and trials. We rejoice also in the knowledge that Thou knowest him perfectly, and that Thy knowledge is coupled to Thy mercy, and that whatever may need to be forgiven in our Grandpa Isaac’s life, through the Atonement of Thy Son, will be forgiven in due time, and we pray that we may be similarly worthy.
We also give Thee thanks, Father, that Thou hast commanded us to turn our hearts to our fathers. As we have kept this commandment, in the measure that we have kept it, we have experienced great joys, including the joy of coming together and knowing each other today.
We are reminded, Father, of the words that the Revelator attributed to Thy Spirit, speaking to the ancient Church at Ephesus. They sound to us like what Thou wouldst likely say to Isaac Decker: “I know thy works, and thy patience, and how thou hast held my name, and endured.”
And we also take comfort, Father, in the promises that Thou hast made to those who overcome. As we are confident that Isaac endured and overcame, we pray that we may similarly endure and overcome. That on that great day, we may strike hands with Isaac Decker and other faithful saints. That having endured, we may be given to eat of the hidden manna, that we may have to eat of the tree of life, that is in the midst of the paradise of God, that we may with Isaac stand as pillars in the Temple of our God, to go no more
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out. And ultimately, and most amazingly, through the Holy Atonement, that we may sit with our Savior Jesus Christ in His throne, even as He also overcame and is set down with His Father in His throne. To this end we rededicate ourselves. We present this gift of a durable monument to our honored ancestor. And, though this ground needs no prayer of ours to hallow it -- it’s been sacred to the memory of Isaac Decker for a hundred thirty-three years now -- we do rededicate this place, for the sake of those who come after, that we may now look and see and remember the works of our ancestor and his worthiness. And we do it in the worthy name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, may I just say one other word? As I've mentioned, I'm writing a book, and some have been inquiring about that, and I'm trying to get a clue on how many to publish. So if anybody would like a copy of it, or would like me to include, you know, I'd be happy to take your name and address. It should be available, I would guess, within at least a month or two months. If not before Christmas, then just right after Christmas. I'm doing the final proofing of it now. The book, more specifically, is on LeRay Decker and his progenitors. So, it includes Isaac and Perry and my grandfather LeRay as well. So, if any of you are interested, then just go ahead and sign in, and we'll be happy to put you on the list.
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Richard B. “Andy” Anderson:
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In the manner of our Catholic brothers and sisters, I guess “Ite, missa est” is the correct...it’s the last words of the Mass. Means, “You can go; it’s over with.”
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