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