USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 30
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It was therefore thought best to answer their letter very briefly in order not to . get disputing anew, and thus still further to delay the peace.
It seemed therefore very important to present to them in writing the Peace- Articles as suggested in your letters. This, however, took time; for we had a similar paper signed by our adherents, in behalf of a general peace. Then these Peace-Articles were delivered to Rev. Frilinghuysen and his Consistory, as per enclosures - Letter C. Therein the first two articles are what you wrote to us. The third, fourth and fifth Articles, were deemed necessary also, besides the reasons which are mentioned in them, for the following reasons:
1. Because most of the members of Rev. Frilinghuysen's Consistory have re- mained in office since the Citations were first issued (1723); or have become Elders from Deacons. But this is opposed to the accepted Church-Order. (?) It is so done, however, because they will not entrust the office to others who are not against us.
2. (The additional Articles were added) in order that, if the principal opponents on either side would resign their offices, and an equal number be chosen from each side as members of a new Consistory, then in accordance with the purpose of the Classis, such a Consistory could act more harmoniously for the establishment of the general peace; and to such a Consistory, the proper submission of all would be more readily and cheerfully given.
3. (And the additional Articles were added) that to such a change, their dis- position toward true peace might appear; but if they do not consent to it, that then the Classis may judge whether they do not seek to keep up the old quarrel, and whether we have not done everything rightly, with all our hearts.
The Sixth Article, besides that which is evident therein, seemed to us also just, in that it mentioned all the Dutch Preachers, or at least five of them (as referees): This was done (1) In order thus to prevent new alienations among the ministers, and also to get them all into one United Body in the general service of the Church, and under the Classis .- (2) In order that everything, now through so long series of years, fallen with decay, might the better be restored and maintained according to the Dutch Church-Order .- (3) Because, if not all, certainly most of the churches here, have suffered from this general decline of the Church. This also further justifies the Seventh Article. The Eighth then followed from what is presented
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in the Sixth; forasmuch as much effort was made last year to receive Rev. Friling- huysen back again into fraternal relations, among the offended ministers. But the answer was, that he must first obey the utterances of Classis. From this it appears that this is the proper way to peace. Inasmuch as this now appears to be the proper time, we ask in the Eighth Article, that you would take this matter also into serious consideration.
The rest which is found in this our Peace-Letter (Letter C.) we trust will also convince you that the whole plan is well calculated toward establishing a general peace. But whether we have succeeded or not in making it easy in this way to establish and whether our reasons are sound, we leave submissively to your sanctified judgement, as our competent judges.
Now to this our Peace-Letter, we were expecting from Rev. Frilinghuysen and his party a favorable answer; and especially because, on reading it, he declared to more than one, his complete satisfaction with it. But his Consistory may have afterward decided, with him, to send this reply to you, of which we also send you a written copy; (Letter D.)
In their First Article you will see how they still keep up their contention against us, which as already said above, was disputed to a finish, in 1729 and 1730.
The simplicity of their Second Article, wholly outside of our dispute, exhibits itself so clearly that we deem it unnecessary to make any further comment on it. Their Third and Fourth Articles against us, have had the force taken out of them in advance, in our Third and Fourth Articles, above.
As to their Fifth Article: In this they themselves acknowledge that (Rev. Gilbert) Tennent is an English dissenter; that they have let him preach, by per- mission as they call it, in that one of our churches which is at the beginning of Three Mile Run, on the waterside, (New Brunswick?) according to our previous letter to you. But this has been allowed also in two other of our churches, in whose vicinity there is not generally any English congregation; as at Old Raritan, which was mentioned before in connection with the closing of the Church in our preceding letter; and in the church at Six Mile Run, when this was still standing; and he thus preached, as a secundus (colleague?) of Rev. Frilinghuysen. Our reply to him of June 10, 1729, shows this more clearly. Thus is he equally for the Dutch and the English. Against their charge that some of us helped to call Tennent, the written declarations under the Letters E. and F. will serve.
That they add in these, their Articles " we wish to be preserved from persecut- ing English Presbyterians etc."- indicates how they construe the Classical de- liverance, and prayer to restore everything on the old footing, even in the matter of this English business. But how, then, can they resolve - for they profess to wish to do this - to continue with English dissenters in our Dutch churches? Thus they show that they do not care for that greater decline which the Classis fears therefrom. But then, they are of a different opinion (from the Classis.)
Against our Sixth Article, which has been justified by us in its whole extent, their Sixth Article appears too ambiguous, to show that they are in favor of the right. Certainly they are not in favor of submission, so as to remove that English dissenter, and to take away from our churches other errors that have come in; but such a course is in conflict with their previous expressed desire, as well as against your wishes.
The Seventh Article leaves us in the dark, and is against the Dutch Church- Order. That the Classis, however, took pleasure therein as against our Seventh Article, is their language. But if this is so, then all orthodox Dutch Consistories are condemned, when they accept of members on lawful church-certificates, (with- out re-examination of the person). But therein, again, is shown no disposition toward peace with the other churches, on the part of Rev. Frilinghuysen and his party.
According to their Eighth Article, their harmony is to be only "with the other churches." This, then, is not according to our fairly indicated and distinct request in our Eighth Article, which includes the other Dutch " preachers " as well as the " congregations." But that part relating to the "ministers " they entirely ignore, no matter how greatly necessary it may be for the peace of the other Dutch Churches, and fellowship with them all; as well as the continued existence of the church at Raritan. They show that they are not in favor of this, since they are unwilling to promise that their newly elected Consistory, from time to time
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should sign these Peace-Articles. And although this was requested and urged in our Article, they pass it entirely by. Their request for a personal conference with us, we cannot grant them:
(1) Because of their readiness at twisting words into slanders against us, with- out the least reason for so doing, as witness their Article Fifth. In that, they say that some of us helped to call Tennent. But compare this with our explanation under Letters E. and F.
(2) Because they yet show themselves to be far from submissive to the Classis, and in no sense, in favor of truth and peace with all the other orthodox Dutch Reformed Ministers and Churches in this land. But without this we cannot unite- ourselves with them. For they will keep on in their old way, of taking back with one hand what they give with the other.
(3) Because they yet declare that it is certain that Classis will not be able to require any more concessions from them. Thus they hope to have all theiz Articles, in Letter D. considered as approved by Classis. Therefore our conference. with them for any modification would be quite in vain.
In response, then, to all our previous presentations, and the one which we now again make, we know of no more reasonable hope, nor better founded expectation in this business, than that the Classis should be pleased to grant our request for- permission to call a minister for ourselves, together with Millstone, (nor Harlingen); and we want Classis to note well, to this end, our submissive reasons therefor. They are these:
That we belong to a particular church but we have been excluded therefrom in such manner as is well-known. And it further appears that this particular church, against the whole tenor of your express Classical deliverances persists in keeping us: excluded. Have not reconciliation and peace been fully sought on our part, in compliance with your deliverances? And, on the other hand, does not that par- ticular Church appear as resolved to persist in their disobedience? And must it be allowed thus to continue, while we are left to languish? Must we be left still longer without the enjoyment of an orthodox minister of our own? Do not the perilous consequences of keeping us in this condition still longer, appear, from all that has been indicated heretofore and now?
And in opposition to those who keep up such sad and injurious schisms, is it not absolutely necessary for us to have a new minister? not to constitute a new congregation in their midst, but to restore among us our own old Dutch Reformed Church. This should be done in opposition to that particular church, constituted, and obstinately maintained by Rev. Frilinghuysen and his party, in the manner which is well known and in opposition to the strengthening of said church, by means of an English Dissenter, as a new minister in connection with Rev. Friling- huysen, as they say -" By permission." We wish to be preserved from these opposing conditions. For they continue to exist, notwithstanding your writing that the admission. of English Dissenters in this way, into our church, is at variance with the ministers' pledges; with the accepted Formulae of Concord, and is there- fore in conflict with their duty; that it also makes you apprehensive and ex- pectant of further decline in the Church; although you request, counsel, admonish and beg them, very kindly and earnestly, to remedy this matter, by putting things on the old footing, etc., etc.
Now it is plainly to be seen to what kind of people you have made these repre- sentations. For they yet publicly boast that we shall never get a minister from you, unless we first reconcile ourselves with them. And they think, however much contrary to your wishes, that they shall, by means of their persistent evasions, remain, through you, our masters, although we are so humbly sub- missive to you. Yea, also, either because of the still continuing insanity (delirium in sickness?) of Mr. Frilinghuysen, or because he may, sooner or later die, they think they further see a chance to seek a call independently of you. For instance they hope to find help for this from Rev. Santdvord.
We beseech you then, by all means, having full proof of where the fault lies, to give your consent, and end our mournful perplexity. Permit us to call a useful and good minister; one that will unite with us harmoniously in all the service. Then,
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this lamentable church-decline may be checked, and a remedy found; the moderate ones may be won back, etc., etc., according to our previous letter. Do this in our behalf, that we may no longer be compelled to seek the enjoyment of the Sacred Covenant Seals elsewhere, outside of our own churches, while we are forced to witness in our own Raritan churches, the bitter treatment of self-opinionated per- sons, and to let such people go on in spite of you. For now, by your orders we must sit still.
From both these causes, operating now for many years in succession, the decline of the Dutch Church, however much apprehended by you, is still more feared by us. We fear that It will become altogether irreparable. The admission of English Dissenters into our churches has already had most perilous consequences in other Dutch churches as well as ours. It comes from the making of calls upon those who have received ordination from Independents, etc., etc. This you may judge for yourselves, from the written declarations on this subject from other quarters.
In reply to your request for further Information as to how matters stand with this English Dissenter (Gilbert Tennent) we reply: That this information appears from our previous letter to you, viz., that he preaches (in our churches) in the English language; and such information further appears from the paper enclosed. (Letter D. Art. 5). This says that he is an English Dissenter, and also Indicates fully his collusion (zamenspan) with Rev. Frelinghuysen and his Consistory; so that he does not scruple to express the wish to be preserved even unto a remarriage (wedertrouw) with him by ecclesiastical act, in order to protect him in the per- formance of worship in our churches. During these conjoint services of him and Frelinghuysen, he administers the Covenant Seals, mingling the English and Dutch languages with such other in the worship. Rev. Frellnghuysen preaches and Tennent prays and baptizes; and then together they administer the Holy Supper. All this is in further proof that he (Tennent) is a secundus (colleague). Now if those who belong in Dutch churches persist in employing English Dissenters, they depart from the Holland Church-Order and Liturgy; for these belong to the Dutch alone; and certainly they are nowhere in use among the English over here. We must, therefore, be careful to keep things in the Dutch way, in our churches, even as you also request and advise us, yea, admonish and beseech us. We have not, therefore, complained to you concerning that English Dissenter because of any departure from the pure administration of the Covenant Seals; but because of his departure from the Holland manner of administering these Holy Covenant Seals; and concerning the administration of them, according to his own self-opinionated ways; for he is a stranger among us. This was once the opinion of Rev. Friling- huysen and his Consistory; and therefore it was only "permitted " in their churches. Just so, Rev. Frelinghuysen, in his letter to us of the year 1729, which you have from us, declared therein that he would neither "grant nor permit " Rev. Koens to serve in his churches, because Rev. Koens was not of his way of thinking.
We trust that English Dissenters, in collusion with Rev. Frilinghuysen and his Consistory, are now pretty well understood by you, from our letters and enclosures, as well as from other sources. You will now have sufficient light, as to what they are to be able to deliberate wisely on the subject. We cannot make mention of any further details about Tennent's services, nor further answer your letter of May 8, 1731, because we do not attend those services lest we should excite some new charges, from our opponents, against us. We have already been slandered for having given aid in calling him; and should we now attend his services, we should again be slandered as grantors of our churches for said services. Therefore we had to stay away from them, and cannot give you any further particulars.
You desire also to know just what had happened in connection with the skipper Goelet; and the proofs of Rev. Frelinghuysen's instigations of friends, and of other things, that you might render a final decision. This has been sufficiently complied with in a previous answer. Therefore we hope that henceforth your Revs. will keep still about it!
Thus then, our case against Rev. Frelinghuysen and others has been fully pre- sented, and is this: That English Dissenters have lately undertaken to perform services in our churches: for independently of this fact, we allow the matter to stand on its own merits :- but we present this for the better conviction of your Revs., and for our - bygevoegd(?)
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Since, therefore, we have tried to our utmost to satisfy you in everything in a reasonable manner, we once more make most humbly our fervent request for a final deliverance by you on this business, and for your speedy permission to call a minister, as per our letter of authorization, in conjunction with Millstone, (now Harlingen.) We have communicated with the people of Millstone, as you requested, the Classical communication regarding that call.
As in our previous letter, with the heartiest wishes for the best welfare of your precious persons, your Sacred Ministries, and your families, and with all dutiful reverence and esteem, with the hope of speedy help, we remain,
High Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren, in Christ, Your humble and faithful servants, and humble petitioners for the Church,-The Representatives of the Complainants. In the name of all,
Simon Wyckof. Henry Vroom.
New York, May 4, 1732 .*
Declaration of Henry Vroom, for himself; and of Simon Wyckoff and Henry Vroom, for themselves and the Complainants, gen- erally, as to their not paying any salary to Rev. Gilbert Ten- nent. (1732.)
Enclosure with the letter of the Raritan Complainants To the Classis of Amsterdam.
Letter E.
In reply to the assertion that some of us helped to call that English dissenter, (Rev. Gilbert Tennent,) wherewith, as I understand it, they mean me, the under- signed, Simon Wyckhof: therefore I do hereby testify how the matter stands, so far as I am concerned.
About five years ago, (1727) being at New Brunswick, two Englishmen came to me. They did not belong to the Dutch Church. Their names are William Coks (Cox) and Daniel Hutsisson, (Hutchinson). These asked me if I wished to con- tribute anything to the support of the services of one Gabriel (Gilbert?) Tennent, later known in our documents under the name of the English dissenter; for they assured us that their English Presbyterian Church (near Freehold) was very feeble. Thereupon, I answered, I will do you this favor this once, but I will not con- tribute to his call annually; and now, I will only subscribe ten shillings for this year. For it is a custom in this country, that one should donate something extra, out of good will, to one's pastor. So at the end of the year I gave them the ten shillings without ever having mixed myself up, either directly or indirectly, with anybody who had called him; neither did I at all either sign his call, or sign his salary list.
For the stronger confirmation that all the above is truth: I declare upon my church-membership that this is so. Given under my hand,
Simon Wyckhof. At New York, May 4th, 1732.
(Port-folio " New York ", Vol. i.)
Letter H.
What happened to me regarding the solicitation for some support, for Rev. Tennent, consists of the following:
About five years ago, (1727), Dr. Daniel Hitsisson (Hutchinson) came to me, saying, there is now an English preacher here of your persuasion: Do you wish
[* Compare this letter with that of the same persons of Feb. 7, 1732.]
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to give me anything for his salary? I asked him where he would preach. He said in Court's barn. This was the place where Rev. Frilinghuysen preached at that time. I asked him whether he was going to preach under the auspices of Rev. Frelinghuysen's Consistory? He said, I do not know. I asked him then, if Rev. Frilinghuysen had given him the privilege of preaching in the same place where he preached? He answered, I think so. Then I said, I want nothing to do with him. Thereupon, he went away.
Some time after, I asked Dr. Hitsisson (Hutchinson) how he liked his English minister. His reply was: He does not always suit me. I have nothing to do with him.
Henry Vroom.
Both of us have also been assured by Peter du Mont and Daniel Sebring, sepa- rately, that neither of them, have ever been solicited for any salary for Rev. Tennent.
Indeed, we know not that any of those belonging to us, the Complainants, have given anything towards the salary of Rev. Tennent. And we do not doubt any of them.
Simon Wyckof, Henry Vroom.
All this, which is in these documents to be found took place according to these declarations, in our presence.
G. Du Bois, V. Antonides, Henry Boel. At New York, May 4, 1732.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter to Rev. (Peter) Driessen.
1732, May 5th. A letter was read by the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras, written to Rev. Driessen, in reply to his letter to the Classis mentioned in the Acta of the preceding Classis. xi. 67.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Rev. Cornelius Van Schie, of Poughkeepsie, to Messrs. Van de Wall, Beels, etc., Amsterdam. May 7, 1732. (O. S.)
(Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.)
Addressed: To the Reverend, Pious and Highly-Learned Mr. Leonard Beels, Minister of the Gospel, on the Keizers-gracht, between the Reguliers Gracht and the Utrecht Street, at Amsterdam, Holland.
By friends. May God guide them. (met vriende, welkers Leydsman Godt zy!)
Poughkeepsie, in Dutchess County. May 7, 1732, O. S.
To the Rev. Messrs. Herman Van den Wal, Job Hagelis, L. Beels, and T. Rietsma;
Very Reverend Sirs :- After thanking you once more for the favor shown me in the call which you made on me, I take the liberty, according to my promise. to inform you as to what I have found and experienced here on my arrival. After a voyage of eleven or twelve weeks, we arrived at New York, on September 9, of
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last year (1731) in reasonably good health. On the 30th of the same month, in the company of the Rev. (Gualterus) Du Bois, we were received at Poughkeepsie. We were welcomed, after the manner of the people there in such a way as surely no preacher ever before experienced. Thereupon did Rev. Du Boys and I do our best to bring about and to place everything in respect to ecclesiastical matters, in the proper order, and upon a good footing. On October 3rd Rev. Du Bois installed me in my office, and I entered upon my duties that same day in the afternoon. He preached on Psalm 103 : 17: "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's chil- dren." And my text was Coloss. 4 : 2, 3, & 4: " Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving: withal praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, etc., etc." I have further- more, endeavored to perform my services here as well as the Lord's gifts permit me.
As to our sea-voyage, it went reasonably well, inasmuch as we had a good, honest, and every way decent man for our captain. This was all the more pleasant for us, as we found ourselves in the company of an insufferable passenger. As to our stay or visit at New York - I was there with my wife at the house of Rev. (Gualterus) Du Bois, for whom I preached twice. At that time, also, there were very few homes free from smallpox, of which disease, a large number of people died. But notwithstanding this epidemic prevailed the entire winter, and does also to this day in my place; nevertheless, thank God, I have so far remained free from it. As to this district of country - Rev. (Gualterus) du Bois last autumn sent such a circumstantial and elaborate description of it, to the Very Rev. Mr. L. Beels, that I can neither add to, nor take from it. I only want to say, that it is not Holland by any means. And although a pound here is equivalent to eight Holland guilders, (three dollars and twenty cents then; now twelve guilders, or four dollars and eighty cents), these eight guilders equal no more than six guilders in Holland. For money is very scarce here, and therefore worth more than in Holland. Excepting food and drink, everything here is almost as dear again as in Holland, and some things actually twice as dear. A preacher here, moreover, by much horse-back riding, and otherwise wears out more clothes and other articles, than in Holland, and on that account needs more for his support.
Regarding my places in particular: they are as much as three good hours from each other; and every other Sunday I must ride that distance, thither and back, through the woods and along steep paths. Many people here were born, and grew up, in the woods, and know little of anything else except what belongs to farming. Indeed it can hardly be believed what trouble and toil a minister has, to introduce any civility into these places where there never has been a minister before. For many people here are like the wild horses of the woods which have never yet been broken, and which will not allow the bit to be placed in their mouth till after some time. Nevertheless we ought to thank God that, although most of these people can neither read nor write, yet most of them have so much respect for God and His Word, that when one smites them with the sword of God's Word, they willingly submit. And although some are refractory, yet this is only because they are convicted by God's truth. Thus they get some desire for God and Religion. Indeed, some would carry a minister, if it were possible, on their hands. But this helps me, to some degree, in certain lines of thought in connection with certain heedless persons. I cannot convince these, if they take a stand against me. But, inasmuch as they have sought after me with certain promises, in reference to my choice of a dwelling place; and because I, against all right and fairness, according to these unwilling ones, have followed my own wishes, a privilege granted me in my call, in choosing my place of abode, without letting myself be bribed by gifts or donations; these, I say, are a little jealous on that account.
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