The dear prisoner should make a decision for the right at once, cast away his gloom, doubts, and fears, and remember the words of the apostle, who urges people to cast their care upon the Lord, for he careth for them. He is a very present help in time of trouble. By the help of Almighty God the prisoner can yet make his mark in the world. He can rise above every foe and be of some use before his life closes. While he is in the midst of the most desperate characters in the land, yet he can have good associates. He can commune with God when alone in his cell. He can call for good books and holy literature, read the Bible, and make every effort to please the Lord and those around him. He can so live that even the prison walls will be a hallowed spot unto him. It was while John Bunyan was serving a twelve-year sentence in prison that he wrote the notable book “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” which has been a help and comfort to multitudes of people. He no doubt worked often under adverse circumstances and completed his work through many difficulties and much hard labor. Likewise Martin Luther translated the New Testament while in prison, and wrote a number of other valuable works. The apostle Paul wrote a number of his epistles while in prison. He and others with him sometimes were punished by stripes until they were left lacerated and bleeding, then cast into prison and bound hand and foot. It was under such circumstances that one time Paul and Silas were found praising the Lord, singing and shouting at the midnight hour, when the Lord sent an earthquake and rent the prison walls, throwing open the doors and loosing the shackles, setting them free; but they did not flee from the prison until they received proper orders. It was their faithfulness that caused the jailer to ask what he should do to be saved. Paul told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The generous jailor then took the brethren and washed their stripes and properly cared for them, and soon they were dismissed and sent on their way. It often happens that some must suffer an unjust punishment. To such we can only say, Be of good courage; look up and trust for better days. PUNISHMENT.