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13. This morning, though much indisposed of winds in my poor bowels, I would
sit down to write and to remember the mercies of the Lord, who has again enabled
me to fulfill the duties of the ministry another quarter. May the Father of mercies
pity and pardon His unworthy servant, and restore ease and strength to my
weakened body, and also peace and joy in believing. Blessed Jesus, in Thee is
life, and I desire to live by faith in Thy merits and promises. O, Thou
compassionate Savior, be my life and my physician. While the help of men and
medicines is vain, I would flee unto Thee, and rest my all on Thine almighty arm!
Lord! I believe! Help my unbelief, and change sorrows into songs of praises! Pity
also my wife and children, and return in mercy and compassionate love to me and
my family. Oh my soul, return unto Thy rest, and rejoice in hope. May Zion
prosper and our land be filled with the true knowledge, service, worship, and glory
of the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through the eternal
Spirit of all grace. Amen.
22. Yesterday evening we returned from Saratoga, where I also preached last
Lord’s Day morning from 1 Timothy 1.15, 500 and am in hopes that the gospel
ministry will be soon established. I have recommended young Mr. Smith, 501 and
intend to settle him at that place, if it shall please the Lord to prosper my designs
for Zion’s welfare, and the salvation of many precious souls. Thanks to my God,
who preserved us abroad and kept my family at home. I am through mercy
somewhat better, and hope the Lord will yet renew and restore poor, unworthy
me. May we be prepared for the day of public prayer next Wednesday, while I am
glad that the fruits of the convention of the Synod 502 are already conspicuous, and
some glimpses of further usefulness and advantages to the promotions of virtue
and piety do appear, which may be derived from this union and communion of the
Churches. Lord, I am Thine, and desire to be found also doing, that truth with
piety and peace be preserved and propagated on Earth and throughout the
assemblies and congregations of Thy people. Bless all Thy servants and
strengthen them in and for the service of Thy Sanctuary, and may Thy unworthy
one rejoice in hope, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
N.B. Two elders of Dominee Bunschoten’s congregation were here this morning,
to collect for the finishing of their new church. 503 I am happy to hear of my
friend’s success in the gospel, even among the destitute and dispersed in the
wilderness, and pray the God of all mercy and grace. Prosper his labors, and bless
him and his people. Amen.
27. Tomorrow it is a day of public prayer, 504 and I have preached a preparatory
sermon from Romans 12.12, 505 when I received strength out of weakness. May
the Father of mercy restore ease to my disordered stomach and bowels, and enable
500
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners – of whom I am the foremost.
501
Dominee Samuel Smith (1769-1801), at that time teacher of Latin at the Albany Church Academy.
Trained by John Henry Livingston, and prepared for ordination by Eilardus Westerlo [Demarest 1859:
188]. Licensed by the General Synod in 1789. Minister in Saratoga since 1789.
502
Westerlo probably meant the licensing and ordination of new ministers.
503
It was recorded that in Mahakemack, NY, a new church was built a few years after the
Revolutionary War, when the old one was burned down.
504
Days of public prayer were often announced by the legislature, for various reasons.
505
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
190