Complex sentence: Stedman attempts to have Johnny baptized but is turned away by the priests, who claim that because of his imminent return to the Dutch Republic he will not be in Johnny's life enough to ensure his proper Christian education.
Split into simpler sentences: Stedman attempts to have Johnny baptized but is turned away by the priests, who claim that because of his imminent return to the Dutch Republic. He will not be in Johnny's life enough to ensure his proper Christian education.