USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 49
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We, the undersigned Elders, by these our signatures, bind ourselves to pay you, the Rev. Mr. Goetschius, every half year, the sum of fifty pounds. Without doubt our successors will do the same from time to time, so long as your Rev. shall minister to us. On these conditions, we trust, that your Rev. will readily and
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2745
1740
gladly accept the call to come to us, fully qualified, and with the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel; and we shall embrace and welcome your Rev., Henricus Goetschius, with all respect, honor and love.
Day and date as above.
Bernhardus Freeman Vincentius Antonides.
Abraham Lent, Cornelius Ryerse, Peter Montfoort, Abraham Polhemius, Adrian Onderdonk, Jacobus Montfoort, Alphen Reyder, Johannes Bergen, Mozes Van Noerstrant.
REV. MR. COLGAN TO THE SECRETARY OF SOCIETY FOR PROPAGAT- ING THE GOSPEL.
Jamaica, November 22nd, 1740.
Reverend Sir :- We have yearly for these seven years last past increased in Church Members, so those buildings are generally well filled in time of Divine Service, & the worship of God is duly performed with decency and good order; the several sects which are around us do look upon the Church with a more re- spectful eye than formerly; there being not wanting either in myself or people any Christian like or prudential means necessary to form a reconciliation & union amongst us; some itinerant enthusiastical teachers, have of late been preaching upon this Island, the notorious Mr. Whitfield being at the head of them, & among other pernicious tenets, have broached such false & erroneous opinions concerning the doctrine of Regeneration as tend to the destruction of true religion & of a holy and virtuous life; and therefore I take this opportunity to beg that the Society would be pleased to bestow upon the people of this parish a few of Dr. Waterland's pieces on that subject, & of his Lordship the Bishop of London's Pastoral letters upon lukewarmness and enthusiasm.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 192.
REV. HENRY BARCLAY PETITIONS FOR A PIECE OF LAND IN THE MOHAWK COUNTRY. GRANTED.
1740, Dec. 27. Upon application made by the Rev. Henry Barclay to this Board for a parcell land lying in the Mohawk country, given by the Indians to said Mr. Barclay, containing about nine or ten morgans, this board resolves that a deed be executed to the said Mr. Barclay his heirs and assigns for said land under the reserved yearly rent of one skiple good winter wheat per morgan after the same is surveyed, which is to be done the next Spring.
- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. x. pp. 93, 94.
REVIVALISM ABOUT 1740.
There was a great disagreement about 1740 among the Presbyterians and other Bodies, regarding revivals, revivalists and their methods. Whitefield and the Ten- nents, men "full of the Holy Ghost and of power ", had aroused multitudes along the whole coast from Maine to Georgia, to repentance and faith. At the same time, though so much blessed, they had fallen into the mistake, perhaps too common among men especially earnest, of denouncing the great body of their fellow-ministers as men of little real piety and efficiency. There was, perhaps, some ground for this severity. An orthodox creed and decent external conduct had become in many places the chief essentials for union with the church. Too little emphasis was placed on the necessity of regeneration. Now the Revivalists especially condemned all who were not in accord with themselves, as to the use of somewhat unusual measures in the work. This gave rise to opposition, and finally to the schism which resulted.
The people about New York, and particularly those who were connected with
2746
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1740
the Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J., were in sympathy with the Revivalists. The Log College, which afterward developed into the College of Princeton, annu- ally sent out men with this revival spirit. Some of the Presbyteries would not allow licentiates of other Presbyteries to preach within their bounds, on account of this Revivalistic spirit, without special permission. Most of the Presbyteries were a unit on one side or the other; but those of Donegal and New Castle were divided. Hence some of the churches were rent in twain. This, for example, was the case with the churches of Octorara and Carlisle, Pa .*
1740. Bishop Nitschman a second time visits America to purchase a place in Lehigh, Pa. for the Moravians. Purchase effected, April 2, 1741.
1740. Rev. David Zeisberger, a Moravian, comes to America. Begins his labors among the Indians, 1745, and continues them until 1808. Spoke Mohawk, Onondaga and Delaware tongues. Established thirteen Christian Indian towns. Published many Indian books. Hamilton, 470-3.
1740. Visit of Whitefield to America. See Dubles, 272, Hamilton, 441. Biogra- phies.
1740. Rauch's Mission to the Indians at Shakomeko, Dutchess Co., N. Y., branch- ing out into Connecticut. Several Christian Indian villages founded. Sixty Indians baptized in four years. Hamilton, 463.
1740. Nazareth, Pa., founded by the Moravians.
1740. Exposition of Episcopal Church Catechism by Lewis, printed by Bradford, N. Y. Dix, i. 222-3.
1740. The Examiner examined; by Rev. Gilbert Tennent, of New Brunswick, N. J. In answer to an anonymous pamphlet written against him after his visit to New England.
RECORDS OF REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK. List of Ministers, Elders and Deacons, 1741-1767.
There is a small manuscript Volume, containing the signatures each year of the new Elders, Deacons and Church Masters to the Calls of the respective ministers, and running from 1715-1767.
It first contains the Resolution of the Consistory and Church Masters, dated March 19, 1705, which requires the Church Masters to meet on the first Friday of each month, for their business. See Resolution, under date.
Then another Resolution of March 11, 1712/13, about calling meetings of the Great Consistory, all of whom shall have a vote. See under date.
Then follows a copy of the action of January 4, 1714/15, about Domine Du Bois's request for a colleague; and the Call of such a Colleague, under date of Jan. 11, 1715. See under date. (This Call finally brought over Domine Boel.)
And finally the new members of the Consistory, each year, before installation, were required to sign a document, consenting to the pecuniary conditions in the Call of each successive minister.
A list of Ministers, Elders and Deacons 1668-1700, is given in English Transla-
* See Rev. Samuel Blair's Accounts of Revivals at this time; In History of Log College, 173; also Rev. John Rowland's Account in Hist. of Log College, 237-244; The Christian History of Rev. Mr. Prince, of Boston, containing a letter from Rev. Gilbert Tennent; Rev. Wm. Tennent's Accounts, in Hist. Log College, 254-264. See also the Biographies of Rev. Geo. Whitefield; Hamilton's Hist. of Moravians, in Vol. viii. of Am. Ch. Hist. Series, 463, 470-3; and Rev. Gilbert Tennent's " The Examiner Examined," 1740 .- Rev. Samuel Finley, licensed by Presbytery of New Brunswick, begins his powerful ministry.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2747
1741- 1743
tion, Lib. A. pp. 95-104. This list is continued, 1701-1740, on pp. 128-142. (In the Dutch Book, p. 193.) The signatures of Elders and Deacons and Church Masters, each year, as elected, to the Conditions of the Calls, are then given from 1715-1767, overlapping one of these other lists from 1715-1740. These duplicated names are not here repeated; but there here follows the list from 1741-1767. There is no other record of these names for these years, 1741-1767.
(Preliminary Note by Dr. T. W. Chambers. Condensed.)
It would seem as if there existed some doubt about the continuance of the obligation imposed by the contract contained in the Call of a Minister, as if that obligation was binding only on the persons who first signed the Call, although the Church was incorporated. Accordingly it was resolved that the contract of the Call should be signed, as recorded in a book for that purpose, by all the success- ors in office, Elders, Deacons, Church Masters, year after year, at the time when they were chosen. And to make the matter sure, the signatures were required immediately after the election, and before the names were announced to the Con- gregation. In case of refusal, a new choice was to be made. Hence it is also particularly stated in the Calls, that the subscribers are not personally, respon- sible, but qualitate qua, meaning officially. This plan was continued for fifty two years, 1715-1767, when it seems to have ceased to be thought necessary.
The matter is of interest as showing the ideas of the times. But the list of names of the above mentioned officers as thus preserved is especially valuable, because from 1741-1767, no other list of such officers is found. They must have been recorded elsewhere, but the volume has disappeared.
Reformed Dutch Church of New York.
List of Ministers, Elders and Deacons.
Elders. Christoffel Bancker Joe Meyer
1741, Oct. 15. Deacons. Pieter Marschalk Abraham Ten Eyck Evert Byvanck Andrew. Breested.
1742, Oct. 21.
Anthony Rutgers Abram Van Wyck Isaac De Peyster
David Abeel
Hendrick Ryke
Adrian Bancker
Petrus Low.
1743, Oct. 20.
Jacobus Roosevelt G. Duyckinck Cornelius V. Horne.
Elber Harring
Abel Hardenbrook
John Groesbeck
Brandt Schuyler.
Extracts from the Letters of Call of the Ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church in the City of New York, in North America.
Concerning Domines Gualterus Du Bois and Henricus Boel, in date, the 9th and 11th of January, 1714/15;
To secure the prompt payment, quarterly, of the sums promised to each of the said ministers, we bind ourselves qualitate qua, i. e., as present Elders and Dea- cons, and so all our Church Estate, to be responsible by law for the said payment of each of these ministers. This also shall be done by each and every one, who, after us, shall from time to time be called to be Elder or Deacon or Church Master for our Congregation, and that, before they are published, or confirmed in their respective offices, by subscribing this Instrument of Call; and in case any refuse to do this, then another or others shall be chosen in their places, on the same condition, according to the unanimous Resolution passed at the meeting of the Great Consistory held on the 11th of January, 1714/15.
2748
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1744- 1752 Whereupon, in view of the foregoing, appears essentially the Letter of Call of Domine Johannes Ritzema.
Elders.
1744, Oct. 18. Deacons. Rev. Johannes Ritzema settled.
Abraham Lefferts Garret Keteltas Paul Richards.
Gerardus Stuyvesant Robt. Livingston, Jr. Jacob Abramse Robert Benson
1745, Oct. 17.
Abram Lynsen Joris Brinckerhoff Leonard Lispenard Wm. De Peyster.
1746, Oct. 16.
Evert Byvanck Frans. Marschalk. Cornelius Bogert
1747, Oct. 15.
Abel Hardenbrook Adrian Bancker Theodorus Van Wyck Cor. Van Ranst
1748, Oct. 20.
Peter Clopper Philip Livingston, Jr. John Everson Wm. Vredenburgh
Cor. Van Horne Abraham Lefferts Gerard Stuyvesant
1749, Oct. 19.
Leonard Lispenard Jacobus Turk Elbert Haering John Brovort
1750, Oct. 18. Rev. Lambertus De Ronde settled.
Christoffel Bancker Jacobus Roosevelt Abel Hardenbrook
Hendrick Bogert Dirck Lefferts Robt. Benson Cor. Wynkoop
1751, Oct. 17.
Abraham Lynsen Evert Byvanck Andrew Breested
Cornelius Clopper Evert Bancker Andries Abramse John Livingston
1752, Oct. 19.
Abraham Van Wyck+ Paul Richard Francis Marschalk
Cor. Van Ranst Lucas Promine Nicholas Roosevelt Albertus Tyebout
* I accept the conditions (subscribing to all the Calls) provided I have nothing to do with the Coetus.
John Roosevelt Floris Taerling Nicholas Bayard
Christoffel Bancker Gulu. Verplanck A. D. Peyster
Philip Livingston Wynant Van Zandt Abram Van Wyck
Henry Cuyler David Abeel Peter Marschalk
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2749
1753- 1761
Elders. Henry Cuyler Isaac De Peyster Nicholas Bayard
1753, Oct. 19.
Deacons.
Wm. De Peyster
Philip Livingston
Andrew Myer
Richard Ray
1754, Oct. 16.
Inasmuch as the Calls of Domines Du Bois and Boel are made vold by death, the Consistory has seen fit, according to Resolution passed Sept. 15, 1754, to in- crease the salary of Domines J. Ritzema and L. De Ronde, to two hundred pounds. Hence these subscriptions are made henceforth according to that Resolution.
S. Johnson Abraham Lefferts Joris Brinckerhoff
John Brovort
Peter Keteltas
Theodorus Van Wyck
Petrus Bogert
Jacobus Roosevelt Cor. Wynkoop Elbert Haering
1755, Oct. 15.
Cornelius Clopper, Jr. Anthony Ten Eyck Gerard Wm. Beekman Richard Van Dyck.
1756, Oct. 21.
Cornelius Van Ranst
Dirck Lefferts
Isaac Roosevelt
Abraham Lott
1757, Oct. 20.
Nicholas Roosevelt
Richard Ray
Dirck Brinckerhoff
Johannes Duryea.
1758, Oct. 19.
Theodorus Van Wyck Evert Bancker Hendricus Clopper Nicholas Bogert
1759, Oct. 18.
Abraham Bockee* Adrian Bancker, Jr. Johannes Lansing Lucas Van Ranst.
Elders. Christoffel Bancker Francis Marschalk Andries Abramse
1760, Oct. 16. Deacons. Peter Clopper Johannes Aelstyne Abram Lott, Jr. Petrus Low
Peter Lott Cornelius Bogert Cornelius Clopper
1701, Oct. 15.
Garret Rapalye
Jacobus Roosevelt
Gerardus Beekman
Teunis Tiebout
* Nicholas Bogert was chosen to serve in place of Bockee.
Christoffel Bancker Abram Van Wyck Philip Livingston
David Abeel John Bogert Peter Lott
Abraham Lefferts Peter Marschalk Abel Hardenbrook
Jacobus Roosevelt Wm. Vanden Burgh Leonard Lispenard
1762- 1767
2750
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1762, Oct. 21.
L. Johnson Theodorus Van Wyck John Bogert, Jr.
Johannis Hardenbrook Peter Keteltas Isaac Roosevelt Dirck Brinckerhoff
1763, Oct. 20.
The subscription is made according to the Resolution of Consistory, Sept. 15, 1754, in respect to the salaries of Domines Johannes Ritzema and Lambertus De Ronde, as also of the Eight Articles upon which the Call of an English (speaking) minister is agreed to.
Jacobus Roosevelt Joris Brinckerhoff Wm. De Peyster
Abraham Lott
Jacob Le Roy
G. Duyckinck
Jacobus Bogert
Rev. Archibald Laidlie arrives to preach in English. 1764, Oct. 18.
Philip Livingston Anthony Ten Eyck John Brevort
Evert Bancker Abram Lott, Jr. Henry Kip Jacobus Van Zandt Rem. Rapalye Petrus Byvanck
1765, Oct. 17.
Peter Lott Elbert Haring Cornelius Clopper
Gerard Wm. Beekman
Peter Low
Andrew Marschalk
Cornelius Roosevelt
Peter Marschalk Theodorus Van Wyck Cornelius Bogert
1766, Oct. 16.
Isaac Roosevelt Adrain Bancker, Jr. Garret Abeel Garret Rapalye Jacob Duryee Nicholas Bogert
1767, Oct. 15.
The subscription is made according to Resolution of Consistory, Sept. 15, 1754, in respect to the salaries of Domines Johannes Ritzema and Lambertus De Ronde, as also of Domine Archibald Laidlie, upon the Eight Articles,* and his Rever- ence's Call: and further to comply with the resolution of Consistory of the 12th of January, 1767, concerning the Church's real estate.
Jacobus Roosevelt
David Abeel
Francis Marschalk
Isaac Stoutenburgh, Jr.
Wm. De Peyster, Jr.
Zachrias Seckels
Jacob Van Wagenen
For list of Church Masters, 1715-1767, see under date 1715.
* The Eight Articles agreed upon in reference to Domine Laidlie's Call, state that his salary should not be derived from the Church property, but only from voluntary subscriptions. The Articles are recorded in latter part of Minutes of 1762.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2751
1741
MISSIONS AMONG THE MOHAWKS.
Rev. Henry Barclay.
Says Sprague: "In 1741, Mr. Barclay informed the Venerable Society that his congregation at Albany consisted of one hundred and eighty English, besides two Independent companies; and in the Mohawk county of five hundred Indians, settled in two towns, at thirty miles distance from Albany ;- that he had sixty English and fifty-eight Indian communicants; and that the vice of intemperance among the Indians was greatly on the decrease. In 1743 his statement was that two or three only of the whole tribe remained unbaptized, and that with the consent of the Governor, he had appointed two Mohawk schoolmasters to teach the young Mohawks, and that they were both very diligent and successful."- Sprague's Annals, v. 92 .- Col. Docs. vi. 88, 314 .- Quoted also by Dix, i. 238.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Dorsius.
1741, April 10th. Rev. Wilhelmus states in a letter to Rev. Van Schelluinen, which was read before the Rev. Classis, that he neither knows nor believes that Rev. Dorsius has any (authorized) supervision over churches or ministers in Pennsyl- vania. xi. 363.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE. Burning of the Fort (and Chapel).
New York, 22nd of April, 1741.
My Lords:
B. The Assembly is now sitting, to whom I had many things to recommend, as your Lordships may be pleased to see in my speech; wherein I have mentioned the unhappy fire, which on the 18th of last month burnt the fort; most of the records are saved, and I hope very few lost for I took all the possible care of them, and had all removed before the office took fire; but before an engine could be brought, the house was past saving, for it being covered with cedar Shingles, and all the floors and wainscots old, they took in an instant and burned with that fury, that no human power could extinguish it. The expence of rebuilding will be con- siderable, but I know the present circumstances of the Province to be much better than ever, and so very good, that that expence will not be felt. A Gentle- man of one of the best estates told me, he supposed that his proportion upon an equal tax would not come to forty shillings. But my private loss is very great and more than I am able to bear without bending under it.
Since that fire we have had many in the town sometimes four in a day and some of them apparently kindled by design, which begat a general consternation. I have done all that I could to discover the villaines both by issuing a proclama- tion with a reward and otherwise, but hitherto without effect. Many negroes are imprisoned on suspicion, but as yet no proof appears against them. I now keep a night guard of the Militia who constantly patroll. The people obeying very chear- fully, and I have recommended to the Assembly to pass a Bill to oblige them to it under proper penalties.
Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 184, 185, 186.
2752
1741
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Bernardus Freeman to the Classis of Amsterdam, 'April 23, 1741.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
To the Learned and Honored Classis of Amsterdam:
Beloved Brethren in Christ :- A copy of your ever acceptable letter, dated at Amsterdam, 20th of August, 1739, was sent to me by Domine Dubois. I learn in reading it, that the erection of a Coetus here will give no dissatisfaction to the Classis, if in the Coetus there should be no decisions or doctrine, and no examina- tions, preparatory or peremptory, should be instituted. In relation to the point of doctrine, supposing your reference to differences among brethren, I esteem your stipulation good. But when attempts are made to deny or pervert our doctrine, our office requires us to oppose them, as yourselves have exhorted us to be watch- ful against them. On this account it is very necessary that a Coetus should be erected, for the end of securing greater benefit to the churches than could be accomplished by consistories singly.
This is of more importance, as several congregations here are without ministers, who employ a reader (voorleser); on which account the children of the covenant remain without the sign of baptism, and the members without the sealing ordi- nance of the supper. This gives rise to complaints as to the want of spiritual provision, by reason of the want of a minister and pastor. Suffer me to remind you that several churches have made calls and sent them to your Reverend Classis, but have received no minister; as for instance, Jamaica, which has waited nine years; Schenectady, which has waited the same time; Fishkill, and Raritan, and now our district, which has sent a call. There are other congregations which are unable to bear the expense of sending to your Classis. This could take place in good order to the benefit of the churches here, if you should consent to the Coetus. For there are here pious and godly persons, and youth fitted for the service, who are called by the church, who by reason of classical authority and order must be refused. If you should constitute here a Classis, and commit to it ecclesiastical authority, much good would be done, inasmuch as the work thus done would be the same as if you had done it yourselves, being transacted here by your order for the extension of the work of God among us, according to the orders of the Synod of Dort, and of any Synod or Classis in Holland, as we are ever brethren like-minded in doctrinal views.
I do not think that I in my advanced old age, reaching my eightieth year, shall see the erection of the Coetus, but the sorrowing congregations are dear to my heart; I therefore take this trouble to inform you of the state of the church and of what is needed by them. Candidates seem disinclined to come over to us, either on account of small salary or other reasons unknown to me. The Independent preachers run uncalled, press into houses, and preach in the street where the church is refused to them, and in their zeal they gain the reputation of being holier, and more engaged in the conversion of souls. This draws away some who know there is no existing Classis, and do not fear censure or discipline when admonished, as it is known that without the knowledge of your Classis no power exists. The Classis of Rotterdam authorized and empowered Rev. Dorsius, of Pennsylvania, to qualify and ordain to the holy ministry persons of suitable endowments and piety, fitted to edify the church and called by the same. It has also happened so with another German minister, who was the son of a minister, and came with his father from Zurich, in Switzerland, several years since. His father was sent to the German churches in Philadelphia. At his death, his son Hendrick Goetschius completed his theological studies under Dr. Dorsius, and was then called to Jamaica, here on Long Island. Mr. Goetschius received his ex- aminations preparatory and peremptory, and I ordained and installed him the 19th
1741
2753
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
of April, 1741. He appears to me of excellent and correct character. The above Dr. Dorsius has four youth under his instruction, two of whom are sons of a Low Dutch minister, T. J. Frelinghuysen, one of whom has delivered a sermon to the great satisfaction of his hearers. I bring these to your consideration, as I believe that your Reverend Body has the same power to constitute a Coetus in this province with similar privileges for the advancement of the Church of Christ here. I bear in mind also that your Reverend Body committed authority to Drs. Boel and Dubois to qualify and ordain a person in the province of Philadelphia for the German Reformed Churches there, and that lately you authorized Drs. Erickson and Haeghoort to qualify and ordain Mr. Johannes Schuyler. In this way good fruit was produced to these churches, which would otherwise had remained without fruit.
Finally, as some brethren have complained to your Reverend Body, that we did not furnish them with suitable notice, it grieves me that such weakness should have been shown by these brethren. I have more than once entreated them to unite their hands with ours, and help us in promoting this work, so highly neces- sary, but could not induce them. We, therefore, were led to proceed without them. After we had completed this matter, two of them (deputed I believe) named Mutzelius and Mancius, came to us, and addressed us with great vehemence and violence. On this, I requested to speak, as they positively declared that no action should ever be organized here. I then said, " But hear me: let brotherly love continue; if the Reverend Classis should constitute a Classis, I know that you will willingly become a member of it, to help the advancement of the welfare of the Church; and if the Reverend Classis shall not be pleased to organize a Coetus, then we remain the same as we have been. Now, brethren, let us in the meantime dwell together in kindness and peace." In regard to the charge that it is our purpose to make ourselves independent of the Synod and Classis, this speaks its own shame, and contradicts itself, as it is the very basis on which we rest - subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam. It has never been in my heart, nor in that of any of my brethren, as we are all opposed to it. As there is now a vessel ready to proceed to Holland, as we cannot soon come together, I have cordially undertaken to address you the above, with the hope that you will take into consideration what decision you should make in this matter.
The Almighty bless yourselves, your families, and your ministers with all temporal and spiritual blessings forever, Reverend and beloved brethren in Christ. Yours in entire obedience, Bernardus Freeman.
Written in Midwout.
23rd of April, 1741.
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