23 1 John Bacliman. 



bare mountains, to tempt his daughter's failing appe- 

 tite, was to him a source of satisfaction ; now he 

 writes gloomily " My occupation is gone, I have no 

 employment left." Thus we oft-times cry, while the 

 Master is but preparing us, for nobler duties and 

 far higher service. 



RED SULPHUR SPRINGS, Monday, Sept. 6th, 1847. 



My dear Children My last letter detailed to you 

 the hopeless, almost dying condition of our beloved 

 Julia. 



O! how I have wished, that when this hour came, 

 she might be in her own blessed home, and close 

 her eyes, in the midst of her loved ones, and be laid 

 to rest, at the side of her gentle, sainted mother. 



Dear Julia, I find, had long been deeply concerned 

 with regard to her religious state, and had sought 

 the light of God's Word with prayer. 



1 had left my home, my other children and other 

 duties, to devote myself to her. I had brought her 

 over these rugged mountains, carrying her in my 

 arms in and out of the carriage. I had guarded her 

 cabin from noise and intrusion; and, now, it was 

 my duty, to instruct and to aid her in her search 

 after perfect peace. Fervently we prayed together, 

 and long we wept. Still she desired more light, 

 greater assurance of forgiveness, and stronger evi- 

 dence of God's mercy. Our prayers have now all 

 been heard. Yesterday was a blessed Sabbath to us. 

 Through the mercy of Him who died for her on the 

 cross, she has found hope, comfort, peace and joy. 

 For hours yesterday, she spoke of the past, the 

 present, and the future. Her eyes were bright and 

 her mind clear ; her perceptions keen and her judg- 

 ment strong ; her words were submissive and her 



