THE SURREY AND SOUTH LONDON PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
" He that doeth Evil, hath not seen God. "
SIR,—To those whose path through life is strewn with rose leaves I appeal for help for those who have fallen on the thorns of life. I do not think that any more harrowing lot lies before any of us than awaits the discharged prisoner. A well- known Judge once said that a prisoner's punishment only began the day he was discharged. Wandsworth prison serves the whole of South London and Surrey, and to this has just been added the County of Sussex.
I know that I am pleading for those who cannot be said to be the most deserving people or the most interesting or the most charming—they are only the most miserable ; but I will not say, as the lawyers do, that I have no case. For I have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Hasn't He something to say about those sick and in prison ? Didn't He bracket them together ? If He thought prisoners worthy His care, surely all
those who profess and call themselves Christians may think of them too. Were Christ's arms stretched out on that tor- turing cross only to plead for the good and with no thought of the sinner ? Oh, that I were an ambassador in His Name and could beseech you to consider my complaint, even though I am brought very low !
Finally, my fellow-sinners, come over and help us. We don't want any sightseers at Wandsworth, but I know that our wise and gallant Governor will always welcome any true friend to his prisoners and tell him all he may want to know. Some of you may be what I have been—a failure in life. Well, maybe by helping some unhappy soul to a better way my failure may in a measure be redeemed. Perhaps other failures may try too. And as for you who have won in life's battle and who have riches in possession, if you can look on such unhappi- ness and not help it, well, then I fear my advocacy, too, is a failure ; for I am sure my cause is strong.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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