USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 33
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Pause, therefore, and consider. Revolve the Consequences in a dispassionate Mind. Weigh them in the Scale of Reason, in the Balance of cold deliberate Reflection. By the numberless Blessings of Liberty, heavenly-born ;- by the uncontroulable Dic- tates of Conscience, the Vicegerent of GOD ;- by the Horors of Persecution, con- ceived in Hell, and nursed at Rome ;- and by the awful name of Reason, the Glory of the human Race; I conjure you to pluck out this Thorn, which is incessantly stinging and goading the Bosom of every Man of Integrity and Candour?
EQUAL TOLERATION THE BASIS OF LIBERTY.
Next to the most patriot King that ever graced a Throne, and the wisest Laws that ever Blessed a People, an equal Toleration of Conscience, is justly deemed the Basis of the public Liberty of this Country. And will not this Foundation be under- mined? Will it not be threatened with a total Subversion, should one Party obtain the sole Management of the Education of our Youth? Is it not clear as the Sun in his Meridian Splendor, that this Equality,-this precious and never-to-be-surrendered Equality, will be destroyed, and the Scale preponderate in Favour of the Strongest? And are we silent and motionless, to behold the Abolition of those invaluable Bul- warks of our Prosperity and Repose? Is not the Man,-the Man do I call him? Is not the Miscreant, who refuses to repel their Destruction, an Accomplice in the Crime? Does he not agree to sacrifice that which, next to the Protection of our Mother Country, constitutes our Security, our Happiness, and our Glory? He is beyond Question chargeable with this aggravated Guilt .- Let us, therefore, strive to have the College founded on an ample, a generous, an universal Plan. Let not the Seat of Literature, the Abode of the Muses, and the Nurse of Science; be trans- formed into a Cloister of Bigots, an habitation of Superstition, a Nursery of ghostly Tyranny, a School of rabbinical Jargon. The Legislature alone should have the direction of so important an Establishment. In their Hands it is safer, incompar- ably safer, than in those of a Party, who will instantly discover a Thrift for Domin- ion, and lord it over the rest.
Come on then, My Country-Men, and awake out of your Lethargy! Start, O start, from your Trance! By the inconquerable Spirit of the ancient Britons ;- by the Genius of that Constitution which abhors every Species of Vassalage ;- by the unutterable Miseries of Priest-Craft, reducing Nations and Empires to Beggary and Bondage ;- by the august Title of Englishmen, ever impatient of lawless tyrannic Rule ;- by the grand Prerogatives of Human Nature, the lovely image of the infinite Deity ;- and what is more than all, by that Liberty wherewith Christ has set us free ;- I exhort, I beseech, I obtest, I implore you, to expostulate the Case with your Representatives, and testify your abhorrence of so perillius, so detestable a Plot. In imitation of the Practice of your Brethren in England, when an Affair of Moment is on the Carpet, petition your respective Members to take it into their serious Con- sideration. Acquaint them with your Sentiments of the Matter, and I doubt not, they will remove the Cause of your Disquiet, by an Interposition necessary to the public Prosperity, and eventual of their own immortal Honour .- Independent Reflector, pp. 87-90.
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THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Address to the Consistory of Germantown and Philadelphia, May 7, 1753.
Honorable and Highly Reverend Gentlemen, the Pastor and Elders of the High Dutch Church, at Philadelphia and Germantown :-
From a copy of your letter, Rev. Gentlemen, to the Deputati Synodi, sent to us through H. Steiner, we have learned about the difficulties which have caused a separation between your congregation (Germantown) and that of Philadelphia, and which act, you, Rev. Gentlemen, deemed advisable; and also that you desire to obtain from the Synod another minister and schoolmaster.
Our anxiety to know about the welfare of the Zion in Pennsylvania, compels us to request you, Rev. Gentlemen, in a friendly and fraternal manner, to let us know the true condition of this case. What is the reason, and in what manner have you (of Germantown) and the church of Philadelphia, chosen new pastors?
Up to the present time we have seen no reasons why the relation which Mr. Schlatter sustains to the congregation, and the relation which the congregation sus- tains to him, should be dissolved. The declaration (revers), signed by Mr. Schlatter a copy of which was forwarded to us by Messrs. Steiner and Rubel, has a very sus- picious look to us. We cannot discover the reason why such declaration (revers) should have been demanded, neither, also, why it was granted, inasmuch as it did not at all concern the church at Germantown.
We have long pondered the matter, and, not without reason, we consider that Mr. Schlatter has distinguished himself by his efforts in behalf of the Church of Christ in Pennsylvania. He also, while here, rendered her very valuable services. Hence it looks strange to us that in many special letters accusations are brought up against him. We cannot condemn him, because his guilt is not adequately proven. We greatly regret that so great hatred toward Rev. Schlatter has arisen on account of the donations from Holland-moneys collected years ago. More recently he has really received the money from Reiff and has rendered an account to our Classis and Synod. Neither can it be unknown to you, Rev. Gentlemen that he was acquitted at Philadelphia by the appointed judges, after a thorough examination of the whole matter. The original Acts may be found in possession of our Synods.
Nevertheless, you, Rev. Gentlemen, will not at all accept our views. You act as if we were assuming authority over your congregation, or were trying to impose Mr. Schlatter or some one else upon you. It matters little to us by whom your congre- gation is fed and edified as long as it is really done at all.
We extend the brotherly hand to you as well as to the other congregations; if they only take them at the Coetus, and accept of our suggestions. Otherwise, you, Gentlemen will not think it wrong, if we do not lavish our donations where our advice is not regarded.
Resolved cum voto. Amsterd. May 7th 1753.
G. Kulenkamp, J. de Jonge, T. Alb. van Muyden, J. J. Kessler.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter to Haagoort.
1753, May 7th. Art. 3. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter in reply to the letter sent to us by Rev. Haagort, dated December 10, 1752, for reference to which see previous Acta. The Rev. Assembly approved the answer of the Depp. thereon, and the letter shall be sent off. xii. 338.
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Letter from Wernich.
Art. 8. A letter was read from John Emilius Wernich of Stone Arabia, (N.Y.), dated September 14, 1752, addressed to Mr. Hoedemaker, p.m. (?) Vide Acta, Art. 10, of the previous Classis. No answer shall be returned thereto, until further word shall have come from the Coetus of Pennsylvania, when action shall be taken thereon as occasion may determine. xii. 339.
A Letter from Jamaica Answered.
Art. 9. A letter from Jamaica, (Long Island), by Simon van Noordwyk, etc., and the answer thereto by the Depp. ad res Exteras, having been read, the answer was approved, and shall be forwarded. xii. 339.
A Letter from New York, with the Acta of Coetus, and the answer thereto.
Art. 10. A letter from the Coetus of New York, and the Acta of the Coetus, of September 21, 1752, were read; also the answer thereto by our Deputati. This was approved with thanks to the Brethren for their trouble. xii. 339.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Gerard Haaghoort, May 7, 1753, Vol. 31, page 9, No. 6. To Rev. Haaghoort at Second River, (Belleville, N. J.)
Rev. Brother :-
Along with other letters you will receive one addressed to the Committee on the case of Rev. Muzelius of Tappan. This is in answer to the Committee's letter of Dec. 6, 1752, which we received in March, (1753.) We have also received the enclosed letter of Dec. 11, 1752. In answer, we say, in reference to the letters written to us July 17 and Dec. 6, 1751, that we still hold ourselves to the letter written by us on Sept. 4, 1752.
In reference to Rev. Marinus: We understand from your letters as well as from the Acts of the Coetus of Sept. 1752 that this gentleman was examined and qualified for the ministry by the Coetus of New York, in order to become the preacher at Aquackononck, which congregation belongs to the Coetus of New York. It follows that he must be examined by that body and not by the Coetus of Pennsylvania.
Whether the Synod, (which gave its consent to the request of Rev. Schlatter) was notified that Aquackononck belonged to New York, is not known to us. But that we tere in the North Holland Synod, know something about the churches of New York, and more than you suppose) you will learn from the Acts of the Synod; nor do we hink that the Christian Synod did wrong in sending a letter to Pev. Du Bois.
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And although the Synod has given authority to examine Rev. Marinus, etc., this act of theirs does not give our Classical Assembly the same right and power, to grant such a privilege to the Coetus of New York; and you yourselves know that the Classis absolutely prohibits this right.
You desire to have the exact opinion of the Classis on this subject; that we should give our advice in order to avoid all discord; and whether there are no means by which this could be accomplished. We cheerfully labor, and try as hard as we can, to correct matters by our deliberations and advice. But our own pastoral duties do not allow us to give particular attention to all little difficulties brought up by an individual pastor; and even affairs which have relation in common to all the churches of New York cannot well be administered by us, so long as they are not regularly brought up through the Rev. Coetus of New York.
Furthermore, considering the remarks which you made on the union of the (Ger- man Reformed) Church of Pennsylvania with that of the Scotch Presbyterians, you will find in the Acts of the Synod of 1751, Art. 45, and in those of 1752, Art. 45, that that Christian Assembly does not give its sanction to such a union. We also hope, on account of reasons therein found, and to avoid other difficulties, that the churches of New York will guard themselves against separation from the National Church of Holland.
Remembering you in our prayers, we remain with respect, Reverend Brother,
Your obedient servants and Fellow-workers, the Members of the Classis of Amsterdam; In the Name of all,
Jacob de Jonge, V. D. M., Amst. Dep. Cl. h. t. Praeses. John Albert van Muyden, Ecc. Amst. Dep. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
Done in our Classical Assembly at
Amsterdam, May 7, 1753.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Classis of Amsterdam to the Coetus of New York, May 7, 1753. Vol. 31, page 13, No. 8. To the Coetus of New York.
Rev. and Very-learned Gentlemen, and Much-beloved Fellow- workers :
We were very much pleased to receive on the 19th of April of the present year, (1753) your letter of Sept. 19th 1752, signed with the names of Rev. Fryenmoet as President and Rev. De Ronde, as scribe, in the name of all the Rev. Gentlemen. In addition to this we also received the Acta Coetus, held on Sept. 19th and following days, 1752 with an annexed ducument re- lating to New Paltz. We heartily thank you for your goodness in sending us these records and other documents, and we promise on our part that we will not be lacking in maintaining this cor- respondence, so desirable and necessary, and we pray the Lord to add his blessing to it. It is cause of much joy and a good ground of hope that the Lord will not withhold his blessing in that we notice in your letter and in the proceedings of the Coetus,
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that love and peace with general harmony prevail among you,- and in such a place the Lord will dwell.
Especially must we inform you that the Classis of Amsterdam received with thankfulness the account of your deliberations in the case of Mr. Marinus. We think it was advisable to examine that gentleman in the Coetus of New York inasmuch as Aquack- ononck belongs to that Coetus. We are glad to hear that he gave so much satisfaction, that you had no objection to advance him and ordain him to the ministry. We trust that the Most High will use him as a blessed instrument in his hand for the ingather- ing of souls, and the establishment of others in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We hope that that which is determined concerning Oysterbay and Jamaica may be followed with good results. Moreover, it is our duty to inform you of the reception of a letter from Jamaica on the 12th ( ?) dated Feb. 3rd, 1753, and signed by Simeon Van Noortwyck, Abraham Schenck, Paulus Amerman and Daniel Durye, in the capacity of a Consistory of Queens County. In this they complain of Rev. Ritzema in that he had appointed a Consistory without the consent of the congregation, and that that Consistory was ordained in the English Presbyterian Church. They say that they will not recognize it as legal, following therein the example of the churches of Newtown and Hempstead; and that the Coetus of New York has recognized this Consistory and condemned them without trial, for they were not summoned. The establishment of this Consistory then, by Rev. Ritzema, is the reason why the four congregations cannot call a pastor. There- fore they have protested and appealed to Classis. In a postscript they further say, that some of the adherents of Goetschius are still attempting to force a certain Mr. T. Romeyn upon their congre- gations.
We deem it our duty, for the sake of our brotherly correspond- ence, to give you, in brief, the contents of that document, nor will we keep secret the answer to that letter.
" That we, after having shown our grief on account of the divisions among them, find ourselves not able to deliberate on the
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matter they have brought up, because of lack of clear light on the subject; and also because the act in dispute was not in itself legal, inasmuch as it was not certified by the Coetus, which ought to have been done. Other reasons were also mentioned. Fur- thermore, we have advised them to take part (in the Coetus ?) in seeking in spirit of love to put an end to the discord. We have, therefore, impressed upon them the necessity of exercising, just as far as possible, love, peace and harmony."
Now our loving request to you, Gentlemen, is that you will have the goodness to uphold these views with all your powers. As much as possible, direct affairs that no further difficulties may arise, and that those which now exist may be brought to an end, through a spirit of meekness, and in behalf of the peace of the Church. We trust that this may be accomplished, while we commit this case to your wisdom and prudence, especially the affair of the said Romeyn. We also ask you to give us more light on the whole subject.
We have read with satisfaction in your Acta the advice which you have given to Rev. Van Sinderson, viz., to visit all the mem- bers of the congregations on Long Island, and in a fraternal manner to admonish the disobedient ones. We hope he has suc- cessfully performed this duty, and that he has won the hitherto refractory ones by kindness and gentleness. It grieves us to hear that Rev. Arondeus still continues obstinate, and that troubles and difficulties continue. We have shown heretofore our pro- found interest in this whole affair, in our letter to you of Dec. 5, 1752, wherein we gave our opinion. Therefore we do not enlarge on this matter now, but hope to hear good news concerning it in another letter. We also learn with satisfaction that the business with P. De Wind is brought to an end; that the sentence was carried out to which he had justly subjected himself, and that he has gone to the West Indies. His sentence was based upon the Acts of the Classis of Netherland (Neder Veluwe ?), and not on the letters of Rev. Wynstok. We have written to P. De Wind as well as to you, more particularly on this matter. (Dec. 5, 1752), that if he had any charges against Rev. Wynstok, (which
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have no relation to our judgment in this case), he must make his complaint to the judges who are competent in the case. These are difficult and unpleasant matters which, we could have wished, had never occurred.
Since we are at present hindered by many things, we take the liberty to refer you to that which we wrote you on July 17th and Dec. 5th 1752. From this you have already seen that we have given our consent to the separation of the churches of the Paltz and Kingston; also that we have allowed the calling of the Rev. Vrooman (to the former) and have qualified him accordingly. He left in April of the present year, (1755) together with those other gentlemen, Jakobus and Ferdinand Frelinghuysen. James Schuneman was examined by our Classis on Jan. 9th 1753, and ordained as pastor of the Catskill, etc. They have agreed to unite with the Coetus. May the Lord guide them in their journey that they may arrive in safety to build up Zion in your midst.
Finally, we must testify our grief concerning the bad conduct and unfortunate condition of Rev. Muzelius. On this subject the Rev. Deputati of the Coetus wrote us on Dec. 10th 1752, which we answered on April 2nd 1753, which we suppose you have already read. We therefore rest therein, as we would not trouble you to read the same thing twice.
Having nothing more of importance to write, we close. We commend you, Rev. Gentlemen, and all who are deár to you, with brotherly affection to the Lord and the word of his grace.
The Lord enlighten, support, help and comfort you, and bless your labor unto the salvation of many souls.
We call ourselves, Rev. Gentlemen and Respected and Beloved Brethren, Your obedient servants, the Members of the Classis
Amsterdam, of
In the name of all,
Jakobus Jonge, V.D.M. Amst. Depp. Classis, h. t. Praeses. John Albert van Muyden, V.D.M. Amst. Depp. h. t. Scriba. In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, May 7th, 1753.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Brethren in Queens County, Long Island, May 7, 1753. Vol. 31, p. 17, No. 9.
To the Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren in Queens County, Long Island, J. Van Noordwyk, A. Schenck, G. Ammerman, D. Durye, at Jamaica :----
We received your letter from Jamaica on the 12th .; which was dated Feb. 3rd 1753, and signed by the Consistory of Queens County, Long Island. We learned therefrom with grief, that the formation of a Consistory by Rev. Ritzema, although declared legal by the Coetus of New York, had occasioned much trouble. This we considered the more deplorable, since we have so often attempted to make an end of these difficulties on Long Island, and bring about a restoration of peace. We are, there- fore, especially grieved to learn that these flames of discord have not yet been extinguished.
We would gladly give further advice, but we are obliged to say that we are not able, because we have received no further light on matters by your letters. We cannot pronounce judge- ment on the case, because we have knowledge only from one side. You write that you have appealed unto Classis on this matter. Of this we do not find any mention in the Acta Coetus sent us. We suppose, therefore, you have not put your appeal in writing, which must previously be done, giving also the reasons for the same. Only in such a way can an appeal be made to Classis. Nevertheless we would be glad to consider the matter, and have the difficulty ended, that the fires of discord may not become greater by the prolongation of the strife, destroying everything about it. We trust that the God of Love may incline the hearts alienated to love, peace and friendship; for only under such cir- cumstances can God bestow his blessing, which is Life. We trust that you, Rev. Gentlemen, will be as one in bringing this about. May our brotherly advice and admonitions be accepted by you, that you appear as examples to others. Let there be no vain sus- picions nor underground prejudice, suspecting those of partiality,
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who must officially consider and decide respecting these evils in the fear of the Lord. We will be most happy to hear that the congregations are again living in peace. We wish in every pos- sible way to promote their welfare, and therefore we will not withdraw ourselves, even if the matter cannot be brought to a termination at once by the Coetus. We will deliberate on the case more carefully when we have received another letter from you and the Coetus. Further, Brethren, may the Lord be with you, and grant you all the necessary light and wisdom to enable you to establish peace among the now distracted members of the Church.
We sign our names with love and affection, Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren, Your obedient servants and brethren, The Members of the Classis of Amsterdam,
In the name of all,
Jacob de Jonge, Ecc. Amst. Dep. Cl. h. t. Praeses J. A. Van Muyden, Ecc. Amst. Dep. Cl. h. t. Scriba. In our Classical Assembly at Amsterdam, May 7, 1753.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Deputies of the Synods of South and North Holland, May 7, 1753. (As to the right of licensing and ordaining in the East Indies. The same Principle partially applicable to America.) Vol. 31, No. 10, page 19
To the Very Reverend, the Deputies of the Synods of South and North Holland :
Highly Reverenced, Godly and Very Learned Sirs :-
At our last meeting of the Classis, held April 2nd, 1753, we learned from the mouths of your very Revd. brethren, Messrs. Kulenkamp and Van den Broek, that your Reverences wished and asked to know whether our Classis could give your Reverences any light on a certain Church Order, introduced in the East Indies, and on the right of the Rev. Consistory of Batavia to qualify ministers and candidates. Reference was specially made to the Acts of 1623, 1628, 1629, 1630, Aug. 5, 1631; also 1643, 1644, 1670, Dec. 17, 1671, Aug. 14, 1674.
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It was a pleasure to us to comply with your Reverences' request and desire ; and so we requested and recommended our Deputies on Foreign Affairs to make a careful investigation in reference to these matters. We have the honor of communicating herewith to your Revs. what has come to our knowledge of those projects mentioned. And, first of all, we would speak of the qualifying of ministers and candidates in the Indies.
In 1662 the Assembly of their Honors, the Seventeen (Directors of the Company) took action to send candidates to India, as can- didates. After rendering good proof of their ability, these might then be qualified as ministers in the Indies. In the year 1663 the Classis of Amsterdam remonstrated, in the name of all the Classes where there are Chambers, (Offices of the India Com- panies) with the candidates to be examined and qualified in this country, as heretofore. Hereupon report was made to the Classis April 26, 1663 to the effect that the Assembly of the Seventeen had resolved to proceed after the old order, and to allow the candidates sent from here to be first examined, and, with laying on of hands, ordained, to the second ministry. It is to be re- marked here that those of Batavia had themselves urged the Rev. Classis to make this request, and were rejoiced at the favorable action taken.
Nevertheless, those of Batavia did shortly after, in the year 1667, and several times subsequently, to the displeasure of other churches in the Indies, qualify Visitors of the Sick as candidates, and then qualify these candidates as ministers.
In 1671, Arts. 12-15, and in 1672, Art. 11, the Synod of North Holland took strict action against such procedure for bidding the same by a letter addressed to the Assembly of the Seventeen. Answer was received purporting that their Honors would take such action in the matter, as, they doubted not, would be agreeable to the Churches.
In 1671 the Consistory of Batavia complains of the Classis of Amsterdam for disputing its right thereto; and it now qualifies again three candidates, and calls upon the Synods of South and North Holland and the Classis of Walcheren to help them in
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maintaining that right. The deputies of the Synod, together with the Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam, have in possession the letter written from Batavia, December, 1671 to the Synod, and approved by Synod, 1679, Art. 11, a copy of which is kept in the Synodical Chest.
An extract of this letter is to be found in the Acts of Synod of South Holland held at Breda in the year 1752, Art. 5.
In 1675, Arts. 8 & 9, the Synod wrote again in reply to it. According to Acts of Synod, 1677, Art. 8, 9, those of Batavia declared that they were following the judgement of the Synod, and had never done otherwise; but still they kept talking about their rights. The Synod thereupon resolves to await first an answer to the letter written by the Synod in 1675.
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