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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Printer: Johann Ritter and Company (Reading, PA, 1779 - 1851)

Publisher: Johann Ritter and Company (Reading, PA, 1779 - 1851)

Made for: Hanna Schumann (American [Chester County, PA], born 1805)

Date: 1805
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 16 1/16 x 13 in. (40.8 x 33 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1939.76.1

Translation
Birth and Baptism Certificate.
To these two spouses, namely Johannes Schuman and his wedded housewife Elisabeth, née Münzen, was a daughter born into the world, the 4th day of September in the year of our Lord, 1805. This Hanna was born in Pikeland Township, in Chester County, in the state of Pennsylvania, in North America; and received through Holy Baptism the name Hanna, the [blank] day [blank] in the year 1805 by the honorable Mr. L. Plitt. The sponsors were the parents themselves.

[in upper left box]
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.

[in upper right box]
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 center, two columns]
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.

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 garment of celebration.

[in lower center, two columns]
I am baptized in Your name, God Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I am counted to Your seeds,

To the people that You call holy. Oh! What happiness thus became mine! Lord, let me be worthy of it!

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