Part 2 (2/2)

NEW YORK, March 26, 1883.

MR. PHELPS--Reverend and dear friend and Christian brother: It has been my purpose for some time to write to you and yours, even if it should be but a few lines, to a.s.sure you that you are not forgotten by us; for although you are absent from us, yet your faithful and earnest appeals still live in our remembrance, and I have no doubt will continue to do so; and while I may not be able to recall much of the many sermons which I have heard you deliver, yet the impressions made upon my mind while sitting under them are retained.

I might, however, state here, that I was sorry to part with you and your family, and to feel that your pastoral relations.h.i.+p with us would soon be broken up; I had made up my mind to stay by the Church while you remained, if I lived, as I was attached to you and your family as to personal friends.... My wife and I unite in love to you and Mrs. Phelps and your son.

JAMES KNOWLES.

COVENANTS WITH G.o.d.

”Dear Lord, and shall Thy Spirit rest In such a wretched heart as mine?

Unworthy dwelling! Glorious Guest!

Favor astonis.h.i.+ng, Divine!”

The following acts of consecration will, no doubt, be of interest to the reader:

NEW YORK, Thursday, June 21, 1860.

I do solemnly resolve from this day onward to endeavor, relying on thy Holy Spirit, to serve _Thee_ better. This is my covenant, and I would ask Thee to own and bless me with peace and joy in believing.

NEW YORK, Sat.u.r.day, October 6, 1860.

I now promise, as I have formerly promised to do, from this day onward, to serve G.o.d better than I have been doing; depending on G.o.d's spirit for a.s.sistance; and will now ask to be prospered as G.o.d may see good for me.

JAMES KNOWLES.

NEW YORK, Friday, October 18, 1861.

I resolved to serve G.o.d with renewed efforts, determining to look alone to G.o.d for help.[1]

JAMES KNOWLES.

[1] The Fulton Street Noon Prayer Meetings found him an occasional visitor during these days of national peril, anxiety, and prayer.

NEW YORK, Thursday, April 9, 1863.

Entered into an agreement with my Heavenly Father that, through the strength of His divine grace, I will live more for the glory of G.o.d than I have ever done.

JAMES KNOWLES.

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