USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 13
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1. Conscientiously to do everything to the best of your ability, to the advantage of God's Church, even as we trust in you.
2. In matters of importance, or where you judge it needful, to apply, through the Praeses, in time to consult with the Con- sistory, and to carry out in the best manner their resolutions, as given to you in writing, from time to time.
3. That you keep a strict account of everything.
4. That from time to time you make a statement of matters to the Consistory.
5. The Deacons will, from time to time, place a sum of money in your hands.
6. Of this, you will give an account to the Consistory, when asked.
7. All workmen, whether with teams or otherwise shall be wholly under your direction, and obey your order as that of the Consistory.
8. It is hereby committed to you to agree, at the best price, for all material, and to provide capable workmen, except the
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Master-Carpenter and Master-Mason, with whom the Consistory will make agreement.
New York, March 22, 1726-7. (1727.)
Consistory held -not more than five of the Elders, Deacons and Churchmasters being present, besides the Ministers. It was unanimously Resolved, That Mr. Vander Heul shall proceed with the agreement concerning timber; and that this order shall be still further confirmed at the next meeting.
THE PALATINE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF QUASSAICK CALL REV. WM. C. BERKENMYER TO OFFICIATE TWICE A YEAR. MARCH 30, 1727. [Newburgh.]
Litra. C. 1. His late Excellency William Cosby, His Honour G. Clark, His Honourable Excellency George Clinton, have been graciously pleased, to allow our present Minister, Leave and Permission in the Lawfull Functions of his Vocation. Litra. C. 2. The aforesaid Unions-Contract:
In the name of the Holy Trinity: We underwritten Trustees of the Palatine Parish at Quassaick Zacharias Hofmann and Tobyas Wygand on the one part and the Consistory of the Protestant Lutheran Congregation of New York, of the other Part, Make this Contract and Covenant. Whereas we Lutherans in the Highlands dwelling on the two thousand one hundred and ninety Acres of Land granted by a Patent, bearing Date the 18th December 1709 not being able to maintain a Minister amongst ourselves; That the aforesaid Consistory being pleased to receive us into their Communion, does consent, that the Lutheran Minister of New York at his going to and from Albany, may come twice a Year among us, and minister to us in his holy Function, for which Service we promise to pay him yearly the Rents and profits of the five hundred Acres Glebe Land, according to the Agreement with the Tenants thereof: As we do likewise herewith by the Power and Authority given to us by the aforesaid Patent Call, Constitute and Receive Mr. William Christoffer Berkenmyer p. + Lutheran Minister of New York, for our lawfull Teacher of the Parish of Quassaik, to minister unto us, twice a year, after the manner aforesaid, as well in preaching the holy Gospel purely, according to the Holy Scripture and the Symbolical Books of our Lutheran Church, as in Administering the Holy Sacraments to Christi Institution, and practising the usual Ceremonies of the fellow Believers of the unalterable Confession of Augs- burg. Promising Likewise to pay to him the Income of the five hundred Acres aforesaid as soon as any there shall arise, and acknowledge him not only as our Teacher, but also the Authority given to him by the aforesaid Patent, as also whenever he lands on the shore to receive him and bring him back on board of the Vessell.
Moreover, since hitherto we can make no use of the Bell, given to our Parish aforesaid, we therefore give the said Bell, by Oral Permission of his Excellency William Burnet, Esq. etc. to the Lutheran Church at New York. However on this Condition, if it should happen, that by Increase of our Lutheran Congrega- tion in this place, we should be able to build a Church of our own, at any time hereafter, that then the Lutheran Church of New York shall be obliged, either to restore us the same Bell, in such condition as now it is, or else to buy and send us another of the same weight and value. And the same Church of New York is never to leave us destitute of a Minister, but always in their Call for a Minister, and also in his Ministration to acknowledge us as Brethren, unless it appears that their Minister be not truly of the unalterable Confession of Augs-
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burg or should want sufficient Credentials to demonstrate to be such an one. Then in such Case we will not be obliged to perform any of the Articles contained in this Presents. In confirmation of all this, we the Trustees first above men- tioned, as also the Minister and Consistory of the Protestant Lutheran Congrega- tion of the City of New York have interchangeably put our hands and seals this thirtieth Day of March In the thirteenth Year of His Majestys Reign Annoq Dm. 1727.
Nicholas Bogardus Dit is het merk X
Zacharyas Hoffman dat is het Merck X van Tobyas Wygand.
van Joh. Jargen Maus.
Signed Sealed and Dellvered in the presence of us
Lauren van Boskerk, Johannes La Gransie. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. ill. pp. 355, 356.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
IN REGARD TO TIMBER.
New York, April 5th, 1727.
Consistory held - after calling on God's name. The Resolu- tion of March 22, in relation to Mr. Vander Heul's making a contract concerning the timber, since the Consistory was then not full, is now confirmed in this manner: That the Consistory fully authorizes Mr. Vander Heul to agree with James Hindes, and to pass bonds with him, that the contract may be satisfied on both sides. The Deacons are willing to provide for payment on the terms fixed.
G. du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
Extracts from a Letter of Frelinghuysen, dated April 6, 1727. (In answer to Letter of Classis, June, 1726. Vol. xxviii. 247.) [The original letter, not found.]
Portfolio "New York " Vol. i. xxii-137, 142.
Extracts from a letter from Rev. Frelinghuysen, minister at Raritan, dated April 6, 1727 containing
1. An announcement of the receipt of our letter and expres- sion of satisfaction at our action, and of joy, because of his defense, admitted before us.
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2. A preface about the origin of the " Complaint ", (Klagte), which he considers to be pure hatred and enmity. This he proves, by the treatment he has received from Rev. (Henricus) Boel; Boel addressed himself only to his (Frelinghuysen's) ene- mies, without wanting even to hear him; and as to the contents (of the Complaint), this he declares to be full of made-up lies, which he will clearly indicate in his "Refutation ", (Wederleg- ging), which will be published, in addition to those already given out by Revs. Zantvoord and Freeman. Thereupon follows an account of the method of procedure of his accusers, closing his churches, etc .; with a declaration that he knows it as certainly as he writes it, that the list of the signers constitutes a lot of impious persons, the scum of those four congregations, except some, who have been misled, who were deceived by their lies, and who are now again his adherents.
He shows also by means of an accompanying testimonial from one of the cousins (neven) of Rev. Boel, how Boel was disposed towards him. He denounced his teachings as papistical, and dis- suaded his cousin from hearing him.
3. His justification (verantwoording.)
A. Concerning those things which were only adduced by us in general.
1. Regarding the imprudent expressions :
(1) In the pulpit; that no one repented: he thinks that this only originated from a quotation of Jer. 8 : 6, "No one repented of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?" Others are mere lies; some distorted - to which things were added, or from which things were taken away. This can entirely change, yea, reverse the very sense.
(2) With sick people :
a. That that is a lie, which is found on page one hundred ; (of the printed "Complaint"); for the man did not ask him to pray, but was at ease; whereupon he warned him, that true faith did not consist in self-conceit (or self confidence; inbeelding).
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b. As to C. Pauwlten, page one hundred :- That this is a lie, he can prove by the man himself; and by two other pious men, who were present.
2. The defending of Schuurman he justifies; because it (the accusation) was never proved to him; but he was, indeed, accused of many things not true; and his words were perverted.
B. Concerning the seventeen Articles, proposed to him by us, as needing justification (verantwoording) :
1. Replying to the first; he acknowledges the truth of the matter laid to his charge; but he can see no evil in it -
(1) That we should keep a man at a distance (from the table), for a while, with whom there has been a dispute, although it may have been settled, to see if the reconciliation is sincere.
(2) It was but a simplex abstentio, whereby one is held off (from the Supper) provisionally, and by way of admonition; while it was impracticable for him to observe all the formalities in the case, the action was done by the Consistory.
(3) Because he showed himself angry about his being censured; and was not at all humbled for his quarreling and cursing.
The charge of bluntly saying "Yes", he acknowledges also; but he says this with specification as to the person, and how it happened.
2. Concerning the second point :
(1) As to the election of the Consistory contrary to Church- Order : he denies this, and says, that he cannot help that liars tell untrue things about it, that he (Frelinghuysen) has no more privileges than any one else; and has also been outvoted; and that in the change of the mode of the calling (election?) of the Con- sistory, not by the congregation but by the Consistory in office, he thinks, on the other hand, that he was strictly in accord with the Church-Order, Article 22. (The Elders shall be chosen by the suffrages of the Consistory and of the Deacons, etc.)
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(2) As to the election and installing of Deacon (Hendrick) Fischer, he replies,
a. That he was lawfully elected by a majority of votes.
b. That a Consistory meeting was held to consider the accusa- tion, but that the accusers did not agree.
c. That the installation occurred with the approval of the Con- sistory of Six Mile Run, to which it was referred for decision.
d. That in this Fischer, there shone forth a humble wisdom and modest piety; and that he (Frelinghuysen) would have been yielding to Satan, if he had not installed him.
3. To the third point: That he suspended this woman, in the presence of his elder, for an evil maxim (grondstelling), that a man must be saved by his own good works. For this also she was rebuked by the elder.
4. To the fourth point :
(1) That he in the face of all her professions, knew well enough that she belonged to that people; but from ignorance.
(2) Also that she was a perfidious woman (valsch wyf), who after she had acknowledged that she had been against him, and had humbled herself therefor, subsequently became quite as malignant as before.
5. To the fifth point: That this woman was unable to answer a single word to his questions; that he had, indeed, (not?) ac- cepted her certificate; nevertheless he had said that he would admit her if she could give him some account of her knowledge and faith. This treatment he thinks is in accord with Article 31 (61) of the Constitution ;* and such is the opinion of several ministers, whom he quotes.
What is called by the Complainants a Second Confession (of Faith), was with him only an examination, and an account of her
* Article 61. " No person shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper, but those who make a confession of their faith in the Reformed Religion, agreeably to the prac- tice of the churches to which they are to unite, and who also have the testimony of a pious deportment; without which also none coming from other churches shall be received."
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experience (rekenschap-geven). But the former, (a new Con- fession) was not deemed necessary by him, as is confirmed by an example.
6. To the sixth point : That nevertheless he baptized the child, and that not only in this baptism, but in that of all, he no longer said "Amen"; but in reference to this he would gladly concede to those who were offended; nevertheless he did not find that he was obliged to say "Amen " either by Matt. 28, nor by our Formula.
The return of the certificate was because that woman remained disobedient, and railed at the elders, who admonished her like a fish-woman. He asked her, if her Christianity consisted of her certificate; and when she said, Yes, she received from him in reply, that he would see to it that she had her Christianity re- turned to her; which was done.
7. That the reading of Schuurman's name in the Church, with those of the others who were becoming members, was omitted, not of set purpose, but from forgetfulness.
8. That he had not disapproved the teaching of the "Our Father " (the Lord's Prayer) as a form to use in prayer; but he had disapproved the reciting it by rote, without explanation of its sense, its power, and its general purport.
That he has never been willing to encourage the popish super- stition so common there, that no prayer ought ever to be offered without this (Lord's) prayer being recited with it, as if there were a peculiar efficacy in those very words; but, on the contrary, that he is not opposed to the use of that prayer, he proves by his own practice; and he says, that he agrees in this with Calvin, Amesius, Alting and others.
9. That he only refused this (baptism to children) when the postponement was caused by a person's own neglect; so as not
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to encourage contempt and indifference; that he did not like to administer baptism in other places, when the regular pastors were present, but only in their absence.
10. The tenth point: He says that there and everywhere in that country it is known to be a lie; while Goulet, (Goelet) having been inquired of by many in regard to the matter, had denied it.
11. That in this book it is the abuse of the formula which is repudiated.
12. That the cause of all this dissension is, that some are con- verted by the doctrines of Christ, and others not; and that the former resist the latter, in their sins; and therefore the dissension does not proceed from the doctrine itself, but incidentally from the wickedness of men; that the complaining fathers are persons openly godless, hardening themselves against all censure and admonition.
13. That he had often quoted the answer to the eighty-second question ;* but that he had never said, that he, (Frelinghuysen) after the Catechisation had made use of the words charged against him; but he had endeavored to urge the youth to early piety; and he had said that it was indecent to sacrifice one's young life, to Satan, the World and the flesh; and then to wish to offer his unsavory old age to God, so that only the worst of life is given to God, and not the best, etc.
14. As to the winking (beckoning) : He acknowledges that such took place. This was done in order to give notice, that he
* Question 82. Are they also to be admitted to this Supper, who by confession and life declare themselves infidels and ungodly?
Ans. No; for by this the Covenant of God would be profaned, and his wrath kindled against the whole congregation; therefore, it is the duty of the Christian Church, according to the appointment of Christ and his apostles, to exclude such persons, by the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, till they show amendment of life.
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wished that more would come to a table at one time, so that the service should not last too long. Once it did happen that some one received the cup instead of the bread; but this was a mere inadvertance.
His saying that natural men had no right to the Lord's Sup- per, he acknowledges; but this was done without due reflection. [?]
He showed that he esteemed the members of the Consistory worthy of the communion by installing them; but whether they had a right to it depended upon their own experiences. This was at first; but now they all partake (of the Supper.)
15. That he and Schuurman are clear and entirely innocent in that matter; he offers to confirm this by an oath, although he fears such things. And he also proves his innocence by the acquittal of the Grand Juries, by whom the affair was investi- gated in the Supreme Court. He declares that he had never seen the paper of W. Van Vegten, but had heard that it was read to some of the members of the Consistory at a funeral. But he is of the opinion that a Consistory convinced of the fidelity and piety of their pastor, is not bound to give heed to every loose sus- picion. The other lies he passes by.
16. To the sixteenth point: That the lawfulness of the ex- communication was already proved by Revs. Freeman and Sant- voord; that Claus Hageman as well as the others were cited, but this is eliminated from the Complaint. That he did not consult Classis, in reference to this excommunication, arose from the fact that he learned from all the "Systemata " that this is the work of the overseers, that is, the Consistory (Elders.)
He places this Canon of the Church-ordinances, under the head of the Circumstantial and Alterable Matters of the Church : that the Synod of Dort, Article eighty-six, itself acknowledges, that these Articles were so formed and adopted, that if the benefit of the church require it, (and this was now the case in his opin-
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ion) they may and ought to be changed, by enlargement or diminution.
17. To the last point : That it is necessary to cite by letter in that country.
That threatening has never seemed to him unpermissible from (the example of) and according to the Word of God.
That he has never been able to see, that sharp expressions were at variance with the spirit of gentleness. This he establishes by the example of the Lord Jesus and Paul.
However he is confident, that in our charitableness, we will be willing to over-look a harsh expression; since he knows he is a man of like passions with all others.
That he did not sign the first letter of citation, although he was present, on the advice of Rev. Freeman; and that the ex- communication was done reluctantly, but with the approval of Rev. Freeman, and by the unanimous vote of the Great Con- sistory.
IV. The conclusion of the letter embraces,
1. A declaration of submission to our admonition to peace.
2. A request for an impartial judgement upon what has been published regarding his case.
3. He thanks us for our wish for blessings on him.
4. A wish from him for a blessing upon us.
T. F. Frilinghuysen.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Examination [Aegidius Luik or Luyck. ]
1727, April 7th. Revs. Henricus te Rey, Cornelius Drinkvelt, John van der Broek, Egidius Luik, Henricus Suik, and Marcus Jacobus Broen, Sacrae Theologiae Studiosi, each preached a ser- mon on the text given him, and gave so much satisfaction, that the Assembly admitted them all to examination. In this they answered all the questions, and objections put to them by the
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Examiner, so readily, that the Rev. Assembly accepted them all without objection as Candidati Ministerii, and a laudable certifi- cate will be given to each of them. The Rev. Examiner was thanked.
The examinees took the oath of purging, and signed the For- mulae of Concord; repudiated the condemned opinions of Pro- fessor Roell, and agreed to read the Formulae of Baptism and the Supper without alteration. x. 297.
DIPLOMA OF ORDINATION, GIVEN BY A CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL AT NEW HAVEN, TO JOHN VAN DRIESSEN, TO PREACH IN THE MANORS OF LIVINGSTON AND VAN RENSSELAER, APRIL 13, 1727.
Omnibus in Christo fidelibus hic et ubique has presentes in- specturis, salutem in Domino. Vobis notum sit quod nos Neo- Portensis in Colonia Connecticutensi comitatus presbyteri un- decim numero totidemque ecclesiarum pastores in unam ad con- stitutum predictae coloniae associationem formati unumque in locum in aula sc. gymnasii Yalensis conventi, dominum Johannem Van Driessen Belgicum Lug. Batavorum educatum, ac nobis ex- amini sufficienti caute exploratum, testimonium item de morum probitate ecclesiastico bene cognitione in officium et munus min- isterii evangelici precibus ad celeste numen animatus et admotus, manumque impositione, et Domine nostri Jesu, altissimi nomine avocavimus, segregavimus et ordinavimus. Ac in peculiare ser- vitium Christianorum D. D. Livingston and Rensellaer domi- natum olentium cordate commendamus et renunciamus. In cujus rei testimonium has literas moreatoris hujus associationis ejusdemque scribae hominibus signatis et firmatas omnes unicae voluimus ac destimus.
Jonathan Arnold, Scribe. April 13, 1727.
Samuel Russel,
Moderator.
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 13, 1727.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name. Agreed with Teunis Tiebouwt as Master-Carpenter, and with Cornelius Turk as Master-Mason, as to what each one shall receive daily as wages, for their care and pains and direction of those who are under them : viz., seven shillings daily, and six pence for drink.
Liber B. 69.
May 31, 1727.
Consistory held. There were present, besides the ministers - of the Ruling Consistory, Elders, Cruger and Hardenbrook, and all the Deacons and Churchmasters. Of the Great Consistory : Elders; N. Rooseveld, Isaac Kip, P. Cortland, A. Marschalk,- Deacons : Anthony Rutgers, Gerrit Van Horne, Benj. Wynkoop, Abram Keteltas, Jacobus Rooseveld, John Van der Huil, Adrian Man, Chs. Bancker, Andries Abraham, Abm. Boelen, Jacob Goelet, Oliver Teller .- Church-masters: Cornelius Van Horne, Jr. and Jacobus Roosevelt.
After calling on God's name, it was stated that since very few were present the last time the Great Consistory met, it was pro- posed now to reconsider the conclusion then reached, that the church should be one hundred feet long, and seventy five feet broad, on the inside, and see if it were not possible to make these the outside measures.
1. This was unanimously approved.
2. As soon as the Church is begun, the foundations of the Tower shall be laid, and it shall be carried up along with the Church, as far as the wall (of the Church) goes.
3. The Church shall be placed exactly in the middle of the (plot of) ground, South and North. That is to say, to be as far from the West as from Barberie Strion (?) and on the North, to begin ten feet from the straight line of the lot.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(That is ten feet from the present southerly house line of Lib- erty street. The Church stood about thirty feet east of Nassau street, the intermediate space being filled with graves, as remem- bered by the writer about 1844. There was then a large yard on the Cedar street side. The Tower was at the Liberty street end of the Church; but in 1844, the main entrance was from Cedar street .- E. T. Corwin.)
4. If it should be judged expedient to have the Tower two or three feet broader, on account of the doors, or the staircase, the matter is left to the Ruling Consistory.
(N. B. As to No. 3, there was by general consent, an altera- tion - as it now is.)
INTRODUCTION OF REV. THOMAS STANDARD OVER CHURCH OF WESTCHESTER, N. Y. 1727.
Rob'tus Hunter Armiger Provinciae Novi Eboraci, necnon Novae Casariae in America Strategus & Imperator ejusdemq. Vice Admiralis etc.
Universis et Singulis Rectoribz Vicar. et Capellar. Curat. Clericis et Ministris quibuscumq in et per totam Provinciam ubilibet Constitutis ac etiam
Ecclesiae Parochialis de Westchester infra Provinciam Novi Eboraci praedict. pro hoc tempore Aedilibus Salutem
Cum Dilectum in Christo Thomas Standard Clericum ad Rec- toriam sive Ecclesiam Parochialem Predict. Parochiae de West- chester in dict. Provinciae Novi Eboraci in America Jam vacan- tem praesentatum Rectorem Ejusdem Rectoriae parochialis in et de Eadem Instituts, Vobis Conjunctim et divisim Committo et firmiter Injungo Mando, Quateus eundem Thomas Standard Cleric. sive procuratorem Suum legitimum ejus nomine et pro eo
P
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in Raelem Actualem et Corporalem possessionem ipsius Rectoriae sive Ecclesiae parochialis de Westchester praedict. Glaebarum, Jurumq. et pertinentium suorm. universor. Conferatis Inducatis, Inducive faciatis. et Defendatis Inductum, Et quid in Premissis feceritis me aut Alium Judicem in hac parte competentem quem- cung; debite (cum ad id Congrue fueritis Requisit.) Certificetis seu sic certificet ille vestrum qui presens hoc Mandatum fuerit Executus. Dat. Sub Sigillo praerogativo dict. Provinciae Novi Eboraci Octavo die Julii Anno Salutis 1727.
Rob. Hunter.
By his Excellency's Command
H. Wileman, Depy. Secy. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 570.
GOVERNOR BURNET TO THE BISHOP OF LONDON. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JAMAICA.
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