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Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Gerburts und Taufschein (Birth and Baptismal Certificate)

Made for: Adam Benjiny (American [Heidelberg Township, Berks County, PA], born 1828)

Date: 1828
Medium: watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 16 3/8 x 13 in. (41.6 x 33 cm)
Credit Line:Museum Purchase
Object number: 1939.75.1

Translation
Birth and Baptism Certificate.
To these two spouses, namely Philip Bensing and his wedded housewife Maria, née Fischer, was a son born into the world, the 18th day of February in the year of our Lord, 1828. This son was born in Heidelberg Township, in Berks County, in the state of Pennsylvania, in North America; and received through Holy Baptism the name Adam, the 24th day of March in the year 1828 from the honorable Pastor Dubs. The sponsors were: Adam Ruth and his wife Maria.

[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]
Oh, 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 box]
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 box]
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 box]
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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