USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 28
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This then is the last thing that we, according to the proposition of the Classis can do; to offer you once more peace and reunion. In order, therefore, that each of us may be properly reconciled - for with all our hearts we are in favor of truth and peace - we amicably propose to you these several conditions for our mutual reconciliation.
That you should, without that stipulation which was in your letter, (of April 19, 1729?), comply with the Holland Church-Order, together with us, in respect to every part; because this is altogether for the quiet and edification of the church. And also, in compliance with the Classical deliverance:
1. That you do recognize us as released from the Ban; and that you recognize us and the others who stand with us, as church-members, and that you treat us as such, etc.
2. And, in accordance with the letter of Classis, that you restore everything, in reference to doctrine, discipline, and the administration of the sacred Seals of the Covenant, to their old footing, according to the accepted Dutch Church-ordinances.
3. And, inasmuch as the Rev. Classis also strongly urges us to do our best for peace, it is therefore necessary, that in order to avoid all one-sidedness, that we
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on each side labor unitedly, and in an ecclesiastical manner, to effect such restora- tion. To this end we propose, that the entire present Ruling Consistory of Rev. Frelinghuysen, in a friendly spirit, resign their respective offices heretofore retained: and
4. That at the first opportunity an entirely new Consistory be chosen, the one half by the present Ruling Consistory of Rev. Frilinghuysen, and the other half by us the authorized Committee (of the Complainants.) and
5. That then, these newly elected members be published in the church; and after being installed, that they do join themselves in simplicity of heart with Rev. Frilinghuysen, as the one Consistory, unto the full restoration of peace, and to prevent the further decline of the churches, etc. And this will be also unto the further preservation of the pure Doctrine and Discipline, according to the Dutch Reformed Church-Order, in all its parts; as well as in compliance with the express writing of the Rev. Classis both to you and to us, in regard to that English dissenter. (Tennent ?)
6. That if hereafter, which may God graciously forbid, any dispute should arise among us, in the Consistory or in the congregation, which cannot be settled by the Consistory, in accordance with the Church-Orders:
Such dispute shall be left not only to our own Preacher or Preachers, but to the counsel and decision of all the Dutch Reformed Ministers of this land, or at least to five of the same; and these must be such as correspond in orthodoxy to the High Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, and who continue jointly and separately, in subordination to the Classis in all Church matters. This is to prevent all novel estrangements among the Dutch Reformed churches in these regions; and unto the more steady preservation, everywhere, so far as is possible, of the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.
7. And to this end also, that hereafter, all those who come from other con- gregations to us, with regular church certificates of membership, shall be recog- nized and treated as such.
8. Also in compliance with the intentions of Classis and with your own obliga- tions, that you do well consider everything, so far as possible, that may tend toward the general peace and welfare of the Dutch Reformed Churches in this country; and that you show proper respect to their ministers, in accordance with a just subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; and in particular that you make an apology to the ministers, against whom, as opponents in this our business, you have expressed yourselves so freely, about as follows :-
That you have nothing against their persons, or the ministration of their office; that you have forgotten and forgiven everything, and desire that brotherly harmony between all these gentlemen and yourself may be completely restored; that to this end you will do your best, as far as possible; and that you also expect the same from them.
For the Rev. Classis has thanked these gentlemen for the trouble they have taken in maintaining the Correspondence, and in seeking counsel for our churches in this land. Therefore we request your concurrence with us, in this matter, for the sake of the general good of the churches, and that you unite with us on these fair and friendly conditions. We request that all of these conditions in general, and that each one in particular be agreed to, and be followed up on your part. And we also promise by these presents, and as representatives of, and in the name of our Fellow-Complainants, that we are in favor of them on our part, and
1. That we will acknowledge Rev. Frilinghuysen as our lawful pastor and teacher from this time and henceforth; and will hold him in honor and love, as such, and will assist in properly supporting him.
2. That when members of the Ruling Consistory of Rer. Frelinghuysen fully resign their offices, we will also fully resign our offices as representatives (of the Complainants.)
3. That we and our companions will, all together, persevere in conducting our- selves in compliance with the Dutch Church Order in true love and peace, through-
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out the whole congregation; while we will expect the same conduct from them, being all together, one body. And subsequently having prepared the heart com- pletely to cast into oblivion all previous disputes and disagreements, we promise to live as one congregation in the Lord in Christian unity; and, in love, to anticipate one another for edification and forbearance, so far as is possible, by the help of the Most High.
And, finally, for the better securing of all these things, and in order to make firm and enduring this wholesome compact, these Peace-Articles shall be sub- scribed from year to year, by all who shall hereafter be chosen as members of the Consistory, before their installation into their respective offices.
Having thus done everything on our part, on behalf of peace, we leave these propositions in writing, hoping soon to be able to inform the Classis of the result, which we justly may expect from you at the earliest opportunity. May we have your amiable and equally peace-loving consent to them. And this should be by regular ecclesiastical action on your part, and in every particular for complete uniformity.
And may the Lord command upon you and upon us, as well as upon the entire Christian church, the blessings of Peace and of Eternal Life. Such is our sincere wish, and the sigh of our hearts; the prayer of your truth and peace-loving friends in the Lord.
Peter Du Mont, Simon Wyckhof, Henry Vroom, Daniel Severing.
Raritan,
February 7, 1732.
[Compare with May 4, 1732.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence in America.
The Consistory of Raritan to the Complainants, February 14, 1732.
Enclosure with the letter of the Raritan Complainants to the Classis of Amsterdam.
(Port-folio " New York ", Vol. i.)
With the other enclosure D. Letter B. (Similar to D.)
Messrs. P. du Mont, S. Wyckhoff, H. Vroom and D. Sebering :- We duly received your letter of February 7. We inform you that we are pleased with your friendly expressions, and rejoice that you are disposed to peace. We profess on our part, that we are ready and willing to restore the broken peace.
1. As to your first demand, we grant it, provided that you will acknowledge the doctrine here taught as orthodox, and that you will again unite with us, accord- ing to the requirements of the Rev. Classis. Then will we consider you released, and will lovingly treat you and your fellow-Complainants, according to God's Word, even as we do the other members. For in the previous letter, Classis re- quired this in so many words :- " You may then also know that we also require of the Complainants a confession of blame for their imprudences; an acknowl- edgment of you as an orthodox minister; and further all esteem and love for your person and office." The last agrees fully therewith.
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2. Regarding the administration of the sacred seals of the Covenant: Such administration is to be done according to Church-Order. We do not know that there is any difference about these, unless it be in the Supper. This is partaken of here, standing; at other places sitting.
And as to the Holland Church-Order: You ought to know that we follow this, and that we recognize no other. But as there is no minister in this country who strictly observes all the Articles, including those which are merely incidental, that is those which are affected by circumstances; therefore you cannot require any more of our Domine. For example, we read in the Church-Order, Article 37, that a Consistory meeting must be held every week.
Now this is, of course, impossible in this country. And know, friends, that we are able to point out more such Articles, which are affected by circumstances. These cannot be strictly observed by any minister here. Besides, you are surely aware that our minister has four churches to serve. Hence it is impossible for him strictly to follow out all the regulations.
3. Now as to the resignation of the whole Consistory, we cannot consent to that, unless you can show that the Rev. Classis wants us to do so. You ought not to put upon us any heavier burdens than the Classis. You promised that you would conduct yourselves in compliance with the decisions of the Rev. Classis. Now you surely know that the Classis does not ask of us any such thing.
4. However, we are willing that some new members should be elected in each congregation, even as already occurs yearly. Thus there may be chosen some of your number. But that this should be done by your representatives - that is contrary to Church-Order. For the Church-Order, Art. 22, plainly reads, that a new Consistory must be elected by those present,* and this is the practice of all the churches in this land. But in order fully to show you our accommodating spirit toward you, we assure you that if you show us that the Rev. Classis requires this, we will consent thereto.
5. As to that English dissenter, the Rev. Classis is waiting for further infor- mation from us, as to just how that matter stands. For it was written to Classis, as if Domine (Gilbert) Tennent were a colleague, (lit. secundus) of our own pastor. This of course, is not so, as everybody knows. He belongs to the English people. That he has preached in one of our churches - that was only a privilege granted him. Besides our Domine did not invite him, but some among you helped to invite him. But that he (Frelinghuysen) should forbid his hearers to listen to Tennent, that be far from him. We desire to be preserved from opposing English Presbyterians in an English country. Indeed the English Crown gives them liberty not only in Scotland, but also in England and Ireland.
6. As to your 6th article: When any dispute arises we will gladly submit it to some Dutch ministers in this country. We kindly ask you, that if anything is taught or done that you do not like, tell us of it. If we cannot give you satisfaction, we are willing to submit ourselves to other preachers.
7. As to Certificates: On this matter our pastor has declared himself to the Rev. Classis, wherewith the Classis is satisfied.
8. It is certain that we would gladly see brotherly harmony between ourselves and other churches. We are willing to forget and forgive everything. Surely our Domine does not like to have the old wrongs called up again, as some of you well know; for he would gladly forget and forgive everything. Since you do not wish to write again, you can let us know your answer by word of mouth. If you would like to have a joint meeting, we will consent to it, and appoint a time.
We also now make an end of writing to you. We are assured that the Rev. Classis will not be able to demand any further concessions from us.
Art. 37. In all churches there shall be a Consistory composed of the Ministers and Elders, who shall meet together at least once every week, etc.
*Art. 22. " The Elders shall be chosen by the suffrages of the Consistory, and of the Deacons; etc." (The term Consistory was in those days limited to the Elders.)
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The God of peace incline the hearts of all of us to peace; and vouchsafe to each of us his grace and blessing.
We remain, your servants and friends,
The Consistory of the Four Combined Churches of Raritan.
In the name of all,
T. J. Frelinghuysen, P. Brocka, Elder.
Andrew Ten Eyck, 66
Henry Vischer,
Elbert Stoothoff, 66
Raritan.
Actum at our church meeting,
February 14, 1732 .*
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, March 13, 1732.
In Consistory after calling on God's name, the call of another minister was considered.
It was stated that different members of the Consistories of other congregations here, had taken great satisfaction in the preaching of domine Gerard Haeghoort, on his first arrival last summer in this country, as the lawful pastor of the Dutch Re- formed Church at Nawenzinks, (Navesink); that since then, many had desired that the Ruling Consistory should directly request him to exercise his gifts again in this place. This was in order to see if he gave such satisfaction, that the Ruling Consistory might decide on the advisability of calling him, after counseling with the Great Consistory. If agreeable, then to seek the neces- sary subscription from the congregation for the salary of said domine Haeghoort. Thus might this business, with the Lord's blessing, be accomplished unanimously. A letter was accordingly sent with the knowledge of the Ruling Consistory to domine Haeghoort. His Rev. came here, and preached last Sunday after- noon (March 26) in the New Church.
Afterward, on Tuesday, March 28, Consistory met, After call- ing on God's name, the preaching of domine Haeghoort was talked over. Also the desire of many was expressed, both in and out of the Consistory, to hear him again. Resolved, That our two ministers, in the name of the Consistory should request him to
[* See the Complainants' remarks on this letter, in their letter to Classis, May 14, 1732.]
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preach next Sunday morning, April 2nd, in the Old Church. To this domine Haeghoort agreed, and performed the service. On both occasions, the Consistory thought proper that there should be no morning service in the other church, as the people desired to hear domine Haeghoort in his service.
THE RARITAN CHURCHES TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (This is a postscript to letter of Oct. 2, 1731, which see.)
(P. S.) Reverend and Highly-Learned Sirs, and much Es- teemed Brethren of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :- Since the above was written, we have had no opportunity to send it. Later on the disaffected proposed such terms to us, as you may see from the accompanying letter, under Letter H. But we could not con- sent to them, and you did not require this from us. However, we answered them amicably, as you may perceive from our letter, under letter B. In this we declare that we are willing to consider them released (from the ban) if they will again join themselves to us. We do not know what more we ought to do in this matter, inasmuch as we have followed up your decision in everything.
In the hope that you will take pleasure in this, we remain, after wishing all blessing and prosperity upon your ministry, per- sons and families,
Rev. Sirs, Your servant and Brother,
T. J. Frelinghuysen.
Raritan,
March 23, 1732.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
A Statement by the Consistory of Kingston, to the Classis of Amsterdam, respecting the intrusion of John Van Driessen into the service of some of their churches. (Spring, 1732?) Declaration by Rev. Peter Vas to the Classis of Amsterdam.
(Port-folio " New York ", Vol. i.)
The present condition of our church here, compels us, worthy Sirs and Brethren An Christ, to seek your aid in connection with the dissension and schism which
-
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has arisen in our congregation. The trouble has been caused by one John van Driessen, and it has been much aggravated by his brother, Peter van Driessen, minister at Albany. These things will appear from the following facts: First, we will explain to you, Rev. Brethren, our former unity; and then show you to what extent this has been rent and broken by them.
First: It is well-known to you that we, with all the surrounding villages in this our County of Ulster, as one body, have for some time past, had one pastor and teacher. For his support we have combined together and paid his salary, each locality according to its ability. And this will serve in proof of this: When our pulpit was last vacant, we forwarded a unanimous call to Europe with the promise of support for a minister. This may be seen from the salary-list. There- upon Rev. Peter Vas came to us, whose services we have enjoyed for many years in rest and peace, and with much satisfaction. We have also received the Holy Supper of the Lord from his hands with united hearts, and each one has paid the promised salary, without any opposition at the time and place.
Secondly: But what has happened in connection with this said John van Dries- sen? This man came from Holland without ordination, or even a certificate from his Professor. He was then ordained by the Independents of New Haven to the ministry at Kinderhook and Klaverack; and he was installed there by his brother, in an underhanded and an improper manner. He was at length denied further ministrations at Claverack because of his unchristian life and behavior. Now this man, I say, first endeavored by his tools, to bring about, in the absence of Mr. Vas, that he should preach in the church of Kingston. This had been refused to them by our preceding Consistory. Nevertheless, he could not be prevented from preaching at Hurley, at the Paltz, and at Marbletown. And this had mainly this result: that by exalting himself above others, before simple-minded people, he could justify his former bad conduct and life, and in the end, brought our lawful pastor's work into contempt. The consequence was that he made a great follow- ing for himself here, which has given rise to great confusion. Indeed the people of the Paltz some few excepted, actually acknowledged him as their pastor, and made arrangements for him to come and preach there three or four times in the year, and administer the sacraments. This proposition he also accepted, even delivering an installation sermon, and subsequently, he chose and installed a consistory among them. He did all this without any recognition of us. And when our consistory advised them to desist from their proceedings and showed them their mistake, nevertheless their efforts were altogether fruitless; for they were encouraged in their actions by Rev. Peter van Driessen. He, with his brother John van Driessen, came here in February last, after he had by letter informed his adherents of his coming. Thereupon several messengers were de- spatched at once, post-haste, to make known to his adherents the purpose of his coming. For it was published at the Palts, that all those who wanted to see John van Driessen cleared of the charge that he was not a lawful minister must go to Kingston. A meeting was accordingly got together there in order to bind the people still closely to his brother's object (to vindicate John); and to spread boast- fully about his imagined triumph.
Meanwhile Rev. Peter van Driessen requested Rev. Vas, to call a meeting of his consistory, in order to ascertain what Rev. Erickson had said to the disad- vantage of him and his brother. [See under Jan. 13, 1732.] This meeting, in compliance with his request, took place the day after, namely, on February 9, in the church at Kingston. There that gentleman and his brother, and their adherents all appeared. When he (Peter van Driessen) was asked what he had to lay before the meeting, he answered with an artful and hypocritical recom- mendation to peace, that he wished to show indisputably to the world, that his brother, John van Driessen, was a lawful Reformed Minister; that he had been ordained in accordance with the Act of the Synod of Dort. When some discus- sion arose on this point, for we judged that this was not the place, (for such an attempted vindication of John van Driessen,) some of his ringleaders immediately rose to their feet and made a great tumult. The one called out one thing, and another an other thing. Indeed, they even threatened to drag certain members of the Consistory through the church by their hair. This they would have easily done, if they had not been afraid of the law. While this was going on, Peter van Driessen and his brother went out, after which the meeting also adjourned.
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But along the street they belched forth much indecent slander and vituperation against Rev. Vas and his Consistory. Rev. Peter van Driessen sought to impress upon the people, so far as he could, the lawfulness of his brother's ordination. This was done in a public inn, before more than fifty persons, as it has been told us.
In General
The conduct of these two brothers here, has caused such an alienation of feel- ing, that some hold themselves aloof from the church, not caring to come to the preaching at all. The services of the pastor are held by them in contempt, and they do not come to the Holy Supper of the Lord. The Rev. Consistory is also despised; all of its enterprises are thwarted; and some are even unwilling to pay their promised salary, as we have discovered. Hence the ultimate ruin of the church is threatened, unless speedy efforts are made to save her.
Inasmuch therefore, as such proceedings are amenable to the laws of the Reformed Church of Holland, by which our churches in this province for many years have been laudably governed, and of whose reasonableness every one is convinced: it becomes very necessary to preserve the same unimpaired, so that no door be left open to confusion. And as you now have learned the condition of our church, and we are assured of your zeal for the welfare of God's church, we doubt not but that you will take our case to heart.
In the name and by the Order of the Consistory at Kingston.
Peter Vas, V. D. M. ibidem.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 3rd, 1732.
Consistory again held, after calling on God's name. It was de- clared that the Ruling Consistory and most of the congregation were satisfied with domine Haeghoort's preaching. Therefore the Ruling Consistory requested domines Du Bois and Boel to express, in their name, to domine Haeghoort, their pleasure and thanks for his services, and to promise him an appropriate return, in due time for his service, as well as his traveling expenses; also to say that as far as they were concerned, they voted for him as regular minister here.
For the proper furthering of this good work they would request on Thursday night, April 6th, the approval of the Great Con- sistory, in order thus to obtain, in an orderly manner, a voluntary subscription in the congregation. Do. Boel, also, as President, should write down the foregoing, so far as necessary, and in the name of the Ruling Consistory, lay the same before the Great Consistory.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 3, 1732.
In the forenoon, a meeting of the Ruling Consistory was held. After calling on the name of God, domine Boel, as Praeses, read the draught he had prepared, as ordered. It was unanimously agreed to present it to the Great Consistory, in the name of the Ruling Consistory. Domine Du Bois was still out of town, but. he subsequently approved it.
In the afternoon, the Great Consistory met, and after calling on God's name the written proposal was read, as follows:
" By a unanimous Resolution of the Ruling Consistory on April 3rd, the former members are called together in Great Con- sistory, and informed that
The Ruling Consistory had for a considerable time perceived the satisfaction of many in the congregation with the services of domine Haeghoort on his arrival last summer as minister for the Nawenzinks; that there was a great desire to hear him again, and see if a satisfactory call could be made upon him. The Ruling Consistory felt bound to satisfy this desire, and invite domine Haeghoort again to preach here, which he has done.
Thereupon the Ruling Consistory related in their meeting the satisfaction of many in the congregation with his services, and their desire to have him as their regular teacher. They also said the same thing for themselves, and so far as belonged to them, agreed upon him as a minister in this congregation. They, there- fore, thought it necessary to inform the Great Consistory, and for the advancement of this good work obtain their voice, to learn whether it was also favorable to a call on domine Haeghoort, in order that they might use their best exertions with the congre- gation, and set them a good example. If this were agreed to, the Ruling Consistory would then request a voluntary subscrip- tion in the congregation for domine Haeghoort's salary, so as to enable them to consummate matters, with God's blessing, with
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