USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
Opened with prayer to God.
1. Minutes-Committees .- The minutes of yesterday were read, and no exceptions taken. Dom. Curtenius and the elder, Abraham Van Wyck, were appointed a com- mittee to agree with Dom. Muzelius respecting the removal from the congregation. Dom. Ritzema and Frelinghuysen were appointed a committee of Dom. Arondeus's friends.
Dom. Frelinghuysen inquired whether a child born in incestuous fornication could be baptized ?
2. Dom. Haeghoort's Protest .- It was proposed by him to drop his protest now, with the view of putting the Coetus on a better footing at its next ordinary or extraordinary session. The Assembly heartily agreed to supply all deficiencies in its constitution which should be intelligently and kindly shown; and with this Dom. Haeghoort was satisfied. The Assembly having appointed the next ordinary meeting for the handling of this matter, prior to all other questions, the brethren were all requested to be present.
3. Muzelius .- The committee on this case reported that Dom. Muzelius, on condi- tion of remaining an Emeritus minister, would remove out of the congrega- tion, and forego his claims for a moderate sum of money. The Assembly agreed that Dom. Muzelius, on the written condition of removing fairly and promptly from Dom. VerBryck's congregation, of releasing them of their obligations for a sum of money, and promising in future to behave in a Christian manner, according to God's Word and the Church Order, should be held and recognized as an Emeritus minister. The Assembly requestedAbr'm Lefferts, Jas. Roosevelt, and Elbert Haering to adjust matters in their name between Dom. Muzelius and the Consistory and congregation of Tappan, and carry out the agreement stated in the foregoing resolution. Till the accomplishment of this object, Dom. Muzelius is to abstain from all ministerial service in Dom. Verbryck's congregation ; and if the agreement is not made, then the Coetus will proceed to consider the Classical Letter to their committee on this subject. All of which is to be announced to him orally.
Separated with thanksgiving.
Afternoon Session.
Opened with prayer to God, as usual.
1. Appeal of Duryee .- Dom. De Ronde was requested to write to Dan Duryee, to inform him that the first minute, of which a copy was furnished him, would remain in the minutes, and that he might present his protest by the Extraordinary Clerk. The Rev. Messrs. Frelinghuysen and Leydt, and the elder, Fisher, were requested to reply to this protest and appeal, in the name of the Coetus.
2. Appeal of Arondeus .- The committee on the reply to this, reported a draft, which was amended by the Assembly, and then given to Dom. Ritzema to be fairly copied, and forwarded with the other papers of the Rev. Coetus.
It was ordered that the next Ordinary Coetus should be held on the fourth Tuesday ·of September.
Separated with thanksgiving.
Thursday, September 20-Forenoon.
Opened with prayer.
The minutes of yesterday afternoon were read, and no exceptions taken to them. The full reply to the protest and appeal of Arondeus's followers were read over, and the brethren were heartily thanked for it. Mr. William Jackson, being about to travel to Europe, showed his ecclesiastical testimonials, and offered his service to the Assembly ; whereupon the President, after inspecting his papers, cordially thanked him, and wished him all health and happiness.
The Assembly, after wishing each other all health and blessing in love, separated, with thanksgiving to God.
(Signed, ) Samuel Verbryck, V. D. M., p. t. President J. Fryenmoet, V. D. M., p. t., Clerk.
3418
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1753
ONE OF THE CONSISTORIES AT JAMAICA, TO THE COETUS OF NEW YORK, SEPT. 11, 1753.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. ii. Ref. xxiv. 32.
To the Rev. Coetus of New York :----
We, the undersigned, consistory of Jamaica, seeing that we are not considered by the Coetus the legal consistory of Jamaica, but are altogether ignored ; even to that extent, that a mere part of us, which is declared to be the consistory, is allowed to call a minister ; therefore, we find ourselves compelled once again to address ourselves to your Rev. Coetus, because of this grievous treatment which we receive.
We, hereby, therefore, address you with the very friendly request for redress in this matter of ours; for we see no reason for such treatment. It can be clearly proved, as this enclosure shows, that we did not refuse, but agreed to the proposi- tion, made in an article, which the Commissioners of the Coetus extracted (from the minutes and) sent us by the hand of the late Rev. (G.) du Bois, for the election of a consistory. But, notwithstanding others have, meanwhile, mixed up this fact with lies, by saying that we were unwilling to act according to the prescribed article ; although we never said a word to that effect, and have always acted in perfect accord with the said article; yet the ministers who were either appointed on this business at the time, or else who took it upon themselves, did without further investigating those statements with which we are charged by others, prefer to believe them; and they sent us another article which we could not agree to. We were thus necessitated to look for a neighboring minister, which also we did. We got Rev. Arondeus to help us in choosing a consistory ; and, in the liberty given us by the Rev. Classis, as its communication to us shows, we allowed it to be installed by the minister aforesaid.
But the Commissioners before mentioned cannot acquiesce in the matter; and in place of the consistory chosen by us, they chose another consistory, in the interest of a party. They have thus set us aside. And nothing of all this, indeed, has come to the Coetus for its consideration ; nor the manner how, owing to the most abomin- able lies, we have been rejected, and looked upon as unwilling to agree; while, on the contrary, we were in every respect willing to act according to the proposition first made. So, to our exceeding sorrow, others have triumphed over us, and power even is given them to make a call, without recognizing us as even members of the church. This is directly against the salutary aim of the Rev. Classis, which does everything to promote amity, peace and unity ; in order that all might join hands in the calling of a minister ; and thus prevent the setting up a church within a church.
And as we have recently received a letter from the Classis, dated May 7, 1753, in which that body expresses the hope that this matter may be set right in the Coetus ; we do now once again resort to your Revs. with the friendly request for redress in the same, and for recognition as the legal consistory. We have always been recog- nized as such by the Classis ; and surely will continue to be, when it comes to hear how the Commissioners have been misled by lies. Otherwise we shall be obliged to protest against such appointment of a new consistory, chosen from a party ; and we hereby do protest, requesting that, in case redress is refused, a minute may be made thereof for the Classis to act upon at its session in May.
Thus done at Jamaica, Queens County, Sept. 11, 1753.
Signed as Consistory, Simeon Van Noortwyck Paulus (his mark) p Amerman Abraham Schenck Daniel Durye.
1
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3419
1753
PROTEST OF A CERTAIN CONSISTORY AT JAMAICA AGAINST THE CALL OF THOMAS ROMEYN, SEPTEMBER 11, 1753.
Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii.
Protest of the undersigned Consistory of the churches hereinafter mentioned.
We have understood that the student, Thomas Romeyn, has, under the direction of Rev. Johannes Frelinghuysen, accepted a call to the church of Oyster Bay and, in part, of Jamaica. This thing looks exceedingly strange to us, because no regard is paid therein to the action of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam respecting it; nor to action taken by the Rev. Coetus at its last meeting.
Such a thing should be done under the direction of the moderator of the call (consulent) who has been appointed thereto, the Rev. De Ronde, and not by Rev. John Frielinghuysen, who is neither moderator nor a brother in the same circle. It is also against the resolution of the Rev. Classis. That body, in the dismission of Rev. Goetsvhius from amongst us, had no other aim than the harmony of the church. Clearly, this is not aimed at by this proceeding, but the church is broken up, and is in a rather worse condition than it even would have been, had the said Goetschius remained. Moreover, the churches contain members of both parties. And when, by a party, therefore, a call is made to get another minister, is that not setting up a church within a church? Is it not against all Church Order? And does it not thereby cause the most irrational confusion ?
We, therefore, find ourselves necessitated to protest altogether against such an unenlightened treatment; as already we have done and also hereby do in the name of those of us who are standing up for their rights, with the request that this our protest be recorded in the minutes of the Rev. Coetus, in order that the Rev. Classis, by getting it under its eye, may be able to pass a righteous judgment on the case.
Signed as Consistory,
Simeon Van Noortwyck his Paulus p Amerman mark Abraham Schenck Daniel Durye.
Thus done by us at Jamaica, Sept. 11, 1753.
CONFIRMATION BY THE COETUS OF THE SENTENCE UPON ARONDEUS, SEPT. 12, 1753.
Action of the Coetus in the matter of Rev. Arondeus.
Worthy Brethren :-
The Rev. Coetus, now in session, has at this time in particular, in the fear of the Lord, maturely considered the letters of the Rev. Classis in regard to the disputes, so long pending on Long Island, in Kings County ; and finds itself in conscience bound to pass, unanimously, the following resolution, as it has already done, and hereby makes the same known to your Revs :
1. That in regard to the person of Rev. John Arondeus, it can come to no other conclusion than that the sentence previously passed upon him; and which was ratified by the Rev. Classis ; and also, in its name, here recently put in force ; and now, again, on certain conditions, confirmed : that the sentence must take effect. Therefore his Rev. can no longer be minister among you. From now on, you must turn away from him as a minister ; and you must no longer refuse to observe what, (as we think), we have, in good conscience before God, and according to His Word and our Church Order, unanimously done.
2. We make known to you that it is our aim, while maintaining righteousness, to promote the true welfare of your church. We have, therefore, thought it best, for the promotion of what is good, and for the removal, root and branch, of what is evil, and whereon we ask the God of all Grace to give you His blessing :
73
3420
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1753
(1) That, the entire Consistory, whatever it be or has the name of being, shall go out, and a new Consistory for the whole of the five united villages of Kings County shall be chosen, from both the parties, and in presence of the Coetus or its Commissioners ; according to our previous action taken in the year 1751.
(2) That, in the place of Arondeus, a minister sent by the Classis of Amsterdam from Holland, be called, (to be associated with Van Sinderen), by that new Consis- tory, in the name of the whole church; and that in that call, if possible, the village of Gravesand (Gravesend) also be included, as also in Van Sinderen's call.
(3) That, during the vacancy, besides Van Sinderen's services, the church have supplies from the entire Coetus, from the oldest to the youngest.
(4) That, during that vacancy, no Consistory meeting shall be held by Van Sin- deren as sole president, but only in presence of the minister who shall then be taking his turn there; and, in case of extreme necessity, by calling in one of the brethren of the Circle.
Rev. Brethren ! the Assembly expects nothing else from you now than that you will all, without exception, accept this so just and equitable resolution ; and especi- ally, because the Rev. Assembly is firmly resolved to defend this resolution of theirs in any Church Assembly.
Collata Concordant quod testamur, Samuel Verbryck, p. t. Praeses J. D. Fryenmoet, V. D. M. p. t. Scriba.
PROTEST OF THE FRIENDS OF ARONDEUS, AGAINST THE ACTION OF THE COETUS CONFIRMING THE SENTENCE ON ARONDEUS, SEPT. 18, 1753.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
To the Rev. Assembly of the Coetus, held in the City of New York. Reverend Assembly :-
We hereby protest against your Revs.' resolution and decision, passed on the 12th inst. with regard to the person of Rev. John Arondeus, a copy of which was sent to us, and signed, Samuel Verbryck, etc. As also against your Revs.' decision, made on April 16, 1752; on the ground of the acts, being, in our judgement, unjust and improper; because his Rev. as well as ourselves, have, by your Revs., been con- demned without a hearing. And when, on the 16th of April, 1752 we appealed in your Revs.' Assembly, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, the president, Rev. Gerard Haeghoort, forbade us to speak, and ordered us to go; and consequently, as we understand it, no notice was taken of us in the Minutes.
In response to the communication by the Classis of Amsterdam, recommending us to seek peace, we did, on the 16th of Sept., 1751, offer your Revs.' Assembly, our ready resolution for peace, and to submit ourselves wholly to the judgement of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; and we are still disposed to peace and reconciliation. As we are informed, (for your Revs.' are unwilling to reveal anything to us, thus keeping us in the dark), the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has most highly recom- mended to your Rev. Assembly, to devise and apply means to bring about peace; and to that end proposed certain rules and conditions for inspiring both parties to seek peace and reconciliation. This your Revs. have not in the least observed; but, on the contrary, on two different occasions, you have condemned us and Rev. Arondeus without allowing us the slightest chance to defend ourselves. This we hold to be contrary to all rights, very unjust and improper; also directly against the Christian aim and object of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, whose aim it is to save, and not to destroy. Wherefore, we hereby appeal to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for redress, and request that this our appeal may be entered on the Minutes, to be made known to that Rev. Assembly.
Johannes Lott Philippus Nagel Rutgert Van Brunt Jacob Remsen Daniel Bodet.
t
Kings County, Sept. 18, 1753.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3421
1753
ANSWER OF THE COETUS ON THE PROTEST FROM JAMAICA, SEPT. 19, 1753. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
Copy of the Acts of Coetus, Sept. 19, 1753 in the matter of Jamaica, on Long Island.
Worthy Friends! The Rev. Coetus has carefully considered the papers handed in by you, with a view especially
1. To getting your consistory at Jamaica legalized.
2. And hence, the consistory chosen by Rev. Ritzema declared illegal, and so also the call extended by it to Mr. Thomas Romeyn. Answer:
As to the first point, the Rev. Assembly can in no wise rule in accordance with your ideas.
(1) Because such a thing must be done, according to the action of the Rev. Classis, by a neighboring minister, or one of the commissioners, or one of the Coetus. Rev. Arondeus was neither the one nor the other; not the first, as the outcome proves; not the second, as shown by the fact that he was not sent by the commissioners ; and not the third, for he is not of the Coetus up to this time.
(2) Because it must be done to the satisfaction of the church; and it was not so done; for the elder, Ab. Lott did not only not vote with you, but being in church himself, protested against your election.
As to the second point, that is something, we think, which does not belong to us, because this matter is now pending before the Rev. Classis, his Rev. is no doubt present by this time. So our judgement can do neither good nor harm. If it is possible, the Rev. Classis requires of us the settling of the dispute; therefore, Brethren, consider with us, whether it will not be most fitting for us to act with you in the matter after the judgement of the Rev. Classis thereon shall have become known to both of us. Perchance every difficulty may thereby be at once removed, and both we and you set at ease.
Whereupon, the commissioners, having come in, it was agreed to let the whole matter rest until the time when further information shall have been received from the Rev. Classis.
Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the afternoon.
Rev. de Ronde was asked to write a letter to Daniel Durye, informing him that the first minute, a copy of which is given him, will remain in the minutes, and he thus have the liberty to hand in his protest to the special scribe. Revs. Frieling- huysen and Leydt and the elder Visser were asked to reply to the protest and appeal in name of the Coetus.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Coetus of New York to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, Sept. 19, 1753. Vol. xxiii. 379, 380. Ref. xxiv. 28.
Most Pious and Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ, consti- tuting the Assembly of the Reformed Church at Amsterdam : The first package of your esteemed letters, dated, one December 5, 1752, the second July 17, 1752, and also another of May 7,1753, we received and opened on the 11th of September; and also one to the committee in the case of Dom. Muzelius; from all which
3422
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1753
we have seen your extreme pains and faithful watchfulness for our New Netherlands Zion-a good pattern for us to follow in your laudable footsteps. Meanwhile, we thank you in the most earnest manner for your pains in the matter, and humbly seek the continuance of the same.
How we have been governed in the management of our affairs by the wise counsel given us in your letters, will appear from the accompanying minutes and other documents.
We announce, with great sorrow, that the Messrs. Freling- huysen have, while at sea, been removed from this life by the small-pox, to the great regret of their surviving brethren, and of the congregations for whom they had been ordained to the min- istry by the laying on of the hands of your Rev. Body. In the meantime, the other two gentlemen, Vrooman and Schunemen, have been installed in their congregations, in the hope that they will be faithful instruments, in the hand of Jesus, for the exten- sion of his gracious kingdom.
We thank your Rev. Body for the Acta Synodi; and, in con- clusion, desire that the all-sufficient Jehovah, out of his overflow- ing grace, would pour out upon you all imaginable temporal, spiritual, and eternal blessings. We remain, Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ, Your obedient servants and associates, The Christian Coetus in New York, In the name of all,
Sam. Verbryck, p. t. Pres. J. Fryenmoet, p. t. Clerk.
New York, Sept. 19, 1755.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rex. Theodore Frelinghuysen of Albany, to the Classis of Amster-
dam, Sept. 20, 1753.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii, 390. Ref. xxiv. 22. Acts of Classis, xii. 373.
Addressed :- To the Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, by the hand of Mr. Wm. Jackson-whom may God guide:
Very Reverend Fathers :-
Both of your highly esteemed letters were duly received by me. I hereby humbly thank you for them; and especially for the congratulations on the induction into office of my two brothers, as also of my former pupil, Mr. Barent Vrooman. The
3423
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1753
latter, together with Mr. John Schuneman, I have had the privilege of congratulat- ing at the place where I am located; but the faces of my dearly beloved brothers, I shall not have the privilege of again seeing on this side of immortality. For it has pleased the Sovereign God to take them-Ferdinand, on the 11th, and Jacobus on the 19th of June, of this year, (1753), on their return journey, by the smallpox, out of this brief and miserable life-to take them, as I trust, to Himself, into that blessed and everlasting life. This, while to them a glorious change, has caused great sorrow to our American Zion.
Pursuant to your Revs.' order that I should continue to urge the Rev. Consistory of Albany to join the Coetus, I have done my utmost. I laid before them that part of the letter of the Rev. Classis, which related to the Coetus, and requested that I, with an elder, should now go to New York for the purpose of joining ourselves to the Rev. Coetus. But in vain! They declared that they would have nothing to do with the Coetus. When I asked them about my going alone, I was refused. I was not allowed even to go to New York to attend to my own necessary business. So far as I have yet discovered, and in more cases than this one-though throughout the whole world elsewhere, it is different-it may be said to be almost an axiom at Albany, "He that perseveres, loses." ("De Aanhouder wint.")
Such independence and tyranny at Albany, in its desire to shut the minister up within its gates, in utter disregard of the general welfare of the Church, not even permitting him to go to the capital of the Province to attend to his own necessary affairs-this goes against the grain, and is hard to bear. And this is especially so, because there is an article in my call by which they can do violence to my con- science; namely, that even during the week, I shall not be allowed to hold services anywhere without their consent. Already I have had occasion to understand only too well the unreasonableness of such a condition, as well as its impropriety, with its unfortunate consequences.
I understood that your Revs. have written, either to Rev. Hoevenberg, or to the Consistory of Claverack, to the same purport, no doubt, as that which I received from your Revs. concerning their affairs, and which is calculated to get that church out of their snarl. Great divisions still continue among them, however, and Mr. Hoevenberg threatens everybody who calls the legality of his ministry in question.
This letter is sent by the hand of a young man named William Jackson. He has been called by the churches of Bergen and on Staten Island. He purposes to study for a year in one of the Universities of Netherland. It is to be expected that, at the end of that time, he will present himself to your Revs. for examination, with a view to being ordained to the Sacred Ministry. I do not at all doubt, but that, being a young man of promise, fearing the Lord, and given to study from his youth, his Hon. will give satisfaction. For the sake of his churches, and for the sake of his parents, as he is a Benjamin, yea, indeed, an only son, whose absence the aged people, and people of means and respectability residing at New York, will feel very sorely, I humbly make request that it may please your Revs. to help his Honor most speedily to return. The same thing, I hope has been, or will be done for Mr. Thomas Romeyn. Meanwhile wishing the very Rev. Assembly the blessing and peace of the Lord, I sign myself, Very Rev. Fathers,
Your Very Revs. most obedient servant and son in the sacred ministry,
Theodorus Frielinghuysen, A. M. Albanienis Eccl. Pastor. Albany, Sept. 20, 1753.
No. 202. Received Jan. 8, 1754.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Answer of the Coetus to the Protest of Arondeus, of Sept. 18,
Sept. 20, 1753.
The answer of the Rev. Coetus of New York to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, wherein their action in the case of Dom. Arondeus and his friends is submitted to the Rev. Classis for
.
3424
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1753
adjudication, together with an exposure of the protest made by these parties against the decision of the Coetus, dated Sept. 18, 1753.
First we confess that the plan you devise, Rev. Fathers, with so much pains and care, to preserve at once the congregation and Arondeus, was a matter greatly desired by us, and was therefore a subject of long and anxious deliberation in our Assembly; yet the longer we deliberated, the greater became the difficulties, and we were compelled to make some exceptions to those things which related to the preservation of the congregation.
1. Because we could not in conscience adopt the articles pre- scribed by the Rev. Classis for the peace of Long Island.
(1) Since Dom. Van Sinderen had already made a confession- sermon which Arondeus persistently refused, it seemed hard to require from him a new confession along with Arondeus, before our table.
(2) Nor could we force a man whom we had already silenced on Long Island-a sentence confirmed by the hand and seal of the Classis-upon Van Sinderen's congregation, and lay them under censure if they refused him.
2. Necessity compelled us to leave Arondeus altogether aside.
(1) Because his person was altogether odious to the most of those who adhered to Van Sinderen, since he had faithlessly de- serted them, then returned back, in spite of them, into the congre- gation, and committed many unchristian and improper acts, (as from time to time has been made known to the Classis), without even manifesting the least sorrow or repentence, or indeed afford- ing any probability that he would do anything to atone for his aversion from godliness.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.