164 John Bachman. 



lltli to 13tli verses: " Wlicrcfore comfort yoitrsclre-'i 

 together and edify one another, even as also i/e do.'' 



The afflicted of tlie congregation were very near 

 the heart of the Pastor. 



" The poor require comforters, the sick and tlie 

 afflicted need consolation. Will you not perform 

 these duties for your absent Pastor? * "^^ 



Of late a calamity has befallen our city, perhaps 

 greater than any that has hitherto visited it, and 

 many families are left without homes and in poverty, 

 with only the sympathies and charities of the 

 benevolent to help them. I have engaged in the 

 work of ministry, until arrested by disease. Alas, 

 I can do no more ! I leave the afflicted of this Con- 

 gregation with you, and with the Father of the 

 fatherless and the widow's God. 



I came to you in youth, a stranger, and now for 

 more than twenty-three years I have been intimately 

 associated with you all. I have enjoyed a large 

 share of your affection and friendship. Though the 

 pleasant memories of those early days are now 

 darkened by declining health on my part, and on 

 yours by clouds of sorrow — afflictions which have 

 rested heavily upon your domestic circles, and be- 

 reaved me of a multitude of my flock, yet, the place 

 amid w^hose hallowed scenes I am lingering, and 

 whose peaceful shores I am reluctant to leave, is en- 

 shrined in the sanctuary of my heart. It is con- 

 nected with associations that are imperishable. It 

 is the birth-place of the brightest of my hopes, and 

 the scene of the most interesting of my labors. 



My friends, I have served you long. Whether 

 these labors have ministered to your edification and 

 conviction, and to your comfort and refreshment, I 

 cannot tell ; nor, is it needful for me to know. I 

 leave the result of my ministrations in the hands of 



