same place in
1768. Its first pastor was M. Irenaeus Crusius, in whose time the
constitution was adopted, in 1695. The preface says: "We, the present
Pastor and Deputy Vorsteher, have taken the Kirchenordnung used by our
brethren in Holland, have caused it to be translated into German, and,
except for urgent reasons, have altered nothing therein, in order that
our unity might the more clearly appear." The translation is made from
the edition of 1682, and Benthem's translation agrees so nearly with it,
that the one must have been used by the other; Benthem's preface is
dated 1697, the London is dated 1695, and seems to be the earlier.

It is divided into two parts, the first containing the Kirchenordnung
covers the ground of the Amsterdam book; the second contains the Order
of Service which is not found in that of Amsterdam, where the Antwerp
Agenda took its place. The part containing the Kirchenordung is all to
which the preface refers when it is said that it was taken almost
exactly from the Amsterdam book. It also is divided into two parts, the
first of which contains the same eight chapters already described in the
Amsterdam book, the ninth in the edition of 1597 having been omitted in
1682. These chapters agree almost verbally with the Amsterdam book. The
statements of doctrine are exactly the same, and I have noticed
throughout this part no material change, except that the duties of the
Amsterdam comforter of the sick are assigned to the pastor. The Second
Part differs materially from that of the Amsterdam Book, the chief
differences being that there is but one order of congregational
officers, Vorsteher, to whom all the duties of both elders and deacons
are assigned; there is no comforter of the sick, but only a sexton; the
contributing members take part in the election of the pastor as well as
in that of Vorsteher; and there is no Consistory, but simply a meeting
of the Vorsteher, in which not only does the pastor not preside, but
his presence is not mentioned. In so far as these and other minor
changes allow, the very words of the Amsterdam book are used. The
contents of this part are: Chapter I. Of the Calling and office of
Preachers and Deputy Church Vorsteher. Twelve Vorsteher are to be
elected by the contributing members, who in important matters shall
confer with the Preacher, take counsel from him and from the
congregation in case of need, otherwise they shall refrain from
molesting each other, except for