USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 59
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To all this the Classis replies as far as possible, as follows:
First, in general: Although the Classis is well satisfied with your testimony concerning his deportment, and hopes he may become more and more established in every good work, so as to be a shining light both in word and example; yet the appointment which he has received is in no way lawful and complete according to Church Order. We therefore advise as follows: Having regard to the difficulties which would arise, were Fryenmoet sent over here, Classis decides that all things may continue as they are, if the case is managed as follows: That J. C. Fryenmoet be examined preparatoir and peremptoir in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam by an Assembly, (or Coetus as Assemblies are sometimes called,) of a few asso- ciated churches; and if he be found qualified that he be confirmed anew, in nomine Classis Amstelodamensis, by yourselves, in those congregations wherein he has already labored. He may then hereafter be considered as one who has lawfully come to you from us, without, however, making this case a precedent for the future.
Moreover, the Classis is extremely pleased to observe your anxiety to conduct yourselves in all things in accordance with the counsel, and under the approval of the Rev. Classis. The Classis therefore offers to serve you in love in every possible way; and greatly desired to hear from you, from time to time that your churches, as well as yourselves, are prospering, and that the preaching of the Gospel is being blessed.
We conclude with assurances of our brotherly love, and great interest in your welfare. We commend you to the tender mercies of the Most High, while we remain, Worthy Sirs, Amsterdam,
(Signed as preceding:)
May, 1744.
* Note .- While this has no date, it evidently belongs here. See his former letter of April 12, 1744; and the letter of his opponents of May 1, 1744. This Declaration is a substitute for that proposed on May 1.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to certain individuals at Newtown, Long Island, May, 1744. No. 9. To Messrs. W. van Duin, Cornelius Rappalje and John Wyckoff, at Newtown, (Nieuwtuin), on Long Island.
Esteemed Brethren: The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has con- sidered your account of the state of Affairs in your congregation, and especially that which relates to yourselves personally. She has accordingly charged us, the Deputies for Foreign Affairs, to answer your letter in a general and friendly way, in reference to the chief matter, namely, the action of Rev. Dorsius with respect to Rev. Goetschius, etc. The Classis cannot express any judgment thereon, as the case was taken before the Synod of North Holland, and was already acted on last year, 1743, and will be more fully discussed this year. Therefore the Classis can give you no private advice for the present, except that it is the duty of every one to labor toward the establishing of peace, charity and edification. You know that nothing is more hurtful to the Gospel than disputes and schisms. Therefore we beseech you, to use every effort on your part to this end. And if any- thing has been done against you, or may yet be done, try to overcome all by humility, patience, and longsuffering. Submit also to all good order, that everything may be done uprightly and for the edification of the Church.
This is all that the Rev. Classis can suggest for the present in this business. We cordially wish you all prosperity, above all, prosperity of the soul. May you soon be again joined in one spirit. Thus will you be of great use in building up and edifying the Church, and promoting faith in its membership.
Herewith, we heartily send our greetings, in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Worthy Sirs, (Signed as preceding letters in the Record Book. Names not always given.)
Amsterdam, May, 1744.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Report on Letters from Abroad.
1744, June 1st. The letter of the Messrs. Depp. ad res Exteras to Revs. Boel and Mancius was approved, and will be, subsequently, forwarded; also the letter regarding Rev. Fryen- moet, to the elders and deacons of Minnisink. But there must be further added to it, that he must be examined preparatorily as well as finally. They have also written to the elders of New- town, which letter was likewise approved, and these gentlemen were thanked for their trouble. xii. 65. Art. 3.
Case of Rev. Rieger and Schnor.
Art. 4. The same gentlemen also submit, in accordance with a previous resolution, their report, (pre-advice), regarding the paper which Rev. Rieger had submitted, as a reply to the ques- tions of this Assembly. This pre-advice was accepted with thanks, and changed into a resolution of Classis. The case was further recommended to the Depp. aforesaid, and they requested to labor to this effect, that the same may be made operative in the best possible manner. And since Rev. Rieger has agreed to keep up a correspondence with this Assembly, he is also requested to observe carefully the person and conduct of Rev. Schnor. At the same time this Assembly shall write to Rev. Schnor. xii. 65.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Messrs. Henry Boel, and George William Mancius, pastors in (the Province of) New York, June 1, 1744. Vol. 30, p. 13. No. 7.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren: Your letter of August 9, 1743, having been presented, the Rev. Classis was enabled to learn the present condition of affairs in the churches of your
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provinces. It is with much grief that she discovers the great confusion, discord, lack of brotherly love and peace which exist among the churches and congregations.
It is not necessary to remind you, Rev. Gentlemen and Breth- ren, what injury such a condition occasions to the common cause of the Gospel, especially the spread of the same among the heathen. We would, therefore, stir you up with brotherly admonition to perform everything which may tend to mutual peace and edification in the faith, while we say with the Apostle, "And above all, put on Charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
Now concerning the points about which you write, we make answer, as follows:
1. That Rev. Dorsius might possibly have complained of you here about certain matters. We assure you that nothing was presented to Classis, by him, on any of these matters.
2. You were apprehensive that some one might come over from abroad as Superintendent, etc. Concerning this we declare that we have heard nothing of such a plan, nor do we suppose that such a measure will take place.
3. That you do not regularly receive the Minutes, and other letters and documents coming from us, and that therefore, you cannot make such use of them as you desire.
The Classis is very anxious that such regulations be observed as exist in this country, viz., that each member of an Ecclesiasti- cal Assembly shall have access to all such papers as belong to said Assembly in common, and which are therefore kept in a definite place after that the same have been read by all the mem- bers, for which a certain time is allowed each one.
But as you have requested that a copy of the Minutes should be made and sent over at your expense, the Rev. Classis has con- sented thereto for the present. Such copy is sent to you, at your own expense, by the hand of Mr. M. Van Aercen, viz. the Min- utes of the Synod of North Holland for 1742 and 1743.
Finally, in reference to the case of Rev. Dorsius, and (his ordination of) Rev. Goetschius, the Classis does not wish to con-
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sider this particularly, since the matter was taken last year to the Synod of North Holland, and will probably be further acted on this year. Nevertheless the Classis has resolved to permit, at present, and for this once, in the case of J. C. Frymoet, that he be examined preparatoir and preemptoir, in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, in a Coetus or Ecclesiastical Assembly of at least some churches, and that he be subsequently ordained and installed, so that he may henceforth perform his service under the blessing of the Most High, in peace and not in tribulation (lit., all-sighing.) This case, however, must not be considered as a precedent in future. Meanwhile, Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren, the Rev. Classis admonishes you once more to do every- thing that tends toward the promotion of brotherly love and unity, hoping and praying that the God of Peace may command upon you and your Assembly life and blessing forever more.
Herewith, after wishing you every blessing on yourselves, fam- ilies and ministrations, we subscribe ourselves,
Your Revs.' Servants and Brethern, Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam,
P. Hollebeek. H. Von Alphen.
Amsterdam, May, 1744.
[1744, June 15. Spangenberg consecrated at Herrenhut as Bishop of the Mora- vians in America.]
MORAVIANS IN DUTCHESS COUNTY.
At a Council held at the Council Chamber of the City of New York the fifth day of July 1744.
Present - His Excellency the Governor.
Mr. Kennedy Mr. Chief Justice
Mr. Horsmanden Mr. Murray
His Excellency Communicated to the Board a Copy of a letter or order from his Excellency dated 8th June last to Coll. Henry Beekman One of his Majesty's Justices of the peace for Dutchess County and Coll. of the Regiment of Militia for that County acquainting him that his Excellency was informed that several persons in that county called Moravians had Endeavoured to seduce the Indians from their Allegiance which in this time of Warr would be of most dangerous consequence and therefore requiring him with some more of the Justices of the peace of that County to Cause the said Moravians & any other persons suspected to be disaffected to be brought before them and if they found just Cause of Sus- picion to Commit them to the County Goal, until they should be delivered by due course of Law And in Case of meeting with opposition the Sheriff had orders to raise the posse And the Regiment of Militia were to assist.
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His Excellency also communicated to the Board his Orders to Coll. Beekman as Coll. of the Militia concerning the aforesaid Moravians & other disaffected persons and to make Search for Arms & Ammunition in the Custody of any Suspected persons, and to cause the said Indians to be dispersed.
His Excellency also communicated to the Board a Letter from Coll. Beekman advising his Excellency of the Receipt of the foregoing, That there were four Moravian priests and many Indians at Schocomico And that he had made search & Enquiry for Arms & Ammunition but Could find none nor hear of any. But that before the Receipt of his Excellency's Orders to wit on the 18 The Sheriff, Justice of ye Peace & eight other persons were at Schacomico where they found, All the Indians at Work on their plantations Who seemed in a Consternation at the approach of the Sheriff and his Company but received them Civilly That they found no Ammunition And as few Arms as Could be Expected for forty four men the Justice upbraided the priests that they were Suspected to be disaffected to the Crown which they deny'd saying they were afraid of the French and their Indians and pretend that their Function or business is meerly to Gain Souls among the Heathens and that they had a Commission from the Archbishop of Canterbury and were ready to Shew their Credentials. That the Justice demanded of them to take the Oaths but they refused through a Scruple of Conscience against Swearing as they pretended, That the Justice then bound them over to Answer what should be objected against them.
On Reading of which several papers the Council did advise his Excellency to write to the Sheriff of Dutchess to Order those Moravian Priests to New York to attend his Excellency .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 613.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. John Ritzema.
1744, July 20th. Art. 3. Rev. van Schellyne handed in to the Assembly a letter from the congregation and consistory of New York. From this it appeared that he and the Rev. Mr. Peter Couwenburg du Bois, minister at Leyden, and Messrs. Pedro de Wolf and Livinus Klarkson, merchants here, were authorized by the consistory aforesaid, to call a regular minister to serve that congregation. It appeared further from a notarial act, (instrument,) that there had been called by him and his fellow commissioners, as the regular pastor and teacher of that congregation, John Ritzema, S. S. Theol. Cand., at present Rec- tor of the Latin Schools at Collum in Friesland. The Assembly being satisfied with both acts, has approved the above mentioned call.
Whereupon the called one having been brought inside, declared that he accepted this call in the fear of the Lord. It was announced to him, that he would be examined finally while Classis was in session. Rev. Examiner assigned as text Psalm 12: 12. "Kiss the Son, etc." xii. 66, 67.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Rieger and Schnor.
Art. 7. Rev. Rieger has been written to; Rev. Schnor will be written to. xii. 67.
Van Hoevenberg.
Art. 10. The same (Deputati) give notice of the very sad and pitiable condition of Rev. Eggo Tonkens van Hoevenberg, min- ister in Suriname. He has returned home on account of a severe affliction, some affection of his head. The Rev. Assembly has most kindly requested the Rev. Depp. to procure and pro- mote, in communication with the. Messrs. Directors of the Society (of Suriname) whatever may conduce to the best interests of his person and effects. xii. 67.
Dorsius. Pennsylvania.
Concerning the Rev. Dorsius, see under Article 2, "Needy Churches", (in Synodical Minutes) what is said with reference to Pennsylvania. xii. 72.
Rev. Ritzema Examination.
Art. 11. Also were admitted to both final and preparatory examination, Rev. John Ritzema, called as minister at New York, after a sermon on Psalm 12: 12; and Peter Brink, after a sermon on Tim. 2:19; in the presence of Rev. Deputatus Synodi, Rev. Cornelius Houthof, minister at Amsterdam. Therein they each gave the Rev. Assembly such satisfaction, that Rev. John Ritz- ema was ordained to the Sacred Office of the church in New York, with the laying on of hands; and Rev. Peter Brink, to the public preaching office, as a licentiate. xii. 72.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.'
. Classis of Amsterdam to July 22, 1744.
[This was probably to Rev. C. L. Schnorr. See June 1, 1744.]
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Rev. Sir :- After you departed from these regions of Holland to Pennsylvania, (having bidden farewell to the Honorable Con- sistory of the city of Amsterdam and the Rev. Classis, and had further recommended yourself to their remembrance and affection, and freely received their gifts of love for the journey which was before you, the Classis learned with deep concern and pain, that charges neither few nor small, had previously been brought against you in Germany. Yea, we had also great reason to feel aggrieved, because in the examination to which it was thought proper to subject you on that occasion, your Reverence in no wise spoke the truth. It will not be necessary to tell you concerning what matters it was that Classis found itself reproached with ac- cusations in reference to certain conduct of yours in Germany, made known by documents: for a man's conscience serves as an accuser. Therefore, without entering into details the Rev. Classis has directed us, the undersigned, their Committee ad res exteras, to write you in its name, and to declare that, while abhorring from the heart those things which made you to be a scandal and an offence, it desires to press upon you by a declaration and brotherly admonition, and earnestly to stir you up, to wipe out, by a hearty sorrow for all that has gone before, and by a true repentance before God, the guilt which rest upon your person and services in those parts of Europe; to the end that, having obtained the foregiveness of those sins from the Lord, you may from this time forth be found, not to be an offence, but useful to yourself and others in building them up in the faith. It will not be necessary to remind you, who are so well acquainted with the holy Word of God, into what fearful judgements they will come,
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who, instead of being leaders, have become a very offence upon the way even to the blind; and how dreadful are the words, " Woe unto the man by whom the offence cometh." Let this warning, therefore, which this our Ecclesiastical Assembly cries out to you, enter into your heart; while we also desire that the Lord may there make it effectual.
It is the purpose of the Rev. Classis, (which, with all the churches, desires to maintain friendly relations with you, and will hereafter bear your matters and necessities as far as possible,) to keep itself well informed, as to your deportment, and will en- deavor to obtain reports thereof from the regions of America. The Rev. Classis will be greatly pleased to be refreshed, by proper tidings, and to learn that you are now making your service glorious, by edifying and exemplary conduct, united with activity in preaching the Gospel. Therefore, wishing from the heart that the Lord God may give you repentance unto life, and may sanctify you, and with the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, it may be vouchsafed to you to snatch your own soul and those of many others from eternal ruin, and thus save yourself and all con- nected with you.
We, the undersigned, subscribing this in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, with every wish for your welfare, call ourselves, Rev. Sir,
Your Reverence's salvation-seeking servants the Committee of Rev. Classis ad res exteras.
Amsterdam, July 22, 1744.
P. Hollebeck.
H. Van Alphen.
SHERIFF'S RETURN TO SEARCH THE MORAVIANS.
At a Council held at the Council Chamber of the City of New York the 26th of July 1744.
Present - His Excellency the Honorable George Clinton, Esq. Mr. Kennedy Mr. Horsmanden
Mr. Chief Justice
Mr. Murray
His Excellency Communicated to the Council a Letter from Henry Filkin Esq. High Sheriff of Dutchess in answer to his Excellency's of the fifth Instant acquainting his Excellency that he went on ye 17th to Shacomico a place in the
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remotest part of that County inhabited Chiefly by Indians where also live Gudlop Bydner, Hendrick Joachim, Senseman and Joseph Shaw three Moravian priests with their Familyes in a Block House and Sixteen Indian Wigwams round about it, the two first were at home whereupon he acquainted them with his Excellency's Order And they Promised to set out the 24th Instant and that he perceived nothing disorderly there .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 614.
EXAMINATION OF THE MORAVIANS.
At a Council held at the Council Chahmber of the City of New York the 26th of of August 1744.
Present - His Excellency the Governour. Mr. Chief Justice
Mr. Horsmanden
Mr. Cortlandt Mr. Murray
The Moravian priests sent for from Dutchess County attending according to order Joseph Shaw was called in and Examined and said that he was born in little Ryder Street near St. James's that his Father was a Carpenter, and that he was brought up and Communicated with the Church of England and was twenty five years old when he came over. That he had been in America two years that he came over in Captain Gladman's Ship and went first to Bethlehem in Pennsyl- vania and thence to this place.
That he was designed for a Clergyman of the Church of England but was pre- vented by sickness and then learnt to Survey and measure Houses.
That his Father is an Englishman and of the Church of England and consented to his coming over.
That he came over to instruct the Indians in the Gospel of Christ and teach school among them and is now by profession a Schoolmaster.
That he does not know that he has separated from the Church or changed his Sentiments for that he holds the thirty nine articles still.
Being asked how he was Supported here Says that they work as much as they Can and the Church supports them in what else they want That they are settled on a small tract of Land which they plant with corn and that he has taught some of the Indians to read English. That he has been in Dutchess County Ever since last May was twelve months Except that he was a little while in Pennsylvania and once at New England whither he went by the desire of some people (and particularly the Reverend Mr. Mott who is a Minister of the Moravian Church) to see the Indians there.
Being asked how many Moravian Teachers there were among the Indians in Dutchess County and their Names.
Says there were three viz. the three sent for before the Council. Joachim Hendrick Sinseman, Godlope Budner and himself, but lately one Christian Rouk came from Albany County who had been teaching the Indians there but was gone.
That he understands but Little of ye Indian Language but an Indian whose Name is John & another called Isaac interpret for him.
Being asked how they dared come into this Country and reside among the Indians without acquainting the Government with their design and having per- mission to stay.
Says that he thought this Country gave Liberty of Conscience to all and that they might Exercise their Religion freely But does not know that they have made any application here.
That the Rev. Mr. Spaningberg a preacher at the meeting House in Fetter Lane where Doctor Bradbury formerly preached is Expected over to preach here.
That they have no settled Salary from the Moravian Church but when they want anything they write to the Church that is to ye Congregation at Bethlehem or to l'eter Boehler and they supply their wants.
That Budner is Chief Preacher at Schacomico and Sinseman as his assistant. That he preaches according to the Articles of the Church of England as they Stand Excepting as to Election & Reprobation.
That the Disturbances which lately happened at Sharon were Occasioned by a Woman who heard two Indians from the Woods & thought they had Killed her Husband.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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That he Constantly prays for King George but will not take the Oaths of Allegiance etc. it being against his Conscience to Swear and none of the Moravians will take an Oath.
That the Oaths appointed to be taken were tendred to him but he refused to take them & was Ordered to withdraw.
Hendrick Joachim Senseman was called in and being Examined sayd
That he was born in Hesse Cassel is thirty six years old and has been a little more than two Years in those parts That he came from London to New London thence to Philadelphia & this place that he was brought up a Baker but now preaches the Gospel of Christ to the Indians by means of an Interpreter one Johannes an Indian. That the Moravian Church gave him authority so to do but his Commission is in Bethlehem.
That he and his Brethren work for their Livelihood and plant Indian Corn and Wheat (which they Enjoy in Common) on some land whereon the Indians remain & that they Built themselves a House wherein they all three Live.
That he has a Wife which he brought from Germany and Shaw was married in Philadelphia by Peter Boehler but being asked said one Frederick Post had married an Indian Woman.
That he has been a Minister almost two years and was Ordained by David Nichman a Bishop of the Moravian Church at Bethlehem but now gone to Germany.
That they have had some things from the Brethren in England but when they want they are supplyed from Bethlehem.
Being asked what Call he had to the Ministry.
Says it was the Saviours pleasure he should be a minister has no other learning but the Bible in High Dutch.
That Boehler was at Schocamico about a year And Count Zentzendorf had been up there before he Came.
Being asked how they being Strangers and Foreigners dared to come into this Country and reside among the Indians without acquainting the Government with their Design and having their permission to Stay.
Says his Church sent him and bid him Go and he obeyed his Brethren.
That he prays as St. Paul hath written for all in Authority and for King George by name.
He then was required to take the Oaths but refused Saying it was against his Conscience to swear.
Gudlop Buydner being called in and Examined said.
That he was born in lower Silesia and is about twenty nine years old and has been almost three years in this province That he came with Captain Lyng from London That he was brought up a Woolweaver (or Clothier) but is now a preacher of the Gospel to the Indians That he was ordained by Ludawick Count Zenzen- dorff and Bishop David Nichman, is a priest of the Moravian Church, and had those orders in ffebruary last two Years at Oly a Town sixty Miles from Philadelphia.
That when he first came over, he spent his own Money, since when he has worked for his Support & been supplyed from the Congregation as his other Brethren before Examined.
That Compassion in his Heart for the Ignorance & Condition of the Indians moved him to come & preach to them, and for that purpose he was sent, that he was not bred a Scholar and knows little or nothing of Latin, That he preached before he was ordained it being permitted by their Church if the persons are found sound in their Doctrine, but they are not permitted to administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lords Supper.
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