USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 32
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Thus we close this our humble letter, with our sincere prayers; and our desires to God through Christ, for all earthly and spiritual blessings on your persons, and on your honored families; while we await the wished for results of your valuable services in seeking to bless God's Church. We humbly declare ourselves, what we really are,
Reverend Gentlemen,
Your humble and willing servants in the Lord,
The Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church of Jesus Christ at Hakkinsak. Hendrick Kip.
Jacob Hendrickse Banta. Jan Bardan.
Hendrick van Giesen.
Jurien Westervelt. I certify, that these signatures were affixed in my presence.
Jacob de Groot.
A. Curtenius.
TRUSTEESHIP OF PRESBYTERIAN PROPERTY.
1732, Aug. 15. On account of the inability of the Presbyterian Church, Wall street, New York City, to obtain a charter, they make the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the trustees of their property .- Smith, 296. See also under 1720, 1730, 1766.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Raritan.
1732, Sept. 1st. In accordance with a resolution of the Classis, a minister was granted to the people of Milstone (now Harlingen), and they were notified to that effect: In regard to the people of Raritan, it was resolved to write to Rev. Frielinkhuysen that he must make his peace with the disaffected ones, and that within the space of three months; otherwise the disaffected ones shall have liberty to join the people of Millstone, (now Harlingen) and together they may choose a minister; also that Rev. Frielinkhuy- sen must keep himself to the Church Order and Formulae of the Netherlands. xi. 82.
1732, Sept. 1st. New Netherland remains in statu. xi. 82.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. [1732, Fall.]
Kingston.
Extract from a letter, written by order of the Consistory of Kingston, by Rev. Peter Vas:
They are compelled to ask our assistance in respect to the dis- sension in the church of Kingston, caused by John van Driessen, and aggravated by his brother, Peter van Driessen, who is min- ister at Albany.
I. First of all there goes herewith a proof of their unity:
1. This is apparent, from their association with all the sur- rounding villages in their county of Ulster. With these, from time to time, they have had, as one body, only one minister. They have contributed moneys for his salary, unitedly, each ac- cording to his ability.
2. This is further shown from the circumstances at their last vacancy. Then all united with their promises of support at their own option, and accepted again Mr. Peter Vas, and enjoying his services for many years with pleasure, with rest and peace; en- joyed the Holy Supper in unison, and paid the promised salary, each at his time and place, without objection.
II. But this unity was broken asunder:
1. By John van Driessen.
(1) without certificate, or any advancement in Holland, he had been ordained to preach, only by the Independents at Nieuw- haven. This he was to do around Kinderhook and Claverack, and was installed there artfully, and without being heard by his brother; but he had been removed from his office because of his scandalous behavior.
(2) Through his adherents, he managed to bring it about to preach at Kingston while Rev. Vas was absent; that although he was forbidden, he preached also at Hurley, the Paltz, and Mar-
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bletown, exalting himself, justifying his evil conduct to the simple ones, and contemning the person and labors of their pastor.
(3) Thus he gained for himself a large constituency, and made disturbance; for the majority of the Paltz people accepted him as their minister. He was to come and preach there three or four times in the year, and administer the sacraments. He began with an inaugural sermon, and chose and installed a consistory, without knowing anybody.
2. Notwithstanding all warnings, he is supported (stiffened) by his brother, Peter van Drissen.
(1) Last February, after despatching a letter, and sending several posts (messengers?), he visited his (John's) adherents at Kingston, and called a meeting, in order to pledge them still further to his brother's purpose.
(2) He requested Mr. Vas to call a meeting of his consistory, in order to inquire what he (Vas) had said to the injury of himself and his brother.
(3) Coming before this meeting with his partizans, (company), to the question what he had to say, he answered: that he wanted to prove the regularity of the ministerial character of his brother. This having become a subject of discussion, the ringleaders rose to their feet. Then with noise and turmoil, while on their feet, they threatened the members of the Consistory that they would drag them through the church by their hair, etc.
(4) Meantime Peter and John van Driessen went away, belch- ing forth many unseemly vituperations against Rev. Vas and his consistory. He had established the regularity of his brother's ordination upon more than fifty persons -at a tavern!
III. The consequences of this are indicated, as being the utter ruin of their church; for while estrangement is thus wrought, many separate themselves from the church, do not want to come to the preaching, despise pastor and consistory, in spite of all their endeavors, (or, oppose all their undertakings,) do not come to communion, nor pay their promised salary.
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IV. The letter concluded with the assured hope that we would take the case to heart, and make timely provision in regard to it, in accordance with the laws of the Reformed Churches in Holland.
Was signed in the name and by order of the Consistory of Kingston, Petrus Vas, V. D. M., ibidem.
xxii. 209, 210.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies. [1732, Fall.] Extracts from two letters from New York.
I. The first is of November 2, 1730.
1. In this notice is given of the receipt and forwarding of the letters of Classis, by, Rev. Hagoort, to Rev. Bohm, and his consistories; to the separated ones at Schipbach; to the Raritan complainants, to the consistory of Millstone, (Harlingen), and to Rev. Frielinghuysen; together with the Acta of the North Holland Synod of 1730; with a letter to Poughkeepsie and Fishkill.
2. An expression of their pleasure and accord with the letters of Classis; with acknowledgment of their gladness over our complete satisfaction with their conduct, in the ordination of Rev. Bohm, together with his reconciliation with Rev. Weiss; especially, since the Classis itself, notwithstanding it has had so much trouble with them, is yet willing to confirm their corre- spondent; and that of this, they, in accordance with their desire- and duty, also request and assure them; that this was urged, indeed, for the general benefit of the church, and is confirmed with prayers (sighings) unto God, for strength and wisdom and gentleness; they also promise to recommend, on all occasions, to the opponents of Rev. Bohm, obedience to the loving counsel of Classis, and thus to pacify both.
3. They indicate the sad condition of that church:
(1) From Rev. Bohm's letters to us. It appears from these how misled those separatists have been.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(2) From the statement of Rev. Weiss; that he had received a letter from Rev. Wilhelmus of Rotterdam, whereof he promises to send a copy; but has not done so.
(3) From the promise of Rev. Weiss to Rev. Boel, to do his best for Rev. Bohm, for the sake of peace; and to bring in a written account thereof; but he has also failed in this.
(4) From the behavior of (elder) Reiff, who journeyed with Rev. Weiss to Holland, in a libellous letter (scheld brief, scold- ing letter) with the most villainous words against Rev. Bohm's advancement among us: he had said with anger, that they and their Assembly had not deemed themselves worthy to hear our peace-letter read.
They are therefore, by reason of Reiff's conduct, apprehensive for the money collected, and submit for consideration, accord- ingly, whether if Reiff could still be got hold of in Holland, the money could not be legally taken away from him.
4. They inform us that Peter van Driessen in spite of their warning, has sought to procure advancement, (ordination) for his brother, John van Driessen, from the English (Independents) for service in our Netherland Church, and has procured it, and notwithstanding their warning, he has also been installed by his brother, Peter van Driessen, in the churches of Kinderhook and Claverack. These were formerly ministered to by Peter van Driessen.
That ever since, the consistory of Rev. Peter van Driessen, at Albany, of their own accord, has refused to admit his brother to preach in their church, and has prevented the same up to the present time.
Complaints have also come up, and they report further, that the principal result is this; that inasmuch as, without any eccle- siastical or academical certificates from Holland, but only upon his brother, Peter van Driessen's, own recommendation, for pro- motion, he was ordained at New Haven, and having been installed, he now lives in idleness (at Kinderhook.)
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IV. The letter concluded with the assured hope that we would take the case to heart, and make timely provision in regard to it, in accordance with the laws of the Reformed Churches in Holland.
Was signed in the name and by order of the Consistory of Kingston, Petrus Vas, V. D. M., ibidem.
xxii. 209, 210.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies. [1732, Fall.]
Extracts from two letters from New York.
I. The first is of November 2, 1730.
1. In this notice is given of the receipt and forwarding of the letters of Classis, by, Rev. Hagoort, to Rev. Bohm, and his consistories; to the separated ones at Schipbach; to the Raritan complainants, to the consistory of Millstone, (Harlingen), and to Rev. Frielinghuysen; together with the Acta of the North Holland Synod of 1730; with a letter to Poughkeepsie and Fishkill.
2. An expression of their pleasure and accord with the letters of Classis; with acknowledgment of their gladness over our complete satisfaction with their conduct, in the ordination of Rev. Bohm, together with his reconciliation with Rev. Weiss; especially, since the Classis itself, notwithstanding it has had so much trouble with them, is yet willing to confirm their corre- spondent; and that of this, they, in accordance with their desire and duty, also request and assure them; that this was urged, indeed, for the general benefit of the church, and is confirmed with prayers (sighings) unto God, for strength and wisdom and gentleness; they also promise to recommend, on all occasions, to the opponents of Rev. Bohm, obedience to the loving counsel of Classis, and thus to pacify both.
3. They indicate the sad condition of that church:
(1) From Rev. Bohm's letters to us. It appears from these how misled those separatists have been.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(2) From the statement of Rev. Weiss; that he had received a letter from Rev. Wilhelmus of Rotterdam, whereof he promises to send a copy; but has not done so.
(3) From the promise of Rev. Weiss to Rev. Boel, to do his best for Rev. Bohm, for the sake of peace; and to bring in a written account thereof; but he has also failed in this.
(4) From the behavior of (elder) Reiff, who journeyed with Rev. Weiss to Holland, in a libellous letter (scheld brief, scold- ing letter) with the most villainous words against Rev. Bohm's advancement among us: he had said with anger, that they and their Assembly had not deemed themselves worthy to hear our peace-letter read.
They are therefore, by reason of Reiff's conduct, apprehensive for the money collected, and submit for consideration, accord- ingly, whether if Reiff could still be got hold of in Holland, the money could not be legally taken away from him.
4. They inform us that Peter van Driessen in spite of their warning, has sought to procure advancement, (ordination) for his brother, John van Driessen, from the English (Independents) for service in our Netherland Church, and has procured it, and notwithstanding their warning, he has also been installed by his brother, Peter van Driessen, in the churches of Kinderhook and Claverack. These were formerly ministered to by Peter van Driessen.
That ever since, the consistory of Rev. Peter van Driessen, at Albany, of their own accord, has refused to admit his brother to preach in their church, and has prevented the same up to the present time.
Complaints have also come up, and they report further, that the principal result is this; that inasmuch as, without any eccle- siastical or academical certificates from Holland, but only upon his brother, Peter van Driessen's, own recommendation, for pro- motion, he was ordained at New Haven, and having been installed, he now lives in idleness (at Kinderhook.)
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Their advice having been asked about this, they declare that, in the main, they have not wished to interfere with the business at all, but to leave it all to the wise counsel and judgment of Classis, with the assurance of their deep felt pain and sorrow at such estrangements in the Dutch church there; and with the wish that God will provide for this in His mercy.
Was signed, G. du Bois. V. Antonides. Henricus Boel.
II. The second letter of May 12, 1732, embraces
1. Some accounts
(1) That and Ericson had indeed accepted their advice with thanks; but they had requested that the facts about John van Driessen might be brought squarely out, but they had refused, for reasons in the advice itself.
(2) That Rev. Peter van Driessen had indeed since shown to them in letters, his displeasure, in being asked to submit his brother's case to Rev. Classis; but he has never adduced anything against the propriety of such advice.
(3) That the consistory of Kingston, under Rev. Vas, had also complained to them in the year 1731, and asked for counsel about John van Driessen, but they had answered again as before.
(4) That they had understood later, that the schism, as it appeared was abating, and there was hope for restoration; nev- ertheless this year there are again serious complaints from Kings- ton about John van Driessen and his brother Peter van Driessen. Concerning this matter the letters accompanying this by virtue of the Correspondence with Classes, promised submission to the judgement of Classis: if haply thus, by the speedy intervention of the authority of Classis, with God's help, the threatened ruin of the Netherland Churches there, might be averted, etc.
(5) That in 1730 had arrived there, with good ecclesiastical and academical testimonials, Rev. George Williams Mancius, on
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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a call, without their knowledge, from the Germans out in the country, in that province. Also he had been received into their brotherhood, and was being assisted by counsel and by deeds: but that the same had been called, this spring, to Schraalenburg and Paramus, by the Dutch. There, he is getting along reasonably well in the Dutch, with a desirable attendance, and in good har- mony with Rev. Curtenius. He thus furnishes good expectations of much benefit for their churches there, upon which they desire the Lord's blessing.
(6) They present for our consideration, whether if it be pos- sible, it be not highly desirable, for the better carrying on of the Correspondence, that they should send over all the Synodical Acta since the National Synod of Dort.
a. Thanks are given for the sending of the North Holland Synodical Acta of 1730; and they request its continuance from year to year.
b. They entreat for the Maintenn [Liberty?] of their churches as soon and as effectively as possible; with the wish that the su- preme government here [in Holland] be interceded with, in be- half of the safety of their church; that they may obtain their status under the crown of Great Britain, while remaining in cor- respondence with us.
c. They conclude with a wish for blessing and prosperity upon our favor, unto the triumph of the right, and the uprooting of what is evil; and that they may be Jehovah's glorious ones on the earth, and his eternal glorified ones in the Heavens.
Was signed,
G. Du Bois.
V. Antonides.
Henricus Boel.
The postscript was a statement that whatever testimonies had been obtained by the English-ordained John van Driessen for him- self; the surest account was, that no good testimony at all of his
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edifying conduct could be truly given; but, on the contrary much could be said of his grossly offensive life. This in conscience, they accounted themselves obliged to add to the rest. xxii. 213.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Raritan.
1732, Oct. 6th. The letter for Raritan, the contents of which (were mentioned) in the previous Acta, was drawn up by the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras and read and approved by this Assembly. xi. 84.
Kingston, New York.
In accordance with the submitted and approved report, (pre- advice), the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras shall write to the preachers of New York, and to the Revs. Vas and Erickson at Kingston, and to the Rev. Peter van Driessen; but to the latter with serious rebukes. xi. 84.
NEW YORK COUNCIL JOURNAL.
WILLIAM COSBY, GOVERNOR, AUGUST 1, 1732-MARCH 10, 1736.
The Assembly sent a Bill to the Council entitled, "An Act to encourage a public school in the City of New York, for teaching Latin, Greek, and Mathematics. Council Journal, 624. Read, committed, reported, 624. Passed, 625. Enacted, 626.
CHARTER OF NEW YORK CITY.
1732, Oct. 14. Charter of 1730, confirmed by the General Assembly of Province. See charter of 1686. Mayor appointed by the Governor in Council, until the American Revolution. Population, 8,624 .- Booth's New York City, 822, etc.
A GOVERNOR'S MARRIAGE LICENSE, OCT. 16, 1732.
By his excellency William Cosby Esq., captain general and governor in chief of the provinces of New York, New Jersey, and territories thereon depending, in America, vice-admiral of the same, and colonel in his majesty's army, etc.
To any Protestant Minister :- Whereas there is a mutual purpose of marriage between Jacob Glenn of the city of Albany, merchant, of the one party, and
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Elizabeth Cuyler of the same city, spinster, of the other party, for which they have desired my license, and have given bond upon conditions, that neither of them have any lawful let or impediment of pre-contract affinity, or consanguinity to hinder their being joined in the holy bands of matrimony; these are therefore to authorize and empower you to join the said Jacob Glenn and Elizabeth Cuyler in the holy bands of Matrimony, and them to pronounce man and wife.
Given under my hand and prerogative seal at Fort George in New York, the 16th day of October, in the sixth year of the reign of our sovereign lord, George the Second, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, defendez of the faith. Anno Domini 1732.
W. Cosby.
Hendk. Morris, D. Sec .- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. ii. p. 182.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, October 19, 1732. xxix. 101. No. 23.
To the Rev. Frelinghuysen and the other members of the Consistory of Raretans :-
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :- The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has received your letter with the enclosed documents. But we perceive therefrom with astonishment, that our action, in reference to those whom you had excommunicated, has not been carried out by you. The dissatisfied ones complain greatly to us that they have not been released from their sentence, and that you refuse to release them, except on certain conditions to which they take exception. But the Rev. Classis has already absolutely released them, and we have written to you how they were to be re- admitted to the use of the Lord's Supper. It appears very remarkable to Classis, according to letters from each side, that this has not yet been accomplished. It is our desire, and we admonish you, that the resolution of Classis be immediately obeyed, and that these parties be given no further ground of complaint. They must be admitted to the Lord's Table by you, as worthy partakers. We trust that all human considerations of either party will be laid aside, and that love and peace may be revived among brethren. May we never hear again that there are divisions and quarrels among you. These cannot be otherwise than ruinous to the Church of God. How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! for there the Lord commands his blessing, even life forevermore.
The Rev. Classis had also hoped to learn from your communication that the regular Order of the Dutch Church and its Forms were again maintained in your Church, as is the practice everywhere in Holland. But expressions in your last letter acquaint us, to our astonishment and grief, with the fact, that too much liberty is yet taken in the matter of church discipline, and in the use of the Forms in the administration of the Lord's Supper. This is contrary to the obliga- tions you have taken, and a cause of great anxiety to us. The Classis beseeches you, and has a reasonable right to expect, that in all things you will guide your- selves by the Order of the Dutch Church, which was accepted by us and by you. Let all things be done according to Order, to the building up of the church and the edification of the body of Christ.
To the people of Millstone, (Harlingen), according to resolution of Classis, has been granted the privilege of calling a pastor, in accordance with their urgent request. This has already been communicated to them and we now give you notice of the same. In regard to the discontented parties at Raretans, we notify you that the Classis resolves, that Rev. Frelinghuysen must make peace with them within three months; or otherwise they are permitted to unite with the people of Millstone (Harlingen) in calling a pastor. We also notify you that the Classis has resolved that Rev. Frelinghuysen must keep himself to the Order of the Dutch Church and its Forms.
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Expecting that you will obey these orders, we commend you to God and the Word of his grace. It is our hearty wish that the Lord may increase you, and make you all abound in love towards one another and to all men, even as we abound towards you.
Worthy Brethren in Christ,
Your humble servants,
J. Noordbeek, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res Exteras, p. t. Praeses. Leonard Beels, Ecc. Amst. et Dep. ad res Exteras, p. t. Scriba. Amsterdam, October 19, 1732.
TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK CITY.
1732, Nov. 22. Procurer-General claims that the Church-farm belongs to the Crown. - Dix's Hist. Trinity Church, i. 211-213; fi. 293, seq.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM,
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. Messrs. Vas and Erickson in New Netherland, Dec. 1, 1732. xxix. 102.
Rev. Sirs, and Brethren :- With astonishment and sorrow we have learned from your letters what has occurred in reference to John Van Driessen, who was forced into the service of the Church at Claverack, by his brother in Albany, Rev. P. Van Driessen. We wish from our hearts that each of them had refrained from such unwise and unusual conduct, which cannot fail to produce great evils. Certainly Rev. Peter Van Driessen has acted very improperly in urging forward his brother, and accomplishing his purpose in opposition to the counsel and earnest admonitions of the ministers in New York. He is worthy of severe punishment therefor. We shall not fail to let him know our displeasure, upon the supposition of his wrong conduct in this matter. We approve the advice given by the ministers of New York at the request of Claverack and Schinechtade. We think it would have been only appropriate in Rev. Peter Van Driessen to have accepted such brotherly advice with meekness, and to have answered kindly. This is the more obvious, because the advice offered, plainly appears to have been founded upon the action of the National Synod of Dort, which must be received and followed by all Dutch Reformed Churches wherever situated.
Our decision is that Mr. John Van Driessen is not to be considered a lawful minister: (1) Because nothing has been seen by us to show that he has been legally commissioned by any Dutch Reformed Classis. (2) That the Assembly at New Haven, consisting of some English Independents, as they are called, has not the least right, according to our thinking, to send or appoint ministers to the service of Dutch Reformed Churches in New Netherland. (3) And also because the life and walk of this John Van Driessen, as appears from letters, is not only less than edifying, but is idle and loose, to the offence of the Church at Claverack, which he served for two years, having committed violence there. He has also sought to draw away the church at Kingston, and has forced himself into other Dutch Churches. (4) We are still more satisfied that he should not be considered a lawful minister because of circumstances that occurred in our Classis in 1719. These things are still fresh in our memory, and we neither can nor will keep silence concerning them at this present juncture. On September 4th, 1719, in a regular meeting of Classis, John Van Driessen requested to be admitted to the Assembly. He then showed two certificates, in the Dutch language, signed by two Theological Professors at Groningen, and requested, since there was to be an examination for licensure, that he also might be examined. This was granted, since he had previously reported himself to the examiner, Rev. Comynburg, who had given him a text. During the examination which was very badly sustained,
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