The more I read and study the phraseology of this letter, welling up out of a full heart, the more I am convinced of its adaptedness to impart encouragement to others the same in kind and degree as was doubtless reciprocally experienced in days of yore, "for as iron sharpeneth iron, so does the countenance of man his friend."
Here is another tender and terse tribute from the same source to their only son—the request for particulars regarding their last illness, which produced the leaflet entitled "A Short Account of the Last Hours"—that has been already a rich spiritual blessing to many souls.
Utica, N.Y., November, 1886.
Mr. Wm. Knowles:
Dear Brother—We have just learned of the departure of your dear parents. Our attachment to them was exceptionally strong, even as our association in the Master's work was intimate.
I have been looking over your father's letters, too few in numbers; how full of human kindness, how intensely godly.
Be assured of our sincere regard for you and others in this great bereavement.
May we not receive, at your convenience, particulars of their last illness and going? We have no knowledge of either case.
Very sincerely yours,
George O. Phelps.