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pains. I caught a fresh cold, but oh, may my very soul be resigned and my poor
body be chastened in mercy. Blessed Jesus, be Thou my physician and my health.
Pity all Thy afflicted ones and the tempted. Make us more than conquerors, and
bless us with all the fruits of Thy Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
9. Last week application was made to me by Mr. Pawling 413 from the New
City, 414 respecting a minister for the place. The request for that purpose being
drawn up to be sent to Dr. Rodgers 415 and Dr. Livingston, but worded in such a
manner as might give offense to them, especially on account of many there
refusing to submit to a presbytery. Mr. Pawling was rather averse to sign it as one
of a committee appointed to forward the matter. I advised him not to sign any
request derogatory to the honor of the ministry or church government; but rather
to propose whether Mr. Lupton, 416 if sent by our Synod, might not probably be the
man adequate to mute them into one body and regular order to our Churches,
which he agreed to try and send me an answer. Fain would I be found doing
something also for that people. May the Great Shepherd of His flock further
direct and bless our joint labors for Zion’s prosperity. I am but feeble and still
afflicted by nervous pains in my bowels, but blessed be God for strength equal to
the dispensations of His Holy and most wise and gracious Providence. Oh, may
all unbelief, ingratitude, and murmuring be more and more mortified, and I,
through free mercy and grace, be enabled to deny myself, and follow the Lord.
Blessed Jesus, be Thou near unto me and give me much of Thy comforting grace,
whilst in this strange land, and may my family also be devoted to Thy service, and
rejoice in Thee, as the hope of life and glory. Amen.
16. Last Lord’s Day I acquainted the congregation of my intention to begin next
Lord’s Day evening with the public catechism on the confession of faith. Since
that time some members have offered their service to answer, and if it shall please
the Father of mercies to spare my life and renew my strength, I desire to
commence that delightful work. Oh, may strength and grace be given equal to
duty, to poor, unworthy me. Blesses Jesus, Thy grace is sufficient, and let me
obtain mercy and help from Thee in every time of need. My strength is weak, but
in Thee is righteousness and strength. Oh, be my surety and my Savior in Thee.
Lord, I would trust, and to Thee I commit my body and soul. Have mercy upon
my impaired frame, and restore health, comfort, and confidence unto Thy
unworthy servant, who is less than the least, and be Thou my life and my all. I
have been much afflicted in my bowels since last Lord’s Day night, and feel again
weak, but, in much weakness, fears, trials, oh, may I be enabled to look up to the
living God, who is the glory of the strength of all His people. Fain would I be
found in the way of duty, and doing something for the Lord, who has done so
much for me, and why should I not go on in His strength, who has graciously
called me, and preserved me, sinful, unworthy me, unto this present moment. I
would also join with all His people throughout the land in calling upon His name
413
Levi Pawling (married Jane Wilson in Lansingburgh in 1787); his importance is shown in streets
being named after him in both Troy and Lansingburgh.
414
Lansingburgh was then known by many as the “New City,” as opposed to the “Old City,” Albany.
415
The Reverend John Rodgers (1727-1811), Presbyterian minister in New York City before and after
the Revolution. Lansingburgh seemed to want to try what Westerlo tried earlier in Saratoga.
416
Dominee Brandt Schuyler Lupton (1763-1790?), minister in Lansingburgh, NY, 1788-89.
166