I have read your letter with a great deal of interest. I appreciate your fatherly advice and know that you have my interest at heart. I appreciate your telling me of your experience in speculation and know that this can be the only result where people only guess at the market, or follow tips. I have secured some books from New York and read a great deal about the market, and I feel that I already know that there are many pitfalls in the game of speculation, but if it can be made a science and followed according to the rules laid down in the Bible, success and profits are sure. Sir William Crookes said: "To stop short in any research which bids fair to widen the gates of knowledge, to recoil from fear of difficulties or adverse criticism, is to bring reproach upon science." I feel that I have my own life to live; that I must have faith in myself and above all, have the faith which is instilled in me through the study of the Bible. I must neither fear difficulties nor criticism. I must put my theories and my discoveries to the test. The only way that I can do that, is to follow what I think is right. I have already made arrangements and sent my money to a broker in New York, and have today bought 200 bales of July cotton at 13.80. I am going to hold this cotton. If it goes up, as I am sure it will this Spring and Summer, as my profits accumulate, I am going to buy more on the way up. I believe in what the Bible says: "Prove all things and hold fast to that which is good." Jacob said: "I have read in the tables of heaven whatsoever things shall befall both of you and your children." I believe in the stars, I believe in astrology, and I have figured out my destiny. The Bible makes it plain that the stars do rule. 147th Psalm, 4th verse: "He tellest the number of the stars, he callest them all by name." Dante said: "Follow thy star--thou shalt see at last a glorious haven." Napoleon and many other great leaders of olden times followed their stars, and believed in them. Mr. Kennelworth, I have gained a great deal of knowledge by following the Bible. I have gone into secret places to pray, and have kept my discoveries to myself. I believe in the saying: "In silence, by silence, through silence were all things made." Daniel makes it clear that the stars influence: "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." "He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him." I have followed the teachings and admonitions of Solomon, and realize that knowledge is the greatest of all things. I have tried to get understanding and believe that I have received it from the Bible, and that I must use it. I refer to Daniel: