Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V, Part 42

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 720


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Sworn the 20th day of November 1753


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Before me Jno. Chambers


Sworn the 21st day of November 1753


Before his Honor the Governor in Councill.


Gw. Banyar, D. Clk. Con. -Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 575, 576.


See Nov. 30, and Dec. 12, 1753.


Joost Vredenburg Hendrick Nichelsen Benjemen Corsen.


CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.


The Coetus, (per Revs. John Leydt, John Frelinghuysen and Elder Hendrick Visser (Fisher), to the Classis of Amsterdam; Nov. 26, 1753.


Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii. 398, 401. Addressed: To the Very Reverend Sirs, Members of the Rev. Classis, assembled at Amsterdam.


The Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam;


Very Reverend Sirs and Fathers in Christ:


We, the Commissioners of the Rev. Coetus, appointed to make reply to the protest of the Arondeans at Jamaica, in Queens County, did not receive their so-called pro- test, and, with it, their address to the Rev. Coetus until the 17th of November, 1753. It was as late as the 6th (16?) inst. when it was handed in by the special scribe, although it was dated September 11th. It had been promised (to be handed in) a week from the time the Coetus adjourned. (This delay was) for no other reason, as we think, than to prevent the making of a reply and thus to shun the light. For, when one of us made a demand for it, it was refused; although it was sent on later. In like manner, they of Kings County at first refused to give their reasons, saying, "The Coetus would refute them", etc.


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3441


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1753


We find the protest to be, in the main, the same that was presented before the Coetus in September last. We can, therefore, acquiesce in the minute of the answer given by the Coetus. In further explanation, however, we may say this, repeating what, (referring to earlier documents) cannot be unknown to the Rev. Classis; that at Jamaica there are two so-called consistories. How came these two to exist? First: those who fell away from (Rev. J. H.) Goetschius, forsaking their post, called themselves a consistory. The late Rev. (T. J.) Frielinghuysen was invited. He together with an elder, Mr. Lott, and one or two deacons who had remained firm, chose and installed another consistory among the friends of Rev. Goetschius. After- ward, upon the removal of Rev. Goetschius, (to Hackensack), the Rev. Classis ordered the forming of another consistory. This was to be a consistory for all, and one to the satisfaction of both parties. It was to be effected by the Coetus, through its Commissioners or a neighboring minister, etc.


The Commissioners of the Coetus, Revs. (G.) du Bois and (J.) Ritzema, with elder Banker,-made the attempt. They proposed four or five conditions (articles) accord- ing to one of which they would have to make their choice. Those who had forsaken Rev. Goetschius, selected one (of the articles) for that purpose. This is about the only instance in which they spoke the truth. The others selected the same article, but did so from fear of domination, by the introduction of (other) ministers. Luke- warm, if not hostile toward vital godliness, and having joined themselves to the Coetus, the deserters had no desire that the future consistory should be under the Coetus, and amenable to it, by the subscription of their names. This appears from their own copy of a communication addressed to the Commissioners.


The Commissioners thought the other best; and this is the other article, enclosed herewith, and mentioned in their communication, which as they say, they could not agree to ;- because the spirit of independence and false accusations would then come under some restraint, and the evil doings, still persisted in and covered up, would then be brought to the light. But the deserters refused this, namely, to stand under the Coetus. They broke with the Commissioners and summoned Arondeus. He was neither then, nor is now, a legal minister on Long Island. He chose and installed a consistory for them, without in the least recognizing the others. The elder Lott, becoming aware of this, protested against it; but they paid no attention to it. How this now can agree with their boasted conformity to classical order, we leave the Rev. Classis to judge.


That they were unwilling to trust the Ccetus with the further discussion of all these matters, appears from their going directly to the Classis with their returned protest. And now they claim for themselves the first decision, by saying that they are legal; and they want to be so recognized by the Classis, as, (say they) they always have been. But this needs to be proved, and, they say, surely will be, when the Classis comes to hear how the Commissioners have been misled by lies, etc. But we say, they surely will be declared illegal, if the Classis is no more misled by lies, than the Commissioners have been.


On the other hand, the Commissioners had to help the other side as best they could, according to classical order. Rev. Ritzema, with unwearied efforts and under painful reproaches received from them, too many and too shameful to relate-tried to help them, and that, briefly, in the following manner: He sought to persuade, first the one party, and then the other, to unite. After the election, he urged them to drop both consistories and to choose one (new one) for all, etc .; but all was in vain. He finally proceeded to install a new consistory for the party which sub- mitted to the Coetus. These were informally to hold it until the still hoped for union might be secured (?) Although now in conflict with a raging and protesting party, the use of courteous (uncourteous?) weapons was to be avoided, it could not be in the Dutch Church.


Four years ago, surely, they ought to have protested against the act, if it was unecclesiastical; but it was not done then. The hope for union is now cut off more than ever. For what the protesting party call a monstrous thing, yea, the very extreme of disorder, they themselves committed long ago by making out a sort of call upon, as it seems, the incorrigible Arondeus. To him, against the decision of Classis, they stubbornly continued to adhere, but more from an envious party-spirit than from any love to him. And, what is more, they broke the bond of union which existed between the four churches in Queens County, in reference to calls, by join- ing themselves to certain ones in Kings County, who have about the same standing as themselves. Thus they have already formed a church within a church, etc.


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If now one considers how the act of forsaking one's ministry, deserting office, how much ecclesiastical action must be illegal; it follows that if some separate (even if it be a majority,) such act of separation does not deprive a church, of its formal existence. Its existence must then be sought in those who remain loyal. Such, being without service and therefore unable to unite together, but who still desire service, may even join in the illegal service of the others, since every form of a proper union for the time being has ceased. Now seeing the justice of this, who would not justify the action of the Coetus in declaring such a consistory legal? in giving it power and assistance in making out a call? This the Rev. Coetus did, not without good ground and reason, in September 1752. Consequently, in 1753, it proved the other consistory to be illegal, and also issued the statement, that that consis- tory could in no way be legalized by the Coetus. We think, therefore, that the decision naturally implies, that the Coetus recognizes the consistory installed by Rev. Ritzema as the only legal consistory at Jamaica, and that it must be so con- sidered. So also those protesting understand it; seeing, as they say, "that we are not looked upon by the Coetus as the legal consistory", etc. From this, we think, it sufficiently appears how unfounded is the protest so recently brought against the consistory.


And now concerning the matter of calling (Romeyn). As the protesting party see the possibility arising, that their fellow-members (whom they call a party), will be put on the same footing with them, or even stand better than they, in respect of service; therefore they are moved by a spirit of evil to make a so-called protest against the very business of making out this call. They pretend that it is burdened with difficulties; such difficulties as they themselves, (as shown above) are already charged with. They also complain that in that call, they, as members, had not been recognized. Truth, as well as peace and unity, are indeed, to be sought among them; but these are not easily to be found. Notwithstanding their appeal to the salutary aim of the Rev. Classis, let the Coetus, the Classis, let the ten years of strife, etc., bear witness. For, in making out that call, they were all invited, though they were not willing to take part. They are not now under promise (to give sup- port) which, possibly as before, they would soon have broken; for they are still owing Rev. Goetschius a good deal on his salary. Let Van Sinderen and others also testify how the church-(which, in our regions, is usually also the first court of justice for bad and evil-minded people)-upon the slightest discontent, break its promise and withholds from its minister his due.


Some of their number earnestly requested the others to take part in making out this call; and, probably, many, if not the greater part of them, will quickly fall in line when once a minister is secured. But this has gone badly heretofore, as for instance, here, at Raritan. Moreover, they think, they find something (illegal) in the Moderatorship of Rev. Joh. Frielinghuysen (in making out Romeyn's call.) It would be a sufficient answer, to say, that the person, if a lawful minister, does not essentially affect this matter; and so this does not touch the making out of that call. And while (Frelinghuysen was) not a brother of the same Ring (or Circle) the churches have, by the laws of our Coetus, the liberty to invite to a service any one they may choose. As he (Frelinghuysen) had no appointment as Moderator, Rev. de Ronde deemed it, (his Moderatorship) outside his (Frelinghuysen's) commis- sion, merely by request, to have the student Romeyn promoted to be a candidate. But then also (it must be remembered that) Rev. Joh. Frielinghuysen filled the place of his brother, Theodore Frielinghuysen, (of Albany) who, for reasons not mentioned here, was unable to officiate, but would otherwise have done so. By request, (of the church) he gave the matter of promoting the student, Romeyn, to be a candidate. into the hands of his brother, Joh. Frielinghuysen. Thereupon the latter was asked by the consistory also to assist in making out the call. This was done for Oyster Bay, with unanimous consent, and for part of Jamaica, as they say; but all was done, with the sole object of keeping union always in view. Once afterward there was again a trespass, it was against the Coetus and Rev. de Ronde. But this was settled at the last meeting, and so can no longer be considered a difficulty, etc.


Therefore, in our opinion, the Rev. Assembly has light enough, and good reason to disregard the so-called "protest". We might have substantially confirmed the statements made by other documents and witnesses, if we had had time. The docu- ments are there. But we have not deemed it necessary, inasmuch as many of those things have already been before the Rev. Classis.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


3443


1753


We close wishing the Rev. Assembly, prosperity, blessing and every gift of the spirit for the work of the ministry.


We sign ourselves, Reverend Sirs,


Your Revs.' obedient servants,


Joh. Leydt, V. D. M. Joh. Frielinghuysen, V. D. M. Hendrick Visser, Elder.


Thus done at Raritan by authority and in the name of the Coetus, Nov. 26, 1753. No. 207.


Received April 25, 1754, ps convert.


CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.


Committee of the Arondeus Faction in Kings Co., to the Classis of Amsterdam, Nov. 28, 1753.


Portfolio, "New York", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol xxiii; 391. Reference, xxiv. 28.


Addressed : To the Very Reverend, the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam.


Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren :-


We take the liberty of sending, enclosed, to your Revs., the copy of a letter, dated June 15, 1752. We sent the same to your Revs. before. It contains a brief account of the state and condition in which we find ourselves. As we have not had the honor of getting from your Revs. the least word in reply, we fear that your Revs. did not receive it. If your Revs. did, we trust that it will have your Christian con- sideration ; as also the matters which have since occurred here, in connection with our lamentable disputes.


Last month, May, (1753), a letter was shown us, which was written in your name by one of the Honorable members of the Rev. Classis, to a gentleman residing in New York. In this letter that gentleman was requested to inform us, that your Revs. had, on Dec. 5th, 1752, again thought best to devise measures whereby the Rev. Coetus here should try to obtain peace ; and, if these should prove to be fruit- less, then an irrevocable deposition (deportation) of Rev. Arondeus would have to follow.


This news, which your Revs. thus preliminarily sent us, gave us the very strong- est assurance to think that your Revs. would spare no trouble to save us. On the strength of this salutary aim of your Revs., we, too, unanimously. resolved to submit ourselves completely to all that your Revs. might, in your wise and paternal care, and in a Christian manner prescribe, in the measures devised.


Now the Rev. Coetus came together at New York in September, (1753), having summoned us, the undersigned, of the churches of Kings County, to appear before it. With great willingness we did appear before it, expecting to hear from the president a Christian address, encouraging us to seek peace, and to have the measures, de- vised by your Revs., read to us. Thereupon we, on our part, would have extended the hand of peace.


But, on the contrary, to the bitterness of all our souls there was read to us a resolution, drawn up by the Rev. Coetus, after its own mind, including the most painful and horrible sentence that could ever be conceived. This would rather hasten our destruction than secure our peace. Of this resolution we enclose your Revs. a copy. After reading it, your Revs. will be well able to judge what must have been our state of mind, on being so summarily told that we must drop Rev. Arondeus, and that he could no longer be our minister. And all this was done without giving us the slightest reasons therefor, or asking us whether we were disposed to be reconciled, or to submit to your Revs. counsel and decision. Nothing else in the world was done, but to condemn us as if we were heathen, and in a manner the most unbecoming and unchristian ever heard of in a Christian Assembly. Yea, indeed, so severe was all this, that other outside churches, in their public gatherings, called it an outrage. They said, that the Assembly of the Rev. Coetus seemed more like the Roman Catholic Papacy than a Reformed Christian Assembly. And, in order that your


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Revs. may be the more strongly convinced of the magnitude of the discontent felt here, with regard to the Rev. Coetus' severe and unbecoming treatment of us, we do not doubt but that, by this occasion, your Revs. will come to know that the Rev. Consistory of New York has resolved that it will never, no, never, allow its ministers to sit in that (Coetus) Assembly again ; and that it will never again permit it to meet in its Consistory Room.


Nor do we doubt but that also by this occasion, your Revs. will be informed of the fact, that the said Rev. Coetus, at its last meeting, Resolved, that, at its next meeting, measures should be taken to form itself into a Classical Assembly ; and thus to withdraw itself from all subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. This is an additional reason why the Consistory of New York determined to separate its ministers from it in time, so as to have nothing more to do with its plans. For, as your Revs. can well understand, if in an Assembly of the Coetus as it is now constituted, its members want to rule with such arbitrary power, what will they not do when they belong to the organization of a Classis ?


So, worthy Sirs, for these and many other reasons, we have felt ourselves in duty bound to protest against this severe and unbecoming resolution of the Coetus. A copy of this protest we send enclosed. We appeal to your Revs. for redress, in the firm and sure hope that your Revs. will not condemn us in such an unchristian and summary manner, as though we had committed sins that are unpardonable. We, therefore, again take our refuge under your Revs. paternal and Christian direction. We humbly ask that the measures devised by your Revs. for our salvation and peace, be never again made dependent on the judgment or approval of the Rev, Coetus.


Your Revs. can see clearly enough, from its late action, how that cannot be. For, what party-spirit manifests itself in this so unbecoming conduct of wholly setting aside your Revs. measures devised for peace ; and of condemning us accord- ing to its own pleasure and without a hearing ; without offering us the slightest proposition looking toward peace? Can there be a clearer proof than the one named, to show that, not our salvation, but rather our destruction is sought? We, therefore, hope and trust that your Revs. will be pleased to consider these our complaints in a. Christian way, and to take into account that it will never be possible to effect a well-founded peace, if Rev. Van Sinderen is to remain among us, and Rev. Arondeus has to go away. One party will so lord it over the other, that it will be intolerable ; and so the last condition will be worse than the first.


We have offered the party of Van Sinderen the alternative of letting both ministers go, or of keeping both, and thus come to a reconciliation. But they want to induce us by force, in the most unreasonable way, to drop Rev. Arondeus. We have called him ; he has married and baptized many of our number, and has preached the Gospel with great acceptance. They wish us to do this for no other reason than that, as they say, his call is not as ecclesiasticai as it should be ; but this remains still to be proved. And suppose it be not, is that a matter which is irreparable? Or would it be an unpardonable circumstance? We leave that matter to your Revs.' wise and Christian consideration, hoping and trusting that your Revs. will much rather seek to save than to destroy us. We have already had evidence of this, and doubt not but that we shall further receive from your paternal care such measures as have that end in view. Your Revs. will always find us ready, with the greatest respect and obedience, to submit to your Revs.' Christian and just decision.


As Commissioned by the combined congregations of the Reformed Churches in Kings County on Long Island, in the Province of New York, we sign ourselves, in name and by authority of all, with much reverence and respect,


Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren,


Your Revs.' very dutiful and obedient servants in


Kings County, on Long Island, Nov. 28, 1753. Johannes Lott, Philippus Nagel Rutgert Van Brunt


Rutgert Van Brunt, Jr


Daniel Bodet.


3445 1753


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


PROPOSED BILL TO ALLOW THE DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK TO SELL THEIR MANOR OF FORDHAM. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THEIR CHARTER.


1753, Nov. 30. James De Lancey, Lieutenant Governor.


The General Assembly sent a Bill to the Council, desiring their concurrence thereto, entitled, "An act to enable the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the city of New York to sell and dispose of their lands, tenements and hereditaments in the county of Westchester, commonly called and known by the name of the Manor of Fordham ; and also for granting unto them some further liberties and privileges for the better management of their affairs, and the better ordering or governing of their said church." Council Journal, 1136. Read and ordered to a second reading, 1136. Committed, Dec. 3, 1137. Amended, and sent back to the Assembly, Dec. 5, 1140. Agreed to by that House, Dec. 7, 1142. (The amend- ment is as follows : Page 10, at the end of the last clause in the Bill, add these words : " Except the aforesaid Cornelius Steenwyck and Margarita his wife, Henri- cus Selyns and Margarita his wife, Col. Nicholas Bayard, Capt. Isaac Van Vlecque, Jacob Boelen Roelofsen and John Harpendirck, and every of them, and all persons claiming by, from or under them or any of them.") Enacted, Dec. 12; p. 1145. (See Nov. 21 and Dec. 12, 1753).


CALL TO HENRICUS FRELINGHUYSEN, DEC. 3, 1753. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.


Call extended by the Churches of Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing to Henricus Frielinghuysen.


In the fear of God's Holy Name. Amen !


Whereas the preaching of God's Holy Word is the means by Him ordained to lead people dwelling on the earth to salvation : We, therefore, the undersigned, elders and deacons, at present constituting the Consistories of the three combined Reformed Churches of Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing, in this county or district of Ulster, in the Province of New York, in North America, having heard the gifts of Henricus Frielinghuysen, a student of Sacred Theology, and with whom our churches are perfectly satisfied, and which are calling out as it were, " Come over to us and help us :" Came together in the fear of the Lord, earnestly to consider this great matter, the making out of a call : and, after calling upon God's Holy Name, unan- imously Resolved to call, as we do, hereby call, the said Henricus Frielinghuysen, as our regular Overseer, Shepherd and Teacher, to discharge among us the duties of the Sacred Ministry according to the Holy Scripture and the Reformed Doctrine and Discipline established by the Christian Synod held at Dordrecht in the year of our Lord 1618 and 1619.


We thus call his Rev. on the following conditions :


First: It is our desire that his Rev. allow himself to be examined and ordained to the preaching of God's Word by the Rev. Coetus which is held at New York.


Secondly: That his Rev. shall faithfully perform every part of the Sacred Ministry, as becomes an orthodox Overseer, Shepherd and Teacher of the Reformed Church of Jesus Christ; calling, in public, upon the God of Heaven; preaching with clearness the Word of God ; administering, according to the institution of Christ, the Holy Sacraments ; instructing the youth by means of catechetical exercises ; and exercising in every respect, as far as lies in his power, a proper oversight of the Church of Jesus Christ.


Thirdly: That when in the enjoyment of health, and when the weather is favorable, God willing, his Rev. shall preach half of the year, namely, from the middle of April to the middle of October, twice on each Lord's Day, at one of the before named places ; in the forenoon on any text in God's Holy Word ; in the afternoon following the line of exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism. During the other half of the year we require preaching but once a day, on each preaching day, which will be sufficient. Marbletown and Rochester shall each, in turn, have three times as many


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services as Wawarsing, so that Wawarsing will have but one seventh part of the services.


Fourthly: That, on the Festival days, his Rev. shall conduct services as is cus- tomary in the Reformed Church.


Fifthly: That, if the Lord will, the Lord's Supper shall be administered twice a year at Marbletown, twice a year at Rochester and once a year at Wawarsing; and family visiting shall be done once a year in all the churches.


On these conditions as above named, We the Consistories of the said three churches, do, in our capacity as Elders and Deacons, do, for ourselves and our successors, who from time to time will come into office after us, so long as his Rev. shall be our Overseer, Shepherd and Teacher, promise, besides all due love and respect, the fol- lowing :


First: That we will pay the expenses necessary for his ordination, (promotion).


Secondly: That, during the time his Rev. is at Marbletown and Wawarsing, in the discharge of the duties of the Sacred Ministry, we will provide him meals and suit- able lodging. Each of these churches, namely, Marbletown and Wawarsing, has agreed to do this, without the help of Rochester.


Thirdly: That we will give his Rev. a suitable dwelling-house, of two stories, with a barn, and keep these in repair ; also a garden and a well, as shall be agreeable to his Rev., and to the churches ; these buildings shall be located near the (Rochester) church ; also one hundred and twelve acres of land at Rochester ; these conditions to continue so long as his Rev. shall be our Overseer, Shepherd and Teacher ; these things the Church of Rochester promises to do and pay for alone. Here his Rev. shall make his residence.




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