USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 84
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What that man alledges farther. That he is moved wholly for the sake of Strenghning Preaching against the Roman Catholicks, That a lesser Office was to have been given to him by His Serene highness (our Duke) But that he refused to accept of it, Stands also on an audacious & slight foundation, Inasmuch as we have reason to thank God Almighty for the Continuance of his Grace in Preserving the Ancient Ordinances of our Church in the Dukedom of Wurtemburg and with Humble Thanks praise the Magnanimity of our most Precious Princes that at this "Time no such Thing in any manner of way is likely to prevail again.
Upon as slight a foundation stands his feigned Pretence that a pasport was given to him by the Minister of Great Ingersheim whom he calls Mr. Faber & by the Sherif of that Place, For by our Ordinances it is not in the Power of these Officials to Grant such pasports, It is a reserve to the Political ministers of the State, and in some cases such as this It is a perquisite due only to the Chancellor.
Not to mention that the Minister at Great Ingersheim who has been there for many years & is actually still in that Office Is not named Mr. Faber But is named Mr. Gallus Jacob Weiser. And though it is not customary to give written Voca- tions unto our Stipendarys who are yet obligated even without them, Still Official letters are always Granted unto the Especials, Therefore if his words of being dis- mis'd with honour were True, or if in such a Case he had decently discovered his Intentions, to seek his fortune in other Countrys Letters of Credentials necessary to the Circumstances of his Case would not have been Wanting, in the manner of which we have sufficient Examples in Cases of this nature.
Moreover if I Consider the letters of the Magistry which he says to have forgot, The publick & private Preaching of his against an Express Prohibition, The mak- ing use of Doctrines & Ceremonys which in some measure are Contrary to the practice of our Church, in others at least wholly & Totally not accustomed; The refusing of due obedience towards his Superiors, another Circumstance without which nobody no single Christian, no private person, much less a Parson a Preacher, ought to fail in, namely his not having the manual of Christians with him, I mean the Holy Bible, further his suspicious Company in which he arrived, His living (contrary to all the rules of decency & actually subject to Scandal) in company with a woman of full age & unmarried & making use of the same bed with her even suppose she was (as he says) his own daughter. I cannot avoid declaring my humble Opinion, That all the Circumstances of this man Connected afford the highest degree of Suspicion unto me.
The Lord who is the real Truth, who distroyeth Lyars, unto whom the false are an abomination, Make Evident by his wisdom in a short time this hidden secret of Malice which no doubt is Concealed in the foregoing Case, And Powerfully pre- serve his Church from Intruding Hirelings as these are.
Unto his faithfull Protection Your most Reverend with the Whole of your most Reverends Consistory is uprightly recommended by him who with the highest es- teem has the Honour to remain Your most Reverends most Humble Servant
Councellor of the Government & Consistory of the Duke of Wurtemburg, and advocatus Fisci Ecclesiastici Frederick Wilhelm Frommann, Ld.
At Stutgard ye 18 October, 1746.
I have seen this Coppy & Certify its agreement with the Original. Frederick Wagener Rev. minist. Senior mpp.
Hamburg 20 Nov. 1746. - Doct. Hist. N. Y. Vol. ill. pp. 592-594.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Litra B.
Anno 1746. is certain one, which calles himself John Lodwick Hofgood or George Lodwick Hofgood, arrived in the City of New York and by the orders of his Ex- cellency (hereby coming) is he stopt in the city of New York & the whole Province. Thereupon he has taken place upon Bachwayk here in Dutchess County pretending to be a Lutheran Minister which he not is. 1. He came in this Province without any attest, with a Simple Pass, as a Marchand. 2. He condemns all ordinary Vocations of the Ministers as a human Invention. 3. He has taken upon him without Vocation and Attest, against the orders of His Excellency, the Congrega- tions of another Minister. 4. He has taken upon him, the pretended Vocation of the High Dutch in New Jorke and at Bachwayk upon the Term of a Year. 5. He preaches Blasphemie and unnatural Things as by Example --- the Holy Bible is a heretick book, he doth not believe that any Body believes what is written therein; Our Lord God has none Hands in none Manner, He is not more as a Wind. Men must not take the Scriptures by the Letter, but in Contrary Sens, and every One which will not give Consent unto thes like his Doctrines are Damn'd and Cursed and Can't be saved - Which things to act and preach not one sincere Christian can approave, (be of what Confession he is) and for are of our Confession in the Contrary a Abomination by us, by reason, it brings all Worship in Danger and Is producing Confusion and Sects in the Congregations.
Now the Church at Bachwayk being buildt for a Lutheran Minister, thus we onderwritten Ministers of this Government doe in all Humbleness bring this Declaration before the Honourable Court, praying their Assistance against the said Hofgoed in Manner as Shall appear to be necessary.
Michael Christian Knoll, Minister at New Jorke and in Dutchess County.
At the Weapons Kreek, 3rd of October, 1748.
Loonenburgh in ye County of Albany.
Having considered His Excellency's our Right Honourable Governour's Orders against Mr. John Lodewick Hofgoed, bearing date ye 30 of May 1746 and ye 8th of November 1746 as also that Consistorial advice of that Most Rev. Consistory at Hamburgh cum annexis, bearing Date ye 30th November 1746, I the Subscriber of this do humbly Submit to both ye Political & Ecclesiastical Decision in this busi- ness, and do heartily agree with the most humble petition of our distressed Lu- theran Brethren at Poghquaick in Beekmans precinct further relief and Deliverance or assistance against ye said unlawful & unworthy Minister Hofgoed, I Testify and agree & Beg, Praying for ye safety of Our most Gratious Souvereign & Espe- cially for ye Legislature and all ye Protestant Churches within this our Govern- ment.
William Christoph Berkenmeyer, Protestant Lutheran Minister in ye City & County of Albany. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 594.
Litra C.
Anno 1746. Johann Lodwick Hofgood coming unto us in Dutchess County in Beekman precinct, he was coming in the House of Andrees Freiderick Peck too: and at the same Time Barbara Tupper, Wife of Christian Tupper, was present see- ing and hearing him for some hours. And he the said Hofgood, after Dinner going away, she the said Barbara told us freely, by good Heart, without any action of question, that she was knowing the Place of Great Ingersheim, but never she did know him, it should not be for good Songs that he was gone from thence that this is the Truth I testify.
Fish Kill Dutchess County June ye 5, 1749. Then personally appeared before me James Verplanck Esq. Andrees Frederick Peck and Elizabeth Sharer who declared on oath that the within mentioned Bar- bara Tupper told them what is here in this paper set forth and farther Said not. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 595.
MORAVIANS.
1749, June 6. Parliament acknowledges the Moravian Episcopate, and encourages Moravians to settle in the American Colonies. Certain concessions made to them both in Great Britain and America, viz., Relief from bearing arms, and the taking of judicial oaths.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3085 1740
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 2, 1749.
A letter was read to the Consistory from a Mr. Peter Fferris. He desired to speak with the Consistory respecting his claim to the Manor of Fordham, in order to settle the dispute in a friendly way. Whereupon, Elders Wynand, Van Zandt and Abrin. Van Wyck, and deacons Abel Hardenbroek and Philip Livingston were appointed a committee for the interview.
They reported on the 25th of July, that Mr. Fferris offered to sell his claim to the church or to buy theirs. He said that he had already been offered a consider- able sum, but preferred to give the church the refusal; or that he would pay the church three thousand pounds for the Manor. The Consistory, after mature con- sideration, unanimously Resolved, That the Committee should say to Mr. Fferris that he must make a better offer, that being too little to induce them to sell.
The same committee was directed to inquire further:
1. For a copy of the written statement of Van Bussing's claim on the Manor - with Arent Bussing at Harlem.
2. To ascertain for certain what the phrase, "Bronxes rivier and land " sig- mified in old time.
3. And what sum the church could obtain for the Manor.
Witness, in name etc. Henricus Boel, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Call of Rev. John Frielinghuysen.
1749, July 21st. Art. 2. A call was introduced upon the Rev. John Frielinghuysen S.S. Min. Candid. as minister at Rari- tan. This was made out by the worthy elders and deacons of that church. They request the approval thereof by Classis, and that he may subsequently be admitted to preparatory and final examination. These papers having been examined, this call was approved. xii. 177.
John Frielinghuisen ordained after previous final examination.
Art. 12. Rev. John Frielinghuisen, S.S. Min. Cand. was ad- mitted, after exhibiting his laudable certificates, to preach before the Rev. Classis, in proof of his qualifications as a preacher. This he did on Heb. 13: 14, "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come", and was listened to with pleasure. The examiner J. V. D. Broel then proceeded to the examination in the languages, viz., on Psalm 1, and 1 Cor. 1; and in Sacred Theology. He gave so much satisfaction in both, that, by the unanimous consent of all the members present, he was consid-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1749
ered worthy of performing the duties of the Sacred Ministry. They all expressed the wish for the Lord's blessing upon him. The condemned opinions of Roel and Bekker were repudiated. He declared himself orthodox on the subject of the Post Acta of the Synod of Dort, and promised to read the three questions without modification, in the Form for baptizing children. He then signed the Formulae of Concord, and he was subsequently ordained to the Sacred Ministry in the usual manner by the Rev. Examiner, with prayer and supplication to God. xii. 179.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from Long Island.
1749, Aug. 11th. Art. 2. Two letters arrived from Long Island, and were placed in the hands of the Deputati ad res Ex- teras. xii. 186.
Art. 5. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras report that those two letters announce to the Rev. Classis that those churches do not want to subject themselves to the Rev. Coetus. The Depu- ties think that the Assembly for the present ought to delay writ- ing to them about this matter, because even before these (two) letters were dispatched thence, (from America,) a letter had been written to them in the name of the Classis, and an answer to this ought now to be waited for, (before writing again). The Assem- bly abides by this report. xii. 186, 187.
COLONEL WILLIAM JOHNSON TO GOVERNOR CLINTON.
French Priests not allowed among the Mohawks.
Albany, Aug. 19, 1749.
In the second place, hearing that there was a priest to settle within twelve Miles. of Oswego, I insisted in the strongest manner that the five Nations should by no means allow of it, as they were owners of that land; telling them the bad conse- quences would inertiably follow, and that they (the Five Nations) acknowledge they acted in some measure as Drunken Men, but would now follow my Directions, by making a stronger union than ever with their Brethren, and remain inseparable .. In the second place they assure me they have at my desire prevented the priest settling within a hundred Miles of Oswego, which I realy find to be so by the .. Cocknawagees here now.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. pp. 525, 526 ..
3087
1749
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Letter of Rev. de Ronde.
1749, Sept. 1st. Art. 7. A letter from Rev. de Ronde was placed in the hands of the Deputies ad res Exteras by Rev. Mr. Visser. Further report thereon shall be made subsequently. xii. 187.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTH COETUS, BEGUN SEPTEMBER 12, 1749.
[Vol. xxiii. 149-151.]
Tuesday, September 12 - Forenoon.
Members Present.
Dom. Du Bois, with the Elders,
Ritzema,
Van Santvoord,
with his Elder,
W. Couwenhoven.
Curtenius,
..
Is. Brinkerhoff.
S
Goetschius,
D. De Moree.
Haeghoort,
Van Sinderen,
Abraham Lott.
Van Der Linde,
A. Van Dien.
The Elders, H. Fisher, C. Kuyper, P. Post.
Domine Haeghoort, the President of the last meeting, opened the Assembly with prayer, after which Domine Van Santvoord was chosen President, Domine Erick- son, Secundus, and Domine Haaghoort, Clerk.
1. Committees to Report to the Coetus .- The committee on the matter of Tap- pan, having reported that they had been recognized by Domine Muzelius not as a committee of the Coetus, but as neighboring ministers according to the Church Order, the President proposed the following inquiry: "Whether it should not be provided for the future that all the ministers belonging to this Coetus, when they act as consulenten for neighboring places, should be required to make report thereof to the Coetus, before writing to the Rev. Classis, in order that the Coetus itself may inform the Rev. Classis, and seek their advice; and in case the time for the ordinary meeting of the Coetus were too far distant, that the congregation should have the right to request and appoint an extraordinary meeting; and that the Rev. Classis should be advised with, how to proceed herein in the future?" By a majority vote this proposal was agreed to.
Afternoon Session.
1. Opening .- The Assembly was opened with prayer, and Domine Leydt, of Raritan, made his appearance.
2. Mr. De Wint's Request .- Peter De Wint, at his own request, appeared in the Assembly, and, upon presentation of his testimonials from the Church and the Classis, was recognized as a candidate. At his request, the Coetus promised to seek from the Rev. Classis authority to admit him to the final examination, etc., If he should receive a call here or elsewhere; provided that a copy of his Classical testimonial should be furnished by him, and sent on to the Rev. Classis.
Abraham Van Wyck, Peter Marschalk.
Erickson,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1749
3. Mr. Van Driessen's Request .- John Van Driessen, at his own request, ap- peared in the Rev. Assembly and dellvered some papers in his own defence, which he requested the Assembly to consider. It was resolved to have these papers examined by a committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Erickson and Haaghoort, and the elders, Fisher and Post, who in the morning should give to the Assembly a complete knowledge and understanding of them.
4. Dom. Mancius's Letter .- A letter from Dom. Mancius, containing some charges against Domine Goetschius, was presented, and referred to Domine Goetschius, that he might present a written defence in the morning, when the Assembly would deliberate further thereon.
September 13th - Forenoon Session.
1. Mr. Van Driessen's Case .- The Rev. Assembly being, according to custom, opened with prayer, the committee on the case of John Van Drlessen reported that the purport thereof was, that certain persons from Aquackononck and the neighboring places of Gansegat and Pompton desired him for their minister. It was resolved that the Rev. Assembly finds no cause to intermeddle with Mr. John Van Drlessen. It was thought proper that the paper subscribed by him should be inserted here verbatim. It runs thus:
Aquackononck, Sept. 7, 1749.
"I, the undersigned, discharge all the subscribers to my ministry, made before the Assembly of the Coetus at New York, so far that they may be assured that from the date of this paper I am not, and shall not be, their minister; and also the issue shall be decided by the assembly of the Coetus.
"JOHN VAN DRIESSEN."
Finally, it was resolved to question Mr. Van Driessen further as to his inten- tion in signing this paper. Upon inquiry, he answered that it was that, although he should be refused by the Rev. Coetus, yet he would effect an entire dismis- sion from Aquackononck. Upon going out, after learning the resolution of the Coetus, he used this expression, "That he thanked the Lord that he was counted worthy to appear before the face of this council, and that he still would not neglect to preach the Gospel of God."
2. Thomas Romeyne's Request .- The young man, Thomas Romeyn, appeared before us, and requested to be recommended by the Coetus to the Rev. Classis, in order that if found qualified by his studies under Domine Goetschius, he might be admitted to the holy ministry. It was resolved not to proceed In this matter until we had further statements on the subject from the Rev. Classis.
3. Union of Second River and Aquackononck .- Domine Haaghoort having pro- duced a letter from the Rev. Classis concerning Aquackononck and Second River, and having brought before the Assembly what had been done about the union of the two congregations, it was determined to bring it up under the Particularia.
Afternoon Session.
1. Charges of Dom. Mancius against Dom. Goetschius .- The Rev. Assembly being opened in the usual way, Dom. Goetschlus defended himself in writing against the letter of Domine Mancius in the name of his Consistory; and the case being taken up ad referendum till morning, it was adjudged that the accusations do not pertain to us, and therefore we would write to the Consistory that we could not take them into consideration, but they should bring them before the Classis, and Domine Goetschius defend himself there.
September 14th - Forenoon.
1. Case of Dom. Goetschlus .- The Assembly being opened as usual, the matter of Domine Goetschius was brought forward, and after much debate, it was finally concluded that it should be issued here by the Coetus.
2. New Members Admitted .- Peter Luyster and Jolin Cousjon appeared before the Coetus with credentials of their appointment by the congregation of Oyster
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3089
1748-
Bay, and were received as members of the Coetus, subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, on condition that they, as authorized and empowered by the con- gregation, should sign the Articles of the Coetus here in the Minutes; which was accordingly done.
PETER LUYSTER, JOHN COUSJOU.
Afternoon Session.
The afternoon was spent in debate.
September 15th - Forez)on.
1. Case of Domine Goetschius .- The Assembly being opened with prayer, it was concluded, in reference to the case of Domine Goetschius, that he is not a fit and competent person to choose and ordain a Consistory at Oyster Bay, and that he shall abstain from preaching in Queens County, or doing any ministerial service there during the pleasure of the Coetus. On this occasion it was resolved, that in these and similar cases of division, only the Circle in which the case occurs, all others being excluded, shall consider and take action as may be found ex- pedient and useful, provided that they act by a majority of votes, and make report of their proceedings to the Rev. Coetus. In such case the oldest minister is authorized to convoke the Circle, or otherwise those of whom complaint is made; all without prejudice to the Fundamental Articles.
It was also resolved that the Circle write to the entire congregation at Oyster Bay, and recommend to them that the complainants against the ordained Con- sistory have right and power to choose from their own number, along with the three elders and three deacons, one elder and one deacon, and to have them or- dained by a minister of the Circle, so that thus the whole Consistory may be- come legitimate, and the two parties united, for the welfare and continuance of the congregation.
2. Particularia .- In respect to the complaint of Domine Haaghoort against his congregation, for neglecting to repair his house and furnish firewood, it was re- solved that the Coetus shall write an earnest letter to the Consistory, sharply rebuking them for their negligence in these matters, and their disregard of the letter written to them by Domine Du Bois and Ritzema, in the name of the Coetus, and admonishing them of their duty and that of the congregation for the future. In case of further neglect, Domine Haaghoort shall have the right to convoke the Circle. Hereafter all complaints of ministers shall be treated in the same way.
Afternoon Session.
1. Union of Second River and Aquackononck .- In relation to this subject, it was resolved that the New Jersey Circle be a committee, to meet on the second Tuesday of October, at Second River and Aquackononck, in order to see if the two congregations can be united again.
2. Students' Preaching .- It was unanimously resolved that no students shall give formal discourses (proposities doen) unless under their preceptors, where they are studying and where they are residing; and then shall use no other than the Lord's Prayer before and after service, and without singing or pronouncing the blessing, and without ringing the bell; and it must be during the week, apart from the usual hourse of divine service. If they transgress this resolution, they shall be rebuked by the Coetus. This act shall be made known by each minister, wherever he may come. Nor shall any be allowed to preach before it appears that they are members of the Low Dutch Reformed Church.
3. Extra Meeting .- As to the letters from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, they who receive them shall inform the five nearest ministers, with their elders, of the fact, and state to them the contents of the letters. These shall then advise . together whether it be necessary to call a Coetus; and if it be, shall make the same known to all.
Whereupon the Assembly separated.
In the name and by the order of all,
G. DU BOIS, Clerk Extraor.
[For letter of Coetus to Classis, see Oct. 18, 1749.]
3090
1749
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Oct. 2, 1749.
The Ruling Consistory unanimously, Resolved, That the minis- ters henceforth should receive fifteen pounds ($37.50) yearly, instead of seven pounds ten shillings, for firewood.
Henricus Boel.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Two Letters from Long Island.
1749, Oct. 6th. Art. 3. This article remains in statu. Letter from Rev. De Ronde.
Art. 4. A report on the letter of Rev. De Ronde, because ad- dressed to a private member, shall be postponed, until this Classis shall be more specially, addressed by the Coetus or Consistory of Suriname. xii. 187.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK, 1749.
Proceedings concerning the Proposed Call of Domine Eggo Tonk- ens van Hoevenberg.
New York, October 11, 1749.
Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
Certain difficulties were started respecting the subscription already made in the congregation for the Call of Domine Eggo Tonkens van Hoevenberg as minister here: namely, that many members desire to have their subscriptions revoked, scratched out, and held null and void. Others say that they will never hear him, etc. It is also said that there are some, indeed, in the congregation, who say that if he is not called, they will not pay to any (other?) Domine; and also some, who have requested the ministers not to allow him to preach again.
All this having been maturely considered, it was unanimously resolved that the lists should again be taken around in the congregation, and the subscribers asked whether they would stand by their subscriptions. If Yes, then they should remain; if No, it should be noted; if upon conditions, these should be added.
October 13, 1749. Consistory held, after calling on God's name.
Three lists were laid upon the table. Therewith, it was orally stated, as they could not obtain information as to the rest, that the cancelling was so great, that there was no possibility of a call on the lists, but the Consistory must do the rest. Wherefore the matter was put out of hand.
Hereupon, Mr. Abraham Van Wyck, in the name of Simon Johnson, Brandt Schuyler, Pieter Keteltas, proposed that Domine E. T. van Hoevenberg should remain here until next May, in the discharge of ministerial duties, without a call, and receive a proper salary for the same, until that time.
It was Resolved, that this should be determined by the Ruling Consistory, who should meet on the following Monday morning at 11 o'clock.
3091 17.49
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
October 16, 1749. Consistory held - Consisting of Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church-Masters - after calling on God's name.
The proposal of Mr. Abraham van Wyck, in the name of Messrs. Johnson, Schuyler and Keteltas, was taken into further consideration, according to resolu- tion of Consistory on the 13th inst. It was Resolved, by a majority vote, that we regret this proposal, and will trouble ourselves no further in the matter.
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