Chapter 9: Prisoners' and Societies.
Chapter 9: Prisoners' and Societies.
"Man is dear to man! the poorest poor
Long for some moments in a weary life,
When they can know and feel that they have been
Themselves, the fathers and the dealers-out
Of some small blessings;-have been kind to such
As needed kindness."
-WORDSWORTH.
SHORTLY AFTER I had commenced my work, I learned that there had been an endeavour on the part of some philanthropic men among the magistrates and others to organize a branch of the Prisoners' Aid Society; but that their efforts had failed in consequence of there being no one who was specially suited or willing to do the practical work. This want was now met, and there was no further reason why they should delay giving practical effect to their intentions.
Accordingly, a meeting was held at the instance of my valued, friend, W. J. Freer, Esq., whose legal status gave him unusual influence with the visiting justices and other leading men; and a branch society was formed, of which he was appointed honorary secretary, and I honorary agent.
The Prisoners' Aid Society is now recognised by the authorities, works in conjunction with them, and is even subsidized up to a certain amount from a central fund. When a long-term prisoner is to be discharged, he has a claim not only for the mark-money, of which I have already spoken, and which may amount to £3 or £4, but on the recommendation of the Governor he may also receive additional help to the amount of £1 or £1 10S. from the central fund. Where a branch of the Prisoners' Aid Society is in existence, this money is handed over to the agent to expend it to the best advantage. This gives him some influence over the newly-liberated, and keeps the two in touch at least till all the money is expended.
I was very much impressed with the results of the prison discipline on these long-term men. Of course, there were not so many of them as of the others. But, with very few exceptions, there was a remarkable gravity and seriousness manifest in their bearing. They were evidently deeply in earnest to make good the resolutions they had formed during the months of confinement. And in many cases they spoke with high appreciation of the benefit they had received from the services of the chaplain, and from their attendance in the prison chapel. I believe that in scores of instances such men are being converted to God by the Spirit of God working freely through the silence of the cell, and through such other voices as speak from time to time to their hearts.
It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the appointment of really converted and Godly men to the post of chaplain. It is a thousand pities when ritual or form takes the place of simple Gospel teaching, and when such great opportunities are entrusted to men who are perfunctory and careless, ignorant of the way of life themselves, and unable to instruct others. No one can estimate the marvellous change which would pass over the criminal population of the country, if all the prison-pulpits were occupied by men of God, intent on the salvation of the lost and fallen through the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is much to be said on behalf of the system which obtains in Canada, where my friend, the late Mr. Howland, ex-mayor of Toronto, told me that he and others had access to the prisons on Sunday, for the purpose of holding Bible-classes among the inmates; the result of which had appeared in some marvellous conversions to God. I have no desire to dispossess the Established Church of her prerogative to minister the Gospel to the prisons of our land, so long as she exercises the right in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament and the Gospel of God's forgiveness; but I do urge that more care should be exercised in the selection of chaplains, and that it is a crying shame to institute a man as chaplain because he is unfitted for other work, or merely because he has received the imprimatur of the Bishop.
I am happy to say that my relations with the late Rev. Mr. James, chaplain of the Leicester Gaol, were of the most pleasant description. We worked together for the salvation of those who came under our hands, sorrowing together over our failures, and rejoicing in common successes. He did his work with simplicity and grace; and was often spoken of in the highest terms by those who had benefited by his teachings and influence, in the cell quite as much as in the chapel.
It is quite refreshing to look back to those happy mornings. I can fancy myself now stepping through the little doorway into the prison, narrowly watched by the crowd outside. The gate-keeper would have some pleasant welcome. Then I would instantly turn to the row of men and women waiting for discharge, and, perhaps, go to speak a few hearty words to them. Then to the office to write their names in my book, and learn any particulars about them to guide me afterwards. And it is only fair to acknowledge here the great kindness and civility received from the clerks, who always treated me as a friend. In the meanwhile the strains of music and singing from above warn us that the service is closing; and shortly the chaplain comes to say farewell to those who are about to leave him, and to impress on one or two of the more hopeful his parting advice. And now down the long corridor leading from the private house are heard the quick steps of the Governor himself, as he comes for the discharge, accompanied by a magnificent dog whom I had known from a puppy, and who was either a formidable foe or an affectionate friend. Then began the discharge, which I have already described.
Once a month there was a meeting of the Prisoners' Aid Society, after the visiting justices had gone their usual round. Many of them stayed to the meeting; and it was encouraging to receive the tokens of goodwill and appreciation from men whose titles and positions were the patents of real nobility, as well as from one's fellow-townsmen. At these meetings a report was given of the work of the previous month, money was voted, and special cases were discussed.
The Prisoners' Aid Societies only deal with the long-term cases. Perhaps that system cannot be improved on in dealing with public money. But it is a great mistake for any town to be content with dealing with these cases only. The short-term prisoners may include many of the incorrigibles, but they also include large numbers of first offenders. These are terribly ashamed as they emerge from prison. They are also full of good resolutions, which, if only they are enabled to carry them out, will bar their return to gaol. They have been suddenly disillusionized, and are startled to see the real character of their life, and look eagerly around for some door of hope, some ladder by which to climb again to honour and respectability. "A stitch in time," with these, "will save nine." If the first breaking in of the river through the dam is stayed, it will be possible to save the dyke, and hold back the volume of water behind. Important as it is to deal with old offenders, it is doubly so to arrest those who have taken but the first step in forbidden paths, and whose hearts are yet open to the sting of remorse and regret. So I had them all alike to the coffeehouse, giving special attention to the long-term men; but entertaining all, speaking with all, and endeavouring to do my best to give all another start in the world.
I have never cared much to compute or print statistics. They are a very inadequate gauge of work done; but I am always glad to recall a statement which was one day made to me, that the numbers in Leicester Prison had gone down to the extent of there being fifty prisoners less at the close of three or four years' work, than when I began to visit it. In other words, a large number of the old incorrigibles had been converted and reclaimed, and were no longer turning up time after time for being drunk and disorderly. And if they did come back, I really believe that the shame of meeting me was, in some cases, almost as great a punishment as the days or weeks of confinement.
The formation of this branch of the Prisoners' Aid Society enabled us to appeal to our fellow-townsmen for funds. Before this I had received what was forwarded to me privately; but afterwards I had no longer any thought or care on the score of subscriptions, which were always forthcoming, and were given with good-will. Ah, Leicester men of business, I shall never forget your generous appreciation of my poor work, culminating as it did in the public presentation of that illuminated address-which is one of my priceless treasures-and of the purse of four hundred guineas. But I dare not begin writing thus, as it threatens to tear open old wounds, and make them bleed afresh. How did I come ever to leave that town!-into the very fabric of which my heart seemed woven, and in the soil of which I have often thought I would like at last to lie amid the men and women and children whom I knew and lived for. But He has ordered it otherwise, and I am more than content: for a wide door and effectual is opened to me for ministry, and I am surrounded with noble and true friends; but I can never forget the old ones, or the common interests which confederate the citizens of towns that are not too huge or unwieldy to lose the sense of solidarity.
Since I left the town, the Prisoners' Aid Society has continued its noble work, and has gathered around it many devoted helpers, who supplement the labours of its efficient and painstaking agent, Mr. W. H. Morris. It is a great gratification to me to know that the little slip I planted in fear and trembling, beneath their careful tending is becoming a strong and healthy tree.