USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 55
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undertakes to ordain here in this country, and far and wide enlarges the name " Reformed."
The Synod of the dissenters, (of which mention was before made), is encouraged anew, if any connivance or favor is shown to such ordinations, and if they are not at once declared unlawful, and condemned as such. Several have let their chil- dren study at New Haven, and elsewhere; and the cry here, is becoming very loud, that a Coetus is necessary to make ministers for our church of those who have studied here, as it is difficult to obtain them from Holland, and the expense of obtaining them (thence), would be much greater.
Highly respected Fathers and Brethren, what shall we answer to the words of your Rev. body, in reference to these points? In our judgment, you will do best to urge objections no longer to these views, and neither to urge us to acquiesce in (the proposition for) a Coetus. We continue to feel deeply convinced of your gen- erally acknowledged, and greatly to be praised, paternal and most gentle church- government. This has been exhibited in many ways and manners. And it is un- questionably, contrary to the true and essential character of the Classis of Am- sterdam that it should ever, to the least degree, wish or design, to introduce any lording over brethren here. Oh! that we could say with full hearts, that here in New York, men appeared to respond to the true intention of your remarks; and that your serious exortations, (for which we thank you), had the desired effect.
We thank you for the pastoral and paternal letter of the Consistory of Amster- dam, forwarded by you, (for which we return a small tract against Mr. White- field,) as well as for the additional faithful, and special warning of the Classis to watchfulness, against the Hernhutters. We have openly and privately sought to discharge our duty, and we hope not without a blessing. But they have not made much progress in New York. Kingston and Tappan are entirely free from them. As to Pennsylvania, domine Boehm writes to us, that he has signified to your Rev. body, that he is diligently engaged in striving for the pure faith; that with his congregations, subordinate (to the Classis), he earnestly beseeches the well proved kindness and powerful aid of your Rev. body, and he entreats us to commend him to you, against all his opponents.
Under God we remain prepared to oppose all efforts from within or without, by Herrnhutters, or any one else. We hope from what has already been and will hereafter, be manifested by us it will be seen that we seriously endeavor, and earnestly desire, to do all that may promote truth and peace. While we thank- fully acknowledge your prayers in our behalf, we supplicate the God of all grace, that he would pour out continually his blessing in double measure, upon your persons, churches, families and labors. We shall wait in dutiful obedience, (as early as may be), the assurance of your favor, and your powerful classical pro- tection, and the exercise of your ecclesiastical classical authority, for the best Interests of our churches.
We will ever remain and subscribe ourselves,
Your faithful, subordinate, and constantly well-disposed servants in Christ, Henricus Boel, Fredericus Muzelius, Georgius Wilhelmus Mancius.
New York, April 14/25, 1743.
P. S. Your Reverences will please to hand whatever is to be sent to us to Mr. Abraham Marinus van Arssen, wine-merchant on the walk over the street of Three Kings, who will forward it to us.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence in America.
Report of the Committee, consisting of the Consistories of New York and of Kings Co., L. I., on the relation existing be- tween Rev. J. H. Goetschius and the Congregations of Queens Co., L. I. April 25, 1743.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Committee - consisting of the Consistories of New York City and Kings County, L. I., on the character of the ordination to John H. Goetschius by Rev. Dorsius - to the Classis of Am- sterdam. April 25, 1743.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Extracts xxii. 1, 2. CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Consistories of Port Jervis, Minisink and Walpack to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 3, 1743.
(About the illegal ordination of Fryenmoet.)
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i. Extract xxiii. 3. High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
We, the residents of Mahackmack (Port Jervis) and Minisink, in New York, and Walpack, in New Jersey, distant about twenty Dutch miles (eighty English miles) from any Dutch Reformed minister, find ourselves in very great embar- rassment, through the Deceit and misleadings of Revs. Dorsius and Frelinghuysen. We bitterly lament our credulity in accepting their pretensions of having eccle- siastical authority to examine and ordain any one to the ministry; and, that in behalf of certain churches on Long Island, with the consent of Revs. Freeman and Antonides, such power had already been exercised in the ordination of Mr. (J. H.) Goetschius. In the same way, there was urged upon us a man by the name of Johannes Casparus Fryenmoet.
He had studied a little in Zurich, Switzerland. On coming over here, he was hired out to service to somebody. He however, gave evidence of an excellent character, and lived an edifying life. In the course of time he came in contact with Rev. Dorsius, who agreed to educate him for the ministry on condition that we should pay him for it. We did not question his right to ordain him. Mean- while, we were supplied by Rev. (G. W.) Mancius. When we came to feel that our congregations ought to have a minister of their own we were deceived in our judgements by that pretended authority; and with deplorable thoughtlessness, we neglected to ask advice from his Rev. (Mancius) who had so faithfully ministered to us. A while after, when Fryenmoet had been fulfilling the office of minister among us in all its parts, we understood that the other ministers, your High Revs. Correspondents, denied the legality of the power which Revs. Dorsius and Frelinghuysen were exercising; also, that Rev. Freeman was among the first who questioned their authority.
When those gentlemen were asked for a proof of their authority, the Rev. Dorsius, who figured as the principal actor in this affair, declined to show his
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authority. He said that it was enough that he said so; that he was not under the jurisdiction of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; that they must write to the Synod, which was the only body to which he would give account of himself. The same haughty answer he gave to the delegates of our Consistory. He declared that it was sufficient that his Rev. had signed the Certificate of Ordination; that, if any one wanted proof of his authority, he must either be good enough to come down to see him, or make complaint against him before the Synod. How- ever urgently they begged of him to show them his authority, that the distressed churches might be relieved of their anxieties, inasmuch as they were in great distress about the validity of the administration of the Sacraments ;- for they were devoted to the observance of our Reformed Church-Order, conformable, as it is to the Word of God - was all in vain. We were refused.
He gave us a letter, however, to the Consistories of the four churches, in which, among other things, this expression occurs: that it was a shameful lie, and slander, to say that he, namely, Mr. Fryenmoet, was not legally ordained. This made us more than ever suspicious that his authority was a pretence, an arrogated authority. We, therefore, resorted to the Rev. Ministers of Kingston with our complaints, and we requested them to show us a way out of our diffi- culty. They declared that the action of Revs. Dorsius and Frelinghuysen had no legal force. Rev. Mancius added, that, in a letter which he had received in the year 1740, the Rev. Classis informed him that they had allowed those gentlemen, who were in favor of a Coetus, to hold such an association, on the express con- dition that, in accordance with the Acts of the Synod of Dort, they were not to hold any Preparatory or Final Examinations. In the spring of the year 1742, we also received the same admonition. Subsequently, in the fall of the same year, we were informed of your High Revs. Classical Correspondence with Rev. Arondeus concerning Dorsius as not being at all authorized to ordain, etc.
Immediately, our churches and Rev. Mr. Fryenmoet, with united voice, made complaint of the irresponsible and deceitful action of Revs. Dorsius and Freling- huysen. They readily agreed that Mr. Fryenmoet should cease administering the Sacraments; for he, as well as ourselves, were no otherwise minded than to have all things done in perfect accord with the Reformed National Church-Order of Dordrecht. We also all protested before God and the world against such practices as those of Revs. Dorsius and Frelinghuysen. How miserably, how undeser- vedly, have we, and our innocent and needy churches, been deceived! We thought that the Seals of the Covenant were administered to us in the Reformed, that is, in a pure way, and in conformity to the Word of God! And then -to find that it was altogether unlawful!
Accordingly, in reference to this matter, we do not know whether we can con- scientiously, or whether we ought to ask your High Revs. approval of such administration of the Seals of the Covenant, wholly illegal in itself, since it is at variance with the Church-Order; and especially because others over here, who would like to examine and ordain men for the ministry, would thereby be em- boldened. In his Preface to Rev. Goetschius' recently printed sermon, the Rev. Frelinghuysen acknowledges these facts, in this manner :- " May the Lord con- tinue to bless and shine upon his (Dorsius's) ministrations, as well as upon his instructions in the languages and in theology of godly and gifted men; that as young Nazarenes, they may be prepared for the ministry."
We do not, High Rev. Classis, insist upon this point - your ratification of Rev. Fryenmoet's administration of the Covenant-seals, inasmuch as we have now, with his full consent, asked for a lawful minister to visit us from time to time to administer these Covenant-seals, until we can have a lawful pastor. Mr. Fryenmoet will, meanwhile continue his teachings and catechizings; and his edifying life among us will be to the great benefit of our people. They, together with ourselves, feel greatly distressed at the thought, that, in our inexperienced innocence, we were deceived by those who ought to have been the last so to have acted.
We unite with Mr. Fryenmoet in avowing that it would be very desirable, if time permitted, and expenses could be defrayed, for him to study for some time yet in Holland, and, after full examination and approval by your High Revs., to be ordained as our minister. But we are unable to bear such an expense. He is already married, and we need his ministrations among us. So far as we ourselves
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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can judge, or can learn from others, he is orthodox in regard to the Reformed Doctrine, over against all opponents, as well as against the Herrnhutters.
Inasmuch as his going over to Holland is not practicable, we have advised him to draw up, from his own mind, a Confession of his Faith; and to send it over to your Revs., as is hereby done. We humbly pray that we may all of us, unitedly, enjoy the honor of subordination to your High Revs., and so have in our church relationship your Revs. paternal counsel and help.
And now we ask to be informed what your determination is as to the necessity of his going over to you - though we see no way of meeting the expense; or what we are to do here in case your High Revs. should please to honor him with a legal ordination. We leave all this to your sanctified wisdom, and to your fatherly care for God's Church in these distant regions. We pledge ourselves to shape our course according to your Classical decision, according to Church-Order. For the future, when distressed, we desire to cast ourselves upon you, and to be cherished by your tender affection. We assure you that, with the help of God, we shall scrupulously submit ourselves to the Church-Order. We will admit no one to the Consistory, unless he bind himself by subscription to be subordinate to your High Revs. We also solemnly declare our purpose to conduct ourselves as your obedient Children in the Lord. The Lord abundantly reward the love and help which you have showed us! May he make you the " Blessed Ones of the Lord "- men who are desired, for maintaining the honor of his Name, and the good of his church, even over here, and thus plainly showing your praiseworthy care for the Church everywhere.
In expectation of a favorable answer to this our humble request, do we, the members of Consistories, affix hereto our own signatures. Elders. Deacons. William Kool Hendrick Kortrecht Jan Van Vliet Abram Van Kampen Johannes his X mark Westbroek Gerrit Brinck.
Minisink, May 3rd, 1743.
I, the undersigned, invited to be present as correspondent, testify that these signatures were made in my presence.
Georgius Wilhelmus Mancius, V. D. M. at Kingston.
Minisink, May 3rd, 1743.
Inasmuch as I was invited as correspondent, I add my signature hereto, on this 6th of May, 1743, in Kingston.
Petrus Vas, V. D. M. at Kingston.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The five united Consistories in Kings County, Long Island, to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 12, 1743.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Abstract in Vol. xxiii, 26, 27. To the Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam:
Reverend Gentlemen and Fathers in Christ :- We, the undersigned, the Con- sistories of the Five United Congregations in Kings County, on Long Island (or Nassau Island), in the Colony of New York: to wit Vlakbos, Bruikelen, Boswyck, New Amesfoort and New Utrecht: being elders and deputies of our congregations above named, and assembled in the name and the fear of the Lord, take again the liberty, to request your Reverences for another preacher for our congregations, as the forecast of matters makes it absolutely necessary. Our only minister, Domine Antonides has reached a great age, having entered on the seventy-seventh year of his life. He has been a minister for fifty years the last of this month. It is now the thirty-eighth year of his service in our congregations. These he still serves, although he is weak and suffers from a painful trouble. He therefore can officiate only once on each Lord's Day.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
We now rely upon your former love and care for these congregations. These are the reasons for our taking this liberty of again troubling you. We found a new proof of your old love and care for us in our call and your sending over the Rev. Johannes Arondeus. You wrote, that you gladly selected him, ordained him and sent him over; and we as gladly received him. This was done, not with a suddenly developed and as quickly disappearing gladness among the people, as if they only said: We have now got our new Domine; but with a true Christian joy, which continues and constantly increases, because of his great zeal and soul- stirring sermons. We can and must give this testimony to his Reverence, that he altogether verifies the certificates of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. He edifies by his teachings and by his life. He is zealous and painstaking in his service, in preaching, in catechizing and in everything, pertaining to the duties of a faithful servant of Christ. Therefore we, the undersigned elders and deputies of our congregations, and in their name and by their order, humbly request your Rever- ences to select again for our congregations a minister, such as we need, and who will prove serviceable, and qualify him according to the rules of the church, and send him over to us to do service for us as our lawful pastor.
We do not wish, to prescribe any conditions to you, yet we take the liberty to point out for your consideration, that we do not wish any one to be ordained for our congregations, upon any mere recommendations to your Reverences, who has been educated and who has studied here (in America).
Excepting that, we leave everything else to your former care and love for our churches; and we request, that as speedily as possible, yea, without any delay, we may be again provided with a pastor, lest our congregations should become again like sheep without a shepherd, by the possible removal of both our ministers, ether by death or otherwise.
Again, therefore, do we humbly and respectfully request your Reverences to select a minister for us by the same authority, by which the Rev. Arondeus was called. The minister is called under the same conditions, as Domine Arondeus was, except that the congregation of Gravezand (Gravesend) which was one of the united congregations before, has now separated from us, and has not joined with us in this call.
The minister now to be called must, according to our Christian custom and the rules of our church, preach twice on every Lord's Day. He must also preach once on Days of Prayer, and Thanksgiving day; on the usual holidays, Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. A sermon is also required for the second New Year's day, and on Ascension day. If it should be his turn to preach to one of the congrega- tions in a place where he does not live, he will be taken thither and returned home, and, in the meantime, will also be provided with a convenient place in which to stay until his service is completed. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper is to be cele- brated by him, four times a year, in two congregations. It is to be administered by each of our ministers, according to his turn, in the respective churches. He then also takes entire charge of all that is necessary on those occasions, as special instruction, reception of members on confession, pastoral visitations, invitation of members to the Lord's table, preparatory services, sermons, etc.
The salary is to be one hundred and seven pounds, New York money, and the term of payment shall begin from the time, that he goes aboard ship to come over to us for our help. It will be paid promptly every half year. A convenient dwell- ing house for him will be provided in Vlakbosh (Flatbush) where both the ministers live. Attached to the house is an orchard, and pasture for a cow and a horse. He will be provided with fuel, brought to his house. The congregations have raised forty pounds, ($100.) for the expenses of the meeting of Classis, and for his passage over, that he may have refreshment of meat and drink. If this should not be sufficient, the balance shall be paid to the shipper according to his account upon arrival.
We, the committee of our congregations, sign this call as our own act, to fulfil! everything therein mentioned and expressed; and our successors, who shall be elected in our places, are to do the same from time to time.
Done the 12th of May 1743.
(Signed.) Dominicus J. D. Veer, Jan Verkerk, Philippus Nagel, Jeremias Rem- sen, Isaac Sebring, Pieter Staats, Rem Remsen, Frans Tyfue, Folkert Fol- kertsen, Stephen Schenk, Johannes Lott, Hermanus Hoogland, Albert Creepen, Willem van Nuis, Rutgert van Brunt.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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We undersigned pastors, wishing to give more credence to this instrument, cer- tify, that we have seen the elders and deputies sign it with their own hands and that, what is written is true. (Signed). V. Antonides Joh. Arondeus
The above, by order of the Classis of Amsterdam, has been exactly copied by the Deputies for foreign affairs. Done at Amsterdam, March 17, 1751.
Johan Temminck Depp. Cl. h. t. pres. Johannes van der Vorms, scriba.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
The Consistory of Flatbush, L. I. to the Classis of Am- sterdam, May 16, 1743.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Extracts xxiii. 25. To the High Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
High Rev. Sirs and Fathers in Christ: After our call, addressed to your Revs., had been completed and signed, and was already to be despatched, there came to us a certain pleasant rumor concerning a Mr. Hendrik van de Casteele. He is pursuing his studies at the University at Lingen, and is said to be a man of good gifts, with an agreeable voice; and that he is in his conduct and intercourse very peaceable, and uncommonly capable of seeking and making peace where there have been disputes. Such a person would be of special service, and very useful in our churches in our present situation, if he could be induced to come over to us, as most of our churches wish. Hence we have been asked, by way of postscript, to make mention of this matter. We wish that you, who are acquainted with his good qualities, would in the most affectionate and earnest manner, seek to per- suade him to accept from you a call and ordination for service in our churches, and so to come over here. But, if nothing should come of this, we leave the matter of a call entirely to your fatherly care, hoping that you will excuse us for this.
We once more thank your High Revs. for your former fatherly care and love, and which we have again experienced. The Lord bless your persons and services, and give success to the Christian efforts of your highly respected Assembly.
We, the undersigned Elders, ecclesiastically assembled, do ourselves the honor of calling ourselves,
Your High Revs' humble and obedient servants and brethren in Christ. Flatbush, May 16, 1743.
Dominicus Vanderveer, Jan Verkerk, Philippus Nagel, Jeremyas Remsen, Isaac Sebring, Rem Remsen, Peter Staats, Johannes Lott, Stephen Schenck, Hermanus Hoogland, Folkert Folkertsen, Fraus by Bus (?), Albert Coerten, Willem Van Nuys, Rutgert Van Brunt.
N. B. The High Rev. Classis is also most kindly requested not to choose on our call, a certain person who went from us to Holland, as a minister, having left his church and gone away for some reason or other.
(This may possibly refer to Dorsius.)
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, May 18, 1743.
Consistory held. In reference to the letter of Consistory to Mr. Schelluine, which had already been approved, it was pro- posed to add a Postscript, which was likewise approved. It was
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then ordered that it should be signed by the President in the name of the Consistory, and despatched; also, that it should be re- corded at length in the Church-Book. It is as follows:
Addressed: To the Rev. and Learned Mr. Theodorus Van Schel- luyen, Faithful servant of the Holy Gospel, at Amsterdam.
Very Rev. and Esteemed Sir: Your very cordial missive of the 18th of August last, (1742), we received in due time. When it was read in our meeting and we understood its purport, we all de- clared to each other our particular pleasure therein. We felt assured that you and the other gentlemen had accepted our friendly and earnest request to call a suitable minister for our congregation.
We learned with pleasure that the Classis acquiesced in our course in sending full power to these gentlemen for a Call, as regular and becoming, and adding their hope as to the desired issue. In reply to your esteemed letter, we consider it a bounden duty to declare to you our joy over the ready inclination of your- self and the other gentlemen, namely, Mr. Du Bois, who spoke with you at Leyden, and Messrs. de Wolff and Clarkson, to em- ploy all your zeal, that a suitable, orthodox and pious minister might be procured. Of this we feel the more assured because of your peculiar affection for the welfare of God's Church in this land, on account of the mortal remains of your grandfather* which rest in this province, and of the account which your father, who once visited us, has given you of the condition of God's family here.
Yea, indeed, we feel ourselves obliged in this, our feeble answer, to testify to you our gratitude for the actual proofs al- ready manifested of your zeal for the attainment of an end, so very necessary to our congregation. Our people do not cease
* Dirk Van Schelluyne arrived in New Amsterdam as a Notary Public in 1650. He was forbidden to exercise his functions by Stuyvesant in 1651, because he had authenticated a certain protest, but was appointed high constable of New Nether- land in 1655. In 1664 he was Secretary of Rensselaerwyck, and was delegated to a general Council to meet at New Amsterdam to consider the threatened dangers to the province in the spring of 1664.
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to follow your efforts with their prayers to God that the object may be accomplished.
We ought certainly to recognize it as a special favor of the Most High, if we shall be made so happy as to receive, by the first opportunity, the grateful tidings that you have called a minister for us. It is true that we are still enjoying the constant preaching of the Word by our present ministers. But domine Du Bois is quite aged, (born 1671), and we greatly desire to se- cure another one before his death. Wherefore, if you have not yet found any one for us, we ask your pardon if we earnestly urge you anew not to relax your efforts until the desired end is attained. We shall always feel ourselves most greatly indebted to you.
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