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may my poor labors succeed for Zion’s prosperity, and my strength be renewed.
Last night my dear little child was sick of a fever and pain in the neck. Oh, may
the Father of mercies pity her, restore, and renew her health. I desire to blush for
my deficiency in bringing up my children, and hope through mercy to teach them
more, and give to them better within doors [?]. Oh, may my whole family be
visited with saving faith, and Holiness, and we become more serious and sincere
in the worship and service of the Lord. Father, forgive my sins and give me Thy
good Spirit to lead me to every truth and part of duty, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
N.B. I was to write to Dominee Romein about the Classis approbation of the call.
16. I wrote to Dominee Romein, and the Classis must be convened, and [it must]
approve, but also the congregations [must] first subscribe the Union. 307 This
morning I heard of D. Fero 308 that Halfmoon had signed the call and desired to
hear of Niskayuna. When I will be able to determine what to do, may the Lord
direct and prosper, also my poor labors of yesterday as Jericho, to lay a foundation
for a church there. But I am sorry our intentions with Mr. Wilson have failed. I
desire to be silent and to acquiesce in all the doings of the Lord, and not to judge
but to wait on His light and blessings both upon my congregation and on the
schools. May the Father of mercies pity and pardon and provide for us such a
man of God who will be active in His service and for His glory! O, blessed Jesus,
I have preached Thee, because Thou hast loved and taught me, bless Thee for Thy
aid and assistance hitherto. Lord, forgive former imprudences and plead Thy
cause, make us humble, confident and cause us to seek Thy interest and glory, o,
unto the Protestant Churches, and may jealousies and party animosities cease.
Prepare for Thy day and the next fast day, and be our advocate and a propitiation
for all our sins. May the spirit of grace and glory rest upon us. Amen etc.
26. Blessed be the Father of mercies for His aid and assistance, especially on the
day of solemn fasting and prayer. The congregation was very large and attentive
and strength given out of weakness, I preached twice from Hosea 14. 3 and 4, 309
and oh, may we also receive a blessing for our congregation and that young man
[in margin: “J. Bassett” 310 ] be persuaded to accept of our invitation. I rejoice in
hope of success on my poor labors, and desire to be found in the way of duty.
May the Classis also be blessed, and the Churches flourish. I am glad to hear that
Saratoga also has a Sabbath meeting, and hope still to supply their wants, but my
strength is small. O, may patience have its perfect work, and the Lord perform
everything concerning me, poor, unworthy me, my family, and His people, for the
sake of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
July ’87
2. The Classis met last Wednesday at Schenectady, three ministers and nine
elders, and approved of a call to Dominee Bunschoten. May all our other efforts
307
These new congregations had not subscribed to the Union of Dutch Reformed Churches yet.
308
David Fero [last name also given as Fuhrer] (1728-1819?). See also entry of December 18, 1787.
309
“Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the
work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.” I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
310
Dominee John Bassett (1764-1824). Employed as assistant to/colleague of Eilardus Westerlo
beginning in 1787, including as president of the Church Academy.
129