USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Readington > Historical discourse and addresses delivered at the 175th anniversary of the Reformed Church, Readington, N.J., October 17, 1894 > Part 3
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Your pastor and I are sons of Dutch elders, were baptized in the Dutch Church, were classmates in grammar school, college and theological seminary, and have spent our whole ministerial lives in the Reformed Church in America. Early we were fed on the pap of Brown's Catechism, later on the milk of the Compen- dium, still later on the strong meat of the Heidelberg Catechism. We have subscribed to the doctrines of our church and preach them agreeably to the word of God, and if ever these two churches shall have itching ears and desire other forms of doctrine they will be obliged to seek them from other lips. We are bound by the traditions of the fathers in so far that we are determined to make our preaching as sound as theirs. If these close relation- ships do not make us twins, then no two mortals born of separate mothers can ever be twins. If these five parallels do not show that our congregations are essentially collegiate, still then no con- ditions other than those of being governed by the same body can establish such a claim.
My dear brother, I rejoice with you in all that this day means to you and to your people, and trust that you and I may be per- mitted to continue our ministry to such congregations until we shall have rounded out a goodly life and then exclaim with tri- umph in the last words of Dr. Hardenbergh: " I am going to cast my crown before the throne. Now I shall go to rest, for I shall go to be with the Lord. Hosanna !"
Address by the Rev. Theodore Shafer.
It gives me great pleasure ; I count it an honor and esteem it a high privilege to stand here this afternoon. To me it appears like a family reunion. The brothers and sisters toiled, wrought faithfully together until they had gotten some substance, and then with true, characteristic, American independence started for them-
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selves. They husbanded their resources until they were each able to care well and bountifully for their own. The strongest ties of love, fraternal intercourse and united effort bound them together as one church. All working under a common head, all striving to promote a common cause, all inspired and urged forward by a common master. They were not only one in name, principle and virtue, but one in the great struggle for wise establishment, for heathful growth, for true church independence. They then exemplified that never dying, never failing truth, the motto of our own beloved church, in union there is strength, courage, victory.
We are here to-day to enjoy the happiness, prosperity and hos- pitality of our elder sister. We lay with loving hearts and gentle hands our laurels at her feet, to-day we would crown her with the brightest of diadems. We can yet weep with you in your sor- rows, yet bear with you your burdens, yet sing aloud with you in your time of happiness and praise.
We cannot forget that we were once co-laborers. This vast, beau- tiful, fertile domain belonged to us, and, as one man, together we cultivated our Master's vineyard. At that time our interests, our aims were identical; we fought bravely side by side for the devel- opment of Christ's Kingdom and the salvation of precious souls. Distance was no barrier, no obstacle to united effort. The few miles which intervene between Readington and Millstone were only a pleasant, enjoyable walk, to the sturdy dominie of colonial times. It is inspiring to think that our forefathers stood shoulder to shoulder in their labors of love, that they bore together the heat and burden of the day, that they were co-workmen with one another and laborers together with God. This was a union which distance could not sever, which time could not destroy, but heaven surely bless. We can rejoice to-day that we were co-witnesses with the Holy Spirit. Christ said, ye are my witnesses. Christ sent the spirit to bear witness. The spirit beareth witness with
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our spirits that we are the sons of God. And it is the spirit which beareth witness, because the spirit is truth. It is by the co-opera- tion of the divine and the human, the spirit of the christian, that the world comes to a knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit incarnates Himself in us. He was sent to us, not to the world. In the great plan of redemption, God the Spirit has His part and man has his. If we be but an instrument, let us be the best possible tool for the Master Workman. If we be but an humble witness, let us be clear, convincing, all power- ful. If we be but a mirror, let us reflect with perfection the per- son, character and work of the Blessed Master. Thus by the help, presence and wisdom of the Holy Spirit we will do greater, grander, more glorious work in the future than in the past.
If what I have said be true, we were and are yet the actual representatives of Christ in this section of country. What sol- emn and high significance there is in this fact, that we, if we are truly regenerate, bear our Lord's name, "The Christ," "One Christ in heaven, another Christ on earth; one the head, the other the body." The Church is the body of Christ, Christ Him- self. Does not all Scripture teach the oneness, the unity, the en- tire absorption of the disciple and the Master. We grow out of our old nature into the very Christ. Christ walks, talks, acts, lives on earth in and by us. What a responsibility was upon our early churches? What upon us ? The work done in our respect- ive neighborhoods testifies that we have not been "apostate and worldly and unconsecrated." This gathering here to-day is a liv- ing witness to the co-laboring, the co-witnessing, the perfect man- ifestation of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, by the churches, the individual members, the body cf Christ which stood in early years in collegiate relation. May our separation only tend to the en- largement of Christ's demand, the enriching of Christ people. My
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THIRD CHURCH BUILDING, ERECTED 1833. BURNT 1864.
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brother, to you I bring the congratulations, the salutations, the heart of Old Millstone.
Address by the Rev. John Hart.
The Neshanic Church sends through me, its pastor, its sincere congratulations on this your 175th anniversary occasion. You have called us sister, but I leave it with you whether we are your sister or you our mother. The record of the Neshanic Church says that the "Consistory of the Noord-Brens Church," came over to Neshanic August 25, 1752, and organized a church for the con- venience of those members who were "far away from the other churches where the preaching of the Gospel is ,and are debarred of sufficient opportunity to attend the means of grace." The Consistory appointed in this newly organized church were evidently of the membership of this church. Later a line for defining the bounds of the two congregations was agreed upon, and the Rari- tan river was made the boundary of division. The Neshanic Church can boast of more than the Readington Church in that it knows the date of its birth. It has a building also of which it is proud ; the walls of which for 12 1 years have listened to the voice of praise and prayer and sermon. It can also rejoice in the min- istry of Domines John Frelinghuysen and J. R. Hardenberg. Be- sides it has had Van Harlingen and Polhemus and Froeligh and Labagh and Smith and Ludlow.
There is a common work for our churches to do, dear brethren, for we are similarly situated, both being entirely in the country. We must take a firm stand for temperance and the honoring of the Sabbath day and attendance upon divine worship; three things the neglect of which we with others stand particularly ex- posed to. Faithful in our work, we shall receive the glorious re-
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ward awaiting faithful servants. Again, in the name of the Ne- shanic Church, I bid you God-speed.
NOTE .- The Rev. John Van Liew was born in the Neshanic congrega- tion.
Bedminster Greeting-By Rev. Thomas Walker Jones.
To the pastor and members of this congregation, I bring the hearty greetings of the Reformed Church of Bedminster. In the inspiring historical sermon, to which we this morning listened, allusion was made to the fact that the Readington Church had not during its extended life, observed an anniversary. A history such as this church can boast of is certainly worthy of celebration. To look back over one hundred and seventy-five years of eccle- siastical life and effort is a rare event.
In domestic affairs it is befitting, on the one hand, that parents should study the welfare of their children. They should look for- ward to the coming years when their children, if properly trained, will be able to enjoy whatever they may do for their comfort and usefulness. And the children in turn, when they come to years of maturity, should never forget to look back and recall what their parents have done in their behalf. So in ecclesiastical economy. The fathers, laboring devotedly for the church's advancement, should realize the great fact that the coming generations will be able to profit from what they do in behalf of Zion. And never should the sons of the church prove recreant to the blessed heritage of Godly fidelity, influence and example that comes down from those that preceded them.
This is to you a day of retrospection and reminiscence. What a stretch into the past ! Not far from two entire centuries. No less than five generations of religious toilers have here labored for the sacred cause of truth and righteousness. No wonder you are so enthusiastic to-day. It is your duty as well as your delight to
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hold in high esteem the deeds of those who planted and matured and guarded this Zion so that now she stands so prominent and powerful in this locality.
Bedminster and Readington have much in common in their respective histories. When you were thirty-nine years old we came into existence. We were not your daughter, but your sister, a twin sister I would say, were it not for our difference in age, inas- much as for thirty-six years our churches had the same ministerial headship. Rev. J. R. Hardenberg, D.D., your third pastor, was our first minister. In those days church extension was carried on by the planting of new enterprises in unoccupied territory, more than by the colonizing feature. Localities were pre-empted, as it were, for the cause of Christ by far-seeing and devoted ministers who were able to anticipate the growth of population. What a wonderful activity and influence marked the pastorate of Dr. Hardenberg, who for twenty-three years did such excellent and efficient work in your church and ours. We wonder at the abund- ance of the labors undertaken and accomplished by this devoted man of God. Some persons undertake much, but accomplish lit- tle. No man can do two things at the same time, and do them well. Nevertheless a multitude of activities tend to the increased power and usefulness of that man who has learned to apply him- self intently and intensely to one thing-throwing his whole soul therein-and as soon as that is accomplished take up another with equal devotedness of time and toil ; and when that is done, still another. Greatness of influence consists in the aggregate of tasks well performed. A minister's first duty is for the souls of men. To win and culture them requires tact as well as thought. Spiritual zeal should mark the true pastor. This is chief. He who is the servant of God is emphatically the servant of the peo- ple, for their present and eternal welfare. The man who does the most good to the souls of men is without doubt the best and
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greatest minister. To preach and pray and plan with the sublime purpose of saving souls is the high and holy task assigned to the ambassador of Christ. If a preacher has time and talent for other things pertaining to the prosperity of his fellow-men, with- out neglecting this peculiar business, so much the better.
Dr. Hardenberg was not only one of the greatest preachers of his day, but one of the most efficient champions of American independence in those serious and stormy Revolutionary times in which his pastorate existed. He was foremost and forceful in his advocacy of American freedom. He assisted in the formation of the Constitution of this State and otherwise aided in National affairs. His name stands among the highest on the pages of our denominational and national history. Subsequent to his remark- able pastorate, after a brief interval of official separation, we were jointly served for the period of thirteen years by the excellent and energetic Rev. Peter Studdiford. This preacher was specially noted for the force and finish and freshness of his extemporaneous addresses. Also for his consecration to the highest and broadest spiritual interests of his congregations.
In one other feature we have a similarity of experience. While age marks our history, a youthful spirit pervades our churches. That congregation is not to be congratulated that glories in its past achievements to the neglect of present activities. We revere best the memory of worthy ancestors by catching their spirit, copying their earnestness and carrying forward to still higher and larger attainments the noble work in which they were successfully engaged. This is evidently your spirit, as revealed in the scenes and sentiments of this grand celebration. Bedminster heartily clasps the hand of Readington to-day, with cordial congratula- tions respecting your brilliant past, and warmest wishes for a future equally bright.
At the conclusion of this admirable series of addresses the audi-
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ence rose and sang hymn 429. Then the pastors of the churches that have grown out of Readington Church were announced. The churches that were thus represented were Rockaway, North Branch, South Branch and Three Bridges, and the addresses fol- low herewith in regular order.
Address by the Rev. B. F. Miller, Jr.
My Dear Brother-It is entirely unnecessary for me to reiter- ate the expression of the joy which is so general at being permit- ted to take part in your joy to-day, or even to express the love which the church which I represent bears as a daughter to this church as her mother.
Brother Wyckoff came over to our centennial two years ago and spoke upon a subject which I imposed upon him, " The Re- lation of a Mother Church to Her Daughter." He has now turned the tables upon me and imposed the topic, " The Daugh- ter's Relation to Her Mother."
The daughter's relation to her mother-where shall we learn this ? Not in nature, but in grace ; not in observation, but in in- spiration ; not in reason, but in revelation. Nature, observation, reason-these may furnish illustrations of the relationship ; but if we wish to discover what it is and something of what it implies, we must go to the Book. Looking into Scripture to find some- thing to say on this occasion, I was reminded of Antioch, the daughter, and Jerusalem, the mother, and "the mother of us all." And, following the law of God's Holy Spirit, as indicated in the history of the doings of these churches, I find that the relation of a daughter church to a mother church is at least twofold.
It is first a relation of ready helpfulness in time of need. When they of Antioch heard that there were famine and suffering in the old mother church in Judea, it is written that " the disciples, every
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man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea." And this is an indication of what should be perpetually recognized and felt and done by daughter churches respecting mother churches. I know that the Christian Church has forgotten or thinks she has outgrown this as she has forgotten or thinks she has outgrown many things in the Scripture. No doubt you have had your times of need; but I never heard of our people sending you aid in these times-per- haps because you never let us know of your needs. Whatever the reason, here stands the revealed indication that the relation of a daughter church to a mother church is a relation of ready helpful- ness. As no man liveth unto himself, so no church liveth unto herself. The shield of faith is never for selfish use; it is for the protection and aid of others also. O for a little of the tactics and discipline of the old Roman soldier ! Each one had a shield large enough to protect himself ; but in certain emergencies the whole phalanx would raise their shields above their heads and, either somehow locking them together or holding them together by the strength of brawny arms, would build an impervious roof over each other-"testudo," they called it, a turtle,-and march on to tre- mendous execution.
Secondly, the relation of a daughter church to a mother church is a relation of ready submission in time of dispute. When dis- sension arose in Antioch, " The brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question." Your daughter. has had her disputes ; but I never heard of any of them being sub- mitted to her mother according to this inspired example. Unless our Christianity follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in these things as well as in those technically called spiritual things, it is lacking. Unless our religion reach down and touch the pocket and regulate all money matters according to this Holy Word, unless it be influ-
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ential and practical within us and within our churches when there is a flash of anger in the eye, there is something wrong. It is easy to get together and say sweet and pretty words to one another ; it sounds grand and noble and even pious to utter great things about God and His cause ; but unless these words are backed up by Scriptural deeds along the lines and on the planes which men- too many of even Christian men-are inclined to call low, they are but "sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." It is on the so- called "low " planes that the reality of Christianity is seen and felt and proved.
These, at least, are implied in the relation of a daughter church to a mother church-ready helpfulness in time of need and ready submission in time of dissension.
Now, why not manifest this relationship ? We cannot do this without remembering it. And we ought to remember it at least annually. Not just once in a hundred and seventy-five years ought this to be called to mind and great celebration of speeches and feasting made over it. Why not at least once a year-the Lord's day nearest to the 12th of January, our birthday, would be a good time, as respects us-why not imitate this same Antioch when she became a mother, and send a delegation to the daugh- ter churches "to see how they fare." Don't just come in and sit down so that the pastor shall say, " Hm! Some of the Read- ington people here, to-day !" and that be the end of it. But let us know you are coming, or at least that you are there, as a dele- gation, with questions to ask and greetings and counsel to give ; and you will be recognized and treated well and sent away home with responses and with love (and I wish I dared say with money, if you had need). Why not have an annual home-coming for all the children? Not once in a hundred and seventy-five years, but once a year ; not for celebration, but for sympathy and practical help. Keep the relationship before us, the relationship of churches
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-church daughterhood and church motherhood ! The pastors are all right along these lines of courtesy and fellowship. They exchange, they love and sympathize and help. The people pass back and forth as occasion offers. But I plead for church help- fulness and church submission, according to the Scriptures.
As a molecule in the body of your daughter church, and in her name, I wish you, mother, love and success.
Address of the Rev. P. M. Doolittle.
I come to-day, with the greetings of what I may call The Sec- ond Church of North Branch to the First Church of North Branch. To me, the theory of ecclesiastical genealogy is some- what confused. All these old churches aspire to be known as " Mother Churches." For the third time, now, within a few years, my church has been claimed as a "daughter church;" and I hear that the time is not far away when we shall again be expected to do filial duty. It is no uncommon thing for a woman to have many daughters ; my church seems to invert the order of nature, in being the child of many mothers.
I sincerely wish I could demonstrate this relationship with the Church of Readington. I think I can account for the previous connection of those who formed the Church of North Branch in 1825, with a single exception. That one may have come from Readington ; giving you "the benefit of the doubt" in her case, we will claim her as the old-time link that joined us.
Waiving all this, we of North Branch, are your next door neigh- bors, and good friends always. In 1827, our consistory appointed a committee to confer with a committee from your church, for the purpose of establishing " a division line" between the two con- gregations. That committee, so far as I know, has not yet re- ported, and it is hardly to be expected that it ever will report. In fact we need no " division line;" if it were drawn, it would
REV. JOHN G. VAN SLYKE, D. D., SEVENTH PASTOR, 1869-1870.
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present as marvellous an instance of zigzagging as you ever saw ; if there were a line fence between us, we would wish it made up en- tirely of gates-rather would tear it away, and burn up the rails. We rejoice in free coming and going. If any two congregations were ever more interpenetrated geographically, more interchanged as to pastoral and social courtesies, and transfer of members, and more intermarried, I should like you to tell me. May we long live and flourish, in mutual harmony and good neighborhood.
My acqaintance and interest in Readington Church have con- sisted largely along with my intercourse with her pastors. I must confess, notwithstanding all appearances to the contrary, hav- ing lived beside you more than thirty-eight years. I first met Domine Van Liew in 1852, and was a neighboring pastor from 1856 until his death. I knew him well. He was venerable, dig- nified, affable and kind to young men. He was so substantial, sincere and always himself that knowing him at all was knowing him wholly; known once, he was always known by his friends. In looking back I lose sight of the time marks in his course, and it seems as though I must have known him and this church identified with him, from the date of his settlement here as pastor. He was patient, faithful and laborious ; confirmed in his theories and es- tablished in his modes, he yet had a certain progressiveness, which made him successful and acceptable to the end of his pastorate.
Then came Domine Van Slyke, who made impressions and ex- erted influences here which are operative to this day. He soon began looking around to see just how much of Readington was absolutely and permanently essential to his happiness ; and when he had settled the question he took her upon his arm and walked off. Some rather resented his leaving, and one old lady remarked, " Well, if Mr. Van Slyke leaves Readington now I think he'll be but a rolling stone." However he has rolled over but twice, and if he has gathered no moss, he has gathered what is better. He is
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a much greater man than when he left here; " may his shadow never grow less."
Domine Smock succeeded him, and his pastorate was of con- siderable length. Active, keen, racy and exercising his powers in various directions, his ministry was highly marked and memora- ble. I grieve as I notice his absence from this scene on account of declining health, and may God's strength be made perfect in his servant's weakness.
And here is Domine Wyckoff, your present pastor. When he entered upon this field, my heart went out to him and has not yet turned back from him. His acceptability with all is fully recog- nized. His influence with the young is happily evidenced in con- nection with Christian Endeavor work. He is satisfying to the older members of his charge-one of whom doubtless spoke for many others in saying, “ We never expected to get another min- ister so much like Domine Van Liew." We pray for his long continuance here, with increasing faithfulness in the spiritual ad- vantage of his people.
We have been looking back today and celebrating history. Let us not fail to look forward as well nor forget that this generation is making history. Sin, in whatever form the outcropping may be, is in all the ages essentially the same. The same old Satan is alive and as intently as ever at work. Sin and Satan are to be met and vanquished. The weapons of our warfare are the same, well proved, adequate. The same Jesus Christ lives and reigns, and He leads on to victory. The end is not problematical.
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