USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 41
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Nor can we suppose, that the Church of England is established in these Colonies. by any Act prior to the Act of Union above considered : For besides the several Opinions against such Supposition already adduced, 'tis unreasonable to imagine, that if there was any such Establishment, King CHARLES II. in direct Repugnancy thereto, should have made the Grant of Pennslyvania, and given equal Privileges to all Religions in that Province, without even excepting the Roman Catholicks ; and that the Colonies of Rhode-Island, Connecticut, and the Massachusetts Bay, should be permitted to make their provincial Establishments; in Opposition to an antecedent Establishment of the Church of England, especially as the Laws of the Massachusetts Bay Province, are constantly sent Home, and the King has the absolute power of repealing every Act he should think improper to be continued as a Law. Whoever, therefore, considers this, and that the King is sworn to preserve the Church of England Establishment, must necessarily conclude, that whatever Sentiments may obtain among the Episcopalians, in America, our Kings, and their Councils, have always conceived, that such Establishment could by no Means be extended to us. As to Connecticut, all the Episcopalians of that Colony, and even their Ministers,
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were legally compellable to contribute to an annual Tax for the Support of the Congregational Clergy, 'till of late they were favoured with a Law which grants them a Privilege of Exemption from that iniquitous and unreasonable Burden. But whether they are subject to the like unchristian Imposition in the other Colonies above mentioned, I am not sufficiently acquainted with their Laws to determine. -Independent Reflector, Sept. 27, 1753.
THE CONTESTS OF THE TIMES, 1753.
"The aspect of public affairs grew daily more complicated. Clinton was the Gov- ernor of the province. James De Lancey, Chief Justice, filled a large place in the public view, and seemed to be a power behind the chair of office much stronger than the representative of royalty itself. Governor Clinton had a long battle with the Assembly, in which he fared so ill, that at last, broken in health, disheartened and discouraged, he begged to be relieved of a thankless charge, and returned to England. This was in 1753. .Times had greatly changed since the people of New York were wrangling over Leisler's bones; new issues had arisen; parties took wider views and aimed at larger things; religious animosities had con- densed, and it was now Churchman against Presbyterian, as if society were arrayed in rival ecclesiastical camps. Free masonry was active, and in alliance with the conservative elements in the city, repelling charges brought against it by its ene- mies. The question between the prerogative of the Crown and the alleged rights of the people, though still lacking very definite outline, was fast taking omnious shape. Everywhere the elements of direful strife were in preparation."
"The main contention between the Royal Governors and the Assembly was about the compensation of the representatives of the Home Government; whether it should be fixed for a long time in advance or voted from year to year. In the latter case, the King's Vicegerent was kept in a condition of humiliating depend- ence, hanging as it were on the will of the popular Legislature; this the Governors naturally and justly resented. But the Assembly was tenacious of power; it seemed to take delight in tormenting the Chief Magistrate and witnessing his unavailing struggles. To circumscribe the power of the Crown and enlarge that of the people was now the leading object; and the Royal Governors, confronted by this apparition of a rising democracy, and suffering from its demonstrations, invoke from their resting places the commiseration of charitable men."-Dix's Hist. Trinity Ch. i. 264-6.
KINGS COLLEGE, N. Y. 1753.
Governor De Lancey succeeded Governor Osborne in October 1753. "He was devoted to the English Church. Political questions distracted society at that time; but religious controversy waged with equal intensity. De Lancy was the natural head of the Episcopal party, and might be counted on as certain, whenever the occasion arose, to throw the weight of his influence on that side."
"Among the most important measures of his administration was the founding of the" (Kings) "College". "There was a prolonged battle over the founding of the College. It appears that a considerable amount of money had been raised by a series of lotteries for the establishment of an institution adequate to the needs of the city and neighborhood, and worthy of the promoters of the design. But the question arose as to the religious character of the proposed College. The idea that it should have no religious tone, nor any alliance with Christianity met with no favor among serious persons. Churchmen and Presbyterians vied with each other in their wish to have the control; and the result was that the" (Episcopal) "Church secured the desired place; seven of the ten trustees provided for in the Charter were churchmen, and a handsome endowment was made by the Corporation of Trinity, on condition that no person should be eligible to the office of president who was not a communicant of the Church of England. The Episcopal party in New York were at that time headed by the Lieutenant Governor, the Presbyterian party by William Livingstone. The disgust and indignation of the Presbyterians were such as to demand unusual agencies for their adequate expression, and accord- ingly a newspaper was established, under the name of the Independent Reflector, which for some time filled the air with the din of ecclesiastical conflict. Kings College was, however, duly incorporated, and the Rev. Samuel Johnson was called from Stratford, Connecticut, to be its official head." See Dix's Hist. of Trinity Church, i. 269, 270. See also Corwin's Manual, 3rd edition, 1879, pp. 32-44; and 4th edi- tion, 1902, pp. 102-118.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Messrs. Depp. ad res Exteras.
1753, Oct. 1st. Art. 10. The Deputies read a lengthy and emphatic letter in reply to a letter from Peter de Wind. In this he was made to understand his indecent and uncivil treatment of this Assembly. xii. 363.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Mr. Peter de Windt, Oct. 1, 1753. To Mr. Peter de Wint on the Island of St. Thomas :
Sir :- Although we might for just reasons leave your letter of June 12, 1753 unanswered, on account of the untruths, false accusations, offensive challenges and comical stories which it con- tains, we feel disposed, nevertheless, to send you these few lines in reply.
We are astonished at the imprudent untruth, which, relying on your memory, you charge us with-that we must have written that you should never again be allowed the privilege of the Sacra- ments. This you make the foundation of several accusations against us that are false. We deposed (deported) you, and declare you unfit, ever again to engage in the ministry of the church. It follows, as a matter of course, that as a church-member, you are suspended from the use of the Lord's Supper. But this in no wise intimates that, as a church-member you should forever be excluded from the Lord's Supper; or that we had condemned you to eternal damnation ; or that we had looked upon your misconduct as sinning against the Holy Ghost. At the same time, your letter shows us clearly that there is a heaven-wide difference between the spirit which drove you to write that letter, and that spirit which moves the sinner to such true sorrow and penitence, as must necessarily indicate a church-member; especially one who by his misconduct has made himself worthy of church discipline, and forfeited his right to the use of the Lord's Supper.
You complain anew about Rev. Wynkoop, and hope for some modification of our action. You call that action an imprudent,
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rash and ridiculous decision, and one which was unjust. Our reply to this is that, in the proceedings against you, based on the action of the Classis of Neder Veluwe, we are perfectly able, if necessary, to defend it before a higher Church Assembly. And we may as well note here, that to your question-whether there was not, possibly, a Pilate in our Assembly .- We can safely and boldly answer-no.
Now, as regards your hope of our changing our action, we already wrote you on that subject in October, last year. And we now write you again, that we find ourselves necessitated to abide by our former action, deposing (deporting) you and declar- ing you unfit for the ministry of the Church ; and we cannot make the slightest change in that action, until we shall have become convinced of your innocence. In view of this fact, it would be necessary for you, if you feel aggrieved by that action, and in good conscience think yourself innocent, to institute proceedings against Rev. Wynstok, and summon that gentleman to appear before his competent judges, to answer your accusations. So long as this is not done, and your innocence does not appear, we can have nothing more to do with you. Wherefore, we shall expect no letter from you again; yea, we advise you to write us no more, so as not to oblige us to make such legitimate use of the insults your letters cast upon us, as might prove to be very dis- agreeable to you.
May the merciful God, who can break hearts of stone, lay hold of your heart, working in you by His Spirit true penitence and contrition ! May He lead you to find reconciliation in the atoning blood of Immanuel !
Sir,
Your Honor's Obedient Servants, The Members of the Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all,
Jacob de Jonge, V.D.M. Amstl. et Dep. Cl. p. t. Pres. Joh. Alb. Van Muyden, Dep. Cl. Scriba.
Amsterdam, at our meeting of Classis,
October 1, 1753.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1753
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham. The Coetus.
New York, October 4, 1753.
Consistory held after calling on God's name. The committee before appointed, reported a draught in English, which was read. They were then requested to consult further thereon with Second Judge Chambers and Lawyer Alexander, and report to the con- sistory who would then come to a determination.
The consistory earnestly requested their ministers, who hitherto had attended the Coetus, henceforth to stay away. This they promised to take into consideration so as to be able to give a final answer that would be satisfactory. Signed in name of all, Henricus Boel, President.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Consistory of Churches of Bergen and Staten Island, to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 5, 1753.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii. 389. Acts of the Classis, xii. 373.
Addressed : Very Reverend Sirs, the Members of the Classis Assembled at Amsterdam. Very Reverend Fathers in Christ :-
Your Revs.' latest missives of July 17th and Oct. 2nd, 1752, came to hand. As we have already been informed as to de Windt's deposition, (deportment), we acted accordingly and forbade him our pulpit. We thank your Revs., especially for your care in guarding us against such an intruder ; and we pray God not to allow us or any other church to be misled by such men.
Your Revs.' wish, expressed at the close of the letter-that the Lord would send us a man according to his own heart, and who should be a successful instrument in his hand-this wish, we hope, has begun to be already fulfilled. For our churches have united in calling Mr. Wm. Jackson. He was born and brought up in our neighborhood, viz., at New York. His conduct we have been able to ascertain from his earliest childhood up. In regard to whom we are set at rest, not only by the good testimonies of others, but by what we have ourselves observed.
And, although we have dreaded his going across the sea, both on account of the dangers to himself, and of the expense involved, as well as the length of time required, (which to our longing churches will seem to go slowly) ; nevertheless, we have come to the point, considering the impossibility of his obtaining promotion (ordination) here, as well as the inclination of the young man himself. This will appear to your Revs. from our call. May the Lord be his guide over the great waters ; make his path prosperous, and enable him to return to us with full blessings of the gospel ! May He at the same time pour out His rich blessing upon your Revs.' persons, ministeries and families. This is the wish and prayer,
Very Reverend Fathers in Christ, Members of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Of your Revs. obedient servants and brethren, the consistory of Bergen and Staten Island.
Bergen, Oct. 5, 1753. No. 200.
Signed by us in the name of all,
Joshua Mersereau . Zacharias Sickels.
74
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ADMINISTRATION OF SIR DANVERS OSBORNE, BART, OCTOBER 10-12, 1753.
ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUT .- GOV. JAMES DE LANCEY, OCT. 12, 1753-SEPT. 3, 1755.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen of Albany to the Classis of Amster- dam, Oct. 15, 1753; urging the Classis to ordain Thomas Romeyn.
Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii. 390. Acts of the Classis, xii. 373.
Addressed : To the Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam.
Very Reverend Fathers :
After my previous letter had gone, reports came to me by the kindness of Mr. F. Van Schelluyne, to the effect, that, in our country, grievous complaints had arisen against Mr. Thomas Romeyn's call, and which were likely to give your Revs. trouble. It would be too tedious, were I to go into the history of matters on Long Island. I take for granted, also, that these are well-known to you. You must be aware of the fact that the great hostility which has there sprung up, is the one source from which those complaints have their origin. For the exchange, (passing over), as it is said, of the moderator of the call (consulent) is a pure fiction, purposely conceived to confuse matters.
I am aware that the moderator earnestly excused himself from presiding at Rev. (Thomas) Romeyn's examination as a candidate. On this account his Rev. had a falling out with those of Oyster Bay. By request, my brother Johannes then took the matter upon himself, and did nothing more than to simply preside at Rev. Romeyn's preaching, and write out the call. It looks to me exceedingly grievous, that a young Nazarite, who early in his life had consecrated himself to the sacred ministry, who had made good progress in his studies, who fears the Lord, and who is zealous in promoting experimental piety,-it looks very grievous, that he should, after having taken his life in his hand, and braved the foaming billows of the sea, be hindered and disappointed in his pious purpose of serving the Church of God, of showing piety for Zion's dust : and that this should be done by the wickedness, the factiousness, and the devices of the enemies of true godliness. These were first set on by a reckless man, that Arondeus, and are now aided by others, who are howling with these wolves. (I say, this seems grievous to me) especially as I am well-aware that the Very Rev. Classis favors experimental piety, and wishes well to all who love it ; and would much rather take the part of such, than to aid the oppression of others.
It is for Zion's sake, therefore, Very Reverend Fathers, and for the purpose of promoting the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, that I hereby make bold, humbly to ask, yea, to pray and petition your Revs., that it would please you to admit Rev. Thomas Romeyn to examination ; and, if he is found capable, then to ordain him to the sacred ministry with laying on of hands. This is in order that this distracted and ruined, this most wretched island may for once, at least, be provided with a man who will make a conscience of his work and of his conduct. And in no wise do I doubt, but that such a deed, on your part, will be pleasing to God and to His holy ones, and be counted to your Revs. for righteousness. I am,
Very Reverend Fathers, Your Revs.' most humble and obedient servant and son,
Theodorus Frielinghuysen.
Albany, Oct. 15, 1753.
No. 202, Received Jan. 8, 1754.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
His Opponents, to Rev. U. Van Sinderin, Oct. 25, 1753. No. II.
Sir :- A long time ago, when we had a difference with you, we informed you that we dismissed you from service, and declared to you that we intended to pay your salary no longer. We have however, found it difficult to prove that we deposed you from our service, and to indicate the time when we did that. We, therefore, again, in this way, and by this writing, inform you that it never entered our minds, or the mind of any one of us, that we were, or could be held liable, personally, for your salary. And, in order to be relieved of that burden, as soon as we can, we hereby again depose you from our service, and desire that you be no longer our minister. We are determined, if possible, to pay you no more money on account of your salary. You have in no way acted in accordance with your call, or conducted your- self in such a manner as was agreed between us.
In witness hereof we sign our hands this 25th day of October, 1753. Jeremyas Remsen, Folkert Folkertsen, Dominicus Van der Vier, Rem Remse, Johannis Ett (Lott?)
Phillippus Nagel, Hermanus Hooglandt, Rutgert Van Brunt,
Isack Sebring.
To the Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen,
The above communication is a translation of a letter in English, written to Rev. Van Sinderen by those whose names are subscribed thereto.
They are the persons who called me ( Arondeus) from Holland and have now again called Curtenius.
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Request of the churches of Marbletown, etc. that Henry Freling- huysen be ordained by the Coetus. Nov. 3, 1753. Certified to by Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
We, the undersigned, elders and deacons, constituting the consistories of the three combined Reformed Churches at Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing, do hereby certify that it is the hearty desire and humble request of all of our churches that the student, Henricus Frielinghuysen, be next spring appointed to the preaching of God's Holy Word by the Rev. Coetus at New York.
Pieter Cantyn, Frederick Schoonmaker,
Wessel Brodhead, Louis Bevier, Stephen Nottingham, Thomas Sammen, Hendricus Jansen,
Solomon Van Wagenen,
Egbert de Wit,
Johannis Bevier, Jr.
John Schoonmaker,
Jacobus Schoonmaker,
Moses Van Kampen, Gideon Louw.
Keseryk, Nov. 3, 1753.
The above is a true copy of an original writing signed by the consistories of those churches on the same day that their call, given to the student Henricus Frieling- huysen, was signed. This was done after I had used every conceivable argument to persuade them to let him go to Holland to obtain his ordination (promotion) there. I offered that he should go at his own expense, (and not at the expense of the churches.) They were willing to call him, however, on no other condition than that he should receive his appointment to the sacred ministry in this country. This I testify.
Theodorus Frielinghuysen.
No. 246. 1.
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CHURCH OF OYSTER BAY, L. I.
Pledge of Rev. Thomas Romeyn, Nov. 3, 1753, Vol. 31, page . .
No. . .
The Classis of Amsterdam having learned through the pastor at Jamaica and Oyster Bay that a call had been given to Mr. Romeyn on Nov. 27, 1752; and having also noticed that in Jamaica there are two Consistories, and that the one has protested and appealed to Classis : First, against the legality of that Con- sistory at Jamaica which has made the call; and Secondly, against the call itself on Rev. Thomas Romeyn: therefore, the Classis was not able to approve the call, so far as Jamaica was concerned, so long as it had not the necessary light concerning the legality of that Consistory ; but it has approved the call of the church of Oyster Bay, and has also ordained Rev. Thomas Romeyn, after the usual qualification and examination, as pastor of Oyster Bay, but on the express condition that Rev. Thomas Romeyn shall promise the Classis in writing, as follows :
I, Thomas Romeyn, called as pastor of the churches of Jamaica and Oyster Bay, Nov. 27, 1752, having heard of the protest and appeal by a certain Consistory of Jamaica against the legality of the Consistory which has called me, as well as the protest and appeal against my call made by the said church; do hereby con- scientiously promise and declare as follows :
1. Acknowledging that I have accepted the call, I will fulfill all the duties of a faithful minister in the one church, depending on the Lord for his blessing.
2. Concerning the Call of the Church of Jamaica, I hereby promise and declare that I will not undertake the duties of pastor of that church, before the appeal and protest against the legality of said call, as pastor of the church of Jamaica and Oyster Bay, have been settled by the Coetus of New York; or if it cannot be decided there by the Classis of Amsterdam, or if necessary, by the Christian Synod of North Holland.
3. That I will become a member of the Coetus of New York, subjecting myself to their equitable laws, resolutions and decisions,
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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according to Church Order, including the right of appeal to the Classis of Amsterdam and the Synod of North Holland, if I may have any objections thereto.
4. Finally, I promise to encourage, as much as possible, quiet- ness and peace, in the churches of Oyster Bay and Jamaica, as well as in the churches of Newtown and Hampstead, which were formerly connected with Jamaica and Oyster Bay.
Thomas Romeyn.
Done at Amsterdam,
Nov. 3rd, 1753.
Jacob de Jonge, V.D.M., Amst. Depp. Classis, h. t. Praeses. John Albert van Muyden, V.D.M., Amst. Depp. Classis, h. t. Scriba.
PETITION OF THE DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK TO BE ALLOWED TO SELL THEIR LAND AT FORDHAM. Nov. 21, 1753.
To the Honourable James De Lancy Esq. his Majesty's Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America In Councill
The Humble Petition of the Ministers Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Pro- testant Dutch Church in the City of New York.
Sheweth
That your Petitioners intending to apply to the General Assembly of this Province for leave to bring a Bill into that Honorable House to enable them to sell and dis- pose of those Lands known by the name of the Manor of Fordham in the County of Westchester either altogether or in parcels as they shall Judge best to and for the use and benefit of their said Church Did (pursuant to his Majesty's Royal Instructions relating to the passing of private Bills in this province) cause an Advertisement to be affixed on the door of the parish Church in Westchester declaring their said Intentions where the same remained upwards of four Weeks successively.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that they may have leave to make proof to your Honor and this Honorable Board of the said Advertisement being so affixed and Remaining on the door of the said Parish Church and that the same may be entered in the Council Books and a Certificate thereof granted to your petitioners and your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray, etc.
Signed in behalf of our- selves & ye rest of ye Petitioners.
21st Nov. 1753 e
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses. Ab. Van Wyck.
Read in Council & granted.
New York, September 27, 1753.
ADVERTISEMENT.
Publick Notice is hereby given That the Minister, Elders and Deacons, of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the City of New York, do intend to apply to the Governor, Council, and General Assembly of this Colony, for leave to bring in a Bill to enable them to sell and dispose of those Lands known by the name of the Manor of Fordham, in the County of Westchester, either all together or in '
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Parcels, as they shall Judge best, to and for the use and Benefit of their said Church.
City of ( ss. Joost Vredenburgh of the Manor of Fordham in the County of
New York S Westchester Cordawiner Hendrick Magielse of the same place Farmer and Benjamin Corsen of the same place Farmer all of full age being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God severally Depose and say as fol- lows. The said Joost Vredenburgh Deposeth that on Saturday the 29th day of September last he put up and fixed a printed Advertisement of which the above written is a true Copy on the Door of the Parish Church of Westchester and on Monday the 8th day of October following saw the same remaining there in the manner he had fixed the same and that two Sundays had intervened from the day he so put the same up and the said 8th day of October, And that the Deponent the third Sunday after the said Advertisement was so put up sent the said Hendrick Magielse to Westchester to see if the said Advertisement remained as the Deponent had fixed the same on the Door of the Church aforesaid. The said Hendrick Magielse Deposeth that he was sent on a Sunday by the said Joost Vredenburgh to see if the said Advertisement remained fixed on the Door of the Parish Church of Westchester as aforesaid and that he found the same remaining there in the after- noon of that day and read the same in the words or to the effect of the Copy thereof above written and that as to the time he so went to Westchester he believes it must have been the same Sunday on which the said Joost Vredenburgh herein declares it to have been because he never except at this Time went on the like occasion to Westchester. And the said Benjamin Corsen Deposeth that he saw the said Joost Vredenburgh fix up the Advertisement aforesaid on the door of the said Parish Church of Westchester which he believes was on or about the 29th day of September last and that he saw the same remain so fixed thereon Monday after the fourth Sunday next following the day the said Deponent Joost Vredenburgh put up & fixed the same as aforesaid.
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