Tom, these past weeks I have been able to do little more among this fraternity than pause occasionally for a quick look. I happened to be “in” the day you posted and your words were deeply felt as I was sitting bedside in hospice with my 99 year old aunt back here in the Midwest of my youth. The nearness of eternity in these moments heightens every interaction, even an online one. I don’t know if you are still on this side of the “great chasm fixed” but if so I want you to know that you have been near to mind each day since and not forgotten in prayer.
This year is the 300th anniversary of the landing of the father and mother of the American branch of our family. (1725 in the Penn Colony). My aunt and I have talked repeatedly about their persecution as Christians in the Palatinate of southwest Germany and how even in the loss of everything they would not recant. When Wm. Penn heard of these hard working Palatines he threw the door open to his colony in the New World and our grandparents were some of those who made their way there. I’ve learned bits and pieces of their lives but always wondered if they stayed true to the end. Incredibly, I found a copy of his will on line. I wonder no longer. After the perfunctory “I _______, being of sound mind, etc” I was stunned by the first paragraph:
“Imprimis, I commend my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God; assuredly believing he will receive the Same into his Everlasting Kingdom, through the Merits of Jesus Christ, my dear redeemer in whom I believe.”
Imprimis - first and surpreme - how indeed it is.
My aunt was sobered by this, as was I, and her faith, which is solid, was enflamed. I desire only the same for you, friend.
Last edited by FallCreekFan; 09/15/25 07:14 AM.
