USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 74
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* In 1747 the affairs of the East and West India Companies were united, and the Prince of Orange was made the common head.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Report on Letters from Abroad.
1748, Jan. 9th. Art. 8. A report was rendered by the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras on some letters that have arrived, namely: 1. One from Rev. Hagoort, in which, among other matters of less importance, mention is made of the distressing condition and division of the church of Akekenocs, (Aquackanonck, now Pas- saic,) caused by a certain unordained person there, (John Van Driessen,) who had now, however, been removed from the min- istry, and had been cast into prison by his creditors. He desires to have another settlement given him by this Classis, as it is not possible for him to live, with his numerous family, in his present location, etc. The Rev. Depp. were asked to draw up a letter in reply and to show this subsequently.
2. The young man (Benjamin) van de Linde, to whom our As- sembly heretofore granted permission to be examined by, the Coetus in that country, thanked us for that resolution in a letter.
3. Rev. de Ronde had sent a letter in the name of the Con- sistory of Suriname, without year or date, accompanying which were the Acta of the Conventus of 1747. In these Acta occurred several matters of importance, of which an account has already been given to this Assembly. The Rev. Depp., after having ascertained the drift of these documents, are requested to draw up the draft of a letter in reply thereto.
4. A letter has been received from Rev. Vieira, in the name of the General Church Assembly of Suriname, dated August 24, 1747, with enclosures. At that meeting they made many com- ments on the successful prosecution of the conversion of the heathen in that colony. They also suggested a new plan, which they deemed to be better calculated to further that salutary work. Of this plan an account was here given. The Deputies were thanked for the trouble expended by them and they were requested to furnish us with their suggestions, (pre-advice) about
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this plan which had been sent over. They were also requested kindly to confer with the Deputies of the Messrs. Directors, in order to ascertain if they too had received word in regard to this plan, and to learn what was their idea of it. xii. 145, 146.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, March 7, 1748.
Consistory held, of ministers and elders. There were chosen as delegates to the ensuing Coetus, to meet April 26, along with the ministers, Du Bois and Ritzema, the elders, Chs. Banker and Philip Livingston. The latter not knowing but that public affairs might hinder him from attending, Abrm. Van Wyck was ap- pointed his secundus.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter from Nos. 1 and 2.
1748, April 1st. Art. 5. Rev. Hagoort was answered by Revs. Deputies to the satisfaction of this Assembly. xii. 147. Receipt from Rev. E. T. van Hoevenberg.
Art. 9. The Rev. Deputies exhibited a receipt which had been placed in their hands by Rev. E. T. van Hoevenberg, dated Oct. 9, 1747, for three hundred guilders. This had been paid to him as a loan, as minister at Suriname, by the Messrs. Direct- ors of the Suriname Society. See Acta of Classis, Dec. 12, 1747, Art. 11. xii. 148.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
'Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Gerardus Haeghoort, April 1, 1748. Vol. 30, page 108, No. 68.
To Rev. Mr. Gerard Hagoort, pastor at Second River in New Netherland.
Rev. Sir and Much-esteemed Brother :- We received yours of August 8th 1747 in due time with the enclosed letter from the candidate, B. van der Linden, contain. ing a notice of his preparatory examination and licensure, and his thanks to Rev.
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Classis for permitting the same. We have only to say, in reply, that we wish him the blessing of God and a sanctified diligence in the prosecution of his labors.
As regards your letter, we are pleased to see that our instructions in reference to said van der Linden's examination met with the approbation of yourself and others, and were followed out; also that the same led to the establishment of a Coetus, which we have long had in view. We live in the hope that the Articles necessary to a well constituted and Christian Coetus, have been drawn up by the Rev. brethren in charity, and have been adopted with general satisfaction. It will give us peculiar pleasure to learn this fact. We trust that much benefit may result therefrom, the preservation of good order, with the edification and increase of the Church in those distant regions. We also notice with delight that you also contribute your influence to the same.
What you tell us concerning the unhappy and disturbed condition of the Church of Acquackenonck, near your own and formerly united with that of Second River, affects us deeply; as well as what you write about the tardy payment of your salary. To the redress of all such difficulties, we know of no better plan than that the newly constituted Coetus should take hold of all these matters, discuss them in the fear of the Lord, and then with Christian prudence adopt such meas- ures as may remove all difficulties. In reply to reports received from you, and questions and policies proposed in the name of the Coetus; we shall be in better condition to answer such things more fully and more satisfactorily, than we can answer different private letters. These are not seldom found to differ in par- ticulars; they also do not all reach us at the same time, but sometimes one is a long time after another, (although relating to the same circumstances,) and thereby we are perplexed how to give instructions, for want of the full light. Such reasons and many more convince us of the necessity of a Coetus, wherein the various affairs may be treated in a fraternal and Christian manner. Therefore we are anxious to learn that the plan has been consummated to general satisfaction. Until then, we are willing to wait. We commend you to God and the word of his grace, with our best wishes for God's richest blessings upon you, your family and your sacred ministry.
G. Kulenkamp, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. p. t. Praeses.
B. Brouwer, Ecc. Amst. Depp. Cl. p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, April 1, 1748.
TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK.
A Chapel needed.
Vestry, 1748, April 12. This Board being of opinion that it has become abso- lutely necessary to build a chapel of Ease to Trinity Church, and being desirous to build the same where it will be most commodious and convenient to the con- gregation in generall: Ordered, That the Church Wardens, Col. Moore, Mr. Watts, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Horsmanden, Mr. Reade, and Mr. Lodge, or any four of them, (one of the Church Wardens always to be one,) be a committee to consider where will be the most proper place for building the said chapel, and to hear the sentiments of the congregation, with their several reasons, and to make their report to this Board with all convenient expedition.
Ordered, That the Church Wardens, Mr. Reade and Mr. Chambers, be a com- mittee to purchase six lotts of ground fronting Nassau street and Fair street, from David Clarkson, Esq., upon such terms as they shall think reasonable, in order to build a chapel of Ease to Trinity Church thereon .- Berrian's History of Trinity Church, New York, p. 78.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The first Coetus to the Classis of Amsterdam, Sept. 8 & 9, 1747. Referred to, Vol. xxiii, Acts of Deputies, p. 96. [Not mailed until April 26, 1748.]
Reverend and Honored Brethren :- How we esteemed the ac- ceptable letters of your Reverend Body, received at the same time with the happy arrival of the Rev. Mr. Van Sinderen, and what was thereupon done by us, has been already made known to you in a letter signed by the Rev. Messrs. Du Bois, Ritzema, Erickson, and Curtenius, on the 21st of May in the present year.
Since that time, we have, on the appointed day, brought into actual operation the Coetus, with those who were inclined to it, and who had come to attend it. We cannot, therefore, discharge our duty, according to one of our fundamental articles, without laying upon the table of your Rev. Body what has been done since then.
We, who were deputed by the last article of the last session to prepare a letter and make known to you the most necessary parts of our proceedings, have, after further consideration, thought it best not to send extracts, but to submit the whole for your inspection, just as it is recorded, that thus our upright pur- poses for the welfare of God's Church here may shine forth in the clearest manner, to the shame of our adversaries, whose feel- ings we therefore allow to follow in their own words.
As to Domine Boel, he has been pleased to express himself a little more softly than formerly, in consequence of the preference of his elders for the Coetus. He desires us to write, that Domine Boel declares himself as still wishing to hold himself aloof.
The letter of Domine Mancius amounts to these two things:
1. He is not satisfied with a Coetus, because he holds it to be of no use, but of pernicious and dangerous consequences to God's Church here.
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2. The Rev. Classis itself, even lately, had engaged and prom- ised to render their aid to his congregation in the matter of Cas- par Fryenmoet, without directing or recommending them to the Coetus.
The letter of Domine Mutzelius, which we give in full, an abstract not answering the purpose, runs thus, word for word: " That the Rev. Classis in 1739 saw no difficulty in forming a Coetus in these provinces, and observed to you that it might be a thing altogether necessary for the good of God's church here, I cannot yet entirely understand, and I suspend my judge- ment thereon until I comprehend it better. I am of the opinion that it will be more for an injury and confusion, than for the gain, peace and unity of our Reformed Dutch Church, in case the thing goes on. Time and experience will show; and per- haps there will be a total defection from our dear Netherland- ish Church, (which may God forbid!) and then vale, Patria, etc. Concerning this matter, none of our Consistory have yet spoken, and a week or more must elapse before they can do it, being compelled to go to the Manor of Cortlandt to render service. But for my part, I write you in haste, not the Consistory, (sit venia verbo,) whom I otherwise respect and hold at their full worth, that in ecclesiastical matters I have subjected myself to the Classis of Amsterdam, and in political, to the Protestant Crown of Great Britain, (sapienti sat, etc.)
Domine Van Santvoord will unite with us. For the present he excuses himself on account of the peril of the journey. So also, Domine [Theodore] Frelinghuysen [of Albany] shows him- self inclined to do the same, and has done his devoir to bring over his Consistory. But they finally declared that as yet they will hold themselves aloof; so that he has not been able to attend our meeting.
At the conclusion of the Coetus, there came a letter from the Domine Caspar Fryenmoet, who unites himself with Promotor Mancius.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1748
This is the short account, Reverend Brethren, which we have to communicate to you, along with our minutes; trusting that you will thus plainly perceive what purpose we and our antag- onists respectively cherish. We will not burden our letter, as we think we might justly do, with the reasons why they conduct in this manner. We pray God that they may be brought to lay aside all prejudices, and see that the thing affects them as much as it does us, and that their duty is to further the welfare of God's Church here, without seeking their personal interest.
Further, we subscribe ourselves, after especial prayers for all happiness and blessing from God in Christ upon your Rev. Assembly,
With great respect, Reverend Sirs, Your servants and fellow- laborers, (in the name of all,)
Reinhard Erickson, Praeses. Joannes Ritzema, Scriba.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1748
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America. Acts of Coetus. New York, April 26, 1748, A. M.
According to the appointment of the last Coetus, the meeting to-day again assembled.
Members Present.
Dom. Erickson, with his Elder,
Ritzema, Į
Du Bois, S
with the Elders,
Matthew Peterson. ( C. Bancker, A. Van Wyck. John Duryee.
66 Curtenius, with his Elder,
Haeghoort,
Meinema, 66 "
Van Sinderen,
66
The Elder, Hendrik Fisher, of New Brunswick. The Elder, Garret Van Wagenen, of Aquackononck.
Domine Erickson, the former President, opened the meeting with an impressive prayer; whereupon Domine Curtenius was chosen President, and Domine Du Bois, Clerk.
Examination of Students .- The student, C. Van Der Linde, appeared in the Assembly, and, since the Rev. Classis had given permission to the Coetus to examine him as a candidate, he satis- factorily treated a proposition on Romans v. 1, the text assigned to him. Meanwhile, as we had, two or three days since, received the letter of the Rev. Classis in which they gave to the Coetus liberty to admit the student, J. Leydt, to the preparatory and the final examination, and as he was now in the city, he appeared in the Assembly and asked to be examined. His request was granted, and when, upon inquiry whether he could deliver a proposition, he said that he could upon 2 Cor. iii., 6-8, the Presi- dent assigned him that text.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Letter to the Classis .- Then the letter to the Rev. Classis, prepared by the Rev. Messrs. Du Bois and Ritzema in the name of the Coetus, was read and approved. Thereupon it was re- solved, that the Minutes of the Coetus should never again be retained here so long, but should always be forwarded to the Rev. Classis by the first opportunity; and that the Minutes of the present Coetus should be sent with those of former sessions.
Letters from the Rev. Classis .- The letter of the Rev. Classis to the Rev. Consistory of New York, and that of the same to the Rev. Messrs. Du Bois and Ritzema, touching the case of the student Leydt, were read. It was determined that the students Van Der Linde and Leydt should be admitted to the preparatory examination to-morrow morning.
Concluded with prayer until half past two o'clock.
Afternoon Session.
The meeting assembled at the appointed time, and was opened with prayer.
The Student Leydt .- The Student Leydt, according to appoint- ment, delivered a proposition upon 2 Cor. iii., 6-8, and gave such satisfaction that he was likewise received with Van Der Linde to be examined in the morning, after reading the Church certificate, from which it appeared that they had been communi- cants for some years.
The Student Verbryck's Request .- The student, Samuel Ver- bryck, requested, in the name of Domine Frelinghuysen, of New Albany, and other ministers, that the Coetus would write to the Rev. Classis for permission to examine him for license. He was told, with a reference to the express declaration of the Classis, that the Coetus would do what it could on his behalf.
J. H. Goetschius .- Domine Goetschius exhibited a letter from the Rev. Classis to him, in which it appeared, besides other mat- ters, that the Rev. Classis declared, 1. That he should be released from the congregation of Queens County, and that congregation
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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from him; 2. That he should be recognized as a candidate in the Netherlandish Church, and should be taken by the hand in his pious undertaking. Whereon, the Coetus received and recog- nized him, promising to make a declaration in his case through the committee, that he should be received in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam as a candidatus ministerii in the Low Dutch Reformed Church. He, on his part, certified a willing- ness to become, according to the Classical Letter, subordinate to the Coetus.
Letter from New Brunswick .- Mr. Fisher, the elder from New Brunswick, read a letter from the Consistory there, urging the speedy examination of Mr. Leydt, in order that their con- gregation, which was vacant, might employ him as a candidate; and if satisfied, might call him.
The Assembly adjourned, as before, till the next day, at 10 A. M.
New York, April 27.
Aquackononck .- After calling upon the name of God, the Assembly took into consideration the request of the Consistory. of Aquackononck, that the Rev. Messrs. Du Bois and Curtenius should repair thither in order to confer with them. The Coetus left it to the discretion of Messrs. Du Bois and Curtenius to act with them on ecclesiastical matters, and to suggest to the Con- sistory, which is now released from John Van Driessen, and desirous of a lawful Low Dutch Reformed minister, whether it would not be well to have Aquackononck and Second River united, and ask them to do what they can to this end.
Schenema's Request .- John Schenema, a student of Goet- chius, appeared in the Assembly and requested to be recom- mended by the Coetus to the Rev. Classis. But his testimonials were not satisfactory, especially in that he had no certificate of membership in any Low Dutch congregation. He therefore,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
after some discussion, was unanimously refused by the Coetus, and withdrew.
The meeting adjourned in a suitable manner until three o'clock.
Afternoon Session.
Examinations .- The Assembly being opened with Divine ser- vice, and being full, the students Van Der Linde and Leydt were called in, to undergo the preparatory examination. This was begun by Domine Ritzema, in Hebrew and Greek, and also upon the principal points of theology, and afterwards continued by Domine Erickson upon other portions of the same. The ex- amination, which consumed two hours, being finished, the stu- dents withdrew, and the Coetus unanimously declared themselves satisfied with it. This fact was then announced to the students, with the invocation of God's blessing upon them, and the Assem- bly, as usual, adjourned until the next morning, at ten o'clock.
New York, April 28.
The meeting was opened with prayer.
Rules .- The draft of laws or rules for the Coetus was read, and unanimously adopted, subject to the approval of the Rev. Classis.
Fryenmoet's Ordination .- The manner of Domine Fryen- moet's ordination being considered, it was deemed advisable to make some representations thereon to the Rev. Classis.
Suitable testimonials were given to the students who had been examined as candidates for the ministry.
It was determined by the Coetus that all other business should, for the present, be arrested; whereupon, the President, with an impressive prayer, concluded the session, and all the members with friendly words made mutual acknowledgements for their excellent harmony. It was determined that if, in the meantime, another meeting should become necessary this year, timely notice
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should be given by the ministers named for this purpose. The other matters which came before the body were postponed till the next meeting. And so the Coetus separated.
Thus have we in the speediest way prepared for your Rev. Assembly the narrative which the Coetus requested us to make; and thereon, we refer you for the present to the conclusion of the foregoing Minutes, which will come to you with this. As the Coetus has no other aim than to advance the welfare of God's Church in these provinces, so we pray the Most High, as the Father of Lights, to have pity upon his spiritual Zion, especi- ally in these sorrowful times, when both open and more secret foes combine not less among us than with yourselves for the ruin of the churches. And may He follow with his gracious blessing your honest watchfulness for the welfare of his Church, even in these provinces. Thus we conclude, with due respect for your Rev. Body, to whom we shall always endeavor to render the most unfeigned proofs of becoming subordination. And with persevering prayer, that God would crown yourselves and the precious work of your ministry with his heavenly grace in Christ, here and hereafter, forever, we are
Reverend Sirs, your brethren and associates, in the name and authority of all,
֏. Du Bois, Scriba.
P. S .- The Coetus testified to the Rev. Classis their bounden and cordial gratitude for having so kindly furnished them with the Acts of the Synod of North Holland for 1746, which are very needful, not only to give us an insight into the state of the Church under your care, but also to direct our own after the example of your pious conclusions, and thus the better promote the welfare of Zion; in regard to which, our prayer is, that God may endow us and all others with the required fidelity.
The five copies of the Synod's proceedings have come to
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1748
Domine Du Bois, and through him, to us; being for the years - 1737, 1739, 1742, 1743, and now 1746; and being placed before the Coetus, all had daily access to them.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Coetus of New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, April 26, 1748.
Rev. and Honored Brethren: Inasmuch as, in the first session of the Coetus, held in New York, [the Minutes were delayed], it was determined on April 26, that the Minutes should never again be retained here so long before being forwarded. We now send them by this opportunity, together with (as the in- closed MSS. show) those of the former meeting September 8, 9 and 10, 1747, with the especial wish that they may come safely to hand in due time.
What ministers and elders were present at the recent session, appears from the Minutes themselves.
Domine Van Santvoord was not present, for the same reason as before.
Domine Schuyler for the same reason.
Domine [Theodore] Frelinghuysen was absent, but he wrote that his [Albany] Consistory were still unfavorable to the Coetus. He commended Verbryck as a most diligent scholar, and of fine promise. As to the letter of the Rev. Classis to us respecting such requests, (for leave to examine and ordain,) he has been led to consider whether he is not the nearest minister who should represent to the Rev. Classis the excellent testimonials of this young man. So far as concerns the Coetus, who alone make this young man known to the Classis, you may be assured that nothing of this nature shall be done by us which will not consist with the wise approval of your Rev. Body.
Of the orthodoxy, fitness, qualifications, and edifying deport-
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ment of the candidates, Van Der Linde and Leydt, the Rev. Classis, we have reason to say, may rest satisfied. But Domine Mancius does not recognize Domine Leydt as sufficiently author- ized to preach, although he was provided by us, in the name of the Rev. Classis, with the necessary letters as a candidate for the ministry. For when certain congregations, in which Domine Mancius preaches sometimes in the year, asked him to allow Domine Leydt to preach before them once, he refused, saying that he was a stranger to him, and that he did not know whose student he was; indeed, it amounted to this, as Mr. Leydt testi- fies. But what power Domine Mancius had, being alone, to ordain Fryenmoet, and that, as we are assured, without any pre- vious examination, the Rev. Classis knows better than we do. Since they boast that the Rev. Classis has chosen one for this purpose, although he is opposed to the Coetus, it seems that the Classis attaches little importance to it.
Meanwhile, what the members did in our Assembly, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of April last, is herewith very respectfully brought before you, Rev. Brethren, in the following relation :
[This letter was not sent until August, or after, when a Post- script was added. This is not at hand.]
PROPOSED RULES FOR THE COETUS, ADOPTED APRIL 28, 1748. I .- Manner of Calling and Holding it.
1. The eleventh Fundamental Article declares how an ordinary meeting shall be called, but if more convenient, it may be on the second Monday or Tuesday of September; timely notice of it to be given by the last Moderators.
2. But if a congregation requests an extraordinary session, that shall pertain to the examiners, who shall appoint it as speedily as possible. The traveling expenses of each member shall be paid out of the twenty pounds charged for the examination, according to
1748
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
the decision of the Coetus, who also shall dispose of the remaining surplus.
To the question who shall appoint an Extraordinary Coetus when one is desired, the answer was, the Extraordinary Clerk.
3. The President of one Coetus shall always be the Clerk of the next, so that the Moderators shall continually succeed in order, unless there be good reasons, in the judgment of the Coetus, for a different course.
4. The first meeting shall begin at nine o'clock, A. M., with prayer by the President, the Clerk, or the oldest minister. Every other session shall begin and end with prayer, at the time ap- pointed by the Coetus.
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