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good word and work. I have also perused my notes since the last Sacraments, and
would fain give thanks to the Lord for several mercies received, as well as for the
hope of success to my poor endeavors for establishing religion here and
elsewhere, especially in the Boght and Greenbush. May their congregations
formerly belonging and still looking to me, poor, feeble me, be provided and
supplied with more service in such a way as the Lord shall be pleased to direct and
approve, and my people, particularly in the city as its nearest vicinity, be blessed
in the choice of my worthy friend as their English minister. 337 Oh, Father of
mercies, spare us both, and prepare us for Thy work and service. May his trial be
satisfactory and his entrance accompanied and followed with the blessings of Thy
Spirit and gospel and grace, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
30. Last night I had, through mercy, good rest and sleep, and I humbly hope this
morning I have been devoting myself with joy and gratitude to the Lord and His
service, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Oh, may the Father of
mercies graciously accept of us in the Beloved, and we experience His
unchangeable covenant love, be prepared for His work and enjoyment at His
Table. Though unworthy the least of His mercies, and deserving indignation and
wrath on account of my unfaithfulness and innumerable provocations, I am still
hoping in His mercies. O, Father of life and lights, my faithful Creator and
bountiful Benefactor, I desire to remember Thy loving kindnesses in my youth,
when at schools and on the university. What a preventing, preserving love,
supplying my various wants, and not withstanding my sins and iniquities,
delivering me out of many straits and difficulties, by friends, strangers and
otherwise, and, above all, by calling me into the service of Thy Sanctuary even
before I was licensed to preach. How wondrous and gracious have been the ways
of the Lord with such a criticaster as I was, such a vile mass of corruption as I am
still before Thee. O, free, sovereign, bounteous, bottomless grace, sparing
forbearing with me when here in my first years, and I remember with humble
gratitude giving me strength and inclination to study and preach as my light and
industry would admit till, of His infinite mercy, the Spirit of the Lord, conqueror
of sin, and also of the necessity of a personal interest in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be God for this light of life, and, though in much weakness and
imperfection, yet I would fain thank the Lord for enabling me to teach and preach
the Lord Jesus Christ to others, with success. O, for a name among His children
and still more a blessing to them and to others unto life. This morning I desire to
renew covenant with the Lord, and oh, may my poor prayer be heard, and I
receive new strength for public and private duties, new light and insight in the
Sacrament, and also new joys and peace. May it please the Father of mercies to
spare His unworthy servant and renew his impaired health, and increase vigor and
zeal for His Church and worship in town and country, but also bless my weak
labors to my family and people at large. O, may many be added and joined to the
Lord. Restore my sick friends and bring us to Thy House, to praise Thy name and
to call upon the Lord for mercy and peace, upon this land and my native country
and upon His dear Church, throughout the world. O, Father of all, pity my
relations and friends in the Netherlands; convert and comfort them and avert the
337 Dominee John Bassett.
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