USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 61
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2865
1744- 1745
COUNT ZINZENDORFF* TO THE BOARD OF TRADE. (DEC. 31,
1744)
My Lords,
Some years since, (by an almost evident instigation of the Calvinist clergy, and a mean sort of people who through their ignoble disposition easily take occasion thereto), there has in the American Colonies arisen an evil custom of disturbing and burdening honest Men of all Sorts, who have settled themselves in those Colonies, hoping to enjoy an unrestrained Freedom of Religion, & in Civil mat- ters such an honourable Ilberty as is in no way prejudicial to the honour of the Crown. I do not think it needfull to mention here the great multitude of In- stances of injurious treatment which are personally known to me; since my present Intention is not to accuse any body, but only to lay before Your Excellencys, the Lords at the head of the British world in the West Indies, the intrinsick State of matters; as your Lordships are able with one stroke of the pen to prevent so many thousand future Inconveniences, that an honest and benevolent Man on that account willingly forgets the smarts of a multitude of Injuries already endured.
I petition for two Declarations or orders;
The one to keep honest people, as well strangers in, as inhabitants of, America, from being chicaned with and plagued without the least reason, & as it were only de gayete de Coeur.
The second that in the aforesaid Colonies no body, but least of all the Indians, shall be hindred from joyning with any protestant Church whatsoever, which in his ideas, is the most solid; according to the measures taken for incourageing Foreigners to settle in the British Colonies of America.
Your Lordships have so much wisdom that I think it not proper previously to trouble you with arguments: But if for other people's sake, (whose understanding & inclination is not in so good a Disposition as your Lordship's), you should de- sire that those points about which I have petitioned should be confirmed by some Proofs, I wait your Lordships' order & am,
My Lords Your Lordships' most humble & obedient Servant,
Maienborr 31. December, 1744.
Zinzendorf.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. Iii, p. 618. Also Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. vi, 269, 270.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, January 8, 1744-5. (1745.)
Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
1. Resolved, unanimously, That Messrs. Jacobus Roosevelt, Abrm. Lefferts and Paulus Ritsers, be a Committee for the ensu- ing year, with Mr. Abel Hardenbroek, to attend to, and execute
* Note. Nicholas Louis Zinzendorf, founder of the sect of Moravians, was born in Dresden in May, 1700. He studied at Halle and Utrecht, and in 1721, purchased the Lordship of Bertholdsdorf, in Lusatia, where some followers of John Huss settled in the course of the following year. From this period, Count Zinzendorf devoted himself to preaching. Having travelled over the greater part of the world, he came, in 1741, to America, and in 1742 ordained missionaries. At Shecomico, he established the first Indian Moravian Congregation in North America. In 1:43, he returned to Europe, and died on his estate in 1760. His coffin was carried to the grave by thirty-two preachers and missionaries whom he had reared. Allen's Biog. Diet.
1745
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
the matters concerning Pieter Kierse, and other incidents of the Manor.
2. That Bench No. 39, in the Old Church, be made into an enclosed pew, and the space thus enclosed be for the use of the jufvrowen (ministers' wives.)
3. That domine Du Bois be requested to answer, in the name of the Consistory, the letter from the gentlemen at Amsterdam, entrusted with the power of calling a minister, which was de- livered to us by domine Ritzema. This he undertook to do.
Witness, in name etc.,
Johannes Ritzema, p. t. President.
The Letter.
To Messrs. Theod. v. Scherluyne, P. C. Du Bois, P. de Wolff and L. Clarkson.
Rev. Sirs and Greatly-Esteemed Fathers in Christ :-
You have, according to your wish, gratified our desire. This we actually see, in the safe arrival of the Rev. John Ritzema among us, on the 14th of October last. He came with his beloved wife and three children all in perfect health. They were received by us with inward joy, and thankfulness to God for their pros- perous journey, in this sad time of war.
And even as the impressive and faithful delineation of his praise-worthy qualities, given in your esteemed missive which was sent over with him, bade us immediately embrace him with due regard and honest affection as a minister; for you excited in us the joyful expectation that he, by his pure Gospel doctrine, exem- plary life and peaceful deportment, would be a light in the midst of us, and, in connection with his fellow-ministers, to feed the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost has made him an over- seer ; so, his short ministry here has already been blessed in the complete fulfillment of the expectation you gave us of his suit- ableness and Christian virtues; for he enjoys the affection of the entire congregation. It is, therefore, our hope that, by the aid
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2867 1745
of God's Spirit, they will not be distracted, but be more fully built up with him and his colleagues, in mutual unity in Christ. This is also our heartfelt prayer.
According to our promise in the " Power to Call ", we paid him the ninety pounds on his arrival. We have also not neglected to provide for the reimbursement of the moneys expended by you for his passage, and also for the draft which Mr. Ritzema made at New Castle upon Mr. De Wolff. For this purpose, you will herewith receive a Bill of Exchange for forty-six pounds sixteen shillings and two pence, sterling, drawn by Thomas Senys, to the order of Richard Janeway, merchant at London. Whatever is over the amount due, please credit to Mr. Ritzema.
As Mr. Ritzema has declared to us his sincere purpose, on his part to promote the edification and love and unity of our congre- gation, as well as the order and welfare of all the congregations in these provinces; so you may rest assured, that we, who em- braced him in love at his coming, have no other aim than to hold him, with both our other ministers, in such love and esteem as is due to faithful shepherds; that he may do his work with joy, and not with grief, (lit. sighing), even as we feel that he has so begun.
God fulfill your earnest prayers for him, to the joy of us and our happy children. May He also grant that, under his faithful ministry, obedience to the pure truth of the Gospel among us may ever the more increase, and the zeal of the faithful, in sin- cere piety and true godliness shine more and more, and Christ win many souls, to the exalting of God's name in this far off province of America. Evil are the times in which we live, here as well as elsewhere. Arbitrary religiousness and frightful super- stition contend for the upper hand. But we thank God that the pure Gospel service, according to the pattern of the Church of the Netherlands, is observed among us to this day. And we have so much more reason to rejoice, inasmuch as our adherents thereto, with God's gracious aid, shall remain inviolable. And we have to thank the Most High, that through His favoring Providence
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1745
and your wise management and special efforts with our teachers, a pious watchman is gained for our spiritual Zion, to ward off the dreadful evils, and to incite us, through a genuine faith, work- ing by love, to grow up in Him who is the Head, into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. Therefore are we bound to the utter- most to make to you these cordial and earnest acknowledgements for your unwearied diligence and true care for the interest and satisfaction of our congregation.
Equally also with you, we pray God to keep us from all rup- tures and scandals, and to unite all hearts in love and harmony, through the true fear of the Lord who tries all hearts and reins. So we commend you to God and the Word of His grace. We heartily pray him to pour out upon you, through his grace and favor, all temporal and spiritual blessings, and at last crown you forever, with the expected inheritance of the saints in light.
Rev. Sirs and Fathers in Christ, and greatly beloved, Your most humble and obedient servants, In the name of the Consistory,
Jas. Roosevelt, Cornelis Vooris, Abm. Lefferts, Gerard Duyc- kinck, Gerrit Keteltas
Thus done in our Church Assembly at New York, Jan. 8, 1745, O. S.
G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
'ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Hovenberg.
1745, Jan. 12th. Art. 16. One of our members wrote to the Governor of Suriname in behalf of Rev. Hoevenberg. xii. 79.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 8, 1745.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name. Resolved, That the house on the Church grounds, belonging to Mr. Abrm. Onder-
1745
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
donk, be bought for the lowest price at which it can be obtained, and that Mr. Abrm. Lefferts attend to this business.
Witness, in name etc.,
Joannes Ritzema, p. t. President.
REV. THEODORIC VAN SCHELLUYNE, OF AMSTERDAM, TO REV. BENJAMIN MEYNEMA, APRIL 13, 1745.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Rev. Sir and Highly Esteemed Brother :- Enclosed, find this accompanying the letter from Rev. Ritzema of New York, who arrived there safely, and is now engaged there, in the ministry of the Gospel, acceptably and successfully.
The congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, having authorized us, viz. Messrs. Pedro De Wolff, Levinus Klarksen, Bartholomew Stokkers and myself, to call a minister in their name, have requested us to hear you before any one else; and should your qualifications meet with our approbation, to extend the call to you, and invite you to that position.
For this purpose we would ask you to be pleased, at least if you are at all in- clined to accept of this position as Rev. Ritzema has given us reason to hope, to come over here (to Amsterdam) at some time and preach for us. In case, con- trary to our hopes, we should not be able to agree upon the terms, we will refund all your expenses.
We suppose, that Rev. Ritzema has made you acquainted with the conditions of the call. They are in every way, advantageous. During one half of the year, they require preaching only once on every Sabbath, and during the other half of the year, twice; also further, the performance of pastoral work in the same way as is done in the Old Country. They promise you a good dwelling house and a garden; also in addition, an orchard covering a half morgen, (about one acre) of land. This is planted with good apple-trees, and will be kept in good order by them. The salary always to be promptly paid, will be one hundred and ten pounds per annum, counting every pound, as I am informed, at from six to seven guilders, Dutch money. The salary will begin as soon as the ministers embark from this country. Forty pounds will be allowed for the dissolving of present relations. and the goods which the minister may take with him, will be insured to the amount of one thousand (1000) guilders. In addition to this, it is also promised that sufficient fire-wood will be provided for the minister to last him through the year. They will also buy him, one good driving-horse; but if this should die, he will be obliged to provide himself with another at his own expense. Assurance is also given at the (other) place where the preaching is to be done, which lies about three hours distance, and which must be served alternately every other Sabbath, that the necessary support will be given. It is added also that one can get on better there, with that salary, than even in New York, where, indeed, the labor is twice as arduous as at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. These are, in the main, the conditions. Further particulars, we will be able to give you when you arrive here.
When you have clearly understood the favorable character of this opportunity to extend the kingdom of the Lord Jesus - and surely according to the informa- tion we have received, the harvest is great; and even the Rev. Ritzema, who preserved by the hand of God, made such a propitious voyage, had not equal as- surances, such as are afforded in this case - I hope you will have the goodness to answer this letter at your very earliest convenience, or otherwise, come your- self. However, since you have a charge already, the whole matter must be left to your own inclination. But we especially urge you to take counsel at the mouth
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1745
of the Lord; to pray that he may enlighten you to decide for that which will be most useful.
In the name of the Committee authorized to make this call, I affix my name to this communication. Wishing you all success, and greeting you in love,
I sign myself, My dearly beloved Brother, Your very humble and obedient Servant, Theodoric Van Schelluyne.
Amsterdam, April 13th, 1745.
P. S. It is desirable that a reply to this, be speedily made, since they are expecting a very favorable opportunity for making the voyage, such as cannot reasonably be expected soon to occur again.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Call of Rev. Benjamin Maynema to Pokeepsie etc., by the Attorneys appointed thereto. May 4, 1745.
By authority of the above Power of Attorney, we, the under- signed, have conferred the call to the congregation of Pough- keepsie and Fishkill on Domine Benjamin Meynema, at present ministering the Holy Gospel at Oudwolde and Westergeeft, on such conditions as are contained in the aforesaid instrument of Power of Attorney, who also, on the same conditions has ac- cepted the call.
Amsterdam, May 4, 1745.
Theodorus Van Schelloyne, Pedro de Wolf, Lev. Clarkson, J. Stokkers, Benjamin Meynema.
This signed in our presence.
Thomas Van Bisselik, Cornelius Janse, Otto Van Dam, (Notary Public.)
Accords, so far as concerns this extract, with the original as above signed.
Amsterdam, June 9, 1745.
Otto Van Dam, Notary Public.
Approval by the Classis of Amsterdam.
The Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, having seen and considered the call to the ministry of the churches of Pough-
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2871 1745
keepsie and Fishkill, presented by the Committee to Benjamin Meynema, has unanimously approved the same, with congratu- lations and prayers for all blessings on him who is called, and on his congregation.
Amsterdam, June 14, 1745.
In the name of Classis,
Johannes Van der Vorm, Preacher at Amsterdam, Clerk of Classis, Protem.
Hist. of Pokeepsie Ch. 49.
The Reverend Classis of Dokkum, having examined the accom- panying call to Domine B. Meynema, and also the accompanying approval by the Classis of Amsterdam, and thereupon having learned from the members of the Consistory of the former con- gregations of his Reverence, that his Reverence would also be dismissed by them; accordingly the Rev. Classis of Dokkum dis- misses the aforesaid Domine Meynema from his charge at Oud- wolde, etc., and assigns him to the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, with wishes for the precious blessings of the Lord on his person, ministry and the congregations.
July 5, 1745.
H. Reitzema, President of Classis, Protem. A. Knock, Clerk of Classis, Protem.
PRESBYTERIANS.
1745, May. Presbyterian Synod of New York sends an address to Sir Wm. Gooch, Governor of Virginia, by Messrs. Tennent and Finley, asking full liberty for dissenters to preach in Virginia. Granted. See Alexander's Log College, 224.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Meinema Called to North America.
1745, June 14th. Art. 10. Rev. Theodore van Schelluine, with other gentlemen, have been authorized by the churches of Po- keepsie and Fishkill in North America to procure a minister for those congregations. They have handed in a call made out to Rev. Benjamin Meinema, minister at Oltwolde and Westergeest,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1745
in the Classis of Dokkum (Friesland), and they request the ap- proval of said call. Everything having been found correct, their request was granted, and the call approved.
N. B. Should it happen that the Rev. Kluppel or Meinema, on account of the suddenness of their journey, cannot wait till the next session, the Deputies have the liberty to install them in a Classis Contracta. xii. 89.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, June 18, 1745.
Consistory held in the New Church (on Nassau street, corner of Cedar street.) Resolved, by a majority of votes, to give five pounds New York money, through Mr. A. Herring, to each of the four persons who showed the most zeal in putting out the fire, kindled by lightning in the Tower, on Tuesday.
John Ritzema, p. t. President.
THE COMMITTEE IN HOLLAND HAVING THE " POWER TO CALL ", TO REV. BENJAMIN MEYNEMA, JUNE 25, 1745.
Reverend Sir and Dear Friend: You will receive herewith the letter of call, approved. It would have been sent sooner, but we have waited for the arrival of one of the ships which we knew were to have sailed from New York in April. We have since learned that one of them has safely arrived at one of the islands at which it had to land, on account of its cargo, and we hourly, expect its safe arrival. The same is hoped for the other.
We think it will be necessary that your Reverence request your dismissal from your church and your Classis as soon as possible. Let the dismissal from the Classis be in the month of July, for we learn from the register, that the Classis of Dokkum is to sit a week from next Monday. You can, therefore, be qualified and installed in the antesynodal Classis, which will sit here on the 19th of July. Your coming over for that meeting is required. Otherwise the formalities for your removal must be delayed until the September
2873
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1745
meeting of Classis, by which time the expected ships will probably have sailed again. The passage by these ships, we think, would be much cheaper and more comfortable than by way of England, which otherwise might have to be taken.
If, after your dismissal, and your installation, here to be ob- tained, your Reverence could defer the time of your final sermon of leave taking, it would not be bad; yet the laws require that you should do that first. The difficulty is not great. Your salary begins from the moment of your going aboard ship. An account is to be kept for the congregation to be paid upon your arrival. Should you have the misfortune of being captured by a priva- teer - which however our merchants do not much fear, since you embark here and sail by the Northern route, and we also pray the Lord kindly to prevent it - the insurance on the goods could, in the meanwhile, help for your maintenance. This will be fully repaid, according to the letters of attorney, out of the money which you surely can demand, when there, for your service.
May the Lord at all times be with you, may he make your pas- sage prosperous, and give you grace in the duties of your calling. We shall expect you here before the 19th of July. Should you consider it necessary to send a letter before that time, if required it will be very pleasing to us, who, Rev. Sir, heartily call them- selves,
Your devoted friends and humble servants
Theodorus van Schelluyne, Pedro de Wolff, I. Stockers, who also signs for L. Clarkson. Amsterdam, 25th of June 1745.
P. S. You will please to insert in the power of attorney for your release the name of such pastors as you please.
The expenses for your dismissal will be cheerfully repaid you, with other moneys advanced for your benefit.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1745
BOARD OF TRADE TO GOVERNOR CLINTON, JUNE 28TH, 1745.
Sir: Since our letter to you dated the 5th of April last (a Duplicate is herewith inclosed) we have received a letter from Monsr. de Gersdoff in behalf of himself and the Moravian Breth- ren in the Province of New York, complaining of an Act passed there in September last, entitled "An Act for securing his Majesty's Government of New York " by which as he says these Brethren there will be very much oppressed. We have likewise had some discourse with him and two of their Ministers that have attended us on that subject and having at their request promised to write to you for further Information in the said affair, we do accordingly desire you would inform us in your next what the behaviour of these Moravians has been in your province and whether any ill practices on their part gave occasion to there being inserted by name in the said Act.
We must here observe to you that we have received the above Act with twenty four others transmitted to us by the Secretary of the Province without any letter from him or any observations upon the said Acts from you which by your Instructions you are directed to send us with them. So we bid you heartily farewell & are
Your very loving Friends and humble Servants,
Monson R. Plumer B. Leveson Gower
M. Bladen J. Pitt Ja. Brudenell.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 618, 619. Also Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 279.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Dorsius.
1745, July 10th. Art. 44. As to Dorsius, there is nothing to report, but we wait for news from Rev. Depp. Nevertheless we have great reasons for anxiety in reference to the suggested union
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2875 1745
of the churches in Pennsylvania with the Scotch Assembly (Coetus) there. We deem there is nothing safer than to corre- spond about this with those of New York. xii. 96.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. John Arondeus, and the Churches of Kings County to Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, July 16, 1745.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Extracts, xxiii. 21. To the Very, Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, of the True Re- formed Religion.
Most Rev. Sirs and Fathers: It has given all of us of the five combined churches, much joy to learn that they have been favored by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam with a great and precious promise: namely, that your Revs. will not neglect to provide our churches here with a capable minister.
May it please your Revs. not to take it amiss that, on this suitable occasion, we make bold to ask your Revs. in a most friendly and humble way, that the promise mentioned may be ful- filled as speedily as possible. For this is not only the constant desire and urgent appeal on the part of many in our churches who are troubling the consistory about it; but the consistory itself realizes the extreme necessity of now urging your Revs. for this object. We do this partly, because one of our ministers, Vincentius Antonides, has now been dead for more than a year; and partly because several vacant churches are strongly'inclined to call our other minister, even as the people of the city of Albany have already done so. But his Rev. has politely de- clined said call. His reason was, that he did not feel himself free in conscience to accept, notwithstanding the fact that his annual salary would have been increased by more than two hun- dred gilders, Dutch money. His Rev. wrote them that he could not at present leave our churches, in view of the fact that they
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1745
were being assailed by unspeakable deceits and falsehoods. From this your Revs. can draw the conclusion that our churches would be surely exposed to inevitable destruction, in case we should be left without a minister.
Meanwhile we shall beseech God Almighty long to sustain you; preserve you and bless you liberally in all things. And may your Revs. former care, so paternally and successfully shown toward us, as well as to all the other foreign churches, continue; and may it appear anew in speedily sending us a pious minister for our five combined churches, located on Long Island, in the northern quarter of America, about an hour's distance from the city of New York.
Furthermore, we declare ourselves sincerely to be, as we hope to remain,
Your Revs. most humble, submissive and obedient servants.
Written in our Consistory on the 16th of July, 1745.
Joh. Arondeus, V. D. M.
Hendrick Jansen Jacobus Ammerman Anderies Stockholm
Rutgert Van Brunt
Folkert Folkertsen Pieter Conselie
Hans Bergen
Christianus Lupardus Johannes de Wit
Cornelis Voorhees
Joost de Bevoort Jan Van Noorstrant.
Johannes Ditmars
Roelof Voorhees
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Revs. Kluppel and Meinema Ordained.
1745, July 19th. Art. 9. Revs. Kluppel and Meinema hav- ing been properly dismissed from their Classis and church, were subsequently ordained, the former to the ministry at Constanti- norle, the other to the ministry at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. They signed the Formulae of Concord, and agreed to keep up the correspondence with us. Proper instructions were given them by the Rev. Depp. xii. 97.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. ANDREWS, S. I.
1745, July 26. The Wardens of St. Andrews, at Richmond, Staten Island, wrote about the need of discipline in connection with that Parish, and said: "Mr. Vesey is grown Antient, Infirm, and unable to travel ", and that therefore he had de- clined to visit St. Andrews .- Dix's Trinity Ch. i. 229.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
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