Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III

By tliis Suit, we were put to a very considerable Expence, and Ave are credibly informed, that they also feed Counsel in England for advice, who gave tlieir Opinions against their Pretensions; whether this be true or not, they know best, and after all, it seems they cannot rest contented, witliout troubling Your Excellency, and the honourable Board, witli fresli Com})laints. We must beg the fart'ier Patience of Your Excellency & t'le honourable Board, while we make a few observations on the Articles of Complaint by them exliibited.

As to the fj-si Article tliey say, t])at the 51'* Article of the Constitution of the reform', d pnjtesiant Butc'.i Churcli dues not admit of two Languages under one Consistory. Tliis is a Avrong Representation, the said Article was framed to accomodate t!ie French Refugees, wlio tied from France to JLJland; who not understanding the Dutcli Language were tlierefore allowed to have Consistories and Classes of t'.ieir own; not because it was unlawful, but because tliey understood nijt the Dutch, and this Article resj ects that juirticul a Case only.

Ipiiy: It is alledged, that the SC'*' Article of the said Constitution says " Ihai allho^ the Btii-yfj' ■^f i'i.e C/turch she aid require iL

PAI'KRS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. 517

no alferaiion t'lerciii should le modc-^'' this is against common sense; -- the iVi'licle says the direct contrary, that if the Interest ol' the Ciiurch s'.iould re(|ii!re it, alteralicnis may and ouglit to be made, but we have made no alterations in the Constitution.