The partys ordered to come in --

The Respondents were gone, yet the Ch. M: mentioned to y® other side that the Board had considered that ye Respondt^ cou'd not shew any authority for suspending their Minister, and shou'd report it accordingly.

Then adjourn'd tiU morrow at 3 in y® afternon at Bonticow in order to draw a Report.

PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 479

At a Committee of the Council held at New ,

York March y« 4th 172415 Present

Capt Walter ^ Doctor Colden >

Mr Van Dam > it.- wn- t. ^C

,^,. TT • \ M' William Povoost \

Ml Hanson ) '

May it please yoiir Excellency

In obeditoce to your Excellencys order in Council of the 18'i» of February last, The Respondents to the Peticon of several of the Members of the French Protestant Congregation, did appear before us did disclaim all Authority of a Court or any Coersive Power but did affirm that they had a power to suspend their Minister, and being required to show by what Authority they did exercise the said Power, whether by Custom usage discipline of their Church or any other Authority, They could not shew any such Custom usage Permission discipline or Authority. We are therefore of Opinion that tliey have no such Authority j But in regard to the French Protestant Church which has suffered so much and is at this time sutfering in France on Account of their ReMgion, and in regard to the great Numbers of the French Congregation that live in good repute and credit in this place. We are of Opinion that the said Congregation be admonished, that every person in it doe all in his Power to preserve peace and unanimity in their Congregation, for tliis End that they Eudeavour to bring this present unhappy Difference to an amicable conclusion.