USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 9
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Many other items of business pertaining to the church prevented the uninter- rupted progress of our defence (verantwoording - justification), for which we were also ever finding new material. And with the lapse of time, the inflexibility of Rev. Frelinghuysen and his adherents, in their wicked courses, also revealed itself more plainly; but thus, again, did our publication, in opposition, seem increasingly reasonable; although his and their boasts in the Letters of Citation (pages 3 and 12), in the Preface of his Sermon, (page 79 in this book), and in his Report, which precedes the second document against Rev. (Joseph) Morgan (page 131 in this book), exhibit a feeling of PERFECT SECURITY in their opposition to us, and of open deflance. And thus have they continued to the end.
Even on the back of his sleight the words may be read, (how pious they are, see page 103), that No one shall make him other than he is .- And these are repeated again in his Report, before preceding that second document against Rev. (Joseph) Morgan (of Monmouth), in the latter part of the year 1724. (See page 131.) Thus again has time confirmed (the saying), " Those who are often obsti- nately defied and abused, and who bear it patiently, will be allowed publicly to defend themselves." And our assertion, made in different parts of our reply, that we in no way belong to Rev. Frelinghuysen and his adherents, but to the Reformed Dutch Church, has been confirmed, two years after the issuing of the Letters of Citation, by their obstinancy.
The words uttered by Rev. Du Bois, at a Convention held June 14, 1721, " Cherries do not ripen in winter," relating to the publication of something in behalf of our good cause has been often ridiculed, as if nothing would come of it. Rev. Du Bois only intended to convey the idea that we should proceed with deliberation, and take our own time in the business.
And in regard to their pretence, that Rev. Frelinghuysen could not secure a conference with the other ministers, (as exhibited above in his groundless state-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ment) - it is evident that, after he had publicly appeared against us and the orthodox ministers, in writing, and even with certain Ecclesiastical Acts, so called, no conference was possible, but the matter had to be dealt with publicly. It was also too late for such a conference. Rev. Boel, in 1723, after the issue of the Citations, was at Raritan; and then when Rev. Frelinghuysen proposed, through certain members of his Consistory, to have a special conference, he was rightly refused, after such public libels, and public evidences of his unorthodoxy; even as long before this, Frelinghuysen himself had refused the hand to us, (see pages 22, 50.) Since he himself has brought this business before the world, to the public scandal of God's Church, a public answer became necessary. As to these libels, we reply, in this our Communication, prepared in an ecclesiastical manner. It is also the first from us concerning this church-business. It is issued in the hope of bringing the Citers to repentance for their frightful libels against us, and against the ministers of this land; and that it may also be of benefit to the simple-minded, against such scandals.
In the meantime, we and our company await the results which God's grace may be pleased to work in the hearts of our opponents, to give us satisfaction. And they must understand that we and our company, shall maintain our rights, if necessary, in an earthly court of justice, as a defence against their infamous utterances against us. Thus we will vindicate ourselves before the Church of God, and preserve our good name before the civil government. And inasmuch as the libeled gentlemen, the ministers and others, will appear against our opponents, the Citers may understand that these also shall likewise be supported in their rights.
May God grant the desire of our hearts and the fervent yearnings of our asso- ciates, for the speedy restoration among us of His holy service, according to the pure doctrine and discipline of the true Reformed Dutch Church, as established by the Synod of Dort, and in accordance with the other church ordinances in Holland.
As the Authorized Committee of many well-meaning persons, we sign our names first.
Peter Du Mont, Simon Wyckof, Hendrick Vroom, Daniel Sebring.
List of the Signers (to the Complaint against Frelinghuysen) throughout the entire Raritan District.
Peter Du Mont - One of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace; Director of the Funds for the Public Poor in Somerset County; Ex-elder in Raritan proper (now Somerville, N. J.)
Simon Wyckof - Ex-elder of the Congregation at Six Mile Run.
Hendrik Vroom - Ex-elder at Three Mile Run.
Daniel Sebring - Ruling Church-Master at North Branch (now Readington).
The above are the Authorized Committee (Gevolmagtigden) of the following Signers:
Cornelis Teunnisen.
Jan Teunissen.
Jan Hendriksen. Jan Brocks. Pieter Kiune. Jeronimus Van Nest. Aart Aarssen.
Ex-elders in one of the Raritan Congregations.
Albert Low Ex-deacon.
Hendrik Emans. Nicholaas Heyt. Jan Van Sickelen.
Fredrik van Leeuwen.
Jacobus Bennet, Sr.
Jacobus Bennet, Jr. Pieter Hof. Jacob Probasco. Widow of Johannes Coevers. Christoffel Hoogland.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 2329
1725
Adrian Lane, one of his
Majesty's Justices of the Peace.
Lucas Schermerhoren.
Coert Janssen.
Ruling Church- Masters at North Branch (Readington).
William van Duyn.
Gysbert Krom.
William Krom.
Abraham Le Foy.
Hannes Speeter.
Frans Waldron.
Adriaan Hageman. Ex Church-Master.
Jan Vliet, Sr.
Hendrik Janssen.
Formerly Elders
on Long Island.
Members, or non-members (at the time).
Ary Molenaar. Ary Boerew. Jacob Buys.
Jan Woertman. Adriaan Ten Eyck.
Thomas Bort.
Denys van Duyn.
Abraham Gray.
John Piffenser.
Andries Andriessen.
Isaak Bennet.
Adriaan Bennet.
Adolp Hardenbroek.
Pieter Bodyn.
Teunis van Middelswaart Cornelissoon.
Cornelius Teunissen van Middeswaart, Jr. Gideon Marlet. Burgon Coevers. Gysbert Lane. Abraham Selover.
Deceased.
Hendrik
Traphagen,
his
widow signing in his place.
Daniel in de Voor. David Marines. Christoffel Beekman, his widow signing in his place.
Michael van Vechten voluntarily gave us his written testimony for us to use as we may think proper. (Pages 107, 108.) He is also one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace at Raritan, and gave a piece of land for the erection of a church edi- fice, to be devoted only for the support of the pure doctrine and discipline. There are also yet others among us, opposed to Rev. Frelinghuysen, although they have not signed their names.
That the testimony and the written statements might be faithfully exhibited, they are given word for word, and each in its own peculiar style. The errors in them are not to be charged to the printer. This applies especially to the letter of Peter Wortman. (Pages 81-84.)
All errors in punctuation, spelling, and the use of capital letters, the indulgent reader will please excuse, as the printers (Bradford and Zenger) are not familiar with the Dutch language.
[A list of errata is here given for the Dutch edition.]
That which ought to have been inserted here and there in our reply to the Citers, is appended at the close of the volume.
Sarah Brinkerhoff, widow of Jacob Rapalje.
Leendert Smak.
George Anderson.
Hendrik Smak. Cornelis de Hart.
Michiel Moor.
Nicholaas Hayman. Cors Vroom.
Joost Schamp.
Jacobus Stryker.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Reinhard Erickzon Called.
1725, Sept. 3rd. Rev. Hermanus van Wall, Johannes Junius and Henrikus Vos, having been authorized by the Consistory of the Reformed Church of New Barbadoes (Hackensack,) Schralen- berg and Parames, situated in New Jersey, and bordering on New York, in America, to call a minister for that church, (they) have called, Rev. Reinhard Erickzon, S. S. Ministerii Candidatus, who had excellent testimonials. They handed in proper instru- ments of said call to the Rev. Assembly, with the request that it would be pleased to recognize them as such, and to approve the call which they had made. The Classis having read these papers and found them satisfactory, approved said call, upon the decla- ration of Rev. Reinhard Erickzon, that he accepted the same in the fear of God. Whereupon he was admitted to the final ex- amination, after that he had treated a certain text, Ps. 2:12, " Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little; blessed are all they that put their trust in Him": which was given him by the Rev. Ex- aminer. Therein he gave so much satisfaction to the entire Assembly, that it made not the least objection to ordaining him to the Sacred Ministry by the laying on of hands, which was done. x. 240.
About New York.
1725, Sept. 3rd. Printed booklets (pamphlets) were brought before the Assembly about the disputes and dissensions in the congregation of Raritans, etc., whereof a copy was given to each of the members present. The Assembly requested the Deputati ad res Exteras to make a report in reference to their contents at the next ensuing Classis. x. 241. [These were copies of the " Complaint against Frelinghuysen."]
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2331
1725
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
Call and Approval of Rev. Henricus Coens to Hakkingsack, etc. (Rather, Aquackononck).
1725, Sept. 4th. Meeting of Deputies on Colonial Affairs. Yesterday, September 3, Rev. Van de Wall, as a committee, with Revs. van Staveren and J. Vander Hagen, for the consist- ories of Hakkingsack (Aquackonnonck?)* Klein (Second) River and the North, (Pompton Plains and Ponds) in New Jersey, handed in an instrument of a call made upon Rev. Henricus Coens, Proponent. This was approved by the Rev. Classis, and the called one was admitted to examination. Having given satisfac- tion in this, he was ordained to the Sacred Ministry by the laying on of hands. xxii. 81.
CALL AND APPROVAL OF REV. REINHART ERICSON, TO NEW BARBADOES (HACKENSACK).
1725, Sept. 4th. At the same time the said Rev. Vande-Wal, as a committee, with Revs. Van Staveren, Junius and Vos, for the consistories of New Barbadoes (Hackensack) Schraalenberg and Paramus, in New Jersey, handed in a call made on Reinhard Ericson, Proponent. This call was approved by the Rev. Classis, and the called one admitted to examination. Having given satis- faction in this, he was ordained to the Sacred Ministry with the laying on of hands. xxii. 81.
* The clerk of the Classis of Amsterdam has here evidently made a slip of the pen, in writing Hackensack for Aquackononck, and Klein River for Second River.
2332
1725
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
REV. JOHN JACOB EHE (EHLE, OEHL), TO THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL.
October 5, 1725.
No. 89. Sir :-
I received yours, dated London, Jan. 20th, 1724/5, and return my humble thanks to his Lordship, Bishop of London, for com- municating my letter to the Society, and likewise my humble thanks to the Society for taking my present necessity into their serious consideration, as to allow me a gratuity; to me, who am a poor minister of the Gospel, and would not have been trouble- some, did not my present necessity speak in my behalf; and like- wise my humble thanks to your much esteemed person for all services done on my behalf. Sir, when the gift comes into your hands be pleased to pay it into the hands of Mr. Samuel Baker, Merchant in London. His excellency our Governor will take care to send over my certificates.
I have nothing further at this time to offer, but my prayers that God would be pleased to succeed with his blessing all your pious endeavors to the promoting of his glory in the dark cor- ners of the earth, concluding myself as in duty bound your most humble, and most obedient servant,
Johannes Jacobus Ehe, [Ehle or Oehl] Minister. Schohare, Oct. 5th, 1725.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Report of Deputati ad res Exteras on the Churches of Raritan.
1725, Oct. The Deputies ad res Exteras made a report on the booklet entitled, "Complaint of certain members of the Netherland Reformed Church of Raritans," etc., and read there- from of the action of the Rev. Frilinghuysen and his Consistory against said members. Many points of accusation were also made
2833
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1725
against the officers, and especially against the Rev. Frelinghuisen. The Deputies added thereto a report (pre-advice) to this effect, that no one could be condemned unheard. Accordingly it seemed only just to write to the Rev. Frilinghuysen and his Consistory to give them opportunity to defend themselves against these ac- cusations. The Classis changes this report (pre-advice) into a Classical resolution, and leaves the execution thereof, and the means of performing the same, to the committee. Notice shall also be given of this resolution to the complaining members. x. 2.14, 245.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
Extract from a letter from the Raritan "Complainants". No- vember 2, 1725. xxii. 114. Also in Portfolio "New York ", Vol. i.
Extract from the letter of the excommunicated at Raritan, dated
November 2, 1725.
1. It expresses an apology for sending over their published " Complaint ", (Klagte), without a letter. This happened by reason of the sudden departure of the ship.
2. It also contains an account of what has taken place since the publication of their "Complaint "; such as that certain parties deny that anybody has been placed under the ban by Rev. Friling- huysen and his Consistory. They also say that Captain Jacob Goelet and his father have expressed themselves in opposition to what is said on page 54, (of the " Complaint ") as if there were some falsehoods there, and their statements had no force.
3. They relate that they locked up their church, (against Fre- linghuysen), but that their opponents had subsequently again gotten possession of it. They complain that, for these reasons, they are destitute of public worship; but they are resolved to
1725
2334
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
wait, and see whether with your good aid, they may not be helped in securing, at length, the restoration of their holy worship, by having another minister sent from Holland, in accordance with the advice of the Rev. Classis.
4. For the furtherance of this object they propose this very thing to the Classis, but not precisely under the mutual
that the Rev. Classis might not be served thereby in relation to churches which are subject to another (civil) power. Therefore they speak, not in any spirit of haughtiness, for they have avoided all such expressions; but they respectfully present to the Classis the following:
(1) Because the Classis has for more than fifty years exerted the principal influence upon those churches, and has executed almost all the calls made by the same, with but two exceptions - such as that of Rev. Freeman, and one other -; and since these churches have found themselves benefitted by that correspond- ence.
(2) Because the opponents refer themselves to Classis.
(3) Because great respect was felt there for the counsels of the Classis; for which reason Rev. Frelinghuysen has also made use thereof, with a pretext of ecclesiastical approval of his action :
5. They therefore request information,
(1) Whether Rev. Frelinghuysen can be recognized as belong- ing to the Dutch Church, or not?
(2) What would be done against such a one in Holland; in accordance with so many Snyodical and civil resolutions against Labadists and Mennonites; and in accordance with Rev. Freling- huysen's own subscription (to the Formulae of Unity), which he did with profession of submission to the "Regulations " when he was called.
(3) That our advice must be in harmony with the directions of the Synod of Dort; in accordance with which also the churches
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1725
must conduct themselves as "per Privilege" of the New York government.
(4) They ask for an extract from the Minutes of Classis, in so far as they relate to the appointment of Rev. Frelinghuysen; and whether he was examined by the Classis, and appointed by it; inasmuch as it is said there, that the Classis should have been more careful, and that whoever has family influence, they sent out there as a favor, whether fit or unfit.
(5) Finally they ask for speedy advice, because of all that they have stated; and because of other reasons which can be imagined, in their behalf; and thus also for our own sake and the sake of God's Church. Thereupon they conclude with a wish for a blessing.
Signed by those commissioned thereto :
Pierre Dumont.
Simon Wykhof.
Henry Vroom.
Daniel Sebering.
of the preacher.
With the knowledge of the undersigned, and submitting the same for the advice of the Classis of Amsterdam.
G. Du Bois.
V. Antonides.
H. Boel. P. Vas.
New York,
November 1, 1725.
REV. WM. C. BERKENMYER, 1725-1731.
In the year 1725 the Minister William Christoffer Berkenmeyer came here, and commenced the Service at Quassaik too: In the year 1727. He is by Writing desired to administer there, after the following Unions-Contract, He not receiving for his Service from the Products of the Lands then Anno 1730 or 1731 thirty Cheepels of Wheet .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 354.
2336
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACCOUNT OF NEGROES IMPORTED INTO NEW YORK FROM 1700 TO 1726.
An Account of what Negro Slaves have been Imported into His Majesties Province of New York as taken from the Custom House Books between the year 1701 and this present year 1726.
YEAR.
From the West Indies.
From the Coast of Africa.
1701.
36
1702
165
1708
10
..
...
1704
8
.
24
1710
1711
55
1718
1714.
53
1715.
17
38
1716.
19
43
1717.
68
266
1718.
447
70
1719.
104
1720.
81
1721.
76
*117
1732
106
1723.
82
1724.
61
1725
54
59
1726
180
1573
822
2395 Totall.
N B. That all the Negroes in the foregoing Account have been Imported by Pri- vate Traders and that none have been imported during that time by the African Company. Archd. Kennedy, Collr.
New York,
Dec. 16, 1726. Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. v. p. 814.
CENSUS OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW JERSEY. ANNO 1726.
An account of the Inhabitants of the Province of New Jersey, distinguishing their age, sex and colour, taken in the Year 1726.
WHITES.
NAMES OF COUNTYS.
Males above 16
Females above 16
Males under 16
Females under 16
Total of Whites
An Account of Inhabitants of New Jersey
Middlesex
953
878
1016
859
3706
Essex
992
1021
983
926
3922
Monmouth
1234
1061
1095
1056
4446
Somerset.
582
502
403
405
1892
Bergen
569
509
556
547
2181
Burlington
1080
983
965
844
3872
Hunterdon.
892
743
851
750
3236
Glocester
608
462
526
529
2125
Salem .
1060
861
1015
891
3827
Cape May
209
156
148
141
654
Total
8179
7176
7558
6948
29861
1705
53
77
* Entered from the coast of Africa but found afterwards to have been from Madagascar.
1726.
1726
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2337
1726
NEGROES.
Males above 16
Females above 16
Males under 16
Females under 16
Total of Negroes
Total of Both
Middlesex
90
73
73
67
303
4009
Essex
92
78
70
68
308
4230
Monmouth ..
170
90
88
85
433
4879
Somerset.
126
06
87
70
379
2271
Bergen ..
173
121
100
98
498
2673
Burlington.
86
63
53
55
257
4129
Hunterdon ..
43
45
32
21
141
8377
Glocester
32
21
24
27
104
2229
Salem
52
38
35
25
150
8977
Cape May
8
5
1
..
14
668
Total.
872
630
563
516
2581
32442
- Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. v. p. 819.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
January 5, 1725-6. (1726.)
Act of Appointment of Mr. Barend de Foreest, as School- master, etc.
The Rev. Consistory after calling on God's name, and having maturely considered, that for various reasons, it is useful and salutary that a Dutch school should be maintained, for the chil- dren of those who belong to the Dutch Reformed Preamble. Church in this city of New York, for their instruc- tion; and this not only in the Dutch language, but also in the elements of Christian piety- a school of which the Rev. Consistory should have the oversight; and in which the teacher should be bound to execute all such orders as they should judge necessary to be made :
And the Rev. Consistory, having seen the justice of providing the children of the indigent with some teaching and Christian training, so far as practicable; and having also received the en- dorsement of the Great Consistory in this matter, met for the consideration of this business on December 3rd last, (1725); and they then unanimously Resolved, to appoint you, Mr. Barend de Foreest, for such a Schoolmaster.
Accordingly, the Rev. Consistory, with the unanimous ap-
1726
2338
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
proval of the Great Consistory, do, by this instrument in writing appoint you, Mr. Barend de Foreest, according to a resolution of January 5, 1725-6, (1726) to be Schoolmaster under their oversight, and upon your pledge to execute such orders as shall be deemed useful for the best advancement of the children who see fit to avail themselves of your school.
I. In the first place : Upon the expectation that you will prop- erly conduct yourself in both doctrine and life, and of which we
Duties do not doubt, you will diligently keep your school with-
in the out omission, except under the most urgent necessity,
school. and will maintain it wisely and in good order. More precisely, according to the following :
1. In summer, from 9 to 11 A. M .; and from 1 to 4 P. M. In winter, from 9 1/2 A. M. to 12 1/2 P. M .; and from 1 to 4 P. M.
2. On Festival-days, you shall, as usual, be free, yet only with our knowledge and approval, also on Fridays, when there is a trial-sermon (proef-preek); and on Wednesdays and Saturdays according to custom.
3. The school is to open and close with prayer and singing. The children, according to their ability, are to be taught to spell, read, write, cypher; and also the usual prayers in the Catechism. You are to see that they recite to the Minister the particular "Lord's Day " of the Catechism, on Saturdays, so that they may be able to recite it in the Church. You must also appear every Monday, with all the children, at the public catechizing, to test their ability and their diligence; and spend the afternoon of that day, or a part of it, in catechizing them yourself, upon the por- tion which has been handled. On Wednesdays, when there is preaching, you must attend the service with all the children.
4. Four times a year, all the children shall be examined in a manner prescribed, in the presence of the Consistory, or of their representatives.
5. In your school none but edifying and orthodox books shall be used, under the approbation of the Consistory.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1726
II. In the second place: In reference to those among us who are unable to pay the sum required, for the teaching of their children over seven years of age, for these the Consistory will make provision. You will record the names of all those who apply for the privileges of the school, as well as of their children. You may say to them that you will present their request on the following Sunday afternoon to the Rev. Consistory; and that on the Monday morning following, before school time, you will announce to them whether the Consistory has accepted their chil- dren or not.
For the performance of all the foregoing, the Rev. Consistory promise to you, Mr. Barend de Foreest, for the present year, beginning with January 1st, just past, and ending with the last day of December next, nine pounds, New York currency, for the children of indigent parents; and in case more than that number are sent to you, you shall be paid for each one, in the same proportion, nine pounds for ten children. For this year, you shall receive nine pounds, whether you have ten (poor) children or not. The Consistory will in due time take order about fire- wood for the children, and inform you.
Under these promises then, and upon condition that you sub- mit to such orders as the Rev. Consistory shall give concerning the school, whether by altering the foregoing, or adding new ones, the Rev. Consistory thus provisionally appoint you for this year.
Thus done in our Church Assembly at New York, January 5, 1725-6. (1726.)
In the name of the Rev. Consistory,
G. Du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
The foregoing proposal of the Rev. Consistory, the original of which has been delivered to me, I accept in the fear of the Lord, thanking their Reverences for their goodness to me.
Barend de Foreest. New York,
January 13, 1725-6. (1726.)
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1726]
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Publication of his Appointment, Jan. 9, 1726.
Declaration of the Reverend Consistory to the Christian Con- gregation, that Mr. Barent de Foreest has been appointed by them, together with the Great Consistory, to be Schoolmaster for one year, beginning with January 1, Anno 1726.
Inasmuch as under Divine Providence, we are all subjects of his Royal Majesty, George, the King of Great Britain, our most gracious Sovereign; and inasmuch as we are living in a Province where the English language is the common language of the inhabitants: there cannot but be a general agreement by each and all of us that it is very necessary to be versed in this com- mon language of the people, in order properly to carry on one's temporal calling.
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