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,
——, Serial Number 1055.