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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Printer: Johann Herschberger (American (Chambersburg, PA), 1809 - 1813)

Made for: Maria Kuff (American [Lancaster County, PA], born 1793)

Date: 1793
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 12 3/8 x 15 5/8 in. (31.4 x 39.7 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1935.96.1

Translation
To both these spouses, namely Jacob Kuff and his wedded housewife Barbara, née Robel(in), was a daughter born into the world in the year of our Lord 1793, the 15th day of January, at [blank] o’clock [blank] min. and received through Holy Baptism the name Maria Kuff by Preacher Brubacher. Sponsors were [blank]. Above child was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in the County of Lancaster.

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, heaven’s joy and the garment of celebration.

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