USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 68
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
3637 1755
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
has successfully formulated a plan for the organization of a Classis. This must be that certain annexed document, without title or heading, signed by the President and Secretary, Sept. 19, 1754. It is stated that after this had been read twice in the Coetus, it was at last approved on the 18th of September; and again unani- mously, on the 19th of September.
Furthermore, we read in the letter of September 30, 1755, as follows: " That Rev. Frelinghuysen and certain of his followers, have resolved to act in an entirely different way, that they frus- trate your plans; that he makes visits without consent of his Consistory, and that there are many other irregularities too tedious now to repeat; and that all this is done not only to establish a Classis, but a University for the Dutch Reformed; also that he, according to your letter, has organized a separate Coetus ! "
How large an undertaking! What wonderful plans! We are, gentlemen, not only overwhelmed with amazement, but also deeply grieved at all this discord, which, notwithstanding all our efforts to establish peace, still abounds among the foreign churches, and especially in the Church of New York. Moreover, the communi- cations we receive, and the phraseology of the Acta Coetus, are so defective, often, that we must sometimes only guess at the leaning of them. After the closest scrutiny we are not able to know what the opinions of the churches are, to which the Circular was sent, about this matter. We cannot ascertain how large the number is of those who declare themselves on your side, (Ritzema's), nor the number of those who side with Rev. Frelinghuysen and the Coetus.
We learn from a letter of the Consistory of New York, dated Oct. 17, 1754, that they are not at all in favor of changing the Coetus into a Classis, and for reasons which cannot be ignored. The idea of Rev. (Theodore) Frelinghuysen is indeed grand, and if it is as important as it is thought, the best. But the Classis, with all the acuteness it possesses, is not able to imagine in what place, or by what authority, or by what means, or out of what treasury, that University is to be established; neither where the Professor will be found who is to teach in that University.
d
d
e
ew ere
ich 20, nes na, be bis
9, ut he
3638
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
Indeed, the Classis, not having been at all consulted in the matter, is not obliged to weary its brains in seeking to interpret this enigma; especially since the opportunity is given to exercise our patience, and to wait for the time when this new phenomenon shall appear in the American Ecclesiastical Heavens. In that country there seems to be the right, if indeed it be true, and some seem to have the boldness and even take the liberty, without con- sent of their Consistory, to travel about for ten or twelve weeks. Further, we cannot hide our fear, that the disturbances and divisions, with which this airy castle begins to be built, can be destroyed any sooner than the (airy) building itself.
It is not only these things which displease us, brethren, (but also the very act of attempting to establish a Classis) ; for we can- not see sufficient reasons why the Coetus should be changed into a Classis at all. All changes, especially in church-matters, are important and should be very carefully considered, before they are made, in order to avoid worse conditions than existed before. Indeed, you can already see, at the very beginning of these changes, that it would have been better not to have entered upon them at all.
And we pray you, brethren, (to consider) : Are not the reasons of the New York Consistory important, when they say :
1. That the power, in that country, of a Classis would be less than that of a Coetus :
(1) Because it is only the ambition of some that has given occasion for it.
(2) Because the power of a Classis without the power of government* is just as little as that of the Coetus.
(3) Because greater power, (if possessed) would give an oppor- tunity of diminishing their power, by a limitation of their liberty.
2. They disapprove the making of candidates and ministers in that country :
(1) Because there is no opportunity to pursue a proper course of study.
* This, no doubt, refers to the fact that they could not enforce anything, because the civil government was English. The idea of entire separation of church and state was yet quite incomprehensible.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3639 1755
(2) Because they would become too much alienated from the churches of the Mother-country, especially because there are some who do not much regard the formulas of subscriptions when they have entered upon the ministerial office.
3. It is feared that the party-spirit which has heretofore pre- vailed in the Coetus, according to them, (Ritzema and his friends) would not cease if a Classis were formed.
Such are the reasons why they (Ritzema and his friends,) have not been able to consent to the formation of a Classis. To these reasons of theirs, we have not seen any reply from you.
You, however, give two reasons for such a change:
(1) Because the Coetus cannot give sufficient reasons from the Church Order, for its existence ; for it is neither a Consistory, nor a Classis, nor a Synod. But a reply can easily be made to this. Your Assembly is indeed neither a Consistory, nor a Classis, nor a Synod; but it is a Coetus : that is, an Assembly which gives coun- sel in certain matters, being itself subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam. That the name COETUS is not unknown in the Church Order you may discover in the Register of Ministers. Similar Assemblies, although not with the same name, exist in Cape Colony, in Batavia and in Surinam. In a word we consider that we have nothing to do with the mere name, or the simple matter of consistency, but with the authority and extension of power.
(2) The second reason is obvious enough in your communica- tion, viz.,
(a) That the Coetus has no power either to make final decisions, or to ordain candidates. But this, Gentlemen, is the very reason why we fear such an Assembly (as you propose,) why we, not only, do not give the name, much less the character of a Synod (Classis ?) to your Assembly. For, Sirs, would such a course be safe ? Would it not be as good as cutting you entirely loose from our Church ? Can the examinations of candidates and ministers be as properly done in your country, as here under our Synodical authority in the large Classes which here exist ? Considering your conduct as well as the style of your composition, (excuse us for
1
1
3640
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
so speaking), have we good grounds for believing that the Coetus, if it became an independent Classis, could sustain itself in such a character ?
(b) On the subject of the difficulties involved, and the tedious- ness of proceedings under the present arrangement in that matters have to be referred to the Classis of Amsterdam and then returned again, we answer: The same difficulties not only exist in the churches of the East Indies, but those churches are more ready to accept the resolutions of these our Synods than even our own Classes here in our country.
Now from all this you can easily learn what our opinion is, namely, to preserve the Coetus, (for a Coetus was indeed the original desire of the majority of you), and to purify it from its evils.
Finally, there is your argument against the enterprise of Rev. (Theodore) Frelinghuysen before the Synod of North Holland. We received a letter for that Synod on this subject. The Classis is of the opinion, (always giving attention to the Church in gen- eral, and especially to the church of New York,) that your argu- ment cannot be presented more advantageously than by the living voice of their committee, next year, in the Synod. The Classis promises to prevent all such extraordinary plans in the future, (as have appeared in the past,) and to support you with all energy as the Coetus of New York. We do so especially, because you say in a postscript to your letter " that in order to avoid a dupli- cate writing to the Synod, a sufficient report is given by Domines Curtenius and Ritzema, with which you are satisfied."
Finally, we recognize you as a United Coetus. It will be agree- able to us to keep up a brotherly correspondence with you, in order to promote the welfare of your churches. This we show by send- ing you the Acts of the Synod of North Holland for the present year. (1755.)
Concerning the action of Rev. Mancius in the affair of Queens County, we have already expressed our opinion in a letter which
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3641 1755
we hope may bear fruit. We also pray God to bless you in your attempts to adjust the troubles with Rev. Meinema at Fishkill, as well as the considerations in the matter of Jacob Outwater.
We commend you to God and the word of his grace, while we wish you all wisdom, light and assistance. We consider ourselves, Rev. Sirs, and much-beloved brethren,
Your obedient and humble servants and brethren,
In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
W. Peiffers, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. R. Schutte, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, in our Classical Assembly, Dec. 9, 1755.
This letter with the Acts of the Synod of North Holland are sent on January 10th, 1756, with Capt. John Woldrong.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Schoolmaster Welp.
The Church of New York to Messrs. Jan Dreves, T. Schoute and Christian Bording, Dec. 29, 1755.
Mr. Cornelius Clopper, one of our members, has already in- formed you, by an unexpected opportunity of writing, of the safe arrival here of Mr. Johan Nicolas Welp, with his wife and children, all in good health. We, however, feel ourselves further bound in the highest degree to express our obligations to you, and thankfully acknowledge your trouble and care for us; and we are quite ready to reciprocate, if there is anything which can be done on our part. As to the small costs mentioned by Mr. Bording, we send herewith by Capt. Anthony Rutgers, four Span- ish pieces of Eight, with the direction to pay, in our name, what- ever else may be due.
You justly expect to learn from us whether Mr. Welp meets our expectation. We can say, although the matter is new as yet, that there is nothing to give us fear that we shall regret the heavy and unusual cost of obtaining a man from Holland for such a service. His testimonials are laudatory, and the experience of his work,
3642
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
being so far satisfactory, gives hope that by his example and his labors, he will be of great use to our congregation, if it pleases Heaven to spare him some years. This also for his own sake we desire.
The consistory, according to promise, have paid his passage money from Holland, as well as the expenses from New London, which were little above eight pounds. Further, considering the loss which Mr. Welp suffered in the sale of his goods, in conse- quence of his removing from Amsterdam at short notice, the consistory made up among themselves a present of twenty pounds, which he very gladly received. We, therefore, trust that he, exerting himself in his teaching, will feel satisfied with his situation, and find reason for thanking the providence of God which brought him here. Of this he has already given some tokens.
This, we think, gentlemen will satisfy you for the work you have done. We pray God to bless you, and the land of your resi- dence, that it may not become a prey to selfish tyranny, especially not to the anti-Christian King of France. His impious cruelties, many, especially on the borders of our neighboring Provinces, experience, in the murders and burnings which are perpetrated by heathen savages, who are bribed and urged on to the work.
We subscribe ourselves, with great respect, and with affectionate salutations to Mrs. Bording. Your obedient and obliged servants, In the name etc.
New York, Dec. 29, 1755.
J. Ritzema.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, JANUARY 13, 1756. The New York Disputes.
Further, a brief account was given of the still daily increasing schisms and dissensions in New York, by the separation (of certain ones) from the Coetus, of which they would have made a Classis. Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen and his party are in favor, not only of the organizing of such a Classis, but also of instituting an
3643
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1756
Academy. When this tendency was observed, the others opposed themselves to it. There then arose a newly organized Coetus, by Rev. Frelinghuysen and his followers. They gave themselves the name of " Coetus ", and exercise authority as of a Coetus. Rev. A. Curtenius, recently called from Hackensack to the five villages of Kings county, which was not done in any too regular a manner, but which the Classis would rather see tolerated for the sake of peace,-was censured, even as this same (Coetus) has also laid the censure upon Rev. Haaghoort, minister at Second River. And this last named again, (Haaghoort) at a meeting at Paramus, on the complaint of Rev. Van der Linde, pastor there, about an in- trusion into his congregation, has declared Rev. (J. H.) Goetschius, minister at Schralenberg, and his consistory, worthy of censure. The consideration of this, when brought before the Consistory of New York, was postponed, and came before the Classis of Amsterdam. Thereupon were read (to the Classis) the extracts ; and the letters bearing hereon. These were approved. xxiv. 47.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. G. W. Mancius and the Rev. Consistory at Kingston, Jan. 13, 1756. Vol. 31. p. 102. No. 56.
Rev. Gentlemen and Much-beloved Brethren :---
We received your letter of June 27, 1755, in safety. From it we learn with satisfaction that you have submitted yourselves to our decision concerning the troubles between your congregation and that of the Paltz. Yet we wish that it had been done with more gentleness and love,-things so seldom seen in (the Province of) New York !- Meanwhile the Church at the Paltz has effected its separation from you, (against which you did not object), and declared itself independent. The Classis adheres to the decisions written to you on July 17, 1752, by which they expect the matter to be finally ended.
87
3644
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1756
Concerning the rumor of changing the Coetus of New York into a Classis, and the actions of Rev. Frelinghuysen, who is attempt- ing to found a University in your country,-the Classis has ex- pressed its disapproval, (as it is the reason of all the discord), and has written elaborately to the Coetus on the matter.
We thank you for the information that Rev. Rubel of Philadel- phia, subordinating himself to the Classis of Amsterdam, has been called by the churches of Rhinebeck and the Camp. We trust that he may receive all necessary light, wisdom, love and fidelity, that he may be useful there for his own sake, and for the sake of the immortal souls entrusted to him.
May the Lord abide at your right hand, and ever remain near unto you. We consider ourselves, having given our salutations and service, Rev. Gentlemen and Much-beloved Brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
W. Peiffers, Dep. Cl. h. t. Praeses. R. Schutte, Dep. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
January 13, 1756.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Ritzema and other members of the Consistory of New York, Jan. 13, 1756. Vol. 31, p. 103, No. 57.
Rev. Sirs and Respected Brethren :-
We have received several letters and documents from you ; also certain ones from Rev. Ritzema, dated Aug. 20th, 1755; as well as one from the Meeting held at Paramus, Nov. 3rd, 1755, and whose Acts were presented to the Consistory of New York Nov. 25, 1755, where the following action was taken, signed by Rev. Ritzema as president, viz. That the Assembly at Paramus had done, on their part, all that they could, nevertheless they had not accomplished what they intended. On the subject of the execu- tion of the sentence on Rev. Goetschius and his adherents, who
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3645
1756
had been accused of bad conduct and illegal intrusion into the congregation of Paramus, etc., the Assembly postponed action, and present the whole business to the consideration of Classis. This is signed by Gerard Haeghoort in the name of all. At the end there is a postscript, in which the signature is confirmed, as well as the contents of the document which relate to the Acts of the newly established Coetus. This was signed by Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde.
When we read this long and generally unintelligible account of affairs, we are obliged to say that we were affected with feel- ings of sadness and pity, and not without some indignation. We cannot understand how there can be men, Christian men, even Christian ministers, who are able not only to originate such acts- biting and devouring one another, but who can continue in such conduct for years. They are men who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly and the loving Jesus; but who do not seem rightly to understand that LOVE is the livery of Christianity, and that hate, envy, wrath, evil passions and selfishness are of the devil; who seem never to ponder that enmity, quarrels, jealousy, anger and discord exclude from the kingdom of heaven.
Brethren, what shall be the end of such things? Whither are you traveling? We assert that we do not know of any other part of the world where affairs go on so badly as in the churches of New York. Your part of the Church keeps the Classis more busy than all the other parts together. Is there to be no end of these troubles and soul-destroying disturbances ? These have continued now for so many years, corrupting the church, the state, the household, and bringing down the wrath of God upon the Church. Do you never have a thought, that probably the Judge now stands at the door, not only in a general way, but particularly at the gates of the church of New York? Can we not perceive when thunder storms are rising? Can we not dis- cern the wrath of God from heaven approaching in an awful manner? Have we reason to believe that He, whose judgments so often begin at his own house, will spare us, who, possessing more light than others are guilty of worse sins ? No, dear breth-
3646
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1756
ren! There is nothing to lead us to such a conclusion. There- fore we pray you, we beseech you again, for the sake of the salvation of your own souls, for the welfare of the churches, for the sake of the loving-kindness of Jesus Christ, that you would, all of you together, earnestly strive to extinguish these fires of dis- cord, to avoid the enkindling of new strifes as well as the con- tinuance of old ones.
From the letter of Rev. Ritzema, written Aug. 20th of last year (1755), we perceive with grief that the disturbances on Long Island did not cease with the removal of Rev. Goetschius (to Hackensack) and the call of Rev. (Thomas) Romeyn to Oyster Bay and Jamaica ; and that the godly advice of the Classis, which we so earnestly desire should be followed, was not accepted. The affairs of 1746, now again revived, are not worthy of further consideration ; we should get rid of them forever. The Classis considers that business ended. Resolutions were certainly then passed. Let these stand firm. Therefore we most earnestly be- seech you, in order to fulfill that plan, to co-operate with us. Do not oppose us by even seeming to listen to those who are disobe- dient, much less do not unite with them.
In reference to those documents composed at Paramus and which have recently come to the Classis, we have this to say: In general, on account of their obscurity of style, bad spelling and wonderful prolixity they are not thoroughly understood. The Classis, however, cannot give a better general answer than this: That she declares all censures inflicted by one on another to be null and void; that she can do nothing before that the rightful Coetus is re-established; that then that whole business must be discussed anew in that Assembly in a different manner, and a minute report must be sent to Classis, but only of facts legally proved. We request you to give notice of this to the members of that Assembly at Paramus, who brought this business before your Consistory (at New York), and we will, therefore, not write to them personally. In closing this letter, after again urging you to peace and love, to frienship and reconciliation, and with prayer to our Savior to give you his Spirit with light and life, and with
3647
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1756
sincere love, we subscribe ourselves, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your obedient servants and affectionate brethren, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
W. Peiffers, Depp. Cl. h. t. President. R. Schutte, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
January 13, 1756.
FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE MINISTRY ACT OF 1693.
An Act for the further Explaining and rendering more effectual the two Acts therein Mentioned So far as they relate to the City of New York.
(Passed, February 19, 1756.)
WHEREAS, in and by an Act made and passed in the fifth Year of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary Entituled "An Act for Settling a Ministry and rais- ing a Maintenance for them in the city of New York, County of Richmond West- chester and Queens County" (1693) it is provided and Enacted, Among other things, that a Roll of the Tax to be raised for the Purposes in the said recited Act Mentioned, Shall be delivered into the hands of the Respective Constables of the Said City, Counties, Parishes and Precincts therein mentioned, and Signed by any two Justices of the Peace, impowering him or them to Levy the said Tax, and upon refusing to destrain and sell by Publick outcry, and Pay the same into the hands of the Church Wardens: And it is therein and thereby further provided and Enacted, that if the said Constables or any of them fail of their Duty herein they Shall respectively forfeit Five Pounds Current Money of New York :*
AND WHEREAS in and by Another Act made and passed in the fourth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, Intituled "An Act for the better explaining and more Effectually putting in Execution an Act of the General Assembly Entituled An Act for Settling a Ministry and Raising a Maintenance for them in the City of New York County of Richmond Westchester and Queens County", (1705) It is Enacted that all and Singular the Fines Penalties and Forfeitures mentioned in the same Act, shall be recovered before any of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the respective Counties for the time being Where such penalties Shall be incurred, Notwithstanding which, no particular Provision is made nor power given or Method prescribed in case where the Constables having had the Tax Roll delivered unto them and have been Remiss in Collecting, or having Collected the same, have refused or delayed to pay the Monies by them Collected into the hands of the Church Wardens, as by the first above Recited Act is directed; t
IN order therefore the more effectually to prevent the Neglect or Remisness in Constables for the future in the City of New York and to compell them to Collect and Pay such Sum and Sums of Money as Shall hereafter be laid and assessed on the said City and County for the uses Ends and purposes in the Aforesaid Recited Acts of either of them Mentioned and Expressed:
BE IT ENACTED by his Excellency, the Governor, the Council and the General Assembly, and it is hereby Enacted by the authorty of the Same, That if any Con- stable or Constables of the said City and County of New York, to whom the Roll for Collecting the Taxes in Virtue of the above Recited Acts or either of them,
* See p. 1076 of this work. t See p. 1595 of this work.
3648
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1756
Shall not Collect, or having Collected the Monies in such Roll or Rolls Assessed or Set down, Shall Neglect, refuse or delay to Pay the amount or Total Sum in Such Roll or Rolls mentioned, except retaining in his or their hands so much Money as in the above Recited Act or Acts for his and their Collecting Receiving and Pay- ing, is Allowed, and Also so much as by a Committee of the Justices and Vestry- men Shall be allowed for Poor and Insolvent Debtors, and that on or before the Twenty fifth day of March next Ensuing the Publication hereof and so on or before every Twenty fifth day of March forever hereafter: Then, and in either of such Case, it Shall and may be Lawfull. and the Church Wardens of the City and County of New York aforesaid are hereby Strictly Commanded and Required, to Apply to the Mayor or Recorder and one or More Aldermen, Who are hereby respec- tively Authorized and impowered in a summary Way to hear Try and determine the Same, and Upon Conviction, the sum so unpaid by such Constable or Constables respectively shall be raised and levied on the Goods and Chattles of the offender or offenders, by Warrant under the hands and Seals of the Magistrates before whom Such offender or offenders shall be convicted; and if no Goods or Chattles Shall be found on which to destrain, it Shall and may be Lawfull to the Magistrates who heard and determined the Cause to Commit the offender or offenders to the Com- mon Goal, without Bail or Mainprize, there to remain untill the Sum of money found to be in arrear by the Magistrates before whom the Tryal and Conviction was had, together with the Costs Attending the Same, be paid and Satisfied; and the Said Magistrates Shall be and hereby are fully impowered, directed and Required to hear Try and determine these Matters in the Manner Aforesaid, and to give Judgment, and if need be to Award Execution thereon, and to Issue a Warrant or Warrants for Commitment of Such Offender or Offenders as the Case may require; Which Sum or Sums of Money So to be recovered by Virtue hereof Shall be paid into the hands of the Church Warden of the said City and County of New York to be by them Applied and disposed as in the Several Acts Above recited or other acts respecting the Maintenance of the Minister and Poor are directed and required Anything in Any Act or Acts touching the Settling a Ministry or Maintaining the Poor to the Contrary hereof in anywise Notwithstanding .- The Colonial Laws of New York. pp. 36, 37, 38.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.