USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 80
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Now, something, in regard to the case in Queens County. Immediately after the sentence had been pronounced upon Rev. Goetschius, Rev. Boel proceeded, (directly
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against the order of the Rev. Classis to the Committee, namely, that arrangements should be made by (the Committee?) that consistories be appointed in every con- gregation, in order that, conjointly, they might call a Minister), of his own accord, and without permission of either the Coetus, or the Committee, to choose a con- sistory at Newtown; he moreover, announced their names, and installed them on the same day, all unbeknown to that portion of the people which had promised to regulate themselves in accordance with the decision of the Rev. Classis; people who had, together with those of Jamaica and Hempstead, who had been friends of Rev. Goetschius, joined the Coetus, in order to obtain our co-operation in accord- ance with the intention of the Rev. Classis.
Therefore we, the Committee have incessantly labored, with mouth and pen, to persuade them unitedly to choose consistories, and with due decorum; but they have rejected all our propositions with disdain. It has even go so far that the former opponents of Rev. Goetschius at Jamaica, through the influence of Arondeus, and after the example of Rev. Boel, have proceeded to elect, announce, and install consistory-members all on the same day, without recognizing the others, and also speaking derisively of the Coetus. How unjust is all this! and done by one whose claims, as a neighboring minister, have not yet been fully established. In such a manner, then, has the congregation at Jamaica been lamentably divided. Under such circumstances, we deemed that no other course could be taken, which could lead to union, except to constitute the other part of the Church into a body, and to acquiesce in their importunate desire to choose a consistory. Accordingly this was done, by Rev. Ritzema on the 26th of Nov. (1748), and in the following manner:
The parties having been called together, his Reverence clearly explained to them, that it was not by any means the object of the Coetus to separate them, but to keep them together, in accordance with the desire of the Rev. Classis. If then, they were willing to abandon their special and unlawful election, and would agree as a united body, to choose a consistory, by the votes of all such as had at any time served as members of the consistory, and provided they would join the Coetus as the other party had done, in accordance with the advice of the Coetus, then no election by the other party would take place. But the obstinate ones among them said, with many other pretexts, that they had acted rightly, and were not willing to come back to a united election. Then it was pointed out to them that the same right could not but be conceded to the other party too. This con- sideration, it is true, quieted them a little, but they still remained unwilling to elect one consistory for the whole congregation.
In the meantime, Rev. Ritzema pointed out to them that they would never get an orthodox minister as long as they persisted in this course of conduct. Neither the Rev. Classis nor the Coetus would give its approbation to any one until some assurance of their union had been given. And indeed, it was added, no minister could live among them comfortably, or perform his duties as he should, unless union were secured. But notwithstanding all this, they stood immovable. Accord- Ingly the election by the other party of the congregation was proceeded with, but only on this condition: That the names of those who should be chosen should be announced only twice on that day, and their installation should be postponed for a few weeks, in order that the other party might have additional time to take the matter into consideration, if, perhaps, they might decide to have another election more in accordance with the expressed desire of the Classis.
On the day following Rev. Ritzema went to Newtown to confer with the newly- elected consistory there, desirous of bringing them to reason, and attempting to persuade them, if possible, to regulate themselves according to the intention of the Rev. Classis. They replied: "We have nothing to do with any Coetus, inas- much as the Rev. Classis has commissioned Rev. Boel to take charge of such congregations as are willing to remain under direct supervision of the Rev. Classis." They also said, that they would undoubtedly be heard of, by Classis through his (Boel's) letters. Other wild expressions followed, such as; " We have no need of a Pope. We have chosen our own consistory; and if the others do not choose to do as we do we will buy out the church and the church-property, etc." Hereupon Rev. Ritzema ceased further to argue with them, but his Reverence preached there, and the elders and deacons chosen by Rev. Boel took their seats. Those
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opponents, then, are very far from regulating themselves according to the letter of the Classis. They pretend that Rev. Boel will take up their cause against the Coetus.
Behold, Rev. Assembly, in what a sad plight are the present affairs of Kings and Queens County. It is with heartfelt grief that we mention this. In such a way, those, who are desirous of playing the sovereign, persist in opposing the Coetus. Nevertheless, we doubt not but that the internal condition of the con- gregations, under the blessing of God and with the help of the Rev. Classis, which we hope will be given, against these opponents, will eventually in spite of these troubles, reach a proper condition.
Rev. Heaghoort has also communicated to us the respected message of the Rev. Classis in regard to his complaint, the non-payment of his salary by his con- sistory; also the troubled state of affairs in the congregation at Aquackononck. Although we do not belong to the New Jersey Circuit, we have, nevertheless, in token of our good-will, urged upon his consistory in writing, their duty to pay whatever they owe their pastor. The Coetus also, as appears from the Minutes, had earnestly urged one of Rev. Heaghoort's elders, who was present, to ad. monish his brethren in office to take away the cause of their pastor's complaint. This he agreed to do. He did not tell us, however, what had caused this neglect of payment.
Meanwhile, as to the troubled state of affairs in the congregation of Aquack- ononck: Rev. Du Bois went there last year, three times; once, on Ascension Day, and preached twice on the following Sabbath. In conjunction with Rev. Curtenius, he did what he could to commend Rev. Heaghoort to them, according to the expressed desire of the Coetus, (see the Minutes). But who can pursuade a congregation to favour a minister toward whom they have no affection? And indeed, according to the constitution of the Coetus, every congregation has per. fect liberty in this respect. Of the trouble in this congregation, we will fully acquaint the Rev. Classis, when it is deemed necessary. But as this letter has already grown too long, we dare not further trouble the Rev. Assembly with the recital of our vexations, especially as the present unusually cold weather benumbs our fingers.
Therefore, remaining yours, with all due reverence, we will close our letter. After having prayerfully wished for your Reverences' general happiness, peace in Nation, City and Church, and all temporal and spiritual blessings from God in Christ, as individuals, as ministers, and as families, at this beginning of the year, We call ourselves, Reverend and Esteemed Brethren,
The Committee of the Coetus on the affairs of Kings and Queens Counties.
Your Revs. Humble Servants,
Gualterus Du Bois
Johan. Ritzema
Chris. Bancker.
New York, Jan. 9, 1749. 1
Note. Before the sealing of this letter, it being now the 29th instant, we learn that they are busy writing a letter to the Rev. Classis. (This probably refers to Arondeus. See first paragraph.)
ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL, NEW YORK.
1749, Jan. 23. Growth of Trinity Church.
Arrangements for "A Chapel of Ease " to be built,- called St. George's Chapel, on Beekman st. See Dix's Hist. Trinity Church, i. 246-7, 258-261, 437.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA. Rev. John Ritzema to Abram Lott, etc., Jan. 28, 1748/9. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii.
Addressed : Mr. Abram Lott, at Jamaica on Long Island.
Mr. Abraham Lott, etc. Worthy Friends :- I expect to be among you on the 6th of February, and on the 7th to preach, if health and weather permit. I hope not only that you will see to it that there is some one at the ferry at an early hour, but especially that, according to our last arrangement, you will give me an opportunity, in the name of all, to act once more in that good work of effecting a reunion. To that end I shall invite the other party to delegate three or four men for Feb. 6th, whose action shall be taken to be the action of all the people. This, indeed, is the only way, in the judgment of all my fellow commissioners, which will lead to any good result, for the common proverb holds true here, " Many heads, many minds ".
If, in the mean time, anything should happen, I hope to be informed of it. Otherwise I depend on the above arrangement.
I remain your obedient servant and friend, in the name of the Committee,
John Ritzema, V. D. M.
New York, 28th Jan., 1748/9.
Rev. John Ritzema to Abram Lott, Feb. 2, 1748/9. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii.
Worthy Friend, Mr. Abraham Lott. Yesterday, the other party withdrew the last hope of reconciliation. Therefore, on your part, you need take no more trouble, except to see to it that, on the day appointed, we may without hindrance, hold religious service. For I fear that it may again come to locking church doors against us. Nor do I see now that it will be necessary for you to come and get me on Monday. That is the day for my catechetical work, which I prefer to attend to then. I will come on Tuesday morning by the first boat.
With many greetings, Your servant and friend,
John Ritzema.
New York, Feb. 2, 1748/9.
CERTIFICATE OF LICENSURE TO PETER DE WINT, FEB. 14, 1749, BY THE CLASSIS OF HARDERWYK. (But a forgery.)
To each one who is about to read these our testimonials, we pray God in Christ to grant health and favor.
The ministry of the gospel, since it is unspeakably holy and lofty, not only can- not and must not be taken hold of with unwashed hands but also, inasmuch as the work is linked with the highest wisdom, one cannot go about it with due solemnity unless one possesses the necessary fitness.
Knowing this, the most excellent and most learned young men, Rev. Pieter De Wint, the by no means inferior son of Jan Jansen De Wint, of St. Thomas, in the (West) Indies, after a full course in academic studies, has petitioned us, Directors of the Classis of Hardewyk, for his examination. This petition we were neither able nor willing to deny him. A day, therefore, was set, the 14th of February of the current year, 1749, on which the said Rev. Pieter De Wint presented himself before us, and we made the examination as to his ability in the original languages and theology, both natural and revealed, in order that, with a good conscience, we might be able to give our testimony; and we do testify that the same was in every point, satisfactory to us; and that, according to the words enjoined, 1 Pet. 2 : 25 he held, without extraordinary eloquence, the well ordered and orthodox Assembly. For which reason we have no hesitancy in receiving this our Rev. Pieter De Wint, as well-deserving, among the number of candidates in theology; and in granting him authority publicly in the church to display the gift in divinity granted him.
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We ask God, not only to increase his gift every day, but also to accompany with his Holy Spirit this our well deserving candidate.
This is what we testify and wish for from the heart. Given with my signature, in the name of the Classis,
Harderwyk, Feb. 14, 1749.
Alexander Van Medenbach, Scribe, protem, of Classis.
[Probably not genuine.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies, 1749. (Feb?)
Letter from father du Bois, in the name of the Coetus, dated New York, Dec. 12, 1748, with some enclosures.
He states,
1. After expressing his thanks, and the wish for great prosperity to us, that the letter from our Classis was read in their Coetus, and that it was heard with great and general satisfaction.
2. That Goetschius, Leydt and Van der Linden were by the authority of Classis, ecclesiastically called, and ordained to the great joy of their churches.
3. He speaks of several complaints. Of these we cannot as yet obtain a full understanding from the Minutes of the Coetus, because the action is not yet com- plete in all respects. But he states in particular, in regard to Arondeus:
(1) Of his passing by several members, in pastoral visitation.
(2) Of his entire neglect of the village of Gravesend (or New Utrecht?) without reasons.
(3) Of the election of members of Consistory without prayer or thanksgiving.
(4) Of reckless speaking in the pulpit.
(5) Of the violating of his call, and changing it into a lease for two years; refusing installation without reasons.
(6) In May 1747, he secretly departed to Raritan without any ecclesiastical dis- missal, and was installed there.
(8) That he returned thence in July, 1748, without any dismission, and at the request of only a few, in spite of the protest of many families; that he began services at New Utrecht and Amersfoort, and that Van Sinderen had been dis- missed from his office, without any consultation with the people, and upon the authority of elders of those two churches; and only because he did not wish to be reconciled with Arondeus, except in the presence of ecclesiastical persons, (officials); that these same elders shook off the incumbency of Van Sinderen; that Arondeus chose and installed there new members of consistory; and that the Coetus was not able to reconcile them by any action of theirs, according to en- closures, Nos. 7 and 8.
4. Rev. du Bois says, in advance, that these are the complaints of van Sinderen; that they do not exactly know those of Arondeus, since he has refused to make them known; but they understood the principal ones to be that van Sinderen was alleged to have ill-treated Arondeus, by administering baptism himself, while Arondeus was in the church. Whereas the affair was caused by Arondeus him- self, who made no sign of arising to baptize, when the word was given. The greatest difficulty lies in the demand of reconciliation on equal terms, and the recognition of Arondeus as full co-pastor in those churches.
5. He states further about others:
(1) That the church of Tappan is in a deplorable condition on account of Rev. Muzelius, but affairs there are not yet ripe.
(2) That Rev. Boel, at the request of some people of Newtown, had a new con- sistory chosen, and installed them on the same day; that on Sept. 28, he re-baptized there four or five children who had previously been baptized by Goetschius, al- leging that this was done by order of the Classis.
(3) Further, he makes mention of a committee at Tappan, but whose report has not reached us; and of a fruitless attempt to keep New Jamaica and Hempstead united, on account of the bad conduct of Arondeus.
He concludes by giving the assurance that the Coetus endeavors in every way to keep order there, with subordination to our Classis; and asks our advice about the matters mentioned.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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In the Acts of the Coetus itself, held September 27-30, (1748) there is nothing in particular aside from that already mentioned in the letters; except
1. That a committee was appointed to visit the Church of Tappan, on the eom- plaint that Rev. Muzelius had promised to communicate the contents of the letter from our Classis to the congregation, but he had not done so.
2. That Haeghoort and Ritzema were appointed a Committee to examine the catechism by Rev. (Theodore) Frilinghuysen.
3. That Rev. du Bois had prepared in writing the ordination certificates of Goetschius, Van der Linden and Leydt, and would record the same to serve as a precedent, (legger). This copy was attested by Revs. du Bois and Ritzema. They also, in a postscript to the latter, earnestly request permission to be granted to the Coetus, to examine the student, S. Verbryck, belonging in the same com- pany (of students) as Leydt and Van der Linden. xxiii. 115, 116.
A letter from L. De Ronde, dated Feb. 28, 1748, with an extract from the reso- lution of Governor and Council in Suriname, Aug. 16, 1748 (1747?)
(De Ronde's name alone pertinent. The rest refers to the South American Colony.)
TESTIMONIALS TO JOHN AEMILIUS WERNICH, MARCH 3, 1749,
Dasg. H. Joh. Aamelius Wernig von Weingarten aus der Pfaltz als Ficarius im Viertel Jahr alher gepredigt, Sontags und durch die Woche, als habende wir ihme auf sein Begehren nicht komen absein, such sin Attestatum zu ertheiler,
Ronnen also ihmen nichts anders na- chreden, als das er das Wort Gottes mit gronzen Fleisz und eifer alhier gepredigt habe, um in seinen sachen gantz nicht verabseimet habe, so dasz wir, um die gantze gemeinte, mit ihme gan wohl zu frieden gewesen, sowohl auf als neben der kenzel, wunscher also vor Grund unsers Hertzen ihme Gottes gnadigen segen und beystand an, auch danz ihme mochte der liebe Gott, hier zeitlich, und dort ewig gluckhaftig machen.
Dancken ihme hertzlich vor seine viel gehabte Muhe um Fleisz., der liebe Gott wolle ihme desser eim vergelter sein, habende sich dessen untervogt und beide, Kirchen Pfleger eigen handig un- terschrieben, mit Hand und Betschaft.
Bescheint Hans Martin Rubler, untervogt.
Bescheint Hans Jacob Sigg, Kirchenpleger .*
Bescheint Hans Jacob Kubler, Kirchenpleger .*
Ossingen, den 3 Mertz, 1749.
Mr. John Aemilius Wernig, of Wein- garten in the Palatinate, having preached here as Vicar on Sunday and through the week for three months; we cannot forego this
opportunity of granting his request for a testimonial from us.
We do sincerely attest, that he has preached the Word of God with such great earnestness and zeal, that we. and the entire congregation, have every cause to be satisfied (with his services) both in and out of the pulpit:
we therefore (heartily) sincerely pray that God's Blessing and Presence be vouchsafed him and that the Grace of God abide with him here and bring him to the joy of life everlasting.
We thank him sincerely for the great interest he manifested in his work, for which our gracious Lord will reward him.
To confirm this statement, we, the Assistant Advocate and Congregational Deacons, do subscribe our own signa- tures and endorsement.
Attest. Hans Martin Ruebler, Assistant Advocates.
Attest. Hans Jacob Sigg, Congregational-Deacon .*
Attest. Hans Jacob Kuebler, Congregational-Deacon .*
Ossingen, March 3rd, 1749.
* Kirchenpfleger were a class of laymen, who visited the poor and sick, in some sections, and who in other districts distributed the alms to the poor, and attended to the external duties of the congregation, under the direction of the pastor and consistory. Zacharias.
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ANOTHER TRANSLATION.
Testimonial to John Aemilius Wernich, March 3, 1749.
Whereas, Mr. Joh. Aemelius Wernich of Weingarten, in the Palatinate, has for a quarter of a year been preaching here as a supply, on Sundays and on weekdays; and, at his own request, we could not refuse to grant him a testimonial: There- fore, we cannot say aught else about him than that he has preached the Word of God here with great diligence and zeal and has not been negligent in any of his duties; so that we, and the whole church have been very well satisfied with him, both in and out of the pulpit. Therefore, from the bottom of our hearts, we wish him God's gracious blessing and assistance. Also that the dear God may make him happy here, in time, and over there, eternally. We thank him heartily for his great pains and zeal. May the dear God fully reward him therefor! Having perused this, it was signed by the untervogt and by the Church Wardens, with their own hands, and seal of office.
Attested, Hans Martin Rubler, Untervogt. Attested, Hans Jacob Sigg, Church Warden. Attested, Hans Jacob Kubler, Church Warden.
Ossingen, March 3, 1749.
REV. MR. COLGAN TO THE SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL.
Reverend Sir:
Jamaica, March 28th, 1749.
I have great hopes that our Church at Flushing will in a little time gain ground among the Quakers who are very numerous there, and it is somewhat remarkable and may be thought worthy of notice, that a man who had for many years strictly adhered to the principles of quakerism, when that new Church was opened & a collection made he gave money for the use of that, Church, but thinking he had not put enough in the Plate, went immediately after service and gave more to the Collector .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 195.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, March 30, 1749.
Consistory held, of ministers and elders. It was determined that when a min- ister, whose turn it is to preach at a certain time in the week desires one of the other ministers, (who is preaching on Sunday in either the Old Church or the New), to give notice that there will be preaching at such or such a time, and in such or such a place; then, always and whenever it shall be the turn of the same, he shall see to it that the minister who preaches in the Old Church or the New, has a written notice of the same; the contents of which, he may read off to the congregation after preaching.
G. Du Bois.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies, 1749. (March?)
A letter from G. Hagoort minister at Second River, was received, dated No- vember 19, 1748.
In it he speaks:
1. In regard to the case of Tappan, whereof the papers have been sent over; that the congregation there is awaiting a final resolution or utterance, in order to regulate themselves in accordance therewith; especially because the neighboring ministers, on account of distance; cannot supply that church, except with great difficulty.
2. He complains that, in the last letter of Classis, no suggestions were made
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about the advancement and ordination of Rev. Fryenmoet at Messine, (Minisink ?); whether it should have been effected by the Coetus or by private parties. The latter have done it, and they are such as are against the Coetus. He wants to know if this was by order of Classis; also whether Classis has given this Fryen- moet the privilege of rebaptizing children, about the baptism of which the elders had conscientious scruples; even as Rev. Boel has also done. He declares that he is fully satisfied with the resolution of Classis, as to not admitting students to preparatory and peremptory (final) examinations, on account of the fear of scan- dalous consequences in that land. He requests the privilege, however, in conjunc- tion with the Coetus, in behalf of S. Verbryck.
He states that it would serve greatly toward establishing the Coetus, if there were sent a neat list of the churches or congregations of that land; if the Classis would recognize no calls unless sent by the Coetus, as the Coetus could then de- mand security for the salary, in the name of Classis, etc. Thus much good could be accomplished there, especially, since in Pennsylvania, a College for students had already been erected, and one was about to be erected in New York. From these, some students could go to Holland to pursue their studies further, particu- larly if the Classes or Synod could or would assist (solace) them to some extent. He relates further that, to his knowledge, there is but one Dutch Church in Pennsylvania. To this he would be willing to go, if Classis should approve. es- pecially because, in his locality, he can have no fruit, and he is paid very un- systematically. If Classis does not approve, he asks that the Classis would write earnestly to his people, and recommend to them the following:
1. The great necessity of repairs to his house.
2. The delivery of the fire-wood which was pledged.
3. Prompt payment; especially because he has already declined two calls on their account; and without these things, he is in a pitiable condition, and almost discouraged. He concludes with salutations; and in a Postscript, suggests a method for obtaining security in the payment of salaries.
xxxiii. 124, 125.
Letter from the Elders of Tappan, 1748.
They complain in this,
1. About the scandalous behavior of Rev. Muzelius. This became particularly offensive in the autumn of 1748. There had been some sort of peace made up between him and the consistory, through Rev. Boel; but the congregation would not agree to it, unless Rev. Muzelius would openly in the pulpit confess blame and promise to do better; or clear himself from the accusations. But he rejected everything; had preached six times on one little text (teckstje) and then gave out an invitation to the congregation to hear him upon it once more.
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