THIRTY years ago, the chaplain of the prison of Kushiro, Japan, noticed that one of the prisoners, with a singularly sombre face, had a New Testament, and although he could not read, he carried it always with him. This surprised Mr. Hara, the chaplain, who asked the prisoner how he came by his book. The man replied simply,
“I care a great deal about it.”
Wondering, still, Mr. Tiara tried to find out more.
“Well,” said the prisoner, “I am a sinner! But the book will keep me from sinning.” He then told his story.
He had spent the greater part of his life in sin. He was a burglar. One day, he ‘arranged with another thief to operate in a missionary school at Yokalama. They were to enter the girls’ dormitories, and lay hands on all the clothes and money they could find.
They selected a dark night. They entered by a kitchen window, and went upstairs. As they went, Maki—this was his name—heard the sound of voices.
“What is that?” he asked his companion, thinking they were discovered. The other answered, laughing.
“It is somebody praying. They are afraid, and are asking God to protect them.”
As they entered the dormitory, they saw one of the girls on her knees praying. They caught her clothing. The young girl looked up, and said quietly,
“Please leave me this garment; un mother made it, and sent it to me.” As the object had no great value, they gave it back to her.
“Please, take this instead, and read it” she added as she offered them a small book. But they threw it aside, thinking they could not make use of it.
Maki hid for three days, then risked going to, see his accomplice. The latter
had been arrested, and in his home, Maki found a policeman who arrested him. The next day he was brought before the chief of police in the presence of his victims.
“Do you recognize this?” he was asked, and was shown the book. “It is the book they gave you in the dormitory. These ladies have heard of your arrest, and they have brought the book to offer it to you again. You are guilty, but this book will lead you to repentance; and the Christians treat their enemies with kindness.”
Maki was impressed, but he knew nothing of Jesus. He did not know that He teaches us to do good to all. As he thought much about that, he resolved he would lead a new life.
Mr. Hara spoke to him of the Saviour, prayed with him. and resolved to teach him to read. As Maki was eager to learn, he progressed rapidly, and soon was able to read the Word for himself.
The truth penetrated into his heart and conscience, and he became “a new man.” “THE ENTRANCE OF THY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT.” Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
ML 07/16/1922