Behind the prison bars : $b A reminder of our duties toward those who have been so unfortunate as to be cast into prisonByrum, E. E. (Enoch Edwin)
Philosophy
Behind the prison bars : $b A reminder of our duties toward those who have been so unfortunate as to be cast into prison
Byrum, E. E. (Enoch Edwin)
Prisons; Prisons -- West Virginia
We have received from your publishing house a nice package of good
books. I take this opportunity to acknowledge receipt of same, and to
thank you kindly for this generous donation. The books are turned
into the hands of the prisoners, who take them eagerly, and are very
grateful for them. They are passed from one to another until they
are literally worn out. Allow me to say in this connection, that the
problem of criminology in this country must be solved by other means
than the punitive, and retributive idea. We have been more than a
century trying every plan that man can devise to check and cure this
growing curse. We must turn to the means provided by God Almighty. The
gospel of Jesus Christ is the only and true remedy. Disseminating good
literature, and instructing in the ways of life, is a step in the right
direction. I have made a study of the subjects under my charge, for
nearly three years, and find that the man who fails to accept Jesus,
and have his soul washed in his blood, in most cases leaves this place
still a criminal. May God help us to lead them into the light. Many
blessings upon you for your act of mercy. Very truly, your brother and
co-worker,
——, Chaplain.
Michigan State Prison.
Jackson, Mich., March 11, 1901.
Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.
Gentlemen: We are in receipt of the very excellent collection of books
you sent us for the use of the men in our institution. Please accept
our grateful thanks for the same, and be assured they will be eagerly
read and highly prized by the men. Too much can not be said of the
beneficial influence of good books in the prison. Men will carefully
read books in here that they would not look at outside. And then too
they have time to digest what they read. Again thanking you for your
kind remembrance of us, I beg leave to remain, Yours truly,
——, Chaplain.
Dover, Del., Aug. 6, 1900.
I received the tracts that you sent, and distributed them among the
prisoners. They seem to enjoy them more than anything they have ever
had in the way of reading. I shall be more than glad to distribute all
such reading as that proves to be. Yours respectfully,
——, Warden of the Kent County Prison.
TESTIMONIES OF CONVICTS.
FELLOW PRISONERS, TAKE COURAGE.
Moundsville, W. Va.
Through the kindness of the warden I am permitted to present a small
sketch of my prison life. I am glad to avail myself of the opportunity
of relating my experience in the earnest hope that some one as
unfortunate as myself may be benefited thereby. That this is written
within prison-walls will, I feel, prove none the less interesting.
The first night I spent in prison will never be forgotten. When the
cell-doors clanged, closing in upon me, I felt my very heart sink
within me. Then with a contrite heart I looked to Jesus, and spent the
night in prayer. Oh, what a comfort he has been to me! I then and there
made up my mind to follow in his footsteps, and devote my life to him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account