Travel and Toil.
TWO NIGHTS' SERVICE.
At one time when suffering from nervous prostration I was lovingly
cared for for some weeks in the home of dear brother H. L. Hastings,
of Boston. One night while there I said to him: "I must go to the city
tonight." He replied: "Sister Wheaton, have you prayed about it?" I
said, "Yes." He answered, "Go and pray again." I did so and returned
to his office, saying, "I must go to the city tonight." They were
having watchnight service in the city. Again he replied: "The night is
very cold and you are sick. Go and pray and find out the mind of God."
Again I went to my room to inquire diligently of the Lord and was sure
that the call of the Spirit was that I should go. Again I returned to
his office and told him I must go to the city that night. Once more he
replied: "Sister Wheaton, go and pray." As I wept before the Lord He
showed me the city given up to idolatry and sin and again I went to
Brother Hastings' office and said: "I must go to the city." He dropped
his pen and hurriedly said: "Wife and I will go with you." It was one
of the coldest nights Boston had known for years, but from one saloon
to another the Lord led us and from one watchnight meeting to another
until near midnight we entered a Mission hall. A fine-looking,
well-dressed young man from the platform hurried down and said to me:
"Mother, I am so glad to see you. Come on the platform and speak to
the people." I looked at the man and he said: "Don't you know me,
mother?" When I said "No," he answered: "Don't you know your boy?" I
looked at him--so beautiful in the service of God--and then he said:
"I was in prison and you came and prayed and sang for me. I was in the
hospital, and got saved there, and God is still blessing your boy."
Reader, did it pay? Yes, that night my heart rejoiced in my Savior for
all He had done for me and for my "children" in prison walls. For
seventeen years now this man has been a blessing in helping to save
others.
Another watchnight I spent in St. Louis, Missouri. Feeling weary, I
was about to retire for the night, when the Lord showed me to go on
the street and do service for Him. So, doubting not, I pressed out for
a cold night's work in the slums. The sister who entertained me went
with me to the places of sin and also to six different watch-meetings,
at which we witnessed for the Master, leaving the results with the
Lord, who said: "And the books were opened, and another book was
opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of
those things which were written in the books, according to their
works."
ONE WEEK'S WORK.
A few years since, on arriving in Omaha after returning from the East,
I telephoned the jailer at the county jail: "Can I have a meeting?"
"Yes," came the reply. There were a good many prisoners and we had a
good service. Sister Kelley, of Tabor, Iowa, was with me. Our singing
seemed much appreciated. Went from there to the city jail. Held
services there, and in the evening in a Rescue Mission.
At midnight we boarded the train for Deer Lodge, Montana. En route our
train stopped for a couple of hours at Ogden, Utah, and while there we
visited the Florence Crittenton Rescue Home--where we were warmly
welcomed by both the matron and the girls and had a blessed service.
God bless them all!
[Illustration: PRISON AT DEER LODGE, MONT.]
We arrived at the State prison at Deer Lodge on Saturday, and had the
privilege of preaching to the many prisoners the following day. God
blessed me in speaking, both to the men and women. We sang many
old-time hymns and some new ones. Took each prisoner by the hand as
they passed out, visited the sick prisoners and went to two churches
that night, and visited the women prisoners on Monday morning, and had
real victory in prayer for them. Then bidding goodbye to all we left
for the prison at Boise City, Idaho, where we arrived Tuesday.
Telephoned the warden asking permission to hold service at the prison.
The privilege was granted and a team was sent for us. We found a large
number of prisoners and the officials kind, and had a good service of
an hour. Visited the poor, condemned men in their cells, prayed and
wept with them, and commended them to the great loving God who said:
"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." After seeing the
sick we left the prison; but my heart was greatly drawn out for those
men under death sentence. I felt that one of them (a foreigner) was
innocent. I was almost overcome with sorrow. They were my "children"
and I never would see them again in this world, and yet I was
powerless to help them!
From Boise City we went to Salt Lake City. When we arrived at the
penitentiary there and mentioned our desire to hold a service the
warden's kind wife said: "The warden is in the city and they are under
contract and must get their work done immediately--but you lie down
and rest--you are worn out" (and I was). So I slept until I heard her
tender voice, saying, "Mrs. Wheaton, lunch is ready and the warden
says he will give you forty minutes after dinner in the chapel with
the men." I was so glad and said: "This is all through your kindness
and God will reward you." I found the men seated, waiting for me, in
the chapel and thankfully I improved that opportunity, knowing that
eternity would reveal the results of that service. I was permitted to
see the two men under death sentence and sing and pray with them, and
tell them of a Savior "mighty to save and strong to deliver;" then
with sad heart I left them--never to meet them again till the trumpet
should sound. Precious in God's sight were those poor, forsaken,
criminals! And, reader, as I write these lines down in the slums of
Chicago, I see opposite me the saloon open day and night luring men
and women inside, fitting them also for the prison and perhaps for the
scaffold!
Leaving the prison at Salt Lake, we hurried to the county jail, held
services in two departments, and had a good time with the prisoners;
then left for the city jail. Did what work we could there in the
Lord's name and hurried to the depot, only stopping on the way to get
a little lunch for the long journey before us. Weary and faint we
reached the train just as it was leaving. Too weak to go further I got
in the first car, which proved to be a dining car. I said: "The boys
will allow me to sit here awhile," and I heard a voice saying: "Come
in, mother, sit down. You are welcome in my car and you must have
something to eat. You look tired and hungry"--and wasn't I? And when I
told him of my friend in another car he had me bring her also and gave
us both a good supper, and was I not thankful to God for that kind
welcome from the dining car conductor, who knew me? Surely God will
reward him. I hope to meet and know him in that land where we shall
never get weary and hungry.
We arrived at Rawlins, Wyoming, at nine the next morning. We hurried
to the prison. It was Decoration Day and most of the guards were off
for a holiday--the men being locked in their cells. The warden kindly
said to us: "I wish I could let you talk to the men, but my officers
are gone and there is no one to guard them, and I am compelled to
remain at the office to see after business." I was sure God had sent
us, and said: "Will you permit us to see the men in their cells?"
After much deliberation he said: "I'll tell you what I will do, I'll
turn the men loose in the dining room if you think you can control
them, and let you have an hour to talk to them." I said, "Surely I can
manage those men--why, they are my children, sir," and so down the men
came from their cells and O such a meeting! I was at home and my
"boys" were on their honor and I talked to them as a mother and we
sang together hymns that they knew, and bless God He was guarding the
men, and I had nothing to do with the matter only to obey Him and tell
them the old, old story of the redeeming love of a Savior who died to
save us from our sins and give to us eternal life. As I grasped each
one by the hand at parting, I found the men quiet and peaceable,
humbly begging me to come again. Then I saw the heavy iron doors close
between us and knew I would probably never see them together again as
we were there, but looked forward to the great day in which, if he
would, each man could have a part in crowning Jesus Lord of lords and
King of kings.
After having dinner with the few officers present in their own dining
room we hurried to the jail. There we were permitted to preach the
gospel to the prisoners and they received us gladly. As I left the
jailer expressed his appreciation of the visit, saying it was so good
of us to come to help the prisoners--especially the girls.
Arriving at Lincoln, Nebraska, we attended the evening service of the
National Campmeeting then in progress there and the next morning went
to the prison. The warden kindly granted us the privilege of a gospel
service with the prisoners. After holding this service and visiting
the sick in the hospital we returned to the camp ground. Reached there
during a testimony service just in time to be invited by the leader to
sing a certain hymn. Instantly I was on my feet and soon on the
platform saying, "Yes, I will sing, but first I must sing,
"The toils of the road will seem nothing
When we get to the end of the way."
And shouts of praise went up to God all over that ground, for He
especially anointed me to sing that hymn. I felt every word of it, for
though weary and tired from the journey, I knew God had been with me
and had given victory all along the way.
In this brief sketch I have failed to mention some services held in
missions and also special services on all the trains on which we
traveled--perhaps bringing to some their last warning.
One night during this week's journey a crowd of drunken men boarded
the train. They were so abusive to me that I went outside the car
door. When I went in the next car I found the same kind dining car
conductor I have before mentioned. At his inquiry as to what was the
matter I just knelt and prayed and then told him how the drunken men
had acted. He said: "Come with me. This won't do. I will see that you
and your sister have a sleeper." He went with me into the other car,
and when the men saw the man in uniform with me they tried to be very
polite. They were under the influence of drink and in a sense not
responsible for their actions. Who is responsible? The saloon, the
brewery, the devil who uses these things to make men and women
oftentimes more like fiends than creatures made in the image and
likeness of God, and all who fail to use their influence against the
liquor traffic are responsible.
From Lincoln we went to Omaha where we parted feeling that the days
had been spent for God and souls--the dear sister to return to her
work in the missionary training home at Tabor, Iowa, I to hurry on to
Chicago, taking with me one of the sisters I met for the first time in
the slum mission work in Omaha a week previous.
So we turned over that week's work to the Lord of the harvest, who
will see that the seed scattered along life's pathway shall bring
forth fruit unto eternal life.
A PROFITABLE TRIP.
Walking along the street in Chicago on my way to the Cook County Jail
to see the "car-barn bandits" and one or two others under death
sentence, I was impressed that I must go to some State Prison for
Easter, only two days off. I stopped and prayed, inquiring of the Lord
where he would have me go.
I had been east and just arrived in the city, weary and worn, but I
knew the voice of God was saying, "Go!" but where and by what route I
knew not. I stood still until the Lord made it plain to go
westward--to what place I need not know, but to go to the railroad
office and get transportation. When I entered the office the kind
official said, "What can I do for you, Mother?" At first I answered,
"I hardly know what to ask for, as it is not yet plain to me just
where to go;" but a little later I said to him, "I must go to Canon
City, Colorado." "All right," he said, and gave me transportation. It
was then too late, under ordinary circumstances, to visit the jail,
but I felt that I must see those condemned boys before their
execution, and I prayed that God would open my way and incline the
heart of the jailer, Mr. Whitman, to grant me the desired opportunity.
To my surprise I found Mr. Whitman on the street car. I told him that
I must leave the city at once for western prisons and asked if he
would kindly give me permission to see the condemned men who were in
his charge, before I left, as I could not return before the day set
for execution. He was very kind and answered, "Yes, I will send an
officer with you to see the boys."
That hour will never be forgotten. Instead of tough, rough looking men
I found "mother's boys" in the prime of their young manhood. Kindly,
tenderly I talked to them, thinking to myself, what if it were my
boy, now safe in Heaven? O sisters, it seemed to me my heart would
break as I placed my hands on their heads, so soon to be cold in death
and commended them to the God who sent His only begotten Son, who,
when on the cross, said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what
they do!" I left the prison, praying that my message might not be in
vain.
Upon leaving Chicago over the Santa Fe railroad on my way west, I
prayed earnestly for direction as to what prison I should visit on
Easter Sunday and was impressed to stop at Joliet. The warden, Mr.
Murphy, and his estimable wife were kind and hospitable, as they
always are, and the chaplain was willing that I should have a part in
the services on the Sabbath. God was present in power in all the
services. Many of the prisoners partook of the communion with their
teachers and chaplain.
The Lord alone can reward the warden's wife for her special kindness
to me at this time, for I was taken sick from overwork and detained
over Monday. I then left at midnight for Topeka, Kansas, where the
Lord sent me to the railroad shops to hold services at the noon hour
while the men were resting after lunch. Our meeting with them was
signally owned and blessed of God. At its close I shook hands with
each of those hundreds of men and then went to the jail where the Lord
again graciously met with us.
Reaching Pueblo on our way to Canon City we telephoned the
jailer--also the matron of the Rescue Home--and obtained permission to
hold services at each on our return.
At Canon City the warden and his wife gave us a most kind and
courteous welcome and he granted the privilege of holding services for
the prisoners in the chapel, also at the hospital and cell houses. I
visited their night school. It was very interesting to see so many
teaching other prisoners. The most important part of my work at Canon
City, however, was seeing three young men who were under death
sentence. While I prayed day after day for them, they came to see
their true condition before God and, I believe, gave evidence of true
repentance. I hope to meet them all in Heaven.
But oh, what a sad sight to see those young men in the prime of life,
sentenced to die; and all on account of strong drink.
How pitifully they talked of home and mother and innocent childhood
days! Their hearts were melted and broken. Poor boys! far away from
home and friends, with few to care and many to cry out, "They deserve
to die"--never seeing the cause, the rum traffic. Why not stop that
which sends our young men by the thousands to a drunkard's or a
criminal's grave? When I bade these young men farewell they were
cheerful and confident that the Lord had forgiven them.
Arriving at Pueblo on the return trip, we went to the Rescue Home
where we received a kind welcome; also held services in the prison
there. I forgot to mention services held in jail and almshouse while
in Canon City.
At Denver we found friends who received us kindly. We held services in
their mission church. Also held service in the large jail in which I
conducted the first meeting ever held after it was built.
Leaving Denver we went to Lincoln, Neb., to hold services in the State
Prison on the Sabbath. Found there my friends, Warden Beemer and wife,
who have always been so kind to me. Our meetings were crowned with
success and victory. Also did personal work, which is important.
While I was there, two new prisoners were brought in.
Left Monday for Omaha and went at once to the County Jail and held
meetings in the three different wards. God blessed His own word to the
good of souls! There, as elsewhere, I met some who knew me. From Omaha
I went to Chicago, where I spent some time in missions, etc.
SIX WEEKS' SERVICE.
About July 1, 1904, I spent some time in St. Louis, visiting the
slums, dives and saloons, faithfully warning the multitudes I found in
sin. Left there for Jefferson City, where I held services in the State
Prison. We give here the following extract written by the sister who
accompanied me on this trip:
MY TRIP TO JEFFERSON CITY.
I was glad to have the opportunity of visiting the prison in
Jefferson City with Mother Wheaton, who is one of our oldest and
most successful prison workers.
We were off early Saturday morning, July 2, and arrived there at
2:30 o'clock. We had dinner, then went to the prison. The guard
first took us to see the women. They were all seated at machines,
sewing very rapidly, and I was told I was not allowed to speak to
them. My heart ached and I could not keep back the tears as I
looked on the precious girls I had labored with in the jail at
St. Louis, some seven or eight of them. At 6 o'clock we had a
short meeting with a hundred and fifty shop girls. Many of them
were moved to tears, and we believe good was accomplished. Sunday
morning we had a good meeting in the jail, then at 2:30 went back
to the prison and gave the gospel to twenty-two hundred convicts.
It was a blessed time. I never saw such attention, and while
Mother Wheaton spoke and we sang "He Pardoned a Rebel Like Me," I
saw some of them wiping the tears from their eyes. These men are
not all hard-hearted. As I looked at them and heard almost all of
them join in with us and sing "We'll Never Say Good-Bye in
Heaven," somehow I lost sight of the stripes and prison walls
and bars, and thought how precious they are in God's sight, and
I believe many will be gathered to praise Him, who was pierced
for us all. After the meeting a young man asked permission to
speak to us; his face shone with the glory of God as he told how
he had been there five years, and had been saved two years and a
half and called to preach the gospel. He proved his earnestness
when Mother Wheaton asked if he would let her try to get him
pardoned, and he answered: "No, I am guilty, and I not only feel
it my duty to serve my time, but will make restitution as soon as
I am out. Then I shall give myself to the Lord's work."
Returning to St. Louis I next went to Denver, Colo., to see Governor
Peabody in behalf of the three young men who were awaiting execution.
The governor was very kind and willing to do what was right. In Denver
I had services in the jail, also spoke at two meetings and preached at
night at a mission church. Next visited the State Reformatory for
Young Men at Buena Vista, Colo. Most of the officers and all the boys
attended the services. Leaving here in the evening arrived at Salt
Lake City next day about noon. I hurried to the State Prison and was
surprised to find a new warden, as the former warden had died. It
being a working day had only a short service with the prisoners, but
it was blessed of the Lord. Then visited the county and city jails,
holding three services. Leaving here, traveling all night, arrived the
next evening at Canon City, Colo. Hurrying to the State Prison we were
kindly received and permitted to hold services in the cell houses till
9 o'clock. The warden informed me that one of the boys under death
sentence had gone insane just the day before and could not be seen.
One of the other boys under sentence of death said the last thing that
this one had done was to write me a letter, of which I here insert an
extract:
CANON CITY, COLO., July 12, 1904.
Dear Mother Wheaton:--
It is with pleasure that I answer your welcome letter, which was
appreciated. We are waiting patiently to know the verdict. If it
is God's will that I must be taken out of this world, I will go,
but it is very hard, as I have done nothing worthy of death, but
they look at it different, I suppose. Whatever got me into such a
scrape I cannot tell. I have always worked hard for my living.
Dear Mother, I have done as you requested. I commenced to read
the New Testament on the 28th of June and completed it on the
10th of July. I never forget to read the Holy Bible and to pray.
You wished to know if we boys had any work to do. It is beyond
the warden's power to let us work under the circumstances, though
he is very kind to us; also the other officials. We are allowed
all the reading matter we can use and have exercise each day.
Dear Mother Wheaton, I hope that we will meet again on earth. If
not, I pray we may in heaven. And may our Heavenly Father protect
you in the work of His cause. I ever remain your son in Jesus.
C----. P----.
Leaving Canon City we hurry on, visiting next the State Prison at
Lincoln, Neb. There we found another poor man under death sentence,
who gladly listened while I taught him the way of life. Oh, the joy
that filled my soul as I told him of the Savior who would pardon all
his sins. After seeing the other prisoners who are always glad to see
true friends, we hastened on to Omaha, Neb. Here I held four services
in jails and Rescue Homes. When leaving Omaha as I was singing on the
train I found some ladies crying; one of them, grasping my hand, said,
"When you sang 'My Name in Mother's Prayer,' I thought how often my
mother, who is in the baggage coach, has prayed for me, and I will
never hear her pray again." I soon changed cars and bade farewell to
the sorrowing friends, hoping to meet them with that mother where
there is no death nor tears.
[Illustration: CRIMINAL INSANE HOSPITAL, CHESTER, ILL.]
Resting for a short time at Tabor, Iowa, I then went to St. Louis and
on to Chester, Ill., to hold services in the State Prison. We were
here four days and held services in the State Prison, jail, and
Criminal Insane Hospital, where there are more than one hundred
inmates.
Once while holding services here one young man was saved and his mind
restored. He has now been preaching the Gospel for several years. "Is
there anything too hard for the Lord?"
We next visited Gatesville, Texas, where is located the Reform School
for Boys. Obtained permission to see the boys and it fortunately being
a holiday I was allowed to hold services in both the white and colored
wards. The way the boys seemed to enjoy the meetings and to hear them
sing was encouraging. Leaving for Huntsville, Tex., we went to
different towns, holding services in jails and on the streets till
Saturday, when we arrived at Rusk, Texas, and were met by the
chaplain, Mr. Dawson, who treated us kindly and gave me the privilege
of holding meetings on the Sabbath. Had a very impressive service in
the afternoon in the prison yard where we gathered round a coffin to
pay the last tribute of love to a departed prisoner, after which we
held a meeting in the prison hospital.
We next visited the State Prison at Huntsville, Texas, where we were
kindly given the entire time in chapel service, and also the privilege
of holding services in the different wards of the hospital. Here all
seemed encouraged and were much effected, the tears flowing freely
upon many of the pale faces.
I received upon this visit the following kind tribute from the
Assistant Superintendent and Prison Physician:
I was present at the services conducted by Mother Wheaton at the
Huntsville Penitentiary, on August 7, 1904, and noticed with much
satisfaction that her remarks and singing were very much
appreciated by the men, and many of them seemed very much
affected, and I think that the service will be conducive to much
good hereafter.
T. H. BROWN,
Assistant Superintendent, in charge Huntsville Penitentiary.
[Illustration: PRISON AT HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS.]
Mother Wheaton visited the Huntsville Prison Hospital this
morning and I think her words of cheer and advice given to the
sick will be the means of doing great good.
W. E. FOWLER,
Prison Physician.
At the Woman's Prison, also located at Huntsville, we found over one
hundred women prisoners all working on the farm except the few white
women. We held meetings with these women in the afternoon and evening
for three days, which were blessed of the Lord. While I wept with
them I thought of the Scripture, "Weep with those that weep." Jesus
loved me and saved me and has put a real love in my heart for those
souls.
The kind chaplain took us with his invalid wife on Sabbath afternoon
to visit the consumptives' prison a few miles from Huntsville. Here
the prisoners sick with consumption are located on a farm. Had a
blessed meeting with them. The weather being so warm my health would
not permit me to visit the several stockades in this state, where are
mines, sugar refineries or farms.
Returning to St. Louis, Mo., worn and weary, we were kindly
entertained at the Berachah Home for Girls. Again we visited the
slums, missions, and dives. The sin during these fairs and expositions
is awful in the extreme. I have no time or desire to go to see the
sights, but am after souls.
Next we went to Leavenworth, Kan.; was kindly given the hour for
service Sabbath morning, at the State Prison at Lansing, also a
service with the women prisoners. Also visited the Soldiers' Home, and
by the kindness of the superintendent was permitted to speak to the
aged soldiers.
We then found a welcome in the home of Sister Two-good, who
accompanied us to the Old Ladies' Rest, where I held services in their
lovely new home. In the evening till after 10 o'clock we were speaking
to crowds on the streets who seldom attend church.
Returning then to Tabor, Iowa, weary with this six weeks' constant
service, I was for some weeks unable to travel. One night when as I
thought, near death, I cried mightily to God and he heard my cry,
touched my body and healed me. After a few weeks' rest, yet scarcely
able to travel, I started again on my mission seeking the lost.
RECENT WORK.
During these weeks of waiting the responsibility of finishing this
book then in preparation, and getting it to its readers bore heavily
upon me. Knowing that I could not attend to this and continue my work,
I was in answer to prayer assured that I should be relieved of the
burden of managing the publication, sale, and distribution of the
book. After much prayer about the matter I was relieved of this burden
in a very satisfactory manner, Bro. C. M. Kelley taking the management
of the same for the Lord.
While yet weak in body, receiving indication from the Lord that I
should be about His work, I went on my way, taking with me a young
sister from the Training Home, who expects to devote her life's
service as a missionary in Japan, the Holy Spirit assuring her also
that she should accompany me on this trip. I leave it for her to write
the account of the following few weeks' work.
I was blessed with an opportunity to travel a few weeks with "Mother
Wheaton" in her work in prisons, etc. Leaving the Home at Tabor, Ia.,
September 28, 1904, we first visited the jail at Council Bluffs, where
Mother Wheaton held a Gospel service. A number of the prisoners asked
for prayer. We next went to Chicago, where on the Lord's day we
visited the county jail, where were about 540 men and a few women.
After their chapel service we were given access to the corridors where
we could talk to all. We also took part in several services at the
Beulah Rescue Homes, some missions, etc.
On October 15, we were at Ft. Madison, Iowa, and visited the several
wards in the State Prison and sang and prayed with the sick. On
Sabbath Mother Wheaton conducted services in the chapel, also at the
county jail and the Santa Fe Railroad Hospital.
We next attended the National Prison Congress in session at Quincy,
Ill. We here had opportunities to witness for God. Monday evening, by
invitation, Mother Wheaton spoke at the Soldiers' Home, where God
poured out His Spirit and melted the hearts of some who were steeped
in sin. The following morning we visited the hospital and prayed and
sang with the sick who seemed very glad to hear the good old-time
hymns. We then went to the jail where one woman accused of murder was
especially touched and broken up, seeing there was someone who loved
and cared for her. It is the love of Jesus that brings sinners to
repentance. The day following, October 18, we held service at the
Chaddick Boys' School which is under Deaconess' management. Here
Mother Wheaton spoke to ninety young boys.
Provision was made for those in attendance at the Prison Congress to
take an excursion down the river, but instead of going with this
company we went to the House of Correction, where the superintendent
seemed glad to have Mother Wheaton speak to the prisoners, both men
and women, even calling in the men from their work.
[Illustration: GROUP OF DELEGATES AT THE NATIONAL PRISON CONGRESS,
QUINCY, ILL., OCTOBER, 1904.
Mrs. Wheaton in upper right hand corner.]
October 19 we returned to Chicago. The next morning we took the train
for Marquette, Mich., on the shore of Lake Superior, where is located
a State Prison. Upon our arrival there we went to the chaplain, who
kindly gave permission to conduct the next Sabbath morning services.
We then visited the poor house, where we sang and prayed with those
who were lonely and sad, and knew nothing about Jesus. On Saturday it
was stormy, but Mother Wheaton held a service at the county jail,
which God blessed. The Lord's day, October 23, was a day long to be
remembered by many of the prisoners, who that day received a ray of
hope. The Spirit of God so anointed Mother Wheaton to speak that the
prisoners seemed to be held spellbound, with hearts open to receive
every word and song. In the afternoon we were given the privilege of
talking and singing in the corridors and speaking to the prisoners in
their cells. It was told us that these were the worst men in the
state, twenty-four of whom were serving life sentences. But God
touched their hearts, many being moved to tears. We left some of them
with new hopes, calling upon God for help and asking us to pray for
them. Mother Wheaton said they were all her own dear boys.
Journeying eastward we held services in Indianapolis, Ind., also in
the State Prison at Columbus, Ohio, and in the Woman's Prison at
Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Sabbath morning, November 5, Mother Wheaton
spoke in the corridors of the State Prison in Philadelphia, and in the
afternoon at the House of Correction. Here the Lord wonderfully spoke
to the hearts of many young girls. Many men were moved upon by the
Spirit. The officers looked on with amazement to see how attentive
they all seemed to be.
At Trenton, N. J., at the county jail God moved upon hearts and many
asked for prayer.
At the State Prison at Trenton, N. J., we received a warm welcome and
Mother Wheaton was given opportunity to preach on the following Lord's
day in the chapel. We visited the woman's department and held a
service with them, all stopping their work and giving attention. God
melted the hearts of those women who have gone away from Him. Jesus'
blood is able to cleanse from every stain.
After a few busy days of service in New York city we returned to
Trenton, for the service in the prison on the Sabbath. We then
returned westward by way of Baltimore and Washington, D. C. We next
held a service in the prison at Canton, Ohio, and then went to
Mansfield to the State Reformatory, where were nearly a thousand young
men. Here God wonderfully answered prayer. The superintendent and
chaplain were very kind, supplying us with such things as we had need
of. We arrived in Chicago November 20. Leaving there we went by way of
Marion and Anamosa, Iowa, where we held services. We arrived at Tabor
on Thanksgiving day, November 24, which was truly a thanksgiving day
with us, for the wonderful way in which God had answered prayer and
brought us safely through so many dangers and given us such glorious
victories in His blessed service.
ROSA MINTLE.
[Illustration: INDUSTRIAL REFORM SCHOOL, HUTCHINSON, KAN.]
Leaving Tabor December 15, taking with me Sister Taylor, who for
several years has accompanied me at intervals in my work, silently
praying for me while I preach, sing or pray, I started for San
Francisco, California, via Santa Fe, New Mexico. We stopped at
Hutchison, Kansas, where is located the State Industrial Reform School
for Young Men. We net the wife of the superintendent of that
institution, who kindly took us to the school. I had held service
here with prisoners who were working on the buildings when they were
being erected.
The officers arranged for a service in the chapel though it was a week
day and just before Christmas. The meeting was owned and blessed of
the Lord. Also at Santa Fe we were kindly entertained by the wife of
the superintendent of the prison, and the officers gave us a service
in the chapel and the prisoners, both men and women, privilege to
attend. About half the prisoners being Mexicans I had to speak to them
by the aid of an interpreter. This service was also signally owned of
the Lord. We also held special service with the women.
We then left for the coast and had several services en route with the
passengers and railroad men; also with a hundred soldiers who were
going to their winter quarters. I had warned the soldiers about
drinking. It seemed so sad to see them drinking and gambling. Poor
boys, there seems to be no way of restraining them from strong drink
so long as they can get it. Some trouble arose between them and other
parties and one of the soldiers was badly cut in the throat. In a town
in California I held services in a number of saloons and dance halls.
It was Christmas day and I never saw more drinking among the people
and I never want to witness such again. Why will people indulge in
strong drink, when God has said no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom
of heaven?
We arrived in San Francisco and found many open doors to preach the
Gospel. I visited the State Prison at San Quentin. The chaplain was
very kind, giving me privileges of the chapel services and a special
service with the women. This prison was first opened to me in 1898 in
direct answer to prayer. I also held services in the city prisons.
We also visited the Federal Prison on Alcatraz Island, where we held
three services with the manifest blessing of God upon our souls. The
kindness of the officers and the appreciation shown by the prisoners
there will not be forgotten. I am sure God will reward those who are
kind to His children, and who assist His workers in any way.
During the first four months of 1905 we found much to do for the Lord
in Los Angeles, San Pedro and other places in California, one of these
of special importance was the Reformatory at Whittier.
[Illustration: INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, WHITTIER, CAL.]
Early in May, having received a letter from one of the boys in
Colorado under sentence of death, I hastened to that state to see the
new governor in their behalf. I was kindly received and heard by the
governor, but as the Board of Pardons was to soon meet he declined to
make any promises. Tarrying several days for the board to meet, I met
with them and made a plea for the lives of the boys who had, under the
influence of drink, accidentally, as they claimed, taken life.
They received a reprieve for four weeks, but the two who were adjudged
sane were executed June 16. I give elsewhere an extract from a letter
received from the mother of one of these boys shortly afterward. Also
an extract from a paper concerning the mother of the other.
After returning to Iowa and remaining but a few days, accompanied by a
young sister from the Home, I returned to Colorado, visiting, en
route, the jail at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the State Prison at
Lincoln, Nebraska, where we held service on the Lord's day. We then
proceeded to Canon City to visit the condemned boys, and held services
in the corridors of the prison till late at night. We next went to
Buena Vista, where we held service in the State Reform School for
Boys, and in the jail. On our return east we stopped at a camp meeting
at Newton, Kansas, where the Lord blessed in the jail and in the work
on the street. Going next to Chicago we held service in the county
jail with about four hundred men. We next visited the prison at
Joliet, Illinois, but only had service in the prison hospital and
proceeded to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for services on the Lord's
day; then returned to Tabor, stopping in Omaha and holding a service
in the county jail.
Taking with me the young sister whom I have elsewhere mentioned as
having first known as an orphan girl, now starting for India, I spent
a day at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where we talked and sang in a tent
meeting, on the street, and in the jail. The time set for the
missionary band to sail being near, we hurried westward, stopping at
but a few places till we reached Sacramento, where we had work to do
for souls in the prison and other places. We next visited the prison
at Salem, Oregon, and also made a short stay at Portland. Upon
reaching Tacoma we learned that the time of sailing had been put off a
week, so we improved the time seeking out the lost in mission work,
etc.
The company of nine missionaries, including one child, boarded the
steamship "Minnesota," and by the kindness of the general
superintendent of the company we were permitted to spend a night
before sailing on board the vessel with them, which was a time very
much enjoyed in the Lord. The parting was not one of sadness, but of
sweet peace and calmness. As we looked into the faces of the dear ones
as they were being borne away we rejoiced that God has a few whom He
can trust to carry the precious Gospel to the heathen. As the vessel
bearing its precious burden sailed from our view, the little company
of anxious watchers kneeled down and committed the dear ones to Him
who has said that His children are as dear to Him as the apple of His
eye. We were afterward delighted to hear that they had a most
delightful voyage, reaching Yokohama, Japan, in eighteen days, just in
time to escape a very disastrous storm on the sea.
As a sister had accompanied some of the missionaries to the coast and
was to return with me, assisting me in the work, we turned our
attention to the needs of the lost ones about us. I will let this
sister here give a brief sketch of our return trip, on which we trust
much good was done for souls:
RETURN FROM PACIFIC COAST.
Mother Wheaton's companion to the coast, Sister Yarrett, having
sailed for India, it was my privilege to accompany her from Seattle to
Iowa. From the wharf, when we had committed the company of dear
missionaries to the Lord, we went to the rooms of the Y. W. C. A. and
held religious service while the young ladies had lunch. About two
hundred young women lunch in these rooms daily. At night Mother
Wheaton spoke at the Life Boat Mission with the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, and many hearts seemed touched.
Early the next morning we left Seattle on board the S. S. Whatcom, en
route to Victoria, British Columbia. This was a most enjoyable trip to
me. At Victoria we had a very profitable service in the W. C. T. U.
Rescue Home, and the Lord especially blessed the visit and service.
Later we spent five days very profitably in Portland laboring in the
Exposition Camp Meeting, visiting the jails, saloons and slums,
preaching and singing the Gospel.
We next went to Boise, Idaho, where we held services in the Soldiers'
Home and in the State Prison. Service with the women prisoners and
prayer with the men under death sentence were special features of our
visit to this place. We next spent a day in Rawlins, Wyoming, visiting
the state and county prisons, holding short but profitable services in
each. In the county jail here a raving maniac was quieted by Mother
Wheaton's singing.
Another night and day's travel across the plains and beautiful country
and we were in Omaha, Nebraska. Here we spent several days, being
entertained in the Tinley Rescue Home. This indeed is a refuge for the
fallen. Our time here was well occupied in the jails, missions and
churches. Then we hurried on to Tabor. I to resume duties in the
school room, and Mother Wheaton, after a few days' rest, to continue
her pilgrimage seeking the wandering and the lost ones of earth till
she shall be called from toil to her reward which shall surely be one
worth gaining.
EMMA H. HERR.
ANOTHER TRIP.
After attending Prison Congress at Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 21 to 26, I
left for western prisons and other institutions. Held services at Old
Soldiers' Home, Grand Island, Nebraska, the 27th, then went to
Rawlings, Wyoming; held services on Sunday at the prison chapel with
all the prisoners, then at the county jail. Had great liberty in both
prisons. Left at night for Salt Lake City, Utah. Found open doors.
Held services at state prison jail on Monday afternoon; also in the
county jail, two services. Left that night for Ogden; held services in
the county jail and at Crittendon Rescue Home. Left for Deer Lodge,
Montana, where I was kindly received by the warden, Frank Conley, who
has ever proved one of the best of friends to me in my work in
prison--always arranging for services Sunday or week day and
entertaining myself and any one I brought with me, and never letting
me go away without something to help defray expenses along the way.
Sunday afternoon at Butte City held two services at the county jail;
took train at night for Walla Walla, Washington and arrived there at
3:30 a. m., and went to Chaplain Lacornu's home. After resting, prayer
and breakfast, we went to the state prison, where I held services with
the twelve women prisoners; then in the dining room, held services
with the men--about eight hundred prisoners. The Lord was present in
both services to own and bless and many were helped to a better life
and higher aims. Left there for county jail where we had profitable
service with men and women.
Left that night for Portland, Oregon. Was kindly entertained by one
who has been preaching the gospel for nearly twenty years, who was
convicted in prison while I was preaching in the prison in Bismark, N.
D., one night after nine o'clock. He was converted and has done great
good in the work, both in prison and outside ever since. Much of his
success is due to his faithful Christian wife, who has ever been his
true friend and helpmeet.
Called on Mrs. Smith, a prison missionary, who for years has done
mission work in Salem and Walla Walla prisons. Then left for Salem,
Oregon, where I held services with the prisoners in the jail on the
Sabbath day, also with the women prisoners on Saturday afternoon. Was
kindly received by the Superintendent of the prison and his family,
also by the Bible school in charge of Brother and Sister Ryan, where I
held services on Sunday night in the chapel with students and
citizens. Left Monday morning for the South. Stopped in Sacramento,
and went to the Rescue Home and held services for the girls while I
waited for the train to Carson City, Nevada. Changed cars at Reno and
waiting for neither rest or food hurried on to Carson City to see the
Governor and the Attorney General about prison work. Found four men
under sentence of death. I pleaded with the Governor for a commutation
of sentence. Governor Sparks asked me if I could meet with the Board
of Pardons and himself at 2 p. m., and gave me a letter to the warden
to allow me to see the condemned men and hold services with them--also
with all of the prisoners. The Governor also arranged for me to go to
the prison with one of the officers. Found the poor men heart broken
over their condition, and really sorry for their sin. They had all
been drinking, and among the four of them they had killed a young man,
and all were doomed to die.
When I entered their prison with the death-watch I was overcome with
sorrow for the poor unfortunates who so soon would be in eternity, and
as I came in the door one of the prisoners said, "O, it is Mother
Wheaton." As I clasped his hand he said, "Mother, I knew you twenty
years ago." I said, "Where?" and he said, "In San Francisco." Reader,
you may try to sympathize or criticize at such a time, with them and
me, but you never will know what the suffering is until you have
passed through this ordeal of just standing alone with the good Lord
and the condemned, so soon to die that horrible death. You cannot
picture it, for death is awful to those not prepared to die--filled
with remorse of conscience and sorrow for the deed done while under
the influence of whiskey and possessed with the devil, which the
strong drink causes--and then to have no hope in this world or the
world to come, and alone with their conscience, the death-watch,
myself and our God.
I knelt in prayer. First to ask wisdom of the blessed Christ who never
turned anyone away, and then, taking each one by the hand through the
iron bars, I was lost to this world and its opinions and criticisms. I
entered into their heart-sorrow, and at once took hold on God for the
salvation of their immortal souls. Quietly, but with strong faith in
God and the atoning blood of Jesus our Saviour, I believed for their
salvation. Human sympathy will not avail. It is the suffering and
death of Christ which avails in the face of death. And I believe, if
Jacob prevailed in prayer as a prince, it is our privilege to believe
God hears and answers prayer and saves to the uttermost the vilest
sinner who truly repents of his sins, and claims His promises. "Though
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they
be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.
We wept and prayed together, and while I sang the good old hymns our
mothers knew and loved and sung for us in childhood, we took hold on
God by faith for their souls' salvation, and I believe God heard and
answered our prayers, that fifteenth day of November, 1905, in that
prison, and that those men that day were forgiven their sins. I know
God's Word is sure, and I depend daily on the Bible and its holy
teachings, and accept His promise, and receive the answer from God
that His pardon is sure.
I told the men I had no hope for their lives to be spared--that the
Governor had not given me any encouragement for them, but had invited
me to meet with him and the Board of Pardons at 2 p. m., and see what
they would do in the case. I pleaded with them to let go all hope of a
life sentence, and prepare to die, for there was only one more day for
them to live--that I had nothing to give them of hope, only in the
precious blood of Jesus--that their days were numbered.
O, the human heart is susceptible to suffering, and my suffering was
intense for them. I was weak and weary, having traveled two days and
two nights without rest. Yet I could not rest when there was so much
at stake for them. I abandoned myself to the Holy Ghost to guide me in
the service, and then as I took each hand, so soon to be cold in
death, I knew only God could save them. I shall not forget the parting
with those poor, unfortunate men, all in the prime of life and
strength of manhood. I will meet them again soon in the presence of
God.
I was so weak in body that the officer kindly assisted me to the main
prison, where I was to hold services with all of the prisoners. It
was high noon, and the warden and officers urged me to take
refreshments. I said, "No, I am soon going to the judgment, and I want
to go with a clear conscience. How could I eat, when all these
prisoners need the gospel so much?" And they kindly gave me the
privilege of an hour's service. Then, after a hurried lunch, which was
both breakfast and dinner, the state carriage was ready to take me to
the Capitol to meet the Governor and Board of Pardons. But there was
no hope, the Board refused to commute the sentence, and all four were
executed November 17, for the death of one young man. Soon I must
stand together at the judgment bar of God, with those whose lives were
taken, one by the four under the influence of whiskey, which makes men
and women crazy and worse than brutes; licensed by the laws of our
land--the others by the men who, in their right minds, as executors of
the law, put to death the helpless victims who had truly repented of
their sins and promised to obey God and the rules, and live good
law-abiding citizens.
I want it understood that I believe in law and its enforcement. I
sympathize with both the murdered and the murderers. I believe in
obeying God and His laws and enforcing discipline, and I assist the
officers of the state to maintain law and order, but I say, give
deliverance from the abominable saloon and all the evil that follows
in its wake. Give us judges, jurymen and officers, who, in every sense
try to banish and abolish the liquor traffic and the dens of sin, and
there will be no need of our state officers having to take life which
none can give.
Leaving the Capitol after the decision was made by the Board of
Pardons and Governor, I went to the hotel to tell the two sisters of
one of the condemned men that all hope of their brother's life was
gone, and that they must prepare to face the awful sorrow of losing
their brother. That scene was O, so pitiful! The brother and these two
sisters were orphans. He was a good boy and supported the two sisters
after the parents had died, but he had fallen into bad company who had
led him astray. The sisters were heart broken. It seemed as if they
could not give up that dear brother who had done so much for them. I
helped them on the train, and went with them as far as Reno, Nevada,
and we parted to meet again after all the sorrow and mistakes of our
lives are forgotten and forgiven.
After leaving them I held services for the Salvation Army friends and
on the street. Then left that night, though very weary, for the east.
After taking the train, I could see in my mind those poor condemned
men, waiting the few last hours until the law should have its way.
Eternity alone will reveal all hearts and lives.
Arrived at Ogden, I went to the Crittendon Home, then on to the State
Industrial School for Boys and Young Men, and had a service in all the
cottages. Was with them two evenings. They all seemed cheered by the
old good songs and the services. Saying "Good-bye" to all in their
dining room at their daylight breakfast hour, I left them for the
east.
I stopped at Columbus, Nebraska, a day, and at Omaha, where many
railroad friends and others met and greeted me kindly. Then hurried on
to Joliet, Illinois, State Prison, where dear Mrs. Murphy, wife of the
warden, gave me a warm welcome to her lovely home in the state prison.
Went with the chaplain to visit the hospital and spoke with the men at
the Sabbath School hour, and then to the women's prison, where I was
given the privilege of addressing all the female prisoners. Many were
much affected, and shed tears as I spoke or sang to them "My Name in
Mother's Prayer," "Is There Anyone Can Help Us" and "Old Time
Religion." Shook hands with most of the women, prayed and sang for a
sick girl in the prison hospital, and left for the jail. Spoke there,
then on to Chicago. After some days in the city, busy for the Lord, I
made a trip to Washington, D. C., and returned before the close of the
year, and proceeded to the Pacific coast early in the new year.
O, how I praise the Lord for His grace and love, and the strength and
endurance He gives me to keep going to carry His messages of love and
good cheer to the lost ones in low and in high pursuits of life.
Dear Reader: We must here close the account of our travel and toil in
the Master's vineyard, and we feel that it will all soon be over, and
the victory be won. When I shall have finished my course I want to be
able to say, like Paul of old, that "I have fought a good fight." I
want, too, to know that the crown is laid up for me as one of those
who have been faithful and that love the appearing of my Savior.
Though but sixty-one years of age, the excessive toil, the wearisome
journeys, the heart-rending scenes and experiences for more than
one-third of my life, have told upon my once strong body until I am
now a physical wreck. Only in the strength of Jehovah and leaning upon
His everlasting arm am I able to pursue the calling He has given me.
"But the toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of
the way." You and I shall meet again, on that great Judgment morning,
and must give an account to God. "Grace be with all them that love our
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."
[Illustration: PRISONS AT JACKSON, MICH., DEER LODGE, MONT., AND
FOLSOM, CAL.]