USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 78
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It is certainly a peculiar delight to me, Highly Rev. Assembly, that, with per- severence, though amid great opposition, I have finally succeeded, before my death, in seeing a Coetus established, in subordination to your Rev. Assembly. I am also gratified to learn from your declarations to me, that your Hon. Rev. Body is well pleased with my work. Would that, in accordance with my yearnings, which constantly ascend in prayers, the troubled state of affairs in several congregations here, could be changed into conditions of peace and rest! Yet such is the state of things.
In some congregations, the difficulty lies quite as much with the minister, as with the members of the church. Here, even as in other places, many earnest and peaceable ones are found; but also, many quarrelsome ones, who are at the same time, ignorant in respect to church matters, and like hirelings, bent upon having their own will. This is especially the case in the country. Their one Oracle* still stands out immoveable, although he is fully aware of the approbation (of the Coetus) by your Rev. Body; for your last letter to the Coetus was read in our Consistory-meeting, he being present. His only active supporter now is Rev. Mancius of Kingston, whose consistory together with that of New Albany, being unversed in Church Government, rely altogether upon their charters. But as to Arondeus, of Long Island, and Muzelius, of Tappan, (lamentable as the fact is), they each conduct themselves very badly. Before long a report will be given concerning them.
The Coetus has, indeed, been brought into running order, according to your earnest advice. It will, doubtless, yet be exposed to much opposition, and dis- satisfaction and constant scorn will be shown toward it, yet in vain. For it must appear evident to all intelligent men, yea, it is beyond doubt, that, under the favor of God, and by the support of your Rev. Body, (which I am sure will be given), this Coetus will continue to stand. But the sum of my life will soon sink below the horizon, and I will not long be able to give my feeble support to this good work any more.
The suggestion of your Rev. Body, in regard to our corresponding with the Coetus of Pennsylvania, (or exchanging corresponding delegates) was heartily approved. The ministers who live in the vicinity of the City of New York seem to be inclined in its favor; especially, because such correspondence, as they admit, would contribute to a better acquaintance, both by the Synod of South Holland and by the Classis of Amsterdam, with the manner in which affairs are conducted in different places. Notwithstanding, it was not the journey, which was easy enough to make, that hindered, but the expenses that would be entailed by it. But as regards myself, my years have become too many to take this burden upon me. Indeed, they have vanished as a shadow, in this the land of my pilgrimage; yet with the feeble qualifications with which God has graciously endowed me, I have endeavored, however imperfectly, to use for the edification of the Church of God over here. By his gracious assistance, I am still permitted to engage in the service of preaching. Last Sabbath, (having left home on Saturday morning, to solemnize in the afternoon, the marriage of Rev. Van Sinderen with a virtuous, and, to him, altogether suitable, young lady), I preached at New Ames- foort. In the morning from Genesis 17: 1, the first part: "And when Abraham
* Domine Boel.
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was ninety years old, and nine, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God;" and in the afternoon, from the last part of the verse: " Walk before me and be thou perfect." My colleague Rev. Ritzema occupied my turn in the city. It was just forty-nine years since I preached my Arst sermon, before the congregation in New York.
Therefore, who knows whether this may not be the last letter which I will have the honor to write to your Rev. Assembly. I am now in the seventy-eighth year of my age, and my end is approaching with rapid strides. My prayer to God is that He would do good in His good pleasure unto Zion, and build the walls of His spiritual Jerusalem, both among you, and in this country. For the Dutch churches here are gradually beginning to languish; both on account of internal strife in some of them, and because of the distaste for true piety in others; and not less, on account of the fact that the Dutch language is gradually, more and more being neglected. On this account, in the New York church, several begin to speak of calling a minister, after my death, to preach in the English language, but in accordance with our manner and doctrine.
In the conclusion of this, my individual letter to you, I refer you to my letter directed to your Rev. Assembly, in name of the Coetus. This I will forward, together with the Minutes of the Coetus. With sincere prayers to God in Christ for all temporal and heavenly blessings on your persons, on the members of your families, and on your precious Gospel-ministry, I sign myself, with all due respect for you,
Very Rev. Gentlemen, and Highly-Esteemed Brethren, Your Revs.' Very humble servant,
New York, Wednesday November 2, 1748.
Gualterus Du Bois.
P. S. I had intended to send this, by a Friend, via. England, but have changed my mind.
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Rev. G. Du Bois to Abram Lott and John Polhemius, Nov. 11, 1748.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. ii.
Worthy Friends, Abram Lott and John Polhemius :- Our previous proposals - made to you and to your friends on either side, viz., to choose conjointly members of consistory from the entire church membership, by the votes of all those who have ever filled the offices of Elders or Deacons - do not seem yet to have gained general approval. We are still of the opinion that that would have been the most ecclesiastical way, and the best means to effect reunion - the one thing which we have in mind. But finally, we make yet the following proposal, to wit:
1. That all of you unitedly, when members of consistory shall have been chosen, and when you are ready to call a minister, shall write to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for a minister.
2. That the members of the consistory shall be chosen by all those who hereto- fore have served in the offices of Elders or Deacons; but on the explicit condition that the newly elected Elders and Deacons declare in writing, that they, with the entire Church, shall join themselves to the Coetus.
3. And finally, that those who agree to these Articles shall invite Rev. Du Bois, or some other minister in the province of New York whom they may wish, and who also agrees to the above Articles, to choose with them, at the earliest oppor- tunity, members of the consistory in the way mentioned. If this last proposition meet with your approval, then be pleased to inform Rev. Du Bois of it, if you think proper. By the goodness of God, he will, at the earliest opportunity, make it convenient to attend to the matter. With hearty greetings, he remains,
In the name of all,
Your humble servant,
New York, Nov. 11th, 1748.
G. Du Bois.
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Statement of Abram Lott and others as to certain terms of Union between the Adherents of Revs. Arondeus and Van Sin- derin; 1748?
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. ii.
In answer to the letter of the Committee about the choosing of a Consistory according to the First Article, dated Oct. 24th, 1748, Abram Lott, Claas Lettinge and Joost Durye would state; that, in accordance with the contents of that letter, they are willing to join with the other party in choosing a Consistory, provided the other party also previously nominate some of their own number, who, in the name of them all, shall promise in writing to join the Coetus, and as one united church, with us, keep themselves in union with the Coetus.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Consistory of the Church of Newtown, L. I., to the Classis of Amsterdam, Dec. 9, 1748. (Extracts, xxiii. 126.) (Anti- Coetus).
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. i.
Most Venerable Classis of Amsterdam, Highly Esteemed Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ :-
Your highly esteemed letter of the 9th of January, 1747, to the elders, deacons and also to the members of the Reformed Church in Queens County, was received in the month of May 1748. In obedient submission to its requirements, it was publicly read at Newtown, one of the four congregations of Queens County. We also professed our readiness to mutual union and peace; and also to the ordination of Rev. Goetschius when called to another congregation; and to do all this, as far as we can, with good conscience, wishing, however, with your Reverences, for his better behavior.
And since your Reverences also give us counsel, that the whole congregation, and the sooner the better, should be pleased to take care that a lawful consistory be chosen; therefore, all the men, who are members at Newtown, held for that purpose a meeting on the 31st of July, 1748, after the settling of our necessary farming interests. Then, by a majority of votes, we resolved, and requested in writing, that the Rev. Boel, pastor at New York, should assist us in the election, according to your highly-revered ecclesiastical order; and this, even those who differed from us, declared legal. When the day of his Rev's. coming was fixed, the fact was duly communicated to all the men who were members at Newtown, with the reiterated and kind request, to assemble together, and further determine, in brotherly union, all that was needed; and to come to an agreement according to sound reason; and for this purpose, to speak in Christian liberty with Rev. Boel, etc.
The dissatisfied refused this; but most of our members met, notwithstanding, on the 16th of August 1748, at Newtown, with Rev. Boel, mourning that the others, according to the refusal, staid away; and we, therefore, waited for them in vain. Therefore those who had assembled for firmer union and concord, and in oppo- sition to all new quarrels, unitedly decided as follows:
That, even as we allow liberty to those of a different mind, so we equally stand for our own, in order to keep ourselves immediately subordinated to the Highly Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, as has always been the case with our congrega- tions heretofore, and which has always been found good. As also, Article 7, for the establishment of a Coetus, written in this country and approved by your
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Revs., says: "That each congregation shall retain its own freedom in the administration of its affairs " in distinction from congregations belonging to the Coetus. ( !? ) [But see Apr. 27, 1738, Art. 7.]
And inasmuch as the Dutch Reformed Churches in this country must themselves bear all their own church-expenses, it is only fair that all our church revenues, under whosesoever administration, should henceforth be expended in such a way as to cover all said church expenses; in order that thus, everything may be satis- factorily adjusted; and every one, who, from time to time, may be elected from among us, to any ecclesiastical office, shall be obliged to sign this plan, before his installation; and if he refuses, another shall be elected in his stead, etc.
After all those who were present had unanimously agreed to this, they re- quested Rev. Boel now to allow them, according to the admonitions of your Revs., to choose a lawful consistory; and subsequently, when this had been done by all the members present, and had been unanimously approved, that he should preach a sermon, and then announce the newly elected elders and deacons in this con- gregation; and finally to install them. Accordingly the election was held, after calling on the name of the Lord; and subsequently also the installation took place, on the said 16th of August 1748. We all unanimously resolved, and mutually bound ourselves, henceforth to admit among us, no one to the holy ministry, unless he can produce satisfactory testimonials of his legal rights thereto, and that he will conduct himself according to the doctrine and discipline of the National Synod at Dordrecht, held in the year 1618 and 1619. All this was done that we may keep inviolate this pure doctrine and religion, and may watch against all encroachments against, and violations of the same, in order that we may never again be deceived, as we have been in so lamentable a way.
All this was subscribed to by the members present, who numbered sixteen, while those who kept separate numbered in all eight. As far as we can find out, they stayed away either because they want to have another minister to serve them; or, simply under pretence that Rev. Boel had written to the Rev. Classis to the disadvantage of Rev. Goetschius, and because they are still inclined toward him; or, because they think all ought to belong to the Coetus; or because they think an equal number from each side ought to belong to the consistory, as if we should still consider ourselves two parties, after the letter of your Reverences.
On the other hand, we requested all to come together, that thus the election might be made by the entire body; and also, that if any one should bring up any lawful objection against any of those elected, we might elect another one. For we wished that everything should be done unanimously and blamelessly, according to Church Order; or, if they wanted to have the election by lot, (to say so); for we know this is a true way when there is no other. Alas! that they should any longer adopt other counsels to hinder the general union of us all!
Thus have we endeavored at Newtown, one of the four congregations of Queens County, to make a beginning. We hoped that, with God's blessing, this might serve as an example for the other three congregations; that according to the admonition and prayer of your Revs. it might be the means, by which all four congregations, with united efforts and earnest prayers to God, might seek, as soon as possible, for another shepherd and teacher, and find one who should be of the best, very picus and peaceable, etc. and that this should be done, if possible, unanimously. And we had hoped that to this end, when the four congregations should have given their consent, that we unitedly might send to you a " Power to call such a minister for us all, as should seem most suitable and wise. For we are in favor of union; and such a minister, being outside of all parties, could serve among us for the furtherance of union, and to better edification, for which we are all yearning, if the Lord should be pleased to bless his labors.
Furthermore, Rev. Boel was requested to come among us to administer the Lord's Supper, for which we have for a long time been very desirous. And we the undersigned elders, according to the custom in this country, when there is lack of a regular minister, extended the exhortation and invitation to the Supper to all our members. Also, by the advice of Rev. Boel, we kindly requested anew, all the male members who yet felt disaffected, to meet with us at a certain time in the presence of Rev. Boel, that we might then lay before them all that had been already agreed to, and hear their objections if any, and thus see whether we could not meet each other pleasantly, and bind all the elders together by some
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kind agreement, and thus celebrate the Lord's Supper, as brethren and sisters in the Lord. Yea, Rev. Boel even offered to visit them at their houses in order that we might unanimously co-operate for the furtherance of unity in the other three congregations; so that, if at all possible, all might become again completely one.
This was considered the more desirable, because there is anxiety among the thoughtful ones of our congregation as to the validity of the baptisms formerly administered by Rev. Goetschius. There is also sorrow as to the letters of your Reverences, which recognize him only as a candidate, etc .; as well as the informa tion on this subject, received by us from Rev. Meinema, before this second visit to us of Rev. Boel. But all our requests were flatly refused by them, to the great grief of ourselves and Rev. Boel.
Therefore, in the presence of Rev. Boel, we gave an account of our family- visitation. After calm deliberation, we had decided, in conjunction with the other brethren, the deacons, to request Rev. Boel to make the following announcement in our name, to the congregation:
" That matters appeared thus to the Consistory of Newtown; that the Reverend Classis of Amsterdam had written (June 6, 1746) to the Consistory of Kingstown, that the anxiety among those of tender consciences of the congregations, as to the lawfulness or unlawfulness of the Holy Baptism, administered by the Rev. Freyen- muth, at Kingston, before his ordination (Dec. 1744), was not unfounded; that the Rev. Classis had taken this matter into calm and religious consideration, and had been unable and unwilling to come to any other decision, (in accordance with the Word of God and our own " Formulas of Unity "), than to declare the baptisms of Rev. Fryenmuth unlawful; inasmuch as they were administered before even an installation, and not by a lawfully called and ordained minister, but by a private person. Therefore these children have to be considered as not having received this holy sacrament; and this must yet be administered to them in a godly manner, and the sooner the better."
" From which precedent, it is now our decision, that inasmuch as the case of domine Goetschius is entirely parallel, he not having been heretofore a lawfully called and ordained minister any more than Rev. Fryenmuth; consequently, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam declares unlawfully also the baptisms administered by Rev. Goetschius."
" Therefore the anxious members of our congregation must kindly receive this, our early announcement, and adapt themselves to it accordingly, for their own peace, as well as the welfare of their children. For they can in no wise be recognized as in the Covenant of God's Grace by an unlawful rite, but only by a lawful administration of Holy Baptism, done by a lawfully called and regularly ordained minister. Thus only are they incorporated in the Christian Church, and made distinct from the children of unbelievers. Therefore those who desire to have Holy Baptism thus administered to their children, will please appear before the pulpit and listen to the Form thereof in order to answer to the same."
Subsequently, Rev. Boel also administered the rite of Holy Baptism to the children of such parents as desired it.
Later on we were further strengthened in the just foundation of our decision thus announced, and in the execution of it, (all of which was accomplished decently and in good order), by a letter from the Rev. Mancius, of Kingstown. In this he declared that his Rev. has also administered baptism to some children who had been baptized by Rev. Freyenmuth, at Rochester, (Ulster Co.) before his ordination. Yet Mancius received from no one, on that account, the name of "Anabaptist ", as some now call Rev. Boel. And those who thus talk, it least behooves to do so, as they had the best opportunities to talk on this subject before, even to Rev. Boel himself. To this, others respond, that we may truly call the members of the Coetus Re-ordainers, (Repromotors), for whereto serves this last ordination, (promotion), if the former was already lawful?
But there is still another matter of anxiety among the very conscientious among us which is this: Whether those who were married by Rev. Goetschius before his ordination, may be considered lawfully married; for the ceremony was performed by one who can only be considered a private person; and what are such persons to do? Rev. Boel acknowledged that he could not give an opinion on that point.
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Wherefore we have resolved respectfully to request your Revs. to be pleased to favor us with the decision of Classis on this point, for the removal of such anxiety.
With all due gratitude, we acknowledge your Revs. paternal care for our con- gregation. May all this serve for a submissive answer to the letter of your Revs.', and as an explanation of what has thus far been accomplished among us. Mean- while we pray the God of Peace that our unceasing efforts with those who have separated from us, may, by the Grace of God, at some time, produce the result hoped for, even a general union; and we may hope for this all the more, inasmuch as Rev. Goetschius has at length been ordained and installed as minister at Hackensack, by those gentlemen of the Coetus, to whose party, those who have separated themselves from us declare that they will remain attached. However, we console ourselves that our actions are more and more approved by all those who judge rightly.
We also expect a favorable reception to our missive, and further paternal aid from your Revs. To this end, as well as for the welfare of the churches of the Fatherland may the rich blessing of the Lord continually rest upon your heavy and holy duties, upon your own dear persons, and your beloved families, to length of days. And may you receive hereafter the full reward of grace, even eternal life. Amen.
We remain with all due respect and reverence, Rev. Gentlemen, Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
Your grateful and obedient servant in the Lord,
The Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church at Newtown.
Deacons. Hendrick Brinkerhoff David Springsteen Abraham Rapalje Jeronimus Remsen
Elders. Proctor Luyster Teunis Brinkerhoff Jan Wychof Daniel Rapalje
For further evidence of the truth of what in this letter is testified about me, by the Brethren abovenamed, I have at their request also signed it, at New York, in the month of January, Anno 1749.
Newtown, the 9th of December, Anno 1748.
Henricus Boel.
Addressed: To the Highly Reverend Reformed Classical Assembly, at Amsterdam. Newtown Dec. 9, 1748.
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to Abram Lott, Dec. 16, 1648. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii.
Addressed: Mr. Abraham Lott, Elder at Jamaica, on Long Island.
Worthy Friends: That our abandoned friends may not be the object of derision among their opponents, we feel ourselves compelled, as we wish nothing else than to bring about, in an honorable way, the union which at present seems impossible, to assist you as best we can. The shortest way, we think, is, for you to choose from among yourselves, some of those who have previously served in the Con- sistory. Let this be done at Jamaica on the Monday after Christmas; and, in case those of Newton fall in with it, let the same be done there on Tuesday. I, the undersigned, offer my services to preach for you at that time, and to assist you in the election. If this be your pleasure, let me know of it, and provide me with a good horse, or a chaise, at the ferry in the morning of the 26th inst. This is for your information, and according to our sense of duty, and is by the authority of the Committee of the New York Circuit, (Ring.) Your obedient servant,
John Ritzema.
New York, Dec. 16th, 1748.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. (Dec. 1749)?
A letter from Rev. Ritzema, minister at New York, dated Au- gust 20, 1748. To this is added a copy of the Acta of the Con- sistory of August 20, 1747, regarding the baptism of children at home.
This letter contains in substance:
1. An expression of thanks, for our reply of April 9, 1747 to a letter from him and his colleague du Bois, sent to us September 25, 1746, regarding the growing (Meerende) congregation of Rhinebeck, and its request on behalf of the student John Leydt; with the added declaration, that in everything they shall act in accordance with the Netherland Church-Order; or else, (if necessary), seek the advice of Classis as in this case.
2. A statement that at the Coetus last held, the students Benjamin van der. Linde and John Leydt were examined in the languages and Sacred Theology, and were admitted to licensure. The permission from the Classis to do this had arrived just three days previously. All this may be further seen from the Acta of the Coetus held soon thereafter.
3. A complaint that, after all, they could not send Proponent Leydt to the church which had wanted him, for that church had become displeased with him, because he, while still a student, had preached there for some time, but had now ceased doing so, by advice of the Coetus of September 7, 1747. Since that time he had only catechised. Their displeasure remained persistent, in spite of all friendly admonitions, and they had repudiated all the pledges made. Furthermore, Rev. Mancius had refused to let the said Proponent, although he had been law- fully ordained, preach in a little village where he administered the Holy Supper three or four times a year. The people of Raritan, however, where there are four or five villages, having heard him preach with pleasure; and two of those villages (New Brunswick and Six Mile Run) had amicably and with good feeling, sepa- rated from the others, (Raritan, Harlingen and Readington) and had called him.
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