaps it was +because of his ugly face. He went to New York and was taken in by a +member of the police force, who knew him, and who told him he would +shoot him dead if he abused his confidence. + +Being unsuccessful in New York, he returned to St. Louis. One day this +man who had realized what the "enemy" had done for his life received a +message from the sheriff that he was wanted at the courthouse. He obeyed +with a heavy heart. + + -------- + Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver + thee.--Dan. 16:6. + -------- + +"Some old case they've got against me," he said, "but if I'm guilty I'll +tell them so; I've quit lying." The sheriff greeted him kindly. + +"Where have you been Burke?" + +"In New York." + +"What have you been doing there?" + +"Trying to find an honest job." + +"Have you kept a good grip on the religion you told me about?" inquired +the sheriff. + +"Yes," answered Burke; "I've had a hard time, sheriff, but I haven't +lost my religion." + +"Burke," said the sheriff, "I have had you shadowed ever since you left +jail. I suspected your religion was a fraud, but I am convinced that you +are sincere, as you have lived an honest life, and I have sent for you +to offer you a deputyship under me. You can begin at once." + + -------- + Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him + stand.--Rom. 14:4. + -------- + + +Tribute to Burke's Honesty. + +This was in 1880. When Mr. Moody was preaching in Chicago in 1890, +Burke, who had not been off duty for the ten years, came to see him. +During all that time there had been many changes in the administration +of the sheriff's office, and they had changed every deputy but him. +Finally they appointed the ex-convict treasurer of the sheriff's +office. Mr. Moody preached in St. Louis again in 1895. A short time +before his visit an evangelist was called away in the middle of the +revival meetings. The committee wanted Burke to come and preach in his +absence, but the sheriff said he had just levied on a jeweler's store +and had not had time to take an inventory, and Burke was the man he +could trust to put in charge of it. + +[Illustration: VALENTINE BURKE + +Fac-simile of photograph taken for the Rogues' Gallery.] + +[Illustration: VALENTINE BURKE + +From a photograph taken in 1887, seven years after his conversion] + +He was held in such confidence by the police that they did a most +unusual thing; they gave him a photograph they had of him in the Rogue's +Gallery. He had his photograph taken again in 1887, and in sending a +copy of this along with the original Rogue's Gallery photograph, to Mr. +T. S. McPheeters of St. Louis, to show the change in his features, Burke +wrote a note: + +"Notice the difference in the inclosed pictures. See what our holy +religion can do for the chief of sinners." On the back of the Rogue's +Gallery photograph he wrote: + +"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of +the dunghill, that he may set him with the princes, even with the +princes of his people." (Ps. cxiii, 7, 8.) + + -------- + Buy the truth and sell it not, also wisdom and + instruction.--Prov. 23:23. + -------- + +This incident shows what the grace of God can do for a hardened sinner. +Not only can it save him, but it can keep him. Valentine Burke lived an +active, consistent Christian life in the position until God called him +home in 1895. + + +Visit to Nashville, Tenn., Prison + +Mrs. Wilburn, of Nashville, writes of Mr. Herr's visit to the Nashville +prison as follows: It was my great pleasure as we reached the door to +find Brother Herr, of Louisville, Ky., awaiting admission. It was +raining, cold and dreary without, but he carried sunshine on the inside +of the prison to the sad prisoners. The large chapel was filled with +eager listeners and he received a most hearty welcome and all were +delighted to see their true friend Brother Herr. It was indeed a sight +to make angels rejoice to see how eagerly they drank in every word. I +believe many darkened lives from whom all hope had fled were encouraged +once more to look up. Hundreds of faces grew brighter as he told with +burning words how God had saved convicts steeped in many crimes, causing +judges in different states to set them free; when they were told that +Jesus had blotted out their past and made new men of them. At the close +of his sermon Brother Herr asked all who would pray when alone in their +cells that Christ would save them too from the power of sin, and +transform their lives as He had others, to hold up their hands; as quick +as a flash hundreds of hands white and colored were raised above their +heads and, oh, how our hearts rejoiced as we saw the hope in so many +lives. We are looking to God who giveth the increase to bless the seed +sown in those sad hearts, and earnestly pray that when the great harvest +day comes many of these men may testify that the sunshine of God's great +love entered their hearts on that dark dreary day in December. + + -------- + Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.--Isa. 52:11. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER SEVEN + +DOES PRISON WORK PAY? + + +Who will ever know the vast number that attribute the first impulse to a +better life, formed while in the seclusion of a prison cell--alone with +God. + +The world will never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon +themselves, have learned the great secret that it takes an _Omnipotent +Power_ to change the current of their lives, and give them deliverance +from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth not to live a new +purpose, but a new life. + +Many of these unfortunate ones, not remaining criminals from choice, but +because they have never known there was an antidote provided for the +deepest-dyed criminals, "a scarlet atonement for a scarlet sin," whereby +the power of evil possessing them could be eradicated from their lives, +and they no longer victims. While some do not seemingly heed the kindly +admonition given, yet we believe the promise of God will be fulfilled, +that "His word will not return void," and some time--somewhere--the +fruition of their hopes will be realized. + + -------- + Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand + against the wiles of the devil.--Eph. 6:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: THE LATE COL. MAT. RAGLAND + +Who aided the Author in securing a pardon from Gov. Beckham for a young +man who is now at the head of a great firm] + +If Mr. A. could speak for himself when 14 years ago he bowed in his cell +as a poor forlorn sinner, and surrendered himself to God, and has since +been testifying of his saving grace; Mr. B., after leading a criminal +life for years, but when touched by the mighty power of God, came forth +to become a preacher of the gospel, and has since been magnifying the +grace that brought his deliverance; Mr. C., a desponding infidel, +persuaded to believe there was efficacy in prayer, and in the atoning +blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; if the multitude of witnesses who have +been saved through the faithfulness of prison workers were known, the +verdict would be--_it pays_. + + Louisville, Ky., February 15, 1912. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +When you handed me your little book "Lost and is Found" I had no idea +what a treasure you were placing in my hands. Undisturbed in my cell +tonight I read it through and wished for more. I read it the second and +third time, and your sermon so impressed me I read it the fourth time, + + -------- + Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues + of life.--Proverbs 4:23. + -------- + +Before I wandered away from my mother's teaching and fell into my awful +sin and disgrace, I had heard many sermons on the "Prodigal Son," but +none that in such a convincing way drives home the awfulness of sin as +does your description of this, to me, the dearest of Christ's parables. + +What I like about you most in all your talks with the prisoners is this, +you never show a man how bad he is or how low he has fallen without +showing him how good he can become or how high he may rise, and it's +always in a way that appeals to the heart of the man. + +God grant that while under your influence and in the knowledge of "your +way back to Christ" I and many of the lost ones within the prison may be +able to throw off the shackles of sin and return to our Father's love. + +Your noble work among fallen men will never be known in its entirety in +this world, but in that to come God will surely number you among those +who have brought unto him a great harvest of precious souls. + +May God bless you and your dear Christian wife in uplifting the fallen +ones, is the earnest prayer of one who desires your influence over the +remainder of his life. + + Yours for a better life, + CURTIS. + + -------- + My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregation I will + bless the Lord.--Psalm 26:12. + -------- + + Louisville, Ky., Dec. 26, 1911. + + Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + Jefferson County Jail. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +I want to thank you for the Christmas service which you held in the +chapel yesterday afternoon. + +I was greatly helped in my own spirit and I was profoundly impressed +with the very evident influence of the occasion and your address upon +the hearts and spirits of all the other prisoners. + +May God richly reward you in your labors of love for these people. + + Faithfully yours, + HENRY. + + +The Work of a Prison Evangelist + +By Geo. Wm. Wood + +[From the Courier-Journal Nov. 17, 1912] + +To the right-thinking man there can be but one answer to the question, +does the work of an evangelist pay? As well might we ask does the +beautiful life of a true Christian pay? As well might we ask the farmer, +as he carefully tills the soil and sows the seed and labors to +cultivate the grain, does it pay? What answer would you expect from the +shrewd business man of today should you ask him the question does it +pay, when he labors and advises to keep down expenses. He would promptly +answer in the affirmative. Let us bring the question closer home. Ask +the prisoner behind the bars, does it pay to respect the law? He will +answer yes. So for the question does the work of an evangelist pay +behind prison bars there can be but one answer--yes. + + -------- + Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly.--1 + Ch. 19:13. + -------- + +Sitting tonight in our lonesome cell, bounded on three sides by blank +and barren walls of steel, through our two-by-six door, constructed of +massive bars of iron, there comes to us the conversation of our fellow +prisoners, as with head pressed close against the bars to catch the +other fellow's words, we listen to the talk of the men "committed for +crime"--men strong and healthy, who should be engaged in some honest +labor, but, instead, are "doing time" for a broken law. We had no idea +of the meaning of the words "doing time" until being placed behind these +bars, we took up the daily life of a prisoner, and with nothing but +"time" to look to, began the task of trying to be contented. We believe +from our own past ideas of prison life that very few of the outside +world have any conception of what the prisoner's life really is, or +what it means to be sentenced to a term in prison. + + -------- + No good thing will he withhold from them that walk + uprightly.--Psalm 84:11. + -------- + +[Illustration: JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY. + +Members of the International Prison Congress pronounced this prison the +model jail of the world.] + + +Judge Does Not Understand. + +The judge who pronounces sentence upon the evil and unfortunate knows as +little of the meaning of the terms he uses in meting out punishment as +the mail clerk knows of the contents of the letters he handles at his +daily task. "Danger" conveys but little meaning to the mind of the +engineer who has never had a wreck. By the standard of freedom, a day in +prison is a year, and it is only those who mingle daily in our midst can +talk to the "man behind the bars," who can have a fair idea of what the +prisoner suffers daily in "doing time." The world that lies beneath the +bars is a strange world to the average citizen, the citizen blessed with +average good fortune. Prison life is a queer and twisted one, and a law +to itself. + + -------- + Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of + Christ--Ph. 1:27. + -------- + +But to return to the prisoners' conversation, of which we spoke. +Vile--yes, dear reader, this word does not convey to you the full +measure within the writer's mind. At times it seems that some have sunk +so low that all conception of honor and truth have passed entirely away. +No reverence whatever for such words as "mother, home or heaven" left +within their minds, for they are rendered entirely void of good thoughts +or honest ideas, having been so long filled with the one thought--crime. + + +Prison Record for Life. + +Men who started on their "career of crime" as mere boys, with years of +youth spent in reform schools only to be developed into men of crime, +have prison records to follow them through life. Many of these men feel +that they have lost all hope of any but the criminal's life. Many of +them have been forsaken by family and friends. So to the man or woman +who is at all interested in the uplift of his fellow man, can you think +of any field where the labor of an evangelist is more needed than it is +among the men we have attempted to describe to you? + + -------- + Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong--1 + Corinthians 16:13. + -------- + +Then there is the paramount reason why the evangelist is needed. Men who +would not on the outside of prison give one minute of their time to +listen to the evangelist as he tried to persuade them to take a new +lease on life let him engage their attention by the hour as he shows +them the error of their way and points them to a better life. There are +those that listen to his talk and turn away in scorn to ridicule his +teaching. But as the days follow on, and the newness of the prison life +begins to wear away, they listen with more respect to the "man of God." + +[Illustration: THE LATE HON. J. C. BOHART + +of Chicago, one of the Author's main supporters while living in Chicago, +Ill.] + +We have seen men behind the bars who never before bent their knee in +prayer. After listening to the evangelist's story of God and his love, +they go to their cells, and upon bended knees, beg for mercy and help. + +Brother George L. Herr has taken the word of the Master into many of the +prisons of the United States, but the jails and penitentiaries of his +native State of Kentucky have claimed much of his time and attention. We +must confess when first coming in contact with him, our feeling against +him was bitter, we did not want his friendship nor his help, only +because we were angered by his denouncing our pet sins. But as days +lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months, the truth of his kindly +spoken words came home to us. Life was stripped of all its so-called +pleasure, with nothing but its disgrace and shame left to mock us, +having sold out to the "demon of crime." + + -------- + Why art thou cast down? Hope thou in God.--Psalm 42:5. + -------- + +Then we began to feel the need of his wise counsel and to realize the +good of having him among us. He was always ready and willing to help +each and every man, not only with advice and counsel, but in so many +substantial ways, trying to lighten the prisoner's burden and make his +life better and brighter. + +He has also devoted part of his time to writing books. Those we call to +mind are "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoners," "The Life +Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The Missionary," "The +Bethel," "Lost and is Found," "A Glorious Rescue," and his new book, +"The Nation Behind Prison Bars," soon to be brought out. Hundreds of +thousands of these books have been sent broadcast over the world, and +through them great good has been accomplished. Well might he be called +the "Prisoner's Friend," for his desire to aid each and every man gives +to him this well-earned title. + +Full of generosity, kind far beyond the ordinary meaning of the word, +always ready to forgive the aggressor and to forget the offense, he wins +his way into the hearts of wicked and violent men in a manner that makes +them his lasting friends, and turns their words of condemnation into +words of praise. + + -------- + He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that + believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God + abideth on him.--John 3:36. + -------- + +We fancy, as we write tonight, while, for the moment, the stillness of +death has fallen upon the entire prison, we can hear his voice, as it +rings out in righteous indignation, through the prison corridors, +calling some man to account for his vile language or his taking in vain +the name of God. + + +Works Without Pay. + +If you were to ask a prisoner to what church Brother Herr belongs he +would no doubt plead ignorance, as no faith nor creed is known in his +work among the men. He makes no distinction between chapel-goers and +non-attendants, and will do a favor for the worst man in prison as +readily as for the leader of the chapel quartet; but ask the same +prisoner, "Who is it that speaks to judge and the warden about the sick +mother who longs to see her imprisoned son before she dies? Ask him. + +Who pleads with the Governor? + +Who tries to soften the heart of the prosecutor? + +Who provides shoes and clothing for the poor prisoners? + +What unpaid messenger runs the errands of the prisoners? + +Who reconciles the erring son in prison with his mother and father? + +He will answer, "Brother Herr." + + -------- + I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.--Psalm 101:2. + -------- + +Now, the average prisoner may be deficient in the matter of mental +balance, but he is not an imbecile. He is a better judge of character +and a keener observer than the more honest and commonplace fellow man. +By the same keen powers of observation that belong to the criminal type, +he notes that Brother Herr differs from many other prison evangelists, +for he helps without asking questions. He has no theory or dogma to +exploit, and he labors for the uplift of humanity. + + +Tribute to Jailer. + +Much that we have written of this great work was made possible by Jailer +John R. Pflanz, who for the past twelve years has been at the head of +the Jefferson County jail. He is constantly laboring to better the +conditions of the prisoners and give to the people an honest +administration and progressive system of prison management. + +To him Louisville and Jefferson County owe a great deal for the good +work accomplished among the criminals. Brother Herr says: + + -------- + Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.--2 Ch. + 19:11. + -------- + +"If such men as John R. Pflanz, of Louisville; John L. Whittman, of +Chicago; Co. E. E. Mudd, of Frankfort, and Col. Dan Bartley, of +Cincinnati, were placed in office for life the criminal world would +greatly decrease every year, instead of being on the increase." + +[Illustration: HON. JOHN R. PFLANZ + +Jailer of Jefferson County. A friend of the unfortunate.] + +We have never heard of any prisoner complain of unjust treatment by him, +but on the other hand, many are the unfortunate men who leave this +prison to take their places in business again, because of assistance +given them by Mr. Pflanz. + +His regular rounds through the entire prison are always hailed with +delight by the prisoners, as he is ever ready to hear their complaints +and remedy any existing evil. He listens to all the appeals for help by +the prisoners and leaves no unfulfilled promises. + +His personal inspection of the "cell-house" and inquiries about the +health and general welfare of all the prisoners, make him always a +welcome visitor among the men. + +Mr. Pflanz's desire to change the criminal into a respected citizen and +the assistance he gives to bring about this result proves his thorough +understanding, brought about by years of study and personal contact, of +how to deal with this class of our citizenship. + + -------- + Be strong and of a good courage; for the Lord thy God is with + thee whithersoever thou goest.--Joshua 1:9. + -------- + + +Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner + +[Louisville Herald] + +Henry E. Youtsey, sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary for +his complicity in the murder of Governor Goebel, and at the present time +the most distinguished prisoner confined behind the cold, gray walls of +the State prison at Frankfort, has at last "got religion." + +The man who has succeeded in reaching the heart of this man whose name +emblazened the front pages of newspapers from coast to coast almost ten +years ago, is the Louisville prison evangelist, the Rev. George L. Herr. +The medium he employed was a little pamphlet containing the simple story +of the reformation of one Dad O'Brien, an erstwhile scalawag who was +finally converted to a new life. + + -------- + As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our + transgressions from us.--Psalm 103:11. + -------- + +Rev. Herr, who has carried the gospel into the cells of many a poor, +crime-stained wretch, not only here in Louisville, but in every +prison-house in the country and has accomplished a great amount of good +among the outcasts of society, recently received a letter dated October +16, 1909, which reads: + +"I am delighted to learn that you visited all the cells today and left +in each one the tract, 'How Dad O'Brien Became Converted.' I have read +it, and it is simply an additional evidence of a truth that has long +been known to sincere evangelists like yourself to the effect that no +matter how hardened and steeped in sin a poor fellow may be, the love of +God can win him and Jesus can save him, and he can start life anew, +singing praises to his Redeemer, and winning the lives of his old +companions for the Master. I believe that the happiness of O'Brien's +latter years more than made up for all he suffered--for he enjoyed a +portion of the most glorious life that could be lived here below. When +you get into heaven, as you surely will, Dad O'Brien will be the +brightest star in your crown. Yours most sincerely, + + HENRY E. YOUTSEY." + + +Practical Religious Work in County Jail + +Dear Brother Herr: + +Whenever I think of my confinement in the Louisville jail, a picture +arises before me in which I can clearly see in the main corridor in the +building, down the center of which extended a long table covered with a +snowy cloth, and then in charge of the Hon. John R. Pflanz, than whom +there never was a kinder-hearted jailer in all the world. + + -------- + Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and + I will receive you.--2 Cor. 6:12. + -------- + +But that table and its delicious burden: Turkey after turkey, four of +which weighed more than twenty-five pounds each, with all the trimmings, +including dressing, cranberry sauce, etc. There were oysters fried, and +oyster soup, with crackers and celery. And what an array of cakes! As I +remember, there were chocolate and caramel, layer and black ones, in +short, almost every kind of cakes and pies known to the culinary art. +Then there were bushels of oranges, apples and mixed nuts, and for a +time all of us forgot about stone walls and iron bars, for what a merry +time we did have discussing that repast! + + -------- + For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, + that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have + everlasting life.--John 3:16. + -------- + +Whence came all of those good things? Why, the little man who has so +often walked a square or two further in the rain to buy one banana more +for a nickel for some poor prisoner, and who has worn out more +shoe-leather in helping unfortunate men in durance vile than any other +man in Kentucky: the Rev. Geo. L. Herr, affectionately called "The +Little Missionary," made personal calls on the wealthy and charitable +merchants in the city of Louisville, soliciting this food and dinner in +the name of humanity, and may God richly bless all those who helped him +make it such a grand success. + + HENRY E. YOUTSEY. + + +Praise for Prison Evangelist + +[Courier-Journal] + +To the tributes that have been paid to the Rev. George Herr, after +filling the pulpit of the Clifton Baptist church, of Louisville, the +Rev. James A. Clark yesterday added a testimonial, in which he praised +the prison evangelist for work which he considers "little short of +wonderful." + +"It gives me pleasure to add my testimonial to the many I have seen +concerning the work of the Rev. George Herr as prison evangelist," says +the Clifton Baptist church pastor. "Three times I have heard him tell +the simple gospel story of Jesus and his love. He has a message few +preachers have, and tells it with power and effect. He has a message the +world needs to hear, because it is an example of the power of God to +save to the uttermost. + + -------- + My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.--Prov. 1:10. + -------- + +"Mr. Herr has had a wonderful, but costly experience, which fits him +peculiarly for the special work among prisoners. From a wealthy man, +living in a mansion, sin blindly led him to poverty, robbed him of his +money, property and friends; but God came into his life and now he +rejoices that he is a child of the King. + +"George Herr is doing a work little short of wonderful. He deserves the +co-operation of the Christian brotherhood, and I take pleasure in +commending him." + + +Sermon in State Prison + +Rev. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, says in the Courier-Journal: + +One of the most remarkable meetings in the annals of the prison was held +in the chapel of the penitentiary at Frankfort, Ky., Sunday morning. +George L. Herr, of Louisville, a friend of Chaplain Severance, was +present and spoke from the fourth and twelfth verses of the 103rd Psalm. +The sermon was a strong appeal to the men for gratitude to God for the +rich provision for the redemption of the race and urging them to accept +the mercy of God and allow him to remove their sins from them "as far +as the East is from the West." The chapel was crowded to the doors, and +during the sermon that lasted for an hoar no one moved and none went +out. + + -------- + My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped.--Psalm + 73:2. + -------- + +At the close of the sermon the gospel invitation was given and a total +of forty-two men came forward, some to confess faith in Christ (of these +there were thirty-seven) and others to renew their vows. Hundreds asked +for prayer in their behalf. Among those who came were some of the +hardest men in the prison and more noted for insubordination and +disobedience than for piety and morality. + +But the Chaplain believes that the per cent. of those who remain true is +as great among prisoners as among those outside. + +Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is a man of large +sympathy, and having had an experience of fifteen years as an evangelist +knows how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire confidence +of both prisoners and officials and is always given a most hearty +welcome by all. + +The baptism of the thirty-seven men who made confession Sunday will be +attended to next Sunday morning. Mr. Herr will return to the baptism. + + -------- + Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my + brethren, ye have done it unto me.--Matt. 25:40. + -------- + + +Revival Stirs Up Inmates + +[Courier-Journal] + +The Rev. George L. Herr preached yesterday at the Frankfort penitentiary +for the Rev. Joseph Severance, who was filling another engagement. +Several hundred men and women asked for prayer, and fourteen confessed +Christ and were baptized in the prison pool in the afternoon by the +chaplain, assisted by the Rev. C. R. Hudson and the Rev. Herr, prison +evangelist. + + * * * * * + +The prisoners in the Frankfort penitentiary were again blessed by a +visit from Bro. Geo. L. Herr, the Louisville prison evangelist, who came +unexpectedly to us. It was doubly fortunate, for the reason that Bro. +Jos. Severance, the chaplain, was absent from the city and therefore +could not fill his appointment. + + -------- + He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth + not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the + name of the only begotten Son of God.--John 3:18. + -------- + +Bro. Herr read that most beautiful 37th Psalm, which is replete with +comfort for those who are in dire distress and in need of consolation, +placing special emphasis on those passages which teach patience and +faith in "The God who is mighty to save and strong to deliver." + +Bro. Herr never fails to extend the invitation of the gospel; in fact, +that is his strong point, and is recognized by him to be the most +important part of his work as an evangelist. His labor was rewarded, as +he won eight souls for our Lord and Saviour. + +The following representatives, members of the present General Assembly, +were present at the morning services: W. H. Jones, Princeton, Ky.; John +T. Shanklin, Johnson, Ky.; W. A. B. Davis, Mt. Vernon, Ky.; Albert +Butler. These gentlemen have been coming regularly, which proves that +they are interested in our welfare, and also devoted to the church +services. We are always proud of their presence, and invite all their +colleagues. + +At the afternoon Christian Endeavor service, Bro. Herr made an +extemporaneous address in which he revealed the secret of his wonderful +success as a soul-winner, which the writer would call unlimited charity, +and inexhaustible brotherly love; the love that always instantly +forgives, and as quickly extends a hand to help a fallen brother rise. + +The eulogy he paid his wife, whom he acknowledged to be the inspiration +to his life, was most beautiful. At this service he won five more souls +for his hire, making thirteen for the day. HENRY E. YOUTSEY. + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHT + +A MAN OF HONOR + + +For several years I have been deeply interested in the men confined in +the prison, and in the betterment of their condition. Each time I held +service in the prison I came in contact with, and was very much +encouraged and assisted by the warden's great kindness. He did much to +improve the conditions of life within the prison walls. G. L. H. + + * * * * * + +[Evening Post.] + +FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 23.--The body of Edward E. Mudd, late warden of the +Frankfort State Reformatory, who died yesterday morning, was taken this +morning to his former home at Glendale, in Hardin County, where it will +be buried this afternoon. + +Yesterday afternoon the body lay in state in the prison chapel and was +viewed by 1,300 convicts. + + -------- + My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.--Prov. 1:10. + -------- + +Five floral designs were sent from the penitentiary. The guards and the +deputy wardens and the clerks sent two, a few of the "trusties" sent +another, and the white prisoners and the colored prisoners each sent a +design. These latter were paid for in 5 and 10-cent contributions. + +The Prison Commission, which is in session, ordered flowers sent from +Louisville, and adopted the following resolution: + +"Resolved, That in the death of Edward E. Mudd, warden of the State +Reformatory at Frankfort, the State of Kentucky has lost a valuable +public official, and the prison has been deprived of an ideal executive. + +"His long experience in prison work had supplemented his natural +ability, with the result that he brought to a difficult task a trained +mind and an admirable judgment. He was firm without being severe; gentle +without being weak; with a heart full of kindness for the unfortunates +under his control. + +"The Board of Prison Commissioners recognized his worth; had the fullest +appreciation of his manliness, his integrity and his devotion to duty. +They sought his advice on all important matters, and in his demise they +realize that the State has sustained an irreparable loss. The sincere +sympathy of the board is hereby extended to his bereaved wife and +children." + +Until a successor to Warden Mudd is appointed one of the commissioners +will be constantly in Frankfort. + + -------- + Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.--Jno. 8:11. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER NINE + +JIM O'BRIEN: MODERN MIRACLE + +By George L. Herr + + +Several years ago I met in the Jefferson County jail, Louisville, Ky., +"Dad O'Brien," one of the worst criminals I have ever known. Fifty odd +years of age, forty years a thief and twenty-five years behind the bars. +The sentence in the jail was a light one--one year and a half--for +having received stolen property, but he had stolen from one to tens of +thousands. He was son of a prominent physician of Cincinnati, for twenty +years professor of anatomy in the Ohio Medical College. He began by +stealing from his mother's purse and then, when punished by his father, +would steal his father's instruments and sell them for revenge. His +father, being a very stern man, drove "Billy" from home, and the night +came on with no place to go. + + -------- + Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and + believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall + not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto + life.--John 5:24. + -------- + +He led a low, degraded life, and was finally arrested and sentenced to +serve ten years in the Columbus penitentiary. When he was about to serve +his first sentence--which seemed to him a lifetime--a young lady, an old +schoolmate and who had been visiting him in jail, proposed marriage to +him, so she could have the right to visit him in Columbus and provide +him with the comforts of life, as far as possible. She was a girl of +means, and he was stunned by the proposal. For, he said, he had not +thought of such a thing as a wife. But he told her to come back the next +day and he would let her know. She did, and he accepted and they were +married on the eve of his leaving for the penitentiary. He only served +part of the sentence, and when released went to the home of the girl and +began life in a new way, only to fall in the old rut in a short time. He +kept up his criminal life for years. + + -------- + "But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them + snared in holes, are for a prey, and none delivereth: for a + spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to + this? Who will harken and hear for the time to come?"--Isaiah + 42:22. + -------- + +The good wife died, and after her death he became one of the most +notorious bank robbers in this country. While in the county jail at +Louisville, Ky., Dad's friends were standing nobly by him. He had plenty +of money sewed in his clothes to meet his every need. I tried hard to +reach him, but he was determined not to have anything to do with a "Sky +Pilot," as he called me. The first time I spoke to him he almost spit in +my face, but that never daunted me. I was more determined to win him. I +saw he was a diamond in the rough. He had a bright mind, a man filled +with history. + +While in prison in Louisville, Ky., he became interested, and determined +to quit the old life. After this determination he immediately wrote his +intentions to his old pals on the outside, and told them not to send him +any more money, for he was done with that life. They told him he was a +fool and had gone crazy, and everything else they could think of. + +But he was that kind, when he made up his mind to do a thing he did it. + + -------- + The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our + refuge.--Psalm 46:7. + -------- + +Then it was my opportunity for the practical side of Christianity, for I +believe in that side. His clean laundry must be supplied, extra food +that his old companions had been having sent in from the restaurants +must now be brought by the missionary from home. Many are the baskets of +food I have carried from my cottage home to this man. But the time was +coming when he was to be released and nowhere to go, and that was the +thing that seemed to trouble him most. + +I said: "Never mind, 'Dad,' when you get out of this prison-house come +to my home, I'll take care of you and help you to a good life." Well, +one night, at about 8 o'clock he knocked on the door. How glad wife and +I were to see him! He often said, "How warm the fire looks and how +home-like to see you all sitting around." We gave him a good warm +supper, a good bed, the best room in the house, but that was not all he +needed. The next day was the beginning of the real battle. The +detectives were hounding him. But to keep them from rearresting him we +sent him across the river until we could plead with the officers to give +this man another chance. We believe had it not been for the great +interest taken by John R. Pflanz, the jailer, at this time for this man, +that he would have died in a cell in some far Eastern prison. He said, +"What's the use? Let me alone; there is only one thing for me and that +is to go back to the old life." We said, "'D,' we'll see you through." + + -------- + I know not how to go.--1 Kings 3:7. + -------- + +All this time we were trying to find employment for him. All this time +he was growing impatient and would say: "A great big husky fellow like +me laying around on a little man like Brother Herr." He weighed about +190 pounds, but we would encourage him by saying, "Well, Dad, you know +God's people have all things in common, and he knows you are here, and +when he sends to us he sends it for you as well." + +One day when we were talking, he said: "Brother Herr, those old charges +in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and New York are hanging +over me and I must face them." + +We said, "Well, Dad, if you have made up your mind you would rather live +for God behind the bars than to live for the devil on the outside or the +inside, God will see you through. Go and face these charges, and if you +mean business, God will take care of you." + + -------- + I will guide thee.--Ps. 32:8. + -------- + +He went first to St. Louis and told the judge on the bench that he had +quit the old life forever. They looked at him, and even those who were +his bitter enemies, said, "Give him another chance; go and be a man and +we will help you." He came back to our home from St. Louis, stayed a few +weeks and started for the other charges, encouraged by the last trip. He +went to Chicago first, and they told him the same thing there; then he +went to Cincinnati, then to Pittsburg, and they said, "Dad, if you mean +business you shall have a chance." Then he went to New York where he +and three other men had robbed a bank of $175,000. When he went in to +see the New York people they did not know him. He had been living a +Christian life for several months. Salvation changes the looks of a man, +and takes away the hard lines and softens the eye; and when he told them +who he was, they said: "My God! where did you come from and what are you +doing here?" + +He told these gentlemen what had taken place in his life, and of his +determination for the future. Said one wealthy man, "Well, Dad, go on +your way and may God be with you and help you." + + -------- + Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy + God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.--Is. 41:10. + -------- + +He went on a hunt for the old friend "Hinky Dink" down in the first +ward. "Hinky Dink" saw him, paid for a week's lodging at the Mills +Hotel, and gave him money for meals each day. Finally one day "Hinky +Dink" and Dad, standing in the front of his (Hinky Dink's) saloon, +called "the workingmen's bar," where they line up by the fifties at a +time, looking in, "Hinky Dink" said, "Dad, you are worth $18 a week to +me behind that bar." Dad said, "Me? Not me for $1,800 a week. I am a +Christian, I have quit all that, never to return again." "Hinky Dink" +said: "Well, what do you want, anyhow?" Dad said: "I want to go to +Cincinnati to the Holiness camp meeting." "Hinky Dink" said, "Where?" +(this being all Greek to him), as it was not in his line, he knew. + +"Dad" repeated what he had said, and "Hinky Dink" said: "Come right over +here and I'll buy you a ticket." He took him over to the railroad +office, and bought him a limited ticket to Cincinnati. Dad said, when +telling us, "He thought he was shipping me in the quickest way possible, +but it was the Lord taking care of 'Old Dad,' and sending him in +first-class style." + +Again he came back to our home, stayed several weeks, then we got him +$20 worth of religious books to travel around to the camp meetings to +sell, and to tell his experience, for the people were eager to hear this +wonderful experience of God's transforming power, wherever he went. We +started him off, and he soon felt his call to preach the gospel. He was +ordained in Indianapolis in 1905, and preached up and down the land, +winning lost men and women for Jesus. His life was a miracle of what +God's grace can do. He married a fine Christian woman, who was a great +help to him in his work. + +In the fall of 1908 he died a triumphant death, leaving a glorious +testimony behind. + + +Jim O'Brien Passes Away + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Indianapolis Herald an +editorial by the Rev. George E. Bueler, pastor of the Methodist +Episcopal church, Indianapolis, Ind.: + +"The Rev. William H. Frazier, alias Jim O'Brien," died at Indianapolis +on Monday, October 30, 1908. + +"At an early age Frazier began associating with bad boys on the streets +of Cincinnati and of course was soon drawn into sin. At the age of 14 he +began stealing, at first on a small scale, and increasing with the years +until he became one of the most daring and successful bank robbers known +in America. He was arrested and in prison many times, but when at +liberty he drifted back into crime again. For forty years he was a +criminal; of that time twenty-three years and six months was spent +behind prison bars. Although he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars +he was released from prison the last time in Louisville with only $2.40 +left. What wages for forty years in the service of Satan! While +incarcerated in the Jefferson County jail, at Louisville, Ky., +Missionary George L. Herr found this wretched man and through many +months of persistent effort found a way to his heart. At first the +missionary was met with curses and abuses, but love conquered, and the +result was Jim's conversion, a miracle indeed, for, from that time in +January, 1903, "Dad," as he was known, lived a godly life and retrieved +for the past by telling everywhere he went his life story, showing forth +the glory of God's redeeming grace. No one knew better than Bro. Frazier +what it meant for a man to be released from prison and again face the +world. With the disgrace and odium upon him it is well nigh impossible +for him to find honest employment, for no one knowing him to be an +exconvict wants him in their employ, the temptation to return to the old +life is strong. With this in view he began making homes for such men in +large cities. While Bro. Frazier was working and starting a home in +Cincinnati he was made prison chaplain for the entire city. During the +past summer he and his wife came to Indianapolis. While here his +physical condition gave way; he knew his end was near. To those who +waited on him in his last hours he constantly affirmed his faith in God +and passed peacefully away. The funeral was conducted by the Revs. +Parker, Stevens and Bueler, with special singing by Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. +Bueler and Mrs. Nelson. All who want a more complete account of this +wonderful life should read his book, "From Crime to Christ." + + + + +CHAPTER TEN + +COLUMBUS OHIO PRISON + +[Ohio Penitentiary News] + + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, returned yesterday from St. +Louis, where he went in the interest of the men "behind the bars." The +Rev. Mr. Herr also had a delightful visit with his son, of St. Louis. +Mr. Herr, on his return home, received the following letter from the +Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at Columbus, O., penitentiary: + +Dear Brother: I thank you for your letter informing me that you will +spend Sunday, March 8, with us at this prison. We intend to make good +use of you for the Master's cause. We will wish you, unless it will +weary you to do so, to speak to our Sunday-school at 8 o'clock; address +the prayer meeting at 9 o'clock; preach in chapel at 10 o'clock; attend +Female Bible class and talk at 3 p.m., and men's Bible class at 7 p.m. + + * * * * * + + -------- + "I was in prison, and ye came unto me."--Matt. 25:36. + -------- + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Ohio Penitentiary News +an editorial by the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at the Columbus, +O., prison: + +"The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in our chapel last +Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of +life lead through a labyrinth that would require a half century of years +to make its journey at an ordinary pace. But George L. Herr is not the +man to do anything in an ordinary way. The itinerary of his life shows +few curves--mostly acute angles. He was born in an old Kentucky family +of the city of Louisville. His ancestral stock was golden, and his +infancy was fed with a golden spoon on sugar and cream. When he was +three months old his Christian mother went to be with God. When he was +18 years old his father, Richard S. Herr, a capitalist of Louisville, +died and left George the heir of a large patrimony. + +"The orphan was genial, sportive, rich and without domestic restraint. +Men seized the opportunity to take advantage of his tendencies and youth +to filch from him his wealth. He yielded, and threw on the neck of +appetite the slackened rein and became woefully dissipated. He mounted +the toboggan and went down the slide, landing in a few years in the +gulch of destitution and near the precipice of suicide. + + -------- + Teach me thy way, O Lord.--Ps. 86:11. + -------- + +"Here in destitution and despair on the day after Christmas, 1893, the +Rev. S. P. Holcombe, of Louisville, found the prodigal and led him into +the Union Gospel Mission, where he sought and came to know God as a +personal Saviour. What a change! New bottles for the new wine of the +Spirit! As language cannot picture the degradation of the prodigal, +neither can it picture the exaltation of the son restored to the Father. +George was as whole-hearted in his new life as in his old. He had beauty +for ashes and a spirit of praise instead of heaviness. After nearly five +years of the new life George L. Herr, in the city of his fall and his +recovery, was married by the Rev. Dr. Carter H. Jones, pastor of +Broadway Baptist Church, to Miss Lillie M. Joyce. George says that if a +man ever outmarried himself he's the man. He says God gave him this +priceless treasure of a Christian wife in answer to prayer. Those who +know Mrs. Herr speak of her as sweet-spirited, noble, devout, gifted in +song and speech and one in spirit with her husband in the work of saving +those who are out of the way. Their home is filled with the aroma of +grace and their united lives are spent in doing good. How wonderfully +God fulfills His ancient promise to present-day prodigals: 'As ye were a +curse, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing.'" + + + The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week + + Weekly Budget of Personal, Local and Other Newsbits. + + To-morrow in the Chapel. + + Sunday School 8 A.M. + Prayer Meeting 9 A.M. + The Great Congregation 10 A.M. + Entry March Band + (Thomas McCaskie, Leader.) + Gloria Patri Entire Congregation + (Directed by Choirmaster Prof. J. H. Chavers.) + + Invocation. + + Songs By Miss Luale Bethel + + "A Rose in Heaven." + "Life's Lullaby." + + First Scripture Lesson. + + Anthem Choir + Morning Prayer Chaplain + Lord's Prayer Response by Choir + + Second Scripture Lesson. + + Hymn No. 3 Choir + + "Within Thy Courts." + + Sermon Rev. George L. Herr + Hymn No. 355 Choir + + "Calvary." + + Doxology. Benediction. + + Band. March. Exit. + + +Chapel Services + +In the Bible-school at 8 o'clock through the doorway of life beyond, +which Christ left open that men might both look in and go in, the 300 +students saw some of the things that "God hath prepared for them that +love Him." The germinal thoughts of John 14:1-14 are that heaven is a +place--a roomy place, a prepared place, a place where the Lord abides +and where he will have his prepared people to abide with him. And that +in this doctrine is the cure for human sorrow. "Let not your heart be +troubled * * believe." + +At the 9 o'clock meeting the quotation of Scripture verses appeared like +apples of gold in pictures of silver. Rev. George L. Herr was introduced +and the hearts of hearers beat warm under their jackets as the speaker +sang and talked to them of Jesus and His love. It was good to be there. + +The Great Congregation gathered at 10 o'clock and was welcomed with the +stirring notes of the band men. The many voices lifted in the chant, +"Gloria Patri," showed how grand the effect would be if all would join +in the song. Why not all? + + -------- + Give me understanding.--Ps. 119:34. + -------- + +"A Rose in Heaven," and "Life's Lullaby," were admirably sung by Miss +Lucile Bethel with her sister Miss Bethel as accompanist at the piano. +The anthem, "Ashamed of Jesus? Never, No Never," was sung by the choir +as the author of the song might have wished to hear it rendered. + + * * * * * + +That old story of the prodigal son was the subject on which Rev. George +L. Herr of Louisville, Ky., preached to the inmates of the penitentiary +Sunday morning in the chapel, but it was the twentieth century prodigal +who formed his main theme. + +Mr. Herr is known all over the country as the prison missionary. He has +all the vivacity and warmth of the Southerner. He illuminated the old +parable with the story of his descent from the position of a son of a +wealthy Kentucky home, possessing a large estate, to the destitution of +a linen duster for a December coat, and from a seat in a Pullman to +riding the bumpers of a cattle train. That was his condition sixteen +years ago. The men enjoyed the object lesson and cheered the moral +heroism evinced in the life-story of the missionary. + + * * * * * + + -------- + I am understanding.--Prov. 8:14. + -------- + +The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Evangel an editorial +by the Rev. L. B. Haines at Columbus, O.: + +"The editors of the Evangel were pleased to meet Mr. George L. Herr +while in Columbus a few days ago. He addressed the prisoners at the Ohio +penitentiary and was heartily received by all who heard him. He is doing +a noble work in the prisons all over our country. We spent a pleasant +afternoon together, visiting the sick in the prison hospital, and we +believe God blessed the seed sown. The Evangel wishes him and his dear +wife God speed in their self-sacrificing efforts for the lost. We take +great pleasure in calling the attention of the readers of the Evangel to +Herr's new book entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," a notice of +which you will find on another page of this issue.--Eds." + + -------- + For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, + that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have + everlasting life.--Jno. 3:16. + -------- + + + + +CHAPTER ELEVEN + +INCONTESTABLE PROOF + +OUR MOTTO: + +"Seeking the Lost." + +"Helping the Helpless to Help Themselves." + +JAILER PFLANZ PAYS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO EVANGELIST GEO. L. HERR + + Louisville, Ky., March 12, 1901. + +Mr. Geo. L. Herr, + +Dear Sir: I have recently been asked by several persons on different +occasions if I thought much good could come out of the rescue work done +at the county jail. In every instance I would answer "yes." A great deal +of good is done through the Christian workers, and especially by you, +who not only give your time and attention to this work, preaching the +gospel on the Sabbath, but on every day of your life doing everything in +your power to lighten the burden of the unfortunates confined in the +jail. + + -------- + My glad heart says in the language of the Psalmist: "Bless the + Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." + -------- + +[Illustration: REV. C. S. HANLEY + +President of International Federation of Christian Workers, by whom we +were ordained in Chicago, Ill., in 1907.] + +I have known prisoners of all classes look forward to your arrival each +day with gladness, knowing that if you did not have something to +distribute among them you would give them a cheery good morning. + +As a rule you always have something to give them, which gladden their +hearts and make them think better of our harsh world, wherein they are +buffeted around like so many things to be despised. + +I have never known you to come to this jail that you were not interested +in some poor fellow's case, and often have I known you to call on either +the Judge of the Police or Criminal Court to intercede for some person +confined in our jail. I have noticed that whenever you come you are +asked by more than one of our prisoners to go on some mission, either to +a father, mother, or some other relative. Distance and barriers have no +terror for you, as was evidenced in your recent trip fifteen hundred +miles for one of our prisoners to see his parents. + +In every case you have with promptness attended to requests, always with +a cheerfulness that is surprising to those who cannot understand and +will not learn. These are the things that lift up the hearts of the poor +unfortunate prisoner and make him feel that there is something worth +living for. + + -------- + Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it.--Ps. 69:18. + -------- + +My wish and prayer is that you may go on in the good work you are doing. + + Sincerely yours, + JOHN R. PFLANZ. + + * * * * * + +Following are letters of endorsement to Missionary George L. Herr and +his wife in their life-work among outcasts, fallen ones and victims of +sin. Among those who have lent substantial aid and hearty encouragement +to the work will be noted many of our leading citizens, men of +irreproachable character and standing in society, who have not hesitated +to add their quota of praise to the universal word of approbation +accorded the missionary in his efforts to lead the wayward ones back +into the path of self-respect and manhood. + + -------- + Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; Lord be thou my + helper.--Ps. 30:10. + -------- + + Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 22, 1904. + +Dear Bro. Herr: I regret that you and your good wife and "Sunshine" can +not be with us in our services next week at the Frankfort Penitentiary, +but am glad to have you promise to be with us soon. No one understands +this work for the salvation and elevation of those in our penal +institutions,--the possibilities, the discouragements, the trials, the +triumphs, the rejoicing--as we do who are constantly engaged in it. Your +frequent visits to us are always appreciated both by the chaplain and +the prisoners, and your sermons and talks and songs are blessed by God +to the furtherance of the work of grace in our midst. I can truly say +there are eyes that "mark your coming and look brighter when you come." +I wish also to say for your encouragement and those who work with you +that your faithful labors are plainly manifest in the lives of many whom +you come in contact with--the deep and lasting impressions made upon +their minds and hearts so we are enabled to take up the well begun work +and by God's help carry it on to salvation of the soul. May God bless +you abundantly in your noble work. + + Truly yours, + T. T. TALIAFERRO, + Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary. + + -------- + Forsake me not, O Lord.--Ps. 38:21. + -------- + + * * * * * + +Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D., Editor Pentecostal Herald, Louisville, Ky., +and President Wilmore College, Wilmore, Ky., says: + +I take pleasure in commending my friend and brother, Geo. L. Herr, as a +devout Christian and earnest worker for the salvation of men. He has +had wide experience on both sides of the line, and has been greatly +blessed in rescuing men who have gone down into the depths of sin. He +has been especially blessed in prison work. Those who help him forward +in the good work in which he is now engaged will do me a personal favor. + +Wishing him and his wife great success as they shall go from prison to +prison seeking after the lost, + + I am Respectfully yours, + H. C. MORRISON. + + * * * * * + +Rev. James M. Taylor, world-wide evangelist, says: + +I have read with soul-stirring interest the sad, heart-rending +experience of Bro. Herr, and the miraculous deliverance by the grace of +God, how by a life of sin he squandered a fortune, how God found him a +bond slave of appetite and other sins and delivered him, the romantic +way in which his God-given companion entered his life, and how they are +being used perhaps as no other persons today in helping those "behind +the bars." This story will warn the reckless, encourage the "cast out" +and put a desire in the heart to help the fallen. + + JAMES M. TAYLOR, Evangelist. + Knoxville, Tenn. + + +(Frankfort Journal.) + +The Rev. Geo. L. Herr, of Louisville, will spend the fourth as the guest +of Rev. Jos. Severance, chaplain of the State prison, today. Rev. Herr +is a widely known, talented and enthusiastic prison evangelist, and has +a national reputation as such. He will shortly publish his famous +sermon, "Man's Worst Enemy," and will place numerous copies of it in +every penal institution of the United States. + + * * * * * + + + + +Prison Evangelist's Good Work + +(Courier-Journal.) + + +Prison evangelists published in 1906-07 36,000 sermons in booklet form +and sent them North, South, East and West. The Rev. George L. Herr and +wife closed a most remarkable year. The meetings which they have held +for the most part have been in large prison houses, erected for sinful +men and women. + +Mr. Herr has delivered sermons to many thousand listeners; many have +professed conversion and thousands have asked for prayer. The good that +this work has done will probably never be fully known until the business +of this old world has been brought to a close. Influences have been set +in motion that are going to roll on until time shall be no more. + +Rev. W. O. Vreeland, chaplain Frankfort Reformatory, says: + +It gives me great pleasure to testify of the splendid work among the +prisoners done by a man I believe to be deeply consecrated to the work +of rescuing the "fallen brother." George Herr is worthy of the highest +commendation. + + W. O. VREELAND. + Oct. 12, 1912. + + * * * * * + + + + +A Grand Work Highly Commended + + + Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1902. + +Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + +Dear Brother Herr: I regret very much to learn of your departure from +the city, and the work you have so nobly, and for so long a time, +engaged in at this institution and elsewhere. To say that you will be +missed by us is but faintly expressing my feelings at your departure. +You will not only be missed by myself and other officials at the jail, +but by the poor unfortunates placed in my custody, for I know I can +truthfully say we will never be able to get any one who will take the +pains and do the great good you have done for all with whom you have +come in contact. + + -------- + I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.--Heb. 13:5. + -------- + +I can assure you that your farewell sermon to all of the one hundred and +eighty prisoners in this jail on yesterday was the cause of great +depression in the spirits of all who heard you on that occasion, for +every one of them felt that he or she was about to lose their best +friend, who had not only ministered to their spiritual wants but made +their troubles his own, and in every way in his power relieved them of +their every ailment. + +You and your good wife were as father and mother to them, their guardian +angels, who made their rugged paths smooth and their futures bright and +happy. + +It is with much sorrow that I write you today, and my only consolation +is in the hope that you may some day return and take up the good work +again for the betterment of the unfortunates who may be confined in this +and other institutions in which you have worked in this city. + + Sincerely yours, + JOHN R. PFLANZ. + + -------- + O Lord, make haste to help me.--Ps. 40:13. + + I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One + of Israel.--Is. 41:14. + -------- + + + + +"Worked Wonders" + +Declares Dr. Garvin, Physician Jefferson County Jail + + + Louisville, Ky., July 24th, 1902. + +Rev. George L. Herr, + +My Dear Brother Herr: It is with much regret I have heard of your +determination to leave us. You and your good wife have now been engaged, +for about four years, in the noble work of saving souls in the Jefferson +County jail, and to the success of your efforts I can truly bear +testimony. + +I must confess that at first I had little hope of much good being +accomplished, but your constant devotion at all hours, night and day, +has worked wonders, and I am satisfied that many who came steeped in sin +and in their own minds hopelessly lost, have left the prison at peace +with God, and with a determination in the future to lead a better life. + +Wherever you go, may God be with you, is the wish of all who know you, +and especially that of your friend, + + SAM'L H. GARVIN. + Physician to Jefferson County Jail. + + + + +Strong Endorsements + +Evangelist Herr's work commended by Minister. + +[Louisville Evening Times] + +Louisville, Ky., June 21, 1905. + +Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D., Pastor Trinity M. E. Church, Louisville, +Ky., says: + +To Whom It May Concern: + +I take pleasure in commending Mr. Geo. Herr to the esteem and confidence +of the public. I have been placed where I have known intimately his work +as Prison Evangelist in Jefferson County Jail--a place incomparable in +my opinion for testing the character and power of a Christian worker. I +can say he has made a superb record and been able by divine assistance +to rescue many from the life of crime. He has taken an enlarged field of +work because he has been convinced it was the call of the Highest, and I +have every confidence in his increased usefulness. I cheerfully commend +him and his work. His book is true and merits large circulation. Mr. +Herr is a fine public speaker. + + Sincerely, + HORACE G. OGDEN. + + + + +Speaks to Prisoners + + +The Rev. J. A. Holton, Chaplain Eddyville Penitentiary, commends Rev. +Herr's work: + +The Rev. George L. Herr, the well-known Louisville prison evangelist, +conducted the chapel services at the Eddyville State penitentiary, +Eddyville, Ky., on Sunday, February 16. Mr. Herr's address to the +prisoners made a very decided impression upon the men. In a letter to +Louisville, J. A. Holton, Chaplain of the penitentiary, writes of Mr. +Herr's visit to Eddyville as follows: + +"Brother Herr is a fluent and earnest talker and speaks from personal +experience and observation with telling effect, timely words that tend +to the betterment of his hearers. No one who is acquainted with his +personal history and present effort in the cause of prison reform could +doubt his sincerity. It is not a surprise, therefore, that from every +sphere of his labor along the line of evangelistic work in the prisons +of the land come unsolicited testimonials commending him and his +work."--The Louisville Times. + + -------- + And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, + which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the + house of bondage.--Ex. 20:1-2. + -------- + + + + +Sad and Pitiful Stories + +[The Louisville Herald] + + +For fifteen years Mr. Herr has carried the great truths to the outcasts, +giving warning of the danger, and thousands have repented and have been +rescued from lives of sin and shame and are now blessings to the +community. Hundreds of thousands of tracts, sermons, books, papers, +etc., have been distributed, the results of which can never be known. + +"One of the saddest features of this work is that we are constantly +beset by the sad-faced, grief-stricken, broken-hearted mothers and wives +who have been so unfortunate as to lose their loved ones in sin," +declared Rev. Herr. "They come to us and plead for us to help find the +wanderer. + +"The pitiful stories of disgrace, shame and disappointment that come +from the broken hearts who are victims are beyond expression and almost +enough to melt the heart of stone into a river of tears, and to stir us +who hear them and see the helplessness of unfortunate ones. + +"There never was a place where the gospel was needed more and where it +would do more good, than in the prison houses of our beautiful land." + + -------- + Open them mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of + thy law.--Ps. 119:18. + -------- + + + + +Resolution That Was Never Broken + + "I am done with a life of thieving."--E. B. + + +Another of the days in jail that will long be remembered by some of the +poor unfortunates who have been making this place their residence for +some time. The missionary who makes prison work the work of his life +preached to the men today, the service being in the place of the regular +Saturday services, because the convicted men were to go to the +penitentiary Saturday morning, and Brother Herr intended to go to +Cincinnati, Ohio, this evening. So the good brother gave the men some +good, wholesome advice. + +And in opening the services, that always appropriate song of "Let a +little sunshine in" was sung, and the good God knows that if any one in +this world needs "sunshine" that person is the one who is behind prison +bars. + + -------- + Thou shalt have no other gods before me. + -------- + +I have seen some curious things in my wandering life, and some very +curious and saddening sights are to be seen in jail. To see men right in +the prime of their manhood going to a living tomb, to actually bury +themselves for years, is a sight not easily forgotten. Oh, the misery, +the shame, and the degradation of it all. It is no wonder that some of +the unfortunates weep. The sight of so much misery seen at one time is +enough to melt the heart of the most hardened criminal. As I watched the +men put up their hands in reply to the question of "How many of you men +want to lead a better life?" I could not blame any one of the prisoners +for putting up their hands in a resolve to lead a clean life. + +My sympathy is with the unfortunate. I have been placed in positions +just like these men are placed in, but never again! Oh, I hope that when +I finish this term of imprisonment that I may find some means of +employment that will bring me in enough money to keep body and soul +together. From this time forward I am done with stealing. I hope that my +right hand may lose its cunning and my eyes grow dimmer, so dim that I +cannot see anything to steal. I am done, done with a life of thieving. I +don't know how I am going to exist, but I am not going to steal any +more. By the help of the good Lord I intend to reform. + + -------- + For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will lighten my + darkness.--Ps. 18:28. + -------- + + + + +What Is A Friend? + + +A friend is the first person who comes in when the world has gone out. + +A bank of credit on which we can draw supplies of confidence, counsel, +sympathy, help and love. + +One who considers my need before my deservings. + +The triple alliance of the three great powers--love, sympathy and help. + +One who understands our silence. + +A jewel whose lustre the strong acids of poverty and misfortune cannot +dim. + +One who smiles on our fortunes, frowns on our faults, sympathizes with +our sorrow, weeps at our bereavement, and is a safe fortress at all +times of trouble. + +One who, gaining the top of the ladder, won't forget you if you remain +at the bottom. + +The holly of life, whose qualities are overshadowed in the summer of +prosperity, but blossom forth in the winter of adversity. + +He who does not adhere to the saying that No. 1 should come first. + + -------- + God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in + trouble.--Psalm 41:6. + -------- + +[Illustration: + +When the author left Louisville to 1905 for Chicago to be ordained, he +was greatly helped by his friend Chas. F. Grainger, kindness never to be +forgotten. + +HON. CHAS. F. GRAINGER + +Former Mayor of Louisville; now President Louisville Water Co. + +Mr. Grainger says, "Mr. Herr's work among prisoners has been very +successful, and through his efforts many have reformed."] + +A watch which beats true, for all time, and never "runs down." + +An earthly minister of heavenly happiness. + +A friend is like ivy--the greater the ruin, the closer he clings. + +One who to himself is true, and therefore must be so to you. + +The same to-day, the same to-morrow, either in prosperity, adversity or +sorrow. + +One who guards another's interest as his own and neither flatters nor +deceives. + +One truer to me than I am myself.--Exchange. + + -------- + Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be + acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my + redeemer.--Ps. 19:14. + -------- + + + + +"Another Chance I Crave" + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Austin, Tex., Dec. 2.--(Special.)--Jake McKinney, who was serving a life +term in the State penitentiary at Rusk for the murder of Robert Walker +in Jones county seven years ago, has just received his pardon from Gov. +O. B. Colquitt on the strength of an appeal for liberty in the form of a +poem that he wrote and sent to the Governor. This poetic application was +turned over to Mrs. Colquitt by the Governor and it was upon her +recommendation that McKinney was given his liberty. McKinney was +twenty-four years old at the time of his conviction. During the last +four years of his imprisonment he was editor of the prison newspaper, +the Alcalde Chronicle. He attended night school while in the +penitentiary. His poems and articles in the little newspaper that he +published attracted much favorable attention. His pardon application +reads in part as follows: + + Another chance, 'tis all I ask, + In freedom's sun again to bask; + To hear the voice of loved at home, + And amid familiar scenes to roam. + What saith the Scripture? Is it wise + To gain a world and lose the prize + Of future Joys of Him above, + Who came to save because of love + For sinful men imprisoned here + In sin's corrupted atmosphere? + Another chance to know the life + Beyond the cruel prison strife, + Where Beauty, Truth and Culture reign, + And pleasure comes from Labor's gain; + To see the golden sun at dawn + Spring forth to kiss the rural lawn, + Wet with the kiss of midnight dew, + And brightens to a gorgeous hue, + To please the eye of all mankind. + A gift of God to man so blind, + Another chance to show the world + That darkness hid my flag unfurled; + That flame of ingenuity + Burns brightest where the darkest be; + As all is not as some would tell; + "A soul defiled and booked for hell." + Another chance I crave of thee, + Oh, Governor, but feel and set me free! + Make the conditions what you may, + I will live up to them every day; + I have no friends to plead for me, + Dear Governor, can't you set me free? + + Most sincerely + JAKE MCKINNEY. + +[Illustration: JUDGE AARON KOHN + +One of the greatest criminal lawyers of the American bar + +There is none in this world who has been a greater friend in my sorest +need.] + + + + +Letter from the Late Col. Will S. Hays + +Editor, Poet, and Song Writer + + +My Dear Rev. Geo. L. Herr: It is a pleasure to express the sentiment of +pure friendship I have for you and for the Christian work in which you +are now engaged. Knowing you from boyhood, I am free to say you are one +of God's chosen ones to do his will and work, and heaven never had a +more faithful representative than yourself. May your words and works in +the Master's cause result in adding souls to the kingdom of glory, and +may God and the angels watch over and guard you through life is the +prayer of your friend, + + WILL S. HAYS. + + -------- + The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.--Ps. 19:7. + -------- + + + + +The Late J. P. Scheider + +Captain of Police + + +I have met him at all times and in all places, from the palace to the +prison, striving to better the conditions of his fellowmen. At the same +time serving our Lord in such a noble manner as to attract the attention +of the least appreciative person. He has taken for his duty the task of +working principally among the criminal classes that frequent our city +prisons, and to my personal knowledge has done more to benefit the +inmates than any other man of his vocation. Oh! how far more pleasant +this life would be if the world was full of just such noble, +good-spirited men as my friend George L. Herr, whom I know to be serving +our God in the most appropriate manner known to mankind. + + Respectfully, + JOHN P. SCHEIDER + + + + +Profanity Shows Mental Deficiency + +[Louisville Herald] + + +The habitual user of profane and indecent language was mercilessly +flayed by Bishop Charles E. Woodcock, of the Episcopal Church, at the +Board of Trade noon-day Lenten service yesterday, where in the course of +his sermon the Bishop pronounced the profane man to be intellectually +deficient, corrupt, morally and wholly unchristian. + +"No gentleman will use profane language; it is only the low-born and +vulgar-minded person who will do so," declared the Bishop. "No man who +believes in God and in God's commandments can be profane." + +Among other things stated by the Bishop of a like nature are the +following: + +"The profane man in God's eyes is on the same plane as the murderer or +thief. He violates the ten commandments." + +"Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, vicious, vulgar and most +reprehensible." + +"The man who is well thought of in a community is nine times out of ten +the man who does not curse." + + -------- + Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God In vain; for + the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in + vain. + -------- + +[Illustration: RT. REV. CHAS. E. WOODCOCK, D.D. + +Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky] + +"The profane man is in many cases and in most cases the man who will +steal, slander, lie and violate the every commandment of God." + +In beginning his sermon the Bishop spoke of the work of the noon-day +Lenten services. He said in part: + +"By coming before you men and preaching we rectors hope to arouse, +encourage and bring out all the good in you. We aim to plant high ideals +in your hearts and make you better men. It is one of the greatest +pleasures I have--preaching these noon-day Lenten sermons. It is my +earnest and sincere wish to do good and to carry a message to you. + +"Christ will lighten your eyes: He will enable you to see things worth +being and worth doing. The worth while in life is what makes life worth +living. He will give you a view of yourself. He will make you see +yourselves as others see you. He will not only do this, but he will set +a guard before your lips. + + -------- + The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, + my strength, in whom I trust.--Ps. 18:2. + -------- + +"No man ever regretted keeping from impure speech. Habitual obscene +story telling grows like other vicious habits. It is a manly thing to +possess clean lips. Does not the Bible say, 'Blessed are the pure in +heart?' Well, no man can be pure in heart and impure in speech. Would +you tell some of the stories you tell your fellow men to your wives and +daughters? No, I do not think you would. Then say to yourself, 'Thou God +hearest me.' + +"Keep your lips from profanity. The profane man in God's eyes is on the +same plane as is the murderer and thief. He, like both, violates the ten +commandments. Swearing, aside from being sinful, is low, vicious and +vulgar and most reprehensible. The man who will curse and swear is in +most cases the man who will steal, slander, lie and violate every +commandment of God. + +"I have been in hotels and in public places where I have heard men swear +as though they thought it a virtue. These men I find are seldom well +thought of in a community. The man who is well thought of will not +swear. + +"The man who will swear will say mean things about his friend; he will +gossip and slander. If you keep your lips clean you will never besmirch +a man's or woman's character. You will never speak until you know it is +time; you will be restrained from telling vicious things, because you +will reason whether or not it is right, and whether or not it ought to +be told." + + -------- + Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your + work shall be rewarded.--2 Chron. 15:7. + -------- + + + + +At Cincinnati Workhouse + +[Louisville Times] + + +Never did Mr. Herr have a more interested audience than greeted him in +the Cincinnati work house yesterday when he preached for an hour in the +prison chapel. The men and women wept as his words brought conviction to +their hearts. Were it not for this wonderful gospel, said the speaker, +he himself might be as the worst prisoner among them. At the close of +the sermon he asked all those who desired to lead better lives to bow +their heads in prayer, and almost every man and woman in the chapel fell +on their knees, while the eloquent evangelist lifted his voice in their +behalf. The closest attention was accorded him during the whole time and +when the prisoners were dismissed and passed out of the chapel amid a +stillness that was very impressive, Mr. Herr spoke to a great number +personally shaking them by the hand and urging them to repent and +believe the gospel. + + + + +Extermination of Habitual Criminals + + +The extermination of the habitual criminal--his removal like a weed from +a garden--was advocated today in a startling address made in Minneapolis +to the Interstate Sheriffs' Association by Charles W. Peters, chief +deputy sheriff of Cook County. + +The unexpected suggestion that the man who will not reform ought to be +slain by legal means aroused much discussion in Chicago among ministers, +lawyers and laymen. + +Leniency for first offenders, parole for the worthy, an adult probation +law, were advocated by Mr. Peters, who then insisted that in cases where +life has proved a failure, where efforts of reformation have been +ineffectual and the criminal is a body sore on the social system, that +extermination should be resorted to. + + +Only One True Reform. + +Furthermore, he created intense surprise by his assertion that in twenty +years' experience in handling criminals he could recall only one case of +true reformation on the part of an "habitual." + +[Illustration: THE HON. AND MRS. JOHN L. WHITMAN, CHICAGO, ILL. + +Mr. Whitman is Superintendent of the Bridewell. They have been friends +to thousands in need of friends.] + +[Illustration: Gospel Service at the County Jail, Chicago, Ill.] + +In his address to the Association, Mr. Peters recommended various ways +of dealing with crime and its perpetrators, and then for the +irredeemably incorrigible made this recommendation: + +"And then if they fail to embrace the many opportunities offered them, +and after everything has been done that is possible for mankind to do, +they repeatedly persist in returning to their old ways, I think in such +a case life has proven a failure, and they become a menace and a burden +to our social welfare and should be exterminated. + + +Like Weeds in a Garden. + +"They are like weeds in a garden and unless removed will supersede the +useful plants. + +"Many students of criminology have suggested life imprisonment, but in +my opinion that has proven a failure. By that method the menace is +removed, but the burden remains. + +"I am sorry to acknowledge that in the twenty odd years of my experience +in the handling of criminals I can recall only one case of true +reformation on the part of habitual criminals, and that man is employed +in a bridge works, where it would be impossible for him to carry +anything off." + + +"Judge Not," Says Pastor. + +Among the ministers who commented on the startling theory of +extermination were: + +Rev. P. J. O'Callaghan, pastor of St. Mary's Church and the priest who +saved Herman Billik from the gallows--What is man that he should put +himself in judgment on a fellow and say that the culprit is beyond +reformation and redemption and slay him? Man is too fallible to condemn +another as an habitual criminal and exterminate him. No one knows when a +man has passed beyond the pale of reform. As a matter of fact, many and +many a criminal branded as 'habitual' has been saved to a useful life. I +most heartily disagree with any suggestion to execute any man on the +theory that he is irredeemable. + + +Hope While There Is Life. + +Rabbi Tobias Scharfarber--In the first place I am opposed to capital +punishment, but, in any event, I should not agree with this suggestion +of Mr. Peters. It is much like Osler's plan to kill off men of sixty or +more years of age, or Ingersoll's suggestion that when a man believed +himself to be a failure and useless to the world he should go and shoot +his brains out. While a man lives there is hope for him, and no one has +either power or right to say that he will always be a menace to society. + + "Christ in His charity taught those who came to Him, + Ill deeds should pardoned be seventy times seven; + Succor the least here and you do the same to Him; + These are his precepts on earth and in heaven. + Oh, then, when laboring hard for humanity, + Never believe that your labor is vain. + Kindness will conquer the criminal insanity; + Speak to him gently and try him again." + + + + +Criminal Becomes Minister + +[Courier-Journal] + + +"Do you know who I am?" once said a person in the jail here to the Rev. +George L. Herr, prison evangelist. "I will tell you. I am the worst and +most treacherous man in this prison." Then the Rev. Mr. Herr says he +told him the story of his fearful crimes. "I have been in prison North, +South, East and West, I have been in the dismal, solitary cell for one +year, have been put in large tanks of ice water, have been punished over +and over again, but it has always made me more of a demon. Would you +like to know what the officer who last locked me up said about me?" + +"'Take him and lock him up like a brute beast, for that is what he is.'" + +Then he turned and said: "Do you think there is any hope for me?" "I was +at once on ground where I could speak without hesitation," said Mr. +Herr, "and I told him simply that if he was through with an evil life, +if he was tired of wrong-doing and was determined to do right, there was +a love that could forgive him, and a power that could help and keep him +in the future. When at last we knelt together there I prayed that God, +who could bring light into our darkness, might dispel the thick clouds +that had shut in this soul from hope, and bring to him the revelation +that would change his life. There were tears in our eyes as we parted, +and, taking my hand in his he said: "I will try, Brother Herr." + +"He did try, and, more than that he conquered. At first it was a stern +battle of an awakened will and conscience fighting against desperate +odds. The feeling that friends were watching and waiting anxiously for +good reports proved an undoubted incentive. It was not long before he +sought and found Christ as his Saviour, and he became an earnest +Christian, and to-day is an ordained Methodist minister, at the head of +a great rescue work in an Eastern city, and also chaplain of a model +penal institution." + + * * * * * + + -------- + "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, + that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have + everlasting life."--John 3:16. + -------- + + + + +To Brother George L. Herr + +By Joseph M. McGuire + + + The days are long and dreary, + And the hours go slowly by, + While the prisoner, sad and weary, + Longs for the time to fly. + But one brings joy and sunshine + To the prisoners sad at heart, + And it is but a short time + 'Till with him we'll have to part. + We cannot find another, + Search, I care not where, + Who will do as much for a brother + As our Bro. George L. Herr. + + He comes early in the morning, + And never leaves till night; + He always seems untiring, + Helping wayward men do right. + He is always up and willing + Whene'er a prisoner call, + To go and do the bidding + Of a man behind the wall. + And then there is another, + Who shares his joy and strife; + She is called by the prisoners "Mother," + And is Bro. Herr's good wife. + + Early Sunday morning, + In rain, snow, sleet, or hail, + You will find him holding meeting + In the Jefferson County Jail. + I love to hear him tell the story + Of the "Prodigal Son," + And of the "Mighty Prince of Glory," + From whom salvation sprung. + Round his good face there seems a halo, + His work is for One on high, + He makes sunshine out of sorrow, + Whenever he is nigh. + + + + +Success of Reformed Criminals + +After Blotting Out the Past + + +"Once a Thief, Always a Thief," has been disproved in thousands of cases +according to Mr. William A. Pinkerton. + +"Do criminals ever reform, really turn over a new leaf and become good +citizens?" + +I fired the question at random, little dreaming what a wealth of +interesting and convincing anecdote it would evoke. I expected the time +honored cynical reply, something to the effect of "Once a thief, always +a thief," But I was disappointed--agreeably disappointed. For my answer +was a quick, emphatic, earnest "Yes." + +And the man who said "Yes" was William A. Pinkerton, and he knows. + +Probably no living man knows more intimate details about the individual +members of the underworld, those who are active criminals to-day, as +well as the notorious crooks of the past, than the head of the Pinkerton +Detective Agency. And every crook will tell you, what every honest man +who knows Mr. Pinkerton will tell you, that when he says "Yes" there +is no possibility that the correct answer should be "No." + +[Illustration: WILLIAM A. PINKERTON + +Head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency + +New York] + +"I know what the average man thinks--that a real crook never turns +straight. But it isn't so. Thousands of crooks--and I don't mean +one-time offenders, but men in the class we call hardened +criminals--have become honest men to my knowledge. It is not true, as +some recent writer said, that as many crooks turn honest as there are +honest men turn crooked, but I believe that one of the reasons is that +so few men are willing to lend a helping hand. I don't mean that every +crook is ready to reform if he is encouraged, but I do mean that society +makes it hard for any man who has once been a criminal to lead an honest +life. + +"And I'll tell you another thing," continued Mr. Pinkerton: "I'm prouder +of the fact that I have helped a few criminals to become honest men than +of all the work I have done in putting criminals behind the bars. I'm +proud of the fact that every crook knows that Pinkerton will deal +squarely with him if he will deal squarely with Pinkerton--that I +believe it is as important to keep faith with a bank thief as with a +bank president. + +"I know a score of business men in Chicago--not saloonkeepers, but +reputable merchants--who have criminal records. These men have done time +and have paid their debt to society for their crimes. I cannot tell you +their names, for it would be unfair to them and to their wives and +families, many of whom have no suspicion that there is anything wrong in +the pasts of their husbands and fathers. Besides, when society discovers +that a man is a former criminal it is not content to cancel the debt no +matter how much imprisonment at hard labor the former crook may have +given in expiation of his sin. + +"I know men in trusted positions in New York who were convicts. In many +cases only the man himself and his employer know the secret and +sometimes the employer does not know it. I know men scattered all over +the West--business men, professional men, many of them wealthy and +prominent citizens--who have seen the inside of Joliet, Moyomensing, +Sing Sing or Leavenworth. They have sons and daughters who never have +suspected and never will suspect the truth. + +"These are good men--as good men as any living. They have turned away +from their old ways, in many cases have changed their names, and who +shall say they are not as much to be respected as the honest man who +never was tempted, never was forced into crime? I'll tell you about some +of them. + +"When I was a boy in Chicago there were two brothers, neighbors, about +the age of myself and my younger brother, and we were friends. When the +civil war broke out I went into the army secret service at the age of +fifteen, and the older of these two boys, John, enlisted in an Illinois +regiment. Jerry, the younger, was not old enough, but a little later, +when the government began offering a bounty for soldiers, he became a +bounty jumper. He would enlist, get the bounty money, then desert and +enlist over again under another name. He was with a band of young +fellows who were engaged in that way of getting easy money, and who +found it so easy that they turned to other kinds of crime. + +"When the war was over John came back to Chicago and settled down as a +rather plodding sort of a mechanic. He tried to get Jerry to straighten +out, but the younger brother was too far along the road to prison. + +"In those days the Northwestern Railroad used wood for fuel, and the +wood agent of the road was Amos Snell--the same Snell who was later +murdered by 'Willie Tascott.' He lived in a suburb of Chicago, and one +night Jerry and his crowd went out there and 'stuck' up the whole +family--robbed them of everything they had. John was along with them, +lying in the bottom of the hack. The police got a clew through the +hack-driver and rounded up the whole band. All of them, including John, +were sentenced to five years each except Jerry. When he came into the +hands of the police a citizen who had been held up on the street some +time before identified him as the hold-up man, and on the strength of +that the Judge gave him fifteen years. It was an unjust sentence, for +Jerry had not committed the hold-up--that was found out later. + +"Well, John's old Colonel and some other army men and my father got +together and got a pardon for John, who had merely gone along with the +crowd and had taken no part in the robbery. He went back to work at his +trade of brass finisher, but Jerry stayed in Joliet, rebelling against +those long unjust years of his sentence. + +Jerry was put to work in the engine room of the prison and soon +displayed great aptitude for machinery. He served out his term with time +off for good behavior and finally got out. I met him in Chicago. He was +despondent. He felt that he had no chance to be anything but a crook, +but he knew the terrible chances a once convicted man runs if he returns +to crime. I told him the best thing for him to do was to go to New York, +and I sent him on to my brother Robert, who had also known him as a +boy. + + +Reform of Jerry. + +"Now, here's a part of this story that will interest you. Robert had a +friend who was chief engineer of a building in Ann street. He told this +friend about Jerry, and the engineer said he'd take a chance on him. He +put Jerry to work stoking the boiler at a dollar and a half a day. After +a year or so there was a vacancy and Jerry became assistant engineer. A +little while later the chief engineer resigned and Jerry after awhile, +the ex-crook, became chief engineer. He left there after awhile to take +charge of a big plant on Long Island, and he sent for his brother John +and gave him a job. + +"A few years later the two brothers called on me in Chicago. They had +saved about $6,000 between them and were on their way to a new town in +the West to start a manufacturing business of their own. Each had +married a girl who knew nothing of their prison record and had children. +They prospered exceedingly. John died several years ago, but only a few +months ago, when my brother Robert died, an old man, whom nobody but +myself recognized, came from the West for the funeral and shed tears at +the grave. It was Jerry. He is still living, and is the leading citizen +of his town and worth at least half a million dollars. + +"Criminals who reform? There are thousands of them. I remember a little +Liverpool Irishman who was a pickpocket around New York. He was known as +'Jimmy the Nibbler'. The police picked him up in Tennessee, where he +lifted somebody's pocketbook, and he was sent to Nashville for seven +years. In the prison they put him to work in the hospital. Then the +cholera epidemic broke out. "Jim" helped the doctors and nurses, and +when the doctors got sick he nursed them and the warden and his family +and helped save a good many lives. After the epidemic was over the +warden and the Prison Board were so grateful they got "Jim" a pardon and +made up a purse of $350 for him. With the money in his pocket he came +right to Chicago to see me. I began to lecture him on the futility of +going back to the life he had led before. + +"'I've cut that all out,' he said. 'I'm not going to be a gun any more. +I've been studying medicine down there in Nashville. The doctors have +been telling me things and giving me medical books to read and now I +want to get into one of these colleges where I can get a diploma quick.' + +"There were a number of diploma factories, as the lower class of medical +colleges were called, running in Chicago then, and Jim found he had +money enough to go through one of them--in the front door and out the +back. But he got his diploma and license to practise and started for one +of the new towns in the West. I looked him up a while ago. He comes +pretty near being the most prominent citizen in the town. He is a +director in a national bank and the leading physician, and has +officiated at the births of half the present population. Moreover, he is +an enthusiastic church member. But how long do you think it would take +for the whole town to turn against him if they should ever learn out +there that he is 'Jimmy the Nibbler'? + +"Crooks that turn straight? Your next door neighbor, your family +physician, even your clergyman, may be one of them. The world is full of +them. There was one man, a professional thief, a fellow who had done +time in half a dozen State prisons and penitentiaries, whom I used to +labor with earnestly every time he got out, but he apparently never +tried to reform. He was always doing time, it seemed. + +"I lost track of him for several years. Then two years ago, when the +National Association of Chiefs of Police was in session in Buffalo, I +found a note in my box in my hotel signed by this man's name. He said he +was going to call at seven o'clock. There was a banquet on for that +evening, and hundreds of police officials from every part of the United +States were there. I wondered if he knew what sort of a lion's den he +was walking into. Sure enough he came into the hotel and spoke to me. + +"'Don't you know that you are surrounded by policemen, some of whom are +sure to spot you?' I asked him. + +"'You're the only man in the world who knows me,' he said, 'My name now +is So and So'--giving me another name--'and I'm a respected and +prosperous man. I just wanted to let you know before you found it out +for yourself, for I knew you'd be on the square with me.' And I was. So +far as I knew he was not wanted for anything, and what good would have +come of exposing him? + +"Thieves who resist the temptation to steal? Hundreds of them. There's +one right here, only a few blocks from where we are talking. He's the +watchman in a big silk warehouse--and if there's anything your +professional thief likes to steal, short of money or diamonds, it's +silk, for you can get so much value into so small a package. This man +was a professional safe blower, and did several big jobs. When he got +out of prison I helped him to get the job he has now. His employer knows +his record. I told it to him on the man's own request. When work stops +for the day this man is left alone in charge of hundreds of thousands +of dollars worth of valuable silks. He isn't bonded, for he couldn't get +a bondsman if he wanted to. He has held the job seven years now, and not +a cent's worth has been taken from the warehouse in that time. + +"You may say that he does not dare to steal--that he knows a single +false move on his part will bring instant punishment. But I say he has +no desire to steal--that he has reformed. And thousands of other +criminals would reform if society would give them half a chance. + + +Baffling Hotel Robberies. + +"Several years ago there was a series of hotel robberies in New York +that baffled the police. The thief always worked with keys, opening +doors and then unlocking baggage left in rooms, and he always got away +with the goods. At last one night the word came to headquarters that a +man had been caught in one of the big hotels who was suspected of being +the author of all the robberies. I was visiting Chief Devery at the time +and he asked me to go with him to the West Thirtieth street station to +look the man over. + +"The man arrested was a well dressed, respectable looking little man, +with a white beard--the last man who would be taken for a thief if seen +in a hotel corridor. His face was vaguely familiar to me, but I had +some difficulty in placing him. Finally it struck me. I had seen him +nearly thirty years before on the occasion of a big prize fight in New +Orleans, when he had been arrested for the same trick. It came over me +like a flash and I told him I knew him. + +"'What's the use of making trouble?' he asked. 'These fools don't know +anything about me unless you put them wise.' + +"I told Chief Devery what I remembered about the man, who protested +violently that he had never been in New Orleans in his life. Then +another thought struck me. + +"'You've been in New Orleans more than once,' I said. 'The last time was +about six months ago, when you got Denman Thompson's diamonds in the St. +Charles Hotel.' I remembered the report of that case, but it was a +chance shot on my part, for no one had seen the thief. The old fellow +denied this vigorously. + +"He was wearing a new derby hat. I don't know what impulse prompted me, +but I took the hat off his head and looked inside. It bore the mark of a +New Orleans hatter. + +"The Chief and I left the station and had just turned into Sixth avenue +when I remembered the old fellow's name. We went back to the station +house and I confronted him again. I told him his name. He denied that +it was his. + +"'What's the use of making trouble, Mr. Pinkerton?' he pleaded. His +inadvertent use of my name, which had not been mentioned there, gave him +away. + +"'I don't know what kind of a case the police here have on you,' I told +him, 'but we are retained by the Jewelers' Protective Association, and +if you get after any jewelry drummers I'll make it hot for you.' And as +a precaution I got his photograph from the New York police. They didn't +have much of a case on him and he got off. + +"Not long after a jewelry drummer was robbed in a Chicago hotel of about +three thousand dollars' worth of diamonds which he had carelessly left +in his grip instead of putting them in the safe. The same day a friend +of mine who was stopping in another hotel lost his new overcoat and told +me about it. I thought of the old man in the first job, and found a +chambermaid and bellboy who had seen him on the floor, but didn't +connect him with the second because he had never stolen anything but +very valuable articles, so far as I knew. My friend had to leave for New +York that night, and some time in the evening I got a telegram from him +which had been filed in Fort Wayne. + +"'Positive man who got my coat is in same sleeper, ticketed to New +York,' it read. I wired my friend at a point further along the line to +get off at Pittsburg and hold a white handkerchief in his hand so he +could be identified and be prepared to point out the thief. Then I got +in touch with Pittsburg by wire, and sure enough back came a wire after +a while to the effect that they had got the man, whom my friend +identified, and found on him besides the overcoat about $3,000 worth of +diamonds. I asked for a description and the one they wired fitted that +of the man I had seen in New York. I referred Pittsburg to the man's +photograph, which had been published that week in a police periodical, +and they were sure they had the same man. And so it proved. He was +brought back to Chicago and convicted of the jewelry theft. He served a +short sentence, and when he got out he came to me. + +"Mind you, this was an old man, who had been a thief all his life--I had +known him as a thief more than thirty years before. It is criminals of +that kind that are commonly regarded as the most difficult to reform, +but even hardened and lifelong offenders like this man will go straight +if they get the right kind of encouragement. I found this old man +apparently anxious to be honest, but he had never had a chance after +his first slip as a young man. I determined to do what I could for him +and I got him a job in New York. He is more than seventy years old now, +but he is still holding that job, and he hasn't made a false step since +he got out of prison the last time. + +"Do criminals ever reform? I think I have told you enough to prove that +they do--and I could tell you of hundreds of other instances if you +needed any further proof." + + * * * * * + + + + +A LETTER FROM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE "STAR OF HOPE" PAPER PUBLISHED IN +SING SING PRISON. + + + Ossining, N. Y., April 9, 1906. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +Your book, "Light in Dark Places," received. I do so much appreciate +your kindness in remembering poor me in durance. I not only voice the +sentiments expressed in this precious book, but add thereto my message +of Christ's power to cleanse the wicked one and bring back into God's +path the weak and unfortunate. May God spare you and yours many years, +and give you manifold blessings in your great work. + + Sincerely yours, + 54179, + Editor in Chief. + + + + +"Lost and Is Found" + +Noted Prison Worker issues an Interesting Book + +(Louisville Herald) + + +An interesting booklet containing the sermon "Lost and Is Found," the +newest publication of the Rev. George L. Herr, the noted prison +evangelist whose home is in this city, has just been issued from the +press. The sermon is one of the strongest yet issued by the Rev. Herr, +and is written in the characteristic vein which marks all those issued +by the prison worker. + +Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic field. He is +considered the greatest evangelist among prisoners in the United States. +Scarcely a big prison in the country has not been visited by him in his +work, and the number of men in stripes who have been reformed by the +indefatigable prison worker reaches into thousands. + +Some of the most notable redemptions of so-called "hardened criminals" +known to evangelistic work have been accomplished by the Rev. Herr. All +of the booklets by him have been extensively read and quoted, and it is +probable none will attract more interest than that which has just been +issued by him. + + + + +Christmas at Frankfort Prison + + +The prisoners had what was unanimously voted the best Christmas dinner +in many years. There were 1100 lbs. of turkey, cranberries, mashed +potatoes, oranges, and bananas. There were about 75 fine cakes, 68 of +which were sent from Lexington by Mrs. Frances H. Beauchamp, Pres. W. C. +T. U. The entire dinner was well cooked and heartily enjoyed by all. + +At 11:30, Bro. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, Bro. Geo. L. Herr, of +Louisville, Mrs. M. B. R. Day, of Frankfort, and Miss Nellie E. +Williams, Junior C. E. Superintendent, of Maysville, entered, and took +seats on the stage; these are four of our truest and strongest friends +and are most heartily welcomed. + +Bro. Severance opened the services by reading the Christmas lesson, i. +e., the 2nd chapter of Matthew, which gives the most beautiful +description of the birth of the lowly Jesus. + +Bro. Herr then offered a fervent prayer. + +Bro. Severance' remarks were few; he is still grieving over the loss of +his two children, and simply said that this Christmas had lost all of +its charms for him, for instead of feeling joyful, he felt sad all of +to-day and yesterday, and that we understood why, for instead of four +little girls, he had only two. He felt his inability to proceed further, +and gave the meeting over into the hands of Bro. Herr to conduct as he +saw fit, and catching an idea from the foregoing remarks, Bro. Herr +referred to the fact that years ago, Christmas was very sad to him. That +he was lying in a saloon in the city of Louisville without friends and +without hope. Then in a jovial manner showed by comparison what a +difference then and now. + +He then said: "I am so glad that Jesus said: 'Him that cometh to me, I +will in no wise cast out; I am so glad that he is the same yesterday, +to-day and forever. He said: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of +men. There is not a man behind prison bars that Jesus Christ cannot +clean up and make him a man." + +The audience sat up and took notice when he mentioned a man who had been +a homeless wretch, and a degraded sinner, who had spent thirty-two years +of his life behind prison bars, but had been converted in the Louisville +jail and was now a man of God, the leader in a Rescue Mission in one of +our largest cities, and had the financial support of eight of the +wealthiest men in that city. He said that whenever a man goes blind, or +deaf, or is afflicted in any other way, he is sent to a hospital for +treatment, and that this prison is a sort of hospital, and that some of +us are so blind that we cannot tell the difference between our own and +other peoples' horses. This simile was put forth in such a humorous +manner as to cause much laughter. + +He then launched into an earnest exhortation to the men to do better. To +quit their meanness, as Sam Jones said. "Cease from evil and learn to do +well." That to quit one's evil ways was only half the duty, and that the +remainder consisted in doing the right thing, and you may have this +assurance that the man who is serving the Lord will not get into +trouble. "An idle mind is the devil's work-shop." In this connection he +gave a very pretty illustration of how one's energies are used in either +the right way or wrong way; that if you build a fire under a steam +boiler, place the proper quantity of water in it, and then open the +throttle and allow the steam to get into the engine, the entire +machinery will perform a good work, but if you shut off the steam and +tie down the safety valve, the steam is going to exert itself in a +disastrous manner by an explosion, and the killing of several men. + +"The wages of sin is death, and if you can only open your eyes and see +that, you can also see that "The gift of God is eternal life." The only +way under heaven by which a man can be saved, is to come over to the +service of God and begin to do that which is right. + +Now what is the purpose of Christmas day? The world has agreed that this +is as near the birth of Christ as we can possibly figure it; it means +that 1907 years ago Jesus was born into the world, and the star of +Bethlehem came and stood over the place where the young child lay; the +angels sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will +towards men," and we celebrate the day in memory of that event. + +What is the trouble to-day that causes all these penitentiaries over our +land; why all these jails and the strong arm of the law? It is because +men will not allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to reign in their hearts. +As long as the children of Israel served the Lord, they were happy and +prosperous, but as soon as they turned to the flesh pots of Egypt, they +began to despair and shame came upon them. + +If you were asked what you would rather have above all things, you would +say, Just a piece of paper with the great seal of the state impressed +upon it, and the signature of the Governor attached. Why? Because prison +life is a hard life and you are tired of it. If I were a prisoner, I +would want to make my confinement as pleasant as possible and I would +become converted immediately, for of all men on earth the man in prison +should be the quickest to accept Jesus Christ. I would not want to be a +prisoner all my physical life, and then a spiritual prisoner throughout +eternity. Did it ever occur to you that hell must be infinitely worse +than it is pictured? We read of a place "Where their worm dieth not, and +the fire is not quenched." If this is a picture of hell, then what must +the reality be? There is a chance for every man to get out of this +prison, but there will be no chance whatever to get out of hell. + + -------- + The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath + anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent + me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the + captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are + bound.--Isa. 61:1. + -------- + + Oh, my friend, there is hope, + Will you come this hour; + For Jesus is yours + With all His Power; + Look upward, not back. + Or in, or around; + But up to Christ, + Where hope is found. + + + + +Hundreds of Letters + + Below appear but a few of the Hundreds of Letters we have + received from those Helped by Our Work + + +If you have asked the question, "Does it pay to labor among the fallen +ones in prison--are the results from this work permanent in character?" +let the answer be found in these letters. They come from writers' +spontaneous offerings of gratitude, who have been restored to society as +useful respected citizens: + +My Dearest Friend: It is very gratifying to find myself alone long +enough to pen you a few lines. + +Arrived at 6:05 p.m. Well, I cannot tell you how very pleased everyone +was to see me. Went in at once to see the president of a concern and +told him everything. He was entirely satisfied and told me to commence +work in the morning, which I did. They all have used me fine, and I +would never know I had been away for no one mentions it. Brother, I +think of you fifty times a day, of the unselfish, never fatiguing +interest you manifested in my behalf, of the hundred and one favors, and +when I think that was only a single factor in your work, I cannot but +wonder how you stand the strain. + +Cannot tell you how much I prize liberty, and I owe having it, to a +great extent, to your dear self. I assure you your efforts and prayers +of yourself and wife for me done wonders. I have fully resolved to be a +good man. + +Brother Herr, I am going to close, for I am going to write to you every +few days, as I consider you as dear as an own brother. Give my sincere +regards to any inquiring friends. My heartiest to your dear wife, and +may God bless you both. I do. + + I am affectionately yours, + W. + + + + +A TRIBUTE FROM JOS. M. O'HARA. + + +The success that has attended the efforts of this truly pious and +angelic woman in her noble and heroic work of rescuing sinful men and +women from the vortex of ruin and perdition is marvelous; and her labor +among the prisoners of the county jail is not less remarkable. Mrs. +Herr, unlike many religious workers, realizes that before attempting to +moralize with a prisoner, his confidence must first be gained, and to +accomplish this she invariably succeeds in dispelling that false and +erroneous opinion so prevalent among criminals, that they are held in +contempt by society and are considered undeserving of sympathy and +assistance; then, by kind and encouraging words and gentle deed, +instills, not by the dry and laborious way of the brain, but into the +heart, the story of the kind and loving Saviour. + +Like her contemporary, Mrs. Ballington Booth, Mrs. Herr possesses that +divinely urgent and persistent, yet gentle and sympathetic spirit that +can persuade where others cannot convince; that can subdue where others +cannot conquer. + +The writer of this article through her kind and encouraging words, has +been led from the error of his way, and to take up again the thread laid +down in early years; has realized that though the fruitage of the tragic +and pathetic life that ended in the ignominious death of Him who was the +grandest character, the most sublime ideal and the highest type of +humanity the world has ever seen--Jesus of Nazareth--we can, if we come +with faith and hope, be cleansed from our sins and iniquities. May the +Omnipotent God, who holds the destiny of nations, pour out his blessings +upon this saintly woman and her noble hearted husband and guide them +through long and honored days, and when the "shadows of even" gather and +the sun of life is setting, show them in the darkness of the end, "words +of light we never saw by day." + + JOS. M. O'HARA. + + + + +FISHING FOR MEN. + + +Dear Brother Herr: We, as prisoners in the Jefferson County Jail, +desire, for your encouragement, and because it is the spontaneous +expression of our hearts, to thank you for your continued, untiring and +unselfish devotion to our interests, spiritual and temporal. We desire +in this manner to show you and the public that we thoroughly appreciate +the efforts of those who try to draw us from the broad road of vice and +crime into the narrow path of virtue where we are satisfied alone peace +and happiness can be found. Many persons, Bro. Herr, who have attempted +the task of rescuing the fallen have become discouraged and given up the +work because they could see no good resulting from their efforts. Those +persons had not the faith to continue their work and leave results with +God. A prisoner who was an inmate of this jail several years ago +recently found himself again an inmate, and expressed surprise at the +changed tone, as it were, of the jail, and he laughingly asked if the +world was getting better, for he said the men now in jail were more +refined in their conversation, more unselfish in their actions toward +each other, and of a higher moral tone generally. What this man said is +undoubtedly true, and it is the result of the efforts of yourself and +other Christian workers who do not become weary in well-doing. But it is +you, Brother Herr, whom we especially desire to thank, because you are +with us daily and no day passes that you do not perform some act of +kindness for some one of our number, who, but for you, would have no +friend. That perfect man, Jesus of Nazareth, has said, "by their fruits +ye shall know them," and it is by this standard we as prisoners have +measured you and have not found you wanting. You have gained our +confidence and we have proved your sincerity and we love you, Brother +Herr, because you daily prove your love for us. Prisoners are naturally +inclined to suspect the sincerity of those who profess an interest in +their welfare, but when once you gain their confidence they are +teachable. + +A London lawyer who wrote the tragedy "Ion" makes one of his characters +say, "It is but a little thing to speak a word of kindness which by +daily use has almost lost its sense, but on the ear of him who thought +to die unmourned will fall like sweetest music." Many are the words of +kindness which daily fall from your lips, by which we are soothed and +blessed, and we firmly believe that they do not fall upon stony ground +and that the good God will reward you in his own good time with a +bountiful harvest of redeemed lives. + + Your grateful friends, + JAMES L. DORAN + HARRY GRAVEN + JOHN CARTER + JOS. M. O'HARA + JULIUS PHILLIPS + Committee of Prisoners of Jefferson County Jail. + +[Illustration: LOUISVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY--MAIN BUILDING + +Branch of this Library in the County Jail.] + + + + +Branch Library in the Jail + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Prison libraries are nearly always more or less poor, indefinite sort of +affairs, with a questionable lot of reading matter, mostly paper-backs +and second-hand magazines, forming its contents. But the Jefferson +county jail has marked a departure from the routine of prison life in +the establishment of a library station for its inmates. + +This little institution is a remarkable affair. Mrs. Chester Mayer is +responsible for its organization. Mrs. Mayer is a member of the visiting +board at the county jail, and noticing the absence of good reading +matter, the continual idling of prisoners, she took up the matter with +Jailer John R. Pflanz, who approved the idea of a library station. Then +she approached her husband, Dr. Mayer, a member of the Board of Trustees +of the Louisville Free Public Library. + +When George T. Settle, the recently elected librarian, was approached, +he gave his hearty consent. One hundred volumes were sent immediately +for the men's department and fifty for the women prisoners. The books +were selected by Miss Annie V. Pollard, former acting librarian, who +gave considerable time to a study of the most desirable literature. The +books sent were non-denominational, nonpolitical, and mostly fiction, +works of the popular authors, but nothing too heavy for the mental +appetite of the inmates. The books were taken from the open-shelf room. + +As these books are used they are changed. Since the establishment of the +jail library station the circulation has reached 2,000 books. Of course, +the same book is read by nearly all the regular borrowers. + +An interesting sight is presented when the prisoners are at liberty in +the open places at the jail. About 75 per cent. of the prisoners can +read. The other 25 per cent. gather about an appointed reader, who reads +aloud. + +How much better is this for those unfortunates than idling their time, +brooding, planning evil deeds, perhaps, or thinking criminal thoughts! + +The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, is in charge of the work and +he and Jailer Pflanz have made it a success. + +[Illustration: CURTIS JETT + +How he found God, he tells you in his own words. God bless Curt, and +give him the desires of his heart, is the prayer of the Author.] + + + + +CHANGE COMES IN CURT JETT. + +[Courier-Journal] + + +Frankfort, Ky., March 14.--(Special.)--Although he is serving two life +sentences for murder, Curt Jett, "the wild dog of the mountains," has +not yet abandoned hope of getting a pardon and being given another +chance to show that his reformation has been sincere and final. He says +that God has pardoned him for his crimes and he thinks the Governor +ought to. + +"The best thing ever happened to me was when I was sent to the +penitentiary," said Jett last night in his cell in the prison here as he +was talking to some newspaper men, who were inside the cellhouse for +another purpose than talking to Jett. "I realize that I never would have +been reformed but for being put in here," continued Jett. "I only wish +that they would give me another chance to show that I really have +changed my ways." + + +License To Teach Sunday-School. + +Jett showed the newspaper men who had stopped to talk to him, when they +saw him lying on his cot reading, a certificate from the International +Sunday-school League entitling him to teach in a Sunday-school. He was +prouder of that than he ever was of his ability to shoot and he showed +it with great pride. Jett recently wrote out his religious experiences +for the Rev. Geo. L. Herr, the prison evangelist, and last night Jett +said he would give the story to the newspapers if Col. E. E. Mudd, the +prison warden, had no objections. Col. Mudd was with the newspaper men +and readily consented to Jett giving out the story. He had written it +with a pencil and gave it to the newspaper men, desiring that it be +published. + +Jett's cell is covered with pictures, most of them selected with care as +to their beauty, and he has shown taste in arranging them. One of the +newspaper men remarked on the decorations in the cell last night and +Jett said: + +"Yes, it cheers this cell up a little and makes it brighter." + + +Expression On Face Changed. + +Even the expression of Jett's face has changed and he has none of that +hard look that he used to wear. He is bright and cheerful and Col. Mudd +says there is not a better prisoner in the penitentiary than Jett. Col. +Mudd said that he could not say that Jett's conversion was genuine from +a religious standpoint, but he says Jett has certainly changed inside +the prison. The Rev. Joseph Severance, the prison chaplain, says that +Jett is one of the best Bible scholars he ever saw and knows more about +the Bible than many earnest church workers. + +In his story which he gave out last night Jett freely admits his guilt +of the crimes that are charged against him. He added, when he said that +it was a good thing that he had been put in the penitentiary: + +"I do not mean that it was good to kill men." + +He said that whisky was largely responsible for his misdeeds and he +wanted to do good now that he had done so much harm. The following is +Jett's story as he wrote it in his cell: + + +Jett's Story. + +"State Prison, Frankfort, Ky., March 13, 1909.--To the Whole World: I +want to let the whole world know what God in his great mercy has done +for me, and prove to you by words which are true that Jesus is willing, +able and does save to the uttermost. After a life of sin and shame, God +sent his Holy Spirit into my soul and made a new man out of me. It was +in this wise: A dear, good woman who is dead now, but who then lived in +Lexington; her name was Mrs. Fanny A. Penn--I shall never forget that +name--she wrote me a good Christian letter, full of good advice, and +begged me to become a Christian. I had never seen her, or she me, as I +know of; she had only read in the press regarding what a desperado and +outlaw I was. I read her letter and it sounded like a fairy tale to me, +with no sense in it; but after reflection, I answered it, and we began +to be good friends, and she kept begging me to turn from my sinful ways +and be a Christian man. + + +Read New Testament. + +"I want to state right here that because a man is in prison, he don't +have to be a Christian or behave himself; and Mrs. Penn sent me a small +revised Testament and begged me to read it. At first I laid it up and +would not read it. I don't remember of ever reading a whole chapter in a +Bible up until that time in my whole life; and at last, by her begging +me in every letter to read my Testament, I began to read it, and started +out with a resolution to read it through, and after I began to read, I +became interested in it, and the more I read it the deeper I became +interested in it, and God's Holy Spirit began to work in me, and I began +to pray. At first it seemed that I was afraid that God would not answer +my prayers, but still something made me pray anyway, and it wasn't long +until I was praying to God every night from one to three times, from the +depths of my heart. I had taken his name in vain ever since I was a +child, and I asked him to make me quit taking his name in vain, and +after a day at my work, and when I would curse God, I would think of my +prayers, and then at night when I would go to my cell, I would let my +thoughts wander over a day that had just passed, and I could tell after +reflecting that I hadn't cursed so much that day. And little by little +God removed that evil spirit, cursing, from me, until one night when I +went to my cell and my thoughts wandered over the day that had just +passed, and not an oath had I uttered, and I was happier than ever +before, I fell on my knees on the hard stone floor, and thanked God for +His goodness and for removing that swearing away from me. + + +Quits Smoking Cigarettes. + +"I had smoked cigarettes for at least fifteen years and I quit them. I +was full of revenge and hatred, and I cried aloud to God in my lonely +cell to redeem my soul, which He did, and it wasn't long before I was a +friend to everyone and praising God for full and free salvation. He has +made a new man out of me. The Holy Spirit is like a fever, and it is all +and all before a man gets right with God. Condemning and deceitful +spirits will rise up in a man, but all we have to do is to ask God and +he will remove them all; to live a true Christian life is the +straightest life that anyone ever tried to walk. It is a great warfare. +I read and study my Bible and have learned a great deal about God's word +since I joined the church, a few short months ago, under a great, good +and noble man of Frankfort by the name of C. R. Hudson, and I love him +as a very dear brother. There is not a man in all this world that I hold +the least bit of malice against, and before I got right with God I had +revenge in me against many. + + +Warns Young Men. + +"Young men, as you read this, from one who has done many and great +wrongs, take warning; shun evil companions and don't do as I have done +in days gone by. Don't be led astray by older heads, for the man that +will advise you to do a wrong is not your friend; but I could not see it +that way. God has given me a new mind and I know as well as I know that +I am living that religion is true, real and no fake, as I once thought. + + +Has Been Born Again. + +"I was raised on a Bluegrass farm in Madison County, Kentucky, and my +parents were as good a father and mother as ever lived; but my father +died while I was young and I went from bad to worse, committing crime +after crime, and I am guilty of the charges against me, but God has +forgiven me of every wrong I ever did. Why won't the Governor? All the +punishment that I will ever have to go through with will be on this +earth, for God has forgiven me of every wrong and I have a clear +conscience now, for I have been born again. There are so many men in +prison that trample the lowly God under foot to try and gain their +freedom in that way, and I hope that no one single person that reads +this will think that I am making mockery of God's love, for I am sincere +with God, as I used to be with Satan. I wish that every paper in the +whole world would publish this so that it could have a chance to touch +the hearts of many sinful men; I long to tell the story to young men, +from East to West, from North to South, how God redeemed my soul. + + +Refers to Scriptures. + +"We have organized a Bible reading circle here in the prison which is a +grand and good work. Now I refer you to some Scripture which I hope +everyone will read carefully, and it will show you how God will forgive +a man for the crime of murder and for all crimes except one. + +"Read Exodus ii., 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; II. Samuel xi. and xii.; Ezekiel +xviii., from 20th verse to end of chapter; Jeremiah xxxiii., 8, 9; +Mathew xii., 31; Luke xv.; Acts vii., 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60; Acts +viii., 1 to 7; 16, 17, 22; Galatians iii., 24. + +"I ask for the sincere prayers of every good Christian in this whole +world; pray for me, that I may be true to God the rest of my life. When +I was repenting my whole face would draw and I could feel the hot, +burning love of God in my whole being. I am in prison, maybe never to +hear the birds sing or the rippling of the water again, a free man, but +I say unto you that I am a free man in Jesus; I have found a friend that +sticks closer than a brother. People, let your light shine, for I +believe that there are many diamonds in the rough. I am yours in Jesus, + + "CURTIS JETT ." + + + + +Christian Endeavor at Frankfort Prison + + + Frankfort, Ky., Penitentiary. + Rev. Geo. L. Herr, + Prison Evangelist, + Louisville, Ky. + +Dear Brother Herr: + +As you have been so kind to me and have asked a somewhat detailed +account of Christian Endeavor work in this prison and my connection with +same, it is my pleasure to comply, especially as you do not visit us +as often as we would like and cannot see for yourself all that goes on. + +[Illustration: HENRY E. YOUTSEY + +The Author knows of no man behind prison bars in whom he is more +interested than Henry E. Youtsey.] + +When I commenced my life sentence here, February 6th, 1901, I fell in +love with our Christian Endeavor Society at first sight, and in all +those 104 months I have only missed about 15 meetings, due to +unavoidable causes. I was ill for three months with malaria and could +not go at all. + +During the early days of my imprisonment our membership at its best +averaged about 100, but during the summer months when the boys were +given their choice between the open air of the yard and attendance at +the meetings the average was less than 20. + +In the summer of 1905, and at the instance of Mrs. M. B. R. Day, of +Frankfort, I organized and managed a memorizing contest in which a +number of prisoners learned and recited verses of scripture, and I +obtained a number of handsome Teachers' Bibles and other presents which +were given to them as prizes on Thanksgiving day. I continued this work +for the three following summers, and in all forty-five prisoners learned +and recited a grand total of 33,332 verses, (over four times as many as +are contained in the New Testament), which is an average of 741 verses +per man. The men studied so hard that some of them injured their eyes, +and it was thought best to discontinue the work for a while. + +I was Corresponding Secretary of our Society for about two and one-half +years, and last December I was elected its President by the largest +majority ever given any candidate for the office. + +I started in to raise our membership to two hundred, and succeeded in +getting it as high as one hundred and sixty-six. It was also my desire +to have better attendance during the hot months, and I used every means +I could think of to make our meetings attractive, and I was frequently +both pleased and surprised to count from sixty-five to seventy, more +than three times what it used to be. Some of our members being delicate +are in great need of all the fresh air they can get and remain in the +yard all day Sundays in pretty weather although their hearts are with +us. + +A part of our pledge binds the members to carefully read the Bible every +day, and I wondered how they were going to keep that pledge without the +Bibles, so I set to work again writing letters in every direction, and +almost before I knew it our Ky. C. E. Societies sent us 50 Bibles, and +Miss Mary B. Rohrer, of Franklin, Pa., sent me 150 of the prettiest +Bibles you ever saw; they have flexible, over-lapping backs, +red-under-gold edges, maps, and other helps. This is the most +magnificent present we have ever received from outside parties, and +besides all these, the Prison Commissioners offered us 100 more, which +we could not use. One thing that has impressed me very forcibly is the +fact that the Christian people outside are ready at all times to shower +blessings upon us, and all we have to do is to ask for them. + +At the suggestion of Bro. Jos. Severance, our splendid Chaplain, I +numbered the Bibles and gave them out to the members, keeping a careful +record of them, and the men were instructed to return the Bibles to the +Society on leaving the prison, and although about a score of our members +have gone out since then we have only lost one Bible, which speaks +volumes for their honesty. + +A few Sundays ago I proposed that the Society set apart a small sum of +money for prizes, and that all the members who wished to do so would be +invited to write compositions on the subject, "What Christian Endeavor +has done for me." Nine brothers entered this symposium, and their +compositions signed, "Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry +Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian, aggregate about 7,500 words, +and make fine reading; Bro. Severance was appointed Judge. + +This summer I organized a little band of workers who go with me to the +hospital every Sunday, where we hold little services of song, prayer and +Bible reading at the bedsides of those who are ill, and I have found +great joy in this work. + +We have had some splendid C. E. meetings, the best ones being those when +the Senior and Junior societies of the Frankfort Christian Church and +the Epworth League of the Methodist Church united with us. Of course, we +could not go to them, but they came to us, and gave us rare spiritual +and intellectual treats. The music was specially beautiful. + +Quite recently I assisted Bro. Severance in re-organizing a Bible class, +of which I am Secretary. We are studying Moninger's "Training for +Service," and have 52 members. Splendid progress is being made. So you +see my hands are pretty full, and when Sunday night comes I am about +ready to drop in my tracks. Of course, it is all voluntary, and I do not +have to turn my hand over if I do not want to. + +I am going to add a "Soul-winners Department" to our C. E. Society for +the purpose of assisting Bro. Severance in the conversion of the men, +but I am in some doubt as to how to proceed as there is no chance to get +at the men in the winter time. However, I am determined to find +opportunity somehow. + +We have a new Superintendent of Prison C. E. work, in the person of +Miss Georgia Dunn, of Marksbury, Ky. She is the most energetic little +Christian lady I have seen in a long time, and our society will surely +hum this winter under her guidance, as we are all very proud of our good +little sister. + +January 1st, I commenced to read my Bible through, at the rate of three +chapters each week night, and five each Sunday night, in order to get +through by December 31st, but I read more than that and finished up +three months ahead of time. Although I have read the good book +constantly during the last eight years, this is the first continuous +reading to completion that I ever did. + +I have enjoyed Bro. Severance's sermons very much and I believe there is +nothing that thrills and inspires me with enthusiasm like fine +preaching, and right here I am going to tell you something which you +must keep under your hat; one Sunday Bro. Severance was unexpectedly +called away, and asked for a volunteer to fill his place, and I was +delighted at the opportunity, and although I could not fill it I +"rattled about in it," for about 30 minutes, and one dear fellow +accepted the gospel invitation and joined the church. As soon as my +sermonette was over quite a number of friends crowded around me and +showered congratulations on me. This was a temptation to try again, and +the next time three brothers joined the church, and that pleased me +immensely, you know. + +I have many good friends in Louisville, including Dr. Powell, of the +Christian Church; Dr. T. M. Hawes, of the Highland Presbyterian Church, +whose C. E. Society sent us $7.50, and, say, there is a pastor after +God's own heart. Give them all my love when you see them, and say to +them that while I am ashamed of the sins that brought me here I am +trying to leave foot-prints that I will be proud of in the great day of +judgment. + +The Christian Endeavor Societies of Newport, Paris, Winchester and +Lexington have helped us wonderfully. Lexington is the principal center +of Christian Endeavor activity, from my point of view, and I have an +especially warm place in my heart for those societies. + +How is Mr. John R. Pflanz getting along? He is another whom I love, and +I hope that he will get every office that he goes after. + +Be sure and give my kindest regards to your most excellent wife; she is +certainly a queen among women. + +Trusting that I have not tired you, and that you will excuse my +remissness in failing to write sooner, I am, + + Most respectfully yours, + H. E. YOUTSEY. + + + + +Capital Punishment + + +The following forceful expressions regarding capital punishment by Gov. +Geo. W. Hunt, of Arizona, are in exact keeping with the thoughts of the +author. "Thou shalt not kill" applies to governments, corporations, +societies and individuals alike. + +Capital punishment is simply the commission by the State of an act which +is regarded as a horrible crime if committed by an individual. One man +must not kill another man, but several men vested with official titles +can hold a conference and send a soul to eternity. The State says: "You +must not kill; but if you do, I will kill you." This theory of a State's +power or duty owes its origin to the lowest class of barbarians in the +early history of the world. Their logic, if it may be called that, +sprang solely from a spirit of revenge. The idea that a legal execution +would deter others from committing murder probably never occurred to +them. Their crude minds did not rise above the thought that the victim +should be avenged, and that adequate vengeance could be found only in +the hangman's noose or the guillotine. + +There are a thousand other practices originating with barbarians which +the footsteps of civilization and progress have crushed. But capital +punishment, the worst heritage of the dark ages, lingers with us, +betraying one of the spots in humanity where the veneer of civilization +is thin. I am inclined to think that the spirit of revenge still is the +ruling motive back of the legal execution, even though pleas are made in +its behalf which barbarians never thought of. They could not very well +think of such punishment as a curb to more murders, for even they could +not help seeing that the beheading and quartering of offenders had no +such effect. The legal execution has no such effect today, a fact which +any fair-minded man will recognize after proper investigation. And if +that plea falls down, as it does and must continue to do, what defense +of the legal killing of our fellowman is left us? The moment we are +convinced that the number of murders is on the increase, or does not +decrease, in spite of the rope and electric chair, we will have to +justify capital punishment on some other ground. What is that other +ground, if it is not the old savage impulse of meting revenge--a species +of revenge, at the last analysis, confers no good whatever upon society +as a whole, and is of no consolation or comfort to the family circle +most affected by the original murder? + +Arizona has taken most advanced ground upon social and economic +questions, and while the old territorial law, permitting capital +punishment, is still on the statute books, it must be remembered that +statehood has been in operation less than a year, and that the first +State Legislature was overwhelmed with work during the comparatively +short session prescribed by the Constitution. I am confident that public +sentiment in Arizona is opposed to capital punishment. During the +special session of the Legislature, which will be held early in 1913, an +effort will be made to repeal the old law. If the Legislature is too +busy to give the matter attention, or is disinclined to assume the +responsibility, the initiative provision of the State Constitution will +be invoked, thus putting the question square up to the people. I have no +fears for the outcome. Arizona citizenship has proved itself too +intelligent to lag behind the advanced thought and progress of +civilization. + + GEO. W. H. HUNT, + Governor of Arizona. + + + + +Indiana Reformatory + +Inmates Subscribe for Pipe Organ + + +Each one a Carnegie in proportion to his ability to give, a majority of +the 1,204 inmates of the Indiana Reformatory yesterday voluntarily +contributed toward the purchase of a pipe organ for the handsome chapel +of the institution, the total offerings approximated $900. When the +contribution cards were checked up by the Rev. W. E. Edgin, chaplain of +the reformatory, he was surprised at the generosity shown by the +inmates. The individual sums given ranged from 25 cents to $35. + +When Gov. J. Frank Hanly was a guest at the Reformatory recently he was +asked by Mr. Edgin as to the best plan to pursue to get from Andrew +Carnegie a contribution sufficient to buy a pipe organ. Gov. Hanly +replied that this sum could be raised in Indiana, and he started the +list with $100. It then occurred to Mr. Edgin to ask voluntary +contributions from the inmates, and permission was given by Supt. +Whittaker. Cards were left in each cell, with blanks for subscriptions, +but it was distinctly stated that all offerings should be entirely +voluntary. A great many of the inmates bring money with them to the +Reformatory, and this, with that which they earn by overtime work, which +is considerable, is credited to them. + +When the success of the offering was learned the inmates were as much +pleased as Chaplain Edgin. The new organ soon will be forthcoming. + + * * * * * + + + + + PROGRAM. + + + Indiana Reformatory Chapel Services. + + Sunday, April 14, 1907. + + + March--"Camp Organ" Narovec + March--"Steel King" St. Clair + + Musical Selection. + + Paraphrase--"Melody in F" Rubenstein + + Doxology. + + The Lord's Prayer. + + + I SHALL BE LIKE HIM. + + When I shall reach the more excellent glory, + And all my trials are passed, + I shall behold Him, O wonderful story! + I shall be like Him at last. + + Cho: I shall be like Him, I shall be like Him, + And in His beauty shall shine; + I shall be like Him, wondrously like Him, + Jesus my Savior divine. + + We shall not wait till the glorious dawning + Breaks on the vision so fair, + Now we may welcome the heavenly morning, + Now we His image may bear. + + More and more like Him, repeat the blest story, + Over and over again, + Changed by His Spirit from glory to glory, + I shall be satisfied then. + + Prayer. + + Piano Solo J. S. Hathaway + Selection--From "Romeo and Juliet" Gounod + + +THE VIRTUE OF SHAME. + +Confession is a duty too little regarded even by many Christians. Some +men are ashamed to confess that they have done wrong. Sir John Lubbock +says: "It is well to be ashamed of yourself if you are in the wrong; but +never be ashamed to own it." The Bible says: "Confess your faults one to +another." + + +CONQUEST. + + Creation's heir, the world, the world is mine.--Goldsmith. + All things are yours.--Paul. + + The world is mine. I hold no title-deed + To one small acre, yet have all I need, + And should Dame Fortune proffer me her store + I could not linger wistful, at her door. + + Unfortunate is he beyond compute, + Whose love of fortune makes his conscience mute. + I will not look to fortune. I will do + My best, though small that best to her or you. + + All things are mine. I walk with firmer tread + Than Caesar at his best; for I am led + By mightier One than Fortune or than Fate, + And I shall conquer all things, soon or late. + + All things? Yes, all. Then well may Fortune frown, + And clutch with trembling hand her imperial crown. + I will stoop to conquer. I will rise + And climb the rugged path where duty lies. + + Sermon Geo. L. Herr + + Benediction. + + March--"Boston Press Club" Rollinson + March--"Yankee Grit" Holzman + + + + +"CLING TO THE BIBLE." + + Tis the anchor of hope and the lamp that gives light, + Tis the star that will shine thro' your life's darkest night, + If you follow its guidance, you'll always be right, + So cling to the Bible and walk in its light. + + +To neglect, reject or doubt the Bible in any particular is but an +entering wedge to spiritual apathy. The "Bible tinkers" of this or any +other age have been men whose hearts are cold and whose soul saving +powers were limited. + +To obey the Bible, will lead to a perfect salvation, make possible a +victorious faith, surmount the difficulties of life and gain an +"inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled and that fadeth not away, +reserved in heaven for you." + +Watson says, "The Bible is a rock of diamonds; a chain of pearls; the +sword of the Spirit, a chart by which the Christian sails to eternity, +the map by which he daily walks; the sun dial by which he sets his life; +the balance by which he weighs his actions." + + + + + The + Bible + contains + 3,566,480 + letters, 810- + 697 words, 31- + 175 verses, 1,189 + chapters, and 66 + books. The longest + chapter is the 119th + Psalm. The shortest + and middle chapter the + 117 Psalm. The middle + verse is the 8th of the 118th + Psalm. The longest name is + in the 8th chapter of Isaiah. + The word "and" occurs 46,627 + times; the "Lord" 858 times. The + 37th chapter of Isaiah and the 9th + chapter of the 2d book of Kings are + alike. The longest verse is the 9th of + the 8th chapter of Esther and the shortest + verse is the 35th of the 11th chapter of + John. In the 21st verse of the 7th + chapter of Ezra is the alphabet. The + name of God is not mentioned in + the book of Esther. The model + prayer is the 17th chapter of + John. The 13th chapter of + 1st Corinthians is the + most practical. + It Contains + Knowledge + Holiness + Wisdom + and Love + The Tree of Life and Knowledge + + + + +"DO YOU KNOW THE WORLD IS DYING FOR A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE?" + + +Practical results are happy homes, husbands and fathers restored to +their families, wives and children made happy, multitudes rescued, and +the world made better. + +The magnitude of this work will never be known until Eternity's records +are disclosed. Little did we think twenty years ago that so humble a +beginning would be attended with such remarkable results. + +Rev. Herr holds a unique position in the evangelistic field. He is +considered the greatest evangelist among prisoners in the United +States.--Louisville Herald, May 17, 1909. + +When you help the missionaries, you help the poor fellow in trouble. +When you help those in trouble, you help yourself, and when you thus +help the missionary, the outcast, and yourself, God will help you. + + +OUR MOTTO: + + "Seeking the lost." + "Helping the helpless to help themselves." + All along life's pathway there are men and women in need: + Go and help somebody just now. + With a word of kindness or a loving deed, + Go and help somebody just now. + + +Dear Friend--Our country is taxed with a burden of thousands of +prisoners. These people are crippled, not in body, not in mind, but +almost always in morals, which is the most serious. It is to help or +recover them that we are giving our lives. Our labors have not been in +vain, as the testimonials will show you. We want you to "hold the rope +while we go down into the pit," by subscribing for our support and +transportation in this work of prison evangelism; and in so doing you +become the benefactor of a submerged class. + +May we not hope to have your check to help in this concerted effort? I +am, + + Yours sincerely, + GEO. L. HERR, + Louisville, Ky. + + * * * * * + + -------- + "He that hath the Son, hath life, and he that hath not the Son + of God hath not life."--1 John 5:12. + + "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"--Heb. + 2:3. + + "For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world + and lose his own soul?"--Mark 8:36. + + "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and + all these things shall be added unto you."--Matt. 6:33. + -------- + + + + +GET REV. HERR'S NEW BOOK. + + +Entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," for your good; but chiefly for +the good of others. + +The nation behind the bars is an interesting nation, a pitiful nation, a +needy nation. Help them and interest yourself in them by buying and +reading this book. + +"You have a superb record."--Rev. Horace G. Ogden, D.D. + +"He has wide experience on both sides of the line."--Rev. H. C. +Morrison, Editor Pentecostal Herald. + +"His labors are abundantly blessed."--Rev. Joseph Severance. + +"The large number who have been helped by hearing your message will be +still further benefited by reading your book."--Rev. Albert J. Steelman, +Ph.D., Chaplain, Illinois State Penitentiary. + +"You and your good wife were father and mother to the prisoners."--John +R. Pflanz, Jailer. + +"George L. Herr is not the man to do anything in an ordinary way."--Rev. +D. J. Starr, D.D., Chaplain of Columbus, O., Penitentiary. + +"His work among prisoners has been very successful, and through his +efforts many erring creatures have been induced to reform."--Charles F. +Grainger. + + + + +Transcriber's Notes + + Table of Contents + (Practical Religious Work in County Jail) + Pratical changed to Practical. + + Page 7 + (glorified by the presence) + glorifield changed to glorified. + + Page 144 + (Hundreds of Letters we have + have have changed to have. + + The following are used interchangably: + A A today and to-day, + A A exconvict and ex-convict + A A cellhouse and cell-house + A A brokenhearted and broken-hearted + + Several unbalanced quotes were left as in the original. + + Page 128 + (Jerry was put to work in the engine room) + This paragraph appears to need an open quote. Unchanged. + + Page 141 + ("The wages of sin is death,) + Phrase seems to need a closed quote. Unchanged. + + Page 161 + ("Amo Rolo, Sunflower, Rhododendron, Laurel, Merry + Heart, Happy Bird, Mizpah, and Christian,) + List of names seems to need a closes quote. Unchanged. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nation Behind Prison Bars, by George L. 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