USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 26
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We have lately received a letter from Rev. Theodore Freling- huyzen, informing us of certain disturbances in the church of Claverack in connection with Rev. Van Hoevenberg. We are asked whether we recognize him as a lawful minister in New York. We wish he had addressed himself to Rev. Coetus on that point, for they can judge of the condition of affairs in the church of Clav- erack better than we can. We have answered him, that we have recognized Rev. Van Hoevenberg as a minister in Surinam, but have never yet done so in New York, as no act of dismission has ever been presented to us from the church in Surinam.
We cannot further trouble ourselves about that gentleman. This we have written to the people of Claverack and the Lower Rhine- beck, in reply to a recently received letter from them. We have referred them to Surinam for the proper information. We can
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only say that he was properly qualified by us as a minister to Surinam, having been examined and ordained upon recommenda- tion (dispection) of the Gentlemen composing the Society of Surinam.
We wish you the Lord's precious blessing both on the work of your ministry and upon yourselves, personally, and your families. May He whose name is COUNSELOR, ever stand at your right hand as such, especially in your deliberations in matters men- tioned in this letter. May He cause all your determinations to result in the welfare of Zion, and to the glory of His Own Great Name. We are with great esteem,
Signed as above. In Classis at Amsterdam, December 5, 1752.
P. S. Enclosed you will find the Minutes of the Synod of North Holland, held this year at Alkmaar.
PROPOSED FORM OF RECONCILIATION.
No. 164. Compact of Friendship and Reconciliation between Revs. Arondeus and Van Sinderin and their respective adherents.
THE UNDERSIGNED, considering the sad circumstances which have been occur- ring now for a long time by violent dissensions, almost to the destruction of the church committed to their charge; as well as the unceasing care and diligence exer- cised by the Coetus of New York and the Classis of Amsterdam for the restoration of a cordial union with the removal of all disputes and animosities; and also fore- seeing that if peace and reconciliation be not effected, not only the souls so precious to them, (and which were committed to their care under the solemn responsibility of their accountability to God therefor will be injured thereby, but also their own temporal and eternal welfare; ARE THEREFORE DISPOSED to perform that high duty which belongs to every Christian, and which is peculiarly proper in a teacher and overseer of the Church; viz., henceforth to do nothing through strife or vain glory, but to show forgiveness of each other, whether more or less guilty; and in view of any informalities which have occurred, TO DECLARE, (and which all par- ties implicated in this affair collectively and individually, DO DECLARE that they hereby lay aside all desire for revenge, and any feelings which have ever existed of injuring one another; yea that, so far from desiring to show any unfriend- liness or harshness toward one another, in word or deed, that they desire to do everything possible which may tend to prevent offences, which to our sorrow have too long existed among us, through bitter treatment and unfriendly dealings; that each will strive to be first in seeking to forgive in a fraternal and fatherly way, and to cover all evil deeds with the mantle of charity, and bring them no more to mind; that peace may be restored and love be incited, augmented and confirmed; and in proof of our sincerity of heart herein to give one another the brotherly hand in the presence of the Coetus of New York, now in session; and in the solemn presence of the Omnipresent and Omniscient God, reverently and with the prayer that the Lord by His grace may strengthen each one so to do, to respond to this precious obliga- tion, even as by their signatures, they hereby certify that they have given one another the fraternal hand :-
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AND IN PARTICULAR, we JOHN ARONDEUS and ULPIANUS VAN SIN- DEREN, do promise, that as pastors on Long Island, we will endeavor each to be faithful in his office and ministry, to support and assist each other as much as possible in any distress, together with our Consistory, exhibiting to each other all proper esteem and love, and promoting the welfare of the united congregations placed under our oversight:
Even so, we also, THE ELDERS AND DEACONS, do promise that we, each in our office and relation to one another, and to our pastors, John Arondeus and Ulpianus Van Sinderin, will show all proper esteem and love, not only to promote the welfare of our churches by seeking that each one, respectively, shall contribute his quota, that henceforth each minister shall receive his salary at the appointed time; but also that all arrearages shall be paid to Rev. Van Sinderen:
So also ALL OF US TOGETHER, MINISTERS, ELDERS AND DEACONS, will, with the congregations unite ourselves with the Coetus, asking to be recognized by them and admitted as members of that Body, acknowledging also by these presents that Rev. Coetus has acted in all this business only according to the instructions of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; and the Rev. Classis is hereby heartily thanked for all the efforts put forth by her in this business; and we pray that God will accept atonement for all our transgressions in the precious blood of the Mediator of the Covenant, Jesus Christ; that He will cause Zion to be built up everywhere, and especially in our midst; that its overseers may be peaceful and its leaders upright; that its priests may be clothed with salvation and all the saints shout aloud with joy! Amen!
In token of our sincerity of heart, we the undersigned ratify the above by our signatures.
Pastors. Elders.
Of the Associated churches
Deacons. on Long Island.
Done in our Coetus Assembly in New York, ...
Signed by,
President. Clerk.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Arondeus, Dec. 5, 1752.
Vol. 30, page -, No. 165. To Rev. John Arondeus.
Rev. Sir and Brother :-
Not long ago we received information as to what had been done in regard to you in the Meetings of the Coetus in September and October 1751, and in April, 1752. Besides this we have received an elaborate communication from the Committee of the five asso- ciated congregations, which represent themselves as your friends, and who intercede in your behalf. They have therefore prevailed upon us to examine anew all the accounts concerning you which we have received from time to time. The result is, that having diligently pondered everything, we find abundance of reason for praising the long-suffering of Coetus as well as of their Committee
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toward you, and also for approving their final sentence pronounced April 16, 1752.
Notwithstanding all this, taking into account your own sad circumstances, and fearing the misfortunes which may result, even the complete destruction of the churches on Long Island, we are willing to make one more, but last attempt, to learn whether some way may not be discoverable for the restoration of peace with your retention. To this end we have made known our suggestions to the Rev. Coetus as to the course to be taken. They will no doubt present the plan to you in our name. We hope you will submit yourself to its requirements, in the fear of God; that you will make confession before the Rev. Coetus of your misconduct ; that you will become sincerely reconciled with Rev. Van Sinderen and his friends; that you will associate yourself with him as your brother in office, in peace and fellowship; and that you will earnestly exhort your adherents and prevail upon them, to do everything that may tend to the restoration of peace in all good faith.
We hope that you will look upon this our action as a convincing proof of our kind intentions, as long as possible, to save you. You have our sympathy in your condition, which is one to be pitied ; and we trust that you will hereby be convinced of our great leniency in your case. According to your deserts and all Church Order, we might at once and finally, have given our judgment upon you, for rejecting our advice, and for the very offensive and unjustifiable conduct of which you were guilty in a previous communication in opposition to us, or our Deputies, who wrote in our name; but instead of this, we employed every means to bring your affairs into a better condition. We therefore now admonish and beseech you to be moved by these present measures taken by us, by all the circumstances and the importance of the business, and carefully to examine your own heart. Reflect upon the harmful and sinful ways you have pursued from time to time, and confess them with shame before the Lord. Seek reconciliation in the atoning blood of Emanual. Pray for grace, that you may be enabled to wipe out the offences you have given by the con-
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fession of your guilt, and avoid such in the future by a friendly, prudent, moderate and Christian walk, that the name of God may not be blasphemed by reason of you.
Let this our counsel, dear Brother, be pleasing to you. It is the last thing we can do. If you receive it, you will realize, here- after, that both ourselves and the Rev. Coetus have, been very lenient and long-suffering toward you, and have made more con- cessions to you than you had a right to expect-just reflect whether it would not be far better for you to live with your brethren in unison, laboring for the welfare of God's Church, and preventing evils therein; rather than to augment and perpetuate strifes, through impenitence and refusal to confess; thus ruining yourself by making yourself unfit for any service in the Church of God. For ourselves, we would tremble at such a thing and run no risk therein.
We now think we have done our duty toward you, and leave the matter with the Lord. We pray that He may have mercy on you, and move you and all contentious brethren to peace. May discord be banished and delightful harmony come in its place among those churches so sadly rent asunder; and may that part of Zion be constituted a glory in the earth.
We are with prayer for a blessing upon you,
Signed as above.
In our Classical Assembly, December 5, 1752.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, Dec. 5, 1752, Vol. 30, page -, No. 156. (166 ?) To Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen.
Worthy Sir and Brother :-
The long continued and shameful disputes on Long Island, which have been made known to us from time to time, touch our hearts. We are especially grieved with the last accounts, which show only too plainly that there is reason to fear complete de- struction of the churches. This leads us to make one more attempt
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to see whether some way cannot be devised to restore peace and at the same time save Rev. Arondeus. We have communicated our suggestions on this matter to the Rev. Coetus, hoping they will meet with their approval. We also most earnestly request and exhort you to agree to our plans, which we think most likely to restore peace and promote the welfare of the Church of God. We hope you will willingly declare before the Rev. Coetus that you will persevere in your promises and confession publicly made before the church, and which were satisfactory to the Committee of the Coetus. Such a declaration is only to be a confirmation of what has already been done. We also earnestly pray and even beseech you that you not only reconcile yourself to Rev. Arondeus, provide he make confession of his misconduct, but that you will not object but consent that he be again called as your colleague ; and that you use your influence to lead those who are opposed to Arondeus to agree thereto.
It is indeed time, that you yourself and many members of the congregation have many complaints against Rev. Arondeus, and we are forced to admit that his conduct is greatly to be reprobated. But let not this, Dear Brother, prevent you from accepting him as your brother and colleague if he repents and confesses his mis- conduct. We take the liberty to counsel you and exhort you to do this. Only think how eminently befitting it would be for one who professes to accept the doctrines of Christ, and who is a leader in God's house, to show himself ready, when ill-treated by his brother, to forgive him, when he repents. How else can we expect to find forgiveness of God, in Christ ? And then also, when you consider your own conduct, and examine your own ways, you will not deny that you too, have given some evidences of a lack of that brotherly, Christian love and wise discretion which you ought to have exhibited. If, therefore, you are guilty before God, ought you not to make a confession to God, and willingly forgive your brother, thus doing unto him as you would have him do unto you. And then remember also that if matters continue as they are, you can expect nothing else than harm to yourself. For will that large number who declare themselves in favor of calling Rev. Arondeus,
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and who are a majority of the congregation, be willing to pay you your part of the salary ? But especially let this weigh upon your conscience-the danger of further misfortunes which may be expected from such contentions, with the fear of an irremediable schism of the churches, resulting in their complete destruction. But the way to prevent these evils is still open. How greatly will it hereafter tend toward the quietude of your own conscience, and your joy of heart, if you should now, as far as possible, co-operate toward the restoration of peace and unity ? These are not only lovely in themselves, but God has promised his own rich blessing upon them. But if the way to peace is once closed, and these great evils follow, what accusations will not conscience give, when it is too late to remedy matters. We request and even beseech you to consider well this point, and act with love for the welfare of God's Church, and to the glory of God's great name. Ponder these things earnestly and honestly in the fear of the Lord. Leave nothing undone which may serve to restore the peace now so greatly disturbed; and inculcate the same sentiments upon your friends and acquaintances with all fidelity.
May the Lord be with you in this business, and incline your heart to do that which is well-pleasing in his sight. May He so control these affairs in his great mercy, that we may soon receive the good tidings that the congregations, so long at variance, are growing in edification and have peace; that they are walking in the fear of the Lord and abounding in the consolations of the Holy Spirit. That the God of Peace may be with you to the end, is our wish. We call ourselves, with all esteem,
Your Brethren,
Signed as above.
In Classis,
Amsterdam, Dec. 5, 1752.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSES OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to (the friends of Arondeus in) the five associated churches of Long Island, Dec. 5, 1752. Vol. 30, page -, No. 167.
To the Committee of the Five Associated Congregations on Long Island.
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
In the month of August last we received a letter from New York, dated June 15, 1752, signed by John Lott and others, who wrote in the capacity of a Committee of the Five Associated Churches of Kings County, L. I. We answer you in your official capacity. We therefore expect you to communicate this letter to those in whose name and by whose authority you wrote us, and to make the contents of our note as acceptable as possible unto them. Our former letters to you as well as to others are sufficient proofs that the shamful disputes on Long Island have deeply touched our hearts. You know we have spared no trouble to do everything in our power, by which our counsel, to restore peace and extin- guish the flame of animosity. It pains us exceedingly that the attempts of the Rev. Coetus in Oct. 1751, and of their Committee on this business, in Nov. 1751, were fruitless. And we have good reason to lament that Rev. Arondeus did not agree to make, in that penitential sermon which he was to preach, the confession which was required of him.
Although we have approved the comparatively mild infliction of the sentence pronounced against Rev. Arondeus by Rev. Coetus, and have notified the Coetus accordingly; we have, nevertheless, in fear of greater troubles which might entirely destroy the con- gregations, and to show that we give proper consideration to your complaints of June 15, suggested in the Rev. Coetus a certain plan, by which they may make one last effort for the restoration of peace. We hope the Rev. Coetus will give heed to our proposal and try every means to promote the welfare of that church. This missive, therefore, is intended to exhort you too, most earnestly, yea to beseech you, to allow yourselves to be prevailed upon to
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co-operate with the plan of the Coetus, according to our counsel, and cordially to accept it; and as you have joined yourselves to that body, that you persevere therein.
Our plan is intended to bring about a reconciliation between the opposing parties, and to prepare the way for Rev. Arondeus to receive a call among you, provided he show proper sorrow for his misconduct; that he may administer the holy office, as col- league with Rev. Van Sinderen, in the five associated congrega- tions, in common love and concord. This plan we trust you will not refuse, but eagerly accept. You certainly make profession that you wish to be reconciled. But to this end it is necessary that both parties forgive one another heartily their offences against each other. We also observe with satisfaction, that you acknowl- edge that you did not conduct yourselves properly toward us in a former letter, and that our censure upon you therefore was just; and you requested pardon of us, and promised to conduct your- selves more prudently thereafter. Now as we gladly depend on that confession and promise of yours to us, so it seems to us there is nothing more befitting than that the opposing parties by the plan proposed by us, should make confession and promises to each other, and mutually forgive each other and be reconciled.
The Rev. Van Sinderen has taken the initiative therein, and perseveres in the same. He submits himself to our advice and exhortations. The further inquiry into your complaints against him can therefore be of no profit. It would only stir up new disputes, leading him, perhaps, to express new complaints against Rev. Arondeus and yourselves. What advantage, therefore, could accrue? You and the adherents of Rev. Arondeus repeatedly declared in the Coetus of Oct. 16, 1751, that they wished to be reconciled to Rev. Van Sinderen and were willing to consider him as a lawful minister, as soon as he and his friends were willing to unite in calling Rev. Arondeus; when all charges against Rev. Van Sinderen were to be dropped. Nevertheless, the Minutes of Rev. Coetus of Oct. 16, 1751, §§ 6, 8, 9, show us that the complaints brought against Rev. Van Sinderen were taken into consideration. Now for this very reason we must express our
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astonishment at the representations in your letter, that these com- plaints were only cursorily listened to, and only some general remarks had been made about them. But the Minutes of the Coetus show that this matter was repeatedly deliberated on. We cannot see that you have any well-grounded pretext for refusing to pay Rev. Van Sinderen his salary, and to which you remain bound by your signatures to his call. Those who decline are nevertheless obliged to do this, as long as Rev. Van Sinderin is and remains their lawful pastor. As such, Rev. Coetus and our- selves recognize him. It has never been shown to us that Rev. Van Sinderen did not wish to be your pastor, or that he had been law- fully dismissed. It may very likely be true that in grief over so many disputes he may have been led to say that he wished he had some other congregation, or that you might better have another pastor. But such expressions, uttered in sadness of heart, do not dismiss a pastor from his congregation, nor relieve those who have called him from their obligations to pay him continuously his salary.
Meantime, many things might have already been brought to a settlement if Rev. Arondeus had sincerely made confession in his penitential sermon, according to the articles drawn up in Classis. There was nothing required of him to which he could properly object. His unlawful running about from one congre- gation to another, which has given abundant occasion for offence, militates so greatly against all Church Order, that he who is guilty of such a thing has double reason to humble himself and make confession both to God and man. At his refusal to do this both the Committee and Coetus had a perfect right to find fault. And now we hope that you, instead of restraining him from this duty, or of insisting on some concession in reference to his con- fession, will, on the contrary earnestly exhort Rev. Arondeus, as his friends, to make due satisfaction before Coetus. If not, we can no longer trouble ourselves about this affair.
Behold then, Men and Brethren, our decision. This is the only way we can devise for the prevention of further evils; for the preservation of the church against utter ruin; and for the extinc-
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tion of these violent flames of contention. Brethren, while you now have the opportunity, make peace; lest when it is too late you may have reason to utter loud complaints, and must carry with you an accusing conscience. Confess your faults to one another as well as to God; seek atonement for all your sins in the blood of Jesus. The God of Peace incline your hearts and the hearts of all those involved in these contentions, unto peace, and to the performance of that which is well-pleasing to Him. May He grant that the Gospel of Peace may be proclaimed in peace among you, all quarrels and discords being banished from your midst. Be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace will be with you.
We sign ourselves,
In Classis,
Signed as above.
Amsterdam, Dec. 5th, 1752.
ACTS OF THE CLASSES OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the friends of Rev. Van Sinderen, Dec. 5, 1752. Vol. 30, page -, No. 168. To the Friends of Rev. Van Sinderen :
Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
From the Minutes of Coetus of Oct. 16, 1751, § 2, we perceive that Rev. Van Sinderen with Abraham Lott as elder, from their congregations, and B. Ryder of Gravesend, brought in their rea- sons against the call upon Rev. Arondeus. There was signatures to this end from each of the six congregations, representing 158 heads of families. There was also sent us a copy of this paper. This indeed was not signed nor authenticated in any way, but we take it for granted that it is genuine. And inasmuch as it begins with the following words: "We the Consistory and full govern- ment of the Church of Jesus Christ in Kings County, with the other members "-We therefore suppose that these gentlemen have acted in the name of the churches of which they style themselves the delegates. On this presumption we now address you, with the
I t
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request that you not only communicate the contents of our letter to the members of the church, but make it known as far as pos- sible, and also urge compliance therewith.
That these bitter disputes on Long Island deeply pain our hearts you already understand from all the trouble which we have taken, with our instructions and letters, to bring about peace, and extinguish these flames of discord. It grieves us beyond expres- sion that the attempts of Rev. Coetus in Oct. 1751, and of their Committee on this business, in Nov. 1751, (according to our advice and decision of March 2, 1751), have been utterly fruitless. And although we have approved and ratified the decision of the Coetus of April 16th 1752, and have notified the Assembly thereof to-day ; nevertheless from the apprehension of still greater evils which might ensue, even to the destruction of the churches; and in con- sideration of the complaints made to us by the friends of Rev. Arondeus, we have suggested to the Coetus certain measures, and urge them to make one more final effort to bring about a restora- tion of good feeling. Now even as we expect Rev. Coetus to give heed to our suggestion ; so hereby we lovingly request you, as well as earnestly admonish and beseech you, for the accomplishment of this object, to be prevailed upon to co-operate. Listen to the proposal which the Coetus will make by our advice, and cordially embrace it; and as you have joined the Coetus already, persevere in such relationship.
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