USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 18
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Rev. Classis would even consider the case. We knew also that you would come to no other conclusion than what you would consider best for the honor of God and the welfare of their con- gregations. They have, accordingly, within a few days past, sent us the enclosed papers,* with the request that we would for- ward the same to your Rev. Body, and add a letter of our own, in testimony of the foregoing. We hereby do this with our hearty good-wishes.
Reverend, Godly and Very Learned Sirs,
Your humble servants and fellow laborers in the Lord,
G. Du Bois. V. Antonides. Henricus Boel.
See also Lib. A, Ch. of N. Y., 261-272, and Mercersberg Re- view, 1876.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Extracts (from Letters) from Gale and Staten Island.
1728, Oct. 4th. Two extracts were read, one from a letter from Gale, the other from a letter from Staten Island. The Rev. (Deputati) are requested to furnish the Classis with a report (pre-advice) on these matters. x. 325.
(Curtenius.)
1728, Oct. 4th. Rev. Antonius Curtenius, having exhibited proper testimonials, and having preached a sermon in our As- sembly on Matt. 3: 2, "Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand," requests to be received inter commendatos for the churches in foreign lands. This was granted. x. 326.
* See letter from Pennsylvania to Classis, July, 1728.
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Rev. Nathan Erickzon.
1728, Oct. 4th. It was also announced by Rev. Houthof, in behalf of the Directors of the West India Company, that Rev. Nathan Erickzon had been assigned as preacher to Curacoa, hav- ing been formerly minister at. Wolterum. Having exhibited proper certificates, he was called by the Classis, and installed in office, having agreed to correspond with the Classis. He sub- mitted himself to the Formulae of Concord and the resolutions of Synod. x. 326.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Pennsylvania.
1728, Nov. 14th. It was reported by Rev. Houthof that the Deputati ad res Exteras had received a communication from New York in regard to the (German) churches in Pennsylvania. The Deputati were thereupon requested to write comfortingly to those congregations, and assure them of the future consideration of this case (about ordination of Boehm), and an answer thereto, and to furnish this Classis with a report (pre-advice) thereon. The Revs. van de Wal and Alsteyn are also requested to assist these Brethren, on account of their acquaintance with the German language. x. 328.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Nov. 20, 1728.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name. The contract which Capt. Rutgers, Mr. J. Roseveld and Mr. Banker had made, on Nov. 14, 1728, with the Carpenter and Mason of the New Church, was approved on Nov. 20, 1728, and ordered to be set for ad memorandum.
The contract with Mr. Teunis Tiebouwt is as follows: The whole arched ceiling he is to make complete the clear length,
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the floor above the ceiling, and for this he is to have twenty five pounds.
The contract of Jan Bogert and P. Brouwer is this: For every fifteen feet of the timber which they split and nail in the ceiling, the Church is to pay them one pound and six shillings.
G. du Bois, p. t. Praeses. Liber B. 75.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the German Churches in Pennsylvania, under the care of Johan Philips Boehm, November 28, 1728. xxix. 33. No. 3.
Very Worthy and Much Beloved Brethren in the Lord: -
On the reading of your communication, sent to us by way of New York, under date of July 1728, our Classis was deeply moved with sympathy at your distressed and lamentable condition, and at the same time felt that the reasonable complaints, which you poured into her bosom, had sufficient justification. Be assured that the Classis takes your cause to her heart, and according to her ability, will endeavor to devise and accomplish what may serve for the attainment of your wishes, and the improvement of your condition.
The principal matter, about which you request our judgment and assistance, appears so important to our Classis, that she will take it into careful consideration, in order to send you her matured judgment upon the subject by the next opportunity.
Meanwhile, Worthy Brethren, you will have need of patience, courage and prudence. Do not grow weary under your trials. Quit you like men. Be strong. Serve yourselves with such facil- ities as are at hand. Neglect not the assembling of yourselves together, although you have to meet amid malicious adversaries. But be steadfast and immovable in the work of the Lord, know- ing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Are you not zeal- ous in a good cause? By it, the glory of God and the interests of
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the Kingdom of Jesus will be advanced. Search his Word con- stantly. Let your desires mount up before his throne in earnest supplications. Cast your troubles on the Lord. Rest in his wis- dom, power, mercy and fidelity, as the One who knows, and is able and willing to deliver all who put their trust in him. The good work he has begun among you, he is able also to finish; and he does not let the work of his hands fail. He has often shown that he plants and preserves His church in spite of all opposition. Therefore, Brethren, be of good courage, and let not your hands hang down. Wait on the Lord, and he shall strengthen your heart.
May he who can do far more abundantly, above all that we are able to ask or think, hear you in your day of trouble. May he give you light for darkness, and endue you with wisdom, courage, fidelity, that you may persevere in your good work begun, with steadfast purpose of heart. May he cause you to experience in his own good time the desired results of all your efforts. May he fulfill all your pleasure.
This is all we have to say at present. Expect more particular advice at the next opportunity. We remain with brotherly greetings,
Respected and Much Beloved Brethren,
Your servants and sympathising brethren in Christ, Cor. Houthoff, Ecc. Amst. et Dep ad res Exteras, p. t. Praeses. John Bakker, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res Exteras, p. t. Scriba.
To the Worthy, Godly and Esteemed Brethren, N. N. N. N. members of the Consistories of the Reformed Churches in Penn- sylvania, especially of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche.
This letter found also in Lib. A., 274, of Mints. Ch. of New York. Printed in Christian Intelligencer, September 23, 1852; in Mercersberg Review, 1876.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. Ministers at New York, December 1, 1728. xxix. 34. No. 4. Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
The document accompanying this (of November 28, 1728,) is to the brethren in Pennsylvania. With their sad condition the Classis has great sympathy. The principal matter, which excites the greatest anxiety, is considered by Classis too important to give an opinion on hastily. Therefore, all the circumstances of the case will be considered carefully by the Deputies, that the case may be ready for decision at the next meeting of the Classis, and those brethren will be informed of the resolution of the Classis as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, we have informed the brethren in Pennsylvania, that our Classis has accepted their complaints, and is ready to assist them by counsel and deeds. At the same time, they are exhorted to make use of the means of grace such as are ready at hand, until more favorable circumstances occur, to which end the Classis will use every endeavor.
The address, by reason of the omission of the same in the letters of those brethren, can only be expressed in a general way. We therefore request that you will forward our letter to them, enclosed in this, as soon as possible.
As for the rest, the Deputies desire that everything in the churches of New Netherland may be done in a regular manner. We say this, especially because complaints are sent up, in regard to the refusal (in certain places) to receive ordinary church-certi- ficates. It will be agreeable to our Classis that every one act in this matter, not according to personal feelings, but according to the common Church-Order. The Classis thinks that as to the accepting of certificates, it is safer to follow the usual order of
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the church, than that church interests should be controlled by personal considerations.
Herewith, etc., etc.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Dec. 12, 1728.
After calling on God's name, the Consistory Resolved, That for the use of the Velvet Pall, eighteen shillings shall be paid each time; for the new Black Cloth Pall, twelve shillings; for the old Black Cloth Pall, eight shillings.
Mr. Cook shall be directed, until further ordered, to play on the organ when "Church is going out," the Psalm which has just been sung.
Liber B. 79.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Jan. 9, 1728-9. [1729.]
After calling on God's name, it was unanimously Resolved by the Consistory, That the Church Masters should pay to Mr. Cook his last quarter's salary for playing on the organ, due the 15th of December last, (1728). And while they forgive him for nine- teen days absence, which was allowed him by the Consistory, yet for all additional absences, there shall each time be struck off nine shillings, New York currency, according to agreement; and he shall give a receipt in full to December 15th.
He shall also be told by the Church Masters, in the name of the Consistory, to abstain from all scornful reflections upon the Con- sistory, the congregation, or the services, and to play as ordered, lest the Consistory be compelled to take other measures.
Liber B. 77.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Staten Island.
1729, Jan. 11th. Regarding Staten Island, the Rev. Deputati had requested the ministers in New York to consider certificates from the ministers on Staten Island, as given, not as the act of the minister alone, but as the act of the Consistory. The Rev. Depu- tati were thanked for their efforts. x. 328.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Jan. 30, 1728-9. (1729.)
Subsequently, Mr. Cook informed the Consistory in writing, that his prolonged stay in Philadelphia, was occasioned by the great infirmity of his hand. This was also exactly confirmed by a written certificate of Thos. Greener, M. D., of Philadelphia. Mr. Cook also declared his aversion to (the case of) scornful reflec- tions, and hoped that the Consistory would not think him guilty of any neglect of duty, nor deal with him the rigor of the law.
The Consistory considered this matter. Then, with full con- sent of the absent members, they unanimously Resolved, That to show their good will to Mr. Cook, the full sum of a quarter's salary should be paid him by the Church Masters, on a receipt in full to December 15. And once again, they seriously request Mr. Cook to consider, that if he is fully paid for his organ ser- vice, he should, at least, properly perform (the duties of) his of- fice, and give to every one reasonable satisfaction. This was the way for him not to become liable to the charge of neglect, and not make it necessary for the Consistory to proceed further in the matter .- Liber B. 77.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Testimony of Pietersen and Van Nostrand concerning a meeting between Rev. Frelinghuysen and Complainants, about January 1729?
Letter of Gerbrant Petersen and Casparus Van Nostrand, to the Classis of Amsterdam. (Jan. 1729?)
(Portfolio "New York " Vol. i.)
No. 1.
We, the undersigned, do by these presents declare, that we, with Peter du Mont, Simon Wyckoff, Henry Vrooman, and Daniel Sebering, called on Rev. Frilinghuysen on January 13, 1729, when the following in substance occurred: They made known to Rev. Frelinghuysen, that they had received a letter from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and were prepared, by their High Reverend orders, to settle the dispute with Rev. Frelinghuysen. They therefore asked Rev. Frelinghuysen if he would be pleased to annul the excommunication, in accordance with the advice of the Rev. Classis? Rev. Frelinghuysen thereupon replied that he had had no word from the Classis, and he must first have a copy of the letter of Classis to them four, and must also first confer with his consistory. They offered to bring a copy to Rev. Frelinghuy- sen, provided he would promise that he would then annul the act of excommunication, in accordance with the advice and the writing of the Rev. Classis. Rev. Frelinghuysen said: "I will not do it upon your suggestion." They answered: "Not upon our own suggestion do we request it, but upon that of the Classis of Amsterdam." Rev. Frelinghuysen again answered: Not at your suggestion. They again said: We ask it not on our own suggestion. Rev. Frelinghuysen replied: This is a counter- question; there occurs more in the letter, or you would give a
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copy. And he stuck to this without declaring whether he would submit to your high and honorable decision.
Gerbrant Pietersen, Casparus Van Noorstrandt.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence in America.
Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen to the "Complainants " at Raritan February 3, 1729.
Letter of T. J. Frelinghuysen to Mr. P. du Mont, S. Wyckoff, H.
Vroom.
[Portfolio, "New York " Vol. i.]
Respected Sirs, P. du Mont, S. Wyckoff, H. Vroom. (Draft)
Inasmuch as our Domine has received a letter from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, we inform you that we are fully ready, prepared, and willing to follow up the advice of Classis and to withdraw the Ban, on these conditions.
1. If you make a confession of guilt for your improper con- duct in reference to the teaching and the preaching of our Domine.
2. If you acknowledge him to be an orthodox minister, and that his teachings are orthodox.
3. If you join again in the services of our church, and will conduct yourselves as obedient hearers, and peaceful members.
On these conditions we promise on our part to annul the sen- tence of excommunication, as having no more force, and, we will acknowledge you as members of our church. If you are now willing to follow the counsels of peace of the Rev. Classis, we
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hope that you will be on your guard against evil counselors; and that you will let us have a reply, in writing, by next Thursday, February 20. Then, if we are in health we shall meet at the house of P. Bonkal, (Broka, in another letter), at which time and place we amicably invite you to a conference, to consider, and if possible, establish peace. Expect on our part nothing but an affectionate reception. If, however, which we do not want to believe, you refuse to follow the advice of Classis, we protest against all evil consequences which may result. The God of Peace incline your heart to reconciliation with the church.
Your servant etc. T. J. Frelinghuysen. Elbert Stodhoff.
Raritan, 3 February, 1728/9.
We invite you to come on next Thursday, February 20, to the house of Peter Bonkal (Broka?) to a mutual conference to consider the peace-counsel of the Rev. Classis. Expect on our part nothing but an affectionate reception. The God of Peace incline your hearts to reconciliation with the church.
Your servant, etc.
Raritan, Feb. 13, 1728/9.
P. S .- They appeared. Thereupon the requirement of the Rev. Classis was read to them, with the offer to let them read it for themselves. This they declined to do.
The requirement, in the name of Classis, enclosed in a letter to Rev. Frelinghuysen by the Messrs. C. Houthoff and John Bancker, read verbatim as follows:
" You must also know, that from the Complainants also we require a confession of guilt for their imprudent acts; an ac- knowledgement of you as an orthodox minister; and further, all esteem and love for your person and services." They, however, refused to submit, saying that such was not in their letter. The
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Domine was also accommodating, that he said, more than once, that so far as he was concerned he demanded no special esteem from them, but would be content with a confession of guilt, and an acknowledgement of his doctrine as being orthodox. Peter du Mont then read a letter, in which were many questions; but he refused to give a copy of it. The requirements of the Rev. Classis from Rev. Frilinghuysen, in the same letter was this, verbatim:
" We accordingly take the liberty of recommending to you these names for securing the peace:
1. That you shall readily acknowledge, that in several in- stances you might have spoken or done otherwise than what you have spoken or done. In particular, that
(Copy ends here.)
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
March 6, 1728-9. (1729.)
Great Consistory held. All the members of the Ruling Con- sistory were present, except Frederic Van Cortland, who was out of the city.
Of the former members (of Consistory) were present: Jacob Van Cortland, J. Cruger, A. Marschalk, Philip Van Cortland, A. Van Horne, J. Goelet, A. Abrahamse, W. Roseboom, G. Keteltas, A. Van Vleck, Jac. Rosevelt, H. Rutgers, A. Van Wyck .- Absent: J. Boele, L. H. de Klein, Cornelius de Peyster, J. Hardenbrook, H. Van Gelden, Wm. Provoost, Jas. Van Hoorne, Garret Van Horne, Adrian Man, G. Van Imbury, A. Keteltas, B. Wynkoop, O. Teller, C. Louw, A. Lefferts, H. Van Spiegel, Cornelius Van Horn, Jan's Zoon, Michael Vaagten, Benj. Smith, J. Moons and Chs. La Roux.
After calling on God's name, the following Resolution of the Ruling Consistory was laid before the meeting, viz.,
" That the Consistory is in great need of funds to go on with the New Church. Indeed, in place of the £2200., ordered by
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the Great Consistory to be taken from the Treasury already £2400. have been paid out, and the Treasury is, at present, £1000. in arrears."
It was proposed, therefore,
1. To go around in the congregation and ask each one for a loan. These voluntary loans to be repaid out of the first moneys in hand, which the Consistory can spare.
2. If it should be thought better, to go round, and ask each one for a voluntary contribution, and thus bring no further dif- ficulties in the Treasury.
The unanimous Resolution was - To go round for a contribu- tion. If that does not prove sufficient, then to ask different individuals for a voluntary loan upon the condition above pro- posed. But Col. Van Cortland alone thought that the Consis- tory should first sell the pews in the New Church, and thus en- deavor to help themselves, before applying to the congregation.
At this same meeting, the former members (of the Consistory) having withdrawn, the Ruling Consistory determined, That it should be made known in writing to the Congregation, and the sooner the better, that the Consistory would apply (to each one) for a free gift for the building of the New Church, and affec- tionately request a liberal subscription.
The Written Request
Read from the Pulpit on the 9th and the 16th of March, 1729. Dearly Beloved in the Lord :-
Inasmuch as the Dutch Reformed Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the City of New York, daily grows, and is ever increasing more and more; and since this is a clear proof of God's mercy, and grace in Christ, shining upon us; for many excellent men and women are lacking seats in the church, and this applies both to old and young: and inasmuch, beyond ques- tion, this lack of seats will increase in a few years, by the growth of the youth; now in order that this lack may work no harm to
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the congregation, and that every appearance of pretext for with- drawing from our congregation may be removed; and that, on the other hand, every one may use his best endeavors to promote the pure worship of God among us:
Therefore, on the 7th of March, two years ago, the Great Consistory, i. e. all the members now in office in the Church, as well as all who have ever been,
Resolved, after calling on God's name, That the building of the New Church should be begun with money out of the Deacons' Treasury. This was only done that no burden should be laid upon the congregation except under extremest necessity.
From that time this pious work has been carried forward with great zeal, and has been so far, partially completed, as every one sees and knows. Nevertheless, the cost of the building has been very much beyond the estimates, on account of the great size of the church-building. Hence all the money of the Deacons' Fund (the corporate funds?) which has been applied to this purpose, has been found to be not enough to pay the debts already con- tracted.
Therefore, the Great Consistory on the 6th of this month, after calling upon God's name, maturely considered this grievous perplexity. They finally concluded that this excellent building must, if possible, be carried forward to completion; and that, therefore, certain persons should go around our congregation on this special business, and earnestly and persistently request every- one who belongs to our church, to be pleased, in view of this pious object, and of our great necessities, to make a liberal sub- scription in the Name of the Lord, toward the expenses necessary to push this building forward; for the exercise, by us and our children after us, of this our Reformed worship.
Therefore the Ruling Consistory deemed it necessary that this determination and wholesale enterprise should, at the first oppor- tunity, be made known to this Christian assembly, that every one may be moved by these considerations to a speedy subscription
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and to a bountiful gift. It is on this account, therefore, DEARLY BELOVED IN THE LORD, that we in the kindliest manner, appeal to each and every one of you, with all proper urgency, and on the basis of those Christian principles which we know that you possess.
Consider, we beseech you, the pious object in which your lead- ers are engaged for the edification of you all. The building which has been undertaken, is not for others, but for you: for your own exercises of worship, and those of your children after you, for many years to come. This we hope, because of God's gracious protection of you, as well as of his whole Church in these parts, hitherto, against all the secret and open violence of Satan.
We must confess, to your praise that you have proved your liberality to other congregations, yes, even to those who were never in the fellowship of the Reformed Church. This gives ground for our expectation that your Christian benevolence will not be refused to your own flesh; especially, since the work begun, cannot be completed without your support.
Was not the undertaking of it, in the first place, equally agree- able to all? And since it has progressed so far already, we be- seech you, let the spirit of Christian unity and harmony triumph in every one of you, unto mutual liberality, and for the progress desired of the enterprise.
Bounty and charity to the needy are offerings in which the Lord has great pleasure. The voluntary gifts for the rearing of the earthly Tabernacle stands recorded in the Holy Books not only as acceptable testimonials to the Lord to the praise of Israel; but also as a significant example of instruction to us. For what also are your charities for the building of God's house, than a willing consecration to the Lord of your temporal possessions. But these you have received from Him, of His pure bounty, from Him, who is the Giver of all good. Oh! everything is from the Lord, and the gift which you have, is from his hand alone.
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Let, then, every one of you, Brethren and Sisters in the Lord, give to this praiseworthy and pious work, according as each one has been blessed by Him. And thus will your love for the honor of God's name, and the advancement of His pure worship among us, remain in blessings of joy even down to our posterity.
The Apostles stirred up the Corinthians to liberal collections for the poor, by allusion to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He, though he was rich, had yet for their sakes become poor, that they, by his poverty, might become rich. We pray God, to arouse your liberality for the completion of this place of wor- ship. It can serve only for the overthrow of the kingdom of darkness, and for the establishment and advancement of the kingdom of Grace among us, by the clear and powerful exhibi- tion of the comforting Gospel; and that God's rich heavenly blessings, procured for his chosen ones by Christ's obedience unto death, done only through his zeal for their salvation, may, by his spirit, be ministered unto you as true believers, and be actually poured out upon you for your everlasting preservation there, where no earthly treasures can be taken.
So then, BELOVED IN THE LORD, may Jehovah God, the Father of mercy, incite your hearts to a generous liberality, and bind your souls together in indissoluble bonds, of peace, and with an equal desire to see the New Building completed! May He cause his mercy to rest upon you and your children! May He make you successful in temporal matters, and bless you in the times to come; here, in grace, hereafter in glory.
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