Translation Request of Matthias Mertlich's Handwriting Inside a German Bible Cover

ShawnaMertlichAnderson

The following is a picture of my Grandfather Matthias Mertlich's handwriting inside a Bible he gave my Grandmother Johanna as a symbol of their engagement. This was his Bible and he had no money for an engagement ring. I believe the first part is a scripture from Psalms and then a message with his signature.

I would appreciate very much having this translated. Thank you!

Shawna Mertlich Anderson

Ulrich Neitzel

@ShawnaMertlichAnderson

Hello Shawna,

you are correct, the first part including the first two lines on the right page are the first three verses of Psalm 1:

Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree

Planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

then a dedication:

As a constant reminder

Your brother in alliance

Matthias Mertlich

Hamburg 1909

ShawnaMertlichAnderson

Thank you very much Ulrich Neitzel! Your translation means a lot!