The Constitution of the Reformed Dutch Church in the United-States of America; With an Appendix, Containing Rules and Orders of the General Synod, fro

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1815 Excerpt: ... church to thyself unto life eternal, from amongst the lost children of men: we bless thee for so graciously providing the church in this place with a faithful minister; we beseech thee to qualify him daily more and more by the holy Spirit, for the ministry to which thou hast ordained and called him: enlighten his understanding to comprehend thy holy word, and give him utterance, that he may boldly open his mouth, to make known and dispense the mysteries of the gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valour, to rule the people aright over wbichhe is set, and to preserve them in christian peace, to the end that thy church under his administration and by his good example, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant him courage to bear the difficulties and troubles which he may meet with in his ministry, that being strengthened by the comfort of thy Spirit, he may remain stedfast to the end, and be received with all faithful servants into the joy of his master. Give thy grace also to this people and church, that they may becomingly deport themselves towards this their minister; that they may acknowledge him to be sent of thee; that they may receive his doctrines with all reverence, and submit themselves to his exhortations: to the end that they by his word believing in Christ, may be made partakers of eternal life. Hear us, O Father, through thy beloved Son, who hath thus taught us to pray: Our Father, &c. THE FORM FOR ORDAINING ELDERS AND DEACONS, WHEN ORDAINED AT THE SAME TIME. But if they are ordained separately, this form shall be used as occasion requires. BELOVED Christians, you know that we have several times published unto you the names of our brethren here present, who are chosen to the office of elders and deacons in this church, to the end that we might k...