USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 29
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A Party-College, in less than half a Century, will put a new face upon the Religion, and in Consequence thereof, affect the Politics of the Country. Let us suppose what may, if the College should be intirely managed by one Sect, probably be supposed. Would not all possible Care be bestowed in tincturing the Minds of the Students with the Doctrines and Sentiments of that Sect? Would not the stu- dents of the College, after the Course of their Education, exclusive of any others; fill all the Offices of the Government? Is it not highly reasonable to think, that in the Execution of those Offices, the Spirit of the College would have a most prevail- ing Influence, especially as that Party would perpetually receive new Strength, become more fashionable and numerous? Can it be imagined that all other Chris- tians would continue peaceable under, and unenvious of, the Power of that Church which was rising to so exalted a Pre-eminence above them? Would they not on the Contrary, like all other Parties, reflect upon, reluct at, and vilify such an odious Ascendency ? Would not the Church which had that Ascendency be thereby irri- tated to repeated Acts of Domination, and stretch their ecclesiastical Rule to unwar- rantable and unreasonable Lengths? Whatever others may in their Lethargy and Supineness think of the Project of a Party-College, I am convinced, that under the Management of any Particular Persuasion, it will necessarily prove destructive to the civil and religious Rights of the People: And should any future House of Rep- resentatives become generally infected with the Maxims of the College, nothing less can be expected than an Establishment of one Denomination above all others, who may, perhaps, at the good pleasure of their Superiors, be most graciously favoured with a bare Liberty of Conscience, while they faithfully continue their annual Contributions, their Tythes and their Peter-Pence.
A Third Argument against suffering the College to fall into the hands of a Party, may be deduced from the Design of its Erection, and Support by the Public.
The Legislature to whom it owes its Origin, and under whose Care the Affair has hitherto been conducted, could never have intended it as an Engine to be exercised for the Purpose of a Party. Such an Insinuation, would be false and scandalous. It would therefore be the Height of Indolence in any to pervert it to such mean, partial and little Designs. No, it was set on Foot, and I hope will be constituted for general Use, for the public Benefit, for the Education of all who can afford such Education: And to suppose it intended for any other less public-spirited Uses, is ungratefully to reflect upon all who have hitherto, had any Agency in an Under- taking so glorious to the Province, so necessary, so important and beneficial.
At present, it is but in Embrio, yet the Money hitherto collected is public Money; and till it is able to support itself, the Aids given to it will be public Aids. When the Community is taxed, it ought to be for the Defence, or Emolument of the Whole: Can it, therefore, be supposed, that all shall contribute for the Uses, the ignominious Uses of a few? Nay, what is worse to that which will be prejudicial, to a vast Majority! Shall the whole Province be made to support what will raise and spread desperate Feuds, Discontent and ill-Blood thro' the greatest Part of the Province? Shall the Government of the College be delivered out of the Hands of the Public to a Party! They who wish it, are Enemies to their Country: They who ask it, have, besides this Anti-Patriotism, a Degree of Impudence, Arrogance, and Assurance unparalleled. And all such as are active in so iniquitous a Scheme, deserve to be stigmatized with Marks of everlasting Ignominy and Disgrace. Let it, therefore, ever remain where it is, I mean under the Power of the Legislature: The Influence, whether good or bad, we shall all of us feel, and are, therefore, all interested in it. It is, for that Reason, highly fit, that the People should always share in the Power to inlarge or restrain it: That Power they will have by their
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Representatives in Assembly; and no man who is a friend to Liberty, his Country and Religion, will ever rejoice to see it wrested from them.
It is further to be remarked, that a public Academy is, or ought to be a mere civil Institution, and cannot with any tolerable Propriety be monopolized by any relig- ious Sect. The Design of such Seminaries, hath been sufficiently shown in my last Paper, to be entirely political, and calculated for the Benefit of Society, as a Society, without any Intention to teach Religion, which is the Province of the Pul- pit: Tho' it must, at the same time, be confessed, that a judicious Choice of our Principles, chiefly depends on a free Education.
Again, the Instruction of our Youth, is not the only Advantage we ought to pro- pose by our College. If it be properly regulated and conducted, we may expect a considerable Number of Students from the neighboring Colonies, which must, neces- sarily, prove a great Accession to our Wealth and Emolument. For such is our Capacity of endowing an Academy; that if it be founded on the Plan of a general Toleration, it must, naturally, eclipse any other on the Continent, and draw many Pupils from those Provinces, the Constitution of whose Colleges is partial and con- tracted: From New England, where the Presbyterians are the prevailing Party, we shall, undoubtedly, be furnished with great Numbers, who, averse to the Sect in vogue among them, will, unquestionably, prefer the free Constitution, for which I argue, to that of their Colleges in which they cannot enjoy an equal Latitude, not to mention that such an Increase by foreign Students, will vastly augment the Grandeur of our Academy.
Add to all this, that in a new Country as ours, it is inconsistent with good Policy, to give any religious Profession the Ascendency over others. The rising Prosperity of Pennsylvania, is the Admiration of the Continent; and tho' disagreeing from them, I should always, for political Reasons, exclude Papists from the common and equal Benefits of Society; Yet, I leave it to the Reflections of my judicious Readers, whether the impartial Aspect of their Laws upon all Professions, has not, in a great Degree, conduced to their vast Importation of religious Refugees, to their Strength and their Riches: And whether a like Liberty among us, to all Protestants what- soever, without any Marks of distinction, would not be more commendable, advan- tageous, and politic. (See Nov. 25, 1751) .- The Independent Reflector, pp. 71, 72, 73, 74.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Approval of two Books. [Bussing.]
1753, April 2nd. Art. 1. A pamphlet entitled-Extract from the Compendium of Christian Doctrine, by Cornelius van Vallen- hove, printed at Amsterdam at William Boman's, was approved by. the Rev. Classis on the favorable report of the Messrs. Visita- tores.
There was also approved an octavo volume entitled "God's Children made conformable unto the Image of God's Son ", by John Christopher Bussing, candidate; printed at Amsterdam by Andrew Jacob Stanhoffius. Also the " Introduction ", which Rev. Mr. Kulenkamp is to write for this book is to be considered ap- proved, provided the Visitatores Librorum have no objection thereto. xii. 329.
Letter from Tappan.
Art. 6. A letter has been written by the Committee of the Coetus in the case of Muzelius, minister emeritus at Tappan,
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and the same was now read. Thereupon an answer was read by the Deputati ad res Exteras, which met with the approval of the Assembly. A letter from Haaghoort, of December 10, was also read; as well as a letter from the Cape (of Good Hope). An answer thereto (the letter from the Cape) was read and approved. xii. 331.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. The Classis of Amsterdam : April 2, 1753.
Address to the High Dutch Churches in Pennsylvania. Highly-Honorable and especially Highly-Reverend Gentlemen : We have now for some time been engaged in behalf of the Church of Pennsylvania, to provide shepherds or leaders for these congregations which had hitherto been destitute, taking into con- sideration their request that they might be fed, and so become more interested in the general welfare of the Church of Christ.
And although we have wished and hoped to hear of the peace and quietude of the Church and that the congregations were build- ing themselves up in the fear of the Lord and walking in the comfort of the Holy Ghost; yet, on the contrary, through special letters, mostly directed to private parties, we learn to our grief, that not only separations and schisms exist in certain congrega- tions, but even in the Assembly of the Coetus.
Your silence in the matter, with the circumstance that we have received no data from the Coetus, only increases our fear; and especially because these rumors may be of disadvantage to the further collection of donations (liebesgaven) for the benefit of the Church in Pennsylvania. Hence we deem it necessary, so far as is in our power, to anticipate the further growth of this root of bitterness, that it may not bear gall and wormwood, whereby still further discord might be occasioned; because under such circumstances, the building in course of construction during many years, might easily be thrown down, and the condemnation of Christ be brought on the whole congregation.
To accomplish our desire, we know of no better or more pow- erful means than the following, viz., that you yourselves, Highly
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Reverend Gentlemen, as leaders and watchmen over the Church of Christ, be firmly united in the bonds of brotherly love, in order to preserve your Assembly in harmony and peace, and thus will you set an example to the flock entrusted to your care. Therefore, in order to maintain unity in your Assembly, we propose that every minister take with him an elder to such Assembly, one who shall be elected by the Consistory of his church, and who shall without fail, be present, so that the number of ministers may not exceed the number of the elders. Then if your action on any point is to be of any value, no person ought to withdraw himself or offer any independent opposition, even when such action does not comport with his opinion, but all must submit themselves to the decision of the Coetus. Whatever the gentlemen (composing said Coetus) may determine as being salutary, must be accepted by all; otherwise by the selfishness of one any action may be prevented or destroyed, and none of the wished for results of the meeting and its labors, remain.
By such methods also, no one will be deprived of any of his rights. But since it is only to grant to anyone, who has conscien- tious scruples, the privilege of bringing the same to notice he may, with modesty, appeal to the Synods of North and South Holland, by duly and properly presenting his complaints.
We hope that this will meet the approval of the Rev. Gentle- men. We have firmly resolved to support the Coetus in demand- ing proper respect for itself, and will act in accordance with this determination.
Therefore those who separate themselves should be made known by the Coetus to our Synods, and if they do not yield to the decisions of the Coetus, they shall be deprived of donations (love- gifts), until they have given satisfaction to the Coetus and the Synod. Respecting our contributions, we insist, that we do not want them to be employed for building purposes, nor for the can- celing of present or of future debts, but only as follows :
1. The salaries of the ministers must be made up to the amount promised them by their congregations, but no increase must be made to such amount.
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2. To meet deficiencies in the salaries of schoolmasters, who are put on the same footing.
3. To purchase the necessary books.
Because we have not yet received a report of the contributions, sent according to the order of the Synod, last year, we withhold those now on hand, until such report is received. We trust that Mr. Schlatter has given you the donations sent last year by him. In what manner these have been distributed, together with the use made of the Bibles sent over to you, we would like to know.
Resolved, cum voto, Amsterd., April 2nd, 1753.
G. Kulenkamp
T. Tyken
J. J. Kessler,
J. Van der Norm
I. van den Broek
Hermanus van Loo
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, to the Rev. Schlatter in Pennsyl-
vania. (April 2, 1753.) Vol. 31, No. 1, page 1.
Dear Brother :-
How much the Classis of Amsterdam is interested in the welfare of the churches in Pennsylvania, and with how much affection and pleasure it has attended to their business, you have learned by experience during your stay here.
We had flattered ourselves with the hope that your remembrance of these things would have moved you to make known unto us, the fact of the safe arrival of yourself and the other brethren, as well as the condition of affairs in Pennsylvania; also the Acts of the Coetus. But to our grief and utter surprise, neither the Classis nor any of its members has seen a letter from your hand nor has any account whatever of the condition of affairs been received. The reason of such a course we cannot understand, for we cannot suppose, considering the kindness you experienced, that you have forgotten Amsterdam, or that the frequent promises concerning punctual and kind correspondence would be lotted from your memory.
Notwithstanding, we are not without some news from another source, which tells us of the confused and disturbed condition,
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which is unfavorable to your Synod. (Coetus. ) Indeed Rev. Brother, your silence does great harm to the common cause, (if it is to be ascribed to you, which we would not yet believe,) and it creates a prejudice against you in many hearts, since we are without the means of defending you.
Not. only the pastors, Steiner and Rubel, bring in accusations against you, (although not yet accepted as true,) but also the pastors Weiss and Deidich, (Leydich) have withdrawn themselves from the Coetus, because you would shut out the elders, pretending to have oral orders from the now blessed Rev. Hoedtmaker. We know nothing of such orders, and would be happy to have a true account of these things. On the other hand our Classis thinks that a Committee of elders should be sent to the Coetus, but in such a way that the numbers of elders should not exceed that of ministers. Wherefore, in connection with each minister, not more than one elder should be appointed, which elder must also be elected by a majority of votes in the respective churches at.
in a regular Coetus. Further, at the first session, Moderators should be elected by a plurality of votes, and no one should be allowed to be praeses or director, permanently. In the Coetus everything must be decided plura vota, and every one ought to submit to this rule. When there are those who have objections, they may protest and appeal to the Synods of South and North Holland and the Classis of Amsterdam, whose actions thereupon shall decide.
Those who have separated from the Coetus, no matter under what pretence, shall have no access to the contributions which are sent from the Netherlands provinces until other orders from the Synods and Classis shall be received.
From a letter which you have written to Mr.
p. m., we have learned that you seem not to be disinclined to remain without a fixed settlement; to visit the congregations, laying down rules, to continue the correspondence, etc. etc. But this seems to us to be unadvisable. It would affect the superin- tendence, and it would be the ground of many tribulations in a land, where, to the name of being free and independent, a little too much adulation is paid.
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No, dear brother, you must be a co-worker among your brethren, and look out, as soon as possible, for a fixed settlement. You must have a congregation which desires you and selects you legally, although we are sorry that the churches of Philadelphia and Germantown, (as it seems to us, until we know the contrary,) have treated you so uncharitably, rewarding your faithfulness with disregard, and especially are we sorry that Rev. Rubel is active in it. Yet we do not see any propriety in forcing you into one of the churches against the will of the people; and still that which we could have done, you yourself has made impossible by that imprudent act when leaving Philadelphia, when you gave the church full liberty to call another pastor without our consent.
Concerning this affair, we are told by letter that you were bound to do so, if you would receive a certificate from said church. This seems stranger than ever, for you, when here, never alluded to such things, as far as we know.
You have often referred to the necessity of having pastors in Virginia. So far as we know, no one has yet been called to that field. We think that if one or more of those churches should be inclined to call you as their pastor, you would do well to accept, in the year of the Lord, such a call, for many reasons, which you know better than we.
We have information from abroad, that the five hundred folio Bibles, together with the money of last year which was sent over, (to which also was added some of the Classis and the Consistory of Amsterdam), have arrived in safety, but we have not yet received from the Coetus nor yourself any account of the manner of the distribution. We think, therefore, that if no satisfactory letter is received, either from yourself or the Coetus, and no regular account is given of that which has been sent, before the next session of the Synods of North and South Holland, these Synods will cease to send any further sums of money. At any rate, we can say positively, that neither our Classis nor the Am- sterdam Consistory will continue to contribute any longer (to your churches) until our Classis shall have received the required account from you and the Coetus. Is it not a lamentable cir-
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cumstance that a scheme so happily and successfully started, so desirable and beneficial to the churches of Pennsylvania, is so sadly stopped and brought into confusion by mismanagement and wranglings.
Although we do no not charge this upon you, but, on the con- trary, we sympathize with you, inasmuch as you have been badly treated and hindered by obstacles thrown in your way; yet we cannot entirely excuse you on account of your negligence in not writing. While other letters have reached us in safety, those of yourself and of the Coetus alone are missing.
In some other letters there is allusion to a certain printed Pennsylvania Church Order, consisting of We wish to see a specimen of it, for such Church Orders are unknown to us, and it would be disagreeable to us that the churches of Pennsylvania, which are assisted by our Synods, should adopt another rule than the Netherlands Church Order.
This Rev. brother, we had to make known unto you. Grievous indeed is it to us that we could not write something more pleasant to us and to you. May God fill you with the spirit of wisdom, prudence, courage and patience. The Lord grant to his churches peace and order. May he keep near the Pennsylvania Zion, building the broken down walls of Jerusalem.
With all reverence and affection, we sign in the name of all, by order of the Rev. Classis.
Rev. brother, we are, Your obedient servants and co-workers, The Committee of the Classis, Joannes van den Broek Hermanus van Loo Joannes van der
Done in our Classical Assembly, Amsterdam, April 2, 1753. G. Kulenkamp, Depp. ad hanc Praeses. Jacobus Tyken, Depp. ad hanc J. J. Kessler.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Gerard Haaghoort, etc., April 2,
1753. Vol. 31, page, 4, No. 2. To the Rev. Haaghoort, etc., and the Committee in the case of
Rev. Muzelius.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren :---
We have learned with grief from the Acts of the Coetus that that Rev. Assembly has been obliged to write a severe letter to Rev. Muzelius concerning his irregular conduct; and if it should be of no avail, that the Rev. Assembly intended to cite Rev. Muzelius before three ministers of the vicinity to try him, and if need be, to censure him. All this has been communicated to the Classis, and also that this trial becomes one on moral delinquency.
Our grief was greatly increased upon receiving your com- munication and upon becoming acquainted with the resolutions of the Assembly of Dec. 6, 1752, concerning the continued irregu- lar conduct of that unfortunate individual. We feel great com- passion for him, and hope that God may yet touch his heart and by grace induce him to forsake his faults. We even hope that by a godly walk on his part even yet, the excitement created may die out, and the confusion, which it is feared may spring up in the church, be avoided. We thank you for your letter, as well as for all the trouble you have taken in this affair. We hope the Lord will give his blessing upon your labors therein. The facts which you mention as the charges against him, drunkenness and irreligion, are sufficiently disgraceful.
Preaching and baptizing in private houses, in opposition to the kind admonitions of his Consistory, cannot be overlooked in a preacher who has any knowledge of Church Order. Such con- duct must be stopped by such means as are in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the country. All who cause schism or scandal, or help to promote such things must be fraternally admonished to desist from such conduct. In case he remains obstinate, church-discipline must be inflicted; but at the same
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time his Rev. must be commended to the love of the church as a christian duty. We hope the church will conduct itself prudently in reference to this miserable man, and that they will also remem- ber the faithfulness of God in the fulfillment of his promises toward such a one, as made in Psalm 41.
On the question of the Consistory about continuing payments to Rev. Muzelius; which has not been done according to the request of Rev. Coetus-we refer this matter to that body. And, finally, concerning the first part of your conclusions, that Rev. Muzelius can no longer be recognized as pastor emeritus, because he has been put under censure for his conduct,-do not proceed too hastily. You have adopted the rule to make known all your determinations to Rev. Coetus. This agrees with the resolutions of that Assembly. Since it has your oral report, even to minute details, it can best decide on this matter.
Meanwhile we give our approval to the resolutions of Rev. Coetus, so long as there are no legal objections thereto. We hope that what you have already done in this affair, and the action yet to be taken by Rev. Coetus, may be to the honor of God's most holy name, and the welfare of the church; and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren.
Your faithful servants the Members of the Classis of Amsterdam.
In the name of all,
Jakobus J. Tyken, V. D. M. Amsterdam Depp. Classis,
h. t. Praeses.
Jakob de Jonge, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba. Amsterdam,
In our Classical Assembly,
April 2, 1753.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. G. M. Weiss at Gosenhoppen,
Pennsylvania, April 2, 1753. Vol. 31, No. 5, page 8. Rev. Sir and Brother :---
We recently had the honor to receive a letter from you, dated August 18, 1752, from which we had the satisfaction to hear of the safe arrival of Rev. Mr. Schlatter with six pastors, and that five of them had already gladly accepted the places offered them. We were astonished, however, to learn that Rev. Mr. Rubel was on such intimate terms with the church of Philadelphia and that he proceeded notwithstanding that you, as Deputies, had given him advice to wait until the next meeting of the Synod.
We hope that the Coetus in accordance with the instructions of the Synod in this matter will consider the business in its separate parts, and we desire to know the action taken. We trust that you in conjunction with the other brethren, will be as active as pos- sible to preserve peace and unity, so as to prevent sinful disturb- ances and divisions. We also hope that the blessings which the Lord so generously bestowed upon those who labored so hard over here for the welfare of the churches of Pennsylvania may not be destroyed or be altogether in vain.
The Lord grant that you and the brethren may receive much light and wisdom in this matter. May the Lord prosper the Penn- sylvania Zion according to his good pleasure, and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that his Holy Name may be magnified.
We are with all respect, Reverend Brother, your servants and fellow-workers, The Members of Classis of Amsterdam,
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