treatment, often impossible for the pastor to do--her feminine
instinct and sagacity of experience took it in hand with a
readiness that was surprising, in view of her always full hands. A
gentle, trustful soul, a frank, unwavering friend, a pious, useful
woman, and a faithful wife and mother, her rest will be sweet.

If the beginning of my acquaintance with her companion dates
somewhat later, it ripened early, I suppose mutually so, into a
strong attachment. Integrity of character was my first impression of
the man; whether an instinct or a judgment, there never was a doubt
as to its correctness. Strong in faith, also--_the old-time faith_,
of apostolic color, for he took no pleasure in "new departures."
Sound in doctrine, fervent in spirit, wise in council, stable in
action, he was truly a strong "pillar in the house of the Lord." If
he wrought obscurely, as the world moves, my impression is that he
did some excellent work for eternity in the most quiet sort of way.
I do not think Heaven could be a surprise to one of his habits and
trend of life. He could assimilate the good easily. Though positive
in his feelings, and sensitive of attachment, he was no mere
man-worshipper, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, so long as it
was the _Word of Christ_, faithfully, earnestly preached; he was a
responsive hearer. The chief desire was that the _word_ should be
successful. Perhaps simplicity was as characteristic as any other
distinct trait. If he did not choose the uppermost seats he occupied
them becomingly when once bidden to take them.

I remember him not so much by means of incidents--his life was not
formed on that plan; but by the deep impression of genuine,
unpretentious godliness.

If I have written at too great length, my heart is full. In deep
sympathy with those who will so surely mourn their loss, and
grateful for the privilege of a tribute, I am,

Sincerely yours,

GEORGE O. PHELPS,
_An Ex-Pastor_.

* * * * * *

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."