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endeavored to assist her formerly, I desire to rest this dispensation of the Lord’s
providence, and oh, may I be ready also! Both my parents long ago and my
brother John. A. some years hence, and in 1776 my only dear beloved sister
departed. What am poor unworthy I thus graciously spared for. Oh, may the Lord
preserve my life and health for my family’s and children’s sake and we be enabled
to glorify Him in our day and station. I desire to wait for His salvation and to
rejoice and hope through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
6. I received a letter from Dr. Livingston concerning the erecting of a Divinity
Hall at Brunswick. I rather would unite and join the other orthodox Churches and
fix such a laudable institution at New York. But must leave the issue of my
answer and proposal to the determination of Divine providence and wish to be
doing something for the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom in this state. May the
Lord direct and prosper our legislature for Zion’s sake. Blessed be our God for
the confirmation of peace and the evacuation of New York and its restitution to
our friends. May they return in safety and enjoy the gracious presence of the
Lord. I have also answered my letters from Holland, by Captain Rose; but that
vessel is sunk in our river. What a mercy for the captain and sailors. May it
impress their souls with gratitude. Thanks be to the Lord for the weaning of my
daughter Joanna from the nurse. She has been a week home, and behaves very
quietly. May we with all our offspring live before the Lord in Jesus Christ.
Amen.
28. Blessed be the Lord who has spared my life, and given me to see the end of
the war. A glorious end, I humbly pray for our land, and also for the Christian
Church. I desire to be subservient and employed for the establishment of Christ’s
Kingdom in our state. May the Lord bless our attempts and efforts for uniting the
Protestant Churches and bless our purposes for erecting a seminary, or Divinity
Hall. Prepare us, Lord, for the ensuing Thanksgiving Day (Second Thursday in
December) and may our prayers and praises be accepted in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
December ’83
10. Last Lord’s Day I have endeavored to prepare our hearts for the ensuing
Thanksgiving Day, from Psalms 118.27 101 and 50.23, 102 and may the Lord accept
of this preparation work. I was, and am still, very much indisposed of a severe
cold, which is increased by preaching, and am much concerned. Oh, may I be
humbled before the Lord on account of my present inability to unite with all
America publicly and solemnly to render thanks to the Lord for the blessings of
peace, returning to our land, and spread throughout the Christian world. Well,
may we bemoan our sinful guilt that hath brought war upon brethren in the same
faith and because our innumerable transgressions on both sides, and entreat the
God of all mercies for the pardon of our aggravated crimes against one another,
and oh, may the Father of mercies forgive the sins and inequities of both parties
101 The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the
horns of the altar. [A Thanksgiving ritual in the Temple amid the psalmist’s friends and family.]
102 Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will
show the salvation of God.
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