1715 number of common prayer books in the German language is proper to be sent to Mr. Haeger and to enquire the best method of purchasing the same, with the most correct edition. Mr. Stubbs promised to enquire, and inform himself as to that matter and report his opinion thereon to the Society at next meeting and Mr. Stubbs being now present laid before the board some different copies, of ye said Common Prayer Book in the German language. Agreed that it is to be referred to the Right Rev., the Lord Bishop of London and he is desired to examine ye said. copies and report his opinion which is the most correct edition. REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK, 1715, Jan. 4, 11. Call of a Colleague for Domine Du Bois. Consistory was held, January 4, 1714/15. After calling on God's name, Domine (Gualterus) du Bois delivered a written declaration, stating his wish that a suitable minister might be added to him. It was unanimously Resolved 1. That whenever a minister shall be called, all those who from time to time shall be appointed to be Elders, Deacons or Church Masters, shall be appointed under the condition that, before they shall be recognized as chosen, or announced to the Church as such, they shall sign the Call of the said Minister. If they refuse to do so, others shall be chosen in their place under these same conditions. 2. That in the Resolution of March 11, 1712/13, after the words "Elders and Deacons ", there shall in each case be added the word" Church-Masters." 3. That eight days hence, all who have ever held the office of Elder, Deacon or Church-Master, and those who now serve as such, shall be summoned to meet in the Consistory Chamber, to deliberate over the Call of a second Minister. 1715 January 11, 1715. After calling upon God's name, according to the Resolution of January 4, 1715, a meeting of the Great Consistory was held. Therein it was unanimously Resolved, 1. Inasmuch as the Ruling Consistory will gladly see the First Article of January 4, last, agreed to by the entire Great Consistory, for their greater satisfaction, and the pleasure of the whole Congregation, we declare the said First Article to be good and wholesome, and ratify the same as a Rule, hereafter to be observed from time to time. 2. That as soon as the necessary subscription for a minister from Holland, as a colleague with Domine Du Bois, shall be obtained, it is desired that a Letter of Call for a Minister from Holland be forwarded by the first opportunity. In compliance with the First Article, made by the Ruling Consistory, January 4, 1714/15, and ratified by the Great Consistory, January 11, the following Instrument of Call. for a Minister, as colleague of Domine Du Bois, for the Dutch Reformed Church at New York, was prepared and forwarded to the Messrs. Adrian van Oostrum, Corn. Schelling and Florentius Comble (Bomble?), faithful servants of Jesus Christ in the Dutch Reformed Churches at Amsterdam. Highly Esteemed Sirs: After the death of Domine Henry Selyns, the Dutch Reformed Church of Jesus Christ in the City of New York, in America over which God's Providence has placed us, the undersigned, as Elders, Deacons and Church-Masters- found itself in no condition to proceed immediately to the Call of another Minister as colleague of Domine Du Bois, who is our present pastor and teacher, and greatly beloved by our whole church. Therefore he was impelled by pressing reasons, reluctantly to undertake alone 1715 the entire service for a time, under the promise that, as soon as possible, his labors should be lightened by the Call of another Minister. But it has not been possible hitherto, for various reasons, to fulfill that promise, although his Rev. repeatedly and sincerely declared both to the Consistory and to individuals, that nothing would be more pleasing to him, or was more desirable, than that the Church should have and enjoy another suitable, peaceful and pious teacher together with himself. But now the hindrances, which have hitherto thwarted the attainment of this desirable object, for which we also have so greatly longed, have gradually disappeared. His Rev. also, by his declaration and written encouragement, presented to our Consistory on Jan. 4, last, led us so far, that we met to consider the matter. After calling on the name of the Lord, the Consistory, according to our custom in matters of this kind, met with all those who have ever served this Church as Elders, Deacons or Church-Masters. They finally came to the resolution, although the whole Church is entirely satisfied with the praiseworthy services and unwearied diligence of our said Minister, but only with the design of lightening his multiplied preaching services, his numerous catechizings, to call a minister from Holland to co-operate with him. And we did this, especially lest, with his advancing years, and the ill-health which he recognizes as well as ourselves, the congregation, which has greatly increased since his coming, should, in the event of his death, be entirely deprived of all its teachers. The necessary subscriptions of members of the Congregation. were accordingly secured. We have, therefore, without delay, put our hands to the work, and in view of all these things have resolved to send letters of authorization to you. We offer to confer entirely upon you, Messrs. van Oostrum, Schulting (?) and Comble(?), all needful power, right and authority, acting unanimously or by a majority, to make out a complete Call for us, as our representatives; and to Call an orthodox Minister, accord ing to the custom of our Dutch Reformed Church. He must be learned, and mighty in the Scriptures, edifying in life, and discreet in intercourse, and properly qualified, having the requisite gifts. He must be a peaceful, quiet, pious and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to hold the office of a Minister in a numerous congregation; and in order to be, as a colleague with the abovenamed Domine Du Bois, the regular pastor and teacher in the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Jesus Christ, at New York, in America. As such, he is to maintain without intermission, under the help of the Most High, on each Lord's Day, as well as during the week, and at other times, the preaching services, the catechizing, etc., according to the Constitution and the edifying customs usual in our congregation. Furthermore, he is to do all that belongs to the office of a zealous minister, and all that is to be expected of a faithful watchman on the walls of God's spiritual Zion. Thus, in conjunction with our present pastor and teacher, as two Ministers of like honor, esteem and service in one congregation, they are in peace and unity to tend the flock of God, over which the Chief Shepherd of the sheep has placed them as overseers. Indeed, either is to undertake alone. the whole service named, in case of the sickness, departure or death of his colleague, until another Minister shall be called, and arrive in New York. And in order that you may freely look about for such a Minister, a man of from twenty five to thirty five or thirty six years of age, married or single, we, the undersigned, promise to pay whoever is thus called by you, a yearly salary of one hundred and twenty five pounds New York money. This shall be done in equal quarterly payments, each and every year, so long as he shall perform the above-mentioned service among us, as befits a servant of Christ. Moreover, we will give him a dwelling house, rent free, and yearly seven pounds ten shillings for fire wood; and also, every year, twelve pounds ten shillings for the services 1715 in the week, all in New York money. This is exactly the same salary as Domine Du Bois receives. All this we the undersigned, promise; but with this understanding, that by this our signatures, we by no means bind ourselves, our persons, heirs or estates, by our individual obligation, so as to be responsible in law for non-payment; no, indeed; but only to secure the prompt payment of the sums promised to both the Ministers named, we bind ourselves qualitate qua, i. e. as the present Elders and Deacons, and thus, all our Church property, to be responsible, in law, for the payment of both Ministers. This (official binding) shall also be done by all and every one, who shall hereafter, from time to time, be called to the office of Elders or Deacons or Church-Masters for our Congregation; and that, before they are announced and ordained in their respective offices, by subscribing this "Instrument of Call". All this is done agreeably to the unanimous resolution of the Great Consistory, held the 11th of January last, 1714/15, as stated above. In order to avoid any dispute concerning the exact time when the Minister's salary begins, and the expenses of his journey: his salary shall begin on the day of his arrival in New York. He shall then receive for the expenses of his journey, and for the time he has been in our service, the sum of sixty pounds New York currency. From the money now in our hands, please pay the Classical expenses; in order that everything, that is ecclesiastically requisite, may be done, for the validity of your action, and in confirmation of the proceedings. Meanwhile, we assure his Reverence of all the love, honor and esteem due an upright minister of this our Congregation. We doubt not but that you will find a suitable person for us, and will induce him, upon our equitable conditions and promises, which recommend themselves, to accept, in the fear of the Lord, this respectable Call, and to come over to us. We dwell, not under an ever burning sun, but in one of the healthiest and most |