visit of Muehlenberg, soon
after Gerock left, in 1769, at York under Kurtz, in 1781, and earlier or
later, by most of the prominent congregations connected with the
Ministerium, at least in its chief provisions.

_Constitution of St. Michael's Church, Philadelphia, 1762._

We, the subscribers, the lawfully called Pastors, Trustees, Elders,
Vorsteher and communicant members of the Ger. Ev. Luth. Congregation of
St. Michael's Church, acknowledge and bind ourselves to the following
Church and School Constitution.

CHAPTER I.

OF THE PASTORS.

1. The present living pastors, and their successors regularly called,
shall preach the Word of God, as given by the Apostles and Prophets, and
in accordance with the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, publicly, purely,
briefly, clearly, thoroughly, and to edification. They shall also have
liberty on week-days, or in the evening to hold meetings in the church
or school for edification, admonition and prayer, as their circumstances
and strength allow; and in addition, in accordance with the command of
Christ their Master, take most diligent care that the Word of God be
freely sown, as living seed, and that the congregation be directed to
true repentance of heart, living faith, and the power of godliness, unto
their soul's salvation.

2. The regular pastors, as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God,
shall, at proper times, administer the Holy Sacraments to those who
apply for them in the appointed way, and who are fit, worthy and well
prepared to receive them, at least in so far as external evidence shows;
but they shall also have liberty, to be exercised conscientiously, not
by reason sinful passion of whatever kind, but according to the rule of
the divine Word, to exclude from the Holy Supper, and from standing as
sponsors at Baptism those who spiritually live in grievous sin and
transgression, contrary to the salutary doctrine of our Lord Jesus
Christ, or who by undisputable evidence are convicted thereof, until
they have amended.

3. They shall not hesitate, when possible, to visit the sick, etc.

4. They shall especially have regard to the instruction of the
young--superintend and visit the schools, etc.

5. They shall preside at the annual Kirchenrechnung, and at all meetings
of the church council, and at the election of officers, etc.

6. They shall not absent themselves from the annual general church
meeting, or convention of the regular ministers, without the most