J. W. C.
Jefferson City, Mo., Aug. 22, 1900.
I will drop you a few lines in answer to yours, which I received, and also a package of books which I was also glad to receive, and pleased to hear from you. I am still trusting in God, and will trust in him until death. There are five boys in here beside myself, who are reading those books that you sent me. They think them good. It does me good to know they like them. I am going to live for God the rest of my days, and keep out of trouble. I have sadly repented of this, and I know God forgives me. I have promised my God that I will serve him the rest of my days, and I am going to keep it by the help of God. Many thanks for those books. From your saved brother,
H. T. B.
FROM A CALIFORNIA PRISONER.
San Quentin, Cal., March 8, 1901.
Gospel Trumpet Pub. Co.,
Moundsville, W. Va.
My Dear Friends: Your very kind letter addressed to the prisoners has been given to me by the chaplain to answer. It is a great consolation to the prisoners to know that there are good people in the world who sympathize with the unfortunate. The Gospel Trumpet has been eagerly sought after and read with interest and benefit by many of the boys. It is casting bread upon the waters of life. We frequently have it thrown in our faces—those who are trying to live the Christian life—that state’s prison is a poor place to come to get religion. Now I admit that this is true, also that it is a poor place to come to for any purpose provided that we are obliged to come as so many of us are; however, I thank God that I have found the way to a better life notwithstanding I am in state’s prison. It is better to find Christ in prison than not to find him at all. If we repent and ask Christ to forgive us, he is willing and able to forgive us in prison as well as anywhere else, and to cleanse us from all sin. I thank God that I can report victory through grace. Christ is able to save me and keep me in prison. The farther along, the brighter the way grows. Salvation has made such a radical change in my life that I can scarcely recognize my former self. God has so strengthened my faith as to banish all doubts and fears and filled me with humble, peaceful love. Thank God for this glorious change. I am indeed in full possession of a new nature; old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new. I received from our chaplain the elegant Bible which you sent. I assure you that I appreciate it very much and will keep it as a great treasure while I live. Those other books are highly appreciated. Surely it is casting your bread upon the waters of life. Christ said he that giveth unto the least of God’s creatures a cup of cold water will receive his reward. Your gift is a well of water flowing over, and God will reward you in proportion. Your brother in Christ,