USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > Historical discourse delivered at the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Reformed Dutch Church, New Brunswick, N.J., October 1, 1867 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
During the period under review the property known as the old burying-ground came into the possession of the church. The southern portion, including and lying below Liberty street, which was opened through it in 1810, was deeded to the congregation about 1729 by Mr. Jan Van Nuise, and was the first public cemetery of the church. On August 1st, 1773, the lot was en- larged by the gift of about two acres from Mr. Dennis Van Liew, deeded to the trustees under the old char- ter, for the benefit of the Reformed Dutch Church. A
72
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
clause in the deed states that "the greatest part of the said piece of ground was anciently given as a burial- place for the dead, and always has been used for that purpose."
During the vacancy that followed on the death of Mr. Leydt, the pulpit was supplied by neighboring ministers. On one of these Sabbaths the services were conducted by Rev. William Jackson, the son-in-law of Mr. Frelinghuysen. An anecdote is related of him, which, at this stage of our discourse, will seem quite appropriate. He was a great orator, according to all accounts, but addicted to the unfortunate habit of preaching long sermons. The days were short, and in the morning service he had given them a discourse of near two hours in length, and the afternoon seemed to promise quite as long. Darkness was coming on, and there were no arrangements for lighting the building; when James Schureman gave to the minister a sign that it would be agreeable to the congregation if he would bring his sermon to a close. With great vehe- mence of gesticulation Mr. Jackson cried out in a sten- torian voice, in the Dutch language, " Zit neer, Jacobus Schureman, ik zeg zit neer ; Paulus predikte tot den midder-nacht !"-" Sit down, James Schureman, I say sit down ; Paul preached until midnight."
Sixty-six years had now elapsed since the organiza- tion of the church, and from 1720, the year of Dominie Frelinghuysen's settlement, they had enjoyed without interruption the stated administration of the ordinances. But in the summer of 1783 the situation of the church was most perplexing, and some were greatly discour- aged. The excellent pastor, Mr. Leydt, had died, uni- versally lamented, just at the close of the Revolution- ary war. The church building, which had been almost
73
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
destroyed by the enemy, though temporarily repaired on the evacuation of the town by the British army, still showed signs of the depredations to which it had been exposed. The people were exhausted with the long struggle through which they had passed, while the business of the city had been entirely suspended. Many of the families had removed into the country to escape the troubles of the times, and had not yet re- turned. The Presbyterian church experienced similar troubles. After the loss of their edifice by fire, instead of rebuilding on the old site in Burnet street, they re- moved to their present eligible situation, purchasing four lots at a public vendue held by the sheriff of the county, Abraham Schuyler, Esq., for the sum of £148. But the labor of building the new church did not commence until the following year, when that congre- gation was forced to seek aid from abroad, under a recommendation from Governor Livingston, who repre- sents them as " greatly reduced in number, and injured in property, by the havoc of war."
This was the situation of affairs in the city on the death of Mr. Leydt. But public worship was main- tained with considerable regularity, as appears from the register of baptisms, and the entries made in the almoner's book of collections for the poor. But there was a work yet for this church to do under God, who had in store for them a rich gift in their next pastor.
On the death of Mr. Leydt, Six Mile Run united with Millstone in the settlement of Rev. John M. Van Harlingen ; while New-Brunswick undertook the sup- port of a minister alone. Rev. Simon Van Arsda- len, of Readington, was called in 1784, but he could not be induced to accept the invitation, and it was not
74
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
until the fall of the following year that they secured the services of the third pastor of this church.
REV. JACOB RUTSEN HARDENBERGII, D.D.
The call was sent to him in October, 1785, but he did not commence his ministry until the next spring, at the same time he assumed the Presidency of Queen's College. His father, Colonel Johannes Hardenbergh, emigrated from Prussia in the latter part of the seven- teenth century, and, by purchase, became the proprietor of a tract of land in Ulster county, N. Y., known as the Hardenbergh Patent. Jacob was born at Rosendale, in 1738. His literary education was not so extensive as might be desired, enjoying only the advantages of the Academy of Kingston. His theological studies he pursued under the direction of Rev. John Freling- huysen, of Raritan. He was licensed to preach by the Coetus, in 1757, when only twenty years of age. His preceptor dying suddenly, he was immediately called to succeed him in his pastoral charge, and in the month of May, 1758, he commenced his labors in the five united congregations of Raritan, North-Branch, Mill- stone, Bedminster, and New-Shannock. Of two of these congregations he was relieved in 1761. In this extensive field he labored with great fidelity during a period of twenty-five years. While at Raritan he en- countered numerous difficulties. At the commencement of his ministry, the church was distracted with the long controversy, which was carried on with great warmth in his own charge, and his latter years were spent amid the din of the Revolution."
During the latter part of his ministry the congregation was destitute of a house of worship. Their church edifice was destroyed by fire in 1779, by the British forces under Colonel Simco, and was not rebuilt until
75
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
He remained at Somerville until the year 1781, when he retired to his native place and served the church at Rochester until his removal to this city in the month of April, 1786. Almost immediately on the death of Mr. Leydt, this church looked to him as his successor, and at the same time the trustees of the college desired his services as its President, electing as his associate John Taylor, the patriot of the Revolu- tion, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Mathematics. With this two-fold charge he labored with intense zeal and devotion, and drew around him a strong congrega- tion. Early in the year 1787, the church edifice, which had been temporarily repaired after the destruction of the war, was thoroughly remodeled. The building was reseated and painted, a fence for the first time erected around the inclosure, and burials in the ground com- menced.
This was the beginning of a marked period in the history of the church. Dr. Hardenbergh had endeared himself to the people by the influence he had exerted during the struggle for Independence. He had shown a willingness to serve his country by any sacrifice or labor that he could render in her cause. He was the personal friend of Washington, whose headquarters during several months were within the bounds of his congregation at Raritan, and who uniformly attended his church, taking his seat at the head of the elders' pew. On two different occasions he was selected by our citizens to deliver the oration at the Anniversary of Independence, and among all classes he was eminently popular.
1788, seven years after Mr. Hardenbergh's resignation. The sufferings of that community were so great that it is not a matter of surprise that they were so long destitute of a sanctuary.
76
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
He was a man of slender frame, and gave early indi- cations of pulmonary disease. His failing health inter- fered with his ministerial work, and he was only sus- tained by great firmness of purpose and a spirit of ele- vated devotion. Admonished by his failing health that his ministry might be short, he embraced every oppor- tunity to make the Gospel message tell upon the hearts of his hearers. I have a letter written by him to Dr. Livingston, a short time preceding his death, breathing a beautiful spirit of Christian trust and resignation, and exhibiting the character of a true ambassador of the Lord Jesus.
His increasing indisposition led him "to take fre- quent reviews of a life so far spent," and he exclaims : " Oh ! what abundant reasons of humiliation before God has such a poor creature as I am. Blessed be God ! a Jesus is given, is living, is interceding for poor, indi- gent, sinful worms. I am sure, if there was not such a plan of salvation provided and irresistibly executed, my hope for a world of happiness would sink into gloomy despair. But on a review of many experiences of pardoning and supporting grace-free, infinitely free grace-my hope for a future happy world receives wings; and, on renewed views of such a suitable and glorious plan of redemption-views of my dearest Je- sus-I try to mount on high, and now think I would venture with satisfaction into the world of spirits."
But in the midst of great feebleness he labored in- cessantly in the cause of his Master and for the up- building of this church. On the 30th of March, 1790, . he procured for this church an act of incorporation under the general law of the State of New-Jersey, passed at Perth Amboy, November 25th, 1789, assum- ing the name of "the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons of
77
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
the Congregation of New-Brunswick." The seal of the corporation adopted at a subsequent meeting of Con- sistory has the appropriate device of a burning lamp in the centre, and the words "Dutch Church of New- Brunswick" in the circumference, which was henceforth to be affixed to all legal documents. This is the pres- ent title which we hold in law, and according to which we transact all the temporal concerns of the congrega- tion.
But his useful and laborious life was drawing to a close. In hopes that traveling and a change of climate would administer relief, he spent a few weeks in the months of April and May, 1790, in his native town ; but he returned worse than when he left the city, "and · was almost determined to relinquish business, and to retire to his farm during the summer season." But he could not abandon the work of the ministry, nor leave his post as the President of the college. Again he sought relief in a change of objects, and in rest at Perth Amboy, in attendance upon the Legislature then in ses- sion. And now he returns so much invigorated that he is able to preach the preparation sermon on Satur- day, and administer the communion and preach twice on the Lord's Day with comparative ease. "I enter- tain some hopes," he writes, "that the God of all grace did not leave himself without some witness." It was his last communion season, and he enjoyed in an un- usual degree the presence and support of his precious Saviour. " Oh ! how sweet, how comforting the promise," is his language to Dr. Livingston, " that he will not for- sake his people. Let us believe, trust, and pray for grace, to be made faithful to our God unto death." And that event for which he was so fully prepared was not far off. His work was now done, and the Master
78
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
was waiting to receive him. He resigned the presi- dency of the college in the summer, and died quite unexpectedly on the 20th of October, 1790, in the fifty- third year of his age. His tomb stands at the east of the pulpit, and the inscription, prepared, as we un- derstand by Dr. Livingston, though nearly erased by the action of the elements, gives a most admirable exhibition of his character .*
His call to the presidency of the college shows the estimation in which he was held as a scholar and disci- plinarian, as well as a divine. His analyses of sermons speak for both the vigor of his intellect and the thor- oughness of his theological education. He was a man of strong mind and extensive reading, and in his day was justly regarded as one of the pillars of the Re- formed Dutch Church. On four different occasions he was chosen President of General Synod, and he was long regarded as second only to Dr. Livingston, with whom he constantly cooperated in all the interests of the church and the college. He labored for the estab- lishment of this institution, and by personal applications from door to door, along with Dominie Leydt, procured the original funds for its endowment. Several memo- rials to the General Synod urging the claims of the college, written by him, are still preserved, and bear witness to the zeal with which he advocated the claims,
* Here lies the body of J. R. Hardenbergh, D.D., late pastor of this church, who departed this life the 30th day of October, 1790, aged fifty- two years, -- months, and -- days. He was a zealous preacher of the Gospel, and his life and conversation afforded, from his earliest days, to all who knew him, a bright example of real piety. He was a steady patriot, and in his public and private conduct he manifested himself to be the ene- my of tyranny and oppression, the lover of freedom, and the friend of his country. He has gone to his Lord and Redeemer, in whose atonement he confidently trusted. He has gone to receive the fruits of his faithful labors, and the reward of a well-spent life. Reader, while you lament the loss to society and his friends, go walk in his virtuous footsteps ; and when you have finished the work assigned you, you shall rest with him in eternal peace.
79
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
and the affection which he felt for an institution to which he had devoted his best energies. His last public act was a plea before the Synod, at their meet- ing in New-York, October 5th, 1790, that they would provide means to sustain the college and furnish the early succor so greatly needed. As its first President, he labored under the disadvantages of a small endow- ment, few assistants in giving instruction, and the want of proper facilities in the way of library, buildings, and apparatus. But he sent out several able scholars, and laid foundations which have made this cherished seat of learning one of the prominent institutions of our land.
As the pastor of this church he had a very successful ministry. On two different occasions there was the un- usual manifestation of God's Spirit in the conversion of souls. The whole number received into the church during the four years of his pastorate was sixty-nine. At his first communion he admitted fifteen on profes- sion of their faith, and in the year 1788 twenty-seven were added to the church. Indeed, his whole ministry seems to have been a continual revival, a most blessed close to a most useful and laborious life. He was re- membered by a few of the aged inhabitants when I first settled here, and it would seem that they were not able to speak sufficiently in his praise. He was elo- quent in the pulpit, and impressed every one with his tone of devotional feeling-a minister eminently be- loved by all who knew him.
Dr. Hardenbergh was the last minister of this church who preached in the Dutch language. His plan was to use the Dutch at the morning service and the Eng- lish in the afternoon. From this date all the records of the church are kept wholly in English, and the Dutch passed away forever.
80
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
On his settlement at Raritan he married the widow of his preceptor, Rev. John Frelinghuysen, to whose influence he was indebted, in no small degree, for his eminent usefulness. The character which she has left behind her, under the familiar name of the Jufvrow Hardenbergh, distinguishes her as one of the most re- markable women of her day. Dinah Van Berg was born in the city of Amsterdam, February 10th, 1725. Her father was a wealthy merchant, extensively en- gaged in the East India trade, who reared his family in the midst of all the fashion and refinement of the me- troplis, but without any instruction in religion. She became the subject of divine grace in early youth, and was remarkable for her rapid attainments in godliness and unusual exercises of faith. Her naturally strong intellect was developed by her early education, and the vigor of her mind was seen even down to the period of old age. While still residing in her father's house, her attainments in the religious life were so marked and decided as to arrest attention from all who knew her. It is related that on the occasion of her prostration by sickness, though the prospect of her recovery was re- garded as hopeless by the most skillful physician, yet she had such faith in God that he would raise her up, and give her a work to do in the church, that she fixed upon the very day when the progress of the disease would be arrested and her health completely restored. And almost at the hour indicated she started in a course of rapid improvement, and it was always be- lieved by her that God had spared her life in answer to special prayer.
She became acquainted with Mr. John Frelinghuysen, then pursuing his theological studies, during this very sickness ; and shortly after, though at first strongly op-
81
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
posed by her parents, she was united with him in mar- riage, and embarked for her home in America. The death of her husband, in the twenty-fifth year of his age, brought her to the decision of returning immedi- ately to her native country. She was upon the point of embarking with her two children on the voyage to Holland, when Mr. Hardenbergh, who had not yet completed his studies, made her an offer of marriage. Her surprise was indicated by the answer, "My child, what are you thinking about?" Yielding to the soli- citation, she consented to a second marriage, with this young man, who became, as we have seen, a distin- guished scholar and divine, and was, no doubt, a most efficient co-worker with him in the important services he rendered to his country and the church.
She was a woman of great intelligence as well as of piety, an extensive reader and correspondent, and her influence was felt throughout the whole denomination. For a considerable period she kept an elaborate jour- nal, still preserved, which is said to be superior for its tone of spirituality and of great intellectual vigor. Thus she commences: "It was the beginning of the year 1747; midnight had arrived and passed, and I continued in earnest supplication before the Lord, yielding myself anew to walk in his ways, to be en- gaged in his service, and to cleave to his people. My heart went forth in earnest desires after larger measures of the renewing grace of the Holy Ghost. Oh ! that old things might be made more fully to pass away, the power of depravity be brought into subjection, and the blessed image of the Lord Jesus be more fully trans- ferred to me, and all things become new. My soul arose in petitions to God for the dear people of the Lord, both at my own place at Amsterdam and else-
6
82
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
where, that God would grant them a renewal of his loving-kindness and larger measures of faith. Oh! that the Lord would bring many of the people out of their distresses; that a formal Christianity might pass away, and the power of godliness be made again to appear. For God's ministering servants I also found in my heart to supplicate much assistance in their weighty work, that they might be more and more faithful, and firm in their attachment to the cause, truth, and people of God, and be enabled by a con- sistent and godly walk to be examples to the flock."
The following devout exercises on her birthday are recorded in her journal : "Friday, February 10th, 1747, I was twenty-two years old. I awoke with these words upon my mouth, 'I was cast upon Thee.' My thoughts became fixed in intent contemplation upon the wonder- ful dealings of God with me even from the first mo- ments of my existence, and I was led to say, 'Many are thy wonderful works towards me.' I was led in de- vout meditation upon the preserving care of God over me, and the wonderful deliverance I had experienced ; upon his bounty to me as to the things of this world ; but especially upon the dealings of his grace that in my youth he was pleased to draw me out of the midst of the evil world. I now earnestly desire more en- tirely to consecrate myself unto God, and to yield to him the best of my time and strength." The whole journal is pervaded with a similar spirit, and exhibits a mind in direct and habitual communion with God.
Mrs. Hardenbergh has left at her first home in Rari- tan, as well as in New-Brunswick, a name which places her in the highest rank of female Christians. In this city she was a most efficient aid to her husband in the discharge of his various duties. She visited the sick,
83
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
attended to the necessities of the poor, and was a com- forter in homes of affliction. The two services on the Sabbath were held with an intermission of one hour, during which time the country members of the congre- gation would remain until the afternoon sermon. Juf- vrow Hardenbergh employed the interval in pious con- versation with the people, and, gathering around her a group of hearers, would frequently enter into an elabo- rate exposition of some point in Christian doctrine or passage of Scripture. She was a warm friend of the college, and on the death of her husband was anxious that a successor should be immediately appointed, and the institution fostered and built up. There is in ex- istence a letter written to Dr. Livingston, July 2d, 1791, in which she pleads earnestly with him to accept the position of president, to which he had been elected, and remove to New Brunswick. New-York could spare him in view of this more pressing call. She writes : "There are more hopes that that breach would be healed than the one among us. Where is there a man for us ? Our Dutch ministers are young men of little experience, and have no publicity in the church, however much otherwise esteemed and loved by us. My dear sir, I have heard you say to my now departed husband that you regarded the college as the fountain of the church; why, then, be engaged with the streams, and let the fountain dry up? The Lord enable you to discern what is His holy will; and, if you can do nothing more, oh ! pray for us, and by your counsel and cooperation be to us instead of eyes." She had just been permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper in this church, and she assures Dr. Livingston that the Saviour never seemed to her more precious. " This pre- cious Lord Jesus will be our joy in heaven. Oh! the
84
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
blessedness of being permitted to cast our crowns for- ever before him."
This remarkable woman survived her husband seven- teen years, and died at the residence of her son, Hon. J. R. Hardenbergh, No. 14 Water street, March 26th, 1807. She had attained the venerable age of eighty- two years, and her death was a scene of triumph. She rests by the side of her husband, " of high attainments here in grace, now resting in glory." The following verse, of great poetic beauty, very appropriately testi- fies to her exalted attainments, and is engraved upon her tomb-stone :
" Tell how she climbed the everlasting hills, Surveying all the realms above ; Borne on a strong-winged faith, and on The fiery wheels of an immortal love."
The children of her first marriage were a daughter, Eva, who became the wife of Mr. Casper Van Nostrand, of Ulster county, N. Y., where several of her descend- ants are still living; and Frederick, the father of the late Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen. All who bear this honored name in our section of country are the de- scendants of Frederick, the only son of Rev. John Fre- linghuysen, of Raritan.
At the close of Mr. Hardenbergh's ministry, the church was in a settled, prosperous, and harmonious condition. They had enjoyed only for a short time the labors of this devoted man, but they had been years of growth and improvement in every department of church life. His ripest views of truth he had here preached, his fervent appeals and instructions had been blessed by encouraging ingatherings, and the tenderness of his spirit, disciplined by affliction, had left its impress on all hearts. It is said that the day of his funeral was
85
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
one of great solemnity. He had been a man of distinc- tion in civil life, as well as in ecclesiastical and educa- tional interests. An active member of the convention that framed the first constitution of New-Jersey, a patriot whose life, often threatened by his tory neigh- bors, had compelled him to sleep with a loaded musket at his bed-side, caused the whole community to recog- nize in his death the loss of one of their most distin- guished citizens, as well as a great divine.
As soon as the church could recover from the pain of their loss, they sought for a suitable successor, but were subjected to repeated disappointments. It was again proposed that the Consistory of the church should call as their pastor, and the trustees of the college should elect as their president, one who should discharge the duties of both offices. Under this arrangement Dr. Livingston was elected, but declined; so also did Dr. Theodoric Romeyn. In the mean while the college con- tinued to languish, until the year 1795, when its doors were closed, not to be opened until its revival under the efficient management of the succeeding pastor of this church, in 1807. Two years were consumed in these negotiations, and now the church enters upon the work alone, and in earnest.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.