Fourth of July Celebration
By David Paulson
ALMOST every boy in the land is looking forward to the coming fourth of July with the greatest enthusiasm. Most of them have for weeks been saving up their pennies to use in celebrating upon this day. If you have succeeded in interesting your boys in something that is more glorious than the “glorious Fourth,” then you certainly have reason to be thankful. The following letter is from a man confined in the Maine State prison, and I have scores of similar letters. If your children hesitate to use their fourth-of-July celebration money for missionary purposes, then read this poor, friendless prisoner’s letter to them:— DEAR SIR: I was glad to hear from you. I would be very glad to receive the Life Boat while I am here, and some day I hope I may repay your kindness. I have found more in the Life Boat that hits my past life than in any other paper I have ever seen, and I think it is the very paper that men and women in prison or out of prison should read. I know you good people must be doing a great deal of good, and I pray God to reward you all. When my time here expires, I expect to settle in the West; then I shall have the privilege of coming to Chicago, and thanking you all for your kindness in taking an interest in me, and I will let you know how I am getting along. Pray for me. The majority of even our backslidden or unconverted young people are tender-hearted and generous, and I believe that many of them will sacrifice the pleasure that they expected to secure from their celebration, that some one else who has no opportunities may have a little happiness. If this class of young people will send me their names and addresses and two stamps, I will mail them copies of similar letters and other interesting experiences which will encourage many of them to undertake work for God and humanity. Address 28 Thirty-third Place, Chicago.