There are two sides to prison life—a bright side, and a dark side. It may be a query in the minds of some how there could be any enjoyment or any bright side to such a life, but this will be clearly shown in other chapters in this book. There are many things that go to make the prison life a dark one. Viewing the matter from a natural standpoint, with no one to look to but human help, the way does truly often look dark and dreary. There are prisons where men are cast into dungeons and left to almost starve to death, or they are bound hand and foot and beaten with the cat-o-nine tails, or hanged by the thumbs, or made to pass through some severe ordeal of punishment that is almost beyond human endurance. Even in our own country there are yet stockades wherein prisoners do not receive treatment that would elevate them nor fit them for the higher circles of society. Many of these stockades wherein prisoners have been kept during the years past have been but little, if any, better in many respects than were the Andersonville or Libby prisons during the Rebellion. There are exceptional cases to be sure. During the past year a number of the states have not properly provided for their prisoners. It has not been an uncommon thing in some of these stockades to see a gang of men shackled together with chains, obliged to go about with the clanking chains to their feet, under rigid rules, and having to suffer the severe treatment of wicked and ungodly guards.
The National Prison Association, which is generally represented by officers from the various prisons throughout the United States, have for a number of years met annually to discuss the best modes of handling and caring for the prisoners. Various methods have been set forth. Experiments have been made, and too often it is the case that hard-hearted officers have used the most excruciating means and hard-heartedness in their dealings toward their prisoners, in order to keep them in subjection. Some officers deem it necessary to speak to prisoners in the sternest possible manner, imagining that being cross, gruff, and surly toward them will make them feel a subordination that can be brought about in no other way. This only deepens the sorrows of the poor unfortunate prisoner and tends to harden his heart and affections. Such officers forget that kind looks, gentle actions, and words of encouragement fitly spoken will elevate a man and encourage him to show his manhood and return the love by putting forth his best efforts to show his appreciation of kindness. It is true there are hard-hearted men in prison, men who would kill a man for a trifle, whose consciences are seared over, as it were, yet there are comparatively few men so hard-hearted but can be touched by love and kindness. There are times when more severe punishment must be inflicted, but the warden and prison officers who continually show forth kindness toward the prisoners, greeting them with a smile and words of encouragement, have but little trouble in bringing about a great reform in the lives of those under their charge.
MAKE THE BEST OF IT.
There are thousands in prisons whose hands have been stained with the blood of their fellow men; others whose hearts are hardened in sin and their lives blackened with many crimes; while again, there are those who are innocent, and some who have been cast into prison for Christ’s sake. But whether innocent or guilty, the most expedient thing is to make the best of the situation. Worrying over the separation from friends, the disgrace that is brought about, and bewailing the condition of things in general, will by no means help the matter. If a sin or crime has been committed it is not hidden from the God of heaven, and though the prisoner maybe shut in for years he can have the soul liberated from all the sins committed, by confessing them unto the Lord, calling upon him, and believing that he does forgive; as the Bible tells us in 1 Jno. 1:9 that, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The dear prisoner should make a decision for the right at once, cast away his gloom, doubts, and fears, and remember the words of the apostle, who urges people to cast their care upon the Lord, for he careth for them. He is a very present help in time of trouble. By the help of Almighty God the prisoner can yet make his mark in the world. He can rise above every foe and be of some use before his life closes. While he is in the midst of the most desperate characters in the land, yet he can have good associates. He can commune with God when alone in his cell. He can call for good books and holy literature, read the Bible, and make every effort to please the Lord and those around him. He can so live that even the prison walls will be a hallowed spot unto him. It was while John Bunyan was serving a twelve-year sentence in prison that he wrote the notable book “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which has been a help and comfort to multitudes of people. He no doubt worked often under adverse circumstances and completed his work through many difficulties and much hard labor. Likewise Martin Luther translated the New Testament while in prison, and wrote a number of other valuable works. The apostle Paul wrote a number of his epistles while in prison. He and others with him sometimes were punished by stripes until they were left lacerated and bleeding, then cast into prison and bound hand and foot. It was under such circumstances that one time Paul and Silas were found praising the Lord, singing and shouting at the midnight hour, when the Lord sent an earthquake and rent the prison walls, throwing open the doors and loosing the shackles, setting them free; but they did not flee from the prison until they received proper orders. It was their faithfulness that caused the jailer to ask what he should do to be saved. Paul told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The generous jailor then took the brethren and washed their stripes and properly cared for them, and soon they were dismissed and sent on their way. It often happens that some must suffer an unjust punishment. To such we can only say, Be of good courage; look up and trust for better days.