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

Made for: Rebecca Heckman (American [Berks County, PA], 1847 - 1850)

Date: 1847
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 16 1/16 x 13 3/8 in. (40.8 x 34 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Raymond Heckman
Object number: 1939.67.1

Translation
Birth and Baptismal Certificate.
To both these spouses, namely Henrich Heckman and his wedded housewife Rebecca, née Albrecht(in), was a daughter born into the world, the 7th day of June in the year of our Lord, 1847. This daughter was born in Reading Township, in Berks County, in the state of Pennsylvania, in North America; and received through Holy Baptism the name Rebecca the 23rd day of July in the year 1847, by the honorable Mr. Jacob Miller. 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 counted to Your seeds, God Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I am baptized in Your name,

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

In Collection(s)