USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 10
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Concerning the three ministers who have been called: At present these are, as yet, only students. They are Jacobus Frielinghuyzen, called to Mormel, (Marble- town), cum annexis; and Rev. Ferdinand Frielinghuyzen, to Kinderhook, upon docu- ments presented in due form, both of his membership, and of the call. We will
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gladly examine them here, both preparatoir and peremptoir, and if they satisfy Classis, we will send them to those churches. Then there is also Barent Vrooman. If we can only be assured in reference to this gentleman, that with him the peace will be established between Kingston and New Paltz, which is promised, and that no new spirit of bitterness will be excited, (he will be duly qualified and sent also.) Meantime, we are greatly gratified that the Church of New Paltz has joined itself to the Coetus, and that they promise the same for their new pastor.
We might say much more concerning the church of Kingston, if you had referred more definitely to the reply of Rev. Mancius to the letter of the Coetus, addressed to the church of Kingston. Meanwhile you may rest assured, that so far as possible, we will defend the call on the Rev. Barend Vrooman, if it be legal in its form, and will take care to regard no ill-founded suspicions. We also hope that while the above-mentioned young man is attending for some little time longer the University of Utrecht, all these affairs will be straightened out.
May the loving kindness of the Lord God abide with you forever. We subscribe ourselves, with all good-will,
Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Signed as before.
In Classical Assembly, October 4, 1751.
P. S .- We enclose herewith the Minutes of the Synod of North Holland of 1751, held at Edam. We cannot omit to mention, however, that Rev. De Ronde also signed his name to the letter, in behalf of the Coetus of New York; yet no account of his appointment has been given either to the church of Surinam, or to our Classis. We only know that he set out from Surinam and arrived at New York. It looks as if he must have been installed, but no information has reached us thereof. Whether any letters have been lost, we know not; but we do know that the Conventus at Surinam writes us, that no tidings concerning Rev. De Ronde have been received by them. All this appears very strange to Classis.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Extract from the Records of the Classis of Neder Veluwe sent to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 1751. Vol. 30, page 249, No. 138. Referred to, xxiv, 2.
Statement concerning Peter De Wind, from a letter of Rev. Peter Wynstok, of Harderwyk, despatched Oct. 1751, to Rev. John Vander Vorm, preacher at Amsterdam, and read in Classis, Oct. 4, 1751.
Peter De Wind was born at St. Thomas, of pious, well-to-do parents. His mother still resides at that place, according to a letter from Rev. Kalverlagen of St. John. She had told Rev. Kalverlagen that her son was a minister on Long Island in New York. At this the said gentleman was much surprised. De Wind had been set apart for the Sacred Ministry by his parents, who, to that end, had sent him to Mr. Abraham ter Borg, at Amsterdam, with the necessary remittances and order. He, in order to have him study Latin and Greek, had placed him in the Triviale School, at Utrecht, with the co-rector there, until the time that he should publicly graduate. Subsequently he was placed at the house of Rev. Peter Wynstok, at Harderwyk, in September, 1737. At that Academy they soon became aware of his loose character, of his trickery in obtaining money beyond what was allowed him each week. This was finally carried to such a length that he clandestinely sold his books. There were still other circumstances in his conduct, which made it evident that not much good could be expected from him. His father therefore ordered him to return home. He was accordingly sent back to his parents in 1738. Since then only unfavorable reports have come to Rev. Wynstok about him. Subsequently it was learned that his father
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had died, and that the son was living at St. Eustace in a greatly impoverished and desolate condition.
In the year 1748, (according to best recollection), Rev. Peter Wynstock received a letter from Peter De Wind, who was then lodging in a distillery shop, with a wine merchant, in the English Alley, stating that he was desirous of resuming his studies in order to become a candidate, and requested counsel and aid. He was answered, that if he had not lost his knowledge of the languages, and if his patrimony would enable him to study for about three years, he might return, and, provisionally, stay at Mr. Wynstock's house, who was also willing to assist him. Some time since, without his having given any notice of his intention, De Wind arrived with trunk and goods, with a good sum of ready money, at Harderwyk. After staying a few days with Mr. Wynstock, he took a room where he lived contentedly, and by advice of Professor Ten Kate, took private lessons in Hebrew of the Rev. Kalverlagen, who has since gone to the isle of St. John. He paid well for his instruction, as far as known, did not live irregularly during his stay, and contracted no debts.
As far as was then known, De Wind was at that time unmarried. Afterward it was rumored that he had a wife and children in the West Indies, but it is not known whether this is true. He, however, said that both his parents and all his near rela- tions were dead. This was in 1748 or 1749, whereas Rev. Kalverlagen whose Decem- ber 3, 1750, of speaking with his mother. De Wind, moreover, declared that he was the sole possessor of all the abundant means of the family. He remained only a short time at Harderwyk, so that he did not secure much of real benefit at the Academy. Indeed, Rev. Wynstock never saw him have a theological book in his hands; and whenever he tried to converse with him, he had never been able to dis- cover the real basis of his present conduct. If he suggested to him, that he should more diligently apply himself to the reading and hearing of God's Word, he answered, "If I can only become a candidate, I shall want no place in the West Indies." He said that he had preached several times with great acceptance; among other places, also at St. Eustatius, where Rev. Mr. Wynstock's brother had heard him, etc. But upon being questioned further about this, inasmuch as he had no knowledge of the principles of theology, nor any aptness in the Bible, he became confused, and could give no satisfactory answer.
When the conversation turned upon the labors of Count Zinzendorf at St. Thomas, he answered in an ambiguous manner, or elaborated on the matter in a favorable way. He was a man not naturally of an evil disposition, and was well liked in the household of Rev. Wynstok. One evening on entering his room, Mr. Wynstok found him looking over a lot of papers, of which he was destroying a number. Upon being questioned about it, he said that he had been a captain of a bark sailing from the West Indies, and had carried on business on these shores. He showed certain letters relating to marine affairs. Upon being asked how he could explain the circumstance that he had left the bark, without returning home and rendering up his account, and had come hither; he promptly answered that his desire to become a minister was so great that it had driven him to this course, and that he had sent the bark home- supposed to be Jamaica. But what are the exact facts cannot be even surmised.
Upon being asked on other occasions whether he was a member of the church, as he must show that he had been a member for two years, without reproach, before he could be examined by any Classis in Holland for licensure, he said that he was a member; that to the best of his recollection he had made a confession of his faith to the oldest minister in New York, and had enjoyed communion with him. Upon being further asked why he had brought no certificate of church membership, he could not make much reply. When it was further urged that such neglect might be very disadvantageous under his circumstances, as a long time might elapse before he could get one, and there might be needed other correspondence ; he then declared that a certain man and his wife, who were living at Oostzaan, (whom he named, but whose name has escaped Rev. Wynstock,) were acquainted with him in New York, and that they had communed together, in New York; that these would be willing to testify to this circumstance. He was then advised, that when he went again to Amsterdam, (for he sometimes went thither under pretext that some ship had arrived, in whose cargo he had an interest,) he should cross over to Oostzaan, and obtain a certificate from those parties to that effect. This he did. For upon return- ing from Amsterdam on a certain occasion, he allowed Rev. Wynstok to read such a certificate from this man and his wife, in which they testified that they had known I. De Wind as a member of the church, and that they had communed together in
e
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New York. De Wind suggested that Rev. Wynstok should preserve that note for further use, and give it to the pastor of his parish, that the Consistory might deliberate upon it. But this note never came under the eye of that Consistory, nor was the matter of his membership ever considered, much less, De Wind accepted by the Church of Harderwyk and recognized as a member ; for before the time that this matter could regularly come up, De Wind went out, (literally, eclipsed,) in the following manner:
At a certain time he said that he must go again to Amsterdam, as a large remit- tance of sugar had been consigned to him, in an incoming vessel. He expressed his desire to do any service possible, in Amsterdam, for Rev. Wynstok. The latter entrusted to him the watch of his youngest son, to be repaired, if possible, at Amsterdam. De Wind accordingly departed. It was learned afterward that he had taken his trunk and all his effects with him, and no news were heard of him for weeks. At this every one was astonished. Yet he had arranged with Professor Ten Kate that he would return in a few days. The said watch was finally returned to Rev. Wynstok by a gentleman from Amsterdam, with the compliments of De Wind, and the statement that the watch could not be repaired. This gentleman had met De Wind first at the Hague, and subsequently in a hotel in Rotterdam. Here he had handed him the watch, while a goodly sum of money was lying by him on the table. At this the said gentleman had admonished him, and exhorted him to take better care of his money in a public house. Upon De Wind being asked whether he was going to journey back again to Harderwyk, replied, that he was compelled to go to Zeeland on business and because of a remittance which had arrived there. What was the result of this journey is not known, only the fact appeared that at that time he returned to the West Indies. His continued absence, however, confirmed Rev. Wynstok and others in their suspicions that he was yet in correspondence with the Moravians, although they hoped otherwise.
But much astonishment was excited when a notice appeared in the journal of 1751, that he had been appointed a pastor. It was not believed, at first, that it was the same person, but upon further conference and examination, the fact was discovered that it was. He had then, and also subsequently used not only the name and person of Rev. Wynstok fraudulently, but also the ministry and Classis of Neder Veluwe. In all this the public became greatly interested, whereupon, after inquiries, the case was dealt with by the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, as indicated in the preceding extract.
That this extract conforms to the contents of the above mentioned letter, testifies James Tyken, Depp. Cl. Amst. p. t. Scriba.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Reformed Church of Kingston, N. Y. per Rev. G. W. Man- cius, to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 11, 1751. (Portfolio New York, Vol. ii. xxiii, 214. Reference, xxiv, 8.) To the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Very Reverend, Godly, Learned and Much Esteemed Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ :-
From your Revs. agreeable letter of the 3rd of May, 1751, which was safely delivered to us in September, through the care of Rev. Boel, we learn with pleasure that, when you have received an answer to your communication from the Coetus, you will be pleased to give a decision in the matter of differences between us and the Paltz. Wherefore, in answer to your esteemed missive, and in defense of our side of the matter, we find ourselves obliged to submit the following to your earnest consideration.
Like yourselves, we deplore the continued disagreements between us and the Coetus; but that we are not the cause of them, we can safely leave to your righteous judgement to determine. From our letters to some of the gentlemen of the Coetus, to which we made some allusion in our former communications to you, and also from oral conversation with Revs. Ritzema and Haeghoort, it is sufficiently clear that we have been seeking after peace and pursuing it; and that, in the matter of those
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differences, we would have treated with the Coetus in a friendly and fraternal spirit, if we had been dealt with properly and in accordance with Church Order, and the Paltz had not been stiffened up in its obstinacy.
The conduct of Rev. Goetschius is, indeed, such as we have indicated to your Reverences. Possibly, however, it has been, or yet will be represented to your Revs. in a distorted way, in a marred and perverted form. And, judging from the word- ing used, conveying the idea that Rev. Fryenmuth had found out that the Paltz is an independent church, and has not bound itself to Rev. Mancius, we suspect indeed that such a thing has already happened.
Very Worthy Sirs and Fathers, in our letter of April 26, 1750, we briefly mentioned the fact that some of the Paltz people had been disciplined by the Consistory before the call and arrival of Rev. Mancius to Kingston, and that, therefore, the Paltz belonged to Kingston before Rev. Mancius became our minister; yea, was under Kingston already in the time of Rev. Nucella, as our church records prove.
The reason given, that the letter of our minister had been sent to the Paltz because no one was present at the Coetus to speak for the Paltz, does not look to us very credible; inasmuch as Rev. (J. H.) Goetschius, who claims to be minister of the Paltz, was present at the Coetus and could have spoken for the Paltz; and the Paltz could have been informed thereof without the sending of the letter. Therefore the sending of the letter of Rev. Mancius thither, was, in our opinion, designed to set those people up against our minister, and to make him hateful among them-an object which was in some measure gained. It also appears to us to have been need- less, not to say stupid, to send Rev. Fryenmuth to the Paltz to find out whether it was an independent church; seeing that the Coetus, or at least Rev. du Bois, was fully aware of the fact that the Paltz, at the time when it was still served by French ministers, was an independent church. This fact we also do not deny, as your Revs. can see distinctly in that communication signed by Revs. du Bois, Antonides and Boel, and which was approved by yourselves.
But the question under dispute is, Whether The Paltz, is yet under the direction of the church of Kingston, because it once connected itself with Kingston, and remained so connected until the time of Jan Van Driessen's intrusion. This, we think, the Coetus will never be able to prove satisfactorily. We must also at this point make the observation that, so far as we know, not one of the members living and belonging to the Paltz at present, became a member under the French minis- ters; but that the Coetus is now taking under its protection particularly such as have become members under Jan Van Driessen, who was without any recognition,- takes them to be members of our churches. Whether, now, such members, received by Jan Van Driessen, who was without any recognition, are to be taken as true and genuine members of our churches-that we humbly ask your Revs. to determine for us.
Once again: We honestly declare to your Revs., that we shall be glad to consent to the separation of the Paltz, (from Kingston), if it can be brought about in an ecclesiastical manner, and in a proper way. We must mention in addition, that Rev. Frelinghuisen, minister at Albany, has also been at the Paltz for the purpose of securing a call for Mr. (Barent) Vrooman. He, in company with Mr. Frelinghuisen, has possibly by this time presented himself to your Revs. for examination. To this call, those members also who have always remained faithful to our church, have put their signatures. We have nothing, indeed, against that call, and, therefore, desire the Lord's blessing upon it; but we are opposed to the Rev. Theodorus Frie- linghuisen's methods of obtaining it. But, as Rev. Frielinghuisen has, by letter, asked our minister to excuse him for it, we will make no remarks on the matter, but leave it to your Rev's. wise and penetrating judgement.
We agree with your Revs. that these differences might possibly not have arisen ; or, having once arisen, might have been most easily settled, if at the outset we had resorted to the Coetus. But, if your Revs. had, like us, seen and experienced the party-spirit manifested in the organization of the Coetus, toward those who advanced some objections against it, (some specimens of which may be given in the letters of Revs. Antonides, Boel, Muzelius and Mancius addressed to yourselves), your Revs. would very likely, have acted in no different way to that which we did. We hope to give practical evidence of our due respect for the subordination to your Revs. on every occasion, although we have not yet been able to make up our minds as to joining the Coetus. For, who would be willing to have his public opponents act as his judges? And who could, in conscience, give them his confidence? Had
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the Coetus acted in the matter of the Paltz, and dealt with us, in a proper ecclesi- astical manner, (as your Revs. have done with the Coetus in reference to this matter), we should upon receiving your Revs. former communication, have about resolved to connect ourselves with the Coetus. But their action, partisan in spirit and directly at variance with the National Synod as it was, discouraged us. Rev. Haeghoort also stated, in a full meeting of our Consistory, that things were done in Coetus in an irregular way; and that the gentlemen of New York were seeking to rule. We have no doubt at all that your Revs. have the idea that there is good in the Coetus. Otherwise you would not have allowed it. But, however great the necessity for ecclesiastical meetings, and therefore, for a Coetus, your Revs. know better than we do, that immoderate use has often been made of such meetings by ambitious men for perverting things and managing them to their own liking.
While we know that abuse (in the Coetus) does not take away its use, still we are afraid of it; for in the treatment of our differences, we have had as yet no practical evidence of its usefulness. And we hope and desire that time may not teach the truth of the common saying, that "Maladies are frequently born of reme- dies." Nor is it unknown to us that, in case of supposed wrong, the way is open to us for appeal to your Revs. But, first, that cannot well be taken without estrange- ments and bickerings with the Coetus; and then, the same way will have to be taken after all which we are following: "Quodcumque fieri potest per pauca frustra fit per plura."
We thank your Revs. for your gracious declaration that you have not lost sight of our correspondence, and heart for the same. We hope so to conduct ourselves, that in the future your Revs. will have no reason to lose sight of, and heart for these things. On our part we shall make it as unobjectionable as possible, and not trouble your Revs., save in very grave cases. We are well convinced that your Revs. will not allow the Coetus to oppress us or arbitrarily rule over us; and we ask that we may always experience your Revs. gracious protection. At the same time we pray Almighty God, that it may please His Divine Majesty long to keep your precious persons in the service of the Church, and to cause to rest upon you the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of might, in order to strengthen you in your manifold troubles, and to enable you to give counsel to the far distant churches in their distresses. And may the Lord overshadow your persons and your ministry with every blessing. We remain,
Very Worthy Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
The Rev. Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church at Kings- ton. In the name and by the authority of all, G. W. Mancius.
Kingston, Oct. 11, 1751.
ACTS OF THE COETUS, HELD AT NEW YORK, OCTOBER 16-23, 1751.
In Acts of Classis, xxiii, 261. Referred to, xxiv. 13.
SESSION I .- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1751-FORENOON.
The Assembly was opened with prayer by the President of the last Coetus. Ex ordine J. Leydt became President, and J. H. Goetschius, Clerk.
Members Present.
J. Leydt, Pres. Elder, L. Voorhees
J. H. Goetschius, CI.
D. Kuyper
A. Curtenius
66
J. Brinckerhoff
R. Erickson
H. Bennet
J. Ritzema
C. Bancker
B. Meinema
J. Du bois
66
U. Van Sinderen A. Lott
C. Fryenmoet
66 J. Van Neste
B. Van Der Linde
B. Van Hoorn
J. Frelinghuysen
66 S. Van Arsdalen
L. De Ronde
J. Roosevelt
S. Verbryck
J. Haring
Michael Fraeland
66 Van Bergen
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It was decided that Dom. De Wint should not sit as a member of the Coetus.
1. Reading of Minutes .- The Minutes of the last Coetus was read as transcribed by Dom. Ritzema, the Extraordinary Clerk, and found to agree with the original.
The session closed with thanksgiving, and the time for meeting again appointed for half past two, P. M.
SESSION II .- AFTERNOON.
1. Minutes .- After earnest prayer, the remarks made upon the minutes of the last Coetus were taken ad referendum.
2. Objections to the Call of Arondeus .- Dom. Van Sinderen and Ab. Lott, as deputed by their congregations, and B. Ryder, deputed by Gravesend, presented their reasons against the call of Arondeus, signed by each of their villages, to the number of 158 heads of families. (See next paper.)
3. Proposal of his Friends .- J. Lott, Ph. Nagel, D. Bodet, Jer. Remsen, engage, in the name of their friends, to accept Dom. Van Sinderen and acknowledge him as lawful minister, on condition that he and his friends shall aid in the call of Aron- deus. This being stated to them, they at once agreed to it, with the addition that this being agreed to, the other side should suppress their other grievances against Dom. Van Sinderen.
4. He enjoined to appear .- The Assembly strongly charged Arondeus to bring his people with him to-morrow, at 9 A. M. if his bodily health at all permitted. This he promised to do.
SESSION III .- THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17-FORENOON.
1. (Ad. Sess. II., 1.) The reason above mentioned of Dom. Van Sinderen and his congregation were made known to the opposite party.
2. Arondeus Questioned .- Arondeus having entered, was asked if he desired a call from Kings County, forwarded through the Coetus? He said, Yes, provided he was not to be held a member of the Coetus; and also, that whenever dissatisfied with their decisions, he might appeal to the English Church and the English law.
3. Then the reasons of Dom. Van Sinderen were furnished to him, that he might make his defence, at six o'clock, this afternoon.
SESSION IV .- AFTERNOON.
1. Postponement .- After the opening with prayer, Arondeus and his party came in, and were asked for their defence; but as they complained of being unprepared, because of the illegibleness of the MS. reasons furnished to him, a better copy was provided, and they were ordered to appear the next morning, at nine, A. M.
2. Dom. Frelinghuysen's Quaeriturs .- He proposed these: (1). Does the question before Coetus respect the calling of Arondeus or the sentence upon him? (2) Has not the Coetus heard enough on both sides, to judge whether it is expedient that Arondeus should be called along with Van Sinderen? (3) What does the Coetus judge respect- ing the last parts of Arondeus's reply ? (Sess. III., 2.)
3. Case of De Wint .- A letter was read from P. De Wint, the contents of which and some other articles induced the Assembly to consider whether the sentence already given should be made heavier. Whereupon it was resolved, 1. That the Assembly rests in the sentence pronounced. 2. That in future the two nearest ministers of the New York Circle shall act for the good of the congregation. 3. That De Wint shall give to the Extraordinary Clerk a copy of the letter he sent to Holland. 4. That he shall receive a copy of the original of his testimonial, given in the name of the Assembly, and signed by the two nearest ministers. 5. That the Assembly will comply with the request of the Rev. Classis to give further statement of their views of De Wint, and of the reasons of his suspension; for which purpose Dom. Freling- huysen and Dom. Fryenmoet are a committee, to report early to-morrow.
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