CHAPTER FIVE

The end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart.—1 Tim. 1:5.

Secondly, I learn from our Saviour's interpretation of this picture that the gospel is for the very greatest of sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. There was a certain creditor who had two debtors," etc. Our Saviour proceeds with an illustration which shows that this woman was one of the greatest of sinners. She was ten times worse thanthe average sinner, and yet she was more welcome to the Saviour than this proud, self-righteous Pharisee. Oh, men and women! if you are in this hall, feeling that you are unworthy to be here, your very unfitness makes you fit. Draw nigh to this Saviour from sin and hear him say, "Thy sins are forgiven; go in peace." Let no pharisaical Simon frighten you away—the Saviour will give him the rebuke which he deserves and will whisper into your ear words of pardon and of peace.

Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown it.—S. of S. 8:7.

I learn from this picture which Christ interprets that the gospel is for penitent sinners. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee; seest thou this woman? She hath washed my feet with her tears." Oh, those were precious tears in the sight of our Saviour. Every tear-drop was a jewel. The breaking of the alabaster box of ointment was a sweet incense to Jesus, but this ten-fold sinner bathing his very feet with her penitential tears was a sight which made the angels in heaven rejoice, "for there is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." Simon despised this woman's tears and sat unmoved at the pathetic scene—but not so with Jesus. Hecould refrain himself no longer, but speaking out before all the company he said, "Thy sins are forgiven." Oh, gracious words! How sweet and soft must have been this music to the ears of this sinful outcast.

"They fall as soft as snow on the seaAnd melt in the heart as instantly."

Finally, I learn from this picture which Christ is interpreting for us that the gospel is for sinners who commit themselves in implicit faith to Christ. "Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee." "Behold this woman; you have done a great deal of talking—this poor woman has not spoken a word—but behold how she has thrown herself upon my mercy with unquestioning confidence! Do you think I will disappoint such trust as that? She has heard me say, 'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out' and has taken me at my word, and I consider it an honor to turn from thy company to the company of this sinful woman."

And he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

Without faith it is impossible to please God.—Hebrews 11:6.

Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, D.D.Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, d.d.A Giant Against Unrighteousness

Rev. HENRY CLAY MORRISON, d.d.A Giant Against Unrighteousness

THROWING OUT THE LIFE-LINE

By Rev. H. C. Morrison, D.D.

"Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world," "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which art in heaven."—Matt. 5:13, 14, 15.

These sayings of Jesus from the sermon on the mount are quite remarkable. No other teacher ever used such words to his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." Had the Jewish doctor of the law heard these words of our Lord to his humble sun-tanned, bare-footed, shaggy-browed fishermen, he would have been quite disgusted with what to him would have seemed the consummate egotism of the Nazarene.

The meaning of the words of Christ is very plain. The disciples, their lives, character, spirit, the power of the Christ in them must, and would, permeate society like salt, and purify and save from sin. They must illuminate the world, so dark with vice, and show it the way back to God.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God.—Rom. 5:1.

These words of Jesus to the disciples who sat beforehim that day, are addressed by him to all of his followers for all time, to all of those who trust him and gladly obey him (and only such are disciples). He says, "Ye are the salt of the earth," "Ye are the light of the world." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

I have somewhat to say unto thee.—Luke 7:40.

We must not forget that God's plan is to save the lost, through the instrumentality of those who were themselves once lost, but are now saved from sin. If we would have a great testimony meeting in the city of the skies, and all of the countless hosts there should one by one stand up to tell how they were brought from sin to Jesus, each one of them would point out some person who had been the chief instrument in his or her salvation. There is this one characteristic of all who are truly saved—they desire the salvation of all souls. In fact, this is a very good thermometer with which to get the correct temperature of one's spiritual life. Does he long for the salvation of the lost? If so, in the nature of things he must be in a state of salvation. Is he indifferent to the condition of the lost? Then he is himself in a lost state. Let us here impress the important truth that Jesus did not say to his disciples, "Ye must try and salt theearth," but said, "Ye are the salt of the earth." He did not say, "Ye shall kindle a flame that shall illuminate the world." He said, "Ye are the light of the world." We are not, as the disciples of Christ, to be makers of light and salt, but we, by the power of Christ, must be made into salt and light. It will be interesting to notice the processes through which one must pass in order to become salt and light. Let us go back to the beginning of this sermon of our Lord and we will hear him saying, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." First of all to become salt and light one must be poor in spirit; he must awake to the fact that he owes a million and has not one cent with which to pay. From his heart he must say,

"Nothing in my hands I bring,Simply to thy cross I cling."

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.—Psalms 51:10

He must realize in his inmost soul his perilous condition, and pray from the fullness of a deep conviction in his heart, "Lord save, or I perish." Not only must he be poor in spirit, but our Lord says, "Blessed are they that mourn." God loves to see the falling tears of sorrow for sin against himself. Those that truly mourn because of their sins will forsake them. How blessed for the returning prodigal to come witha heart all full of deep contrition. They that mourn because of their sins shall be comforted. After deep poverty of spirit and true mourning for sin and the comforting of the soul by the pardoning mercy of God. Then meekness will most certainly follow.

Now, the soul comforted, born of God, sitting in meekness at the feet of Jesus, will "hunger and thirst after righteousness." A dead man has no appetite or desire for food, but a living one must eat. The soul that is born of God will at once begin to hunger for Godlikeness. The cry of such a soul is not so much for his blessings as it is for him. The Psalmist says, "As the hart panteth for the water-brooks, so panteth my soul for Thee, O God." Jesus says of such, "They shall be filled"—filled with purity, love and peace; filled with the Holy Ghost; filled with all the fulness of God. All such will be merciful, pure in heart, peace-makers, and be sure that persecution will follow. This world that hated and killed our Lord will not let his followers pass through without persecutions. Of this we may be sure.

Be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land.—Num. 13:20.

But with all these graces and past experiences herein named the persecuted can rejoice and be exceedingly glad. And of such Jesus says, "Ye are salt andlight." Would the reader be salt and light? Then pass through the program laid down in the sermon on the mount. One must be so poor in spirit that he will be such a mourner, that he will receive such comfort, that he will become so meek, that in him there will be such hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that he will be so filled with righteousness, that he will become so merciful and pure in heart, that he will be such a peacemaker, that he will be so persecuted, that he will so rejoice, that he will be salt and light, so shining that men will see it and glorify our Father in heaven. It is folly to be striving to do something before. By the grace of God and his divine power we are ourselves made something. Make the tree good and the fruit will be good. If by the power of the Holy Ghost we are made right it will be easy for us to do right. Salt salts, and light shines without effort. So with true disciples of our Christ. They cannot exist without proving a blessing to those with whom they come in contact.

Pray for them which despitefully use you.—Luke 6:28.

REFORMATION OF CRIMINALS

[Louisville Times]

In a sermon delivered in the Nashville penitentiary, the Rev. George L. Herr, formerly chaplain of the jail here, spoke encouragingly to the inmates, citing cases of reformation where reform seemed impossible. The Rev. Mr. Herr took occasion to pay a high tribute to Jailer John R. Pflanz, of Louisville. He said in part:

Repent ye therefore and be converted.—Acts 3:19.

When I address you upon this subject I speak from the standpoint of one who knows by bitter experience. I know that sin can rob man of fortune, and all the luxuries of life. I know that it can rob him of the love of all who ever loved him; I know that it can drag him down from a position of prominence, and make him a habitue of the dives; I know that it will cause him to place a rope around his neck and hang himself to a rafter in his own barn; I know that sin will lead him to pause at the railing of a bridge, his mind set upon the awful deed of self-destruction; I know that it will tempt him to take a razor in hand and draw it across his throat. I know that sin will reduce him from a position of influence, a welcome visitorto the homes of the elite, to a degraded drunkard, homeless upon the streets of his native city, robed in a short linen duster and a straw hat in the dead of a bitter winter's night.

Rev. John PaulRev. JOHN PAULHe gave the title to this book after reading the manuscript

Rev. JOHN PAULHe gave the title to this book after reading the manuscript

River Thief's Reformation.

Jerry McAuley was a river thief, and, while serving a term in the penitentiary, caught a glimpse of what the life beyond with Christ would be, and the verse, "God so loved the world," etc, (John iii., 16), won his heart and life, and this poor, weak vessel in the few years he labored for Christ has planted the gospel light through some convert at every port where a ship now lands throughout the world.

Case of Sam Hadley.

Sam Hadley, who was saved through this man of God, was a poor friendless drunkard, and at the time God spoke peace to his soul had committed almost every crime in the calendar; over one hundred forgeries looked him in the face when he confessed, but he had faith in God, and he led him through all the dark valleys. Sam Hadley, was delivered.

If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.—Isa, 7:9.

I met in the office of the prison every day the jailer,and I can safely state, without any fear of contradiction, that I have never met a warden or jailer who has such mercy and charity.

A Jail "Miracle."

I shall speak now of a miracle of the prison cell. Several years ago the great D. L. Moody was holding meetings in St. Louis, Mo. The Globe Democrat announced that it was going to publish Mr. Moody's sermons. He made up his mind that he would weave in plenty of Scripture for the newspaper to carry into places that he could never enter. One night he preached on the Philippian jailer, and next morning the paper came out with a sensational headline, "How the Jailer of Philippi Was Caught." A copy of the paper was carried into the city jail, and fell into the hands of a notorious prisoner. This man was one of the worst characters known to the St. Louis police. He was about forty years old at that time, and had spent about twenty years in prison, and was then awaiting trial on a serious charge. As he glanced over the morning paper, the headline caught his eyes. Thinking that it was some jail news he began to read it.

This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith,—1 John 5:4.

God used it to convict him, and a sense of his responsibilitybefore God rushed upon him. There in his cell at midnight he prayed for the first time in his life. On the following Sunday he talked with Christian friends who held service in the jail, and was led into the light of the gospel. From that night he was a changed man. The sheriff thought he was playing the "pious dodge," and had no confidence in his professed conversion. But when he came to trial the case against him was not pressed, and he escaped through some technicality.

DWIGHT L. MOODYDWIGHT L. MOODYWho sent the Gospel through the daily press that fell into the hands of Valentine Burke. He was always interested in the lost man.

DWIGHT L. MOODYWho sent the Gospel through the daily press that fell into the hands of Valentine Burke. He was always interested in the lost man.

Unexpected Good Fortune.

For some months after his release Burke tried to find work, but no one would take him, knowing his past history. He thought perhaps it was because of his ugly face. He went to New York and was taken in by a member of the police force, who knew him, and who told him he would shoot him dead if he abused his confidence.

Being unsuccessful in New York, he returned to St. Louis. One day this man who had realized what the "enemy" had done for his life received a message from the sheriff that he was wanted at the courthouse. He obeyed with a heavy heart.

Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.—Dan. 16:6.

"Some old case they've got against me," he said, "but if I'm guilty I'll tell them so; I've quit lying." The sheriff greeted him kindly.

"Where have you been Burke?"

"In New York."

"What have you been doing there?"

"Trying to find an honest job."

"Have you kept a good grip on the religion you told me about?" inquired the sheriff.

"Yes," answered Burke; "I've had a hard time, sheriff, but I haven't lost my religion."

"Burke," said the sheriff, "I have had you shadowed ever since you left jail. I suspected your religion was a fraud, but I am convinced that you are sincere, as you have lived an honest life, and I have sent for you to offer you a deputyship under me. You can begin at once."

Yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him stand.—Rom. 14:4.

Tribute to Burke's Honesty.

This was in 1880. When Mr. Moody was preaching in Chicago in 1890, Burke, who had not been off duty for the ten years, came to see him. During all that time there had been many changes in the administration of the sheriff's office, and they had changed every deputy but him. Finally they appointed the ex-convicttreasurer of the sheriff's office. Mr. Moody preached in St. Louis again in 1895. A short time before his visit an evangelist was called away in the middle of the revival meetings. The committee wanted Burke to come and preach in his absence, but the sheriff said he had just levied on a jeweler's store and had not had time to take an inventory, and Burke was the man he could trust to put in charge of it.

VALENTINE BURKEVALENTINE BURKEFac-simile of photograph taken for the Rogues' Gallery.

VALENTINE BURKEFac-simile of photograph taken for the Rogues' Gallery.

VALENTINE BURKEVALENTINE BURKEFrom a photograph taken in 1887, seven years after his conversion

VALENTINE BURKEFrom a photograph taken in 1887, seven years after his conversion

He was held in such confidence by the police that they did a most unusual thing; they gave him a photograph they had of him in the Rogue's Gallery. He had his photograph taken again in 1887, and in sending a copy of this along with the original Rogue's Gallery photograph, to Mr. T. S. McPheeters of St. Louis, to show the change in his features, Burke wrote a note:

"Notice the difference in the inclosed pictures. See what our holy religion can do for the chief of sinners." On the back of the Rogue's Gallery photograph he wrote:

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, that he may set him with the princes, even with the princes of his people." (Ps. cxiii, 7, 8.)

Buy the truth and sell it not, also wisdom and instruction.—Prov. 23:23.

This incident shows what the grace of God can dofor a hardened sinner. Not only can it save him, but it can keep him. Valentine Burke lived an active, consistent Christian life in the position until God called him home in 1895.

Visit to Nashville, Tenn., Prison

Mrs. Wilburn, of Nashville, writes of Mr. Herr's visit to the Nashville prison as follows: It was my great pleasure as we reached the door to find Brother Herr, of Louisville, Ky., awaiting admission. It was raining, cold and dreary without, but he carried sunshine on the inside of the prison to the sad prisoners. The large chapel was filled with eager listeners and he received a most hearty welcome and all were delighted to see their true friend Brother Herr. It was indeed a sight to make angels rejoice to see how eagerly they drank in every word. I believe many darkened lives from whom all hope had fled were encouraged once more to look up. Hundreds of faces grew brighter as he told with burning words how God had saved convicts steeped in many crimes, causing judges in different states to set them free; when they were told that Jesus had blotted out their past and made new men of them. At the close of his sermonBrother Herr asked all who would pray when alone in their cells that Christ would save them too from the power of sin, and transform their lives as He had others, to hold up their hands; as quick as a flash hundreds of hands white and colored were raised above their heads and, oh, how our hearts rejoiced as we saw the hope in so many lives. We are looking to God who giveth the increase to bless the seed sown in those sad hearts, and earnestly pray that when the great harvest day comes many of these men may testify that the sunshine of God's great love entered their hearts on that dark dreary day in December.

Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.—Isa. 52:11.

DOES PRISON WORK PAY?

Who will ever know the vast number that attribute the first impulse to a better life, formed while in the seclusion of a prison cell—alone with God.

The world will never know how many, when sitting in judgment upon themselves, have learned the great secret that it takes anOmnipotent Powerto change the current of their lives, and give them deliverance from the power of sin, and enabling them to go forth not to live a new purpose, but a new life.

Many of these unfortunate ones, not remaining criminals from choice, but because they have never known there was an antidote provided for the deepest-dyed criminals, "a scarlet atonement for a scarlet sin," whereby the power of evil possessing them could be eradicated from their lives, and they no longer victims. While some do not seemingly heed the kindly admonition given, yet we believe the promise of God will be fulfilled, that "His word will not return void," and some time—somewhere—the fruition of their hopes will be realized.

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.—Eph. 6:11.

The Late Col. MAT. RAGLANDThe Late Col. MAT. RAGLANDWho aided the Author in securing a pardon from Gov. Beckham for a young man who is now at the head of a great firm

The Late Col. MAT. RAGLANDWho aided the Author in securing a pardon from Gov. Beckham for a young man who is now at the head of a great firm

If Mr. A. could speak for himself when 14 years ago he bowed in his cell as a poor forlorn sinner, and surrendered himself to God, and has since been testifying of his saving grace; Mr. B., after leading a criminal life for years, but when touched by the mighty power of God, came forth to become a preacher of the gospel, and has since been magnifying the grace that brought his deliverance; Mr. C., a desponding infidel, persuaded to believe there was efficacy in prayer, and in the atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ; if the multitude of witnesses who have been saved through the faithfulness of prison workers were known, the verdict would be—it pays.

Louisville, Ky., February 15, 1912.

Dear Brother Herr:

When you handed me your little book "Lost and is Found" I had no idea what a treasure you were placing in my hands. Undisturbed in my cell tonight I read it through and wished for more. I read it the second and third time, and your sermon so impressed me I read it the fourth time,

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.—Proverbs 4:23.

Before I wandered away from my mother's teaching and fell into my awful sin and disgrace, I had heard many sermons on the "Prodigal Son," but nonethat in such a convincing way drives home the awfulness of sin as does your description of this, to me, the dearest of Christ's parables.

What I like about you most in all your talks with the prisoners is this, you never show a man how bad he is or how low he has fallen without showing him how good he can become or how high he may rise, and it's always in a way that appeals to the heart of the man.

God grant that while under your influence and in the knowledge of "your way back to Christ" I and many of the lost ones within the prison may be able to throw off the shackles of sin and return to our Father's love.

Your noble work among fallen men will never be known in its entirety in this world, but in that to come God will surely number you among those who have brought unto him a great harvest of precious souls.

May God bless you and your dear Christian wife in uplifting the fallen ones, is the earnest prayer of one who desires your influence over the remainder of his life.

Yours for a better life,Curtis.

Yours for a better life,

Curtis.

My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregation I will bless the Lord.—Psalm 26:12.

Louisville, Ky., Dec. 26, 1911.

Rev. Geo. L. Herr,Jefferson County Jail.

Dear Brother Herr:

I want to thank you for the Christmas service which you held in the chapel yesterday afternoon.

I was greatly helped in my own spirit and I was profoundly impressed with the very evident influence of the occasion and your address upon the hearts and spirits of all the other prisoners.

May God richly reward you in your labors of love for these people.

Faithfully yours,Henry.

Faithfully yours,

Henry.

The Work of a Prison Evangelist

By Geo. Wm. Wood

[From the Courier-Journal Nov. 17, 1912]

To the right-thinking man there can be but one answer to the question, does the work of an evangelist pay? As well might we ask does the beautiful life of a true Christian pay? As well might we ask the farmer, as he carefully tills the soil and sows theseed and labors to cultivate the grain, does it pay? What answer would you expect from the shrewd business man of today should you ask him the question does it pay, when he labors and advises to keep down expenses. He would promptly answer in the affirmative. Let us bring the question closer home. Ask the prisoner behind the bars, does it pay to respect the law? He will answer yes. So for the question does the work of an evangelist pay behind prison bars there can be but one answer—yes.

Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly.—1 Ch. 19:13.

Sitting tonight in our lonesome cell, bounded on three sides by blank and barren walls of steel, through our two-by-six door, constructed of massive bars of iron, there comes to us the conversation of our fellow prisoners, as with head pressed close against the bars to catch the other fellow's words, we listen to the talk of the men "committed for crime"—men strong and healthy, who should be engaged in some honest labor, but, instead, are "doing time" for a broken law. We had no idea of the meaning of the words "doing time" until being placed behind these bars, we took up the daily life of a prisoner, and with nothing but "time" to look to, began the task of trying to be contented. We believe from our own past ideas of prison life that very few of the outside world have any conceptionof what the prisoner's life really is, or what it means to be sentenced to a term in prison.

No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.—Psalm 84:11.

JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY.JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY.Members of the International Prison Congress pronounced this prison the model jail of the world.

JEFFERSON COUNTY JAIL, LOUISVILLE, KY.Members of the International Prison Congress pronounced this prison the model jail of the world.

Judge Does Not Understand.

The judge who pronounces sentence upon the evil and unfortunate knows as little of the meaning of the terms he uses in meting out punishment as the mail clerk knows of the contents of the letters he handles at his daily task. "Danger" conveys but little meaning to the mind of the engineer who has never had a wreck. By the standard of freedom, a day in prison is a year, and it is only those who mingle daily in our midst can talk to the "man behind the bars," who can have a fair idea of what the prisoner suffers daily in "doing time." The world that lies beneath the bars is a strange world to the average citizen, the citizen blessed with average good fortune. Prison life is a queer and twisted one, and a law to itself.

Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ—Ph. 1:27.

But to return to the prisoners' conversation, of which we spoke. Vile—yes, dear reader, this word does not convey to you the full measure within the writer's mind. At times it seems that some have sunk so low that all conception of honor and truth have passed entirely away. No reverence whatever for suchwords as "mother, home or heaven" left within their minds, for they are rendered entirely void of good thoughts or honest ideas, having been so long filled with the one thought—crime.

Prison Record for Life.

Men who started on their "career of crime" as mere boys, with years of youth spent in reform schools only to be developed into men of crime, have prison records to follow them through life. Many of these men feel that they have lost all hope of any but the criminal's life. Many of them have been forsaken by family and friends. So to the man or woman who is at all interested in the uplift of his fellow man, can you think of any field where the labor of an evangelist is more needed than it is among the men we have attempted to describe to you?

Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong—1 Corinthians 16:13.

Then there is the paramount reason why the evangelist is needed. Men who would not on the outside of prison give one minute of their time to listen to the evangelist as he tried to persuade them to take a new lease on life let him engage their attention by the hour as he shows them the error of their way and points them to a better life. There are those thatlisten to his talk and turn away in scorn to ridicule his teaching. But as the days follow on, and the newness of the prison life begins to wear away, they listen with more respect to the "man of God."

The Late Hon. J. C. BOHARTThe Late Hon. J. C. BOHARTof Chicago, one of the Author's main supporters while living in Chicago, Ill.

The Late Hon. J. C. BOHARTof Chicago, one of the Author's main supporters while living in Chicago, Ill.

We have seen men behind the bars who never before bent their knee in prayer. After listening to the evangelist's story of God and his love, they go to their cells, and upon bended knees, beg for mercy and help.

Brother George L. Herr has taken the word of the Master into many of the prisons of the United States, but the jails and penitentiaries of his native State of Kentucky have claimed much of his time and attention. We must confess when first coming in contact with him, our feeling against him was bitter, we did not want his friendship nor his help, only because we were angered by his denouncing our pet sins. But as days lengthened into weeks, and weeks into months, the truth of his kindly spoken words came home to us. Life was stripped of all its so-called pleasure, with nothing but its disgrace and shame left to mock us, having sold out to the "demon of crime."

Why art thou cast down? Hope thou in God.—Psalm 42:5.

Then we began to feel the need of his wise counsel and to realize the good of having him among us.He was always ready and willing to help each and every man, not only with advice and counsel, but in so many substantial ways, trying to lighten the prisoner's burden and make his life better and brighter.

He has also devoted part of his time to writing books. Those we call to mind are "Light in Dark Places," "You Are My Prisoners," "The Life Line," "Man's Worst Enemy," "Nothing Better," "The Missionary," "The Bethel," "Lost and is Found," "A Glorious Rescue," and his new book, "The Nation Behind Prison Bars," soon to be brought out. Hundreds of thousands of these books have been sent broadcast over the world, and through them great good has been accomplished. Well might he be called the "Prisoner's Friend," for his desire to aid each and every man gives to him this well-earned title.

Full of generosity, kind far beyond the ordinary meaning of the word, always ready to forgive the aggressor and to forget the offense, he wins his way into the hearts of wicked and violent men in a manner that makes them his lasting friends, and turns their words of condemnation into words of praise.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.—John 3:36.

We fancy, as we write tonight, while, for the moment, the stillness of death has fallen upon the entireprison, we can hear his voice, as it rings out in righteous indignation, through the prison corridors, calling some man to account for his vile language or his taking in vain the name of God.

Works Without Pay.

If you were to ask a prisoner to what church Brother Herr belongs he would no doubt plead ignorance, as no faith nor creed is known in his work among the men. He makes no distinction between chapel-goers and non-attendants, and will do a favor for the worst man in prison as readily as for the leader of the chapel quartet; but ask the same prisoner, "Who is it that speaks to judge and the warden about the sick mother who longs to see her imprisoned son before she dies? Ask him.

Who pleads with the Governor?

Who tries to soften the heart of the prosecutor?

Who provides shoes and clothing for the poor prisoners?

What unpaid messenger runs the errands of the prisoners?

Who reconciles the erring son in prison with his mother and father?

He will answer, "Brother Herr."

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.—Psalm 101:2.

Now, the average prisoner may be deficient in the matter of mental balance, but he is not an imbecile. He is a better judge of character and a keener observer than the more honest and commonplace fellow man. By the same keen powers of observation that belong to the criminal type, he notes that Brother Herr differs from many other prison evangelists, for he helps without asking questions. He has no theory or dogma to exploit, and he labors for the uplift of humanity.

Tribute to Jailer.

Much that we have written of this great work was made possible by Jailer John R. Pflanz, who for the past twelve years has been at the head of the Jefferson County jail. He is constantly laboring to better the conditions of the prisoners and give to the people an honest administration and progressive system of prison management.

To him Louisville and Jefferson County owe a great deal for the good work accomplished among the criminals. Brother Herr says:

Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.—2 Ch. 19:11.

"If such men as John R. Pflanz, of Louisville; JohnL. Whittman, of Chicago; Co. E. E. Mudd, of Frankfort, and Col. Dan Bartley, of Cincinnati, were placed in office for life the criminal world would greatly decrease every year, instead of being on the increase."

Hon. JOHN R. PFLANZHon. JOHN R. PFLANZJailer of Jefferson County. A friend of the unfortunate.

Hon. JOHN R. PFLANZJailer of Jefferson County. A friend of the unfortunate.

We have never heard of any prisoner complain of unjust treatment by him, but on the other hand, many are the unfortunate men who leave this prison to take their places in business again, because of assistance given them by Mr. Pflanz.

His regular rounds through the entire prison are always hailed with delight by the prisoners, as he is ever ready to hear their complaints and remedy any existing evil. He listens to all the appeals for help by the prisoners and leaves no unfulfilled promises.

His personal inspection of the "cell-house" and inquiries about the health and general welfare of all the prisoners, make him always a welcome visitor among the men.

Mr. Pflanz's desire to change the criminal into a respected citizen and the assistance he gives to bring about this result proves his thorough understanding, brought about by years of study and personal contact, of how to deal with this class of our citizenship.

Be strong and of a good courage; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.—Joshua 1:9.

Youtsey, Kentucky's Famous Prisoner

[Louisville Herald]

Henry E. Youtsey, sentenced to life imprisonment in the penitentiary for his complicity in the murder of Governor Goebel, and at the present time the most distinguished prisoner confined behind the cold, gray walls of the State prison at Frankfort, has at last "got religion."

The man who has succeeded in reaching the heart of this man whose name emblazened the front pages of newspapers from coast to coast almost ten years ago, is the Louisville prison evangelist, the Rev. George L. Herr. The medium he employed was a little pamphlet containing the simple story of the reformation of one Dad O'Brien, an erstwhile scalawag who was finally converted to a new life.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.—Psalm 103:11.

Rev. Herr, who has carried the gospel into the cells of many a poor, crime-stained wretch, not only here in Louisville, but in every prison-house in the country and has accomplished a great amount of good among the outcasts of society, recently received a letter dated October 16, 1909, which reads:

"I am delighted to learn that you visited all the cells today and left in each one the tract, 'How Dad O'Brien Became Converted.' I have read it, and it is simply an additional evidence of a truth that has long been known to sincere evangelists like yourself to the effect that no matter how hardened and steeped in sin a poor fellow may be, the love of God can win him and Jesus can save him, and he can start life anew, singing praises to his Redeemer, and winning the lives of his old companions for the Master. I believe that the happiness of O'Brien's latter years more than made up for all he suffered—for he enjoyed a portion of the most glorious life that could be lived here below. When you get into heaven, as you surely will, Dad O'Brien will be the brightest star in your crown. Yours most sincerely,

Henry E. Youtsey."

Practical Religious Work in County Jail

Dear Brother Herr:

Whenever I think of my confinement in the Louisville jail, a picture arises before me in which I can clearly see in the main corridor in the building, downthe center of which extended a long table covered with a snowy cloth, and then in charge of the Hon. John R. Pflanz, than whom there never was a kinder-hearted jailer in all the world.

Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you.—2 Cor. 6:12.

But that table and its delicious burden: Turkey after turkey, four of which weighed more than twenty-five pounds each, with all the trimmings, including dressing, cranberry sauce, etc. There were oysters fried, and oyster soup, with crackers and celery. And what an array of cakes! As I remember, there were chocolate and caramel, layer and black ones, in short, almost every kind of cakes and pies known to the culinary art. Then there were bushels of oranges, apples and mixed nuts, and for a time all of us forgot about stone walls and iron bars, for what a merry time we did have discussing that repast!

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.—John 3:16.

Whence came all of those good things? Why, the little man who has so often walked a square or two further in the rain to buy one banana more for a nickel for some poor prisoner, and who has worn out more shoe-leather in helping unfortunate men in durance vile than any other man in Kentucky: the Rev. Geo. L. Herr, affectionately called "The Little Missionary," made personal calls on the wealthy andcharitable merchants in the city of Louisville, soliciting this food and dinner in the name of humanity, and may God richly bless all those who helped him make it such a grand success.

Henry E. Youtsey.

Praise for Prison Evangelist

[Courier-Journal]

To the tributes that have been paid to the Rev. George Herr, after filling the pulpit of the Clifton Baptist church, of Louisville, the Rev. James A. Clark yesterday added a testimonial, in which he praised the prison evangelist for work which he considers "little short of wonderful."

"It gives me pleasure to add my testimonial to the many I have seen concerning the work of the Rev. George Herr as prison evangelist," says the Clifton Baptist church pastor. "Three times I have heard him tell the simple gospel story of Jesus and his love. He has a message few preachers have, and tells it with power and effect. He has a message the world needs to hear, because it is an example of the power of God to save to the uttermost.

Back to Index Next