USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 69
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen of Albany, to the Classis of Am- sterdam. Feb. 20, 1756.
Portfolio, " New York ", Vol. ii. Extract, Vol. xxiii. 425.
Rev. Fathers, Highly-respected Brethren in the Lord, the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam:
Peace and Blessing be multiplied unto your Revs!
It so happened that last Fall I had the honor of writing to your Revs. concerning certain important matters relating to the condition of the Church in this country. I, therefore, trust that I shall be excused the liberty of my present writing.
It is well known that it was by means of our Reformed Church that the light of the blessed Gospel first fell upon these regions; yet it is only too true that we, whose duty it was to be very zealous for the doctrine of the truth which is unto godliness, have let our hands hang down useless too long.
Our brethren, the Presbyterians, have for a long time already been holding their Presbyteries and Synods ; and in later years they have founded a College in the province of New Jersey. These things have put them in a condition to provide their churches with pastors and teachers, and to manage their own ecclesiastical affairs.
The Episcopal Church, although but few in numbers, is also taking long strides forward; and there can be no doubt, if it gains its object in respect to the College
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now opened in New York, that that denomination which is bound to have the rule among us, and adheres to Arminianism will gain a strong position.
Our Reformed Church, numerous as it is in membership, is in a desolate condition. It has neither Classis nor Synod, nor any nursery for instructing those who would give themselves to the study of the learned languages, the sciences and arts, and especially Sacred Theology. Many churches without pastors do not know how or whence they may obtain help. They will be obliged to go and seek in other denomi- nations what they cannot find among ourselves.
The time is now come, Rev. Fathers, for our eyes to be opened somewhat ; and the Lord has put it in the heart of those among us who are concerned for the breach of Joseph, to seek some good thing for our Zion, in order that truth and godliness may not be utterly lost among us. By far the largest number of the congregations of our Reformed Church, in this Province of New York, and in the neighboring one of New Jersey, have already entered into a Union or an Alliance and Covenant, in order, in the fear of the Lord, mutually and with one accord, to exert themselves to the uttermost to become organized as a Reformed Classis in this country, according to the tenor of God's Holy Word and the Articles (of Church Government) adopted by the Synod held at Dordrecht in the years 1618 and 1619 ; and to establish an Academy or a Seminary or Nursery (Kweekschool) for the promotion of pure learning, that thereby the Temple of the Lord may be built in our midst.
But Rev. Fathers, we are in no wise lacking for strong opposition which has been raised against us, by a Tobias, an Ammonite servant, a Sanballat, the Horonite, a tamed Arabian. These mock us and derisively say, " What is this thing that you are doing ? Will ye rebel against the king?" The Great Consistory of our Reformed Church, which is first in rank, has dealt treacherously with us. It intended, as it indeed, succeeded, in conjunction with the dominating Arminian party, (Episcopacy) to suppress the truth and godliness, and to exercise lordship over the Lord's heri- tage. But the Lord has so far brought to naught their counsels, that they have been disappointed by that very party with which they meant to combine. And so now, they want to return to the old regime; that is, (virtually), to throw every- thing into confusion, as much as possible, and then justify the ungodly and con- demn the righteous.
It seems to me, the Very Rev. Classis must see all this, in what has been done by that side, to protect the intruder, Arondeus, and oppress the legal minister of the place. Now what is still worse is being done, and the hands of the ungodly are terribly strengthened on Long Island, and at Hackensack and Schralenburgh. We have the greatest reason earnestly to beseech the God of Heaven, that it would please Him to convert or restrain that Elymas-minded troop (die Elymas-gerinde bende) ; for Heaven only knows to what a desolate condition they may otherwise reduce us ! My Church, as the Rev. Classis knows of old, is very much of Gallio's mind; it cares for none of these things and is little concerned for the "breach of Joseph."
So it is our humble request that it may please the Very Rev. Classis to assist us in seeking the good of Jerusalem, with good words and deeds, in order that in these new regions of the earth truth and godliness may grow and flourish yet for many days.
We are occupied now with seeking deliverance from the aggressions of the French, (of Canada) ; but would that we might be delivered from those who are the enemies of Zion !
The Minutes of the Coetus are sent herewith. From these the Rev. Classis will be able to judge of our condition.
In closing, I leave everything to your Rev's. judgment, and pray that heaven's most precious blessings may abundantly descend upon your Revs. I remain, Your Revs. very humble servant and brother,
Albany, Feb. 20, 1756. No. 247, I.
Theodorus Frielinghuysen.
..
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RELIGION AMONG THE MOHAWKS. Sir William Johnson to the Lords of Trade. March 8, 1756.
(New York Papers, Ll., No. 37.)
It would be very necessary to provide every Castle (especially where there is a garrison) with a worthy person in the character of minister of the Gospel, I need not repeat how much the French have done by their Priests even among the Indians in our Alliance that we ought to counteract them in all their measures I think quite obvious therefore humbly beg leave to recommend this measure to your Lord- ships consideration particularly with regard to Onondaga & Oneida, that, two proper persons of unblemished Character might be sent as Chaplains for those Garrisons, and at the same time serve as Missionaries to the Indians, how much may be done in that way, may be easily gathered from the success the Gospel has had among the Mohawks, who are our most hearty friends.
I beg the liberty to mention to your Lordships the Rev. Mr. Ogilvie missionary to the Mohawk Indians who has upon all occasions done every thing in his power for the promotion of true Religion. This Gentleman's Salary both for this place and the City of Albany is very inconsiderable, some further encouragement to him by some addition to his Sallary would be of service to the common Interest, as it would enable him to proceed in his mission with greater spirit, and to support the expences that must attend the keeping up common hospitality among so mercenary a people.
My Lords, Your Lordships' most obedient Servant, Wm. Johnson.
Fort Johnson, March 8, 1756.
-Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vii. pp. 42, 43.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Manor of Fordham.
New York, March 19, 1756.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Inasmuch as Jacob Dykman, Jr. bought at private contract, one of the places on the Manor, on the same terms as those sold at public vendue, yet is not to be bound by the purchase ; therefore the consistory have come to a farther agreement with him, that he shall have a lease of the place for three years, at twenty pounds a year, and the purchase shall still stand. The writings shall be ready by the first of May, 1756. Then he shall give a bond with security for one fourth of the consideration money; and also three bonds, each for one fourth of the purchase money, payable in the years 1760, 1761 and 1762, with a mortgage for the same. Thus done in consistory. Date as above given.
Signed in name of all, J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 1, 1756.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. A request was presented by Mr. Adriance Van der Sman, for his present and further support, as a just compensation for his services in the congregation as visitor of the sick and catechist. This being read, it was resolved, that in place of a collection in the church at Easter, twenty pounds should be paid to him this once out of the church-moneys. In the autumn, instead of mak- ing his house visitations at the usual time, he should do it fourteen days earlier, and then a new subscription should be made for him for three consecutive years.
2. The consistory waited during the morning and afternoon, with the papers prepared for those who had bought places on the Manor at public vendue, but no one appeared. However the writings were completed by Mr. Pieter de Lancey and sealed with the church seal, and then signed.
3. Respecting the letter formerly received from domine Theo- dore Frelinghuysen, it was resolved to send the following answer :
Rev. Sir :- Your letter of the eighteenth of February, 1756, came to hand, and was read in consistory, and we are still by no means of your opinion.
As to the answer to your proposal of last year, that has been already given in writing. This now appears to be the ground of further correspondence, as if it were not such, (i. e. an answer). For the rest, we have made no promise to give our view of the proposal, since it is a matter which was brought before us by your- self, and we have no desire to have any dealings with you thereon. So we end with salutations.
The consistory of New York, Signed April 10.
L. De Ronde, President.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
William Jakson.
1756, April 5th. Art. 2. William Jakson, called to Bergen and Staten Island ir New Netherland, requests that he may be examined, finally, at the next Classis xiii. 83.
New Netherland.
Art. 3, ad Art. 2, precedentis Classis. The Committee report a letter from Rev Curtenius of Flatbush, being of the same contents as one written by that gentle- man Jan. 21, 1755; also another letter from him from the same place and of the same date; and still another from him in conjunction with certain ones who sigr themselves Elders of Flatbush, Nov. 12, 1755; also a letter from Rev. Ritzema, of New York, dated Oct. 13, 1755.
A letter was received from Thomas Romeyn of Aug. 12, 1754, and another of later date, but both of which are absolutely unreadable.
Also one from John Leith, (Leydt), as president of the so called Coetus, and J. C Fryenmoeth, as clerk, dated New York, Oct. 14, 1755, with the Minutes of tha Coetus, held at New York from the 27th to the 30th of May, 1755.
Also a letter containing a petition from Elders and Deacons, written by Rev (Theodore) Frielinghuysen, Nov. 15, 1755.
Also an authentic letter written by the members of some churches, Rochester Nov. 15, 1755.
Also a letter of May 30, 1755, nomine Coetus; and another from Rev. (Theodore Frielinghuysen, dated New York Oct. 22, 1755; and then again:
A petition from Elders and Deacons at Hackensack and Schraalenburg, withou date.
The Messrs Committee are requested to give heed to all these letters and to com- municate their opinions thereon at the next Classis.
They have already reported a letter, drawn up by them, and addressed to the Messrs. Erikson, Frielinghuysen, Goetschius, etc., calling themselves "The Coetus" This letter was approved, and the Committee was cordially thanked by the Classis xiii. 84, 85.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. PROB
ABLY APRIL, 1756.
No. 238. See Answer No. 57.
A long and confused paper of nineteen pages, signed at the house of Christian Sabriskie on Nov. 3, 1755. It is about a meeting at Paramus, N. J., under the direc- tion of-N. B .- Domine (Gerardus) Haaghoort. This tends, in part, to oppose the conduct of Rev. Frelinghuysen, as do so many others; in part, it contains a sus- pension of Rev. J. H. Goetschius and the Consistory adhering to him; it also com- plains of a censuring of Rev. Haaghoort by Rev. Frelinghuysen, and his followers. These call their illegal Assembly, a Coetus, and request the complete deposition of Rev. Goetschius. They speak also of a censure of Rev. Curtenius by said illegal Coetus of Rev. Frelinghuysen.
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After this there is a Postscript from Revs. Ritzema and de Ronde. They declare that what is represented, regarding the conduct of the newly erected Coetus, is true, but that they pass no judgement as to the other matter, signed New York, November 25, 1755. Herewith there is a letter from Rev. Van Sinderen, (Van der Linde?) signed at Paramus, November 19, directed against Rev. Goetschius, full of confused unproved complaints.
N. B. Classis cannot answer otherwise, then to declare all the Acts and Censures on both sides, to be unlawful and void; that it can do nothing until the former lawful Coetus be resumed; and affairs be treated therein in an orderly manner; and a brief and careful report be made to Classis, only of actual points, whereof lawful proofs must be given. This should be done in an earnest and tender report.
N. B. Although Classis long ago resolved to pay no attention to private letters, but only to those sent by the Coetus; and therefore the following letters, as well as some previous ones might well be entirely passed over; yet in order to preserve the chain of events for the memory, while all is in confusion with the Coetus, these extracts will be useful:
No. 239. See our answer to consistory of New York, No. 57.
Further Extracts.
They complain of the misconduct of Rev. Goetschius and his Consistory.
1. He is accused by Rev. Van der Linde, minister at Paramus, and his consistory,
(1) That Rev. Goetschius and his consistory had instituted a consistory at Para- mus, and up to the present, had held public worship there.
(2) That he and his deacon, Peter Sabriskie, before he (Van der Linde) was called in, impertinently intruded himself there, and made a quarrel, etc. Whereupon this Assembly judges: That the Consistory of Rev. Goetschius deserves to be at once deposed, and those who have separated, are not worthy ever to rejoin; and that Rev. Goatschius is such a one as deserves to be suspended from office; and that the Classis shall judge whether he shall be wholly deposed from the ministry.
2. He is further accused as follows: (1) That he (Goetschius) and his Consistory have violated his call; in that, instead of paying Rev. Curtenius in advance, accord- ing to the contract made at Coetus, his full salary, and (Goetschius) being satisfied with the remainder: they have, on the contrary, paid to him, Goetschius, the full salary, and withheld that of Curtenius. (2) That he makes a distinction between his own adherents and others. (3) That he permits conventicles, where there is preaching. (4) That in his preaching he has behaved himself offensively and uproar- iously. (5) That he had described his congregation as the dregs and scum, (Schorri- Morri). (6) That he still lay under the charge of a certain scandal, without ever having cleared himself. (7) That he and his Consistory are at the bottom of all the harm, offences and agitations which are now in vogue, and which are caused by the organization of such a Coetus.
To prove this, they recall the following circumstances: How that before his call to Hackensack he had already in his pocket a call to Schemmeny (Neshaminy, Bucks Co.) Pennsylvania, but he wanted to try Hackensack first. That before his call to Hackensack, the signers had signed on these conditions: That if one of the min- isters should leave, or be disabled from preaching, that they (the signers) would be discharged from their obligations. Whence they conclude that now the adherents of Curtenius after his departure, are not obliged to contribute the half of the salary, but are discharged therefrom, as regards Rev. Goetschius. They further say that since Revs. Goetschius and Marinus did not appear, therefore upon the advice and consent of the Consistory of Hackensack, their judgment on the censure of Rev. Goetschius and the deposing of his Consistory is suspended; and they have resolved also to lay this whole matter before the Consistory of Rev. Curtenius, at New York, as their neighbors, to receive their advice, consent, and concurrence.
xiii. 429.
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No. 245. See an extensive reply in No. 61; and compare No. 55.
Letter signed by Revs. J. Leydt, as President of the so-called Coetus, and J. C. Fryenmoet, on October 14, 1755; besides a Minute from the Acta of a previous extra Coetus, as they call themselves, held at New York May 27-30, Anno, 1755.
The members are, of the Ministers:
1. Erickson
8. Leydt
2. Mynema
9. Verbryck
3. Mancius
10. Marinus
4. Van Sinderen
11. Vroman
5. Goetschius
12. Schuneman
6. Fryenmoet
13. Romein
7. Frelinghuysen
Therefore, there are here lacking, on account of the schism, four of those members of the Coetus held on September 12, 1754. See No. 235, to wit; of the ministers, Haaghoort, Curtenius, Ritzema, and Van der Linde.
I. As regards the letter: Therein is recited-
1. So much as relates to the erecting of the Classis and the Academy.
(1) How that the resolution to change the Coetus into a Classis was initiated (gebooren) at the Coetus of Sept. 17, 1754; the plan was then to be sent around among the churches, and the answer thereto were to be delivered to a Committee to meet in the following April, (1755). The results were then to be transmitted to the Classis (of Amsterdam) and the Synods. How that, thereupon, the Consistory of New York had written against this plan to Classis, desiring neither a Classis nor a Coetus, but only the old footing; and also how Rev. Ritzema, in the trans- mission of this Resolution of Coetus, and the reception of the answers of the con gregations, as special Clerk, had added the Protest of the New York Consistory, and some private letters advising against it, in a Postscript, contrary to all good faith.
(2) That these circumstances were really the occasion of that journey of Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen, about which so much has been said, intended to secure the consent (of the churches) to a Classis, and at the same time, to an Academy. (Academie, in Dutch, means University.)
2. That, meantime, those improprieties (onordentelyk) of Revs. Curtenius, Ritzema and Haaghoort had taken place. They said that, now that the Coetus had beer broken up by the others, there was no more any Coetus. That thereupon a Conven. tion was called, in May 1755, but against this Rev. Haaghoort had protested; and according to its resolution, this was an Extraordinary Coetus to transact business The Minutes of both these bodies are at hand.
Further, they complain of Rev. Ritzema : that when it was amicably submitted to him, "Whether he, as Extraordinary Clerk should not send out notices for a Coetus to see whether hearts and souls might not yet be harmonized for the general good?' He wrote: "That in answer to yours this shall serve; that although I am yet Extraordinary Clerk of the Coetus, I neither can nor will call a Coetus that was broken up by your united efforts. If you still call yourselves a Coetus, let then the child have its proper name. For you are the Rev. (Theodore) Frelinghuysen's Coetus ; and as such, the letter of Classis belongs to us and not to you, and, as ] trust, will be opened and made use of by us," that he, (Ritzema) was also the adviser and installer of Rev. Curtenius, (on Long Island) ; and that also, inde. pendently of his Consistory, he had made a certain request, (for a Professorship) in behalf of the Dutch in the English College of New York (Kings, now Columbia) In conclusion they call themselves the "Coetus Ordinaries", which makes thesc statements, and in whose name they sign.
II. Relating to the Minutes. From these, it appears-
1. That in the so-called "Brotherly Conference " (Conferentie here refers to the Convention, the matter of a Classis and Academy was with the necessary instruc-
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tions to further the whole affair, at the Rev. Synod of North Holland. He was also to make a collection, (Colectie-collecte they mean to say), but against this, a Pro- test came from Rev. Haaghoort and others. And it further appears from these Minutes, that at the so-called "Extraordinary Coetus ", (but which Rev. Ritzema opposed as unlawful, and gave up the Coetus Minute-Book with great reluctance), the matter of a Classis and an Academy was urged, (pushed, gepousseerd) and a Petition for a Collection for an Academy was signed.
2. Also that a Committee was appointed to act on June 2nd, in the churches of Hackensack and Schralenberg, in a case of Rev. Haaghoort and some members of the church, who call themselves Trustees, (Trustjes), who, with Rev. Haaghoort as Consulent, wished to organize a new consistory.
3. Finally, that the Messrs. (John) Maurice Goetschius and Henry Frelinghuysen, had been called by committees of churches over there, to be their ministers. They had accordingly, requested to have their ordinations (promotions) there. In this, the Coetus had promised to aid them before Classis.
4. Furthermore, Rev. Van Sinderen had brought the well-known case of Rev. Curtenius's Call, etc., before the Coetus, which was to be acted upon in due time. xxiii. 431-433.
No. 246. See Answers, Nos. 61 and 55.
Herewith the following papers were brought, all referring to the foregoing, Nos. 245 a and 239.
1. A request from the elders and deacons of the three combined Reformed Churches of Marmertown or Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsing, that Mr. Henry Freling- huysen may be ordained (gequalificeert) as their pastor by the Coetus, Nota Bene, not desiring to call him on any other condition. This request is written and signed by Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen, (of Albany) Nov. 5, 1755.
2. The authentic letter itself about this affair, signed by some members of those congregations, Rochester, Nov. 15, 1755.
3. A letter of May 30, 1755, nomine Coetus, requesting the same, as also for Mr. (John) Maurice Goetschius, called to Stone Arabia. Both of these, they say, gave good satisfaction in a special examination, (tentamen).
4. One more letter from Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen of the same import, and also about the matter of a Classis and an Academy. He complained that his Church (at Albany) would not let him go on his mission to Holland. He asked that the Classis would order it to give permission. Signed, New York, October 22, 1755.
5. A petition from the Consistories, the elders and deacons, of the two Dutch Reformed Churches of Hackensack and Schralenberg, without any indication of date when, or place where, it was sent from; (Nov. ? 1755?) with a letter from Rev. (J. H.) Goetsc fius to the Rev. Mr. J. Temmink. In this they complain greatly of the offensive and grievous conduct of Rev. Haaghoort, who is sustained by Revs. Curtenius and Van der Linden. He (Haaghoort) had organized, for some of their distant (afscheurende) members, of each of the two Churches, a consistory, and nad occasionally held service with them as their minister. Although this was for- bidden by Coetus, the resolution was disregarded. The Rev. (Haaghoort) had been suspended, and the ringleaders of those distant members. (abgescheurende hoof- den) were denied the Lord's Supper. This was done, first, by a Committee appointed oy Coetus, which was subsequently approved in Coetus itself. They praise their pastor, (J. H.) Goetschius, for his purity of doctrine and blameless deportment. They declare that they have a horror of faithlessness toward ministers, in with- holding their salaries, and seeking to hunt them down, as they assert their antagon- sts are doing. In particular, they complain of the action of Rev. Van der Linde. On Nov. 3, he had cited their minister, with their consistory of Schralenburg, to ' appear before those very members whom they had censured. but whom he had called
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together. He represented that they were a neighboring Consistory under the Presi dent, Rev. Haaghoort, and before this church-meeting, they, according to his repre sentation, must answer, according to Church Order, to his Complaint. This was that at the Spitsberg, more than thirteen English miles distant from his church a Paramus, they had according to Church Order and custom, but very much agains Van der Linde's wishes, appointed two elders and deacons among the members o Hackensack and Schralenberg who had moved thither as a new "settlement", a they express it. They were living among all sorts of sects. They had had church land donated to them by the Hon. Proprietors (of New Jersey) for the planting o a Dutch Reformed Church. But they had first fraternally asked Van der Linde an his Consistory to do so, (organize a new church), but which they had refused.
They further say, that Coetus has since then been in session three times. An that although he (Goetschius) was present at the first session, yet no complain was then made. But that now, and before such a meeting as is described above consisting of eight censured and suspended members, with Rev. Haaghoort presiding and which was recognized by Van der Linde as a neighboring Consistory, althoug he had been fraternally warned in writing some weeks before, by the Coetus, not t unite with Rev. Haaghoort and these people in their sins, so that he should nc share their punishment : That he has not only done so, but supports and encour ages the schism. He marries and baptizes these people and their children.
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