- Reading Public Museum
Open 11a-5p DailyAdmission - Neag Planetarium
Show ScheduleAdmission - Arboretum
Open everyday from sunrise to sunset
Translation
To these two spouses, namely Abraham Mehrkamm and his wedded housewife Elisabetha, née Jorg(in), was a daughter born in the world, named Maria Susanna, in the year of our Lord Jesus 1798, the 21st day of May, at 8 o’clock in the morning, under the sign of [illegible]. This Susanna was baptized by the honorable Preacher Jacob Eyermann. This Mari Susanna was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in the Northampton County, in Chestnut Hill Township. Abovementioned Maria Susanna was baptized the 15th of July by Mister JJ Eyermann. Sponsors were Georg Bock and his wife Maria Elisabeth.
When we are barely born, from the first step in life to the cool grave of the earth, is only a short-measured pace. Oh! With every moment, our strength declines. And with every year, we are all too ripe for the bier; And who knows at which hour the final voice will awaken us; for with His mouth, God has not yet revealed this to any human. He who now tends to his house will leave the world with joy. Since surety, on the other hand, can provoke eternal death.
[in lower left heart]
I am baptized, I stand united through my baptism with my God, So I always speak with joyful mouth: in burden, in sadness, fear and need. I am baptized, for which I am glad. The joy remains with me eternally.
[in lower right heart]
I am baptized, if I now die, how can the cool grave harm me? I know my fatherland and inheritance that I have in heaven with God. After my death, is for me prepared, of heaven’s joy, the garment of celebration.
