USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 27
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Our proposal is designed to bring about a reconsiliation between the opposing parties, by paving the way toward a call among you upon Rev. Arondeus, after he makes a confession of sorrow for his misconduct. He will then fulfill the ministry, in conjunction with Rev. Van Sinderen as colleague, among the associated churches, in mutual love and concord. It is no special or extrava- gant love for Rev. Arondeus which leads us to make this proposal ; it is rather a deep love for the associated, or shall we say lamenta- bly divided, congregations. We sincerely desire to prevent the entire destruction of these congregations, which we greatly fear, and to serve truly the best interests of the greatest number.
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The paper presented to Coetus by you contains certain expres- ions which show us that the real welfare of the congregations lies upon your hearts. This is agreeable to us. But this same docu- nent also warrants us in extending to you some friendly counsel. We trust that you will reconsider the matter most carefully, and remember that, not seldom, it happens that people are not wise in their own affairs, especially in disputes and disagreements ; and that yielding to those who are disinterested personally often proves to be the wholesome course. We acknowledge that the rea- sons brought forward by you against the calling of Rev. Arondeus, deserve to be taken into most serious account. We have come to the same conclusion, and we can only praise you for not thought- lessly proceeding to give him a call. But then, consider, Worthy Brethren, whether a good deal has not also been done on your part, in this dispute, which is really worthy of blame? Have you not sometimes shown some sinful passion and unholy zeal, whereby the strife and alienation have been aggravated ? whereby Rev. Arondeus and his friends have been embittered ? And has not such conduct on your part sometimes become a rock of offence at which they stumble ? at which they have allowed themselves to be carried away to uncharitable treatment of you? In so far, you also are more or less guilty ; but this we leave to your own con- science for a decision, in the fear of the Lord. How necessary is it, therefore, not only to seek forgiveness from God for one's self, but also cordially to forgive one's brother, however greatly he has wronged you, (especially if we have likewise offended him), when he confesses it and exhibits sorrow for the same.
Ponder whether this ought not to be the course for you to take, Brethren. The numbers against the call are by no means few nor insignificant in our eyes; but then, also, the numbers who would retain Rev. Arondeus, if he make confession, are still greater. Must not the majority decide ? What congregation or assembly, what church or civil society could continue to exist, if each stood immovably upon his position ? If the minority sets itself against the majority; and that, contrary to the advice and instruction of those to whose judgement and sentence the matter
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has been referred ;- if such a course is pursued, who would take the trouble to deal with matters in dispute in order to remove them ? We know of no better way than the one now proposed to move Rev. Arondeus to a true reformation of his conduct, and at the same time to save the church. Should he, as we earnestly hope, by our common long-suffering with him, be brought to a better state of mind, and the flames of contention quenched, with peace restored; how pleasant would be your peace of conscience at such results, and how great will your satisfaction be! But if our counsels make no impression, we foresee only evils and mis- eries, with a complete scattering of several congregations; and what else can you expect from such things, than grief and remorse when it is beyond your power to remedy matters. Have compas- sion therefore upon the unhappy Rev. Arondeus, and the pitiable condition of your churches, which call upon you to prevent, as speedily as possible, their ruin. Men and Brethren, be disposed to make and consummate a Christian peace. It is never too late to do this and be reconciled with one another if we would possess peace of conscience and atonement with God in Jesus Christ. Do not reject our counsel, Brethren. Take counsel of the Rev. Coetus and submit yourselves to them in whatever they propose to you in our name. Take counsel of the Lord, and act in this matter as you will wish you had acted, in that Great Day.
And now, Brethren, we, who were obliged to act in this way to satisfy our own consciences, commend you to Him who is able to incline your hearts to that which is well-pleasing in His sight. May He move you to follow our advice in love, and cause light to come forth out of darkness. May He not deal with you accord- ing to your sins, nor reward the churches according to their in- iquities, but cast all your sins in the depths of the sea. May He graciously grant that the churches may rejoice in peace, and of those congregations which are now to be described as Marah,- bitterness,-that " The Lord is there." ( )
Signed as above.
Amsterdam,
Dec. 5, 1752.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. T. Frelinghuysen, Dec. 5, 1752.
Vol. 30, page -, No. 169. To Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen of Albany,
Worthy Sir and Brother :-
After answering your letter of May 1st 1751 in the beginning of September, 1752, and which letter of ours we trust, was deliv- ered to you by your brother, we received your subsequent com- munication dated June 23, 1752. From this we perceive with chagrin the distempers in the church of Claverack. You ask the question whether we recognize Rev. Van Hoevenberg as a lawful minister in the Province of New York. This question is based on a document from three members of the Coetus, which says that, for weighty reasons we will in no wise trouble ourselves further about that gentleman. We wish that you had consulted on this matter the Rev. Coetus of New York, which is better able than ourselves to judge of the circumstances concerning the church of Claverack, and which would not have refrained from giving you suitable advice. As it is, we have only little to reply. We fully recognize Rev. Van Hoevenberg as a minister in Surinam, but not in the Province of New York, since no dismission from his ministry in Surinam has been brought before us. Further, we cannot at present say anything more about that gentleman. We wish you all wisdom and light to guide your judgement, to enable you to preserve peace, and to quiet the distempers which have arisen, in order that the Kingdom of Christ may break forth with power not only in your own church but in many others. We are with all esteem,
Signed as above.
In Classis at Amsterdam,
Dec. 5, 1752.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of Rhinebeck, Dec. 5, 1752. Vol. 30, page -, No. 170.
To the Worthy Consistory of Lower Rhinebeck on the Flats, Worthy Sirs and Brethren :-
We received your letter of Feb. 26 of the present year (1752) a few days ago. This contained the announcement that you had called Rev. E. T. van Hoevenberg as your pastor, formerly pastor at Paramaribo in Surinam. You request a copy of his dismission from there, as well as a certificate of his examination and call to Surinam. We reply :
1. That Rev. Eggo Tonkens van Hoevenberg was selected in 1743 by the Noble and Honorable Gentlemen of the Society of Surinam, and was by us called ecclesiastically to become pastor at Surinam. He was then examined by us for ordination and properly qualified and ordained on April 1st 1743. This declara- tion we deem sufficient to stop the mouths of those who deny his lawful call and ordination as minister to Surinam.
2. As to your request for his ecclesiastical dismission and that he might be transferred to you, we reply: That the Consistory calling Rev. van Hoevenberg and desiring him as their pastor is obliged according to the Church Order to obtain the dismission and proper certificate as to his doctrine and walk from the worthy Consistory of Parimaribo in Surinam. This is not only because that Consistory is best qualified to do such a thing, but also because custom requires that a dismissal from the Consistory must precede action by the Classis.
We trust that the God of peace may dwell among you; that all things among you may be done among you in good order and to general edification, and that many among you may be added to the Church of such as shall be saved. With all esteem,
Signed as above.
Amsterdam, Dec. 5, 1752.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of Claverack, Dec. 5, 1752. Vol. 30, page -, No. 171. To the Elders at Claverack:
Worthy Brethren :-
We received your letter of Feb. 24, 1752, a few days ago. We learn therefrom with sorrow of the disturbances which have arisen among you in connection with Rev. van Hoevenberg. We wish you had referred yourself to the Coetus of New York, which would not have refused advice to you, and would also be in better con- dition to judge of your affairs than we. However, to comply with your request so far as possible we reply :
1. That Rev. E. T. van Hoevenberg in 1743, on the selection of the Hon. Gentlemen of the Society of Surinam, was called to be pastor in Surinam; that he was examined for ordination by us and qualified and ordained on April 1st, 1743.
2. Whether he was forbidden the pulpit in Surinam, you may inquire of those there.
3. We have never forbidden him the pulpit nor the adminis- tration of the sacraments.
4. In reference to the fourth question, Whether or not you did right, and to which you desire a straightforward answer, and not to quibble about the meaning-we say that the question is obscure, and it is very difficult to answer clearly and plainly an obscure question.
(1) If the question is-Whether you have done right in allow- ing Rev. van Hoevenberg to administer the sacraments in a single instance, we answer: It is no crime to allow a minister who is elsewhere in service, if nothing is known to his injury, to occupy the pulpit and administer the sacraments.
(2) But if the question is, Whether it is right to employ per- manently, for the proclamation of the Gospel and the administra- tion of the sacraments, a minister of another congregation, we must answer that, according to Church Order, this may not be done. Such minister must first be provided with a proper dis-
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missal and testimonial of commendation. This must be obtained in this case, from Surinam, by the worthy Consistory which now desires him as their pastor.
We hope you will use all proper prudence in this, in order to do all things according to good Church Order, that all discord may be avoided and peace and edification be preserved. The God of Peace be with you. We are with all esteem,
Signed as above.
In Classis, Amsterdam, Dec. 5, 1752.
[The last letter in Vol. 30.]
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Committee, Revs. Haeghoort, Goetschius and Verbryck, to the Classis of Amsterdam, Dec. 6, 1752, N. S., on the Muzelius case at Tappan. Vol. xxiii. 299-305. Reference xxiv. 16.
[See March 3, 1753.] Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Very Rev. Classical Assembly, Much Beloved Fathers and Brethren in Christ Jesus :-
The critical condition of the church at Tappan, caused by the singular obstinacy of Rev. Muzelius, obliges us to give to your Revs., a second time, an account of our very troublesome church affairs. It may be known to your Revs. by this time that Rev. Muzelius was, by direction of the Coetus, made a minister emeritus at Tappan on the 21st of February, 1750. This was done with a view, probably, of saving his Rev. as well as the church. But alas! one sees now that the mild measures did not have the desired effect. Rev. Muzelius behaves in such a hot-headed way, that, at the two meetings of the Coetus last held, the church brought in very grave com- plaints against him, so that the Rev. Coetus deemed it necessary to ask the neighboring ministers to help the church in its need.
We, therefore, in conscience bound to prevent, to the extent of our little ability, all faction and offenses in the churches, have now for two days been occupied with these affairs so painful to us. Having carefully investigated everything, in an impartial spirit and in the fear of God, and fervently praying for the Lord's assist- ance and blessing, we cannot find otherwise than what we hereby, with all sub- mission, report to your Revs.
After Rev. Muzelius was made emeritus, he not only went back to his former habitual drunkenness, which was very offensive, and to his irreligious ways, but he also continues to create great and serious factions in the church. This he does by preaching and baptizing children in private localities, although most kindly and fraternally exhorted and warned by the local consistory and minister, and many a time also by the Rev. Coetus not to do this. Not more than twice in two years and more, has he been seen in attendance at public worship. Yet the Rev. Coetus charged him to lead a life in the observance of the duties of religion as well as a godly life, as an orderly member of the church ought to do. Nevertheless, he does not cease insulting the consistories and ministers by word and deed. Before he left (his office) he caused the church great loss, by burning up, or breaking down, or otherwise damaging the fence about the church-land, the house, and the barn. Yes- terday we kindly summoned him to appear before our committee (lit. assembly) to present the complaint he made to the Coetus last year; and to defend himself
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against the accusations which the consistory and the church had brought against him. But he sent our messenger back with a taunting reply, and refused to come to any understanding with us, or with the Rev. Coetus. Also, several weeks ago, with the help of his brothers-in-law, who belong to the Church of England, he had the elders (of Tappen) who were in office three years ago, arrested by civil authority. All these circumstances have been proved to us on the indisputable testimony of ear and eye witnesses. The factions, the offenses and the disturbances in the church are so great and flagrant-even to the extent that the newly chosen elders are afraid of letting themselves be installed; and many threaten to leave the church-that, if a speedy remedy be not applied, nothing else is to be expected than the total destruction of the Tappan church; and also, that even other churches of God in our vicinity, as on Long Island, will vanish as in a flame of fire.
The decision, to which we had of necessity to come, we herewith, by an official copy enclosed, lay before your Revs. We have also informed Rev. Muzelius, in writing, of the same. We hope and expect that your Revs. will continue to take pity on, and care for the churches in this sad condition in which they find them- selves in these regions. Here so many ministers and churches are groaning under encroachments and factions. Do not disregard the heavy and painful labor of the co-workers of your Revs .; but punish the disobedient waster of the flock as well as his followers, in such a way as, in your Revs.' discerning judgement, the case may require; and thus save us, miserable ones.
May it please your Revs. to reply to this letter as soon as possible. The Lord bless your Revs.' Assembly, ministry, persons and families!
Very Reverend Sirs, and Respected Fathers and Brethren in Christ, We sign our- selves, Your willing servants,
Gerard Haeghoort, Eccl. at Second River, Praeses. J. H. Goetschius, Eccl. at Hackensack, h. t. Scriba.
Saml. Verbryck, Quod attestor, V. D. M., and eccl. loci.
Tappan,
at the house of
Isac Blauwenveld, Dec. 6, 1752. N. S.
Finding of the above Committee on the case of Muzelius.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii ; 304-5.
Tappan, at the house of Isack Blauvelt, Dec. 6, 1752.
The Assembly, after having most carefully considered everything in the fear of the Lord, did by unanimous consent resolve :-
1. That Frederick Muzelius be hereafter no longer recognized as a minister emeritus, but be declared unworthy of that honor.
2. That, in case Muzelius does not submit to this resolution, and cease creating divisions in the church, by his preaching and baptizing in private houses and else- where, as well as by his offensive conduct, that then the consistory of Tappan shall punish him, as an unworthy member of the church, with ecclesiastical excommuni- cation, according to Church Order .*
3. That the consistory exhort, in a fraternal spirit, the insubordinate members, as well as others, to return to the church; and warn them that, if they remain obsti- nate, the consistory will deal with them also according to the church discipline.
4. That, although Muzelius has, by his factious spirit and misconduct while emeritus, hindered the voluntary support of himself by the church, we, neverthe- less, recommend him to the benevolence of the church.
5. That in reference to the third quarterly payment, it is agreed to refer to the Rev. Coetus the question, whether the consistory did not pay the balance of Muzelius' salary, according to the purpose and instruction of the Coetus?
* Article 76, of Church Rules of Dort, 1618-19 read; "But no person" (i. e. member of the Church) "shall be excommunicated without the previous advice of the Classis." Art. 79, reads; "But the ministers shall be suspended" (by the Con- sistory) "and it shall be left to the decision of the Classis whether they shall be wholly deposed or not."
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It was resolved to inform the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, at the earliest oppor- tunity, of this matter, as it has come before us, and also to the Rev. Coetus. Gerard Haeghoort, Praeses.
J. H. Goetschius Benj. Van der Linde, V. D. M.
Allebartis Terhuyn, elder at Paramus.
Simon Demarest, elder at Schraelenburg.
Churches of Kings County, N. Y. Claims of certain parties to be the legal Consistory. No date. Probably 1752.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Additional Document, showing that we (the undersigned) are the old legal consis- tory. The facts, Very Rev. Sirs, are as follows:
1. From the village of Flakkebosch (Flatbush) three of the elders in that consis- tory were on our side, namely, Philip Nagel, Dominicus Van der Veere, Jan Waldron. Consequently there was but one for and with Van Sinderen. The four deacons, all on our side, namely, Jeremias Van der Bilt, Gerrit Van Duim, Aris Murfie, Johannis Hoogland.
2. From the village of Breukelen the elders were all on our side. Their names are Jurrie Bluis, Jacobus Leffertse, Rem Remse, Jacob Remse. Of the deacons, three were with us, namely; Jan Couwenhoven, Jan Suddam, Yerominus Rappalje. So there was but one for Van Sinderen.
3. From the village, called de Baay or Nieuw Amersfoort, which has but three elders and three deacons, two elders were with us; namely, Hermanus Hoogland and Raelot Voorhees; and two deacons, Abraham Voorhees and Wilhelmus Stoothof. So there were but two for Van Sinderen.
4. From the village of Boswyck (Bushwyck) there were on our side three elders, namely, Folkert Folkertse, Daniel Bodet and Joris Van Alst; and only one with Van Sinderen; also three deacons: Roelof Broeka, Abr. Corschow (Kershow) and Jan Couenhoven; and so but one deacon, again, with Van Sinderen.
5. From the village of. New Utrecht, where are three elders and three deacons, the elders are all with us: namely, Nicholaes Van Brunt, Gerrit Van Duin, Rutgert Van Brunt, Junior; and of the deacons, one was on our side, by the name of Joris Lot.
Thus you see the proof, Sirs, that the consistory, which has again called Rev. Arondeus, is the old and legal consistory. They took action by a majority of votes, although Van Sinderen refused to sit with us when we called Arondeus. And this is the consistory which has continued from time to time and still exists by legal succession. Whence then has Van Sinderen his consistory? What else is it than a consistory gathered up out of the few that stood by him? And, if these (the under- signed) are now also the ones who called Rev. Curtenius, it must follow that he is a legal minister among us according to Church Order.
Philippus Nagel Jan Waldron Daniel Bodet, once an elder Nicholaas Folkersen, elder Rutgert Van Brunt, elder Roelof Voorhees Jacobus Leffertz Gerrit Van Duyn, elder Jacob Remsen.
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The Moravians.
A Vindication of the excellent character of the Moravians in New York, against the Aspersions of their Enemies, Jan. 4, 1753, by Hon. Wm. Livingston .*
[Extracts.]
The Pulpit-Scold is the most despicable Scold in the world. He is a cowardly Scold, that gives his Antagonist no Opportunity of scolding back. From this paper, therefore, will I preach against every such Preacher, and make the Press reverber- ate the Calumnies of the Pulpit.
What is the particular Frame and Constitution of the Church of Moravia, I never had the Curiosity to enquire; tho' I dare say, if it be replete with idle ridiculous Gewgaws, it hath the good Graces of not a few Gentlemen in Black.
But the Sect distinguished by that Appellation amongst us, I have had the oppor- tunity to be a little acquainted with. Of these I form my judgment by their Actions, the only Touchstone of a Man's Heart. By their fruit ye shall know them. They are such a people as that no Man can get any Thing by their Religion, but internal Tranquility, and peace of Conscience, arising from an inviolable Attach- ment to the Principles and Precepts of it. They are a plain, open, honest, inoffen- sive people: They profess universal Benevolence to all Men, and are irreprehensible in their Lives and Conversations: In a Word, their whole Conduct evidences their Belief, that the kingdom of Christ is not of this World. Hence it is no wonder, that they give Umbrage to those of the Clergy, who beg to be excused, from believing that Part of the Gospel, as do but too many of the Priests of all Denominations whatever.
In regard to their religious Principles, it must be owned, they have their peculiar Sentiments, which distinguish them from others. But that is saying no more, than that they think for themselves, or at least, that they think not like others; and Rome is just as far from Geneva, as Geneva from Rome. For Orthodoxy, as it is com- monly used, is a mere levitical Engine, that has done more Mischief to Mankind, than all the tyrants that ever ravaged the Globe. Every Man is orthodox to himself, and heretical to all the World besides; but that he should therefore be calumniated or butchered, the Scripture saith not: Nay, I cannot find, by the Bible Account of the last Day, that one Interrogatory will be proposed concerning a Man's Opinion; but that every one will be judged according to the Deeds done in the Body.
As to their Notion about the Unlawfulness of bearing Arms; it is well known, that the Fathers, upon whose Authority the Clergy so much rely, when it makes for their Interest, were almost universally, as some contend, of the same opinion; and had all the World been so, Mankind would not have been plagued with those holy Wars, and priestly Massacres, that have so often deluged the Earth with human Blood.
It is indeed astonishing, that Dissenters, who so much, and 80 justly, magnify the Reasonableness of Toleration, when themselves are concerned, should at the same time treat as Hereticks, a People whom the Parliament hath acknowledged as good Christians; which, perhaps, is more than can be said for any Church in the Province.
The Religion of the Moravians, is as orthodox as any Religion in the Realm, except only with this Difference, that it promises Nothing but Peace of Mind; while some
* Hon. William Livingston was born at Albany in 1723 and died in 1790. He was a celebrated lawyer and patriot. He graduated at Yale College in 1741, and was admitted to the bar, 1748, locating in New York. He is noted, among many other things, for his ardent opposition to the establishment of a sectarian College in New York in 1754, by Royal Charter. He argued that it should be established by Act of the New York Assembly, and be kept within the control of that body. He was a voluminous writer. In 1760 he purchased an estate at Elizabethtown, N. J., and removed there in 1772. In 1776 he was elected Governor of New Jersey and held the office until 1790, when he died. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
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others are decorated with Places and preferments, greater Revenues, and better Wages.
Nothing can be more unmannerly, as well as unchristian, than for any Protestant Minister, within his Majesty's Dominions, to stigmatize and vilify, a numerous Body of People, protected by the same laws, and incorporated under the same Constitu- tion with himself:
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