USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 26
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1731
We pray that the Lord may bring his Reverence safely to you, with all the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel, and that through his ministry many souls may be wrested from the Kingdom of Satan and become united with our Lord Christ; and that by his means the saints may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We commend his Reverence and all of you, to God and the Word of His Grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them who are sanctified.
Reverend Sirs and Brethren,
Your well-wishing Brethren,
H. Van de Wall. John Hagelis. Leonard Beels. Tiberius Reytsma.
Amsterdam, June 7, 1731.
REV. MR. POYER TO THE SECRETARY OF SOCIETY FOR PROPAGAT- ING THE GOSPEL.
Jamaica, June 16th, 1731.
Rev. Sir :- By this opportunity, I beg leave humbly to represent to my Honorable Patrons, the Venerable Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, that I have been their Missionary here twenty one years, & may without incurring the imputation of boasting say that my diligence in the discharge of my functions has been little inferior to any; I pray God to give a blessing to the seed sown; but so it is that, besides the great and almost continual contentions that I have struggled withal amongst the Independents in this Parish, having had several law suits with them before I could have the Salary which the Country has settled upon the Minister of the Church of England; several other law suits for some Glebe lands which we have lost; and at last even the Church itself, of which we had the pos- session twenty five years is taken from us by a trial at law, (with what justice I can't pretend to say); tho' I say I have endeavored as patiently as I could to bear up under all these trials, besides the loss of two Wives & Several children, yet the infirmities of old age bear very hard upon me, insomuch that I find myself almost unable to officiate at the three towns of Jamaica, Newtown and Flushing as I have hitherto done, and which is absolutely necessary for the minister of the Parish to do.
The intent of these are therefore to beg that my distressed state and condition may be laid before the Venerable Society, and that they will be pleased to permit me to quit my Mission and to return to Great Britain, as being for the reasons aforegiven not capable of bearing such fatigues, and discharging my duty, as I have done for so many years in this place. I humbly beg of my most honored patrons to consider my case & circumstances & I remain etc.
Thos. Poyer. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 189.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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JUNE 28, 1731. REV. COLGAN'S APPLICATION TO BE SENT TO EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF JAMAICA, L. I.
" The Rev. Mr. Colgan acquainted this Board, that he had been informed there would be a vacancy in the parish of Jamaica, Long Island, and that he intended to apply to the Society for leave to remove there; and also presented to the Vestry a Certificate or Testimonial of his Behavior, which was read in the words following to witt: We the Rector, Church Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church in New York, being acquainted with Rev. Mr. Colgan, that he designed to apply to the Honorable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts, for a re- moval from the Mission he now supplys in this city to one in the country; think ourselves on this occasion obliged to do his Character that justice as to say, for the time he hath lived among us, which is near five years, he has behaved himself in all respects as become a minister of the Gospel of Christ; in his Life and Con- versation being grave and sober, and exemplary in the discharge of the duties of his holy function, faithful, diligent and industrious; which we hope will recommend him to the favor and esteem of others, and especially to the Honorable Society before mentioned " .- Records of Trinity Church, i. 160. Dix's Hist. i. 208.
RIP VAN DAM, ACTING-GOVERNOR, July 30, 1731-1732. [Governor John Montgomerie, died June 30, 1731.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Peter Van Driessen to the Classis of Amsterdam, July 2, 1731. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
Albany, July 2, 1731.
To the Messrs. Paulus Steenwinkel, Johannes Vander Hagen and Gerardus Puppius Houdius:
Vevy Reverend and Prudent Sirs :-
With all deference I take the liberty to give you an account of my labors in the Gospel, having spent twenty years now in instructing the Indians (besides laboring in my charge at Al- bany.) Two of my predecessors, Revs. Godfridus Dellius and Johannes Lydius, both now deceased, also labored in their behalf, and made a good beginning. The tribe which, at my arrival, fur- nished the material for the great number of converts, has now been altogether Christianized for these thirteen years, (or since
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1718.) But as a second tribe, living but a few days journey fur- ther on, cast their eyes upon this first tribe, being accustomed to visit them at their castles in order to hear the news from Albany; the tribe first alluded to, would at such times tell them how I instructed them in the Catechism, and how they joined with us in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. At first, indeed, the most of them only scoffed and ridiculed them; but afterwards, as they continued to visit them from time to time, they began to express their wonder and astonishment, and came occasionally, in com- pany with the others, to listen to our teaching, and to witness the celebration of the Lord's Supper. At last the Spirit of Christ wrought upon them with such power and with such results, that now and for some years past, two thirds of that more distant tribe, have enlisted under the banner of Christianity; and the number of the converts is still increasing. The fact that Albany is the place of Conference for all the governments on this continent of America, where the several Governors in the Name of the King, make treaties with the Indians, and from time to time, renew them or confirm them, is a great means of promoting the Gospel among them.
On the arrival here I was advised to apply to the Rev. Society, (" The Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts ", of London, founded in 1702), for the same amount of salary which my predecessors had received; for the trouble and expense of a house often filled with such people (as these Indians), were very great; and the times of their coming became more frequent. However, being then favored with a good salary by my own con- gregation, (of Albany), and having at that time no family, and not anticipating the consequences, I only thanked them for their kindness, but declined the suggestion. I did this especially that I might remain independent in my rights as a Dutch Minister, (by not bringing himself under obligations to that English Society).
Their Excellencies, Robert Hunter and William Burnet, suc- cessively becoming acquainted with my services and the expense involved, offered personally to recommend me to the said Society,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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but this I always declined. The present Governor, (John) Mont- gomerie, cherishing the same kindness, very generously approved the proposition, made by certain proselytes on the 23rd of May last, (1730), requesting from his Excellency, his Majesty's Let- ters Patent; as they desired to make me a present of some acres of land for a country house. When they came back they in- formed me of what they had done. They also requested me to build a church near each of their castles, and visit these places from time to time, and administer the Holy Service. This they wanted, because the aged and infirm (Indians) could not come any longer to Albany; although before, these same had repeatedly appeared there on crutches, in order to enjoy the religious services.
Now the discretion of your Rev. Body will readily understand, that I ought not any longer, alone, to bear all these expenses out of my own means. My family is now large, and the expense of living is here very great. It is not becoming to the true spirit of Christianity that I should bear them alone. I have already labored here, out of love, for more than twenty years, and I hope by God's favor to continue here all the rest of my life. But this matter of expenses has now become one of earnest consideration to me.
I would have written directly to the Deputies on Foreign Af- fairs, but I have not the honor to know the names of those now in office. I therefore respectfully request your Reverences to recommend these suggestions to the wisdom and kindness of the Very Learned and Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. I send herewith my little Catechetical book upon the first twenty two Lord's Days of the Heidelberg Catechism. I hope it may meet with your kind approbation.
May the Lord crown your persons, services and families with all the blessings of his grace.
Respectfully, your obedient servant in Christ,
Petrus Van Driessen.
Albany,
July, 2, 1731.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2551
1731
Acts of the Synod of North Holland July 31-Aug. 9, 1731.
Art. 33. Classical Changes.
Classis of Amsterdam, Rev. Gerrit Hagoord, [Haegoort] Minister sent to Freehold and Middletown in New Netherland, Ordained April 2; and Rev. Joh. Guilhelmus Keslius, ordained and gone as minister to Surinam. Rev. Cor. Van Schie called to New Netherland. (Poughkeepsie).
1731, Aug .- Nov .- Great Epidemic in New York.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
August 12, 1731.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
1. It was Resolved, That as domine Du Bois, according to the order of Consistory, has for some time past, on account of domine Boel's indisposition, preached on Sunday morning in the one church, and in the afternoon in the other; therefore now, since the recovery of domine Boel, each minister shall preach morning and afternoon, in the same church in which his turn shall be, according to the order pursued from the beginning, until domine Boel became sick.
2. That the bells of both the churches on Sunday forenoon and afternoon, shall ring together, at the first, second and third ring- ing; that is the last morning ringing shall be precisely half-past ten, and the last afternoon ringing at precisely half-past three.
3. That for this time, no invitation to the Lord's Supper shall be made at the house.
G. Du Bois, Loco Praeses. Do. Boel not being present because still somewhat indisposed.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Sept. 1, 1731.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
1. It was unanimously Resolved, That a written request be
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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presented to Mr. Rip Van Dam, president, for an amendment to our CHARTER, after it shall be shown what defects it now has, and what further privileges the present state of the Church demands.
2. Domine Du Bois and domine Boel, with Messrs. J. Kruger and H. Vander Spiegel are appointed on this matter, with author- ity to consult with Mr. Alexander as counsel and such other per- sons in or out of the Consistory as they may see fit.
3. That they inform the Consistory, at convenient times, of their doings so far as may be necessary, and especially to report the request in writing, so that it may be made to express their exact meaning.
4. These ministers and elders are hereby fully empowered for this business, and all that belongs to its execution.
G. DuBois, p. t. Praeses.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Peter Van Driessen to Mauritius Gromme, Sept. 12, 1731.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Addressed:
Rev. Pious and Highly Learned, Mr. Mauritius Gromme, Faithful Minister of the Holy Gospel at The Hague:
Per Address Henry and Jacob Van Eibergen, by whom there is opportunity to send reply in 14/d.
Albany, Sept. 12, 1731.
Mr. Mauritius Gromme, Highly Rev. Sir :- With all submission I take the liberty to declare to you my position in the Gospel. Two of my predecessors, The Revs. Godfrey Dellius and John Lydius, having made converts among the neighboring heathen nation, (tribe of Mohawk Indians), they requested me on my arrival in the year 1712, to continue the exercises of instructing them in the principles of the Christian faith. This duty I accepted with pleasure. And by God's pitying grace, the blessed results were such, that in a few years that entire nation (tribe) was incorporated in the Kingdom of Christ (lit. in our Christendom). They were then made by God's all-directing hand, the instrumentality by which a second chief nation, (another tribe of The Five Nations), located a few (Dutch) miles farther up the country (farther west on the Mohawk) has also, in the main, submitted themselves to the obedience of the faith, to the Lord of Salvation, even Christ.
Now for these my laborious and precious (or expensive) services, poor though they have been, but voluntary, their Excellencies, the Governors, Robert Hunter, (1710-19), William Burnet, (1720-28) and John Montgomery, (1728-31) have offered, from time to time, to recommend me to the Right Rev. Bishop of London, but I
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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politely declined the offer. And although the Sachems of these two nations In May last, (1731), in the presence of the English preacher here, ( ) at the renewal of their treaty with our Crown, declared their zeal and affection toward me; and requested in my behalf, from his Excellency, John Montgomery, the King's Patent for a few acres of land, which they had bestowed upon me for a place of recuperation: yet, at the same time, they asked me to build for them a church at each station, and to come there, and myself preach to them.
In considering this matter, and remembering that I have already served them gratuitously for a long time, and am even now compelled to incur heavy expenses above my ability, therefore I do, by these presence, request your assistance therein; that you would induce the High Rev. Classis of the Hague, by your recommenda- tion, to bestow some support thereto, and to place such funds in the hands of Mr. Peter de Wolf, merchant at Amsterdam, for this object.
After wishing every blessing for soul and body, upon yourself and family, as well as for your office, I remain,
Very Reverend Sir, Your servant, Peter Van Driessen.
P. S. My location contributes not a little to this my success in the Gospel; inasmuch as it is the rendez-vous not only of your Governors, but also of all those on the whole continent of North America, who desire to hold Conference with the Heathen Nations, (The Five Indians of Central New York.) Perhaps there will be found some private individuals, (particuliere) who will not be uninclined to help in the spreading of the Light of Zion in that thick darkness. On every occasion those two nations come to our Communion, accompanied with a multitude of catechumens.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence in America.
The Complainants to Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, etc., September 18, 1731.
Enclosure A; with the Letter of the Consistory of Raritan, to the Classis of Amsterdam.
(Port-folio " New York ", Vol. i.)
To Theodore Jacobus Frelinghuysen, Minister at Raritan, etc. These etc., etc., etc.
Frelinghuysen :- Inasmuch as we have delivered the letter, written during the present year by the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam and addressed to your Con- sistory, to them, and they, last month delivered the same to yourself: we, therefore, now take the liberty of informing you, that the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, per letter to us, dated May 8, 1731, makes a declaration in regard to the letters exchanged between you and us in the year 1729. They say that they perceive therefrom, with pleasure, that we had taken pains to restore the peace with you. Therefore they have released us from the Ban, and they do nullify the same. They express the wish that we, as true members of the Covenant, do use again the signs and seals of the Covenant of Grace.
Furthermore, the Rev. Classis writes us, that they altogether disapprove of your Consistory departing from the Dutch Church-Order, by admitting an English dis- senter to the sacred ministry in the Raritan church; that this is not in harmony with the accepted Church-Order, nor with the first Constitution of the churches among us; and that this must be speedily remedied. Indeed the High Rev. Classis
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1731
in no wise desires that we should agree to these departures; but that we should aid, in the best manner possible to remedy the mistakes which have crept in, to the decline of the churches; and that we must thus show, that we with all our hearts love the truth, and remain in the love of the same, and that we love peace.
In addition, the Rev. Classis also informs us that they have written to you and your Consistory about this. Unto this end we do now make this request of you, at their order: That, as soon as possible you and your Consistory, do completely submit yourselves to the decision of the Classis, which decision has now been more fully confirmed. We have before done this with all our heart, for the sake of peace; and we again profess the same by these presents.
Hitherto we have waited in vain for your reply to our letter to you of June 10, 1729. This letter has now been accepted by the Rev. Classis. Be pleased, there- fore, to let us have a brief written reply as to your determinations; for we shall write again at the first opportunity to the High Rev. Classis. We are, with determination to be subordinate to their High Reverences, unto the welfare of the church, Your willing, etc., Peter Dumont Henry Vroom Simon Wyckof
Raritan, Sept. 18, 1731.
Daniel Sebering.
No. 23. Received Sept. 20, a. c. (Anno currente.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Consistory of Navesink to Revs. Van de Wall, Vos, Beels and Reitsma, September 28, 1731. Rotterdam.
(Portfolio, New York, Vol. i.)
Freehold, September 28, 1731.
Rev. and our Much-Esteemed and Beloved Sirs, Ministers of the Holy Gospel at Amsterdam,
The Revs. Harmanus Van de Wall, Henry Vos, Leonard Beels, Tiberius Reitsma,
Dear Sirs :- We doubt not but that our well intended com- munication, expressing our respects and gratitude, will reach you safely. We, your humble servants, desire to inform you of the safe arrival of the minister whom you sent us. Gerardus Haeg- hoort, with his wife and his wife's mother, arrived in this country, all in good health. They landed in New York on July 24, (1731), and were kindly welcomed by Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, who showed them every token of friendship. The Lord be thanked for this great benefit and blessing, as well as for His faithfulness that He has so graciously preserved our minister and his agreeable
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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wife and mother from the dangerous perils of the raging sea, and enabled them to reach these shores in good health.
On the third of August, just at sunrise, he landed at our place, where he belongs, and was received with much friendliness and joy by the brethren and sisters of the church, who were waiting for him on the shore. Since then he has well demeaned himself, as has also the juffvrouw (the Madam). She has, indeed, con- ducted herself in such a manner as to give the greatest satisfac- tion to all the brethren and sisters of our church. Our minister also, Gerardus Haagoord has given great satisfaction ever since his installation over our church as our regular pastor and teacher; and especially in his preaching and the other duties which belong to the Ministry of the Holy Gospel.
For these reasons we find ourselves obliged, as in duty bound, first, to thank God the Lord for all his great blessings to us; and secondly, for this great benefit bestowed upon us - providing us, after long waiting, with an intelligent, able, and to all appearances, a faithful and pious pastor. We trust the Lord will spare him, and give him a long life among us, to the glory of his Name, and the general edification of us all. This being the case, we, your humble servants, find ourselves bound to thank you also, next to God, for the courtesy and care which you still show for the wel- fare of our Reformed Churches here in New Netherland; in that you think of us over here, and are still providing us with pious pastors and teachers.
Herewith we conclude. We remain profoundly grateful to you, Highly Esteemed Sirs, for the care you have shown for our wel- fare. We therefore, your humble servants, wish you all pros- perity and blessing. May the Lord give you his blessing, favor and grace, and grant you a long life and a happy end.
We remain, with all respect, Your obedient servants, The Con- sistory of the Navesinks, In the Name of all,
Mert Willemse, John Kouwenhoven.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1731
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
To write to New York and Pennsylvania.
1731, Oct. 1st. Rev. Classis resolved that the Messrs. Deputati ad res Exteras shall write to the ministers of New York; also to the Rev. Boehm and Rev. Weyss, in order to obtain information whether Rev. Weys has yet returned with the donation given him here for the erection of a church in Pennsylvania; and further, in what condition the church in that place finds itself. xi. 58.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The United Churches of the Raritan District to the Highly Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 2, 1731. [See P. S. March 23, 1732.]
(Port-folio, "New York," Vol. i .- Extracts in Vol. xxii: 220-7.)
Reverend and Highly Learned Gentlemen, and Highly Esteemed Brethren of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :-
Your letter of May of this year (1731) came duly to hand. We inform you, in the first place, that our pastor, by God's favor, was some time ago restored to health, and has again exercised his sacred ministry for more than a year. In the second place, we thank you for your cordial admonitions. If you were present among us, you would understand that, not the disaffected, but we ourselves are inclined to follow up your peace-counsels, as you may observe from the enclosures herewith. And we are also still willing to regard the disaffected ones as relieved (of the ban) if they will acknowledge the doctrines which are taught among us, and which are really the Reformed Doctrines, as orthodox; and if they will join themselves again to us. This is also your own object. But what their object is you may perceive from their own writings. It grieves us that you are so misled; for we here take no more liberties regarding discipline, the liturgy, and the Holy Sacraments, than are permitted by God's Word and our Church-Order. The Sacra- ments are administered here as in other churches, except that the Supper is par- taken of here standing; while in other churches the members are seated. But it was thus done before our present pastor came here; and his own preference is for the members to be seated.
We trust also that you will allow him, in the use of the various Forms, as much liberty as other ministers take. We do not think that you would want to bind him alone like a child in his abc-s, to the very words of the Forms at all times; for then he would sometimes make himself ridiculous. For instance, should he perform marriage for a maiden woman or a widow of sixty or more years, as does sometimes happen, and he should use the exact words of the Form, and speak of the getting of children.
For surely you well know, as it is also shown by Messrs. Freeman and Sand- voort, that there is not one minister to be found in this land, who observes strictly all the Articles of the Church-Order. Now the same penalty that you impose on others we shall also willingly submit to ourselves. If our pastor had done in the
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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congregation of some one else, what Rev. Coens has done here, and is still doing, you would suspend him, if not depose him. For Millstone is not a definite locality by itself, but it is a river, scattered along whose banks, our people live.
As to the English dissenter: [Rev. Gilbert Tennent:] He is not such a one as your letter makes him out, to speak gently. For he was called mainly by the English here, and for the English. Our pastor at first was rather against it than for it. Simon Wykhoff himself had a share in calling him. This was done without doubt, in the hope that he would be against us. That some of our adherents also aided in calling him, against the dissuasion of our pastor, was intended, as they declare, to help the English; for they were here as sheep gone astray. His services are quite apart from ours. He preaches also in only one of our churches when it is not our turn to be there; and that only by permission. But this, of course, does not Influence the disaffected ones, for they gave nothing towards the building of those churches. And it is not to be wondered at. Rev. (Joseph) Morgan is also a dissenter, for he belongs to the same Ciassis (Presbytery) and Synod as this other dissenter; and as a member, helped to ordain him, by the laying on of hands. He has now, for several years, ministered to both Dutch and English on the Navesinks. He baptized many children here, before our pastor (Frelinghuysen) came, and nobody speaks a word against him. Rev. (Gilbert) Tennet is a Presbyterian, and they are surely orthodox. And ought we to oppose and persecute English Presbyterians in an English country. God preserve us from doing so! For have they not, even in England and Ireland, freedom of conscience and of worship? That some of our adherents attend his services and help support him, we neither can, nor ought we to forbid. But however that may be, it can be surely no just reason for dissatisfaction among the Complainants against us, nor ought they to accuse us on that account before the Rev. Classis. We trust that you will take notice from this, how they who stand by those who are disaffected towards us, mislead you.
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