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espective congregation, and that such a person should be called by the majority of
members in the consistory. May the God of peace and love prosper this our labor,
and the congregations be supplied regularly and peaceably with a pious and
learned minister of the gospel, and the Lord accept of our poor endeavors for
Christ’s sake. Amen.
July ’89
14. Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty, who has helped and brought me hitherto.
I went this day a fortnight to Saratoga, and to the Springs, the waters whereof I
tasted and thought, when properly used, might prove beneficial to my weakened
frame. I concluded therefore to spend a Sabbath at Saratoga. I preached, in
Dutch, Psalm 92.14, 539 and lectured, in English, from John 16.8, 540 after which, in
account of the heavy rains, I could not go up to the Springs before Tuesday
morning, when I went and stayed till Thursday noon. Wonderful and wise and
good are the works of the Lord. Besides two or three others, there is one
remarkable spring within a rock, which stands at the foot of a rocky hill in a dale
almost alone, and separate from the mountain. It has probably been formed by the
overrunning of the fountain, and is about six or seven feet high in the pyramidical
shape, with an opening at the top, whereout the water at present must be drawn by
a small cup fastened to a stick and containing about a pint. The water is pretty
clear, whitish, and salt, at first unpleasant but by degrees agreeable and to some
even of a delicious taste. I intend (VD) to return and take another trial. It seems
pretty well to agree with my stomach, and opens my bowels, and who knows a
proper use of it may restore strength to my impaired frame and be blessed to my
recovery. In the meantime I would pray for pity and pardon, and also success to
my poor endeavors for Zion’s prosperity. Oh, may I be found faithful, and the
Lord accompany our labors with His Spirit and grace. Father! spare and restore,
and bless also the school under our care, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
30. This morning I returned from the Springs, and Dr. Kissam 541 from New York,
who was there with me, rather thought the water too cold for me, advised me to
riding and a nourishing diet with cheerfulness. May the Lord direct and bless and
dispose of my goings and doings for Zion’s prosperity and to His glory especially,
and Saratoga, where I have some prospect for good! The Father of mercies pity
poor me, and preserve my family and friends at home and abroad. Father of
mercies! Accept of my gratitude for past deliverance and safety, and increase my
humble, prudent trust and confidence. This morning I was led into the motto
What doth a living man complain, let every one complain of his sin. 542 Oh, may
my complaints and sins both be forgiven, and I be enabled to wait on the Lord.
Amen.
539 In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap.
540 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
541 Dr. Benjamin Kissam, member of the Black Friars Society in New York City in 1789.
542 Lamentations 3:39-40.
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