USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 73
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tlemen and Brethren, Ministers of God's Word, and Overseers of the congregations of the Netherland Church in New Netherland:
(2) That the same having been read in the presence of Rev. Ulpianus van Sinderen and two elders from Long Island, the Con- sistory judged that a copy thereof should be sent to the churches. This was done.
2. The Coetus was recommended to the churches.
3. The request was made that the churches would make known their minds on this matter.
4. This letter then concludes with salutations, and is signed in the name of the Consistory of the Dutch Church of New York, by
G. Du Bois.
New York, May 12, 1747. xxiii. 69, 70.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies. [Sept. 1747.]
Extract from letters to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, from Rev. Anthonius Curtenius, dated Hackensack, Mar. 15 and May 26, 1747.
I. In this is made known:
1. That the letter of the Rev. Classis to Revs. Erickson and Haaghoort, in regard to the advancement of Mr. Benjamin van der Linde, had been read in the Assembly. From this it ap- peared that the Rev. Classis was surprised, that Rev. A. Curtenius had not written about the person mentioned, since he resided in his locality. This surprise was relieved by Rev. A. Curtenius in this manner: He enclosed a letter of March 15, 1746, in which he had written to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. In this he had
(1) Treated of Benjamin van der Linde, how long and under whom he had studied in the Latin and Greek languages; and the Classis had been asked where he should seek his promotion when he should be prepared to undergo an examination?
(2) He asked that power might be given by the Classis of Am-
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sterdam, to the future Coetus to examine him, and also to ad- vance him (to licensure and ordination.)
2.
3. (1), (2)
(3) Two reasons are given why Coetus makes no Progress:
(a) The first is, that there are Reformed Ministers, who allow persons to preach who have no commission to the Reformed Church ; like " Mr." Goetsius, who has preached in the church of New Haarlem; and "Mr." Wieviel, in the Dutch churches on Long Island.
(b) That there are three or four ministers opposed to the Coetus.
He thinks that an admonition of Classis, by a letter, of those who are against the Coetus, might be productive of good results for the furtherance of the Coetus. Conclusion, etc.,
Signed, A. Curtenius.
Hakkensak, March 15, 1746.
II. That the letter of March 15, 1746, of Rev. A. Curtenius, was detained by Rev. Haaghoort, to whom it had been sent un- sealed, and who had been in collusion with Rev. Erickson, until the vessel, that at that time was to sail for Holland, had gone.
III. That the reason why the said letter was detained by Rev. Haaghoort, was this: because Rev. A. Curtenius did not wish to make any change in it, and request that the power to examine B. van der Linde should be given to him (Erickson) and Rev. Haag- hoort, instead of to the Coetus; but he, (Curtenius) judged that it were better that this power should be given by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to the Coetus, than to these two.
Finally: the letter concluded, and is signed,
Hackensack, May 26, 1747.
Anthonius Curtenius. xxiii. 70, 72.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Hoevenberg.
1747, Oct. 2nd. Art. 3. In the case of Rev. Hoevenberg, the Rev: Deputies have not as yet been able to effect anything, be- cause no meeting has as yet taken place of the Directors; but they will keep on the watch. xii. 138.
Report on Foreign Letters.
Art. 10. The Rev. Deputati rendered a report on the letters from abroad, as follows: Two from Rev. Curtenius, one of March 15, 1746, and one of May 26, 1747. And since, in one of these letters, it is stated that men were allowed to preach there who had no permission to do so from the Reformed Church; the Deputies shall, in the P. S. of the letter to be written to him, re- quest that the Coetus, when the same shall have been brought into existence, will take heed to this, and be careful to prevent it.
A letter from Rev. Schlatter, dated Narisch, (Norris ?) May 23, 1747, in which he gave an account of the condition of the Churches of (Pennsylvania). There was an opportunity already to locate nine preachers there. They are requested to answer Rev. Schlatter, praising him for his industry and exhorting him to persevere therein. Also that we do not at all approve his proposal to come over to our Fatherland for the collecting of ministers; and that we are of the opinion that this would not be agreeable to the Messrs. Deputati Synodi. xii. 139.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Missing Letters.
Art. 11. Whereas by reason of the present war it often occurs that the ships which carry out letters to Philadelphia are cap- tured, and therefore it is necessary that duplicates should be made. of certain letters, and these also should be forwarded: therefore
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it is permitted to the Messrs. Depp. in consideration of this, to employ the services of a copyist for this purpose in order to lighten their burdens, especially regarding the letters in the case of Goetsius. xii. 139, 140.
Letters to the Churches in Foreign Lands.
Art. 12. The following letters were read by the Rev. Depp. written by them to the churches in foreign lands; namely, one to New York, addressed to six preachers there; one to Rev. du Bois; one to Rev. Muzelius; one to the Consistory of the Cape of Good Hope, and one to Rev. le Seur separately ; and finally one to Rev. Raesvelt, minister at Curacoa. These letters were all listened to with full satisfaction, and the Rev. Deputies were thanked for their trouble, and requested kindly to forward them. Quod factum. xii. 140.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Fred. Muzelius, Oct. 2, 1747, No. 57 of Vol. 30, p. 93.
To the Rev. and Learned Mr. F. Muzelius, pastor at Tappan.
Rev. Sir and Much-esteemed Brother :- It is now some time since we advised the brethren who are the overseers of the Church of New York and neighboring places, and urged them, in a friendly and brotherly way, to organize a Coetus, to preserve unity in doctrine, and promote edification in the churches. For in such a Coetus, meeting at certain fixed times, the interests of the flocks entrusted to your care could be discussed. Lately, we learned with joy that a beginning of the work desired had been made; but we also heard with regret that there were some minis- ters in that country, who could not yet be induced to join in this work. Among other reasons, they declared that in church affairs they were subject to the Classis of Amsterdam, and in civil mat-
1747
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ters to their lawful rulers. Among these we are informed that you are found.
Hence we are moved to write you privately upon this important matter, in order to commend you the promotion of the scheme. Worthy brother, only think how important such a plan is; and how fruitful of good it may be, for the overseers of a Church in any land to unite themselves by a close bond, and assemble fra- ternally from time to time at a certain place, to discuss not only matters of doctrine, as may indeed be necessary; but to deliberate on the interests of their churches, to strengthen one another by their mutual counsel and action, and thus, by a common under- standing, to give increased power to the execution of all profitable measures. The political subordination to your lawful authorities is not thereby taken away, because civil matters do not come up for discussion in such a Coetus. And do you recognize yourself as subject to the Classis of Amsterdam in ecclesiastical affairs? This relation not only remains intact, but will really be strength- ened by the institution of, and attendance upon such a Coetus. The Classis can communicate its suggestions and deliberations to all the churches in a better and easier way through the medium of such a Coetus, than by writing separately to particular churches and their officers. Therefore, brother, let us have joy over you in this matter. (Laat ons uwer hierin genieten.) And may God's blessing be according to our wish upon your esteemed person, and sacred ministry, to the extension of Christ's kingdom; even as we also, after offering our services and our greeting of brotherly love, testify ourselves to be,
Your well wishing Brethren,
Cor. Houthof, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. p. t. Praeses.
G. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. p. t. Scriba. 'Amsterdam, Oct. 2, 1747.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, October 2,
1747. No. 58 of Vol. 30, p. 94.
To Rev. Mr. G. Du Bois, Pastor at New York.
Rev. Sir and Highly-esteemed Brother :- We have with much' satisfaction received a letter, dated May 21, 1747, and signed by yourself and J. Ritzema, R. Erickzon, A. Curtenius, Th. Freling- huysen and U. Van Sinderin; and also a copy of a letter addressed by the Consistory of New York to the churches in that country; as well as another letter from yourself giving us fuller informa- tion. While we at this same time answer the letter from the six brethren mentioned, we have also thought it especially expedient to write to you privately, as we now do. We return you our cordial thanks for the commendable zeal you have shown for the establishment of a Coetus. This will be very beneficial to the churches there after their many struggles. We rejoice to see that some appreciable advance has already been made therein, and we trust that the obstacles yet remaining will be removed in the meeting called for September, now already past. In order fur- ther to promote this good work we determined to write privately to Rev. Muzelius, urging him to attend and to help organize such Coetus.
Further we learn with much joy from your letter, that the at- tempts of Rev. Schlatter, in Pennsylvania, are not without their blessing, and that he has had much fruit and great success. But as regards his proposal to you, to take into union in your Coetus the German ministers in Pennsylvania, we do not wonder that you perceived many objectionable features in the plan, especially the different conditions in which their churches stand. But we do not think you should dismiss this proposal altogether, but it is best to defer it for the present, on the ground that those German churches are not yet regularly organized and established, and that
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such time ought properly to be expected, yea, ought to be. But if this plan should be more urgently urged, or if these churches should be immediately organized, let it be asked whether it would not be well that the German and Dutch churches should hold their separate Assemblies, (or Coetus-es), but that for the maintenance of Unity, Deputies should be sent from one to the other by way of correspondence, even as this used to take place in Gelderland and Utrecht among the Classes. At any rate we think that thus many objections and inconveniences would be prevented.
Meanwhile, we wish you, for the furtherance of this work, the needed wisdom, as well as the Lord's rich and precious blessing upon all your endeavors.
We remain, after greeting of brotherly love,
(Subscribed as preceding.)
Amsterdam, Oct. 2, 1747.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Messrs. G. Du Bois, etc. Oct. 2, 1747.
No. 59, in Vol. 30, p. 95.
To the Rev. G. Du Bois, J. Ritzema, Rein. Erickson, A. Curtenius, J. Freling- huyzen, and U. Van Sinderen, Preachers in and around New York.
Rev. Sirs and Highly Honored Associates: From the letter of your Rev. Body, dated New York, May 21, 1747, we perceive with much satisfaction the safe arrival of Domine Van Sinderen, and your successful endeavor finally to consummate the work of establishing a Coetus for the real advantage of the congregations in your land. It is cause of joy to us that for this purpose you already met on the 20th of May last, for the first time, in the way of a Coetus, or at least of a prepara- tion for a Coetus and that you determined to meet again, each with an elder, on the second Tuesday of September, and to invite by circular the more distant ministers in the country to meet with you. In like manner, we rejoice to see that Domine Haaghoort has expressed to you by letter his inclination for the com- mencement of the Coetus.
We also flatter ourselves with the hope that the letter sent through the Rev. Con- sistory of New York has had a desirable influence to this end with many, if not with all; and it will be eminently agreeable to us to learn in due time that such was really the case. Meanwhile, as we, not without reason, fear that some, on account of age, and others for other reasons, will draw back from this good and useful work, we are of opinion that you should begin to hold the Coetus with those who, seeing its uses, have already agreed to it, since in all probability others, now not yet decided in the matter, will from time to time join you. And we, on our side, shall not fail, according to our ability, to co-operate for this end, in the use of such means as shall seem fit.
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It was also very agreeable to us to learn from your letter that Domine Erickson had not only communicated to you the letter of the Classis to himself and Domine Haaghoort concerning the case of B. Van Der Linde, but had also expressed his contentment with the epistle, for that can serve to promote good order and edifica- tion. Further, we pray that God, in his gracious providence, may guide this undertaking to a good end, and that he may bestow the best of his blessings upon your persons, families, and official duties, to the establishment of his honor and your joy. We remain, with brotherly love, and greet you with great respect,
Your humble servants and fellow-laborers, The Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all,
G. Kulenkamp, Dep. Cl. p. t. Praeses. Ben. Brouwer, Eccl. Ams. Dep. Cl. p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, October 2, 1747.
P. S .- This letter although prepared in the Classis on the day mentioned, has been a little delayed, partly because there was no opportunity of sending it, and partly because we waited for the Acts of the Synod of North Holland hujus anni; which, however, are not yet ready, nor is it certain whether they can be sent with this. Meanwhile, we may mention that we have written, concerning the case of Domine Goetschius, to Domine Ritzema, to the ministers and elders constituting the Consistory of New York, to the congregations of Queens County, and to Domine Goetschius himself, all under date of the 9th of January, 1747; which letters we hope have come to hand, intending, however, if, contrary to expecta- tion, we learn that they have miscarried, to have copies sent by the next oppor- tunity. Finally, we suggest for consideration, whether it does not belong to the duties of the Coetus to take good heed that no persons destitute of a lawful commission preach in your congregations - a thing which, we are sorry to learn, has now and then occurred.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Antonius Curtenius, October 2, 1747. Vol. 30, p. 98, No. 30. (60 ?)
To Rev. Mr. Anth. Curtenius, pastor at Hakkensak,
Reverend Sir and Much-esteemed Brother :- Your two com- munications, namely of March 15, 1746 and of May 26, 1747 came safely to hand. They each relate to the same matter, the examina- tion of one Benjamin Vander Linde. We gave our opinion on this subject at the time to Rev. Hagoort, and it agrees with yours. We might therefore have spared the present writing, nevertheless we preferred not to do so; but rather embrace the opportunity to thank you for your commendable zeal for good order and edifica- tion, as well as for the diligence you have exercised toward the establishment of a Coetus in those lands. We trust that this good understanding may succeed. In furthering the same we have
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already had occasion to avail ourselves of suggestions or facts fur- nished by yourself, and we shall not fail to avail ourselves further of the same as opportunity requires. Meanwhile we commend you to God and the word of his grace. We remain with cordial wishes for the Lord's blessing upon yourself, family and ministry. (Signed as preceding.).
Amsterdam, Oct. 2, 1747.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies, Nov. 6, 1747. Committee in the case of Rev. Hoevenberg.
On November 6, 1747, Rev. Deputies were once more before the Messrs. Directors of the Society of Suriname, and urged, in the interest of Rev. E. T. van Hoevenberg, the payment of the second installment of the six hundred guilders granted him as a loan; but that it might be paid him sooner. This was graciously ac- corded for this time.
Other end of Vol. xxiii. 12.
Letters to East and West Indies.
On the same day were read by Rev. Deputies, and approved by Classis, several letters, destined for the East and West Indies, of which the copies are to be found in the Copy-Book.
Other end of Vol. xxiii. 13.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
To the Rev., Learned, Mr. Michael Slatter, (Schlatter), pastor in Pennsylvania, Nov. 28, 1747. (N. B. 602.)
Rev. and Much-esteemed Brother :- The Rev. Mr. Kulenkamp has communicated to us a letter sent by you to him, dated, Naris (Morris ?) May 23rd 1747,- nine miles from New York. We resolved to embrace the opportunity offered, by the departure to
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those regions of the Revs. Hoogritiner (Hochrentiner) and Bartholomaeus, cordially to answer the same. We learn from said letter with much satisfaction and joy, of your diligence, as well as the difficulties experienced in visiting the churches in that country, that you may edify them, and bring them into regular order; also the prudence exercised by you in this business, and especially that your efforts, by God's blessing, have not been in vain. We take deeply to heart the great lack of laborers in that great harvest field. That we are not behind in contributing our part, to supply this lack, the coming of the two above named gentlemen, (whose journey may God prosper,) is witness. We are likewise rejoiced to hear of your zeal toward securing the forma- tion and the full organization of a Coetus in those parts. We would extend our remarks upon this subject, if we had been so furtunate as to have received either of the two letters, which we have indirectly learned you have sent us. Not to have received one or the other, is a thing which has not heretofore occurred. The cause is uncertain, but possibly it was because they were enclosed in others. Therefore, we suggest for your consideration whether it be not the safer plan to address all letters hereafter directly to us. Meantime, waiting for these, we will be ready to reply again. We commend you to God and the Word of his grace. With prayers for God's best blessings upon your person and sacred office, and with brotherly good-will, we remain,
Reverend and Much-esteemed brother,
Cornelius Houthoff, Dep. p. t. Praeses. Gerardus Kulenkamp,
Dep. p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, Nov. 28, 1747.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters to be sent Abroad.
1747, Dec. 12th. Art. 9. The Rev. Depp. read the draft of a letter to Suriname, making mention therein of the feeble con- dition of Rev. Hoevenberg and his needy circumstances, as well
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as what was done by them in his behalf, etc. This letter was listened to with pleasure, and the Depp. were asked to forward it together with the Acta of the Synod of North Holland. They also read the drafts of letters to Rev. Schlatter; to Rev. Curtenius, and to Rev. van Essen ; minister at St. Eustatius. These were also approved, with thanks, and were directed to be forwarded. Ad. ditional material, which the Messrs. Depp. had, was laid over, for lack of time, until the next Classis. For the same reason the Acta of the foregoing Classis were not read. xii. 144.
Rev. Hoevenbergh.
'Art. 11. The Rev. Depp. reported, that upon their intercession, they had secured from the Messrs. Directors the gift of six hun- dred guilders, in two drafts, as a loan to Rev. Hoevenberg. He had afterward again written very complainingly to them, altho they do not have much hope that they can get those gentlemen to listen to him much longer. The receipt for the second three hun- dred guilders, sent by Rev. Hoevenberg to the Depp., was shown by them to us. xii. 144.
JOHN HENRY LYDIUS, SON OF THE DOMINIE. 1747.
The council of the province in 1747, brought serious charges against John Henry Lydius, son of the dominie, alleging that he was a person of desperate fortunes; that he had resided several years in Canada, married a woman there of the Romish church, after having abjured the protestant religion, and that his intrigues, to- gether with other popish emissaries, had tended to alienate the friendship of the Indians and perplex the administration.
- Munsell's Annals, Vol. 1. p. 113. Corwin's Manual, 4th ed. 1902, p. 587.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. 1747? Dec .?
'A letter from Lambertus De Ronde, Ecclesiastes; hoc tempore, Scriba; but without place, year, or date.
The Extract is, that
I. In the name of this Rev. Conventus, (of Suriname), in reply to two letters from the Rev. Classis, one about the case of Rev. de
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Liege, and the other of July 12, 1746, about that of Rev. Hoeven- berg :- The letter stated:
1. That far from having acted with insufficient moderation in regard to Rev. de Liege, it rather appeared from the Minutes that they could not have dealt more gently; that they wished indeed, that such cases might never again occur; and kindly asked, that the Rev. Classis would be pleased, so far as possible, to do their best that they shall always get men there, (in Suriname), pos- sessed of a sound understanding, and with zeal for the glory of God's name; and being themselves also affected with a spirit of gentleness; in order to help on the prosperity of the churches there, etc.
2. As regards the return of Rev. Hoevenberg: They request in this connection, that if he has not completely recovered he be not advised to undertake the ministry in that place; that Classis will look out for a man of a sound constitution; that they think they are not giving offense by this request, for it only serves to show their good disposition for the best interests of the Church there (Suriname). This is better known to them than to the Rev. Classis.
II. The Acta of the North Holland Synods of the years 1745 and 1746, were duly received. For these they expressed their cordial thanks.
III. The entire letter about Rev. Hoevenberg, and in respect to the Plan for the conversion of the Negroes, will be answered more fully after the succeeding session, and as soon as possible.
IV. He sends therewith their improved Plan of a conventus, of the year 1747; with the recommendation of themselves to the fraternal favor of the Rev. Classis, in helping to extend the Kingdom of Christ in those localities. The letter concludes with salutations; and is signed,
Lambert de Ronde, Eccle. and p. t. clerk.
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In a postscript there is added: In accordance with the fourth Article of these Acta, I ask in the name of our Conventus, whether you will not present this matter to the Noble Mighty Gentlemen of the East India Company,* and lend your assistance thereto. xxiii. 78, 79.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
Rev. E. T. Van Hoevenberg. No date. (Dec .? 1747?)
E. T. Van Hoevenberg having pitifully asked our intercession in the obtaining of two pensions each of six hundred guilders, and the balance of a third, granted to him, as he says, because of his wretched condition; and inasmuch as he is still very weak in body and brain, and thus incapable to perform his work, etc .; There- fore, in compliance with the resolution of Classis, the President and Clerk presented themselves before the Hon. Estimables, the Messrs. Directors of the Suriname Society, on May 9, and after salutations, recommended this man cordially to their Hon. Es- timables. These gentlemen, by the mouth of their Hon. Esti- mable President, declared that they not only well appreciated our compassion, but that they themselves pitied him; but they added, that in the appointment of ministers they were only Mandatories, and that the salaries of the ministers were paid out of the Colonial treasury. Therefore they could not make those determinations and resolutions about this matter, as they themselves might otherwise wish.
Yet they not only wished to take the case into consideration, but they also said that the Messrs. Directors, Trip, Bakker and Hartsink, would invite us, if we had the time for it, to consider with them in what way this man could be helped in the most practicable manner.
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