had in mind Ludwig Hoecker and Christopher Dock. Hoecker was an intimate friend of Saur, worshipped with him in the Dunker congregation in Germantown, and regretted Hoecker's removal to Ephrata in 1748. The following extract from the Almanac gives Saur's estimate of these two really great teachers of the Germans in Colonial Pennsylvania:
“New-Comer. A matter that is of very great importance to me is, that, in Germany, one is able to send his children to school to have them instructed in reading and writing. Here it is well nigh impossible to get such instruction; especially, where people live so far apart. O, how fortunate are they who have access to a good teacher by whom the children are well taught and trained!
“Inhabitant. It is true. On that account many children living on our frontiers grow up like trees. But since the conditions are such that few people live in cities and villages as they do in Germany, it is natural that one meets with certain inconveniences. Where is there a place in this world where one does not meet with some objectionable features during his natural life?
“New-Comer. But this is an exceptional want, for if children are thus brought up in ignorance it is an injury to their soul's welfare, — an eternal injury.
“Inhabitant. That is true, but, alas, how few good schoolmasters there are! I myself have had many and known many, but few good ones have I seen. Yet, I remember two, in my life-time, who had many good qualities. The one spent most of his time in secret prayer and heartfelt sighing that God might direct and keep the hearts and minds of his pupils. He taught them their letters faithfully. He observed also their natural dispositions. If he found the child ambitious, he would praise it so that it learned its lessons fairly well. He would promise that it should yet lead the class, but he asked God
