USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 58
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To this end, since Mr. Banker has communicated to our assem- bly the letter of Mr. de Wolff respecting permission to pay some- thing more, in defraying the necessary costs of calling a minister, than was fixed by us, etc .; this is especially to inform you that we leave the matter entirely in your hands, and give you full liberty not to spare any money which may be necessary to secure the object. We are ready to defray, in due time, all the expenses
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you may incur, without fixing any limit. Meanwhile, we deem this intimation of yours a proof of your readiness to persevere in what we have asked of you. You may also be assured, that even without this intimation, we should have been satisfied with whatever you had disbursed for us, and would have paid the same without remark.
This then being for the present the substance of what we had to say in reply to the communication through Mr. Banker, we remain, with all affection and esteem, while heartily invoking all temporal and spiritual blessings from God in Christ.
Your humble servants,
In the name, etc. G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
Signed on Oct. 7, but first read and ordered to be forwarded, on the 15th of December, 1743.
Lib. B. 173.
Letter to Domine Van Scherluynen, Dec. 15, 1743.
Rev. Sir and Highly Esteemed Father in our Lord Jesus Christ :-
Your esteemed missive of Sept. 7th, received by domine Du Bois on the 10th of December, and read by him to the Consistory the day after, being Sunday, after service, we find filled with shining proofs of your persistent zeal and special kindness for the welfare of our congregation.
Although it was sad to us that our aim was not attained, nev- ertheless, in due reply to your forcible letters, which afford such a testimony of your affection for us and your ever watchful care to fulfill our aim, we feel bound to make heartfelt acknowledg- ments for your constant diligence and manifest care in so weighty a matter.
We must here express our undoubted confidence that, with the aid of the Most High, you will not cease your efforts, until we, through God's goodness and your care, reach our object, however numerous may be the difficulties encompassing it. Our hope is
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in the Lord, in his Fatherly pity, that He, the Chief Shepherd, will not leave the sheep of His pasture without a shepherd, in this far distant province. We, therefore, join our prayers with yours, that His Divine Majesty will gladden us with the arrival of the longed-for minister, that he may build us up in doctrine and life, on our most holy faith; and that we may enjoy his faithful service for many years, so that holding the truth, in love, we may serve the Lord with one mind, in the fear, etc.
Since one difficulty, which might affect a person otherwise disposed to accept our call, is, that if the vessel suffered ship- wreck, his loss would not be made good, we hereby request that the sum (value of his goods?) be insured at our cost, and that the merchants pay the requisite money. We promise to return the same with thanks.
May God be merciful to us, and grant us the desired success. Our highest aim in all this is the spreading of his glory by the propagation of his gracious kingdom in this province. For we declare before the Most High that nothing is dearer to us than the upholding of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and whatever serves to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, both among ourselves and as far as possible among our neighboring congregations.
And as we constantly supplicate the Lord for his Spirit to this end, so also our prayer is, that God would pour out his heav- enly blessing upon you, your precious work and your esteemed families. Thus we bring this letter to an end. With assurances of all due respect and high esteem, for yourself, Rev. Sir, and with joy over your undeserved affection for us and our Reformed Church, we subscribe ourselves,
Your humble and obedient Servants,
In name, etc.,
G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
New York, Dec. 15, 1743.
. Lib. B. 175-7.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York Jan. 16, 1743-4. (1744.)
Consistory held, after calling on God's name. Mr. O. Banker informed the meeting that he had received a letter from Mr. Th. Van Schelluinen, dated Oct. 5, 1743, in which he wrote that there was some hope of a " suitable, learned, etc., minister for New York, which he expected, would soon be realized. He, therefore, deemed it his duty, if the person should decide to accept, to ascertain how his journey could be arranged for to the best advantage."
Mr. Banker having retired, it was unanimously Resolved, That an answer should be written by the President, subject to the approval of domine Boel and elder C. Van Horne. The letter, prepared and approved, and of which two copies were dispatched immediately, runs thus:
To our Esteemed Friends, Th. van Scherluynen and P. C. Du Bois; and P. de Wolff and L. Clarkson:
It was very agreeable to us to learn from Mr. Scherluynen's letter to Mr. Banker, dated Oct. 5, 1743, that there was a hope of a suitable, learned, etc. minister for our congregation, which you expected soon to see realized, and therefore, desired to have advice from us, how the minister, in case he resolved to accept the call, could best arrange his journey.
This is our reply. As in ours of the 17th of December last, we requested, in case of the coming of a minister for us, that the Merchants should insure his goods, and this is now repeated by us; so now, we also request, in case this gentleman or any other accepts our call, that you will send him to us in the quickest and safest way, whether direct from Holland, or by the way of England or Boston. Do not regard so much the expense as the convenience and safety of himself and family. The expenses we will repay, without any limitation. We leave all to your wisdom and prudent management.
In the beginning of March next, (1744) a well-furnished ship is to depart hence to Amsterdam. After a short stay it will return here, but it has no guns. This is mentioned only for information.
Hoping, therefore, that God will prosper our design, we remain, with due respect, and wishes for all blessings upon you,
Your obedient servants,
In the name, etc.,
New York, Jan. 16, 1743-4. (1744.)
G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
CERTIFICATE OF CHURCH-MEMBERSHIP OF REV. JOHN HENRY GOETSCHIUS, FEBRUARY 19, 1744.
(Original in German.)
To the Reader :- Happiness and Blessing:
John Henry Gotschy is a member of our Reformed Church in Germantown. In the year 1736, in the month of November, he satisfied, by his confession of faith, together with a beseeming walk, the Pastor, Rev. Bartholomew Rieger, whom we had at that time invited to administer the Lord's Supper in our church, and the officers of the church for the time being; so that we per- mitted him to partake of the Holy Supper with us. This we now
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certify, at his desire, in writing, as elders and leaders of the church; and do confirm the same, on account of the absence of our said Pastor, with our own signatures.
So done at Germantown, Feb. 19, 1743/4.
John Pechtel, Engelberth Lack, John Rusch, Paul Geissel.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Manor of Fordham.
New York, March 15, 1744.
Consistory held. Messrs. Abm. Van Wyck, Elbert Haaring and Robt. Benson were appointed a committee to go this Spring, with Mr. Abel Hardenbroek, Overseer of the Manor of Fordham, to the Manor, and enquire into the condition of the same, for the information of the Consistory.
If they shall deem it best for the interests of our Church, they are
1. To enlarge the farm of Michael Odel, by adding the acres required; and, in place of his cutting wood all over the Commons, appropriating to him a particular part of the Woodland for his use; and to make agreement with him accordingly.
2. To lay out the farm of Hendrik Michielsze, and agree with him for the rent up to the year 1747.
3. To allow Hendrik Bruin a portion of the Woodland near his farm, and to agree with him upon the rent.
4. To act on the request of Mr. Lawrence, the smith there, sustained by the recommendations of our tenants, to allow him, for this time the wood of the trees already fallen, (for which no other use is found), to make charcoal for his own use, yet not to transfer the right to any other person whatever - and only for this time.
5. Farther, to do all they shall find needful for the good of our church - being fully authorized thereto in our Consistory meet- ing at New York on the above date.
Witness, in name, etc., Henricus Boel, p. t. President.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Map of the Manor of Fordham.
New York, April 9, 1744.
Consistory held. The Committee appointed March 15, 1744, (to visit the Manor of Fordham) reported their proceedings.
The Consistory approved the written chart shown to them, as to the additions of portions of the Manor, mentioned in the first three Articles; and the Committee will now, according to the same, allow each one his portion in the Woodland. The fourth Article, respecting Lawrence, the Smith, was also confirmed.
As to the fifth Article, it was determined that after the ap- portioning of the abovenamed parts of the Woodland, the Com- mittee should consider what, in view of the good of the church, they could add to the farm of Jacob Lent, and make agreement with him for the rent. Thus done in Consistory at New York on date above given.
Witness, in name, etc., Henricus Boel, p. t. President. Lib. B. 181.
REV. FREDERIC MUZELIUS TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, APRIL 11/22, 1744. (VOL. xxiii. 8.)
Reverend Classis of Amsterdam:
Please to take notice that I have been informed upon good au- thority, that the letter signed by domines Boel and Mancius, on the 9th of August, (old style), 1743, and sent to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, has already been received by your Reverences. I herewith report, that I spoke about this letter and advocated it during the summer, but I was prevented from being present when it was drafted, signed and despatched.
Nevertheless it was communicated to me verbatim, and I fully approve of it. I also herewith confirm its statements, and request
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the Rev. Classis to consider the letter sent, as written by me as well as domines Boel and Mancius.
In witness whereof, I sign
Fredericus Muzelius.
'At New York 11/22 of April, 1744.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from Pennsylvania and New York.
1744, April 13th. Art. 4. The Rev. Depp. also report a letter from Pennsylvania, and (one) from New York, written by Revs. Boel and Mancius, August 9, 1743. These were placed in the hands of the Messrs. Depp., who arrived to-day, with the request to consider the same, and subsequently to furnish the Assembly with their report (pre-advice). The same was also done with a letter from the elders and deacons of the Church of Mahackemack (Port Jervis) and Minnisink, in New York and New Jersey, dated May 3, 1743. xii. 59.
Rev. (Caspar Ludwig) Schnorr.
1744, April 13th. Art. 11. A certain Rev. Schnorr has been appointed by the church of Zweibrugge as minister in Pennsyl- vania, but, according to certain reports, is of very bad behavior. Therefore it was resolved by this Assembly that the Messrs. Deputies ad res Exteras will be pleased to submit their opinion, whether anything effectual can be done about this matter. xii. 60.
Letter from Nieuwtuin (Newtown) on Long Island.
1744, April 13th. Art. 14. There was also placed in the hands of the Deputies ad res Exteras, a letter dated June 22, 1743, from Nieuwtuin on Long Island, written by three elders there. xii. 60.
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SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND. Extract from Correspondence.
Rev. J. P. Bohm to Synod of North Holland, 20 April, 1744.
(The congregation at Goschenhoppen, Pa.) had accepted the young Goetschey as their minister, but he, after Rev. Domine Dorsius arrived, left them, and went over to live with Domine Dorsius, and study with him. This he did for one year, and then he was ordained by Revs. Dorsius and Freilinghuyzen at Raretans, assisted by another one, who, as I learned afterward, was called Tennentt. Since that time reports have been circulated that he was a follower of Whitefield, and had been ordained (installed?) on Long Island in April, 1741. Hague Catalogue, 74. i. 33.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Map of the Manor of Fordham.
New York, April 24, 1744.
Consistory held. The Committee reported the farther execu- tion of what had been requested of them concerning the Manor. The Consistory approved the appointing of Woodland to the ten- ants, and also the Streelye (?) lands to the clerk.
It was also judged necessary to have an accurate map of our whole Manor, made on parchment. Mr. Abm. Van Wyck was requested to do this, at a cost not more than five pounds, New York money. This he agreed to do. Mr. Hardenbroek was instructed to point out to our tenants who have swamps on their farms, where they can use the swamps for making hay.
Pieter Valentyn, at his own request, was allowed to have, dur- ing his own and his wife's life, or the life of either one of them, a piece of land to rent, on the back part of the Manor, near the mill of Peter De Lancey, on the same conditions as the other tenants. This is on condition that he pays one shilling an acre, yearly rent, (for which his son Jacobus shall sign security,) and build a dwelling there. For this building, properly constructed, the Consistory will allow two years rent, free. Both of them accepted this, and Mr. Hardenbroek is to point out to them the place on the Manor.
Lib. B. 183.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
Extract from a letter of John Caspar Frienmuth, written from Minnisink, April 25, 1744.
The writer states, that he has understood that the letter sent by the people of Minnisink to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, with the accompanying Confession of Faith by the writer, was received by the Classis. He declares that everything which stands expressed in that letter, written by the people of Minni- sink, has his approval and consent. He declares further that he leaves the whole affair therein mentioned to the Christian deliv- erance of the Rev. Classis.
Signed, High Reverend Classis, Your High Revd's obedient and submissive servant,
John Caspar Fryenmuth. xxiii. 8.
Minnisink, April 25, 1744.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Report on letters from Abroad.
1744, May 4th. Art. 3. 1. On the report made by the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras in regard to the letter (Ap. 14/25, 1743), of Revs. Boel and Mancius: It was resolved to write to them that, so far as we are informed, there is no reason to have any fear about an (ecclesiastical) Overseer; also that they had not been accused by Rev. Dorsius; moreover to admonish them to exercise peace and unity with their colleagues. In addition, in view of their own request, that at their expense they might have sent to them, yearly, a copy of the Acts of the Synod (of North Holland) it was resolved that those of 1742 and 1743 should be sent over at once, provisionally, in the hope that, with the resto- ration of mutual friendship, and the better inter-change with one another of the Synodical documents, such (extra copies) will not be necessary every year.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2. The elders and deacons of Minnisink make known in their letter, (May 3, 1743,) how the Rev. Dorsius had appointed among them, as minister, one (John Caspar) Fryenmoet, who has been an assistant to a certain gentleman. He is a man who has studied Theology, but, has not been examined. They testify concerning him that his conduct is exemplary, and his ministry acceptable to the people. To this letter was attached an extended Confession of Faith by the said Fryenmoet. They wished that this might serve him, before this Assembly, in the place of an examination.
The Assembly, taking into consideration the good testimony which is given concerning this individual, and the edification which the congregation enjoys from his preaching, resolved, that for sufficient reasons, in this instance, liberty be given to the neighboring ministers in that country, to examine the said person at their Coetus, in the name of this Assembly, and subsequently to ordain him; but it will not be permitted that this should be cited as a precedent.
3. In the letter (June 22, 1743) of the three elders of Nieuw Tuin (Newtown) occur various instances of the confusion and improper acts which had taken place there; and they ask advice and council from this Assembly. It was resolved to write to them, that they should cherish peace and charity among them- selves. And inasmuch as the case of (John H.) Goetsius, of which they speak especially, will probably have to be acted on in the Synod, their account regarding him shall be inserted ver- batim in these Minutes, in order to convey the same subsequently to that Christian Assembly :
Extracts from a letter written by the three elders of New Town, on Long Island, June 22, 1743, namely, William van Duin, Cornelius Rappalje, and John Wyckoff :
" We received last Autumn an extract from your letter (sent) by Rev. Arondeus, about the illegality of the ordination of Rev. (John H.) Goetsius, by Rev. Dorsius. That confirmed us the
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more surely, in what Rev. Boel, ever since May, 1741, did con- stantly and most strenuously advise, whenever there was an opportunity ; and, by virtue of your letter, he continued to advise us to act in accordance therewith. And especially did he so, because Mr. Goetsius, in the midst of his perversity towards the Reformed Doctrine and Church Order, and with contempt for your decision, went on administering the sacraments no matter how much we begged him to omit such service for the present, and to conduct himself with legal propriety. Accordingly, since we and the majority of our congregations, were much disturbed by him, we resolved to rid ourselves of him, as we had desired him only as a lawful, orthodox, Reformed Minister. Meantime we spoke with Mr. Goetsius and with his four consistories, at Newtown, etc., in order to induce him, to request advice on this matter, of Revs. du Bois and Boel of New York. But he
remained entirely away from Rev. Boel, and sent a letter, to the contempt of Rev. Boel and his well known devotion to the best interests of the church. When this letter was brought before (lit. diende, served in) the consistory, Rev. Boel declared, that from time to time he had given advice about Mr. Goetsius, as a deliberate fanatic, (enthusiast), and as one acting unlawfully towards our church. We could not consent to legalize the call of Mr. Goetsius, both because of your Classical letter about him, and his acts of disobedience against the Reformed Doctrine, as well as the Holland Church Order. But he had persisted in the same course still further and allowed his brother Moures (Maurice?) to preach publicly in his place, notwithstand- ing our prohibition. He said that each of them had an inward call through God's Spirit; that this was superior to all external ordinations. Such acts, said he, were but human institutions, but in the case of both of them, it was as with Saul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2. This disgusted the most of us with him to the last degree. We felt that we never wanted anything more to do with him. Therefore also we would not permit a committee
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to arrange for the legalization of his position. The church was also closed against him, so that he went preaching to his adherents in barns or in the open fields. For acting thus, Rev. Freling- huyzen commends him
Furthermore, Mr. Goetsius with Mr. Colver proceeded to depose us (elders) and to appoint new elders and deacons of his own kind, which was done also at Jamaica. He also allowed our church to be broken open on May 23, in order that Rev. Freling- huisen might preach there, and install the newly elected officers. All this was done in the face of our protest to both gentlemen, Frelinghuisen and Goetsius. Rev. (Gualterus) du Bois also, and the members of his committee, complained of Mr. Goetsius, that he had, notwithstanding his own petition for favorable counsel and advice, withdrawn himself altogether away from him, (Du Bois) and had not answered his last two letters; that they had grievances against him also, on account of that illegal depos- ing (of the old consistory) and the appointing of a new con- sistory. These gentlemen also recognize the fact that Mr. Goet- sius continues in and increases in perversities. Therefore we renounce him with the more reason
If then Mr. Goetsius is in our church without the least law- ful authority, could he be recognized or admitted either as a candidate or minister ? If Rev. Dorsius had not authority to qualify (anyone) as a minister, then neither did it belong to him to qualify any one as a candidate; and if he (Goetsius) is yet without any lawful advancement, how can these gentlemen under such circumstances, give valid Christian counsel, that Mr. Goet- sius can only properly as a candidate, exercise the functions of a preacher, although without administering the sacraments? Reflecting that Rev. du Bois, etc., etc., did not scruple to burden Rev. Boel so heavily, we might accuse ourselves about our refusal, to give our case into their hands; but we thought our- selves under obligation humbly to acquaint your High Rever- ences herewith, having been also requested in writing to do so,
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by the majority of our people. It grieves us to the utmost to have been so misled by that call to Mr. Goetsius. Therefore we are disposed to ward off by ecclesiastical action such as run about in our land without having a (legal) mission, etc., etc. We humbly ask aid towards the disapproval and removal of Mr. Goetsius, so as to prevent others from obtaining any power in managing our church affairs outside of those commissioned by your High Reverences; for such attempts are made here too often." xii. 61, 64.
Rev. Schnor.
The case of Rev. Rieger and Schnor remain in statu. xii. 64. Art. 5.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Statement of Cornelius Van Wyck about a certain conversation of Rev. J. H. Goetschius, May 14, 1744. Portfolio "New York", Vol. i.
In conversation with myself and my wife at my house, during his last visit in Fishkill, Rev. Goetschius spoke of the scarcity of ministers here, and said that that would soon be changed.
He said further that most of the ministers in this country were unregenerate (lit. natural) ministers, and that they were the cause of preventing ministers from coming over here. And getting very earnest in his talk he said emphatically that Rev. Antonides had already preached many people into hell; and that Rev. Free- man himself now lay burning in hell. For this my wife severely rebuked him so that he kept still on that point. I myself heard Rev. Goetschius say that, and so certify it to be a fact. Cornelius Van Wyck. May 14, 1744.
The above is a declaration of one Cornelius Van Wyck, a person worthy of belief and well known to me. Christian Bancker.
REV. JOHN HENRY GOETSCHIUS TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(No date.)
[His declaration of submission to the Classis.]
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
Very Rev. Sirs: Herewith I place myself humbly before your High Revs. pray- ing most submissively, that your Revs. may be graciously pleased to consent to my acceptance of this call. It was made out to my name after previous hearing of my preaching gifts, and sent to me from the Church by two elders, Jacobus
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Montfoort and Abraham Polhemius. Forgive me my incivility, arising from ignorance, that, before I accepted it, I did not humbly request the High Rev. Classis for their most gracious consent. For, in every step I take from now on, it is my desire to conduct myself in no other way than by the advice of your Revs. Messrs. Casparus Goris and Willem Schiphout, the worthy members (Depu- tati) of that Rev. Classis. I am well convinced that in these parts, we are under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Wherefore I feel myself most strongly bound to agree with everything which your High Revs. may be pleased to advise my humble self, concerning either my ordination or my ministry; so that in all our ecclesiastical acts, not only myself, but also my much beloved hearers, may enjoy peace of soul. This is the humble prayer of your Revs. most lowly servant, J. Henricus Goetschius .*
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of Minisink and Mahackemack, N. Y. May 1744, No. 8.
To Messrs. W. Kool, John Van Vliet, Henry Cortrecht, Abram Van Kampen, Elders and Deacons of Minissink, etc., and Machakemeg in New York.
Gentlemen and Brethren :- Your letter of May 3rd 1743 was safely received by Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. They have observed therefrom the peculiar circum- stances and distress of your churches by reason of the appointment of J. C. Fryenmoet by those who were not authorized to make such appointment, etc., etc. The Rev. Classis also perceives the difficulties in sending J. C. Fryenmoet over here, in order that his Reverence might be examined and properly qualified, because of the expense involved, as well as other circumstances, which make such a course objectionable. The Classis has also considered the testimony which you give concerning him, as to his character and his ability to edify, as well as the Confession of Faith which he himself has prepared.
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