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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

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

Made for: George Albrecht (American [Kern Township, Berks County, PA], 1795 - 1852)

Date: 1795
Medium: ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 13 7/8 x 16 11/16 in. (35.2 x 42.4 cm)
Backboard: 14 1/16 x 17 1/8 in.
Credit Line:Gift, Raymond Heckman
Object number: 1939.60.1

Translation
Baptismal Certificate.
To both these spouses, namely Daniel Albrecht and his wedded housewife Magdalena, née Rieser, was a son born into the world, named George in the year of our Lord Jesus 1795, the 14th day of July at [blank] o’clock, under the sign of Leo. This George was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, County of Berks, Bern Township. Abovementioned George was baptized the [blank] by Mister Boos. Sponsors: George Metler and his wife Margaretha.

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, of heaven’s joy, the garment of celebration.

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