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enquire at Schodack whether they have received an answer; and in all cases
whatsoever, whether they will form a perpetual combination with them in order to
obtain a minister, which combination then and there to be entered into by the
Kerkeraad of both the respective congregations, and they will bring me an answer
(VD) next Thursday. I had also a conference with H_ d. K. G. to relating to what
happened last week with Mr._, who indeed has been busy with his wife, for some
time past, to force her from our Church, and therefore I have reason to believe my
suspicion was well founded, and of consequence my whole conduct consistent
with the Word of God and His hidden providence. May the Lord direct me in
every step, agreeable to His precept, and all formalists be discovered and
confounded. The woman by all reports seemed to have had some awakening
through means of H. Fero’s 355 mentioning that there were black people at the
Table of the Lord when she was not still received as a member and she appears
still a seeking soul, but much harassed by the husband about her belonging to our
communion. I wish the man were sincere or better acquainted with our principles,
and no doubt he would prefer his wife’s choice and edification before his own
narrow notions and views, but I look upon both these occurrences as somewhat in
answer to my poor prayers this morning, for blessed be that Father of mercies,
who has given me opportunity to confess my sins from my youth upwards, and
humbly to deprecate His anger and wrath and also to flee for refuge to the Lord
Jesus Christ, in whom I desire to be justified and to glory. Oh, may my other
supplications for my family and friends and for myself also be heard and granted
in His own time. I am sorry to observe so much enmity in some of my own, but I
desire to submit to every cross with humble patience and to wait on the Lord.
Father, forgive their ignorance and blasphemies, and give them another heart to
know, and honor and love and fear Thy great and glorious name, and to become a
companion of those who worship Thee. Make me more prudent, and meek, but
also zealous in and for Thy service and glory and prepare me for whatever Thou
art preparing for me. May that work of Schodack etc. prosper, and also the call
which I have prepared on Mr. Bassett. O, direct, assist, and carry me safely and
honorably through every difficulty and affliction. Accept of these my poor labors
and person, in and through O. L. Jesus Christ. Hooi doxa. 356 Amen.
12. Last night I was sick at my stomach, whether of fasting or rather of eating
baked pears. At least I prayed to the Lord and was heard. My wife having gone
last evening, I was sent for early to the Mills on account of the sickness of the
children, and prayed. Indeed, the poor infant boy appeared to be very ill of cutting
teeth, with a flux and heaving cough and fever. It was thought he was dying, but
the parents were very anxious to offer prayers for him, and we did so, especially
in the evening, that the Lord would direct and bless the medicine.
13. This morning we returned from the Mills, and have some hope of the child’s
recovery. I desire to look up for a blessing of life, in Jesus Christ. May the child
graciously recover, and receive the benefit of prayers put up for his salvation.
What a mercy and comfort to have access to the living God, also for our little
355
Henry Fero? The 1790 census shows a Henderick Fero in Catskills, Albany County (now: Greene
County), NY.
356
In Greek [letters]: to Him the glory.
143