USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 42
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For these reasons has the Consistory of New York deemed it necessary to com- municate their views on this subject to all the Consistories in these regions, and request them to take the subject into serious consideration; and if, as is earnestly hoped, they agree with the Consistory of New York, that the formation of a Coetus in this country, on a proper basis, would be useful and salutary; then they are urgently and affectionately requested by the Consistory of New York, to send their minister to New York, which is the most central place and most convenient, that a friendly conference may be held, to consult on what should constitute the Fundamental Articles of such an annual Assembly or Coetus of Ministers and Elders. These Articles are then to be laid before their respective Consistories, for approbation or amendment, as, according to their deliberate judgment, shall be for the best interest of all the congregations in this country.
In order, therefore that we may join hands, in true love and in common endeavor, after that which shall serve for the glory of God, the general welfare of all the churches, and the extension of Christ's kingdom in this land, we address this friendly and fraternal letter to you, with the urgent request that you will give it your favorable regard. And if you agree therewith, please signify the same to us, and delegate at least one of your ministers to attend a meeting in New York on September 5th, (1737) for the attainment of this object; namely, that we may, in a fraternal manner, adopt Articles for the Constitution of such an annual Assembly, to be submitted to the judgment of the churches, that general agreement may be attained.
Having laid before you this subject, we remain, with fervent prayers for all temporal and spiritual blessings upon yourselves and your churches,
Respected Brethren, Your obedient servants in Jesus Christ, In the Name of the Consistory, G. Du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
New York
May 27, 1737.
P. S. As Domine Haeghoort's Statement of Reasons for the necessity of a Coetus are approved by us, it is thought best to transmit also a copy herewith.
JOHN HENRY GOETSCHIUS.
Application for Ordination to the Presbyterian Synod of Philadelphia.
May 27, 1737. 3 P. M.
A letter was brought in from Mr. Henricus Goetschius to Mr. Andrews, signify- Ing his desire, and the desire of many people of the German nation, that he might be ordained by order of Synod to the work of the ministry; upon which the said Mr. Goetschius was desired to appear before the Synod, that they might see his credentials and have some discourse with him; which being done, he produced testimonials from Germany which were ample and satisfactory to the Synod respecting his learning and good Christian conversation; whereupon he was recom- mended to the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to act upon further trials of him with respect to his ordination as to them should seem fit.
1737, May 27. Mr. Andrews, clerk.
The affair of Mr. Henry Goetschius, his tryale and ordination, being by the Synod recommended to this Presbytery, they took the same under consideration, and agreed to meet to-morrow morning at Mr. Andrews' Chamber, in order to take his tryale, and then conclude upon what is further to be done in his affair, as things shall then appear; and Mr. Andrews agrees to give him notice that he may be present at the above time and place.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1737, May 28. Memorandum: that three members of this Presbytery and three other ministers met at Mr. Andrews' Chamber as above directed, and having read an exegesis composed by Mr. Goetschius on the Article of Justification, and dis- coursed with him largely, in order to discover his qualifications for the ministry, they unanimously came to this conclusion, that though he appeared well skilled in the learned languages, yet inasmuch as they found him altogether ignorant in College learning, and but poorly read in Divinity, his ordination to the ministry must at present be deferred. And therefore for his better instruction advise him, being willing to encourage him, to put himself under the tuition and care of some minister for competent time. That he may be better accomplished for the work he is engaged in; and they also agreed that considering the necessitous condition of the people, that they desire his labors, he may sometimes preach to them, in the meantime, as he has done for some time past.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Revs. Haeghoort, du Bois, Freeman and Sandvoord to the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, June 6, 1737.
(Portfolio " New York " Vol. i. Extracts in Vol. xxii. 384-5.)
Addressed: To the Very Reverend, The Messrs. Ministers and Elders Constituting the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, at Amsterdam.
Reverend Sirs and Brethren :- Inasmuch as now for a long time past, it has been deemed necessary by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam that here among us a Coetus or Ecclesiastical Assembly should be held annually, in order that Rev. Classis might secure a better report of the condition of our churches; and inas- much as we have seen that the welfare of our churches by all means demands the same;
Therefore, we have made a beginning, by drawing up certain reasons concerning the necessity of an Assembly: These have already been accepted by the churches of Second River and New York. We also hope to hold a Conference of most of the Ministers, in September next, to lay the foundation for such an Assembly by formulating certain Articles, hoping thus to prosecute this salutary work, and finally to attain to it. We wished, however, to inform the Rev. Classis of all this, in advance, not doubting but that the same will not be displeasing to it. But this information is accompanied by the humble request and prayer, that the Classis will be pleased, in case it should hear or receive any evil reports concerning this mat- ter, to pay no heed to them, and to take any notice of such things. For there are never wanting certain ones, who, however salutary a matter may be, desire to antagonize it. On the contrary, we hope in your reply to these our letters, that you will encourage us in the prosecution of this so highly necessary work. Thereby the ignorant will be convinced, and opponents will be brought over. By the attain- ment of this salutary object, the church, and religion among us may be better maintained, and God's Kingdom be extended. Wishing all fatherly grace, and actual blessings, upon your persons, families, and highly important ministries, we remain, recommending our service, with much respect,
Reverend Sirs and Brethren,
Your Very Revds.' Humble Servants in Jesus Christ,
New York June 6, 1737.
Gerard Haeghoort, Second River. G. Du Bois, New York. Barnardus Freeman, Midwoud. C. v. Santvoord, Staten Island.
Note inscribed on this letter:
Letter from the Consistory of New York of June 6, 1737, whereof I have made an extract, and a draft for reply.
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CONVENTION IN THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK CONCERNING THE FORMATION OF A COETUS IN THIS COUNTRY. SEPTEMBER 7, 1737. 4 P. M.
The Convention was opened with prayer by the President. Two elders appeared from Nauwesink, namely, John Couwen- hoven and John Luyster, of the Consistory of domine Erickzon. They reported, in the name of their Consistory, that the Consis- tory of Nauwesink approved of the organization of a Coetus on a proper basis, to transact business; and that they requested this Convention of ministers to communicate the Plan adopted to them, all remaining subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and subject to its approval.
Sept. 8. A. M.
Answer to the Circular Letter of the Church of New York, of May 27, 1737, about a Coetus.
The substance of the letters received by the Consistory of New York, from a number of the Consistories, in answer to their general Circular Letter, dated May 27, 1737, is as follows :-
1. The letter from the church of Nauwesink (Neversink, N. J.) says, that, unless providentially hindered, their minister with an elder, in the name of their Con- sistory, will attend the friendly conference, and take part. Whenever the Con- sistory of Nauwesink shall be convinced of good reasons (grounds) for the formation of a Coetus, they will give full power to their minister and delegated elder, and consider all that is done in the Coetus as done by themselves.
N. B. Domine Erickzon, being prevented by domestic circumstances from attending, two elders of the Nauwesink appeared in the Convention, and verbally stated what is recorded in the Minutes of the 7th of September.
2. The substance of the letter of the Consistory of the Rarethans is, that they are convinced of the necessity of a Coetus, to be established on good grounds. Whenever the Plan is sent to them, they will, if the details are approved, cordially adopt it. They suggest that no ministers be permitted as members of the Coetus, but those who have full testimonials of their qualifications, and lawful ordination and call.
3. The letter of the Consistory of Hakkingsak expresses their satisfaction with the idea of forming a Coetus on proper grounds. To prepare such grounds, their minister will attend the present Conference.
4. The letter from the Consistory of Staaten Eyland (Staten Island) entirely accords with that from Hakkingsak.
5. The letter from Lang Eyland (Long Island) particularly mentions, that the Consistories of all the churches there (the members of which are) in number about fifty, agree in judgment with the Consistory of New York, that the formation of a Coetus in this country, on a good plan, would be profitable and salutary; and domine Freeman has been deputed by all the said Consistories to attend the Con- ference in order to prepare the good grounds (the proper Plan) for a useful Coetus. The same is to be submitted to said Consistories on his return, for their approba- tion and the Plan is then to be sent to the Classis of Amsterdam.
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6. The Consistory of Second River (Belleville) had been the first to propose this good work (of forming a Coetus) to the Consistory of New York, and had even suggested the very time in which we are now assembled together.
7. The Consistory of New Albany considers that the establishment of a Coetus on a good plan, would be profitable, and is necessary, and have arranged for one or both of their ministers to attend the brotherly Conference.
8. In behalf of the Consistory of Tappan, the letter of the Consistory of Kingston stated that they disapproved of a Coetus; yet one of their ministers will be present to state their views.
Gerard Haeghoort, Praeses.
G. Du Bois. B. Freeman. C. V. Santvoord. A. Curtenius.
3. P. M.
The business of the forenoon was continued:
Domines Mantius and Moetzelius gave in "The Reasons " for permitting our ministers to enter into the discussion about the formation of a useful Coetus here.
1. That we, as regular pastors and teachers are bound individually and col- lectively, to do whatsoever lies in our power for the maintenance, unity and edification of the Church, in mutual harmony and love, and by such means for the promotion of true faith and piety.
2. That the Classical Acta say, that we, in these provinces, must exercise the ministerial office in every respect, including ecclesiastical government, according to the excellent customs of the Reformed Church of Holland.
3. That all the churches here which have ministers, excepting two, are of the opinion that the Plan for a Coetus, as presented, does not conflict with the Word of God, nor with our Church Discipline, nor with our subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam.
4. That from the very nature of the case, it speaks for itself, that we, in this whole business, are undertaking nothing, in the establishment of a Coetus on a proper basis, but what we intend to lay before the Classis of Amsterdam, for the approbation of the Classis, of which also we have no doubt.
5. That we have already received, in writing, the approbation of several indi- vidual members of that Classis, concerning the formation and approbation of said Coetus.
6. That the Classis of Amsterdam itself encouraged Domines Haeghoort and Van Driessen to exert themselves for the formation of such a Coetus, if it could be brought about.
7. That, finally, it is known that Dutch ministers in Holland when sent to the Camp, had an order in their commission, (in mandatis), to hold a Classis in the Camp.
It is therefore deemed proper that these good reasons for a Coetus should be duly weighed at the next session of this Assembly, which will meet again next Monday at 10 1/2 o'clock.
Monday, Sept. 12th, 1737. 10.30, A. M.
The meeting was opened with prayer. The Minutes of the preceding session were read. The clerk was requested to prepare an abstract of the replies of the several Consistories to the Circular Letter of the Consistory of New York.
The following Articles were then adopted as a proper basis for the constitution of a Coetus.
I. As to the persons who should constitute the Coetus.
1. Each congregation shall send its minister, with one elder, chosen for this purpose by the Consistory, as delegates to the Coetus.
2. They shall produce written credentials of their appointment to the Coetus.
3. Where there are two ministers, both may come, each with an elder.
4. If, however, the Consistory of such a church deem it best, one minister and one elder shall be a sufficient delegation.
5. (1) An elder, coming from a place where there is no regular minister every
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Sunday, but where there is only an occasional service in the week, as is the case with Harlem, Bergen, and other places, shall appear in the Coetus only as an advisory member, and shall have no vote.
(2) But an elder from a place which has had a minister, and is ready to call another, shall have a vote.
(3) All collegiate (combined) churches shall be regarded as only one church.
6. No ministers shall be members of the Coetus except those who have full testimonials of their qualifications, and a regular call and commission according to our Church-Order.
II. As to the business to be transacted in the Coetus.
1. In the Coetus nothing but ecclesiastical business shall be transacted, agree- ably to the Word of God and our Formulas of Unity, and all in subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam.
2. No matters of dispute shall be considered in the Coetus, except such as are presented in a regular manner, according to the Rules of the Synod of Dort; and then, only for the removal of differences, the promotion and establishment of mutual peace and harmony, and for the general edification of the congregations.
3. Whoever feels himself aggrieved by the action of the Coetus shall have the right to appeal to the Classis of Amsterdam.
4. If the Coetus by a majority or unanimity of votes, judges any matter brought before it to be of too great importance for their own immediate action, they may request the advice and judgment of the Classis of Amsterdam.
5. Whoever appeals to the said Classis, or whose case is submitted to the Classis for advice and judgment, shall, as well as the Coetus itself, submit themselves to such advice and decision.
6. But every church shall preserve its own liberty of action, in the management of its own affairs, according to the Constitution of our Church, as established in the Synod of Dort.
7. For the greater advantage of the congregations, and according to the freedom and constitution of the Church-Order, the congregations belonging to the Coetus shall be divided into suitable Circles; so that if conditions occur which cannot be adjusted by the congregation itself, and which admit of no delay, they may be brought before the neighboring ministers composing that Circle, and be treated by them in love and wisdom; and thus prevent the necessity of their being brought before the Coetus.
8. No minister or Consistory shall allow anyone to preach in their church, unless he produces satisfactory evidences that he has received lawful ordination to the ministry of the Reformed Church. Therefore no Consistory, when their church is vacant, shall allow any preacher or candidate to officiate until he shall first have submitted his testimonials to two neighboring ministers.
9. As to calls, either from Holland or from other churches in this country, they shall be made according to the Church Order of the Synod of Dort, and the circumstances of the churches in this country; with the proviso that henceforth it shall be expressly stipulated in all calls, that the minister shall belong to the Coetus, being received as a member, on the exhibition of a lawful call. And the congregations, which have calls outstanding, are hereby requested, to urge their ministers, when they arrive, to join the Coetus.
10. The churches shall, by their commissioners in the Coetus, consult together and decide for the greater advantage and edification of the churches, yet as subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam.
11. As the liberty of the churches, as formerly defined and expressed, is neither increased or diminished by the Coetus, the commissioners to the Coetus shall, yearly, in the name of their congregations, send a common letter to the Classis of Amsterdam, stating concisely the condition of the churches in these provinces; thus also manifesting their subordination, as at present existing and inviolable, to the Classis; agreeably to the Constitution of the Dutch Reformed Churches in this country, and the 36th Article of the Church Order. And for the greater unity of our church to that of the Fatherland, we request the Classis to send us from year to year, copies of the Acta Synodi, in order that we may regulate better our own ecclesiastical affairs, to the advantage and edification of our churches.
12. If a Coetus be established upon such a proper basis as this, and held yearly
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at New York, or at such other place as may be designated from time to time, on the first Monday in September, we, the undersigned, believe it would be with much profit and promote the welfare of the churches.
13. Therefore, the proposed Plan is sent down to the several churches by this friendly meeting, with the request that they carefully consider it, in the fear of the Lord, and with a spirit of impartiality, and a sincere desire for the welfare of God's Church. They are requested then to send their ministers, and with each, an elder, to meet on the last Monday of April next, 1738, in New York. Each vacant congregation is expected to send one elder, as proposed in the foregoing Plan. Thus the several congregations, by comparison of views through their authorized delegates, upon these proposals, may fix on a definite Plan, and dis- patch a general letter to the Classis of Amsterdam, requesting their approbation to the formation of an annual Coetus in these provinces, upon the basis agreed on, for the general advantage of all the congregations.
Done at our friendly conference in the Consistory Chamber of our Dutch Reformed Church at New York this 12th day of September, 1737, and subscribed by us ministers:
Gerard Haeghoort, Pres. G. Du Bois. B. Freeman. C. Van Santvoord. A. Curtenius.
[Muzelius and Mancius seem to have left before the adjournment; or at least to have been led to fear that the Coetus meant ultimate independence. See their letter of Sept. 19/30, 1737, taking ground against the Coetus, although they had at first advocated it.]
CIRCULAR LETTER OF THE DELEGATES MET IN NEW YORK TO ADOPT A PLAN FOR A COETUS, TO ALL THE CHURCHES. SEPT. 12, 1737.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Also in Lib. B. [English,] of Mints. of Church of New York, p. 143.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ :- It must be evident to all impartial and reflecting Christians of the Reformed Church, that we have the right, for the reasons stated, to organize a Coetus, for the better usefulness of the churches in this land; and that this, also, need not injure, in the least, our sub- ordination to the Classis of Amsterdam. Every one who is averse to partial views, and has at heart the welfare of the Church of God in this country, will, we are sure, as a living member of Christ's invisible Body, understand, from the Articles, which were adopted with great unanimity, that a Coetus established on such good grounds, should, under the divine blessing, be productive of many advantages.
Would not Christlike unity, instead of alienations, be happily promoted among the ministerial brethren thereby? This would certainly be to the great joy of the churches, which earnestly desire such things. And the members of the churches would then also be aroused, to esteem their ecclesiastical overseers as they ought, when they strive to remove offences, which is their bounden duty.
Then also the churches would no longer sigh over general alienations. And special difficulties, which single Consistories cannot so well manage, as is the case in the present lamentable condition of many of the churches, and which have often lasted for years, (could more speedily be settled.) The Coetus could also exercise its influence not only over incipient dissensions or offences, but also over errors, which are ever springing up to the corruption of many. In such cases men are in sore need of each others' help and advice; and which no orthodox person could resist with any propriety of Christian character.
And how can it be pretended that cases may not arise in which men may need
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each others' counsel, in order to secure united action. For is it not to be ex- pected that the general advice of all the churches will be more acceptable than that of a single Consistory? Experience in Holland and elsewhere abundantly proves this.
And then, also, would not such a Coetus bind the churches more closely together in Christian love? Would it not make them stronger, by standing by each other in their necessities, when perplexing problems arise. And can a blessing be ex- pected, unless there is a general interest in one anothers' welfare?
Thus, may not only purity of doctrine, zeal for faith and piety, and zeal for peace and unity be promoted among our churches here; but may we not also hope, that then Jehovah will command his blessing to rest upon us, and that those who now take offence at our divisions, will become our defenders. Thus would ministers and candidates be much more likely to be attracted hither, to fulfill the work of the ministry among us; while now they are really frightened away by our divisions. Thus the Consistory of New York declared, not without reason, in their letter, and thus replied Domine Beel to Domine Du Bois, in a letter dated January 22, 1736, which was read before us :- " That it grieved him that he was not able to obtain a minister for us; and that he feared the principal reason of the failure was not so much the small amount of salary, as the discord which is so much spoken of ".
Now we hope that every one will at once recognize all the remarkable advan- tages which will ensue to the Reformed Dutch Churches here, by the establishment of a Coetus. Surely they who are acquainted with ecclesiastical matters, and with such an Assembly as is proposed; who look at matters with the impartial eye of a Christian, and who ponder the reasons assigned for such a body, as well as the Fundamental Articles adopted; and who have a true regard for the welfare of the Church of God, will recognize these advantages.
Therefore We, the ministers delegated for this work, and who have been in session in New York from September 7, to September 12, 1737, and with no other object in view than the general good, and having acted together with entire unanimity, beseech God to add his blessing; to unite the hearts of pastors and people, that his Church may flourish more greatly among us, and that his Holy Name may be magnified by all.
Signed at New York this 12th day of September, 1737.
In the Name of all,
Gualterus Du Bois.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Rev. Du Bois, Freeman, P. Van Driessen, Curtenius, Van Santvord and Haeghoort, to Classis of Amsterdam, September 13, 1737. (Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i. Extracts in Vol. xxii. p. 412.)
(Addressed:)
To the Very Rev. Sirs, the Messrs. Ministers and Elders Constituting the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
New York, 13 September, 1737.,
Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ: Recently some of us informed you how we in this country deemed it necessary and expedient to have a Coetus; and how we had begun to lay Plans for the same. For this purpose the Rev. Con- sistory of New York wrote to all the churches that they should send their min- isters to this City, in order, in a brotherly and friendly Conference, to prepare
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such Plans; Plans on which such an Assembly could be erected for the greatest usefulness and edification, as well as for peace and unity in Doctrine and Gov- ernment. The project has been approved by all the churches, with a single exception. As far as opportunity permitted, they have delegated their ministers to such a conference. Met in due form, and in a Christian spirit, and having, as far as possible, carefully weighed everything, they formulated a few Funda- mental Articles such as they judged to be proper, and sure to receive the approval of the Christian churches here. Therefore they will now send round to the different churches the aforesaid Articles for examination, so that when, next spring, Deo volente, their delegates come together, they may then present the Acts of the several churches thereupon. These, when duly compared, may result in such a form of agreement as we shall be able to send to your Revs. in the Name of the churches, and with the hope of your Revs'. approval.
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