USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 16
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 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
Per Bre' de Privato Sigillo
Bisse et Bray.
don aforesaid, and to your com- missary, or commissaries a-
foresaid, in all things, aiding
and assisting, as is fit, in the due execution of the premises. In testimony whereof, We have caused these Our Letters to be
made patent. Witness Ourself,
at Westminister, the twenty
ninth day of April, in the first year of our Reign.
By writ of Privy Seal Bisse and Bray. - Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. v. pp. 849-854.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Continuation of the Consideration of the Dispute in the Church of Raritan.
1728, May 3rd. 1. The Deputies having considered all sides, were of the opinion, that concerning just that which caused the principal ground of complaint against Rev. Friedlinghuysen and his Consistory, namely, the exercise of the great ban, or excom- munication, they appear to have made a mistake. This mistake relates both to the reasons for, and the form of, the excom- munication. No such weighty reasons are alleged, either in regard to false doctrine, or atrocious and gross sins, which seemed to require excommunication. The difficulty seemed chiefly to have been opposition to Rev. Friedlinghuysen, and his manner of say- ing and doing things. Then as to the character of the discipline; - no Consistory, not even in the largest congregation of our Fatherland, has the liberty to exercise excommunication, without the previous knowledge of the Classis, that the Classis might judge whether the reason was sufficient.
2. That, however, it would be better not yet to give any final ecclesiastical decision between the Complainants and the Accused:
a. Not only because both sides seem to desire to debate con- cerning our Tribunal and our ecclesiastical jurisdiction; and,
b. Under a foreign power our ecclesiastical decision could not be carried out by any effectual instrumentality;
2414
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1728
c. And also because many matters charged are positively denied. About these the Complainants ought to be asked for additional proofs, if any consideration is to be given them, as was already intimated in Art. 3. So also in respect to some things, the ac- cused, especially Rev. Frelinghuysen, should fortify his denials by authentic evidence, from J. Goulet, about Art. 10; and from the grand jury, about that weighty matter, Art. 15, referring to Schuurman;
d. And finally because a judicial deliverance, according to all appearances, might arouse much bitterness, or at least, increase the common bitterness now existing.
3. That to both parties letters should be written: 1. Peace should be advised in the most earnest manner. They should be exhorted to mutual reconciliation. To this end there should be held up before them, on either side, their weaknesses and mis- takes; as to the Complainants, the flippancy of their accusation of heterodoxy against Rev. Friedlinghuysen; their wild reason- ings and actions, among other things, as exhibited in the practical seizure of a church; and their misrepresentations of even the most unimportant words and deeds. 2. As to the accused; his harsh expressions; the illegality of the excommunication; and other matters acknowledged by Rev. Friedlinghuysen as noted under 10: t; and (advising) him to omit the publishing of his " Refutation ".
Also towards the effecting of peace might be proposed:
a. On the part of the Complainants: that they should confess that they had acted wrongly and imprudently in the matters above alluded to; that they should be disposed to acknowledge that Rev. Friedlinghuysen is orthodox in point of doctrine, and will live at peace with him, as is proper for members of the church; that they will honor their pastor, provided that the excommunication be removed in the best manner possible.
b. On the part of the Accused: that in several instances he would have to confess that he might certainly have spoken and
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2415
1728
acted differently; that he had certainly done alone that which he ought to have done only with his Consistory; and that he had accomplished with his Consistory that which ought not to have been done without the knowledge and approbation of the Classis; and further, to promise that he would read from the pulpit, that the excommunication pronounced against the Complainants was no longer in force against them; that they are again recognized as members, and will be treated with love.
c. In case this should not succeed that each side would choose certain persons in that land to act as Arbitrators, in order to restore peace in the best manner possible.
d. Finally that it be announced to them, that if these measures are not successful, both parties will please to send over to us, as soon as possible, the further proofs; the Complainants regarding what is denied by Rev. Friedlinghuysen, Art. - and the Ac- cused, to fortify his denial regarding Art. 10, and 15; so that the Classis, or the Christian Synod if it be deemed expedient to take the case there, may be in a condition to give a final deliverance (sentence) on the whole matter. x. 316, 317.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
June 27, 1728.
Consistory held. After calling on God's name, it was deter- mined to be necessary for going on with the building, that, since there was no money in the Treasury, the Deacons should take up one hundred pounds on interest, and if required, still another one hundred pounds.
Further: That the determination formerly made concerning Jan Bogardus and Peter Brouwer, should be booked, to wit: that they after the death of Cornelius Turk, should be Master-Masons of the New Building, and should divide them the shillings which Mr. Turk had for his daily wages. Liber B. 75.
2416 1728
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
-
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. T. J. Friedlinghuysen,
Pastor at Raretans, June 28, 1728. xxix. 20. No. 1. Reverend Sir and Highly Esteemed Brother :-
In the fear of the Lord we have pondered your letter of April 6th, 1727, containing a reply to the Complaints of certain ac- cusers at Raretans, which we remitted to you in the name of our Classis in June 1726. We cannot conceal the fact that we are grieved that the faithful counsels of peace given to you at that time, by the Deputies, in the name of the Classis, have been so lightly regarded by you. Yes, indeed, we are very sorry at the ungentle and bitter, the common and exasperating expressions which you use in your reply, and which are certainly very much out of place. Yet such expressions are scattered generally against all sorts of persons. You refer to your accusers as liars, inventors of lies, enemies who would swear to anything, if thereby they could gratify their desire for revenge; as a rabble of godless folks; the scum of the four congregations, whose testimony no more agrees than did that of the witnesses against Susannah; a lot of rascals, incarnate devils, and still other similar expressions. Rev. Boel is branded by you as a boasting inquisitor; and the Rev. Antonides, as a follower of Bekker. We cannot understand how such cutting and immoderate expressions can be reconciled with that spirit of gentleness and humility, which is becoming to a minister above all things else. On the other hand, we consider that by such a style of speech the accusers will be more em- bittered, and alienations intensified, and the schism made worse.
Therefore, if it be not already too late, we would seek to per- suade you, only with intentions of peace, not to publish your " Refutation of the Complaint ", to which you allude on page 225. In this you say you will give the author of the accusation
2417
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1728
his share. By this way of speaking, we expect nothing else than that the flames of discord will be made to burn the fiercer.
Our Classical Assembly is actuated by an entirely different spirit. In the interests of peace, and for other important reasons, we feel ourselves compelled not to give any decisive sentence yet; for if we did, the parties on either side would be obliged to con- fess their sins. On the contrary we judge it to be best that you should settle these matters amicably between yourselves; so that your great bitterness towards each other, and your alienations, may at length come to an end by mutual reconciliation. We have, to this end, admonished your accusers to this course of conduct, in a most serious manner. We cannot now neglect to request you to this same course, in a friendly and kindly way.
And have you not promised that you would ever willingly sub- mit yourself to our admonitions of peace? We now renew these admonitions, and request you to do everything in your power to secure the restoration of peace, which is both essential and profit- able to the Church. If imprudent things have been done by your accusers you cannot truly plead, as it seems to us, that you have been entirely guiltless of such things yourself. We have already referred to the harsh expressions which you have used in your reply, with great sorrow. We also perceive from the accusations of the people of Raretans, that this is not the only time such expressions have been used by you.
Also in your manner of exercising discipline, even excommu- nication, on certain guilty persons, did you act as prudently as is becoming to a minister, in such an important matter? Were there such errors in doctrine or life in those you dealt with, that they deserved excommunication? And even if this were the case, would it not have been safer not to take such an important step without first consulting Classis ?
Nor do we learn from your reply whether the Lord's Supper was forbidden to the wife of John Teunis on your sole authority
2418
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1728
or not, according to section three. We are also left in doubt whether the Supper was administered privately or not to Schure- man, according to section fourteen. Also whether an irregularity was committed in the second citation of the accusers, the Con- sistory not having been constitutionally convened; and whether the third citation did not take place in the same irregular man- ner, according to section seventeen. We are also left in doubt about the case of Abram Blauw and his wife, as well as whether the words quoted from the book of Domine Morgan, were ap- proved by you or not. Indeed, if you reflect on your own reply to Articles 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, you will readily perceive that some things were said and done on your part, which might have been said or done in a more prudent manner.
We are all of us human, and how easily does that human nature of ours creep into all our doings? We therefore beseech you, and exhort you to do everything possible on your part to prevent further alienation, and to promote peace, which is the chief ornament of the Church, and a principal means for its growth.
We therefore take the liberty of recommending to you the following means to secure so desirable an end:
1. That you freely confess, that in several instances you might better have spoken and acted otherwise than you did; in par- ticular, that some things were done by yourself alone, which ought to have been done officially by the Consistory; and also that some things have been done by the Consistory which should not have been done without first communicating with the Classis.
2. That you are willing to retract, in the best way you can, the excommunication pronounced against the accusers, as being no longer of force against them; and that you recognize them again as members, and invite them to the communion of the Lord's table; and that you will receive them and treat them with the genuine love of brethren.
2419
1728
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
We believe this is the best and surest way for the restoration of peace on your part. We have also not failed to set before the accusers most earnestly the obligations resting on them. For we well know that as the peace was broken by each side, it ought therefore to be sought again by each side. Thus may it be re- stored and promoted.
You must also know that we have required from the accusers a confession of guilt, for their imprudence; and that they must recognize you as an orthodox minister, and show all honor and love to you personally and officially.
Under such conditions, peace may be restored. We hope that the Complainants will agree hereto, even as we believe and ex- pect that you, deeply concerned for the peace of the Church, will enter with all readiness and zeal into this way of peace. There- fore lay aside all mere human considerations; overstep every ob- stacle; and do everything in a spirit of gentleness and moderation to help restore the peace which has been broken. We hope that the God of love and peace will influence your heart, as well as those of the accusers, by the power of his Spirit.
You will easily understand that our counsel for mutual recon- ciliation can best be carried out, by yourself as the party accused, and by the accusers, without the intervention of others. To this a mutual desire for peace would contribute much.
But should this useful result not be effected by yourselves, our Classis asks you, whether you could not select, to represent each side, certain persons dwelling among you, as mediators, through whose mediations peace could be secured in the best way.
We cannot tell you with what joy we would be filled, if we hear that our advice has been accepted by you, and the desired results have been obtained. If however, contrary to our hopes, all these efforts fail, it will grieve us greatly. We would rather see peace effected amicably among yourselves, than that we should be com- pelled, to our own sorrow, to pronounce final judgment upon the accusations. But to this we will not proceed, until we are as-
2420
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1728
sured by a certified writing on your part, of the truth of the testimony of P. Goulet, whereunto you appeal, in your reply to the thirtieth article of the accusation. The Classis would also gladly see that the denial of what was charged upon you by article fifteen, was confirmed by a certified writing of the acquittal of Schureman by the Grand Juries, by whom Schureman's case was investigated, according to your annotations.
Finally, we assure you that it would be especially acceptable to us if we should find that we have no need of these documents. We desire, and we pray God, that it may please him to heal this breach, and to prosper the means proposed thereto. Wherewith, after wishing the Lord's most precious blessing to rest upon your- self and your sacred office, we remain with much esteem,
Reverend Sir, and Highly Esteemed Brother,
Your Servants, highly esteeming fellow brethren to command,
Cornelius Houthoff, Ecc. Amst. Dep. Classis, ad res exteras, Praeses. J. Bakker, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res exteras, p. t. Scriba.
P. S. If any amicable reconciliation cannot be effected, Classis retains the liberty either to pronounce judgment thereon herself; or if it seem necessary, to refer the whole subject to the decision of the Christian Synod of North Holland.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Complainants at Raretans, June, 28, 1728. xxix. 21.
Worthy Gentlemen and Brethren :--
The Rev. Classis, having considered, in the fear of the Lord, your accusations against Rev. Fredlinghuyzen, and his reply to
2421 1728
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
them, are obliged to confess their grief at such great estrange- ments and violent disputes, which have arisen in the Church of the Lord. Thereby all love is banished, and peace is not only broken, but all things are turned into trouble and confusion.
We do not yet find ourselves in a position to pronounce a sentence accurately upon the accusations presented. The peace of the Church, however, lies very near our hearts, and we would gladly see it speedily restored. We are most earnestly charged by the Classis to exhort you to mutual reconciliation. Men and brethren, we do beseech you to let our advice find acceptance with you, that we may help on with all our power, so necessary and useful a work. We admonish you most seriously to take out of the way all stones of stumbling, in order to prevent further alienations, and all the mischiefs which spring therefrom. Em- ploy every means whereby quiet and peace may be revived among you, and become permanent.
And as we speak thus to you, we have also admonished and besought Rev. Friedlinghuyzen most seriously to a similar whole- some work -that of making mutual satisfaction to each other. Therefore we could not neglect recommending the same most heartily to you. It also seldom happens in great disputes that the fault is all on one side. Hence each side ought to labor equally to repair the breach. You have brought forward many accusations against Rev. Friedlinghuyzen. But has there been nothing done or spoken by you against him of which he might justly complain against you? Is it a small thing in your eyes to accuse a minister of anything, even of heterodoxy? And is your accusation well founded? Or has it not been too lightly taken up through some misunderstanding, or imagined prejudice? Have not many thoughtless and even passionate deeds been committed, which cannot be reconciled with Christian moderation and humility? And is it really prudent or edifying, even under a for- eign power, to make oneself master of a church-building by force, and thus create a great disturbance in the congregation? ,Has
2422
1728
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
charity always ruled in your congregation, when the most unim- portant words or acts of your pastor have been so easily mis- judged?
Since things are so, brethren, we pray you in the name of the God of peace, that you now, on your side, be full of zeal to promote reconciliation, so that peace may not only be secured, but permanently re-established in your Church. Have you not quarreled long enough? Must the Church be still longer dis- turbed? What fruits can you expect from such disputes, except worse confusions and wicked recriminations. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Now to attain that peace, so necessary to yourselves and the Church, we take the liberty of recommending to you the follow- ing plan :
1. That you freely confess that in many things, especially in such as those just mentioned, you yourselves have acted impru- dently and improperly.
2. Also, that you recognize Rev. Friedlinghuyzen as an orthodox minister, and that you express your desire to live in harmony with him, as befits the members of the Church; and that you esteem him worthy of much honor and love for his office sake.
We do not wish to doubt but that you will be willing on your side to put these peace-measures into execution. Be also assured that we have prescribed no other measures to Rev. Friedling- huyzen, but such as we deem would further, with your assistance, this reconciliation, so desirable and necessary; namely, that he also confess that he has sometimes spoken and acted imprudently; and that he must, moreover, annul, in the best and most fitting way, the excommunication pronounced upon you, and recognize and treat you as members of the Church.
Now even as we trust that Rev. Friedlinghuyzen will show him- self ready to do this work of reconciliation; so we trust that no less inclination may be discovered on your side. Let all seeking of self glory be left out of consideration in this affair. Let the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2423
1728
glory of God, the interests of the Church, the beauty of peace, and the welfare of your souls, move you, and powerfully urge your hearts to act upon our wholesome counsel of peace as soon as possible, and in the spirit of gentleness and meekness. It will tend greatly to our joy if we may soon hear that a mutual recon- ciliation has been completely effected. Our prayer to God is that He, as the God of peace, may mightily influence your hearts to union and peace.
No doubt it would be best that the proposed path of peace be entered upon by Rev. Friedlinghuyzen and yourselves, without the intervention of others. Thus would it appear so much the more, that the hand of brotherhood and love was given from a right and peace-loving heart. But should this not succeed, con- trary to our wish, we ask you to consider whether you could not, on each side, choose persons through whose mediation, recon- cilation could be effected.
We do hope that all these measures which we have judged good and fitting, shall not turn out fruitless. We are very sorry that such a violent and injurious fire of discord burns in the Church of our Lord. How much would we love to see that each side vied with the other most quickly to quench the flame.
If however, we are compelled, contrary to our wishes, to give sentence upon the "Accusations and Reply ", we must await some further proofs:
1. Concerning that which is brought forward by you in the Accusation, on page 54, namely, the speaking of Rev. Friedling- huyzen to the Governor, (Montgomery), about Revs. Du Bois and Boelen.
2. Concerning your charge on pages 80, 81, that Rev. Fried- linghuyzen sets up husband and wife, parents and children, against each other.
3. And especially, concerning your assertions of the conduct and relations of Rev. Friedlinghuyzen with Schuurman, as men- tioned in the Preface, page 4, and in the Accusation, pages 109, 116, 146.
2424
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1728
But we reiterate that we have already recommended the best thing to be done: namely, that you come to a mutual reconcilia- tion between yourselves, in a spirit of meekness and friendly for- bearance. We beseech you once more to fulfill our wish in this respect.
And now may God himself, who can do more exceeding abun- dantly above that we can ask or think, fulfill in you, all that may help to accomplish this highly necessary work. Herewith, after again wishing all manner of blessings to you, and with all kind- ness, we remain,
Highly Esteemed Brethren, Your servants to command, Cor. Houthoff, Ecc. Amst. Dep. Class. ad res Exteras, Praeses. J. Bakker, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res Exteras p. t. Scriba.
P. S. If the mutual reconciliation cannot be effected, Classis retains the liberty either to judge for itself, or if it seems neces- sary, to give the whole affair over to the decision of the Synod of North Holland.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND.
1728, July 27-Aug. 5.
Article 2. Philadelphia.
Also the Correspondents (Corresponding Delegates) of the Synod of South Holland, recommended those (the church) of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. From that body this Synod also had received a letter, requesting that a collection be taken up for them toward the building of a new church for our fellow- believers, who had fled thither from the Palatinate.
Vol. 60, p. 13.
1728
2425
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Consistories of the German Reformed Churches of Falck- ner's Swamp, Schipback and White Marsh, Pa., to the Classis of Amsterdam, July, 1728. [Written by the advice of the Dutch ministers of New York. See Aug. 15, 1728.]
(Portfolio -" New York," Vol. i.)
To the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :-
We, the undersigned, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Christian Congregation at Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche, in the Province of Pennsylvania, in America, and under the Crown of Great Britain, in the name of our congrega- tions, are, in our extremity, compelled to have recourse to your Rev. Body to lay before you the perplexing difficulties of ourselves and our congregations, and to beseech you to give us your Christian assistance, by certain ecclesiastical Acts, on your part, for the promotion of our peace, and the upbuilding of the Re- formed Religion in these distant regions of the world.
The circumstances are these: We found ourselves in great perplexity. Our churches therefore commissioned us to consult in reference to our affairs with certain Dutch Reformed ministers, who, we have heard, were to be found in the neighboring prov- inces, (of New York and New Jersey.) It would have been easier for us to have gone to see Domine Frelinghuysen in New Jersey, for he is about forty miles nearer to us than those in New York. But inasmuch as we have already had to contend with certain errorists dwelling among ourselves, who maintain among other things, that one can judge from a man's general appearance whether he is a Christian or not, and several other matters, all of which we consider to be not in harmony with the views of the Reformed Church; and having heard while on our journey
2426
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1728
that Domine Frelinghuysen holds some such views; or at least that his followers openly asserted such things, and judged their neighbors rather freely, and also did other things which were not conformable to the Word of God, nor to the Order of the Dutch Reformed Church; and having been still further informed that Domine Frelinghuysen, as is well known, has permitted and still permits the services of an English dissenting minister in the church of Raretans, and that this one also intrudes himself into such other Dutch congregations and assemblies, consisting of simple-minded people, as he can gain entrance to; and that he is, as well as Domine Frelinghuysen himself, strongly inclined to Pietistic and Labadistic sentiments, and against which we have also ourselves to contend (in Pennsylvania); for such reasons we were discouraged from resorting to Domine Frelinghuysen, and resolved not to shun the trouble of going all the way to New York, to consult with the well-known Dutch ministers there, (Du Bois and Boel), as well as with Domine Antonides on Long Island.
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.