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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Made for: Barbara Hunsicker (nee Houtz) (American, 1808 - 1898)

Date: 1808
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 13 1/8 x 16 1/4 in. (33.3 x 41.3 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1935.93.1

Translation
Birth and Baptismal Certificate.
To both these spouses, namely Henrich Hautz and his wedded housewife Christina, née Kopehower(in), was a daughter born into the world, named Barbara in the year of our Lord Jesus 1808, the 10th day of March, at [blank] o’clock [blank], in the sign of [blank]. This Barbara was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County, in Bethel Township. Abovementioned Barbara Hautz(in) was baptized the 15th of April 1808 by Mister William Hendel. Sponsors were Magdalena Hautz, single.

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.

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