USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
Rev. Haeghoort had, indeed, written in his consistorial-letter, that the correspondence was of a fraternal character, etc .; but that the true welfare of these churches is not advanced thereby; because the correspondence was not general (in its nature), but of an individual character. So that there is to be apprehended,- Nota bene - either a lording over the brethren, and authority in the church; or a falling into independent churches.
They think that it is evident, that certain parties -i. e. their opponents - are not satisfied with " Subordination ". Rev. Haeg- hoort had once said: Let us do our part, and ask afterwards. If Classis refuse, then go to the Synod. Observe that, in the said letter, it is also said, that while there are enough Dutch congre- gations there, which are also provided with lawfully called minis- ters, it therefore follows,- Nota bene - that there is power to erect a form of government, in conformity with God's Word and the customs of our churches in both countries, and without preju- dice to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; and that Classis should long ago have urged the establishment of a Coetus there. Whence they think it would follow, that the Rev. Classis would not any longer be recognized in any of their affairs.
The Circular-letter requested all the Brethren and officers to cause this paper to be signed in their church-meetings; and then to send their minister, or ministers, with an elder, to New York in September, 1737, with full authority. This was approved by Rev. Du Bois and the majority of the Consistory of New York, and sent around (written over) to the others in the name of the Rev. Consistory, and actually in the name of the Classis, and on
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2727 1739
the condition of "Subordination ". From this circumstance they judge that they must decline this proposed action.
The Rev. Consistory of Kingston had written (in reply) to this circular-letter of New York, that they requested a brotherly Con- ference of all the ministers, met in a Coetus; that they (King- ston) would send a minister for further information; (requesting) that they (New York) ,would send a minister to furnish such information. (?)
The Revs. Mancius and Muzelius had not been invited to the Conference on September 5, 1737. They went on the 6th to the house of Rev. du Bois. It appeared strange to them to hear there in conversation together, the Revs. Van Driessen, Freeman, Cur- tenius, and Haaghoort. But they became silent, when they caused themselves to be announced to Rev. Du Bois; and he requested them to attend the Conference, at the Consistory room, on the 7th of September. On going there, Rev. Du Bois proposed to elect a President and Clerk. To this all the others consented; but it was opposed by the writers of this letter, because they had not authority from their Consistories to do this. They had been sent only to acquire information. This, they thought, could be got well enough without a President and a Clerk. They them- selves were also willing to write (for authority?); but notwith- standing this, they voted Rev. Haaghoort, as President, and Rev. Du Bois, as Clerk. Rev. Muzelius especially denied the power of this gathering to establish a Coetus, because, according to the Synod of Dort, the only Assemblies are the Consistory, Classis and Synod, which alone are allowed to have a President and Clerk; but this Conference cannot be held to be either of these. Whence they think it is evident that the pretence of Subordination by these parties is hollow; even as they have also suppressed this, their opposition, in their letters to the Consistories, mentioning nothing of it, (Subordination?) except in their letter to those of Kingston.
They are of the opinion, that according to the Synod of Dort,
2728
1739
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
no church member or member of a Consistory can be forced to sit or even appear for trial, outside of his own Consistory; and also, that such a Coetus as is proposed, although bearing the title of "Subordinate " would be an exercise of lordship, and would give occasion to church members to disregard subjection to their own Consistories. They therefore considered it to be a con- tradiction to have a Coetus there, and at the same time to be subordinate to the Classis.
They also make known, that up to the present time, there are declared to be established only the following Reformed Churches by Charters from the (English) Government, namely, New York, Kingston, Albany, Schenectady, and the Manor of Livingston. The remaining churches being, so far as they know, still without a Charter, and only under the Crown's act of toleration. Such is also the case in reference to the Independents, without their being named in the law. While all those Charters, therefore, pledge (bind) every congregation to its own Consistory, accord- ing to the National Synod of Dort; and (pledge) each Consistory directly to the Classis to whose jurisdiction it is subject, it is a question whether it is a lawful undertaking to appoint a Coetus over all these churches (here in America).
They consider that Rev. Du Bois, in binding himself in a let- ter, (in 1736), to the closest correspondence (with the Classis,) together with the Revs. Freeman Zandvoort and Frielinghuysen; and he (Du Bois) being accounted, and not without reason, accord- ing to a strict construction of his letter, as the one who had un- dertaken the establishment of a Coetus for their churches: now, cannot be sure of either correspondence or a Coetus; although Rev. Du Bois, among other things, told Rev. Boel, that whoever is against a Coetus, is the cause of the ruin of the churches there (in America).
They console themselves with the righteousness of their cause, and the judgement of the Rev. Classis concerning Rev. Boel; for he was praised, in a letter of Classis, for his carefulness for
2729
1789
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
the rights of Classis, and " Subordination ". This is probably the reason why Rev. Du Bois and others are so opposed to Rev. Boel. All four of them remain resolved to persevere in this judgement of Classis, and expect therefrom the desired result for the churches there.
They also make known that heretofore Revs. Du Bois, An- tonides, and Boel had received from Rev. Classis the Acta of the Synod of North Holland; but that since the year 1734, Rev. Antonides and Boel had not obtained these Acta. The Acta of the year 1737 had been sent by Rev. van Rhyn, Deputatus Synodi, only to the Rev. Consistory of New York, which had been taken into their own keeping. They do not know whether this was done at the request of the advocates of the Coetus, but they had under- stood that Rev. Du Bois, in the name of the Consistory of New York,- Rev. Boel not being present on account of illness - had written a letter of thanks therefor to Rev. van Rhyn, and had made a request for the continued sending (of said Acta), and had asked for his assistance in the establishment of a Coetus; but as this letter of Rev. Du Bois had not been inserted in the Minute Book of the Consistory, they did not know its precise contents. They complain that these Acta of Synod got into the hands of the Coetus gentlemen, while they were passed by.
They express thanks for the salutations of Rev. Classis, and conclude with their own salutations.
Was signed,
Vincentius Antonides, Henricus Boel, George Wilhemus Man- cius, Frederick Muzelius.
They request in a Postscript that the letters of the Rev. Classis to them be delivered to Mr. Abraham Marinus van Arssen, Wine Merchant on the Cingel, opposite the Three Koningen Street. xxii. 459-462.
2730
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1739
REV. GUALTERUS DU BOIS TO MR. JACOB GLEN OF SCHENECTADY.
New York, November 9, 1739.
Dear Sir :- Herewith my daughter and I feel it our highest duty to give lasting expression to our hearty thanks to you and your esteemed wife for the very friendly reception we enjoyed at your house.
I received the letter from the elders together with that to Domine Dorsius last Saturday but until now have had no opportunity to send it by a safe hand, but hope to have the good fortune to do so to-day or to-morrow.
In accordance with the verbal and written request I have already prepared the enclosed to Domine Dorsius. I thought it not inappropriate to send you a copy of the same. The following is the content of it:
New York, November 9, 1739.
Reverend Sir :- This serves to accompany the enclosed, which comes to your Reverence from the Reverend Consistory of Schenectady, and which I received in a letter addressed to me, with a request to send it to your Reverence, with an accompanying letter from my hand, in which I should recommend to your Rever- ence the call to become their pastor and minister at Schenectady. I could not refuse it. Wherefore, by your leave, I venture to do so, in response to both their verbal and written urgency, with these few lines and according to truth.
Schenectady is a large village like a city, with several streets built house to house, very delightfully located on a plain, along a pleasant running stream, provided with a very attractive large stone church and a very good parsonage.
There is a numerous congregation of several hundred members, though I do not know the exact number. Perhaps the delegates who have presented the call to your Reverence have already given a detailed account of everything. When I preached there, there were I should think over six hundred hearers.
The inhabitants appear to me to be not only very civilized people, but very desirous after God's Word. I do not doubt that for a zealous laborer in the spiritual field-work of the Lord, there is a rich harvest for Jehovah to gather in, and so there is opportunity for great edification, 'ingathering of souls, and per- ceptible extension of Christ's Kingdom.
Hence a call to Schenectady is considered one of the most notable and ad- vantageous in these parts. If, therefore, your Reverence, besides the indications of God's Providence, feel yourself moved to edify God's Church in a much larger congregation than at present, with your praiseworthy services, you could possibly make no more desirable choice.
If, however, your Reverence should still have any misgivings, concerning what has been laid before your Reverence by those from Schenectady, or concerning what you may have heard from elsewhere, I believe that those from Schenectady would be able to remove them.
This being essentially what I thought it my duty to communicate to your Reverence on this subject, in fulfillment of my promise to those of Schenectady, I, therefore, with hearty wishes for all Divine blessings upon your person and your ministry, subscribe myself, as I am Reverend Sir,
Your Reverence's Obedient Servant, G. D. Bois.
I hope that with these lines I have somewhat fulfiled the request of the Reverend Con- wistory of Schenectady. If your Reverence so desires, your Reverence may communicate the enclosed to Domine Dorsius, to the Consistory of Schenectady. In whatsoever I may be able to serve either your Reverence or the Reverend Consistory, I shall feel myself in duty bound to do so, with all readiness according to my feeble ability.
Wishing your Reverence and your esteemed family, every favor of God in Christ, and
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2731 1739
praying that God Jehovah may shortly provide the flourishing congregation at Schenec- tady with an able and edifying minister, I shall close this with much respect and hearty good-will to you, testifying that I am,
Your Reverence's Humble Servant,
G. D. Bois .*
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Antonides, etc. November 1739.
xxix. 254. No. 42.
Rev. Sirs and Much Beloved Brethren :- We have duly re- ceived your letter of the date ., and perceived there- from your continued interest in keeping up a friendly correspond- ence with our Classis. You inform us of occurrences in your churches, to reply to which will always be a pleasure to us. But you complain of your brethren who favor the organization of a Coetus. You say they refuse to let you know the reasons why they desire it, and hence you wish to learn them from us, that you may answer them. You think that your brethren are determined to get rid of all subordination to us. Finally, we notice that you complain that you have not received the Minutes of Synod.
In the name of our Classis we make this reply: (1) We hereby send you a copy of the reasons which the friends of a Coetus have transmitted to us. (2) That the Rev. Classis has carefully pondered these reasons, and they are so well satisfied therein, that they have given permission for the organization of a Coetus. It is to be, however, on the express conditions that no opinion be expressed therein concerning any doctrine, nor any preliminary or final examination for candidates or ministers be held; for these are matters which the Synod of Dort reserved exclusively to the several Classes. So these rights were reserved by us in reference
{* This letter was recently obtained from a private source by the Collegiate Church, and a copy kindly furnished by Mr. William L. Brower of New York.]
2732
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1739
to the Coetus organized some years ago in the Colony of Surinam. This matter has now progressed so far, that in our opinion you will do well to make no opposition to it. Be good enough not to send us any opposing arguments, but agree to such a Coetus. The Classis in granting this request has no desire to introduce any lordship, but only to preserve good order, and to foster fra- ternal harmony, and promote edification. To this end, in our letter to your brethren, we have seriously admonished them, and commended to them brotherly charity; and directed them to hand you the Minutes (of Synod) of last year and of this, and to do the same hereafter.
For the rest, we commend you to God and the word of his grace, and invoke rich blessings upon yourselves, your families and your sacred ministrations. Endeavor sincerely to contribute all in your power to foster peace and love.
The undersigned remain,
Etc., etc.
'Amsterdam, November, 1739.
P. S. Enclosed, find a Pastoral Letter, composed by our worthy Consistory, to warn against the injurious sentiments of the Mora- vians. Observe the points carefully, and earnestly oppose them, should these people come to your regions and spread their doc- trines, as they have already done on the Island of St. Thomas.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. P. H. Dorsius, 1739. xxix. 255.
To Rev. P. H. Dorsius: (formerly suo loco inserted, but only appearing from the previous letter as belonging ad heac).
Reverend Sir :- Your desire and zeal in the Holy Ministry and in the preaching of the Gospel are frequently reported to us both by letter and word of mouth.
2733
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1739
May you not only continue therein, but be incited and strengthened in the Lord, and in the working of his power. Show yourself at the same time as an example of humility. Think very highly of your brethren, in love, for the work's sake, and may the spirit of Diotrephes be far from you.
You will ask, Why these exhortations? Dear brother, the remembrance of these things is always wholesome. For are we not, insignificant men as we are, greatly subject to a desire for lording it over others, and governing? How difficult it is for even those who are possessed of grace, to keep themselves free from such a spirit! And young persons, who are blessed above others with gifts and abilities, are more often tempted by such a spirit than others, so that the enemy gives them now and then severe wounds. How you are situated in these respects, you may find by self examination. We trust that what has been told us of you is not alto- gether true, viz., that you strive to be uppermost in the government of the churches in those regions, and that you hold yourself in too high esteem; and your brethren in too little esteem. We trust that nothing of this is true, and that we may learn that you conduct yourself in such a manner, that you show yourself the humble servant of all, as indeed you should, in order to find the greatest honor. When from reliable information we shall find this to be the case it will be refreshing to us; and we doubt not you will then be pleased with these our letters. Be assured that we most fervently wish your happiness, as also that of the congregations entrusted to you. May the Lord and the word of his grace be ever with you. We are; etc.,
John Plantinus, Praeses. C. v. d. Bogaerde, Scriba.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Philip Boehm, 1739. XXix. 256. No. 38.
Reverend Sir :- The very poor condition of your church and yourself has become known to us through outsiders, as well as through yourself, and aid has been requested of several to relieve your poverty. Your condition greatly grieves us, and we are not disinclined to seek such help for you as is possible, and as oppor- tunity occurs, or when circumstances favor it. But there is one thing, Rev. Sir, which somewhat detracts from our inclination in this matter, and that is, that there are certain rumors to your disadvantage, which have reached our ears, both by letter and by word of mouth. It is said that, not possessing much learning yourself, and not being particularly anxious to obtain it, you spend the whole week in manual toil; and that on the Sabbath you just read and mumble some- thing from a postil, and that this conduct is not a little offensive. Hence you have been mocked by the Quakers, and you have very few hearers. Now it is true that such reports do influence us, but it is also true that we do not wish imme- diately to condemn you thereupon; for if accusations alone were sufficient, who would be innocent?
These things, however, give us great concern about you; and even as we take the liberty in brotherly affection, to remind you of them, we also earnestly request you to say nothing about them to others; but only make sure of your defence by sufficient testimonials from trustworthy members of your church. Thus will we become better acquainted with all the facts of the case, and will be thereby guided in our measures and decisions.
Our prayer is that the Lord may fully sanctify you and preserve blameless your whole spirit, soul and body unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yea, may
1739
2734
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
the Lord sanctify both us and you by the truth - by his holy word, which alone leads to salvation. May God be with you continually.
We are and remain, etc.
John Plantinus, Praeses, etc. C. Van der Bogaerde, Scriba, etc.
Amsterdam, 1739.
P. S. You will also please to be careful to guard with all earnestness against all manner of errorists, and especially against the Moravians, who spread themselves everywhere, even in foreign lands. They hold many doctrines contrary to the fundamentals of our pure Reformed Church.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. George M. Weiss, 1739. xxix. 257. No. 39.
Rev. Sir and Brother :- From your two letters - one of which, dated January 7, 1738, we did not receive until January 1739,- we learn of the esteem which you entertain for the Classis of Amsterdam, and your willingness to receive its good advice, and to follow it to the utmost of your power. Continue in this frame, and we, on our part, will write to you frankly, and as kindly as possible, our opinions on all matters presented to us by you, for our deliberation. We will aid you by our counsel, and also by deeds so far as we are able. We have learned of your good in- tentions, and your watchfulness for the best interests of the churches in Pennsylvania, not only from your letters ; for we have also received information from a person who left Philadelphia October 20th of last year (1738). He indeed said that he had heard nothing of your intention to return to Philadelphia. He added, that if you should again undertake to preach there, it seemed to him improbable that the undertaking would bear much fruit. In proof of this he gave such reasons, that we would rather keep silent about them than to mention them, so as not to hurt your humility. Therefore we are incited all the more to declare to you, that if you can again receive another appointment to the ministerial office, under circumstances agreeable to yourself, it will be agreeable to us.
Further, as regards the funds formerly collected by yourself and elder Reiff for the benefit of the church in Pennsylvania :-
2735
1739
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
We indeed commend your offer to reimburse these by means of a reduction of your salary. But dear brother, we understand that this would be troublesome to you and inconvenient. We learn also that elder Reiff is in a condition to pay, and we are informed that if the Lord Bishop of London were approached on the sub- ject, his Right Reverence would immediately take steps to oblige Reiff to make " ratae et relinquae ". Serve yourself first of such means, and see what you can accomplish thereby. Finally, we wish you the Lords most precious and richest blessing, that you may labor successfully for the salvation of his people, and your own salvation.
John Plantinus, Praeses, etc. C. Van der Bogaerde, Scriba, etc.
Amsterdam, 1739.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
1739. Rev. Chs. H. Rauch, sent as Moravian Missionary to New York and Pennsylvania .- See his Life.
1739. Whitefield begins open air preaching in America. Oct. 1739 - Jan. 1741.
1739. Enlargement of Parish Library for Trinity Church. Dix. i. 220.
1739. Volume of Sacramental Sermons by Rev. Gilbert Tennent, Rev. Wm. Tennent and Rev. Samuel Blair.
1739 The Log College, near Neshaminy, Pa .- See Alexander's and Murphy's Histories of the Log College.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. Extract from a letter of P. H. Dorsius, of Bucks County, dated March 3, 1739 O. S.
40 N. S.
1. It states that he had duly received a letter from the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras, of August 20, 1739, together with the pas- toral letter.
2. It complains of the charges, as if he wanted to play the Master over all the churches, or at least over most of the Reformed Dutch Ministers in America. In opposition thereto, (1) He offers to send over if it be deemed necessary, testimony from friends, ministers, and even from his entire Consistory; from which would
2736
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1740
appear his unobtrusiveness and affectionate intercourse. But (2) he wishes rather that the Rev. Depp. would seek informa- tion on this subject without his knowledge, and inform them- selves as to the facts.
3. He declares that he has the same respect for the Rev. Christian Synod of North Holland as for that of South Holland; and the same esteem for the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, as for the other Classes.
4. He asks that he may be informed who his accusers are and what are the proofs. Then he would address himself to make a defense, with the proper proofs; but if this should not be deemed necessary or salutary, that then, when the truth of the case shall have been ascertained, his accusers should be admonished and punished as being unworthy of belief, and to be declared and re- garded as false witnesses; and that he may be held and declared innocent of those charges.
5. It concludes with a cordial wish for a blessing, and the offer of his services, etc. xxii. 503.
TESTIMONIAL OF REV. CORNELIUS VAN SANTVOORD TO REV. P. H. DORSIUS.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
Staten Island, March 31, 1740.
To Mr. P. H. Dorsius :- Rev. and Esteemed Sir and Brother :-
Your letter was delivered to me yesterday. What you tell about the letter from the Deputies of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for Foreign Affairs, had already been communicated to me on Long Island, by the Rev. Brethren, Freerman and Antonides. Both thought it was a wicked piece of work to accuse you, so falsely, before the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. And who, having the good fortune of knowing you, could think otherwise? Certainly I can give no other opinion, having had so much intercourse with your Reverence, and having seen as much of you as any one. I have never been able to perceive that you exalted yourself above others, let alone despising others, in this country; or even tried to do so. But continue to pass through honor and through dishonor. The accusers will inherit their own shame, even before the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. There, most assuredly, more credit will be given to the testimonials which you are about to receive, and to this, my declaration, I hope, than to such slanderous scribblers. I am,
Reverend and Esteemed Sir and Brother,
Your willing servant and brother,
C. Van Santvoord, V. D. M. on Staten Island.
1740
2737
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.