ation upon
the subject. In this a great advantage would be gained.

The larger portion acceded to the just claims of religious truth upon
them, some hoping that their imprisonment was being sanctified to their
highest good. One feelingly said, "I was swiftly floating on the stream
of sin and corruption towards that awful gulf in which I must have
landed ere this, had not the prison walls caught and saved me, as I
trust." Some I found professing a belief in infidelity, a few in real
atheism.

As weeks passed on, it became evident that something beyond human power
was at work in the minds of a few. Personal conversation developed the
fact that they were really and seriously considering their ways. A case
of much hope would occasionally present itself. "But," says one, "these
fellows were professing this with the hope of getting out."

That could not have been the case with some, most surely, as their term
had nearly expired and they neither asked nor looked for a pardon. The
work must have been genuine with these, if not with all. Nor could I see
any reason to doubt the sincerity of any, and I scrutinized closely.

The classification of prisoners, as to their crimes, affords an
interesting subject. It will be largely found that the wrong doing of
each is of a specific character rather than a general. Thus that of one
is simply in the line of murder; that of another, robbery; of a third,
stealing, or picking pockets, acting the burglar, assaulting female
character, or of whatever sort. Then, thieves can be classified into
horse thieves, sheep stealers, leather thieves, watch and money thieves,
and so on.

Some commit crimes only when influenced by strong drink, and then steal,
quarrel or murder. Many can not help their wrong doing, or will not, and
therefore should remain in prison, where they can live as very good men,
and aid the State instead of cursing society by their wrong deeds.

They do not all steal for the gain, but for the sake of stealing. Hence
here is one who will hoard up his booty and never go to it afterwards. I
asked an old man, a burglar, what induced him to lead such a life, and
received this answer: "There is something peculiarly exciting in the
engagements. I never engaged in it for what I could obtain."

12. _Prayer meetings commenced._ Previous to the present fall, no prayer
meetings had been established at the prison, the need of which we now
greatly felt. After much thought on the mat