USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 75
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May the Lord of Peace give you that peace which is everlasting. The Lord be with you all. With this blessing, we subscribe our- selves, Your obedient servants and brethren, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
R. Schutte, Depp. Cl. ad res Exteras, h. t. Praeses.
John Boskoop, Eccles. Amsterdam, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba. Amsterdam,
In our Classical Assembly, April 4, 1757.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to those constituting the rightful Coetus, April 4, 1757. Vol. 31, page 125. No. 75.
To the Ministers and Elders constituting the rightful Coetus of New York.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren :- Inasmuch as we are accustomed to send you the Acts of the Very Reverend Christian Synod of North Holland, so this letter accompanies the said Acta Synodi, which was held last year, (1756) at Enkhuyzen. We trust and expect that the matters mentioned therein, referring to your church, may bear fruit unto the greater usefulness of your church and the glory of the Lord. May it be our privilege to hear such reports concerning you that we may praise the Lord therefor. We pray for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the church of which you are the Leaders and Overseers.
Consider us with all affection, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your obedient servants and brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
John Boskoop, Ecc. Amst. Depp. h. t. Praeses.
A. Buurt, V. D. M. Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
April 4, 1757.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 17, 1757.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Alderman Livingston, in the name of the Corporation (of the City) proposed that they should have liberty to quarry stone, (for the construction of a prison*) in the stone quarry on the Manor of Fordham; and enquired how much the church would demand for each load of stone.
The consistory resolved to consent, putting the price at three pence a load; under condition that Michiel Teneur and his son Hendrick should be applied to, and their consent obtained, since the stone quarry is in the farm which they have leased. This domine Ritzema engaged to do tomorrow.
In name etc. J. Ritzema.
The answer of Mr. Teneur was, that he had no objections.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, May 2, 1757. Vol. 31, page 125. No. 76. Referred to, xxiv. 56. To Ulpianus Van Sinderen, V. D. M. in Kings County, Long Island.
Rev. Sir and Brother :-
In answer to your letter from Flatbush (Vlachbos) of June 22, 1756, in which you refer to the conduct of Rev. Ritzema and his followers, and the illegality of the call of Rev. Curtenius, we remark : That our Assembly never regarded the call as exactly regular, having expressed an opinion on this matter to the illegal Consistory of Kings County in the year 1755. We have learned, however, from the Reading-room, (Boekzaal), that Rev. Curtenius has died. Furthermore, if Rev. Ritzema has purposely kept back the Acts of the Coetus of 1754, his conduct is disapproved. The necessity, however, appears all the greater of sustaining each other in order to re-establish the Coetus.
* This prison was the old Bridewell in City Hall Park, and more recently known as "The Hall of Records", taken down, 1903, for the subway railroad.
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May the All-Sufficient One be near to you and to all who have at heart the prosperity of Zion. Rev. Sir and Brother Your obedient servants and brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
John Boskoop, Ecc. Amst. Depp. h. t. Praeses. A. Buurt, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. h. t. Scriba. Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
May 2, 1757.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Revs. Verbryck and Vrooman, May 2, 1757. Vol. 31, page 126. No. 77. Referred to, xxiv. 56.
To Domines Samuel Verbryck and B. Vroomans. Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
You will learn from the Acts of the Synod of North Holland how the affairs of New York have been treated. We have noth- ing else to answer to the contents of your letter from New York of the date of Oct. 7, 1756, except that we hold ourselves to the former opinion, inasmuch as we have seen no reason to change. May the God of Heaven direct the affairs of his church in the best way, for he is mighty and good.
We subscribe ourselves, Your obedient servants and brethren, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John Boskoop, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses.
A. Buurt, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba. Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
May 2, 1757.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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SECOND ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR JAMES DE LANCEY, JUNE 3, 1757-JULY 30, 1760, WHEN HE DIED.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter from Bergen County.
1757, June 6th. Art. 7. The Committee ad res Exteras read an extract from a letter, signed North America, Bergen County, in New Jersey, January 29, 1757, by elders and deacons of the church at Hackensack; together with an appended letter of Rev. Goetsius. An answer thereto was read and approved. xiii. 139.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the churches of Hackensack and Schraalenberg, June 6, 1757. Vol. 31. Page 127. No. 79. Referred to, xxiv. 56.
To the Elders and Deacons of Hackensack and Schraalenberg. Rev. Sirs and Brethren :- We have heard with grief the newly risen strifes. We can only express our condemnation on all dis- turbances no matter from what source they come. But it is impossible to restore unity in all these disturances, so long as our aid is asked for to do only what each one thinks best, while reject- ing the advice which we think best. You call our opinion, about the importance of re-establishing the Coetus, a delusive one; yet we think we well understand the condition of your affairs. We are obliged to act according to the degree of our knowledge. So long as we know no better, we adhere to our former opinion. If it please you to continue to reject our advice, we will, although de- prived of the pleasure of witnessing your prosperity have the satisfaction of having tried to promote it.
In reference to the request of the Rev. Goetschius, we can only say that we have no authority to grant it. Having besought in your behalf, grace and love, we remain, Rev. Sirs and Brethren,
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Your obedient servants and brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
John Boskoop, Ecc. Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses.
A. Buurt, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba. In our Classical Assembly,
June 6, 1757.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Requested to take measures for a Classis. July 4, 1757. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
§ 1. Domine Ritzema presented a request from domines Mancius and Hovenberg, in the name of their respective congregations, urging the congregation of New York to agree with their members and their congregations in constituting a Classis in this country. This was in order to prevent the decay, (which is daily more and more to be feared), of the Netherlandish congregations in this and the neighboring Province. The proposition was, for several reasons, cordially received. Neverthe- less, having taken all things into mature considerations, the consistory resolved to decline it entirely, and the President was directed to send a reply to this effect.
§ 2. The last lists of Mr. Vanden Sman were presented, with the accompanying request that, since they were not sufficient for his support, the deficiency should be supplied in some other way by the consistory. It was unanimously Resolved, that this should be done by a collection in the churches the time to be fixed hereafter.
§ 3. It was represented by the deacons that Aaltje Hulst, who for a considerable time had been supported by the deacons in her poverty, was now so situated that it was possible for her to contribute something of the expense. This was referred to the deacons.
§ 4. It was proposed to let Mayor Cruger hold for some years the lot next the school-house by the old church, in order that he might remove the old stable stand- ing thereon, and erect a suitable house. This was taken into consideration. Thus done etc.,
J. Ritzema, President.
The Letter and Answer.
Revs. Mancius and Van Hovenberg to the Consistory of New York, and their answer.
Consistory of New York, July 4, 1757. Do. Ritzema presented a request, in the name of Dos. Mancius and Van Hoevenberg in behalf of their respective congrega- tions, to press on the church of New York to unite with the members of other churches, in the formation of a Classis in this Country, in order to prevent the decline of the Netherland congregations in this and the neighboring province; for such decline is greatly to be deprecated. The communication was, for several reasons, agreeable. Nevertheless, after maturely considering the whole matter, the Consistory determined to do nothing at all at present, and directed the President to send a reply to that effect.
Letter of Consistory to Domines Mancius and Hoevenberg.
Reverend and Learned Brethren :-
At your request, domine Ritzema made known to the Consistory your proposal for the erection of a Classis in this country, and also the reasons why you deemed it useful and necessary, namely for the maintenance and security of the Dutch churches here.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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These were considered, as we believe impartially, by us, and we will in a word acquaint you with our thoughts upon this matter. We are of opinion that the state of things among us at present is evidently producing much confusion, and the longer they continue, the worse it will become. Therefore we consider it our duty to do nothing, at least until such circumstances occur as will make the erection of the Classis necessary.
Further we remain, Reverend Sirs, Your obedient servants and brethren, In name etc.
New York, July 4, 1757.
J. Ritzema, President.
At a meeting of Consistory Aug. 22. The children taught by the late Mr. Van Dalsen were allowed to go to Mr. Welp, provisionally.
J. Ritzema, President.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 25-AUGUST 4, 1757. ARTICLE 46, 2ND PART, PP. 46-49, VOL. 64 IN ARCHIVES OF CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
NEW YORK.
II. Besides the Pennsylvania matters those of New York came before the Committee.
A. In general, while in their opinion, as was stated last year, these might be considered by a special committee, since the New York churches are subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam and have no connection with the Pennsylvania churches, yet, to serve the Synod, they have consented to take them under consideration. In such a way, however, as to ask the Assembly if it would not be well, in order to avoid henceforth all confusion of the Pennsyl- vania with the New York matters, to do one of two things to make of the New York matters a separate article hereafter in the Acts of this Synod; or to so enlarge the Lemma of this Article-Pennsyl- vania and New York-as to indicate that various matters are dealt with.
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B. In particular
1. The Committee had before them a letter from the Coetual Assembly, held at New York, May 4, 1756, signed by the Presi- dent, R. Erickson, and the Scribe, John Henry Goetschius.
a. This letter states that an Ecclesiastical Coetus, subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, would not be sufficient to direct and care for the churches whose number and needs are increasing. Wherefore that Assembly-with which several ministers there are not in sympathy-on motion of the minister of Second River,
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
expressed its desire that a Classical Assembly might be introduced among them. To obtain this, a person was chosen as Commis- sioner, (Legaat) to attend the meeting of this Synod, and to present and urge that matter. But, as he had been hindered in his journey, this letter should be simply regarded as a forerunner. The letter presents certain points to show the necessity for a classis ; but these points are not given at length nor enforced by reasons-a thing to be done afterwards.
At the close of this letter was a writing from Rev. John Leydt, minister at New Brunswick, dated June 23, 1756, stating that this letter was a copy of an original letter, with which, if not word for word, it did substantially agree; and that the matter was of the more importance as the Classis of Amsterdam is said to have agreed to appear before the Synod in opposition to it, on the ground of its being misled by four or five ministers whose efforts must have been directed to abolish even the Coetus.
b. The Committee are (salvo meliori) of opinion that the scribe of this Synod might write to the Coetus of New York, that so long as the objections, which the Classis of Amsterdam has against it, appear to the Synod so great, it abides by its action of last year-that it can in no way allow a Classis in that country ; and that for the same reasons which the Classis of Amsterdam has elaborately set forth; and that it advises the churches of New York, for their own good, to keep in correspondence with, and subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and to hold themselves unanimously to their Coetus as an Assembly; exhorting them at the same time to peace and love.
C. The Committee had received two more letters-both of them going over the same subject.
1. The first from elders and deacons in the Woods of Sauger- ties, dated Nov. 20, 1756. They mention that, located far from New York, they have no religious services and are hungering for the Word of God; that they have called for their minister, Adrianus Van der Swan, Visitor of the Sick at New York-a man whom they praise for his integrity, humility, piety and learning; and that they pray this very Rev. Synod, in compassion, as they have no means to send him over, and the voyage in these times is so
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dangerous, to authorize the ministers of New York to examine and promote him by order of the Synod. They promise they will always remember that favor with gratitude.
2. The second is from Rev. John Ritsema, minister at New York, under date of Dec. 6, 1756, calculated to enforce the above mentioned request. His Rev. states chiefly-
a. That that person came over to them in 1751, with good testi- monials from Amsterdam. In 1729 he had been examined by the Consistory of Amsterdam for Visitor of the Sick to the East Indies.
b. That, during his stay in New York, he had shown himself diligent, pious, humble and exemplary in his ministry, and had given every evidence of orthodoxy in teaching and propriety of conduct, to the great satisfaction of that church.
c. That several ministers there had given their written consent to his promotion to the sacred ministry, and so are virtually to be regarded as also signers of this request.
d. His Rev. urges the request for authorization as above men- tioned, on account of the man's age, his being a married man, his having once and again crossed the ocean, the risk at sea, now especially during the war with the French, the heavy expense which the church desiring him has no means to meet, the need of a minister there to instruct the people in their dense ignorance, the danger into which flourishing churches might fall, and lastly, the man's knowledge of theology, his singular gifts of speech, his humility and integrity.
The Committee cannot omit to mention-
1. That, on the one hand, they have compassion for that church, and can see well enough that if such authorization is refused, that church may not at all, or not in a long time, have its hunger for the Word of God satisfied; nor receive, in its dense ignorance, the necessary instruction which that person-if the testimonials regarding him are as much according to truth as they are from love-might be competent to give us a useful instrument in God's hand.
2. On the other hand, the Committee are afraid of the conse- quences, in that similar requests will from time to time be made of
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the Rev. Assembly, and that the granting of this request might lay a bridge for the project to act henceforth in a Classical capacity and to throw off the subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Wherefore the Committee, taking into account the obscurity of this thing, and recognizing that the Classis of Amsterdam has more to do with matters of this nature and so has more light on them, are of opinion (salvo meliori) that this matter might be sent to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, with the request that it take such action as the good of that church may require.
By general consent this request was adopted by the Synod, and the president heartily thanked the Committee for the trouble they took in this matter. As regards further action on Pennsylvania and New York, the Christian Synod is of opinion that New York and Pennsylvania ought to be kept separate, and a new Article be made for NEW YORK, to follow that on Pennsylvania.
CLASSICAL CHANGES.
Rev. William Jackson took his final examination and was or- dained, April 4, 1757, as minister of Bergen and Staten Island in North America.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Pews. New York, September 12, 1757.
Consistory held, etc.
§ 1. A dispute was brought forward between Mr. Simon John- son and Mrs. Basset concerning the seat of the widow of Cornelis Van Hoome in the New Church. After deliberation it was deter- mined that Mr. Johnston was the next of kin, and should have the seat for his daughter.
§ 2. Does an owner (of a pew) who does not come to church, have the right to put any one in his place, against the inclination, of the family owning the seat ? After deliberation it was con- cluded that such a person could hold the seat, but the renting of it belonged to the Church Masters, who ought to consult the family when they rented.
Signed in name etc.
J. Ritzema.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Coetus, per Rev. John Leydt, President and David Marinus, Scribe, to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 4, 1757.
Portfolio " New York ", Vol. ii. Also in Vol. xxiii, pp. 475-6. xxiv. 61
To the Very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, Greetings!
Very Rev. Sirs and Respected Brethren :-
As hope deferred makes the heart sick, so expectations, without help or issue, must die. Thus now, to our sorrow, in the church of Stone Arabia, where the stu- dent (John) Mauritius Goetschius, was called, hopes and expectations have together come to an end. For that church, having failed to secure his promotion, (ordina- tion), as they desired, and as they urged so strongly in our Coetus, and as we also urged upon the Rev. Classis, has dropped both him and the Dutch Church Order altogether. She has now become a prey to confusion and to German tramps.
However, his Rev. received a call at once from the German and Dutch churches in Schoharie. These churches renewed their urgent request in the Coetus for his promotion. Those churches, also, which had called Mr. Henricus Frielinghuysen persisted in requesting of the Coetus promotion for this minister whom they had called. In the event of these requests not being granted, disasters threatened, that would be no less serious than those which have come upon Stone Arabia. There must also be added to these circumstances, that the strivings of the Holy Spirit are discernible among some of these people. It is therefore clear that the services of this young man in that church promise good results, if he can go in and out among that people as minister in full. It is, indeed, true, that a few have mani- fested some uneasiness about his ordination, but that is not strange in cases of this kind, especially where ministers are not wanting who side with the opposition.
Then, also, as the fire of war both on sea and land is sweeping more generally over our country than ever before, and as those churches, in particular, being on the extreme frontiers, are exposed to frequent incursions of the savages, it is all the more necessary for them to have the presence of a leader in God's House.
And still again. We are not able to deny on any good grounds, nor is any one else able, that we are in real and proper form, the Eldership (or Presbytery) of the Church. By divine right that body is entitled to the laying on of hands, according to 1 Tim. 4:14, and other passages of Scripture. Founded, as this is, on God's Holy Word, it is found no less in our Netherlands Confession, in Articles 30, 31, 32 .* It is also substantially in accord with the Canons of Dordrecht, Articles 4, etc .; for it is well understood, that what might be expected therefrom, in relation to our own Eldership, is to be considered as adjuncta decorum, en circumstantiae utilitarum,
* ARTICLE 30. Concerning the Government of, and Offices in the Church .- We believe that this true Church must be governed by that spiritual policy which our Lord has taught us in His Word; namely, that there must be ministers or pastors to preach the Word of God, and to administer the sacraments; also elders and deacons, who, together with the pastors, form the Council of the Church : That by these means, the true religion may be preserved, and the true doctrine everywhere propagated; likewise, transgressors punished and restrained by spiritual means; also that the poor and distressed may be relieved and comforted according to their necessities. By these means, everything will be carried on in the Church with good order and decency, when faithful men are chosen, according to the rule prescribed by St. Paul in his Epistle to Timothy.
ARTICLE 31. Of the Ministers, Elders and Deacons .- We believe that the ministers of God's Word and the Elders and Deacons, ought to be chosen to their respective offices by a lawful election of the Church, with calling upon the name of the Lord, and in that order which the Word of God teacheth. Therefore every one must take heed, not to intrude himself by indecent means, but is bound to wait till it shall please God to call him, that he may have testimony of his calling, and be certain and assured that it is of the Lord. As for the ministers of God's Word, they have
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for some, and not for all times and churches. In that sense it is taken also in Article 85.
The pressure of the churches, then, under the circumstances, as presented, being persistent, we could not in good conscience refuse them, nor longer neglect to gratify their desires. Therefore Mr. Henricus Frielinghuysen was granted his pre- paratory and final examinations, and ordained over the churches of Mormel, (Marble- town), Mombackus (Rochester, Ulster Co.), and Wawarsing (Naponoch); and Mr. (John) Mauritius Goetschius was made a candidate for the churches of Schoharie.
This, our action, is now made known to the very Rev. Classis, with the hope that it may meet with your Revs. pleasure, and that it may be held at full value. We thus hope, in order that the services thus entered upon (by these young men) may have the more general acceptance, (by all the people) and be influential for good. We flatter ourselves that the Rev. Classis will in no wise set itself against our act, well knowing, as we do, that it could not do so, without entirely subverting the Reformed Church Constitution, and in view of the total ruin of many churches thereby, whose preservation and edification are very precious to our hearts.
The Rev. Classis will therefore understand that we will continue to hold our meetings, no matter what may set itself against our so doing. For we believe that the Lord Jesus would have it so, and that He has commanded this to the Overseers of His Church; that such duties belong, as they, indeed, do, to the very office of the Eldership. We do not, therefore, feel at liberty to neglect the assembling of our- selves together. This is our official duty because of our interest in the general welfare. Otherwise we should make ourselves guilty of contemptible anarchy, or tolerate a "lording of it over the heritage of the Lord." We are also of opinion that Christ gave no power to any one to forbid such action as ours, unless there existed some just (prior) ground for suspension from office.
For the rest, we acknowledge the receipt of a letter from the Rev. Classis dated April 5, 1756. The main import of this letter was considered in our replies, of October 1756, to the arguments of the New York Consistory, and in other writings sent at that time to the Classis and Synod. But what reception those replies will meet with, if indeed they find their way at all, can easily be guessed, when both Classis and Synod have resolved to hear one who is opposed to the holding of any Classis or Coetus over here.
We now have only one more observation to make and that is this: That our . illusionary scheme, unfortunate as it is, proposes simply to follow the track marked out by the (first Synod of) Holland, held at Wesel in the year 1568. Those who there and then preceded us, will have to show us where the dangers lie :- the lions' heads, the goats' bellies, and the dragons' tails. We also will let the Rev. Classis answer, as to the propriety of reconsidering what has already legally, and for just reasons, been done.
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