USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 54
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* See Feb. 6, 1755.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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province warm in so momentous an affair. The Dutch begin to see, and the designs of our adversaries give a more general umbrage than ever.
As almost all the authors of the Watch Tower are men of business, I hope you will not refuse us your assistance, for we would by no means suffer a week to slip without something, though we could not always furnish a paper on our public con- troversies. For if we once drop it, it may be difficult to get the printer in the same humour. He is a fickle fellow, and easily intimidated by our opponents. However, we have entered into articles of agreement, in writing, which we hope he will not break through. I am, Sir, yours, etc.
William Livingston."
-Sedgewick's Life of Wm. Livingston, pp. 104-5.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to the Classis of Amsterdam, Dec. 1754.
(This letter is contradictory to the views expressed by Ritzema, about ordinations in America, in his letter of Oct. 17, 1754, which were unknown to this writer. It is a manifest forgery. Ritzema subsequently disclaimed any knowledge of it. The School-teacher Van der Sman was the author.)
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts in Vol. xxiii. 417.
Addressed: Very Reverend, very Learned, Godly Sirs, the Reverend Ministers and Elders, constituting the very Reverend Classis of Amsterdam.
Very Reverend Sirs, Fathers and Brethren, the very Classis of Amsterdam:
I never thought that I would set my pen to paper in reference to this business. I do so now, however, partly because I am aware of your Revs. writing to the Coetus of New York, and partly because I myself am against ordaining (promoting) men to the ministry in this country. Of this I have recently given the strongest proof in the letter of our consistory to the very Rev. Classis which I signed myself as president. But circumstances alter cases, as in this business they do here.
I take the liberty of presenting to your Revs. the name of Adrianus Van der Swan, who in the year 1751, came over to us from Amsterdam with honorable testi- monials, and who was appointed by our Consistory as Catechizer and Visitor of the Sick. He is a person who cannot be unknown to the Consistory of Amsterdam. He was examined by you in 1729, and appointed to teach in the "Fundamentals of Religion", as the testimonial of March 3rd sufficiently shows. While still with the Classis, he was twice examined and sent as Visitor of the Sick to the East Indies, in the year 1732 and 1736. I further call your attention to his own addresses deliv- ered before two of your Revs. highly respected members. To those members he is particularly well known, and to them he has explained his object.
Inasmuch then, as this Adrianus Van der Swan, during his stay among us, has shown himself diligent and exemplary in the service entrusted to him; and, to the great satisfaction of our church, has given every evidence of orthodoxy in his teaching and of edifying conduct, and inasmuch as he now feels himself moved by an earnest desire to be promoted to the sacred ministry, so as to employ his talents to greater and more general usefulness; therefore, through myself and several other ministers, particularly the Messrs. Erickson and Curtenius, who have given their consent in writing, as they could not very well be present in the winter season to sign their names, he now seeks to gain this his object from your Revs. in the fol- lowing manner: He requests that certain ministers here, who obtained their quali- fication in Holland, should have the necessary authority transmitted to them to ordain him; but if your Revs. should not find it advisable to do this by themselves, your Revs. might see whether it could not be done by communication with, and by consent of, the Rev. Synod.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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What makes us so bold to make such a request in this case, is chiefly this:
(1) This man is already along in years, nearly fifty. He has a wife. Once and again he has crossed the ocean. But his going across again, only to be examined seems hardly advisable.
(2) It would have to be at his own expense, too, without any prospect of indemni- fication; so there would be a loss of both time and money.
(3) The churches and ministers here are in a condition which requires a candidate for sudden and unexpected emergencies; and if he can remain among us in that capacity, he can be of more use and get more good for himself.
(4) Besides, there is no lack of vacant churches. These have neither the ability nor the resolution, and possibly never will have, to send for a minister from the Fatherland; but in this way, they might hereafter become flourishing churches.
(5) Let me also add this. This person, though not familiar with the learned lan- guages, is, nevertheless, well-grounded in the orthodox conceptions of the pure truth, and knows how to refute erroneous opinions. This he can do with modern errors, also, and with a careful regard for those who have little knowledge; and this, often with more marked success than scholars.
The request, in this form, I now lay upon your Revs. table. I hope, yea, indeed, I earnestly desire and pray that, according to your Revs. wisdom and prudence, it may be granted, to the glory of Jehovah, and for the further extension, in these regions, of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, in our own Mother-tongue.
With much respect, aud wishing every conceivable blessing upon your Revs.' per- sons, families, as well as upon the weighty work of your ministry, I sign myself,
Very Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren,
Your Very Revs. obedient servant and brother,
Joan. Ritzema, V. D. M.
New York, December, 1754.
Received, May 24, 1755. No. 219.
[See Letter of Classis to Ritzema, of July 21, 1755. ]
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Coetus of New York, Jan. 14, 1755. To the Coetus of New York.
Very Reverend Sirs and Much Respected Brethren :-
Since our last of the 6th of May, 1754, we have received your honored letter of the 19th of September, (1754).
Inasmuch as your Revs. give us reason to hope that the matter of calling Rev. (Thomas) Romein will yet come to a desirable end -an end which we heartily wish : for we, dejected and distressed in hearing of all your discords, and in noticing that your Revs. have postponed sending the Acts of the Coetus until spring : therefore we too, will put off making any remarks which we may want to make, until we shall have received further information from you. We recommend that, in the meantime, everything possible be done to promote edification, good order and harmony. The death of Rev. John Frielinghuysen causes us to mourn and gives us pain. It is our wish that that breach may soon be healed ;
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and that it may please the Lord to enable those who yet remain, to watch and pray, and be faithful until the coming of our Savior.
Accompanying this is the copy of the Acts of the Synod of North Holland which was held last year, 1754, at Amsterdam, sent to serve in maintaining our fraternal correspondence. We have the honor, with unceasing love, to subscribe ourselves, Rev. Sirs, and much respected Brethren, Your Revs. Very Obedient servants. In the name of the entire Classis of Amsterdam,
Joh. Alb. Van Muyden, Rev. Classis of Amst. Dep. h. t. Praeses. W. Peiffer, Rev. Cl. of Amst. Dep. h. t. Scribe.
In our Classical Assembly,
Jan. 14, 1755.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK RESOLVES TO CALL A CHORISTER, SCHOOLMASTER, ETC.
New York, Jan. 27, 1755.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Resolved, 1st. To call a chorister and school-master for the old church from Amsterdam or elsewhere in Holland, upon articles stating what he will have to do, and what the church will pay him. The Classis is requested to prepare a letter upon this matter to Mr. Jan Dreves, N. N. Schoute in Amsterdam, and Christian Bording in Oostsane, and which is to be submitted to the consistory for approval at the first opportunity.
2. To say to Mr. Daniel Bratt that he must provide himself with another dwelling, so as to make room for the expected school- master. This order having been given, was executed.
3. To offer domine Boel's house for sale. This, Mr. Theodorus Van Wyck, Mr. R. Ray and Mr. P. Keteltas are to manage; yet they must not sell for less than seven hundred and fifty pounds.
4. To divide the city into six districts. In these the six elders with the six deacons shall, as the season will permit with the lengthening of the days, go round to obtain the renewal of the subscriptions for the support of the minister. A new list shall be made at the same time for the catechist.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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5. That Aaltje Holst, who is already supported by the deacons, shall be boarded out with suitable persons and so be removed from her children.
6. Each member of the consistory shall be bound to appear in the consistory chamber, when duly notified, and within fifteen minutes of the time specified in the notice, under penalty of six pence; if a half hour late, of a shilling, if absent altogether, of a shilling and a half, the time to be reckoned by the church clock. None are to be excused unless they can give sufficient reasons, of which the consistory shall judge.
This done in our consistory. Signed in the name of all, Joan Ritzema, President.
SPECIMEN OF ONE OF THE ARTICLES STYLED " THE WATCH TOWER " IN THE NEW YORK MERCURY, FEBRUARY 6, 1755. [SEE DEC. 7, 1754.]
As I sat the other evening smoking my pipe, and ruminating in the elbow-chair on what would probably be the situation of this province about twenty years hence, should a certain faction succeed in their meditated encroachments on our liberties, I fell into a kind of methodical dream, which disposed all my contemplations into the following vision. Methought I saw one of the printer's boys entering my room and delivering me a newspaper, the reading of which made so strong an impression upon my mind, that I question whether I have forgot a single article of its contents, and as nearly as I can recollect it ran thus.
The New York Journal, No. 15, published by Authority. 6th February, 1775.
Extract of a letter from a clergyman in the county of Albany to his grace the Bishop of New York :- I make no doubt but by the blessing of God, and your lord- ship's rigorous measures, we shall reduce this obstinate colony to the obedience of the church. They are a stubborn, contumacious generation, and naturally averse to prelacy. Hence the business of the tithes goes much against the grain.
Extract from the votes and proceedings of the General Assembly, in their last session :- The speaker left the chair, and attended his excellency with the House ; and being returned, he resumed the chair and reported to the House, that his excel- lency in the presence of the Council and the members of the House, had been pleased to give his assent to four acts passed this session ; the titles whereof are as follows : An act for the better ascertaining and the more easy recovery of tithes .- An act against reading Calvanistical and other heretical books .- An act to disable all dis- senters from sitting in the General Assembly.
Yesterday the Dutch performed Divine worship for the last time, in the new Dutch church, the whole congregation consisting of about 150 adults. It is said that Domine Van Haaren, the minister, particularly bewailed the ruin of that once flourishing congregation, and reminded them of their folly in having so long been deluded by their enemies, after such repeated warnings of their artful designs, of which, and some other unwarrantable liberties, it is said the government will take suitable notice.
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On Wednesday last, the Reverend Mr. Lambertus Van Schenkle, Dutch professor of divinity in the college of New York, was deposed from his office for saying in one of his lectures, "That Christ is the supream head of the Christian church"; and in order to prevent the like heresy for the future, the governors of the said college have passed a resolve that none but an Episcopalian be for the future pro- moted to the said professorship.
W.
-Sedgewick's life of Wm. Livingston, pp. 106-8.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Church of New York.
The Church of New York to certain gentlemen in Amsterdam.
Feb. 17, 1755.
Esteemed Sirs,
Messrs Jan Dreves, cashier, N. N. Schoute, precentor of the South Church in Amsterdam, and Mr. Christian Bording at Oostsaane :-
The consistory of the Low Dutch congregation of Jesus Christ in the city of New York, encouraged by the recommendation of Mr. Cornelius Clopper, Jr., as one acquainted with you, takes the liberty to send this their request to you, as one able and disposed to help them.
Our congregation, having long lacked a suitable school-master and chorister, to the manifest injury of the youth as well as of worship, has finally resolved to incur the trouble and expense of sending for one to Holland. To this end we seek your aid. We offer such compensation as almost doubles what anyone in this service has ever before enjoyed. This is strong evidence of our desire for a worthy person, who will fulfill their expectations. Thus would we also enable him to render service satisfactory to himself.
The qualifications demanded in such a person are,
1. That he be a man suited for a chorister and school-master; one who understands the art of singing, has a voice to be heard, and gifts to instruct others in the art, and who is a good reader, writer, and cypherer.
2. That he is of the Reformed faith, a member of the church, of Christian deportment, and able to give evidence thereof.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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3. That he be, whether married or unmarried, not under twenty five, nor above thirty-five years of age.
The emoluments offered to such a person, so long as he is fit for service in school and church, and is of edifying deportment, are
1. A free dwelling-house, a new and commodious one, standing directly opposite our Old Church. In this he is to serve as chor- ister, not only twice and sometimes three times on the Lord's day, but also every Wednesday. In this house, besides the large school room there is a small parlor, a large kitchen, two chambers above, a cellar under the house, and behind the house a fine kitchen garden, a well with a pump, and many other conveniences. This house would bring an annual rent of twenty pounds, New York currency. And since the sums mentioned are in New York cur- rency, we deem it necessary to state that one pound New York currency is a little more than six guilders and twelve stivers. ($2.50.)
2. For leading the singing at the times before stated, annually, fifteen pounds.
3. The master is bound to instruct twenty poor children in reading, writing, and cyphering. For this he shall receive twenty four pounds yearly, whether there be so many children or not.
4. Fire wood for these children, six pounds yearly.
5. For neatly keeping the church books of receipts and ex- penditures, eight pounds.
6. For entering baptisms in the Church-Register. This cannot be exactly stated, but will average at least seven pounds.
7. Besides these, an annual salary of twenty pounds. Upon this the school-master coming over may count with certainty. To this may be added, that the school is open for the children of all the citizens. From those who learn, whether reading alone, or writing, singing or cyphering, a considerable sum may be ex- pected, as there is no other suitable school of the Holland Dutch in the city. The master therefore may confidently expect that with zeal and industry, his income will increase to the extent of at least forty pounds more. Finally to omit nothing to attain this pious object since the person coming must be at some expense,
80
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the consistory promise, on his arrival, to pay him on this account fifteen pounds. Now if you are pleased to execute this work for us with speed, so that the person may come over with Capt. John Keteltas, a great service will be rendered to us and our church, and we shall feel ourselves bound to acknowledge it gratefully.
We subscribe ourselves, with prayer for the Lord's blessing upon your persons and families,
Your servants, The consistory of New York.
In the name etc., J. Ritzema.
New York, Feb. 17, 1755.
N. B. The consistory includes under the title of chorister, the office of Clerk also; that is, the school-master, in case of the absence or sickness of the minister, since we are not here provided with candidates, must read a sermon for the edification of the con- gregation.
P. S. The consistory also request that Capt. Jno. Keteltas may be consulted as to the fitness of the person you select.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Anthonius Curtenius to the Classis of Amsterdam, Feb. 20, 1755.
Portfolio, "New York ", Vol. ii.
To the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam at Amsterdam.
Domine Anthonius Curtenius wishes the very Rev. Fathers and Brethren of the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam much joy and blessing.
About the last of November, or the first of December, 1754, if I remember rightly, I sent you a letter, informing your Revs. of the fact, that at a meeting of the Coetus held in September 1754 at New York, it was resolved, that the very Rev. Synods of North and South Holland be requested to organize the New York Coetus into a Classis. I sent your Revs. also a copy of the original paper, which has gone the rounds of all the Dutch churches in this country. I gave my reasons also for think- ing that it would not be good for our Dutch churches here to have a Classis. As I did not know whether the letter ever came into your hands, to make sure, I made another copy of that letter, and now enclose the same.
But, as the affairs of our Dutch churches have, since my last writing, taken another turn again, I do not exactly know whether my communication will ever come before the Synod of North or South Holland. For, in the month of January, 1755, Rev. Theodorus Frielinghuysen came down [from Albany] with a document which he himself had prepared. Whether Rev. Goetschius also had a hand in this, I do not know. Anyhow, in that document, Rev. Frielinghuysen makes a certain request of the Rev. Synod. He urges the Synod with several reasons, not only to allow a Classis in this country, but also a College, [High School]. On Jan. 29, 1755, he preached for Rev. Goetschius at Hackensack, and in his sermon, he showed forcibly how necessary it was for our Dutch Church to have in this country not only a Classis, but also a College, [High School]. After he finished his sermon, he read
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his document to the congregation. The ministers and the consistories who had already signed that paper were Rev. Schuneman, with his Consistory ; Rev. Mancius, who signed his name for a College, [High School] only ; the consistories of the three churches which are ministered to by Rev. Vrooman, who is now at Schenectady ; Rev. Verbryck, with his Consistory ; Rev. Goetschius and Rev. Marinus. These, with their consistories, had already signed the petition on [or before] the 29th of January. In such a way, Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen is busy, getting additional signatures to the petition, from Dutch ministers and consistories. At Hackensack, he said that, if the ministers and elders would commission him to go with that document to Holland, he was ready to accept the appointment. I asked him why the Consistory at Albany had not yet signed it. I also said, that the consistories which had signed it did, indeed, thereby show that they were in favor of a College, [High School], but that I had not noticed in the document, that they had subscribed any money toward the building of it. He replied that that would come out all right later on. In presence of three witnesses, I also remarked, that I noticed in his document that he mentioned but one Synod, and did not state which Synod. He said, that he had done that purposely. Oh, said I, then you would present the petition to any Synod. Yes, he answered, adding that he would do so, if he had to go to Germany to do it. I also said that I did not like it, that Dutch ministers were preaching in the English Churches to English congregations. He replied that he was willing to preach in any English churches if the English people asked him to do so; yes, he would preach even in a Papal Church. Rev. Mancius said, that if Rev. Bartling, [Barclay] an English minister at New York asked him, he would be willing to preach in an English Church. In case Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen should be commissioned this year by the ministers and elders over here to present the petition to one or the other of the Synods of Holland, I think that measures should be taken to prevent him from going to Germany with it. To this end, the Correspondent from North Holland ought to be directed to raise the question whether that document ought not to come before the Synods of both North and South Holland. For before both synods the Church business of North America has invariably been brought; and to request that the Scribe give an answer to that effect. Then he cannot run over into Germany with that petition.
I am not disinclined to open my heart to your Revs., to show what I think of this matter. Should one or the other Synod allow the setting up of a College [ High School] and a Classis in this country, I am afraid that a bad use would be made of them. Independent [and] Presbyterian students will then also be admitted for examination. Our Dutch Churches in a short time will be governed after the Pres- byterian fashion. If, in that case, we should complain about anything to the Classis or the Synod, that our Dutch churches were not regulated after the manner of the churches of the Fatherland, it would be said, "Oh, the people of Holland govern their churches in their own way, and we find no fault with them; and we govern our churches, and we are no longer under obligations to give account of our doing to them.
But your Revs. may object, that he and those acting with him cannot possibly have such an object in view; for so many ministers and consistories would not then have signed the document. In my former missive, and in my letter to Rev. Schell- uyne, I gave several examples to show how our American ministers, as also my own colleague, who obtained their promotion in Holland, evince by their conduct in this country, a stronger affection for the Presbyterians than for us. Possibly also Revs. Haaghoort and Erickson signed that paper. If they did, it must be because Rev. Frielinghuysen has made them believe certain things, and then has said, "Only just sign it. If I can only get the one or the other Synod to allow us to have a Classis and a College [High School], then your Revs. will be made Pro- fessors or Curators of that School;" just as he tried to rock me to sleep with that name of "Curator", in order to get my signature. As regards the signatures of the consistories, it goes without saying that they are always glad to do whatever their ministers advise as best; they would, therefore, be in favor of whatever is made very palatable to them. A member of consistory would say, "Who would not be in favor of that? Not only with my mouth, but with my hand, I must give my consent."
I have thought it my duty to give your Revs. this information in good season, in order that your Revs. may know what is brewing in our Dutch churches here. I
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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close, wishing every conceivable blessing on your persons and families, as well as on your very worthy ministries. I remain, Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren, Your Revs. obedient servant and brother,
Anthonius Curtenius.
Hackensack, Feb. 20, 1755.
P. S. Certain American Dutch ministers have already appointed students, namely, Henricus Frielinghuysen, and Mauritz Goetschius, who is a brother of my colleague, [John H. Goetschius], to preach the Word of God in public in their churches.
No. 221. Compare with one of the first of Nov. 5, 1754.
Received May 24, 1755.
[See under date of May 5, 1755. ]
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Nichols Wykof, etc., to Rev. U. Van Sinderin, etc., March 19, 1755.
No. IX.
To the Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, together with his Con- sistory :--
Some time ago we offered a call to Rev. A. Curtenius. He has had that call under consideration for four weeks. If he accepts it and comes over to us, we have the following Peace Articles to present to your Rev .:
First: That we appoint two elders and two deacons from our consistories in each village, and that Rev. Van Sinderen with his consistory do the same. These persons, then, after previous pub- lication, shall be installed together as the consistory of the church, in the church edifice at Flatbush, by some minister, who shall be invited for that purpose.
Secondly: If the adherents of Rev. Van Sinderen should not be able, by a new subscription, to raise the full amount of salary for Rev. Van Sinderen, we promise to do our best among our friends, to make up the amount, by voluntary contributions. By the hand of these our three commissioners, we expect a written reply to these Peace Articles. We remain Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your obedient servants and brethren, Signed in the name of the Con- sistory of Kings County.
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