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Yesterday morning my brother and friend Dominee Vroman died. I desire to
acquiesce in all the ways of the Lord. He is wise and good. May I be prepared
and also ready. He told me, when I was there, that his consolations hath abounded
with his sufferings and was rejoiced at my sermon, even desirous, that it might be
printed. May the Lord bless his family; particularly his sons, and preserve me still
for my family and children. I intend to attend his funeral and oh, may I return in
safety and act properly through O. L. J. C. Amen.
17. I have been to Schenectady. I had the satisfaction not only to hear from
Dominee Romein that my brother though suddenly yet died very piously, trusting
and committing both soul and body to His God and Father in Jesus Christ, but also
to see the congregation in general following their pastor to the grave. Oh, may
this solemnity awe my soul into a serious preparing frame, and his comfortable
exit also encourage and strengthen my drooping spirits to be faithful unto death.
Blessed Jesus, in whom is life, be with me and all Thy ministering servants in
mercy and power, restore precious health and spare our lives and strength; bless
my and my brothers’ labors and designs for the family of the deceased and for the
prosperity of our churches and schools, and the glory shall be to a Divine God
now and forever. Amen.
December ’84
4. Tomorrow (VD) we are to celebrate the praises of a dying Redeemer at His
Table. I have preached twice from Revelation 3.20, 183 and not without a blessing,
I hear, at least to one who is awakened, J. B. [?], and oh, may the promise be
fulfilled to all His people here, and wherever they meet, and be given to hear the
voice of our Beloved and to open unto Him. I desire to lament my innumerable
sins, and to lie at the feet of our Heavenly advocate, to supplicate His interceding
and pardoning grace. Oh, may I obtain mercy in a time of need, for myself and
my family, that piety and peace may prevail among us, and we become united to
fear and worship the Lord with one heart and mind. I have been exposed, since
our last meeting at the Table, to several trials, even from abroad. May the Father
of mercies forgive my imprudences and infirmities, and also them who hate me
without a cause. Blessed be God that envy and malice can find nothing in my
public character but lies and falsehood, and that my congregation in general
approves of my conduit as a minister. May the indifferent ones be stirred up to
more activity and exertion, and the faithful be strengthened and abound in every
good word and work. I desire to forgive my enemies, and to be reconciled to
everyone that has offended and injured me and therefore I cannot conclude, but it
is my duty, notwithstanding the trouble and opposition 184 I suffer to participants of
the Supper of our Lord, who will thereby comfort His poor afflicted ones, and if I
suffer contempt and reproach for my faithfulness and for His cause and interest,
the Lord be pleased to pardon my imperfections, and accept of my poor labors in
J. C., whose sufferings are my comfort and the only ground of all my hope and
183
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in
to you and eat with you, and you with me. [The door is seen as symbolizing the heart of sinners.]
184
Unknown what ‘trouble and opposition’ he is referring to, but this is the year the Albany
congregation joined the Union, a contentious step.
78