Did You Ever Hold A Meeting In A Prison?

During my stay in Oregon I visited the prison in Salem. 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 in prison walls. I had expected to see a set of repulsive-looking men, but 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. I thought, “To each of these men have been committed gifts, or talents, to be used for the glory of God; but they have despised these gifts of Heaven.” As I looked upon young men from eighteen to twenty and thirty years of age, I thought of their unhappy mothers.LASW 23.3

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” (1 John 3:1).LASW 24.1

I exalted before them the sacrifice made by the Father in giving His beloved Son for fallen men, that they might become the sons of God. ^{13Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 232-234.}LASW 24.2