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further, Father of mercies, and grant strength and humble confidence in every time
of need. Direct Thy unworthy servant in every part and path of duty, and if I go to
the Manor Livingston, let Thy presence go along and bless the ordination work for
Christ’s sake. Amen.
30. This day I am 50 years old, and desire to bless the Lord, my God and Father
in Christ, for all His mercies and benefits bestowed upon poor, unworthy, sinful
me and mine! May the Father of mercies pardon my sins and shortcomings and
pity me in body and soul. I desire to devote myself anew unto His service. Oh,
may strength be renewed, and my life be continued for a blessing also to my
family, myself, and my people. The Lord, of His infinite mercy, spare us together
in mercy, and prepare us for all His will and for His blessed Communion in our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
November ’88
3. I desire to thank the Lord this morning for His assistance yesterday in His
service. Though in the morning much indisposed under preaching from Romans
12.1, 481 yet I appointed a catechism in the evening, and was helped to speak before
a large audience even of the oldest people, while some were obliged to return for
want of room. I rejoice in the prospect of more usefulness this way of teaching,
and pray the Father of mercies to remove present pains, and to renew strength to
proceed also with the explanation of the Christian duties. Fain would I also
perform the ordination work in the Manor, if it be the will of the Lord. Blessed
Jesus, Thy strength be perfected in my weakness, and lift upon me the light of Thy
gracious countenance. The Lord bless my family and people and prosper the
labors of all His servants to the praise of the glory of His grace, for Christ’s sake,
now and evermore. Amen.
13. Yesterday I returned from the Manor of Livingston where I was, by Dominee
Schuneman, 482 requested to preach for him, on account of his indisposition, the
ordination sermon, and blessed be the Lord, though I myself was not so well, I
was strengthened out of weakness to preach from Zephaniah 1.11, 483 and the
young Dominee Jeremias Romein 484 entered upon his charge from Zechariah
6.13. 485 All was conducted with order and decency, and we returned next morning
as far as Kinderhook, but were stopped on our way by a very severe storm, at
Dominee Ritzema 486 ’s house, who entertained us very friendly. May the Father of
mercies pardon my infirmities and shortcomings, and accept of this my poor
service to His Church. Restore my health, remove present pains, and prepare for
further usefulness through our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
481
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
482
Dominee Johannes Schuneman (1712-1794), ordained by the Classis of Amsterdam in 1753.
483
The inhabitants of the Mortar wail, for all the traders have perished; all who weigh out silver are cut
off.
484
Dominee Jeremiah Romeyn (1768-1818).
485
It is he that shall build the temple of the Lord; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit upon his
throne and rule. There shall be a priest by his throne, with peaceful understanding between the two of
them.
486
Dominee Johannes Ritzema (1710-1796).
184