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
Perhaps three of the men are Scripturally penitent, three others
interested and four indifferent to religion--so far as we can
see. The men have Bibles, religious song books and papers,
library books and religious letters from relatives. They are not
allowed to correspond without especially good reasons for permits
to do so. I hold a little meeting and Bible study with those who
care for it almost daily at 2 p. m., at which time you might help
us with your prayers.
Sentiment is not salvation. The trouble, both in the prison and
out of it, is, men will not seek after God. Yes, I am busy and
ought to be busy about my Master's business, and so are you.
With best wishes, I am,
Respectfully yours,
D. J. STARR, Chaplain.
WAY OPENED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER.
I had for many years prayed for an opportunity to preach in one of the
largest state prisons. Again and again I had been refused by both the
warden and chaplain. But at last through a new governor of the state I
was permitted to enter this prison for religious services.
Calling at the office of the governor and asking permission to go to
the prison and assist in the services, he said, "Certainly, we shall
be glad to have you. There will be no difficulty, as we have new
officers. You can preach in the prison." Before I had left the
Governor's private office the warden of the prison being present spoke
and said, "Certainly, they would be very glad to have you take part
with them." I asked if I should not see the chaplain, but the warden
said he would be all right, and be pleased. But I insisted that it was
only courtesy to see the chaplain. And asking the governor to please
write a note to him, he did so and remarked that the state carriage
was waiting at the door and I should be driven to the chaplain's
house.
Arriving at his home I was met by his little daughter who carried my
card to her father and he soon came into the room asking what I
wanted. "I should like, if you please, to take part with you in the
services at the prison chapel tomorrow (Sunday) as I have been some
years in prison work," I replied. "No indeed," he answered, "I cannot
allow a woman to speak in my meetings. I will never permit any woman
to take my pulpit." I made no reply, but that the state carriage was
waiting for me and I must go, but said to him, "Here is a letter from
the governor. Will you kindly look at it before I leave?" He took the
message and noting its contents he changed color and seemed confused;
saying, "I never did allow a woman to speak in my meetings. But seeing
the governor's request and your years of experience, I will allow you
to come in the morning and conduct the women's meetings." The
governor's letter read as follows:
Executive Department, Oct. 24, 1891.
Dr. O. W. G.,
Chaplain of Penitentiary.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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