USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 83
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But Rev. A. D. has never, in the pulpit, cast reflections on Rev. V. S .; but that clown (schoft) has wounded himself with his own weapons, especially, since he has been found out as intentionally lying and deceiving; and worse yet, in defend- ing Rev. Rixima, (Ritzema,) as his confederate. These two would not have con- cocted their evil work against us, if they had not expected unrighteous help from the Seetus, (Coetus). This appears from the fact that the former was by his consistory requested and advised to keep himself aloof from the Coetus. But he gave answer - " I shall go there in spite of you ", and he went. We are informed by persons who were present, that the Coetus exhorted him to make peace with Rev. A. D., as the latter had requested in writing. But he replied, "I will never make up with him."
No wonder that Rev. A. D. is never seen on the road except when riding to or from the church; and is sick or out of his element, when he is not studying. Very different is it, however, with him, (Van Sinderen?); and hence he has, with his preaching, which is not only nauseating, but contains also many falsehoods, known how to make himself a burden to the churches, within a year's time; and during the second year, to become among them an absolutely savorless salt. A few weeks before the last three villages dropped away from him, this monster desired to celebrate the Lord's Supper. The elders of the church told him that there was yet no real occasion for it. Whereupon he said, as he struck himself a heavy blow on his breast, "I have an inward longing to do it." But such hypocrisy was in part the cause of the final defection of the churches from him. And as to Ritzema, he now tries to cover up his lack of honor by denying and twisting his own words.
As to the rest of the ministers who are favorable to the Coetus, Rev. A. D. is willing on his oath taken before your Revs. to declare and prove that they are prejudiced against us and have already evinced it in ways too many to mention. In one word, it is because of their political views.
Moreover, one (of these ministers) has denied his own handwriting, after having been printed in the Complaint-Book.
Another, that he cannot preach, on pretence of some pain, either in tooth, belly,
3076
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1749
back, head or side; so that through his frequent neglect a Presbyterian preacher has made a beginning there, and finally has taken the largest part of his congrega- tion, and built a church, and has already formed a long-wished for session there.
A third Dutch domine runs about as though he would say, "Who will have me?" Twice this man attempted to get ahead of Rev. A. D .; once when Rev. A. D. found it desirable and necessary to get himself called to the Raritans; a second time when Rev. A. D. was again to be called on Long Island. Both times, however, he shamefully failed; and now he still holds his wretched body together in the hope of getting another place through the Coetus.
The fourth, who wants to attend the Coetus is a man who, unable to comfort his own wife in her distress of soul, came with her to Rev. A. D. who was able to console her; but now being in the Coetus, he is a leader (baas), and would rather believe lies than impartial truth.
The fifth must sometimes have his nap out before he can preach. He had a serious unpleasantness in his church occasioned by Rev. Goetschius; he requested Rev. A. D., after the latter had been in this country for some weeks, for the use of the Acts of Synod for the year 1742 - which resulted in the much desired quiet of that church. But now he is making a big noise among us about the Coetus, and that with much self conceit.
The sixth has blown the Lord's trumpet with such a foolish breath, that the most of his church would be glad enough to give him a fat cow, if he would only leave them. Knowing this, he, too, is seeking to get another place through the Coetus.
Lastly that notorious Goetschius, who with a number of his students, now made into ministers, will soon bring woe upon us, depending as he does, on a majority of votes, as in Coetus we (they?) are now obliged to do. One reason (for our fear) is that we did not approve his first promotion (ordination) by Rev. Dorsius, upon his own demand, and that of his adherents: and another reason is, because we would not designate the Classis as anti Christ, etc., as did some of them. The last named, besides those students still coming on, and the people who, on the Raritans, uphold the Frelinghuizen faction, are united making the threat that " the Classis will yet compell us to join the Coetus, and then we will indeed be caught."
Now, your Revs. may judge whether we can safely connect ourselves with such an association (as the Coetus). One of our number has said publicly many a time, " Will they hold Coetus on condition that, whenever one is found guilty and is convicted of intentional deceit, he shall have his hand chopped off, and thrown into his face?" But no members of the Coetus has yet replied thereto. But on such a condition, we should be as strongly in favor of a Coetus, as they are without it.
Behold, then, our Fathers! is there anything about us that needs conviction? If so, we shall acknowledge it with humble gratitude, and attend to it. But from the natural Church Order, which fourfold Order has been approved in our churches, we will not depart, either through a Coetus, which would then be a fifth order; or still less, through a Committee, which also increases the number; and which Committee so unjustly and impiously treated us, that this alone would be enough to keep us frightened away from their fellowship.
Nota. When in full consistory these letters were about to be signed, one of those Elders, to whom Rev. V. S. declared that he had such a longing to partake of the Lord's Supper, was present; who then said: " When they put Rev. V. S. under censure, and showed him the hopelessness of his restoration in those churches, (I will sign it.) Whereupon the latter said, " Oh, I have a letter from the Coetus, and it approves of all my doings."
Well now, Sirs, we are hoping for a final decision. If that is adverse to us, we shall in a lawful way follow out our duty. If it be in our favor, we shall be ready at once, in conjunction with Kings County, to call a new minister.
We remain your High Revs. humble brethren and servants in the Lord,
Written on Long Island, May 10, 1749.
Douwe Ditmars Dirck G. Luerman Joh. Noortstrant.
We the undersigned Elders and Magistrates, residing in Queens County, testify to the same opposite (these signatures.)
The justices of the peace have signed it
Abraham Polhemius Hendrick Eldert.
3077 1749
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CENSUS OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK, 1749.
An account of the number of Inhabitants in the Province of New York, taken May 10th, 1749, by order of His Excellency the Honorable Governor Clinton.
Males White under 16.
Males White Males White 16 to 60. above 60.
Females White under 16.
Females White 16 & up- wards.
City & Co. of N. Y.
2346
2765
183
2364
3268
Kings Co.
288
437
62
322
391
Albany Co.
2249
2359
322
2137
2087
Queens Co.
1630
1508
151
1550
1778
Dutchess Co.
1970
1820
160
1790
1751
Suffolk Co.
2058
1863
248
1960
1969
Richmond Co.
431
420
36
424
434
Orange Co.
1061
856
66
992
899
Westchester Co.
2511
2312
228
2263
2233
Ulster Co.
913
992
110
810
979
Males Blk. under 16
Males Blk.
Males Blk.
Females Blk. under 16.
Females Blk. 16 and upwards
City & Co. of N. Y.
400
610
41
556
701
Kings Co.
232
244
21
137
149
Albany Co.
309
424
48
334
365
Queens Co.
300
386
43
245
349
Dutchess Co.
103
155
21
63
70
Suffolk Co.
305
355
41
292
293
Richmond Co.
88
110
20
93
98
Orange Co.
62
95
16
84
103
Westchester Co.
303
270
66
238
279
Ulster Co.
217
301
50
198
240
Total White. Total Black.
City & Co. of N. Y.
10926
2268
Kings Co.
1500
783
Albany Co.
9154
1480
Queens Co.
6617
1423
Dutchess Co.
7491
421
Suffolk Co.
809S
1286
Richmond Co.
1745
409
Orange Co.
3874
360
Westchester Co.
9547
1156
Ulster Co.
3804
1006
62756
10692
16 to 60. above 60.
Total number of Inhabitants, White and Black. 73,448.
G. Clinton. - Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 550.
54
3078
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1749
PALATINE GLEBE AT NEWBURGH.
Petition of Rev. Michael C. Knoll; May 12, 1749.
To his Excellency the Honourable George Clinton Captain General, and Gov- ernour in Chief in and over the province of New York and the Territories thereon depending in America, Vice Admirall of the same, and Admiral of the White Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet.
The Petition of Michael Christian Knoll Minister of the Lutheran protestant Congregation in the City of New York, and the Consistory of the said Church.
Humbly Sheweth
That great numbers of protestants formerly residing within the Dominions of the Prince palatine of the Rhine being driven out of their native Country by the Hardships Occasioned by War were obliged to betake themselves for a Refuge to the Brittish Dominions, and were graciously received and encouraged by her late Majesty Queen Ann -
That many of the said palatines arriving within this province of New York, some of them obtained Letters patent from his late Majesty King George the first bear- ing date the eighth Day of December one thousand seven hundred and nineteen for two thousand one hundred and ninety Acres of land at a place called Quassaick in Ulster County, whereof five hundred acres were granted to Trustees for the use Benefit and Behoof of a Lutheran Minister forever.
That the said Grantees immediately entered upon the said Lands being very poor and entirely new and uncultivated, and very hard to clear, they were put to great Difficulties to support themselves and Families by their Labour thereon, and could make little or no Improvement upon the said Glebe, nor otherwise contribute to the support of Religion and the publick Worship of God among them for a great number of years.
-- 4
That during these Exigencies, the Lutheran Congregation of New York, at their sole expense, supplied them twice a year by their Minister, who at stated Seasons attended upon them to preach and Administer the Holy Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper among them.
That no profit could arise from the said Glebe till within about sixteen years last past, and during the whole Time no more has been received for the services done on the said Glebe by the Lutheran Ministers of New York, for preaching & administering the Sacraments for near thirty years last past than about five hun- dred schipels of Wheat.
o
That in the year one thousand seven hundred and twenty seven, the said pat- entees became incorporated with the Lutheran Congregation at New York by Cove- nant under the Hand and Seal of the Trustees of the said Glebe and the Minister and Consistory of the Lutheran Church of New York mutually executed on both parts since which Time the said patentees and the said Lutheran Congregation of New York have been one Congregation and the small produce of the said Glebe within a few Years has been paid to the Lutheran Minister of this City.
That during the Time aforesaid the said Lutherans have built a small Church upon the premises. But so it is, may it please your Excellency That the Lutheran Inhabitants living on the said granted Lands being now reduced to a small number, having some of them sold their Lands and bought elsewhere, the present Inhabit- ants have taken Occasion therefrom to deprive your petitioners of the said Church and Glebe, and have lately hindered your petitioner Michael Christian Knoll from performing divine Service in it, and forbade the Tenants to pay the Rents to your said petitioner, pretending that the said Glebe and Church have reverted to the Crown for want of Lutheran Inhabitants to enjoy them, notwithstanding your peti- tioners do aver, that within a convenient Distance from the said Lands, as great a number of Lutheran Families and persons are living as are sufficient to make a Congregation for divine service at those times when your petitioner Michael Chris- tian Knoll by his Agreement is called to preach at that place.
Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray your Excellency in tender Consid- eration of the premises, to grant to your petitioners the Minister and Consistory of the protestant Lutheran Church at New York, as a Bodye politick and corporate, his most gracious Majestys Letters patents, to confirm the said Church and five hundred acres of Land, for the use of a Lutheran Minister of the City of New York forever, who will be obliged to perform the usual Services of Religion, for the Benefit of the said Lutherans in that neighbourhood, either on the said Glebe or at such other place as shall be found most convenient, as has been heretofore used.
And your petitioners shall ever pray etc.
Michael Christian Knoll, Charel Beekman, Laurens Van Boskerk, George Peters- son, Johann David Wolff, Jacobus van Buskerk.
New York ye 12th of May, 1749.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 350, 351.
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1749
3079
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Consistories of the Five Churches in Kings County, Long Island, to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 12, 1749. [Friends of A. D. or Arondeus.]
Portfolio, "New York ", Vol. i.
Very Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ Jesus :-
Inasmuch as, after our last writing to your Revs., it became plain that Rev. Van Sinderen was determined to act illegally, in all respects, and was irrecon- cilable; therefore the Elders of the three remaining villages, did with tenderest affection, counsel and entreat him, for the general peace in our churches, that he would become reconciled with Rev. Arondeus, in accordance with the latters written offer; and that he would also install the newly elected Elders and Deacons. On this last point he replied, "I shall not install them unless they promise not to sit under Rev. A. D.'s preaching, and not to take up collections," (on his behalf.) In respect to the other matter, he said, " If you want to side with the devil, you can do so, but I will not." He said the same thing to others who urged him thus to promote the welfare of the churches. Whereupon the Elders found themselves under the extreme necessity of telling him, besides what it mentioned above - " If you thus persist in privately and publicly indulging in slanders, and in being in one way or another so grossly unaccommodating, we shall, by virtue of our office, put you under censure. Moreover, you might as well understand that our villages will not pay you your salary, unless the civil court here shall compell it". And, with the two villages mentioned before in our letters, all have now deserted him - all but a few persons who use him as an instrument of annoyance to Rev. A. D., and those who side with him.
And really, Dear Sirs, we testify upon the dignity of our ecclesiastical office, that Rev. Van Sinderen is unworthy, and it is unfitting that we should any longer seek reconciliation with him; for his public offences are too numerous, and his unbridled temper and obstinacy far surpass those of some of the black slaves here. Yea, highly esteemed Brethren, we consider that the Rev. Van Sinderen's restora- tion here is impossible. Indeed, an English lawyer, here, has said that he is willing to guarantee this: that the churches here are no longer obliged to do that which they formerly did for the old ministers.
Rev. A. D. has performed services over here among us now for five years, with great acceptance, and with good results. It is no wonder, therefore, that it was with much expense and trouble that we have got him back again. And, although Van Sinderen has crossed A. D. from the very first hour of his arrival, and this was, indeed, the cause of A. D.'s leaving us, and losing by the change fifty pounds, or more than three hundred Holland guilders; yet he never, by word or deed, in- jured Van Sinderen, but, on the contrary, twice, in writing sought peace. Yet to all this, even unto this day, giving no reasons therefor, he only says in reply, " He must get out, or I shall."
Rev. A. D. has an engaging manner of preaching. He always makes new prayers and new addresses, and makes new appeals for the poor. And then also more especially, he quotes by chapter and verse, in his neat expositions and forcible applications. He thus gives sufficient evidence everywhere that he is a minister indeed. But Rev. V. S. studies so little that, in all the time that he has been with us, he has never shown that he knew even the words of his text by heart, much less his material for his exposition of the catechism. His addresses, prayers, etc. are miserable; and wherever he goes, he seems to show by his posture that he wants to be considered a perfect dancing-master.
Suppose your Revs. should think it best, through the Coetus, or by some other
3080
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1740
authority, to make Rev. V. S. look about for another church. But that would have no effect; for those who have the most means in our counties, have cheer- fully pledged themselves to treat Rev. A. D. according to the renewed Call; and these conditions cannot be made void save by English law. From all this, indeed, Dear Sirs, it follows, that no created thing can make A. D. leave us, unless he, or his representative, win the suit. Furthermore, Sirs, if your High Revs. should at- tempt to enjoin a reconciliation, or anything else, short of a final decision, as to who is to make out another Call, it would then appear how righteousness will vindicate her own cause, etc.
Your High Revs. beloved brethren in Christ Jesus, on Long Island: Written May 12, 1749. Utrecht - signed, Rutgert Van Brunt Henderick Yanse
Flatbush - signed,
Dominecus
Philippus Nget
Jan Waldron
The Bay, called also New Amersfoort, Roelof Voorhees Hermanus Hoogland
Brooklyn - signed,
Rem Remsen
Jacob Remsen
Teunis Bogaert
Jurre Brower (?)
Bushwick - signed, Nicolaas Volkerts Joris Van Alst
We, the undersigned magistrates, under oath to his royal majesty, King of England, etc., etc., declare the above to be the actual truth, to the best of our knowledge.
Johannes Lott,
Leffert Leffertse, Nicolaas Van Brunt,
Folkert Folkertsen, Rem Remsen, Abraham Blom.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, May 22, 1749.
To the usual Consistory there was presented a request from the High Dutch (German) Reformed Congregation which meets at Amweil (Amwell, N. J.) for Christian help in building a church for divine service, since their own means were inadequate. This being considered, the brethren present, directed the payment of fifteen pounds out of money in hand, for this purpose.
Witness, J. Ritzema.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3081
1749
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Mr. Bohm, pastor at Witpen, June 2, 1749.
Reverend, Very Learned and Much Esteemed Brother :-- Al- though we have answered your esteemed letter, as far as seemed necessary, in our letter to the Rev. Coetus, we nevertheless de- sire to add this one as proof of our affection and esteem for you. We have been induced to this by your letter, in which you stated that you were grieved in not having received a letter from us in a long time, and that you feared that the old servant, with all his labors, might be forgotten. Our silence was not caused by want of love and esteem for you, but we must practice brevity, and cannot always answer all private letters, because we have much to do in communicating with very many foreign churches and church assemblies in both the East Indies and the West Indies. Our Classis corresponds not only with Pennsylvania and New Netherlands, but with the brethren at Surinam, at the Cape of Good Hope, at Ceylon, Batavia and many other places.
That your Reverence still desires to proceed heartily in the work of the Lord, pleases us much. May the Great Shepherd sustain and help you, and enable you to perceive that your labors are pleasing to Him, and are of profit and saving benefit to many souls. That you at present minister to the recently established and yet small church of Witpen, etc., we trust is not against your inclination, or to your grief, although you seem to express yourself somewhat complainingly in regard to it. May the Lord God enlarge that church and edify it through your ministry, and enable you to persevere with joy, in the consolation of the Spirit and the cheerful expectation of the reward of grace to God's faithful servants.
3082
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1749
Farewell, worthy brother. We commend you to God and the word of his grace, remaining with brotherly affection and esteem,
Your obedient Servants and Brethren - the members of the Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all,
Martinus Schnetlage, Cl. Dep. John Temmink, Cl. h. t. Dep.
Amsterdam, June 2nd, 1649.
LUTHERANS AT NEWBURGH.
Petition of Rev. Michael C. Knoll, against (Rev.) John Lodwick Hoofgoed. June 5, 1749.
To his Excellency the Honourable George Clinton Captain General and Gov- ernour in Chief of the province of New York and territories thereon depending in America Vice Admirall of the same and Admirall of the White Squadron of his Majesties Fleet.
The humble Petition of Michael Christian Knoll the officiating Minister over and of severall of the Congregation of the Protestant Lutheran Church of Beekmans precinct in Dutchess County whose names are under written. Sheweth
That your Excellency on a former petition was pleased by advice of his Majesty's Councill to Inhibit one Johann Lodwick Hoofgoed* from Exercising the office and Duty of a Minister untill he should have made it appear to your Excellency in Councill by proper and Authentick Vouchers that he had been regularly Ordained.
That Notwithstanding the said Hoofgoed had been served with a Copy of your Excellencys said Order of Inhibition yet he hath taken upon himself and still doth Continue to Execute the office of a priest in Orders and is Now at Beekmans pre- cinct in Dutchess County where he continues to preach Baptize and Administer the Sacraments without any Warrant or Authority for so Doing - That his Doc- trines which he preaches and Inculcates are founded on principles altogether un- orthodox and tending to enthusiasm and Sedition in the Church, part of whose members by his influence are already Divided and others wavering in the true Received Approved and Long Established Articles of Faith and must in the End if no step be put to it tend to Divide the Little flock under the care and instruc- tion of the said Michael Christian Knoll their Right and Lawfully Ordained Pastor. May it therefore please your Excellency in your tender Consideration for the peti- tioners strictly to Charge the said Johan Lodwick Hoofgood that he Desist from Exercising the Office of a Minister till he shall produce to your Excellency proper Credentialls of his being Duly Qualified and Admitted into that Office by Lawfull Authority and shall obtain Your Excellencys Lycence for that purpose.
And the petitioners (as in Duty Bound) shall ever pray for Your Excellency - Michael Christian Knoll his
Minister Ecclesiae. his
Peter X Graberger mark his
mark Andrees X Pick
butser X lasking, Jr. mark butser X lasking
Johannis Broug Treas
Petrus yansen
mark
Andrees X Lassing
Henrick Emig
philip Emig
of
Hannes Emig
Niclaas Emig, Jr.
his
his
Johannes Bergen
John X Cook
John X Cornel
William Laseng
mark Jonathan ooklee
mark his
Isaac Lassing
peter ijo X hanes
hendrics graberger
mark
nicklas Emmich mark
Peter yseec Lawson
Johannis van isbichtt his
John Johnston
William X Edward
of
mark Reynier van hoese
Fishkill ye 5th of June 1749.
Laurens Emig
the mark
William Lasing
Pete Louerens lawson
Johannes Plowman
. The Clergyman above objected to was commissioned by Gov. Clinton 24 Feb., 1748.
1740
3083
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CERTIFICATES AGAINST HOOFGOOD.
Litra A.
Most Reverend most Learned and most Honoured Pastor.
Your most reverend & Honoured Letter Missive of the 31st of August last (which I have this day received) has been the more agreeable unto me as it gave me the Honour of your most Reverend acquaintance and an opportunity to give a Testi- mony of Truth in the Cause you mention to me which I hope will be of service to the Church.
It is not known to me (who by Grace am in the 16th year of my assistance in our Ducal Consistory) Neither is known to my Colleagues here (with most part of whom I have had occasion to discourse & to Communicate your letter to) either in earlier or later years that here has been a Minister of the Gospel who Called him- self by the name of John Ludwig Hofguth or of any of the Circumstances which you have been pleased to write to us of So that the whole of it seems to Turn out a fallacious Conterfeit & a fait thing of him.
To demonstrate this more especially I have the Honor to assure your most Rever- ence, That at Great Ingersheim (a village in our Diocese of Bietigheim & distant but five Miles from Stuttgard) There never was known an Especial, But at all times only has had a Simple Minister of a village, For the Office of Especial, Deacon or Super-Intendent (which are Synonymous) Has always been Fixed at Bietigheim having jurisdiction of the whole Diocese of Bietigheim as over the office of minister of Great-Ingersheim, which belongs to this Diocese, But in Both Places & throughout all the Lands of this Dukedom never has been known a minister of that name in the memory of man.
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