USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 70
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6. All of these things they lay before Classis. They pray that Classis will comp him to place himself before Coetus, and let their mutual complaint (5) be decide according to Church Order, that they may have satisfaction ; and further that the may return under the jurisdiction of Coetus, from which he has severed himself. xxiii. 433, 434.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Erickzon, Goetschius, The( dore Frelinghuysen, etc., who call themselves the regula Coetus, in reference to the establishment of a Classis an University in New York, April 5, 1756. Voll. 31, page 10! No. 61.
Rev. Sirs and Beloved Brethren :-
How many are the wretched troubles and the soul-destroyin discords which afflict unhappy New York! It is with the greate. surprise and astonishment, yea, with a grief that harrows our ver souls that we observe your condition. Instead of the old quarre being healed, new ones are continually arising. We are oblige moreover, to recognize the fact that these evils cannot be ascribe to the church members chiefly, but to the ministers. One attemp to accuse another in order, if possible, to vindicate himself. The is no one, however, who has read the communications from tl churches of New York, who can be unacquainted with the cau of all these troubles. It is, gentlemen, nothing else but t]
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vainly-conceived idea of transforming the Coetus into a CLASSIS, because there was a little talk of simply improving the Coetus. It is generally acknowledged that this improvement was needed. Indeed, most of the members eagerly advocated this idea. And then, in addition to this project, as is always the case when selfish motives and personal ambitions dazzle men, another delusive notion prevailed, namely, the founding of a UNIVERSITY, in New York. It was expected that funds could be raised in Holland for this purpose through a delegation sent to the Synod there. But the Classis is overwhelmed with amazement at the proceedings of the Coetus, of the Conferentie, and of other Assemblies; as well as at the communications, essays and letters which are written. She cannot tell whether all these writings are the cause of the deplorable troubles, or whether it is the vehement passions of men. It can be readily enough discerned from the documents, for nothing could be clearer, that it is the desire of innovation which urges this matter on, rather than a calm consideration of the results which will follow such changes. This is by no means the least reason that a Coetus, undergoing gradual improvements, would be the most useful (form of government), and that the immediate formation of a Classis would be less advantageous.
But is it a conceivable thing that there should be a Classis in New York with powers of absolutely deciding matters, such as the ordination of candidates, and so forth, without a real separa- tion, sooner or later, of the churches there, from the Church of the Netherlands. And do we deserve such a reward, after having given you so much disinterested advice, after having endured so much trouble in your behalf, after experiencing so much grief at the establishment of your Coetus ? And why should such a change be made ? Why should you invite so many embarrassments upon yourself, (as would ensue). Suppose the right were granted you. Would there be no danger that the peculiar liberties (privileges) which the churches of New York have hitherto enjoyed, might be taken away from them* (by the English Government.)
* The Dutch churches were to maintain all their ecclesiastical rights by the terms of surrender, 1664, and charters were granted them accordingly. Being a National Church, from the Continent, they could not be considered "dissenters".
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The Classis thinks that the last reasons which the New York Consistory presented, were just objections to these schemes. The disturbances also, which might easily have been foreseen when that Consistory opposed these plans, ought to have led to very different results-indeed to the entire surrender of these enter- prises.
That the Coetus had no ground of existence in our Church Order, an argument which was brought up as a reason for the changes proposed, is contrary to the truth. It was said, "It cannot be called a Consistory, nor a Classis, nor a Synod." Sup- pose that to be true. What of it? The only answer is, (it does not profess to be either of these bodies, but) It is a Coetus, that is, an Assembly subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam. And such bodies, with the same name, are also found in Surinam, Java and Cape Colony. We have already written this answer to your letter, sent with the Acts of the Coetus, of Sept. 17, 1754.
Is the Coetus subjected to the contempt of outsiders and to discords within, as has been said in plain words ? But what is the reason of this ? Could it be otherwise, when a spirit of con- tention reigns within the body itself ? One wants one thing, and another, another thing. Matters once determined on are quickly reversed. In order to become a Classis, or to possess a little more authority, the authority of a previous session is ignored. And then, in order to perfect the sublimity of the whole thing, (or should we rather say the ridiculousness of these plans, which hardly any one can expect to see realized), there is added to the idea of a Classis, a UNIVERSITY !
Yes, a UNIVERSITY ! what queer notions! With no consid- eration of the treasures necessary for its support; or the place where it should be located; or the plan for its government; or the protection necessary for its welfare; or where Professors for New York could be found. We consider this whole business to be such a character, that we can use our time in no better way than opposing it. For the plans proposed would only increase the flames of jealousy, discord and strife; would only destroy the remaining bonds of brotherhood. For your brotherhood, once the
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inity of the Spirit, with true humility and with the guilelessness of the Savior, has now become armies with banners-O how powerful and splendid !
Gentlemen you will understand, therefore, that the Classis annot give its consent to any of these plans. This is her decision n order to avoid an increase of disturbances in New York. It is Iso impossible for the Classis to permit the Coetus, on account of ts divisions, to qualify the young gentlemen, Henry Frelinghuy- en and Mauritius Goetschius, who are called, respectively, to Marbletown and Stone Arabia, as ministers for those congrega- ons. We advise you first to re-establish the Coetus in all sin- erity and as a matter of necessity. The Classis, moreover, eclares all Assemblies, decisions, censures and plans of the one arty as well as the other, to be null and void, on account of your ivisions. Meantime the Classis can utter no decisions of import- nce on anything before the Coetus is re-established and all things ce restored to their former condition.
Dear brethren, let us soon hear in a letter from you that the ceach is healed. Where discords and strife prevail God cannot well. But you are well aware that such evil actions and dis- urbances exist among you. If such things are allowed to con- nue, we to our great grief, plainly see that the churches of New ork, already so sadly divided, notwithstanding all our good unsels, will soon be completely annihilated. Ponder these ings conscientiously, dear brethren. When you consider the elfare of your congregations, can you vindicate your conduct ? will you be able to do so before your own consciences in that eat day of the Lord ?
We beseech you, therefore, (not for our sakes, although we buld be only too happy to be relieved of the examination of your esome affairs, if we consulted only our own advantage, and did { consider the importance of the case,)-we beseech you to arch diligently the directions of the Gospel for your case. Do is for the sake of the love which you profess to have for the der of the Netherlands Church, and her pure doctrine; for the xe of the salvation of the souls under your care; for the sake e e
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of the Savior's love which you proclaim. For the sake of a. these things, you, especially, ought to practise that love which i the bond of perfectness, and which is the very constitution of th character of the people of God, for LOVE is itself the very Imag of God. Oh ! that you could be moved by such principles in orde to realize your oneness with the heart of Jesus Christ. May th life-giving Jesus grant unto you this love unto the true unity ( your hearts !
With sincere love, we consider ourselves, Rev. Sirs and Belove Brethren, Your obedient servants and brethren, In the Name the Classis of Amsterdam,
R. Schutte, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. J. Boskoop, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
April 5, 1756.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. William Jakson.
1756, June 14th. Art. 1, ad 2. The following request w made by Mr. Michel, by letter, in the name of William Jakso That the said William Jakson by reason of persistent weakne may have his certificates and letter-of-call returned to him, wi an accompanying paper (stating) that he was to have been exa ined on April 5th last, but being prevented by a fit, could not present at Classis; and that therefore the Classis at his or request, restored his papers to him.
This was accorded to him but in such a way that in the retur ing of those certificates, etc., nothing shall be added or writte xiii. 99.
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Consistory of Kings County, (adherents of Curtenius) to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, June 22nd, 1756. Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts, xxiii, 448-451.
To the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren, both ministers and elders, constituting the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :-
Our beloved and peace-loving minister, A. Curtenius, came to us by the wonderful guidance of the Most High. His Rev. had informed Rev. Van Sinderen, that, if he (Curtenius) accepted the call, he would go with him from house to house, through all the five villages, for the purpose of declaring to every one, that he had not come as the minister of the church to keep up the divisions which had so long prevailed among them, but to cause them to vanish altogether, if God should bless his ministry.
This fact appears from his letters sent your Revs. last year, as well as from these enclosed "Peace Articles" which were laid before him (Rev. Van Sinderen) and his consistory, (ruling members, regeerende kerkpersonen) and which, as your Revs. can see from last year's letter, they declined. It came about, however, that our beloved and peace-loving minister came to us, nevertheless, during the past year, because a sufficient majority of the church had authorized us to call a min- ister. Your Revs. must know that in this country no consistory (kerkpersonen) has a right to call a minister unless the churches have authorized them to do so.
From experience, we are bound to declare in regard to our peace-loving minister, that what he proposed to Rev. Van Sinderen, was not mere talk. On the contrary, we are bound to say, and many of Rev. Van Sinderen's friends will testify to the same fact, that he (Curtenius) is constantly and earnestly exhorting us to peace. " We are also proposing Articles of Peace to Rev. Van Sinderen and his consistory, (kerkpersonen). If they are willing to make peace, the consistory (kerkpersonen) at Flatbush is willing, in turn, to allow him his full salary. This is 28 or 29 espounds a year for the village of Flatbush. Van Sinderen's consistory, (kerkper- sonen), however, declines such a proposal. With many friends of Rev. Van Sin- deren, who are not of the consistory, it goes very much against the grain that Rev. amVan Sinderen and his consistory continue to be so stubborn.
Moreover, Rev. Van Sinderen's best friends feel very uneasy about this-that often he inveighs publicly from the pulpit against Rev. A. Curtenius; namely, that that Assembly, which, according to its own declaration is neither a Synodical, nor a Classical, nor a Consistorial assembly, has imposed silence upon him, and dis- suads the people from going to hear him. In the month of November, 1775, in his family visitation, he said to several church members, that Rev. A. Curtenius was under censure. In the same month he stopped two men on their way as they were teriding to church to hear Rev. A. Curtenius. In the Spring of 1756 he buried Rev. A. Curtenius, as if he were a dead man, in the Flatbush cemetery and denounced 9 him as an old rogue, etc.
All these revilings Rev. Van Sinderen put on our beloved minister; and we must declare that when the latter was told of it, not a word of abuse fell from his lips. On the last Sunday in May, 1756 Rev. Van Sinderen said openly from the pulpit that Rev. Arondeus had taken his own life, and was buried in a spot where such people are now usually buried. Judge for yourselves, therefore, Very Rev. Sirs, whether such things can serve to bring peace to the church. True, he will raise the objection against us that we are unwilling to pay the arrearages on his salary. For that we have good reasons; for he turned us out, who were the old and true con-
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sistory. Rev. J. Ritzema bas declared under oath that he had advised Rev. Van Sinderen that he must keep, and not let go, the old and true consistory. Before the law he could effect nothing because he had let the old and true consistory go.
Had we not made it clear as the sun in our last year's letter to your Revs. that we are the old and true consistory, we might bring further proof in connection with his new deacons at New Amersfoort. These have in their possession a bond, taken by the old and true deacons, during their term of service. When these new deacons of Rev. Van Sinderen demanded payment, it was refused them on the ground that they were not the rightful seccessors. They consulted a lawyer about it, and he said that they could not demand payment because they were not the rightful successors.
So your Revs. can see how he has treated our beloved minister and how he is keeping the church in a state of unrest. We doubt not but that your Revs. will set those sins in order before his eyes, so as to make him feel heartily sorry for having treated us and the church as he has done. We and our minister will then forgive him; and when later he shall make it appear by his conduct that he wants to live in peace with us and the church, it may well be that, in case he is content to leave it to our free-will, we shall give him a goodly sum even, because we know that he needs it.
In closing we wish your Revs. all conceivable peace, not only upon your sacred ministries, but also upon your Rev's. persons and families. We remain Fathers and Brethren, your Revs. obedient servants and brethren.
Abram Blom, Eider Barent Anderiese, Elder
In the name of all, Johannes Lott, Elder. Rutgert Van Brunt, Elder Anderies Stockholm, Elder Jeremias Remsen, Elder
Jurey Blauw, Elder
Fiatbush, situated in Kings County, June 22, 1756.
P. S. Herewith go the documents proving what we have written in this letter.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen to the Classis of Amsterdam, June 22, 1756.
Portfolio "New York ", Vol. ii. Also in Vol. xxiii, 455-8. xxiv. 55.
Very Learned Sirs and Much Respected Fathers and Brethren in Christ :-
Your very Revs. letter of October 6, last year (1755) I received with great pleasure on June 12, of this year. I understand its contents and hope that my reply to it may be satisfactory.
First, as regards the long delay of the Acts of the Coetus, held in the year 1754, which were promised so long ago, (I am obliged to say) that Rev. Ritzema is to blame for this. He did not send them over, as was his business and duty, but he it purposely held them back. He did this, together with his party that he might thus more easily break down the Coetus, and then, as to other matters, do their own pleasure.
In the second place, there sprang therefrom that great stir on Long Island, by the unheard of introduction, by the gentlemen just mentioned, of Rev. Mr. Cur- tenius. And as, according to our Savior's saying, the children of this world are wiser in their generation, and it is better praevenire quam praeveniri, I do not at all doubt but that a great deal has been already written about this matter which may possibly differ considerably from what I am now writing.
So be
po I
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In order, therefore, that the Rev. Classis may, as it desires, obtain some light from this, our side, it will be necessary for me to inform your Revs. to some extent of my dealings with that party, which differs from me, for the purpose of seeking again to unite it with us.
Mr. Arondeus was condemned, together with his consistory, as can be seen from the extract of the Coetus Minutes, now in my hands. A copy of this, marked No. I, goes herewith. The action, as I think, was approved by the Rev. Ciassis of Amster- dam in a certain letter, part of which reads about as follows: "Further, that your Revs., in the affair of Arondeus, did, on September 12, 1753, finaily decide the matter, without any hope of restoration (restructie), in spite of the appeai of John Lott and four others". Whereupon several persons handed me a letter in English, a Dutch copy of which accompanies this, marked No. II.
Not long after, Arondeus left Long Island. I then wrote a letter to the party differing with us of which I enclose a copy, marked No. III, but which that party left unanswered.
But meanwhile I made use of Rev. Ritzema, as counselor, although heretofore he had been very obnoxious to them. It was a long time after that he wrote me a letter of which a copy is enclosed, marked No. IV. To this I wrote a reply, a copy of which also I send your Revs., marked No. V.
Thereupon, on Nov. 5, 1754, three delegates came to my house, asking me to draw up a Plan with a view to peace and union. To which I replied, that I would gladly do so to the best of my ability, and this, I think I did. A copy of this Pian goes herewith, marked No. VI; aiso a copy of their reply, marked No. VII. But this reply was without signatures, the reason of which, any intelligent man who reads it, can guess.
Meanwhile, they were ali the time secretly at work about getting a minister by themselves. To this fact the Messrs. Vrooman, Marinus and Freyenmoet can bear witness. But as these gentlemen were eager oniy on giving satisfaction to both parties in the best way, as the last named himself told me, they were dropped by them. And that faction of those who had always boasted that, for their money, they could get the best minister, found themselves deceived in the end. In the meantime, a report was spread that, at Hackensack there was a minister who, upon the arrival of a second minister, iost a considerable portion of his followers, and was obliged most of the time to conduct service before a very small congregation. I was told of this on good authority, Mr. Goetschius being present. Now, the fact is that his Rev. was the one who has the large following. Such a circumstance is, indeed, a hard thing for flesh and biood to bear; and so, if there was any minister to be got for them, that would be the man, (Rev. Curtenius), especially if, instead of eighty pounds, his Rev. were now promised one hundred and seven pounds, New York money, although it is this [illegible] . The matter was inquired into, though this was done against the wish of some, and the result was favorable. It is no wonder that some did not want the inquiry to be made, for the man, as I hear, is hard to understand, and this infirmity will doubtless not grow better with age. So far as I am informed, however, a difficulty had arisen about a cali, which had been mismanaged, and about which complaint has been already made to the Rev. Classis.
But when it comes to carrying out the matter in the best way, a difficulty presents itself. Counsel was taken with Ritzema, a man who has the name of having an eye to gain, a man who carries away also the funds of our Coetus, and was unwili- ing to render an account. Report has it that, for one sermon, he took twenty-five pounds, but I do not undertake to prove this, as it was a work of darkness. What I believe of it I keep to myself. That man's own communications will sufficiently exhibit him to the very Rev. Assembly, as wili also a letter which he wrote me about that matter, a copy of which accompanies this, marked VIII.
To return to the business proper: Shortly after the sending of that ietter, three men came to my house, and, as I think, not without bis advice, asked me to cali a
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meeting of the consistory, saying that they had something to lay before that body. I consented, and it was done. The time for the consistory having arrived, again three men came who presented a certain writing, but they refused to give a copy of it. Whereupon the meeting declared that, under such circumstances, it did not care to hear it read. The men then, going aside for a moment, resolved that a copy of it should be given, and with the request that, as soon as possible the simple answer of yes or no should be given. A copy of this I enclose, marked No. IX, as also a copy of the answer of the consistory, marked No. X.
Meanwhile, a wonder! what happens? A report springs up to the effect that Rev. Curtenius is about to come (to Long Island). He allowed his name to be published by a certain Reader, (Voorleser) in one of the five churches, but not, as was proper, by me, as the minister, though a preaching service was held there every Sunday. The Rev. Consistory, hearing of this from both sides, delivered to the Reader a protest, a copy of which accompanies this, marked No. XI. They also send two men to Hackensack, kindly to tell Mr. Curtenius, both orally and in writing, to be careful about what he was doing. A copy goes herewith, of this also, marked No. XII.
But all was in vain. The man earnestly wanted to be on Long Island. Rev. Goetschius gives him a sort of testimonial, but it was never shown me nor my consistory. I asked Rev. Goetschius why he had done such a thing. He answered- "To be rid of ballast." To which I replied that the whole thing had been badly done, and that I would not have done such a thing. Of this I gave sufficient proof in the case of Arondeus, who more than once expressed his desire to have it, and that not without consideration, saying that he was willing to pay liberally for it. My answer to his Rev. was, that for that reason, I was the less inclined to do it.
Mr. Curtenius being neither able nor willing to draw back, again two men came to my house, and not, as I have reason to think, without Mr. Ritzema's direction, asking me if I would introduce Mr. Curtenius in one of the five churches. I gave those men a reply, of which I send a copy, marked No. XIII.
Meanwhile, Mr. Curtenius arrived on Long Island, on May 5th. On the 8th of the same month he had himself publicly inducted into office, with the words from Isaiah xxxii:18, 19. I kindly consented to offer prayer, after reading Numbers xiii. But all was in vain. That man, eager for reward, in one day, made a hateful church faction in a church. O tempora! O mores!
As for Mr. Curtenius, he never wrote a letter, nor spoke a word to me on this whole business. And although, being now here, where he can see my house from his, he has never yet set foot in my house. And thus also his Rev. has acted toward all those whom he himself made bitterly hostile toward him. For that reason I, too, am opposed to his perversity, having no (blank) for his person (blank -- worn off at bottom of page).
It will, therefore, be in vain to attempt to secure for that gentleman, as a min- ister, a place in their hearts. Nevertheless, his adherents talk as if, already, in response to their communications, the Rev. Classis had expressed satisfaction with the arrangement. They further greatly comfort themselves with the thought that Rev. Curtenius has a near blood relation in the Rev. Classis, who will do his best for him, etc. (Referring to Prof. Peter Curtenius).
For the rest, the reason why I did not write about this business is that I brought it before the Rev. Coetus. That body has already given its utterance on it, and, in writing, prohibited his Rev. from preaching, as the accompanying document shows, marked No. XIV. He did not, however, regard this action of the Coetus, and so, in some respects, did worse than Arondeus; for he, when he was forbidden to preach, did keep quiet for a while. This fact Mr. Curtenius knows, for he himself helped to enforce the action.
I thought I would keep quiet hereafter, as I am very tired of disagreements with these stubborn and unchristian people. With them I have had troubles now for nine years, and I desire also to relieve the Classis of the business. I want to avoid
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