186 John Bachman. 



condition. I can assure you, as he does himself, that 

 this last week has been one of deepest sorrow. I go 

 to the city anywhere, I scarcely seem to see or to 

 care for any one and the return home only aug- 

 ments the pains of my poor heart. * * * * 



Alas ! who can foresee or foretell ! In a few days, 

 my fears tell me that we shall have to convey to 

 you sad tidings ; yet I still hope that God may spare 

 our Maria. 



God bless you all. Take care of Mama, of Eliza 

 and the babe (Harriet) ; little Lucy is well. 



Affectionately, your father, 



J. J. A. 



Mrs. Jacob Martin (Mrs. Bachman's mother) had 

 been for years an honored inmate of her son-in-law's 

 home. Possessing a singularly rounded character, 

 as firm as she was gentle, thoughtful, yet not over- 

 careful, her presence exercised a wholesome influ- 

 ence in her daughter's family. In fact, the Pastor of 

 St. John's rejoiced that the children's grandmothers 

 should both dwell under his roof. It was good for 

 the children, from infancy, to learn the joy of service 

 to those who had not too many joys left on earth. 

 The Pastor's own reverent bearing to the aged 

 mothers, was naturally adopted by the young mem- 

 bers of his family ; and who can estimate the bless- 

 ings that flowed into the current of these young lives, 

 through even the silent teachings of these dear, aged 

 saints. The unquestioning submission of such as 

 these, is both a prayer for and a benediction upon a 

 household. His own mother had finished her long 

 prilgrimage, and had already en tered" the life where 



