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21. Thanks to God, the hearer of prayer for all strength in the Sanctuary! My
brother 200 preached in the morning, and assisted me in the Sacrament, and I
performed
the service in the afternoon from Colossians 2.6 201 with life and success. The
close of the day was spent in the House of God, while my brother preached in
English. I desire to be found in the way of duty. Oh, for wisdom to hear and bear
the Rod. Riding seems to agree and to strengthen me. Yesterday I returned from
the Springs, whence I fetched my mother-in-law, and I intend (VD) to accompany
Dominee Bunschoten to Minissingen, 202 after I have obtained his dismission. May
I be active and fervent in the spirit, and my bodily strength return. I wait on Thee,
o my God and Father, through Thy Son, in whom is life. Bless my family also
and my people freely. Amen.
23. Yesterday I was enabled to preach in the morning from Psalm 92.14. 203 Out
of weakness I received strength, but the colic pains returned last night, and I feel
but uneasy. May the Lord pity unworthy me and my poor family. I desire to wait
on Thy mercies. O, my God and Father, deliver us from our iniquities, and help
our infirmities through O. L. Jesus Christ.
30. Blessed be our God for the continuance of His sparing and supporting
goodness towards unworthy me. The Lord helped and preserved me in my way
and work at Schaghticoke and Niskayuna; and I desire further to wait on His
mercy. Though weary and fatigued, I purpose to preach tomorrow, and Dominee
Bunschoten has promised to assist me. Oh, may we both experience the strength
of our covenant head, and our labors be blessed from on High. O, blessed Jesus,
have compassion with Thy feeble servant. Restore His strength and health for the
service of Thy House. Direct my steps, and if Thou wilst that I should accompany
my brother, remove every doubt and difficulty and prosper my ways for Thy
glory, the establishing of Thy Church, and my impaired health. Keep my family
and congregation in Thy fear, and favor us with Thy presence and Communion,
whether at home or abroad. Amen.
August ’85
16. Blessed be God for His mercy following me on all my ways. The Lord has
kept and preserved me, on my last long journey to Fishkills, and I humbly hope,
increased my spirits and strength for the service of the Sanctuary. I have met and
received much kindness from several friends [in the margin: D. Ritzema, D.
Gebhard, R. Livingston, Mr. Livingston, D. Voorhees, D. Rysdyk, Mr.
Bunschoten and family 204 ], and may the Lord hear our prayers, bless our
200 th
In all likelihood Dirck Romeyn of Schenectady, whom Westerlo was expecting on the 16 .
201
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
202
Minisink, NJ. Now known as Montague, NJ. Van Bunschooten was minister there, 1785-99, 13
years after their last minister, Thomas Romeyn Sr. left for Caughnawaga (Fonda), NY.
203
In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap.
204
Dominee Johannes Ritzema, minister at Kinderhook; Dominee John G. Gebhard, minister at the
German Reformed Church in Claverack: Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State of New York;
Mr. Livingston is: probably Robert Livingston’s father; Dominee Stephen Van Voorhis (1745?-1796),
minister at Rhinebeck Flats, NY, 1776-1785; First, Tarrytown and Cortlandtown, NY, 1785-1788;
Dominee Isaac Rysdyck, minister at Fishkill, Hopewell, and New Hackensack, NY; Dominee Elias
Van Bunschooten, minister at Minisink, NJ, Mahakemack, NY, and Walpack, PA.
88