Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of LoveWheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Religion
Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love
Wheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Evangelistic work; Prisons
Early the following morning, I was told that the engine which was to
take me on my way was ready to start with its train of coal cars for
the station some ten miles distant; but that I would have time to
visit the hospital department where many were lying sick. I hurried
through the prison yard, filled with hogs and bloodhounds, to the
hospital, where I sang a song and prayed. I was turning to go when a
guard came running and said, "The whole train is waiting for you,
hurry up." As I was hurrying out a door opened and a woman called, "Do
come and see my son, he is dying. Do come and pray for him." I ran in
saying, "The train may go; I dare not refuse the request." I grasped
the dying boy's hand firmly and said, "Take hold on God as I take hold
of your hand. He will not forsake you. He will save you; look and
live." I offered a short prayer and ran down to the engine, which
still waited. There was something seeming so dismal in its sound in
those lonely regions. I had to ride on the engine, as there was
nothing but coal flats on this train. I was helped on and we were off.
The sun was just rising over the mountain and the heavy fog was
beginning to rise, and oh, such a blessing I received as we sped along
the winding way! I shall never forget the gloomy sight I left behind
me there. The poor prison-bound men marching out to the mines with
their lanterns on their caps and with their picks and shovels. They
never seemed so dear to me, and I began to see more clearly than ever
that God had a special work for me to do. I saw the value of a soul
bought with the precious blood of Christ. I saw, too, the need of
fully consecrated Christian workers. As we wound around the mountain
side I knew I had been obedient to my God, and His Spirit bore witness
with my spirit that He accepted my weak efforts.
DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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