est sympathy, I am,

Gratefully yours,

GEORGE O. PHELPS.

* * * * * *

UTICA, N.Y., February 17, 1887.

MR. WM. KNOWLES:

DEAR BROTHER--You have laid us under new obligations. On my study
table is a picture of the pastor of my childhood--It has been there
nearly my entire ministry. You can conceive the influence it is
designed to exert over me. Now there will be, if not in my study
exclusively, in our house itself, the constant stimulus of such
reminders of devotion as these two most welcome pictures.

We are indeed very grateful to you for them; your filial love was
strong while they lived, and must be quickened by their death, but
if anybody _outside_ of the circle of kindred exceeds our veneration
for your parents, _they_ deserve it all. We certainly cannot fail
to cherish what has been so well done by the artist, the expression
in both pictures is so characteristic. It seems, when we dwell
intently upon them and let thoughts come and go at liberty, that the
lips must open and pleasant words come from them as in life; but
they do speak, nevertheless, and as distinctly, and as
affectionately. Oh! that we were more worthy to hear. And that
blessing upon yourself, how valuable and hopeful, or encouraging it
must be.

I know you will share it with others, and so make a saintly life
still reproductive. The world needs nothing so much as _positive
Christian character_.

Permit me to say that we are greatly prospered in our work, and
have hand and heart seemingly full; but, old Allen Street has _a
warm place_ in our affection always. Our united regards.

Affectionately yours,

GEORGE O. PHELPS.

* * * * * *

The reader will surely notice the true, touching, and graphic account
of their work in the next letter.

UTICA, N.Y., April 8, 1887.

REV. MR. YOUNG:

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER--While my mind is full of impressions
concerning the life and work of Mr. and Mrs. Knowles, it is not easy
to withdraw the details, and give you any real satisfaction. The
very simplicity and humility of their ways and deeds render it
impossible to make any adequate illustration--not that incidents are
lacking. Why, there are families in the vicinity of Allen Street who
could relate incidents by the