USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 17
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When we had spoken with them, they advised us to betake our- selves to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for Christian aid, and to explain our perplexing difficulties in all sincerity, and with proper claboration, and to submit to their ecclesiastical judgements.
Our congregations gladly accepted of this advice. We, there- fore, take the liberty by this letter, to set before your Rev. Body our distress.
The first settlers in this widely-extended region of Pennsyl- vania were Christians bearing the name of Quakers. Hither also came men holding all sorts of opinions. About eighteen years ago (1710) there began to come occasionally, and to settle here and there, in places widely separated from each other, certain ones of the Reformed Church. These came from different parts of Germany and from other places, and a few also from the neigh- boring provinces of New York and New Jersey, etc. In time these greatly multiplied; but in order not to fall into the errors of those among whom they dwelt, they provoked one another to
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good works by encouraging each other to hold religious meetings on the Lord's Day, etc., according to the Doctrine and Order of the Reformed Church, as far as it was understood by us.
As early as 1720, if not before, John Philips Boehm came over to us. According to his testimonials, he had diligently exer- cised the office of schoolmaster and precentor for seven years in the city of Worms, Germany. Then by the persecutions of the Papists against those of the Reformed Religion, he was compelled to flee the country. Shortly after his arrival here, some of his neighbors started a religious meeting. In this, the said Johan Philips Boehm maintained the service of the Word, as a Reader (voorlezer), according to the best of his ability, for five years, to the great satisfaction of the people. For this he received no compensation.
But we were also very desirous of enjoying the Seals of the Covenant, but we could not have these, according to the Order of the Reformed Church, in this far off country. Some had, therefore, gone over to the (English) dissenters. On this ac- count he was earnestly urged, time and again, by all the Reformed residing in this vicinity, to assume for himself the office of min- ister, but this he steadily refused to do. Meanwhile, however, he continued to maintain the general exercises of religious wor- ship to general edification, in his capacity as a Reader.
But the Reformed in this widely-extended region had now increased to the number of fifty men. They therefore continued to urge him, since they were a poor people and living far away from all Reformed Churches, to assume in the fear of the Lord, the office of minister among them, although not empowered to do so by any Classis of the Reformed Church. We did not then so well understand that the authority of a Classis was so abso- lutely necessary. But he realized the importance of such an office, and besought them to excuse him, alleging also that he had a family to support by the labor of his own hands. Never- theless the people continued to urge him to take this step, and
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promised, according to their ability, to support him, although such support might be small. They told him that he could not justify his refusal, before God, of assuming so necessary a work, and that they considered their unanimous request as lawful a call as was ever made upon any one; and that this was enough, since they were separated so far from any Classis.
Reverend Classis, we confess that at last we persuaded Johan Philips Boehm, to take upon himself the office of minister among us in this extensive region. He had no salary except the volun- tary contributions of the people. He conducted his services ac- cording to the Doctrines and Order of the Reformed Church. Furthermore, that all things might be done decently and in order, a certain Plan of Church Government was drawn up by Johan Philips Boehm and his Consistory, which was to be maintained among us. This was read before the whole congregation and subscribed by each individual. Thus services have now been maintained for three years with all earnestness and diligence, by Johan Philips Boehm, as our minister, in all three of our congregations. [1725-1728.]
But to the sorrow of our hearts, some opposition began to be made to the ministerial standing of Domine Boehm, because he had not received regular ordination, and our churches pondered this matter. Therefore, we, the undersigned members of the Consistory, with the approbation of all the members of our con- gregations, appointed two of the most capable persons among us, as commissioners, to visit the neighboring - but oh! how far dis- tant - provinces, and seek advice of intelligent ministers there (New York) to guide us in this important business: namely, what should or could be done, to vindicate the lawfulness of the minis- try of Mr. Johan Philips Boehm among us.
We hereby respectfully present to your Rev. Body powerful reasons for our earnest desires in this business.
Johan Philips Boehm has so favorably conducted himself in the discharge of his religious office, not only in reference to the
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doctrines of the Reformed Church, but also in reference to his godly life, that we have no complaint whatever to make against him; but we are in duty bound to love and honor him with all the heart. His is the first instance, in this far district of America, (Pennsylvania), in which there is an entire absence of all offence and scandal, and in which the pure doctrines of the Reformed Religion, according to his ability, and according to the Church- Order of the Netherlands, are daily proclaimed and confirmed among us.
Our three congregations, which are yet small and poor, namely, of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche, the largest of which consists only of twenty four men, the second about twenty, and the smallest of not more than fourteen, are separated more than sixty English miles from one another, and are distant full one hundred and seventy (English) miles from New York.
The most of the civil magistrates among us are Quakers, as they are called. Your Rev. Body must not conceive of us in any other light, than as living among all sorts of errorists, as Independents, Puritans, Anabaptists, the New-born, Saturday-folks, (Seventh- Day Baptists?), yea, as living among some of the most dreadful heretics, as Socinians, Pietists, etc., among whom dreadful errors prevail: such as accursed blasphemies against our Great God and Savior, and a peculiar treason against the Divine Majesty, saying, that they have essential divinity in themselves; that they cannot sin; that what they condemn or approve is the same as God's con- demnation or approval. They believe that there is no other heaven or hell, than what is here on earth; they even deny Divine Providence, and assert that nothing needs the blessing of God; that all the prolificacy of the ground, of animals and of the hu- man race, comes simply from nature, without any care on the part of God; and also that prayer is useless. Indeed, we do not know of any godless notion which has not its defenders among some class or other of those among whom we dwell.
Good as the land is in which we live, equally disheartening and deplorable is our condition respecting all spiritual things, as you
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may easily discern. It is for this reason that the simple-minded people, generally, most of whom are quite inexperienced and poor, and live distant from one another, are in the greatest dan- ger of contamination. Therefore we feel it to be very impera- tive on us to establish a pure religious worship, and to maintain it by every agency possible, and in accordance with the Word of God; that ourselves and children, and the many simple-minded souls in whom there is still a real desire for the pure teachings of the Holy Gospel, may not be lost forever in this soul-destroy- ing whirlpool of apostasy; but that they should work out their own salvation, as well as that of each other, with fear and trembling.
Will your Rev. Body, therefore, be kind enough to take notice, that as the most unassuming sects, as they seem to be, among whom we live, are ever trying to entrap the simple minded people under a Pharisaic guise of hypocrisy; so are they very persistent in all kinds of allurements. For they appear to be willing to help the poor, provided they will join their sect. They also assert that they cannot enjoy the preaching of the Word anywhere else, but at the same time they never stop their abuse of Protestant minis- ters who have a definite salary, referring to them as mere hire- lings.
The majority of the people here are both ignorant and poor, and are almost daily besought by these others to leave us. It was, therefore, quite impossible for us to secure a minister and promise him any definite salary; and also, especially, because we were without any ability at the time that Mr. Boehm undertook to lead us in our religious services. Unless we were quite willing, therefore, to surrender these innocent lambs - these poor people, to the unceasing attacks of these ravening wolves in sheep's cloth- ing, there seemed to be no other feasible way than that the said Boehm - a man well-known as one of unusual knowledge in sound doctrine, of irreproachable life, of exemplary zeal in op- posing all these heresies and warning the ignorant against them -
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there seemed, we say, to be no other feasible way than earnestly to beseech him to assume the ministerial office among us, out of love for the work, but without any definite salary. At the same time, however, we promised to try to secure for him some volun- tary gifts from those of ability to give, although these might be small. Such then has been our course, partly to escape the slander of the sects, and partly because we could act in no other way.
But when, in the meantime, we understood from the said minis- ters, that, according to the Order of the Reformed Church, no one could be acknowledged as a lawful minister, unless he had been previously examined and approved by some Classis of the Reformed Church; but that we, because of our great necessities, as well as our ignorance of the proper way of securing a legally- called minister in the Reformed Church had made the mistake of setting apart Johan Philips Boehm, as our minister, we were greatly grieved at our wrong conduct. According to the advice of the said ministers, therefore, who told us that they could be of no assistance to us in this matter, we present our case before the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam with all deference, and humbly, but earnestly request, in the name of Christ, that in view of all that has happened, our great error may be overlooked, and that the Classis will be kind enough to help in some way, to counteract our mistake in this important business, and to bring about a set- tlement for us in all our perplexities.
We beseech the Rev. Classis also kindly to remember the evil consequences which would ensue, if all that has been done amongst us should be declared null and void. For Domine Boehm was called by us to be the teacher in our three congregations, and has administered the Seals of the Covenant in general. He has, in particular, administered the rite of holy baptism to more than two hundred children, as well as to many others who, through his zeal have left the different sects, which do not be- lieve in baptism, and have come over to us. Think what a division such a decision would make in our church, and how it would ex- pose us to the derision of all kinds of errorists. Indeed, it is to be
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feared that the exercise of the Reformed Religion, among so many enemies, would be greatly retarded; that what has already been accomplished, in our weakness, and among many difficulties, unto edification, would be utterly lost; that our congregations at their very start, would perish; and that many of these poor igno- rant people would be sadly led astray in the various forms of de- structive errors.
And while we hope that the Classis will take to heart all that we have said, nevertheless Mr. Boehm is willing, as will appear from the accompanying letter, to submit fully to the decision of the Rev. Classis. If the Classis thinks it to be necessary for him to cease from ministerial duties - although it was not he who sought the office, but the office was pressed upon him by us all - and return to his worldly calling, only continuing in the office of Reader, as before, he will do so. In doing thus he is only seek- ing to free his conscience. Yet the love of the people has daily increased towards him from the beginning of his service until the present, and the congregations have grown daily. But, per- haps, if God should spare Mr. Boehm to us a little longer, he might be the instrumentality of bringing us to such a condition, that upon his death we might be able to call a minister from Hol- land. But we fear that if he should give up his ministry now, we would be worse off than ever, as we, Reformed Church believers are few and poor, and widely scattered in this distant region of the world.
Nevertheless, we now submit the whole business to the wisdom, as well as to the just and salutary decree of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. And with all deference, we earnestly beseech that their answer may be sent to us as soon as possible.
But inasmuch as we also mentioned in our letter the special Church-Order established by us, we feel that we ought to forward a copy of the same that the Rev. Classis may understand exactly our mode of governing the Church. The following are our CHURCH ORDINANCES, adopted some time ago, but recently
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revised, and which we now send with all deference to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Church-Ordinances of Boehm's Church.
1. That all the members of the Consistory now in office in all three of the villages, shall be duly recognized, and as such shall remain in office during the balance of their terms: that then all the members of the Church, with the minister and also the members of the Consistory, shall choose new members for the Consistory: that at the same time, all the members of the Church collectively, shall transfer all power and right henceforth to his own (local) Consistory, and choose a Consistory (for each local church) from year to year, by a majority vote; inasmuch as it is not practicable, on account of the growth and the wide extent of the Church, for all the members to meet only for this object.
The persons so chosen shall be published for three Sundays, each in his own congregation, to discover if any lawful objec- tions can be made against them. If not they shall be ordained to their office at the time of the third publication.
But if it should come to pass - which we hope may not be the case, that any member of the Consistory should behave dis- orderly, or cause trouble and division in the congregation, then, such individual shall be duly warned by the others, to cease from such ways; and if they do not obey, he shall be turned out of office and another shall be chosen in his stead, from those who were last in service. He shall then be regularly ordained and perform the duties of his office. The same course shall be pursued if any one dies in office.
2. When the term of office of any Elder or Deacon expires, he may be exempt from service for two years, and may then again be chosen. But he may be chosen even earlier, if the Con- sistory for the time being deem it necessary.
3. The Elders, Deacons, with all the membership of the three villages avow their desire to retain Mr. Johan Philips Boehm
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among them as their minister. He has hitherto performed his duties among them acceptably and with all fidelity, and accord- ing to the doctrines of the Reformed Church.
4. The minister, with the Elders and Deacons and the whole congregation shall fix the times and places, when and where divine services shall be held, whether on the Lord's Day or on other days.
5. The rite of baptism shall always be maintained gratuitously at the close of worship. Besides the Elders, there shall be other witnesses at the baptism, which edifying custom shall not be changed for slight reasons. These witnesses (sponsors) must be sound in doctrine and of blameless life.
6. The Holy Supper shall be administered twice a year in each place where public worship is maintained. No one shall be re- ceived thereto, except upon confession of his faith before the Con- sistory, and the evidences of a pious life; or upon the production of a proper certificate from some other Reformed Church, accord- ing to the Church-Order of the Synod of Dort, 1618-19. (Arti- cle 61.) All the members shall attend worship constantly, if able to do so, and also be present at the Preparatory Sermon. Those who neglect thus to act shall be admonished by the Con- sistory, if it be deemed necessary. The elder members shall kindly instruct the younger in the Reformed Religion, and to this end, shall make careful arrangements that they may hear the Word of God, in the preaching and catechetical services, that the younger also may in due time come to the Lord's Table. All the members, of either of the three congregations, shall have the privileges of communing in either of the churches, so long as they have a minister in common, provided no impediment exists.
7. The bread and wine for the Lord's Supper shall be furnished by the Deacons. They shall also collect, and distribute the alms, and give a true report of the same. The members of the Con- sistory, whether Elders or Deacons, to whom the church-chest and any other property are committed, shall render an annual
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report before the congregation of their management of the same. To this end they shall keep a true account of all receipts and ex- penditures. This account, when it has been audited, shall be signed by the minister as correct, in the name of all.
8. In order to meet the general necessities of the Church, the Deacons shall always collect the free gifts of the church at the close of each service.
9. If any member, male or female, fall into uncleanness or other sin, such shall be put under censure by the Consistory, until they promise amendment and give evidence of the same.
10. The office and duty of the minister shall be to preach the pure doctrine of the Reformed Church, according to the Word of God; to administer the Seals of the Covenant, at the proper time and place; to hold strictly to the Confession of Faith (the Belgic Confession) of the Reformed Church; regularly to ex- pound the Heidelberg Catechism; to catechise (the children), and, in conjunction with the Elders, to exercise discipline. He must also not omit to hold services, unless unavoidably prevented, at the prescribed times and places, namely, at Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche.
11. A Consistory meeting shall be held at least semi-annually, and the minister shall record all ecclesiastical acts in a Book.
12. If the minister should desire to leave, either because he has been called to some other field, or for other proper reasons, he must inform the congregation thereof as quickly as possible, that it may not be left desolate; but that it may provide itself as expeditiously as possible with another suitable man. Also the minister must deport himself in all things, as becomes a true servant of Christ, and as one under Him who is the Great Shep- herd of the sheep.
13. The minister, Elders and Deacons, shall conjointly main- tain a careful supervision over the congregation. They shall
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appear, at the appointed time and place, to hold a meeting of the Consistory, and shall not neglect to hold such meetings without sufficient cause. They shall faithfully perform the foregoing rules, each in his respective office, according to the best of his ability. Whosoever knows of any offence, done by any member of the Church or Consistory, is in conscience bound to reveal the same, not through any malice or hatred, but in order to remove offence. The accused shall not demand the name of his accuser, nor obsti- nately deny his faults, if proved, nor wickedly continue in the same. Those who thus act shall be rejected as members of the Church, until they promise amendment of life and show it.
If anyone bring any charge against the doctrine or life of the minister, or any member of the Church, or any private member, such person shall refrain from any counter injury or slander, and not seek private revenge, but refer the matter to the Consistory, which shall be under obligations to remove such charge with all diligence.
14. And as we trust that the Rev. Classis will foster us in our sad condition, and help us in our Christian efforts: - so We, bind ourselves to lay all calls hereafter, for our future ministers, before your Rev. Body, and accept your action thereon. We will also conduct ourselves with our present minister, according to such directions as you may deem proper for our Church, according to the Dutch Reformed Church-Order. Also the newly-elected members of the Consistory, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall annually subscribe all this, when you have approved it, that they may the better perform these promises which we make for ourselves and our successors. And in order that everyone may strictly conform to the Dutch Reformed Church-Order, according to his office and his station, these pro- posed ordinances, with such amendments as you may suggest, at. each new election or ordination of Consistory, shall be annually read before the congregation.
A written " Confession of Faith ", prepared by Domine Johan
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Philips Boehm, and signed by him, accompanies this communica- tion.
Nothing more remains for us to do, except to repeat our heart- felt desires before God, that what we have thus undertaken to do in his fear, may be received favorably by you. We have offered many prayers that through God's mercies we may receive your wished-for help. And if our fervent longings for such good results are fulfilled, we shall always gratefully recognize it as the special Providence of God's gracious care over us, for the upbuilding and sustaining of his Church against the manifold errors and evils which are all about us.
To this end, and for the welfare of God's House in general, may our gracious Heavenly Father, in the Lord Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit abundantly bless you, your families and your holy office. Such is our sincere wish and prayer,
Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ, of your humble servants who thus petition you, your brethren, yea, rather, children in the Lord,
The Consistories of the three Reformed Churches of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche.
In the name of all,
(Signed each by his own hand).
Pennsylvania,
July, 1728.
William De Wees.
Sebastian Reifsnyder.
Isaac Dilbeck.
Ludwich Kuauws.
George Philip Totterer.
Laurence Bingeman.
Frederik Antes.
Joh. Renenstock.
Joh. Meyer.
George Klauer.
Jac. Meyer.
Leonhard Sperr.
Gabriel Schuiler.
John Stephen Ulrich.
Joh. Berkenbeil.
John Le Fevre.
(See also Lib. A. Ch. New York, 261-272; and Mercersberg Review, 1876.)
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Aug. 14, 1728.
Consistory held. After calling on God's name, Resolved, That the contract with Mr. H. Van der Spiegel, for making the win- dows in the New Church, should be signed in the Church Book. This is as follows: That for making the sash, Mr. Vander Spiegel shall have fifteen pence a foot - he to find all the glass and fram- ing. He is to wait for his money for twelve months from the time he begins his work.
It was also thought well that it should be signed ad memoran- dum that the Consistory should for the debt due by the widow of Tobias Stoutenberg to our Deacons, be (for certain reasons) satis- fied with one hundred pounds. This the Deacons have accord- ingly received.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Revs. G. Du Bois, Vincentius Antonides and Henricus Boel to the Classis of Amsterdam, August 15, 1728.
New York, August 15, 1728.
Reverend, Godly and Most Learned Sirs,
The Reverend Classis of Amsterdam.
Highly Esteemed Fathers and Brethren in Jesus Christ :-
When Mr. Johan Philips Boehm and William De Wees came before us on May 16, 1728 as Commissioners of the Reformed Christian Consistory of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche, and laid their case before us; on mature consideration, we found it of such a character, and of so much importance, that we advised them to present it, in all its details, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and cheerfully to submit to your official decision thereon. Otherwise we did not dare to think or hope that the
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