Out of Darkness Into Light: An Autobiography of Joseph F. Hess, the Converted Prize-Fighter and Saloon-Keeper (Classic Reprint)

Overview

Excerpt from Out of Darkness Into Light: An Autobiography of Joseph F. Hess, the Converted Prize-Fighter and Saloon-Keeper

In September, 1885, I had the pleasure of conducting series of Gospel Temperance Meetings in the city of Rochester, N. Y. under the auspices of the W. C. T. U. of that city. The meetings, after the first week, were held in the Fitzhugh Skating Rink. One evening, the last week in September, I noticed four men enter the rink very much under the influence of liquor, and take seats near the door. While speaking it was noticeable they were quite uneasy, one of them undertaking to arise several times, but being restrained by his companions. At the close of the address they arose and went out, no one dreaming, as they walked out of the rink, that the spirit of the Lord had troubled one soul. Just one week from that night I noticed standing by the door a powerfully-built man, with his arms folded across his breast, and earnestly listening to the address. After I had closed my address he walked up to the platform and said, "When can I see you alone?" My reply was, "Call at the Lister House to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock." He called the next morning and he made known to me the fact that he was Joe Hess the prize-fighter. During the hour's interview I was impressed with his honesty, in the desire to lead a better life.

He realized the absolute necessity of leaving his old companions.

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