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

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 salary for nine months after his death.
Chapter 3.
Of the Call and Office of the Deputy Elders. The congregation is exhorted on the Sunday before election to pray God that pious and devout men