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There was also sent to your Revs., in name of the Assembly, a letter concerning the matter of De Wint, which, no doubt your Revs. have received, together with the original testimonials asked for. By reason of the death of Mr. G. du Bois, the reply by the Committee to the protest of Mr. Haaghoort went by default. If, how- ever, your Revs. desire further light on that matter, it can be given on some future occasion. We trust that it will now appear to your Revs. with sufficient clearness, that it was inexpedient and impossible for us to reinstate Arondeus on Long Island as a colleague of Van Sinderen. Further, we pray that the Lord may pour out upon your Revs. every needed blessing, and that we may in future make your Revs. glad with good reports of our Zion.
We remain your Reverences' Obedient Servants, Brethren and Fellow-laborers in the Gospel of God,
By authority and in the name of the entire Coetus,
Gerard Haaghoort, Pres. protem. John Leydt, Scribe protem.
New York, April 17, 1752.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, April 18, 1752. Vol. 30, page 251, No. 142. [See May 12, 1751].
To the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe:
Worthy, Godly, Very-learned Gentlemen, and Much-beloved Brethren :-
Having learned from a private letter of Rev. Peter Wynstok, addressed to one of the members of our Assembly, certain circumstances, which excited our suspicions, that Peter De Wind had deceived us and the Coetus of New York, in a most shame- ful manner, by forged testimonials; (for he had been examined by us for ordination at the request of the Coetus of New York, and ordained on [Jan. ] 12th, 1751, as pastor at Bergen and Staten Island in New Netherland;) we, as quickly as possible, notified the Coetus of the same, by a letter dated May 3rd, 1751, and requested that Assembly to take care that said De Wind should not be permitted to perform minis- terial functions until the truth or groundlessness of these suspicions should be made clear to us. We also requested the Coetus that, if possible, the original cer- tificates of Peter De Wind should be forwarded to us. Subsequently the Rev. Peter Wynstok sent to Rev. Vander Vorm, in a letter of Oct. 2, 1751, a further account of this person, and with a copy of the Minutes of the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, in reference to said De Wind, dated May 12, 1751. Thereupon, in abhorrence of such wicked and deceitful conduct, we resolved that said De Wind was unworthy of ever being installed in the sacred ministry, if he were not already installed; but if this had already been done, that he be de facto deposed, and our Classis did hereby depose him, etc. We also gave notice as soon as possible of this, viz., on Nov. 23, 1751, to the Consistory of Bergen and Staten Island, as well as to the Coetus of New York, and also forwarded the said Coetus a copy of the Minutes of the Classis of Neder Veluwe of May 12, 1751, with an extract from the report of Rev. Peter Wynstok. To this last letter, we have, as yet, received no answer to the one of May 3, 1751. From this reply we have the honor to give you some necessary facts and explanations. In a letter of Oct. 18, 1751, notice was given us, in the name of Rev. Coetus of New York, of what had been done in reference to De Wind. He had already, previous to the reception of our letter, been introduced into the ministry. The circumstances we prefer to communicate in the very words of the Coetus:
De Wind having been cited, the weighty complaints in the letters from yourselves and Rev. Wynstok were read to him, and he was asked what he had to say in answer thereto. He thereupon brought forward the following answer, as the line of his intended defence:
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That he intended to depart as soon as possible, from Hardewyk, where he had sindled for a long time, to the West Indies. He wished, however, first to be exam- Ined for licensure, not only as an evidence of his success in his studies, but to enable him to secure the privilege of employing his talents for the good of others. He necordingly consulted his well-known friend Rev. Wynstok, acquainting him with his desires. The latter told him that Classis would not meet for some time yet; that much expense would be Incurred in calling an extra meeting, which it was necessary for him to incur, for he could help him in another way. He was willing to help him to a certificate himself; that he (De Wind) asked him whether he could do that, and was answered, Yes. Thereupon Rev. Wynstok questioned him upon 1 Pet. 2:25-"For we were as sheep going astray, hut are now returned nnto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls"-and npon certain theological points. De Wind, however, frankly confessed, that he had neither preached before Rev. Wynstok, nor beeu examined by him in the Innguages; neither had he preached before nor been examined by the Classis. Therenpon Rev. Wynstok proenred him the accompanying certificates of lleensure, (being the original) signed by the stated Clerk of the last preceding Classis of Neder Veluwe, Rev. Mr. Meedenback, and for which he gave him six ducats. He, moreover, received this warning therewith, that he, (De Wind), (AN Wynstok told him) must accept no call, nor become a minister in, nor ever show his certificate In Holland, nelther preach In Holland; but he might do those things In the West Indies. Thereupon the Assembly (the Coetus) put several questions to him, and these among others: Why had he wilfully and knowingly deceived the Rev. Chassis and ourselves with his false certificate. He repiled that he did not know it was false. Upon being asked whether he did not know that he had not been hefore a Classis at all, nor been examined In the languages by Wynstok, nor preached before him; (having acknowledged the latter fact;) and if he had not read these false statements in that certificate? he answered, that he did not know the certificate was false .- Again he was asked, whether he had no suspicion of evil, Inasmuch as he had to promise Rev. Wynstok that he would not show sald certifi- eate in Holland, nor preach, nor become a minister there? He answered: No .- Upon being asked further, why he had deceived Rev. Wynstok, having once prom- Ised him never to become a minister, he answered, Such had been his Intention, but his zeal Incronsed very greatly, as he had occasionally preached.
The Coetns having heard all this, resolved to suspend Peter De Wind from the use and administration of the Holy Sacraments, and informed him of such resolution.
We have also received two letters from Peter De Wind, one of Aug. 20th, and the other of Nov. 10th, 1751, In which he gives his account of the way in which he received his Cassieai certificates. This account agrees with that which he stated to the Coetns, but is more elaborated. Among other things, In a Postscript, he asserts: "Concerning my certificate, obtained from Rev. Wynstok, and signed by the name of Rev. Meedenbach: I cannot affirm whether that Is Rev. Meedenbach's own signature or not, so that I cannot tell how I should acense him." In the letter Itself, he says, that he at first hesitated to name the person who had given him the certificate, because the letter which he had received from Amsterdam, from Rev. Wynstok, (whereim that gentleman made him nuderstand that he must not mention him In connection with this matter,) he had either torn up or lost; but by this letter he might have been able to prove that Rev. Wynstok had furnished him with this letter. He furthermore declares that It would be a great grief to him to he ent off from his congregation, and besceches us to look npon him who has been deceived by Rev. Wynstok with a fatherly eye, and not depose him from the ministry.
We have also received a letter from the Consistory of Bergen, dated Nov. 9, 1751, wherein they declare themselves in great difficulty and distress over the censure which Coetns has Inflicted on said De Wind, and request that although he may not have been examined for licensure, yet that we will be pleased to be satisfied with ordination examination, that as the one already Installed over them he may remain as their pastor, inasmuch as his condnet among them had been exemplary and edifying.
We have, worthy Sirs and Brethren, accepted this account and request of his, as a matter of Information, but prefer, for the present, not to take any further action in this Important business. We deemed It necessary, however, to inform you of it all, with the addition of the enclosed copy of the original certifiente of Classis, for- warded to ns from New Netherland. We request and hope, ere long, to be honored
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1752
with a reply from you concerning these matters. May the Lord ever preside among you in your Assemblies, in dealing with this case, as well as in all other affairs; may he grant that the churches committed to your supervision may be made a glory and praise on earth. May you find abundant opportunity here to rejoice in the fruit of your labors, and hereafter in the reward of faithful servants. With all esteem, we sign ourselves,
Signed as above. Jacobus Tyken, Pres. Jacobus de Jonge, Scriba.
Amsterdam,
April 18, 1752.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES AND THEIR CORRESPONDENCE.
The Classis of Amsterdam, to Mr. G. M. Weiss,* Pastor at Gosch- enhoppe, in the County of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No. 143. April 18, 1752. April 18, 1752.
Worthy Sir, and Much-beloved Brother :-
Your letters of Oct. 17th and Nov. 1st, 1751, came to hand in due time. If it were a matter of rejoicing to you and to the ministers in Pennsylvania, to learn that our endeavors have been earnest in the interests of the Pennsylvania churches, we assure you that we are inclined to persevere in this course, according to our ability, and that it gives us peculiar satisfaction to see that the Lord works with us for the good of the churches.
It will always be agreeable to us to learn of your constant zeal in the work of the sacred ministry, and we will not neglect to assist you with our advice, as far as possible, when you ask for it, and circumstances permit. We would now gladly advise you concerning certain men, (if we had more information on the subject,) who allow themselves to be employed as Reformed ministers, without any regularity as to Church Order, and which is all done even without our knowledge. For the present, we are obliged to say, that upon mere general rumor, we can advise nothing. We first need further light on the subject.
The Lord support you in the work of his ministry, and furnish you with every needed grace, to make the work of your ministry glorious, and make you know that your work is not in vain in the Lord. Worthy Sir and Beloved Brother, Your Serv- ants and Fellow Brethren, The Classis of Amsterdam. In the Name of all,
James Lyken, V. D. M. Amster. Depp. ad res exteras, praeses. Jacob de Jonge, Dep. ad res exteras, scriba.
Amsterdam, April 18, 1752.
The bearer, Rev. Schlatter, can give you more particular accounts concerning what has been done here in reference to the Pennsylvania churches.
Rev. Petrus Wynstock to Rev. Jacob Teyken, President of the Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam, (No date, but possibly April 1752.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Rev. Jacob Teyken,
Very Reverend, Godly, Very Learned and Much Respected Brother:
After writing Rev. Mr. de Jonge of Harderwyk, ou the 27th of June of this year, I think, I have the honor of sending this letter to your Rev. as president of the Deputies. Accompanying it are my remarks, in brief, on the "Defence" and on the so-called "Classical Testimonial" of Pieter de Wint. I ask your Rev. to be so kind as to take them where they belong. My opinion is that the additional documents- that under letter A., an authentic copy of our classical article, and that under B., an
* Lived in New York state also at various times.
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authentic extract from the album studiosorum of the University at Harderwyk, will answer our purpose, and give support to the action previously taken in regard to that wicked P. de Wint, whose undertaking and conduct surpass all impudence and perversity.
I kindly ask you to send me, when the opportunity presents itself, some report of the result of the action taken, so that I may make use of it in due time and at the proper place. God willing, I expect to be back in Hardewyk by the middle of August. My son wishes me to assure your Rev., and the other gentlemen of his regard.
With affectionate greeting, and prayer for a blessing upon your Rev. and the Brethren, I sign with all respect, Very Rev. Sir and Brother, Your Very Revs. Obedient Servant and Brother,
Petrus Wynstok.
P. S. We request that our brother, G. Timmerman and wife receive our greeting and be assured of our health.
N. B. In answer to this, a brief report of our classical action ought to be sent to Rev. Wynstok.
Extracts relating to the De Windt case. April 25, 1752. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Extract from the Acts of the Classis of Neder-Veluwe, held at Hattem, April 25, 1752, and days following.
Art. 47 ad 47. Syn. 31. Stricta Examina.
There was presented and read a letter, addressed by the Rev. Classis of Amster- dam to this Rev. Assembly, sent and signed by the Rev. Jacobus Tyken, president, and Jacob de Jonge, scribe of the Deputies, Amsterdam, April 18, 1752; together with a copy of a so-called Latin Testimonium Classicale. The letter showed how care- fully the Coetus of New York had gone to work in the case of P. de Wint, as also what defence P. de Wint had made before that Coetus.
Both the documents, when read, caused this Rev. Assembly the greatest surprise, convinced as it is of the notorians falseness of the so-called Testimonium Classicale. Moreover, to its extreme displeasure, this same Assembly understood P. de Wint's defence to have been a combination of untruths, also of scandalous and exceedingly punishable insinuations against one of our most prominent members. All this the Rev. Classis abominates, leaving the matter to the wise and careful treatment of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, which it thanks for its amiable communication.
The above named documents were put into the hands of Rev. P. Wynstok, who was requested and authorized, as registrar of the Classis, to send a copy of this Article to the Rev. Deputies; and further, to write to the same, as he may deem best, as being one most grievously injured by the defence which P. de Wint had made; and thus to put an end to this shameful and offensive act of P. de Wint.
Concerning a previous resolution, providing for a notification in the book-mat- ter* (?) Rev. P. Wynstok communicated to this Assembly the considerations, pre- sented in a letter sent to his Rev. by Mr. J. Van der Vorm, in which this Rev. Assembly takes pleasure and acquiesces. Thus the matter will be kept out of the book-matter* (?)
Collata Concordat L. T.
R. A. Ten Brak, Eccl. Hattemsis, Pres. of last Classis, in absence of the Scribe.
A. A.
* Possibly meaning a Record Book of ordinations.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1752
Certificate about Pieter De Wint. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Pieter de Wint, St. Thomas, Ind. Occidentalis, entered his name as Studiosus Theologiae in the Album Studiosurum of the Gelderland Academy at Harderwyck on the 23rd of January, 1749. This I, the undersigned, as Rector Magnificus, declare to have so found in the Album Studiosorum.
January 27, 1752.
Th. Scheltinga. B. B.
(See Wynstock's letter of July 13, 1752.)
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters Read.
1752, May 1st. Art. 4. The Committee on the churches in foreign lands, on the announcement of this article (lemma) report :
1. That on April 10, 1752, they received a letter from Rev. Gerard Haggoort, signed Dec. 6, 1751, with a protest, directed against the Coetus, which was signed on Sept. 13, 1751. This protest was found to be as unintelligible as it was insolvent, just like his letter. This shall be acted on later, as a report from the Coetus on this matter is desired, which shall be waited for.
2. In the matter of the call of John Aemilius Wernig (Wer- nich) to Stone Arabia: Classis requested the Committee to post- pone writing for the present to Revs. Ritzema and the Coetus, until Rev. Kesler, who at present has an opportunity to learn something about this affair, furnish some further light thereon. To this end all the papers bearing on this matter were given by the Committee to Rev. Kesler. The next Classis shall act on this business.
3. It was resolved at the previous Classis to answer Rev. George Weiss in general terms. This was now done and the letter was read.
4. The case of Rev. G. H. Mancius remains in statu.
5. Concerning the case of P. de Wind : the Committee report that the letters have been sent to the Rev. Classis of Nether Veluwe; also to Revs. Wynstok and Medenbach, and answers to them are yet awaited.
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6. There was also introduced by the Committee a letter from the Consistory of the New Paltz, of December 19, 1751. In regard to this more information is expected subsequently.
7. Committee also had a letter from Revs. Ritzema and Albertus (Lambertus) de Ronde. It shall be awaited what Coetus will report thereon. In the meantime the Committee shall answer Revs. Ritzema and de Ronde in general terms. This answer on being read, was approved. xii. 285, 286.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde, May 1st 1752. Vol. 30, page 251, No. 141. Referred to in Minutes of Classis, Vol. xxiv. 8. Reference, xxiv. 8.
To Messrs. Ritzema and De Ronde of New York:
Worthy Sirs and Much-esteemed Brethren :- We were honored during the month of April in the reception of your honored letters of Jan. 30th of the present year. (1752.) We learned therefrom with much satisfaction, that the Rev. Coetus of New York, in view of our proposition made in our communication of April 2, 1751, (March 2?) was willing earnestly to exert itself again, though for the last time, to effect a reconcili- ation and to settle the disputes between the Revs. Arondeus and Van Sinderen, and their respective adherents: also that as the commttee appointed, you were not will- ing to decline the duty of going again to Long Island, to secure these ends. It greatly pained us, therefore, to learn that your endeavors to this end had proved fruitless. We will not fail to take these facts into our consideration of the matter, and in due time to express our decision; but for the present we cannot do this, as we deem it necessary first to see the Minutes of Rev. Coetus of Sept. 17th and Oct. 16th, 1751, which we earnestly await. Meanwhile we trust that the God of Peace will move these parties at variance to mutual concord and reconciliation; that the extravagant distempers in those churches may come to an end, to the glory of his great Name, and to the edification of his church. At the same time we wish that the mercies of the Lord may rest upon you forever. Worthy Sirs and Beloved Brethren, Your Servants and Fellow-brethren, The Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all, James Tyken, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. ad res ext., Praeses. Jacob de Jonge, Depp. ad res ext., Scriba.
Amsterdam, May 1, 1752.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Pennsylvania. Rev. Michael Schlatter.
1752, May 5th. Art. 6. It is reported that Rev. Schlatter, with six preachers called to Pennsylvania, has already departed from here by ship.
The next time Rev. John V. Steveren shall preside, ex ordine .. xii. 286.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1752
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Occupying others' seats.
New York, May 11, 1752.
Announcement made from the pulpits of both churches, accord- ing to a Resolution of Consistory of May 11, 1752.
This Christian Assembly is hereby informed that inasmuch as various complaints have come to us from the owners of sittings and chairs in each of our churches, that these are taken and occu- pied by those who have no right to them, and this not by chance, but is constantly recurring, so that their owners who have bought and paid for the same for their own use, are often compelled, to their great inconvenience, to look out for another place :
We, therefore, in the kindest manner, request those who have no seats in either church, to repair to the Church Masters who can accommodate them, as there are still sittings to be bought in each of the churches. Thus each one may have his own seat, and good order will be preserved.
It is also kindly requested that the chairs for the Magistrates be kept in proper honor, and not be occupied by children, except with proper discrimination. Thus all things may proceed in an orderly manner. But it shall not be taken amiss for any one to come forward after the text is announced, and occupying the unoccupied sittings.
Thus done in our meeting in the Consistory Chamber in New York, May 11, 1752.
In the name of the Consistory, J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL. MAY 20, 1752.
"That Wednesday the first day of July next be and is hereby appointed for open- ing St. George's Chappell of this City, and that notice be given thereof in Trinity Church the two preceding Sundays, and ordered that the Rector, Collo. Robinson and Mr. Mayor, be a Committee to waite on his Excellency the Governour and inform him thereof some time before notice be given in the Church."-Dix's Hist. Trinity Church. pp. 259, 260.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA. Documents relating to Kings County. May 28, 1752.
No. I.
Extract of the action of the Rev. Coetus of Dutch ministers and elders, held at New York, April 14, 1752.
Session 1 and 2.
Having been asked, by those commissioned by the friends of Rev. Van Sinderen, as to what was to be done about the neglect or refusal to pay (his salary), on the part of the signers of Rev. Van Sinderen's call : for answer, they are referred to the action which the Rev. Assembly took on a previous occasion, a copy of which can be obtained.
This must be that which is recorded in the Acts of the Special Coetus, opened Oct. 16, 1751; and that more definitely in the Acts of the second week's session IX Tuesday afternoon ยง 15, p. 111 of these sessions; where the following is recorded: "Since his Rev., the Rev. Van Sinderen, is to be recognized as the legal minister, according to his call, it follows that the claim made therein must be met without shortage. In all justice, therefore, the arrears ought to be paid.
Session 3.
Question : How is the Consistory of Rev. Arondeus to be con- sidered ?
Answer: The minister being dissappointed, the consistory also expires. Consequently the church property must be restored to Rev. Van Sinderen and his Consistory.
These documents desired by such as are interested in them, I, the undersigned, testify to agree, word for word, with the original. J. Ritzema, Scriba of the Coetus Etraordinary. New York, May 28, 1752.
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1752
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter from Rev. John Freilinghuisen.
1752, June 5th. Art. 1. Again a letter has arrived from Rev. Wilhelmus [John ?] Frielinghuisen, preacher at Raritan. Thereon a report shall be made in Classi sequenti. xii. 287.
Abraham Rosekrans.
The Committee ad res Exteras make known that Rev. Abraham Roosekrans has shown to the consistory of Amsterdam that he was called as minister to Burnetsfield, [German Flats, Herkimer Co.,] in North America, in New York, and was properly qualified by the consistory of Heidelberg, (Consistorium, the same as one of our Classes) ; that he had no time left to show himself to the Classis; that the consistory of Amsterdam had given him a dona- tion, and urged him to join himself to the Coetus. The Assembly was satisfied with this report, and information thereof shall also be sent to the Coetus of New York. xii. 287.
Churches in Foreign Lands.
1. Of this no further news has come in, and it remains thus in statu. (See 1752, May 1.)
2. Rev. Kessler made report thereon. This affair is further recommended to Committee, to bring in a pre-advice in Classi sequenti.
3. Remains in statu.
5-7. Revs. Wynstok and Medenbach have already replied to our letters. This reply was read at this session. The resolution of the Classis of Nether Veluwe is still awaited, when this case shall be acted on further.
8. Remains yet in statu.
9. Remains yet in statu.
10. The Committee reported that Rev. Bril has replied to the letter of Classis and that he has again been written to. These letters were read to the Assembly, and the matter recommended to the Committee. xii. 286, 287.
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Pieter de Windt to the Classis of Amsterdam, June 13, 1752. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Also, Vol. xxiii, 256. Ref. xxiv. 13.
Addressed: To the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam at Amsterdam.
Bergen, June 13, 1752.
Very Rev. Sirs :-
I hope this may find you all in health, of which-I shall always be glad to be informed. To my sorrow, I have learned that Petrus Wynstok's accusation against me has been sustained by the sentence of your Reverences. Rev. Sirs, this has always been my comfort, and still is, that I can hold fast to that confidence which David expresses in the 118th psalm, vs. 6-9; and I have no doubt that the Lord will be with me, and that I shall yet be enabled to say what David utters in that same psalm, vs. 10-21.
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