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4. Moreover he (Ritzema) is well satisfied, and expresses his thanks for the reply to his private letter; he will abide by the decision of Classis regarding (John H.) Goetschius.
5. Finally: he complains of that which Classis had indirectly heard about him, as if he were an introducer of novelties, by introducing the baptism of children at their home in case of necessity. He declares that this was not his independent act, but was a resolution of the New York Consistory. He adduces in proof of this a copy of their Acta, of August 20, 1747. He concludes with salutations.
This copy aforesaid, written and signed by Rev. du Bois as President, states that on August 20, 1747, was read a paper by Rev. Ritzema, dated August 17, 1747, containing a proposition to change a provisional permission to baptize sick children at home, into a formal resolution. This proposition embraced several arguments bearing upon the matter:
1. The beseeming necessity of the baptism of children.
2. That the place for its administration is not determined in God's Word.
3. That the Synod of Dort, in the Post-Acta, session 175, at the end, gives per- mission for a private (lit. secret) baptism at the judgement and discretion of the Consistories.
4. The temperament of their congregation: some of them, from simplicity, can- not endure the thought that baptism should be refused to children in danger of dying; and therefore they allow them to be baptized by others.
5. The English (Episcopal) Churches in that country, as well as the Presbyterian, do this without scruple.
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6. Finally, that on refusal to do this, they threaten to leave their churches and go over to others.
Thereupon it was unanimously resolved: Rev. Boel alone remaining in favor of baptism only in the Church - " That if parents shall ask either of the ministers to baptize their sick children at home, and said minister together with one of the elders, shall find that the child is dangerously sick - baptism shall in such cases be administered; but this shall be done without taking the least remuneration therefor; although to one of the precentors shall be paid the money for the proper recording (of said baptism); and the parents and witnesses, in remembrance of the poor, shall hand over their donation to one of the deacons ". xxiii. 95, 96.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. Dec. 1748 (?)
No. 45. Letter from Lambertus de Ronde, dated at Paramaribo July 19, 1748; addressed especially to Rev. Brouwer.
In this it is stated:
1. That our letter of April 1, 1748, which was duly received and communicated, shall be answered at the first Conventus.
2. That the Acta of the Conventus held in February last had already been written out, and handed to the clerk, a French elder, with the request to copy them before long, and to despatch them per ships about the 17th or 19th; but that he had understood that it had not yet been convenient to that gentleman (to do so).
3. Furthermore, he complains greatly of the insolence and bitterness which the ministers there have to suffer from Rev. du Voisin and some French elders. These things almost rob him of all courage and desire for his work. He requests that to this end Classis will take into serious consideration their help in this matter, and give them advice; also that the letters relating to the Conventus be addressed directly (officially) to the same. xxiii. 101.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. Dec. 1748 (?)
No. 47. Letter from Lambertus de Ronde, as President, and John Benella, as Clerk, of the Conventus last held, dated Suriname, September 26, 1748; with the Acta Conventus, and all the enclosures.
I. This letter states nothing except that they send over the Acta Conventus, with all the Appendices, (enclosures, addenda, etc.); with wishes for blessing, and without any request for advice.
II. In the Acta Conventus our attention is chiefly concerned with
1. The preliminaries, or Article 2. There were three members absent:
(1) Y. Kley, on account of sickness;
(2) N. Freker, to whom Rev. Vievra was sent, as a committee, to ask for his reasons; but he refused to give them. Thereupon the Clerk was ordered to ask for his reasons in writing. The reply thereto, addressed to the Clerk and not to the Conventus, was read to the Assembly, but sent back, with the request to reply to the Assembly. This was then done, but pretty sharply, and gave in- sufficient reasons. They were also considered too pert, and to contain several untruths. See Appendix 12, B.
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(3) The third absent member was A.' Thomas. At the calling of his name, Cornelius Polit declared, that he was very much surprised that this man was called as a member of this Assembly; inasmuch as he knew that from a higher source, (hand) the Rev. President had been warned (dutareert) that they should not hold session with him. This gave occasion to Rev. du Voisin to ask several questions. The answer of the Hon. Mr. Commissioner, Fromer, to these, was, that they could not hold session with that man, because he was in his process subreatu (?), and they were his judges, etc. After much debate whether the Rev. President had called this elder A. Thomas, or not, and if so, why he had done it, it was judged by the Assembly, per plura, that he could not have done otherwise except by the consent of the entire Assembly. Thereupon the matter was debated on the merits of the question? (ter principalen), on the demand of the Political Commissioners. See Appendices No. 4 and No. 5. Rev. du Voisin then brought forward a very tedious exposition, in French, in which he examined the arguments against the sitting of A. Thomas, which were four in number, as follows:
(a) That he was a party in a criminal suit.
(b) That he had been suspended from his post as a burgher captain.
(c) That his judges could not hold a session there with him.
(d) That, on this account, he had already voluntarily absented himself from a general meeting of the Consistory. In his opinion he had now refuted these arguments. See No. 6.
Thereupon it was resolved, per plura, that A. Thomas could hold a sitting there. Against this, the Revs. de Ronde, Yver and Vievra protested. See No. 7. Here- upon the Political Commissioners took the matter in charge, in order to report it, and the meeting adjourned to February 16.
The meeting having been resumed on the 16th, the Political Commissioners declared that they took pleasure in the voluntary absence of A. Thomas: See No. 9; but that they, and especially the Lord Governor, were much disturbed over the words in the declaration of A. Thomas, as to threats by the Lord Governor, which he did not fear. They demanded the erasing of those words, with the
denial that any threats were employed, and a declaration to that effect.
This the Assembly, however, could not grant, as being beyond its power; but it re- solved to request A. Thomas to do so, through a committee, and to indicate (in- diceeren) the same. Thereupon after a little more haggling, this affair was partially settled.
III. Moreover, the following Acts merit our attention, as found under certain Articles:
1. Arts. 18 and 20 state that all marriages, hereafter, in the colony, would have to be performed before certain Commissioners of the Directors. Against this there was drawn up a modest remonstrance by the Conventus, in which it was asked that this might be done according to ancient custom, or at least in the presence of two persons of the Faith. Of this there is a copy; See No. 11.
2. Arts. 26 and 27 state that the affairs of Rev. Hoevenberg and Liege may remain ex actis; also in reference to Art. 33, as to the Plan for the Instruction of the Negroes, they yet await our observations thereon. These are to be received h. t. but subsequently.
3. Art. 39. A memorial was introduced by Rev. du Voisin, containing some com- plaints of the Consistory of Parimaribo, but they are not recorded in the Acta. Rev. de Ronde declared that it contained several untruths, but that du Voisin could send them to the Classis. Rev. Vieira answered this. See No. 12. From this it appears that this memorial must have contained a query, whether the French or the Dutch language should be the prevailing one, as well as some com- plaints of Rev. de Ronde.
4. Art. 40, makes mention of still another memorial of Rev. du Voisin, No. 13, which is very lengthy. The first part seems to touch upon the case of A: Thomas, as well as the declaration of the Political Commissioners, whether that was to be looked upon as "law " or only as "advice ". The second part is a question whether a minister may conscientiously give a certificate to a member, who has during an entire year neglected to attend communion. He was in favor of the negative. It was resolved to leave this to the conscience of the minister, and to ask the advice of Classis on both these points.
5. Art. 42, states that one Hegeman, a siekentrooster at the New Fortress,
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preached on Sundays a sort of sermon to the soldiers, whereas he is only per- mitted to read a sermon from a Reformed book. This was forbidden; and it would be asked further, through the Governor, that he be at once stopped, and that report be made thereof to the Consistory of Paramaribo.
Signed,
Lambertus de Ronde, President. J. H. Bennella, Clerk.
Suriname,
September, 29, 1748.
xxiii. 102-104.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. 1748 (Dec?)
Letter was received from Theodore Frelinghuysen, dated Albany, Aug. 15, 1748, O. S. In this he mentions that Samuel Verbryck, a youth of good family there, has studied more than seven years under Erickson, Dorsius, Goetschius, and a certain English minister; and now for another year under him. He has a church certificate from Raritan, having been a communicant for some time already. He is sound in the faith, of edifying walk and acquainted with the languages. He has pursued his studies in Philosophy, Theology, and Meth. Concion. under him, and has progressed so far, that he could be examined even in Holland with praise, etc.
Wherefore, being in communication with the Coetus he asks the privilege, or rather demands it of examining this young man, on account of his ability, and because the same was recently accorded to Van der Linden and Leydt, and also because many places there are vacant, which cannot obtain a minister from Holland. Yea, the refusal, it is said, might give much dissatisfaction there gen- erally, and discourage others who are still studying. Some of these are with him. For this reason he recommends this matter earnestly, but, nevertheless, leaves it to the wisdom of Classis, as the young man will remain with him until the next Spring. He concludes in the customary way. xxii. 108.
THE LUTHERANS AT NEWBURGH, N. Y., 1749.
Litra. D. Our Trustee Zacharias Hoffman being deceased 1744. The 23rd of
1 June on a Saturday Birgert Mynders, then living upon the two thousand one hundred and ninety acres was chosen in Zacharias Hofmans Place, and Tobias Wygand upon new confirmed, which was done in the Church there. None of the English and Dutch new Inhabitants of other Confessions appearing, although they were knowing of our Election.
Anno 1747 the 2nd of July, the now being Inhabitants, assembling, did elect by their own Authority, in the Absence of the Minister, Mr. Alexander Colding, Esq., and Richart Albertson for their Trustees, taking possession of the Tenants and of the Church - Our Minister coming there, did preache the 12th of July in his Church without speaking with the new Trustees.
Hearing that they would make use of our Church, with Force, our Minister did write to Mr. Colding & Mr. Albertson, to know by what Authority they had proceeded in the manner, with Protest against their Doings.
Sunday the 19th July the Church was full of People, taken out of the Country from both sides of the River. Some Justice of the Peace, and some with sword & sticks were there in the Church, in Presence of the English Minister Mr. Wat- kings, the English Minister, which was come to preach there the first time the same Sunday. Our Minister after oral & publick Protest at the Door of the Church went into a private house upon the Glebe to do Divine Worship for the Lutherans.
In the year 1748 ye 2nd of July, our Minister was [directed] by Mr. Albertson, to ask if they have received Authority for their pretended Possession, and also by Mr. Colding, too, upon their Negative, he did protest again, and preached in the Church, the 3rd of July; Which Mr. Albertson did consent, because the English
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Minister, was not to come there, the Sunday; but Mr. Colding did prohibite the Church, not being willing to allow Preaching.
The 2nd of October. Our Minister was preaching in the Church without speak- ing with the new Trustees.
This year 1749. Our Minister has not been there on the shore, the cause being laid before Your Excellency, and the Church being lockt up.
In the time Birgert Mynders, the last of the settled Lutheran Inhabitants on the two thousand one hundred and ninety Acres and one of our Trustees; has sold his lands, and lives now at the Walen Kill .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 356.
FRELINGHUYSEN'S SERMONS.
1741-1748.
Select Discourses Mostly Preached On Special Occasions, by
Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, Minister of the Holy Gos- pel in the Reformed Dutch Church at Raritan and New Brunswick, N. J .; formerly New Netherland. Printed at Philadelphia by Wm. Bradford, (about 1749.)
Preface to the Pious Reader, Partaker of the Unction from the Holy One.
Since the holy Evangelist, Luke, dedicated his book denominated the Acts of the Apostles to Theophilus, (Acts 1: 1,) dedications of treatises and books have become so common as to be regarded almost absolutely necessary. There are various kinds of dedications: the pious Wilhelmus a Brakel dedicates his "Reasonable Service " to the churches of the Netherlands. We in our dedication shall follow the example of the reverend and departed Joh. Verschnir, during his life minister of the divine word at Zeeryp, a bright star among the ministers of Groningen. His valuable work, " The Truth Triumphant," he dedicates to the Lord Jesus in these words: " Dedication to the King of kings, the precious Lord Jesus, whose is the glory to all eternity." My reasons for copying the example of this distinguished man are various: the language of Canaan which he employs shows that he has held com- munion with the Lord; his name is blessed among us; his works praise him in the gates; his prayers and edifying books bear much fruit in our American Zion. " The truth Triumphant " seems to have been composed for our aid and vindica- tion. The reverend author insists in it, that a minister should examine members by inquiring of them, What is the state of your souls? and that professors are bound to give a reason of the hope that is in them; and that parents who present their children for baptism, should be examined. (These, and the like duties, have here been faithfully performed by us in our ministry, and with much fruit and blessing, for which the Lord be praised.) But this was done amid much opposition and contradiction, even from such as pretended to be great rabbis, who branded these pastoral acts, having reference to a knowledge of the state of the flock, as dangerous innovations, nay, even as a new and false doctrine. Similarly, have some Elymas-like ministers here done with respect to us, as well in their pulpits - proper places for pouring forth the vials of their fury -as in their libellous writings, denominated " complaints ", completely refuted by the Rev. Mr. Van Sandvoort. Nay, our departed man of God agrees with us in the smallest particu- lars, also maintaining that Judas did not partake of the Lord's Supper. Although this is but a problematical question, I had stated it in my three sermons, in
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agreement with numerous eminent divines, in connection with whom I do not re- gard myself worthy to be mentioned. This was seized upon by the secretary of the lying spirit, in the so-called " complaints," as one of our heresies, as our hon- ored defender has learnedly shown in his dialogue, written by him in reply. The second book of our dear brother, denominated " Experimental Divinity," is here also of much use to, stop the mouths of those, of whom gowned personages are the chief, who represent the work of the Holy Spirit in the pious as fanaticism and enthusiasm. Our new Erastians, that is, ministers who have arisen in the Reformed churches, teaching that unconverted persons have a right to the Lord's supper, are likewise refuted in it. (See pp. 448, 460.)
Our opponents were brought to silence; but upon Long Island has arisen a Goliath, who, in his recklessness, seeks to infuse into every one the idea so agree- able to the flesh, that it is the duty of the unconverted to partake of it as a means of grace. Although this Diotrephes prates against us with many malicious words, denouncing Rev. Mr. Goetschius and myself, in his mad zeal, as cursed heretics; and although like Balaam, he is yearly hired by the disaffected, to intrude, for filthy lucre's sake, to strengthen the hands of the disobedient, and continually belies and slanders us, and intends to be too wise and bold for every one, and like Ishmael, to set his hand against every man, he has already found upon Long Island orthodox men, lovers of old-established truths, who are able to meet him; and since te is disposed to blame every one, and does not hesitate, even from the pulpit, to mention persons by name and surname, whether members or not, and to denomi- nate them liars and brutal persons, without being made an object of appropriate discipline, (but what cares this zealot for discipline,) he has already fallen into the hands of the authorities and drawn the costs of a civil suit upon himself and those associated with him. Did not this minister steel himself against all the warning he has received even from Holland, he might perceive that the measure with which he meted to others, has been meted to himself, and that while he pursues others, he is rushing on his own destructions. But this man, who thus rides over every one's head is to be pitied; and that they may know how great is the power of God to- wards us also and our churches, we beseech the pious brethren upon Long Island to watch, stand fast, and contend earnestly for the faith, persevering, making much use of the illustrious writings of Verschnir. This digression will be tedious to no one acquainted with the trying situation of our Church.
Dedication to the Lord Jesus, by His old and unworthy Soldier.
My Lord and God, King of kings and Lord of lords, let it not displease thee that I lay down at thy feet these few and imperfect lines; and that, for these two rea- sons: first, and especially, because thou art worthy that all things should be dedi- cated to thee, and that in all things we should acknowledge our dependence upon thee; for thou art Alpha and Omega, having obtained all power in heaven and upon earth, being beyond measure exalted, having obtained a name that is above every name, that to thy name every knee should bow, and all tongues confess that thou Jesus art Lord, to the glory of the Father, holding the stars in thy right hand; secondly, on account of all the benefits which I have so richly received from thee, oh, good Shepherd, (although I am chief of sinners, and the least of thy servants,) inasmuch as it has not only pleased thee to thrust me, insignificant son of man into the harvest, but also to be with me, (since through thy grace I am what I am;) but especially because thou hast been with me in so many distresses in this strange land, continually delivering me. Truly the deliverances of thy countenance are too multiplied - thy blessings upon my weak ministrations, per- son, and family are too numerous to be reckoned up in order. All the favors thou hast shown me, even in the time of trouble, lie as so many bonds of obligation upon my soul, so that I am compelled to exclaim, " What shall I render unto thee for all thy benefits: Lord I am thy servant, and will, by thy assistance, be faithful
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unto death, going in the strength of the Lord, fighting the good fight of faith. gladly suffering and enduring, saying and recording, having frequently, with the congregation, expressly sworn in our solemn covenanting, "I am the Lord's."
Enjoy Frelinghuysen, immortal fame; bear abundantly the fruits of righteous- ness; let thy pious instructions distill as the dew, and compose the disorderly ele- ments of humanity around. Such is the affectionate, filial language of, John Frelinghuysen, Student of Divinity.
Numerous and fearful are the vicissitudes to be expected by the children of God. For comfort's sake, this is added by,
David Marinus, Student of Divinity.
THE SERMONS.
1. The First Ebenezer, or Memorial of Divine Help. 1 Sam. 7: 12. " Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-Ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."- Preached at Six Mile Run, Jan. 1, 1745.
2. Duties of the Watchman upon the Walls of Zion. Ezekiel, 3: 17, 18. 19. " Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, etc., etc."- Preached in Bucks Co. Pa. (April, 1741.)
3. Christ's Lamentation over the Inhabitants of Jerusalem. Matt. 23: 37. " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."- Preached at New Brunswick, N. J. 1745.
4. The Christian's Encouragement in Spiritual Conflict. Luke 22: 31, 32. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have thee, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."- Preached after a severe conflict at Raritan.
(Reprinted, with other sermons of his by the Board of Publication of the Re- formed Church in America, 1856.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies, 1749, (Jan .? ) No. 48.
Letter from Rev. L. de Ronde, dated Sept. 28, 1748, at the request of the Consistory, with enclosures.
1. In the letter he states only that he sent over the accom- panying writings at the request of the Consistory, with the re- quest for the advice of Classis.
2. The enclosures are
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
(1) An extract from the Resolutions adopted by the Consistory of Paramaribo, June 4, 1748. (xxii.)
(All the matter refers exclusively to affairs in Surinam, the mention of de Ronde's name, as above, is the only thing pertinent to this translation.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Committee of the Coetus on the Affairs of Kings and Queens Counties, N. Y., to the Classis of Amsterdam, Jan. 9, 1749. (Extracts, May, 1749. xxiii. 132-4.)
Right Reverend Gentlemen and Highly-Esteemed Brethren :- From our last letter dated December 12, (1748) sent with Captain Hushane, you may have no- ticed how gently the Coetus acted, in the case of Arondeus and his adherents against Rev. Van Sinderen, etc. At that time there seemed to be some hope of an amicable settlement of the difficulty, in accordance with the peaceable counsel given by ourselves and others; but the fact is, that the separation is becoming more serious continually. Inasmuch as Rev. Arondeus and his adherents had chosen a consistory at Breukelen and New Utrecht, (after they had so unconsti- tutionally suspended Rev. Van Sinderen in order to deprive him of his claim to remuneration, and to force him to leave), Rev. Van Sinderen found it necessary to choose a consistory there too, if he wished to secure the payment of his salary. Rev. Arondeus had promised the Coetus, that he would send his complaint te the Rev. Classis; but we are informed, that he has done nothing in that direction, in order that he may play his role the more effectually and the longer. How far this is true, time will reveal.
After our letter to the Rev. Classis, we offered him still another suggestion, which, if followed, might have effected a reconciliation; namely, that inasmuch as Arondeus and his adherents are not at all willing to recognize the Coetus, they either leave their whole case 'n the hands of the Consistory of New York; or, let each party choose three arbiters; and then let both parties submit fully to the decision of these six men, being subordinate to the Rev. Classis, and consisting of Ministers, Elders or Ex-elders. But one of Arondeus's men, in the name of all, peremptorily refused to listen to this suggestion. In proof of the statement, that Rev. Arondeus and his adherents do not recognize the Coetus, I would offer this: that one of Arondeus's Elders, holding the little book of rules, the " Post Acta ", in his hand, once told us, "Show me if you can, whether there is any mention of a Coetus in this volume; if this is allowed (i. e. a Coetus), then all the rules of Church government have fallen to the ground. We recognize no Coetus, and will govern our congregations, as we see fit." If the Rev. Classis should decide to leave the settlement of this case to the Coetus, we will later on take the matter in hand, and strive to adjust it in the best manner possible. But, in that case we have one request to make, namely, that when the Gentle- men, the Deputati ad res exteras, sign their letters, let it be done in the presence of two witnesses who are about to depart for New York with the vessel; and let them also sign their names. For parties have been known to have the audacity to reject the letters sent over, asserting that they had been gotten up here.
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