ter, I asked the warden if we
could not introduce them, and he answered, "Oh no, that can't be. There
are so many hypocrites among the prisoners, who would take advantage to
say what they might choose, and to the disgust of the others, that we
can not control the matter." This came from no lack of interest in the
subject, for it was the very thing that had found a large place in his
contemplations and desires, though he had seen no time when he could
feel it safe to take the step. Not being able to put the idea out of
mind, I soon brought it before him again, but in connection with the
Sabbath school teachers. After duly considering the pros and cons, the
question was decided thus,--"Start such a meeting, to be held weekly, if
found practicable. Next Sabbath let each teacher, when hearing his
class, select such of the number as he may think fitted for the
exercise; passing the names to the warden for him to invite them in at
his discretion, the meeting to commence the following Monday evening."

To prepare their minds for the occasion, the discourse, the next
Sabbath, was on hypocrisy, the text being the account of Ananias and
Sapphira, with the attempt to point out the enormity and danger of that
sin, that the truly sincere should not be kept from duty by hypocrisy as
seen in others, or by being accused of it in themselves by the
malicious. At the close, the warden, grasping my hand, said, "We will
let all go in who choose. We will make no selection," and we appointed
the meeting accordingly.

Met at the time appointed, nearly one hundred being present, for it was
a novel matter there. In the commencement I clearly stated what would be
expected of all who might engage in prayer or speaking, referring to the
subject of the sermon the past day, and said that the opportunity was
offered for those only to improve who sincerely desired to become better
and were truly determined to act accordingly, expressing the full
conviction that none would presume to come forward under any
hypocritical pretenses.

A few of the Sabbath school teachers present took part to good
acceptance. Then two or three of the inmates offered prayer, and three
or four spoke of their feelings and desires. They could not have been
more appropriate in their words, spirit, or manner. To all appearances
they were sincere.

Perfect order prevailed,--a most profound and respectful attention. Much
of the time the dropping of a pin upon the floor could hav