USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 89
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At Tappan, affairs are more prosperous. Domine Muzelius has promised me that he would no longer resist the Consistory, since I convinced him that such a course would finally result only to his own injury. He is declared emeritus on account of the weakness of his eye sight, and the congregation have hired for him a suit- able house, into which I have urged him to enter, his congregation undertaking to give him some portion of his support. Meanwhile, it is more than probable that the candidate Verbryck will be called there.
The candidate, De Wint, expects to go to Bergen and Staten Island, as soon as the Coetus shall receive permission from the Rev. Classis to qualify him. There are in these provinces three growing places still vacant, viz., Rhinebeck, Roches- ter, and the Paltz, with their dependent neighborhoods, which cannot be supplied
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from Holland, chiefly because of the expense. For which reason, it is desirable that some means of aid for congregations just starting should be provided in Holland; and the more, since Dutch congregations, subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, are much more objects of aid than others.
According to the resolution of the Coetus, (November 14th, forenoon,) to request the Rev. Classis to send to us the reasons of Domine Frelinghuyzen for the evil consequences he dreads if hereafter any one were examined by the Coetus, the application is hereby made to the Rev. Assembly in the name of the Coetus, in the most amicable manner. The little book of Domine Frelinghuyzen, after exami- nation, has been approved here, in the name of the Classis, yet with the omission by the author of some expressions, as appears in the Minutes. For what re- mains, we refer you to our letter of December 27th last, which we trust has come to hand in due season; and to which, as well as to that of the 18th of October, we hope shortly to receive a reply.
After recording my continued health and strength for the discharge of my ministerial duties, under the gracious help of the Most High, in my advanced age, and the health of all our brethren in these provinces, I, for the present, conclude, with my heartfelt prayer to God that he would keep Holland and her Church from all harm, and make them to flourish more and more for the magnifying of his most holy name; and that he would follow your persons and services with his rich and gracious blessing continually. I subscribe myself, with all due reverence,
Reverend and honored brethren, In the name of the Coetus, Your obedient servant,
New York, May 7th, 1750.
G. DU BOIS, Clerk Extraor.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of Deputies. May, 1750(?)
Letter from Rev. De Ronde of Paramaribo, Jan. 17, 1750, with two enclosures.
1. The letter makes known that the Consistory of Paramaribo has been able to and good to adopt a resolution upon the point in our letter regarding the speaking of the French language, with seven voted against one (and that was Rev. Yver) who was against us, even as by Rev. de Ronde who was then absent. But there Is nothing to be done against so French a congregation, who are so one-minded; if they are free to follow their feelings in opposition to our approbation, he leaves to our judgement, concluding with salutation.
2. The enclosures are firstly, Minutes of the Resolutions adopted by the Con- sistory, November 18, 1749, present: Rev. Yver president, Elders Ph. Le Franc, J. Aker Crombi, W. K. Van Steenleergen; Deacons E. Neauline, J. B. Silvester, J. Planteau Pieterz and D. F. Dandivan. The assembly having come together to deliberate about the letters of Rev. Du Voisin, it was asked if they should let the Conventus decide about this, or do it themselves, the latter was decided on by a majority, without taking up the main question between the Classis and Rev. du Voisin.
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a. It was resolved by a majority vote, that the French language shall be ad- mitted in that assembly as well as the Dutch.
b. By unanimous vote it was resolved to give an extract of those minutes to Rev. du Voisin, with the request that he would again appear in that body, in order to present his other points by word of mouth, as was done before. Two elders were delegated to carry out this resolution with regard to him.
c. Duplicates of Rev. de Ronde's letter of Nov. 10, 1749, with the certificate of the Doctor, and of the circular letter of Rev. de Ronde. xxiil. 157.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Dorsius.
1750, May 11th. Art. 6. The case of Dorsius remains in statu. xii. 203.
1750, June ?. Art. 4. Nothing further has arrived from Dorsius. xii. 206.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. July, 1750.(?)
Letter of Rev. De Ronde, from Paramaribo, Feb. 28, 1750, with two enclosures, being copies from the minutes of the Court and consistory.
The Court has granted him to go elsewhere for a year and a half (unless he obtained another place sooner) for the restoration of his health, salvis honoribus et emolumentis, besides retaining his office there. Thus he will depart first of all to New York, because it is near. xxiii. 193.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. July 9, 1750.
Letter from Rev. G. Hagoort of Second River, May 1, 1750, Received July 9.
1. He says that he will abide by our advice, and remain for the present with his church, requesting however that the Classis give the Coetus in mandatis to recommend him elsewhere.
2. That our letter has had no effect upon his congregation, but has rather done harm: he thinks also that such expressions as, it bores us somewhat to make mention of such particulars, we also fear that it bores you somewhat (escaping Mr. Snethlage through imprudence) stiffen the hands of the wicked, and make him ridiculous to his people, as if he had been inventing (or, sending) wishie-washies, and accuse him of detaining Classis therewith. He thinks that we should mani- fest our displeasure to such congregations, and threaten not to provide them with a minister except on the assurance of better treatment, unless ambition lies closer to our hearts than christian and fraternal love.
3. He claims that the combination of Acquaquenonk and Second River (advised by us) was not sufficiently cherished by the Coetus and subsequently by the Com- mittee, Acquackenonk being still without a pastor and unable to maintain one alone. 4
4. He complains also that the Coetus has made little or no progress in means to avert the loose management of calls; at his instance there having resulted only the resolution B.
5. He concludes from all this that such a Coetus gives no redress at least not to complaining and misused preachers, and repeating sarcastically those words (underscored above under No. 2.) he asks that our love would redress those incon- veniences by ordering the Coetus that the practical calls be brought upon one
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footing, and by resolving that Classis shall accept no more calls (if they would keep beyond blame) except on sufficient security.
6. In conclusion he says he shall conduct himself in harmony with his last; and in the next to give us further insight into what is deemed by us so Indis pensable a Coetus.
Concluding with salutatiou. xxiii. 198.
Letter from New York signed by Du Bois, August 14, 1749. (Refers exclusively to Pennsylvania matters.)
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Dorsius. 1750, July 20th. Art. 4. This case remains in statu. xii. 210.
Departure of Rev. De Ronde to New York for awhile.
Art. 6. The Revs. Depp. ad res Exteras report that Rev. De Ronde had gone to New York for a time for the recovery of his health, with the consent of the Court of Police (Court of Justice) and the Consistory of Suriname. xii. 210.
Request of the Coetus of New York.
Art. 7. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras report that they have re- ceived the Acta of the Coetus of New York. This Coetus, among other things, requests that they may know the reasons why they may not hold examinations there. The Classis requests the Rev. Depp. to draw up a reply to this, to be read before the Assembly. xii. 210.
Letter from Rev. Hagoor. (Hagoort.)
Art. 8. A letter was received from Rev. Hagoor, to which the Rev. Depp. shall reply. xii. 210.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Churches Suffering Need in Pennsylvania.
Art. 12. Regarding the churches in Pennsylvania, our Classis has no special remarks to make, because no reports have come to as therefrom. Only we make request that it be noted that the
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moneys which were formerly in the keeping of Mr. Visser, have been placed in the hands of the Rev. Depp. We remark further that Ryf is not a minister, as seems to appear from that Article, but that he has held office as an elder. As to Dorsius: there came before us an appointment of him as minister at D'Elmina, by the Directors of the West India Company. This appointment, how- ever, the Classis could not allow to go into effect, because he has not exhibited to us any papers as to his legal dismissal and char- acter, although he has been many times admonished thereto. We wish moreover that the efforts of Rev. (Michael) Schlatter for the welfare of these foreign churches (in Pennsylvania) may be blessed, and that we may hear good accounts thereof. We com- mend those churches to the good care of the Messrs. Depp. con- junctim cum Rev. Depp. Syn. S. Holl. xii. 212, 213.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Proposal to Call Rev. Lambertus De Ronde.
New York, July 31, 1750.
Consistory held, of Ministers, Elders, Deacons and Church Masters.
Present, domines Du Bois and Ritzema, (domine Boel being sick); Elders, H. Cuyler, H. Lefferts, P. Marschalk, D. Abeel and C. Van Horne; Deacons, E. Hering, L. Lispenard, P. Livingston, P. Clopper, J. Turk, J. Brevoort; Church Masters, C. Clopper and Evert Bancker.
After calling on God's name, certain members of the congregation, namely, Evert Byvanck, Abeel Hardenbroek, Joris Brinkerhoff, Theo. Van Wyck, M. Ernest, Isaac Stoutenberg and Jacobus Stoutenberg, appeared before the Consistory, and in the name of many others, earnestly requested them to call the Rev. Mr. Lam- bertus De Ronde, (at present in New York), now the settled minister at Surinam, to be our Pastor and Teacher, along with the present ministers, and to pursue the usual means to that end.
This proposal was agreed to by the Ruling Consistory. It was Resolved to summon the Great Consistory to meet on Friday afternoon at 3.30 o'clock. Domine Ritzema and Mr. Abeel were requested to inquire if Mr. De Ronde was qualified to receive a call, and if he had written testimonials; and also whether he was dis- posed to become a member of the Coetus.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, Aug. 3, 1750.
Consistory held. After calling on God's name, domine Ritzema reported, in execution of the duty assigned him at the last meet- ing (July 31) that he had ascertained
1. Domine De Ronde's readiness to become a member of the Coetus.
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2. His testimonials, which were read. These gave entire satis- faction as to his qualifications to receive a call.
Thereupon the members of the Great Consistory, Evert Byvank, Joris Brinkerhoff, Christopher Bancker, Nicholas Bayard, Paulus Richard, Jacob Rosevelt, Abrm. Lynson, Abrm. Van Wyck and Th. Van Wyck appeared. It was determined to call domine De Ronde, if a sufficient subscription could be raised, under such a " Heading " as was used in going around for domine Hoevenberg.
G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America. r
Resolutions of the churches of King's County, August 8, 1750, on the two Letters of the Classis of Amsterdam dated April 7, 1750, to the churches of Kings and Queens Counties. (This document is of the Arondeus Faction, is Anti-Coetus and very bitter.)
1. The Classis speaks of parties (political parties?) and districts, and of those who call themselves " Leaders ".
Answer: Such things have been known here for more than fifty years, and will remain, as long as the Royal Law (of England) prevails. For every country must, by a majority of votes, elect officials of higher and lower grade, as well as judges; and in countries under English rule, such officials are chosen to be over greater or lesser districts ...
2. No charge has been properly proven against Van Sinderen why he should have been subjected to your discipline.
Answer: If this is not sufficiently understood from the affidavits, then, we can only add, that all his preaching, is either foolish or erroneous; or else it only tends to excite to public disputes between the parties. And the more he has been ad- monished by the remaining elders of the three Consistories, the more perverse he became. Once, when preaching at Flatbush, he said in the pulpit while pointing to the elders, "That in all things they had acted as unjustly with him, as the Jewish Council had acted with Jesus." When he left the pulpit, the elders took him to task for this. He gave only a senseless answer, and added that the reasons why they did not side with him were their ignorance and wickedness; and that he himself was an example of real wisdom and piety. To this one of the elders replied, that that was true of God alone. Van Sinderen did not come back to the church in the afternoon. Therefore, during the following week, we announced to him the act of discipline we had exercised upon him. To this he replied: " I have a letter from the Coetus, and it endorses all my course of action." But as surely as the Lord lives, Van Sinderen is a fox in the Lord's vineyard. Now, if all things, taken together, do not justify our act of discipline, then all our ideas of propriety and reason have come to an end.
3. Classis says that Van Sinderen is too much despised, and Arondeus is praised too much.
Answer: The proofs are ready. The preaching of Rev. Arondeus during his first year here, brought about such changes that the preaching of the Herrenhutters seven times a week as has been the case, was scattered to the winds. After
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Arondeus moved to the Raritan, certain ones came here who were making great advance because of the (poor) character of Van Sinderin's preaching; but imme- diately after the return of Arondeus, all this was stopped. In this country, there is no minister, either English or Dutch, so far as we know, who has anything to say against the preaching of Arondeus. Even his enemies acknowledge that they have nothing against it; only, they desire that he should make their smaller party, the larger one. But where can we find another minister like this: after being five years in a church, (and leaves,) they want him back again so much that they spare no trouble or expense; and even when he had thirteen times refused to re- turn, they did not relax their efforts; and some say they would not in seven years, even though bound to another minister. If, therefore, Rev. Arondeus is not to be highly praised, then we must stifle all emotions of respect and love, and go con- trary to the very convictions of our consciences.
4. The Classis speaks of his gading about in the congregations of lawfully qualified ministers, and interfering with their salaries.
Answer: The lawful qualification of Van Sinderen has never appeared quite clearly to us from the letter of Mr. De Wolff; neither has his ability appeared, except for evil. No minister can secure love and respect in this country and a salary, unless he makes himself worthy of it.
5. The Church laws are not trampled under foot by us; but this is done by the many who belong to the party of Rev. Frelinghuysen and to the faction of Van Sinderen. It is such as these who reject Classes, Synods and Church Forms, over here in this country.
6. Your Revs. do not mention everything concerning Van Sinderin's remarks, and his actions you defend.
Answer: We wish that there could be shown a single word or deed of his which has anything to do with our church, which was done without some folly, or im- propriety or other obvious extravagance.
7. The offensive reports against Rev. Arondeus - what about these?
Answer: We have found as little verification for these, as for those specifically mentioned by the Classis as a great burden to her. Besides those mentioned in former letters, you refer to his calling certain ones Antichrists; or that he said that you send over here no ministers except of the poorest kind, or those of other characters too bad to mention. You ought not to give any reception to such offensive reports, as if Arondeus had ever said any such things. They are only uttered by those who are partizans and filled with bitterness and envy towards
him. Such stories, if true, ought to be reported by us, (the elders,) who are appointed by God to watch over the life and doctrine of our minister. Goetschius scattered the report, far and wide, that Arondeus quaffed the wine very freely at the Committee's table. We can truly say that he put it to his lips at that time for the mere purpose of tasting it. But inasmuch as our Madeira wine is very sour and strong, one dare not indulge in it. And no one can ever prove that over here he ever used as much as one wine-glass full, (romer). He used no liquor except for medicinal purposes. There are no ministers over here (in America) who so largely maintain the honor of the Classis (of Amsterdam) and the welfare of the Dutch Church, as Revs. Boel, Manclus and Arondeus; and they do this to such an extent, that they are not sure of their lives. These might easily be taken by poisoning or shooting, by hostile slaves. Therefore they dare not travel without company. (!)
8. The letter of Classis lays down the law sufficiently plain as to how you should act.
Answer: Not at all; for all that you say is only in the form of requests, wishes and testimonies. On the contrary, it ought to be in the form of commands or prohibitions. But if there is anything in this which seems to lay down the law for the Classis, we sincerely declare that this is not our meaning.
9. Further. The letter of Classis says: If the Classis should give decision ac- cording to law, we can easily understand to which side the Classis would be inclined.
Answer: This is to us a dark enigma. For we would naturally think, in the first place, of the unworthiness and inability of Rev. Van Sinderen; but, on the other side, that it might relate to the alledged unlawful desertion of office of Rev. Arondeus. But this he himself has proved to be an absolute falsehood. Therefore
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we are obliged to say concerning this, to us, mystery: Arondeus seems to have been intended. But, on the other hand, we cannot reconcile such a view with other things. For how can that "Lamp of Wisdom, Holiness and Justice," (the Classis) set the seal of its condemnation, on a minister who is a constant blessing and joy to his church; and justify that other one who is a curse and burden, and strengthen his seat, to the inexpressible vexation of the churches?
10. Moreover, your letter says, that the Classis wishes there was an opportunity to remove both the ministers, by lawful calls, to other fields, and to put others, by unanimous consent in their places.
Answer: The Classis has not yet provided a way for doing this! Then, also, the Coetus has filled up all the vacant places to such an extent that Revs. Van Driessen and Muzelius have each of them to beg bread for themselves and familles. And although this man has great weaknesses on account of many temptations, yet Rev. Boel at the request of the churches has healed this wound. Then certain parties in the Coetus got control of the matter and brought it Into a contrary shape. In the stead of Muzelius is now a man (Verbryck) whose grandfather is still living at Gravezant, who troubles the old minister to an indescribable degree. This was done by taking him by the arm, at the church, after service one day, and saying to him in the midst of all the people, " You have preached false doc- trine and soul-destroying errors "; and also by circulating among the people more than ten libels, such as these:
That such preachers must be regarded only as belly-ministers, while they feed their people with husks; who are, indeed, murderers of souls. Besides this, he made out that Antonides had been the cause of much corruption and four bank- rupts in his former place, (Bergen In Vrlesland, Holland); but on the contrary, this gentle and patient man had very laudable testimonials, not only from the church from which he came, but also from the Classis. Rev. Arondeus has seen these testimonials, and Rev. Boel publicly read them when he delivered his funeral sermon at Flatbush, (1744), from the very appropriate and divine words found in Heb. 13:7, " Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation," etc. At the same time he also found opportunity to speak about the praiseworthy character of Rev. Freeman, who had died a while before, (1741.) Furthermore, this youth, thus appointed to the ministry, has exhibited up to the present time no other traits than those of his grandfather. He follows out his words and deeds, and is consequently further stirred up by his own partizans.
Rev. Arondeus need not yield his position to any earthly creature, so long as the Royal Law (of England) is in force, and by virtue of his own written credentials, unless he no longer can or will serve. As to Rev. Van Sinderen, he can expect a new call just about as certainly as that a roasted pigeon should fly into his open mouth. And then the thought of placing two other ministers here, instead of the present ones, by the unanimous consent of all parties, this is simply impossible. For the entire business is in such a deplorable condition, that neither side would bind itself to call a new minister, unless it knew beforehand under his own written signature, to which party he was going to belong.
11. Your letter tells us that there is still an open way for us (by way of appeal) if we find ourselves oppressed by the Coetus.
Answer: Then we can do nothing else except to send over our unjust condemna- tion to the Classis. But even then, the decision concerning us would not be changed, on account of the respectability of the other party, they being also under oath as all the ministers of the Coetus are. Yet the principal members of that body can be proven to be falsifiers of facts, or wilful perjurers; while the others are but ill-informed; each one of whom would also be gladly called to New York in place of the old ones. These are very willing to assent to anything, (lit. to be " Yes-brothers "). Thus it would inevitably follow, that under the semblance of justice, we would, nevertheless, be wickedly condemned; and the cord put about us by the Coetus would only be fastened by a tighter knot. Goetschius and Van Sinderen have boasted, both In private and public, that this would be the case. Goetschius even had his wife's body dug up, when she had been dead ten or twelve days - there are witnesses and proofs of this - that his brother, who is a doctor, might have her for anatomical purposes, as the rumor is; yet this needs confirma- tlon. Yet the intention seems to have been this, and this brother is but a youth.
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12. Finally, you tell us you know of no other means to restore peace among us, except by the Coetus.
Answer: Just the contrary seems clear to us. We think that the maintenance of that view would produce ruinous results for all the churches. If the oracle of Heb. 10:24,-" Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and good works " - can have no place among us, then we must and will do the best we cau for our own case.
In the name of all the members present.
Aug. 8, 1750.
Rutgers Van Brunt Johannes Lott Jan Van Dykzen?
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Aug. 20, 1750.
Consistory held. After calling on God's name, the lists of sub- scription for domine De Ronde were presented and found to be fully sufficient. It was resolved to call Mr. De Ronde, and domine Du Bois was requested to draw up the call in writing, which he agreed to do.
G. Du Bois, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF BERGEN.
Certificate to Peter de Windt, as a Candidate, Aug. 10, 1750.
August 10, 1750.
Rev. Peter de Wind, Ministerii Candidatus is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, sound in the faith, and edifying in walk, at least so far as is known to us. We herewith still further confirm what we have acknowledged about his praise- worthy conduct, in that we have called him as our regular pastor and teacher. Hence we request the overseers of the church of Jesus Christ, wherever this, our certificate, may be shown, to recognize our brother as such, and to admit him to the enjoyment of the Holy Supper of the Lord, and to receive him to their Chris- tian fellowship. Thus done at New York, August 10, 1750.
In the name of the Consistory of Bergen,
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