USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 48
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The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Philips Boehm, April
1, 1740. xxix. 274. No. 48. To Rev. John Philips Boehm:
Rev. Sir and Esteemed Brother :- The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam duly received your last letter of March 13th 1739. It gave them much satisfaction that you were so zealously diligent in seeking to edify the churches in your vicinity and to promote their general welfare. May the Lord grant blessed results to your labors, and incite you to greater watchfulness and to yet more earnest efforts in the ministry of the Gospel.
It was peculiarly agreeable to the Classis that you did not withdraw yourself; but that you showed your willingness to give explanations to the Rev. Mr. Dorsius, upon his written request, to the questions put by him to you, concerning the condition of those churches of which you have the oversight. We perused with great pleasure and joy the accurate account which you prepared of your churches, a copy of which you also sent us. This also gives us the light we needed, to enable us to understand the exact condition of the churches in Penn- sylvania. Therefore, in the name of our Classis, we commend you for your careful investigation and earnest efforts in this matter. We now earnestly request you, and fraternally admonish you that you persevere in this course; and in unison with Mr. Dorsius - to whom you give praise, to our gratification - to co-operate in everything, which may be of service for the upbuilding and extension of the kingdom of Jesus among you.
We also want to assure you that all letters sent to us by you before 1739, were duly answered during the same year. No doubt by this time the answers have reached you. Never will we delay to answer by the first opportunity, any letter which comes from you.
It was not without our being painfully affected, that we learned how much you were oppressed with various difficulties, under the heavy burdens of the ministry. We want to help you in all these things and shall endeavor to do so. To this end we will bring your request before the next Synod of North Holland, which is held in the year 1740, that you may receive some aid, to enable you to keep the church-ground from being forfeited, to the great injury of the congregation. We are not without hope that our endeavor thereto will not be altogether fruitless. We will also most gladly give you some personal aid and encouragement, for we greatly compassionate your straitened circumstances. Therefore our Classis has resolved that its churches should try to collect some money to send to you for your support.
And now about what you wrote in your postscript, that some evil minded per- sons in Philadelphia had written to us to your disadvantage: On this subject the Classis has already spoken, and from which you can perceive how much we seek to guard against all injustice, or lack of Christian caution, by a hasty judgement, without thorough investigation, and also hearing from yourself.
Further, Worthy Brother, it is the prayer of our souls that the Great Shepherd of the sheep may endow you richly, enabling you to gather the lambs of the flock into the spiritual fold, and to care for them with wisdom, and guide them by exemplary doctrine and deportment. May consolation and strength from above be granted you abundantly, to the glory of the Savior's name, which must forever become more glorious among all churches. We are with all cordiality, etc., etc. Amsterdam,
April 1, 1740.
John Plantinus, Praeses, etc. Tiberius Reytsma, Scriba, etc.
P. S. Enclosed, find a book by Rev. Mr. Kulenkamp,* from the worthy Con- sistory of Amsterdam, for the service of yourself and other ministers in Pennsyl- vania. Meanwhile, the Classis send you for your support, in your poverty, the sum of .. (?)
* Mr. Kulenkamp was at that time a minister in Amsterdam. This book was a treatise against the Moravians.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
To send the Work of Rev. Kulenkamp to Suriname and New York.
1740, April 4th. To Suriname and New York shall also be sent a copy of the writing of Rev. Kulenkamp ; also to Rev. Boehm, with the request to transfer the same to Rev. Dorsius for common use. xi. 339.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Consistory and Authorized Committee of the Churches in Kings County, L. I., to the Classis of Amsterdam, to send them a Minister. April 8, 1740.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Copied also in Vol. xxii. 552-5.
In the Name of God, Amen. April 8, 1740.
To the Rev. and very celebrated Classis of Amsterdam: Highly-learned and Very Respected Fathers and Brethren in the Lord :-
We, the undersigned, Elders and Fully-authorized Committee, residing in Kings County, Long Island, called also Nassau Island, situated in the northern part of America, and near the famous city of New York, etc .: Being assembled on this Sth day of April, 1740, in the church at Midwout; after calling upon God's Holy Name, We, the undersigned Elders of the six united churches, namely, Midwout, (Flatbush), Breukelen, (Brooklyn), Boswyk, (Bushwick), New Amersfoort, (Flat- lands), Gravesand, (Gravesend), and New Utrecht, having voted, came to an agree- ment and unanimously resolved, to make out a call, in behalf of Kings County, for the above mentioned Reformed Churches. We send this call to the entire Classis of Amsterdam, to which we hereby address, commend and subordinate ourselves; and we do hereby authorize that illustrious Classis, and fully empower it, as we hereby attest under our own signatures, to provide and call, and with full qualifications, to send to us, an orthodox minister - one who is favored of God with good gifts, in order to teach us, clearly and plainly, the Word of God, and to apply it earnestly unto godliness; and one who will adorn his office with a godly walk. Such a one would be very acceptable to us, and would also be a good example to the churches, to encourage them to walk in the same steps. He must also be sound in body. The years of his age we leave to the Rev. Classis, hoping, however, that he may not be an old man. For we have this in view - that our flourishing and growing churches may never be without ministers.
For we observe that our Rev. minister, Bernardus Vreeman, (Freeman) is now more than seventy eight years of age. Nevertheless, he still officiates but earnestly exhorts and counsels us to make out this call. He even offers to give up his salary, that it may be given to the minister whom your Revs. may send us; still it is his purpose to edify the churches by his preaching from time to time, without salary. He has already preached in these regions for forty years; and for over thirty-four years of this time have we listened to the good and holy Word of God from his mouth - he has always been healthy and strong and his preaching has served for
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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our edification. So also our Rev. Minister, Vincentius Antonides, has reached the great age of seventy three, and his services we have enjoyed for more than thirty four years. But both our ministers are now of advanced age. The thought of the shortness of their lives now urges us to charge the Rev. Classis to provide for us and send us an able minister of Zion, one ordained, and possessed of full qualifica- tion for our services, and to be ecclesiastically, our legal minister. If he shall find, upon his arrival, both our ministers in good health, then he will be our third minister. And when, in the Providence of God, one or both of our old ministers go the way of all flesh, then he will be our second minister, or perhaps our only one. The one called, and who shall be sent to us, must, when in health, according to our church custom, preach twice on each Sunday; but during the three months of winter, only once on each Sunday, excepting in the place where he resides, whether it be at Midwout or New Amersfoort. The other villages are at an hour's distance excepting one, which is somewhat farther. His Rev. will be con- veyed on Sunday mornings, (to the place of preaching) and provided with dinner at noon. In the afternoon he will be taken home again, with wagon, or on horse- back, as he likes.
The custom of our churches is: Preaching on Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost and Christmas. Also family-visitations, and Penitential (Preparatory) Sermons, at the time when the Lord's Supper is to be observed. Further, catechetical instruc- tion at the regular times; the encouragement and comfort of the sick in their sufferings; and whatever else God may require of his faithful servants.
His Rev's. salary shall be one hundred and seven pounds, New York money, of this province; and shall begin as soon as he takes ship to come over to help us. His salary shall be paid promptly each half year, just as we have done to all our ministers. Besides that, a free house in the Village of Midwout, where, already reside our two old ministers. Further, a garden together with a piece of meadow ground, containing a few apple trees. This is sufficient to pasture a cow or two, profitably, and also a horse, for his use in recreation! So also his firewood is brought to his house year after year. The church sends over forty pounds, for Classical expenses, and for his transportation, together with refreshments of food and drink on the journey. Should there be any lack in this amount, it shall be paid to the Skipper, upon bill presented, on his arrival. Furthermore, there are the perquisites which his Rev. will obtain from the banns of young people; for the registering of their names on the Church Records; for the publishing of the same in the church, before the congregation, once on each Sunday, for three Sundays; and then for uniting them in the married state. Each one will give your Rev. of. his own free will, whatever he pleases. Also, whenever any churches, that are without ministers, desire your Revs. service,- during the week,- you may preach to them, baptize the children, and administer the Lord's Supper. Those churches will pay you for such services. Thus will your Rev. have the liberty to give them assistance in their necessities.
We doubt not but that these favorable conditions will move some one, and induce him to accept this call readily and gladly, and to come over to us in these far off regions; to serve Jesus Christ, the great God and Savior, to proclaim his name, his glory and doctrine, unto the salvation of those in these churches, and to exhibit clearly God's work of grace in Christ. Amen.
Very Rev. Sirs and Fathers, your Revs. predecessors have in former times, pro- vided us with good and faithful shepherds, and sent them hither. We have confidence in your Revs., that your Revs. will do no less than your Revs. predeces- sors have done. And him whom your Revs. shall call for us, and in our behalf, and shall send to us, we will receive and embrace in love. And with abounding gratitude we shall acknowledge what the Rev. Classis, at such great pains shall do for us and our churches.
We, the Authorized Committee of our churches, subscribe this call as our own act. We agree to perform faithfully all that is mentioned and expressed therein; and our successors, who shall be chosen in our places, shall from time to time do the same.
Date as above.
Cornelis Van Brunt, Samuel Groenendyck, Albert Coerten, Peter Wyckoff, Jan Lucassen, Isaak Leffertse, Aris V. D. Bilt, Corenlius Van der Veer, Corel Boerum, Peter Staets, Dirck Rapalje, Jacob Ryersen, Jacob Sebring, Abra- ham Durye, Leffert Leffertse, Ferdinandes Van Sickelen, Jacobus Stryker.
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We, the undersigned ministers, in order to give greater credence to this Instru- ment, testify that our eyes have seen the Elders and the Authorized Committee subscribe it, with their own hands, and that what is written therein is the truth. B. Vreeman, V. Antonides.
'A true copy, agreeing with the original. Per Ad. Hegeman, Clerk.
This is a true copy, as we know, on this 13th of May, 1742.
V. Antonides.
CERTIFICATE OF REV. T. J. FRELINGHUYSEN IN VINDICATION OF THE CHARACTER OF REV. P. H. DORSIUS, APRIL 14, 1740.
Portfolio " New York," Vol. i. L. S.
As we are obliged, to defend the good name of our neighbor and brother, espe- cially when assailed by evil tongues and pens: Therefore, I consider myself in duty bound, to give the following testimony concerning our dear colleague, Rev. P. H. Dorsius, Minister of Jesus Christ, in his church in Bucks County, Penn- sylvania, as follows: That besides a constant interchange of letters, I have had much conversation and general intercourse with his Reverence, greatly to my comfort and edification; and that as an eye witness of his doings, and hearer of his words, I am constrained, in love, to give my judgement, that said Rev. Domine Dorsius is a learned, gifted, graciously-endowed and faithful minister, and whose services have not remained without a blessing. I have therefore gladly committed and entrusted one of my sons, Johannes by name, to the instruction and tuition of his Reverence. He also has his lodgings and his board with him. It is also possible that our oldest son, Theodore, who has already studied Latin under Domine Van Sandvoord, for some years, will soon be sent to his Reverence, (Dorsius), for instruction. Such, then, is my opinion of his Reverence; so that it is the intention of the undersigned, so long as the " breath of the Almighty " is within me, or so long as it may be possible, to maintain brotherly communion with said colleague, and to assist him in all things which concern the welfare of Zion in these distant regions, at least so far as I am able. That this is my testi- mony, I certify by my signature,
Theodorus Jacobus Frilinghuysen, Pastor at Raritans, New Brunswick, and other places united therewith. Aetatis, 47. Given in New Jersey, the 14th of April 1740, Old Style.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Church of Schenectady made into a Fort.
New York, June 13, 1740.
My Lords:
The Act to raise in the Township of Schenectady a Sum not exceeding thirty two pounds etc. is necessary to pay a debt contracted in making their old Church & fortification, they having built a new Church.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 160.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter from Dorsius.
1740, June 13th. Art. 5. A letter was read, from P. H. Dorsius, minister in Pennsylvania. It was recommended to the aforesaid Deputies, to answer the said letter, and exhibit (such answers) to this Assembly. The Deputies will also write a letter on the same subject to Rev. Boehm. xi. 343.
Letters to Dorsius, etc.
1740, June 27. Art. 3. Even as also those to Rev. P. H. Dor- sius and Rev. Boehm remain in statu. xi. 344.
Letters to New York, etc.
Art. 8. The letters to New York and Pennsylvania remain in statu. xi. 344.
Letter to Dorsius and Boehm.
1740, July 18th. Art. 4. A letter to Revs. Dorsius and Boehm remains in Statu, inasmuch as Rev. Deputies have as yet found no opportunity. xi. 345.
ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF SOUTH HOLLAND, 1740. (Page 246.)' Extract from a Letter of Rev. P. H. Dorsius.
Article 11.
The letters of the 12th and 20th of December, 1738, together with the Synodical Reports concerning Count Zinzendorf, I have received. But I have heard nothing of the arrival of the Count, nor of any of his delegates. The candidates, Van Basten and (John Henry) Goetschey, are regarded as ministers. The first left Pennsylvania two years ago, and has preached across the river (Delaware) at Amwell (New Jersey), and also on Long Island, but without administering the sacraments ; but his conduct has been improper in each place. At present he is stopping at Fishkill, above New York, where he has been allowed to preach on his promise to abstain from strong drink.
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1740, JULY 31. AN ACT FOR NATURALIZING JOHANNES MAR- TINUS VANHARLINGHEN.
L. S. July 31, 1740.
Whereas it is for the manifest Benefit of this Province that all encouragement should be given to Persons of Different nations to transport themselves and families to it by investing them with all Rights and Privileges of any of his Majesty's natural free born subjects within the same: And Whereas, Johannes Martinus Vanharlinghen,* born under the Dominion of the States Generall of the United Provinces, has Settled himself and his effects in his Majesty's Province of Nova Cesarea or New Jersey and is greatly desirous of being admitted to enjoy- ment of the Privileges and Benefits which the natural and free born Subjects of this Province do enjoy: And as the said Johannes Martinus Vanharlinghen does profess the Protestant Religion, and hath given Testimony of his Duty, Loyalty and Affection to his present Majesty, King George the Second, and the succession of the Crown in the Protestant Line According to and in such manner and form as is prescribed by an Act of General Assembly of this Province, made in the eighth year of the Reign of his late Majesty, King George the first, Entitled An Act for Secureing of his Majesty's Government of New Jersey:
Be it Therefore Enacted by the Governor Council and Assembly of this Prov- ince, and it is hereby Enacted by the Authority of the Same, that Johannes Mar- tinus Vanharlinghen is and shall be from henceforth deemed, taken and esteemed to be his Majesty's Natural free born Subject of his Province of Nova Cesarea or New Jersey, to all interests, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as if he had been born within the said Province; and shall and may, and his heirs shall and may, within this Province, take, receive, do, enjoy and be intitled unto the same Immunities and Rights of, in and unto the Laws and Privileges of this Province as any of his Majesty's natural born subjects can do, or ought to do, and enjoy, and as fully and amply to all Interests Constructions and Purposes whatsoever, as if he himself had been born within the same, any former Law, Act, Ordinance, Usage, Custom to the Contrary in any wise notwithstanding.
Provided Always, and it is hereby Enacted and Declared, that nothing in this Act Contained, shall be Construed, deemed or taken to enable or give power or Privilege to the said Johannes Martinus Vanharlinghen to be capable of being of his Majesty's Council, or a member of the Assembly of this Province, or one of the Judges of any of the Courts of Record, or one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace in the said Province, any thing in this Act, or any Law, Usage or Custom to the Contrary in any wise Notwithstanding.
May 29th 1740. This Bill having been read in Council Three times, Resolved, That the sd. Bill do pass. By Order of the House.
Jno. Reading, Spr.
June 3rd 1740. This Bill having been read three times, in the House of Repre- sentatives
Resolved That the sd. Bill do pass.
By Order of the House. Andrew Johnston Speaker.
Burlington 31st of July 1740
I assent to this Bill Enacting the same and Order it to be Enrolled. Lewis Morris.
[* This Van Harlingen was the father of Rev. J. M. Van Harlingen, (1724-95), and grandfather of Rev. J. M. Van Harlingen, (1761-1813). For further details, see Corwin's Manual, 4th ed. 1902, p. 830. There was one of the same name natural- ized, 1732. See chapter 444 of Colonial Laws of New Jersey.]
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters to New York.
1740, August 8th. Art. 5. The letters to New York and Pennsylvania were sent off, according to resolution of January 12, 1740, to Revs. de Bois and Boel, at the same time with the pastoral letter and Rev. Ger. Kulenkamp's book against the Herrnhutters. xi. 351.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Call to Long Island.
1740, Sept. 4th. Rev. Dep. Reytsma announces that the Rev. Assembly is authorized to make a very favorable call to Long Island, so that if any one knows of a suitable person, he may be presented at the next Classis. xi. 354.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from Boehm.
1740, Oct. 3rd. Extracts from three letters of John Philip Boehm, minister in the province of Pennsylvania, were presented by Rev. Reytsma. The Rev. Deputies furnished the Rev. Assem- bly with their report (pre-advice) in regard to them. Therewith the Rev. Assembly was perfectly satisfied, and thanked the Rev. Deputies therefor. xi. 355.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence in America.
Call of the Churches of Queens County, Long Island, on (John) Henry Goetschius, to be the pastor of Newtown, Jamaica, Hempstead and Oyster Bay. Oct. 1740.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Copy of a Call. No. 1.
In October, 1740, We, the Elders of the four united churches of New Town, Jamaica, Hemstead and Oyster Bay, did assemble in the Name of God - the Father, and Son, and the Holy Ghost,- in order to call, in the fear of the Lord,
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a Reformed and orthodox minister, for our said four Reformed Churches, located in Queens County, on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New York, etc. And
Whereas, It has pleased the All-wise God who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, and who rules and governs all things to his own glory, and for the best interests of mankind:
And whereas, It is known that at our request there has come to us the very Rev. godly and highly-learned, Mr. Hendricus Goetschius, to exhibit to our churches his preaching gifts, and that he has given great satisfaction, and found entrance, generally, to the people's hearts thereby, and still more especially by his edifying conversation, (conduct) :
Therefore, The Church generally did encourage the Elders of the four congre- gations to proceed and the Elders and congregations together have mutually agreed with one heart and soul, to direct us, the said Elders, to take in charge this very important business. They have, therefore, officially and solemnly empowered us, as Elders, to call the Rev. Hendricus Goetschius to come to them, as soon as his studies, under Mr. Dorsius, shall be finished, to the end that he may be their regular pastor and teacher.
We, the undersigned Elders of the four churches, feel ourselves therefore in duty bound without any delay, to make provision for our Christian Church here, so that the Person and the glory and doctrine of Christ, and the free and full work of Grace, may be constantly taught among us unto the salvation of sinners. For this reason do We, the Elders, with one heart and soul, call you, Very Rever- end and Learned Sir, Hendricus Goetschius, residing at present with the learned Mr. Dorsius, in the Province of Pennsylvania; yea, we do hereby call your Rev., in our name, and in the name of all our churches; and thus, in the fear of the Lord, we present to your Rev. this call, to supply our Christian churches here and to come to us in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, to the upbuilding of all our churches all in the fear of the Lord. And may your Rev. adorn your ministry with a heavenly walk, so as to attract men and allure them, that, by following after you, they may lead a heavenly-minded life. May God incline your heart to come to our help, and grant you, as God's beloved one, the power of his Holy Spirit!
We call your Rev. in order to preach when in good health, with the strength which God may supply you, twice, on every Lord's day in the summer; and once, on every Lord's day during the three winter months. Also, on the Festival Days according to our church customs; as well as at the service preparatory to the Holy Supper. The churches of New Town and Jamaica hold their communion service together, as one body. So do also, the churches of Hemstead and Oyster Bay. And they hold this service alternately every three months. At the place, where your Rev. administers the Supper, there your Rev. will be expected to perform family visitation; while in the other place, where your Rev. does not administer the Supper, the Elders will perform the family visitation. Further- more, your Rev. is entrusted with the power of church-discipline, which is to be prudently exercised, with the advice of your Rev's. body of Elders; and, if neces- sary in consultation with a neighboring Minister. So also, with the co-operation of your Rev's. Elders, your Rev. is to arrange the manner, time, and place for catechetical instruction; and to give, where it may be required, help and comfort to the sick, in their distress; and to do all that God expects of sincere and faith- ful ministers; and all this is to be done to the glory of God's Holy Name, and to the salvation of all who believe. Amen.
We, the Elders of the four churches, promise and assure you, Rev. Sir, Hen- dricus Goetschius, a salary of one hundred pounds, New York money, but you will have to provide your own firewood. This expenditure for wood will take seven pounds from your salary. You are also assured and promised a respectable and good dwelling house; and land enough to pasture two horses and two cows; also, a garden; and if there be no apple orchard, one shall be planted wherever your Rev. may choose to fix your residence.
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