USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 47
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You have now heard these things and thereby perceive that the Classis has not gone contrary to the resolution of the Coetus. Under such conditions, Arondeus having made no confession and having shown no penitence, it is impossible that he should be forced on the opposite party. We pray you that in the name of Christ, to encourage that which tends to edification and peace.
The Classis wishes only to bring about peace. If such a plan will accomplish it, let a new Consistory be erected, representing both parties, in the presence of two members of the Coetus, includ- ing also the village of Gravesend. Then a new minister, one giving general satisfaction, might be chosen, so that former strifes might be forgotten. Be zealous in promoting peace and edifica- tion; otherwise that church, with its soul-destroying discords, will come to an end. The God of love and peace be with you. Wish- ing you the Lord's blessing, we remain,
Your servants, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John Albert van Muyden, Ecc. Amstelod. Depp. Classis, hoc tempore, praeses. W. Peytfers, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, May 6, 1754.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Certain Brethren in Queens County,
L. I., May 6, 1754. Vol. 31, page . ... No. 26.
To the Brethren Simeon Noordwyk, Paulus Ammerman, Abra- ham Schenck, Daniel Durye, of Jamaica, Queens County, L. I. Dear Brethren :-
The Classis of Amsterdam received your letter of Nov. 5th, 1753, with accompanying documents and carefully considered
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
them. It would be too tedious to refer to every document separately; but after careful examination of all the items, we have come to the conclusion that the Consistory appointed by Rev. Ritzema, as well as that elected under the auspices of Rev. Arondeus ; also that the call of Rev. Thomas Romeyn under the direction of the first mentioned Consistory above, [must all be recognized.] But above all the Classis desires to see the breach in the church healed by the re-union of the divided Consistories and of the two parties in the congregation. In order to secure this end if possible, it advises that the members of each party (in the Consistory) voluntarily resign, their honor and good name being preserved, and that a new Consistory be elected, a portion from each party, to satisfy both sides, and that Rev. Romeyn be then received by every one with affection, forgetting all former troubles and disturbances.
Brethren, do encourage peace. The Lord be with you and bless you, and pour out upon you and upon the congregation his Holy Spirit, to bring about the desired change.
We are in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
John Albert van Muyden, Ecc. Amst. et Depp. Classis
ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses. W. Peitfers, Ecc. Amst. et Depp. Scriba. Amsterdam, May 6, 1754.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to certain other brethren in Queens County, L. I., May 6, 1754. Vol. 31, page .... No. 27.
To the Brethren, Teunis Coevert, Elbert Hogeland, Joost Durye, Rentiaan van Shaut and Jeremias Rapalje, of Jamaica, Queens County, L. I., recognized as a lawful Consistory. Worthy Brethren :-
The Classis received your letter of Oct. 16th 1753, and having duly considered the matter, recognizes the Consistory appointed by Rev. Ritzema; also that one appointed by Rev. Arondeus, and as a result, they recognize the call upon Rev. (Thomas) Romeyn,
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under the direction of that part of the congregation under the first mentioned Consistory above. But above all the Classis desires to see the breach which exists healed by the reunion of the now divided consistories and of the two parties in the congrega- tion. In order to secure this end, if possible, it advises that the members of each party (in the Consistory) voluntarily resign, and that a new Consistory be elected, a portion, from each party, to satisfy both sides, and that Rev. Romeyn be then received by every one with affection, forgetting all former troubles and dis- turbances.
Brethren, do encourage peace. The Lord be with you and bless you, and pour out upon you and upon the congregation his Holy Spirit to bring about the desired change.
We are in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
John Albert van Muyden, Ecc. Amstel. et Depp. Classis ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses. W. Peiffers, Ecc. Amstel. et Depp. Classis ad res exteras,
Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
h. t. Scriba.
May 6, 1754.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Frelinghuysen, May 6, 1754. Vol. 31, page . No. 28.
To Rev. John Frelinghuysen, Raritan.
Rev. and Esteemed Brother :-
In answer to your two letters, the first of June 25, 1753, and the second of Aug. 1753, we can only say that we read with very great grief of the early deaths of your brothers, (Ferdinand and Jacobus). The Classis sympathises with you and the congrega- tions, and hope that this breach in Zion may soon be healed.
The Classis hopes that when you and your family have recov- ered a little from this blow, your good intentions may be carried out, namely, the sending over of your younger brother (Henricus). The Classis, however willing to help you, can take the liberty of
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allowing him to be qualified by the Coetus. The Synod of North Holland strictly forbids ordinations in the East (Indies). Let him come over, therefore. It will be useful to him hereafter. The Lord really rules everywhere. He has cut off two flowers, not through the influence of the journey on them, but by sickness,* which consumes on land as well as on the water. We remain, wishing for you all blessing and every grace, Rev. Brother, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John A. van Muyden, Depp. h. t. Praeses. W. Peiffers, Depp. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, May 6, 1754.
ACTS OF CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Gerard Haeghoort, May 6, 1754. Vol. 31, page . No. 29.
To Rev. Gerardus Haaghoort.
Rev. Sir and Brother :-
In answer to your letter of Jan. 15, 1754, we inform you of our grief at the unsuccessful result of our advice on the members of your congregation. The Classis hoped it was a matter of little importance, and that you had acted according to your promise. Having no means of force to use, we can only employ those of love, earnest persuasion, good advice. It was therefore extremely foolish for you to use such language as you did use on this subject, criticising the Correspondence or non-Correspondence of the Classis with certain individuals. The Classis will bear and suffer many things from you, having compassion on you. We know that persecution sometimes causes a man to lose his temper; but we hope that tribulations and reproaches may lead you to humilia- tion ; for we fear that the lack of this is also one reason of your many troubles.
The Classis therefore advises you to see the hand of the Lord in all this. Humble yourself, therefore, and pray for the grace of God. Having done this sincerely and with lowliness of
* They died of smallpox at sea.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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spirit, and in the fear of the Lord, then quietly use your best powers in the service of the Lord. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. We are, Rev. Brother,
In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, John A. van Muyden, Depp. Cl. ad res exteras, Praeses. W. Peitfers, Depp. Cl. ad res exteras, Scriba. In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, May 6, 1754.
SECOND OFFER OF TRINITY CHURCH TO GIVE LAND FOR A COLLEGE IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, MAY 14, 1754.
" It is unanimously agreed by this Board that this Board will give for the use of the College intended to be erected a certain parcell of land belonging to this corporation, to erect and build the said Colledge upon ; and for the use of the same- that is to say, a street of ninety feet from the Broadway to Church street, and from Church street all the lands between Barclay's street and Murray's street to the water side-upon this condition, that the President of the said Colledge forever for the time being, be a member of and in communion of the Church of England, and that the morning and evening service in said Colledge be the Liturgy of the said Church, of such a collection of prayers out of the said Liturgy, as shall be agreed upon by the President, or Trustees, or Governors of said Colledge."-Berrian's History of Trinity Church. page 101. Records, i. 123.
LIVINGSTON'S TWENTY UNANSWERABLE REASONS.
Livingston's Twenty Unanswerable Reasons against a Sectarian College read to the Trustees holding the Funds, May 16, 1754 .- See these reasons under Nov. 1st, 1754.
PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL FOR A COLLEGE CHARTER BY THE TRUSTEES HAVING CHARGE OF THE FUNDS RAISED BY ACT OF ASSEMBLY .- MAY 20, 1754. (SEE Nov. 25, 1751.)
(New York Council Minutes, Vol. xxiii., pp. 181, et seq.)
At a Council held at Fort George, in the City of New York, the 28th of May, 1754. Present :
The Honorable James De Lancey, Esq., Lieutenant Governor, etc.
Mr. Alexander,
Mr. Kennedy,
Mr. Murray, Mr. Holland,
Mr. Chambers, Mr. Smith
His Honor laid before the Board the following Petition which was read and ordered to be Entered, viz :
To the Honorable James De Lancey, Esq., Lieutenant Governor, etc., etc., etc .:
The Petition of the Trustees mentioned and appointed in and by An Act, passed in the twenty-fifth year of his present Majesty's Reign, Entitled An Act for vesting in Trustees the sum of three thoussand four hundred and forty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, raised by way of Lottery, for erecting a Colledge within this Colony, humbly sheweth,
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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That divers sums of money having been raised by several Acts of the Governor, Council and General Assembly of this province of New York, for the establishing a Colledge in the said province, Your petitioners, by Acts afterwards made, were appointed Trustees for putting the said moneys at interest, and to receive proposals, accept Donations, and procure Masters and Tutors, in order to make a beginning of the said Seminary according to the trust reposed in them.
Your Petitioners further show unto your Honour, That in pursuance of the said Trust, they have endeavoured to get a proper Master and Tutor for the said intended Seminary, but find that as your Petitioners are enabled to give Salarys for seven years only, that they are under great difficulty to procure a fit and proper person to undertake the office of Master or head of the said Seminary. Your Petitioners further shew unto your Honour, that the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York in Communion of the Church of England as by Law established, being willing to encourage the said Good design of establishing a Seminary or Colledge for the education of Youth in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, have offered unto your Petitioners a very valuable Parcell of Ground on the West Side of the Broadway In the westward of the City of New York for the use of the said Intended Seminary or Colledge and are ready and desirous to Convey the said Lands for the said use on Condition that the head or master of the said Seminary or Colledge be a member of and In communion with the Church of England as by Law Established and that the Liturgy of the said Church or a Collection of prayers out of the said Liturgy be the Constant morning and evening Service used in the said Colledge forever, which said parcell of Land so offered by the said Rector and Inhabitants Your petitioners Considering as the most proper place for erecting of the said Seminary or Colledge upon and That their obtaining his Majesty's Charter to them or such others as Your Honour shall think proper for the said trust, will the better enable your petitioners, in conjunction with those Your Honour shall incorporate by His Majestie's Charter, to provide a proper master or head of the said Seminary, and tutors for the education of youth, and thereby greatly tend to promote and further the intent and design of establishing a Seminary or Colledge for the education of youth among us.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray, That in order to promote so good a design, and the more effectual obtaining a grant of the said parcell of land for the use and benefitt of the said Seminary or Colledge, that your Honour would be pleased to grant your petitioners, or to such other persons as Your Honour shall think proper, His Majestie's Charter of Incorporation, with such priviledges as to Your Honour shall seem meet, the better to enable them to prosecute the said design of establishing a Seminary or Colledge for the instruction of youth.
And your petitioners shall ever pray.
New York, May 20th, 1754.
Wm. Livingston, By order of the Trustees.
-Petition from N. Y., Col., MSS. Ixxviii., 120.
Ordered, that the said Petition be referred to a Committee of the gentlemen of the Council, or any five of them, and that they make report with all convenient speed. [See May 30th.]
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Elder Daniel Durye and others to the Classis of Amsterdam, May
21, 1754.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii.
To the Very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam : Rev. Sirs :-
As the Classis is still in the dark about this matter, I find myself under the great necessity to throw more light upon it.
I, therefore, the undersigned, bear witness, in behalf of Rev. Arondeus, as to that second confession-sermon, which the Commissioners of the Coetus told him he might preach, that Rev. Arondeus was willing to do that, so as to give satisfaction; but that the Commissioners from New York, Revs. Ritzema and de Ronde, and the com-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1754
missioned elders, themselves prevented his making that second confession. I myself was present. And why ? Because they were convinced that Rev. Arondeus was not an illegal intruder, and sought not to be obliged to make a confession as though he were.
Rev. de Ronde even declared to me, that he would rather have his head cut off, than make a confession of the kind which the Coetus had imposed on Arondeus.
Witnessed thus by me, elder of Jamaica, in Queens County, on Long Island, in North America, in the Province of New York.
Daniel Durye, Commissioner.
May 21st, 1754.
We, the undersigned, elders of Queens County, testify that this is the truth in regard to that second confession-sermon, to be allowed, as mentioned above by Daniel Durye ; that the Commissioners themselves stopped it, and that Rev. Arondeus was willing to preach it for the sake of giving satisfaction.
Cornelius Voorhees Jermias Van der Bilt
Jer. Van der Bilt
Gerrit Van Duin.
No. 213. II Received July 22, 1754.
REPORT ON THE PETITION FOR A CHARTER FOR A COLLEGE IN NEW YORK, MAY 30, 1754. (SEE PETITION, MAY 20.)
At a Council etc., the 30th of May, 1754. Present (the same as above).
Mr. Smith, Chairman of the Committee to whom by order of the 28th Instant, was Referred the Petition of the Trustees mentioned and appointed in and by an Act for vesting in Trustees the Sum of three thousand four hundred and forty-three pounds, eighteen shillings, raised by way of Lottery for erecting a College within this Colony, praying his Majesty's Grant or Charter for Incorporating the said College : Reported that the Committee had considered of the same, and were humbly of Opinion, that his Honor do grant to proper persons his Majesty's Letters Patent for incorporating the said College according to the purport and prayer of the Petition ; and that his honor would be pleased to direct the Attorney-General to prepare a Draft of the said Letters Patent or Charter, to be laid before his Honour in Council for the approbation of the Board.
Which Report on the Question being put, was agreed to and approved of.
And thereupon it was ordered by his Honour, with the advice of the Council, that a copy of the said Petition and the proceedings in Council upon the said Peti- tion, be prepared together with a warrant to his Majesty's Attorney-General, directing him to prepare a Draft of the said Letters Patent or Charter, according to the purport and prayer of the said Petition, and it is further ordered that the said Draft, when so prepared, be laid before his Honor in Council for the approbation of this Board.
PROTEST AGAINST A SECTARIAN COLLEGE.
Protest of the Minority of the Committee, (two out of five), appointed to report on the establishment of a College in New York, to be supported by the public funds, and giving prefer- ence to one Denomination of Christians therein. May 30, 1754.
Mr. Alexander and Mr. Smith dissenting to the Report of the Committee, desired leave to enter their dissent with their reasons, which being granted, the said reasons were read, and are in the words following :
We whose names are underwritten being two of five of his Majesty's Council for this Province, who in the said Committee dissented from the opinion then given by the Honorable Joseph Murray, Edward Holland and John Chambers, Esquires, we also having proposed that the said Petition should remain for further con- sideration of the said Committee, before report should be made thereon, and the said
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Committee having determined against our opinions in that point also, and carried the proposal in the negative, have therefore, thought fit for the justification of our loyal intention towards his Majesty's service, and our hearty concern for the best good of his Majesty's subjects in this Province, and our true respect and deference to his Honour the Lieutenant Governor and the Honourable Board of his Majesty's Council, with all humility herein to set forth the grounds and reasons why we are of opinion that the said petition with the exclusive clauses therein contained ought not to have been granted.
Previous whereto we beg leave to declare that in the political light in which we consider the intended College, it appears to us that any constitutional preferment by act of Government within this Province of one Denomination of Protestants exclusive of others to any office that concerns the education of youth (a matter extremely interesting and important) will be injurious to the common rights of this people, naturally endanger the producing of factions and parties, tend to destroy that harmony which at present subsists among them, raise and maintain perpetual jealousies, feuds, animosities, divisions and hatred among his Majesty's subjects within this Province, put it in the power of the party preferred to oppress the rest, and tend to the advancement of particular interests and designs, rather than the public good. And although we are of opinion that the state of this province ought to have been fully considered in a time of more leisure than our preparation for his Majesty's service on the publick affairs at Albany, and our business on the Circuit would admit of, yet we thought it our duty at this time, notwithstanding these disadvantages with regard to the present petition to observe more particularly, that it appears to us,
First. That the far greatest part (we suppose seven-eighths) of the freeholders and inhabitants of this Province are Protestants of religious denominations different from those of the Church of England established by Law in South Britain, who are all zealously attached to the distinguishing characteristics of their own respective parties, and notwithstanding their different opinions in religion, are all well affected to his Majesty's person and Government and the Protestant succession in his Royal House, and are good and profitable members of the community, and (at least) as to the far greatest part of them, have not hitherto been disqualified by any Act of Legislature, for public service in any office either Civil, Military or Literary within this Government.
Secondly. That the free indulgence of liberty of conscience and an equal enjoyment of civil rights allowed to Protestants of all denominations, and the impartial dis- tributing of offices of trust to Protestants of sufficient qualifications to discharge such offices, within this Province, has greatly tended to its present growth and pros- perity, and that its future strength and support as a Frontier Province against the common enemy very much depends upon the preservation of those liberties and rights without the least violation or infringement.
Thirdly. That the College established by the Charter proposed, being evidently intended to draw to it the application of the public funds, raised for the erecting a College or Seminary of Learning within this Province, will contract the scheme of public education within narrower limits than appear to have been designed by the present public acts of legislation and will prove a manifest infringement upon the rights of the people, who are all equally interested in the money raised for the purpose.
Fourthly. We conceive that a charter granted with such exclusive clauses, will prove a public greviance, and tend to disoblige the far greater part of the people of this province, who will be disposed to think that this government treats them unkindly in judging them unfit to be trusted in the education of their own youth, in abridging their natural and civil rights and liberties in an article of the highest importance. That it will tend to drive away the far greatest part of the youth of this province into the neighboring colonies for an education, and transfer a con- siderable part of our wealth to the support of foreign colleges, will tend to prevent strangers from settling among us, obstruct the increase of the value of our lands and his Majesty's Revenues by Quit-Rents, and in the event have an unhappy tendency to continue this province as a frontier against the French in a weak and defenceless state.
Wherefore we are humbly of opinion against the grant of the present petition (among other reasons that may be collected from the premises) more particularly that it appears to us.
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1. As being unjust by any charter to exclude any Protestant Denomination in this province, from any office in our College.
2. As being inconsistent with religious liberty, to impose any method of divine service, unless it be formed for that purpose in such way as the Legislature shall agree to.
3. As tending to monopolize learning to a small party, and to drive the greatest part of the youth intended for an education to seek it out of this province.
4. As subversive of the generous design a Publick College, intended by the acts of the Legislature, referred to in the petition, which do not exclude any denomination of Protestants from public office therein.
5. As dangerous to the peace and Prosperity of this province, by establishing in a minor party a constitutional right with an exclusive dominion over the far greater part of the inhabitants thereof.
6. As detrimental to his Majesty's interest, the honor of his government within this province and the general good and welfare of the people that inhabit the same.
For these reasons we do enter our protestation against and dissent to the grant of the prayer of the said petition, with such exclusive clauses as are con- tained in it. Protesting further and declaring it to be our undoubted right and bounden duty for his Majesty's service, and with regard to civil and religious interests of the good people of this province, as occasion may require to publish this our protestation for the common good.
Ja. Alexander Wm. Smith
New York, 30th May, 1754.
P. S .- We have recollected since writing the above, that John Chambers, Esq., as a judge of the Supreme Court, and Edward Holland, Esq., as Mayor of the city of New York, are two of the Trustees named by the Act of the Assembly mentioned in the preceeding petition, and consequently, they are not the less petitioners, that Mr. Livingston has signed the petition by order of the Trustees. And with submission, we think, no person can be a fit judge of his own petition. And for that reason do also protest against the granting the said petition.
Ja. Alexander Wm. Smith
His Honor was pleased to observe that as the gentlemen dissenting to the said report, had in their protest declared it to be their undoubted right and bounden duty, as occasion might require, to publish their said protestation for the common good, and should they publish the same, considering that their protest was laid before this board, and entered in the minutes thereof, it might be presumed to be published with their approbation, and, therefore, he desired the opinion of the Council whether they thought it proper that leave should be given to publish the same.
The Council declared as they were of opinion it ought not to be published; they could not advise or consent that leave should be given for that purpose. -Council Minutes, 220-4.
ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR ON THE PETITION FOR A CHARTER FOR A COLLEGE IN NEW YORK. JUNE 4, 1754.
By the Hon. James De Lancey, Esq., his Majesty's Lieutenant Governor and Com- mander in Chief in and over the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America.
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