418 John Bachman. 



to yourself, viz, the study of the ministry. Your- 

 chosen profession involves a nobler estate than any 

 earthly field. When I am no longer here, remem- 

 ber, John, I confidently expect that you will tread in 

 my footsteps; you possess more than a moderate 

 share of talent and many advantages. Improve them 

 all. To God I commit you; without His aid and 

 blessing you can do nothing, with it you may ac- 

 complish almost any thing; prepare yourself not 

 only to become a good preacher, but also a faithful 

 pastor. Let us remain solid Lutherans, as firm as 

 old Martin himself — we must be instructed by the 

 example of our foref[\thers. Lean upon the arm of. 

 God ; be faithful to duty, and He w^ill bless and guide 

 you. Your affectionate grandfather, J. B. 



John Haskell, in reply. 



Columbia, Sept. 18th, 1871. 



M}^ dear Grandfather — I send you, as usual, a 

 daily line. I shall soon turn my face homewards. I 

 have much to tell you of deep interest — God has 

 been good to me in every w^ay. I have received 

 your precious letters and dearly appreciate them. * * 



My heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity 

 and privilege to study for the Ministry. He gives 

 me all that I ask for, and when He denies, I trust 

 that I shall realize that it is because, with so many 

 blessings, it is but just that I should have my share 

 of trials. 



I am gaining much by being w^ith Dr. Rude. 

 Whenever I go to his room, he gives me some 

 work to do, and I am glad to help him. I expect to 

 spend a great deal of time in his study. He has 

 presented me with a most valuable book " The Con- 

 scrrative B ('formation" by Krauth, which he says, 

 will be a text-book for Lutheran Theology — I ia- 



