of church officers.  He voted with us and our church members.  He united with us in setting apart the officers-elect to their respective offices, and since then has usually united with us in our deliberations in our consistorial meetings.  Surely in this matter we have acted according to the leadings of Providence and the spirit and instructions of the Gospel of Christ; for in Christ Jesus there is no distinction of nationalities.  Our labors having thus far been so intermingled and our churches so intimately related and united together, we can see no sufficient reason for separation.  If there be any advantage in the association of churches by the organization of Classes or Presbyteries, why should we deprive these churches in their infancy and weakness of this advantage?  We have always taught our people to study the Word of God and make it their rule.  Can we give them a sufficient reason for such separation?  Doubtless if we were to tell them, that the churches by which we are sent out and sustained desire separate organizations, and therefore should recommend such organizations to them, they would acquiesce.  They know that they cannot stand alone.  Gratitude, also, and ardent affection for those churches by whose liberality they have been made acquainted with the Gospel, would lead them to do all in their power to please those churches.  We can hardly suppose, however, that such separation would accord with their judgment, or with those Christian feelings which they have always exercised towards each other as members of the same Church.  But we do not suppose that either our Church or the English Presbyterian Church will recommend such a separation.  The Dutch Church in North America has always manifested an enlarged Christian spirit, and therefore we cannot doubt but that she will approve of an organization by which the churches here, which are one in doctrine and one in spirit, may also be one in ecclesiastical matters.  Neither do we doubt but that the English Presbyterian Church will also approve of the same course.  We do not know as much of that Church as we hope to know in the future.  Yet we know enough of her already to love her.  But if separation must come, let not our Church bear the responsibility.

“Another question of importance may arise.  What shall be our relation as individuals to the Dutch Church in America?  We see no reason and desire not to change the relation we have always sustained.  We were set apart by that Church to do the work of evangelists.  This is the work in which we still wish to be engaged.  We must preach the Gospel.  As God gives success to our labors we must organize churches, and take oversight of them as long as they need that oversight.  When we find suitable men, we must ’ordain elders in every city.’  Such is the commission we hold from our Church, and from the great Head of the Church.  Theoretically, difficulties may be suggested.  Practically, with the principles on which we have thus far acted, we see no serious difficulties in our way.  We must seek for Divine guidance, take the Scriptures for our rule, and follow the leadings of Providence.  We are all liable to err.  But with these principles, assisted by your counsels, and especially by your prayers, we have reason to believe, and do believe, that the Spirit of truth will guide us in the way of truth.”