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A decorative drop cap 'B' features floral scrollwork and architectural elements.
The Mayors and Governors of the City of Amsterdam, having heard the differences and disputes arisen between those of the United Flemish, Frisian, and High German Anabaptist Congregation here in this city, do not deem it proper to enter into a decision regarding the points of doctrine or articles over which the aforementioned differences and disputes have arisen. However, they have only commanded and ordered the ministers of the aforementioned congregation, just as their Honorable Great Worships command and order by these presents, that they shall refrain from bringing to the pulpit any subtle questions or disputes concerning the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ or other points smelling of the doctrine of the Socinians. Furthermore, two honest and capable persons shall be chosen by the aforementioned congregation for the administration of the known secret funds, to serve in the place of the two deceased individuals alongside the three remaining administrators of the aforementioned funds. The aforementioned five administrators shall be required at all times to give the serving deacons of the time sight and access to the books of the aforementioned funds, and also to render a pertinent account of their administration to the same deacons. And whenever any one of the five administrators of the aforementioned funds shall come to pass away, another shall be chosen in their place by the aforementioned congregation. Done in Amsterdam the 10th of January 1664.