[April 21, 1776, cont.] & in
this Church they used the
high Dutch Language, they began
Service with Singing accompanied
or led by a Small Organ -- then (as I
took it) with Prayers Some of which
were formal others Extempore, it
worthy of Notice that during the whole
Service the Congregation kept to their
Seats, excepting once when the Priest
Read (as I was informed it was) his
Text, & then only the Men arose, when
he had finished this they again Sat
down & kept their Seats during the
Service till the Blessing was given,
The Priest delivered a very lengthy
Sermon chiefly without Notes, & in
the whole of his performances appeared
as compleat an Orator as ever I heard
Speak; The Priest was dressed in a black
Gown Similar to that of the English
Clergy, & performed the whole Service
without the assistance of a Clerk, the
People Some Times repeating after
him that is when he used, forms
for Prayer-- The Terminations of their
language Seemed greatly to resemble Greek--