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unto my soul. Preserve me, both from self-righteous pride and also antinomian
licentiousness, and let my heart be sincere in Thy service, in private and public, as
well as fervent and zealous for Thy truths and worship. May I be an example to
others, and love my neighbor as myself in all simplicity and godly conversation,
seeking His happiness in soul and body, for time and in all eternity, and oh, let me
become more and more savingly convinced of all the precious truths and duties
which Thou has taught and commanded us to believe, to do, and to teach. I thank
the Lord for His strength and assistance unto poor, unworthy me, in finishing the
translation of Alberthoma’s Catechisms, 591 and that I am spared to correct the last
proof of the printing thereof. I have found it of much benefit for my own
instruction and direction, and I humbly pray the Lord to accept of this poor mite of
mine for the use of His Churches in this land. May my dear colleague and other
young ministers be directed to improve the truths therein contained for their own
edification and the salvation of many precious souls, and I live to see the blessed
fruits of these my poor endeavors for Zion’s prosperity. I wish to follow the Lord
in the ways of His providence and dealing with me, and as I am advised to take a
vomit for the removing of my present disorder, I would humbly pray my God and
Father to bless this means for the restoration of my bodily health, to perform the
duties of my station, especially on the following Sabbath. Oh, may my sickness
not prevent me from attending the Table of the Lord, but my sins be pardoned,
and I restored to His favor and Communion with Him and His people. May the
Spirit of all grace grant me to acquiesce in all His will and to trust in the Lord,
whose mercy endureth forever. I have read this morning in Courses (Psalm
102, 592 the prayers of the afflicted), and desire my complaints may be heard and
changed into songs of joy and praise. Amen.
3. Yesterday evening I took a vomit, but with out any effect until the doctor
added four grams of emetic 593 in 4 different doses. I was much distressed from 6
to 11 of the clock. It did not operate properly before I forced its way with a
feather deep into my throat. Oh, may my poor stomach, by evacuating an
uncommon quantity of slime, be relieved, and my bowels also obtain ease and
strength, if it please the Lord, to restore my health and strength. I would be found
in the way of duty, leaning on the Beloved of our souls, Jesus Christ, in whom is
life! Blessed be the Lord for His supporting mercy and grace. Oh, may
experience work and increase patience, and the Lord change my present
indisposition into a new song of praise. Father of mercies, pity poor, unworthy
me and my family. Sanctify and comfort and heal and help, now and forever.
Amen.
6. Yesterday morning I was strengthened out of weakness to preach from 1 John
1.9, 594 and in the afternoon to receive some new communicants. My colleague
assisted me in this last work, and oh, may grace and mercy abound to such sinful
591 The original by Robert Alberthoma, Uittreksel van de Leere der Waarheid, die naar de
Godzaligheid is: Zynde een Vervolg op de Eerste Waarheden van de Genadeleere (1737?, 4 th edition
1747), was not part of Westerlo’s collection in 1771.
592 A prayer of one afflicted, when faint and pleading before the Lord.
593 Emetic is something that causes emesis (makes one want to vomit).
594 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
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