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.