Even for this donation and for all the love shown me by these good people I am indebted to you. "Jesus must needs go through Samaria" to save the woman at the well. You must needs be sent to Portland church to save and instruct and guide Steve Holcombe. This morning I prayed nearly an hour before breakfast, and it was lucky for me I did. Something came up at noon that would have completely upset me, but I was fortified and withstood the temptation successfully. I am improving every way. My health is better, my memory is better. I can read my Bible more profitably than ever and I can pray better. God grant you may have good health, length of days and all of this world's goods that may be good for you. S. P. H. * * * * * TO THE SAME. LOUISVILLE, KY., May 23, 1884. _Dear Brother:_ Yours of the 16th to hand. God is so good to me. Certain temptations have come to me lately and I could not have borne them but for His help. I talked at the church last Sunday night in the absence of Dr. Messick. I felt so humble, it seemed a privilege to be treated shamefully that I might have an opportunity of showing that a Christian can give up his own rights for the good of others. I have grown in grace since you showed me the necessity of secret prayer and of getting so well acquainted with God that he would become more real to me than my own father ever was. You have seen in the papers poor D. T.'s attempt at suicide. But God has spared him yet another season. He will recover. Pray for him. May God bless you and strengthen you and keep you is the prayer of Your friend and brother, S. P. HOLCOMBE. * * * * * TO THE SAME. LOUISVILLE, KY., July 23, 1884. _My Dear Brother:_ Yours received this A. M. I am so pressed for means I can not now buy the book you speak of, but will do so as soon as I can. I am _taking time_ to study. I am getting much better acquainted with God and the better I know him the more I love him. Yours in love, S. P. H. * * * * * TO THE SAME. LOUISVILLE, KY., July 25, 1884. _Dear Brother:_ The men are all doing tolerably well. The attendance at the meetings is increasing. Sunday-school holds up well. My great desire now is to be able to study the Bible better. The more I think of what you have been to me, the more grateful I feel. I wish I could in some substantial way show you how I appreciate your care. But God will reward you. Yours, etc., S. P. H. * * * * * TO THE SAME. LOUISVILLE, KY., July 30, 1884. _Dear Brother:_