USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 19
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It seems to me, Rev. Sirs, that no severe sentence could be passed on one who is actually guilty than has been pronounced against me; yea, against me who was innocently misled by Rev. Wynstok, as these papers of mine will show. Am I not then the aggrieved party, Rev. Sirs? You will now be convinced that I was misled by Wynstok. Therefore I ask your Revs. most respectfully to take this matter of mine to heart, and to consider who is the real cause of all this trouble. If possible, then, Rev. Sirs, set me on my feet again. I am willing to present myself again to the Rev. Coetus here, for preparatory examination, and then for final examination, that is in case your Reverences pronounce my former examinations to be illegal. I have confidence in the faithfulness and piety of your Reverences for a closer examination of my case.
Herewithi I send to your Reverences a true and very exact copy of an original letter which I received from Mr. Wynstok when I was last in Amsterdam. I send also an original letter of his; and as surely as this is the original handwriting of Wynstok, so surely is also the other, a copy of which was taken in the presence of witnesses. Our magistrate and two other witnesses, having had both the original letters together, testify, as they do with solemn affirmation, that the handwriting in each is one and the same. This, your Reverences can yourselves see, for the fuller confirmation from the original sent herewith, and thus also of the copied letter. I send also my certificate of membership; it is the same which I presented to you on the day of my examination. I was received here by Rev. (G.) du Bois as much as thirteen years ago. I ask you, Rev. Sirs, to be so good as to write to the Coetus about this affair of mine, as soon as an opportunity in any way presents itself. Your Reverences will have sufficient opportunity by way of London. I am still liv- ing in the midst of my congregations. For, on receiving the sentence which you sent me, when I made preparations to go away, I was requested to remain until I received answer to these communications. I do not, however, ascend the pulpit.
For the present I close, wishing every blessing upon your Revs.' persons and min- istry. I remain respectfully, Very Rev. Sirs, Your Obedient Servant,
Pieter de Wint.
N. B. The Copy of Wynstock's original letter, which I now send over, is (a copy) of the same letter of which I made mention in my former communication to you, and about which it gives your Revs. fuller information. It is to be noted that the statement made in the presence of witnesses was drawn up by Pieter Muzelins, Justus. Now, the word Justus is really a Latin word, but is used by the English in the sense of magistrate, as your Revs. will see from his own signature. They are no common people, therefore, who simply appointed themselves; but men under oath and appointed to office by his royal Majesty himself.
Rev. Sirs, Your Obedient Servant,
Pieter de Wint.
P. S. The original letter of Wynstok, herewith sent, is confirmed also by a few lines from the magistrate, as you can see. No. 158.
Received from the bands of Coll. Van Schelluyne, Aug. 11, 1752.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1752
1752, June 11. Affidavits to prove the genuineship of Wynstock's letter to De Windt, dated Dec. 8, 1750.
We the undersigned, having been summoned by Mr. Peter de Wint to appear before Mr. Peter Marselius, a Justice in the dominion of Jersey, in New Netherland, we did so appear before the said Justice Peter Marselius on June 11, 1752. Two letters were shown us there, by Mr. Peter de Wint, of which, the above is a true and precise copy of one of them, even as we will ever testify. Also, Mr. Peter de Wint took oath, before us, and testified, that in both these communications, that it is Mr. Peter Wynstok's own handwriting. And we further testify to the verity of the fact that the one original letter, which was sent over, is in one and the same handwriting as the other original one, whereof the above is a copy. This is to show, therefore, that this original one which is now sent, is of the same handwriting as the other. Thus is it confirmed by our Magistrate here.
All this, we, the undersigned, testify, and thus can it always be confirmed by us. Done on July 11, 1752, at Bergen. N. B. Instead of July 11, must be read, June 11. Witnesses, Zachary Sickels,
and Abraham Sickels.
I, the undersigned, Peter Marselius, Justice, in the dominion of Jersey, acknowl- edge and declare hereby, that I took oath of Mr. Peter de Wint, before these two above named witnesses, and that he declared that the original, whereof the above, on the other side, is a copy, is a letter from Mr. Peter Wynstok, and is in his own handwriting; and that the one original is surely in the same handwriting as the other. (!)
Confirmed by me,
Peter Marselius, Magistrate.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Commissioners of the United Churches of Kings County, Long Island, to the Classis of Amsterdam. June 15, (O. S.) 1752. (Adherents of Arondeus. )
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Also in Vol. xxiii: 270. Two copies at Amsterdam.
Addressed: To the Very Reverend, the Hon. Classis, of Amsterdam: Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren :-
The condition we are in at present urges, yea, compels us to come once more to your Reverences with a statement in regard to our affairs, with the hope of obtain- ing your Revs.' help. If, in our former communication. we did not conduct ourselves as we ought, and so deserved the rebuke which your Revs. administered, we humbly ask for pardon. And we now promise that, if it should ever again happen, and we hope it may not, that we should have to write you privately, we will conduct our- selves more carefully and with greater Christian prudence. And herewith, this time, we will give you a convincing proof of our disposition, by submitting to your judge- ment the whole matter which has brought us into the condition in which we find ourselves.
If, Rev. Sirs, we were to bring up all we have to say about the treatment we have received, we would be obliged to write an entire book, and weary your Revs. with the abundance of material, which is already too abundant. But permit us, Rev. Sirs, to say in general, that we requested, and obtained, copies of the letter of the respected Coetus, which contains the sentence passed on Rev. Arondeus, and which was sustained by your Revs .; also copies of the acts taken by the regular Coetus on this case, in September, 1751, as well as those taken at its special session, called by us in October, 1751; and finally, (we obtained copies) of the acts of the Committee
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which met at Flatbush; and of the special Coetus, called by Van Sinderen's people in April, 1752.
All these, indeed, contain many things to show that we have [not?] been justly and righteously dealt with. We even appeal to your Revs.' own impartial judge- 'ment, (if it will but please your Revs. to give careful attention), to answers made by Rev. Van Sinderen to our accusations against him, that they amount to nothing. Other things of the same sort, show clearly that our ruin was aimed at, and not our salvation-the thing which the Rev. Classis has so earnestly sought. Upon your advice, therefore, as also of that of certain friends in New York, we resorted to the Coetus, in the sure hope and expectation of there getting our breach healed. But it went with us, Rev. Sirs, as we had previously feared. We will not deny it, there was on the part of many of us a stubbornness that kept us from joining the Coetus sooner; but, on the part of others, there was also a reasonable fear. For some per- sons had behaved themselves like public enemies toward us; and we also thought that we had as good a right not to join the Coetus, as others had to do so.
But to proceed, Rev. Sirs., We did go to the Coetus. We expected nothing else, (indeed, we were bound to expect nothing else, on the strength of your Revs.' letter, the extract of the resolution, and the remarks of other friends), than a favorable result. We, therefore, gave ourselves up to the Coetus in all things, for the purpose of becoming reconciled, and of getting Rev. Arondeus restored to us. Or, as your Revs. yourselves wrote to us, of having what was defective in his call, corrected, and what was unlawful in himself (in his acts?) legalized. But now, instead of shaping their acts to that end, (we do not hesitate to say it, although otherwise speaking with respect of the Rev. Assembly and its nonpartisan members,) such steps were taken as tended to our embitterment rather than our improvement. Sen- tence was at once pronounced against Rev. Arondeus. Silence was imposed on him until the special session of the Coetus. We were thus required and compelled to remain destitute of public worship; or else, for the space of four weeks, to hear only Van Sinderen. Now we can as little bear to hear him with a pleasant frame of mind as they think they can hear Arondeus. However, advised by others, we bore it, and kept still.
But the chief thing which we want to bring to your Revs.' notice is this. The special Coetus, as appears from the documents themselves, after examining the grounds of difference, both on the side of Arondeus, and on that of Van Sinderen, arrived at the conclusion that certain members had been earnestly urged on by some, while being opposed by others. It therefore came about that Van Sinderen's answers to the severe accusations against him, were so hastily dealt with, and so imperfectly recorded, as to bear the construction of conforming to the very proper instructions of your Revs .- among other things; "That not everything in this recon- ciliation must come from the side of Arondeus." The resolution, therefore, was to the effect that each of the two ministers should preach a public Confession Sermon, and that a new Consistory should be chosen by the Commissioners of the Coetus, only from members nominated by both parties. All this can be more fully seen from the minutes, which, we doubt not, the Coetus will forward to your Revs. In this Confession Sermon, Rev. Arondeus was required to confess as follows:
1. That you promise your church never again to break off your connection with it, or to leave it, in the way you have done.
2. That you publicly ask God in prayer graciously to be propitious to you, and to forgive you that great and fearful sin of invoking curses.
3. That you ask forgiveness also for unlawfully intruding yourself into the church and causing disturbance there.
4. And, inasmuch as, more than once, you have shown yoursef indiscreet and violent, that you humbly ask the church to forgive you for this also, and promise to meet it in all love and kindliness.
This is a confession, we believe, which, taken as a whole no Classis or Synod in Holland, not to speak of the kingdom of Great Britain, would demand or require in such a case. It is true, Rev. Sirs, that the chief point in question, which is that of Rev. Arondeus's illegally intruding himself into the church-is based on the judge- ment which the Rev. Coetus communicated to the Rev. Classis, in its letter of Sept. 14, 1750. We must say, however, that although the Rev. Coetus so understood the matter at the time, we can excuse it in some measure, because it lacked sufficient insight in the matter from different points of view. But that it should still abide
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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by that utterance, and still want its Commissioners, (who were to hear the Confes- sion) rigidly to insist upon it, we consider too severe. Yea, this is absolutely parti- san action. For, while on the one hand, it gives the appearance of a purpose to call Arondeus, on the other, and much more strongly, it indicates a refusal to do this. It thus strengthens the party of Van Sinderen in its obstinate, excessive feeling against Arondeus's being legally called. We are the more convinced of its depreci- ating our side of the case, from the fact that, in the minutes, not a jot or tittle is found of the reasons which we gave, for holding that Arondeus was not an intruder; and that, therefore, he ought not to be asked to confess himself guilty of intrusion. Nor will be ever be able or willing to do this, unless different proof is given to the contrary.
We find it now absolutely necessary to place this before the attention of your Revs. By the departure of Rev. Arondeus to Raritan, the church had no one there except Van Sinderen. It was, of necessity, mindful of its own preservation. The houses of worship were too small to keep the entire congregation together, espe- cially as the neighboring County was without a pastor, and, therefore, the nearest villages afforded no refuge. Ard-we may not deny it-Van Sinderen's conduct was not at all to our edification, as he in no way tried to gain our affection by his teach- ing and his life; yea, he had given us reason to become estranged from him, by being the cause of the departure of Arondeus. The consistory, therefore, resolved to call Arondeus back to us from Raritan. To that end it asked Van Sinderen to call a meeting of the consistory. This he repeatedly refused to do. Finally, as we were the consistory, we resolved to have a meeting anyhow. We did not think that we ought to complain about Van Sinderen to a neighboring consistory, or to the Coetus; we did not realize this at the time. But we did invite Arondeus to come back to us from Raritan; not, indeed, by a vote of a large majority, but by one sufficiently strong, because the consistory of Van Sinderen was unanimous. This call he declined as often as ten or twelve times, excusing himself from accepting it. But at last his Rev. did accept it, and he came to us.
Is Arondeus then, Rev. Fathers, one who intruded himself into the church? Or, did we not, as a lawful consistory representing the church, extend a call to him? Must he then make confession of that of which he is not guilty? We leave it to your Revs.' judgement. Yet this (so-called intrusion) was deemed to be the principal thing, a thing which was not to be forgotten. And, possibly, because it was known that Arondeus neither would nor could make such confession, as in several decided utterances both before the Assembly, and outside of it, he had declared; possibly, that demand was thought to be the best way to get rid of him, as one who was not in all respects acceptable; and thus to oppress us, who with so much love and affection cleave to him, and stand by him.
To this must be added yet a fresh proof of our being oppressed, and that, too, in direct opposition to your Revs.' straightforward aim. The Coetus, we must say, had very wisely and carefully ordered that an entirely new Consistory should be chosen from both parties. But what happens now? Take it in good part, Rev. Fathers, that we make this digression, for we cannot keep it to ourselves. It was resolved that, at the appointed time and place, there should appear before those who had been commissioned by the Coetus, eight men, or a number double that of the consistory of each church, selected from both parties; and that from these, the Commissioners should choose the new consistory. Now, the adherents of the Rev. Arondeus presented the men who were nominated; but the party of Van Sinderen did nothing in the matter. But all there is to show, is, that Arondeus gave no satis- faction to the Commissioners with his confession; and on that ground Arondeus and his people are rejected altogether by the last Coetus. Not the least attention is paid to them; while the out and out unlawful consistory of Van Sinderen is let alone, as though it were the lawful consistory of the church. And the purpose now is to com- pel us by the civil power to pay the salary of Van Sinderen as our minister, and to keep him, without the least regard to the circumstances in which we are placed.
Now is that the work we may well ask, Rev. Fathers, of leaders of the churches, whose duty it is to watch over the welfare of Zion? Every one about us abominates such heathenish treatment. Can there be the fear of God, a true calmness of mind, where one thus oppresses his fellow Christians? And especially, because during all this time, we have in all our dealings with the Rev. Coetus given not the least evidence of disorderliness or insubordination ?
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It is true, Rev. Sirs, we do not now submit to the latest decision, which is so unjust toward us. We cannot, nor ought we to cast ourselves away. If they want to compel us, by force, we shall have to defend ourselves according to right, until it shall please your Revs. to give a decision. Wherefore, we hereby appeal to your Hon. Assembly, to your High Church Authority. For the sake of brevity we should like to close here, did we not fear that, by being too brief, we might leave the matter in the dark, at least to those who are unacquainted with the facts. We must therefore claim a little more of your Revs.' attention.
Perhaps your Revs. will be surprised to learn from the minutes of the special Coetus held on the 16th of October, 1751, that one hundred and fifty eight heads of families protested against the calling of Rev. Arondeus. Although this list was made in good faith, yet that it was proved false in Coetus, is kept out of the min- utes. It is found that a third part of this list is composed of those who do not pay (any salary). The whole of the congregation of Gravesand, (Gravesend) which has nothing to do with the matter, one way or the other, has thirty two names of per- sons who still pay salary though not enough to make out fifty pounds; while we raise more than one hundred pounds, and could do more. Perhaps, your Revs. will say also that, according to contract in the call, we are obliged to pay Van Sinderen. It is true, that would be our duty, if he had conducted himself among us as our minister. So long as he did, we have done that, and more than that. But, as he released himself from us, we considered ourselves released from him. From the pulpit he publicly declared his desire to be released: "And I will go to my dear father, and he will say, welcome my son"! In full consistory, he also said, that we must look about for another minister. Hereupon we did release him.
Oh, how many instances of irregularity we might bring forward, to which the Coetus pays no attention, and which some even consider as mere trifles. For example, Van Sinderen takes offence at the people who hold to Arondeus. He would rather have them stay away from church, than to come. In his family visit- ing he invited a former elder again to commune; he replied that he could not com- mune until the disturbances had been settled. Van Sinderen told him that he might come to the Lord's table any way, and be reconciled afterward; that he was master in the distribution of the bread and wine, and could give it to whom he would. This instance was substantiated by three elders; but the Coetus considers such things mere trifles. The manner in which Van Sinderen conducted himself, in the choice and appointment of, or in the setting aside of the consistory, is utterly sur- prising, unecclesiastical and unchristian. He now refuses to install a lawfully chosen consistory, because it would not promise not to hold its sessions with Rev. Arondeus; then again chooses a consistory of one elder and one deacon. And there are so many instances of that kind; but we dare not ask more of your Honors' patience.
Only one word more; to tell how, in full Coetus, Rev. Arondeus, upon the exhor- tations of the Rev. president, once and again extended the hand of brotherhood to Rev. Van Sinderen, offering to forgive everything; but he was refused every time, to tell how the Coetus treated Rev. Arondeus, in delivering their sentence, under a threatening of penalty, forbidding him and his friends to speak a word. And there were many other grievances, which cannot be mentioned now. To set forth in clearest light the reasons why Rev. Arondeus did not make the improve- ment in his Confession, which was allowed him, would, Rev. Sirs, require still a great deal of writing. We content ourselves with simply mentioning them, and hold ourselves ready to lay them open more fully, if required to do so. These are but the chief instances and matters. We humbly present them to your Revs. We pray your Revs. to take our case in hand. We are fully prepared to accommodate our- selves to the just acts of your Revs: as, we think, we have already given actual evidence of our obedience to your Revs. paternal counsels.
We sign ourselves, then, as those commissioned by the United Churches, in the name and by the authority of all, with much reverence and respect, Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren, Your Most Dutiful Servants,
Johannes Lott, Rutgert Van Brunt Daniel Bodet New York, June 15, O. S., 1752.
Philippus Nagel Rutgert Van Brunt, Jr. Daniel Durye.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1752
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Theodorus Frelinghuysen, of Albany, to the Classis of Amsterdam. June 25, 1752. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Vol. xii. 309.
Reference, xxiv. 9, 13.
Addressed: To the Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam.
Albany, June 25, 1752.
Very Reverend, Highly Honored Sirs :-
My dutiful subordination to the very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam-which I recognize as my Church Authority-compels me to make known to you the state of the Church of Jesus Christ at Claverack; and humbly to ask that your Revs. would be pleased to give a decision on a certain point in dispute, which has arisen in that church, and by reason of which it is in danger of being, if it is not already, rent in twain.
Not long after my arrival at Albany, I was requested by those of Claverack to give the church there my extra service. Pursuant to that request, I ministered to it in preaching the Word of God, administering the Sacraments and installing members of consistory, elders and deacons.
Then Mr. Eggo Toukens Van Hoevenberg came over to those regions from Suri- name; and, after having caused some confusion at New York, he ministered for about a year at Livingston Manor and Claverack. There to my joy, I thought that his Revs. would be called, having, at that time, no doubt about his credentials. But, when Mr. Hoevenberg presented himself to the Coetus, that body asked him for his testimonials. He had none to show, and was refused. For which reason Mr. Liv- ingston also, was unwilling to proceed to call him. He kept him back until a dispute arose, and Rev. Hoevenberg challenged that gentleman with the sword.
He finally removed from Livingston Manor to Rhinebeck. A portion of Claverack still adbered to him, while another portion had misgivings about the legality of his ministry. On meeting Mr. Hoevenberg at Claverack, I asked him in the presence of the consistory to show me his credentials. Whereupon Rev. Hoevenberg denounced me in an extremely shocking manner, an account of which I deem unworthy to send to your Revs. Since that time the deacons and, I believe, the larger portion of the church have protested against his ministry at Claverack. The elders, with another portion, still retain his services.
Last winter a letter was received at Claverack from three members of the Coetus stating, "That the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam is, for weighty reasons, utterly unwilling to have anything to do with Rev. Hoevenberg." As there is doubt at Claverack as to how this is to be understood, the request of the deacons and of the largest portion of the church-and to which I humbly add my own name,-is, that the Very Rev. Classis would be pleased to declare whether it recognizes Mr. Hoeven- berg as a legal minister in these regions, or not. If the Classis does so recognize him, we promise to extend to him the hand of brotherhood; but, if it does not, we will have nothing to do with him.
Wishing Jehovah's blessing upon the Very Rev. Assembly, I remain, Your Revs.' Humble and Dutiful Servant,
Theodorus Frielinghuysen.
Received Sept. 25, 1752.
No. 134. p Convert.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. Extraordinary Session of Classis, July 3, 1752. (See Dec. 10, 1751).
Report (Pre-advice) regarding the disputes between Kingston and New Paltz.
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The Deputati handed in a pre-advice in regard to the disputes between the Consistories of the New Paltz and Kingston, were of the opinion that there should be taken into consideration :-
I. Whether the New Paltz is dependent upon Kingston, or whether it is to be regarded as a church by itself.
II. Whether such of the members of the New Paltz which have hitherto adhered to John van Driessen, were lawfully censured or not; and whether those members which were received by John van Driessen, without any (further) recognition, should be recog- nized as members.
III. Whether the Consistory of the New Paltz, must be con- sidered to have been appointed legally or illegally.
IV. How the call of Rev. Vrooman is to be regarded.
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