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new and honorary but also arduous and laborious office; that his life may be
graciously spared, his strength augmented, and all his endeavors for Zion’s
prosperity be crowned with success to the Church and its interest in this land. I
desire to submit to all the ways of Divine providence, which have been and are
still mixed with judgment and mercies. Though much opposition here, yet I
humbly trust the work of the Lord will obtain the victory. O, Father of mercies,
accept of my humble gratitude for all Thy loving kindnesses shown unto Thy
ministering servants and Thy Church in this land. Prosper their late resolutions
and appointments, the new professor, and both the colleges. Endue us with all
necessary prudence and fortitude to accomplish the means requisite for the
furnishing of this important cause. Unite hearts and hands, and remove all
jealousies and contentions and may our Church throughout this and the
neighboring state of New Jersey flourish, and be established unto the latest
prosperity. Restore peace and tranquility among my people, and direct me ,
Father, in the way of duty and usefulness. Help, o gracious Father, my infirmities,
and carry me through every difficulty, for Jesus’ sake, o Lord, Amen.
21. This afternoon the consistory is to meet in order to determine whether I am to
proceed with preaching in the English language or not; may the God of peace
assist us in our deliberations, and we be enabled to determine what He Himself
will own and bless. I am afraid my leaving off on account of one or two
gentlemen, who told me they were by many others 177 desired to ask me not to
preach more in English, was too rash and prejudicial to the real interest of my
congregation, especially the arising generation, which are in danger of being
drawn off from our Church by every pretender and sectarian and therefore think it
my duty if again entreated by my consistory to begin again in the strength of my
God who has enabled me hitherto and on whose grace I desire to rely entirely for
O. L. J. C. sake. Amen.
22. The consistory met accordingly yesterday afternoon, and desired me to preach
again in both languages, as formerly; but I have demanded, on this account, in
order to prevent future misunderstandings, that a formal resolution concerning this
matter shall be registered in the church minutes, and the whole of my salary fixed
at £175 per annum, including the £30 for extraordinary services, and that the
arrears of my stipend, which are upwards of £200, shall be collected and paid as
soon as possible, since it is known by experience that such indeterminate additions
and delays of paying create nothing but jealousies and discontent. May the Lord
order our affairs, and bless our resolves with success and prosperity to our
congregation, for His Son’s sake. Amen.
30. Yesterday Dominee Romein 178 arrived here, on his way to Schenectady. May
the Lord follow this my brother with His blessings, and grant him success in his
ministry. Strengthen us both, blessed Jesus, in and for the service of Thy
Sanctuary, and give us to live in Thy fear and mutual love, as well as to promote
Thy Kingdom in these northern parts. Today I am advanced to the 46 th year of my
age. I desire to be humbled under a deep sense of my shortcomings and defects in
so many respects, in my heart, life, and ministration, and to render thanks to my
177
These last three words were clearly added later.
178
Dominee Dirck (Theodoric) Romeyn (1744-1804); minister in Schenectady, 1784-1804.
76