Return to Charlesto)i. 73 



Once I was picking my way across an alley, by 

 using my cane. A youth passing by, was tripped 

 up by my cane. Both of us apologized. I asked 

 ihe way to Washington street, and finding that I 

 was lost, he deposited liis parcel at a store (he was a 

 clerk), passing his father's house, he ran in for a 

 moment, and brought me two fine peaches, and then 

 conducted me to my hotel — a mile off. 



You write me that I am forbidden to come home 

 before a frost. I hope that there is no harm in 

 wishing that there may be a " a black frost " to-night, 

 from Canada to East Bay, Charleston. J. B. 



Dr. Bachman remained in New York until the 

 latter part of November, anxiously awaiting per- 

 mission to return to famil}^ and flock. He hailed 

 with delight the letter from Charleston, announcing 

 a heav}^ freeze — the greatly desired " black frost," 

 that removed the anxiety of his friends with regard 

 to his return home. He took passage in the next 

 boat that sailed from New York to Charleston, and, 

 in due time, reached his destination. He was wel- 

 comed by family and flock, as one whom death had 

 claimed, but the Giver of Life had rescued from the 

 grave. In the sanctuary his people heartily united 

 with him in praise and thanksgiving to God. The 

 pastor could speak to his flock as never before, for, 

 during their separation, he had stood face to face 

 with the " King of Terrors." He had lain passive 

 in the hands of his God, and had realized that the 

 Master, who had chosen him for a definite work, 

 could yet accomplish all, without his presence and 

 services. But, as he stood in the midst of his peo- 



