The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-31

His will Is always good and accspsaosS
and perfect.
It has seemed at times most strange
that God should have permitted such a
grief, so dreadful an affliction, TO come 10
me and my WIFE pious and NOBLE parents
who have so long been trying to serve
Him. One time my faith almost gave
way, and l was tempted TO ask the horrtoie
question: Can there be a Cod2 IL mere
s why should he permit my pure, sweet
wife. to be the victim of so horrible crime.
when any one OF many things might have
prevented it2 Why should he have al
lowed me to become insane and in my
insanity to kill the poor wretch when the
bare exposure of his crime, without dan
ger to me. without one hurdredth part OF
the suffering that has come TO myself, TO
YOU my parents and all who love me. and
tie other consequences to my children into
impoverishment and possible loss OF
fathers guidance and intiuence-have ac-
complished what [ chiefly aimed to ac-
complish when I shot him, namely: to
make it impossible for him to treat another
woman as ne had treated you.
But 1 understand it better now-God
works in this world by human instru-
mentalities whether to punish guilt. pre-
vent wrong. or save innocence.-fhe cup
OF that mans iniquity was full
God chose me his instrument 10
PUNISH MS past Critics Gt.iHt ~ OAiitS, ~ =
close his dreadful career as a seducer OF
women in child birth.
To cit me for this work without sacrific-
ing my life, and bringing upon you and
my parents and other loved ones the
dreadful anguish that my capital punish
ment would cause. lie permitted my mind
to become unbalanced, and through the
nstrumentality of the Holy Angels (who
the Bible tells us are all ministerins spirits
RI x.-t,, -ft,I1
be heirs of salvation and whose ministry
must necessarily be effected by an In
fuence brought to bear upon the human
mind. inspiring thoughts, affections. pur-
poses). He filled my soul with that moral
horror. that sense of unacceptable necsS-
sity, OF most sacred and holy duty that
kindness to every other consideration
which would deter, which filed my soul
after I had become sure of his dreadful
crime.
Old Col. Timan was right when he
said THAT want you Nor was it the
devil. The devil could not. and would not
inspire that Holy horror, that moral in
dignation, that loyalty to duty. 1t was
God through the holy angels fitting me for
the service he required at my hands
Whatever men may think, say, or
decree. that deed of insanity is in tie sight
| of God. deed of God that was prompted
| then, as I now fully do, l also believe He
| will save my life, reason and my liberty
! too in His own good time If he thinks
| that liberty is best for me, and for the
! work for his glory and the worlds good,
| believe and trust He yet had for me to do
! before 1 see His face in glory, How, or
| when that work will be done | can't see
| now. Whether like the Apostle Paul or
! John Bunyon, in the Bedford jail my work
| is to be that of the pen. whether that OF
the living voice, beseechins men TO be re-
| conciled to God. or that OF training one OF
| my children. or all of my children 70 be-
| como INSTRUMENTATION in His vineyard |
| don't know. But I do believe God has yet
| work in this world for me to do. which
| he will disclose TO me in His own time and
| for the doing of which He will open UP the
| way.
In that faith and hope my heart and
| mind rest to-day in perfect peace. stayed
| upon Him who IS the strength OF my life
| and my portion forever. With tenderese
! love to father and with more love than
| can express to each of you.