PROCEEDINGS

OF THE REVEREND SYNOD OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCHES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, CONVENED IN EXTRA SESSION AT NEW YORK, MAY 13TH, AND FOLLOWING DAYS, IN THE YEAR 1789.

ARTICLE I.

OPENING OF THE REV. BODY.

The Rev. Brethren having under favorable circumstances convened, the Rev. Body was opened with a fervent prayer by the Rev. Mr. John H. Livingston, S. S. Th. Doct. et Prof., as last President.

ARTICLE II.

MEMBERS OF THE REV. BODY.

The members of this Body present were:

Of the Rev. Classis of New York.-Dr. J. H. Livingston, S. S. Th. D., et Prof. et V. D. M. at New York, and Dr. Petrus Low, V. D. M. at Kings County, with Messrs. William Van De Water and Joost Duryee, Elders.

Of the Rev. Classis of New Brunswick.-Dr. John Duryee, V. D. M. at Raritan, with Petrus Vredenburgh, Elder.

Of the Rev. Classis of Kingston.-Dr. Moses Fröligh, V. D. M. at Shawangunk, with Mr. Matthew Sammans, Elder.

Of the Rev. Classis of Hackensack.-Dr. Herm. Meyer, S. S. Th. Lect. et V. D. M. at Pompton, &c., et Dr. Hen. Schoonmaker, V. D. M. at Aquackononck, with Messrs. Henry Kip and Hen. Gevrise, Elders.

Of the Rev. Classis of Albany.-Dr. Eil. Westerlo, S. S. Th. D. et V. D. M. at Albany, with Albert Willet, Esq.

ARTICLE III.

MODERATORES.

The Moderators remain the same as in the Ordinary Meeting.

ARTICLE IV. AD V.

READING OF MINUTES.

The proceedings of the last Synod were read; at the same time the Rev. Synod will only direct its attention to such Articles as were reserved for consideration in this Extra Meeting.

ARTICLE V. AD XIII.

PROFESSORSHIP.

It was stated to the Rev. Body, by the Rev. Mr. Eil. Westerlo, that the student, Mr. Samuel Smith, who for some time had been pursuing his studies under Prof. Livingston, and is at present teaching a Latin school under the care of the Rev. Consistory at Albany, from which he cannot well be spared, is, and, principally since the last session of the Rev. Classis of Albany, has been minded to present himself in the coming fall to this Body, for examination; and that he therefore requests of this Rev. Synod the privilege further to prepare himself for this purpose, under the care of the said respected Mr. Westerlo, just mentioned; which request the Rev. Synod readily granted.

ARTICLE VI.

PRESENTATION OF THE LICENTIATE, MR. LABAGH.

The Rev. Mr. Isaac Labagh, candidate for the Sacred Ministry, presented a call made upon him by the Reformed Dutch congregation of Kinderhook, with a request for its approval. The Rev. Body having read this call, remark in relation to it, that there is no mention made in it of the relation and subordination of the congregation and the minister called to the Rev. Synod and our Church government in this country, as likewise that the name and title of the ecclesiastical corporation at Kinderhook are not expressed in the call; at the same time the Rev. Synod approve this call, although on condition that the Rev. Consistory of Kinderhook express their relation to the Synod upon the call, and sign the same in presence of the ordainers, before Mr. Labagh is inducted into office in the congregation. It is also recommended to the Rev. Consistory to ratify the call, under the proper name and title of their corporation, with their seal, if practicable, appended thereto. The time, furthermore, for the final examination of Mr. Labagh is appointed for to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock; and in consequence of the absence of the Deputati, the Rev. Eil. Westerlo and Herm. Meyer are appointed examinatores.

ARTICLE VII. AD XXVI.

BROTHERLY CORRESPONDENCE.

The reports of the respective Classes upon this subject having been received, it was found:

1. That the Classis of New York leave the continuance or abolishing of the convention to the Rev. Synod, inasmuch as a confounding of jurisdiction in any respect has never been intended or attempted, agreeably to the basis of negotiation formed in the first plan in relation to this correspondence; upon which all the Classes also unanimously insist.

2. The Classis of Hackensack declare themselves to perceive no good result as likely to flow from this correspondence; they apprehend some difficulties, and thus defer the subject for future consideration.

3. The Classis of New Brunswick acquiesce in the continuance of the convention, on condition that the corresponding Synods faithfully proceed in giving mutual pledges in relation to their fundamental articles of belief, and that they pledge themselves to take out of the way causes of complaint and disunion in congregations where difficulties have arisen among brethren.

4. The Classis of Kingston not having met since October last, have presented no report upon the subject.

5. The Classis of Albany leave this subject to the determination of the Rev. Synod, at the same time desiring that some regulation be made with respect to members who pass over from one denomination to another, that in such case there be no compulsion, but the same take place in mutual confidence.

These reports having been received, the Rev. Synod took them into mature consideration, and are thereupon of opinion that the same afford the Rev. Synod sufficient light and freedom at present, in accordance with previous Synodical resolutions, finaliter, to approve and ratify said plan on the part and in the name of our churches; but previously to the framing and presenting an act to the approaching convention, the Rev. Synod require:

1. That the Delegates or Commissioners of this Body insist that the corresponding Synods shall in like manner oblige themselves, by an act previously agreed upon in common, to abide by the received doctrine and essentials of Christian discipline.

2. Further, that in case, contrary to the import of the fundamental articles, this be declined, or it otherwise appear that there is a departure from the basis of negotiation, and hence no well-founded expecta

tion of attaining known desirable ends first and chiefly intended; that then, the deputies engage in no final negotiations for the ratification of said convention, but take their dismission in peace and love, and report thereof to the next Synod.

3. That on this condition, such Act as is mentioned in the first fundamental article be drawn up, stante hac Synodo, and delivered in full form to the deputies. Said Act being drawn up, reads as follows:

Whereas, in a convention consisting of delegates from the Presbyterian Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the Associate Reformed Synod, and the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Churches of New York and New Jersey, held at New York, the 5th day of October, 1785, it was among other things resolved, "That the manner in which the respective Synods shall give a solemn pledge to each other of the Formula of their faith which they openly profess, and of their strict attachment to the same, shall be by an Act of each Synod, wherein an accurate recital of such Formulæ shall be made, with a positive declaration, that it is their determination before God always to abide by the same, for which they honestly pledge themselves to the two other Synods; that such declaration and promise shall be entered upon their respective records, and remain a perpetual witness against either party, who shall ever deviate therefrom;" And whereas, the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Churches have now resolved to continue the correspondence, upon the principles laid down in the aforesaid first Session of Convention: Therefore, agreeably to the stipulation then made, the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Churches do hereby profess and declare, that the Articles of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism as agreed upon and ratified by the National Synod held at Dordrecht, Anno 1618 and 1619, and which are translated into English, and published in the Psalm-book used in the Dutch Church in New York, together with the Canones Synodi Dordracena, respecting the doctrines controverted by the Arminians, which are published in the Acts of said Synod in the Latin language, do contain the Confession of Faith of the Dutch Churches, and are received and maintained as the standards, expressive of the sense in which the said Dutch churches understand and believe the Word of God. And the Synod of the Reformed Dutch Churches do hereby in a solemn manner further declare, that as all their ministers have subscribed these Formula, together with a renunciation of the sentiments of Röell and Bekker, and none can be admitted into their Church without such subscription, so it is their sincere determination, before God, always to abide by the

same; and they hereby pledge themselves to the two other Synods to continue faithful in the said profession, and consent that this declaration and promise may be entered upon their respective records, to remain a perpetual witness against the said Dutch churches, if ever they deviate therefrom; in full confidence and expectation that the same pledge will also, in the manner stipulated in the fundamental articles of the said first convention, be respectively given and solemnly declared by the other two corresponding Synods.

Given at New York, the 15th day of May, in Synod.

BY ORDER OF THE SYNOD.

ARTICLE VIII.

EXAMEN.

The candidate, Rev. Mr. Isaac Labagh, presented himself, and, after an agreeable and satisfactory exercise upon Col. 2: 6, was examined in the sacred languages and principal branches of Sacred Divinity, in which he afforded satisfaction to the Rev. Body, so that they did not hesitate to admit him to the ministry of the Gospel and the holy seals of the Covenant, at the same time imploring God's blessing upon his person and approaching work. The time for his ordination was fixed on the third Sunday in June: the ordination to be performed by the Rev. Messrs. Joan. Ritsema, Eilardus Westerlo, Jacobus V. C. Romeyn, and Jer. Romeyn; and the discourse on the occasion to be preached by the Rev. Mr. Joannes Ritsema, if it be convenient for him; or otherwise, by the Rev. Mr. Eilardus Westerlo, minister at Albany.

ARTICLE IX. AD XXI.

PRESENTATION OF MR. JACOB GINNINGS.

The Rev. Synod have received a communication from various persons residing in Hardy County, Virginia, containing a recommendation of Mr. Jacob Ginnings, Medicinæ Doctor, as regarded by them, after foregoing trial in one or more catechetical exercises performed among them, as not unfit, if otherwise qualified, to be admitted to the preaching of the holy Word of God and the discharge of the pastoral office; thus not obscurely intimating that they are themselves favorably disposed towards his person and ministry. Whereupon, the Rev. Synod, having previously received the favorable testimony of Dr. Hardenbergh to the character of the forenamed gentleman, and