90 Joliu Bacltman. 



view of these sad afflictions, as President of Synod, 

 he thus addressed and encouraged his brethren. 



"Let our past afflictions teach us humility, an 

 increase of zeal, and an humble trust and confidence 

 in the protection and mercy of God ; and, as the hour 

 of night is darkest which precedes the rising morn, 

 and, as the day is often calmest which succeeds the 

 violence of the tempest, so these visitations of 

 heaven, like the calamities that befell the church of 

 old, may be followed by a long train of mercies and 

 blessings to our beloved Zion. But. while we rely 

 for luture successes and prosperity on the blessing 

 of heaven, let us do all that lies in our power to 

 promote her best interests." 



As he stood in the breach speaking words of ho})e 

 and cheer, the question was asked him: Where can 

 we find another to fill the vacancy caused by the 

 death of John Schwartz? His reply was cliaracter- 

 istic. "AYhile we are endeavoi'ing to find a suitable 

 Theological Professor, let us hasten the completion 

 of the dwelling-house begun for his use, and the re- 

 citation rooms for the students. '' He labored, zeal- 

 ously and sucessfuUy, to procure funds for the same, 

 and, in a short time, the new buildings were ready 

 for use. 



As President of Synod, he wrote to his friend, Rev. 

 Dr. Ernest Hazelius, a member of the Synod of New 

 York, witli reference to the Professorship. Dr. 

 Hazelius was at that time one of the Professors at 

 Gettysburg, Pennsylvania ; his answer was favora- 

 ble. With delight, the former wrote "Dr. Hazelius 



