USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 20
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
And again: You write, that you never would give consent that Rev. Coens should preach in our church, and so forth. May
2466
1729
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
not this be commented on thus ? You did permit a dissenting candidate, in one of the churches where you preached, at the Com- munion, to offer a prayer in English, before a Dutch congrega- tion. This was done in the pulpit, after your sermon, and before the administration of the Supper; and afterward, also, you let him give the sign, in English, as to when you should begin the administering of the Holy Supper; and also, that you had no objection to letting him preach in our Dutch churches, and in letting young men go around, without regard to the deacons, with the bag, in order to collect compensation for him. Is there to be no accounting for this before Divine and Ecclesiastical judge- ment seats? Is this also in compliance with the Classical letter?
Then there is also that which was done against the order of the established Dutch Consistory at Navesink, and against the wish of Rev. Morgen their pastor. Did you not go there and preach in a barn? And did you not also go and preach at Joris Ryerson's in the Rev. Coens's congregation, where there is an established Consistory and pastor, all under the Rev. Classis? This you condemn in Rev. Coens, in regard to a gathering whose members never belonged to any of the four churches at Raritan, and who were therefore outside of your charge, and free to in- vite another minister to perform service among them. Thus have we copied and explained the letter of Classis to us, not ac- cording as we are pleased to think, but as their meaning is also to be perceived from your extract of what was written to you. From our letter we do not yet understand your counter-argu- ments, about its depending on this or that. But it can readily be seen, by the comparison of everything, that it pleased the Rev. Classis not to declare you orthodox, except under certain express conditions; and these are so definitely clear, that we remain pre- pared to accept them, even as we wrote more fully in our pre- vious letter. But you, on the contrary, take their letter in the broadest sense and beyond the plain intent of the Classis. Whether this view of yours is proper, the Rev. Classis, we hope,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2467 1729
will in due time inform us. Be assured that your desire, that we should not use this, our letter, to make more disturbances, for such things may easily occur by perversion of words, will be granted. On the other hand, we will go to work according to the intent of Classis, so that impartial persons may see whether you or we follow out the earnest and affectionate admonitions of the Classis to peace. In reference to what you propose to announce anew, and publicly from the pulpit, be also pleased, at the same time to proclaim all that the Rev. Classis writes to you, about those three points against you, mentioned above ; for such is the right way to let people see how matters stand, and to show a concern for the whole truth; for the proper con- ditions, not according to your own wishes, but according to those of the Classical letter; for thus alone do we remain secretly and openly for the truth and peace, in love.
You also write, that what force the ban has shall be manifest in that day. But even now the Classis condemns it in their ecclesiastical court. Do you then appeal from this, to the judge- ment of God? That does not look like esteem, on your part, for the Rev. Classis. And we do not wish to have our word regarded as truth, any further than it agrees with God's Word. We have never set up our word against God's Word. Our souls have a horror of so doing, but of which you accuse us. But this we hope, through God's grace, you will never, never, be able to prove against us. Yet do you not stick to these accusations against us? May God be the judge between us! For your writ- ing is too harsh, but that we should most earnestly oppose it, on the strength of our good conscience, in this particular, and through God's grace. For we have always held God's Word to be the absolute truth; and we pray the Lord that He will al- ways keep us there, and enable us to live thereby, yea, enable us to die therefor; and, also, that sometime or other, He may enable you to cease antagonizing us in this way; or at least to guard you against still calling such things, God's Word. Thus,
2468
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
from your own extracts from the Classical letter to you, we have made clear, and have further confirmed what we had already written to you before. We still insist on the counsel of peace as proposed by the Rev. Classis, but purged of your conditions and limitations, in opposition thereto. We hope also that this so salutary and just requirement of Classis, may be followed up by you; not by any withdrawal of the ban by you, but by the nullification of the ban (by Classis), as having been improperly exercised; and that you will comply with what the Classis also further directs to be done. To this we ask your answer at the earliest opportunity; inasmuch as we are firmly resolved by order of Rev. Classis to us, to write again to Classis without any un- necessary delay.
Your servants,
Symon Wyckoff, Peter Du Mont, Henry Vroom.
Raritan,
June 10, 1729. .
To Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen,
Pastor at Raritan. [This reply, evidently prepared by a lawyer.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Brethren in Pennsylvania, June 20, 1729. xxix. 37. No. 5.
Reverend Sirs and Much Beloved Brethren :-
In fulfillment of our promise, in the letter sent you (Decem- ber 1st) of last year (1728), and which we hope has reached you, we have now the pleasure to communicate to you the resolutions, which the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, after mature deliberation,
2469
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1729
has adopted, in reference to the condition of the Church-Govern- ment among you, and the action you have already taken there- upon. Our resolutions in substance are as follows:
1. The Classis decides upon its own right to handle this case, without consultation with the Christian Synod (of North Holland.)
2. The Classis finds in the acts of the Pennsylvanians all the inherent elements of a legal call, although all the usual for- malities have not been complied with.
3. On such grounds the Classis decides that all the acts of the said Boehm, his teachings, and even his baptisms and his ad- ministration of the Lord's Supper, as well as his reception of members, must be recognized as legal.
4. In order to provide, however, what has hitherto been lack- ing, the said Boehm must now be ordained to the Sacred Ministry, according to Ecclesiastical Usages.
5. That this ordination may most properly and speedily be accomplished by one of the ministers of New York, who is au- thorized to do the same nomine Classis.
6. That this ordination shall not be performed, however, be- fore that the said Boehm has declared before the ministers of New York, that he accepts the Heidelburg Catechism and all the other Formulae of Concord, and that he will direct his ministry in accordance therewith, and that he submits to the " Church- Order " of the Synod of Dort.
7. Furthermore :- the Church-Rules which have been sent to us by the Brethren of Pennsylvania are found to be useful and edifying, and the Rev. Classis has no objection in allowing the brethren to use the same for the government of their church. 35
2470
1729
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
8. And although the Rev. Classis, under the circumstances, approves this call on Rev. Boehm, they desire that this way of making a call shall not occur again. They, therefore, accept of the proposition of the Pennsylvania brethren, that, hereafter, when a new minister is needed among them, the Classis is to send them a competent and properly qualified pastor.
Thus you may perceive that the Classis is of the opinion, that inasmuch as the Pennsylvania brethren so earnestly and unani- mously desire Rev. Boehm to continue as their pastor, and that this call, originating as it did, out of the very heart of the con- gregation, must be considered as valid. Consequently all that he has heretofore done as their pastor must be considered legal; inasmuch as, in the new planting of the Church and in a region so distant, the usual formalities for securing an ordination were not at hand.
Nevertheless, the Classis now expects that care will be taken by the brethren, that Domine Boehm be ordained to the Sacred Ministry, according to the Plan proposed, by one (or more) of the ministers at New York, who are requested and authorized by our Classis to perform this act. Thus the work of the ministry may be carried on among you, according to the established Church-Order, and thus the congregation of the Lord be edified and built up. We also cheerfully engage, on our part, to assist you at every opportunity, with our counsels and deeds, especially when another minister may be required among you.
For the rest, Worthy Brethren, we bow our knees to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may be filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding, and strengthened with all might, that Jesus Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, and you may be rooted and grounded in his love. May he bless the ministry of your Pastor with all kinds of fruits desired. May he crown your church with abundance of life, light and spirit. May
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2471 1729
his all-sufficient grace adorn, confirm, enlarge and perfect her, and make her a praise in all the earth.
Finally, Brethren, rejoice. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Such is the desire,
Worthy Sirs and Beloved Brethren, Of your friendly and well-wishing brethren, The Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all, J. Bakker, Dep. Cl. ad res exteras, p. t. Scriba.
Addressed: To the Reverend, Godly and Beloved Brethren of the Reformed Churches in Pennsylvania.
(Other translations in Lib. A. 277. of Mints. Ch. of New York; Harbaugh's Fathers of Reformed Church i. 276; Mercersberg Review, 1876.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. Johan Philips Boehm, June 20, 1729. xxix. 38. No. 6.
Reverend Sir and Highly Esteemed Brother :-
Inasmuch as the worthy brethren in Pennsylvania are desirous of having the lawful services of a pastor, and have chosen you for the ministrations of the Holy Gospel, and have therein en- countered much opposition from others; and have, accordingly, poured out their complaints and fears into the bosom of the Classis of Amsterdam, with request for counsel, help and guid- ance in this business :- the said Classis has maturely considered, in the fear of the Lord, all that has been presented before it, and has taken the following action:
2472
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
(See letter of June 20, 1729, directed to the German churches in Pennsylvania, for the eight articles of this action.)
From these Articles you will learn that the call to the work of the ministry, made upon you by the brethren of Pennsylvania, is recognized as legal, because the church itself desired your ser- vices, and the Ministry of the Word was so necessary there. Therefore you did well to gratify the strong desire of the breth- ren in this matter. But now the Classis expects you carefully to follow what she requires, as expressed in these (eight) Articles, both in reference to the Formulae of Concord, and in reference to your ordination by one of the ministers of New York. Each of these steps is in the highest degree useful and necessary, both for yourself and the church. Thereby you will also more certainly avoid the criticisms of outsiders.
So then, dear brother since you have undertaken the work of the ministry among the brethren, in the name of the Lord, he wishes all things to be done decently and orderly in his Church. Fulfill, therefore, our expectations in this matter, that also your boldness in the exercise of your ministrations may be the greater. Such a course will also tend to our happiness and satisfaction. You will, therefore, consult with the brethren how you may best obey the requirements of the Classis; and you will also be guided by the opinions of the New York ministers, even if they should think it necessary to summon you to proceed to New York, to receive at their hands the ordination required.
Furthermore, Rev. Brother, we most heartily wish that all desirable blessings may come down upon you personally and upon your work. May the Father of Lights enlighten you with his Spirit, which is the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, that you may also enlighten others. May the God of Might gird you with all strength, that like a hero by the bed of Solomon, you may be ready and armed against an alarm in the night. May the God of all grace adorn you with every
2473 1729
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
holy adornment, and make you an example to the flock, in walk and faith, in love and purity.
In a word, may the Lord make your ministry glorious and successful, and deign in his own good time, to make you shine in his kingdom as a teacher who has turned many to righteousness.
Reverend and Highly Esteemed Brother, we remain, Your cordial and loving brethren, The Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all,
J. Bakker, Dep. Cl. ad res exteras, p. t. Scriba.
Addressed: To the Rev., Godly and Learned Mr. J. P. Boehm, minister of the Holy Gospel in Pennsylvania.
P. S. We also make request that you will please to maintain correspondence with the Classis of Amsterdam. (Other transla- tions, Lib. A. Ch. N. Y. 279. Mercersberg Review, 1876.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Ministers at New York, June 20, 1729. xxix. 39. No. 7.
Very Rev. Sirs, Much Beloved and Highly Esteemed Brethren :-
While we take the liberty of requesting your services in send- ing the enclosed documents to Pennsylvania, we cannot, nor do we desire to hide from you, the action which the Classis has taken, concerning the condition of the Churches in Pennsylvania, in connection with the complaints received, as follows: (For these eight points, see the letter of this same date, [June 20, 1729] xxix. 37, No. 5, written to the German churches in Penn- sylvania.)
Rev. Sirs, we therefore take the liberty to request you, in the most friendly way, to put the last touch to the call of Domine
1729
2474
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Boehm, in order that he may be ordained to the Sacred Ministry, according to the directions of the above-mentioned articles. We understand well that there are ministers living nearer Pennsyl- vania than yourselves; but we have learned from the letter of the brethren, (in Pennsylvania), that they did not wish to deal with those gentlemen in reference to this business of theirs; and that they had already consulted with you about everything. We feel, therefore, the greater freedom in entrusting our com- mission to you. This we do with all kindliness. Nor do we doubt but that you yourselves appreciate the necessity of this ordina- tion, that our Church-Order may be maintained.
We leave to you the liberty of deciding as to the place where this ordination is to be accomplished: whether one of you (ministers of New York) shall go to Pennsylvania; or whether Domine Boehm shall be summoned to meet you midway between (New York and Pennsylvania), where he may meet with one of you gentlemen; or whether you should request him to come to New York; or whether some other plan should be adopted.
We also request that when you send forward these documents to Pennsylvania, that you inform the brethren there, when and where this ordination, nomine Classis, is to take place; and we expect to hear, in due time, that this, our Commission has been fulfilled.
Herewith, wishing the Lord's most gracious blessing upon you, upon your families and holy ministrations, we remain, with all esteem,
Rev. Sirs and Beloved Colleagues, Your servants, etc., etc., The Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all, J. Bakker, Dep. ad res Exteras, p. t. Scriba. Amsterdam,
June 20, 1729.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2475
1729
Addressed: To the Rev. Godly and Learned, the Ministers of the Dutch Church of Jesus Christ in New York.
(See other translations in Lib. A. New York, 275; and Mer- cersberg Review, 1876.)
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND.
1729, July 26-Aug. 4.
Article 2.
Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
(The Synod of) Gelderland declined (to help them) because they belonged to England; as did also (the Synod of) Utrecht, on the strength of Gelderland's report. (The Synod of) South Holland had collected florins 696.12 stivers, and expected that the Classes which had not yet contributed would do their share. (The Synod of) Vriesland had recommended it (Philadelphia) to its Classes. (The Synod of) Overyssel accepted the request for reference; but (the Synod of) Groningen did not. The dele- gates had no report, and leave the matter to the judgement of the Classes. The several Classes accept it for further reference with a view to favorable presentation.
[Vol. 60, p. 11.]
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(Curtenius.)
1729, July 18th. Anthonius Curtenius, candidate, was as- signed to New Netherland by the gentlemen authorized thereto, van de Wal, Junius, Vos and Beels. At the next Classis he will be examined and qualified. x. 341.
Petrus Hoevenagel and Anthonius Curtenius.
1729, Oct. 3rd. The first, called to the East Indies, and approved by the Messrs. Directors, preached with satisfaction on Psalm
1729
2476
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
143 :10 ; and the second, called to Akkingsak (Hackensack) in New Netherland, preached on Psalm 2.12; both were admitted to the final examination, in which examination, (lit. investigation) they gave so much satisfaction both to the Rev. Deputatus Synodi and to this whole Assembly, that no objection whatever was made to their admittance to the ministerial office, to exercise the same in the localities where they are called. Whereupon, after signing the For- mulae of Concord, and agreeing to read the Forms for Baptism and the Supper without alteration, and declaring their rejection of the condemned opinions of Professor Roell and Doctor Bekker, they were ordained to the Sacred ministry by the Rev. Examiner with the laying on of hands. The Examiner was thanked for his excel- lent examination. x. 343.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 30, 1729.
It was Resolved by all the members present, that in the Tower, above the roof (peak?) of the Church, a door shall be made in an opening about 8 feet high and about 4 feet broad, with or with- out glass; also, at the same height, on (each of) the other three sides of the Tower, shall be made a light, about 8 feet high and three broad, with small boards running down aslant, or a sash, as may be judged necessary; and that the cross, (?) the ball and the weathercock, on the Tower, be made proportional to one an other.
New York, Aug. 26, 1729.
After calling on God's name, there was presented to the Con- sistory a request, from Johannes Bussing, in the name of the Congregation on the Manor of Fordham:
That he would undertake to complete the church, entirely, viz., lay the floor, make the pulpit and seats, and put the roof in good order, if the Consistory would give him £4., New York currency.
2477 1729
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Therefore, it was unanimously Resolved, by the members present to agree to the proposal; and that Mr. Isaac Kip inform the said Bussing of the same; and when the work is done, pay him the sum of £4.
New York, Oct. 23, 1729.
The Consistory Resolved, That the Deacons should demand payment of the bond of Diewertje Bradt, and obtain a warrant of execution; so that if the money is not paid in a short time, it may be obtained by a course of law :- also, of the bonds of Peter Van Tilbury, Wessel Wessels, the widow Roome, Abram Van Gelder; and Ahasuerus Elsworth, Frans Garbrants and Dr. Jacob Mooner, Peter Berrien.
New York, Nov. 13, 1729.
The Consistory were informed by the Committee on the sub- ject, (former Deacons: John Roosevelt and Christian Banker; and the Ruling Deacons), that Mr. Wessel Wessels offered in payment of the bond of his father, Lawrens Wessels,
1. That his father's house on Joode St., should immediately be conveyed in fee to the church, as payment for £100. N. Y. currency.
2. That he should give for the remainder only his own bond; yet if he can get his brothers to sign it also, he will do so. He promises strictly to pay one half of this sum on the 1st of Novem- ber, 1730, and the other half a year later.
3. He is agreed that the bond or bonds signed by him, for the remainder, shall run at eight per cent interest till the appointed time of payment; yet with the allowance, that up to that time and no longer, he is to pay six per cent only, if so the Deacons agree.
4. He asks that when all this is signed and sealed, the bond of his father shall be remitted to him, under the church's seal, in return for the fee of the house and the bonds which he gives.
2478
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
This was unanimously approved, and full power given to the Deacons to settle with Mr. W. Wessels on the terms stated.
Witness, in the name of etc.
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
It was also Resolved, by the Deacons, to take up, on interest, £100. N. Y. money.
LIQUOR LICENSES REQUIRED IN ALBANY.
1729, Nov. 14. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid that none but such as are licensed by the mayor of this city do persume to keep publick houses to sell any wine, beer or other strong liquors by retail or a less quantity at one time than five gallons within this city and county of Albany, under the penalty of five pounds for the use of the said city .- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. ix. p. 55.
THREE MILE RUN, N. J.
1729, Nov. 20.
We, the inhabitants of the Three Mile Run Congregation, have made out a list of subscribers for the salary of a Dutch Reformed Minister, under the Order of the Synod of Dort. We are expecting his arrival on our call, and, therefore, take the following action:
It seems good to us, when the said minister shall arrive, that he, in love and in peace, shall preach in the church-building which now stands at Three Mile Run, for four or five years, or so long as said church is fit for use; but when it is no longer suitable for service, we agree to build a new church on land of John Pittenger, or in that vicinity. And we further authorize the two men, whom we have chosen by a majority of our votes, namely, Henry Vroom and Frederic Van Lieuw, to act further in this matter; and we the undersigned, promise to help them bear all expenses which may be incurred.
A Boorham, Simon Wyckoff, Dennis Van Duyn, .. Smock, Cor. Peterson, George Anderson, Wm. Van Duyn, Jac. Boise, Hen. Smock, Christian Probasco, Wm. Kouwenhoven, Jacob Bennet, Peter Bodine, Gideon Marlat, Wm. Bennet, Paul Le Boyton Francis Harrison, Ab. Bennet, Isaac Le Queer, Jacob Bennet, Nicholas Daily, Adrian Hardenbrook, Luke Coevert, Jacob Probasco. See Corwin's Millstone Centennial, 1866, p. 33.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. AN EARLY ORDINATION.
(Portfolio, "New York," Vol. i.)
The Ordination in New York, of John Boehm, of the German Churches in Pennsylvania, by Revs. Henricus Boel and Gual- terus Du Bois, by authority of the Classis of Amsterdam, on Sunday, November 23, 1729.
Review and Proceedings. November 18-25, 1729.
The Rev. Consistories of the three German Reformed Churches of Faulkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marche, in Pennsyl-
2479
1729
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
vania, having advised with Revs. Gualterus Du Bois and Henricus Boel of New York, and Rev. Vincentius Antonides of Long Island, corresponded with Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, in the matter of their call upon Johan Philips Boehm, to be their min- ister; and also to obtain ecclesiastical assistance against the criticisms made upon that call. For these purposes they have exhibited (to said Classis) all the circumstances of their disa- greeable condition, in a letter, dated July, 1728.
The Rev. Classis preliminarily replied (to said letter) under date of December 1, 1728, expressing their sympathy with their sad condition; receiving their complaints with the design of helping them by their counsel as soon as possible; and counseling them to use such means of grace for their comfort as were practicable.
Subsequently, on June 20, 1729, the Rev. Classis again wrote to Domine Boehm, and to his Consistories, and to the ministers (in New York) who had already corresponded with them. The brethren from Pennsylvania were accordingly invited to come to New York, fully authorized by the three Consistories to com- plete the whole business in a suitable manner. They opened and read the letters which they had received, and which were substantially as follows :-
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.