USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 63
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Article I .- Adherence to the Constitution of the Church.
We adhere, in all things, to the constitution of the Netherland Reformed Church, as the same was established in the church orders of the Synod of Dordrecht, in the years 1618 and 1619. [See Church Order, in next document.]
Article II .- Consistories.
The consistories shall always be appointed, and their business conducted agree- ably to the constitution of the Netherland churches.
Article III .- Organization of the superior Church Judicatories.
In addition to the above, we organize or establish according to the counsel and advice of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, approved in the Synod of North Holland, such ecclesiastical assemblies as are consistent with the government of the Netherland Church, and our relation to the same; which judicatories shall be dis- tinguished by such names as shall hereafter be determined.
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Article IV .- Number of these in general.
These judicatories shall be two in number, which we provisionally call the par- ticular and general assembly, till their names shall be more particularly agreed upon.
Article V .- Matters to be discussed in the Particular Assemblies.
In the particular assemblies all matters regarding the interests of subordinate congregations, and which cannot be determined by the consistories, shall in the first instance, be regularly brought forward, and acted upon, (even to suspension of ministers for improper conduct,) before they can be brought up to a higher tribunal.
Article VI .- Members of these Assemblies.
At these assemblies each minister, with his elder, belonging to the same, and furnished with suitable ecclesiastical credentials, shall attend at the appointed time and place.
With respect to absentees special regulations may be made afterwards.
Article VII .- Number of these Assemblies.
These assemblies shall be five in number. This number may, nevertheless, here- after be increased by the general assembly-the place of meeting changed as circum- stances shall require.
Article VIII .- Three in the Province of New York, and two in New Jersey.
Three of these Assemblies shall be held in the province of New York, and two in the province of New Jersey.
Article IX .- One in the city of New York.
In the province of New York, one shall be held in the city of New York: to which shall belong all the Low Dutch Reformed Churches, whatever their language may be, on Long Island, in the city, and county of New York, and in the county of Westchester. Whether the churches in the county of Richmond shall belong to this assembly is not yet determined.
Article X .- One in Kingston.
Another shall be held in Kingston, to which shall belong the churches of Dutchess and Ulster counties, and the congregations of the Camp.
Article XI .- One in Albany.
A third shall be held alternately in Albany, and Schenectady, to which shall belong the churches in the counties of Albany, Gloucester and Cumberland.
Article XII .- One in Brunswick.
In the province of New Jersey, one shall be held at New Brunswick to which shall belong the churches in the counties of Richmond, Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Sussex.
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Article XIII .- One in Hackensack.
The other shall be in Hackensack, to which shall belong those of the counties of Bergen, Orange, Essex and Morris.
Article XIV .- Time of Meeting.
These assemblies, on account of the distance of the respective members from each other, shall not hold more than one ordinary meeting in each year. The par- ticular time of meeting is deferred to a future opportunity.
Article XV .- Correspondents.
When these particular assemblies shall correspond with each other, and in what manner, is also deferred.
Article XVI .- General Assembly.
In addition to the above, a general assembly shall be held every year, composed of delegates from each particular assembly.
Article XVII .- Members of the same.
To this Reverend assembly shall be delegated from each particular assembly, two ministers, each with an elder, furnished with suitable credentials.
Article XVIII .- Place of Meeting.
The meeting of this general assembly shall be held alternately at New York and Kingston; the Rev. Assembly shall, nevertheless, have liberty of appointing a third place of meeting in the province of New Jersey.
Article XIX .- Time of Meeting.
The time of meeting shall be considered hereafter, and appointed in the most suitable season and so as to be most convenient for the particular assemblies.
Article XX .- Examinations, Preparation and Peremptions.
For this general assembly, with the approbation of the Rev. Synod of North Holland and the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, we assume the long wished for right of examining candidates for licensure and for the ministry, and also further to qualify those who are lawfully called, as the same is practised in the Netherlands. A list of all those who have been examined and ordained, as also of the newly settled and removed ministers to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, that they may be carefully inserted in the register of ministers, and numbered by them among the North American preachers in both provinces.
Article XXI .- Matters to be treated of in the General Assembly.
All church matters which cannot be determined in the particular assemblies, shall, when regularly brought up, receive their complete and final decision, in the general assembly.
In some particular cases the following rules shall be adopted :
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Article XXII .- Union with the Church of Holland.
To preserve, in the best possible manner, the bond of union with our highly esteemed mother church (which we greatly desire,) there shall, first, be sent every year a complete copy of all the acts of our general assembly, signed by the Praeses and Scriba for the time being, to the Classis of Amsterdam, as duly named by the Synod of North Holland for that purpose.
Article XXIII .- Appeals concerning Doctrines.
Secondly. Whenever differences may arise on important doctrines among the brethren, whether ministers or communicants, a decision on which might be matter of grievance to some, the case in difference shall be left to the judgment of the Rev. Classis, or if need be to the Rev. Synod of North Holland, according to whose decision the general assembly, as well as the condemned party, shall conform or act.
Article XXIV .- Depositions.
In case a minister, on account of doctrine or life, shall be deposed and conceive himself aggrieved by such deposition, he shall have the liberty of laying his case before the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, or through it before the Rev. Synod, for their judgment whether he may be called again, or not; and the general Assembly, with the deposed minister, shall be bound to submit to the judgment of the Reverend Classis. In the meantime, however, in consequence of the length of time required for deciding such an unhoped for case, the congregation of the deposed minister, if they request it, shall be furnished with another pastor.
Article XXV .- Approbation of Calls.
It is agreed, that the approbation of the calls of candidates on their exam. peremp. shall be given by the general assembly, but that of ministers, considering the wants of the church, shall be given by the particular assembly to which the calling congre- gation belongs.
Article XXVI .- Visitation of the Churches.
Concerning the visitation of the churches, there shall be particular regulations adopted in the general assembly which is to be organized.
Article XXVII .- Extraordinary Meetings.
Extraordinary meetings of the general and particular assemblies may be held for the examination and decision of matters, which for urgent reasons cannot be deferred till the ordinary meeting. These meetings may be called by the last Praeses and Scriba of the respective assemblies.
Article XXVIII .- Professorate.
Concerning the Professorate, we will act according to the advice of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. We will provisionally choose one or two professors to teach didactic, eleutic, exegetic, etc. theology, according to the received doctrines of our Low Dutch Reformed Church, to which office we, according to the judgment of the classis, will choose, on favorable terms, such divines from the Netherlands as are of acknowledged learning, piety, and orthodoxy, and immutably attached to the Netherland formulas of union, said Classis having promised to recommend suitable characters.
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Article XXIX .- Further regulations respecting the Professorate.
The professsor or professors above mentioned, as soon as the wished for recon- , ciliation in this country is obtained and finally established, shall be chosen and called on a sufficient salary, though not without the approbation of the general assembly, with this provision, that such professors shall not stand in any connection with English academies, but shall give lectures in their own dwellings, to such students only who can produce testimony that they have studied two or three years at a college or academy under approved teachers, and improved themselves in preparatory studies, such as the languages, philosophy, etc. Such professor or professors shall also preach once every month or fortnight, in Dutch or English, as well to assist the minister of the place where he or they reside as to afford the student a good model of preaching, in consequence of which the Rev. professor or professors shall be subject to the particular and general assemblies in the same manner as is already specified particularly of the ministers.
Article XXX .- Provisional Exception.
Nevertheless, since we, according to the condition stipulated by the Classis, can cherish no hopes of reaping the fruits of the above mentioned professorate for a long time to come, we are of opinion, as there are now a number of students with one or other minister, who probably will in a short time be fitted for the exam. prepar., that these students ought, in consequence of the great need of the churches, to be provisionally examined at the next meeting of our general assembly.
Article XXXI .- Schools under the care of Churches.
Finally, the respective congregations shall hereafter make it their business to establish public or private schools, in which under the direction of Consistories, instructions shall be given as well in the languages as in the fundamental principles or doctrines of the Reformed Dutch Church as the same are taught in our Low Dutch Churches.
GRIEVANCES. Article I.
Concerning these congregations who have two congregations, and two ministers, it would be desirable that they should unite in one body ; but where this is imprac- ticable, matters should remain in statu quo until means and opportunities shall be found in God's providence to lead them to union.
Article II.
To those congregations who have one minister, but two consistories, it is earnestly recommended that they unite in one consistory.
The Rev. brethren shall likewise avail themselves of every opportunity which offers, by brotherly exhortations, to effect the same; as also, for those congrega- tions which situated as stated in the first article, whilst we cordially supplicate the God of peace to remove all remaining grievances from such congregation.
Article III.
Since during the past troubles, some persons have been ordained for the holy ministry, whose examination and ordination is not deemed valid by some of the brethren, yet for peace sake, rather than that the contemplated union should not be accomplished, these brethren agree that every one whom the Rev. Coetus acknowl- edges as an ordained minister shall be considered as such, and in that capacity take his seat in our assemblies, not doubting but the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam will agree with us in this particular.
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Article IV.
Since the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam in one of their last letters, express them- selves favorably of the Rev. Hermanus Meyer, from which it plainly appears that they would fondly see a union between him and his congregation if it was possible ; we are of opinion that in case that Rev. brother accedes to the aforesaid articles of union, and subjects himself to this arrangement, such subjection is a sufficient ground to give him, as our esteemed brother, a seat and voice in the above mentioned particular and general assemblies, whilst the Rev. assemblies as soon as organized in the manner specified, with the advice of the Rev. Classis will offer their friendly aid for adjusting the differences between him and the congregation of Kingston, in case the wished-for union is not previously accomplished.
CONCLUDING ARTICLES. Article I .- Exception.
The preceding articles shall not be binding in cases where they are hostile to any privileges granted by charter to any church.
Article II .- Binding force of these Articles.
As soon as these articles are constitutionally received and approved by the assembly, each member shall provisionally give the other the hand of brotherhood or fellowship, in hopes that the Rev. Classis and our respective congregations will approve and ratify the same, but they shall not be obligatory before such approbation of them shall be given by our respective congregations and the Rev. Classis.
Article III.
Since the committee have the satisfaction to be unanimous in their opinion on these articles, subject however to superior judgment, it is their cordial desire and prayer that this Rev. assembly may adopt the same, that the long wished for union may if possible be effected according to these articles. Which may the God of peace and love grant of his mercy.
Signed by the above mentioned Committee. New York, Oct. 18, 1771.
SESSION IV. Article IX.
.The preceding plan, after mature deliberation and through the blessing of God and to mutual satisfaction adopted as the best for the essential well-being of our church in this country. A copy of the same was ordered to be speedily forwarded to the respective consistories, signed by the Praeses and one of the Scribas, with a request to communicate its contents in the most suitable manner, to their congregations, and to influence the same as far as possible to a pious and actual union in one body, which union, however, shall not take place till the desired approbation of the Rev. Classis shall arrive, for which purpose a fair copy of these articles, signed by the Praeses and both Scribas, shall be transmitted in the speediest manner. When the Classical Letter arrives, the Rev. Consistory of the Low Dutch Church in New York shall open the same, and write circular letters to all the congregations, men- tioning the general contents of these articles, by which means another assembly like this, and in the same manner, shall be convened.
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Article X .- Manner of Signing.
This assembly determine that the names of the members and their approbation shall be openly and formally taken down, whereupon they authorize the Praeses and both Scribes of this assembly to sign and thus to confirm these articles of union on their behalf.
Article XI.
After giving each other the right hand of fellowship, the committee. as also the Rev. Consistory of New York, were openly and formally thanked for their friendly and brotherly services, and after fervent thanksgiving to God for this unexpected blessing, accompanied with ardent supplications to the throne of grace, for a further completion of this holy union work, as also for the prosperity and well-being of the church, they parted in peace, and love and joy.
Done at New York, Oct. 1771.
Signed, John H. Livingstone, Praeses, Isaac Rysdyck, Scriba, E. J. L. A. R. D. U. S. Westerlo, Scriba.
THE CHURCH-ORDER,
or Rules of Ecclesiastical Government, formally; adopted by the General Convention of the Reformed Church of New York and New Jersey, Oct. 15-18, 1771. [The American Dutch Churches had been under these same Rules of Government be- fore, as colonists of Holland; but now they formally adopted them, so far as they were applicable to their present curcum- stances. ]
Article 1. For the maintenance of good order in the Church of Christ, it is necessary that there should be certain Offices, Assemblies, Supervision of Doc- trine, Sacraments and Customs, together with Christian Discipline. These shall be treated herein in order, as follows:
OF THE OFFICES.
Article. 2. The offices are of four sorts: [the office] of Ministers of the Word; of Doctors [of Theology]; of Elders; and of Deacons.
[MINISTERS. ]
Article 3. No one, although he be a Doctor [of Theology], and Elder or a Deacon, shall be permitted to officiate in the Ministry of the Word and the Sacraments with- out being thereunto lawfully called ; and whenever any one acts to the contrary. and persists therein, after repeated admonitions, the Classis shall decide whether he shall be declared a schismatic, or be punished in some other way.
Article 4. The lawful call, whether to cities or to rural charges, of those who have not been in service before, consists: First, in the choice made, after fasting and prayer, by the Consistory and the Deacons. This shall not be done without a proper correspondence, respectively, with the Christian Authorities of the place, and the previous knowledge or advice of the Classis, where these things have hitherto been customary. Secondly, in the Examination; or inquiry both as to the
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Doctrine and the Life, (of the person chosen). This shall be conducted by the Classis, in the presence of the Deputies of the Synod, or of some of them. Thirdly, in the Approbation and recognition by the [Civil] Authorities, and subsequently also by the members of the Reformed Congregation of the place, through the publication of the name of the Minister during fourteen days, if no objections are presented against him. Finally, in the public Ordination before the congregation. This shall take place with suitable statements of conditions and demands, exhorta- tions, prayer, and the laying on of hands by the ordaining minister, or ministers, when there are others present, according to the Form made for that purpose. It is also well understood, that the laying on of hands may be performed in the Classical Assembly, in the case of a newly licensed [promoted] minister who is to be sent to churches under persecution. [Churches under the Cross].
Article 5. Concerning those ministers, who are already in the Ministry of the Word, and are called to another congregation; such call shall be made in a similar manner, whether to cities or to rural charges, with correspondence as in the former case, by the Consistory and Deacons, with advice or approbation of the Classis; at which place those called shall show good church certificates as to Doctrine and Life; and when thus approved by the local authorities, and presented to the church for fourteen days, as required before, they shall be installed with engagements and prayers as previously mentioned. In short, according to what has before been said, if any one has a valid right of presentation, or any other claim, by means of which he can be useful and edifying, without doing injury to the Church of God and good Church-Order, may it please the Civil Authorities and the Synods of the respective Provinces to give it their attention, and to make all necessary regulation in the interest of the Churches.
Article 6. Nor shall any minister be allowed to take service in any private Manor, Hospital, or other such places, unless he be previously admitted [to the ministry] and permitted [to officiate] according to the foregoing Articles; and he shall be subject to the Church-Order, no less than others.
Article 7. No one shall be called [ordained?] to the ministry of the Word without his being about to settle in some certain place, unless he be sent to preach here or there in congregations under persecution, [under the Cross], or sent elsewhere to gather churches.
Article 8. Schoolmasters, mechanics, or others who have not [regularly] studied, shall not be permitted to fill the ministerial office, unless they have given assur- ance of their singular gifts, piety, humility, sobriety, good understanding and discretion, together with the gifts of utterance. Whenever, therefore, such per- sons present themselves for service, the Classis shall, if the Synod consents, first examine them, and, according as it finds them on examination, shall prescribe a course of private exercises for a while, after which they shall be dealt with as shall be judged to be conducive to edification.
Article 9. Novices, popish priests and others who leave some sect, shall not be admitted to the ministry of the Church, without great carefulness and caution, and after they, too, shall have been well tried for a certain time.
Article 10. A minister once lawfully called, may not leave the church, where he was unconditionally received, in order to accept a call elsewhere, without the consent of the Consistory and of the Deacons, as well as those who have formerly served as Deacons; besides he must have the consent of the Authorities and the previous knowledge of the Classis; and no other church shall have the right to receive him before his showing lawful testimonials of his dismissal from the Church and the Classis where he has ministered.
Article 11. On the other hand, the Consistory, as representing the congregation, shall be obliged to provide their minister with a suitable support; and shall not forsake him without the knowledge and decision of the Classis; which also shall judge, in failure of support, whether such minister shall be transferred, or not.
Article 12. Inasmuch as a minister of the Word, when once lawfully called, in manner before mentioned, is bound unto the service of the Church for life, there- fore it is not lawful for him to enter upon another profession [lit., state of life], except for great and weighty reasons, concerning which the Classis shall take cognizance and determine.
Article 13. If it should happen that ministers, by reason of age, sickness or otherwise, become incapable of performing the duties of their office, they shall,
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nevertheless retain the honor and the title of minister; and shall, in their need, be honorably provided for by the churches to which they have ministered. This also shall be done for the widows and orphans of the ministers in general.
Article 14. In case any ministers, for the aforesaid or any other reasons, are obliged to desist from the duties of their office for a time, which shall not be done without the advice of the Consistory, they shall, nevertheless, at all times be and remain subject to the call of the congregation.
Article 15. No minister who has relinquished the service of his own church, or is not engaged in some regular service, shall be permitted to go about and preach here and there without the consent and authority of the [particular] Synod or the Classis. So also no minister shall be allowed to preach a sermon or to administer the Sacraments in another church, without the consent of the consistory.
Article 16. The office of ministers is to persevere in prayer and the ministry of the Word; to dispense the Sacraments; to watch over his brethren, the Elders and Deacons, as well as over the whole congregation; and lastly, together with the Elders, to exercise church discipline, and to take care that all things are done decently and in order.
Article 17. Among the ministers of the Word, equality shall be maintained touching the duties of their service, and as far as possible, in other things, accord- ing to the judgment of the Consistory, and, if needs be, of the Classis. The same rule is to be observed with regard to Elders and Deacons.
[PROFESSORS.]
Article 18. The office of Doctors, or Professors in Theology is to explain the Holy Scriptures, and to defend the pure Doctrine against heresies and errors.
Article 19. The congregations shall strive to provide students in Theology, who are to be supported by public funds [ex bonis publicis.]
Article 20. In those churches where there are found the more capable preachers, the discussion of propositions shall be instituted, [sal men 't gebruyk der proposi- tien aanstellen], in order to prepare some persons by such exercises for the ministry of the Word; herein observing the order specially made for that purpose by this Synod.
Article 21. Everywhere, the Consistories shall see to it that there are good schoolmasters to teach not only reading and writing to the children, the languages and liberal Arts, but also to instruct them in godliness and in the Catechism.
[ELDERS. ]
Article 22. The Elders shall be chosen according to the judgment of the Consis- tory and the Deacons; so that it [the Consistory] according to the situation of each church, shall be at liberty to present as many elders as the necessity of the congregation may require. These shall be installed, when approved by the church, unless some hindrance occurs, with public prayers and engagements. Or they may propose a double number, the half to be chosen by the congregation, who shall be ordained to service after the same manner, according to the Form therefor.
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