USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 71
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With a hearty prayer for every blessing from God in Christ on the very Rev. Classical Assembly, we subscribe ourselves respectfully,
Very Rev. Assembly, Your Very Revs. obedient Servants and Brethren,
G. Du Bois, John Ritzema, Reihardt Erickson, Anthonius Curtenius, Theodore Frielinghuyzen, U. Van Sinderen. New York, 21st May, 1747.
P. S. Rev. Haeghoort has written us a letter declaring his Rev.'s perfect will- ingness to advance the Coetus; but stating that, owing to domestic and ecclesias- tical duties, he could not now meet with us.
Mr. Erickson and Haeghoort, declaring that he submits to the Classis and will act accordingly.
Addendum.
Rev. G. Du Bois to the Classis of Amsterdam. May, 1747. Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Postscript.
Very Reverend Sirs and Highly Respected Brethren :- In answer to the en- closed, copies of which have already been sent to the churches, Rev. Muzelius wrote me privately, that, although the Rev. Classis saw no objection to such a Coetus as the Plan proposes, and the Rev. Consistory of New York deems neces- sary, he could by no means understand how it could be so. On the contrary he was of the opinion that any Coetus here would tend more to harm and confusion,
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than to edification. At any rate, so far as he was concerned, he had, in ec- clesiastical matters, subjected himself, (as he expressed it,) to the Rev. Classis; just as, in politics, he was subject to his lawful rulers; and that was enough for him.
And this, I think, is what all of those say, who set themselves against the Coetus. But I have no intention whatever to carry on a futile war of the pen on this subject; but I intend in a quiet way, to fall in as far as possible with the aim of the Rev. Classis, for the best interests of the Church. For this reason we are occupied already with dispatching a second letter to all the Churches, embody- ing a friendly request that on the second Tuesday of September next, each min- ister with an elder will please to meet for the first time as a Coetus with us at New York, in order to, etc.
Just about the time of our said fraternal meeting, there came to us Rev. Mr. Schlatter, of Philadelphia. He spoke to us again of his commission, and of the happy execution of the same. He also asked our counsel and approval about cer- tain matters. When he heard that we intended to organize a Coetus, subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, he manifested his joy thereat. He expressed his desire also that he himself and the German ministers in Pennsylvania should be united with us in a Coetus. The Synod [of South Holland], said he, had al- ready been asked to supply the churches in Pennsylvania with several ministers, and the ministers had already taken their departure. My answer was, that we [the Dutch] were very closely subordinated to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,* and that I saw a number of serious obstacles in the way [of such union]; but when in the coming September, the ministers came together, his proposition might be presented to them; but I said I thought no definite action would be taken, except with the consent of the Rev. Classis.
These few words I deemed, might not inappropriately be added to the letter of the ministers to the Rev. [Classical] Assembly. Wishing you every Christian blessing and with dutiful respect, I remain,
Very Rev. Sirs, and highly respected Brethren, Your Revs. humble Servant,
G. Du Bois.
THE CONSISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK TO REV. B. MEYNEMA, REQUESTING HIM TO ATTEND FIRST MEETING OF THE COETUS, MAY 26, 1747.
To the Rev. Mr. B. Meynema, faithful servant of the Gospel and the Rev. Consistory of the Congregation of Jesu Christi at Pakeepsie and the Vischkill.
New York, the 26th of May, 1747.
Reverend and Dear Brethren :- It appears from a letter of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, of which a copy has been sent to you, that a subordinate Coetus is to be organized in this country. We are still further assured of this, by a letter of the Rev. Classis to Messrs. Erikson and Haeghoort, in which the Rev. Classis strongly urges it. Therefore we, ministers, du Bois, Ritzema, Erikson, Cur- tenius, Frielinghuysen and Van Sinderen, as subordinates of the Rev. Classis, held a fraternal meeting on the subject in New York on the 21st of May last, to consider how such a Coetus can best be organized.
It has been decided, that, without any legal impediment, all the ministers, each with one elder, shall meet for the first time as a Coetus in the church chamber on the second (Tuesday) of next September.
And that the New York ministers, in the name of all, shall kindly invite the more distant congregations, to send, each one, their minister and an elder, for
* This Classis was in the Synod of North Holland, a different province.
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that purpose, to meet with us for the settling of the time and place of a yearly meeting of such a Coetus; also to make a beginning of it, and as a subordinate Coetus, endeavor to maintain peace, and prevent all offences in our Dutch Re- formed congregations here. This is hereby done by us, and you are heartily re- quested by us, your loving brethren, then to meet with us, in harmony and peace, at the said place and time. Meanwhile, we subscribe ourselves with Christian greetings,
Your Reverences' loving brethren, In the name of all, G. du Bois Joh. Ritzema.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America. Rev. Antonius Curtenius to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 26, 1747. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ: The letter which your Revs. sent to Revs. Erickson and Haeghoort in regard to the promotion of Mr. Benjamin Van der Linde was read in our meeting on the 21st of May, 1747. From it I learned that your Revs. were surprised that I had not written a letter with reference to Mr. B. Van der Linde, since he resides where I am located. Now your Revs. must understand that I did write this letter herein now enclosed, for Mr. B. Van der Linde last year, and sent it unsealed to Rev. Haeghoort.
I was then asked whether I would not make the following change in it, namely: that, instead of my asking that power be given to the Coetus, his request was that such should be given to him (Haeghoort) and me. I made reply that I had no mind to change it; for, said I, if the Rev. Classis consents to his examination in this country, it would give the Rev. Classis greater satisfaction to know that he was perfectly acceptable to the Coetus than to two persons only. And thus it came about that Rev. Haeghoort conspired with Rev. Erickson in writing for that young man. The Rev. Haeghoort kept back this enclosed letter of mine until after the vessel, which then was about to sail for Holland, had gone. Otherwise I should any way have sent your Revs. this enclosed letter last year.
What the Coetus in this country is, and what progress it is making or likely to make in the future, your Revs. will be able to gather from our letter.
I close, after again wishing your Revs. every blessing, not only for your persons, but also for your sacred ministries. I remain,
Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ, Your Revs. obedient and most humble brother in Christ,
Hackensack, May 26th, 1747.
Anthonius Curtenius.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham.
New York, June 29, 1747.
In Consistory, Messrs. John Roosevelt, Christian Banker and Joris Brinkerhoff were appointed a Committee, to go to the Manor with Mr. Hardenbroek, the overseer, to collect further in- formation respecting the dispute between the old and young John Vermielye, and settle it if they can, and report to the Consistory.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Hoevenberg.
1747, July 17th. Art. 8. A letter was read from Rev. Hoev- enberg, who is at present at Leyden. In this he declares that he finds himself unable to go to Suriname; but he requests the aid of Classis that he may retain the sum of six hundred guilders yearly; or else receive (enjoy) one thousand guilders in one pay- ment. His case is recommended to the Messrs. Deputies ad res Exteras. xii. 130, 131.
GREETING AND CONGRATULATION OF THE LORD PRINCE OF ORANGE.
Art. 10. Whereas, by their Noble Great Mightinesses, the Lords, the States of Holland and West Friesland, His Illustrious Highness, the Lord Prince of Orange and Nassau has been ap- pointed as Stadholder,* Captain and Admiral General of this Prov- ince,t it shall be proposed in the Synod by our Classis, that a Committee shall be appointed to greet his Highness, in order to wish him the divine blessing in this his exalted capacity, for the welfare of the state, and to recommend emphatically to him the cause of the church. They shall also seek to effect that her Royal Highness, the wifet of the Stadholder, shall be likewise greeted and congratulated by this commission. xii. 134.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
The Church of Minisink, (Per Rev. J. C. Fryenmoet) to the Classis of Amsterdam, July 18, 1747. (xxiii. 93.)
Very Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Gentlemen, our Spiritual Fathers and Brethren in Christ, the Classis of the Re- formed Church at Amsterdam :- Your Reverences favorable and
* There had been no stadholder since 1702, the time of the death of William III, of England.
t North and South Holland were at this time one Province, under the title of " Holland and West Friesland."
* Daughter of George II of England.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
kind letter of June 6, 1746, in answer to ours of December 17, 1744, was very gladly received, by way of Kingston, through the kindness of Domine Mancius, on the 14th of June, 1747. We learn from it, that you consider the ordination of Domine Joh. Casparus Fryenmoet as legal, although, by a mistake, all the for- malities of the Dutch Church Order had not been fulfilled, and that you recognize said Domine Fryenmoet as a lawful minister. We, with his Reverer ce, thank you most heartily for this, and trust that Jehovah will approve your fatherly wishes of blessings for our pastor and our congregation.
In regard to the decision of which you inform us, concerning the legality and illegality of baptisms administered by Domine Fryenmoet before his ordination, we have to report, that in general it has been accepted by the congregation with great pleasure and satisfaction. Therefore most of the children have again been baptised, excepting those who have died or have re- moved away.
Whereas your Reverences, in your last letter repeat, the as- surance, that on all future occasions you will prove to us your affection, and assist us by word and deed; therefore, we herewith take the liberty to ask for your fatherly advice on the following matters:
1. The Rev. Consistory of New York sent to our elders a let- ter, dated May 12, 1747; also domines du Bois and Ritzema sent another, dated May 27, 1747, with a copy of a letter from you, asking us in a most friendly manner, to unite with them, accord- ing to the gentle exhortation contained in your letter, to hold a Coetus in this country. And, although we consider ourselves subordinate to your Reverences, yet our congregations live about twenty-five Dutch miles from New York. The performance of this duty would, therefore, be very hard for our minister, our two most distant congregations living about fifteen Dutch miles from each other. On account of the long journey, the expenses for minister and elder would be very great, and the congregation
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would be deprived of the preaching services for at least fourteen days. Nor have we ever been informed by the gentlemen upon what footing, and for what purpose the Coetus is to be organized and held.
We most humbly ask, therefore, to know your express wish and meaning, and whether, notwithstanding our subordination under you, and in view of the preceding reasons, we shall be obliged to attend this Coetus. This, we will solemnly undertake to do, in case your Reverences so decide.
2. The seeds of the soul-destroying and conscience-confusing and erroneous doctrines of the Herrenhutters, sown in two of our congregations, have already taken root in some of our members. We have heretofore vainly endeavored to extirpate them by every possible means of admonition, and by the refutation of the errors; but we must also in this matter ask for the fatherly and brotherly advice of the Rev. Classis conformably to Church Order. How are we to deal with such members who will not renounce the errors of the Herrenhutters, and return to the Reformed Church, agreeably to God's Word.
Hoping for favorable answers, and heartily wishing that the God of all blessings and grace may reward you for your faith- ful help and love, and that your Reverences may further be the blessed instruments for the propagation of Christ's Church all over the world, and principally in these parts, and finally, that you may reap the reward of all the faithful servants of God, namely, entrance into the joy of our Lord, I subscribe this, most humbly and respectfully, in the name, and by the order of the whole Consistory, of the four Dutch Reformed Churches of Menissinck, Smithfield, Walpack and Machachemack. Rev. Gentlemen, faithful Fathers and Brethren, Your humble servant, J. C. Fryenmoet, V. D. M.
Menissinck, July 18, 1747.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. About Aug. 1, 1747.
Van Hoevenberg.
Committee to meet the Society of Suriname in regard to Rev. Hoevenberg. On October 5, the Rev. Deputies, in compliance with the order of Classis, addressed themselves to the Hon. Esti- mables, the Messrs. Directors of the Suriname Society, and rep- resented to them the distressing condition of Rev. Eggo Tonkens van Hoevenberg, minister in Suriname. They earnestly urged that the promised half of his salary, to the amount of six hun- dred guilders, might be paid, since he had received nothing of this since the last of December 1745. It pleased their Hon. Esti- mables to reply thereto, per mouth of Mr. President, that this affair did not really belong to that table. It was something of which they had no knowledge and for which they had no instruc- tions; but after that (the matter was so strongly urged, it was promised) both out of compassion for Rev. van Hoevenberg, and out of consideration for the Rev. Classis, to forward six hundred guilders to Rev. van Hoevenberg, by way of loan; three hundred guilders at once, and three hundred after the lapse of three months. For this goodness, their Hon. Estimables are thanked. Other end of Vol. xxiii. 11.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Rev. Gerardus Haeghoort to the Classis of Amsterdam, August 8, 1747.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i. Extracts xxiii. 74, 75.
No. 25.
Rev. Sirs and Much Respected Brethren :- Your Revs. letter of the 3rd of Octo- ber last, (1746), in answer to ours of the 8th of April, came duly to hand. To our joy we learned therefrom that request in behalf of Benjamin Van der Linde was granted; namely, that he might, in the name of the Classis, undergo the usual preparatory examination; and then, upon being called to some church, the usual
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final examination and ordination, and this, not by us as individuals, but by a Coetus legally convened for that purpose. We gratefully acquiesce in the resolu- tion taken, and will shape our conduct in strict accordance therewith. For it is clear that that young man could not bring himself, much less get his parents' per- mission, to brave the perils of the sea, and defray the expenses of going to Hol- land to study, and to present himself before the Classis.
Rev. Erickson has already shown the letter of the Rev. Classis to the Coetus, and is himself undoubtedly satisfied with it. But, owing to the great distance and the sudden sailing of the vessel, I have not been able to inform him of my writing to you. Your Revs. may therefore, consider this letter as having been written in the name of both. But I cannot omit to reply somewhat more particularly to many points referred to (in your letter) which precede your final decision.
We thought it unnecessary for the party himself (Van der Linde) to write in this case, because we wrote in his behalf; but in order to give perfect satisfaction he now also writes himself. Rev. Curtenius has been fully recognized in the whole matter. This young man first requested him to aid him in his studies, but was refused. I talked to him (Curtenius) myself, and asked him to write also in his behalf; but he thought it would look strange to have two petitions come in on one and the same topic, and which did not in all respects agree. For inasmuch as there was really no Coetus yet, but only a so-called committee, it was not strange that we, as individuals, should be asked first; and that then the Rev. Classis should be asked for its advice, we promising to submit to its decision. This act your Revs. have praised as one of prudence, and which also served to bring about the full establishment of the Coetus - the very thing which I had in mind.
Looking more carefully at this matter, I have also observed, that the Rev. Classis never very fully approved of our proposed Coetus. The expression " There is no harm in it" (there lurks no evil in it?) appears to me to be simply giving permis- sion. Our request that the matters of the New Netherland churches should be also brought before the Synod (of North Holland) as well as those of the East Indies, was never answered .*
The fear and anxiety of the Rev. Classis as to the evil consequences which might follow from such permission to individuals are not wholly groundless; but these were all understood already, when your Revs. allowed that privilege to the minis- ters (Mancius, Vas, Weis) of Kingston, in the case of the minister or student (Fryenmoet) of Minisink. That, too, occurred (1744) after permission to have a Coetus had been granted. I ought really to have referred to that, so as to have Induced your Revs. not to deny me a similar privilege, as your Revs. themselves would affirm.
But I never appealed to the example of the Goetschius case. The Rev. Classis has not well understood my letter in reference to this matter; and I am also sorry publicly to hear of some thing of which I am not guilty; and which all the world here abouts knows to have been illegal. I only alluded to that case (Goetschius), to show that in that affair the Coetus was ignored, (set aside); as was also the case in the recent permission to preach on Long Island given to Jan Van Driessen. I made, however, no mention of his appointment. It would be childish and ridicu- lous to appeal to examples and cases which I previously knew to have occurred without the knowledge and consent of the Rev. Classis; neither was the last-named one ever appointed by any of our own number. If your Revs. will be so kind as to read my letter over again, I am sure that the opposite meaning (to that given it by you) will appear.
On this occasion I also deem it my duty to inform the Rev. Classis of the sad condition of the church of Aquackononck, brought on by this same John Van Dries- sen. It is known to your Revs. that he received his ordination at New Haven from the English (Congregationalists) - a thing which the Rev. Classis then de- clared to be illegal in reference to our church. Nevertheless, seduced by his out- ward abilities, they received him as their minister (1735) without his being ap- pointed, ordained or recognized by any among us. This was done in the face of the information given by some, of his scandalous conduct. In the course of time
* The East Indian ministers always claimed the right to ordain Schoolmasters and Comforters of the Sick, as they thought proper. The whole history (1624-1787) Is minutely examined in Hofstede's "Oost-Indische Kerkzaken," 1779, 2 Vols. Copy in Collegiate Church Library, New York.
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this came out, and excited there much dissatisfaction and opposition. It even went so far, that the Rev. Classis would have been asked for a decision in the matter, had he not left them; for on being put into a hole by his creditors, he sent them his written resignation. The strife, the discord and the rupture that followed were inevitable. How this breach is to be healed, I don't know. They can't get so far, even, as to take counsel with one of the neighboring ministers, or to request a sermon from any of them.
How such a state of things can be maintained, I don't know. They have left our communion, and the subordination to the Classis. Possibly they had better be directed to the Coetus. The Rev. Classis could then advise and help us. This also could have great weight toward the restoration of the church, which is large and numerous, and without the intermixture of English people.
I am located the nearest to them (Aquackononck.) Rev. Coens was sent by the Rev. Classis as minister for both Aquackanonck and Second River, (Belleville, 1725.) But during the life even of Rev. Coens, there was a separation on some question; and subsequently they got a minister of their own, even the said John Van Dries- sen, although I was minister here already; for they were misled by him, and would not again unite with Second River. But now, it would be a good and Christian thing for those two churches to unite again, and especially, because neither one, by itself, is able to support a minister; for to support a minister goes very hard here. I can hardly get my living here any longer, with my large family. The sources, from which the minister is for the greater part supported, are neglected. Every one does about as he likes, and the church does not pay me what it owes; nor does it provide me with firewood as stipulated in the Call. I will, therefore, be under the necessity of suing the Consistory, and then possibly the church will go to pieces.
Now it would be of great service to me, if the Rev. Classis could, by counsel or deed, do something, or make some provision. The Coetus, it seems to me, might be allowed to be the judge of a change of place for ministers. I thought that Christian love required that, after Arondeus had been called to Raritan, the people of Long Island should call me, as they have need there of two ministers. But things are in confusion there too.
Also after receiving your Rev.'s letter, I received through the Consistory of New York a copy of a letter from the Classis, dated, Amsterdam, March 4th, 1746. It was addressed - " To the Ministers of the Word and Elders of the Dutch Re- formed Church in New Netherland." It was for the purpose of finding out from them how it stands with the matter of Goetschius and the Coetus. In connection therewith the Rev. Consistory requested me to unite with them in putting the Coetus in operation, and in sending to the Rev. Classis an answer. Nothing ap- peared more plainly than that our request for that young man (Van der Linde) was the means of bringing the Coetus into being. Among other things in the said letter, the Rev. Consistory stated that with regard to the first matter mentioned in the Classical letter - that of Rev. Goetschius, the Rev. Classis had already last year received an answer. That, indeed may be; but not officially from the Coetus, or " Ministers of the Word and Elders of, etc.", as the address reads; un- less the Classis means by that, the " Committee ", and more especially - nota bene - the commissioners appointed by the Classis for that very purpose. In that event, the " Committee " must have its appointment from the Classis. Of this your Revs. say nothing in our letter; but, on the contrary, write about the Coetus. Or, can the Rev. Classis appoint a Committee in a matter of such importance, which may, none the less, entail evil consequences - a committee to which be- longs but one minister, with a few elders and which, (in coming to its conclusion) is so tedious? or, can such a committee be permitted to give a decision in regard to the illegality of the ordination of Rev. Goetschius whom previously they did not see, or would not see? Is not such a decision the province of a full ecclesi- astical Assembly, even as the ordination of that young man?
From all this your Revs. must be sufficiently convinced that what I care for and have always cared for is a regular Coetus. This, all my letters to the Rev. Classis, and to individual ministers thereof show. These are not matters to be managed by individual correspondence, or by so-called or pretended Elders of our Church, or Commissioners. This is the reason, why, when exhorted thereto by the Rev. Classis, I have, by my attitude here, strongly urged a Coetus, and
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finally pushed it through, and secured its establishment, in all its relations and Articles, for the welfare and the good government of our church here. If it does not accomplish this, I shall positively declare that I will have nothing more to do with such a Coetus, and will always be ready to give an account of myself before the Rev. Classis.
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