The Organization of the Congregation in the Early Lutheran Churches in America | Page 6

year of
Christ 1597." The congregation dates from about 1588, and built its
first church in 1632, before which time it worshiped in a house
arranged for its use, but not having the form of a church. This
constitution was revised in 1614, and in 1644 it was accepted as the
general constitution for the Lutheran churches in the Netherlands. In
1682 it was materially changed and brought in the shape which it
afterwards retained. The original form of 1597, with the changes made
in 1614 and 1682 indicated in foot notes, is given in full in the
"Geschiedenis der Amsterdamsche Luthersche Gemecnte, door F. J.
Domela Nieuwenhuis, Amsterdam, 1876, 8vo. pp. 298, 124." Appendix
pp.32-62. It is very full and minute in its provisions and covers thirty
octavo pages. A German translation of the edition of 1682 is given in
Benthem's Hollaendische Kirch und Schul Staat, Francfurt, 1698. It is
divided into two parts.

Part I. Chapter I. Of Doctrine. "The pastors
of this congregation shall
regulate and determine all their teaching and preaching by the rule of
the divine Word, the biblical, prophetical and apostolical writings, and
according to our Symbolical Books, to wit:--the unaltered Augsburg
Confession, delivered to Charles V., Anno 30, the Apology of the same,
the Smalcald Articles, and Formula of Concord, together with both
Catechisms of Luther throughout, and shall not teach or preach
anything contrary to the same, be it privately or publicly, nor shall they
introduce or use new phrases (forms of statement) which are at variance
with the same, or contradict them. In like manner in all points in
dispute between us and others, they shall be guided and governed by
the aforesaid Scriptures and also the aforesaid Symbolical Books, and
shall decide and judge them by these alone, and shall plainly declare
the foundation and understanding thereof to the congregation. They
shall also order and direct all their preaching to the edification of the
congregation, in such wise that the Word of God may be taught purely
and clearly, the true doctrine be distinguished from the false and the
true doctrine be urged on the people so that they may understand how
to guard themselves against false teaching and teachers." This chapter
is long and defines the whole obligations of the preachers of the Word.
Chapter 2. Of the times and places of assemblage for the preaching of
the divine Word. Chapter 3. Of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Chapter 4. Of the Sermon of Repentance (Boetpredicatien) and the
absolution before the administration of the Lord's Supper. Chapter 5.
Of the administration of the Most Holy Supper. Chapter 6. Of Christian
Discipline and the Ban.
Chapter 7.
Of Marriage. Chapter 8. Of the Visitation of the Sick and of the Poor,
who cannot come to church. Chapter 9. Of the Burial of the Dead.

Part II. The Christelijcke Ordonnantie of
the Congregation in Amsterdam,
of the Conventu Ecclesiastico or Consistory, of the Calling, Office,
Ministrations of the Preachers, Deputies (Deputy Elders 1682) and
Deacons. Chapter 1. 'Of the Consistory. To the Consistory belong the
Preachers, with the Deputy Elders (Gedeputierden Ouderlingen); such
other persons may attend as by the usage of the Congregation are called
thereto. At the meetings first of all the Holy Spirit shall be invoked, in
prayer, and the session shall close with the giving of thanks. The oldest
Pastor shall preside, and he, or the oldest Elder, shall present the
matters for consideration, call on each for his opinion, and take the vote.
In matters of doctrine, where we have the Word of God, the Preachers
alone shall decide according to the same (after consultation with the
Elders, 1682), but in matters of government the majority shall decide.
In matters of great importance, as the calling of the Preacher, all former
Elders, and also the Deacons, shall be called to take counsel and the
majority of all votes shall decide (1682 all former Elders, called Oudste
Raeden, and all former Deacons). Occasions of discipline of Preachers,
Elders, Deacons, or other members were subject to action by the
Consistory.
Chapter 2.
Of the Call, Office, Duties, Salary and Dismissal of Preachers. The Call,
which consists in a nomination and an election, shall be made by the
Preachers, Deputy Elders, former Elders (Oudste Raeden), Ruling
Deacons and former Deacons (Oude Diaconen). The Candidate, if
previously a Pastor, must present testimonials from his previous charge
of his irreproachable life and of his adherence to the pure doctrine of
our Confession and our Symbolical Books, or if unordained be fully
examined and approved, and his ordination promised by the proper
authorities, and he must subscribe and obey this constitution with all its
provisions. Provision is made for the trial of all charges against a
Preacher. The widow of a Pastor receives his