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union with other states, if it be most for His glory. I desire to commit myself and
family unto the Lord of peace. He be our peace, and grant us joy and peace in
believing, and oh, may the tempted of my people obtain mercy, and be delivered
from all evil. Lord, hear and help, and make us more than conquerors through our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
16. Yesterday Dominee James Romein 432 was ordained minister of the gospel for
the combined congregations of Schodack and Greenbush, in the new church along
Kinderhook Road. Dominee Romein of Schenectady preached the ordination
sermon from 2 Corinthians 4.16, 433 and the young minister delivered his
introductory discourse on Colossians 4.3-4. 434 The ordination imposition of hands
was performed by Dominees Thomas Romein, Eilardus Westerlo, and Dirck
Romein, in the presence of a large audience, and I humbly pray to the edification
of the Church of Christ. I was rather disappointed for want of a proper
conveyance, which I expected would have been procured, but had the opportunity
of obtaining a passage with Mr. Van Rensselaer, 435 and came soon enough to
assist at the solemn work. May the Father of mercies pardon all the imperfections
of our Holy Duties, and grant us more of His grace and spirit to perform His
services in His fear and with a single eye to His glory and Zion’s prosperity, and
oh, may I rejoice sincerely in the prospect of the advancement of Christ’s
Kingdom throughout the land! I desire to be humbled under a sense of my own
weaknesses and defects, but also to praise the Lord for all His mercies and favors
to unworthy, sinful me. O, Lord, pity such a poor, feeble one as Thou knowest I
am, and restore my health and strength, and Thy former forfeited comforts. Make
me patient, prudent, and also fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. I would humbly
entreat the Father of lights to enlighten also the delegates at the convention for this
state, and so to unite their hearts and counsels, that no further animosities and
dissensions 436 do arise or prevail, but peace, harmony, and union, upon such a plan
of reconciliation as the God of love and peace will be pleased to approve, and
prosper both for Church and state. I lament the want of seriousness in my own
soul, and pray for such a Holy Frame that I may join with Thy people, and we
obtain mercy and help in this time of need through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is
our peace, in whom I desire to have peace, with all men and especially with those
who love the peace of our Jerusalem. Amen. Amen.
19. Blessed be the Lord for His preserving care, every day and moment. This
afternoon it thundered and one stroke very severe but, though much affected, my
family and this city graciously spared. Unto His Fatherly mercy I desire to
commit and leave myself, and oh, may the God of glory become more and more
known in His awful majesty, and also His pity and compassion towards a sinful,
guilty world. May many be awakened by the terrors of the Lord, and flee for
432
James Van Campen Romeyn (1765-1840). Minister at Schodack and Greenbush, NY, 1788-1794.
433
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being
renewed day by day.
434
At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may
declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
435
Likely Jeremiah Van Rensselaer (1738-1810), who lived in East Greenbush at the time.
436
Hundreds of essays by both Federalists and Antifederalists were published during the months
leading up to the ratification of the Federal Constitution. See, for example, John Kaminski’s The
Reluctant Pillar [Schechter 1985:48-117].
172