USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 21
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If that wretched man were in this country, it would not do to rest until he had been judicially obliged to name and show up the author, composer and writer, and also the signer of the testimonial-both the ecclesiastical and the classical. For a falsification, worthy of extreme punishment, has thus been committed, aggravated by the suspicion cast upon Rev. Wynstok. On being more closely pressed, de Wint will be obliged to say that he suspected no wrong, by reason of the promise which, as it were, he had to make to Rev. Wynstok. Evidently the one thing overthrows the other. Did deWint, then, deceive Rev. Wynstok? and is he asked, why he did that ?- his answer would give the modest reason, the increase of his zeal for preach- ing-that preaching which he himself assumed without having been legally qualified, or at all admitted thereto. Inconceivable impudence! We refrain at present from disclosing the true cause of P. de Wint's zeal in the ministry; not only because there is no doubt of its revealing itself, if it has not already become known.
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We hold, therefore, that the Coetus was fully in the right when, upon such a bad defence, it ordered a suspension of his services, as we have learned, it did. It is to be noticed that in his writing to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam on August 20 and Nov. 10, 1751 concerning the manner of his obtaining the testimonials, P de Wint did indeed advert to it, as the Coetus had done, but somewhat more fully. As we have not received the so-called fuller statements of P. de Wint, we make no remarks on it here, save that, as his entire tactics are openly false and abomniably deceitful, as they truly are, and will so remain, that fuller statement of P. de Wint can be noth- ing else than the fabrication of some more of his consummate lying, to use no severe language.
At the latest stage mentioned, we see de Wint in his writing to the Rev. Classis exonerating Rev. Al. Van Medenbach of all accusations by saying, "As to the testi- monial which I have of Mr. Wynstok-that is signed by the name of Rev. Meden- bach"; but whether that is the hand-writing of Rev. Medenbach, he professes not to know. It must, therefore, follow that the blame rests on Rev. Wynstok. It is settled then-to speak plainly-that either Rev. Wynstok or P. de Wint is a refined rascal; or, as there is no other alternation, they must both be of that description, as having in collusion, willingly, knowingly and pusposely devised and carried out that evil piece of business. P. de Wint appears at last to mistrust himself and his case; for "at first he is said to have made objection, etc .; he seemed also to be able to name the person who brought him the testimonial from Rev. Wynstok." But why not give the name and the residence of the man who brought it? That was the way to end the matter, whereas de Wint now pretends that it was Rev. Wynstok's desire that he should not name the man. If now there is laid along side of that what Rev. Wynstok wrote in 1751, to inform your Revs. of how de Wint left Harder- wyk without letting anybody know about him, save once by mouth from Rotterdam, one can look this lie in the throat.
That de Wint also sees this and therefore avoids rendering proof is evident from his next pretension, that he had torn up or lost the letter by which he thought he could prove that Rev. Wynstok had sent him the testimonial. That disparity is a little too great, and the ignorance with regard to it is inexcusable. His imprudence in a matter of such consequence to him displays great slovenliness, especially as that windy master of lies presumed that Rev. Wynstok had died in consequence of his continued illness and feebleness at the time, and that, therefore, Rev. Meden- bach who, as per above, was so cautiously spared, might deny the whole transac- tion, declare it a lie and false, and persist in doing so until proved to the contrary by P. de Wint. At last P. de Wint takes refuse in a petition, and writes clearly that he has been deceived by Rev. Wynstok. In the end the matter had to come down to this.
Rev. Wynstok declares this, as well as the foregoing, to be an atrocious calumny and injury, perpetrated against him by P. de Wint in a most serious affair, affect- ing his person and his office, before respectable ecclesiastical Assemblies at home and abroad; redress for which is to be demanded, not only from ecclesiastical but also from civil authorities. As already mentioned, getting such redress would not be delayed if P. de Wint were in this country or there were some effectual way open for it elsewhere. When all this is well considered, it will abundantly justify the conclusion that that notorious P. de Wint is a godless and impudent deceiver, liar and slanderer. The foregoing, Very Rev. Sirs, will suffice to throw light on the statements made by P. de Wint. May God have mercy on him unto his repentance and healing!
Having hereby at this time obeyed the instruction of the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, so far as I consider myself conversant with the circumstances, I leave this matter-which possibly never had its like and never will have-to your Revs.' providential action.
In name and by authority of the Classis of Neder Veluwe, the Rev. Sirs and Brethren have the prayers for all divine illumination, grace and blessing upon their assemblies, weighty administrations, honored persons and families, particularly of the writer also who with all affection and reverence is and remains,
Very Reverend, Godly and Learned Sirs and Brethren, Your Very Reverences' Obedient Servant and Fellow Brother,
Petrus Wynstok, Eccles.
Harderwic. Class. Infer. Velaviae Actuarius.
West Mass,
July 13, 1752.
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ST. GEORGE'S CHAPEL, JULY 13, 1752.
"Last Wednesday (being the Day appointed) was opened St. George's Chapel, upon which Occasion, the Rector, Assistant, Church Wardens, and Vestry, of Trinity Church assembled in the Vestry-Room, in the Charity School-House, where they were met by some of the Town and neighbouring Clergy, and other Gentlemen of Distinction, from whence they set out in regular Form and Order, attended by the Charity Scholars, 40 Boys and 12 Girls, who walked before in Pairs, with their School Master at the 'Head of them; and at the City Hall, were joined by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council. After which, they all proceeded to the Chapel, where Divine Service was performed, with the utmost Decency and Propriety. The whole Ceremony concluded with an excellent Sermon, preached by the Rev. Mr. Henry Barclay, Rector of Trinity Church, suitable to the Occasion from these Words, Lev. xxvi, 2,-Reverence my Sanctuary: I am the Lord."-Dix's Hist. Trinity Church, pp. 260-1.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters to Churches in Foreign Lands, New York, Bergen, Kingston.
1752, July 17th. Art. 2. A letter was read to be sent to the Coetus of New York, to seek to pacify the differences there. This was approved. Also a letter to Bergen in (and) Staten Island, and another to Kingston as well as to the Consistory at New Palts. These were approved, and shall be forwarded. xii. 290.
P. de Wind.
Art. 5. Regarding the case of Peter de Wind: Report came in from the Classis of Nether Veluwe, in which the resolution con- cerning his deposition was repeated. Notice thereof was therefore given to the Coetus of New York and the Consistory of Bergen in (and) Staten Island. The letter of Rev. Wynstok, minister at Harderwyk, shall be answered. xii. 290.
Letters.
Art. 6 ad Art. 6, preced. Classis.
1. The letter from Rev. Haaghoort.
2. The letter from Ritzema and De Ronde.
3. The case of Bril.
4. The case of Suriname.
These all remain in statu. xii. 291.
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Final Examination.
Art. 10. Revs. Jacob (James) Frielinghuysen, Barend Vro- man, and Ferdinand Frielinghuysen, licentiates, (examinandi,) were first allowed to preach on the trial texts assignd to them. They were listened to with much satisfaction by the High Rev. Mr. Deputy and the Rev. Classis. They were subsequently exam- ined by Rev. Wena, minister at Weesp, in the two original tongues of the Bible, and in the principal articles of Sacred Theology. In these they gave very great satisfaction to the Rev. Assembly by their prompt and judicious answers, so that with the consent of all they were confirmed to the service of the Church in North America, in the province of New York, whereto they are lawfully called.
For the rest, the Rev. Examiner was thanked, and the exam- inees were wished God's most precious grace and blessing. They thereupon signed the Formulae of Concord, and at the same time promised to read the Forms of Baptism and the Supper without change. They also repudiated the condemned opinions of Rev. Bekker and Prof. Roel. Finally they were ordained and conse- crated to the ministry of the Sacred Gospel, by the Examiner, with the laying on of hands. xii. 292.
Synodalia. Typographical Errors in Bibles, Psalm-books, and Liturgies.
Art. 20. ad 20. The Classis has at present no new examples (of errors) but hopes to see the plan submitted, carried into effect ; and that consideration may be given to the proposition of Utrecht, especially, because in the copy (of the Liturgy) of Anno 1611, which is in use in our Classis, the Formula is thus found.
The remark made by us last year, (July 19, 1751), on the passage Job 40: 1, is a mistake; because there is another division of chapters in the Hebrew. xii. 295.
Classical Assembly.
Art. 36 ad 36. The Committee ad Synodum shall add this as a supplement regard- ing Peter de Wind.
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By virtue of a written request of the Consistory of Bergen and Staten Island, and upon the exhibiting of ecclesiastical and Classical certificates, the Classis examined him (Peter de Wind), finally, in February 1749, and ordained him for Bergen in (and) Staten Island. There subsequently arose certain injurious rumors about him after his departure to the Coetus of New York. These were conveyed thither, and he was notified that he must make his defense before that Coetus, in reference to the Rev. Classis of Nether Veluwe. It appeared from this defense, compared with the reso- lution of the Rev. Classis of Nether Veluwe, that the aforesaid Peter de Wind had made use of forged certificates. Therefore the Classis, detesting such wicked con- duct, deposed aforesaid Peter de Wint and declared him incapable of ever exercising any ecclesiastical functions. Notice of this was given to the Rev. Coetus of New York, and to the Consistory of Bergen and Staten Island, urging them to deal with him as such a one (deserved).
XII. 298.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (The Frielinghuysens and Vroman.) [Statement to be sent to Synod ?]
Art. 46. There were examined finally, and ordained as minis- ters in the province of New York, in North America, on July 17, 1752, three candidates from Utrecht, namely, Rev. Ferdinand Frielinghuysen, as minister for Kinderhook in the county of Albany ;* Rev. Jacob (James) Frielinghuysen, as minister for Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing in the county of Ulster; Rev. Barend Vroman, as minister for New Paltz, Shawangunk and Wallkil, in the county of Ulster. xii. 303.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. Coetus, July 17, 1752. Vol. 30, page 260, No. 146. Ref. xxiv. 11. To the Rev. Coetus at New York.
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
We have been honored with a letter signed by Rev. Leydt as President and Rev. Goetschius as Scribe, in the name of the Coetus of New York, of Oct. 18, 1751. This was sent to us under cover of a letter from Rev. Ritzema, dated Nov. 15, 1751. There were in addition the original Classical certificate of P. De Wind; a copy of a letter of the same, previously written to Rev. Schel-
*Albany county, N. Y. embraced all of the state north of Dutchess and Ulster counties, until 1772. Columbia county, in which Kinderhook is now situated, was erected in 1786.
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luyne; a private letter from De Wind, and one from his congre- gation, signed by two elders of Bergen, dated Nov. 9, 1751.
We learn from your letters the line of defence adopted by De Wind, when cited before you, and that he was suspended by you from the use and administration of the sacraments. We hope that our letter of Nov. 23rd, and the resolution of the Classis of Neder Veluwe of May 12, 1751, with the statement of Rev. Wynstok of Oct. 2nd, 1751, have come to your hands. These all tend to show that our suspicions in reference to the extravagantly deceitful conduct of this man were not without foundation. We communi- cated the contents of your above mentioned letters, as soon as possible, to the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, and requested a reply. This we are daily expecting, and will probably receive before this letter is despatched to you. We will inform you of it as soon as possible.
Rev. Ritzema gives us an account of Rev. John Aemilius Wer- nich ;- how he has requested to be accepted as a member of Rev. Coetus, with his congregation at Stone Arabia, but that you would not acknowledge him as a lawful pastor there, or accept him as a member of your Assembly, without our knowledge. This led us to examine the certificates of Mr. Wernich, of which Rev. Rit- zema sent us copies. We found them to be of such a character, that we approve your resolution as prudent. We observe, in refer- ence to them,
1. That the certificate of Prof. Brumings alone testifies that he has studied, but only that he has made a beginning in his studies.
2. That the certificate of the Director and Vice-Director of the Consistory at Heidelberg, dated Sept. 22, 1744, is only a per- mission for him to exercise himself in preaching and in the hold- ing of prayer-meetings. This the students request and practise at least for one year, previous to their being accepted as candi- dates in the Palatinate.
3. That the certificate signed at Ossingen, March 3rd 1749, only testifies that he filled a vicarate there, and conducted himself well in that office. Now we know from parties who are thor- oughly acquainted with the Church Order of the Palatinate, that
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this duty is frequently performed there by those who are not even candidates.
4. That the certificate of thirty-two persons, who call them- selves the Consistory of Stone Arabia, dated July 14, 1751, only testifies that they are pleased with his ministry. We do not sup- pose that all these thirty-two individuals can be members of his consistory, but rather of the congregation.
Since, therefore, in not one of these certificates separately, nor in all of them together, is there a single proof that said John Aemilius Wernich has ever been lawfully made a candidate or minister, therefore it is our opinion that prudence demands :
1. That said John Aemilius Wernich cannot be recognized as either candidate or minister, except according to the usual Church Order, viz., by sustaining an examination for licensure and ordi- nation. ...
2. That we cannot permit this examination to be held by the Coetus. We have indeed permitted such a course, heretofore, occa- sionally, in particular cases; but we are too much bound by Synodical rules to accord such privileges hereafter, upon our own authority. We are the less able to grant such permission, because complaints have been made against us for so doing. It is, there- fore, best that Rev. Wernich appear before the Classis for exam- ination and ordination, provided he can present a proper call, and also a certificate of church-membership, and that he is sound in doctrine and consistent in life.
The consistory of Amsterdam has reported to us that Rev. Abraham Rosekrans exhibited to them his call to become pastor at Burnitsfield, Herkimer (Herkimer Co.) in North America ; also his due qualification as minister by the Rev. Consistory of Heidelberg. The Consistory learning that this gentleman could not remain in Amsterdam long enough to present himself before our Assembly, embraced the opportunity, after expressing their best wishes for himself and his ministry, urgently to counsel him to join himself to the Rev. Coetus. We have endorsed the action of the Consistory (of Amsterdam), and we hereby inform you of it. We doubt not you will avail yourselves of this information
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when a proper opportunity occurs. We wish that this gentleman had addressed himself to us for the procuring of his ordination. We have no reason to believe that such ordinations have ever occurred by your direction : and so we trust, that you will as far as possible, ever take care that this Classis is not passed by in similar cases.
It would have been very agreeable to us if we had received a copy of the Minutes of the regular Coetus of September, and of the extra session in October, 1751. From them we could have learned something definite about the disputes on Long Island between Revs. Arondeus and Van Sinderen, as well as the differ- ences between the Consistories of Kingston and New Paltz. The last would have been especially serviceable to us, in connection with Rev. Vrooman's presenting himself before us to be examined for licensure and ordination ; but we learn from a private letter that we will not receive them, until they have been resumed and approved at the following Coetus. We are willing to believe that you have taken such resolution by reasons which you deem suffi- cient. Be not offended, Worthy Sirs and Brethren, when we put this matter before you in all friendliness and modesty, whether such delay in sending over the Minutes of the Coetus and the other reports, will not prolong the lingering disputes, and make matters worse. Consider whether the Minutes of Coetus could not in some way be ready by the close of the Assembly. The Minutes of the Christian Synod of North Holland, which are of much greater extent, and although that Assembly is only a few days in session, are read before the close of the Assembly, and authenticated by the signature of the President, Assessor and Clerk.
In our extraordinary session on the 3rd of this month, (July, 1752,) Messrs. Jacobus and Ferdinand Frielinghuyzen and Barent Vrooman presented before us. They had been examined for licensure, and constituted with honor, candidates in the Classis of Utrecht, June 7, 1752. The first showed a call to Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing; the second a call to Kinderhook; the third, a call to New Paltz, Shawaugunk and Wallkill. They
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requested to be examined to-day for ordination, and to be ordained. We have acceded to their request, upon condition that the parties who signed Mr. Vrooman's call were qualified legally to do so. All three, in accordance with our earnest exhortation and admoni- tion thereto agreed to join the Coetus, provided that their Con- sistories consent thereto. They also agreed that should any member of their Consistories have scruples thereabout, that they would urge all such, omni meliore modo, by persuasive motives. But as we informed you in our letter of Oct. 4, 1751, we approve the call of Rev. Vrooman with the condition of assurance that thereby peace between New Paltz and Kingston would be affected, and bitter discord not promoted thereby. We hope that those affairs may now be settled. And inasmuch as Rev. Vrooman has offered himself for examination, we found ourselves compelled to express our judgment upon these disputes, according to the light obtainable from the letters of each side while we pointed out a way of peace; for our hope of such settlement had not been realized so far as we know.
1. Concerning the question whether the church of New Paltz is dependent upon that of Kingston, or whether it is independent, reasons pro and con are produced, which deserve consideration. But the Consistory of Kingston in their last letter, dated Oct. . 11th 1751, again solemnly asserted that they would agree to the separation of the Paltz, when conducted in a legal manner. Hence the reasons pro and con can be passed by, and the case can be determined upon its own merits. These are that New Paltz, by reason of its great distance from Kingston, and the increase of its inhabitants, and by its present ability to support a pastor, may be separated from Kingston, and be regarded as a separate con- gregation. But they must give a friendly notice thereof to the Consistory of Kingston, even as they have done to the Rev. Coetus. This we are assured they will not refuse, and herewith this point may be considered as settled, since that dispute is no more to be brought up.
2. As regards the question whether the members who adhere persistently to John Van Driessen were lawfully censured by the
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Consistory of Kingston, about which those of New Paltz have misgivings; and whether the members received by John Van Driessen, are to be considered as members, without any new con- fession,-a question which the Consistory of Kingston asks of us. We judge that an obstinate adherence to John Van Driessen, (who pushed himself into the New Paltz church to the injury of the Kingston people, and against whom Classis has for several years issued warnings, declaring that he does not even belong to our Church :) most certainly makes one liable to censure. But when it is taken into consideration that such conduct was not done for the purpose of embracing or defending some heresy, but rather from a conviction that New Paltz to be recognized as independent (of Kingston;) and when we bear in mind that in such cases persons sometimes act a little hastily ;- we are of the opinion- now that the separation is agreed on,-that those members who belong to New Paltz or Kingston, respectively, might be held not to have been censured; and if any record has been made of it, to add a note that all these affairs have been settled to the satisfaction of all parties; provided that these members confess, either before a Committee of the Coetus, or each one before his own Consistory, that they adhere to the pure Reformed Doctrine embraced in the Heidelberg Catechism, and to the thirty-seven articles of the Netherlands Confession of Faith, and place themselves in sub- jection to the Church Order. This can be done without exactly requiring of them anew a confession of their faith. In this way all disagreements and unpleasantnesses,-both on account of the action of Rev. Mancius and his Consistory at Kingston, and on account of what was done by Rev. De Vas, emeritus pastor there, as well as that which was done by Rev. Goetschius, on which certain remarks might be made,-come to an end.
3. As regards the question whether the Consistory of New Paltz must be considered as lawfully constituted: We judge that the Rev. Coetus might well have delayed the appointment of a Con- sistory there, for a time; and the consideration of the reasons, pro and con for a separation, ought to have been submitted to a com- mittee of more than one minister ; and on general principles, those
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people should have been avoided who adhere to John Van Driessen. But considering that the two previous points are now disposed of, this third point of consideration may well be dropped; for the Consistory of Kingston declares that it has nothing against the other Consistory, when the legal separation of New Paltz is accom- plished ; and that the call of Rev. Vrooman by that Consistory, is to be referred to the Church of New Paltz.
We trust that these, our decisions, may be quietly thought over by all parties, and that they will conduct themselves accordingly ; that they will overlook, forget and forgive in one another what- ever may have caused any unpleasantness, and so Peace may be restored. To this end we have written a letter also to the Con- sistory of New Paltz, entirely similar to this one, so far as relates to these differences, with friendly exhortations to them to establish peace. We have also written to the Consistory of Kingston, and have also urged them to join the Rev. Coetus, even as we have praised those of New Paltz for having already done so. We notify you of these things, not doubting but that you will, as far as pos- sible, promote peace, on the lines suggested.
With sorrow we have learned of the death of the worthy Rev. (Gualterus) Du Bois. We hope that this breach may speedily be healed, through the favor of the Lord, and to the welfare of the Church of New York.
Yesterday there came into the hands of our Committee, and which to-day was communicated to us, the resolutions of the Rev. Classis of Neder Veluwe, dated April 25, 1752, together with a letter from Rev. Wynstok. We send you a copy of the resolutions and an extract from the letter. We have deliberated on these communications, and have resolved to refuse the request of the Consistory of Bergen on (and) Staten Island to allow P. De Wind to remain as their pastor. Your action in regard to De Wind we regard as entirely prudent. Having dispassionately considered, in the fear of God, everything that has been brought before us in this case, we abide by our resolution sent to you on Nov. 23, 1751, and judge P. De Wind worthy of being deposed de facto. There- fore we reiterate, if our resolution has not yet been put in execu-
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