50 John Bachman. 



earthly pilgrimage is to be brought to a close. It 

 struck me as somewhat strange that I should be 

 torn, at so early an age, from my wife, my children, 

 and my people. But I recalled to my mind how 

 many had, under similar circumstances, been re- 

 moved from the midst of their families and useful- 

 ness, and I ceased to murmur. I had, for some 

 years, made no will. My property had undergone 

 some changes, and my affairs in the North and 

 South, were not satisfactorily settled; but I found 

 my mind was not strong enough to support the in- 

 vestigation. With a heavy heart, I turned my 

 thoughts to my dear family. I had lived with my 

 wife for twelve years. She had been one of the 

 most fond and affectionate of wives. Her life had 

 been devoted to me ; and with her I had spent the 

 happiest years of nry life. Never had two persons 

 lived more harmoniously ; and to die now, far 

 away from her, was most distressing and then my 

 seven little children. Where is the parent who can 

 be willing to part from these, without casting one 

 longing, lingering look behind? But I remem- 

 bered the promises of God. 



Then I began to inquire, Is thy heart right with 

 God ? It was a solemn inquiry. I remembered that 

 my life had been far from perfect, and that in my 

 younger years, I had been rather wild. Still I re- 

 membered, too, that I had early commenced the 

 study of divinity, and undeviatingly endeavored to 

 pursue the path of integrity and usefulness. Through 

 the mercy of a Saviour, I hoped I could look forward 

 to the salvation of my soul. But before I had time to 

 go over half the ground, I found an inexpressible 

 satisfaction and joy within. Nothing that this 

 world can afford, can ever be equal to it. There 

 were no forebodings, no fears, no doubts, and I was 

 enabled inwardly to say, " O death, where is thy 



