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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: Catarina Heckmann (American [Berks County, PA], 1817 - 1819)

Date: 1817
Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 16 x 13 5/16 in. (40.6 x 33.8 cm)
Credit Line:Gift, Raymond Heckman
Object number: 1939.71.1

Translation
Birth and Baptismal Certificate.
To these two spouses, namely Johannes Heckmann and his wedded housewife Magdalena, née Noll(in), was a daughter born into the world, the 19th day of March in the year of our Lord, 1817. This girl was born in Alsace Township, in Berks County, in the state of Pennsylvania, in North America; and received through Holy Baptism the name Catarina, the [blank] day in August in the year 1817 by the honorable Pastor Pauly. The sponsors were Peter Miller and Hanna Heckman, both single.

[center script]
This Catarina died the 13th of June 1819 and brought her lifetime to 2 years, 2 months, and 23 days.

[bottom script]
Her funeral text: Prophet Isaiah Chapter 40, Verse 1. Song: Let go my loves, let [go] of sadness

[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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