USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 68
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and if such a one should have arose amongst you, the same must be avoided & dismissed. For the admonition and advice of St. John in his first Letter Chapter 4th (where he writes thus, Beloved believe not every Spirit, but try the Spirits whether they are of God) ought to be the Concern of every Christian Congregation; The reason why such a Tryal be very necessary is St. John says expressly, because many false Prophets are gone out into the World who pretend to be Vocated & sent from God, tho' they are not, and such Preachers may do great mischief to other Souls if they do not look out, and are upon their guard; This Article, my beloved, you will remember the more in your hearts, because you know yourselves, the Country & respective places wherein you dwell are frequented enough by such Schismaticks & false Prophets etc.
Friederigh Michael Ziegenhagen.
Kensington the 13th of Sept., 1744.
Philadelphia ss. Christian Grussold of the City of Philadelphia in the Prov- ince of Pennsylvania Tradesman and the Rev. Peter Brunholtz Clerk Minister of the German Lutheran Congregations in Philadelphia aforesaid & Germantown came before me William Allen Esq., one of his Majestie's Justices of the Peace for the City and County of Philadelphia aforesaid and Severally made Oath on the holy Evangelists to the purport and effect following (that is to say) The said Christian Grussold saith that he is by birth a German, and that he was employed to translate some attestations & Extracts out of two Letters, which said attestations & Extracts being now produced unto him, he saith, that the foregoing Writing on the other side of this Paper is a true translation thereof out of the high German language according to the best of his skill & knowledge. The other Dept. Peter Brunnholtz saith that he received & brought over the original Letters (so in part translated by the said Christian Grussold) from Friederigh Michael Ziegenhagen mentioned in the foregoing Writing, that to the best of his knowledge & belief the said foregoing Writing is a true translation of the said attestations & of the Extracts out of the said Letters. He further saith that he knows and is well acquainted with the respective hand writings of Samuel Urlesperger (also mentioned in the foregoing Writing) as also of the said Gotthilf August Francke and Friederigh Michael Ziegenhagen, & the said original Attestations (of which the foregoing attestations are a translation) being produced unto him, he saith that he verily believes the name Samuel Urlesperger subscribed thereto is the proper hand writing of the said Samuel Urlesperger. And the two original Letters (of which the Extracts beforementioned are in part a translation) being also produced to the said Dept. he saith that he verily be- lieves the names Gotthilf August Francke, and Friederigh Michael Ziegenhagen respectively subscribed to the said Letters are the respective proper hand writings of the said Gotthilf August Francke & Friederigh Michael Ziegenhagen. Peter Brunholtz Christian Grassold.
Sworn before me the 28th Day of August 1746. Will Allen, Recorder.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 589-591.
MISSIONS AMONG THE MOHAWKS.
Rev. Henry Barclay to the Society for Propagating the Gospel, Dec. 2, 1746. Extract.
About the middle of November, 1745, the French Indians came to an open rupture with us, and with a party of French, fell upon a frontier settlement, * which they laid in ashes, and made most of the inhabitants, to the number of about one hundred, prisoners; ever since which time, they have kept us in a continual alarm by skulking parties who frequently murdered and carried off the
* Saratoga - the present Schuylerville .- STATE HISTORIAN.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
poor inhabitants, treating them in the most inhuman and barbarous manner; by which means the lately populous and flourishing county of Albany is become a wilderness, and numbers of people, who were possessed of good estates, are reduced to poverty. In the meantime our Indians could not be prevailed upon to enter into the war, but have deceived us with fair promises from time to time, whilst we were convinced, by undeniable proofs, that they kept up a correspond- ence with the enemy."
- Quoted by Dix, 1. 233.
TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK. The Vestry of Trinity Church to the Society for Propagating the Gospel, Dec. 5, 1746.
New York, December 5, 1746.
Reverend Sir :- We, the Church Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church in the city of New York, begg leave to acquaint the Honourable Society, that it hath pleased Almighty God to take unto himself the Rev. Mr. Vesey, our late worthy Rector, by whose death the Church Wardens, under his Inspection as Commissary, have sustained a considerable, and our own an almost irreparable loss. And we have made choice of the Rev. Mr. Barclay to succeed him, we hope our proceeding therein will not be disagreeable to that Venerable Body, we having endeavoured to act upon this important occasion with all the care and precaution becoming so weighty an affair. And although we have a great esteem for Mr. Barclay, and were all satisfied, with his qualifications in all respects, yet we should not have presumed to make any advances for his removall, had we not been well satisfied of the many and great discouragements he hath mett with in his mission since the war with France, which rendered his best endeavours fruitless, and the safety of his person precarious among the savages in the Mohawks' Country, at least during the con- tinuance of the war; which, with what further accounts he shall give the Honour- able Society about this matter, we trust will be satisfactory, and justifie his conduct and removall from the seat of War, and a country greatly deserted by the Inhabitants, and almost laid waste by Barbarians.
Reverend Sir, we begg our humble duty may be presented to the Honourable So- ciety, and that you will, upon all occasions, be pleased to interpose your good offices for the continuance of their favour and bounty towards us, which, by the blessing of God, and the care and diligence of the Rev. Mr. Charlton, their Catechist, prove successfull, and greatly tend to promote their pious designs to the glory of God, and the Interest of our Holy Church and Religion in this populous city, amidst the many different sects and persuasions of its inhabitants. So heartily recommending the Honourable Society to the favour and protection of Almighty God, and pray- ing for their health and happiness, we remain, with the greatest regard, both their and Your Most obedient humble servants.
Which letters were approved off, and signed by this Board.
- Berrian's History of Trinity Church, New York. pp. 68, 69.
TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK. The Vestry of Trinity Church to the Bishop of London, Dec. 6, 1746.
New York, December 6, 1746.
My Lord: We, the Church Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, under the greatest concern, beg leave to acquaint Your Lordship, that it hath pleased God to take unto himself the Reverend Mr. Vesey, Your Lordship's Commissary, and our faithfull pastor, by whose death the churches in general over which, by your Lordship's favor, he had the Inspection, have sustained a very great, and our own in particular, an almost irreparable loss; tho', by the blessing of Almighty
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God upon his pious endeavors and unwearied diligence for the space of near fifty years past, he had the inward pleasure of leaving in peace and good order one of the largest and finest churches in America, with a considerable congregation, who, almost with one voice, named the Rev. Mr. Barclay to succeed Mr. Vesey as Rector. And although we were satisfied of his qualifications in all respects, yet, as he was in the service of the Honourable Society, and had been instrumentall in doing a vast deal of the good among the Heathen, we should not, upon any terms, have presumed to have countenanced the calling of him, had we not been well satisfied that, since the war with France, he had met with insupportable dis- couragement, which rendered his mission and best endeavours fruitless, as well as the safety of his person precarious among those savages in the Mohawks' Country - which, with many other parts of the County of Albany, being the frontiers of the province, is now deserted by the Christian Inhabitants, and almost laid waste by Barbarians and French; all which, with what Mr. Barclay will have the honour of writing to your Lordship upon this head, we humbly hope will be sufficient, in Your Lordship's opinion and Judgment, to justifie our con- duct and proceedings upon this important occasion; and that Your Lordship (who by Divine Providence is appointed the great shepherd and Bishop of these Ameri- can Churches) will approve of our choice, and give us leave humbly to recommend our Rector as a Gentleman, worthy of Your Lordship's favour and countenance; And that Your Lordship will be pleased to continue your paternall care and good offices to our Infant Church, which we shall always endeavor to meritt, and remain with the most profound respect, My Lord, Your Lordship's much obliged, and most obedient humble servants.
- Berrian's History of Trinity Church, New York, pp. 67, 68.
GOVERNOR CLINTON TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE. DEC. 9, 1746. Rev. Henry Barclay.
When in consequence of my treaty with the Six Nations of Indians, I had sent out several partys to harrass the French in Canada and to make reprizals for the barbaritys committed on our frontiers, one of these partyes, which brought up eight prisoners and four scalps from within a few leagues of Montreal, think- ing this a proper occasion to have their complaint heard, came two hundred miles from their own habitations to present a petition to me, against Philip Livingston [Secretary] for Indian Affairs and Henry Barclay their late Minister now Rector of the Church in this place.
To the Honourable His Excellency George Clinton Esq., Captain General and Governour in Chief of the Province of New York and Territories thereon de- pending in America, Vice Admirall of the same, and Vice Admirall of His Majesty's Fleet of the Red Squadron.
The Petition of Some Mohawk Warriors in behalf of themselves and their Brethren of the Mohawks and Conojohary Castle.
Humbly Sheweth :- That whereas some years past the Rev. Mr. Henry Barclay did officiate among us as a Teacher of the gospell and did dayly preach good things to us the Mohawks; we in relation for his singular service did make him a present of a spot of land very conveniently situated near the garrison, with intent never- theless that the said piece of land should be and remain to the said Mr. Barclay during his being our Teacher, that ceasing, the said land to go to the next Minister that should come in his room, and so on from one to the other. But to our sorrow we find that Mr. Barclay has not only left us, for the love of money, but still claimed the said land as his particular property, directly contrary to the meaning and intent of us the Donors. Wherefore in this point we do earnestly first beg remedy in the premises by some ways or means to have that land settled for a Minister for the time being, the building thereon erected by Mr. Barcklay to be appraised and payd and another Teacher to be procured to us with all speed, and that no person whatsoever be admitted to buy one foot of our Flatts, either at the Mohawks or Canojohary from us. Then shall we see that you are in- tended to keep us clear and be convinced that our Brother highly loveth us. We shall not be wanting on our parts, as we have now lately done to shew our regard love and friendship we have for our sovereign King George and all his subjects
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 312, 314, 315.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1746
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Revs. Du Bois and Ritzema to the Classis of Amsterdam, Dec. 19, 1746 .- No. 13.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i. Extracts, xxiii. 58-59.
Addressed :-
Very Rev., Learned, Godly Sirs, constituting the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, at Amsterdam.
Copy of a letter dated 25th of September, 1746.
Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ: Inasmuch as we, as members of the Dutch Reformed Churches in this country, and especially as office-bearers in the same, are in duty bound, so far as we are able, to care for their welfare; therefore when called . upon, can we the less excuse ourselves from offering aid and assistance to those who desire to avail themselves of such help.
Such a case has now come fresh to our hands from the Church of Rhinebeck, a little village lying over against Kingston, where Rev. Weiss has been minister. By his departure to Pennsylvania, the Church is left without a minister, and without the observance of public worship. It has, however, heard of a student named Johannes Leydt, who, for some years has pursued his studies under different ministers. Now, for a year and a half, he has been instructed under our supervision, not to speak of what he has already accomplished in the original languages of Scripture, and in the systems of Profs. Vitringa and Gerdes. The good reports concerning this young man, who is now about twenty eight years of age, moved many to go and hear him, to judge of his gifts. The same reports were repeated as to the general satis- faction of the Church. It also became clear to us from their sub- scription and from the authority they sent us to take action in the matter, that they desired, not only to have him for their lawful minister, but even to have the benefit of his services as a student
1746
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and a Reader at once, until, in some way, the opportunity might offer for the Rev. Classis to give him the lawful authority to officiate.
Having received this request from them, we gave it mature consideration, and came to the conclusion, that we could certainly find no reason for refusing such a unanimous desire. On the con- trary, we thought that such a pious aim should be furthered with all possible zeal; especially since experience teaches us how easily dissensions may enter into a church here, and where they have entered, how hard it is to heal them.
We informed them, therefore, that we could see no objection whatever to his officiating in such capacity temporarily, and that we would present their request in their name to the Rev. Classis. This we hereby do, and in this form: That the Rev. Classis nomi- nate the ministers of the Dutch Reformed Churches here, who are in sympathy with the Coetus, or at least two or three of the minis- ters, to conduct the ordination examination in the name of the Classis. To convince the Rev. Classis, in a measure, of the neces- sity of this request we give the following reasons:
1. Because the Church of Rhinebeck is weak, and not in a con- dition, without a great sacrifice of its temporal well-being, to bear the heavy expenses of calling a minister from Holland, especially in these war-times. At the most, they can raise but fifty or sixty pounds for yearly support; but on this account, one would hardly be inclined to come over to them. (from Holland).
2. Because experience teaches us, since the salary here is raised by the voluntary gifts of the adherents of the Church, that when a minister has been obtained from the Fatherland who does not give very good satisfaction, immediately disaffected persons rise up and refuse to give their proportion. This causes the Con- sistory a great deal of trouble, in order to make up the amount. Against such disturbances, which over here cause the ruination of our churches, the churches are best protected by their making a free choice.
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3. Because experience teaches us again, that some of those who come out of the Fatherland, promise to themselves mountains of gold over here, and find themselves greatly disappointed in their expectations. And such as these do not adapt themselves very well to the dispensation which Divine Providence appoints them. This also sometimes, creates not a little disaffection.
4. Because we can say with all freedom in regard to this young man, that he is so far advanced that he can understand a Latin author, can help himself with Hebrew and Greek, and is reason- ably well-versed in theology. In his walk and conversation he is an example in godliness to others. He is humble and meek in spirit, so that he can bear with evils. This is something which here as well as elsewhere, is requisite above all things.
These are the things, Rev. Fathers and Brethern in Christ, which have had such weight with us, that we could not do other- wise than we have done, if we would promote the welfare of the Church over here. We are obliged, in this case at least, to act thus, submitting ourselves, of course, to your Revs. wise and pru- dent judgement.
Indeed we are of the opinion that, if we only had capable per- sons, this course should be followed more generally here in the country districts. For here and there, scattered in the woods, are little companies of settlers, consisting of ten, twenty or more families. These, if they are not to grow wild altogether, living, as they do but little better than heathen, ought to have a religious leader. For such a one, they would be willing to make up a small support, and thus, in course of time, they might become flourish- ing churches. Of such examples we have been ourselves eye-wit- nesses. Without just now mentioning particular instances we could perhaps enumerate twenty or thirty cases in New York and New Jersey.
We felt ourselves in duty bound to write your Revs. these things. And what we write we could even now substantiate in many ways; inasmuch as his Rev. is quietly carrying on a work
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1746
which is blest of heaven, and gives satisfaction to the people. This one particular, however, we desire to mention : His Rev. coming down to town, told us of a neighborhood, called "The Seven Partners ", where his services are also wanted. By general agree- ment, if the people of Rhinebeck would consent, they would build a church for him to preach in, notwithstanding the distance is about four hours on foot.
With our greetings and best wishes for your Revs. persons families and heavy ministerial labors for the extension and up- building of Christ's Kingdom, we sign ourselves, once again, Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ, with much respect,
Your Revs. Obedient Servants and Brethren, G. Du Bois, Joh. Ritzema, V. D. M. New York.
New York, Dec. 19, 1746 .* No. 13.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Dec. 19, 1746.
Consistory held. After calling on God's name, the fact was considered that Mr. Isaac Stoutenberg, had from sickness laid aside the office of clerk which had been provisionally conferred upon him, and his brother Jacobus had for some time undertaken it. Nevertheless, the action of the Consistory was requested thereon.
Resolved, That the office shall be conferred on him as formerly, only provision- ally; and only for such a length of time as the Consistory shall deem proper; provided, that he, while enjoying the profits, shall allow another to serve in his place when the Consistory so orders.
Resolved, That besides what Mr. Huybert Van Wagenen receives for the in- struction of poor children, ten pounds New York currency shall be paid to him for one year, on the condition that when the Consistory so orders, he shall act as chorister, alternately in the Old Church and the New. If this shall prove satis- factory, the Consistory will take further action.
Resolved, That Mr. Jan Van Aarnnam, clerk in the New Church, be informed, that, although retaining his usual salary and profits, he shall allow any one whom the Consistory approves, to serve in his place.
It was ordered, that the president for the time being, shall in his own house in the presence of elder Bancker, make known this action to all these three parties. This having been done, they expressed their satisfaction therewith, and their purpose, with the Lord's help, to conform to it.
By the authority of the Consistory, this 2nd day of March, 1747, all this was recorded in the Church Book by me
Henricus Boel, p. t. President.
* From the heading this may be the same as a letter dated September 19, 1746.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1747
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
A Letter from New York.
1747, Jan. 9th. Art. 4. A letter addressed to this Assembly was placed in the hands of the Rev. Deputies ad res Exteras, to report on it to the Assembly subsequently. xii. 121.
The case of Goetschius, - and several letters bearing thereon.
1747, Jan. 9th. Art. 5. The Rev. Deputies, together with the other gentlemen of the committee, on the case of the Rev. Goets- chius, rendered a report of their doings, and submitted there- with their suggestions, (pre-advice), as to the best course to pursue in this matter. This pre-advice is to be found word for word in the Acta of the Deputies. Their report was unanimously ap- proved by the Assembly, with their thanks to the gentlemen of this committee. In this connection, there were also communi- cated to the Assembly several letters, which the Rev. Deputies should forward as follows: to the committee at New York; to Rev. John Henry Goetschius; to the church of Queens County, (Long Island); and to Rev. Ritsema. Their design was to exhort all these several parties to peace; and at the same time to serve for instructions how they were to deal with Rev. Goetschius. They were also to aim at this, namely that a Classis (Coetus?) should be inaugurated and established among the churches in that land. The contents of all these letters were approved by the As- sembly, and the Messrs. Deputies were thanked. xii. 121.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies. Jan. 9th, 1747. (Other end of Vol. xxiii. 45.)
Report of the Committee of Classis on the Goetschius case.
Extra session on the same day.
The Deputati, having asked the Committee of the Rev. Classis to come in, in accordance with the resolution of Classis of October 3, (1746), proceeded conjointly to investigate the case of Goetschius. They took into calm consider- ation and with all carefulness, all the documents belonging to this annoying
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
affair: both those brought in against Goetschius by the Committee, (in that land), and also those of the aforesaid (Goetschius), handed in for his defence; partly to this committee, partly sent over to this Classis in a private way. They have found:
A. That the chief accusation brought in against Goetschius, regarding at- tempted immorality with a certain married woman, Annie Onderdonk, carries with it no proof, satisfactory in all particulars, whereon, according to custom and law, the aforesaid could be condemned. Notwithstanding there remains cause for anxiety, whether the aforesaid did not, by too familiar and imprudent inter- course with that woman, give occasion and ground for evil suspicions. These also Goetschius himself has not been disinclined to confess in his letter to this Classis.
B. That among the other accusations against him, there are, indeed, certain ones, which are somewhat far-fetched, and not of very great importance; yet most of them furnish a convincing evidence of the exceeding imprudence and passionateness of the aforesaid. Of this also, he has made some confession, and has asked pardon of the Committee in that land, and somewhat more fully of us, in his letter to this Rev. Classis; with submission of himself to the judg- ment of this Rev. Body, and to the Formulae of the Church Order of the Netherland churches, instituted at the National Synod of Dordrecht.
After this examination of documents the Committee ad causam have unani- mously drawn up this resolution, to serve this Rev. Assembly by way of pre- advice.
A. That the members constituting the Committee, who served in the case of Goetschius at New York, should be thanked for the pains they have taken in this vexatious case, and for the good order in which they have transmitted to us, in writing what was transacted; and that they be exhorted to contribute all in their power to the suppression of all unrestfulness, and for the restoration of the peace in that disturbed congregation, as well as on the whole Island; and that, as a means thereto, there should be urged the speedy organization of a Coetus or Conventus, at which all ecclesiastical affairs, and all disputes that arise, may be dealt with, with their ultimate submission to the judgment of this Classis.
B. As to Rev. Goetschius: that he can be, and should be regarded in no other quality than that of a candidate, (proponent), and that, (inasmuch as, in our opin- ion, he cannot, at any rate, perform with usefulness and edification, the office of a minister in the churches of Queens County, on account of the all too highly-excited party-spirit, and the reciprocal bitterness there existing, he ought to be put in a position subject to a call, and serve any church which may desire his ministry; inasmuch as there are so many vacant churches in that land. But that the afore- said, when he has been lawfully called by some church, must first undergo a final (peremptory) examination before the Coetus, or a committee appointed for that purpose, in order thus to be lawfully qualified nomine hujus Classis; that subsequently, after his previous signing of the Formulae of Concord, and promise of subjection to the Coetus, and to this Rev. Classis, he shall be ordained) with the laying on of hands by one or more of the neighboring ministers, or to those thereto nominated by the Coetus. Further: that the aforesaid Goetschius ought
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