Steve P. Holcombe, the Converted Gambler Part 11

Your favor to hand. I have had a terrible battle with self, but by the grace of G.o.d I have come out conquerer. I praise G.o.d now that I had the struggle, because it has enabled me to realize the emptiness of all that is earthly. It has convinced me that to depend on men is "like a foot out of joint." I make more miles toward my haven of rest during a night of storm than in days of calm weather. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I am as ever,

Your friend and brother in Christ,

STEVE P. HOLCOMBE.

TO THE SAME.

LOUISVILLE, KY., December 29, 1887.

_Dear Brother:_

Yours was received a few days ago. Yes, I thank G.o.d I am almost rid of my love of praise. I am willing to do the dirty and disagreeable work and let others have the picnics and the praise. "Who am I that I should be a leader of the Lord's people?" But I confess I did not get to this point without a struggle. How I did have to wrestle with G.o.d. He showed me the envy that was in my heart, that is my jealousy of any one who did more work or had more attention paid them than I had. But glory to G.o.d I hope I am rid of it at last.

Yours,

S. P. H.

TO THE SAME.

LOUISVILLE, KY., January 26, 1888.

_Dear Brother:_

Yours just received. I hardly think it would be worth while to ask Mr. Moody to visit our Mission, as his time is so completely occupied. I think our work is as much thought of as ever. It is quiet but I think deep. I have kept it out of the papers, because too much newspaper notoriety is calculated to cause a poor little-brained fellow to exaggerate his own importance. And then there is such sweetness in the work when you are sure it is not for praise but for Christ. I am afraid that many of us on a.n.a.lyzing our hearts will find first, self; second, self; and almost all for self in one way or another. May G.o.d deliver me from self.

Yours as ever,

STEVE P. HOLCOMBE.

TO THE SAME.

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 10, 1888.

_Dear Brother:_

Your letter to hand. There is nothing so comforting as true friendship. Alas! how little of it there is in this world. Happy the man who can claim _one true friend_. I know a man that has a true friend. I am that man and you are that friend. How do I know it? You are so faithful in telling me the truth about myself and showing me my faults and mistakes. Who but a true friend that had your best interest at heart would have written such a letter as this last one from you? I want you to know that while I loved you much before, I love you more now. I have been going through the fire lately, but I think I shall come out all right. Doesn't G.o.d sift a fellow? I believe I can say I rejoice in tribulation. I find I can not expect to be understood in this world or always have sympathy, but I do expect, if "I meekly wait and murmur not," to find it is all right in my Father's house.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

STEVE P. HOLCOMBE.

TO S. P. DALTON (one of the converts).

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 17, 1883.

_My Dear Brother Dalton:_

Your good letter to hand. It is, as you say, so sweet to be bound together by the ties of Christian love, and there is no tie which binds men more closely than the religion of Christ. It breaks down every barrier, and all are alike to the true Christian man; rich, poor, halt, lame, blind, there is no difference. And the Christian is happiest when he is denying himself to help others.

In order to convince the world of the truth and power of our religion, our own standard must be very high. We must deny ourselves of things which in themselves would be innocent, but which, if practiced by us, would lessen our influence for good.

And how comforting to think that if we _suffer_ with Him, we shall also reign with Him. The suffering comes first, the humiliation first, the toil and weariness first. Yes, we may _expect_ troubles and crosses here, but we leave it all behind when we enter within the gates into the city. I thank G.o.d that your heart has been changed and that you have tasted of the powers of the world to come. I am glad you find more pleasure in my poor company and lame words than in the follies and friendships of the world. Hoping for you all good things, I am with much love,

Your brother in Christ,

STEVE HOLCOMBE.

TO THE SAME.

LOUISVILLE, KY., July 23, 1885.

_Dear Brother Dalton:_

Your letter from the great Falls is to hand. It is very gratifying to me to know that in the midst of so much excitement you could and did think of one so humble and obscure as myself.

I have been at the Falls and have seen many wonderful and grand things, but the most beautiful thing I have ever seen is an old hardened sinner picking up his grip-sack and bidding the devil farewell forever. And, praise the Lord, that is my privilege almost daily in the dear old mission. Though the weather is very hot, we have glorious meetings; new converts testifying almost nightly. Two professional gamblers have just been converted. One of them was one of the sweetest conversions I ever saw. The old converts are nearly all doing well. Don't grow, cold, but be in some work for the Master every day, and you will not miss the time or regret the service. G.o.d bless you.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

S. P. HOLCOMBE.

TO THE SAME.

LOUISVILLE, KY., April 17, 1886.

_Dear Brother Dalton:_

Yours of the 6th to hand. We have purchased the property for our new home, and we shall move in in about a month. Our work is moving like a thing of life. It was never so prosperous before.

I wish you could be here to work with us. Sister Clark is in her glory. She is one of the grandest Christian women I have ever seen. Nearly all the converts are doing well.

Yours,

S. P. HOLCOMBE.

TO THE SAME.