tihvaty of t:He t:heological ^tminaty PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY John M. Krebs Donation y'T//^- ^z^v. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE / KEFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA : WITH AN APPENDIX, eONTAI?JING FORMULARIES FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCHES; TOGETHER WITH THE RULES AiS'D ORDERS FOR THE GOVERINMENT OF THE GENERAL SYNOD. NEW-YORK: ^RI^-T£D BY L. NICHOLS, 111 BEEKMAN-ST. J 834. Entered according; to Act of Congress, A. U. 1834, by " The General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church," at the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New-York. EXTRACT from the Minutes of General Synod, June-, 1S34. " Resolved, That an edition of 2000 copies of the Revised Constitution of the Dutch Church be printed on fine paper, done up in leather binding, with the Rules of Order for the government of the General Synod, and the various forms adopted by this Synod appended." " Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Knox, Rev.T. M. Strong, and the Elder, John U. Keese, be a Committee to obtain and accept proposals for printing and binding the same, and to superintend the printing and publication." We certify, that this book has been published under our inspection, agreeably to the above order of General Synod. JOHN KNOX, THOMAS M. STRONG, JOHN D. KEESE. JVew- York, July, 1S34. IXTROmCTIOIV. For the maintenance of good order in the Church of Christ, it is necessary there should be certain Offices and Assemblies, and a strict attention to Doctrines, Sacraments, Usages, and Christian Discipline ; of all which the following eccle- siastical ordinances particularly treat. CHAPTER I. Of the Offices in the Church. The Offices in the Church of Christ are fourfold, VIZ. 1. The Office of Ministers of the Word. 2. The Office of Teachers of Theology. 3. The Office of Elders. 4. The Office of Deacons. 1* ARTICLE I. Of Ministers of the Word. Sec. 1. No person shall be allowed to exercise the oflSce of a Minister, without being thereinto regularly inducted, according to the word of God, and the order established by the Church. Sec. 2. Every person contemplating the work of the ministry, before he commences his course of Theological studies, shall furnish satisfactory evidence of his being a member in full communion and in good standing of a Reformed Protestant Church ; of his piety, abilities, and literary attain- ments, and thereupon shall be admitted into the Theological School ; and during the prosecution of his studies there, shall be subject to the rules and regulations thereof, and when he shall have completed the prescribed course and term of The- ological studies, shall be admitted to an exa- mination according to the regulations of the school, as established by General Synod ; and if found qualified, shall receive a professoral certificate to that effect, which shall entitle him to an examina- tion for licensure before the Classis to which he belongs. Sec. 3. In the examination, strict attention shall be paid to the attainments of the Student, not only in the original languages of the Sacred Scriptures, in Biblical Literature, in composition, and his me- thod of sermonizing, but he shall be especially examined respecting his knowledge in Theology, his orthodoxy, his piety, and his views in desiring to become a preacher of the Gospel. Sec. 4. Whoever, upon examination, shall be approved by the Classis, must, before he is licensed, attest his adherence to the doctrines of the Gos- pel, by subscribing the following formula, viz. — " We, the underwritten, testify, that the Hei- delbergh Catechism, and the Confession of the Netherland Churches ; as also the Canons of the National Synod of Dordrecht, held in the years 1618 and 1619, are fully conformable to the word of God. We promise moreover, that as far as we are able, we will, with all faithfulness, teach and defend, both in public and private, the doctrines established in the standards aforesaid. And, should ever any part of these doctrines appear to us dubious, we will not divulge the same to the peo- ple, nor disturb the peace of the church or of any community, until we first communicate our senti- ments to the ecclesiastical judicatories under which we stand, and subject ourselves to the counsel and sentence of the same." Sec. 5. After subscribing the aforesaid formula, the candidate sliall be entitled to a certificate, or testimonial sigoed by the President of Classis, before whom the examination is held, containing a license to preach the Gospel. Sec. 6. A candidate for the ministry is permit- ted only to preach the word, but he may not, under any pretence whatever, administer the sacraments; nor can he be a delegate to represent a church in any ecclesiastical assembly. Sec. 7. Every candidate for the ministry is to consider himself under the immediate direction of the Classis which examined him, and subject to the control of the General Synod, and is to visit such congregations, and preach in those places to which the Classis or Synod shall send him : but if no particular directions are given, he may preach at his own discretion in any congregation that shall invite him. Sec. 8. Upon receiving a call from any parti- cular congregation, a candidate shall be allowed time to consider the propriety of his accepting it. If more than one call is before him at the same time, he may determine which he will prefer ; but if there be only one, it is expected he will not finally refuse the same, before having first referred his difficulties to the Classis, and obtained proper advice. 9 Sf.c. 9. A candidate who has accepted a call, must offer himself to be examined for his becom- ing a Minister. In this final examination, besides a repetition of his previous trials in composition and sermonizing, the original languages of the Sacred Scriptures, Biblical Literature, and his knowledge of Theology, as well didactic as pole- mic ; he shall be interrogated respecting the na- ture and administration of the sacraments, the duties of the ministry, and his knowledge of Ec- clesiastical History, andof Church Government. Sec. 10. Upon giving satisfaction in the exa- mination, the candidate shall subscribe the follow- ing formula, viz. — " We, the underwritten, Ministers of the word of God, residing within the bounds of the Classis of N. N., do hereby sincerely, and in good conscience before the Lord, declare by this our subscription, that we heartily believe, and are persuaded, that all the articles and points of doctrine contained in the Confession and Catechism of the Reformed Dutch Church, together with the explanation of some point? of the aforesaid doctrine made in the Na- tional Synod held at Dordrecht in the year 1619, do fully agree with the word of God. We promise therefore, diligently to teach, and faithfully to de- fend the aforesaid doctrine, without either directly 10 or indirectly conlrarlicting the same by our public preaching or writings. We declare moreover, that we not only reject all errors that militate against this doctrine, and particularly those which are condemned in the above-mentioned Synod ; but that we are disposed to refute and contradict them, and to exert oursielves in keeping the church pure from such errors. And if hereafter any difficul- ties, or different sentiments respecting the afore- said doctrine should arise in our minds, we pro- mise that we will neither publicly nor privately propose, teach, or defend the same, either by preaching or writing, until we have first revealed such sentiment to the Consistory, Classis, or Synod, that the same may be there examined ; being ready always cheerfully to submit to the judgment of the Consistory, Classis, or Synod, under the penalty, incase of refusal, to be ipso facto suspended from our office. And farther, if at any time the Con- sistory, the Classis, or Synod, upon sufficient grounds of suspicion, and to preserve the unifor- mity and purity of doctrine, may deem it proper to require of us a farther explanation of our senti- ments respecting any particular article of the Con- fession of Faith, the Catechism, or tiie explanation of the National Synod, we do hereby promise to be always willing and ready to comply with such 11 requisition, under the penalty above mentioned ; reserving, however, to ourselves the right of an appeal, whenever we shall conceive ourselves ag- grieved by the sentence of the Consistory, the Classis, or Particular Synod ; and until a decision is made upon such appeal, wc will acquiesce ia the determination and judgment already passed." Sec. 1 1 . Upon subscribing the aforesaid formula, a certificate, signed by the President, shall be given to the candidate; and the Classis before which the examination is held, shall fix a day for his ordination. Sec. 12. The ordination shall be conducted by the Classis with proper solemnity, a sermon suited to the occasion shall be preached by him who has been appointed for that purpose, and the promises, directions, explanations of duty, with a laying on of hands, shall be agreeably to the form for that end expressly made and adopted. Sec. 13. The office of a Minister is to persevere in prayer and the ministry of the word ; to dis- pense the sacraments ; to watch over his brethren the Elders and Deacons, as well as over the whole congregation ; and lastly, in conjunction with the Elders, to exercise Christian discipline, and to be careful that all things be done decently and in good order. Every Minister must consider him- 12 self as wholly devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ in the service of the church ; and shall faithfully fulfil the obligations of his call, in preaching, cate- chizing, and visiting his flock ; and be instant in season and out of season ; and by word and ex- ample always promote the spiritual welfare of his people. Sec. 14. No person shall be ordained to the ministry of the word, without settling in some con- gregation, unless he be sent as a Missionary to churches, or employed to gather congregations, where none have as yet been established. Sec. 15. a minister of the word, being once lawfully called, in manner before mentioned, is bomid to the service of the sanctuary, as long as lie liveth. Therefore, he shall not be at liberty to devote himself to a secular vocation^ except for great and important reasons, concerning which the Classis shall inquire and determine. Sec. 16. No Minister, relinquishing the service of his own church, or being unattached to any particular congregation, shall be permitted to preach indiscriminately from place to place, with- out the consent and authority of the Classis ; in like manner, no Minister may preach or adminis- ter the sacraments in any church other than his own, without the consent of the Consistory of that church. 13 Sec. 17. Ministers, wlio by r(3as()n of old ajrp, or habitual sickness and iniirmities, either of mind or body, are not capable of fulfilling the duties of the ministry, may, upon application, and sufficient proof of such incapacity being made to the Classis, be declared emeriti, and be excused from all far- ther service in the church during such infirmity ; reserving, however, to them the title, rank, and character, which before such declaration they en- joyed. In all such cases, before the Classis de- clares any minister emeritus, they shall require a stipulation in writing from the Consistory to which he belongs, under their common seal, and signed by their President, to pay such Minister annually, in half yearly payments, during his exemption from pastoral service, for his support, such sum as the Classis shall deem reasonable, having due regard to the stated salary of such Minister, and the situation and ability of the congregation. Sec. 18. For the regular obtaining of dismis- sions, when a Minister has received and accepted a call from another place, it is required that a neighbouring Minister of the same Classis to which the congregation belongs, be invited to be present, and superintend the dismission of the Minister from his congregation, countersign the instrument of dismission, and consider it as his 14 duty to deliver the same, with a report upon the subject, to the Classis ; which report and document shall serve as a basis upon which the final dis- mission and certificate of the Classis shall be founded. Seg. 19. All Ministers of the Gospel are equal in rank and autliority ; all are Bishops, or Over- seers in the church ; and all are equal Stewards of the mysteries of God. No superiority shall therefore be ever claimed or acknowledged by one Minister over another, nor shall there be any lords over God's heritage in the Reformed Dutch Churches. Sec. 20. Consistories of vacant congrejTations shall not invite or permit Ministers of other deno- minations in this country, whose characters and standing are not known, to preach within their bounds, unless they exhibit satisfactory evidence in writing, of a recent date, of their regular au- thority for that purpose, and their good standing ; and in all doubtful cases, such Consistories shall consult a Standing Committee of Classis to be ap- pointed for that purpose. Sec. 21. The judicatories of the church shall receive no Licentiates or Ministers under their care from any body of professing Christians, who maintain doctrines different from those of the 15 Reformed Dutch Church, without an open anJ explicit declaration, on tiieir part, that they have renounced such doctrines, as contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and the standards of our church. If an application be made for admission of a Minister from a church with which we are in correspond- ence, it shall be competent for the Classis, in case there be grounds of presumption against his doc- trine and morals, to propose such inquiries as shall enable them to proceed with freedom in his case. Sec. 22. With respect to foreigners, who claim the privilege of preaching the Gospel, no Consis- tory shall be permitted to invite any one of them, of whatever denomination, to preach, before he shall lay his credentials before the Classis to which such Consistory is subordinate, and be regularly accepted and authorized by them to exercise his ministry within their bounds; and no Classis shall be permitted to receive and accredit such foreign Minister, unless he produce to them, besides am- ple and regular certificates of his license or ordi- nation, and of his dismission and recommendations, of recent date, from the competent church judica- tory, letters of recommendation also from some known respectable character, in the country from which he has emigrated, to his correspondent in this country, stating the authenticity of his ere- 16 (lentials, and tlie jrood clmractpr and standing of the bearer, as a Minister ofllie Gospel, and that he is an advocate of the doctrines of grace pro- fessed by the Reformed Church. ARTICLE II. Of Teachers of Theology. Sec. 1. As it is of the last importance that Professors of Theology should be sound in the faith, possess abilities to teach, and have the con- fidence of the churches, they shall always, for the greater security, be chosen and appointed by a majority of votes in the General Synod only. To prevent, as far as possible, the unhappy conse- quences of partiality, haste, or undue influence in obtaining an office of such consequence to the church, a nomination of one or more candidates shall be previously made, upon which the Synod shall fix a day when they will proceed to an elec- tion ; provided that no appointment of a Professor in Theology shall ever be made on tlie same day on which he is nominated. An instrument certi- fying the appointment, and specifying the general duties of the office, shall be signed in the presence of the General Synod, by the President thereof, and by him be given, in the name of the church, to the person elected. 17 Sr,c. 2. No porson shall ho appoin(o<] to llio oiWce of a Professor, wlio is not a Ministor in oood stand- ing, and every Professor of Theolofjy shall coritinn« in his oflice during life, unless in case ofsuch mishe- liaviour as shall be deemed a violation of the obli- gations entered into at his appointment ; or unless he voluntarily deserts or resigns his profession ; or from age or infirmities becomes incapable of fulfilling the duties thereof; of all which the Ge- neral Synod alone shall judge ; and to that Synod a Professor of Theology shall always be amenable for his doctrine, mode of teaching, and moral conduct. Sec . 3. No Professor of Theology shall be per- mitted to officiate until he shall have subscribed the following formula, viz. — " We, the underwritten, Professors of Sacred Theology in the Reformed Dutch Church, by this our subscription, uprightly, and in good conscience before God, declare, that we heartily believe, and are persuaded, that all the articles and points of doctrine contained in the Confession and Cate- chism of the Reformed Dutch Churches, together with the explanation of some points of the said doctrine, made in the National Synod, held at Dor- drecht, in the year 1G19, do fully agree with the word of God. We promise, therefore, that we will 18 diligently tparh, nnd fciillirully defenil tlie aforesaid doctrine ; and tluit we will not inculcate or write, either publicly or privately, directly or indirectly, any thing against the same. As also, that we reject not only all the errors which militate against this doctrine, and particularly those which are condemned in the above-mentioned Synod ; but that we are disposed to refute the same, openly to oppose them, and to exert ourselves in keeping the church pure from such errors. Should it ne- vertheless hereafter happen, that any objections against the doctrine might arise in our minds, or we entertain different sentiments, we promise that we will not, either publicly or privately, propose, teach, or defend the same, by preaching or writing, until we liave first fully revealed such sentiments to the General Synod, to whom we are responsi- ble ; that our opinions may in the said General Synod receive a thorough examination, being ready always cheerfully to submit to the judgment of the General Synod, under the penalty, in case of refu- sal, to be censured by the said Synod. And when- ever the General Synod, upon sufficient grounds of suspicion, and to preserve the uniformity and purity of doctrines, may deem it proper to demand from us a more particular explanation of our sen- timents respecting any article of the aforesaid 19 Confession, Catechism, or Explanation of tlie National Synod, wo promise iierol)y to be always willing and ready to comply with such demand, under the penalty before mentioned ; reserving to ourselves the right of rehearing, or a new trial, if we shall conceive ourselves aggrieved in the sen- tence of the General Synod ; during the depend- ence of which new trial, we promise to acquiesce in the judgment already passed, as well as finally to submit, Avithout disturbing the peace of the churches, to the ultimate decision of the said Ge- neral Synod." Sec. 4. No Professor, while in office, shall have the Pastoral charge of any congregation, or be a member of any Ecclesiastical Assembly or Judi- catory ; but, as a Minister of the Gospel, may preach, and administer, or assist in administering the sacraments in any congregation with the con- sent of the Minister or Consistory. Sec. 5. A Professor shall be at liberty to resign his office, by sending in his resignation to the Pre- sident of General Synod, on the first day of any regular meeting, and giving six months previous notice to the said President of his intention to do so. 20 APvTTCLF. ITT. Of the Offices of Elders and Deacons. Sec. 1. The office of Elders (besides what is common to them with the Ministers of the Word, expressed in Chapter I. Article 1. Section 13,) is, to take heed that the Ministers, together w'itli their fellow-Elders and Deacons, faithfully discharge tlieir respective duties ; and also, especially before or after the Lord's supper, as time and circum- stances permit, and as shall be most for the edifi- cation of the congregation, to assist in performing visitations, in order particularly to instruct and comfort tlie members in full communion, as well as to exhort others to t!ie regular profession of the Christian religion. Sec. 2. The office peculiar to the Deacons is, diligently to collect the alms and otiier moneys appropriated for the use of the poor, and with the advice of the Consistory, cheerfully and faithfully to distribute the same to strangers, as well as to those of their own household, according to the measure of their respective necessities ; to visit and comfort the distressed, and to be careful that the alms be not misused ; of the distribution of which, they shall render an account in Consistory, at such time as the said Consistory siiall deter- 21 mine, and in the presence of so many of llie con- gregation as may choose to attend. Sliould more be collected than the necessities of the poor may require, such surplus may, with the consent of the Consistory, be devoted to other purposes, con- nected with the wants of the church. Sec. 3. In all cases the Elders and Deacons shall be chosen from the male members of the church, in full communion, and in forming new churches, they shall be chosen by the male com- municants ; at whose election a neighbouring Mi- nister of the Reformed Dutch Church shall pre- side ; and notice of the time and place of such election shall be published at least two Sabbaths, in the church or usual place of worship, previous to the election. Sec. 4. The manner of choosing Elders and Deacons in churches already organized, shall be as follows : A double number may be nominated by the Consistory, out of which the members of the church in full communion, may choose those who shall serve. — Or, all the said members may unite in nominating and choosing the whole num- ber without the interference of the Consistory. — Or, the Consistory, for the time being, as repre- senting all the members, may choose the whole, and refer the persons thus chosen, by publishing them in the church, for the approbation of the 22 people. This last method has been found most convenient, especially in large churches, and has long been generally adopted. But where that, or either of the other modes has for many years been followed in any church, there shall be no variation or change, but by previous application to the Classis, and express leave first obtained for alter- ing such custom. Sec. 5. The Elders and Deacons shall be chosen to serve two years, except when chosen to fill a vacancy or vacancies occasioned by death, removal out of the congregation, resignation, or dismission from office, by the sentence of the Consistory ; in either of which cases, the person or persons chosen to fill such vacancy or vacancies, shall serve for the residue of the term only. Sec. 6. In order to avoid the inconvenience of an entire change at one time, the first Elders and Deacons of new congregations shall, at the first meeting of the Consistory after their ordination, be put into two classes, and the classes be marked Numbers 1 and 2, and the names to be put into each class shall be determined by ballot, and the term of service in Consistory of those in the first class shall expire at the end of the first year, so that one half of the whole number of Elders and Deacons may be elected annually. The same course shall be pursued by all the Consistories 23 wlien they shall deem it requisite to enlarge the number of their Elders and Deacons, so far as relates to the additional number of members chosen by them. But this does not forbid the liberty of immediately choosing the same persons again, if from any circumstances it may be judged expedient to continue them in Consistory by a re-election. CHAPTER ir. Of Ecclesiastical Assemblies. ARTICLE I. Of Ecclesiastical Asscmhlies in general. Sec. I. The Ecclesiastical Assemblies which shall be maintained, are, 1. Consistorial. 2. Classical. 3. Synodical. Sec. 2. In these assemblies ecclesiastical mat- ters only shall be transacted, and that in an eccle- siastical manner. A greater assembly shall take cognizance of those things alone which could not be determined in a less, or that appertain to the churches or congregations in general, which com- pose such an assembly. 24 Sec. 3. The transactions of all Ecclesiastical Assemblies shall begin and conclude with prayer. Sec. 4. Those who are delegated to attend the assemblies shall bring with them credentials ^ signed by those who send them ; and such only shall be entitled to a vote. Sec. 5. In all assemblies there shall be a Pre- sident and Secretary. The business of the Se- cretary shall be to keep a faithful record of all the proceedings. The oflice of the President is to state and explain the business which is to be trans- acted ; to preserve order ; and in general to main- tain that decorum and dignity becoming a judica- tory of the Church of Christ. Sec. 6. A Classis has the same jurisdiction over a Consistory, which a Particular Synod has over a Classis, and a General Synod over a Par- ticular. Sec. 7. Any individual conceiving himself to be personally aggrieved or injured by the decision of a lower Judicatory, may appeal therefrom to the ju(i<2;ment of an higher Judicatory ; and any lower Judicatory, as a Consistory or Classis, esteeming itself aggrieved by the judgment or censure of a higher, enjoys the same privilege ; but in such case the appeal must be made by the Judicatory as such when reeularlv convened, and not bv anv 25 individuals belonging to it. Every individual ap- pealing, is bound to give his appeal, with the rea- sons thereof, in writing, to' the Judicatory appealed from, or to the President thereof, at the most in ten days after notice of his intention ; which notice is to be given at the time when he conceives him- self aggrieved ; and on default his appeal falls. The appeal of a Consistory or Classis may be made after the session of the Judicatory at which the decision appealed from was given, but it must be made known and the reasons of it stated in writing to the President, a reasonable length of time be- fore the next meeting of the higher Judicatory to which the appeal is made. If the appellant give notice and satisfactory reasons to the President of the Judicatory to which the appeal is made that he cannot attend at their next stated meeting, his ap- peal shall lie over to their next following stated meeting ; but if no such notice and reason be given, and he does not appear to prosecute his appeal, it shall be considered as relinquished. It shall be the duty of the several lower ecclesiastical assemblies, from whose acts, proceedings, or decisions any ap- peal is made, to transmit a certified copy of the act? proceeding, or decision so appealed from, signed by the President, and countersigned by the Clerk, together with the appeal and reasons accompany- '26 ing the same to the assembly appealed to at the next regular meeting thereof. Sec. 8. No member of an ecclesiastical assem- bly shall be allowed to protest against any of its acts; any member who dissents from any such acts, shall have a right to require the names of all the members present, who vote for or against the same, to be entered in the minutes, and published therewith for the information of all concerned. Sec. 9. In order to prevent vexation and delay in the judicial proceedings of any ecclesiastical assembly by means of successive appeals in the progress of any trial or investigation, the party w ho may consider himself aggrieved by any deci- sion, upon any incidental question which niay arise before a final sentence is pronounced, may state his objections to such decision, and require to have the same noted in the minutes of the proceedings, to the end that he may avail himself thereof on an appeal from the final sentence, without arresting the progress of such investigation or trial. And in such cases every decision objected to, as well as the objections, shall be distinctly stated in the minutes of such assembly, and sent up with the appeal to the appellate judicatory for review. Sec. 10. Individuals who have voted in a lower court upon a case which is carried up by appeal, 27 shall not he at liberty to vote upon the trial of the appeal in the higher courts. Sec. 1 1. In any decision or adjudication of an ecclesiastical court which the minority, or any member of the minority may regard as injuriously affecting the interests of truth, or of vital godliness, they may present the same to the Classis, Parti- cular or General Synod, by way of complaint, for their examination and supervision. Sec. 12. This complaint, if entertained, brings the whole proceedings in the case under the review of the superior judicatory. Sec. 13. No person shall be admitted to a seat in any of our ecclesiastical assemblies as an advi- sory member. ARTICLE II. 0/ Consistories. Sec. 1 . The Elders and Deacons, together with the Minister or Ministers, if any, shall form a Consistory, and the Minister shall preside at all consistorial meetings ; but in the absence of a Minister, the Consistory may appoint one of the Elders to be their president pro tern., and it shall be competent for the several Consistories to pre- scribe the mode and time of calling their meetings. 28 If there be a plurality of Ministers, they shall pre- side in rotation. Sec. 2. The Elders, with the Ministers of the word, constitute what in the original Article of Church Government is properly called the Consis- tory. But as the Deacons have always in America, where the congregations were at first very small, (See Synod Dord. Art. 38.) been joined with the Elders ; and wherever charters have been obtained are particularly named, as forming with them one Consistory, it is necessary to define their joint as well as respective powers. From the form of their ordination, it is evident, that to the Elders, together with the Ministers of the word, is com- mitted the spiritual government of the church ; while to the Deacons belong the obtaining charir table assistance, and the distribution of the same, in the most efTectual manner for the relief and comfort of the poor. When joined together in one board, the Elders and Deacons have all an equal voice in whatever relates to the temporalities of the church, to the calling of a Minister, or the choice of their own successors; in all which they are considered as the general and joint representa- tives of the people : but in admitting members to fidl communion ; in exercising discipline upon tjjose who have erred from the faith, or offended 29 in morals; and in clioosing delegates to attend the Classis, the Elders, with the Ministers, have alone a voice. Sec. 3. No Consistory shall be constituted in any place without the previous advice and con- currence of Classis. Sec. 4. Elders and Deacons shall be chosen annually, and the result of such election shall be published in the church, or usual place of worship of the congregation, three successive Sabbaths previous to their ordination, to the end that all lawful objections to such ordination may be of- fered to, and duly considered and adjudicated by the Consistory. A majority of the Consistory, regularly convened, shall be a quorum for the transaction of business, and in like manner a ma. jority of Ministers and Elders, and also a majority of Deacons so convened, shall be a quorum re- spectively. It shall be competent for the Consis- tory, when an election shall have been omitted at the usual time, to appoint another time for that purpose, on an early day, giving the like notice as herein above prescribed, and in like manner for filling vacancies which may occur. Sec. 5. The particular spiritual government of the congregation is committed to the Ministers and El- ders. It is therefore their duty at all times to be vigi- 3* 30 lanl, to preserve discipline, and to promole the peace and spiritual interest of the congregation. Particu- larly before the celebration of the Lord's Supper, a faithful and solemn inquiry is to be made, by the President, whether to the knowledge of those pre- sent, any member in full communion has departed from the faith, or in walk or conversation has be- haved unworthy the Christian profession ? that such as are guilty may be properly rebuked, ad- monished, or suspended from tiic privilege of ap- proaching the Lord's Table, and all offences may be removed out of the church of Christ. Sec. 6. None can be received as members in full communion, unless they first shall have made a confession of their faith before the Minister, if any, and the Elders, or have produced a certificate of their being members in full communion of some Reformed Church ; all such shall be published to the congregation, and be registered as regular members in the church. Sec. 7. In every congregation, a distinct and fair register shall be preserved by the Minister of every baptism and marriage there celebrated, and of all who are received as members in full commu- nion. It shall be the duty of the several Consis- tories to make a statistical report to the Classis at their meeting, immediately preceding the annual meetings of the Particular and General Synod, according to such formula as General Synod shall prescribe, and accompany the same with such re- marks on the spiritual state of the congregation as they may deem proper. Sec. 8. Every Consistory shall keep regular minutes of their meetings and proceedings, and shall lay such minutes, so far as the same relate to ecclesiastical proceedings, at least once a year, before the Classis with which they arc connected, for their information. Sec. 9. It shall be incumbent upon members of the church, in removing from the bounds of one chujch to another, to obtain a certificate of membership and dismission. Sec. 10. Consistories possess the right of call- ing Ministers for their own congregations, except where otherwise provided for by charter. But in exercising this right, they are bound to use their utmost endeavours, either by consulting with the great Consistory, or with the congregation at large, to know what person would be most acceptable to the people. Sec. 1 1. a neighbouring minister (if there be none belonging lo the Consistory) must be invited to superintend the proceedings, whenever a Con- 32 sislory is desirous of making a call. The instru- ment is to be signed by the members of the Con- sistory, or by the President, in the name of the Consistory ; and if the church be incorporated, it is proper to affix the seal of the corporation. When the call is completed, it must be laid by the Consistory before the Classis, and be approved by the same, before it can be presented to the person called ; and if the call be accejjted, for the purpose of receiving the approbation of the peo- ple, the name of such Minister shall be published in the church three Sabbaths successively, that opportunity may be given for stating lawful objec- tions, if any there be. Seo. 12. For the purpose of uniforifiity, the form of a call shall be as follows : — "To N.N. " Grace, mercy, and 'peace,from God our Father, and Jesus Christ our TiORD. " Whereas the Church of Jesus Christ at , is at present destitute of the stated preaching of the word, and the regular administration of the ordinances, and is desirous of obtaining the means of grace, which God hath appointed for the salva- tion of sinners, through Jesus Christ his Son : Akd whereas the said Church is well satisfied of 33 the piety, gifts, and ministerial qualifications of you N. N., and hath good hope that your labours in the Gospel will be attended with a blessing : Therefore we [the style and title of the said Church] have resolved to call, and we hereby solemnly, and in the fear of the Lord, do call you the said N. N. to be our pastor and teacher, to preach the word in truth and faithfulness, to administer the holy sacraments agreeably to the institution of Christ, to maintain Christian discipline, to edify tlie con- gregation, and especially the youth, by catecheti- cal instructions ; and, as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, to fulfil the whole work of the Gospel ministry, agreeably to the word of God, and the excellent* rules and constitution of our Reformed Dutch Church, established in the last National Synod, held at Dordrecht, and ratified and explained by the ecclesiastical judicatory under which we stand, and to which you, upon accepting this call, must with us remain subordinate. " In fulfilling the ordinary duties of your ministry, it is expressly stipulated, that besides preaching upon such texts of Scripture as you may judge proper to select for our instruction, you also ex- plain a portion of the Ileidclbergh Catechism on the Lord's days, agreeably to the established order of the Reformed Dutch Church ; and that you far- 34 ther conform in rendering all that public service which is usual, and has been in constant practice in our congregation. The particular service which will be required of you is, [here insert a detail of such particulars^ if any there be, which the situa- tion of the congregation may render necessary ; especially in case of comhinations, when the service required in the respective congregations must be ascertained ; or when the Dutch and English lan- guages are both requisite, the proportion of each may be mentioned, or left discretionary as may be judged proper .] *' To encourage you in the discharge of the du- ties of your important office, we promise you in the name of this Church all proper attention, love, and obedience in the Lord ; and to free you from worldly cares and avocations while you are dis- pensing spiritual blessings to us, we [the Elders and Deacons, S^c. the style and title of the Church^ do promise and oblige ourselves to pay to you the sum of , in payments, yearly and every year as long as you continue the Minister of this Church, together with [such particulars as may refer to a parsonage or other emolumcnts.'\ For the performance of all which, we hereby bind our- selves, and our successors, firmly by these presents. The Lord incline your heart to a cheerful accept- ance of this call, and semi you to us in the fulness of the blessiii Total number of Scholars. Average number of Scliolars. Il u e.7 No. X. Form oftlie Citation of a Person accused. By order of the * you, Mr. A. B. t are hereby summoned \ to appear before said and answer to the charge herewith presented at on the day of at o'clock, Signed, Pres. Clerk. Done in at this day of 18 * Consistory of the Reformed Dntch Church at or, the Classis of t Member of, or Elder, or Deacon in said Congregation ; or Minister at under the inspection of said Classis. X If the process be raised at the instance of a party complaining, add, after " summoned," at the instance of CD. G8 No. XI. Fwm of the Citation of Witnesses* By order of the ♦ you, Mr. A. B. t are hereby summoned } to appear before the said at on the day of and at o'clock in the to give your testimony in the case of C. D. presently under process for censure by said Signed, Pres. Clerk. * Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church at or, the Classis of t Member of, or Elder, or Deacon in said congregation ; or Minister at under the inppeclion of said Classis, and if the witness belongs to a different judicatory, the blank is to be filled up accordingly. X If the process be raised at the instance of a party com- plaining, add, after the word " summoned," at the instance of CD. IIULES For the Government of General Synod in their Proceedings. 1st. At every stated meeting of the Synod, a sermon shall be preached by the last President, either before his opening tiie session with prayer, or at some time afterward, which the Synod shall deem most convenient. If the last President and the Adsessor be absent, the oldest minister pre- sent shall take his place, and perform the above duties. 2d. The President and an Adsessor shall be elected by ballot. Two Clerks shall be elected by the same ballot, and in the same manner. 3d. The duties of the President shall be to take the chair at the hour to which the Synod stands adjourned ; to open and conclude with prayer ; to direct the Clerk, immediately after a quorum has appeared, and prayer been performed, to call the roll ; to censure absentees, when their absence shall be judged not to have been necessary ; to propound the subjects for deliberation ; to confine speakers to the point, and to save them from un- necessary interruption ; to state and put the ques- 70 tion, when the members arc prepared to vote ; to prevent members from leaving the Synod with- out permission ; to decide questions of order, sub- ject, however, to an appeal to the House by any two members ; to give the casting vote in all equal divisions ; and in general to maintain that order and dignity becoming the Judicatory of the Church of Christ. 4th. After calling the roll, the minutes of the last sitting shall be read, and considered as open to correction. The business on the minutes of the last meeting or sitting, shall, without powerful reasons, be taken up and concluded first in the order in which it stands, before any new business be introduced. 5th. A motion made must be seconded, and afterward repeated or read aloud from the chair, before it is debated ; and every motion, except a motion for adjournment, shall be reduced to wri- ting, if any member require it. 6th. An amendment may be made on any motion, and shall be decided before the original motion ; but when a question is under debate, no motion shall be received, unless to amend it, to postpone it, to commit it, for the previous ques- tion, or to adjourn. If a question contains several parts, any member may have it divided, and a 71 question taken on each part. When the previous question is called for, and which shall be in this form — " Shall the main question be now put ?" — until this be decided, all amendments and further debate on the main question shall be inadmissible. 7th. A question shall not be called up or recon- sidered at the same session of the Synod at which it has been decided, unless by consent of two-thirds of the members present. 8th. No member shall be allowed to protest against any of the acts of the Synod : any member who dissents from any such acts, shall have a right to require the names of all the members present, who vote for or against the same, to be entered in the minutes, and published therewith for the information of all concerned. 9th. Every speaker shall rise, and address him- self to the President only, closely attending to the subject in debate, avoiding all personal reflections, and no member, without the special permission of the Synod, shall speak more than twice on the same subject. When two or more members rise to speak at the same time, the President shall de- termine who of them shall be heard first. 10th. No member shall leave the Synod tp re- turn home, or for other business, without their consent ; nor shall members, without express per- 72 mission, engage in private conversation, go from or change their seats, during the transaction of business ; interrupt another when he is speaking, except he be out of order, or to correct mistakes and misrepresentations ; and if any member act indecently or disorderly, contrary to these rules, the President shall reprove or otherwise censure him, as the Synod shall judge proper ; the mem- ber still having the privilege, if he think himself denied of any right, or unjustly blamed by the Pre- sident, of respectfully and modestly requiring the decision of the House in the case. 1 1th. All the sittings of the General Synod shall be concluded by regular adjournment and prayer. 12th. At the close of every session of General Synod, the roll shall be called, and the names of those who are absent without permission shall be recorded. Resolved, That these articles be read at the opening of every General Synod. Princeton Theological Seminary-Speer Library llllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 1 1012 01144 8836