USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 41
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2675 1736
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of Schogarie (Scho- harie) New York, October 1, 1736. xxix. 200.
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :- In your letter of May 12th, 1736, the Classis of Amsterdam had exhibited to them not only the church certificate, but also the Academical certificate of John Schulerus, (Schuyler) Philosophiae et Theologiae Studiosus. They were also informed that after his arrival in New York he had for some years continued his theological studies with all diligence, and had exer- cised himself in " making propositions "* sub praesidio; also that in the presence of consulentes, the said John Schulerus had been called as your regular pastor and teacher, to preach the Gospel in both the German and Dutch languages, in the church of Schogarie; and further to do all those things which belong to the work of an evangelist and servant of Jesus Christ. And now, you earnestly desire to see this call ratified by the approbation of the Classis, without the recipient of the same being compelled to come before the Classis for examination, because of the great distance, and the dangers and expenses of the voyage.
Our Classis, therefore, having considered your very dutiful request, made in the fear of the Lord; and having carefully weighed the reasons for the same; have determined,- although the call is not in exact accordance with the usual forms and customs of our Church,- to approve it; and hereby we do approve it, but only because of your very particular request, and for no other reasons. This, more- over, is done under the following conditions:
1. That the ordination of the recipient of this call shall, not be proceeded with, unless he be first properly examined, in the name of our Rev. Classis, by the Revs. Erickson and Haeghoort, with other neighboring ministers if these are sufficiently near; and if found qualified, that he be required to subscribe the Formula of Unity, and promise to maintain a friendly correspondence with our Classis, and to do all other things which are usually done in such cases :- his ordination to take place only under such conditions: but
2. Besides all this, the transaction must be recorded, and information of the same must be transmitted to us; and then, more particularly, this extraordinary call must never be taken as a precedent by any others in any place whatsoever; any attempt in this direction being in danger of immediate rejection; and he (the said Schuyler) shall also conduct himself according to the ancient practice, and the received Church Order.
When, however, the peculiar circumstances of special cases that may arise, make the observance of the old footing entirely impossible, the Rev. Classis then expects to be consulted, and reserves to herself the expression of her decision thereon. Ecclesiastical approval may in such cases be requested, and obtained even, as in the present case.
Finally, we invoke upon you and the recipient of this call, the blessing of the Lord. We wish most heartily that it may please the Supreme Giver of blessings to cast upon you and the churches entrusted to you an eye of favorable regard; and that there may be poured out upon this candidate the choicest of his blessings, and in such measure, that he may be enabled to make his ministry glorious; and save both himself and those who hear him. We remain,
A. Haringh, Ecc. Amst. et Praeses. Corn. Van Rhyn, Ecc. Amst. et Scriba.
Amsterdam, October 1, 1736.
* The statement and maintenance of doctrinal points. This could not be done before a congregation, but might before a teacher.
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1736
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. George M. Weiss, October 1, 1736. xxix. 202.
To Rev. G. M. Weiss, Minister in Albany (county) in Parritsfield, [Burnetsfield or German Flatts, N. Y.]
Reverend Sir :- It grieves the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to the heart, to learn from your writing and other reports that have come in, that it goes so badly with the affairs of the church in Albany (county) and vicinity. Concerning this field, we had high expectations, but instead of seeing it established and in a generally prosperous condition, it appears rather to have run to waste. It is brought into utmost confusion by internal divisions and strivings for the mastery. If there be much more of such ruinous policy, our Classis will have little ground for hope that its good intentions, as shown by our acts, will be realized, unless God perform an absolute miracle in those regions.
As to other business, we will enter into no details, for our Classis has de- termined, since this course seems most advisable, to leave the management of the churches in Pennsylvania to the Very Rev. Christian Synod of North Holland, in the hope that the said Synod either separately, or in conjunction with the Very Rev. Synod of South Holland, may devise such efficacious measures, as shall compel in church-life generally more exemplary conduct; obliging every individual to abstain from injuries to others. The building up of God's house might then be undertaken unitedly and with some heart, or at least with more earnestness and zeal. To this end, we pray heartily for the Lord's rich blessing through the powerful operation of his Spirit.
But although the case is thus - we cannot enter into details - we nevertheless take the liberty of assuring you that there is a determination among us that not only shall the Christian Synod not rest until it is made plain where the love-gifts collected in Holland, have gone to, and whether they have been properly ac- counted for, and expended ad pios usus for which they were given. As long as such satisfaction is not given, and if no adequate explanations are given on your part, the fountains of benevolence will remain dry. You can therefore, easily see, that if your name is to be freed from blame; and if you are not to be the cause that the lavish hand, heretofore shown to all those churches (in Pennsylvania), the above mentioned funds, still diverted from their proper uses, must be brought to light. Therefore, we advise you, that in case elder Reiff cannot be compelled to render a full account, that the two thousand guilders be unconditionally pro- duced; and to this you also seem to be inclined. This surely would have a very good effect in reference to yourself, as well as in behalf of the church in general.
Praying that every blessing may rest upon you, and such gracious light as may be necessary to enable you rightly to accomplish the work of the Lord, and to retain therewith a peaceful conscience, and that you may look forward with desire to the general coming of our Lord and Saviour, we remain,
A. Haringh, Ecc. Amst. Praeses.
Cornelius Van Rhyn, Ecc. Amst. Scriba.
Amsterdam, October 1, 1736.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2677 1736
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Rev. Henry Barclay, Missionary to Indians. New York, Nov. 27th, 1736.
My Lords.
7th. An Act for paying of sixty pounds to Mr. Barcley .*
This young man has applyed himself to the learning the Indian language has taught the Indian children to read and write and brought many others over to the Christian Religion, he is going to England to take orders and hopes to be employed by the Society for Propagating the Gospell as their missionary to the Indians, The thing deserves encouragement and I hope will have it.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham.
New York, Dec. 13, 1736.
It was reported to the Consistory that it is now deemed timely to seek, in the safest and most cautious way, to get possession of our land on the Manor, taken up by Col. Morris; and this, domine Du Bois, now absent on service elsewhere, also, approved. Where- upon, the Consistory at once adopted the proposal, to be put in practice at once.
The matter was referred to the elders, John Roosevelt and Christoffel Bancker; deacons, Matthew Clarkson and Gerard Beekman, as Overseers of the Manor, and the Church Master Abraham Lynssen, to consult with the advocate or advocates, deemed best in such cases, and to act in the best manner for the church; and where it may be necessary, to enter into further de- liberation with the Consistory. This they consented to do.
The above-named, were thus empowered by the Consistory in their meeting at the date above given.
Witness in name, etc.,
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
* Rev. Henry Barclay, D.D., was a native of Albany and son of the Rev. Thomas B., first Episcopal minister of that city. He graduated at Yale College in 1734, and on the recommendation of the Rev. Mr. Miln, of St. Peter's church, was ap- pointed Catechist to the Mohawks at Fort Hunter in 1736; he proceeded to England în 1737, for the purpose of receiving Holy orders, and was ordained on 30th of January, 1737/8, and sent by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospell Mis- sionary to Albany and Fort Hunter; he arrived in his native city in the beginning of April following, and continued his labors there and among the Mohawks until October, 1746, when he was inducted Rector of Trinity Church, New York. In 1761, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the College of Oxford, and died 20th August, 1764. At the time of his death he was engaged in superintending the printing of a translation of the Book of Common Prayer into the Mohawk dialect.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 85, 88.
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1737
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from Raritan, etc.
1737, Jan. 8th. The report (pre-advice) of the Messrs. Depu- tati ad res Exteras, on the letters from Raritan, Ceylon, Batavia, and the Cape, was approved and adopted. xi. 237.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory at Raretans, January 8, 1737. xxix. 219. No. 35.
Worthy Sirs and Much Esteemed Brethren, constituting the Consistory at Raretans :- After thanksgiving for the Articles of Peace which you sent us, and which have been read in your four congregations, and which were somewhat useful, yet did not produce altogether the satisfactory results desired, the Classis of Amsterdam did not fail to pray to the God of Peace, most earnestly, for his blessing upon you; that the discontented might be quieted, the erring reclaimed, and the quarrelsome brought to thoughts of peace. It is our opinion that it is your duty, in order to your best success, diligently to ferret out those who incline toward schism through fanatical (lit. pietistical) or false doctrine, and to ad- monish them fraternally, in love, and with Christian gentleness. Act with great prudence and discretion. When you have come to understand the facts aright, give such advice, to those who seem to be carried away, as is judged suitable, to induce them, with the Lord's blessing, to return to the pure doctrine of the truth, laying aside their errors. The Rev. Classis thinks it best to try to effect such results by gentle means of constraint, in order to preserve the union of the oppo- sition with yourselves, in order that they may contribute their portion for the general support of the church and its ministry.
Meanwhile, Worthy Sirs, our Rev. Classis can hardly understand how the calling of another orthodox minister for Milston, (Harlingen), and sending him from Holland, according to your written requests, would not be a cause of greater disturbance and alienations; or how, by such a circumstance, the rights of the neighboring churches and ministers would not be encroached upon; and equally little can we understand how your making out a new call in conjunction with the discontented ones, would advance the peace and quiet of the congregation. For, besides the fact that the calling of a pastor does not and should not belong only to each separate church or churches, pastor or pastors, by themselves,- especially in a country where hostile feelings prevail, resulting in divisions which control and ruin the church; so also the Classis cannot very well understand how those who have such particular anxiety on this matter, could ever agree with a hostile party in the calling of a common pastor. Therefore the Classis remains of the opinion that the measures suggested by her are far preferable. Even if the people of Milston, (Harlingen), should present before the Classis the name of a suitable and orthodox minister, the Classis could (not), indeed, sanction such call - unless plotting against said minister. But a minister thus called by authority of Classis would deserve only pity.
In regard to your remaining questions: The Classis is of opinion that even as here in the Fatherland, no one can be compelled to attend this or that church; even so in your country, no one can be prevented from going to hear an English Presbyterian minister. In regard to the preaching of such a minister in one of your churches, when one of your pastors does not officiate therein, the Rev. Classis can see no great objection thereto, especially if peculiar edification can be given thereby to those who understand English, which is in general use among you. Furthermore, the Classis considers that it is expressly forbidden, being at the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2679
1737
same time contrary to the general custom of our Church, to forbid the use of the signs and seals of the Covenant to any who have once been received as members, and admitted to the use of the Lord's Supper, because of an alleged lack of knowledge. Such as would do this are only following inventions of their own caprice, having no example therefor from the Word of God. We consider that such a practice should not be followed because of the distressing results to be foreseen therefrom. Many evil consequences would result. The Classis therefore remains firm to its former earnest admonition, that you must absolutely refrain from such a line of conduct. You must understand that ignorant persons are to be admonished in a fatherly way, and especially must they be exhorted to grow in knowledge. Thus would they become strong. We hope this advice may be sufficient, while we live in hope that you will yet serve yourselves of our friendly counsel. We commend you to God and the word of his grace, with this prayer and desire,
Peace be to the brethren from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In the name of all,
Etc., etc.
Amsterdam, Jan. 8, 1737.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. CONCERNING A COETUS.
Action of Consistory of the Church of New York, March 15, 1737, about a Coetus.
The Consistory met - ministers, elders, deacons and church- masters. The elder, Mr. Bancker handed in a letter from Domine Haeghoort, in the name of his Consistory, entitled "Statement of Reasons for the Necessity of a Coetus." The letter was read before the Consistory, whereupon it was ordered, That the state- ment and the Articles should lie upon the table. The question was then proposed for deliberation, "Is there a necessity in this country for a Coetus "? No one advanced any objection. It was then resolved that the Consistory convene again four weeks hence, (April 12th) and then decide by a vote whether it was considered necessary to have a Coetus in this country, or not. In the mean- time it was directed that a provisional letter should be sent to Domine Haeghoort, by the President, and in the name of the Consistory. Lib. B. 123.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Correspondence in America.
The New York Consistory to Domine Haeghoort, March, 1737. Reverend Sir :-
Last Tuesday, the 15th day of March, 1737, Mr. Bancker, an elder of our church, delivered to our Consistory, composed of
2680
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1737
the ministers, elders, deacons and church-masters, a letter ad- dressed to them. This being opened, and found to be from you, in the name of your Consistory, (Second River), was read by me, as President of this Consistory. After deliberating upon it, it was deemed proper that a provisional answer to your proposition, should be addressed to you, namely, that the Consistory will deliberate farther as to the necessity of a Coetus in this country. This duty being laid upon me, I take this opportunity to perform the same. The Consistory wish all prosperity from God in Jesus Christ upon yourself, your work and your family. And so I subscribe myself,
Your humble servant and brother in Christ,
In the name of all, G. Du Bois, Pres. p. t. Lib. B. 123.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Mohawk Flatts. Protestant Settlers.
New York, April 9, 1737.
My Lords:
I am sorry that I cannot acquaint your Lordships that my proposals for setling foreign Protestants have been yet attended with success, they have been sent to Amsterdam, translated into highdutch, and dispersed in Several parts of Germany, I still hope they will in time attain the end proposed. I beg leave to acquaint your Lordships as I do his Grace the Duke of Newcastle that I received a letter from Mr. Beauharnois Governor of Canada complaining of the Lieutenant to which I returned him an answer and likewise wrote to their Lieutenant about Mr. Beauharnois not having received my letter wrote to me again on the same Subject copys of which letters I do myself the honor to send to your Lordships, and when the Lieutenant is relieved I will inquire into the business.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 89, 90.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Is a Coetus necessary ?
New York, April 12, 1737.
Consistory held: Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church Masters. After calling on God's name, it was finally Resolved,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2681
1737
That it was best to call a Great Consistory on the question " Whether a Coetus was necessary in this country "; and that it should be called to meet on May 2nd next.
GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION FOR A DAY OF THANKSGIVING, APRIL 21, 1737.
" His Honour the Lieutenant Governour (George Clarke) having by his Proclama- tion of the 31st of March last, directed and enjoyned, that Thursday the 21st instant should be solemnly observed throughout this Province, as a Publick Day of Rejoycing and Thanksgiving for his most sacred Majesty's happy Deliverance from the Dangers of the Sea he met with, in his passage from Holland to England, and of his safe Arrival there; and having also directed and enjoyned that Divine Service should be performed in the Forenoon, in all Churches and Chappels within this Province, the same was accordingly observed, and in a particular manner in the City, by all the Ministers of the Gospel of the several Congregations therein; and at the English Church in this City, after divine Service performed, the Rev. Mr. Charlton preached a sermon on the following Text, Psalm 144, ver. 15; Happy is the People that is in such a Case; yea, Happy is that people whose God is the Lord. His Honor after divine service ended, returning to the Fort, he was attended with the Principal Magistrates and Gentlemen of the City, where the Royal and Provincial Healths were drank, under the discharge of the Cannon from the Fort (His Majesty's Regular Troops being the whole time under Arms) and the evening was concluded with Illuminations, and the other usual Demonstrations of Joy."- Bradford's Gazette, April 25, 1737.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Action of Great Consistory on a Coetus.
New York, May 2, 1737.
Great Consistory held. After calling on God's name, the question, Whether a Coetus was necessary in this country, was brought up, and the following conclusion was reached:
1. That a Coetus organized on a proper basis, is judged to be necessary here.
2. That the Great Consistory commit the method of securing such a Coetus to the Ruling Consistory.
The Great Consistory having withdrawn, the President was directed to write a letter to domine Haeghoort.
This letter was submitted to the Consistory on May 4, 1737, and being read, was approved and ordered to be sent to his Rever- ence. This was done. The letter is as follows:
2682
1737
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Letter to Domine Haeghoort.
Rev. Sir :-
Some weeks since you received from me, in the name of the Consistory, a provisional answer, respecting your Statement of Reasons for a Coetus in this country, informing you that the Con- sistory, would deliberate on this question.
At a meeting held on April 12th, the Consistory deemed it best to call a meeting of the Great Consistory to consider this matter, and fix on May 2nd for such meeting. The Great Consistory having met, the substance of their deliberations and decision, was,
1. That a Coetus organized on a proper basis, is necessary here, (in this country).
2. That it be left to the Ruling Consistory, to effect the proper measures for carrying the matter into operation.
After the Great Consistory had withdrawn, the Ruling Con- sistory, which still remained in session, directed me to inform you of the result; and also that your statement of Reasons for the necessity of a Coetus, was approved by them.
Nevertheless, as to the Articles accompanying, there were some differences of opinion, on which further advice must be sought. They will, therefore, deliberate farther on them, and also seek to obtain the judgment of the ministers and Consistories in these regions, that a general agreement may be reached.
Thus far, for the present, Rev. Sir, until a further considera- tion of your proposals. Meanwhile, I remain, with Christian salutations,
In the name of the Consistory,
Your obedient servant in the Lord, G. Du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Circular Letter to be prepared.
New York, May 24, 1737.
Consistory held; present, Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church Masters. Among other things, in order to carry out the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2683 1737
resolution of the Great Consistory, the President was directed
To prepare the outlines of a general letter to the Consistories of the Dutch congregations in this country, informing them that the Great Consistory (of the Church) of New York judged that a Coetus, organized on a proper basis, was necessary in this country. They were therefore requested, if they held the same opinion, to send, each of them, their minister or ministers, at a certain time, to be fixed in the letter, to New York. for a friendly conference; and in order to prepare some Fundamental Articles for the Con- stitution of such a Coetus. These Articles, each minister shall communicate to his Consistory, for their approval or amendment, as they may deem proper.
New York, May 27, 1737.
Consistory again held. The draught of a Circular Letter, such as was ordered on the 24th of May, was read to the meeting, ap- proved, and ordered to be sent to the Consistories, with a copy of domine Haeghoorts " Statement of Reasons ", with the proposed Articles of the same.
Circular Letter of the Consistory of New York, to all the Dutch Reformed Churches in New York and New Jersey, May 27, 1737.
Respected Friends :- The Consistory of New York, anxious for the general wel- fare of all Dutch Reformed churches, especially in these provinces, has deliberated whether an Ecclesiastical Assembly of ministers and elders delegated from all the churches, organized on a proper basis, and held at least once a year, at such time and place as might be agreed on, might not be very useful.
In such an Ecclesiastical Assembly only ecclesiastical matters ought to be con- sidered, agreeably to God's Word and our Formulas of Unity, and in subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam; and these subjects should be such as are presented by the respective Consistories, for the settlement of differences, the promotion and establishment of peace and harmony, and the general edification of the churches; yet in this Assembly, all the churches shall preserve their individual liberty agree- ably to the Synod of Dort, but in subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam. No Fundamental Articles shall be in force in this Coetus, until they have been ratified by the churches which unite in forming it, and until approved by the Classis of Amsterdam. And this Assembly shall annually send a general letter to said Classis, giving a brief account of the condition of the churches in this land.
The Great Consistory of the Church of New York believed that a Coetus, estab- lished on a proper basis, would be highly useful; that not only the Classis, but others who are interested in our welfare, would thus obtain a true view of the condition of our churches, which is now not well known to them. Conflicting accounts are now sent to them, and they declare that they hear of nothing but complaints and defences; of false doctrines and private feuds; so that ministers and candidates are deterred from coming over; that dissensions are not healed,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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but are daily becoming worse; that offences multiply, to our reproach, before them who are without. Now a Coetus would be useful to guard against prevailing errors, to provide wisely against offences, and more quickly to restore peace to the churches. Surely no one would oppose such a Plan, on the plea that he is under no obligations to others; for we all confess that we are members of the same Body, and should therefore watch over each other's welfare.
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