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Wicked One, and I come off more than conqueror through O. L. and Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.
October ’88
1. Yesterday evening H. F. R. O. [?] came and spoke to me about his spiritual
exercises and distresses, by which it appears that the Devil has a great wrath
against everyone who is engaged in the promoting of Christ’s Kingdom. May the
Father of mercies pity him and all others who are exposed to temptations of the
Evil One, and strength be given equal to our day and sufferings. I am just now
reading De Frein’s Wapenrusting, 471 who writes very explicitly and faithfully, and
in particular of the Devil’s power and assaults. May the Lord strengthen poor,
weak, sinful me, also in this Christian warfare, and pity my feeble, painful frame.
The Lord remember all mine, and deliver us from the power of sin and Satan. O,
for more meekness, patience, fortitude, and faith. Blessed Jesus, unto Thee I
commit my all and all my family and people. Do not leave, but lead and
encourage, and change our sorrows and sightings into songs of triumph and joy!
Amen.
P.S. on the application of Mr. C. Miller, I have promised (VD) next Wednesday to
preach at Niskayuna. QISDSOM [?]
6. This day the Synod commences their setting at New York, and though
prevented from being present, I would humbly pray that the Lord be present in the
midst of them with His Spirit and grace, to direct and bless their labors for His
glory and Zion’s prosperity, and oh, may my poor endeavors at home and abroad
be accompanied with the efficacious influences of Divine grace, in and through
Jesus Christ, that many precious souls be born of God and brought to His blessed
Communion and service. Blessed Jesus, be Thou my life and strength, and may I,
with all Thy people, be enabled to come continually unto Thee, and to be built up
unto living stones fitted for Thy glory! That even our bodies may be strong in the
Lord, and not only vessels of honor, but also instruments to carry about the rich
treasures of Thy grace, that others may partake and receive out of Thy fullness
grace for grace. Restore my ease and vigor, and prepare for Thy work at
Niskayuna. May great grace be given! Amen.
7. This morning I am, by the cloudy weather, the ground being also wet of the
rain that fell last night, prevented from performing my promise to preach in
Niskayuna. I hope this disappointment to that people may work for their good, to
convince them of the necessity to provide a stated minister. May my poor prayers
be heard for them and all the congregation, and I be enabled by another
opportunity to serve them in the word of the Lord! My dear wife has also been
much indisposed of a colic last night, and duty to her and myself, being also weak
and painful of a restless night, keeps me home. Though I feel myself much sorry
for this event, I pray the Father of mercies to accept of my intention, and pardon
my fears if sinful. Oh, for more faith and submission to all His will and ways, and
471
Westerlo did not have any titles by Henricus De Frein in his collection in 1771, but his Een
Strydende Heylige, In de Wapenen tegen den Satan […] (Efeze 6:10-18) [1738, third edition] was in
Westerlo’s possession later [Sage Library holds this copy], and it discusses a Bible text on the armor
[=wapenrusting] of God.
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