Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV, Part 12

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 910


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 12


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Your Most Affectionate Brethren in Christ, Joh. Hagelis, Ecc. Amst. Deput ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses. Joh. Gresewyn Ebert Alstein, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res. ext. h. t. Scriba.


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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Indian Affairs (Raretan).


1726, Oct. 28th. There were also read by them (the Deputies) two letters, one to the aggrieved party at Raritan, and the other to the ministers of New York. These were approved by the Classis, and the Rev. Deputies were again thanked, and requested to despatch them forth. x. 285.


RULES FOR SABBATH OBSERVANCE AT ALBANY.


1726, Nov. 10. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, that one of the constables of the three wards of this city do by turns successively on the Lords Day in the time of Divine service walk through the several streets and lanes of this city with his staff to prevent disorders or irregularities and noise especially near ye church, on penalty not exceeding six shillings for every person above ye age of fifteen, and on penalty not exceeding nine pence for every person from ye age of eight to fifteen for each default, for ye behoof of ye sheriff or constable who shall give information of ye defaulters.


And be it further ordained by ye authority aforesaid, that such of ye constables who shall be remiss or negligent in putting this ordinance in execution shall for- feit for every offence twenty shillings for the behoof of ye sheriff .- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. ix. p. 15.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Du Bois, Antonides, Boel and Vas, December 1st 1726. xxviii. 265.


To the Reverend Godly and Highly Learned Gentlemen, G. Du Bois, V. Antonides, H. Boel and P. Vas.


Reverend Sirs and Beloved Brethren :---


This letter serves as an accompaniment to the enclosed, which we request you to present to the Complainants at Raretans, being an answer to their letter to our Rev. Classis, written with your knowledge, and dated November 2, 1725. Hereby the Classis declares itself not to be able as yet, to answer the questions pro- pounded in said letter,- so far as they respect the principal mat- ter between the Complainants and Rev. Frilinghuysen - so long as she has not received the defence of Rev. Frilinghuysen, which has not yet arrived, because the Classis could not send off their letter to him before June last.


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


In the meantime we cannot help expressing our surprise at several things appearing in that letter. The first respects the shutting up of churches originally cared for by these very Com- plainants. The Rev. Classis regards this as a very disorderly procedure, and not showing a spirit of gentleness. Without doubt, you will be doing well to rebuke those people for such conduct, and to warn them against all similar flagrant acts in the future; for such acts can produce nothing but offence, and con- tempt of our church government among other people, and would pave the way for the churches to lose their liberty.


Secondly, the Classis has not been able to refrain from observ- ing how anxious the Complainants are, and that too with your knowledge and approval, to show their unwillingness to recognize the Rev. Classis under the title, and in the relation, of Competent Judge. On the other hand they simply address us as an advisory Assembly, and that, too, after they have, by shutting up these churches, taken the matter in their own hands. What reasons are hidden behind all this, we can hardly conjecture. Is it pos- sible that, in case the decision of the Classis were not agreeable to them, they would still retain the liberty of not submitting to such decision, but would go before a secular tribunal, as the Preface of this Complaint indicates. But whatever the result may be, such expressions always seem to us to have the appear- ance of assuming independence; which is something not to be recognized by the Netherland churches.


It is said that Classis is not bound by its title, and -mark it well-by its position among churches under another (civil) power. But by such a style of argument the New York churches could be withdrawn altogether from the supervision and control of our Rev. Classis, and from under the control of all Synodical Assemblies, as well as from Classical, in this land, lest they should offend those other powers. But the authors of that letter do themselves furnish the solution of that difficulty, by saying, in conclusion, that the letters of privilege (the charters) granted by the New York government to the Dutch churches, order that


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


the same shall regulate themselves according to the Synod of Dort. Now the entire Church-Order of that Synod is built up upon the foundation of the subordination of church members to Consistories; of these to Classes; and of these to the Synod, as you very well know.


And why indeed should the Classis not give a judicial decision, but only advice? And among other things, concerning these in particular : Whether the Rev. Frilinghuysen is to be tolerated as an orthodox minister in the Netherlands Church? and conse- quently, whether the accusations of the Complainants which are brought against him, who is a pastor belonging to this Classis and in union with the general body of the same,- whether their accusations are well-founded and legal, and that therefore the accusers and complainers are to be praised and justified? or whether the accusations are unfounded, and the accusers are to be rebuked, condemned and severely censured? Who can sup- pose in such a case that the Rev. Classis does not occupy the posi- tion of Competent Judge? and that their decision of the case should not be regarded by the accusers as something far higher than mere ecclesiastical advice? These accusers are members of Frilinghuysen's church. If the Classis is in such a matter only an adviser, who then is the judge?


We, indeed, know that the Classis has no power to carry out its decisions, and to enforce them in particular cases, against those subject to a foreign power. But this does not take away our right to pronounce a decisive judgement in a matter of such a nature, and to which both parties are bound to submit; and this, moreover, not as to an impartial and well-founded piece of ad- vice; but as to an ecclesiastical decision, in consequence of subor- dination to Church-Order, which all are bound to recognize.


Heretofore, in another case, it was considered strange to you, that Classis gave no decisive judgement. That does not well har- monize with this present claim, endorsed with your names, and having your approval. We therefore judge it only fair that you


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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1726


reconsider your conduct, and inspire the writers of that letter with other opinions.


It also seems to us that the Classis was not exactly pleased with those hateful expressions which in that letter are hurled in her face-yet as if said by others-that she has nieces and nephews; and it is only of her grace that any of them are sent here. We do not think that the Classis was much disturbed by such language of evil-speaking persons,- who would also, when it came to the test, deny their utterances, as is generally the case with such people,- that she deems it necessary, for her defence, to transmit the extracts concerning the appointment of Freling- huysen. You are also well aware that the sending of any one to the foreign field is not generally considered a particular mark of favor to them.


It grieves us to the soul to perceive the great divisions and grievous disputes which exist in the church of Raritans, and which are only too evident to us; on the one side, from the Complaint (against Frelinghuysen); and on the other, from the prolix and one-sided books of the Revs. Freeman and (Van) Zantwoord, which have been published in opposition to said Complaint, and also placed before us. To these writers also, we have given notice by letter, of our righteous sorrow and dissatisfaction, concerning these violent and spreading disputes, and the party-spirit excited thereby. We have exhorted them as well as yourselves to more pacific thoughts and sentiments.


May the Lord be merciful to his churches, and may he grant that peace may perpetually reign in our own. In closing, we commend you to God and the Word of his grace. We remain Rev. Sirs and Brethren,


Your affectionate and obedient Brethren in Christ, John Hagelis, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res exteras. h. t. Praeses. John Goesero, Clerk, p. t. and Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res exteras. Amsterdam,


Dec. 1, 1726.


1698- 1700


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


P. S. Since writing the present letter, certain others have just turned up from your regions, wherein we find a different style of expression in regard to the decisions of our Rev. Classis, of which we give you some extracts :


Extract of a letter written to our Classis from New York, December 15, 1698.


"Although our church is now under his Royal Majesty of Great Britain, nevertheless we are not thereby cut off from your Church (of Holland) nor from ecclesiastical correspondence with you. Our different parties, as appears from No. 18, appeal to the judgement of your Classis, which is made the Competent Judge. We are content with your decision, for the sake of peace, etc., etc."


Signed by Henricus Selyns, Pastor, and by four elders.


Extract of a letter written to our Classis from New York April 24, 1700.


" We the undersigned, entrusted with God's Church, and never having experienced any dispute in our church or consistory, be- seech you that you will take pity, and spend a few hours to for- mulate some resolution, or to pronounce some sentence, after the resumption of allegiance, etc., etc."


Signed by Henry Selyns, Pastor, and by eleven members of the Church.


Extract from a letter of the Consistory of Schoonectade, dated September 4, 1700, without mention of place.


" But seeing that we are all ministers who have been delegated by the Consistory and Classis of Amsterdam, and so are members of one and the same Classis; we are therefore bound, in this view, to recognize your ecclesiastical Assembly as our Competent Judge, to whom we are bound to refer all our church disputes. There- fore we can recognize no one as belonging to that corporation,


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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1726


except those who recognize the same Classis as the one to which our church difficulties must be referred."


Signed, Henricus Selyns, Gualterus Du Bois.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. B. Freeman, December 1st 1726. xxviii. 269.


Reverend and Much Loved Brother :-


We duly received your letter of April 27th of the present year, with the enclosed book" which you have written in your own defence, against certain assertions made in the book styled "The Complaint, etc." We have taken the trouble to peruse your book, but to tell you the truth, with very little satisfaction, because so little appears therein to the point. Besides, partizanship shows itself on every page; while the improper and coarse vituperative expressions which frequently met us, were an offence to us, and could tend only to embitter the minds of the other side. We think that by this publication, you have only further fomented the quarrel, instead of doing something to extinguish it. We must also say that we have gotten but little light therefrom, in regard to the principal matter of dispute. You would have won our esteem if you had exhibited any evidences of the ending of this difficulty, or if you had conducted your defence with some order, modesty, and adherence to the point. You will now do well, if in every possible way, you shall seek to bring the Rev. Frelinghuysen with his friends, to moderate and peaceful thoughts, and to his presentation of a proper defence against the accusations. We recommend you not to stir up this flame any more, as you have done, but to refrain from the use of all vitu- perative and violent language, and to let modesty shine forth in all your conduct.


* The title is " Verdediding ", or " Defence against the Church of Raretan, 1726." 1Smo. pp. 126.


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


Especially did it seem to us deplorable, that you should have openly accused some one, and as it seems, a minister, of hetero- doxy, pp. 62, 63. Oh that, in all these things, the assertion might be according to truth, and not done in passion and violence. If you have absolute certainty as to this, you know very well that such a charge must be conducted in a different manner; must be regularly brought forward before the right tribunal. If the facts are as intimated, we recommend you to pursue this course.


We have indeed informed classis of the receipt of your book, but as not belonging to her province, she has made no remarks thereon. But the Classis charges us to submit to you the ques- tion and to demand information from you and Rev. Bartholf, and which we now do in the name of the Classis, as to the approbation which you have given to a certain book of Rev. Frelinghuysen. In what manner and on what grounds did this take place; for the examination and approbation of books are duties belonging to Classis, according to our Church-Order, and not to private indi- viduals.


Herewith, after wishing you all prudence and peaceableness, with a rich measure of Jehovah's blessing and spirit, for the edifi- cation of God's Church, we remain,


Reverend and Much-loved Brother,


Your Servant and Brother, John Hagelis, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Cornelius Van Santvoordt, December 1st 1726. xxviii. 270.


Reverend and Much Loved Brother :-


Your communication, under date of June 14 of this year, duly came to hand, together with the little book, styled "Dialogue


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 2373 1726


about the Complaint of the Raritans, etc.", of which book we perceive that you are the author. This is the third book which has now reached us from your regions. By these we understand that the flames of discord are also burning among ministers, al- though they, as ministers of peace, ought to be of peaceful dispo- sitions.


When we perceived in your letter the reasons which induced you to write so large a book; and which only amounts to this, that you thought yourself to have been insulted, as you say; we were astonished, that you should take so much trouble, and go to so much expense, in order still further to stir up the flames of con- tention, instead of magnanimously disregarding any supposed in- sults which may have been offered you. Be not surprised that we call your act a stirring up of contention, although you say so much about Peace. For your opponents are treated in such a manner, in your book, that they will also think themselves to have been insulted; and they may think it necessary to make a re- joinder; and in such a way discord becomes not less, but more.


The reading of the book was a painful task to us, because of little order and accuracy observed in it. Matters which one thinks will soon be disposed of regularly, are constantly inter- rupted by all manner of digressions, which distract attention, and in which there are many things which are quite immaterial.


Among other things, your object is, we perceive, to defend Rev. Frilinghuysen. How well you may have done this, we need not inquire, since we soon hope to see his own defence, by which we must really judge his case. We must see how he defends himself, and not how he is defended by you.


We had indeed observed, even before we received your book, that it is a case of " Iliacos intra muros precatur (peccatur) o (non et) extra : and all the light which we have obtained therefrom, only confirms us in our opinion, without yet deciding on which side lies the most blame.


32


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


We have given notice to Classis of the receipt of your book, and have informed them of its contents, although not because we thought it necessary, because of the character of its contents; but only because, as a committee, we must report everything that comes before us in that capacity. Therefore also Classis simply received our statement as information.


In the latter part of your book you suggest propositions of peace. If you are able to contribute anything towards peace you will gain more esteem from us than by such writings as this. You will do well to impress upon Rev. Frilinghuysen, who is your friend, thoughts of peace and gentleness. Exhort him also to a modest and concise defence of himself, against so many and pecu- liar charges. Thus the Classis may be properly informed and enabled to judge wisely.


Wishing the Lord's rich blessing upon you and on your sacred office, and once more earnestly admonishing you to do everything in your power for edification, and to give peace to the churches, now so greatly disturbed, we subscribe ourselves,


Etc., etc.


REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.


1726, Dec. 27. Second Appointment of Mr. Barend de Forest as Dutch School- master.


He was appointed for the year 1727, on the same conditions as January 9, 1726, with these alterations:


When application was made by the parents of poor children, their names were to be taken in writing, and they were not to be received, at the cost of the Church, until the Consistory had first approved the application.


" For teaching the children of the poor, it is agreed that you shall draw salary from the Rev. Consistory, according to the instruction they receive, and as is usual with other Dutch Schoolmasters in this City; so much, for one who learns only to read; and so much for one who learns also to write; and so much for one who learns also to cypher. And whether any child of the poor shall learn also writing or cyphering must be by the approval of one of the Ministers. Four cords of fire-wood was provided for the winter."


If any of the poor children remain away from school, the reasons were to be inquired into, and whether it was with the knowledge of the parents; so that the parents may take order thereon; and if any of these children are often absent, and the parents do not remedy it, notice must be given to the Consistory.


2375


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1727


Lists of the parents whose children are taught at the expense of the Consistory are to be given quarterly to the Consistory, in the reckoning, and what each one studies, that it may be properly known to the Consistory, or to the Deacons, for payment.


In the name of the Rev. Consistory,


Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.


I, the undersigned accept this appointment, whereof the original has been given me, in the fear of the Lord, and with hearty gratitude to Rev. Consistory.


Barend de Forest.


New York,


December 29, 1726.


- Lib. A. 241.


DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.


Jan. 12, 1726-7. (1727.)


After calling upon God's name, it was determined by the Con- sistory that Do. Henricus Boel, p. t. praeses, Do. du Bois, elder Cornelius Provoost, deacon Henry V. D. Spiegel, and church- master Harmanus Rutgers be a committee to represent to his Excellency, our Governor Burnet, that it was resolved to build a new church, and humbly to ask him to approve of the under- taking and favor it with his protection.


In the name, etc. Henricus Boel, p. t. praeses.


Jan. 15, 1726-7. (1727.)


After calling on God's name, the Consistory was informed by the above named committee, that they had on Friday morning, the 13th inst., addressed his Excellency, and that he replied that he had no objection, that the Church might proceed with the building, and that he wished them good success.


Jan. 26, 1726-7. (1727.)


Resolved, by the Ruling Consistory, that instead of going around in the congregation according to the act of Feb. 12, 1725-6, (1726), the building shall be commenced (with funds)


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


out of the Church Treasury; and the Deacons shall therefore demand payment of the following bonds due the Church :


£. sh.


£. sh.


Paulus Vander Beck, 40. 00


Mathewis Bensing, 106. 00


Joshua D. Laplyn, 67. 4 Widue Peartree, 70. 00


Auth. Lespenaar, 53.


Wm. Buyl, 75. 1


903. 5


Johannis Slingerlandt, 79. 10


Joost Van Teyse, 53.


Joris Rappelle, 156. 12


Johannes Teller, 37. 2


Petrus Kip, 76.


Philip Hoogteling, 100.


Isaac Stoutenburgh, 142. 10


Sam. Fish, 100.


Lawrence Wessels, 271. 8


Richard Aelsop, 47. 13


Abraham De Lansey, 168.


Joseph Sackit, 44. 19


Chs. Sleigh, 112.


Abraham Van Gelder, 23. 12


Gerrit Aertse,


18. 12


Barent Benthuysen,


11. 4 Franz Garrebrantus, 130.


Isaac Kip,


174. 18


Leonard De Kleyn, 200.


Wm. Appel,


56.


2414. 5


Liber B. p. 63.


Tuesday, March 7, 1726-7. (1727).


Consistory held. After calling upon God's name, it was Re- solved to hold a Great Consistory on the coming Thursday, in order to determine, with them :


1. How the New Church shall be built.


2. Whether it shall be on the ground the Consistory has bought.


3. Whether it shall be a plain octagon, or an oblong octagon, or an oblong square.


4. Finally, how large it shall be.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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1727


It was ordered that the following memorandum should be re- corded in the (Church) Book :


Messrs. Col. Provoost, Mr. H. vander Spiegel and Mr. Abram Lefferts have, in the name of the Consistory, passed a bond, under the seal of the Church and by its authority, to pay to Mr. Abram Gouverneur, one hundred pounds, New York currency, besides the interest, as by the bond itself further appears, for Mr. Isaac de Riemer, to release him from his confinement. They have also paid the costs; for which bond and costs they have received from Mr. Peter Tounemans, a bond, amounting to the sum of one hundred and sixty three pounds, nineteen shillings, to be paid on the 27th of Jan. 1728-9. (1729.) This is now in the hands of the Deacons.


That it may appear that the foregoing was done with the au- thority of the Consistory, it is thought proper to have it set down here in the Church Book. This was done this 7th of March, 1726-7 (1727) in the Consistory (meeting).


Witness, G. du Bois. Liber B. 64.


Thursday, March 9, 1726-7, (1727.)


Great Consistory Held. Absent : Cornelius De Peyster, of the Ruling Consistory; and Jacob Boele, Leonard Huige de Klein, Jacob Van Cortlandt, Samuel Bayard, Jan Wanshaar, Harmanus Van Gelder, Andries Abramse, Jacob Ten Eyck, John Van Horne, Guysbert Van Inbury, Abrm. Keteltas, John Kerf- byl, Benj. Wynkoop, Cornelius Van Horne, . . sorx, Iaan Marbury, Cornelius Low and Jacob Moonen, of the former Con- sistory .- Present : Elders John Cruger, John Hardenbrook and Wm. Provoost; Deacons, Gerrit Keteltas, Abm. Leffers, Hen- drick Vander Spiegel and Abrm. Van Vleck; Churchmasters : Bernard Smith, Harmanus Rutgers, Abm. Van Wyck and Paul Richard, of the Ruling Consistory; and Nicholas Roosevelt, Isaac


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1727


Kip, Andries Marschalk, Philip Van Cortland, Christ. Banker, Abr. Boele, Jacob Goelet, Gerrit Van Hoorn, Abrm. Van Hoorn, John Vander Heul, Adrian Man, Antony Rutgers, Chs. La Rou, Jan Rosevelt, Wm. Roseboom, Oliver Teller, Jacob Rosevelt and Michael Vaagton of the Old Consistory.


After calling on God's name, those present Resolved,


1. The building shall be begun out of the money in the Dea- cons' chest, to which shall be added two and twenty hundred pounds, New York currency, if that sum can be obtained.


2. The Church shall be a four-sided oblong.


3. It shall be built on the ground bought for it, to the north of the French Church. (This French Church was on the corner of Nassau and Pine Sts. ; the new Dutch Church was on Nassau St. extending from Cedar to Liberty Sts., known as the Post-Office from 1844-1875.)


4. It shall be one hundred feet long, and seventy eight feet broad, both measured on the inside.


5. Finally : The Great Consistory leaves the farther direction of all (things) to the Ruling Consistory, and that the earliest progress be made with the building of this New Church.


Witness, in the name, etc. G. du Bois, p. t. praeses. Liber B. 65.


March 9, 1726-7. (1727.)


After the Great Consistory had withdrawn, the Ruling Con- sistory at once appointed John Van der Heul director of the building, to supervise the whole, and to execute the written reso- lutions of the Consistory from time to time. Teunis Tiebout was appointed Master-Carpenter, and Cornelius Turk, Master-Mason : all three upon suitable salaries as the Consistory shall arrange. Each accepted his appointment.


2379


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1727


March 16, 1726-7. (1727.)


After calling on God's name, Resolved, That the Deacons shall from time to time, pay out of the Church's Treasury, to Mr. John Vander Heul, Director, such sums as shall be required.


March 16, 1726-7. (1727.)


After calling on the Lord's name, the Consistory took up again the act of the 7th of March, in order to give in writing, to Mr. Vander Heul the agreement, by which he is to be Director of the building.


Since it is by all means necessary to have a true and tried man for Overseer and Director of the whole work, under the Con- sistory, and the Consistory, with full confidence, has requested you, J. Vander Heul, to undertake it, and you have consented thereto; so, now, the Consistory by this writing, appoints you for Overseer and Director on the following conditions :




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