• Reading Public Museum
    Open 11a-5p DailyAdmission
  • Neag Planetarium
    Show ScheduleAdmission
  • Arboretum
    Open everyday from sunrise to sunset
Collections Menu

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Printer: Christian Jacob Hutter (American (born in Germany), 1771 - 1849)

Made for: Peter Lawalt (American [Northampton County, PA], born 1809)

Date: 1809
Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 13 1/16 x 15 1/2 in. (33.2 x 39.4 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1939.86.1

Translation
Birth and Baptismal Certificate.
To these two spouses, namely Johannes Lawalt and his wedded housewife Maria, née Bunstein, was a son born into the world, named Peter, in the year of our Lord Jesus 1809, the 29th day of June, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, under the sign of [blank]. This Peter was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in Northampton County, in Lower Nazareth Township. Abovementioned Peter was baptized the 13th of August 1809 by Pastor Thom. Pinn. Sponsors were Georg Bunstein [and] maid Maria Magdalena Lawalt(in).

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, 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.

[in lower right 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 Collection(s)