USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 25
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1731
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Humbly Sheweth,
That the members of the said Congregation being in daily expectation of a minister from Holland to preach the Gospel amongst them according to the Can- nons Rules and Discipline of the Reformed Protestant Churches of the United Netherlands and therefore have agreed amongst themselves to erect and build a Convenient Church for the publick worship of God nigh the said Fish Creek in the County aforesaid but finding that the sald building will be very chargeable and therefore as in the like cases has been Practised and is usuall in this Province they would desire the aid heip and assistance of all Charitable and well disposed Christians within this Province for the Compleating of the said building.
They therefore most humbly pray for your Excellency's Lycence to be granted to the said Elders and Deacons of the said Protestant Congregacon to collect gather and Receive the benevolence and free gifts of all such Inhabitants of this Province as shall be willing to contribute somewhat towards the erecting and building such Church as aforesaid for the Publick service of Almighty God and that only for such a time as your Excellency will be pleased to grant the said Lycence.
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray etc.
In the behalf of the Elders and Deacons and other the members of said Congregacon.
Peter Du Bois. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 589.
SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL.
Feb. 19, 1731. Vol. v. p. 285, § 18.
A letter from Mr. Ehlig minister among the Palatines in New York to the Lord Bishop of London dated 15th of June 1730 was laid before the Board and referred to the Committee.
March 19, 1731. Vol. v. p. 290. § 6.
Aiso that they had taken into consideration a letter to the Lord Bishop of London from the Rev. Mr. Ehlig dated Schoharie June 15, 1730 acquainting that he officiated among the Palatines at Schoharie and sometimes visits two settle- ments of Palatines at the River Makiaassex, and a place called Vhall and setting forth that the people are very poor and have not been able to contribute quite 30 pounds a year of that country money toward his support; that he had a wife and three children and has been forced by mere necessity to contract some debts and most humbly praying the Lord Bishop of London to lay this case before the Society for their consideration for the obtaining for him some annual salary or other assist- ance. Whereupon the Committee do move the Society to make him a gratuity of 20 pounds in consideration of his past services, and his present very strait circum- stances. Agreed by the Society that twenty pounds be given to Mr. Ehlig pur- suant to the motion from the Committee.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Cornelius Van Schie " Commendatus ad res Exteras ".
1731, April 2nd. Cornelius Van Schie, S. S. Ministerii Can- didatus, was received as " Commendatus ad ecclesias Exteras ", after he had exhibited proper certificates, signed the Formulae, and preached a sermon on 1 John 1: 9, " If we confess our sins, etc." xi. 37.
Call of Rev. Hagoort, and his qualification as Minister at Friholt and Middletown, in the Navesinks (Nauwesinks) in New Jersey.
Revs. van de Wal, Vos, Beels, and Reitsma showed that they
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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were commissioned by the church of Freehold and Middletown, in the Navesinks, in New Jersey to call a preacher for the service of that congregation, (namely), the candidate Gerrit Haagoort, and requested that the same may be examined and ordained this day. Rev. Haagoort having been brought within, declared that he accepted this call in the fear of the Lord. He preached a short sermon on Mark 11: 34, (12: 34?) and was then admitted to the final examination. Therewith the Assembly was satisfied, and he was ordained to the service of the church to which he had been called, with the laying on of hands. He had previously signed the Formulae of Concord, repudiated the condemned opin- ions of Roell and Bekker, agreed to read the Formulae of Baptism and the Lord's Supper without alteration, to correspond with the Classis, and to send a report of the state of his church as soon as possible after his arrival. xi. 37.
Raritan.
The Deputies on the affairs at Raritan brought in as their re- port, (pre-advice):
1. That those persons who had been excommunicated there, and had since conducted themselves according to the injunction of the Classis, but who had not been able to secure release from the said excommunication imposed by Rev. Friedlinghuysen, should now be released therefrom by us here, on our part.
2. And that the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras ought to be requested to procure further information by means of letters, on several matters, regarding the condition of those churches.
3. And that the ministers who hereafter shall be sent to the churches of New Netherland, shall be obligated to report as soon as possible after their arrival the condition of their churches. This report (pre-advice) was changed into a Classical resolution and the Committee were thanked for their trouble. xi. 38.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1731
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Rules about Pews.
New York, April 14, 1731.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
1. It was considered, whether it would not be proper, when, in the course of time, a seat becomes vacant by death, in any pew in the New Church which was bought for a family, to put a price upon the same, as is done in the Old Church. And inasmuch as the pews in the New Church, now, at first, bring good prices, it was unanimously Resolved, That hereafter, in case a vacant seat in a pew in the New Church, occurs by a death or removal, or otherwise, no more shall be paid for it by a new purchaser, than it is customary for the Church Masters to demand, in similar cases, in the Old Church; and a list thereof shall be kept in the Church Masters' Book of the New Church.
2. In the buying of a vacant seat, the right of inheritance, as heretofore made in the Old Church, shall be adhered to.
3. In case there be no heir to whom by this right a vacant seat would come, the family to which the pew belongs, shall allot it to whomsoever they choose, pro- vided it be, if possible, a member of the congregation.
4. Within six months after a seat becomes vacant, it must be sold and paid for; otherwise, it falls to the Church Masters, who shall sell it according to the rules of the Old Church.
5. To avoid the disputes as to who has the right to dispose of a vacancy in a pew belonging to one family, it is here declared to be the Head thereof, whether Father or Mother. But if the pew belong to different persons, not of the same family, the Head of the relations of the deceased owner of the vacant place, shall dispose of it, according to Articles two and three, above.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters to Archangel, Curacoa, Raritan, and Milstone, (now Harlingen.)
1731, May 7th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read many letters, drawn up by them in compliance with resolution of Classis as follows: one to Rev. Heidegger, minister at Archangel; one to Rev. Rasvelt, minister on Curacoa, in reply to a letter written by him informing us about the condition of the church there; one to the representatives of the complaining members at Raritan ; one to the consistory of the same place; and finally one to the authorized representatives of Milstone, (now Harlingen.) In all of these letters the Classis took pleasure, and requested the Deputati to despatch them at the earliest opportunity. xi. 41.
Sending Synodical Acta to the Colonies.
Inasmuch as, according to previous resolutions of Classis, " The Synodical Acta " are to be sent to the Cape (of Good Hope) and to New York; the Rev. Actuary, Houthoff, is authorized to pro-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1731
cure two copies * more than heretofore, at the expense of the Classis. xi. 41.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of Raritan, May 7,
1731. xxix. 60. No. 13.
Worthy Sirs and Brethren: -
Your letter, dated February 26, 1730, duly arrived. With sorrow and profound sympathy we learn from it that it has pleased God, the Sovereign Ruler, to visit Rev. Friedlinghuyzen very severely; that he has been for a long time unable to per- form the duties of the holy ministry ; yet that he was, at your writ- ing, a little better; and hopes arise of his recovery. May the Lord, with whom all things are possible, command that the re- covery be complete.
You express your fear that the discontented brethren may take undue advantage of this, and boast that this misfortune of his, is their victory. We cannot tell whether your fear is well-founded or not. This would be not only improper, but greatly to our sor- row, if we should hear of such a thing; but we will not anticipate it; and, as yet, we have no reason to imagine it of them.
We confess that we are very sorry to learn that the alienations in your congregation have not yet been removed; that reconcilia- tion and peace have not yet been restored, according to our kind counsels for peace. It greatly grieves us that all our attempts to this end have been fruitless. It does not plainly appear who is most to blame for this; but we have reason to think that PEACE, the very glory of Christianity, has not been considered sufficiently precious on either side, nor sought for with all the heart. Dear Brethren, follow after peace. Let the well-being of the church,
* These copies were always in manuscript, and new copies had to be transcribed for each field to which they were sent. Many duplicate copies of each year are now to be found in the Ecclesiastical Archives at Amsterdam and the Hague, as well as elsewhere. A complete set ought to be secured for New York.
1731
2539
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
which is its peace, enter your hearts, in true brotherly love. To this end, manifest all forbearance with one another, which is very necessary in the seeking for and the preservation of peace. We pray for this. We admonish you to this with all kindness of heart, as we have also admonished those whom you call " the dis- contented."
You are probably aware that these discontented ones have been cherishing an intention, and have made a proposal to the Rev. Classis, to unite with the people of Milston (Harlingen) to call a pastor and teacher, through certain members of our Classis, au- thorized by them for this object. Such are the sad results of di- visions and bitterness. But the Rev. Classis, hoping that recon- ciliation may yet be effected, through the influence of God's grace, has not been willing to consent to this proposal. For obvious rea- sons, it puts aside the proposition, especially anticipating the evil consequences which might result therefrom.
The Classis has, however, carefully considered the desire of these discontented ones to be released from their excommunication, and to be readmitted to the enjoyment of the sacraments. We judge that it is time to receive them back again, since they show such a strong and persistent desire. They have also sought to fol- low the counsel of peace of the Rev. Classis, and have taken many steps to this end. These things induce the Classis to release them from excommunication, in the expectation that you will thus con- sider them, and that you will re-admit them to the use of the sacraments.
The Rev. Classis has learned with sorrow that you assume many liberties in your church in regard to Church Discipline, the Lit- urgy, and the Administration of the Sacraments. It is said that you depart from the Netherlands Church-Order; that you have even received an English dissenter, as a Secundus to Rev. Frie- linghuyzen, and have permitted him to carry on the services ac- cording to his manner. This does not agree with Dutch Church- Order, and is contrary to your obligations, to the adopted For-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1731
mulas of Unity, as well as to your special duties. But the Rev. Classis requests further information from you as to this matter ; whether it is as reported, or what has given occasion to the re- port. Such circumstances make the Classis fearful of a decline in the Church; which may God forbid. Therefore we not only request you, but we counsel and admonish you, yea, we beseech you in all love, and most earnestly, to place things back on their old basis, and to allow yourselves to be governed in all things ac- cording to the received Dutch Church-Order. This is for the edification of the congregation, the love of peace for Zion, and her welfare. You own sense of duty should incite you to this.
Further brethren, let all uncharitableness and bitterness be put far from you, and show yourselves examples of charity and peace. May the All-sufficient God influence you thereto by his Spirit, and pour out upon you, and your families, and services, all grace and blessedness. We are, and shall always try to show that we are,
Worthy Sirs and Brethren,
Your servants to command, and brethren seeking your wel- fare, The Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all, John Theodore Vischer, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses.
J. Noordbeek, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res exteras, h. t. Scriba.
May 7, 1731.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to the Complainants against Frelinghuy- sen, May 7, 1731. xxix. 71. No. 14.
To the Complainants in the Church of Raretans :
Worthy and dear Brethren : -
Your letter of April 6th, 1730, we have received. In this you make reply to two letters which the Classis had written to you.
2541
1731
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
We notice therein an account of what took place in connection with the closing, re-opening and re-occupancy of the church, in which the congregation was accustomed to assemble. The circum- stances are distressing, showing that there is a good deal of bitter- ness of feeling. This grieves us. We find also in your letter an apology for our complaint, that you did not accord to the Classis the title of Competent Judge. You aver that you never intended to say or do anything in opposition to our High Classical Rights. In this declaration the Classis is satisfied and rests, as she cannot doubt the truth of your assertion; especially since, in the sequel you give frank assurances of your reverence for, and submission to the Classis.
We rejoice that you were willing to take the advice of Classis towards reconciliation and peace; but we learned to our sorrow, that the efforts for the restoration of peace were fruitless. You assert that the peace of God's Church rests on your hearts, and that it is very grievous to you to be cast out of the communion of the church, and to be deprived of the use of the sacraments. Your declaration pleases us ; but we would have been still more pleased if our loving counsel to you, to be reconciled with the Rev. Freling- huysen and his Consistory, had been actually accomplished. Then it would have been perfectly evident to us that peace and love dwelt in your hearts. We do not wish to deny that we have gladly seen, from the five documents sent to us, that you have done your part in seeking the restoration of peace with Rev. Frelinghuysen ; yet it seems to us the reconciliation could have been effected, if it had been sought with all the heart; and if you, in one thing and another, had been more yielding; for such conduct is absolutely demanded in seeking peace. At any rate, we learned to our sor- row that negotiations were broken off, and that there is little hope of success, while Rev. Frelinghuysen is visited so heavily by God's hand; for he is not now in a condition to treat with you in this matter.
You also inform us that you cannot join yourselves to the
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1731
Church and Consistory of Rev. Frelinghuysen, because they dis- regard the Discipline, Liturgy and pure Administration of the Sacraments of the Dutch Church; and have allowed an English dissenter to officiate in the services. We must confess that such conduct seems odd to us, and that it is neither consistent with the received Church-Order, nor with the first establishment of the Church among you. We disapprove of this action of admitting an English dissenter to the pulpit, to the neglect of Dutch Church- Order, and the pure administration of the Sacraments according to the institution of Christ; and we trust that such conduct may be corrected. Nevertheless, we heartily wish that the reconcilia- tion and peace had been effected; not that you should consent to error, and become Puritans; but that you should help to remedy, by gentle measures, any errors which have crept in, and so pre- vent the decline of the Church. Thus would you have shown your love for truth and peace. Have you not said, brethren, that you desired reconciliation and peace with the Rev. Frelinghuy- sen ? How then can you deliberately throw away every hope of unity, by saying you cannot again join with his congregation and Consistory ?
Meanwhile Classis has maturely considered your earnest desire to be released from your excommunication, and to be re-admitted to the enjoyment of the sacraments; as well as your position, in connection with the people of Milston, (Harlingen), to call a pastor and teacher, by authorizing certain members of our Classis to do this, provided the Classis will assist and assent to such a call. You also promise subordination to the Classis in your letter of authorization. This plan is truly, brethren, a matter of great importance, and it affects Classis with anxiety and fear.
Our Rev. Assembly has pondered all these things in the fear of the Lord. Upon the supposition that your desires are sincere, that you are hungering and thirsting after the word of righteous- ness, and long for a renewed participation of the sacraments ; the Classis has resolved to release you from your excommunication,
1731
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2543
by annulling it. This will admit you again to the use of the signs and seals of the Covenant, according to your longings ; and because you were willing, according to our advice, to make the effort for reconciliation and peace. Concerning this we will also write to Rev. Frielinghuysen and his Consistory. But we beseech you, and advise you most earnestly, to make no evil use of this circum- stance. Do not boast about it, thereby taunting and embittering others. Such conduct would be very grievous to us, and followed by evil consequences ; and destroy all hopes of peace. May the Lord himself guide you according to his Covenant ways, enabling you to partake, as true children of the Covenant, of its signs and seals, seeking after peace, and showing love for the brethren.
Regarding your proposal to call another pastor, through cer- tain authorized persons, in conjunction with others, especially the people of Milston, (Harlingen), and that Classis assist you thereto, we answer: Our Rev. Assembly has not seen its way to approve and consent to this proposal, for very obvious reasons, which you will readily comprehend. You already belong to a particular church, from which you have been excluded, as you know, and with which reconciliation and peace have not yet been made. Consider, brethren, what dangerous consequences would ensue, if you were permitted, under such circumstances, to call a separate minister. Would not such a precedent originate many sad and distressing divisions ? Would not others separate themselves im- mediately, as soon as some dissatisfaction was imagined, and set up a new church with a new pastor ? However much we might be inclined to grant your desire, this danger compels Classis not to consent to your request.
We request, however, some further information. Will you plainly tell us how the matter stands with reference to that dis- senting ministry ? Did he preach in English or in Dutch ? In what particulars were the Dutch Church-Order, the Liturgy, and the pure Administration of the Sacraments departed from ? The Classis may further deliberate on this business when it has more
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1731
light. We also request you to inform the people of Milston (Har- lingen) of this our resolution.
Trusting you will do this, we commend you to God and the Word of His Grace. May the God of Love and Peace and Con- solation, guide you in all your ways, and command upon you and yours, his blessing, even Life forevermore.
We declare ourselves to be etc., etc.
John Theodore Vischer, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res Exteras Praeses. J. Noordbeek, Scriba.
Amsterdam,
May, 7, 1731.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the [Seceded] Consistories of Mils- ton, (now Harlingen), Old Raretans, North Branch (Reading- ton) and Three Mile Run: (Noortbrens en Drie myl Run :) May 7, 1731. xxix. 75. No. 15.
Worthy Sirs and Brethren: -
We have learned from your letter of April 3rd 1730, written from New York, of your associating together, and your desire to be provided with a pastor and teacher, through certain minis- ters in Amsterdam, thereto authorized by you. You have ad- dressed yourselves also to the Classis of Amsterdam on this same matter, with assurances of subordination to our Classis. You say that all that is promised in your letter of authorization will be surely performed; and that no change will be made without the approbation of the Classis. This being a matter of much im- portance, the Classis has carefully pondered it. And although we would gladly gratify your desire in this business, yet we can- not at present approve of it for very obvious reasons, among which are these : - Such a precedent might originate other sad divisions elsewhere. We have also written the same to the Complainants
2545
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1731
at Raretans, with the request to communicate to you the action of Classis. We have also requested them to give us further informa- tion on certain matters. When we have more light we shall take the matter into further consideration. May the All-sufficient God fill you with all grace; unite your hearts in mutual love; pour out on your persons, your families and your services all grace and blessedness. We are and shall remain, Worthy Sirs and Brethren,
Your Reverences' Brethren, seeking your welfare,
The Classis of Amsterdam ;
In the name of all, Johan Diedrik Visscher, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. Cl. ad res Exteras, h. t. Praeses. J. Noordbeek, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. Cl. ad res Exteras, h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam,
May 7, 1731.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Messrs. Knibbe and Wilhelm to the Church of North and South Hampton, Pa. May 29, 1731. [Masius finally refused to come; but Dorsius came. Letter apparently lost, although editor has seen it.]
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Call of Cornelius van Schie.
1731, June 4th. The Messrs. van de Wal, Hagelis, Beels, and Reytsma, authorized by the church of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill to make out a call, did bring out a call, after obtaining permission from the Classis, upon Cornelius van Schie, a candidate at Leyden. He was brought within the room, and asked if he accepted that call. He declared that he accepted the same in the fear of the Lord, and was ready for immediate examination. This was granted him. xi. 43.
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1731
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Examination of Cornelius van Schie.
Cornelius van Schie, a candidate, of Leyden, having been called as minister to Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, preached a short ser- mon, in the presence of Dr. Deputatus Synodi Visscher, on a text given by the Examiner. He was then admitted to the final examination. He so well satisfied the Assembly by his ready and fitting answers, that they admitted him to the Sacred Ministry. He was ordained thereto by the Examiner, by the laying on of hands. He had previously repudiated the condemned opinion of Dr. Bekker and Prof. Roel; signed the Formulae of Concord, and agreed to read the Forms of Baptism and of the Lord's Supper, without alteration; also to correspond with the Classis, and to make a report on the condition of his church immediately after his arrival.
No Quantur or gravamen has come in from any churches. At the next Classis Rev. van Heemstede must preside ex ordine. xi. 44. 1
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Certain Ministers in Amsterdam to the Consistories of Pough- keepsie and Fishkill, June 7, 1731.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren, constituting the Rev. Consistories of Poughkeepsie and the Viskil: -
In accordance with the power of Attorney forwarded to us last year, for our obtaining for your congregations a competent and godly minister, we proceeded to act without delay, and have se- lected for that office the Rev., godly and learned Mr. Cornelius Van Schie. He accepted of your call in the fear of the Lord, and thereupon was examined at a meeting of the Classis, held at Amsterdam, June 4th, and gave great satisfaction. On the same day he was ordained unto the Holy Ministry and installed over your congregations. We trust that you and your churches may find him a suitable, faithful and upright pastor and teacher, and one who will in all respects feed the flock of God.
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