Mr. Werne then asked me to come up to the Mission, and I have not missed attending this Mission but three nights since, and the benefits that I have derived--the satisfaction, the happiness of mind, the contentment of spirit--I would not exchange for my old life for anything in the world. I mean I would not exchange my present life for the old one for any earthly consideration. I attribute this reformation to the strong personal interest that Mr. Holcombe has taken in my welfare, and if he does not save but one soul, as he says, it would pay him for all the trouble he has gone through within the last ten years or more. The two following letters, though in the nature of testimonies, are from men of high standing in the community, who preferred, on account of others, not to give their testimonies in the form in which the foregoing are given: LOUISVILLE, KY., July 24, 1888. _Rev. Gross Alexander_: MY DEAR BROTHER--Yours of 21st is just received. I can not see how a sketch of my life can do "The Life of Brother Holcombe" any good. As I understand it, you are writing the life and conversion of Steve Holcombe and not of others. My past history is sufficiently sad and regretful without having it paraded before the public in book form. I am far from being proud of it. I am exceedingly anxious it should sink into the shades of forgetfulness. Having marked out a new and brighter life, I am only too glad to let "the dead past bury its dead." Most sincerely, ---- ----. * * * * * LOUISVILLE, KY., August 2, 1888. _Dear Brother Alexander_: Your kind letter was received several days ago, but I have delayed answering, in the expectation of seeing you here in person. I am now anxious for the successful issue of the book, on account of the great moral influence it will have upon all classes of the community. But I can not consent to what you propose. I am endeavoring every day to blot out and forget the dark and cloudy past of my life, keeping always a bright future in view. There are dark and painful episodes in the life of every man and though _he_ may be willing to expose them to the eyes of the public, there are those who are bound to him by the ties of blood and relationship, who would blush at the recital. This is the position I occupy. I hope to see you here soon. Yours truly, ---- ----. [Illustration: A NIGHT MEETING--MR. HOLCOMBE PREACHING.] SERMONS. MARK 1: 15. "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the Gospel."