USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 57
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- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 193, 194.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1743
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR GEORGE CLIN- TON, SEPT. 22, 1743-1753 - RESIGNED.
TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Address to Gov. Clinton, Sept. 30, 1743.
This Board having agreed to address his Excellency the Governor, an address was prepared, and read in the words following, viz.
To his Excellency George Clinton, Esq., Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of the Province of New York, and Territories thereon depending in America, and the Vice-Admiral of the same, etc.
May it please your Excellency :
We, the Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestry of Trinity Church, from a just sense of the manifold blessings which we enjoy under his Majesty's government, esteem it our duty to take this first opportunity of acknowledging his paternal care, in sending a gentleman to represent him here in these his distant dominions, whose noble descent and personall merits have justly preferred him to his Royall esteem, and whose dictates and natural inclinations to make the people whom he governs easy and happy, do so nearly resemble those virtues of his Royall Master, the best of Kings.
We also beg leave to congratulate your Excellency's safe and happy arrival, with that of your lady and family, in this Your Government of New York, where we assure your Excellency, we, in our respective stations, will evidence our affection and duty to his Majesty, by a dutiful submission to Your Excellency, whom he hath appointed to rule over us.
And as it is with pleasure and gratitude we reflect on the many Royal favours vouchsafed our Infant Church from its first foundation, so it is with equall pleasure that we promise ourselves protection and countenance in the secure enjoyment of all our Religious Rights and privileges under your Excellency's wise and just administration.
May Almighty God direct and prosper your government, for the advancement of his glory, and the welfare of the province; and may your Excellency, your lady and family, be blest with health and happiness in this world, and finally inherit eternal life, are the sincere prayers of your Excellency's most obedient servants.
Which address was approved of, and signed by the members present, and or- dered that Col. Moore and Mr. Nicholls wait on his Excellency, to know when and where he will be attended with the said address; who accordingly waited on his Excellency, and reported to this Board that his Excellency would be ready to receive this Board at the house of Mr. Williams, at eleven o'clock on Tuesday Morning next.
On the thirtieth day of September, 1743, the Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestry of Trinity Church, pursuant to the above order, waited on his Excellency Governor Clinton, with their address, to which his Excellency was pleased to make the following answer, viz.
Gentlemen:
I return my thanks for your kind address upon my safe arrivall, with my fam- ily, to my Government; and as nothing can recommend me more to my Royall Master than a firm resolution to make the people under my Government easy and happy, so your Church in particular may be assured of my countenance and protection, in the secure enjoyment of all your religious rights and priviledges.
G. Clinton.
30th Sept., 1743.
- Berrian's History of Trinity Church, New York. pp. 58. 59
46
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Address to Governor Clinton, Oct. 3, 1743. Original in English.
To his Excellency, George Clinton, Esq., Capt. General and Governor-in-chief of the Province of New York and the Terri- tories thereon depending, in America, and Vice Admiral of the same, etc.
The Humble Address of the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New York.
May it please your Excellency :-
We, his Majesty's loyal and most dutiful subjects, the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New York, sincerely rejoicing that the Divine Providence has preserved your Excellency, your Lady and your family from the dangers of the seas, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your safe and happy arrival in this your government.
We assure your Excellency that it shall be our constant prayer to God, that He will be pleased to bless you and your family with all manner of felicity and pros- perity in your government, and make you a noble instrument to continue us a happy people.
And as we have always borne true faith and allegiance, we also beg leave, in the name of our congregation to assure your Excellency of our loyalty, fidelity and obedience to his most sacred Majesty, George the Second, our most gracious Sovereign, and his most illustrious House; and that we will always, zealously and affectionately, use our utmost endeavors to demean ourselves in our respective stations, to your Excellency, so as to merit your Excellency's favorable protection in our civil and religious rights and ancient liberties.
We are, may it please your Excellency,
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servants. Oct. 3, 1743.
The Governor arrived on the 22nd of September, on a Thurs- day.
His Excellency's Answer to the Foregoing Address.
Gentlemen :-
I thank you for your loyalty set forth in your Address, for his sacred Majesty, King George the Second, and for your joy upon my safe arrival. As the felicity of the people under my government shall be my daily care, so the reformed Protestant Dutch Church may be well-assured of iny continuance and protection, In the safe enjoyment of their civil and religious rights and liberties.
G. Clinton.
Oct. 7, 1743.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
'ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from New Netherland.
1743, Oct. 7th. Art. 6. The Rev. Deputies also report that in three letters from New Netherland, extended complaints are made to this Assembly about a certain Rev. J. H. Goetzius, both in regard to his (illegal) qualification, as well as his conduct, in exercising his ministerial office. The Messrs. Deputies read the draft of a letter with which to serve the church there with their advice. The Rev. Assembly thanked the Deputies for the trouble taken, and approved the letter. The clerk was also directed to write to Mr. N. Rieger . who is studying at Leyden, (asking him) if he will be pleased to give a further account to this As- sembly about the church there, as it was learned that he had offered to do so. Quod factum. xii. 55.
CERTIFICATE OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP OF PETER DE WINDT, OCTOBER 20, 1743. Certificate by Rev. G. du Bois. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Peter de Wind is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church in this city of New York. When not hindered by circumstances, he regularly enjoys the Holy Supper of the Lord. The last time he thus received the seals of the Lord's Covenant under my administration, was on August 28, last, in the old Church, (Garden St.) This I, the undersigned, attest at New York, this day, October 20, 1743.
G. du Bois. Meanwhile, excuse the writing and the paper. (Probably a forgery.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. [Fall of 1743.]
Extracts from a letter of the Five United Consistories of Kings County, Long Island, in New Netherland, May 12, 1743.
N.B .- This is the Call whereof mention is made in No. 2, pag. praeced. in Initio.
The Five United Churches in Kings County Long Island, in New York, namely, Flatbush, Breukelen, Bushwick, New Amers- foort, and New Utrecht:
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1. They praise exceedingly Rev. Arondeus, sent to them, and thank the Classis for the fatherly care manifested therein.
2. They request that Classis will send them one more minister, in the place of their old pastor, Rev. Antonides, who now at the age of seventy-seven years, and after a ministry of fifty years, of which thirty three (thirty eight ?) have been spent in that church, begins to be feeble; and who on account of a painful ailment, performs service but once on the Lord's Day.
3. They indeed leave the choice entirely to the Classis; never- theless, with the request, that no one may be called upon mere recommendation, although he has been educated in that country; or who has educated himself. [?]
4. Further: it is their earnest request that they may, at the earliest date, be provided with a new minister, on the same terms as Rev. Arondeus, only with this difference: that the sixth con- gregation, viz., that of Gravesend, has now severed its connection, and has not consented to this Call.
5. The terms of the Call are the following:
(1) The minister called shall preach twice each Lord's Day; also on Prayer and Thanksgiving Days; but on the second day of the Yearly Festivals he shall preach but once; as also on New Year's Day and Ascension Day.
(2) If the minister has to preach for a congregation where he does not live, he must be brought and taken back.
(3) The Holy Supper is administered four times per annum in the two congregations. This is done, in turn by each of the two ministers, in his district. Therein he must also take charge of the catechising, the reception of members, pastoral visitation, and the preparatory services.
(4) The salary shall be one hundred and seven pounds, New York money, (two hundred and sixty seven dollars and fifty cents) calculated from the time that he takes ship; to be promptly paid every half year; together with a free dwelling in Flatbush, with orchard, pasturages for two cattle, and free fire wood.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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(5) For Classical expenses, the congregation furnishes forty pounds; and if anything remains short in the expense for the minister's transportation, such shall be paid to the skipper, as per accompanying bill.
This letter is signed by the fifteen elders, as in the former letter, p. 25; and confirmed with attestation to its truth, by the two ministers in loco, the Revs. Antonides and Arondeus. xiii. 26, 27.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
To Rev. Messrs. Boel, Muzelius and Mancius, in the Province of New York, Oct. 29, 1743.
We return you thanks for the declaration of love and esteem to our Classis which we found in your letter of April 25, 1743. You may rest assured that we also entertain great esteem and affection for you, and it affords us joy when we find occasion to exhibit the proof thereof.
With such feelings do we reply to your letter aforesaid; and because of such feelings we have not the heart, at present, to pronounce judgement upon the matters which are mentioned in your letter, and which reflect upon one or other of your breth- ren. What we have suggested to your fellow laborers in office, we now request of you also. Unite heart and hand, and stand firm, and yield not to those spirits who occasion troubles in the churches of our Savior. Let charity cover that which was not done with sufficient prudence. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself. Thus unitedly, in your respective stations, you will be terrible as an army with banners.
We may here add that Mr. Du Bois and others have with jus- tice, been much displeased at the conduct of Mr. Goetschius. We have expressed our opinion to them on the subject. It is briefly this: We declare that we consider the ordination and in-
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stallation of Mr. Goetschius to have been wholly illegal; that if he is to become a lawful minister, these acts must be again rati- fied, and in a better manner; that we cannot give a final decision of this matter because it has been taken before the Synod and put on record (by them), so that we must now await the decision of the Christian Synod in the matter; but we exhort Mr. Goet- schius to exhibit a Christian and submissive deportment.
In regard to a Coetus, be good enough to let yourselves be convinced by others, as to what may conduce to edification, and improvement. When you have finally decided on the Articles, and consider that some explanation may be necessary, let us know, and we will deliberate upon them, and ever show that we are what we subscribe ourselves.
In the name of the Classis, we wish you the Lord's most precious blessing.
(Signed as previous letters, by the Deputies, but names not copied in the Recording Book.)
Amsterdam, Oct. 29, 1743.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Messrs. G. Du Bois, N. Anto- nides, John Arondeus, ministers; and to Christian Barker, Abraham Van Wyck, and others, Elders at New York and on Long Island. [The Committee on the Goetschius case. ] Vol. 30. No. 1. Oct. 29, 1743.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren :- From your communication of April 25, 1743, and accompanying documents to explain and verify the matters alluded to therein, we learn that your Reverences are determined to maintain correspondence with us, and also to acknowledge lawful subordination to Rev. Classis of Amsterdam of the congregations in your provinces. This subordination has already existed from early times. When the provinces, wherein your congregations are situate, be- longed to the Honorable West India Company, this relationship came into exist- ence as a matter of course; and it remained unaltered after they passed under the power of England. Even governors appointed by the English nation over your provinces have recognized your subordination to us, and have consulted our Classis on several matters. Therefore, in cases respecting church government and Church Order, and which could not be settled among yourselves, you are very right in re- ferring to the Rev. Classis. And while this is agreeable to us, it pains us that
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2827 1743
considerable confusion and even strife have arisen in certain congregations which occupy certain relations to your own. Oh that it may be given to us to counsel wisely for the removal of evils, and toward the preservation of peace, unity and love! We will express our opinions with freedom and modesty.
Taking it for granted that all that is said in your letter of Mr. Goetschius, and in that of the churches of Queens County is true, and which we have no cause to doubt, we say, in the first place, that we can, in no wise, commend the conduct of Mr. Goetschius, as exhibited on various occasions both to yourselves, and to parties in his congregations in Queens County, both in and out of the pulpit. He would have done much better, if he had conducted himself according to the Re- deemer's teaching, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart;" and that of the Apostle Paul, " The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets." He should have remembered that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." May these thoughts come vividly before his eyes, and rest upon his heart. May he mourn over his turbulent spirit, and become anxious that his modesty may appear unto all. We admonish his Rev- erence to such perfect brotherly conduct. May the Lord work within him a walk which is acceptable, edifying, and soul-winning.
Secondly, we remark concerning the dispute between his Reverence, and the churches of Queens County and yourselves, that we are sure that his ordination was not altogether regular. If therefore he desires to perform pastoral functions rightly and conscientiously, he must consent to have his ordination and installa- tion confirmed, in the name of our Classis, in the best manner possible. A certain Mr. Dorsius has received no powers for such duties from any one, and therefore what he has done in this matter is of no validity. This power is entrusted to our Classis, and should from us have been derived.
However, we must say that this particular case cannot be at once dismissed upon the mere advice of our Classis. This ordination of Mr. Goetschius by Mr. Dorsius, has been reported to the Synod of North Holland, held this year, (July, 1743,) at Hoorn. Mr. Dorsius was present at that Synod, and he was conferred with on that subject. We will, therefore, have to await the decision which that Christian Synod will doubtless pronounce upon it next year. We cannot, indeed, anticipate exactly what that conclusion will be; but we may suppose, (if said Synod pronounces final judgment,) that they will decide that Mr. Goetschius was illegally appointed and ordained; and that if he be still acceptable to those churches, he must be ordained anew, either by yourselves, in the name of the Classis, or in this country. There is a precedent of one Agniar in the East Indies. He had been ordained there, but could not at all obtain the approval of the Synod to the same. He was therefore summoned hither, to remedy that which had been done irregularly in India.
Mr. Dorsius was censured by the Rev. President. The reasons given for his conduct were considered quite unfounded. We may, therefore, easily infer what would have been the result if the matter had been put to vote. It was for such reasons that some, fearing that the decision of Synod would remove Mr. Goetschius, desired that no vote should be taken upon this matter. It strikes us that it is best, apparently, that Mr. Goetschius should continue to be pastor among the churches of Queens County, after securing a regular ordination; but only on these conditions, that he submit himself to all that you have proposed to him, and manifest also a properly meek and Christian disposition. It can in no wise be considered disgraceful, or that he is derelict in duty, if he refrain from adminis- tering Baptism and the Lord's Supper until he receive legal ordination; for this is only a proper submission to our Church Order. We hold it for certain that when Mr. Goetschius shows, in all respects, proper obedience, he will secure the affection of the churches; and then when the churches have developed a cordial attachment toward him, and are enabled to exhibit the same, his ordination can, no doubt, bo secured, and confirmed in a regular way. But should Mr. Goetschius obstinately follow his own inclinations, his removal will certainly be attempted. While this, to his mind, would be a great injury done to him; it would never- theless, redound to the best interest of the Church at large. Such would surely be the result of a lack of proper submission to our excellent Church Order on the
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part of Mr. Goetschius. The welfare of the whole Church is of more importance to us, than that of any single individual, and him a disobedient one.
Here we might conclude, were it not that we must yet make of you one earnest request, which is for the best interests of the churches entrusted to you. We understand that between you, whom we address and Messrs Boel, Muzelius and Mancius, there is not that proper harmony, which we most heartily wish might exist. Certain circumstances relating to Dorsius, Goetschius and one Mr. White- field seem to have been the occasion. Herewith it is made known that the plan of the Coetus agreed to, still stands according to the original agreement; but it is thought that the accepted Articles, as proposed need occasionally further explana- tion. We do not attempt to decide. We would rather request that just so far as possible, you will ever watch with the greatest care and prudence, against giv- ing the least offence to your esteemed brethren. While this should ever be our aim, yet must we be especially careful, when there are those, whether within or without the church, who try to promote disturbances.
We bessech you, dear Brethren, unite your hearts and hands, that you may create a wholesome fear, and be enabled the better to stand against those spirits who labor for the seduction and scattering of the churches. Whenever you hold a Coetus, invite all those who properly belong to it, with true brotherly kindness and all cordiality. Ponder with all charity everything which may be done for the promotion of love, peace and unity. If you find that the Articles of the Coetus occasionally require some further elucidation, inform us of the matter. We will carefully consider it, and you will see that we have nothing else in view, than the truest welfare of your churches and yourselves, as well as the preservation of the best Church Order.
We add, that we have received from the elders and the authorized Committee of the Five United Churches of Kings County, a written request to call a pastor for those churches, in their name, and to qualify him for service. We will do our best to secure the proper man. We have also received at the hand of Mr. Hodshon the sum of two hundred and eighty five florins, to cover expenses. As soon as we have secured some one, we will lay out that money to the best advantage. Be kind enough to let the said gentleman know this, as well as the other matter, in our name. We wish him the blessing of the Lord. May the same be poured out on your holy services, upon all who are yours, by the All-sufficient One, to your everlasting salvation. We subscribe ourselves, in the Name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren,
Your Reverences Brethren to command, Caspar Goris, Ecc. Amstelodamis,
Deput. k. t. Praeses.
Wm. Schipbout, Ecc. Amstelod.
Deput. k. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Oct. 29, 1743.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
A new School.
New York, Nov. 21, 1743.
Consistory held. The Deacons stated that for the encourage- ment of another Dutch School, they had this month proposed to Mr. Abraham de Lanoy, to give the Deacons, in writing, the names of ten children of poor parents in our congregation, who live too far, especially in winter, to come to the school of Mr. Huy-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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bert Van Wagenen, that after examining the cases, they may be approved. Mr. de Lanoy, for instructing the children according to Consistory's order, shall receive quarterly as much money and firewood as Mr. Van Wagenen does for the same number. Mr. de Lanoy is to catechise the children in the New Church, and Mr. Van Wagenen in the Old Church.
The Deacons took the first opportunity to make this known to the (Consistory) meeting, expecting that it would be approved as good and necessary to the church. Consent was given to Mes- srs. de Lanoy and Van Wagenen as above written.
The Consistory thereon declared that they appreciated the ex- cellent aim of the Deacons, and approved the plan. They de- sired the Deacons to take the matter to heart, and act further therein with the Consistory.
Witness, in name of all, etc.
Henricus Boel, p. t. President.
CHARGE AGAINST REV. J. H. GOETSCHIUS. DECEMBER 2, 1743.
Antje Onderdonk, wife of Isaac Onderdonk, during the troubles about domine Goetschius's ordination, was induced to make charges against him, in an affidavit, which she signed by her mark. These charges were at the time two years old, and in the meantime she and her husband had attended his services and had had a child or children baptized. She also made counter statements, denying that she had ever made such charges. Being unable to read, it is doubtful whether she correctly understood the affidavit which she made, or whether it was fully or honestly read to her. The enemies of domine Goetschius were very bitter and resorted to all sorts of measures to ruin him. (See domine Ritzema's letter in the spring of 1745, but without date.) The affidavit also contains expressions which it is incredible domine Goetschius should have used. Yet it is possible that he may have acted somewhat imprudently. The affidavit purports to have been taken before a justice, Abraham Polhemus, who was himself very hostile to domine Goetschius. The Classis did not consider it legal evidence.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Dec. 15, 1743.
Consistory Held.
1. The letters prepared by domine Du Bois were approved and ordered to be despatched. Also copies were to be recorded in the Church-Book.
2. Wessel Wessels promised to pay to the Consistory, before the first of February next, two hundred pounds. He requested
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that this should be accepted in discharge of his debt. After consideration, the Consistory unanimously Resolved thus to ac- cept it, if he paid the sum at that time, and that this should be so recorded.
The Letters.
Addressed: To the Reverend and Highly-Esteemed Friends, Th. Van Scherluinen, P. C. Du Bois, P. de Wolff and L. Clarkson.
Reverend Sirs and Highly-Esteemed Brethren :-
As we were bound to send you ours of the 10th of May last, in answer to your esteemed favor of the 18th of August, of last year, (1742), by which we are wholly governed, and in the Postscript of the same, testified our joy in learning that Mr. Carp had been called as our minister, and was ready to come hither by the first opportunity ; so it is our sorrow to learn, in the sequel; from dif- ferent letters, that his journey was hindered by the refusal of his parents to give their consent.
The expectation of the desired benefit to our congregation, arising from the impressions received of his qualifications, induces us to urge our wish, that he would seek for reasons by which to obtain the consent of his parents, according to his promise to Mr. de Wolff. But if this is impossible, we will not doubt but that you will continue your zealous efforts to accomplish our ob- ject. For although both our ministers still maintain their service, and so far, we have no lack; nevertheless our congregations greatly long to attain their object for their own security, for which reason we hereby earnestly urge it upon you.
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