USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 38
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1753
of the giver, yea, rather has been in many respects hurtful ; and there is fear, on account of the destruction of the wood and other troubles, the income will from time to time diminish; there- fore we cannot but judge, from the experience of many years in the past, and from the prospect for the future, that the liberation of the same is a stringent necessity for the advantage of the con- gregation in the support of its ministers: inasmuch as we are confident that, if the Manor were sold either entire or in portions, and the receipts laid out in buying lands and houses in the city or in building houses on our own land, the income would be doubled, and thus we would be able to maintain the Low Dutch divine service with little burden on the congregation: And to gain such an end, nothing is more necessary than to send a com- mission to the (State) Assembly for the release of the Manor that we may be empowered to sell the same, for the purpose defined in the will of the testator, and for no other purpose whatsoever. This report therefore, we now submit to the judgment of the Consistory.
Abram Van Wyck Frans Marschalk Cornelius Clopper, Jr. Albertus Tiebout
New York, Aug. 6, (1753).
This report was read and approved without any alteration, and it was further resolved to call the Great Consistory to consider this matter, on Thursday next, at five o'clock, P. M .; and the ruling consistory at four o'clock, to deliberate somewhat before hand.
New York, August 9, 1753.
The Great Consistory were informed of the purpose for which they were summoned, viz., to consider the release of the Manor of Fordham.
The report of the committee and the action of the ruling con- sistory thereon having been read, as above recorded, they unani- mously approved the same. They recommended to the ruling consistory to proceed in the matter and promised whatever aid
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they could render. They counted also upon the prudence which the Ruling Consistory would use in defining the properties which would be bought with the money of the Manor.
The committee, therefore, were requested to go on with their work and prepare a draught, and submit the same to the consist- ory. This they agreed to do.
It was further resolved, since the precentor's place in the Old Church is now vacant, that the President should write by the first opportunity to Mr. Harmanns Van Huyzen, school-master at Tappen, and request him to exercise his gifts here once, and that he would be rewarded for his trouble.
Thus done in consistory. Signed in name of all,
J. Ritzema, President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Thomas Romyn.
1753, Sept. 2nd. Art. 1. The Messrs. Deputies submitted a written plan to be given Rev. Romyn to sign. After proper consideration, it was accepted. This shall be recorded in the Acta of the Deputati.
Also the letters to the Coetus, to Rev. Frielinghuysen, and to the protesting members of Jamaica, which had been drawn up by the Messrs. Depp, were read, and approved. xii. 360.
Pennsylvania.
Art. 7. The Rev. Depp. had received from the Depp. South Holland a letter from Rev. (Jacob) Lischy, of December 2nd and 12th, 1752.
Also a letter to this Classis from the Revs. (George M.) Weiss and (John P.) Leidich, of May 30, this year; as well as a letter from Mr. Samuel Chandler, of England, all of which were read. xii. 361.
Ordination of Thomas Romeyn, Peter Manhard, Stephen Sam. de Lavel.
Art. 11. Each of these gentlemen preached a sermon, the first on 1 Cor. 3: 17, " For the temple of God is holy, which temple
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ye are"; the second on Ps. 72: 17; the third on Ps. 92: 14; and were admitted to the preparatory examination; the first one also to the final examination. They were properly questioned by Rev. van Muyden in the Hebrew and Greek tongues, and upon the principal articles of Sacred Theology. They were admitted to the public ministry after they had subscribed the Formulae of Concord, the Canons, and the Post Acta of the National Synod of Dort; also after they had repudiated the condemned opinions of Prof. Roel and Dr. Bekker, and promised to read word for word, without change, the Forms for Baptism and Communion; especially the last three questions in the Baptismal Form. The two licentiates also took the oath against Simony. The Examiner was thanked and the examinees were wished an increasing measure of light and grace. Proper certificates will be given them by the clerk. Rev. Romyn, moreover, was admitted to the Sacred Min- istry for the church of New Netherland whereunto he is called, and ordained to the office with the laying on of hands. xii. 361.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Special Stipulations required of Rev. Thomas Romeyn, Sept. 3, 1753, when called to Oyster Bay and Jamaica, L. I. Vol. 31, page 32. Reference xxiv. 23.
Copy of what the Classis of Amsterdam wrote below the printed qualification of Rev. Thomas Romeyn as minister at Oyster Bay.
The Classis of Amsterdam, having seen a call, extended by the minister of Jamaica and Oyster Bay, on the 27th of November, 1752, to Mr. Thomas Romeyn; and having, moreover, taken into account the fact that there are in the church of Jamaica two consistories; that the one consistory has protested and appealed to this Classical Assembly, first, against the legality of the consistory at Jamaica which has made this call; and secondly, against the calling of Rev. Thomas Romeyn in particular; for it has not felt itself at liberty as yet to approve that call so far as the church at Jamaica is concerned:
And inasmuch as this Assembly does not yet possess sufficient light to judge of the legality of the consistory; but has, nevertheless, approved the call, so far as the church at Oyster Bay is concerned; and, after previous examination, has ordained and qualified Rev. Thomas Romeyn as minister of the church at Oyster Bay; but on this express condition and with this stipulation, that the aforesaid Rev. Thomas Romeyn shall make a promise, in writing, to the Classis, as also his Rev. has agreed to do, in effect as follows :--
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Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
I, the undersigned, Thomas Romeyn, called as minister to the church at Jamaica and Oyster Bay, on Nov. 27, 1752, having been informed of the protest and appeal, made by a certain consistory at Jamaica, against the legality of that consistory at Jamaica which called me; as also of the protest and appeal against my being called so far as the church at Jamaica is concerned; declare and promise in all sincerity of heart:
First, That I will abide by the call, which I accepted, so far as the church of Oyster Bay is concerned; and that, in expectation of the Lord's help and blessing, I agree to discharge all the duties of a faithful minister in the said church.
But, secondly: As regards the call to the church at Jamaica, I declare and promise that I will perform no function as minister of the church of Jamaica, before the protest and appeal against the legality of the consistory which called me, and against my call as a minister at Jamaica, shall have been considered, and the dif- ferences settled, by the Coetus of New York; or, if it cannot be done there, by the Classis of Amsterdam; or, if needs be, by the Christian Synod of North Holland.
Thirdly, That I will become a member of the Coetus of New York, and submit myself to its just rules, resolutions and decisions, made in accordance with Church Order, saving the right of appeal to the Classis of Amsterdam, and to the Christiall Synod of North Holland, in case I should feel myself aggrieved.
Finally: I promise that with all prudence and zeal, so far as in me lies, I will help in promoting amity and peace in the churches of Oyster Bay and Jamaica; as also in the churches of Newtown (Newtuyn) and Hemstede which were formerly united with Oyster Bay and Jamaica.
Thus done at Amsterdam, Sept. 3, 1753.
Thomas Romeyn, S. S.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Coetus, Sept. 3rd, 1753. Vol. 31, page 30, No. 13, Ref. xxiv. 23. To the Coetus of New York.
Rev. Gentlemen and Much-beloved Brethren :-
We had the honor lately, on May 7th, (1753,) of writing to you, in answer to yours of Sept. 25, 1752. No doubt you have already received ours, and therefore we will not repeat. what we have written excepting this: That we brought in the appeal to the Coetus of the Rev. members of the Consistory of Jamaica, signed by the names of P. Ammerman, A. Schenck, Simeon Van Noordwyk and D. Durye. In connection therewith we have heard that Rev. Thomas Romeyn had been called, Rev. John Frelinghuysen being moderator of the call. We have also re- ceived a letter from Rev. Frelinghuysen defending the legality of this call; and in addition to all this, an appeal of the said Con- sistory against this call. The Classis has deliberated upon these documents with care in order to act in a way most favorable for the restoration of peace and the general edification of the church. With such desires, and prayer for divine guidance, the Classis has approved this call on Rev. Thos. Romeyn as pastor ; has examined
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him and qualified him for that office at Oyster Bay, inasmuch as there was no protest brought in against the call (from that place) but only from Jamaica. The Classis has imposed some conditions which Mr. Romeyn has promised to fulfill. These are to be found in the ordinary printed qualifications of which you have a copy. We trust that you will be satisfied with our proceedings, and that you will be as active as possible in promoting the unity of the four congregations. We hope you will do everything in your power to accomplish this, with the resolution of the Coetus, which, apparently, has been done by J. Frelinghuysen ; for he, as Mod- erator, has presented the call to Rev. Romeyn, instead of Rev. De Ronde, who was appointed to this duty by the Coetus. We hope this may be no cause of offence, but that peace may still pre- vail.
Availing ourselves of the present opportunity, we take the lib- erty of bringing to your consideration, the question, that the calls which are sent up for examination and approval, be first examined by Rev. Coetus. But if the Coetus should not meet in a long time, that this should then be done by brethren in the neighbor- hood. In order for us properly to consider matters, such resolu- tions should be made known to the Classis, to give them full light on the subject. We wish nothing else, Dear Brethren, except to be your servants in these matters, that the Church of God may be built up, both among you and among ourselves, and be flourish- ing and peaceful, that Zion may become a praise in all the earth. May the Lord bless your labors and crown you with the excel- lency of his benediction. May the God of all grace and comfort be with you and remain, making you rich in grace now, and with glory in eternity.
We remain with all respect, Rev. Gentlemen and Much-beloved Brethren, Your humble and obedient servants and Brethren, The Members of the Classis of Amsterdam,
In the name of all, Jakob de Jonge, Ecc. Amst. Depp. h. t. Praeses. John A. Van Muyden, Ecc. Amst. Depp. h. t. Scriba. In our Classical Assembly at
Amsterdam, Sept. 3rd, 1753.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1753
ACTS OF THE COETUS OF NEW YORK, HELD SEPT. 11-20, 1753. Portfolio "New York " Vol. ii. Vol. xxiii. 380-8. Referred to, xxiv. 28. See also Acts of Classis, xii. 373.
Tuesday, September 11-Forenoon.
The Assembly was opened with an appropriate prayer by the President of the last Coetus. In consequence of the absence of Dom. Verbryck, who would succeed in order as President, the appointment was postponed till the afternoon, and in the meantime the former President read the minutes of the last Coetus.
Dom. Ritzema excepted to the 2nd article of the afternoon session of September 19th; but, as this matter would come up in handling the Long Island question, it was for the present taken ad referendum.
3. Report .- According to Art. 1. of the afternoon session of Sept. 20th, Dom. Haeg- hoort and other ministers shall make report concerning the case of Dom. Muzelius, after the Classical Letters shall have been read.
The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God, to meet again at half past three, P. M.
Afternoon Session.
The Assembly being opened with prayer, Dom. Verbryck succeeded in order as President, and Dom. Fryenmoet as Clerk.
Members Present.
Dom. Erickson
Curtenius
Haeghoort
Schuyler
L. Riker
A. Van Wyck
A. Lott
Fryenmoet
66
D. Westbrook
Goetschius
A. Terhune
Leydt
66
H. Fisher
Van Der Linde
D. Van Dien
Verbryck
J. Haering
De Ronde
.6
E. Byvank
Frelinghuysen
66
S. Van Arsdalen
Marinus
D. Van Houten
2. Signing of the Rules .- On motion, Resolved, That the mistakes in the order of succession in signing the Rules of the Coetus be rectified, and a new subscription made; which was accordingly done.
3. Communications .- The Classical Letters were read, viz .: (1) Of July 17, 1752; (2) Extract of a letter from Dom. P. Wynstock to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; (3) Extract from a letter of the Classis of Nederveluwe; (4) Another from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, dated December 5, 1752, with a proposal of peace for Long Island; (5) Yet another, from the same, dated May 7, 1753.
Then the Assembly adjourned, with thanksgiving to God. Tempus Conventus to-morrow, at nine.
Wednesday, September 12-Forenoon.
The Assembly being opened with prayer:
1. The mistakes in signing the Rules were rectified.
2. The minutes of yesterday were Read, and no exception taken to them.
3. Dom. Van Sinderen reported that he had conformed to the advice of the Coetus in administering the Lord's Supper, and, beyond expectation, had found the oppon- ents, with few exceptions, moderate.
4. A letter was read from Dom. Vrooman, excusing himself for his absence this year from the Coetus.
Elder, Matthew Peterson Demarest .6
66 Ritzema
Van Sinderen
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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5. A report was made by the committee in the case of Dom. Muzelius.
6. A letter, from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to the committee in the case of Tappan, was read.
7. The report of this committee and the Classical Letter to them were, on motion, taken ad referendum.
8. The protest of Dom. Haeghoort was taken ad referendum.
9. The proposal of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, respecting peace on Long Island, was again read, and different opinions expressed thereon; when
The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God. Tempus Conventus this after- noon, at four o'clock.
Afternoon Session.
1. Plan of Peace for Kings County .- The Assembly being opened with prayer, Dom. Ritzema presented the following plan concerning the Long Island subject, which, by unanimous vote, was made an act of the Coetus:
The Coetus, having maturely considered the proposel of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to try once more whether the congregations of Long Island cannot be reconciled to the continuance there of Dom. Arondeus, find that the plan so piously and cordially presented by the Rev. Classis is still of such a nature that it cannot be executed without wounding the conscience. Wherefore it was suggested whether the pious object of the Rev. Classis could not be attained in this way:
a. The sentence upon Dom. Arondeus to be confirmed.
b. An entirely new Consistory to be chosen out of both parties in the five united villages, in the presence of the Coetus, according to the resolution of 1751, with the resignation of all who now are, or are deemed, members of Consistory.
c. A new minister to be sent from Holland by the Rev. Classis in place of Arondeus, and to be called, along with Van Sinderen, by the new Consistory, in the name of the congregation; in which call, (if possible,) as well as in that of Van Sinderen, the village of Gravesend shall be included.
d. During the vacancy, the congregation to be served by the whole Coetus, from the oldest to the youngest, together with Van Sinderen.
e. During the vacancy, no Consistory meeting to be held by Van Sinderen alone as President, but always in the presence of the minister whose turn it shall then be to be there. In case of extremity, one of the brethren of the Circle to be called in.
Worthy Brethren! The Rev. Coetus, now assembled, has maturely considered, in the fear of the Lord, the letters of the Rev. Classis in reference to the settlement of the long-pending disputes in Kings County, Long Island, and finds itself con- strained, in conscience, to adopt the following plan:
I. The sentence before pronounced upon Arondeus, ratified by the Rev. Classis, at last executed in their name, and again confirmed on certain conditions, must hold good; so that he can no longer be a minister among you, and you are henceforth not to regard him as such, nor to refuse obedience to what we have unanimously done, in conscience, before God, and according to his Word and to the Church Order.
II. We declare to you that our object is, together with the maintenance of right- eousness, to promote the welfare of your congregations; wherefore we have judged it best to further what is good, and to take away what is bad, root and branch; to which end, we supplicate the blessing of the God of all grace upon you.
(Here follow the articles above, marked b, c, d, and e; and the address concluded thus:)
Dear Brethren! The Assembly expects nothing less than that this just and rea- sonable proposal will be adopted by you all, without exception; and this the more, since we are firmly resolved to defend this action in every church court.
2. Plan Announced to the Parties .- The committees from the five villages were intro- duced, and had the above act of the Coetus read to them. They requested copies, which were granted to them, and Friday afternoon was appointed for receiving their answer.
The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Thursday, September 13-Forenoon.
The Assembly being as usual opened with prayer to God:
1. Jamaica .- Dom. Ritzema made an explanation concerning the election and ordi- nation of the Consistory here, which the Rev. Classis had mentioned, and which the Rev. Coetus declared lawful.
2. An Appeal .- Daniel Duryee, A. Schenck, S. Nordwyck, and N. Van Noostrand laid upon the table a request for redress, and in case this were not granted, a pro- test and appeal against Messrs. Ritzema, Goetschius, and Frelinghuysen being allowed, on account of partisanship, (as they professed,) to sit upon their case. The last was refused, as groundless.
3. Dom. Hacghoort's Protest .- Respecting this, Dom. Haeghoort testified that he had never received, if the Classis had ever written, any letter touching this matter. The subject itself was taken ad referendum.
The Assembly separated, after thanksgiving to God.
Afternoon Session.
The Assembly was again opened with prayer to God.
Plan of settlement at Jamaica.
Dom. Ritzema proposed the following to the Rev. Assembly, who made it a reso- lution of their own:
Worthy Friends-The Rev. Coetus has carefully considered your papers designed to show, 1. That your Consistory at Jamaica is lawful; and 2. That the one chosen by Dom. Ritzema is unlawful; and therefore, also, the call made by them on Mr. Romeyn.
We reply to the first, That this cannot be admitted.
1. Because, according to the decree of the Classis, a Consistory must be chosen either by a neighboring minister, or by one of the committee, (appointed for the purpose,) or by one of the Coetus; and Dom. Arondeus was neither of these: not the first, as the fact itself shows; nor the second, for he was not appointed; nor the third, for he is still out of the Coetus.
2. Because it must be with the consent of the congregation, which was not the case here, since the elder, Abrah. Lott, not only took no part in it, but actually protested in the church against your election.
As to the second, that is a matter which does not belong to us, but depends upon the Rev. Classis; and where they are concerned, our judgement can avail nothing for or against. What the Classis now demands of us is to do away the dispute, if possible. Weigh well, then, brethren, whether it be not altogether most becoming to act with us to this end, since the judgement of the Classis is manifest to us both. Thus perhaps every difficulty may be at once removed, and we and you both put at ease.
1. Answer of the Committee .- The committee from Jamaica, being again introduced, agree with the Coetus to let everything rest for the present, until further advices be had from the Rev. Classis.
2. Hackensack .- Jacob Outwater, an outgoing deacon of Hackensack, presented some complaints against Dom. Goetschius and five of his Consistory, which, having been considered, were taken ad referendum.
The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God.
Friday, September 14-Forenoon.
The Assembly being opened with prayer to God:
1. Reading of Minutes .- The minutes of Wednesday and Thursday were read, and no exceptions taken to them.
2. Jamaica .- A letter from the Consistory of Jamaica, which the Classis had declared lawful, was read.
3. Hackensack .- Concerning the differences between J. Outwater and Dom. Goet- schius and his Consistory, the Assembly ordained the following for the peace and quiet of the congregation:
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The present Consistory shall continue; notwithstanding, the Coetus proposed to them the following method in future, viz .: A free nomination shall be made by all the members of the Consistory, out of whom the election shall be made, until another mode shall be unanimously adopted by the congregation.
The Assembly further judged that the existing differences should be adjusted in love, and that the two ministers, Curtenius and Goetschius, as also the Consistory, and Outwater and his friends, should be earnestly recommended to revive again the brotherly love which had begun to grow cool. To do this, Dom. Ritzema was appointed in the name of the Coetus, and he performed it faithfully.
4. Dom. Muzelius and Tappan .- This case coming up, at the request of the Presi- dent, Dom. Erickson was substituted in his place ; whereupon the letter of the Rev. Classis to the committee of the Coetus in this matter was read to the delegates from Tappan, Corn. Kuyper, Mr. Haering, and John Nagel. These delegates com- plained that Muzelius, in the face of all warnings, went on in a scandalous and sinful manner, not only sorely accusing, with abuse and threats, the minister, and Consistory, and committee of the Coetus, but also preaching, and even baptizing a negro without his making a profession of faith; so that the schism in the con- gregation became still greater.
The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God.
Afternoon Session.
The Assembly opened with prayer.
1. The letter of the lawful Consistory of Jamaica was referred, for further explana- tion by the Classis.
2. Tappan .- The delegates being again heard, their complaints were taken ad referendum.
3. Application to be examined for License Refused .- John Aemilius Wernich ap- peared, requesting to be examined and ordained ; but the directions of the Rev. Classis were read to him, and his request declined.
4. Arondeus's Friends Protest .- The friends of Arondeus protested against the sentence issued yesterday against him, and said they would appeal; yet, against all reason, refused to state in writing, or to suffer to be taken down, their reasons of protest and appeal.
5. Tappan .- The Assembly ordered the agreement made some years since between Muzelius and the congregation of Tappan, respecting arrears of salary, to remain in statu quo, since the members of this body cannot certainly recall anything of its nature beyond what is contained in the minutes. Further ordered, that Muzelius be written to, to present himself before us at three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon ; which was done.
Separated with thanksgiving to God.
Tuesday, September 18-Forenoon.
1. Tappan -The committee on this matter was again examined, and the Assembly resolved to abide by the answer of the Rev. Classis; still, however, intending to attend to the Emeritusship of Muzelius.
Separated with thanksgiving to God.
Afternoon Session.
Opened with prayer to God.
1. Call from Bergen-Protest .- A call from Bergen and Staten Island upon Mr. William Jackson was read, and found complete. The delegates of the friends of Arondeus presented their appeal and protest to the Rev. Classis, which the Coetus undertook to oppose. This was made known to them, and they were exhorted, meanwhile, to abide by our decision, which hitherto they have refused to do.
2. Fishkill .- A letter from the Consistory here, occasioned by the failure of Pough- keepsie to supply firewood, was read, and taken ad referendum.
3. Muzelius .- He appeared, and his affairs were taken ad referendum. Separated with thanksgiving to God.
1753
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Wednesday, September 19-Forenoon.
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