USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 10
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Herewith, also, all who belong to the Dutch Reformed Church, and have any regard for God, and prefer the worship of the Dutch Reformed Church, cannot but see and acknowledge that every one, be he who it may, must regard it as urgently necessary that since the practice of the Low Dutch Reformed worship, and attendance upon the public exercise of the same, and the devout hearing of pious sermons in the Dutch language, furnish the only hope, under the co-operation of God's spirit, from time to time, of advancing in the knowledge of the truth, which is ac- cording to godliness, to their comfort and salvation, it is equally necessary for them to be versed in the language in which God's ; worship is conducted and exercised.
What, therefore, can any esteem more fit and proper, than that they who are not ashamed to belong to a Church and congre- gation - where the true doctrine of comfort in life and in death is preached in the clearest and most powerful manner, in the Dutch tongue, according to the decrees of the National Synod of Dordrecht, etc., in order to progress in the right knowledge of God's Word and the practice of true piety, as we are forgiven by the Most High in Christ. through his Spirit - should cause their
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children from their youth up to be instructed in the Low Dutch tongue, and not neglect any opportunity for gaining this end.
One matter which the Rev. Consistory esteems of the highest importance, and wishes to impress deeply on the minds of you, the Christian Dutch Reformed Church of this City of New York, inasmuch as the fact appears in many ways is this: that most of those who belong to us, either from general apathy, or a sad in- difference to evangelical truth as well as to true piety - which we fear is the case, although we hope not-or to a wretched carelessness of necessary things, have now for some years neglected to have their children receive instruction in the Nether- landish tongue. Are not our youth, now growing up among us, living witnesses of this? And, to our sorrow, most of them are brought up without having the principles of the doctrine of Christ instilled in their minds. It is for such reasons, as they advance in years, that they show such reluctance to attend our catechising, notwithstanding all the opportunities they have in this respect. Hence, all our hearts must be impressed with the necessity of instructing the young in the Dutch language. And this must be considered the more necessary, since on mature deliberation, you, with us, must acknowledge, that if this shameless neglect continues, no one can attribute the sad condition of our religion and our Church, to anything else than our own carelessness; for, under the happy rule of our Protestant (English) magistrate, full freedom is given us for the public exercise of our religion.
Therefore, the acting Consistory, in conjunction with the Great Consistory, having, after calling on God's name taken the whole weighty subject into mature consideration, in order to devise some means, if possible, by which our sad condition might be somewhat relieved, have unanimously resolved to appoint Mr. Barent de Foreest, Schoolmaster, under their own supervision, and his pledge to obey strictly all such orders as shall be judged necessary for the advancement of the youth in the Netherlandish tongue, and in the first principles of the Christian religion. And
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they have likewise thought proper to make known to the Christian congregation this their resolution under these circumstances.
Therefore your children, whom you may please to send there for instruction, shall be diligently cared for, without omission save in cases of extreme necessity; to which Mr. de Foreest has pledged and bound himself to the Rev. Consistory according to articles prepared for that purpose.
Meanwhile, we, Ministers, Elders, etc., have willingly taken it upon ourselves to see that your reasonable expectations may be satisfied so far as possible in respect to the proper instruction of your children, not only in reading and writing but also in the usual prayers and in the Catechism. For which purpose Mr. de Foreest will every week appear with all the children at the public catechising in order that they may be examined as to their pro- ficiency. He will, also, whenever there is preaching on Wednes- day, come to church with all the children.
Herewith the Christian congregation is also informed, in re- spect to those among us who are unable to pay the money required for the teaching of their children from seven years of age and upward, that they have only to repair to Mr. de Foreest, who will confer with them, and receive their children according to the order which he has already received, or shall still further receive from the Rev. Consistory; for the school money shall be provided by the Rev. Consistory.
The design is the instruction of the youth and the arousing of the adults to this matter in order to the further propagation of Christ's Kingdom among us, for God's honor and our salvation. This, then, being the only object sought, it is our friendly request that you may so take to heart its importance that one may serve as an example to another and the prompt stir up the slothful. And so we, with our children, will, as members of the true Christian Church, steadfastly serve God and his Son, Jesus Christ, in faith and love.
Thus also our congregation will not diminish, but daily increase
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more and more, like God's people, over the whole earth; until even Babylon shall fall, and the fulness of the Gentiles come in, and all Israel be saved; and we, altogether, receive the end of our faith in eternal glory. Amen.
Thus done in Christian Assembly at New York. January 5th, A. D. 1725-6.
G. Du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
Jan. 9, 1726, being a Sunday, this was read before the con- gregation, after the morning service.
Lib. A. 237-240. Dunshee, in part, 2nd ed. 40.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Report of Rev. Hagelis about Rev. Frilinghuyzen.
1726, Jan. 8th. He also reported that Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras had written a letter to Rev. Frilinkhuise and Boel to notify the complaining members of the church of Raretans of the resolution of the Rev. Classis. This matter was further recommended to the Messrs. Deputati. x. 251.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Feb. 12, 1725-6. (1726).
The Ruling Consistory, being desirous on account of the in- crease of the number of those who have no seats in our church, to take the advice of all the members of our congregation who have heretofore served in the Consistory, and having received the same on the 3rd of February last, has, on this 12th day of the same month, after calling on the name of the Lord, considered the matter again, and unanimously concluded that some persons should go around and ask every one in any way belonging to our congregation, what he would be willing to give for himself, or his family, for the building of a new church on a proper spot
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elsewhere in the city, or, if not consenting to this, what he would contribute for the enlargement of the old church. For this pur- pose, Mr. John Hardenbrook, elder, Mr. Abram Boele, deacon, and Mr. Abram Van Vleck, churchmaster, were appointed, and accepted the office. If deemed necessary, the Consistory will add others to the number.
Witness, in the Name of the Consistory,
G. du Bois.
In token that the above named members of Consistory approve the contents as here written, it is signed in their own hands as thus confirmed.
Dutch, p. 138. Liber B. 59.
DEPUTATI AD RES EXTERAS REPORT ON T. J. FRILINGHUYSEN.
1726. Feb. 19th. The same committee further reported that all matters were ready in respect to the case of Rev. Frilinghuy- sen, and that they were only waiting for a ship to send them off. x. 258.
Gov. BURNET TO REV. MR. BERKENMYER AS TO HIS RIGHT TO THE PROFITS OF THE GLEBE AT QUASSAICK, N. Y., MARCH 1, 1726.
Litra. C. i. His late Excellency William Burnet, Favorising the Minr. Will. Christ. Berkenmyer, has protected him in the service of Quassaik, self by a Letter Missive.
Copia.
Reverendo Viro Domino Wil- helmo Christophoro Berkenmeijro Guiliemus Burnet S. P. D. Quoad agrum in Colonia Campensi de quo video litem ali quam orituram, nil aliud dicam nisi quod Justitia omnibus pateat & Controversiae debent dirimi in curiis civilibus se- cundum leges. Literae Patentes nuper datae sunt, ut vocantur; quibus ho'l'es certi agrum istum pro communi bono illius colo- niae posident, & si aliqua con- troversia de sensu illarum lit- erarum oriatur coram judicibus
Translation. To the Reverend Minister Will. Christ. Berkenmijer William Burnet Greeting Concerning the Glebe in the Country which as I see will come in Proces, I shall speak no more, than that the Justice stands open for every one; and the Controver- sies are to be dissolved in the Courts of Common Law, after the Direction of the Law. Letters Patents, as they are called; are newly given by which certain Fam- ilies do possesse such Glebe
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litigandum est. Non amplius mei juris est, nisi forsan coram me lis veniat, quare nihil debeo de illa re vel affirmare vel negare.
Datum Calendis Martii Novae Eboraci A. C. MDCCXXVI.
Land, as a Common Good or for the Common Best of the Colonie, and if any Disputes arrise concerning the mean- ing of these Letters Patents, the Cause must be brought before the Justices. It stands not further by me, if not, can be, the Cause should come unto me, for which Reason, I ought not to determine, or to dislike anything in the Cause. Written ye 1st of March, at New York A. C. 1726. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 354, 355.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Frilinghuysen.
1726, April 1st. Regarding the case of Rev. Krimpelman, the Rev. Committee had ascertained nothing in addition. Further they reported regarding the booklet of the Converted Jew, Tin- dam, that they had made arrangements for the changes which were to be made therein. Also the case of Rev. Frilinghuysen remains recommended to them. x. 261.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Resolution of the State Regarding the age of those Called (to the Ministry.)
1726, May 6th. Mr. Vos, Deputatus Synodi, handed in a reso- lution from their Noble Great (Mightinesses) touching the dis- pensation as to the age when ministers and candidates may receive Calls. It read as follows :
The Hon. Pensionary Marcus reported to the Assembly the marks and advice of the Messrs. the Committee of their Noble Great Mightinesses. In consequence of, and in compliance with, their Commissorial resolution of the 11th of this current month, they have examined the petition of the Burgomasters, the elders, and deacons of the East and West Blokkerhoude. Their church, having been deprived of their regular pastor and teacher by the
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departure of Rev. John Eggers to Naerden, the petitioners, in communication with each other, and to their mutual satisfaction, had looked about, in the interest of their church, for another minister. The said elders and deacons, after gaining consent or permission (hand opening) had made a nomination of four candi- dates. On the 9th of Oct. of this year, the church of East and West Blokkerhoude had called by the 42 votes required, (6, 4, and 3 votes?) from the nominations made, the Rev. John Benkel- man, candidate, of Hoorn. This call had also been properly pre- sented to him. The said Rev. John Benkelman, would have liked to accept the said call extended to him, but immediately made known to the petitioners, that he had become only twenty one years old on the 11th of last March, and had not therefore, at- tained the age required by the resolution of their Noble Great Mightinesses so that he could be lawfully ordained and admitted to the Sacred Ministry in this Province.
But concerning the eagerness of this congregation to have the said Rev. John Benkelman for their regular pastor and teacher and that great good was to be hoped and expected from his labors; therefore the petitioners, request their Noble Great Mightinesses, by virtue of their sovereign power and authority, in respect to the Rev. John Benkelman, to be pleased to release and grant a dis- pensation to him from this law of minority. Thus he might be admitted to the pastorate of East and West Blokkerhoude. The Classis of Hoorn and all whom it may concern might be ordered also not to prevent or refuse the call made on the said Rev. John Benkelman on account of his minority, but to recognize him in every way, even as if he had attained the required age.
This was discussed. It was also taken into consideration that the said John Benkelman, not only at the time when the min- isterial office there became vacant had not yet reached the full age of twenty two, but even at the time of the call, still lacked some months of it. It was therefore resolved and understood that the dispensation asked for, be refused, even as the same is
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refused by these presents. It was also taken into consideration that at the time when ministers are called to vacancies of the office in the cities which have a vote in the Legislature, the Hague included among them, (such ministers) must have at- tained the full age of thirty; and in the other cities of twenty seven; and in the country of twenty five years. Also their Noble Great Mightinesses by their resolution of Feb. 25, 1679, decreed that no dispensation should be granted from such ages. But afterward, by their resolution of Dec. 21, 1680, they de- creased the age at which ministers could be called, in the cities having a vote in the Legislature, including the Hague, to twenty seven; in the other cities having no vote in the Legislature, to twenty five; and in the country to twenty two years; this to apply to the age at the time of the vacancy. It was also resolved and understood, that from this time forth; no dispensation should be granted from their Noble Great Mightinesses resolution of Dec. 21, 1680, but that every one must strictly regulate himself by this resolution; and the Pensionary is expressly directed thereby, not to submit for discussion any proposals for a dispensation from the said resolution; nor to accept any petitions or remon- strances which he shall know to have the said purpose in view; nor even to read them to the Assembly; but to suppress (seponeren) them, or give them back again. It was further re- solved and understood that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the South and North Holland Synods, to be recorded by them, and also to each Classis, with the order to guide themselves strictly thereby. x. 264-266.
GOVERNOR BURNET TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
New York, June 2nd, 1726.
My Lords:
On the 23rd of May last I received a letter from Mr. Popple dated 1st of Octo- ber 1725 containing Your Lordships' commands to me to be more punctual in send- ing Copys of publick papers, publick accounts, and all proceedings for your Lord- ships information according to my Instructions, upon the several heads following to each of which I will make what answer I can on so short notice.
The second head is the Number of planters and Inhabitants and Accounts of Christnings and Burials, etc. I had the honor to transmit to your Lordships an
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account taken by the Sheriffs of the several Counties of all the Inhabitants of the Province of New York, in my letter of the 16th of December 1723, where, if search be made, I question not but it will be found. I will prepare the like abstract of the same accounts and send it by the next opportunity.
I would have then ordered the like accounts to be taken in New Jersey but I was advised that it might make the people uneasy, they being generally of a New England Extraction and thereby Enthusiasts: and that they would take it for a Repetition of the same sin that David committed in numbering the people and might bring on the like Judgments. This notion put me off from it at that time, but since your Lordships require it I will give the orders to the Sheriffs, that it may be done as soon as may be.
As to accounts of Christenings and Burials I dont find they have ever been kept regularly, and it would be extremely difficult to bring it to bear, for here in New York, there are not Church of England Ministers in half of the Countys of the Province, and there are many Dutch and some French and some dissenting Ministers that baptise and bury, some of which keep no account, as I have been told, and others that perhaps do and understand no English.
In New Jersey there are few Church of England Ministers, several dissenting Ministers who keep no accounts and many Quakers who are never baptized so that such an Account would be no true Estimate of the people there.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. v. pp. 776, 777.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Cornelius Van Santvoord to the Classis of Amsterdam, June 14, 1726. Portfolio "New York", Vol. i.
(Addressed :) Reverend, Pious, and Learned Gentlemen, The Commissioners on Foreign Affairs for the Reverend Classis of Amsterdam.
With two pamphlets.
Staten Island, June 14, 1726.
Reverend Sirs and Brethren in Christ :-
About a year ago there was issued here a little book,-a copy of which had been previously sent to the Rev. Classis of Amster- dam,- styled a "Complaint ", in the name of certain members or adherents (lovers) of the Dutch Reformed congregations on the Raritan. Besides containing a necessary Preface, this Com- plaint was fortified by a "Declaration ", signed by four of our brethren. In the Complaint and Preface I found myself men- tioned by name, but not with commendation. I also knew myself
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to be referred to in the Complaint, which was not pleasing to me (touched me). The Declaration also did not honor me in the so-called Protest. Deeming myself insulted thereby, there has also been published here something in my defence,* which I take the liberty of sending to you. Thus may your Rev. Classical Assembly be enlightened, if you consider it worth your attention.
I can indeed, assure you, that I did not relish either the trouble, or the expense (of this book), which is considerable here; nor would I have troubled you with it, if those who made that " Declaration " had not expressed themselves as they did. And if the "Complaint ", fortified with that " Declaration " expressing their sincere meaning, had not been sent to the Rev. Assembly, neither would this reply of mine have been sent over to you. For who ought to care for such things, which everybody here holds in contempt? However, if I kept silence now, it might be said to be an acknowledgment of the accusation; or, at least, it might be so esteemed. I will not accuse my brethren, nor demand justice upon them. Good and wholesome peace is what I aim for and desire. I also hope that you will have confidence in me in reference to what I say. It may be thought, however, according to the judgement of some, that all the expressions in this "Dialogue" are not equally proper. We are human, and we are all of like passions, one with another; and all are some- what blind in affairs relating to ourselves, no matter how careful we are, nor how diligently we seek to remain dispassionate. Oh ! that peace and unity might come to exist among the brethren, and that you and the Rev. Assembly could point out the desired means ! I conclude with the prayer that the Lord God may be with you, and abide with you and the Rev. Assembly, and bless your ministry and deliberations to the glory of His Name, and the upbuilding of His Kingdom.
I remain, Rev. Sirs and Brethren in Christ,
Your servant and brother,
C. Van Santvoord.
* A Dialogue between Considerans and Candidus, 1726.
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TITLE AND PREFACE OF VAN SANTVOORD'S BOOK.
A Dialogue, Concerning the "Complaint" of the People of the Raritan (Valley); Treating of the Matters which have in that volume, both in general and in particular, been laid to the charge of Cornelius Van Santvoord, Minister on Staten Island. To- gether with a Supplement, in behalf of the Restoration of Peace.
New York. Printed by J. P. Zenger, 1726.
Information for the Reader.
The author of this Dialogue felt disposed to make some obser- vations in regard to the notorious "Complaint" of the People of Raritan, which was supported by the "expositions" of a few Ministers. He therefore went to work on the subject at once (on the appearance of said "Complaint ".) When he had made some progress, he came across another book-"A Dialogue on Orthodoxy", etc. That work seemed sufficient to deprive the " Complaint" of all its power. He was at a loss, therefore, whether to go on with his own work, or not, for he did not wish to do over again what had already been done. But inasmuch as, in said " Complaint ", bold mention was made of certain matters, as positive proofs of the heterodoxy of the Minister at Raritan; and inasmuch as (it was asserted) that these were based on the intolerable folly or the wicked partizanship of those who had not joined the " expounders ", he again took up his pen.
If any one think that those who conduct this Dialogue are not always in an assured condition, (lit .- in countenance,) nor always completely vindicate themselves, let him attribute this to want of ability in the author. Should they speak rather earnestly, and at other times somewhat lightly, they speak thus in accordance with the nature and importance of the topics or arguments under consideration. But this is done without the intention of offend- ing anyone, or destroying the respect which is due him. It did indeed, go somewhat against the grain to mention certain names, and to quote certain facts; but how could this be avoided in view
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of preceding examples, and the traits of those who call a boat, a boat. That which refers to Rev. (Cornelius) Van Santvoord in particular, is published with his consent. If anyone should be pleased on that account to attack him, he wishes it to be under- stood that he intends to avoid debate; although he does not prom- ise that he will allow anyone to trample his reputation under foot. Let every one read this Dialogue dispassionately, and come to an opinion in accordance with truth, and in love. Use it unto edification. Put aside all perversions of facts; for in order to defend the facts, a Supplement is added. And pray God that he would enable the brethren to dwell together in the spirit of harmony.
[This Dialogue is interesting, but too long for publication.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Friling- huysen, June, 1726. xxviii. 247.
Reverend, Godly, and Highly Learned Sir, and Beloved Brother :--
Some time ago there was placed in our hands the little book which accompanies this letter, styled "Complaint of Certain Members of the Dutch Reformed Church living at Raritans ", etc., respecting the action of yourself and Consistory towards these Complainants, who are the authors and senders of the same. This complaint was laid on our table with the desire that we should give judgement upon it, and if possible, redress, and pre- vent all irregularities which might be found to have happened on either side.
We have had this writing examined by our Committee. It is very prolix and contains many things worthy of no attention; nevertheless it contains evidences of great divisions and estrange- ments in your churches, whose glory should be Love and Peace. Also, therein, several charges are made against you personally,
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or in connection with your Consistories, which, if true, would prove a very dictatorial spirit, and, in many respects, would har- monize with the principles of those, who, under pretext of better church discipline, have separated themselves from the communion of the Reformed Church.
But we do not wish to decide anything concerning any of these charges on mere ex parte evidence, but have unanimously deter- mined to transmit the Complaint to you that you make your defence concerning the same. This we expect you to do; and while we easily foresee that a very elaborate defence might follow so prolix a document; and many things might intrude themselves which do not belong to the essence of the matter, and would only delay our Assembly in her manifold duties; therefore be pleased to express yourself principally, and if possible, set us at rest, on the following points, extracted from this book, such as have ap- peared to us to be most important :
Besides several examples of incautious expressions not only in the pulpit, but in pastoral visitations and in the treatment of the sick, to be found on pages 19, 99-101, 139, 140, etc., and the defence of Schuurman in his affronts towards the services of Revs. Du Bois and Boel,- Preface, pp. 2 and 3-there is laid to your charge :
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