USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 24
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This grieves our very souls, because we well know that thereby the edification of the church will be greatly hindered, as well as the increase of the congregation. Therefore we have written in a fatherly and brotherly manner to the discontented in Schipback, earnestly beseeching and admonishing them to reconciliation and unity. We hope God will so impress this upon their consciences that we may soon learn of the result desired; and that they have acknowledged yourself and ministry, and have received you as the bishop of your souls.
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Among other things, we have proposed, as a means towards peace, that you and Rev. Mr. Weis,- whom we find inclined to peace and the promotion of our object,- exchange pulpits oc- casionally; you preaching in Philadelphia, and Mr. Weis in Schip- back. He might thus influence your congregation to peace. The congregations, also, on observing your unity and friendship would be convinced of its necessity among themselves.
It is therefore our fatherly and brotherly advice and admoni- tion to you to agree to this measure, and to arrange it with Rev. Mr. Weis - who has heartily agreed to it himself - and then to exercise all friendliness, gentleness and peacableness, as be- comes a servant of Jesus Christ, in order to quiet excited feel- ings, and to win the people by love. We have a well grounded hope that if you thus co-operate, with gentleness, that we shall see blessed results to our proposal and admonition. Thus not only the churches in the wilderness will be built up and edified, but you in your needy condition will be encouraged; for if peace is effected - for which we pray God - of course some profit to your temporal condition will result. We have understood that there are some well-to-do members in the congregation at Schip- back, and that there is a building for divine service. Besides when peace is effected there will be more hope of assistance from other places. We shall be encouraged at hearing that our pious endeavors have been blessed. We hope for this from the All- Sufficient One, who has begun to plant his church in that wilder- ness. May he cause his church and congregations to increase to the honor of his adorable Name, to the extension of the Kingdom of Jesus, and the salvation of many souls. May he strengthen you with his spirit, make your ministry fruitful, and unite your minds in the fear of his name, and command his blessing upon all that is yours. With this wish, we remain, etc.
J. Bekker, Dep. Cl. ad res exteras.
P. S. We request that we may be informed in due time of the result of our counsel of peace; and that you will please to
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maintain the agreeable correspondence with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Overseers of three German Churches in Pennsylvania. December 5, 1730. xxix. p. .... No. 10.
To the Overseers of the three congregations of Falchner, Scwam, Schipback and Weitmarsh:
Dear Brethren :-
It appears to us from your communication of January 29, 1730, that the letters of the Rev. Classis came to your hands, and gave you joy; especially the last, concerning the ordination of Rev. Bohm, which we understood had taken place; and that some dis- contented ones were thereupon satisfied, and have recognized Rev. Bohm as their lawful pastor.
But, meanwhile, we are not ignorant of the fact that schisms and contentions still exist. This distresses us, because the churches are thereby threatened with great danger, and the plant- ing and upbuilding of churches are thereby greatly hindered.
Men and brethren, we admonish you to brotherly unanimity, and to the use of every gentle measure with the discontented, in order to secure mutual peace; that you co-operate with your pas- tors to destroy all alienation and discord, and the evils resulting therefrom; and that you sacredly maintain the Church-Order which you have adopted; that the breach may be healed and the congregation be edified.
To this end, we have not only written to Rev. Mr. Bohm, but also to the discontented in Schipback. By this, we expect, through God's blessing, this desirable result. Thus, when peace is restored among the brethren, we believe that Rev. Mr. Bohm will be not a little strengthened, in his poverty, and animated anew; and that the church in Schipback will rejoice in the exer- cise of public worship.
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We will never withdraw ourselves, but will gladly come to the aid of your churches, not only with fraternal and fatherly counsel, but as far as possible also with deeds. Rev. Mr. Weis has already had proof of this; for he has been provided with cer- tain gifts of love for the building of a church in Philadelphia.
The greatest inducements for continuing such charities towards you are, unanimity among yourselves, peacableness, love for the ordinances, and for the extension of the Savior's Kingdom among you. May God give you the spirit of charity.
Worthy Sirs and Beloved Brethren, etc.
J. Bekker, Dep. Cl. ad res Exteras. Amsterdam,
December 5, 1730.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Church of Schipback, Pa., December 5, 1730. xxix. 61.
To the Friends and Elders of the Church of Schipback. Much Beloved Brethren :-
Your letter of May 10, 1730, we have not only received, but carefully considered. We have learned therefrom your objec- tions against the appointment and ordination of Rev. Mr. Boehm as lawful minister and pastor in Pennsylvania; and especially that you would not like to accept and acknowledge him as a shepherd of Jesus Christ in the church at Schipback, under pre- text that he has succeeded in securing his ordination and con- firmation, as regular shepherd and teacher, with only the knowl- edge of a few; and without the knowledge, and even in opposition to a majority of the church of Schipback.
It grieves us, brethren, to the soul, to see so injurious a schism and such discord in a newly organized church, whereby its growth must be greatly hindered, if not, except for proper in-
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terposition, entirely destroyed. It goes to our hearts. Oh! that you would take to heart the welfare of God's Church. Love for Zion and for the peace of the brethren, moves us to communicate to you our fatherly and brotherly admonitions. Receive then, brethren, we beseech you, in God's name and with a peace-loving heart, what we now send you, that all may tend to the restoration and confirmation of peace, to the edification of the Church and to the salvation of many souls.
From the beginning, we declare that nothing rejoiced us more than the prospect of a possibility of peace. Were it within our power we would procure you a pastor and teacher who would be agreeable and acceptable to all, and who would build you up in doctrine and walk. But you know as well as ourselves, that this is beyond our ability; since you providentially dwell in a land where the means of grace - the dispensers of God's mysteries, are still unplentiful. In such places, therefore, one must be con- tent with such means as God, in his good pleasure, grants in answer to prayer.
The Rev. Classis having taken into earnest consideration, and in the fear of the Lord, your remonstrance, and the earnest re- quests made by your delegates, is of the following opinion:
That Rev. Mr. Boehm ought to be recognized as the lawful shepherd and teacher in Pennsylvania, because by order of Classis, (upon the representation of Rev. Mr. Boehm and certain ones in the churches of Pennsylvania, who earnestly desired it,) he was confirmed and properly ordained thereto by the ministers in New York, who were requested to do this, if he submitted to the con- ditions prescribed to him by this Classis; and also, because, in connection therewith, reconciliation was effected between Revs. Messrs. Weis and Boehm, and each was allotted to a separate church by mutual agreement.
Beloved brethren, your dissatisfaction with this act, and your representation that the request of Rev. Mr. Boehm and a few others took place without your knowledge, and that the ordina-
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tion does not meet with your approval, cannot induce Classis to make null the solemn ordination of Rev. Mr. Boehm. The Classis is of opinion, therefore, that this ordination must stand. We hope this will not displease you, for how could so solemn an act be made void without desecration to God's name? Although the request for, and the ordination itself, took place without your knowledge, yet it did take place with the knowledge, and at the request, of some in the Church and in the Consistory. Since then the Rev. Classis recognizes Rev. Mr. Boehm as a lawfully ordained pastor, it is our earnest request that you not only be reconciled in a fraternal and Christian manner with Rev. Mr. Boehm, but that you accept and recognize him as your shepherd and the overseer of your church; that you lovingly listen to his teachings and Christian admonitions; that you receive from him the sacred seals of the covenant, maintaining and cherishing the communion of saints; that you may be the better built up in faith and in the hope of salvation.
If any among you think that it was a great misdeed that they were overlooked, and therefore refuse to submit themselves to peaceful counsels, then let the peacably disposed labor with these brethren with all gentleness, to convince them; and to this end, the actual ordination which took place in New York will be a powerful argument.
And since a sacred reconciliation was effected between Revs. Messrs. Weis and Boehm, so that they sometimes now, in a spirit of fraternal unity, exchange pulpits; therefore let the Rev. Mr. Weis at such times, urge the discontented to peace, according to his own peacable disposition, and promise thus to act as oppor- tunity offered. By such exchange and efforts, the churches will be impressed by the unity of faith.
Dear brethren, we pray you to consider that love is the basis of our admonition ; that charity is the principal duty and adorn- ment of the Christian; that love and unity among the brethren constitute the great strength of the church of God, by which she
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is built up and established; that it ever behooves Christian breth- ren to forgive any wrong that has been done. We say, there- fore, with Paul, "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness; and let the peace of God rule in your hearts; to the which also ye are called, in one body."
Please also to remember that you live in a country where the Church has but a feeble beginning, where it has been but just planted, where, although the harvest is great, the laborers are few. It is only by God's grace that the light of the Gospel beams upon you at all, and that you have any opportunities to hear the truth. Do not show that you have received this grace of God in vain. Let it be seen that your hearts are filled with love for Gospel truth, that you seek the increase of God's Church, the extension of the Gospel, the promotion of the knowledge of the doctrine of truth, and the salvation of your souls. This will appear, if you use the means which God gives you, although they be not exactly according to your liking. Is it not better to hear the Word of God from the mouth of a minister, even though he be despised by some; even though he had been guilty of some error, rather than miss the ministration of the Word altogether? If you refuse to accept Rev. Mr. Boehm, how shall the Church be edified by the public declaration of God's Word, when the number of ministers in those regions is so small? Convince us, therefore, brethren, by peaceful conduct that you truly hunger and thirst after righteousness.
We pray you to consider that through disaffection the pious are grieved, the godless rejoice, and God's name is blasphemed among the unbelieving. But we beseech you, brethren, to labor with us to prevent this, and to this end listen to our brotherly
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admonitions. We expect this, with God's gracious blessing, be- cause you count it a favor that the Rev. Classis takes to heart your affairs, and the condition of the churches in Pennsylvania. You also express your gratitude for this, and especially because you praise the Classis for seeking to advance the best interests of the Church. The greatest proof to us of this, your gratitude, as declared, will be your acceptance of this Christian counsel of the Rev. Classis. Thus will the breach be restored, offences avoided, the piety and edification of the churches promoted.
We add, finally, that you may learn from Rev. Mr. Weis and your delegate, how we are ever seeking to edify and quicken the churches in Pennsylvania, not only with loving counsels but with loving gifts. In conclusion, we hope and pray that the God of love and peace may bind you together in love and peace and reverence for his name. May he cause the churches in Pennsyl- vania, as well as in Netherland to flourish, and may He command His divine blessing on you all.
In hopes that we may be revived by an answer from you, an- nouncing peace, we remain,
Worthy Sirs and Beloved Brethren, etc.
J. Bekker,
Dep. Cl. ad res exteras.
Amsterdam,
December 5, 1730.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to the Ministers of New York, December 1730. xxix. 58.
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Gentlemen, Much-beloved Brethren in Christ :-
Your esteemed letter of April 21st, 1730, enclosing also letters from Rev. Bohm and his Consistory, together with writings to
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Rev. Bohm, came duly to hand. We learned therefrom not only that our letters of December 1st 1728, and June 20th, 1729, were received by you, and that the letters enclosed were sent to Rev. Bohm and the brethren in Pennsylvania by your care; but also, to our great joy that the ordination of Rev. Bohm had taken place, and that a reconciliation had been effected between him and Weiss. We thank the good God that it pleased him to bring this business to such a desirable end, by influencing their minds to peace, and by so blessing our endeavors.
We cannot neglect to commend your efforts in this matter, and to express our satisfaction therewith. The advice and di- rection of Classis were completely, and very exactly, executed by you, and with the greatest prudence and wisdom. We consider ourselves under great obligations to you for your charity and labor, as well as for your great care against Congregationalism. This, you rightly judge, produces very injurious results. We pray God to remember your labor of love, and to crown you with his richest blessing, to the welfare and establishment of Zion.
We are not surprised, Worthy Brethren, that you are not pleased with so much troublesome correspondence, and that for the reasons given, you would gladly be excused. We well under- stand that repeated requests, especially of parties in dispute, are costly and difficult, giving you much perplexity, and frequently leaving dissatisfaction in those who are not suited. But we are still more rejoiced, and we acknowledge it with gratitude, that you have allowed yourselves to be convinced, notwithstanding the difficulties, as to the duty to continue said correspondence, and that thereby you console yourselves for the hard labor. Your conclusion gives us much satisfaction, Rev. Sirs, and we earnestly request you to persevere therein. We think it, therefore, un- necessary, to advance any new reasons, for we are convinced by your communication that you will not shirk the duty. We are sure you appreciate, as well as ourselves, the necessity and ad- vantage therefrom to the Church of God. For whither could
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perplexed people and those in need of counsel, turn, in a land where ministers of experience are few. How could schisms, with the offences and disputes resulting therefrom, be avoided, except by the aid of men who have their senses exercised in the Word of God, and in the government of the Church? We trust that God may prevent your ever sorrowing that you have taken this task upon yourselves. May he pour out upon you the Spirit of wisdom. May he make you strong and of good courage, always abounding in the work of the Lord. May your counsels ever be successful, that the peace and prosperity of the Church may con- tinue under your hands, according to the good pleasure of the Lord.
But agreeable as is your conduct, as well as the reconciliation effected between the Revs. Weiss and Bohm, we are grieved at the complaints of those who yet remain dissatisfied, and refuse to acknowledge Rev. Bohm as a lawful minister. They have written to us concerning this, seeking to invalidate the ordination performed, on the pretence that all was done without their knowl- edge, and even in spite of them.
So far, however, is the Classis from agreeing to any such thing, that it ratifies that ordination as having been legally done, and declares your action right. The dissatisfied have also been particularly informed, with admonitions added, and earnest prayers, to recognize Rev. Bohm as their lawful pastor and teacher, and to confirm and approve the compact entered into by Revs. Weiss and Bohm. We trust that our counsel of love, re- enforced by yours as speedily as possible, may have, under God's blessing, the desired result. We have also most kindly admon- ished Rev. Bohm and his adherents, to co-operate most gently, in order to win the dissatisfied ones by love.
Rev. Weiss, with a delegate (Elder Reiff), from the church of Schipback, has been here to collect means to build a church in Philadelphia. This has enabled us to become well acquainted with him, and to converse with him particularly about the dis-
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putes yet remaining. We testify to his praise that we found him gentle, modest and inclined to peace. He and his companion have faithfully promised their earnest co-operation, to seek to induce the dissatisfied to accept the resolution of Classis, and Rev. Bohm, as their lawful pastor. We have also proposed that Revs. Weiss and Bohm should exchange pulpits, that the former might the better be enabled to quiet excited feelings; and the congrega- tions, being convinced of the friendship of the pastors, might be moved to similar unanimity. Rev. Weiss having consented to this, we have proposed the same to the Rev. Bohm.
We have favored the object of Rev. Weiss as far as we could. His undertaking has been by no means fruitless. He has not only received gifts from the Synod of North Holland, but will also receive them from that of North Holland, which has adopted the church of Philadelphia, as recommended. The Consistory and Diaconate of Amsterdam have also done their part. He has even received permission from the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, to collect funds in the city at large. We have certainly shown ourselves willing to help the churches of Pennsylvania with both counsels and deeds. We trust this will be a blessed means, among other things, to convince the churches of Pennsylvania of our enthusiasm in their behalf, and move them to peace and concord. We will be very happy, as well as heartily thankful, to understand that all breaches are healed, and the churches united.
May the King of Zion make the church of your locality and the neighboring regions, as well as ours, to blossom as the rose. May He bestow upon her the glory of Lebanon, and the beauty of Carmel and Sharon. May He enable us to behold the beauty of the Lord and the glory of our God. May the All-sufficient One bestow upon you abundantly an overflowing measure of his Spirit, and spare you long as blessed instruments in his hands to build up Zion's fallen walls, and to strengthen them. May He also crown your families, as well as his churches, with his gracious blessing, and at last give you the reward belonging to the faithful.
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Such are our sincere wishes, as we subscribe ourselves, with esteem,
The Classis of Amsterdam,
In the name of all,
Peter Elzevir, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res Ex- teras, h. t. Praeses. John Vischer, Ecc. Amst. Dep. ad res Ex- teras, h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam,
December 1730.
P. S. Worthy Sirs :- Classis has resolved, in token of their appreciation of the trouble taken in the maintenance of our wholesome correspondence, and to enable you to have more light on cases as they occur, to send you a copy of the Minutes of the Synod of North Holland. These are for your personal use, and that of your churches in America, and others with whom you correspond. If this is not disagreeable to you, we will continue to do the same.
We wish we were able now to treat with you about the affair at Raretans; but the matter seems of such weight to Classis that it seems advisable to delay the final decision until all the facts have been duly examined and pondered.
The request of those who were excommunicated, but who have united with the church of Milstone, (now Harlingen), that they might have a pastor of their own, is of course, known to you. But the Rev. Classis must deliberate further, and will inform you of their decision in due time. The request of the people of Poughkeepsie and Vishkill is granted, and will be satisfied as soon as possible. Valete !
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistories of Pokeepsie and Fishkill, December 1730. xxix. 67.
To the Elders and Deacons in the churches of Pokeepsie and Fishkill:
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
Your letter of April 13th 1730 came duly to hand. We per- ceived therefrom with joy your unity, as well as your pious desire to be edified by the services of an orthodox pastor and teacher ; that you might be built up in the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness. To this end you have made a request of some of the brethren, members of this Classis, and have au- thorized them to make out a call in your behalf.
Brethren it rejoices our souls to observe among you a hun- gering and thirsting after the words of righteousness, with a desire to found new churches, and encourage them. You give us ground to hope that these new enterprises may, in time, greatly increase, under the blessing of God. It is impossible for us not to favor all such endeavors to the utmost of our power.
According to your proposal, with your solemn promise ever and only to address yourselves to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, as said in your letters of authorization, as well as in your letters to Classis, the Classis at once declared itself willing to grant the request of the gentlemen authorized to make out a call for hand- opening. (?) These gentlemen will not fail, as quickly as pos- sible, to fulfill your desires.
We earnestly pray that the All sufficient one may bless your godly endeavors, and cause your congregation abundantly to flourish, not only in professors, but in those who will truly obey his word. May He fill you with the spirit of wisdom, of love
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and of the fear of his name, making you steadfast, and abound- ing in the work of the Lord.
We remain, Worthy Sirs and Brethren, Your Obedient Servants and Friends,
The Members of the Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all,
Peter Elzevier, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. Cl. ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses.
John Vischer, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. Cl. ad res exteras, h. t. Scriba .
Amsterdam,
December 1730
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Haagoort Commended for the Foreign Churches, (ad ecclesias exteras.)
1731, Jan. 9th. Rev. Gerardus Haagoort, S. S. Ministerii Candidatus handed in the required ecclesiastical and Classical cer- tificates, and requested to be accepted as " Commendatus " for the churches at home and in foreign lands. This was accorded to him after preaching a sermon on Ps. 117: - - and signing the Formulae of Concord. xi. 34.
Raritan.
1731, Jan. 9th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras said that hitherto they had not yet had an opportunity of accomplishing anything in the Raritan affair; therefore this case remained recom- mended to them. xi. 35.
PETITION FOR AID TO ERECT A CHURCH AT FISH CREEK (FISH- KILL) DUTCHESS CO. (1731.)
To His Excellency John Montgomerie, Esq., Captain Generall and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesties Provinces of New York and New Jersey and the Territories depending thereon in America and Vice Admirall of the same etc.
The Humble Petition of Peter Du Bois and Abraham Musy Elders and Abraham Blinkerhof and Hendrick Phillip Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Protestant Church of the Fish Creek in Dutchess County in the Province of New York in the behalf of themselves and the Rest of the members of the said Church.
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