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standing exposed to the cold, may it have made impression upon their and my
own mind, and I be found of a mild, peaceful spirit, even to those who are not so
well disposed towards me. Oh, may all our heats and animosities be graciously
forgiven, and we be taught to love one another in Christ Jesus, our life, and the
hope of glory. Blessed Jesus, I would look unto Thee, and commit my all unto
Thee as my faithful Savior. May what I have preached on the 23 rd , Lord’s Day,
prove a real blessing unto me and my people, and we receive the gift of
righteousness unto justification of life. I humbly trust, Lord, I have delivered
what I have received, and desire, with all Thy people, to glory in Thee as the Lord
our righteousness, Adonai Tasreino. 606
May ’90
1. Blessed be the Lord, who has brought us and spared us hitherto! May our past
sins be forgiven in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, and we
receive grace for grace, to persevere and increase in every good work. I desire to
thank the Lord that even those who did not behave formerly as they ought,
probably not without my giving some cause for their offense, have shown, that
they are not irreconcilable, and I humbly pray that our sins and imprudences may
be graciously forgiven, and we henceforth live in peace and harmony, as
becometh men and Christians. I would also pray for direction and success with
respect to the schools, that they may be properly and firmly united into the
Academy, and prove to have been beneficial for that purpose. I intend to promote
such a union, but if possible, consistent with my desire to procure a religious and
pious education. The rules therefore ought to be made with that intention always
in view, and I hope, through divine mercy, our labor shall not be in vain. The
Lord pity, pardon, restore, and prepare for His work and service.
4. Last night a son 607 was born to our children, the second born in my family, and
I desire to thank the Lord for this fresh instance of His mercy. May the mother be
further strengthened, and also the other son Philip be restored, who was yesterday
very sick of the hives or obstruction on his lungs. Oh, may the Father of mercies
further pity and support poor, unworthy me and mine, and we live to sing of His
mercies. Fain would I also wait for a blessing on the schools. May such a union
be formed which will prove really beneficial to the city, and religion as well as
learning be taught there. I have endeavored to promote both from the beginning
of this institution, when it was a general scheme, and though that has not fully
succeeded, still I have obtained assistance in the ministry, and am not without
hope that the whole will be blessed in the end. My dear colleague’s parochial
duties increasing, and his salary on account thereof being raised, and besides Mr.
Merchant 608 proving to be industrious and successful, but the city not being able to
support two schools which also fomented jealousies among children and parents, I
thought it my duty to promote a union, and convened the consistory and trustees
yesterday evening, who, as well as the other party, have appointed a committee to
606
Hebrew [letters]: God our rock.
607
Stephen Van Rensselaer Schuyler; died three weeks later [see entry of May 26 below]. Philip is the
older brother (born in 1788) mentioned in the next sentence.
608
George Merchant (1757-1830), first came to Albany to teach school, serving as rector of the
Seminary Academy located on North Pearl Street beginning in 1782.
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