Ldfcrto the Vestry. 163 



He suggested two plans by which his pul})it might 

 be supplied during his absence, and closes thus: 



" From m\^ \^estry and Congregation T have expe- 

 rienced unceasing acts of kindness from the day of 

 my arrival among you ; and now, in the time of de- 

 bility and declining health, your sympatliy renders 

 you dearer to me than ever. 



" I came to you a young man ; I have dwelt in 

 your midst for more than twenty-three years. " -^ '^; 



" That Being who for so many years gave me 

 strength to perform, almost unremittingly, the 

 duties of ni}'- calling, now has seen fit to visit me 

 with pain and debility. In whatever manner God 

 shall order my lot, I shall bear with me to foreign 

 lands and through life the remembrance of a people 

 who have aided me in gratifying m^; desire for knowl- 

 edge, and in the promotion of benevolence and 

 religion. 



I remain, with sentiments of respect and affection, 



Your Pastor, John Bachman. 



A favoral)le response was [)romptly accorded by 

 tlie Vestry and Congregation. Tlie}^ united in urg- 

 ing him to hasten the preparations necessary for so 

 long an absence from his home, and assisted him, 

 wherever possible, in arranging for a speedy depart- 

 ure. As no Lutheran minister Avas available, many 

 of the ministers of other Protestant denominations, 

 witTi great kindness and unanimit}^, consented to 

 occupy the pulpit of St. John's alternately, during 

 the absence of the Pastor. 



On the ord of June, 1838, he preached his fare- 

 well sermon, from 1st Thessalonians, v. Chapter, 



