CHAPTER EIGHT

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. 1:10.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. 1:10.

"Mr. Herr has had a wonderful, but costly experience, which fits him peculiarly for the special work among prisoners. From a wealthy man, living in a mansion, sin blindly led him to poverty, robbed him of his money, property and friends; but God came into his life and now he rejoices that he is a child of the King.

"George Herr is doing a work little short of wonderful. He deserves the co-operation of the Christian brotherhood, and I take pleasure in commending him."

Sermon in State Prison

Rev. Jos. Severance, Chaplain, says in the Courier-Journal:

One of the most remarkable meetings in the annals of the prison was held in the chapel of the penitentiary at Frankfort, Ky., Sunday morning. George L. Herr, of Louisville, a friend of Chaplain Severance, was present and spoke from the fourth and twelfth verses of the 103rd Psalm. The sermon was a strong appeal to the men for gratitude to God for the rich provision for the redemption of the race and urging them to accept the mercy of God and allow him toremove their sins from them "as far as the East is from the West." The chapel was crowded to the doors, and during the sermon that lasted for an hoar no one moved and none went out.

My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped.—Psalm 73:2.

My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped.—Psalm 73:2.

At the close of the sermon the gospel invitation was given and a total of forty-two men came forward, some to confess faith in Christ (of these there were thirty-seven) and others to renew their vows. Hundreds asked for prayer in their behalf. Among those who came were some of the hardest men in the prison and more noted for insubordination and disobedience than for piety and morality.

But the Chaplain believes that the per cent. of those who remain true is as great among prisoners as among those outside.

Bro. Herr knows the prison work as few men do. He is a man of large sympathy, and having had an experience of fifteen years as an evangelist knows how to reach the hearts of the men. He has the entire confidence of both prisoners and officials and is always given a most hearty welcome by all.

The baptism of the thirty-seven men who made confession Sunday will be attended to next Sunday morning. Mr. Herr will return to the baptism.

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.—Matt. 25:40.

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.—Matt. 25:40.

Revival Stirs Up Inmates

[Courier-Journal]

The Rev. George L. Herr preached yesterday at the Frankfort penitentiary for the Rev. Joseph Severance, who was filling another engagement. Several hundred men and women asked for prayer, and fourteen confessed Christ and were baptized in the prison pool in the afternoon by the chaplain, assisted by the Rev. C. R. Hudson and the Rev. Herr, prison evangelist.

The prisoners in the Frankfort penitentiary were again blessed by a visit from Bro. Geo. L. Herr, the Louisville prison evangelist, who came unexpectedly to us. It was doubly fortunate, for the reason that Bro. Jos. Severance, the chaplain, was absent from the city and therefore could not fill his appointment.

He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.—John 3:18.

He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.—John 3:18.

Bro. Herr read that most beautiful 37th Psalm, which is replete with comfort for those who are in dire distress and in need of consolation, placing special emphasis on those passages which teach patience andfaith in "The God who is mighty to save and strong to deliver."

Bro. Herr never fails to extend the invitation of the gospel; in fact, that is his strong point, and is recognized by him to be the most important part of his work as an evangelist. His labor was rewarded, as he won eight souls for our Lord and Saviour.

The following representatives, members of the present General Assembly, were present at the morning services: W. H. Jones, Princeton, Ky.; John T. Shanklin, Johnson, Ky.; W. A. B. Davis, Mt. Vernon, Ky.; Albert Butler. These gentlemen have been coming regularly, which proves that they are interested in our welfare, and also devoted to the church services. We are always proud of their presence, and invite all their colleagues.

At the afternoon Christian Endeavor service, Bro. Herr made an extemporaneous address in which he revealed the secret of his wonderful success as a soul-winner, which the writer would call unlimited charity, and inexhaustible brotherly love; the love that always instantly forgives, and as quickly extends a hand to help a fallen brother rise.

The eulogy he paid his wife, whom he acknowledged to be the inspiration to his life, was most beautiful. At this service he won five more souls for his hire, making thirteen for the day.

Henry E. Youtsey.

A MAN OF HONOR

For several years I have been deeply interested in the men confined in the prison, and in the betterment of their condition. Each time I held service in the prison I came in contact with, and was very much encouraged and assisted by the warden's great kindness. He did much to improve the conditions of life within the prison walls.G. L. H.

[Evening Post.]

FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 23.—The body of Edward E. Mudd, late warden of the Frankfort State Reformatory, who died yesterday morning, was taken this morning to his former home at Glendale, in Hardin County, where it will be buried this afternoon.

Yesterday afternoon the body lay in state in the prison chapel and was viewed by 1,300 convicts.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. 1:10.

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.—Prov. 1:10.

Five floral designs were sent from the penitentiary. The guards and the deputy wardens and the clerks sent two, a few of the "trusties" sent another, andthe white prisoners and the colored prisoners each sent a design. These latter were paid for in 5 and 10-cent contributions.

The Prison Commission, which is in session, ordered flowers sent from Louisville, and adopted the following resolution:

"Resolved, That in the death of Edward E. Mudd, warden of the State Reformatory at Frankfort, the State of Kentucky has lost a valuable public official, and the prison has been deprived of an ideal executive.

"His long experience in prison work had supplemented his natural ability, with the result that he brought to a difficult task a trained mind and an admirable judgment. He was firm without being severe; gentle without being weak; with a heart full of kindness for the unfortunates under his control.

"The Board of Prison Commissioners recognized his worth; had the fullest appreciation of his manliness, his integrity and his devotion to duty. They sought his advice on all important matters, and in his demise they realize that the State has sustained an irreparable loss. The sincere sympathy of the board is hereby extended to his bereaved wife and children."

Until a successor to Warden Mudd is appointed one of the commissioners will be constantly in Frankfort.

Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.—Jno. 8:11.

Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.—Jno. 8:11.

JIM O'BRIEN: MODERN MIRACLE

By George L. Herr

Several years ago I met in the Jefferson County jail, Louisville, Ky., "Dad O'Brien," one of the worst criminals I have ever known. Fifty odd years of age, forty years a thief and twenty-five years behind the bars. The sentence in the jail was a light one—one year and a half—for having received stolen property, but he had stolen from one to tens of thousands. He was son of a prominent physician of Cincinnati, for twenty years professor of anatomy in the Ohio Medical College. He began by stealing from his mother's purse and then, when punished by his father, would steal his father's instruments and sell them for revenge. His father, being a very stern man, drove "Billy" from home, and the night came on with no place to go.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.—John 5:24.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.—John 5:24.

He led a low, degraded life, and was finally arrestedand sentenced to serve ten years in the Columbus penitentiary. When he was about to serve his first sentence—which seemed to him a lifetime—a young lady, an old schoolmate and who had been visiting him in jail, proposed marriage to him, so she could have the right to visit him in Columbus and provide him with the comforts of life, as far as possible. She was a girl of means, and he was stunned by the proposal. For, he said, he had not thought of such a thing as a wife. But he told her to come back the next day and he would let her know. She did, and he accepted and they were married on the eve of his leaving for the penitentiary. He only served part of the sentence, and when released went to the home of the girl and began life in a new way, only to fall in the old rut in a short time. He kept up his criminal life for years.

"But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, are for a prey, and none delivereth: for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to this? Who will harken and hear for the time to come?"—Isaiah 42:22.

"But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, are for a prey, and none delivereth: for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. Who among you will give ear to this? Who will harken and hear for the time to come?"—Isaiah 42:22.

The good wife died, and after her death he became one of the most notorious bank robbers in this country. While in the county jail at Louisville, Ky., Dad's friends were standing nobly by him. He had plenty of money sewed in his clothes to meet his every need.I tried hard to reach him, but he was determined not to have anything to do with a "Sky Pilot," as he called me. The first time I spoke to him he almost spit in my face, but that never daunted me. I was more determined to win him. I saw he was a diamond in the rough. He had a bright mind, a man filled with history.

While in prison in Louisville, Ky., he became interested, and determined to quit the old life. After this determination he immediately wrote his intentions to his old pals on the outside, and told them not to send him any more money, for he was done with that life. They told him he was a fool and had gone crazy, and everything else they could think of.

But he was that kind, when he made up his mind to do a thing he did it.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.—Psalm 46:7.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.—Psalm 46:7.

Then it was my opportunity for the practical side of Christianity, for I believe in that side. His clean laundry must be supplied, extra food that his old companions had been having sent in from the restaurants must now be brought by the missionary from home. Many are the baskets of food I have carried from my cottage home to this man. But the time was coming when he was to be released and nowhere to go,and that was the thing that seemed to trouble him most.

I said: "Never mind, 'Dad,' when you get out of this prison-house come to my home, I'll take care of you and help you to a good life." Well, one night, at about 8 o'clock he knocked on the door. How glad wife and I were to see him! He often said, "How warm the fire looks and how home-like to see you all sitting around." We gave him a good warm supper, a good bed, the best room in the house, but that was not all he needed. The next day was the beginning of the real battle. The detectives were hounding him. But to keep them from rearresting him we sent him across the river until we could plead with the officers to give this man another chance. We believe had it not been for the great interest taken by John R. Pflanz, the jailer, at this time for this man, that he would have died in a cell in some far Eastern prison. He said, "What's the use? Let me alone; there is only one thing for me and that is to go back to the old life." We said, "'D,' we'll see you through."

I know not how to go.—1 Kings 3:7.

I know not how to go.—1 Kings 3:7.

All this time we were trying to find employment for him. All this time he was growing impatient and would say: "A great big husky fellow like me laying around on a little man like Brother Herr." Heweighed about 190 pounds, but we would encourage him by saying, "Well, Dad, you know God's people have all things in common, and he knows you are here, and when he sends to us he sends it for you as well."

One day when we were talking, he said: "Brother Herr, those old charges in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and New York are hanging over me and I must face them."

We said, "Well, Dad, if you have made up your mind you would rather live for God behind the bars than to live for the devil on the outside or the inside, God will see you through. Go and face these charges, and if you mean business, God will take care of you."

I will guide thee.—Ps. 32:8.

I will guide thee.—Ps. 32:8.

He went first to St. Louis and told the judge on the bench that he had quit the old life forever. They looked at him, and even those who were his bitter enemies, said, "Give him another chance; go and be a man and we will help you." He came back to our home from St. Louis, stayed a few weeks and started for the other charges, encouraged by the last trip. He went to Chicago first, and they told him the same thing there; then he went to Cincinnati, then to Pittsburg, and they said, "Dad, if you mean business you shall have a chance." Then he went to New Yorkwhere he and three other men had robbed a bank of $175,000. When he went in to see the New York people they did not know him. He had been living a Christian life for several months. Salvation changes the looks of a man, and takes away the hard lines and softens the eye; and when he told them who he was, they said: "My God! where did you come from and what are you doing here?"

He told these gentlemen what had taken place in his life, and of his determination for the future. Said one wealthy man, "Well, Dad, go on your way and may God be with you and help you."

Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.—Is. 41:10.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.—Is. 41:10.

He went on a hunt for the old friend "Hinky Dink" down in the first ward. "Hinky Dink" saw him, paid for a week's lodging at the Mills Hotel, and gave him money for meals each day. Finally one day "Hinky Dink" and Dad, standing in the front of his (Hinky Dink's) saloon, called "the workingmen's bar," where they line up by the fifties at a time, looking in, "Hinky Dink" said, "Dad, you are worth $18 a week to me behind that bar." Dad said, "Me? Not me for $1,800 a week. I am a Christian, I have quit all that, never to return again." "Hinky Dink" said: "Well, what do you want, anyhow?" Dadsaid: "I want to go to Cincinnati to the Holiness camp meeting." "Hinky Dink" said, "Where?" (this being all Greek to him), as it was not in his line, he knew.

"Dad" repeated what he had said, and "Hinky Dink" said: "Come right over here and I'll buy you a ticket." He took him over to the railroad office, and bought him a limited ticket to Cincinnati. Dad said, when telling us, "He thought he was shipping me in the quickest way possible, but it was the Lord taking care of 'Old Dad,' and sending him in first-class style."

Again he came back to our home, stayed several weeks, then we got him $20 worth of religious books to travel around to the camp meetings to sell, and to tell his experience, for the people were eager to hear this wonderful experience of God's transforming power, wherever he went. We started him off, and he soon felt his call to preach the gospel. He was ordained in Indianapolis in 1905, and preached up and down the land, winning lost men and women for Jesus. His life was a miracle of what God's grace can do. He married a fine Christian woman, who was a great help to him in his work.

In the fall of 1908 he died a triumphant death, leaving a glorious testimony behind.

Jim O'Brien Passes Away

The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Indianapolis Herald an editorial by the Rev. George E. Bueler, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, Indianapolis, Ind.:

"The Rev. William H. Frazier, alias Jim O'Brien," died at Indianapolis on Monday, October 30, 1908.

"At an early age Frazier began associating with bad boys on the streets of Cincinnati and of course was soon drawn into sin. At the age of 14 he began stealing, at first on a small scale, and increasing with the years until he became one of the most daring and successful bank robbers known in America. He was arrested and in prison many times, but when at liberty he drifted back into crime again. For forty years he was a criminal; of that time twenty-three years and six months was spent behind prison bars. Although he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars he was released from prison the last time in Louisville with only $2.40 left. What wages for forty years in the service of Satan! While incarcerated in the Jefferson County jail, at Louisville, Ky., Missionary George L. Herr found this wretched man and through many months of persistent effort found a way to hisheart. At first the missionary was met with curses and abuses, but love conquered, and the result was Jim's conversion, a miracle indeed, for, from that time in January, 1903, "Dad," as he was known, lived a godly life and retrieved for the past by telling everywhere he went his life story, showing forth the glory of God's redeeming grace. No one knew better than Bro. Frazier what it meant for a man to be released from prison and again face the world. With the disgrace and odium upon him it is well nigh impossible for him to find honest employment, for no one knowing him to be an exconvict wants him in their employ, the temptation to return to the old life is strong. With this in view he began making homes for such men in large cities. While Bro. Frazier was working and starting a home in Cincinnati he was made prison chaplain for the entire city. During the past summer he and his wife came to Indianapolis. While here his physical condition gave way; he knew his end was near. To those who waited on him in his last hours he constantly affirmed his faith in God and passed peacefully away. The funeral was conducted by the Revs. Parker, Stevens and Bueler, with special singing by Mr. Maxwell, Mrs. Bueler and Mrs. Nelson. All who want a more complete account of this wonderful life should read his book, "From Crime to Christ."

COLUMBUS OHIO PRISON

[Ohio Penitentiary News]

The Rev. George L. Herr, prison evangelist, returned yesterday from St. Louis, where he went in the interest of the men "behind the bars." The Rev. Mr. Herr also had a delightful visit with his son, of St. Louis. Mr. Herr, on his return home, received the following letter from the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at Columbus, O., penitentiary:

Dear Brother: I thank you for your letter informing me that you will spend Sunday, March 8, with us at this prison. We intend to make good use of you for the Master's cause. We will wish you, unless it will weary you to do so, to speak to our Sunday-school at 8 o'clock; address the prayer meeting at 9 o'clock; preach in chapel at 10 o'clock; attend Female Bible class and talk at 3 p.m., and men's Bible class at 7 p.m.

"I was in prison, and ye came unto me."—Matt. 25:36.

"I was in prison, and ye came unto me."—Matt. 25:36.

The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Ohio Penitentiary News an editorial by the Rev. D. J. Starr, D.D., chaplain at the Columbus, O., prison:

"The Rev. George L. Herr, whose address delivered in our chapel last Sunday morning was charmingly refreshing, is a man whose vicissitudes of life lead through a labyrinth that would require a half century of years to make its journey at an ordinary pace. But George L. Herr is not the man to do anything in an ordinary way. The itinerary of his life shows few curves—mostly acute angles. He was born in an old Kentucky family of the city of Louisville. His ancestral stock was golden, and his infancy was fed with a golden spoon on sugar and cream. When he was three months old his Christian mother went to be with God. When he was 18 years old his father, Richard S. Herr, a capitalist of Louisville, died and left George the heir of a large patrimony.

"The orphan was genial, sportive, rich and without domestic restraint. Men seized the opportunity to take advantage of his tendencies and youth to filch from him his wealth. He yielded, and threw on the neck of appetite the slackened rein and became woefully dissipated. He mounted the toboggan and went down the slide, landing in a few years in the gulch of destitution and near the precipice of suicide.

Teach me thy way, O Lord.—Ps. 86:11.

Teach me thy way, O Lord.—Ps. 86:11.

"Here in destitution and despair on the day after Christmas, 1893, the Rev. S. P. Holcombe, of Louisville, found the prodigal and led him into the Union Gospel Mission, where he sought and came to know God as a personal Saviour. What a change! New bottles for the new wine of the Spirit! As language cannot picture the degradation of the prodigal, neither can it picture the exaltation of the son restored to the Father. George was as whole-hearted in his new life as in his old. He had beauty for ashes and a spirit of praise instead of heaviness. After nearly five years of the new life George L. Herr, in the city of his fall and his recovery, was married by the Rev. Dr. Carter H. Jones, pastor of Broadway Baptist Church, to Miss Lillie M. Joyce. George says that if a man ever outmarried himself he's the man. He says God gave him this priceless treasure of a Christian wife in answer to prayer. Those who know Mrs. Herr speak of her as sweet-spirited, noble, devout, gifted in song and speech and one in spirit with her husband in the work of saving those who are out of the way. Their home is filled with the aroma of grace and their united lives are spent in doing good. How wonderfully God fulfills His ancient promise to present-day prodigals: 'As ye were a curse, so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing.'"

The Big Ohio "Pen" Week by Week

Weekly Budget of Personal, Local and Other Newsbits.

To-morrow in the Chapel.

(Thomas McCaskie, Leader.)

(Directed by Choirmaster Prof. J. H. Chavers.)

Invocation.

"A Rose in Heaven."

"Life's Lullaby."

First Scripture Lesson.

AnthemChoirMorning PrayerChaplainLord's PrayerResponse by Choir

Second Scripture Lesson.

Hymn No. 3Choir

"Within Thy Courts."

SermonRev. George L. HerrHymn No. 355Choir

"Calvary."

Chapel Services

In the Bible-school at 8 o'clock through the doorway of life beyond, which Christ left open that men might both look in and go in, the 300 students saw some of the things that "God hath prepared for them that love Him." The germinal thoughts of John 14:1-14 are that heaven is a place—a roomy place, a prepared place, a place where the Lord abides and where he will have his prepared people to abide with him. And that in this doctrine is the cure for human sorrow. "Let not your heart be troubled * * believe."

At the 9 o'clock meeting the quotation of Scripture verses appeared like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Rev. George L. Herr was introduced and the hearts of hearers beat warm under their jackets as the speaker sang and talked to them of Jesus and His love. It was good to be there.

The Great Congregation gathered at 10 o'clock and was welcomed with the stirring notes of the band men. The many voices lifted in the chant, "Gloria Patri," showed how grand the effect would be if all would join in the song. Why not all?

Give me understanding.—Ps. 119:34.

Give me understanding.—Ps. 119:34.

"A Rose in Heaven," and "Life's Lullaby," were admirably sung by Miss Lucile Bethel with her sister Miss Bethel as accompanist at the piano. The anthem, "Ashamed of Jesus? Never, No Never," was sung by the choir as the author of the song might have wished to hear it rendered.

That old story of the prodigal son was the subject on which Rev. George L. Herr of Louisville, Ky., preached to the inmates of the penitentiary Sunday morning in the chapel, but it was the twentieth century prodigal who formed his main theme.

Mr. Herr is known all over the country as the prison missionary. He has all the vivacity and warmth of the Southerner. He illuminated the old parable with the story of his descent from the position of a son of a wealthy Kentucky home, possessing a large estate, to the destitution of a linen duster for a December coat, and from a seat in a Pullman to riding the bumpers of a cattle train. That was his condition sixteen years ago. The men enjoyed the object lesson and cheered the moral heroism evinced in the life-story of the missionary.

I am understanding.—Prov. 8:14.

I am understanding.—Prov. 8:14.

The Courier-Journal republishes herewith from the Evangel an editorial by the Rev. L. B. Haines at Columbus, O.:

"The editors of the Evangel were pleased to meet Mr. George L. Herr while in Columbus a few days ago. He addressed the prisoners at the Ohio penitentiary and was heartily received by all who heard him. He is doing a noble work in the prisons all over our country. We spent a pleasant afternoon together, visiting the sick in the prison hospital, and we believe God blessed the seed sown. The Evangel wishes him and his dear wife God speed in their self-sacrificing efforts for the lost. We take great pleasure in calling the attention of the readers of the Evangel to Herr's new book entitled "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," a notice of which you will find on another page of this issue.—Eds."

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.—Jno. 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.—Jno. 3:16.

INCONTESTABLE PROOF

OUR MOTTO:

"Seeking the Lost."

"Helping the Helpless to Help Themselves."

JAILER PFLANZ PAYS A HIGH COMPLIMENT TO EVANGELIST GEO. L. HERR

Louisville, Ky., March 12, 1901.

Mr. Geo. L. Herr,

Dear Sir: I have recently been asked by several persons on different occasions if I thought much good could come out of the rescue work done at the county jail. In every instance I would answer "yes." A great deal of good is done through the Christian workers, and especially by you, who not only give your time and attention to this work, preaching the gospel on the Sabbath, but on every day of your life doing everything in your power to lighten the burden of the unfortunates confined in the jail.

My glad heart says in the language of the Psalmist: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

My glad heart says in the language of the Psalmist: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Rev. C. S. HANLEYRev. C. S. HANLEYPresident of International Federation of Christian Workers, by whom we were ordained in Chicago, Ill., in 1907.

Rev. C. S. HANLEYPresident of International Federation of Christian Workers, by whom we were ordained in Chicago, Ill., in 1907.

I have known prisoners of all classes look forward to your arrival each day with gladness, knowing that if you did not have something to distribute among them you would give them a cheery good morning.

As a rule you always have something to give them, which gladden their hearts and make them think better of our harsh world, wherein they are buffeted around like so many things to be despised.

I have never known you to come to this jail that you were not interested in some poor fellow's case, and often have I known you to call on either the Judge of the Police or Criminal Court to intercede for some person confined in our jail. I have noticed that whenever you come you are asked by more than one of our prisoners to go on some mission, either to a father, mother, or some other relative. Distance and barriers have no terror for you, as was evidenced in your recent trip fifteen hundred miles for one of our prisoners to see his parents.

In every case you have with promptness attended to requests, always with a cheerfulness that is surprising to those who cannot understand and will not learn. These are the things that lift up the hearts of the poor unfortunate prisoner and make him feel that there is something worth living for.

Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it.—Ps. 69:18.

Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it.—Ps. 69:18.

My wish and prayer is that you may go on in the good work you are doing.

Sincerely yours,John R. Pflanz

Sincerely yours,

John R. Pflanz

Following are letters of endorsement to Missionary George L. Herr and his wife in their life-work among outcasts, fallen ones and victims of sin. Among those who have lent substantial aid and hearty encouragement to the work will be noted many of our leading citizens, men of irreproachable character and standing in society, who have not hesitated to add their quota of praise to the universal word of approbation accorded the missionary in his efforts to lead the wayward ones back into the path of self-respect and manhood.

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; Lord be thou my helper.—Ps. 30:10.

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; Lord be thou my helper.—Ps. 30:10.

Frankfort, Ky., Nov. 22, 1904.

Dear Bro. Herr: I regret that you and your good wife and "Sunshine" can not be with us in our services next week at the Frankfort Penitentiary, but am glad to have you promise to be with us soon. No one understands this work for the salvation and elevation of those in our penal institutions,—the possibilities,the discouragements, the trials, the triumphs, the rejoicing—as we do who are constantly engaged in it. Your frequent visits to us are always appreciated both by the chaplain and the prisoners, and your sermons and talks and songs are blessed by God to the furtherance of the work of grace in our midst. I can truly say there are eyes that "mark your coming and look brighter when you come." I wish also to say for your encouragement and those who work with you that your faithful labors are plainly manifest in the lives of many whom you come in contact with—the deep and lasting impressions made upon their minds and hearts so we are enabled to take up the well begun work and by God's help carry it on to salvation of the soul. May God bless you abundantly in your noble work.

Truly yours,T. T. Taliaferro,Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary.

Truly yours,T. T. Taliaferro,Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary.

Truly yours,

T. T. Taliaferro,

Chaplain Ky. State Penitentiary.

Forsake me not, O Lord.—Ps. 38:21.

Forsake me not, O Lord.—Ps. 38:21.

Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D., Editor Pentecostal Herald, Louisville, Ky., and President Wilmore College, Wilmore, Ky., says:

I take pleasure in commending my friend and brother, Geo. L. Herr, as a devout Christian and earnestworker for the salvation of men. He has had wide experience on both sides of the line, and has been greatly blessed in rescuing men who have gone down into the depths of sin. He has been especially blessed in prison work. Those who help him forward in the good work in which he is now engaged will do me a personal favor.

Wishing him and his wife great success as they shall go from prison to prison seeking after the lost,

I amRespectfully yours,H. C. Morrison.

I am

Respectfully yours,H. C. Morrison.

Respectfully yours,

H. C. Morrison.

Rev. James M. Taylor, world-wide evangelist, says:

I have read with soul-stirring interest the sad, heart-rending experience of Bro. Herr, and the miraculous deliverance by the grace of God, how by a life of sin he squandered a fortune, how God found him a bond slave of appetite and other sins and delivered him, the romantic way in which his God-given companion entered his life, and how they are being used perhaps as no other persons today in helping those "behind the bars." This story will warn the reckless, encourage the "cast out" and put a desire in the heart to help the fallen.

James M. Taylor, Evangelist.

Knoxville, Tenn.

(Frankfort Journal.)

The Rev. Geo. L. Herr, of Louisville, will spend the fourth as the guest of Rev. Jos. Severance, chaplain of the State prison, today. Rev. Herr is a widely known, talented and enthusiastic prison evangelist, and has a national reputation as such. He will shortly publish his famous sermon, "Man's Worst Enemy," and will place numerous copies of it in every penal institution of the United States.

(Courier-Journal.)

Prison evangelists published in 1906-07 36,000 sermons in booklet form and sent them North, South, East and West. The Rev. George L. Herr and wife closed a most remarkable year. The meetings which they have held for the most part have been in large prison houses, erected for sinful men and women.

Mr. Herr has delivered sermons to many thousand listeners; many have professed conversion and thousands have asked for prayer. The good that this work has done will probably never be fully known until the business of this old world has been brought to a close. Influences have been set in motion that are going to roll on until time shall be no more.

Rev. W. O. Vreeland, chaplain Frankfort Reformatory, says:

It gives me great pleasure to testify of the splendid work among the prisoners done by a man I believe to be deeply consecrated to the work of rescuing the "fallen brother." George Herr is worthy of the highest commendation.

W. O. Vreeland.

Oct. 12, 1912.

Louisville, Ky., July 24, 1902.

Rev. Geo. L. Herr,

Dear Brother Herr: I regret very much to learn of your departure from the city, and the work you have so nobly, and for so long a time, engaged in at this institution and elsewhere. To say that you will be missed by us is but faintly expressing my feelings at your departure. You will not only be missed by myself and other officials at the jail, but by the poor unfortunates placed in my custody, for I know I can truthfully say we will never be able to get any onewho will take the pains and do the great good you have done for all with whom you have come in contact.

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.—Heb. 13:5.

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.—Heb. 13:5.

I can assure you that your farewell sermon to all of the one hundred and eighty prisoners in this jail on yesterday was the cause of great depression in the spirits of all who heard you on that occasion, for every one of them felt that he or she was about to lose their best friend, who had not only ministered to their spiritual wants but made their troubles his own, and in every way in his power relieved them of their every ailment.

You and your good wife were as father and mother to them, their guardian angels, who made their rugged paths smooth and their futures bright and happy.

It is with much sorrow that I write you today, and my only consolation is in the hope that you may some day return and take up the good work again for the betterment of the unfortunates who may be confined in this and other institutions in which you have worked in this city.

Sincerely yours,John R. Pflanz.

Sincerely yours,

John R. Pflanz.

O Lord, make haste to help me.—Ps. 40:13.I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.—Is. 41:14.

O Lord, make haste to help me.—Ps. 40:13.

I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.—Is. 41:14.

Declares Dr. Garvin, Physician Jefferson County Jail

Louisville, Ky., July 24th, 1902.

Rev. George L. Herr,

My Dear Brother Herr: It is with much regret I have heard of your determination to leave us. You and your good wife have now been engaged, for about four years, in the noble work of saving souls in the Jefferson County jail, and to the success of your efforts I can truly bear testimony.

I must confess that at first I had little hope of much good being accomplished, but your constant devotion at all hours, night and day, has worked wonders, and I am satisfied that many who came steeped in sin and in their own minds hopelessly lost, have left the prison at peace with God, and with a determination in the future to lead a better life.

Wherever you go, may God be with you, is the wish of all who know you, and especially that of your friend,


Back to IndexNext