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prison, a letter of Christian friendship, to which he has received the following heroic and sublime reply.
Has ever such an epistle been written from a condemned cell since the letter “to Timotheus,” when Paul “ was brought before Nero the second time” ?
I have copied it faithfully from the autograph that lies before me, without the change or omission of a word, except to omit the full name of the friends to whom he sends his message.
The words in Italics and capitals are so underscored in the original.
The handwriting is clear and firm; but towards the end of the sheet seems to show that the sick old man's hand was growing weary.
The very characters make an appeal to us for our sympathy and prayers.
“ His salutation with his own hand.
Remember his bonds.”
Letter to his schoolmaster.
My dear, steadfast Friend: Your most kind and most welcome letter of the 8th instant reached me in due time.
I am very grateful for all the good feeling you express, and also for the kind counsels you give, together with your prayers in my behalf.
Allow me here to say, that notwithstanding “my soul is amongst lions,” still I believe that “God in very deed is with me.”
You will not, therefore, feel surprised when I tell you that I am “joyful in all my tribulations;” that I do not feel condemned of Him whose judgment is just, nor of my own conscience.
Nor do I feel degraded by my imprisonment, my chain, or prospect of the gallows.
I have not only been (though utterly unworthy) permitted to “suffer affliction with God's people,” but have also had a great many rare opportunities for “preaching righteousness in the great congregation.”
I trust it will not all be lost.
The jailer (in whose charge I am) and his family and assistants have all been most kind; and, notwithstanding he was one of the bravest of all who fought me, he is now being abused for his humanity.
So far as my observation goes, none but brave men are likely to be humane to a fallen foe. Cowards prove their courage by their ferocity. It may be done in that way with but little risk.
I wish I could write you about a few only of the interesting times I here experience with different classes of men — clergymen among others.
Christ, the great Captain of liberty as well as of salvation, and who began his mission, as foretold of him, by proclaiming it, saw fit to take from me a sword of steel after I had carried it for a time; but he has put another in my hand, ( “the sword of the Spirit;” ) and I pray God to make me a faithful soldier wherever he may send me--not less on the scaffold than when surrounded by my warmest sympathizers.
