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the Spirit <strong>of</strong> all grace to persevere in every good word and work for the promotion<br />
<strong>of</strong> His Kingdom and glory to our own salvation, both in time and to all eternity,<br />
and I desire to remember and to acknowledge His loving kindnesses towards me<br />
and mine in particular. His mercy in sparing us together, restoring health and<br />
strength, even out <strong>of</strong> sickness and weaknesses, and loading us with many bounties<br />
and supplies <strong>of</strong> His kind and benign providence. O, may our souls be humbled,<br />
quickened and impressed with an abiding sense <strong>of</strong> cheerful gratitude, and we be<br />
enabled and made willing to live before the Lord in all Holiness and<br />
righteousness. I lament our backslidings, and doleful decay <strong>of</strong> vital, exemplary,<br />
shining piety among us, and though some have protested against the deluge <strong>of</strong><br />
vice and immorality come in upon this city, yet I feel distressed on account <strong>of</strong> its<br />
being too much indulged and countenanced. Blessed be God that there is yet a<br />
remnant. 219 Oh, may every sinner and hypocrite be convinced <strong>of</strong> the error <strong>of</strong> his<br />
ways, and the deceitfulness <strong>of</strong> his heart; and even the scenes <strong>of</strong> vanity become<br />
subservient to discover unto many, the impurity and obstinacy <strong>of</strong> their<br />
unregenerate souls in defiance <strong>of</strong> all warning from their consciences and<br />
ministers; and may the people <strong>of</strong> God be steadfast in repairing every temptation<br />
and appearance <strong>of</strong> sin, notwithstanding the patronage and protection there<strong>of</strong> by<br />
others who have and are still deviating from their duty. May the Lord increase my<br />
health and strength, renew my youth, deal tenderly with me, and change sorrows<br />
and calamities into songs <strong>of</strong> joy and praise. Blessed Jesus, be Thou near unto<br />
unworthy me, and keep me near unto Thy blessed self. Let me be sincere, and<br />
also prudent in this hour <strong>of</strong> temptation and preserve me from every evil, especially<br />
<strong>of</strong> sin; deliver me and my family from whatever Thou seest amiss in me, and<br />
Lord, if it be Thy will and pleasure, spare my life for Thy Church and my family.<br />
Oh, may I live with my dear consort to see our children serving the Lord. Bless<br />
their education and give them Thy early grace. May all my friends and family<br />
connections throughout the world be visited by Thy Spirit from on High, and my<br />
congregation be supplied with another minister, in Thy mercy. Keep us in mutual<br />
peace and good harmony, and may the close <strong>of</strong> this year and the beginnings <strong>of</strong> the<br />
next rejoice. Amen.<br />
1786<br />
January ’86<br />
19. The Lord heareth prayer! Blessed be His great and glorious name for He is<br />
good and unchangeable the same, faithful covenant keeping God to all His people.<br />
I desire to give thanks to the Lord for the continuance and increasing abundance<br />
<strong>of</strong> His loving kindness towards me and mine, for the enjoyment <strong>of</strong> health and<br />
peace in my family, and for strength equal to my day in performing the duties <strong>of</strong><br />
my station, for the congregation and for my own house, and especially for that<br />
amicable settlement <strong>of</strong> my dear consort’s right <strong>of</strong> dower with her oldest son 220 and<br />
219 See note under the entry <strong>of</strong> September 11, 1785.<br />
220 Stephen Van Rensselaer III. His father died in 1769, and Stephen came <strong>of</strong> age on November 1,<br />
1785.<br />
94
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