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Taufschein (Baptismal Certificate)

Taufschein (Baptismal Certificate)

Printer: John Bauman (American (Ephrata, PA), 1765 - 1809)

Publisher: John Bauman (American (Ephrata, PA), 1765 - 1809)

Made for: Daniel Albrecht (American [Bern Township, Berks County, PA], born 1822)

Date: 1822
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 13 1/2 x 16 9/16 in. (34.3 x 42.1 cm)
Backboard: 14 1/4 x 17 1/16 in.
Credit Line:Gift, Raymond Heckman
Object number: 1939.62.1

Translation
Baptismal Certificate
To both these spouses, namely George Albrecht and his wedded housewife Catharine, née Burns, was a son born into the world named Daniel in the year of our Lord Jesus 1822, the 12th day of April, at 5:30 in the evening, under the sign of Aries. This Daniel was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, Berks County, Bern Township. Above Daniel was baptized the 28th of June by Mister Paule Dubbs. Sponsors [were] Daniel Aulenbach and his wife Catharine.

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, the garment of celebration.

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