USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 76
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And foreseeing also, in case no reconciliation and peace be ef- fected, that not only the souls, priceless value, committed to them, and for whose welfare they are responsible to the Most High, will be endangered, but also their own temporal and eternal welfare will be greatly imperiled thereby :
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Under such circumstances, they feel themselves inclined to comply, as far as possible with the profound obligations resting upon every Christian, and especially upon Ministers and Elders of the Church, to do nothing through strife or vainglory, but to for- give one another in whatsoever anyone has offended, whether much or little; and to overlook every impropriety which has taken place.
They, therefore, hereby declare, all together, and each one separately that they will wholly put away from themselves all re- vengeful feelings, and every intention which was ever cherished, to injure one another; yea, indeed, so far from wishing to deal with one another in an unkind or harsh spirit, by word or deed, they hereby resolve to contribute whatever may tend to the avoid- ance of unpleasantnesses and offenses, which, to our sorrow have already too long existed, because of bitter dealings and unfriendly intercourse with one another: Each one of us, therefore, in an- ticipation of the other, shall so act, that everything may be for- given in a most fraternal and fatherly manner; so that our faults may be covered in love, yea, forgotten; that peace may be re- stored and love invited, developed and established. We will hold ourselves ready, as proof of the sincerity of the intentions of our hearts, in presence of the members of the Rev. Coetus of New York, and with reverence before the Omnipresent and Omniscient God, to give one another the right hand of brotherhood; and will pray that the Lord himself will, by His grace, enable each one to observe that precious obligation. By their own signatures they will also declare that they have given each other this right hand of brotherhood.
And in particular, do we, Johannes Arondeus and Ulpianus Van Sinderin, as ministers, promise to endeavor, each one at his post, and in his ministry on Long Island, to be faithful in sup- porting and helping each other as much as possible, in any adverse circumstances which may arise; and, together with our consis- tories, to show due respect and love, in order to promote the well-
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being of the combined churches which have been put under our supervision.
So also do we, the respective Elders and Deacons promise to one another each one at his post, and in his office, and to our minis- ters, Rev. Johannes Arondeus and Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, to show all proper respect and love; and to strive to promote the welfare of the congregations; also both in person, and through others, to see to it that each one shall contribute his quota in order that henceforth each minister may be provided for; and also that the Rev. Van Sinderen be paid the arrears which are due him.
We will thus, all of us, Ministers as well as Elders and Deacons, together with our churches, unite ourselves with the Rev. Coetus, that we may be recognized by that Body, and received as mem- bers of the same; we also hereby acknowledge that the Rev. Coetus has acted only upon the previously received advice of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and therefore, with the said Classis, is deserving to be, as it is hereby heartily thanked for every means of reconciliation employed. We also add the prayer, that God, through the precious blood of the Mediator of the Covenant, Jesus Christ, would accept atonement for all our perversities; that everywhere, especially among us, He may cause peace to be estab- lished; that the Elders may be peaceful men, and that the Leaders may be righteous; that the priests may be clothed with salvation, that all the saints of the Lord may shout for joy. Amen !
In proof of the sincerity of our hearts, we the undersigned Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the united churches on Long Island, do, with our signatures, confirm the above proposals.
Done in the assembly of the Coetus at New York .
N. B. The Rev. President and Scribe of the Rev. Coetus should also sign the above as having been done in Coetus.
1748
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Committee on the Goetschius case, to the Classis of Am- sterdam. About August, 1748? (xxiii. 99-101.)
Honorable and much respected Fathers in Christ :- As, in due time, we were hon- ored with the arrival of your missive of the 9th of January, signed by Rev. brethren, Cornelius Houthof and G. Kulenkamp, by order of your Assembly; so, we read it with all respect, and as we carefully considered it, we mutually ac- knowledged your wise and prudent judgment, with the christian sentence of the Rev. Classis concerning the vexatious matter of Goetschius and his party: a sen- tence which finds unanimous approbation in both the English and Dutch churches. Now, in order to give you some idea how we, the committee on this matter ac- quitted ourselves, for the accomplishment of all things, according to the spirit of the missive, we inform you of the following:
No sooner had Rev. Du Bois received your letter, than, with the approval of the brethren, Bancker and Van Wyk, who were also on the committee, he made it known, by writing, to the members of the committee on Long Island; to Rev. Goetschius, and to both the parties in Queens County, also to Rev. Arondeus, who now lives at Old Raritan; with the request that all should meet on the 9th of May, at the Ferry.
Having met at the appointed time, there were present, Rev. Du Bois, with Messrs. Bancker and Van Wyk of New York, and the friends, Isaac Broca, Jer. Remsse, Philip Nagle, Joh. Lott and Volkert Volkertse of Long Island; Albert Courte had deceased, and Rev. Arondeus did not appear. The meeting was opened with prayer. The letter of the Classis was read; and the written declaration that every one must regard Rev. Goetschius as only a proponent in the Dutch Church, (this being done in name of the Classis, and with the approval of the Coetus,) was openly read before all the committee. This was approved and signed by all those present, and was then handed to Rev. Goetschius, who gave thanks to the meeting and to the Coetus, even as had been done at the Coetus of April 26.
Then, both the parties of Queens County, those who were in favor of Rev. Goetschius, and those who were opposed to him, were invited to come in; and before all of them was read the letter of the Classis to the committee, as well as the letter to the churches of Queens County. When this had been done, the whole assembly, in general, as well as the separate members in particular, exhorted all of them, of both parties, kindly and perseveringly in name of the Classis, as follows:
1. That all partisanship and animosity of one against the other should be for- ever buried, and that they should unitedly look for one pastor for all of them, either from this country or from Holland.
2. And to this end, they should resolve to elect, before hand, a new consistories for all the churches, and should do this in the most amiable way.
3. Furthermore, the Rev. Du Bois then asked them, whether both parties would submit themselves to the Christian advice and sentence of the Classis. The party in favor of Rev. Goetschius answered, that they could not do this before they had presented the matter to their people; but the other party said that they were now ready to make answer to this. We then requested that the letter of the Classis to the consistory of Queens County should be read in all the churches of both parties. And that every one should do his best to restore the troubled minds of all to rest; and that when this was done, the letter, (after the mutual approval of both parties), should be placed in the hands of Rev. Du Bois, at least for a time, for preservation.
The committee again urged this matter upon them; that in accordance with the righteous request of the Classis, they should all give heed to this advice, with one heart and one soul, unto their mutual edification, and for the extinction of all imagined or actual offences. To this end several propositions were made to the meeting, for an amicable election of new consistories. The principal point was, by whom should these new consistories be elected? On this matter they could not agree for the present. Each one must first consult with his own people, and the meeting was forced to submit to this. But all were requested in a most friendly manner not to neglect this, but to be intent on the proper means; and, having devised these means, and the sooner the better, to come together, in order amicably to make a unanimous decision to that end; or if they could not agree together, to make a general resolution to leave the whole matter as to the manner of electing the new consistories to the committee to decide. Yea, indeed, if there should be the least hope of union, and both parties could be brought to it, to invite Rev. Du Bois to preach once, for all of them together, to promote full reconciliation. And he, although old, being invited by the meeting, would take the trouble.
Since at present, at least, they could not agree on any one resolution, they should strive to bring it to such an end, and the sooner this was done, the better they would like it. This should then be announced to Rev. Du Bois, in order that the meeting might come, finally, to a conclusion of their efforts. But if this should
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not be accomplished in a few weeks, the committee resolved that they would meet again on the 1st of August for the purpose of reaching an end of their commis- sion, if by any means possible, and give a full report to the Classis. The meeting finally closed with prayer.
But the two parties in Queens County were not able, during all that time, to come to an agreement. Therefore the committee met again on the 1st of August, at the Ferry, on Long Island, a timely notice having been served on both parties. There were present, Rev. Du Bois, Messrs. Bancker and Van Wyk, and of Long Island Jer. Remsse, Philip Nagel, Joh. Lott and Volkert Volkertse.
Brother Joh. Lott, on entering, delivered a letter to Rev. Du Bois from the elders and deacons of Oyster Bay, a copy of which accompanies this, all having been in favor of Rev. Goetschius.
After the opening of the meeting there appeared before us, from Jamaica, Isaac Amerman and Joh. Polhemus, elders, with Daniel Durje, deacon, and from Hemp- stead, (Heemstee) Cornelis Ryersse and Roelof Schenck, elders.
All of those were again requested by us, in name of the Classis, to come finally, to a resolution that in some proper way, (new) consistories might be elected, in order that the churches might not remain divided. To this end, we proposed sev- eral different ways, and sought to enforce these by proper motives, while we urged every one to join himself to the Coetus. They all agreed to convene the principal members of their respective churches, for these several objects, and report the result to Rev. Du Bois.
(N. B. The members of Jamaica, of both parties, have written that they have not as yet, been able to agree; and the same, in substance, is the communication of those from Hempstead.)
Thus we have resolved to make an end of our commission, and to communicate to the Classis a brief report of our efforts in connection with all these events, which we hereby do. The Assembly may rest assured that we have endeavored with all earnestness, meekness and prudence, to attain the object committed to us, and we are very sorry that we could not bring it to an end. We pray God, by his Spirit, to illuminate the minds of these unruly men, (for thus the peaceable among them, call them), to adorn them with gentleness of a more Christian kind, that they may make concessions to one another, and that they may yet be united in the bonds of peace, to the glory of God's name.
Such is our earnest desire and prayer. With hearty petitions for God's blessing on your Very Reverend Assembly, and with all due respect, we subscribe ourselves, Very Reverend Sirs, and Much Respected Fathers in Christ,
Your obedient servants,
G. Du Bois, Christoffel Banker, Abrm. C. Van Wyk, Jeremyas Remsse, Folkert Folkertsen, Phillippus Nagel, Johannes Lot.
P. S. Rev. Arondeus was absent both times. He has given notice of some excuse.
Rev. Arondeus has also notified me that he has been called again to Long Island, and is already living there.
G. Du Bois.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, August 15, 1748.
Consistory held, of Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church Masters. Present, besides those named above, (Aug. 6), Elder, Mr. Philip Livingston and Church Master, Jacob Turk. These, with Abrm. de Payster, were not present before, and now gave their consent to the Resolution adopted, Aug. 6.
The Committee to prepare a plan for a school and dwelling house, exhibited such plan, which was unanimously approved. It was Resolved, to proceed forthwith with the construction of the building, according to said plan.
Witness, in name, etc.,
Joh. Ritzema.
1 P
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New York, August, 1748.
Consistory held, of Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church Masters. Present, domines Du Bois and Ritzema; Elders, Chs. Banker, G. Verplank, A. Van Wyck; Deacons, Evert Byvanck, F. Marschalk, P. Lott, C. Bogaart, A. Hardenbroek, Adr. Bancker, C. Van Raust, T. Van Wyck; Church Masters, M. Vredenburg, P. Clopper, J. Brevoort.
An agreement was made with Mr. Daniel Bratt, chorister in Catskill, to be chorister in our New Church (Nassau st.), for the five following years. For this he is to receive, besides the fees for recording baptisms, twelve pounds ten shillings, New York money. He is also to be schoolmaster, for which he shall be pro- vided with a dwelling-house and school-room near the Old Church. (He shall teach) twelve free scholars, six in reading and six in writing, for which he shall receive twelve pounds ten shillings: also a load of wood for each scholar, half nut and half oak. His services to begin, April 1749.
Messrs. A. Hardenbroek, Th. Van Wyck, J. Turk and J. Bree- voort were appointed to prepare a plan for the building of a school and dwelling house.
Witness, in name, etc. Joh. Ritzema.
PROF. KALM'S DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCHES IN NEW YORK IN 1748.
1. The English Church, built in the year 1695 (1697) at the west end of the town, (Broadway) consisting of stone, and has a steeple and a bell. (Trinity.)
2. The New Dutch Church, (Cedar and Nassau), which is likewise built of stone, is pretty large, and is provided with a steeple; it has also a clock, which is the only one in the town. This Church stands almost due from north to south. No particular point of the compass has here been in general attended to in erecting sacred buildings. Some churches stand, as is usual, from east to west, others from south to north, and others in different positions. In this Dutch Church there is neither altar, vestry, choir, sconces nor paintings. Some trees are planted round about it, which make it look as if it were built in a wood.
3. The Old Dutch Church, (Garden Street), which is also built of stone. It is not so large as the new one. It was painted in the inside, though without any images, and adorned with a small organ, of which Governor Burnet made them a present. The men for the most part sit in the gallery and the women below.
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4. The Presbyterian Church, (Wall street), which is pretty large and was built but lately. It is of stone and has a steeple and a bell in it.
5. The German Lutheran Church.
6. The German Reformed Church.
7. The French Church for Protestant refugees.
8. The Quaker meeting House.
9. To these may be added the Jewish Synagogue, which I mentioned before "A young Rabbi read the divine service, which was partly in Hebrew and partly in the Rabbinical dialect During prayers the men spread a white cloth over their heads; which perhaps is to represent sack- cloth " .- Kalm's Travels, 192, 196.
FROM KALM'S DESCRIPTION OF ALBANY, 1749 THE
DUTCH AND ENGLISH CHURCHES.
There are two churches in Albany, an English one and a Dutch one. The Dutch church stands at some distance from the river, on the east side of the market. It is built of stone; and in the middle, it has a small steeple, with a bell. It has but one minister, who preaches twice every Sunday. The English church is situated on the hill, at the west end of the market, directly under the Fort. It is likewise built of stone, but has no steeple. There was no service at this church at this time, because they had no minister; and ail the people understood Dutch, the garrison excepted. The minister of this church has a settled income of one hundred pounds sterling, which he gets from England .- Munsell's Annals, i. 269.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Rev. G. Du Bois, etc. to Classis of Amsterdam, Aug. 20, 1748.
Reverend Assembly :- Inasmuch as the Rev. Classis urged the committee, in their letter, to maintain the Coetus: We, the undersigned, who belong to the Coetus, did in our last session at " the Ferry" again present to the delegates from Long Island, your express request in reference to this matter and were very earnest in seeking to persuade them to do their part, toward get- ting all the congregations of Kings County to join themselves to the Coetus. They all promised to do all that lay in their power to this end. They also declared that they, for their part, were fully inclined to it.
But inasmuch as Rev. Arondeus, of Raritan, has been brought back, upon a sort of a call from a few consistory-members; and inasmuch, as many, in the congregations of Kings County, of which Rev. Van Sinderen is the minister, are desirous of having
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and keeping Arondeus as their minister, etc .; (for the Rev. Classis will, doubtless, be more accurately informed of this mat- ter, to her grief); therefore, Johannes Lott and Philip Nagel told us a few days later, in New York, that, on account of the great discord in their congregations, occasioned by the return of Rev. Arondeus, the consistory had not yet decided to join them- selves to the Coetus.
We remain, Rev. Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servants, G. Du Bois, Chris. Bancker, A. C. Van Wyck.
New York, August 20th, 1748.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Rev. E. T. van Hoevenbergh.
1748, Sept. 2nd. Art. 9. This case remains in statu. xii. 163.
ACTS OF COETUS.
Begun September 27, 1748.
Forenoon.
Members Present.
Domine Curtenius, with Elders: from Hackensack, John Zabriskie; from Schraal- enbergh, Carol De Baun.
Domine Haaghort, none; but from Paramus, Albert Van Dien.
Domine Du Bois, Domine Ritzema, with the Elders, C. Bancker and Abraham Van Wyck.
Domine Van Sinderen, with the Elder, Abraham Lott.
Domine Schuyler, with the Elder, Dirck Hagedoorn.
An Elder from New Brunswick - Henry Fisher.
Moderators.
Domine Curtenius opened the meeting with prayer. Domine Haaghoort was chosen President; Domine Curtenius, Clerk; and Domine Du Bois, Clerk Extraor- dinary.
1. Letter from the Classis .- Domine Du Bois having delivered the letter of the Rev. Classis [of Oct. 2, 1747,] to the Ministers, it was read, and the who e Coetus expressed their great satisfaction with it, and directed copies of it to be sent to the disaffected, to induce them to come in.
2. Reading of Minutes .- All the records in the Coetus Book were read, (which it took a long time to do,) and approved.
3. Gravamina .- The persons from Kings County delivered their charges against Arondeus. [See next document.]
4. Calls .- Messrs. Goetschius, Van Sinderen, and Leydt delivered their calls.
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Afternoon.
At the opening of the meeting, Domine Erickson appeared with his Elder, John Luyster, and Domine Meinema without an Elder.
1. Visitatores Libri .- Domine Haaghoort and Domine Ritzema were chosen examiners of the Catechism of Domine Frelinghuysen, (of Albany.)
2. Approval of Calls .- The meeting approved the calls of Domine Goetschius for the second minister of Hackensack, of Van Der Linde for Paramus, and of Leydt to New Brunswick.
3. Arondeus .- The complaints from Long Island against Domine Arondeus were taken up, and it was determined to request Domine Arondeus to meet us on the coming Thursday, to hear the complaints against him, and, if possible, to effect a reconciliation in a becoming manner.
September 28 - Forenoon.
1. It was directed that the Classical Letter should be copied into the book of the Coetus.
2. Examinations .- Messrs. Goetschius, Van der Linde and Leydt delivered their propositions, and were examined by Messrs. Curtenius and Haaghoort; wherein the Assembly was satisfied, after consuming two hours in the same.
Afternoon.
1. The committee deputed by Jamaica, Hempstead and Newtown appeared be- fore us, and the Coetus promised to assist them in every proper way, according to their ability; to write to their opponents, and to consider the matters of these congregations.
2. Tappan .- The elders and deacons of Tappan desired to be recognized as a member of the Coetus. The elders had handed the letter of the Classis to Muzelius himself, and requested him to promise that if there was anything in it relating to the congregation, he would make it known to them. He gave the promise, but had not yet fulfilled it.
The meeting adjourned, because the time for preaching had arrived.
September 29 - Forenoon.
1. Arondeus .- The meeting had, by letter, requested Arondeus to hear the charges against him; but he, also by letter, refused to came, but said he would write to the Rev. Classis; because he, with Domine Boel, his correspondent, did not recognize the Coetus.
2. Kings and Queens Counties .- The matters of Kings and Queens Counties were referred to Domines Du Bois, Ritzema, and Haaghoort, with Elders Bancker and Fisher, as a committee to manage the case; with leave, in case Domine Haaghoort and Mr. Fisher were not present, for the other three to act in the name of the Coetus.
3. The Elder, Abraham Lott, requested a copy of the letter of Classis, which was allowed him, since the committee judged it necessary.
4. Tappan .- The matter of Tappan was taken up; and the Elder, Cornelius Cooper, admitted as a member of the Coetus, and Abraham Haring, a former elder, as his assistant.
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Afternoon.
1. Arondeus .- The case of Arondeus was again discussed, and it was concluded to write a letter to him, and also to the elders of the five villages.
2. Domine Van Sinderen requested that he might also choose a Consistory, just as Arondeus had done. The Coetus could not, as yet, advise him thereto, but thought he should, in an ecclesiastical way, with his present Consistory choose another in due time.
3. Tappan .- The case of Tappan was referred to the Rev. Messrs. Curtenius, Haaghoort, Goetschius, and Van Der Linde, as a committee, to go thither in order to get a nearer view of things, and to do what is in their power for the welfare of the congregation; each with an elder, if they could persuade them to go.
September 30 - Forenoon.
The Assembly being opened according to custom:
1. Subscription .- All the members subscribed the Fundamental Articles of the Coetus, and the Rules appended.
2. Request for Verbryck .- It was unanimously agreed to write in the warmest manner to the Rev. Classis on behalf of the student, Verbryck, that he belonged to the company of Leydt and Van Der Linde, and that he was a diligent young man, and of edifying life. This was committed to the Clerk Extraordinary in connection with the New York Circle.
3. Dom. Boel .- The doings of Domine Boel at Newtown should be made known to the Rev. Classis.
4. Testimonials of Ordination .- Domine Du Bois should, as Extraordinary Clerk, according to the order of the Coetus, prepare and deliver, in the name of the Rev. Classis, written testimonials to the Rev. Messrs. Goetschius, Leydt and Van Der Linde, as ministers; which was also done.
5. To be Recorded .- Copies of the same should be written by him in the Book of the Coetus, to serve as examples for similar cases in future. (See pp. xxx-xxxii.),
6. Dom. Haaghoort .- Finally, respecting the complaint of Domine Haaghoort against his elders and deacons, for neglecting to pay his salary and provide him with firewood, it is judged not improper to write a friendly letter to them. No. one besides, of the ministers or elders, had any Particularia to bring forward.
Thus ended the Coetus, wearied with so many sad cases and various matters of complaint in different congregations, yet pleased with each other's friendly and harmonious disposition to keep in view nothing but the welfare of the congrega- tions. Whereupon, the meeting separated with prayer to God; and so, wishing for. each other the blessing of the Most High, they departed each on his own way.
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