Truly such a sad condition would be deplorable, but the prisoner can only assert his manhood, lay his plans for the future, and determine to rise above it all, which is not impossible. Many have risen to a good standing in life. What has been done can be done again.
Prisoners who are sentenced to be hanged are generally taken to a cell in the execution house separate from the other prisoners. The convict thus doomed spends the time in this prison and is not required to work. A few months ago I visited a prison, and in the execution building I found two prisoners in solitary cells. One seemed to have made his peace with God, but the other was in deep trouble over his soul, was not ready to meet God, and had only a few more days to live. It seemed he could not pray. He had been reading his Bible and other religious books, but hope had almost fled. After talking with him for a time, I said, “Young man, your time is short unless God in some way intervenes. If you have been guilty of crime and are trying to hide it from your fellow men or denying the charge, you can not hide it from God. Acknowledge before him the facts as they are and call upon him for help.” After praying with him for a while he gave vent to his feelings in most earnest pleas to God, crying out, “I am a murderer.” He continued his earnest pleas until the Lord did forgive him. A week or two later when the death sentence was read to him in his cell, he was ready, and made the remark that they could only take away his breath, for his soul would be forever landed in peace. I saw him march up to the gallows, and as his legs and arms were being strapped and a rope tied about his neck he glanced heavenward as if breathing a silent prayer, and when the electric signal was given, he dropped into eternity.
THE LIBRARY.
While many prisons are not yet supplied with a library, there are efforts being made on this line for the education and elevation of the minds of the prisoners. For those who have already received an education there are many valuable books in the library to furnish them something to occupy their minds at such times as they may have to read. Some states furnish so many thousand books and an appropriation of $500 a year for library purposes. Among the books furnished are scientific works, history, biography, and others of a religious and moral nature, together with many novels and works of fiction. The Christian people of our land should see to it that a greater number of books of a real spiritual cast are placed at the disposal of prisoners.
About two years ago, after receiving some earnest letters of appreciation and thankfulness from prisoners who had received books and papers, a deeper sympathy was awakened in their behalf. For some days I became greatly burdened in behalf of a certain prison, concerning supplying the prisoners with a library of good books. Not knowing whether they had a library or whether the prison officials would receive the books and put them into the hands of the prisoners, I hesitated. As the burden for this matter could not be so easily thrown off, my next step was to visit the prison and make investigations through the prison officials, and was not a little surprised to find they were without a library, though at that time were preparing a large library room, intending to make a plea to the people for a donation of books. As soon as the room was finished it was my pleasure to see that $1000 worth of well-bound books were placed in the library for the prisoners, being donated by those who have an interest in the men behind the bars. It has also been a source of gratitude to know that these books have been appreciated and enjoyed by the many prisoners who read them in their cells and in the library.
In some prisons about twenty per cent. or more of the prisoners are unable to read or write. For this reason schools are being formed where such, especially those who desire to do so, can have a chance to receive an education. These schools are generally held in the library room and taught by one of the prisoners.