USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 39
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Some exception is made to this. Only two congregations had built Rev. Frielinghuysen's house. Ap- peal to the arrearages of the Pastor's salary; but they will do their part.
No direct reply is made to this; but if their hearers heard them, --- and had this law ( ?) from them. Submit for consideration if it were not better, that they, together, call still another minister. However they are willing to grant equal salaries, if the ministers render equal ser- vices; but do not know how it is to be effected.
Granted.
1. In general, that the ministers jointly arrange between themselves regarding the appointment of the Consistory.
2. But they think that according to the 22nd Article of the Church- Order, this appointment be made by the Consistory then in active ser- vice; and with the other parties, by delegates, together with the minis- ters.
3. Nevertheless, for the sake of peace, they will treat of this later, when the minister shall have come.
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3. That then, for the first year, the half, or those who are oldest in years, or in service, shall retire, according as it may be agreed on before the union; and subsequently, every year, the half which has been longest in office (shall retire.)
4. Regarding the mode of action in that General Consistory :
A. If any dispute shall arise with- in the congregation, which, according to Church-Order, cannot be settled by them; such dispute was to be left besides their ministers, pro- vided the dispute was not about them.
(1) To the advisory decision of such Reformed Dutch ministers, as are orthodox and are in correspond- ence with the high Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; whose deliverance should then be, provisionally, fol- lowed.
(2) That the entire dispute, and this advisory deliverance, shall then be sent over, as soon as possible to the Classis of Amsterdam, requesting its final deliverance. This having been obtained shall also be strictly observed.
B. That in the future. they shall keep themselves steadfastly subject in all ecclesiastical matters, to the Classis; in order to prevent all fur- ther estrangement in the churches of those regions.
C. That all those who should come over to them from other con- gregations, with proper certificates, should be held to the same terms.
D. That all preachers, Dutch Re- formed ministers in subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, shall also be properly respected.
3. For the promotion of the reunion and peace upon these proposed Arti- eles :
Granted.
Unless the situation or the welfare of the congregation should require otherwise. according to the Church- Order : Article 22.
Granted.
But reference is made to the Church-Order, Article 75. This spe- cifies for this, if the dispute is in the open country, the two nearest neighboring churches should attend to it; but nevertheless we will over- look this also.
Granted.
Provided that Classis be not troubled with matters which can be settled by themselves.
Granted.
To accept the certificates, and to record them as members; but with the privilege of investigating whether they are ignorant, or offensive; and to keep those out.
Granted.
For this is proper.
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(1) That these Articles should be signed by all, both on the part of Rev. Frielinghuysen and his Consis- tory; and by them individually.
(2) That the signed Articles should be read from the pulpit, both in the Raritans; and at Millstone (Harlin- gen), so far as they refer to them; that every one might know of the peace effected, and might adapt him- self thereto, provisionally.
(3) That all these Articles shall be sent over to the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, to await its (final de- cisions), as the competent Classical Judge, according to Church-Order, Art. 36; and to adapt themselves thereto as soon as the injunctions of their High Rev'd's shall have been received.
(4) And, especially that the Clas- sical decisions shall be signed by all members of the Consistory who shall then be in office, together with their ministers.
(5) Every year this must also be done by the newly incoming members, elders and deacons, before their in- stallation.
N. B. To this they ask an answer at the earliest opportunity. The let- ter was signed by the following, as commissioners of their fellow-mem- bers, in the Raritans and at Mill- stone, (Harlingen) ; Peter du Mont, . Simon Wykhof, Henry Vroom, Daniel Sebering, Cort van Voories, Barent Stryker, Reinier Vechten.
Granted.
Granted.
Granted.
Granted.
Granted.
Extract from a letter of Rev. Frelinghuysen and his Con- sistory, written to the Classis of Amsterdam, and dated, Novem- ber 25, 1733.
They refer themselves, in respect to their compliance with Classical order regarding the disaffected, to the Classis of June xxii. 277-281. 13.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, etc. October 4, 1734. xxix. 151, No. 30.
To Rev. Frelinghuysen and the other members of Consistory of the four com- bined congregations at Raretans:
Reverend. Learned and Highly Esteemed Brethren :- Your letter of November 25th, 1733, with the enclosed papers, we duly received, and read with joy. The Rev. Classis learned with the greatest satisfaction your readiness to execute its decisions, not only in regard to the restoration of the members under censure, but especially in making peace with those who had complained. Thus there is now a complete restoration of peace and unity in your congregations. To this you absolutely and voluntarily committed yourselves in your letter of August 26, 1733.
Not less was the Classis rejoiced at the success of the offer on the part of the Complainants. They in their letter to you, of September 27, 1733, earnestly sought peace and reunion, according to the suggestion of Classis. To this end they send you a draught of Articles, upon which, as they thought, peace and reunion could be effected. We perceive in your reply, in connection with the people of Milston, (Harlingen), to said Complainants, of October 10th 1733, that these Articles were approved by you and accepted; or at least the principal ones were accepted, the differences relating only to some minor points.
Classis thanks God for your mutual loving desires for peace, and for the arrangements thus agreed to; and hopes that the salutary scheme will soon be fully accomplished, and have a long and blessed continuance. In order to do this may you become more heartily one in faith and charity; in the reverence of God's name, and in the enjoyment of his peace, ruling in your hearts; and thus abide in Christ.
The Rev. Classis seeks, as much as lies in her power, to co-operate with you in this work. She therefore despatches her answer as quickly as possible, in accord- ance with your common request, to examine and ratify the draught proposed and accepted.
" The Rev. Classis fully approves of the proposals which have been mutually accepted, and ratifies them by her final decision. She also requests the brethren of each side, according to said Plan, and so far as they have already come into agreement, to confirm the peace, that the associated churches may be properly governed. Let everything be done to secure the signing of the Articles, and the having them read before the congregations, according to the terms specified in the same."
The Rev. Classis will not attempt to decide the minor points about which there yet seems to be some difference of opinion, such as the settling the costs of build- ing a new parsonage. These are best understood and can be more properly set- tled among yourselves. Neither would we show, by too minute directions about comparatively unimportant circumstances, that we have any doubts of the one side or the other; for thus this important business might be retarded. Nevertheless the Classis has carefully pondered one or two of the Articles, wherein they meet with some difficulties:
I For example, with regard to Article 2: "That in all things the Dutch Church-Order be followed; that none other than the Dutch service, in conformity with the churches of the Netherlands, be permitted in the churches of the Raretans ".
You accept this with this distinction; never to admit any other minister to the service than an orthodox Reformed minister of the same Confession, although of another language.
Worthy Brethren: It does seem, indeed, on the side of the proposers, (the Com- plainants,) to limit matters too narrowly, by excluding every other language. But
(1) We add, you can easily understand what language they must have in view. Is it not, indeed, the English language? Now you know as well as ourselves, that although the orthodoxy of the orthodox brethren of the English nation can-
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not be doubted; yet there are many of that people and tongue, wanderers about New Netherland, who would be recognized as orthodox as little by the Presby- terians as by the Episcopal Church of England.
(2) And then also, it is frequently difficult here in Holland to discover the heterodoxy of certain ones who creep secretly into the churches. How much more so would it be in a country where the political constitution forbids any very special attention to such matters.
(3) One might be well known as orthodox, having given abundant proofs thereof by his public ministrations; yet, if he had not been ordained according to the Church-Order of the Netherlands, he ought to be avoided, because he has not accepted such Church-Order, with its Discipline and Formulas; and has not promised to hold himself to them.
Therefore, Worthy Brethren, the Rev. Classis has its anxieties whether your distinction -" an orthodox minister, but of another language ", although it may meet with no objection from the proposers of these Articles, (the Complainants) may not in the future lead to difficulties and disputes. Therefore the Classis judges that it will be safest not to insist upon the amendment " but of another language "; or if retained, to add, but " ordained according to Dutch Church- Order, lawfully called, examined and ordained, with the acceptance of the Formulas ".
II. With reference to a second minister, who would be equal in all respects with Rev. Frielinghuysen; as is the case on Long Island, where there are two ministers: Now the Complainants at Raretans, with their adherents at Milston, (Harlingen), want a minister from over here. We have already granted such a request to the church at Milston. But we judge it best that you should unite In calling a new pastor for your locality. The Classis acknowledges that it is all the same to her, as long as there is unanimity, which ever way it goes. Never- theless, should the Brethren who have proposed these Articles, especially those of Milston, insist upon a minister from over here, (for themselves), we could not refuse them, because of our former resolution and promise.
III. There is still a single remark by the Classis regarding your reception of certificates of members who come to you from other quarters. You desire to record their names, but also determine to make inquiries about them, in order to keep away those who are ignorant or troublesome. The latter, when their characters are known, may certainly with propriety be kept away. But ignorance, Brethren, without any other reason, does not make one liable to censure, accord- ing to the Netherland Church-Order, unless he persistently remains ignorant, in spite of all instruction. But investigation, instruction, and encouragement are necessary to them in order that they may learn how to show forth the Lord's death.
We now think we have sufficiently replied to your letter with its enclosed documents. You know our opinions. We have given you the decision of Classis in plain language, to the execution of which, both parties have bound themselves. We earnestly desire that all this may be immediately done by you. This we expect to hear in your reply. We remain meanwhile, in accordance with the Word of God, and we hope also that you remain, in the possession of a good conscience. In the name of all,
Etc., etc.
Amsterdam, October 4, 1734.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Messrs. Peter Du Mont, Simon Wyk- hof, Henry Vroom and others, the Committee at Raretan, with associates at Milston (Harlingen), October 4, 1734. xxix. 154. No. 31.
Worthy Brethren :- The Classis has learned with much satisfaction that Rev. Frielinghuysen and the other members of the Consistory of Raretans, have com-
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plied with the resolution of the Rev. Classis, enclosed in a letter to them of October 19, 1732. Not only have they released the censured members from their censure, but they have shown their willingness to make peace, according to the Plan of Rev. Classis, by inviting you, in a letter dated August 26, 1733, to a conference with them. With no less joy did the Rev. Classis receive - in a letter from Rev. Frielinghuysen and his Consistory, dated November 25, 1733, in which they confirm the report - a document or letter from you to them, dated September 27, 1733, wherein you, on your part, show no less readiness to promote peace and union, on such conditions, as could effect this object with the divine blessing, and make it perpetual. To this end you drafted certain Articles and presented them.
It greatly gratifies the Rev. Classis that Rev. Frielinghuysen and his Consistory, in the main, approved your Plan and conceded everything, except some minor points, which yet remain open; as also appears from their letter to you of October 19, 1733. Meantime the Classis think that this effort for peace should be con- cluded as soon as possible. This is also hoped for by both you and them, accord- ing to the Plan set forth. Therefore the Classis expresses its complete accept- ance of said Plan, and complies with your mutual request for the ratification of the same. (Here is repeated the formal ratification of Letter of October 4, 1734, to Frielinghuysen.)
We heartily pray that the God of all grace and Peace may rule in your hearts by his Spirit, and unite your hearts together in the fear of his name, in the bond of charity. Let a gentle spirit be shown that the church of our Lord may be built up in those countries, and be consecrated to the only Shepherd, as a habi- tation of truth and righteousness.
Thomas Van Son, Pres, etc. Peter Zaunslifer, Scriba, etc.
Amsterdam, October 4, 1734.
P. S. It may be necessary to call to mind the points of difference. In I. Art. 2, " you require that in all things the Dutch Church-Order be adhered to". This is accepted by them. But you add, "And never any other services than the Dutch, in conformity with the Netherland churches, be permitted in the churches of Raretans ". They have agreed to this with a limitation: "Never indeed to admit any other minister than an orthodox Reformed Minister of the same Con- fession, although he preach in another language ". The omission of reference to language on your part may have been because you did not find it convenient to specify. If they will agree to omit the reference to language, Classis will be satisfied; but if they insist on the insertion of this clause, it might be yielded to them with this addition: "But ordained according to the Dutch Church-Order, being lawfully called, examined and ordained, with adoption of the Formulas ". In this way you will be safe against what you fear.
II. In reference to the matter of calling a second pastor. You expect to secure a pastor from Holland, even as this has already been granted to the people of Milston, (Harlingen), who however, consider it best to unite with you in calling a pastor.
The Rev. Classis leaves it to your judgment whether their request is particu- larly objectionable, if you could agree upon the person. It would certainly accelerate the important work of your church to have a second pastor. But it is uncertain when the Classis will be able to send you a second minister. For a long time now, no suitable person has offered himself, and we fear none will very soon. If, however, for reasons better known to yourselves than to us, you still persist in wanting another pastor from Holland, we will, of course, adhere to our former resolution and promise, and use every endeavor to procure one for you, hoping that circumstances will favor us in our effort. We await your reply as soon as convenient.
III. (There is no important change in this from the same paragraph in pre- ceding letter.)
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter from New Albany.
1734, Oct. 4th. A letter from New Albany was read. See Acta of preceding Classis. It was found that the church there requests a minister who preaches in both German and Dutch at a salary of L. 70, with fire wood. Without specifying the worth of these livres or pounds, etc., the Classis leaves this matter recom- mended to the gentlemen, their Deputies for foreign affairs, to act in this connection pro re nata. xi. 167.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. Rev. Kals.
1734, Oct. 9th. 1. Replies to the letters of the Revs. Engel and Selyn were read. The report of the Deputy of their com- mission, to the Gentlemen of the Society, about the case of Rev. Kals, was presented.
2. Letters to the Raritans were read. Rev. Kals requests a certificate from the Assembly, (and) a meeting on that occasion.
The Deputies bring in a report from the Noble Estimables, The Messrs. Directors of the West (India Company?) regarding Rev. Ketelarius.
Approval of a book against the Hatemisten. xxii. 258.
JOURNAL OF NEW YORK COUNCIL.
1734, Nov. 1. William Cosby, Governor.
Assembly sent an Act to the Council, entitled, "An Act for raising the sum of fifty pounds in the township of Schenectady, for making their old church de- fensible, and other fortifications in the said town." Council Journal, 641. Read, Committed, 641. Passed etc. 643. Enacted, 645, (Nov. 13, 1734).
ZINZENDORF.
1734, Dec. 19. Tubingen University confers Lutheran " Orders " on Court Zinzendorf. Hamilton, 446.
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1734- 1735
GOVERNOR COSBY TO THE LORDS OF TRADE. DEC. 7, 1734. (See Nov. 9, 1733). Mohawk Flatts. Sites of Churches.
Now my Lords as to the lands you desire to be informed of, is certainly that tract of land, that the Mohoks nation has put under the protection of the crown in trust for them they are called the Mohock flatt, where we have a Gerreson, and are generally computed at about twelve hundred acars, tho most people that have seen it, say, it is not quite so much by verry near all the lands quil around it, to God knows where the Mohoks claime, and there are many and many thirty thousand Acars but not an acar as I could ever learne of flatts or clear Meadow land, being every foot (except this twelve hundred acars) all the country besides being all wood lands, and most of them for some miles each side the Mohoks river already granted long since, So that those that sent your Lordships infor- mation in an unknown hand designed only an impossition upon you, being ashamed to put their names to it, knowing the assertion to be falls.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 24, 25.
EPISCOPALIANS.
1734. Rev. Henry Barclay, (son of Rev. Thomas Barclay), settles among the Mohawks. Ordained in England, 1737. Dix's Hist. Trinity Church, 1. 237-8. Sprague's Annals of Episcopal Church, v. 92. Col. Docs. 'N. Y. v. 1, 88, 314. See 1764.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letters Despatched.
1735, Jan. 11th. According to the report submitted by the Messrs. Deputies on Foreign Affairs, they had written in pur- suance of resolution of Classis, to Revs. Klein and Engel; also to the Consistory of Paramaribo. Also those two letters to the minister and members of the church at Raritan, etc., which were read at the Assembly last held, and approved, had been despatched. xi. 170.
Letter from New Albany.
The letter from New Albany, see the Acta Cl. preced., was placed in the hands of Rev. Beels, to answer it. xi. 171.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Ministers at New York, January 11, 1735. xxix. 160. No. 32.
Reverend Sirs and Much-esteemed Brethren :- Our last to you, October 5, 1733, was off as soon as opportunity offered, together with the Minutes of the Synod
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of North Holland, held that year at Edam. We hope both were safely received. Since then we have not heard from you. We shall therefore be briefer than usual. We write this letter only as a companion of the Minutes of the Synod of North Holland, held in July, 1734, at Alkmaar, as proof of our interest in you, and our desire and request for the continuance of our mutually commendable and fraternal correspondence.
In our last we referred to our embarrassment in expressing a final decision upon the case of Rev. Frielinghuysen. We would have been obliged to do so, however, by this time, if it had remained in the same condition. But circum- stances have greatly changed for the better. This we learn from letters sent us last year, 1734, (1733?) by Rev. Frielinghuysen. He informs us that he was pre- pared to conduct himself according to the resolution we sent him in 1732. To that end he had written to the Committee at the Raretans, and had declared that he and his Consistory were disposed to make peace. That Committee then sent him certain Articles, upon which they were willing to make peace :- the congre- gations at Raretans, and of Milston (Harlingen) to enjoy equal privileges and services by himself and another pastor. The principal Articles were accepted by him and his Consistory, excepting some few points. The original manuscripts of this correspondence were sent to Classis, and both sides left the matter to the decision of Classis. The Classis approved the said Articles and resolved that peace should be re-established upon that basis, and the churches served as therein stated. The Rev. Classis has also written to each of the contracting parties, in particular, and suggested ways of settling the points still in dispute.
The principal point in our opinion, yet in dispute is this: Whether Rev. Frelinghuysen and his Consistory, in conjunction with the Committee of the Raretans (the old Complainants) should call a pastor to be a colleague of Rev. Frelinghuysen; or whether we should simply send a pastor from here. The Rev. Classis has requested the Committee to act according to their own good pleasure, and to write to us their wishes as soon as possible.
We have nothing further to add, Sirs and Brethren, except to repeat once more that we are disposed to manifest in every way our esteem for you, and to give advice to the brethren; preserving and encouraging the correspondence in your very promising field of labor, for the benefit of the Church of Jesus.
We should be especially pleased if we could receive from you some Plan, which might tend to promote the union of the Dutch churches in your portion of the world, in doctrine and ecclesiastical business, according to the Church-Order, and the resolutions of Synod - but without impairing our Correspondence - either by holding a yearly Convention, or in such other way as you may think best.
Be commended, Brethren, to God and the Word of His Grace, by us, who are, - etc., etc.
Thos. Van Son, Pres., etc. Peter Zaunslifer, Scriba, etc.
Amsterdam, January 11, 1735.
GOVERNOR COSBY TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
An Act to allow Quakers to vote.
New York, June 10, 1735.
No. 2. An Act for granting to the people called Quakers, residing within this Colony, the same Priveledges, benefitts and indulgencies as by the laws and Statutes, now remaining of force in that part of Great Brittain called England, the people of that denomination are intituled unto, within those dominions.
Under the former Acts of Assembly the Quakers could not vote for Assembly men without taking oath, its certain they are not the most tractable people where they are numerous as in one or two Counties they are. [Passed Ap. 30, 1734.]
- Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. vi. pp. 27, 28.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
Extract from a Letter from Raritan, of July 8, 1735.
In this they give expression to their pleasure at seeing that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam had approved their proposals for peace with the disaffected, as indicated by the missive of October 8, 1734; that these Peace-Articles, accompanying this, were read in their four churches. This had had such effect, that several disaffected ones had left the Millstone (Harlingen) church and joined themselves again to them; and although no union had yet been effected, nevertheless no new troublous disturbances had arisen between the parties; the reason of this (failure of union) was, as the disaffected ones stated, because the Peace had not been effected within the three months specified.
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