The VP'': Aiticle alledges, that catechising in the Dutch Language was ftsrbid, by one of the Elders, as also by M'' Laidlie ; tills is not true, and il it was, the Complainants must know, that no one Member of our Consistoiy has a right to Ibrbid any Thing. M' Le}de«ker never was ap. pointed by the Consistory to catechise in our Congregation, and is therefore, not qualilied ; tho' one Adrian Van der Sman, was so appijinted ; but on find ng Vli.Mi a man of a very imnidral Behaviour, having forged tie Han<l Writing of the Reverend M"" Ritzema and others, wrote and subscribed Leiters directed to t>e Synod of North

618 PAPERS RELATING TO THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. :

Holland, reconmiending liimself as a. proper Person for the Ministry, by wliicli the Keverend M"" Kitzema at that Time suffered much in his Character, on the Discovery of tliis Fact the Consistory thought proper to discharge him from that office, and immediately appointed another in his stead ; since which he has been upheld and supported by M^ Hardenbrook's Party.

In answer to the VIpii; Article : that the Dutch Sdiool is not taken Care of, to the Ruin of the Dutch Education, we say, that we have at present and for twelve years last past, have employed M'^ Whelp, who was sent for to Holland as a School Master & Catechist ; he keeps a School constantly open receives Payment from us for teaching the poor Cliildi-en of the Congregation to the number of thirty, wliich number never was compleated ; he is a Person very well qualified to catechise & teach a School, and we pay him a very handsome Salary for his Service, insomuch that his Place is coveted by others. It has been insinuated to some of our Congregation, that if M»' Van der Sman could be restored as a Catechist and M"" Stoutenburgh have M^ Whelp's Place, all would be well, -- Tlie first cannot be done, from the Cliaracter above given ; the latter cannot in Honour be agreed to, as Mr.