Experience and Labors
267
During my stay in Oregon I visited the prison in Salem, in company
with Brother and Sister Carter and Sister Jordan. When the time arrived
for service, we were conducted to the chapel, which was made cheerful
by an abundance of light and pure, fresh air. At a signal from the bell,
two men opened the great iron gates, and the prisoners came flocking
in. The doors were securely closed behind them, and for the first time
in my life I was immured in prison walls.
I had expected to see a set of repulsive-looking men, but was
disappointed; many of them seemed to be intelligent, and some to
be men of ability. They were dressed in the coarse but neat prison
uniform, their hair smooth, and their boots brushed. As I looked upon
the varied physiognomies before me, I thought: “To each of these men
have been committed peculiar gifts, or talents, to be used for the glory
of God and the benefit of the world; but they have despised these gifts
of heaven, abused, and misapplied them.” As I looked upon young
men from eighteen to twenty and thirty years of age, I thought of
their unhappy mothers and of the grief and remorse which was their
bitter portion. Many of these mothers’ hearts had been broken by the
ungodly course pursued by their children. But had they done their duty
by these children? Had they not indulged them in their own will and
way, and neglected to teach them the statutes of God and His claims
upon them?
When all the company were assembled, Brother Carter read a
hymn. All had books and joined heartily in singing. One, who was an
accomplished musician, played the organ. I then opened the meeting
by prayer, and again all joined in singing. I spoke from the words of
John: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth
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us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of
God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that,
when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as
he is.”
I exalted before them the infinite sacrifice made by the Father
in giving His beloved Son for fallen men, that they might through
obedience be transformed and become the acknowledged sons of God.
The church and the world are called upon to behold and admire a love
which thus expressed is beyond human comprehension, and which
amazed even the angels of heaven. This love is so deep, so broad, and