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1747, Jan. 9. Art. 10. Also the Messrs. Deputies ad res Exteras reported a conference with a committee from the Suri- name Society, for devising means to serve towards the conversion of the slaves there. They presented to the Assembly a project drawn up for that purpose. The Assembly expressed their thanks for that which was communicated, and approved the draft of the project. They also requested their committee to address their efforts as much as possible, and as quickly as possible, in order that this salutary object, and such measures as may tend to pro- mote it in any way, may be carried into execution. The members of the Assembly are also requested that if any thoughts suggested themselves to any of them, to submit the same to the Rev. Depu- ties, who will allow themselves to be found here, for that pur- pose, a week from next Monday, at ten o'clock in the morning. xii. 123.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters to be sent off.
Art. 11. The Rev. Deputies also presented before the Assem- bly, and which were approved :
Several letters which they wished to send off, as follows:
a. One to Suriname, together with the Acta of the Synod of North Holland for the year 1746.
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b. One to Curassan, (Curacoa?) ad fine as above.
c. One to St. Eustatius, ad fine as above.
d. One to New York ad fine as above.
e. One to Batavia ad fine as above.
f. One to the Cape of Good Hope ad fine as above.
g. One to Columbo on Ceylon ad fine as above.
All of these were approved by the Assembly and the Messrs. Depp. thanked for their great trouble. xii. 123.
PLAN FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE SLAVES IN SURINAM; ADOPTED, JAN. 10, 1747. (Rev. Lambertus De Ronde, there.] 1746.
No. 52. Plan of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for the extention of the Christian Religion among the heathen of the Colony of Suriname; by special request, delivered to the Hon. Directors of the Chartered Company of Suriname. (Rev. Lambertus De Ronde was in Suriname at this time. See his name in Cor- win's Manual, 1902.)
The Rev. Classis, with singular joy and gratitude to God, having come to know, from the mouth of its Commissioners, the excellent zeal and godly disposition of the Hon. Directors of the Chartered Company of Suriname, in helping to ex- tend the Christian Religion among the inhabitants of the colonies, who, up to this time, have lived in the darkness of heathenism, whether freemen, descended from the natives, mulattoes, or male and female slaves; and that their Honors have desired and expected some Plan from the Rev. Classis for most suitably beginning and carrying on that wholesome work: - has, after mature deliberation, found best to deliver to their Honors for their devout consideration, the following Project devised by its Commissioners.
Art. I. Catechists: Their Qualifications.
As without sufficient instruction by capable teachers and the necessary books, there can be no hope for the extension of the Christian Faith among the be- nighted heathen; there ought to be secured, (besides the ministers who should before all concern themselves about it), capable teachers and catechists, members of the Reformed Church, themselves well instructed in the fundamentals of doctrine, and able, with patience, to teach others; particularly the most simple and ignorant, persons in middle life, who are not given to drinking, who are Chaste and honorable in word and walk, and who present a good testimony in this regard:
Art. II. Provisionally - two.
Provisionally there ought to be two catechists appointed, so as to commence the work of instruction with the house slaves on Paramaribo; and, in case the blessing of the Lord crowns the work with success, as we hope it may, it will be well to think of sending one or two others to the rivers Commeyue, Cottica and Picnica; and later, to consider in what way this wholesome work may be carried on also among the male and female slaves on the particular plantations.
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Art. III.
Their Appointment and Qualification.
The appointment of such catechists is to be left to the Hon. Directors of the aforesaid Company; but the inquiry into their life and character should be con- ducted by the Rev. Consistory; and their examination and qualification, by com- missioners of the Rev. Classis. This should be done after the manner which is followed with the Visitors of the Sick who sail to the East Indies.
Art. IV. Their Support.
Such catechists, once appointed, should bind themselves for at least six years, firmly to the service, and solemnly promise to learn, at once upon their arrival, the slaves own language, which is Negro-English; in order to acquire the ability to teach them in that language. And, in order that they may give themselves wholly to their work, there should be annually accorded them by your Honors, a living salary of at least eight hundred Dutch guilders. To this might be added a few releases from common burdens, pertaining to the Hon. Company, such as personal tax etc .; or some other privileges. For which, on their part, they will have to bind themselves not to follow any temporal calling, nor to give instruction to freemen for pay, but to occupy themselves solely with the instruction of male and female slaves, and that without additional profits.
Art. V. Their Service.
Their work will have to be the teaching of the house slaves.
To that end, after a fair division of the wards, according to arrangements made by the local Consistory, they shall,
1. Twice a week, go to each house where there are slaves, in order, at a time most convenient to their masters, to teach them for at least an hour each time, without regard to age, and as they are capable, in the simple principles of the Christian Religion;
2. They shall, on every occasion, impress their pupils with the duty of fearing God, of obeying the Rulers and Powers set over them, and of showing, in love, all honor, loyalty and obedience to their masters and mistresses, according to Eph. 6: 5, Col. 3: 22, 1 Tim. 6: 1, 2, Tit. 2: 9, 10, 1 Pet. 2: 18. They shall also particularly impress on them that the acceptance of Christianity by profession, does not make servants, male and female slaves, free persons, or release them from their service in the world; but it lays upon them the duty of serving their masters and mistresses, especially those who are fellow Christians, with the more respect, fidelity and love according to 1 Cor. 7: 20-22.
3. They shall, as far as possible, seek to teach the male and female slaves, especially those who are yet young, the Dutch language, and further, if possible, singing; unless their Honors should be pleased hereafter to appoint a special teacher for that purpose.
Art. VI. Their Subordination.
The catechists shall not take upon themselves any matter which touches the ministry, but they must be subordinate to the Rev. Consistory, to the Rev. Coetus there, and to this Rev. Classis.
To that end they shall,
1. Every month make report to the Rev. Consistory of the number of their pupils, of their pupils' advancement and of their experiences.
2. They shall every year give to the Rev. Coetus an accurate list of the number of pupils, of the number received as church-members, and so on.
3. They shall once or twice a year inform this Rev. Classis of the progress they are making.
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Art. VII.
Their work to be promoted by the Ministers. In what way this is to be done.
The work commenced by the catechists, will, in every possible way, have to be promoted by the ministers. To that end, as soon as matters shall have been arranged here, word will be sent in regard to it, in the name of the C'assis, to the Rev. Consistories and to the Rev. Coetus there. Full instructions will be given to the respective ministers, not only to make, by their official commendations in public and in private, this very wholesome work agreeable to the owners of the slaves; but also to take the lead, by their example, in teaching their own slaves, as well as in giving them over, at stated seasons, into the hands of the catechists. it would also be very beneficial, if, after the catechists have been at work for a time, the Rev. Ministers each in his own parish - should, at least once a month, or possibly once a week, let all the slaves under instruction come together in the church, in order to obtain, in the presence of the catechists, proof of their ad- vancement in the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness.
Art. VIII. Necessary Books.
But as this work cannot well be carried on with hope of good success, without books for the most elementary instruction, there ought to be provided by the Rev. Coetus, or at any rate under its direction, printed translations into the Negro- English language, either in full, or in short form, the Morning and Evening Prayer, the Prayer before and after meals, as also the Compendium of the Chris- tlan Religion, as these are found printed in the back of the Dutch Bibles.
N. B. This is the request of the Messrs. Directors.
The Rev. Classis is to be asked, moreover, to add thereto such a brief state- ment of the knowledge of God from Nature, and of the Divine Character from Holy Scripture, as their Revs. may deem to be suited to the capacity of these densely ignorant Indians. These publications should be distributed among the slaves, and, so long as they are not yet able to read, be read to them repeatedly, that they may commit to memory the things contained therein and be catechised according to their capacity. Nor would it be unserviceable, if, later on, one or another of the gospels, either Matthew or Luke, were translated and printed in the same language, in order that the histories of the Savior may in that way be- come better known among believers.
Art. IX. Admission of Slaves to Church-membership.
Whenever a male or female slave, after having received suitable Instruction, shall show inclination and fitness to become a member of the Reformed Christian Church, such a slave shall make a profession before the local consistory. He shall, thereupon, not only be incorporated in the Church by Holy Baptism, but also be admitted to the use of the Holy Supper, inasmuch as according to the Word of God and the Acts of the Christian Synods of South and North Holland, those two sacraments may not, in the case of adults, be separated from each other. However, those Christianized slaves shall, at the time of the public ad- ministration of the Lord's Holy Supper, not approach the Lord's table, until all members who are free-born shall have preceded them.
Art. X. Their Privileges.
Such slaves, converted to Christianity, while they remain slaves, and are born to the service of their owners, as before, should, nevertheless, in some way or other, be favored above other slaves. By some mark they should be distin- quished from other slaves, (in imitation of the statutes of Batavia), so as to en- courage the others. The Christians, too, who are owners of such slaves, and who
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profess with them one and the same precious faith, (if they are in other respects faithful servants), may indeed, as they feel inclined, afford them some larger privilege than is conferred upon others who show themselves averse to Christianity.
Art. XI. How to make this work in Suriname known.
In order, now, to make known the true object of this work, so necessary and beneficial to the inhabitants of the aforesaid colony, and thus to prevent all mis- understanding of it, which might cause the owners of the slaves to be averse to, and inclined to retard the work; the Hon. Directors ought, in a way and with an authority which their Honors may deem suitable, to make known everywhere in the colony not only the methods of seeking to bring the slaves to the Christian faith; but also their condition afterward; that the male and female slaves who receive Christianity are thereby, neither entirely, nor in part, be released from the service of their masters and mistresses; but are to remain in the relation of per- sonal property which they before sustained. The respective owners also should be exhorted not to hinder their male and female slaves in what way, by God's cooperating grace, serve to be for the salvation of their immortal souls; but, when the catechist comes, or the public catechism is held, to have them called together and to allow them time and place for instruction.
Art. XII. How to remove hindrances.
In case any masters or mistresses should refuse to have their slaves taught, or keep them from making a profession, the catechist shall make complaint thereof to the Rev. Consistory. This must be done, in order that, if those refusing be- long to the Reformed Religion, the consistory may with every possible exhorta- tion and persuasion lead them to see their obligations. If, however, such exhorta- tions should make no impression, or the masters belong to other denominations, or indeed be of the Jewish nationality, the Rev. Consistory shall lay the complaint before the local government, which to the extent of their power will have to find the necessary means of redress, so that this good work, upon which we ask the Lord's blessing, and for which we request their Honor's helping hand and wise guidance, may make progress.
Collata Concordant. Quo testamur.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Ministers not to preach more than an hour.
New York, Jan. 29, 1746-7. (1747).
At the request of the elders, a Consistory of ministers and elders was held. The elders presented in writing, a friendly re- quest, that the ministers henceforth, would not extend their dis- courses beyond fifty minutes, or at furthest, an hour, so as to re- move the complaints about long sermons, to increase the audiences and hold the people together, and so enlarge the alms and other revenues of the church; inasmuch as, after much deliberation,
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they judged that this would tend to prevent the decay of our church and congregation, and further its interests and welfare.
Thereupon, the ministers praised their zeal for the prosperity of our congregation, and sympathizing with it, readily gave their consent to the request and promised to act accordingly, as far as possible. It was also unanimously approved, that this should be- recorded in these very words in the Acte Boek of the Church, as is hereby done, in the name, etc., by me,
Johan Ritzema, p. t. President.
THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF ALBANY.
1747, April. This board on the request of the minister, elders and deacons of the Dutch Church, Resolve to release a piece of ground to them lying behind the lott they already bought of Edward Holland. Ordered that the mayor execute a deed for the same and cause the city seal to be thereunto affixed.
- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. x. pp. 121, 122.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter from New York.
1747, April 10th. Art. 7. The Rev. Deputies ad res Exteras, read the draft of a letter, serving as a reply to the letter from New York. This letter gave general satisfaction, and the Depu- ties were thanked. xii. 125.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Du Bois and Ritzema, April 11, 1747. No. 53, of Vol. 30, p. 89.
To the Honorable, Devout and Very Learned Messrs. G. Du Bois and John Ritzema, Very Worthy and Faithful Ministers of the Holy Gospel in the Dutch Reformed Church of Jesus Christ at New York.
Reverend, Devout and Very Learned Gentlemen and Much-esteemed Brethren :- Your original communication of Sept. 25th, of last year, did not come to hand. but the copy of the same dated Nov. 1st, reached us. The Rev. Classis has duly " considered its contents, and sends the following answer: The Rev. Assembly is rejoiced at your zeal for the welfare of the churches in those regions, and begs you to persevere therein with all fidelity. Your interest in the church of Rynbeck is very commendable, being willing to advocate their cause before the Classis; and especially commendable is your conduct in being unwilling to decide anything:
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Anally, until the judgement of this Assembly had been ascertained, promising subjection to the same. Rest assured that this assembly takes great interest in the prosperity of the churches in that country, and will gladly do anything pos- sible to advance them to a more flourishing condition, consistent with good order and those ecclesiastical laws to which we are all subject. We agree that the na- tives born of your country, who are able to make themselves acceptable to the churches by their gifts and character, would make no unfit subjects for the ministry, provided they have abilities, and have been duly qualified, after lawful trial, according to Dutch Church Order. Now you are aware that in the Father- land, the examining and qualifying of candidates and ministers belongs exclusively to the Classes, and is never given over to private ministers. Nor can it be un- known to you that according to the laws of Synod, no one can be admitted to examination, without showing certificates from professors in the Languages and Theology. These testimonials must state that the student for at least two years has responded to the Collegia Theologica.
Now we should have to depart from this entire Church Order if we should grant the request preferred by you and the Church at Rynbeck. We notice, indeed, that you adduce four reasons why your request should be granted, not only in this, but in other cases. But the second and third reasons are of such a nature that they would virtually close the door to all ministers sent from the Father- land. The last reason, in which you refer to the abilities of the young man, John Lyt (Leydt), does not exhibit very broad abilities, except his pious, humble and edifying conduct. The first reason mentioned, the inability of the church seems to have more force, but would apply equally well to almost all country churches.
We could on our part present several more forcible arguments why no requests of this kind ought to be granted. Should more such petitions appear before us, and should we indulge them in opposition to Church Order, much confusion would arise in those regions; the Church would be injured by incompetent preachers, and factions would abound.
Nevertheless, in view of the earnest desire of two churches, which desire to enjoy the ministrations of said J. Lyt, (Leydt), this Classis is willing for the last time to grant you indulgence, and will permit that he be examined in that country, nomine hujusque Classis, but not by any two or three ministers constitut- ing a committee for that purpose, (as you propose, but to which the Rev. Classis will not accede,) but by a lawful Coetus called for that purpose. To this end, all the ministers must be invited to appear at a certain time and place. From those who appear, be they many or few, after the meeting has been called to order and opened with prayer, shall one minister be chosen as President and Clerk, and one or two as Examiners. J. Lyt shall then present himself before this body to be examined preparatoir. If this examination is sustained, he shall be placed among the number of licensed candidates, and a proper certificate be given him. A lawful call may now be presented to him by these two churches in the proper form. Then the Rev. Coetus must appoint a Committee of one or two ministers to install him in his churches, and to ordain him by the laying on of hands. All this must be done nomine hujus Classis and a proper record of the same be made. Only on these conditions does this Assembly, for this once, grant the petition of you and of these churches, hoping that this indulgence shall not be abused.
Furthermore we wish the Lord's most precious blessing upon your persons, your sacred ministry, and your families, giving prosperity and success to the churches. We sign ourselves with all brotherly good-will,
Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Sirs and Brethren, ' In the Name of the Rev. Classis, Your well wishing Brethren,
Cornelius Houthoff, V. D. M. Amsteld. Depp. Classis, p. t. Praeses
G. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amster. Depp. Classis, p. t. Scriba,
Amsterdam, April 11, 1747.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence in America. The Consistory of New York to the Consistories of North America, May 12, 1747. Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
The Consistory of New York to the Churches etc.
Rev. Sirs, beloved Brethren: By the hand of Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, who, .. on the 10th of April, (1747) safely arrived as minister for Long Island, the Rev. Consistory (of New York) received a letter from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. which was thus addressed: "To the Rev. Sirs, the Brethren, Ministers of the Word and Elders of the Dutch Reformed Church in New Netherland."
After the same was read in Consistory, in presence also of Rev. Van Sinderen and two Elders from Long Island, we felt it to be our duty to forward a cor- rect copy of it (our Circular Letter to the Churches) to your Revs., which is- hereby done.
In regard to the first matter mentioned therein, the Rev. Classis already last year received full information through its Committee. But as to the second mat- ter, the Rev. Classis wrote as long ago as 1739, that it saw no objection to the. Plan of such a Coetus as had been sent to it. A copy of this Plan is also kept over here. From that time forward, the Classis has expected that the churches in these regions would make a beginning with it. This, however, has not yet been done.
Now this Classical Letter appears to be a quiet admonition to us to set such a Coetus in operation at once. For this we are exceedingly grateful to the Rev. Classis; for, in our judgement, a Coetus is very much needed to advance the best Interest of God's Church over here, and also to be a channel of information to. the Classis, in regard to our churches.
Your Revs., being with us, subordinate to the Rev. Classis; and we cordially recognizing our common brotherhood with you; you will, as we think, be inclined" to endeavor to respond to the Rev. Classis, as to this letter, in a satisfactory man- ner. We therefore hope that you with us, may now show a disposition to under- take such a salutary work. And to this we most kindly invite your Revs.
May it please your Revs. to let us know your desire in this matter, that we may act accordingly.
Commending your Revs. to God and the Word of his Grace, we remain,
Your Revs. obedient servants in the Lord.
The Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York. In the name of all ..
G. Du Bois, scriba.
New York, May 12th 1747.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Six Ministers to the Classis of Amsterdam about the establish- ment of a Coetus, May 21, 1747.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Extracts, xxiii. 67.
Very Rev. Sirs and Highly Respected Brethren: From the enclosed letter of the Rev. Consistory of New York to the churches in these regions, the Rev. As- sembly (Classis) will learn the following: that on the safe arrival of Mr. Ulpianus:
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Van Sinderen, the highly esteemed letter of your Revs. signed March 4th, 1746 was received, which especially expressed the desire to receive information as to the progress of the Coetus among us.
The Rev. Consistory of New York has already sent copies of your Classical let- ter, to nearly all the churches, accompanied by the one also herein enclosed, copies of your Revs. Classical letter will also at an early day be sent to the rest of the churches.
The ministers nearest to New York have been requested also to hold a fraternal conference with Revs. Du Bois and Ritzema. The Rev. Boel has publicly declared in consistory that, as he was an old man, he could not trouble himself about a Coetus. The design of this Conference is to consider how best to start a Coetus in operation. For the letter of the Rev. Classis was taken to be a quiet admonition to that end. The time fixed is the 20th of May for the special reason that at that time Rev. Frelinghuysen of New Albany would be in the city.
And so we, the undersigned ministers, met together as brethren at the house of Rev. Du Bois on the 21st of May to consider how we could best get a Coetus in working order, agreeably to the aim of the Rev. Classis and for the welfare of God's Church over here.
To that end we all agreed as follows: First; that, unless legally hindered, each of us, with an elder, would assemble ourselves together in the consistory room at New York, on the second Tuesday of September next, (1747), for the first time, as a Coetus. Then, that the New York ministers, in the name of all of us, would give timely notice to all the other churches of said meeting; and kindly ask that each minister with an elder would please to meet with us for that purpose. A time may then be fixed for the holding of a Coetus annually by us, and also such other arrangements may be made, as may be deemed necessary. And all this is to be done that this very desirable business may without fail, be carried into effect, according to the aim of Classis, after so much irksome thwarting; and also that nothing may be done in that Coetus, save what may be conducive to the peace and edification of the churches in these regions. To that end, we pray that God, the Father, and his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, may graciously grant His blessing.
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