USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 69
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to be earnestly admonished to conduct himself, hereafter, prudently and peace- fully and edifyingly in all things, as becomes an overseer of God's church; and by submission to this resolution, to show by deeds that his professions were sincere, and that all this must be made known to him by a letter.
C. That the letter of Rev. Ritzema, also signed by Rev. Erickson, having reference to the aforesaid case, ought to be answered. It is also submitted for consideration, whether a letter should not be written to the churches of Queens County, in order to inform them of the resolution of Classis, with earnest admoni- tion to peace; and stirring them up to look out for a capable, pious and peace- loving pastor, in order that when he has been lawfully called, he may be properly qualified and ordained (consecrated).
Other end of Vol. xxiil. 45.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Ritzema, Jan. 9, 1747.
No. 43, Vol. 30, page 69.
To the Rev., Godly and Learned Mr. J. Ritzema, faithful minister of the Holy Gospel in the Church of Jesus Christ at New York.
Rev. and Very-learned Sir, Esteemed Brother :- From your let- ter without date, signed also by Mr. Erickzon, we learned with joy of your safe arrival in that country as early as October, 1744. The confusions and divisions on Long Island cause us, not less than yourself, sincere regret. We employ every means to quiet those disturbances. We request you also, to assist in every way in your power, especially by the speedy institution of a Coetus. Without this we fear that peace will never be restored and the churches utterly fail of edification. It cheers us to know that peace exists in the city. May God increase it and establish it, and may the Church be built up and the consolations of the Holy Ghost be multiplied. We trust that no differences may spring up through the baptism of children in private houses, to the foster- ing of superstition, and contrary to the practice in our Nether- lands Churches. We have heard indirectly concerning this. The introduction of novelties easily originates confusions and divi- sions. These may appear small in the beginning, but when they have once broken out, can hardly be subdued. Therefore yourself and everyone ought to oppose their very beginnings.
As touching your report concerning the case of Goetschius, we doubt not you have acted impartially, and that your love of peace has impelled you to inform us of your views concerning it. We thank you for the trouble you have taken, and we bear you witness that you have not made use of wholly unfounded reports. But you also well understand that when a case has been referred to a Committee, the case must be left to such legally authorized body,
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and its report must be awaited. We cannot give heed to private advices, which are often contradictory, as has already appeared in this delicate case. We must commend the Committee so far, in that they have transmitted most carefully the whole case, and in most excellent order, with all the documents and proofs both pro and con. You will also discover that we have impartially and conscientiously, according to our best ability, so decided the case, that, whatever wishes have been expressed on either side, we trust that all parties will abide by our decision.
Finally, we wish the blessing of the Lord upon your person, your sacred ministry, and your family, while we subscribe our- selves with brotherly esteem,
Reverend, Godly, Very-learned Sir and Brother, your well-wish- ing Servants and Brethren, in the Name of the Classis of Am- sterdam,
Cornelius Houthoff, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Classis, p. t. Praeses. Ger. Kulenkamp, V. D. M., Amst. Depp. Classis, p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Jan. 9, 1747.
P. S. You may communicate the contents of this letter, to- gether with our greeting, to Rev. Mr. Erickzon, so far as it relates to him.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of New York, January 9, 1747. No. 44 of Vol. 30, p. 70.
To the Honorable, Devout, Very-Learned Gentlemen, Ministers and Elders, constituting the Rev. Consistory of the Reformed Church at New York.
Esteemed Brethren :-
We have delayed sending the enclosed copy of the Minutes of the last Synod of North Holland, in the expectation of an answer
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to our last letter. We know it came to your hand in due time from an extract in a letter written to Mr. A. M. Van Arssen. Of this, however, the Rev. Classis can take no account, as it has resolved not to recognize, much less answer, any letter addressed to private persons, and not to the Rev. Classis itself. We refer, therefore, only to our former communications and expect to re- ceive speedily, a satisfactory and peaceable answer thereto. We hope that the disturbances which have arisen out of the Goetschius affair may be quieted by the decision which the Rev. Classis has made on the case, and which is herewith transmitted. May no new distemper arise, but may Peace and Unity prevail, that the churches may have peace and be edified, and that the consolations of the Holy Spirit may be multiplied.
We are still of opinion, and more confirmed therein than ever, that nothing is more likely to preserve unity and good order and prevent irregularities and distractions, than the speedy organiza- tion of a Coetus or Conventus. We earnestly request you, there- fore, to direct your most diligent endeavors toward the accom- plishment of so beneficent a work. May the God of Peace be with you and grant unto the churches the long-wished for peace. May He bless you personally and in your sacred ministry as well as in your families with the choicest of his blessings. We sub- scribe ourselves with brotherly good-will, Rev., Devout and Learned Gentlemen and Brethren,
Your Servants and Colaborers, who wish you prosperity and peace, in the Name and by Order of Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Cornelius Houthoff, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. p. t. Praeses. Ger. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amst. Depp.
Cl. p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Jan. 10, 1747.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Du Bois, Arondeus and others, (the Committee on the Goetschius case) Jan. 9, 1747. No. 45, Vol. 30, p. 71.
To the Rev., Devout and Highly-learned Gentlemen, Du Bois, 'Arondeus, and other Members of the Hon. Committee, etc., at New York.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren, Constituting the Committee, serving in the case of Goetschius :-
The elaborate letter which you sent last year, without date, with the ten annexed documents, duly reached us. We heartily thank you for the manifold trouble which you have willingly undergone in the examination, and treatment so fully, of so deli- cate and intricate a case as that of Rev. Goetschius. We are well satisfied with the excellent order with which you have trans- mitted your own transactions, and we cannot neglect to commend your zeal, care and diligence in the whole matter. Inasmuch as you committed the entire business to the adjudication of this Classis, the Rev. Classis has had their Committee carefully and impartially examine all the documents sent us, both by yourselves and Rev. Goetschius, and having received their report, has come to the following unanimous decision :
A. That the chief accusation against Rev. Goetschius, relating to an attempted impropriety with Annie Onderdonk, cannot be fully sustained, as a proven misdemeanor, according to legal methods. Nevertheless we fear that Rev. Goetschius has given occasion to evil suspicions by conduct too intimate and imprudent. Indeed, he has confessed as much to us.
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B. Concerning the other accusation brought against him, (al- though some of these seem rather far-fetched and not of much importance,) there seem to have been extravagant passion and great imprudence, faults which are not seldom cloaked under a zeal for God's cause, of which Rev. Goetschius has been guilty. Of this he has made some confession before your Committee, and has more amply asked to be excused in his letters to the Classis.
C. Inasmuch as Rev. Goetschius can be considered by us as standing no higher than a candidate, he is therefore judged by us not to be in a condition to undertake the work of the ministry, as the lawful Shepherd and Teacher in the Church in Queens County, with any fruit, or to the edification of the people; es- pecially because of the very excited party-spirit and the mutual embitterments there existing. That congregation should first be provided with a lawfully chosen Consistory, to be installed by one of the neighboring ministers or by one of your Committee, or by some one appointed by the Coetus. It should then be exhorted to seek another pastor, pious and peaceable, and to choose him in a lawful manner. You as a Committee out also to strive to quiet the turbulent spirits in that congregation, and to urge them to peace and union.
D. The Assembly, however, declares that Rev. Goetschius is in a condition to be called by any Reformed Church which may desire his services. To this end you shall lend him a helping hand in consideration of his pressing circumstances. There is also danger that disturbances would increase if he should join himself to some of the sects with his adherents. Then also his humble submission to the Rev. Classis, and his meek supplications cause us to hope that hereafter he will act with more prudence and modesty, and be able, in peace, to edify the Church.
E. In case a lawful call is made by any church upon Mr. Goet- schius, this Rev. Assembly decides that he must be examined
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preemptoir, nomine hujus Classis, by the Coetus, when organized, or by a Committee appointed for this purpose. He may subse- quently be ordained to the ministry by the laying on of hands by one or more of the neighboring ministers, after he has signed the Formulas of Uniformity according to our Netherland Church Or- der, and promising submission to the Coetus and this Classis. Such is the decision come to, Brethren, by the Classis in this try- ing case of Rev. Goetschius, the carrying out of which decision is earnestly commended to you.
Meantime you will observe how very necessary the establish- ment of a Coetus is. Let it be no longer delayed. The sooner it is established the better. We urge you, therefore, in the most friendly manner to lend a helping hand thereto with all diligence. So long as no such Assembly exists we fear that peace cannot be restored. There is danger that new divisions may arise, with all the confusions incident thereto, to the destruction of the already distracted churches. By such circumstances the erring spirits which are already there in great numbers, will not fail to profit. This could only be to the sorrow of those who love the truth and walk in it in love.
We commend you to God and the word of his grace, who is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among them that are sanctified. We subscribe with all esteem and brotherly good-will, Rev. Sirs and Brethren,
Your Co-workers wishing you all Prosperity and Peace,
In the Name and by Order of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Cornelius Houthoff, V. D. M. Amst. Dep. Cl. p. t. Praeses. Ger. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amst. Dep. Cl. p. t. Scriba. Amsterdam, Jan. 9, 1747.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the churches in Queens county, Jan. 9, 1747. No. 46, of Vol. 30, p. 74.
To the Esteemed Brethren, Elders, Deacons and Members of the Reformed Church of Jesus Christ in Queens County, the Classis of Amsterdam wishes Prosperity, Peace and Blessing:
We have learned with deep emotion, by several letters of the disputes which have arisen among you - great divisions and animosities, which have produced much confusion in the church, because of circumstances connected with the Rev. Goetschius. But how can God dwell where peace has departed? How can edi- fication be promoted where offences are given and taken? How can peace of conscience exist, and the comfort of the Spirit be experienced, where men are provoking and embittering one another, and that, too, in a country where all sorts of errorists and sectaries abound? And such as these cannot fail to profit from such circumstances, by seducing away simple-minded souls who love peace. We are deeply concerned about these disturbances, beloved brethren. We have examined, therefore, as soon as it was possible after receiving the documents, as well as the proofs for and against Rev. Goetschius, the facts with deliberation and impartiality. Using all care, and in the fear of God, we have come to the opinion, that as to the chief accusation, the alleged impropriety, we cannot declare the said party guilty, as the proofs are not sufficient according to legal requirements; nevertheless we do not consider him altogether blameless. We leave this obscure matter with the Supreme judge .- As to the other accusa- tions, we do not deem them of equal importance; nevertheless we are convinced he must acknowledge himself guilty of great imprudence. He has allowed him- self to be carried away by unwise passion, and has been betrayed into bitterness and hasty judgement.
We have sought to discover means both to save Mr. Goetschius, and to bring your congregation to quietness and peace. If he would but allow himself to be in- fluenced by a gentler and more peaceful spirit, he may yet be of service to the Church of God, elsewhere. Partly by his fault, and partly without his fault, he has become, alas! a man of discord in your church. Therefore, we fear, that as long as he remains among you, peace and harmony will be remote.
Therefore we exhort you, with prayer to God and with united efforts, to seek out for yourselves, and the sooner, the better, another pastor and teacher. Let him be the best, the most devout and the most peaceable man you can find; one properly qualified and lawfully chosen, unanimously, if possible, to be your leader, and intercessor, before God in your behalf; and let him be properly con- frmed, (ordained or installed) according to Church Order, in this country. We earnestly wish that God may show you such a man, one after his own heart, who may heal the breaches, build up your fallen Zion, and edify the church.
Meanwhile we do not desire you to consider Rev. Goetschius to be under' censure and unfit for the sacred ministry. No, indeed! On the contrary we recog- nize him as a candidate, and consider him suitable to be called by any church in your country which desires his services, and lawfully chooses him to be their pastor. Only, in such case, he must allow himself to be properly qualified. In such a way, brethren, we think this greatly tangled affair may be smoothed down, and removed out of the way, with peace restored to you, and Rev. Mr. Goet- schius saved. If you love peace, brethren, and truly desire the edification of the Church, let this fatherly and brotherly counsel of love seem good in your eyes.
And now you, brethren, who have stood in opposition to Goetschius, possibly with some cause, do you watch over your own hearts lest any root of bitter- ness remain, which may produce gall and wormwood. Forgive him, wherein he may have given you any offence, that you likewise may be forgiven. Pity him,
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because of his needy circumstances and seek not to hinder his promotion to other churches, but rather favor it in every way. And you, brethren, who have sided with Rev. Goetschius, perhaps because of the good you discovered in him, while your love covered his faults, (and this is to be commended in you,) we beseech you and exhort you to stand by this, the decision of our Rev. Assembly. Unite your hearts in the fear of God, and manifest the fact, by allowing your- selves to be governed by the spirit of Peace. Thus will you re-establish har- mony, and put away from yourselves that which would foment schism.
And now may the God of Peace sanctify you, govern you and lead you in the ways of peace. May he grant peace unto your church, that it may be edified, and may the consolations of the Holy Ghost be multiplied. We request that this, our letter, be publicly read before the whole congregation. We sign our- selves with all brotherly esteem and good-will,
In the name, and by the Order of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, Your Brethren who wish you all Prosperity and Peace,
The Deputies of the Rev. Classis,
Cornelius Houthof, V. D. M., Amst. Depp. Classis, p. t. Praeses. Gerardus Kulenkamp, V. D. M., Amst. Depp. Classis, p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Jan. 9, 1747.
P. S. We also exhort the congregation that they look to it, and the sooner, the better, that a lawful Consistory be chosen.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John H. Goetschius, Jan. 9, 1747. No. 47 of Vol. 30, p. 76.
To Rev. John Henry Goetschius, Candidate, although at present officiating in the Reformed Church in Queens county.
Reverend Sir and Brother :- Both your communications, namely, that of Jan. 10th and that of May 24th, of last year, with all the accompanying papers and documents sent by you, have come safely to hand. We have carefully examined everything contained in them, as well as what you furnish in your own defence, or as an excuse, all of which we have also compared with what the Rev. Com- mittee alleges against you.
We must acknowledge that the chief accusation, the alleged impropriety with Annie Onderdonk, does not appear to be satisfactorily proven; yet the excuses wherewith you serve yourself, and the proofs you bring in your own defence are likewise not altogether satisfactory, so as to remove all anxiety from our minds; nor is even the sworn declaration of the eldership concerning the testimony of the said woman to your exoneration. Neither do we understand the reasons which moved you to conceal or obscure before the Committee this most important proof in your defence. On this account they were, with reason, much embarrassed. We indeed cannot, nor do not wish, positively to condemn you in this matter, but we leave the case with God and your own conscience. Nevertheless we must say that there remain many reasons for solicitude in our minds, lest by your too familiar conduct and imprudent acts toward this woman, you should have given ground for evil suspicions; the which you have yourself also substantially confessed.
As regards the other accusations brought against you: Among these there are some which do not seem of much importance; nevertheless we are convinced of your great imprudence. You allow yourself to be carried away by your temper and passion, and not seldom also, you would have this sinful passion pass for holy zeal in God's cause. For this we grieve over you.
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As far as we ourselves are concerned, we gladly, upon your request and con- fession, forgive you all wherein you have irreverently treated and wrongly accused this Classical Assembly. We hope also that all those harsh words which you have spoken against your fellow-servants may not be reckoned against you. Hence- forth may the spirit of humble meekness and peaceful charity possess you.
Meanwhile, we are deeply concerned, that the church in those parts has been so sadly shaken by these disturbances, and in which you are not faultless; and that, too, when so many errorists are swarming around. The congregation of Queens County has been so rent and divided, that nothing but scandal and offence can result, to the dishonor of God's name and cause.
We have deeply pondered how to restore peace to the congregation disturbed by all these passionate animosities, and at the same time to save you from the circumstances of difficulty in which you find yourself. We sincerely pity you. But we cannot see how either can be effected while you remain in the congre- gation; for the estrangement of feeling and the excitement are so great, that you could have no peace and the congregation no edification. The following is therefore the decision of the Classis after deliberate and devout consideration of all the circumstances:
1. That the church of Queens county must seek another godly and peaceable pastor, and must call him in a strictly legal manner, to be their pastor and teacher. To this end you can contribute much, if you are really interested in the peace of that congregation, by properly influencing those who are your adherents.
2. In regard to yourself, this Assembly constitutes you a candidate. It neither can nor may look upon you in any other light. You may be called by any con- gregation that desires your services on these conditions: after being lawfully called, you must submit yourself to the examen peremptorium before the Coetus which is soon to be established, or before a Committee appointed by the same. Then, after signing the Formula of Uniformity, and honestly declaring your sub- mission to the Coetus and the Classis, you may be properly ordained with the laying on of hands and thus consecrated to the sacred ministry by the neighboring
or other ministers. We expect you cheerfully to submit to this just decision, which will tend to bring peace to the church and to preserve yourself. From your conduct now will appear the fact whether your written confessions and promises of submission agree with your practice.
As fathers and brethren we exhort you to walk prudently, humbly and peace- ably, esteeming others higher and better than yourself. This will be a clear evidence of the genuineness of your piety, and thus you will be enabled to edify the church of God with your talents. May the God of Peace sanctify you, per- fect you and guide you that in all things you may do his will. We subscribe ourselves with brotherly love and good will,
Reverend Sir and Brother,
Your Reverence's Brethren wishing you peace and every blessing, In the Name and by Order of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Cornelius Houthoff, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. p. t. Praeses. Ger. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Jan. 9th 1747.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. E. T. van Hoevenbergh.
1747, Jan. 9th. Art. 6. The Messrs. Deputies communicated to the Assembly the contents of a letter sent to them by Rev. E. T. van Hoevenbergh. In this he declares that he is as yet un- able to let himself be used again in the service of the church in
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Suriname; nevertheless, he wished that he might, meantime, be allowed to enjoy the half salary formerly granted to his mother; that their Reverences in a letter accompanying the Acta of the Synod of North Holland for 1746, to the consistory in Suriname, had interceded for him. This letter having been read, the As- sembly approved of such suggestions with thanks to the Deputies. xii. 122.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
Conference with a Committee of the Suriname Society regarding the means for the conversion of the slaves there. Jan. 9, 1747.
The president and clerk of the Deputies having been invited to the house of the Hon. Estimable, Mr. Cornelius Trip, appeared there on December 27, (1746) and found there besides the afore- said, other gentlemen of the Hon. Estimables, the Messrs. Di- rectors of the Suriname Society, who had been specially commis- sioned thereto. His Hon. Estimable stated that the Society was not disinclined to take into serious consideration the work of the conversion of the slaves in those parts, (provided that those who became Christians should remain slaves); yea, indeed, even to send thither two Krankenbezoekers at an adequate salary, who should begin the work first among the domestic slaves in Para- maribo, and then learn what effect such effort will have.
But first, they (the Society) would like to have the opinion of Classis thereon, principally as to the manner in which this useful work ought to be undertaken, and how it ought to be prosecuted to the best advantage, and to the greatest benefit. And that, sub- sequently, the Committee of the Hon. Estimables' Society would like to enter into amicable negotiations about this matter with the Deputies of the Rev. Classis, in order to bring this salutary work into speedy execution.
After the Deputies had expressed their gladness and thankful-
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ness at so delightful a proposal, and some considerations had been uttered prae-allahel (?) on both sides, the Deputies agreed to make report thereof to Classis; and to present an account thereof to the Hon. Estimable, the Gentlemen of the Committee. Quod factum in Classe Ordinaria, Jan. 9, 1747.
Other end of Vol. xxiii. 5.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Conference with a Committee of the Suriname Society, in regard to means to convert the Slaves there.
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