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Geburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Geburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Artist: Friederich Krebs (American [Berks County, PA], 1749 - 1815)

Made for: Sarah Mauer (American [Bucks County, PA], born 1788)

Date: 1798
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 13 x 15 3/4 in. (33 x 40 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1939.77.1

Translation
To these two spouses, namely Mr. Peter Maurer and his wedded housewife Anna Margret, née Reinmund(in), was a daughter born into the world, named Sara, in the year of our Lord Jesus 1788, the 18th day of January at [blank] o’clock [blank] under the sign of [blank]. This Sara was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in Bucks County, in Nockamixon Township. Abovementioned Sara was baptized the [blank] 17 [blank] by Mister [Ahl?]. Sponsors were Johannes Maurer and his wife Anna Margret, the grandparents.

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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