USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 45
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John Peter Spisz, Elder at Schoharie.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Revs. Gualterus Du Bois and Gerard Haeghoort, in the Name of the Assembly which adopted a draft of a Constitution for a Coetus, April 27, 1738.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Extracts xxii. 421.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren: - It is known to your Revs. That the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has for a long time now judged it necessary for those living in New Nederland to have an Annual Gathering or Conventus of ministers. More re- cently a number of your members have even urged the matter. The object is to prevent, or to heal the differences and disturbances which from time to time, spring up among us. Of the great necessity, therefore, of a Coetus or Conventus among us over here, the Rev. Classis seems to be Convinced, and has also advised us thereto. Like true fathers, they seem to be anxious for our welfare, and de- sirous that the Gospel of Jesus' Kingdom may have free course among us.
[* See other translations, much freer, in Mints. Gen. Syn. Vol. i. page vii, and in Centennial of New Brunswick Seminary, p. 298. The original Minute Book of the Coetus, 1738, 1747-1754, is in the Archives of the General Synod, in the Sage Library, New Brunswick, N. J. The above translation is made from a document in the Archives of Classis of Amsterdam. Many letters of Coetus and other docu- ments, both before 1754 and after, down to 1772, not found in the Minute Book, will be found in this collection, procured at Amsterdam, 1897-8. We have in America, no Minutes of the Coetus after 1754. The Minute Book was then carried off by the Conferentie, and their Minutes, in part, inserted therein. Most of the later Minutes, 1755-1772, were recovered in Amsterdam, 1897-8.]
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But if the brethren of the Rev. Classis realize the necessty of a Coetus for us, how much more must we be convinced of the same, seeing that we have been obliged to bear the painful consequences of the lack of such a Body, and do yet daily experience them. We, therefore, who are set as Shepherds and Overseers in our churches, believe that we should quite fail to perform our duty, and should even neglect that which is for our own well-fare, if we should not give good heed to, and seek to carry into effect such wise and salutary advice, and thus unitedly take to heart and advance the best interests of our Zion.
With that end in view, then, we have - in the fear of the Lord, and from a true desire and pure love of unity and peace, and also to prevent either Inde- pendency or a lording over others, one or the other of which is to be feared - we have undertaken to establish among us here an Annual Assembly or Coetus of ministers, and an equal number of elders. Repeatedly have we informed the Rev. Classis of this matter, although to our surprise, we have never received a word in reply. But we have not wanted to do anything in such an undertaking, except with the previous knowledge of the Rev. Classis. In all our communica- tions sent to the Classis, as well as in special letters, sent to individual members thereof we have tried to set forth most emphatically the salutariness and great necessity of a Coetus.
We deem it, therefore, unnecessary now to go into an extensive repetition on these subjects. Nevertheless, we feel it to be our duty to inform the Rev. Classis of the fact, that we came together here in New York, on the 24th and 25th of April, 1738. We then resolved to organize a Coetus - Such a Body as is here- with presented in forma to the Rev. Classis. Such are the Chief or Fundamental Articles, upon which it should rest, if it be constituted. It is to be a Coetus, in which we, the Ministers and Elders shall ourselves consider, determine, give sentence upon, and settle all matters and dissensions that occur, or which are brought before us for action; for being on the ground, we are in the best possi- ble position to judge of them, and to check and smother them in their very beginnings. In such a Coetus we shall further adopt - agreeably to the Word of God, the Formulae of Unity, etc .- such salutary resolutions as can be carried into effect for the general good, and for the removal of the many irregularities and improprieties which exist.
Thus may good order be maintained in the Churches of Jesus Christ according to their establishment here. Such a Coetus is desired by all our churches over here, as the only means whereby they may strengthen themselves and be de- veloped. The Classis is too far distant from us to act upon all our affairs; and too much time elapses on that account for their action and decision, for the parties to regulate themselves in accordance with it. It is to be a Coetus, how- ever, in which we do not wish to cut ourselves entirely loose from the Rev. Classis, but to remain subordinate according to Church-Order: that is to say, to the extent of taking counsel with Classis; having correspondence with Classis; and granting power of appeal to the Classis, in accordance with our Funda- mental Articles. In everything, also, we expect to conform ourselves to the Churches of our Fatherland, by following the ordinances of the Synod of Dor- drecht so far as it is possible, and consistent with the condition of the church, in this country.
If, then, the Rev. Brethren of the Classis of Amsterdam do in the least degree take to heart the welfare of our churches over here, and the successful progress of the Reformed Religion :- and this we dare not for a moment doubt, inasmuch as we have had by experience too many proofs of it; one great proof being, in their having given us this salutary advice to establish a Coetus, and their fre- quently urging us to consummate the same; so that they themselves were the first instigators to this salutary work :- if the brethren do this, we do not doubt at all but that our work, though carried forward slowly and under many diffi- culties, will not be unacceptable to them. And we hereby humbly request, that it may please their Revs. to ratify our Coetus by their sanction of it, and by their authority, in order that it may appear to the world, not only that we are not Independents, but also that we may not be an object of mockery by those who are against us; but on the contrary, that those too, may be persuaded to join hands with us, and to work together to heal the breach of our already im- paired Zion; yea, in order that, in these regions, now belonging to the Crown
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of Great Britain, we may be respected, and continue to be respected by all other denominations, and by all persons, as Dutch Reformed Churches, in conformity with the National Synod of Dordrecht.
We also request that the Rev. Classis would remember us, and mention us and our matters before the Christian Synod, as is done in behalf of other foreign churches, so that that Synod also may take to heart the condition of our churches, and that our unity with the churches of the Fatherland may the more clearly appear.
To that end, may the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ pour out upon your Revs. the Spirit of Wisdom and prudence; and may He so guide your steps that they shall redound to the extension of his Kingdom and the magnifying of his Name! Abiding in this heart-felt wish and prayer, we remain, with much respect, Rev. Sirs and Brethren,
Your Revs. well-wishing and indebted Servants and Brethren in Christ. Signed in name of all,
Gualterus Du Bois, Pres. Gerard Heaghoort, Scriba. New York, 27th April, 1738.
P. S. Among the ministers the following are against this Coetus: Revs. Boel, Antonides, Mancius and Muzelius; but not at all, therefore, the Consistories of New York and Long Island. Nor Rev. Vas, the Colleague of Rev. Mancius; neither as we understand it the entire church of Rev. Muzelius. And we doubt not, that, upon the ratification of these Articles by the Rev. Classis, they will fall in. Owing to the death of Rev. Peter Van Driessen, the Consistory of Albany could not send the Rev. Van Schie as delegate. Schenectady, too, is vacant. Rev. Boehm also, with his elder, attended our meeting; and, though so far from us, . will be glad to be a member of our Coetus. On account of his own, and his church's desolate condition among the Germans in Philadelphia, and in that neighborhood, in Pennsylvania, as is already known to the Rev. Classis from his own reports, he commends himself most earnestly to your love and Christian compassion.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. 1738.
Extracts from a letter of certain ministers of New Nether- land, sent over with the foregoing, April 27, 1738. [Ministers of the Coetus.]
1. They make known the decline of the church on Staten Island, on account of the loss of many, either by death or removal, so that at present the salary does not foot up to nearly one half. They are also in arrears to the minister to a con- siderable amount. If this remains so, the minister will not be able to remain there.
2. That this greatly grieves his congregation and its Consistory in particular, as well as himself, (Van Santvoord).
3. Accordingly, they humbly ask, that as the Christian Synod takes care of other foreign suffering congregations, so we should take to heart this Dutch Reformed Church of Staten Island, in its distressed condition; and bring its case before the Christian Synod, and recommend it for help.
4: They declare that thereby this embarrassed congregation would be greatly served, and their churches would be under peculiar obligations to us.
5. They conclude with salutations.
Was signed, Very Reverend Sirs, Highly Esteemed Fathers and Brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your High Rev.'s Humble Servants.
G. Du Bois, B. Freeman, T. J. Frelinghuysen, Reinhart Erickson, A. Curtenius, G. Haaghoort, John Schuyler. xxii. 422.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
New York.
1738, May 5th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras did not despatch the approved answer to New York, because other letters came in afterward, in which the formation of a Coetus is urged, for the transaction of business, under appeal to this Classis. On the other hand a letter was received from certain others, who made request that the Classis do not too suddenly grant this, before they have heard and considered all their reasons against the formation of such a Coetus.
The Rev. Deputies are requested to examine thoroughly the former Acta on this affair, and to furnish the Classis with a report (pre-advice) at the ensuing meeting. xi. 271.
1738, June 2nd. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras, have examined the previous minutes in the matter of New York, and presented their report (pre-advice) as a proposed reply. This was approved, and they were thanked for their trouble. xi. 273.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Public High Schools.
New York, June 2nd, 1738.
My Lords:
No. 21. An Act for the further encouragement of a publick school in the City of New York for the teaching Latin and Greek and the Mathematicks.
No. 22. An Act restrain Hawkers and Pedlars within this Colony from selling without license. Being confident that publick schools for the education of youth will always find countenance from your Lordships I will lay the two last Bills before you without any further remarks in their favour; I wish the Assembly had made the reward greater than it is like to be, from the last of these Bills, that money was apply'd before, to the like use but fell short of the sum intended, nor could the school master get any redress tho' he petitioned for it or got some of his friends to move the house in his behalf; it is not likely it will bring in more now however the master having at present no other way of living is obliged to submit.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 115, 118.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. Classis of Amsterdam to the Friends of the Coetus. June 9, 1738. Vol. 29:239.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren Du Bois, Freeman, Van Driessen, Curtenius, Santvoord, and Haeghoort:
The reply to the letter of June 6, 1737, signed by four of you gentlemen and sent to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, was ready, when we received another letter, signed by all of you together, on September 13, 1737. And also there was another one, written by Mr. Haeghoort alone. And shortly after we received a third, sent to the Classis on the 19-30 of the same month, by Messrs. Antonides, Bcel, Mancius, and Muzelius. All these were communicated to the members in Classis of the previous month, and therefore their reply to them had to be post- poned till the Classis of this month. Now, therefore, we say in the name of Classis that the same learns with much satisfaction that you are watchful for the best interests of the Church in those regions. May it please the All-Good and All-wise God to discover to you all such measures as may be calculated to secure the highest good of the churches entrusted to your care, and, these having been projected and put into execution, may He follow them with His blessings!
Now, as regards the particular measure of the Coetus to be annually had (no Classis co-ordinate with our Classis, but a Coetus subordinate to our Classis, as you seem also to understand it), we will readily confess that we are not in the least averse to that, only because we have become a little concerned about this by the letter which said gentlemen had forwarded to us. These are of opinion that a Coetus, far from promoting the welfare of the churches, would rather interfere with their well-being. We have also despatched a letter to these gentlemen, wherein we request them, quite fraternally and amicably, that they will please to be so good, with the banishing of all prejudices and the quenching of all strange fire, as to mention to us simply and purely the objections which they imagine would lie to such a Coetus.
Since you are of opinion that such a Coetus would be very advantageous, our friendly and brotherly request is that you inform us, at the next opportunity, on what footing, both in general and in particular, you would require a Coetus, adding the reasons for which, according to your ideas, not only the profitableness but also the necessity of such a Coetus must seem very apparent. The Rev. Mr. Haeghoort has already mentioned some reasons in his letter, but, since it seems that his letter was meant to be private, we would gladly know the reasons which weigh most forcibly with you all. Have, then, the goodness to mention them to us, and thus put us in a position to judge properly of the uprightness of the mat- ters you have in hand. You may rest assured that we shall use all diligence to maturely consider the matter about a Coetus at once impartially, and having nothing else in view than the best interests of your congregations, and thus to communicate to you our opinion concerning it, with all brotherly affection.
From such a brotherly heart it proceeds that we shall not strongly press, but pass by, the expressions which Mr. Heaghoort makes use of concerning the action of our Classis in regard to the request made more than two years ago about the person of John Schuyler. He supposed that Classis had paid no heed what- ever to his request, because no reply was brought to him, and that has occasioned some discontent in him. But yet he might have thought the Classis had no doubt answered, but the letter had probably gone astray. This is the fact. The answer to the letter about John Schuyler was written on October 1, 1736, and subse- quently sent on. We now communicate this reply to you as the same is found on our letter book. So we commend you to God and the word of His grace, that both you and the churches over which God has made you overseers may abound In the power of salvation. May also the Lord's most precious blessing abound upon your households in great abundance. Be assured that we are, etc., etc.,
William Shipmont, President, etc. John Plantinus, Clerk, etc.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to the Opponents of a Coetug. June 9,
1738. Vol. 29:240.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren Antonides, Boel, Mancius, and Muzelius:
It is indeed as you write. The several ministers of the churches in your regions must be vigilant in preserving a subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Therefore it pleases us much that the Rev. Mr. Muzelius requests that he be received into that subordination. We accept him with all our hearts, in the ex- pectation that he will further everything which shall tend, not only to the preservation, but also, together with this, to the confirmation of this subordination.
In regard to the matters of a Coetus, it has been judged of in former times just as you have quoted from some letters sent across formerly. We judge still in the same way. A Coetus in your region, co-ordinate and not subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, would militate against church regulations. Such a Coetus must not be thought of. There might, however, be circumstances when a subordinate Coetus might be found useful. Whether such circumstances present themselves in your regions we know not. This we know, that Messrs. Du Bois, Freeman, Van Driessen, Curtenius, Santvoord, and Haeghoort are of the opinion that such a Coetus is necessary for the best interests of the church, and that you look upon it differently. What are we to judge? We are not upon the ground? We have requested of these six gentlemen, if they would please, to have the goodness to communicate to us the arguments they can bring forward, not only for the expediency, but also for the necessity, of such a Coetus, and we trust they will mention these arguments to us. We likewise request that you will mention to us your arguments against (the Coetus) in all faithfulness, laying aside everything which might border in the least on prejudice and strange fire.
You recognize, in whichever side you are, that the Classis is your competent judge and that you are all subordinate to it. Thus the gentlemen on both sides are in duty bound to inform us in this matter. Of ourselves alone we can see nothing in this affair. Through your instruction we must be enlightened. When we shall have obtained proper information from both sides, we trust that we shall express our opinion upon the holding or not holding of a Coetus without even the least prejudice, and determine something definitely concerning it. And as we in every way expect of those gentlemen who are in favor of a Coetus that they will sub- mit themselves to our opinion in this matter, we fully expect the same from you. And that so much the more strongly because we know, and recall it still with much pleasure, how Rev. Mr. Boel has ever been very careful to advocate the rights of our Classis and to maintain the subordination, wherein we are assured he will persevere. Concluding herewith, we wish you very heartily the Lord's rich and ample blessing in an abundant measure, both upon yourselves and your sacred ministry, as also upon your families and respective congregations. Be assured that we are etc., etc.
William Shipmont, President, etc. John Plantinus, Clerk, etc. -History of the Reformed Church of Tappan. pp. 38, 39.
1738, June 15. Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. G. Du Bois. Not found.
FIRST CLAIM SET UP BY THE HEIRS OF ANNEKE JANS TO TRINITY CHURCH PROPERTY. AUGUST, 1738.
"A Claim being made of part of the Churches ffarm by the Heirs of one Bogardus, (Rev. Everardus Bogardus) Ordered that the Rector, the two Church
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Wardens, Mr. Chambers and Mr. Nicholls be a Committee to enquire into the claim of the Heirs of said Bogardus and that they make their report thereon with all convenient expedition ".
- Records of Trinity Church, i. 196.
This was more than seventy years after the sale of the farm to Lovelace. - Dix's Trinity Church, i. 219.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter from Rev. Wys (Weiss) from New York.
1738, Sept. 1st. A letter arrived from Rev. Weys (Weiss) of New York, which was placed in the hands of the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras to furnish the Assembly with a report (pre-advice). xi. 293.
Coetus at New York.
The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras made known that they had already prepared answers in regard to the requested Coetus at New York; but that afterwards they had received letters, which mentioned that such a Coetus had already been appointed there, for the month of April. These letters are indeed, to be answered, but the further resolution of Classis shall not be communicated, until we shall have received a reply in return to our last letters. xi. 293.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Weiss in Pennsylvania.
1738, Oct. 6th. Touching the affair of Rev. Weis in Pennsyl- vania, the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras are requested to furnish the Assembly with a report (pre-advice); and in the meantime to employ such means as they deem proper. xi. 296.
Coetus at New York.
1738. The matter of the Coetus in New York remains in statu. xi. 296.
HERNHUTTERS. [MORAVIANS. ]
1738. Rev. Vischer informs the Assembly, in the name of the Consistory of Amsterdam, that the Committee appointed to
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investigate the doctrine and life of the Hernhutters, had carried out their commission and rendered a report thereon. Thereupon the Amsterdam Consistory had resolved to give to the congrega- tion of Amsterdam a warning, by means of a pastoral letter, in reference to these people. Their Committee is actually engaged in drawing this up, and this Consistory requests that this Classis would authorize its " Visitatores Librorum " of Foreign Affairs, even as it is the business of the " Visitatores " for domestic affairs, to inspect this letter as soon as it shall have been drawn up, and approve it nomine Classis. Quod factum. xi. 297.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America. Portfolio "New York", Vol. i. Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, per Rev. Wm. Schiphout, Oct. 20, 1738.
Reverend Sir: - Herewith, I have the pleasure of informing your Rev. That I duly received your letter, written, June 9, 1738, in behalf of the Classis of Amsterdam, on Oct. 13, (1738). I shall neglect no proper opportunity to com- municate the same to our ministerial brethren.
Meanwhile, I doubt not but that the Classis has received the subsequent letter from me and domine Haeghoort, written in the name of several of our congre- gations over here. From it, I hope that the Classis has clearly perceived, that the Plan of a Coetus in this country has been placed on a good foundation; that it cannot be considered as the Plan of any single individual, who for private ends might be striving to gain something to his own advantage; but the Plan is the expression of entire congregations, from a full knowledge of what is of gen- eral importance, for the best welfare of the Church of God in this land. For here, blessed be God, we enjoy the free exercise of our religious services in every respect, although there is not the least provision made for our Church by the Civil Authorities. Hence, mutual affection, and unity in faith and piety, under God's blessing and in conformity with His Word, are the only means of preserv- ing our Christian churches, and of making them flourishing and prosperous.
Therefore I am convinced that no arts of seductive reasonings can avail to in- fluence such an experienced and discreet Assembly as the Rev. Classis, that the measures proposed by the Coetus could in any way hinder the real welfare of the churches. Yet if any are unwilling to submit their opinions to the judgment of their brethren, and are determined to have things their own way, what other result can there be than alienations and divisions? and what consequences cam follow but the decline of the churches? But what room can there be for any fear, that a Coetus, in regular subordination to the Rev. Classis, and whose only object is to watch over one another, so as to provoke unto love and good works, could in any way hinder the true prosperity of the churches? I leave you to judge of the real character of the opposition to such a scheme.
It is not my purpose, nor the purpose of my own congregation nor to any other, so far as I understand matters, to be drawn into any protracted dispute with the opponents of a Coetus, which would only intensify dissensions. But the object of a Coetus is to promote a common unity, and to take away all special lording over
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any of the churches. And we are ready, in all submission to your Rev. Body, to employ only such means as are appropriate to so salutary an end.
Before this business had proceeded so far as at present, but had only been pondered over, although this had been done for years, we requested both publicly and privately, in all kindness and friendship, that reasons might be given, even the least reason, why we should not be permitted to unite ourselves together in such a Coetus,- one established under proper conditions; but our entire Con- sistory never received any other answer than a refusal. For it was said, Did not the Rev. Classis in the case of domine Frelinghuysen and the Complainants, de- clare in letters transmitted to each party, that the matter had been finally de- cided by them? Yet what hatred and slander was he not called upon to endure, because he submitted to the decision of the Classis, and admonished both fac- tions to come to a reconciliation; and also to be reconciled with domine Fre- linghuysen and Van Santvoord, on condition that they should do all things in accordance with the Formulas of Unity? Possibly all this is already well-known to the Classis; as well the pretence, that there should be no Coetus here, has been raised, among other things, in order to continue the old disputes a little longer.
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