Zibvwy of 36— is returned to Soutn Branch Circuit - *^ CHAPTER V. Incidents of the year- Cunningham, Richards, Stickler— conference of 1837— is ordained— health failed— supernumerary in part— elected presiding elder- sent to Virginia— elected presiding elder in 1*59, : returned to Virginia I»is- trict— again elected presiding elder in 1840, and 'sent to his old district— con- ference of 1841 -°nt to his old district— sent to Frederick Circuit of 1S42— in 1843 sent to Hagorstown Circuit- attended the conference of 1S44 37 CHAPTER VI. Returned to Hagerotowa -elected to General Conference— was returned to HagerstOWO with Richard Nihiser— in 1846 was sent to Woodstock t'ircuit— conference of 1-17 returned to same circuit— conference of 1848— again elected to General Conference— conference of l'-49 — sent to Woodstock Cir- circuit— General Conference— secrecy— he makes a speech— slavery— his views on the subject-systems opposed to Christianity 67 VI. CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. Pam. Work on his circuit— report to conference— conference of 1850— his views on missions— conference of 1851— elected presiding elder— work of Stationing Committee changed— the result— sermon on Restitution— conference of 1852— again elected presiding elder— sent to Frederick Circuit from the con- ference of 1853— again elected to General Conference— importance of this General Conference— printing establishment— missionary society— bap- tism— depravity— conference of 1854— is elected presiding elder and sent to Maryland District— at Hebron— character a3 a presiding elder— conference of 1855— Mr. Bachtel's remarks on the conference floor— elected presiding elder— elected trustee of Mt. Pleasant College— experience at a tavern— con- ference could not meet at West Columbia, D. C 79 CHAPTER VIII. Conference at Mill Creek—charges contemplated— did not come to a head- returned to Maryland District— is popular— political contest— is elected to General Conference— opposed— reasons— division of the conference— reasons for this— Ex-bishop liussel— annual conference of 1857— a division of the conference agreed upon— he is appointed to West Columbia Cir- cuit—hardships of the appointment— at General Conference— chairman of revision committee— Mr. Bachtel offers a resolution ; is adopted— lay delegation— dress— secrecy— resolution by Resler— Mr. Bachtel requested to make a speech ,„ „ 9i CHAPTER IX. Speech of Mr. Bachtel in the General Conference of 1857 , „ 110 CHAPTER X. Difficulties on his circuit— ignorance and intemperance— his instructions— camp-meeting on Leading Creek— his sermon— Parkersburg Conference— its weakmsr — the necessity of faith— Mr. Bachtel's report— visit to the Valley of Virgiuia— conference at Ripley— a difficult) — his report— on committees— his prayer— why some persons did not join the church— conference at Glen- ville— bis report— missionary meeting, Ac. — committee on resolutions— anothei difficulty ; he is on the committee— sent to Jackson Circuit— charac ter of the territory and people— clerical scoundrels— in 1860 elected to Gen- eral Conference— Presidential canvass— Mr. Bachtel's position— results of the election, &c 118 CHAPTER XI. Conference of 1861— Mr. Bachtel's report— Virginia Convention— the defection of members— General Conference— serenade speeches— war spirit— secrecy- report of the committee very strong— an animated discussion— the vote- why members voted against it— Mr. Bachtel perplexed— independent rela- tion asked for by the Parkersburg Conference— reasons for it— a dark future— turmoil— southern independence— Mr. Bachtel's course — report to conference— Mr. Bachtel still in Jackson ; why— preaches for rebel sol- diers— their comments— conference of 1863— Mr. Bachtel's report— returned to Jackson— a quarterly meeting— a daily paper— traveling circuit on foot- success— a rift in the cloud 12» CHAPTER XII. Elected 1 1 General Conference— military affairs— the effect on Mr. Bachtel— an incident— Bishop Markwood, &c— first quarterly meeting— a painful ru- mor— it is confirmed— Lincoln slain— joy of the people blasted— providence of God— away to General Conference— Board of Missions— what is lovalty— meeting of conference — Bishop Glossbrenner— a vindication— debt on the printing establishment— how to be raised— theological training— opposi- tion— plan adopted— Mr. Bachtel's views and advice— capture of Jefferson Davis— Doxoiogy, Ac— report of Committee on the State of the Country— an an amendment— difficulty— tli9 vote-Mr. Bachtel's position— his reason— bis dissatisfaction— a question of privilege— Mr. Bachtel's opiniou of the West 1«£ CONTENTS. VII. CHAPTER XIII. Pack. Church trial— a new mode— happy issue— Mr. B.'s opinion and influence— raising niouey for the printing establishment— great revivals— builiiing churches— a good report— his last— the music question— action of confer- ence— elected presiding elder— dedication at Hartford City— Mr. B.'s dream— is sick — answer to secret prayer— hears his last sermon— reaches home— thinks he is sick unto death— makes a will— talks about death- death approaches— his advice to his family— he crosses over the river— his age— his funeral services, as per request— his character— intellectual endowments— action of the Parkorsburg Conference— request of Bishop Glossbrenner— resolutions 166 CHAPTER IV. A funeral sermon delivered at the session of the Parkersburg Annual Conference, March 17th, 1*67, on the occasion of the death of Rev. J. Bachtel, by Bishop Glossbrenner 184 CHAPTER XV. A monument ordered— raising the monument— programme— the audience- description of the monument— inscription— ballad and music, composed by Professor Diddle 211 CHAPTER XVI. Skeletons of sermons, composed and preached by Mr. Bachtel 217 CHAPTERI. Annual conference of 1834 — its character — Jacob Bachtel — his parentage — birth — early religious impressions — attends a quar- terly meeting at Shank's — is convicted of sin — the experience meet- ing — his shame— attends a Methodist camp meeting near Fred- erick City — is a mourner— his anguish — a good book — wants to be a miller — disobeys God — tries Calvinism — not satilised with it — turns atheist — his wicked and foolish prayer. The Virginia Annual Conference convened at Jenning's Branch, Augusta County, Virgin- ia, in April, 1834. This conference was in a transition state, the English supplanting the German language on almost every field of la- bor. During the session of this year there enter- ed the conference-room a vouno; man of bov- ish appearance, as an applicant for license to preach. He had not been trained in university or college ; he had not taken his degree in any school of theology, but was fresh from the work-shop, and presented as a reason why he should have authority to preach, the fact that God had called him to this great work. He gave his name to that body as Jacob Bachtel, Jr. And who was Jacob Bachtel ? where was 2 10 BIOGRAPHY OF lie born ? and so on, were legitimate subjects of inquiry. He was born in Pleasant Valley, Washington County, Maryland, July 7th, A. D. 1812. His father, whose name was Jacob D. Bachtel, was a native of Frederick County, Maryland. The father of Mr. Bachtel, Sen., was a native of Pennsylvania and related to the Rev. Mr. Bachtel, a pious minister of the German Re- formed Church. His mother was born in Ireland, but was brought to this country when quite young. They both died when their son was six year sold. Nothing is known of their religious faith. The maiden name the mother of Jacob Bachtel was Charlotte Koonts. Her father was born in Maryland, — was a farmer — and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1834. Her mother was born in Pennsylva- nia. She was a member of the United Breth- ren Church, and died in great peace in 1832. The parents of Jacob embraced religion and united with the United Brethren Church in 1832. They had six children, two boys and four girls, of which Jacob was the elder. His father and mother outlived him. May 7th r 1867, Mr. Bachtel, Jr., says, in a letter to the writer : JACOB BACHTEL. 11 "I am, in all human probability, on my death-bed. I have been sick for several months. My body, which was once strong and portly, is now weak and emaciated ; and although 1 feel sure that I must soon bid adieu to kind earthlv friends, I shall join dear ones in heaven. 0, how cheering to me now is the hope of sweet rest in glory!" A few weeks after this he entered the char- iot of God, and was kindly borne to the rest for which he longed. Mr. Bachtel informs us that his "parents were poor, but honorable, " as the parents of good and useful men, in a majority of instan- ces, have been, and are In his early life he knew his father to be, in theor}^ and inclination, an " Old School Baptist, except the decrees, which he could not be persuaded to embrace. " At this time he does not seem to have been very moral in his habits, as he would sometimes "get intoxicated and swear;" yet he did not allow his son to do either, a not uncommon thing with wicked parents. It is wrong for parents to do any thing that they are not will- ing their children should do. A wicked father once chastised his little son 12 BIOGRAPHY OF for swearing. The little fellow went outside the house and was crying very much, when he said to his brother : "I don't know why pa whips us for swearing, when he swears him- self. " The father overheard what the boys said, and was never known to swear again. Mr. Bachtel's mother was Calvinistic, and a "moralist," and taught her child "several prayers, " which he used to repeat at his bed- side every night. He seems to have been re- ligiously inclined from his childhood. Father Bachtel writes: "I can say but little of Jacob's early life. He was very kind and obedient, and early inclined to religion. " How- ever, he had no very deep religious impressions until he was about twelve years old. At this time he says: "I attended preaching whenver I could, and was very fond of it, and became quite attached to the preachers. At this early peri- od in his life, he had convictions leading him to the ministry. Said he: "I wished to be a preacher, and it was inrpressed on my mind that if I should get religion God would make me a preacher." This may be considered by some as being the foolish fancy of a child r but those upon whom the responsibilities of the JACOB BACHTEL. 13 ministry have been laid by divine appoint- ment, are reminded, while reading this, of their own heart-history in early life. It may be as- serted truthfully, that if not all, yet & very large majority of the true ministers of Jesus had the same impressions, at a very early period of their history. At this time he prayed often, and was an earnest seeker of religion ; but wicked associ- ates led him astray, until he became very wick- ed himself, and, in his own language, " grieved the Holy Spirit." It is impossible to describe the darkness that gathered about his mind, and the unrest of his now prayerless life. It is true that prior to this time he had not made a profession of re- ligion, yet he had a consciousness of trying to do right. This he had now lost. This relapse brought home to him a useful lesson, namely, the feebleness of man ; his ina- bility to accomplish anything, or pursue a cor- rect course in life, only as he was aided by di- vine grace, and the imperative necessity of trusting in God for salvation. At this point we lose sight of the exercise of his mind, or his efforts, religiously, for a period of six years. 14 BIOGRAPHY OF When about eighteen years old he attended a quarterly meeting at Mr. Shank's, held by the United Brethren in Christ. This is the iirst time he mentions the church in which he labored so long and usefully in after life. It is probable however, that he had known the church before, as he lived but a few miles from Antie- tam, at which place Otterbein, Geeting, and Newcomer had preached in demonstration of the Holy Spirit, filling not only that neighbor- hood, but adjacent ones, with spiritual converts. At this time he had become very wicked, and being irritated by some occurrence on the morn- ing the meeting commenced, he "swore at an awful rate. " As the result of such ungodly feelings and habits, he " paid but little atten- tion to the preaching. " After the service, he returned home unhappy, and dissatisfied with himself and everybody else. At night he again attended the meeting, and while witness- ing the services he began to reflect on his past conduct. The retrospect was most pain- ful, and he was overwhelmed with remorse and shame, feeling as he did, that he had truly fallen, and deserved to die. These reflections, in connection with the JACOB BACHTEL. 15 preaching, drove him again to prayer, in which he continued "nearly all night. " He decided to reform his life, but did not seem to have any settled plan of action, indeed, his life at this time was in a great measure, aimless. Like a vessel without rudder or mast, he was driven before the storm of excited feeling, which was hurrying him he knew not whither. On Sunday and Sunday evening he was a deeply anxious listener to the word of life. The sermon at night, especially, was one of power, causing him to pray "all night." On Monday he returned to the place and was j>resent at the experience meeting. His sister, among others, related what " God had done for her soul. " His father, while listening to her, "cried out for mercy, " while Jacob was much affected but ashamed to pray. These services had a happy effect upon the mind of young Bachtel, for he returned home resolved to seek the Lord until he should find him. He continued to seek the Lord day and night, but did not make known to anyone the distress of his mind, being ashamed. This was very hurtful to him, as it depriv- ed him of sympathy and counsel, which he 16 BIOGRAPHY OF much needed, and enabled the enemy to baffle him in every effort to obtain mercy from God. A camp-meeting was soon to be held by the Methodists, on the Catoeton Mountain, west of Frederick City. He resolved to attend it with a view to seek the Lord. We find him on the ground just after the morning service of the first day had closed, dejected, yet anxious for an opportunity to seek the "forgiveness of sins." In the afternoon " a powerful sermon" was preached, and seekers were invited. Every di- rect and earnest appeal came with power to his awakened conscience ; every utterance was the voice of heaven, and he felt that he dare not resist. Among those who gathered about the altar was young Bachtel, smitten with the remem- brance of his past sins. He says in describing his condition at that time: "I soon became un- able to see or hear. I was then taken to a tent where I revived, and sat up. I felt awful." A "Brother Powers" took care of him in his distress, and gave him much useful instruction. He always remembered this kindness with sin- cere gratitude. With a heavy heart he contin- JACOB BACHTEL. 17 ued to struggle for liberty until Monday even- ingj when lie returned home without religion. About this time a friend put in his hand a book entitled. "An answer to the Questions of the Jailor, " which greatly benefited him. Up to this time he had labored as a wagon-maker, with his father, but was "not satisfied to learn the trade." He was anxious to became a mil- ler, and, to his joy, his father consented to his going with a certain man to learn the business. This mill was located near to where there was " much preaching," and he hoped to be greatly benefitted by that, thinking that he could serve God there better than at any other place. But all his hopes was blasted, and some unseen influence preyented the whole business and he found himself doomed to the wagon- shop. So soon as he saw that his way in this direction was hedged up, he became dissatisfi- ed with the Diyine arrangements, forgot his call to the ministry, and relapsed into his for- mer carelessness and wrong-doing. At this time he made up his mind to "disobey God, like Jo- nah, in respect to preaching." Immediately sore troubles gathered around him, shutting 18 BIOGRAPHY OF up his way, thwarting all his plans, and send- ing him adrift on the same sinful manner of life. From these perplexities he was anxi- ous to escape. Casting about for some mode of retreat he stumbled upon Calvinism in its most rigid form, and concluded that while " one was born to be saved another was born to be lost ; that the destiny of man was fixed from all eternity." He read much, but was "like the eunuch, having no one to instruct" him, and hence was left to drift into error and unbelief. The just and candid mind of young Bachtcl could not rest here. He met with contradictions in this system which it was impossible for him to reconcile. After examining the system care- fully, he concluded that it was "unjust in the sight of man to create one for eternal happiness and another for eternal misery. " " On this ground, " said he, "I did not be- lieve there was a God ; or if there were a God he was unjust, and therefore could not be the God of the Bible. " Many like young Bach- tel have met this difficulty in connection with Calvinism, and to get away from it have ei- ther gone into infidelity or Universalism. Such persons feel that if Calvinism, such as JACOB BACIITEL. 19 was held in the early history of Mr. Bachtel, be true, then the real judgment occurred back, in the eternal past, and the judgment to come will not rise above the character of a drum-head court-martial, but will simply be a mockery of justice and the forms of trial. There is no log- ical road from this conclusion, and every effort to get away, and preserve at the same time the system of Calvinism, degenerates into mere sophistry. Right or wrong, he sought relief from this harsh view of the divine character and govern- ment, in the senseless and absurd theories of atheism. It is not at all difficult to imagine the terri- ble condition of his mind, while thus lost in a maze of unbelief and error, with no prospect before him except that of annihilation. He in- forms us that such was his mental anguish that he wandered off into a secluded place and threw himself upon the ground and prayed that " if there was a God he would cause the sun to burn his eyes out. " He could see so many evidences of the existence of God, which it was 20 BIOGRAHAY OF impossible for him to explain away, that he de- sired to have taken away from him the power to look upon these proofs. But to get what he desired, the work of destruction would have to be carried much farther; the sense of hearing must be destroyed, and memory must be oblit- erated, and the mental constitution be changed, for as one has well said, "such is the constitu- tion of the human mind that, when left to its native, unbiased energies, it acknowledges the existence of a supreme intelligence. " But it may be that God permitted him to thus sink, and then left him to grope in the darkness of atheism until, wearied with his wandering and transgressings, he would come back humbly and penitently to the fountain of all good, for rational happiness. JACOB BACHTEL. 21 CHAPTER II. "Brother Young's" remark; its influence — temptations of the Devil; suggests the unpardonable sin — attends Methodist quarter- ly meeting at Berkettsville— professes religion — again wants to be a miller — becomes peevish about it — not resigned to the will of God — his mind changes — feels he should preach — shame overcomes him — loses his engagements — determined to lead a moral life — regrets the past — John Dorcas — his preaching— visits the Bachtel family — cholera, visit, and panic — young Bachtel alarmed — con- science — his fearful dream — its impression on his mind. At this time " Brother Young, "a Methodist minister, dropped a remark which caused him to reflect most seriously. Said Mr. Young to him, "I understand that you are getting out of your trouble by the help of the devil." This was presenting the question in a new aspect altogether. He had not dreamed that he had reached his present views and feelings through satanic agency and influence. This accounts for the painful emotions stirred in his heart by the remark. The enemy, determined not to give up his victim, now suggested the unpardonable sin as having occurred in his 22 BIOGRAPHY OF transgressions. This was more repugnant to his feelings than atheism and he determined to know the worst. Accordingly he tried to recall all his sins, and then examined Clarke's Commentary, to know, whether anything he had done was, in Mr. Clarke's view, the unpar- donable sin. He laid down the book, satisfied that he had not committed any sin for which there was no pardon. He was now thoroughly aroused on the subject of religion, and determ- ined to seek for peace in the way of God's ap- pointment, A Methodist quarterly meeting was held at this time at Burkettsville, Frederick County, Maryland. Young Bachtel attended this meet- ing- and was found at the altar, a broken-heart- ed penitent, To the surprise of many, he made a profession of religion. His conversion did not result as he expected, nor was his joy as full and uniform as is usual with the young disciple. There is something mysterious about this matter, and for some reason Mr. Bachtel never seemed willing to throw any light upon it. The writer has come to the con- JACOB BACHTEL. 23 elusion that he doubted the genuineness of that which he professed. It has already been remarked that he desired to be a miller, but for some unexplained rea- son all his efforts in this direction were thwart- ed. Indeed, so anxious was he about the matter, that his disappointment interfered seriously with his enjoyments as a Christian. He does not seem to have deferred to the will of God in the matter, but allowed his own wishes and desires to be supreme; and because these were not gratified, he permitted himself to become very miserable. jNTothing could be more unwise than this holding out against the manifiest ar- rangements of Providence. Of his views and feelings at this time, he thus speaks: "I felt greatly dissatisfied. The hand of the Lord was in it, but by me un- seen. " After struggling against unfriendly influences for a time, without being any nearer the object of his desire, he changed his pur- pose altogether, in relation to secular pursuits. He says: "At length 1 concluded to stay at 24 BIOGRAPHY OF home, work for my father, and read and study the Scriptures. It was then impressed on my mind that I should publicly confess my Lord, and try to preach the gospel to a lost and ru- ined world ; but I was ashamed to undertake it. " It would seem from this that he had not been known in the assembly of the saints as a follower of Christ, but was trying to conceal in his own heart a fact which Christ required to be published from the " house-top. " If he supposed that he could pursue this course and still retain the favor of God, he was destined to be painfully undeceived. The duty of preaching "was still more pow- erfully impressed upon his mind; " but he says: " I was like Moses, I had not self-confidence enough. I did not know that the Lord could make the dumb speak ; therefore I disobeyed the heavenly call until I lost the enjoyment of religion. I then felt awful, and frequently wan- dered to the mountains and fields and wept for hours, and tried to pray; but all seemed to be in vain. I then went abroad into the world, JACOB BACHTEL. 25 seeking pleasure, but found none ; then I ex- amined the field of infidelity. I went round and round it; but lo! it was like the field of the sluggard, the fences were broken down, and it was all grown up with briars. I soon found that this was no place for me to seek happi- ness. " A very important truth is demonstrated here, and that is, that a man, to retain the fa- vor of God, must yield cheerfully to do the whole will of God. It is not enough for that one upon whom the vows of heaven are placed, and to whom the Lord has said in the gentle tones of his spirit, " Go preach my gospel, " to discharge only the duties required of all Chris- tians ; but he must rise into a broader field of labor and thought. And just to the extent that he refuses to obey the high and holy convic- tions of duty, does he imperil his soul; and if he absolutely refuse to obey the will of God in the work of the ministry, he by that act delib- erately turns away from Christ and heaven. So young Bachtel felt, but was unwilling to yield to what he in his heart acknowledged to be right. Driven from infidelity by its chill- ing repulsiveness, he concluded to try a moral 3 26 BIOGRAPHY OF life, that is, have religion without any Christ in it. In carrying out this newly-formed purpose, he avoided bad company and abstained from profanity; yet he, to use his own words, "be- come very proud, " and once or twice uttered indecent words, which caused him much dis- tress, showing that his mind was sensitive, and conscience tender. Sometimes he wished that he had obeyed God in a public profession ; and well he might, for his cowardice had cost him his peace of mind and his hope of heaven. Surely it was some- thing to be deplored. And yet, at other times he hardened his heart, as if determined to contend with the Almighty to the last. In 1832, Rev. John Dorcas, now living, was appointed to the circuit on which Mr. Bach- tel lived. His first sermon in the neighbor- hood is described as one of great power, abound- ing in forcible arguments and appeals. After preaching, Mr. Dorcas went home with the Bachtel family, and introduced the subject of religion. Before leaving, he bowed with the family around their altar, and " commended them to JACOB BACHTEL. 27 God and the word of his grace. " He took Ja- cob by the hand and looked earnestly into his eyes, as if to read the divine purpose written on the mind, and exhorted him, with much solem- nity, to seek in Jesus the forgiveness of sin. For this he always respected Mr. Dorcas. He loved the preaching of this minister, be- cause, as he said, " I believed he preached the truth; and I loved the truth, and hope I al- ways shall." It was during this year that the cholera swept over the country with such destructive and desolating power, causing a wild and uni- versal panic, and producing in the minds of many "the sorrow that worketh death." Un- der this fear many joined the various churches of the country. Mr. Bachtel was greatly dis- turbed by the ravages of this fell destroyer, and expected, unprepared as he was, to be hurried into eternity. He says: "I was very much alarmed, and felt like Jonah in the whale's belly. I remembered from whence I had fallen, and wished I had obeyed my God." In this he was not singular; he had many predecessors, and will have many successors. 28 BIOGRAPHY OF Madame De Stael once said that "conscience makes cowards of us all." This is true only with the guilty. To this class Mr. Bachtel be- longed, and hence his abject feor. Satisfied that he would fall a victim to this disease, he was very serious and prayerful. While in this mental condition he had a dream, which he re- lates as follows : "I dreamed that I was in a high building, in which there were no floors. I was on the up- per story, in which there were a few loose planks. While walking on one of these it tilted, and I was in the act of falling. While in this perilous condition, I looked up and saw a man clothed in white. I cried unto him to come to my relief. He said that he could help me, but I had disobeyed him so long that he had no right to do so. I cried to him again. He then told me that if I would obey him in the future he would save me. I promised that 1 would. He then came to me, and lifted me out of my danger." It is not at all probable that he was super- stitious; yet this dream made a lasting impres- sion on his mind. He says: "In the morning, i JACOB BACHTEL. 29 when I awoke, I thought of my dream. I con- cluded that I had disobeyed God and despised his goodness so long that if I did not repent he would cut me off and send me to hell, for I considered this the last call I should ever have." Many days and nights of sorrow followed this night-vision. He found it impossible to get away from the remembrance of that fearful dream; and wherever he turned, in imagination he saw the man in white, and heard his words of just reproach. 30 BIOGRAPHY OP CHAPTER III. Another Methodist Camp-meeting — tempted — a little girl at the altar — a sermon and exhortation — he is a mourner — great darkness and distress — leaves the meeting and goes home — is tempted to go to a sale — tempted to commit suicide — returns to the meeting — slept in a stable — is greatly alarmed in the night— - meeting closed — visit to his uncle — on the road home — day of grace gone — enters a corn-field to pray — the struggle and victory — he is converted — his great joy — joined the Methodist Church — a Brethren class without a leader — feels it his duty to lead it — joins the United Brethren Church — Ids industry as a class-leader — attends a quarterly meeting at Burkettsville — is licensed to exhort, and told to preach— lie determines to do it — feels it hie duty to become a traveling preacher — tells Mr. Dorcas, and it encouraged to do so. In September of this year the Methodists held a camp- meeting two miles south of Mid- dletown, in Frederick County. To this meet- ing young Bachtel made up his mind to go; and what was better still, he determined to go there to seek the salvation of his soul. While on the road to this meeting, he was greatly dis- turbed by the enemy, and was very nearly con- cluding that he would not seek religion at that time and place. JACOB BACHTEL. 31 The form of the temptation made it the more dangerous. Satan did not say to him, "do not seek the Lord at all," but "do not seek him publicly. If you do, you will excite the mirth and ridicule of the people. All that see you will cry out shame on such fanaticism." These suggestions made quite an impression on his mind; and when he arrived at the camp- ground on Saturday afternoon he was undecided as to what he should do. But he had not been there long when a strange awe took pos- session of his mind. He felt that God was there, and that he should acknowledge his presence and power. The first thing that fixed his attention after his arrival, was the circumstance of little girl, about fourteen years old, crying for mercy, kind Chris- tian friends being gathered about the penitent, with sympathy and counsel. This caused him to reflect, and again he says: " I felt awful. 1 '' A great conflict commenced in his mind. Atone time he determined to end this strife by becom- ing a Christian, and submitting to all the re- quirements of his Maker ; and then again he concluded to put the important matter away for the present. While this contest was going 32 BIOGRAPHY OF on in his mind, almost unconsciously he had wandered to another part of the encampment. He was absorbed in great thoughts, and was so abstracted as to feel himself alone among the hundreds present. The form of the little peni- tent girl at the altar seemed to be present here; and her cries rang in his ears. The Holy Spirit was striving powerfully within his heart. The hour for preaching having arrived, an unknown minister preached, and a Brother Mul- key exhorted. "I felt very unhappy," said Mr. Bachtel. " While he was talking he put me on a level with the brute. " When mourn- ers were invited he was found among the num- ber, but "with a hard heart, which re- fused to feel its need of a Savior." He seemed to be but a mere toy in the hands of the enemy — the sport of unfriendly circumstances. He was, unhappily, very vacillating in his purpose — a circumstance that was much against him. The conflict through which he here passed was probably the fiercest of his life, as it was also the turning-point of his destiny. His mind was to receive impressions, and his life take a direction, which were to be life-long. The conflict might be protracted, reaching JACOB BACHTEL. 33 through weeks, and even months; yet its termi nation would unerringly forecast his future his tory. God was leading him by a way that he had not known, and, so far as we can judge by the light of events which have since occurred, intended to thrust him into the English minis- try of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. As the necessities of the church in- creased, and the field of operation enlarged, Di- vine providence raised up the men who would be able to meet the enlarged demand. Hitherto the German element had largely predominated in the church, while the rapidly increasing English population had received compara- tively little attention. This was now to change, whether men willed it or not; and the latter people, with their energy and enthusiasm, were henceforth mainly to wield and direct the for- ces of the church. In the ranks of these Mr. Bacfatel was to be known and respected. Although his heart was hard, he continued in fervent prayer until tears, copious, gushing tears, measurably relieved his overcharged feelings. He continued to struggle until twelve o'clock at night, and then went from the altar to a tent, to weep and mourn as only the sin- 34 BIOGRAPHY OF sick can, until the dawn. That, to him, was a long, dark night of sorrow. Not one morsel of comfort was given to relieve the agony of his mind. Under this continued tension his feelings had been so wrought up and excited that he could neither "lie down, sit, or stand up," Physical exhaustion had supervened ; and he was helpless, and could not feel comfortable in any position. In the afternoon exhausted na- ture rallied, and he felt stronger; but this ivas only a lull in the tempest, and. not the subsid- ence of the storm. The enemy only retired from the field in order to change the mode of attack. Accordingly we find Mr. Bachtel leav- ing the meeting and going to his home, and then concluding that he felt so badly in body and mind that he could not that this would be the result. While other churches are realizing princely donations from their wealthy members in the cities, we have received no such gifts, from the fact that we are unknown in these centers of wealth. This question was before this body in another form. Sometime previous to the meeting of the General Conference, several members of the Sanduskv Annual Conference had taken several degrees of Masonry. For some cause, they were suspected^ and the purpose formed to dig out the facts. In order to this, a resolu- tion was passed, authorizing the bishop to ask the members whether they belonged to a secret society. This made it absolutely necessary for them either to lie or convict themselves. ' As a matter of course,this inquisitorial process would develop all the facts^ and did, thus making each man testify against himself. It should be remembered that at this time the letter of the Discipline did not prevent ministers from being members of secret societies. The case was brought before the General Conference, in the form of impeachment of the annual confer* JACOB BA.CHTEL. 137 ence. The prosecution was conducted by Mr. Chittenden, of Indiana. Two points were insisted upon; first, the preliminaries required by the Discipline had not been attended to; secondly, the conference had no power to adopt a rule not already in the Discipline. Markwood said that there was no law by which to try these men, but justified the "in- quisition," as he called it, upon the ground of "urgency" and "expediency." Bishop Davis asreecl with Markwood as to the absence of rule, but claimed that he had tried the parties by the common law of the church. Common law is made up of precedents, going back in the history farther than the memory of man; hence, as a church, we had no common law. Our whole history presented but a single pre- cedent, and that occurred before we had any law on secrecy, in the case of Mr. Ball, of a western conference. Mr. Bachtel was perplexed as to what was right in the matter. He said: ""The case is very dark to me. It seems to me, however, that these brethren did err somewhat in join- ing the Masons; but whether the conference pursued the disciplinary course, I can not 10 138 BIOGRAPHY OF determine." When a vote was reached he declined to vote. The impeachment failed. I have been thus particular on the subject of secrecy, in order to vindicate the character and protect the memory of a good and true man. He was always governed by convictions of right, and not by feelings of ambition and policy, and for this reason he was often with the minority in church and state. Another question was introduced at this ses- sion, having direct reference to the church in the South. The delegates from the Parkersburg Conference saw the extreme peril to which the church would be exposed during the war, which they believed inevitable. They had labored in this mountainous country for years, and suf- fered much in time of peace, and felt that their connection with the church in the North would be seized as a pretext for the most cruel perse- cution. With these impressions they agreed upon a plan, which was submitted on the last day of the session. It proposed, in view of the difficulties existing in the bounds of the Par- kersburg Conference, that this conference be allowed to be independent in its relations to the church, until the meeting of the General JACOB BACHTEL. 139 Conference of 1365 ; provided, that nothing should be done to destroy the unity of the church. This measure met with much opposi- tion, it being claimed that the General Confer- ence could not legally grant the request. The delegates from the Virginia Conference opposed it. One delegate said that they had ordered the discontinuance of the Religious Telescope, and was satisfied that this was all that was neces- sary to be done to save the church in the Vir- ginia Conference. The general impression was that the war would close in six months, at farthest ; and when Mr, Bachtel and others said that it would require years to put down the rebellion, the remark was understood as savoring of disloyalty. The writer remarked that if a separation were found necessary on our return home, to save the church, we would as- sume an independent relation until the meeting of the next General Conference. A prominent member, and one who voted against the prop- osition, whispered to the writer: "I think that would be the best thing you could do." For- tunately, it never became necessary to separate, yet the propriety of it has never been doubted by those who favored the measure. The 140 BIOGRAPHY OF church sustained a loss in the Parkersburg Conference of not less than eight hundred members during the first year of the war, re- ducing our membership to less than sixteen hundred. It was our opinion that if we could retain the confidence of these people, we should win many of them from the dangerous heresy of secession ; and a seeming separation from the church would have greatly facilitated this, and extended our influence very materi- ally. The General Conference adjourned on Fri- day evening; and many of the delegates went to Columbus, among them Mr. Bachtel. At this place Ave learned that rebel troops had crossed the Alleghanies, and were in Grafton, thus strongly hinting that they intended to oc- cupy the country. Mr. Bachtel was very much dispirited; and well he might be, for there was nothing hopeful in the future as it presented itself to his mind. West Virginia would be a battle-field, and all the horrors of war would be brought to our doors ; yet he turned his face toward the South, determined to be true to the right, and trust in God. He reached home to find the country in much con- JACOB BACHTEL. 141 fusion. Men were enlisting in his county for the war of "southern independence," four companies from his county going out early in the war. Mr. Bachtel com batted their theories, and told them that they were heretical and dangerous. As an "old line Whig, " he could not be a party to any movement having for its. object the destruction of the Federal Union. His influence was such that he saved to the church and Government the most of our peo- ple in Jackson County; yet his report showed a considerable falling off. It is as follows: Re- ceived, two ; lost, ninety ; making a decrease of eighty-eight. This was the most thorough work ever known in the Parkersburg Confer- ence; but it left to Jackson Circuit not only a spiritual but a respectable membership, and laid the foundation for a very good circuit. He received as salary one hundred and thirty- three dollars — a mere pittance, and less than they ought to have paid, even if the country was agitated with war. Had it not been that he owned a little farm he certainly would have suffered. He did not attend the conference of 1862, which convened at Centreville, March 7th. It 142 BIOGRAPHY OF was thought by him, and others, that it would not be prudent to have a session of conference, from the fact that our bishop could not be with us, and that the country was in such a terrible commotion as to give but little hope of suc- cess in the operations of the church. Because of this, there were but nine members present, and thirteen absent. This was the darkest hour the church ever saw in West Virginia. Our bishop was shut up in the South, and we were left to guide our vessel through the breakers, in the midst of a fearful storm. But high above the roar of the tempest we heard the voice of the Master, say- ing : "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." God helped us, or all would have been lost. The business of conference was attended to the same as if all had been present, and the fields were manned with preachers who were ready to do, to dare, and suffer for the church. Mr. Bachtel was returned to Jackson Circuit, with Z. Warner for presiding elder. For sat- isfactory reasons the elder did not visit this circuit during the year. No man seemed so well qualified to meet the responsibilities of this charge as Mr, Bachtel. Guerrillas were JACOB BACHTEL. 143 on some part of it all the time, yet for some reason they always respected him, and his property was untouched. While traveling here the rebel troops occu- pied a church in which he preached. He was there at his appointment, and preached as usual. The soldiers were highly pleased, and expressed a wish that they had such a man for their chaplain. The chaplain they had with them had voluntarily taken the oath of alle- giance to the government of the United States, and then had gone South. As a matter of course, such a man could not preach. Per- haps the man thought that he was not bad enough to go South as he was, and concluded to follow the example of judges, senators, &c. — perjure himself, so as that he would be a good fellow in the land of treason. The conference convened March 6th, 1863, at Freeman's Creek, Lewis County, West Vir- ginia. Mr. Bachtel did not attend. Only eight preachers were present, while fourteen were absent. Indeed many thought, as the conference was in the interior, that there would be a raid upon it in order to get some good horses. This fear, however, was groundless. 144 BIOGRAPHY OF Mr. Bachtel reported sixteen members received and twenty-seven lost. He received as salary one hundred and fifty-two dollars, and for mis- sions two dollars. This report was not so small because he did not look after every in- terest of the church, but because his people had been so robbed by the rebels as to be un- able to do any more. Although he had trav- eled three years on this work, the people desired his return. To meet this desire, the conference, according to the manner provided in the Discipline, sent him back. The writer was appointed to the district. The first quarterly meeting was held at Parch- ment Chapel, in May. The conference was full, and the session pleasant. Mr. Bachtel w r as their leader, and no one dreamed of going contrary to what he said was right. His au- thority and influence were supreme. The writer had a daily paper, and Mr. Bachtel ad- vised that it be put aside, as it would be mis- represented. The people of the North will hardly believe that it was, by many, considered a crime for a minister to read a loyal paper; yet it is true. Mr. Bachtel was secretary of the conference, and the records were very cor- JACOB BACHTEL. 145 rectly kept. The meeting was a very pleas- ant one, and Christians felt that it was good to worship God in that place. His labors of this year were abundant, and much of the travel was performed on foot. His own horse being unfit for use, he was afraid to borrow one, on account of the numerous horse-thieves that roamed through the country. Sometimes he preferred this mode of traveling, from the fact that he felt better than when he rode. This was imprudent, and, perhaps, contributed much to the affliction which resulted in his death. During the year, the tide of opposition re- ceded somewhat, and indomitable energy and perseverance began to conquer difficulties. Some good meetings occurred, and a number joined the church; and there was an increase of ten on the circuit. Mr. Bachtel received as salary one hundred and seventy-eight dollars, paid the presiding elder twenty-one dollars, and collected for missions eight dollars, show- ing a marked improvement in every interest. The people desired that he should be returned the fifth year; and if this had been done, no doubt he would have been quite successful. 146 BIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER XII. Elected to General Conference — military affairs — the effect on Mr. Bachtel — success — report to conference — an incident — Bishop Markwood, &c.— first quarterly meeting — a painful rumor — it is confirmed — Lincoln slain — joy of the people blasted — provi- dence of God — away to General Conference — a quiet scene — Queen City — on the cars — Chicago — Lisbon — Board of Missions — friends meet — a rumor — what is loyalty — meeting of conference — Bishop Glossbrenner — a vindication — debt on the Printing Es- tablishment — how to be raised — theological training — opposition — plan adopted — Mr. Bachtel's views and advice — capture of Jef- ferson Davis — Doxology, &c. — report of Committee on the State of the Country — an amendment — difficulty — the vote — Mr. Bach- tel's position — his reason — his dissatisfaction — a question of priv- ilege—how it resulted— conference adjourned — Mr. Bachtel's opinion of the West. In November, 1864, Mr. Bachtel was again elected to General Conference. He had served his people well in the past, and they honored him for his fidelity. The summer campaign had ended, after the most terrible fighting re- corded in the annals of modern warfare, and General Grant held Richmond by the throat. The rebel press sought to divert the minds of their people from advantages gained in the in- JACOB BACHTEL. 147 terest of the Government, by extravagant stories about Grant's losses during the cam- paign. The loyal people mourned the loss of many brave men — heroes who had gone down amid the smoke of battle to rise no more, yet rejoiced in the certain prospect of the tri- umph of the cause of free government. Gen- eral Sherman was on his way to the sea, making his " belt of desolation," with none to oppose his march. Mr. Bachtel was in fine spirits. With his usual sagacity, he saw that the cause of the Union would triumph, and that the spring and summer would witness the death throes of the rebellion. He became more hopeful as to the success of the church in West Virginia, and labored with more ani- mation and success. Several very good meet- ings occurred on his circuit, and numbers joined the church. He reported West Colum- bia Circuit as follows : Members received, ninety-five; increase, eighty-eight; salary re- ceived, three hundred and fifty-seven dollars; presents, fifty-three dollars; collected for mis- sions, eighty-four dollars. During this year a fine meeting occurred at Union Church one night. Many were praising 148 BIOGRAPHY OF God, and among them several who had been converted that evening. Persons were invited forward to join the church. A half dozen or more came forward and gave their names. Mr. Bachtel, after taking their names, turned to the light to read them, so that they could be chal- lenged, if necessary. When turning back to where he had left them, to give them the right hand of fellowship, they were all gone, and could be seen out in the audience praising God. Bishop Mark wood presided at the confer- ence which convened at Otterbein, Doddridge County, in March, 1865. Mr. Bachtel was elected chairman. The business of conference progressed pleasantly, with little exception. He was appointed the chairman of the Com- mittee on Grievances. Two members of con- ference were referred to this committee, one of whom was found guilty and withdrew from the conference under charges. On Sabbath afternoon the writer preached the funeral of a soldier who had perished at Andersonville. Mr. Bachtel closed, and became so animated that he praised God aloud. He was returned to West Columbia, with A. JACOB BACHTEL. 149 L. Moore for a colleague. He still resided in Jackson County, and sometimes walked to his circuit and then to his appointments. The distance from his home to his circuit was nearly thirty miles. This, to say the least of it, was unwise, as he had been in the active ministry more than thirty years, and was un- well much of his time. His first quarterly meeting was held at Union, and resulted in a number of conversions and accessions to the church. This, in some respects, was a remarkable meeting. General Lee had capitulated, and President Lincoln had been to Richmond and dictated telegrams from the Jefferson Davis mansion. The country was wild with joy ; bonfires were blazing; bells were ringing; and cannon were thundering, sending the wild echoings all over the loyal North. The sea of blood was crossed, and the nation's life and honor had been preserved. The author met Mr. Bachtel on Saturday morning. His face was radiant with the expres- sion . of good and hopeful feelings. When we met, he said: ''Thank God, the country is safe and the war ended." The same day there were rumors afloat that both President Lin- 150 BIOGRAPHY OF coin and Secretary Seward had been assasin* ated. The mention of such an event sent a chill to the heart. The rumor stalked the country like some green monster shaking its gory locks in the face of the millions of rejoic- ing patriots. This was the " bitterest drop in the chemistry of God." But it was only " a rumor, a rebel lie uttered in spite," and so we solaced ourselves. Mr. Bachtel was power- fully impressed with the rumor in its incep- tion, and believed it, from the fact, as he said, that the wicked rebels were capable of doing anything mean. Sabbath morning dawned clear and bright. April was strangely beautiful and lovely. A large audience convened for experience meet- ing. Many, with radiant faces, spoke of the love of Jesus, of the grace they had already received, and the hope of the blessed life which they still cherished. It was a time " of the Son of Man." The early morning service closed, and during the short recess the rumor of the previous day was painfully confirmed. President Lincoln had fallen by a hand nerved by treason. Sorrow, with dark wings, infolded the hearts of the United Brethren JACOB BACHTEL. 151 present. The news fell with crushing weight on Mr. Bachtel. In a sermon which he preached on Sunday night, on the subject of Divine Providence, he said : " The providence of God is hard to understand, and especially is it dark and mysterious at this time. Who can tell the effect of the death of the President on the country?" But God, in mercy, soon mitigated the sor- row of the nation's heart, and the people rallied to the work of placing our institutions upon a firm foundation. In nothing has the manifestation of the providence of God been more marked than in the events connected with the death of Mr. Lincoln. The finances of the country scarcely felt it; the people seemed in- stinctively to get nearer to God and each other; the confusion which would have assuredly at- tended the death of a ruler in any other country was wholly unknown. This event taught the people an important lesson, and caused them to look well and carefully in the direction from which the blow was dealt. On Saturday, May 6th, 1865, Messrs. Bach* tel and Perry, with the writer, took passage on the steamer " Revenue, " for Cincinnati. The 152 BIOGHAPHY OF sun was just going down in a flood of gold as the boat rounded out from West Columbia. Friends had waved their adieus from the shore, and we were rapidly steaming down the beautiful Ohio. Mr. Perry was quite unwell and had to keep his state-room during the trip. Mr. Bachtel spent most of the day on the "hurricane deck." The day was one of soft, quiet beauty, and a Sabbath stillness reigned on either shore. Carefully cultivated vineyards, reaching almost down to the river, could be seen both in Kentucky and Ohio ; yet it was apparent that the latter was considerably in advance of the former— as far in advance as intelligent free labor is in advance of slave or forced labor. Mr. Bachtel enjoyed it all very much, and his remarks showed that he saw all the advantages and beauties of the country. About three o'clock P. m. we reached the " Queen City of the West," a huge, ugly thing, as unlike a queen as a bat is unlike an eagle ; and yet it is a great center of commerce, send- ing out many channels of active trade. Both Mr. Bachtel and Mr. Perry had been here be- fore, and were acquainted with the city. Leav- ing the writer in charge of the baggage, they JACOB BACHTEL. 153 Went ashore in search of a lodging place. Mr. Perry's illness had so far increased as to make it necessary to leave him. After awhile Mr. Bachtel returned with an invitation from Bro, F -, a w r hole-souled Christian gentleman, to partake of the hospitality of his elegant home. The writer preached that evening, and Mr. Bachtel closed with a very impressive prayer. On the following day we took the train for Chicago, via Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Michigan City. Mr. Bachtel enjoyed the rap- idly changing scenes, but was much surprised at the character of the country between Lawrence- burg and the capital of Indiana. Portions of the country were almost barren, while other parts were so marshy as to make cultivation very difficult. Indianapolis Mr. Bachtel con- sidered the prettiest city that he saw in the West, From this city to the lake shore, the darkness prevented any observations of th<3 -country. The " sandy desert" around Mich- igan City, and for miles in the direction of Chi- cago, with Lake Michigan, were great novelties to Mr. Bachtel. A high wind was prevailing, making the lake very rough. Chicago was reached twenty minutes too li 154 BIOGRAPHY OF late for the Cedar Rapids train, and yet we were on time. Inquiring for a train, we as- certained that there would be none until 6:30 p. m. This was a great disappointment to Mr. Bachtel, as he was anxious to see Bishop Grlossbrenner, and attend the meeting of the Board of Missions, at Lisbon, Iowa. This was now out of the question, so he concluded to l* see the city." He admired the business ac- tivity everywhere apparent. During the day he had quite an adventure. Being roughly dressed,, it was an easy matter to mistake him for a farmer from the country, having "cattle or produce" to sell. One of the confidence men of that — at that time — den of thieves ap- proached him, and by some skillfully put ques- tions ascertained that he was a stranger in the city. Putting on the appearance of distress and great perplexity, he informed Mr. Bachtel that he too was a stranger in the place, and was so unfortunate as to have all uncurrent money in his possession. He appealed to Mr. Bachtel to help him by exchanging money. He informed the fellow that he was a traveler, * and needed his money to finish his journey. The fellow insisted that his money was good, JACOB BACHTEL 155 and to prove it offered to go to a bank and have it tested. Said Mr. Bachtel : "If it is good you had better keep it," and turning away left the would-be sharper under the impression that the " old fellow " was not as green as he had supposed. Mr. Bachtel was satisfied that the bank to which the "distressed" man wished him to go could not be found in the business directory of Chicago. In the afternoon quite a number of delegates reached the city, among them several with whom Mr. Bachtel was acquainted. This made the time pass quite pleasantly. At the appointed hour, the train went skimming away over the prairies. The moon was shining in full-orbed splendor, enabling the traveler to see the country for miles around. We reached Lisbon at daybreak, and found an elegant home with Bro. Curtis. Here Mr. Bachtel met Bishop Glossbrenner and Mr, Ri- mel. It was a tender meeting, in which but few words were spoken; yet each could read in the moist eye of the other the powerful feel- ings that could hardly be kept back. Six months before this meeting there had been whispers, growing more loud, however, that 156 BIOGRAPHY OF Bishop Glossbrenner had aided, voluntarily, the rebel cause. Mr. Bachtel heard it, hut gave no public intimation of what he thought about it. To the author he said : "lam not going to throw the Bishop aw T ay until I ask him about the matter; and whatever he says I will believe. But if he is a rebel I can not sup- port him for any position in the church." Again he said: "If this report should prevent the election of Brother Glossbrenner, I hope the General Conference will give us a man of prudence and good sense." At his earliest convenience, in company with the writer, he sought a private interview with the Bishop, and learned from his own lips that he had never faltered in his devotion to the Government, though it cost something to maintain Ms ground. Said Mr. Bachtel: " These people in the North are not very good judges of loy- alty, from the fact that where they live they risk nothing in being loyal, while in the South a loyal man risks everything." There was much truth in the remark, as every southern loyalist knows. Mr. Bachtel w T anted the Bishop to vindicate himself before the confer^ ence, as he was anxious to have him for our superintendent in the future. JACOB BACHTEL. 157 The day was passed pleasantly, while the Board of Missions were devising plans for a more successful prosecution of our mission work. On the following morning we took the train for Cedar Rapids; then in wagons across the flower-bedecked prairie, to Western, the place of meeting of the General Conference. Mr. Bachtel's home was with Mr. Bowersox, formerly a member of the Virginia Conference. Indeed there is quite a colony of Virginians here, which gives the community quite a home- like appearance. On the assembling of conference, in the aft- ernoon, Bishop Edwards opened the session with appropriate religious services ; after which Mr. Raber, of the Pennsylvania Confer- ence, was elected secretary. Bishop Kumler preached, at night, the conference sermon, which was very pointed in some respects. Mr. Bachtel was made chairman of the Com- mittee on Boundaries, which was made up of one delegate from each annual conference — thirty-one in all. The report of the committee, in the main, was adopted, and was, as a whole, very judicious. On the morning of the second day, Bishop 158 BIOGRAPHY OF Glossbrenner arose to a question of privilege, and Droceeded to defend his course in remain- ing in Virginia during the war, also, his loyalty to the church and general government. The vindication was triumphant, and lifted a great burden from the minds of his friends. Said Mr. Bachtel : " I was almost certain that the Bishop would come out all right." There is no doubt, with some, an anxiety to know how this very grave report got afloat. This to very few, of whom Mr. Bachtel was one, is known, but it is better now to throw the mantle of charity over it all. Matters of great importance were before this General Conference, one of which was the heavy indebtedness of the Printing Establish- ment, amounting to more than fifty thousand dollars. The committee appointed to consider this interest made a report, in which it was proposed to distribute forty-two thousand dol- lars of this debt among the annual conferences, in the shape of a direct tax. Mr. Bachtel supported this report most heartily. He said, often, that no church could succeed without a press. He voted for the report in good faith, as the sequel will show. JACOB BACHTEL. 159 The subject of ministerial training was dis- cussed at considerable length. The committee having this interest in charge reported in favor of connecting with one or more of our schools a thorough training in theology. This report was so amended as to allow any student, who might desire it, to receive from the faculty in- struction in our present course of reading. Some members of the General Conference doubted the propriety of this; they were afraid of introducing into our pulpits a formal, Christ- less ministry. Others, and among them Mr. Bachtel, thought that a well-guarded plan of theological training ought to be adopted. Schools were multiplying and intelligence was increasing ; and we, as a church, must educate, in order to have a successful ministry. No man attached more importance to an intelligent ministry than did Mr. Bachtel. He often said : " If a man has sense he can always get a congregation, and it will take sensible preach- ing to convert the world." His advice to young ministers was, to "live right, and study good text-books." The plan adopted by the Gen- eral Conierence will undoubtedly raise the. standard of ministerial qualification. 160 BIOGRAPHY OF During the session of this General Confer- ence, Jefferson Davis was captured. The tele- gram announcing his capture was read by Bishop Edwards, causing the most extravagant excitement. The doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," was called for, and sung with probably little devotional feeling. However, the high pitch of enthusiasm soon subsided, and the conference resumed its work. In a short time all traces of the excitement had disappeared. This is a Yankee character- istic. Following,, immediately, the news of the cap- ture of Davis, was the report of the Committee on the State of the Country. Lindsey, of San- dusky, was chairman. The report of the com- mittee was somewhat sanguinary, yet on the whole was very good. Pending the adoption of the report it was moved to amend by ad- ding the following: "That we are in favor of placing every inhabitant of the land* black and white, on an equality before the law ; and wo hereby pledge our influence and efforts to insure the enfranchisement of the negro with all the rights of an American citizen. Mr. Bachtel could not vote for the amend- ment, but favored the report of the committee. The conference would not divide the question. The yeas and nays were ordered, and a vote JACOB BACHTEL. 161 reached. Eighty voted in the affirmative, and five, including Mr. Bachtel, declined to vote. There was considerable anxiety manifested to have the conference a unit on the question; but there were a few who would not vote for the amendment. It was not because of any un- reasonable prejudice against the negro that they refused to vote, but because they doubted the propriety of giving the elective franchise to thousands of ignorant and imbruted men. The rebels of the South would seek to control their votes, and after awhile would succeed. Mr. Bachtel claimed that ignorance was an el- ement of weakness in a republic. Further, he considered that if this question was brought prematurely before the people they would re- pudiate the great Union party, and thus rean- imate and bring into power an unscrupulous and dying party, and introduce a new and dan- gerous issue into the politics of the country. Events now transpiring prove that this fear was real. Right or wrong, the people of the North can not, as yet, be brought to the sup- port of this policy. Another reason in his mind was, that the people of West Virginia were opposed to no- 162 BIOGRAPHY OF gro suffrage, and if he had voted for it he would have increased the embarrassment of the church. Our troubles had been great in the past, and Mr. Bachtel had met the full measure of them in the many years of contin- uous labor he had performed. He was willing to give the negro his natural rights, and, when it appeared that he was capable of intelligently exercising them, to give him any desired polit- ical rights. The people of "the North were of opinion that the former master had lost all in- fluence over the negro. He knew better, and predicted that so soon as the southern states were restored to their normal relations in the Government, and the excitements caused by the war had subsided, the negro would lose the remembrance of the burning wrongs he had suffered through any cheap kindness the white man might confer, and instead of voting with those by whom he received the blessing of lib- erty, he would vote with his former oppressors, thereby placing them in power in all the south- ern states. Mr. Bachtel did not live to see his predic- tion fulfilled; yet the grass had not grown upon his grave until the danger he foresaw in 1865 JACOB BACHTEL. 163 • burst upon the country, making it necessary for senators and congressmen to stump the South in order to save the negro vote to the Union party. The toadyism of the politicians of the South showed to what extent they were willing to go to control the freedmen's vote ; and the facts, so far as known, lead us to the conclusion that, away from the large cities of the South, the Republican party can not de- pend upon the earnest support of the negro. Mr. Bachtel said it would be so, and men lauo-hed at his "fears." He was anxious to vote for the report of the committee without the amendment, and felt sore that he could not do so. He inferred, from the action of those favor- ing the amendment, that they intended to make him vote affirmatively, or else place him in a false position before the church, and so ex- pressed himself to his colleague. At his re- quest the writer prepared a paper embracing his objections. On the following day, after the roll was called and the journal approved, un- der a question of privilege, the paper was read, and the request made that it be spread upon the journal, and published with the pro- 164 BIOGRAPHY OF ©eedings. This provoked a spirited discussion, during which Mr. Bachtel said: "I am hon- estly opposed to the amendment, but in favor of the report of the committee, and wish to vote for it. I do not think any less of my brethren who differ with me. I can love and pray for them, and hope they will do the same for me." Said one of the bishops : "That man has a true Christian spirit." The conference, for some reason, reconsidered the report of the committee, divided the question, and then en- abled Mr. Bachtel to vote for the original re- port. He however, thought best to vote against the amendment. He now expressed himself as being satisfied, as the conference had set him right before the church. He, did not seek this because he courted popularity, but because he did not wish to be charged with that of which he was not guilty. He had fought too many battles for the doctrines of the report to be opposed to them now, and it was natural for him to be dis- satisfied. The conference adjourned on the 22d of May, and on the following morning we took a train for Chicago. We had a fine view of the JACOB BACHTEL. 165 country, which is certainly grand in its seeming boundlessness. Mr. Bachtel had concluded at. one time to go to the West to live. He said that he was too old to labor on the large fields among the hills of West Virginia, For this none could blame him, although every member of his conference felt unwilling to spare him. On his return from General Conference he re- sumed his labors on his circuit, with more than his usual industry. The writer attended his second quarterly meeting, which was held at Sugar Grove. A very large audience attended all the time, and a number professed religion, and joined the church. 166 BIOGRAPHY OP CHAPTER XIII. Church trial— a new mode — happy issue — Mr. B.'s opinion find influence — raising money for the printing establishment — success — premiums — great revivals— building churches — mistakes had been made — a good report — -his last — the music question — action of Con- ference — elected presiding elder — double work — dedication at Hartford City — Mr. B. : s dream— is sick— answer to secret prayer — hears his last sermon — reaches home — thinks he is sick unto death — makes a will — gets worse — says his work is done — is re- signed — reason totters — talks about death — thankful for kind- nesses of friends — sits at the table— death approaches — his advice to his family— sees beautiful fields — he crosses over the river — his age — his funeral services, as per request — his character —intellect- ual endowments — preaching — economy — action of the Parkers- burg Conference — request of Bishop Glossbrenncr — resolutions. A serious difficulty had grown up on the Jackson Circuit, threatening the life of the church. A day had been appointed for an ad- justment of the matter. The writer, as pre- siding elder, took Mr. Bachtel with him to act as counsel for one of the parties. He was cho- sen by the defendent, Brother Stutler being chosen by the plaintiff, and the class-leader acting as the prosecutor. JACOB BACHTEL. 167 A large crowd had assembled, expecting, as before, to be permitted to hear all that was said and see all that was done. However, a plan had been agreed upon, and was executed, much to the chagrin of the scandal-lovers present. All were turned out except the committee, the parties with their attorneys, and the prosecu- tor. The testimony was all written, and read to the witnesses, so that there could be no mis- take. This was a novel mode of trying an of- fense before the church. Persons called in as witnesses trembled as though they expected to meet a horrid specter in the court-room. The charges were not sustained. A written agreement was drawn up and all parties concerned required to sign it, which they did. While they were putting their names to the paper, Mr. Bachtel asked the writer to sing a spiritual song commencing, "We'll join the Christian band and home to glory go," &c. While singing it, the presence and power of God came down upon the people. Some praised God aloud, while others wept. Those who had been in sharp antagonism during the trial, were brought together under the divine influence, and everything indicated that the difficulty had 168 BIOGRAPHY OF really been dispatched. Said Mr. Bachtel, as We were leaving: "I don't think that you will hear anything more about this matter. Your mode of trial don't suit these people, and they will keep out of difficulty in the future." These people greatly venerated Mr. Bachtel, and his presence did much to subdue the angry feel* ings of the parties. So far as known, the dif- ficulty has never been revived, and, it is thought, never will be in the future. Mr. Bachtel's first work on his return from General Conference, Was to set about raising his share of the publication fund. Sixty dollars was the amount required of his charge. To aid the work generally, the agents of the es* tablishment offered premiums to those minis* ters who should first raise the amount assessed to their fields of labor. With his usual energy, he went to work and soon had seventy-five dol- lars, drawing the first premium awarded, which was an elegant copy of "Watson's Institutes." This he greatly appreciated. A number of powerful revivals occurred at different points on the circuit. At New Ha* ven fifty persons were added to the church; and the meeting at West Columbia resulted in JACOB BACHTEL. 169 nearly sixty accessions. Several persons were converted in the pulpit — rather an unusual oc- currence. The preliminary work of two new houses of worship was perfected. One of these houses was to be built in Hartford Citv. At this point we had some excellent members; but they had only a school-house in which to wor- ship. Years before, a church had been erected, but at a cost so extravagant as to make it im- possible to pay for it. The house was sold, and sadness filled the hearts of our people. Un- der the careful management of Mr. Bach, tel, a new house was commenced and carried far towards completion. At New Haven, one mile above, we had a good society, but had to worship in a school- house. Other denominations preached in this house, and frequently made their appointments conflict with Mr. Bachtel's, causing much un- pleasantness. In view of this, he determined to build a house at this place, and during the year the work commenced. He also had heavy repairs made for the church at West Colum- bia, and built a small chapel at "Sand Hill." The ninth session of the Parkersburo: Annual Conference convened at Otterbein Chapel, 12 170 BIOGRAPHY OF Jackson County, West Virginia, March 15th, 1866. Mr. Bachtel was elected chairman. He reported his circuit as follows : Members received, two hundred and forty-two; increase, two hundred and twenty-one ; salary received, four hundred and eighty dollars and eighty- four cents; paid presiding elder, thirty dol- lars ; collected for missions, seventy-seven dollars. Total collected for all purposes, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three dollars. This was the best report of his life, and it was his last. He was chairman of the committees on Grievances, Devotion, and Publishing Inter- ests. The report of the Committee on Educa- tion was very sharp on the use of instrumental music in Otterbein University, an organ being used in the stated worship of the college. The report of the committee was in favor of re- moving it immediately. It was not the wish of the conference that the young people of the church who might attend the university should be taught that singing, as a part of the worship, was purely mechanical and intellectual, and not in any sense devotional and spiritual, and that it was wrong to sacrifice spirituality to- JACOB BACHTEL. 171 mere taste. Mr. Bachtel coincided with this view most heartily, and voted for the report. He believed in preserving the simplicity of our worship. He Was elected presiding elder at this con* ference. His district was small, embracing West Columbia, Jackson, Point Pleasant, Lu- beck, and Raymond City. In addition, he had charge of West Columbia Circuit. He undertook the double work reluctantly, as he feared that he could not take care of all the interests committed to him. He completed one round of quarterly meetings and commenced the second. The writer had promised him to hold two quarterly meetings for him, and received a letter requesting that one of them be held with the Point Pleasant charge, the last Saturday in July, and that on the first Sunday in August he would dedicate the church at Hartford City. We met in the church on Saturday. Both were sick. On Saturday night we put up with Dr. Meek, and talked nearlv all ni^hk Mr. Bachtel was not only sick in body, but greatly depressed in mind, caused in part by the fact that there was a debt of six hundred dollars upon the church. 172 BIOGRAPHY OF He seemed to have a presentiment of his death. Said he: "I am not superstitious, but I had a dream last night which has made a deep im- pression on my mind!" On being asked what it was, he answered : "I dreamed that I died and saw my body after I was dead, and I can't say now how it is going with me" — meaning that he did not know whether he would live. On Sunday morning a fine audience assem- bled, summoned by the bell to come to the sol- emn service of dedication. After the sermon, in a comparatively short time, the house was free. Mr. Bachtel gave ^ive dollars. Said he: "As I was going home, some time ago, I was called upon to marry a couple, for which I re- ceived five dollars. I did not know what to do with it, as I had not earned it. While pray- ing in secret, the other day, it was impressed on my mind that I should give it to this church." Perhaps there was not one of that large audi- ence that knew why he gave it. In the afternoon Mr. Slaughter preached an excellent sermon on Christian Warfare. Mr, Bachtel listened with marked attention and was moved to tears, something unusual for him. This was the last sermon he ever heard. JACOB BACHTEL. 173 After services he rode a few miles into the country. He reached home on Tuesday, and complained of being very unwell. He said to his wife: "I am sick, and I don't think that I shall get well." She told him not to be discouraged, as he had often been sick and re- covered. Said he : "That is so, but I think that Time is going to wind up with me in this ill- ness." On the following day he remarked te his wife: "It has been impressed on my mind that I ought to make a will, and arrange my business to suit myself." Mrs. Bachtel told him not to trouble about his property, as he had but little to dispose of, and but few to give it to. He replied: "You have been a faithful and £ood wife. You have borne the toils of our hard lot, and have always worked hard ; and if I should die without mak- ing such provision for your comfort as I can I would do wrong." On the following day he made his will and arranged all his temporal af- fairs. Scarcely had he finished this work when he was thrown upon his bed, and kept there by the severity of his illness. He told his wife that his work was done, and there was nothing for which he desired to live 174 BIOGRAPHY OF except herself. He was very patient in his af- fliction, saying that the religion he had preached to others comforted him in his ill- ness. At times he suffered so much as to cry out in the paroxysms of pain. Said he: "I wonder how a poor sinner would get along un- der such circumstances, when it requires so much grace to hear what I suffer." A neigh- bor called and asked him how he was. He an- swered : " I think my work is done, and why should I want to live ? I am more than fifty years old, and if I were to live twenty years more they would be years of sorrow and afflic- tion. The interests of the church occupied his mind. He said at one time: "I would like to go down to my circuit again, but it seems God has ordered it otherwise." Again : "I some- times think that God has something more for me to do. " And when reason had fled, which sometimes occurred, he spent a part of the time preaching. Sometimes he conversed with the old ministers with whom he had labored and suffered. He imagined that they were with him as in days of yore. He talked about the death of Rev. J. C. Bright, saying, he hoped that he JACOB BACHTEL. 175 was a good man, and if he was, he was better off. He was deeply filled with a sense of the kind- ness of his family, and said he would reward them if he could. At another time he said : "I don't know what to think of it; everybody who comes in prays that I may get well. They had better cease to pray for my recovery, and pray that, if it is the will of God, I maybe soon taken away, and that without suffering so much." About three weeks before his death he in- formed his wife that he wished to sit with them all at the table next day at dinner. He was assisted to the table, and such articles of food placed before him as he desired. It was the last time they all gathered around the family board. Els seat has ever since been vacant. He suffered but little for two weeks before his death. A gradual sinking of the system marked the approach of the end. He retained the use of his faculties to the last moment, and was wonderfully supported by the grace of God. When it was evident that he could live but a very short time, Mrs. Bachtel, who had been nerving herself all through his protracted ill- ness, gave vent to her feelings in tears. Real- 176 BIOGRAPHY OF izing that very soon her heart and life would be widowed, she felt that if cries and tears would keep him he should not go. Looking up calmly to his wife, and speaking with great kind- ness, he said : "Child, don't cry. Just think how merciful God is in taking me first. You can do better without me than I could without you ; and there will only be a few days of sep- aration. I will watch you as you come to the better land." Continuing, he said: "I want you to bury me at Otterbein Chapel. The property belongs to the church, and I think they will respect my grave there. I want Perry and Warner to preach my funeral. Perry I have known since he was a boy, and Warner is a particular friend." He called his son to him and gave him his last counsel, saying: "I want you to be a better man. think of what I have suffered, and what I would be now without the grace of God to support me." He said to his daughter-in-law : " I have talked to all and would like to talk to you, but am too weak. If I live until to-morrow, I have some- thing to say to you; but this much I say to you now : live a Christian." He now lay with his eyes closed, and con- JACOB BACHTEL. 177 tinucd to sink more rapidly. Opening his eyes suddenly, he said, pointing with his finger: "What a beautiful grove I see! What de- lightful fields ! 0, if I can find a resting place in some corner of that delightful place ! " He requested that his feet be washed. They in- formed him that they had been washed that day. He answered that it made no difference, he wanted it attended to again. While his foot was being washed he said: "This is my last hour on earth!" Why he had this done, or what he meant by it, will never be known. Mrs. Bachtel asked him how he felt. He an- swered, significantly: "All is right; I shall go to heaven!" Again he closed his eyes for a few moments and then opened them and looked around ear- nestly at his wife. Said she: "Do you know me?" He answered: "Certainly I do, and love you, for you have been a good and faith- ful companion." He placed his hand up to his head as though he did not rest well on the pil- low, and Mrs. Bachtel adjusted it. He then said: "That will do,"— his last utterance. He then folded his hands across his breast and died so softly that none knew just when he 178 BIOGRAPHY OF ceased to live. God gave his servant a very quiet passage " over the river," — a fitting close to a true and faithful life. Thus died Rev. Jacob Bachtel, October 23d, 1866, aged 54 years, 5 months, and 16 days. On the first Sabbath in December, Mr. Perry and the writer attended the funeral services at Otterbein Chapel. Mr. Perry preached a sermon founded on I. Thessalonians iv., 13-18. The writer followed with a sketch of the life and labors of the deceased. It was a deeply solemn time. At least two hundred members of the church were ]3resent, and occupied the front seats as mourners. The character of Mr. Bachtel forms an inter- esting subject of study. He was strictly hon- est. None who knew him would be afraid to trust him in any business transaction. He ivas truth/id, hating falsehood with a perfect hatred. If he ever detected falsehood in any man he at once ceased to trust him, or have confidence in him as a Christian. He was always careful to tell the truth. He was a man of incorruptible integrity. He could not be bought, nor in any way induced to betray the right. He cared not for popularity which could only be acquired at JACOB BACHTEL. 179 the expense of his convictions of right. His piety was uniform, yet often tinged with mel- ancholy. There was but little of the emotional in it, but much, very much, of sterling prin- ciple. In the constitution of his mind the faculties of perception and reflection were nearly equally developed. He possessed a retentive mem- ory, and a ripe judgment, and always sepa- rated the wheat from the chaff; and while the wheat was carefully garnered for future use, the chaff he had no use for whatever. It may be said of him that while he possessed no bril- liancy of mind he possessed much solidity. His mind was well stored with much that was valuable in science, history, and theology. "A self-made man," left to choose unaided his text- books, he showed a rare discrimination in his choosings. His early advantages having been very limited, he planned his own curriculum of study, and triumphed splendidly over the rig- ors of fortune. He showed great mental indus- try, and, as a result, left about five hundred skeletons of sermons, the coinage of his own in- tellect. As a preacher, he followed no know r n model. 180 BIOGRAPHY OF His sermons were sensible, practical, and tear- begetting, pregnant with thought, and the un- mixed blood of pure evangelism. The text was sure to be exhausted ; every thought germain to the subject was examined. In the words of another, it may be said of him: "He did not startle with his brilliancy, nor lose one with his profoundness, but talked with such sweet, good sense on the incomparable themes of the pulpit, that he never wanted hearers, and al- ways had his full share of admirers." Mr. Bachtel was about five feet, eight or nine inches in hight, with a slender, yet wiry frame, and an abundance of vitality and large flow of nervous energy; indeed he could no more be still than Bruin in his native forest. His eyes were blue, with considerable depth and keenness ; and his forehead was rather high and bold, surmounted with heavy masses of bushy, iron-grey hair, showing no disposition to retreat, and projecting far over his eyes. As a whole, his countenance was interesting, and indicated benevolence, firmness, and economy. Though as economical as Martin Luther, who would not waste a straw be- cause it might serve to thicken the thatch on JACOB BACHTEL. 181 some poor man's cottage, yet he was not "stingy," but always ready to give to the unfortunate and needy, and for the furtherance of the gospel. As a circuit preacher and presiding elder, he had no superior, and but few equals, in our church. As a financier he excelled, and was sure to have a good report from his circuit or district. His death has deprived the members of the Parkersburg Conference of a true friend, a pure and good man, and a wise and safe counselor. His modesty and good sense made him a favorite with all, and his conversational powers made him always welcome to the social circle. His death has left the conference, the church, and the world poorer in moral and re- ligious worth, but has added another pure spirit to the "church of the first born " in heaven. Sometimes his sermons were exceed- ingly "rough" "Torn Paine," the devil, and his servants generally, got their due. He ab- horred the vender of ardent spirits, as well as the drunkard who neglected his family and wasted all on strong drink. A friend once said to him : "Brother Bachtel, you use the word hell very often." He answered: "That word 182 BIOGRAPHY OF just fits my mouth, and I love to speak just such words." In short, he had no utter- ances for itching ears. The Parkersbnrg Conference, at its first ses- sion after the death of Mr. Bachtel, appointed a committee to prepare a suitable paper on his death. The following report was read before the conference, and adopted: "Whereas, In the providence of God our dear Brother and feU low-laborer, Rev. Jacob Bachtel, has been taken from labor to re- ward ; and, whereas, he was never known to do or say anything to bring reproach upon the holy office of the ministry; therefore, 1. Resolved, That in the death of Brother Bachtel this confer- ence has lost a safe counselor and an indefatigable and able minis- ter of the New Testament. 2. That, as a conference, we feel that we have sustained a great loss, one not easily repaired; but, remembering the example of our departed brother, we will gird ourselves anew for the battle and seek to die as he died, with our faces to the foes of Christ, 3. That Bishop Glos3brenner preach a funeral sermon on the death of Brother Bachtel, before the conference, March 17th, 1867, at 1<>. \ o'clock, and that he be requested, also, to furnish a copy for publication. 4. That, as a testimonial of our regard for the memory of the deceased, the ministers an 1 members of this conference will place a monument) with suitable inscription) upon his grave. 5. That a committee be appointed, in the usual way, to prepare a biography of Brother Bachtel. which, with such a number of his " skeletons of sermons" as may be deemed proper, shall be pub- lished in book f^rm. 6. That we give all tho people among whom he labored the privilege of assisting to perpetuate his memory in marble. 7. That to the bereaved wife and son of Brother Bachtel we tender our warmest sympathies, praying that the family sundered by his death may bo reunited in the mansion house of our heavenly Father. JACOB BACHTEL. 183 8. That a copy of the above he furnished the family of Brother Batchtel, and be published in the Religious Telescope. In compliance with the third resolution, Bishop Glossbrenner preached the sermon found in the next chapter. 184 BIOGRAPHY OF CHAPTER XIV. A funeral sermon, delivered at the session of the Parkersburg Annual Conference, March 1 7th, 1867, on the occasion of the death of Rev. J. Bachtel, By Bishop Glossbrenner. Text—" And hi* disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus."— Matt, xiv., 12. These words we find in connection with the death of an eminent minister of the gospel ; one of whom it was said, "he was a burning and shining light. " John was the one who should come in the spirit and power of Elias. Like Elias, John was bold in reproving sin; and it was on account of his boldness in re- proving Herod for his adultery that he in- curred the displeasure of Herod's wife, who sought his ruin, and was successful in causing his death. Then it was that " his disciples took up the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus." The persons here spoken of were the dis- ciples of John, who had sat at his feet to hear him preach, and were his companions and fol- JACOB BACIITEL. 185 lowers; who had received great benefit from John's preaching, and were the same as his chil- dren. What was their conduct? First, they took up the body and buried it. Abraham, when Sarah died, purchased the cave of Machpelah, within whose consecrated walls her ashes might securely rest ; thus early in the history of the world teaching us the les- son of tender regard for the bodies of our de- parted friends. The disciples, following this lesson, took the body of John and buried it. It is then plainly the teaching of the Bible that we pay our tribute of regard to, the spot where the forms of loved ones rest, and- from which, at the coming of Christ, they shall arise to eternal life. Second, "they went and told Jesus." Him they knew to be one that their master, John, while he lived, had testified great regard for. He was the forerunner of Christ — he had preached Christ. They knew that Christ had a most tender regard for John, and had put great honor upon him. He came to John to be baptized. It was now a sorrowful time with John's dis- ciples. When they were bereaved of their 13 183 IUOGRAPHY OF teacher, whose instructions to them were so kind, and the manner of whose death was so tragic, they were like a company of sorrowful, distressed, bereaved children ; and what to do they knew not, unless it was to go to Jesus with their complaint. When any are removed by death who have been eminent in the work of the ministr} T , such as are bereaved should go and tell Jesus. The question is, " Was our beloved brother such a minister ?" That this question may be answered satisfactorily, we will endeavor to no- tice: I. What we know of his character, la- bors, AND SUCCESS AS A MINISTER OF CHRIST, And while I shall give such a representation of the character of our deceased brother as facts will justify, let us carefully examine ourselves 7 and see how far our lives correspond with those traits of his character which are worthy of our imitation. 1st. We will notice his awakening and con- version, in other words, his Christian experi- ence. Having been blessed with the teachings and example of Christian parents, our brother JACOB BACHTEL, 187 was, when quite young, brought to see the deep depravity of his nature, and the importance of an experimental interest in the atonement of Christ. His conviction was deep and pungent. He saw the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and was led to exclaim: " 0, wretched man that I am; who shall deliver me from this body of death ? " During the time when, as a penitent, he felt the burden of sin resting upon his soul, in pub- lic and in private, at home and abroad, by night and by day, he ceased not to call upon Him who was able to deliver. He had learned that no works of righteousness of his own could save him; that reformation was not enough; that forms and ceremonies could not take away his guilt of sin. He therefore continued to seek un- til, by faith in Christy he experienced the '" washing of regeneration " and " renewing of the Holy Ghost." Oh ! that was a joyful hour when, by faith, in Christ alone, he was justified from these things from which the law could not justify him. His conversion was clear and powerful. Venturing the ii terest of his death- less soul upon Him who died for us ; who bore our sins in his own body on the tree ; and in whose blood complete redemption would be 188 BIOGRAPHY OF found, and the forgiveness of all sins, he was led to exclaim : "My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear; He owns me as his child, I shall no longer fear. With confidence I now draw nigh, And Father, Abba Father, cry." Oh, my brethren! talents, education, elo- quence, all will not make us successful as min- isters of the New Testament unless we are in the possession of an indwelling Christ. To an unconverted, unrenewed man God would say : "What hast thou to do to declare my statutes?" 2d. His exercises of mind with regard to the work of the ministry. It was but a short time after our broth er T s conversion, that he felt impressed that he had more to do than simply to work out his own salvation. God was revealing to him that he was to become a minister of reconciliation to others. He felt that he was unworthy of so high a calling; and so low an estimate did he place upon his qualifications for this great work that, had it not been for others, who were regarding him with great interest, perhaps he JACOB BACHTEL. 189 might have clone as others have clone who had like impressions, but who were disobedient to the heavenly calling, and whose usefulness as ministers was lost to the church and the world. At the time of Brother Bachtel's conversion, young men who were brought into the church were particularly noticed and cared for by their older brethren. Their gifts, graces, and qual- ifications were not overlooked. They were noticed, encouraged, and on suitable occasions they were led to exercise their talents. Thus, while the spirit of God was impressing upon the heart of our brother that God had a work for him to do, the older brethren took him by the hand, counseled, and encouraged him, until at length he was induced to enter the ranks of God's ministers, there to labor and toil till removed by his Lord from labor to rest. My brethren, while we acknowledge the im- portance of education, and while we should give our countenance and support to the insti- tutions of learning among us, we must not for- get that God can, and does, use many as ministers who have not had the advantages of a collegiate education. God does not only use 190 BIOGRAPHY OF them, but he makes them pre-eminently useful in winning souls to Christ. 3d. Brother Bachtel was diligent in using the means placed within his reach for the improve- ment of his mind. That he gave attention to reading ; that he was a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of heaven ; was evinced in the ser- mons we heard him preach with so much profit to ourselves and others. As a faithful servant, he diligently sought the qualifications necessary to enable him properly to perform the work to which his Master called him. So well did he improve his time in read- ing, meditation, and prayer, that not only did the common people hear him gladly, as they did the teachings of our divine Master, but the wise and learned were instructed, and profited by his teaching. Brother Bachtel was a man of general read- ing. While the Bible was to him the great text-book, in which he found " all the words of this life," that were able to make men wise unto salvation, yet so general was his reading, that he was ready to converse intelligently on any subject that might be introduced by his breth- ren, or with those with whom he might be as- sociated. JACOB BACHTEL. 191 We can see, from the example of our brother, what progress can be made under the greatest disadvantages. When he entered the minis- try he had an education such as could be ob- tained in the common schools of the country. He was placed on a field of labor extending over a large territory, and had many appoint- ments to fill and much pastoral labor to perform. With limited means to procure books, such as every minister should have, he yet, by properly economizing his time, became one of our most acceptable and useful ministers. Is it not frequently the case that those who have the means and opportunities under-value and neg- lect them, while others, who desire to excel, are denied these advantages ? But diligence and prayer conquer the hardest things. A man who has an intense desire to obtain knowledge will not be idle. This desire will ere- ate the helps it does not find. It will keep open the eyes and ears, and by lively action, and ha- bitual attention, will multiply intellectual stores. It will render every place a school, and suffer nothing to be lost. Especially, my young breth- ren, you who wish to render yourselves respect- able and useful by the cultivation of your 192 BIOGRAPHY OF minds and acquisition of knowledge, be encour- aged. See what others have done, who never enjoyed the advantages of a classical education, regular tuition, and ample libraries. That which has been done may be accomplished, by assiduity and the divine blessing. 4th. 'As an itinerant minister, he made full proof of his ministry, and faithfully performed the work of an evangelist. No difficulties in- timidated him; no privations swerved him from his purpose ; no opposition from the wicked de- terred him; no worldly considerations caused him to quit the field. He entered the ranks of the itinerancy when in the vigor of youth ; and with an unfaltering purpose to "fall at his post," he continued in the work, until the Master said : " It is enough ; come up higher." He was satisfied that if the masses were ever reached it would be through the labors of the itinerant ministry. And it is true that if the system of the itinerancy should be given up by this church, and several of our sister denominations, many, very many, would be deprived of the labors of a living ministry. Brother Bachtel, therefore, when he entered the Virginia Annual Conference, declared his JACOB BACHTEL. 193 purpose to uphold the itinerant plan. Was he faithful to his promise made to the conference? Let his labors and privations as an itinerant, for upwards of thirty years, answer. Never was he known to refuse an appointment given him by the conference. If appointed to some far-off mission, or poor circuit, or was called to fill the office of presiding elder, it was all the same; he went cheerfully to his, work, trust- ing in God for success. Grod was with him, and made him a blessing to the people. Every interest committed to him by the church was attended to; and never did he leave a field of labor in worse condition than he found it. His praise is in all the fields of labor traveled by him ; and hundreds will rise up at the last day and call him blessed. 5th. His manner of preaching was plain and pointed. Whether men smiled or frowned, he fearlessly declared what he believed to be the teaching of the divine word. The intemperate, and all who were engaged in the unholy work of manufacturing or vending ardent spirits, whether professors or non professors, were by him most faithfully warned. The profane, the skeptic, and the false professor, were often made 194 BIOGRAPHY OF to tremble while listening to the words of warn- ing that fell from his lips; while his whole soul appeared to be drawn out in desire for their salvation. He knew not "the fear of man that bringeth a snare." Spectators who gazed upon his lifeless body might have said what was said of John Knox : " Here lies one who never feared the face of man." But, while in his earnestness and faithful- ness he proclaimed against all the ungodliness of men, he did not forget the story of the cross. Often have we heard him in most delightful strains, with his heart filled with love for souls, and with feelings in sympathy with the large, loving, and compassionate heart of Christ, jxnnt the trembling sinner to the "Fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Emanuel's veins." Yes! "he gloried in the cross of Christ." And at the altar of prayer, in the midst of those who were "weary and heavy laden," and were earnestly inquiring, "What must I do to be saved?" Brother Bachtel would be found laboring with, and praying for them. My brethren, your work is not finished when you have delivered your message from the JACOB BACHTEL. 195 sacred desk. Go to the stricken man whose soul is bound down under a load of sin. Pray with him; with him weep; instruct him; and when God, for Christ's sake, forgives his sins and appoints to him beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for heaviness, rejoice with him. 6th. To the young brethren he was a father and teacher. He took particular pains to correct their errors, to explain to them the great car- dinal doctrines of Christianity, and encouraged them in their work. Since his death, I heard one of our most talented and useful ministers say, that if he had qualifications to preach with acceptability, and if he was useful in win- ning souls to Christ, he was in a great degree indebted to the kind teachings and faithful counsel of our dear brother. 7th. He was a man of sound and discrim- inating mind. In the quarterly, annual, and General Conference he was a prudent coun- selor. His opinions were treated with respect, even by those who differed with him. He never suffered a difference of opinion to de- stroy his confidence in his brethren, or lessen his esteem and Christian love for them. 193 BIOGRAPHY OF 8th. As a friend and brother, he was faith- ful and true. By him the character and repu- tation of his brethren were held sacred. Envy, jealousy, and spiritual ambition were not traits in his character. Yea ! in all the relations of life, as husband, father, neighbor, and citizen, he exemplified that religion he so earnestly recommended to others. 9th. For some years before his death he was much afflicted ; so much so, that his breth- ren would have thought it right and proper if he had sought a superannuated relation to the conference of which he was a member. At your last conference he told us that he had concluded to take no field of labor ; but when he saw the greatness of the work before you in this mission-conference, and the scarcity of laborers, he told me he would try it once more. He received his appointment, as usual, with resignation. He went to work, and continued at it until the dedication of the church at Hart- ford City, which occurred August 4th, 1867, at which meeting he felt that his work was about done. He went to his home, no more to leave it until he was removed to the society of the " general assembly, and church of the first- born," whose names are written in heaven. JACOB BACHTEL. 197 He was confined to his room for nearly three months, during which time he was calm and resigned; conversing freely with his brethren who visited him, with regard to his approach- ing dissolution. For him death had no sting; the grave no terrors. He could say: "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." "Life's duty done, as sinks the day, Light from its load the spirit flies; "While heaven and earth combine to say, How blest the righteous when ho dies 1" II. The reasons why, under such dis- pensations OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE, WE should go and spread our sorrows before Jesus. 1st. Christ is ever ready to pity the afflicted. It is natural for persons that are bereaved of any that are dear to them, and for all that are in sorrow, to seek some one to whom they can declare their griefs. They will seek some one who they have good reason to believe will pity them and sympathize with them. Christ is such an one above all others. "One there is above all others, Well deserves the name of friend." 198 BIOGRAPHY OP Of Him it was said of old, before his incar- nation : " In all their affliction he was af* flicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them: and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."— Isaiah Lxrn^ 9. When he was upon earth in his humiliation, he was the most wonderful example of pity and compas- sion that ever appeared on earth. How often are we told of his having compassion on one and another! When he saw the multitude he had compassion: when he saw the man pos- sessed of devils: when he saw the bereaved mother following her only son : when he saw the two blind men. And in Mathew xiv., 14th verse, it is said: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." His addresses to his disciples were full of compassion: "Let not your hearts be troubled," &c. His miracles were most gen* erally performed in behalf of the afflicted. No wonder then that the disciples of John went and told Jesus. No wonder that John's dis* ciples, when bereaved of their dear guide and teacher, with hearts filled with sorrow, came to JACOB BACHTEL. 199 him for pity ; or that Martha and Mary, in their bereavement, came and fell down, pouring out their tears at Jesus' feet. They spread their sorrows before him. They were assured that he would pity them; and they were not disap- pointed, for he was most tenderly affected and moved at their tears. He was one that could "weep with them that weep." Yea, it was divine compassion that brought him into this sorrowful world of ours, and caused him not only to shed tears of pity, but to pour out his heart' s-blood for our hap- piness and salvation. When were any re" jected who went to him for comfort? Now that he has appeared in glory, there is the same encouragement for bereaved ones to go and spread their sorrows before him. He is still " touched with the feeling of our infirmities," and in his member feels afresh what every member feels. Afflicted persons love to speak of their sorrows to those who have had experience in affliction, or in heavy trial, and know what sor- row is. But there is none on earth or in heaven, who ever had such experience of sor- row as Christ. Therefore, he knows how to 200 BIOGRAPHY OF pity the afflicted; and especially may we be confident that he is ready to pity those who have been bereft of a faithful minister. Such a bereavement is a calamity that concerns the souls of men. Christ has specially shown com- passion for souls. It was for their salvation that he assumed our nature, and suffered and died. Appointing such an order of men as gospel min- isters, and sending them forth to preach the gospel, is an evidence of his compassion for the souls of men. Because of his love for us, he hath appointed ministers to watch for souls. When such ministers, who have been success- ful in doing good to the souls of men, are re- moved from us, we are bereaved indeed, and should go to Jesus with our sorrow. 2d. Christ has purchased all that persons need under such circumstances. He has pur- chased all that miserable man stands in need of, in all his calamities. He has secured com- fort for us under every sort of affliction. There- fore he invites all that " labor and are heavy laden," to come to him for rest. This invita- tion may be understood to extend to those who labor under any kind of burden of sin and sor- row, and to all that are "heavy laden" with JACOB BACHTEL. 201 any grief, originating from any cause whatever. Broken, bleeding, and stricken hearts, ready to sink ; for such he has purchased divine supports and cordials. He has purchased all needed comfort and help for the widow and fatherless. He has purchased a sanctified improvement and fruit of affliction for all who come unto him and spread their sorrows before him. Are we afflicted in our bodies, or in our families ? Are lover and friend removed far from us, and our acquaintance into darkness ? Is the faithful minister removed ? let us go and tell Jesus. He can make up our losses, and make "all things work together for good." 3d. Christ is able to afford all the help that is needed in the hour of trouble. His power and wisdom are as sufficient as his purpose, and answer to his compassion. He can sup- port the heart under the heaviest sorrow, and give light in the hour of darkness. He can penetrate the thickest cloud with the rays of " heavenly light." He can give songs in the night, and turn the shadows of death into morning. As already stated, he can make up the loss of those who are bereaved by the death of the most eminent ministers. If the great 14 202 BIOGRAPHY OF Shepherd and Bishop of souls is but present, how much more is this than enough to satisfy the want of any under-shepherd ! Go, then, to Jesus. He has not only a heart to sympathize with you, but he possesses the ability to help vou. He is able, abundantly able, to fill up the breach, and able to turn all our sorrow into joy. Permit me now, my brethren, to apply what has been said, to the sorrowful occasion which has called us together to-day : even the death of that true servant of God, who has long been so faithful in the work of the ministry among you. There are many who may well look upon themselves as nearly concerned in this dispen- sation of God's providence, and sharers in the bereavement, all of whom should be directed by this doctrine to go and spread their afflic- tion before Jesus, that compassionate and all- sufficient head of the church, and saviour of the body — that merciful and faithful high-priest, who knows how to pity the afflicted. 1st. It becomes the members of this church — the United Brethren in Christ — who have been bereaved of their eminent and faith- ful minister, now to go and tell Jesus. JACOB BACHTEL. 203 A faithful and able minister of the New Tes- tament — one that has, for a number of years, gone in and out among you, and who was in- stant in season and out of season, rebuking, exhorting, and comforting with all long-suffer- ing and patience — has been taken from you. You know how earnestly and faithfully he pro- claimed to you the word of life; how, as a father, he taught you the great lessons of the gospel. You know he selected the most weighty arguments, and motives, to enforce and set home those things which concern Christian ex- perience and practice. You need not be toLd with what weight the welfare of your souls seemed to lie upon his heart ; how, at your fire- sides, he conversed with you, and instructed you in the doctrines and practices of Christianity ; how, in your troubles, afflictions, and tempta- tions, you went to him for counsel and advice, and how freely and kindly that advice was given. You know, too, his manner of addressing heaven in his public prayers with and for you. Oh, with what humility, faith, and fervency he applied himself to God, through Christ, when he kneeled in the sacred desk, as your 204 BIOGEAPHY OF mouth to God, and interceded for you; and around your family altars, how he poured out his soul to God for you and your families ! But he is gone. You will hear his voice no more. You will see his face no more in this world. Therefore, go to Jesus, the living head of the church ; the great bishop and shepherd of souls. Your faithful minister is dead, but the blessed Jesus lives for evermore. He lives to provide for his church, and to guide and feed his flock. Go to that Jesus whom your father preached. Go humble yourselves before him, that you did not more fully improve the lessons he taught. Go beg of him the sancti- fied improvement of this bereavement. Go to to him, beseeching him to make up to the church this great loss. Go to him in behalf of those who are still spared to you. 2d. I now speak, on this mournful occasion, to the near relatives of the deceased, who are most deeply bereaved. The doctrine we are dwelling upon directs you what to do in this dark and trying hour. You should go and tell Jesus. Spread out your afflictions before an all-sufficient Redeemer. Particularly, I would apply myself to the companion of his youth, JACOB BACHTEL. 205 who was a sharer of his joys and sorrows for a number of years, and who with our beloved brother endured the privations of an itinerant life. Suffer me, respected sister, in your great affliction, to exhibit to you a compassionate Redeemer. God has now taken from you that servant of his, who was the nearest and be>t friend you had in this world; who was your wise and prudent counselor ; your affectionate and pleasant companion; who was so great a blessing while he lived to you and yours, and, under Christ, was so much the comfort and support of your life. You see, my sister, where your resort must be. Your earthly friends can heartily feel for you, and sympathize with you in your loss, but can not make it up to you. We must all confess ourselves, at best, to be but miserable comforters. But you may go and tell Jesus, and there you may have both support and reparation. His love and presence are far beyond that of the nearest and most affectionate earthly friend. Now you are bereaved of your earthly consort — you may go to a spiritual husband and seek his compassion and company. He is the fountain of all that wisdom, and prudence, and piety, 2D6 BIOGRAPHY OF and all that tender affection and faithful care that you enjoyed in your departed consort. In Christ is an infinite fountain of all those things, and of all good. In him you may have light your darkness, comfort in your sorrow, and fullness of joy and glory in another world, with an everlasting union with your dear departed one in the glorious presence of the same Re- deemer "in whose presence there is fullness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleas- ures for evermore/ ' This doctrine also directs the bereaved and afflicted so?i, whose heart is filled with grief, and who now mourns a dear departed father, where to go, and what to do. You will no longer have your father's wisdom to guide you; his ten- der love to comfort and delight you; his affec- tionate care to guard and assist you ; his holy example set before you ; and his fervent prayers with and for you. But in the blessed Re- deemer — your father's Lord and Redeemer — you may have much more than all these things. Your father's virtues, that made him so great a blessing to you, were but the image of that which is in Christ. Therefore, go to him in your mourning ; go and tell Jesus ; tell JACOB BACHTEL. 20 a compassionate Savior what has befallen you. Heretofore you have had an earthly father to go to, whose heart was full of tender- ness toward you. But the heart of the Re- deemer is much more tender ; his wisdom and love are infinitely beyond that of any earthly parent. Go to him ; by faith lay hold of him as an all-sufficient Savior. Go to him ; dedi- cate yourself to his service. Oh, may you find in Christ all-sufficient grace, not only to give you present comfort, but to enable you to fol- low your father as he followed Christ. I now address the surviving members of this conference. We may well look upon you, my brethren, as in an especial manner concerned in this awful providence, and as sharing largely in this bereavement. You have great reason to bless God for the advantages you have enjoyed in serving in the gospel of Christ so long as you have, with our deceased brother. As a son with a father, enjoying the benefit of his instruction, counsel, and example; you will often recollect the faithful and affectionate counsel he gave you, to diligence and faithful- ness in your Lord's work; how often he as- sured you that you should have God's divine 208 BIOGRAPHY OF protection and guidance till your work on earth would be ended. And now, brethren, God has taken him from you as he took Elijah from Elisha, and as he took John the Baptist, the New Testament Elijah, from his disciples. Therefore you are now directed what to do, that is, to go and tell Jesus, as did these dis- ciples. In this conference you have a great work devolving upon you. You have him no more, who, while he lived, was a father to you, to guide and assist you, and who was al- ways ready to take a part of the burden upon himself. Therefore you have nowhere else to go but to your great Lord and Master, who has sent you to labor in this part of his vineyard, where your aged brother labored so long, and so faithfully, to seek strength, and wisdom, and divine influence from him, and a double por- tion of that spirit that dwelt in your deceased brother. Let us all go to Jesus, and seek grace of him, that we may be faithful while we live, and that he will assist us in our great work, that when we are called hence we may give up our account with joy, and not with grief, and that hereafter we may meet those who have gone before us in the faithful labors of the JACOB BACHTEL. 209 gospel, and that we may shine forth with them, " as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars, forever and ever." And now, servant of God, farewell! We turn away from thy tomb to mingle with thy spirit, and to transcribe the excellencies of thy life into our own. We hail thee! Thy war- fare is accomplished. Thy tears are all wiped away. Thou hast reached him who was the end of thy conversation — Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. We re- joice that no man took thy crown. We rejoice that thou hast left a profession unstained by error or vice ; that, after thy work was done, thou wast permitted in thine own quiet home to meet the last enemy. Thy dying pillow was not perplexed by those anxious forebodings that have tried the faith of many. The wife of thy youth is following hard after thee ; and the son of her womb, and the son of her vows, we trust, is resolving, at thy hallowed grave, that she shall not travel alone. And thy brethren of the Virginia and Parkersburg conferences, with a host of others, are looking after thee, saying: "Our separation is only temporary. A time of reunion is hastening on. Farewell, 210 BIOGRAPHY OF farewell! We shall soon meet thee in that world where the voice of mourning will be heard no more." Which may God grant, for Christ's sake. JACOB BACHTEL. 211 CHAPTER XV. Effect of sermon — a monument ordered — raising the monument — programme — the audience — description of the monument — inscrip- tion — he sleeps — ballad and music, composed by Professor Diddle* The sermon of Bishop Glossbrenner had an excellent effect, not only on the members of conference, but upon all who heard it. In accordance with the fourth resolution, Messrs. Hollister and Michaelis, of Marietta, Ohio, were employed to prepare a monument at a cost of two hundred dollars. It was to be made of Italian marble, and have two inscrip- tions. The contract was executed by these gentlemen elegantly, and on the 25th of September, a number of preachers from each district met at the Otterbein Cemetery, where 212 BIOGRAPHY OF Mr. Bachtel is buried, to place, with appro- priate ceremonies, this monument upon his grave. The following programme was ar- ranged and carried out on the occasion ; 1. Master of Ceremonies — Lewis Bumgarner, Esq. 2. Leader of the Choir — Professor Diddle. 3. Singing — " Bethany." West Virginia Lute ; page 23. 4. Prayer — By Dr. J. L. Hensley. 5. Singing — " Fading Flowers." Page 108, West Virginia Lute. 6. Reading Scriptures — By Rev. J. W. Perry. Psalms ic, 1-12. 1st Corinthians xv., 12-26. Revelations xix., 1-13 7. Singing — " Evergreen Mountains." Page 109, Lute. 8. Laying the Monument. 9. Siyiging — "Vacant Chair." Page 73, Lute. 10. Address — By Rev. Z. Warner. 11. Singing — "Bachtel" Ballad, composed by Professor Did- dle. 12. Prayer — By Rev. J. W. Perry. 13. Singing— u Beautiful Land of Rest." Page 88, Lute. 14. Benediction — By Rev. E. Harper. A large concourse of people attended these ceremonies, and evinced a deep interest in all that was done. The monument is of Italian marble, surmounting a double base of polished sandstone. The hight of the whole is about ten feet. There are two inscriptions covering the sides of the marble block on which the JACOB BACHTEL. 213 shaft rests ; one for the family, the other for the conference. The inscriptions read as fol- lows : Rev. JACOB BACHTEL Died October 23d, 1866, Aged 54 Years, 3 Months, and 16 Days. He teas a devoted husband, a kind parent and consistent Christian ; his example pure and just; his conversation chaste ; in trials he could say "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jeius." " My flesh shall rest in hope." Rev. JACOB BACHTEL, Of the Parkersburg Annual Conference. Converted, and joined the United Brethren Church, in 1832. Licensed to preach in 1833, and received into the Virginia Conference in 1834, and continued in the active ministry nearly 33 years. He was a profound thinker, a wise counselor, and good preacher. Many have been led to Jesus through his labors. Farewell I We cherish thy memory. He sleeps sweetly in his quiet home in the beautiful valley of Mill Creek. He left in the church a reputation as pure as the marble that 214 BIOGRAPHY OF marks his grave, and a record of usefulness surpassed by none who have preceded him. We leave him in his humble grave, until the power of the resurrection shall touch his scat- tered dust, and remold it in beauty, and invest it with the undying energies of immortal life. The following lines and music, composed by Professor Diddle, of the Purkersburg Conference, especially for the occasion, were sung with fine effect by the choir: 1. Through perse-cutions oft severe, He labored long with toil and care; To gp^p^i^^^ E ^AKey: 5 2. On Zlon's walls, his wonted place, He boldly stood, his foes to face, Nor A Key: T 2—& f g g_ i — r~ r -f-w 7T-*= Z2^JBr CJwrus. ^ i r z — m kj m T=5- : c J .-« Lgfc=zg=: jgZTZ p r& f : cultivate Immanuol's ground, He fought until with victory crowned. We laid him in the until death forbade him stay, Did he neglect to preach and pray. We laid him in th« xE| \- s= jl^- P Z & — p T^Ff^-J \^ (g- j^l J- p r l -p^ EB aat JACOB BACHTEL. 215 silent tomb, He labors now on earth no more ; Housed np in hia eternal home, He'» ga: nracza=e=Ba ^E±EE£e£ f fr silent tomb, He labors now on earth no more ; Housed up in his eternal home, He's S ?2=aC ^"^ "T i i i I j resting on the golden shore, And in his starlit home above. He sings of Chriet's redeeming love. resting ou the golden shore, And in hi? starlit hom? above, He sings of Christ's redeeming lovo. L e ^=T- ■"z i , a r i~w \ rJ rri. m fcr-t"— f— a 3. His burning zeal no languor know, For Christ, his cause, his tempted few ; At home, abroad, where'er hii lot, His much-lov'd theme he ne'er forgot. Chorus : We love him still — hia memory's dear, And oft we've brushed the fallen tear; His words of kindness, truth, and love, Will never from our hearts remove. Chorus : His counsels, 01 can we forget — His kindness wo remember yet ; As our instructor, teacher, friend, We looked to him, nor looked in vain. Chorus : 216 BIOGRAPHY OF 6. He fought, but now the battle's o'er, No conflict now, no trials soro; His body lies beneath the sod, His soul is resting with its God. Chorus : 7. His bosom friend is left awhile, And John, his only, favored child ; They're traveling swiftly to the tomb, And we with them will soon be gone. Chorus : 8. Lord ! help us thy will to do, With boldness, zeal, and meekness too ; And then, with all our sins forgiven, Conduct us to our home in heaven. Chorus: JACOB BACHTEL. 217 CHAPTER XVI. Skeletons of sermons, composed and preached by Mr. Bachtel. The following skeletons of sermons were se- lected from bis pulpit preparation, and are given to the public as specimens of bis thoughts. He nearly always preached with notes before him: THE RANSOMED OF THE LOR I).— Isaiah, xxxv., 10. I. We notice: Who are the ransomed, or redeemed. I. All men, in a general sense, have "been redeemed from the curse of the law. 2. Those referred to have been redeemed from actual sin — "made free from sin." II. We notice next : The nature and extent of this freedom. 1. It is freedom from the guilt of sin. 2. From the defile- ment of sin. 3. Fr^m the love of sin. 4. From the practice of sin. 5. From the power of sin. 6. From some of it3 con- sequences. 7. But not all of its effects. 8. In heaven this re- demption shall be complete. III. We notice: From what they shall return. 1. Temptation. 2. Persecution; affliction. 3. From th world. 4. From the grave. IV. To what shall they come? To " Zion." "Zion" means: 1. Sometimes Jerusalem. 2. The church. 3" Here means heaven. Heaven is: 1. A place. 2. A state. 15 218 BIOGRAPHY OF V. How shall they come ? 1. With songs. 2. "With everlasting joy ; all hearts will be thrilling with joy. VI. The result of their return. 1. They shall obtain joy. 2. Of victory, in spite of determined foes. 3. Gladness; why glad? Sin and death are overcome, and they are safe. 4. Sorrow and sighing have fled away, seasons of afflictions are gone, never to return. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.— Romans v., 1. I. We inquire : What is Faith ? There are two kinds: 1. Historical — referring to the life and teachings of Jesus. 2. Evangelical — referring to the doctrines of Christ. 3. What is evangelical faith ? 1. Assent. 2. Desire. 3. Trust. 4. The act of ;faith. Two errors— all the gift of God — all the act of the creature. It is both. II. We notice: The result of Faith. 1 We are justified, while sinners are condemned. (1.) By the law. (2.) By the gospel. (3.) Spirit. (4.) Heart. (5.) All this by faith in Chiist. 2. We have peace with God. Sin- ners have not peace ; but hate God, and feel that he "is angry with them." (1.) This peace is in our hearts. (2.) In life. (3.) In affliction. (4.) In death. (5.) In eternity. III. These blessings are through Christ Christ is our appointed Redeemer; uniting in his person perfect divinity and humanity. We are justified (1.) through his merit. (2.) Through his death, which is vicarious. (3.) Resurrection — the pledge of ours. (4.) Intercessions — which are constantly made for all, but especially for the penitent and believing. JACOB BACHTEL. 219 THE RANSOMED OF THE LORD.— Ibaiah xxxv., 10. Isaiah, in this chapter, gives us a glowing description of the purity and safety of the church, and in the text he gives an ac- count of the final salvation of the church. L We will notice : The meaning of the term " ransom." 1. To redeem a captive by paying a price. 2. In a scriptural sense to redeem from sin and its penalty. 3. There are three kinds of redemption. (1.) Common or universal — from the curse of the law. — I. Timothy n., 6; Galatians ni., 13. (2.) Special redemption — from personal guilt. — Titus n., 14. (3.) Eternal Redemption of soul and body. — Revelation xiv., 34. H. Let us inquire : Who are the ransomed, and from what have they been redeemed f 1. All have been redeemed from the curse of the law, or orig- inal sin. 2. "Was accomplished by the death of Christ. These have been redeemed from actual sin — have been made free from sin, and this, 1. By the blood of Christ. — I. John i., 7 ; Revelation v., 9. 2. This blood imparts holiness when applied by faith- 3, The blessings thus secured should be esteemed as above price. GREAT SALVATION.— Hebrews ii., 3. L The Nature of thie Salvation. Not temporal, but spiritual. I. It is present. (1.) From sin. (2.) The power of the devil. (3.) From fear. 2. It is future. (1.) From hell (2.) In heaven. 3. It is a great salvation. (1.) Be cause of its origin ; heaven a great place. (2.) Because of its author. — Hebrews v., 9. (3.) Because of its price — Christ's blood. (4.) Because of its design — the salvation of man. Be- cause of 1. His faculties. 2. Researches. 3. Inventions. 4. Discoveries. (5.) Because of its effects. (6.) Because it i* free — you need not buy it. (7.) Because it is universal. (8.) Because it is perfect. (9.) Glorious. (10.) Eternal. But it is neglected. I notice: II. Some reasons why it is neglected. 1. Some neglect it through unbelief. (1.) Atheist. (2.) 220 BIOGRAPHY OF Deist. (3.) Jews. 2. Some through ignorance. 3. Others through pride. 4. Fear. 5. Shame. 6. Love of the world- 7. Inconsideration. 8. Procrastination. III. The consequences of neglecting this salvation. How shall we escape, 1. The judgment of God. 2. Damna- tion of hell. There is a hell, and the sinner must go there. There is no way to escape, or get out. The sinner can not swear out, or break out; nor can he bribe the jailor. He can not destroy him- self. Your friends can't pray or help you out. CHKIST OUR LIFE.— Colossians in., 4. I. The character described hi the text. Christ. Who is Christ? The son of God. He is, 1. Di- vine. 2. Eternal. 3. Our Eedeeruer. 4. Our Mediator and Saviour. II. How is Christ our life ? He is the author of. 1. Our rational, life. 2. Spiritual life. 3. Eternal life. 4. He died and rose from the dead to give us this life. 5. He ascended to heaven, and intercedes for us thut we may have this life. He is the life: 1. Of our peace. 2. Comforti. 3. Joys. 4. Prayers. 5. Worship. 6. Of our happiness in heaven. III. Notice his advent. 1. He will come. Proofs. 2. This will be the end of time 3. How ? With majesty and glory. 4. For what will he come ? (1.) To put an end to time. (2.) The means of grace. (3.) To raise the dead. (4.) To judge the world. (5.) To destroy the wicked. (G.) To put a final end to the sorrows of Christians. (7.) To destroy the false hopo3 and pleasures of sinners. IV. Who shall aj)pear with him in glory ? 1. Not the infidel; not the profligate; not the dishonest; Lot the formalist and hypocrite ; not the unconverted and backslider- 2. But the true Christian. Those who have (1.) been raised with Christ ; verse 1st. (2.) Who are dead with Christ , verse 3d. (3.) JACOB BACHTEL. 221 Whose lives hid with Christ in God ; verse 3d. 3. Wh.it is glory ; and when and where shall we appear with Christ in glory? (1.) In judgment; when the true character shall bo known — every dn- guise will be torn off, and all will know and appreciate the people of God. (2.) In heaven. Here they "know in part, but when that which is perfect is come, they shall know as they are known." APPLICATION. 1. Christ will come. 2. Are we ready ? 3. All must meet the responsibilities of that hour. THE LOVE OF GOD TO MAN.— John in., 16. I. We will notice : The object of the love of God. " The world." I. What world, as there are many worlds? Not the sun, moon, nor stars. Not heaven. Not hell, for fallen angels and lost spirits are there. 2. But this world. (1.) The condition of it then — guilty, dark, and wretched. (2.) Condition of it now- hopeful, for God still loves it. II. The evidence of this love. "Gave his r &c. 1. Prove the divinity. By his birth; his disputes wi'h the doctors in the Temple ; his baptism ; his miracle.- ; his prophecies; his resurrection. 2. To what he gave him. To poverty — "Ye know the grace," &c. Temptation — tempted of the devil forty days. Persecution — Pharisees said he had a devil. Pain and anguish— in the garden, &c. Death- slain on the cross. 3. For what did he give him? To be our teacher; our example; our Iledeemer ; to save us from perishing. III. Notice: The nature of his love. 1. It is disinterested. Jesus did not add to the essential glory of Deity. 2. Unmerited. Man had no natural claim, for all relationship had been broken off by man's disobedience. 3. It is free. Without money and price. Free as the sun shines. 4. It is universal. "Whole world." 5. It is unparalleled. Such love was never known before. 6. It is wonderful and incomprehen- sible. 222 BIOGRAPHY OF IV. The design of God's love. " That we," &c. 1. That we might not perish — might not taste the bitterness of the second death. 2. Have everlasting life. (1.) When? At the end of oar probation; only spiritual life now. (2.) Where? In heaven. (3.) The nature of it — purity, knowledge, and power. V. How we may avail ourselves of the precious benefits of this ove. " That whosoever believeth on him," &c. 1. By faith. What kind ? That which trusts God and Christ. 2. Without faith on our part, Christ's death is lost to us. (1.) In life, (2.) In death. (3.) In eternity. Do we believe on Christ? If so, does this faith purify our hearts? REPENTANCE PRECEDING THE JUDGMENT.— Acts XVII., 30, 31. I. The nature of repentance. I. It implies knowledge of sin. 2. Sorrow for sin — godly sor- row. 3. Confession of sin — to God always, and to man some- times. 4. Departure from sin — not cherish it. 5. A hatred of sin — to prevent a relapse. £. Restitution. If you have robbed or wronged any — one must, if able, restore; if unable, express a willingness to do so. 7. Faith in the authority which requires it II. Let us inquire : When we should repent 1. We can not repent in hell. 2. We can not repent at the judgment. It is improper there. 3. Should not wait till death. 4. Not until old age comes on. Then the brain has softened, and the habits are formed, and become congealed. 5. We should re- pent in youth. Then the mind is most susceptible of religious im- pressions. (1.) To this wo are commanded. (2.) It is easier. (3.) It is better. We can avoid the crime and shame of a mis- spent life. (4.) Repent now. It is an accepted time. JACOB BACHTEL. 223 III. Who should repent ? " All men, everywhere." 1. Persons of all ages. 2. Of both sexes. 3. Of all classes, or mental grades. 4. Of all moral grades. IV. Why should we repent ? For two reasons : 1. God commands it. What He commands is right. He has the authority. Man dare not resist. 2. Be- cause of the judgment He has appointed. (1.) The time. (2.) Place — somewhere between earth and heaven. (3.) The judge— the man ordained. Who are to be judged? 1. Men. 2. Devils. The rule of judgment: Books are opened. 1. Book of con- science. 2. The law. 3. The gospel. 4. Life. 5. God's re- membrance. V. The issue of the judgment. 1. The people separated. The tenderest relationship will be sundered. 2. The truly pious will be rewarded. Having sowed " to the spirit, they reap life everlasting." 3. The wicked pun- ished; driven away in their wickedness to a place of ever-ex- panding misery. SINNERS STRIVING AGAINST GOD— Isaiah xiy.. 9. 1. The Christian is a traveler ; so is the sinner. 2. The Chris- tian is a husbandman ; so is the sinner. 3. The Christian is a soldier; so is the sinner. I. Consider : How sinners strive with, or oppose God. 1. By denying his existence. The atheist does this. 2. By t ransgressing his law. 3. By opposing the gospel. 4. By op- posing religious seriousness. 5. By disobeying conscience. 6. By rebelling against Providence. 7. By ] ersecuting his people (as did Saul of Tarsus). 8. By trying to prevent the spread of truth. 1. Many strive with God. 2. Why do men strive with their Maker ? 224 BIOGRAPHY OF 1. The carnal mind is enemy to God. 2. Earthly pleasures intoxicate. 3. Present gratifications engross the senses. This is : 1. Shame- ful. 2. Ungrateful. 3. Unreasonable. 4. Wicked. 5. Dan- gerous. 6. Kuinous. II. Consider: The remit of opposing God. " Wo unto him." 1. Grief. 2. Sorrow. 3. Misery. 4. A withering curse. This curse the sinner will have to endure. (1.) In life. He suf- fers many physical and mental evils, which Christians do not. (2.) In death sinners die with certainty of endless suffering, torturing the heart and conscience. (4.) In eternity all is blackness. No vhite-winged angel of mercy will ever visit him. CHRISTIANS HATED.-Mathew x., 22. I. The persons addressed. Christ's disciples. They were Christians, and known. 1. By their faith in God's plan of saving souls. 2. Love for one an- other. Wear this as a jewel of the heart. 3. By their prayerful- ness. 4. Good fruits, in which they abound. II. By whom are they hated? By: 1. Hypocrites. 2. Infidels. 3. Jews. 4. Mohammedans. 5. The devil. 6. Our relations, sometimes. 7. Hated for Christ's sake. Not for bad deeds. III. What they have to endure. 1. Temptation, caused by men and Satan. 2. Persecu- tion; misrepresentation. 3. Sometimes poverty. 4. Troubles. 5. Bereavements. 6. Affliction and death — " to the end." IV. The promise, " shall be saved" 1, Saved from their distresses; from all that makes life gloomy and painful. 2. Saved in heaven; be surrounded with all its bliss, and beauty, and power. 3. Saved eternaliy. Nothing can disturb or destroy the security of the "saints in light."