Part 34 (1/2)

Hoping this will be of some use to you, I am,

Yours sincerely,

M. T. FISKE.

The annexed note of commendation from the Rev. Dr. Conkling, of this city, who formerly labored in word and doctrine with the deceased, in connection with the Allen Street Church, is concise yet comprehensive.

How much is implied in these words--_faithful, loving, earnest, prayerful and consistent Christians!_

NEW YORK CITY, November, 1886.

DEAR MR. YOUNG--My acquaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Knowles was so limited that my knowledge of them could be only of the most general character. I knew them, as all who knew them could testify, as earnest, loving Christians, faithful in their church duties, prayerful and consistent; and evidently living always near to Christ. I prized their friends.h.i.+p much; I feel how deep the loss to the church must be in being deprived of their active influence and their believing prayers.

With thanks for your kindly note, conveying the sacred request, I remain, dear sir,

Sincerely yours,

NATH'L W. CONKLING.

To show how greatly beloved they were by all denominations we insert this closing tribute from a dear servant of Christ, whose calm, clear eye of penetration recognized that, by prayerfully studying the character of Christ we became a.s.similated to His glorious image. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

CLINTONDALE, N.Y., June 23, 1887.

DUNCAN M. YOUNG:

DEAR BROTHER--Yours received, bearing us news indeed. We had not heard before of the demise of our dear Brother and Sister Knowles.

The effect of it at first, to me, was that I could scarcely speak for a fulness of feeling which it produced, and a home-sickness for the home where they have gone.

My memory was immediately taken back to the visit I paid them a year ago last spring, which was _very pleasant_ and soul-refres.h.i.+ng, and especially to the parting _kiss_ that the dear Mother in Israel gave me on my parting from them; and also she gave me a supply of beautiful tracts, which I had the privilege of using to the comfort of two souls on the cars as I was returning home, and some of the tracts I have yet, and you can depend on it I place higher value on them than ever before.

The little leaflet you sent us is very appropriate indeed, but none can do them justice in writing of them, for we do not know of all their heart-yearnings and achings over poor wanderers, and their personal private labors for their salvation, neither can we ever know until we see the record of it all up there.

And may you, dear Brother, as the honored minister of G.o.d, carry out literally her exhortation to you, ”Preach the Gospel Uncolored.”

Accept my sincere thanks for your kindness in writing us, and sending the leaflets. You asked if I could use any of them? I can, certainly, and there are a few around here yet living who remember our departed sister and brother when they boarded at our house.

I unite in interest and prayer with you for your important Work in the abundant ripe fields of Harvest, and pray that you will receive many souls for your hire.

I am, yours sincerely, and in the love of the pure Gospel of the Kingdom of our Christ,

ERASTUS S. ANDREWS.

”They lived, and they were useful; this we know.

Oh, take who will the boon of fading fame!

But give to me A place among the workers, though my name Forgotten be, And if within the book of life is found My lowly place, Honor and glory unto G.o.d redound For all His grace!”