ointed him to the Saviour as the only means of hope and
relief. Thus she met him a few times and to good effect. He had been
really interested in his religious welfare for a long time previous. But
these efforts helped him greatly to decide fully to follow his
convictions of duty. He became more alive to his true condition,
perhaps, than ever before, would mourn over the heinousness of his sins,
and evidently appeared to be drinking the bitter cup of repentance. He
would be at times in real agony of mind at the view of himself.
While in this state, the warden invited those especially interested in
the subject of religion to meet in the chapel, from twelve to twenty in
number, for an inquiry meeting. We conversed with them severally and
then proposed a season of prayer in which each should engage, which they
did, B. among the rest, after which he appeared more calm, as if he had
obtained a measure of relief, though he did not feel satisfied that he
had really experienced a change of heart, but seemed decided about
pursuing the right.
We encouraged him to press on as he had begun, and to take part in our
meetings, to the latter of which he replied, "No, I will not attempt
that. Should I, they will say, 'I am playing good with the hope of
getting out.' That I won't do. I despise hypocrisy, however bad I may be
in other things." Thus he took his stand, still interested in daily
reading God's word, prayer, Sabbath school, and the general religious
exercises. Other prisoners noted the change in him and would say, "He
has been converted." But he was called to meet sore trials in the
prison, trials hard to bear, of which we will speak hereafter.
20. _Warden's efforts for a young man._ This young man, here called E.,
from the middle walks of English society, parents well to do, with a
good trade, superior mental powers, commanding high wages, came to this
country to seek his fortune, fell into bad company, bad habits, and
finally the State Prison. The warden became deeply interested in him,
found that he was anxious about his religious state, and seeing the
success of Mrs. C.'s labors invited Mrs. D. F., another prison Sabbath
school teacher, resembling Mrs. C. in efficiency, character and
standing, to make an effort with him for his good. She assented, and met
him in the presence of the warden. She first took measures to satisfy
herself that he was sincere and truthful with her, and proposed numerous
questions about
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