USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 76
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The Acts of the Synod of 1756 have duly come to hand. We send our hearty thanks for the same, and most earnestly ask for the continuance of the favor. We shall always be glad to receive suggestions as to what relates to the best interests
equally the same power and authority wheresoever they are, as they are all min- isters of Christ, the only Universal Bishop, and the only Head of the Church. Moreover, that this holy ordinance of God may not be violated or slighted, we say that every one ought to esteem the Ministers of God's Word, and the Elders of the Church, very highly for their work's sake, and be at peace with them, without nurmuring, strife, or contention, as much as possible.
ARTICLE 32. Of the Order and Discipline of the Church .- In the meantime we believe, though it is useful and beneficial, that those who are Rulers of the Church, nstitute and establish certain ordinances among themselves for maintaining the body of the church; yet that they ought studiously to take care that they do not depart from those things, which Christ, our only Master, has instituted. And, therefore, we reject all human inventions, and all laws which man would introduce n the worship of God, thereby to bind and compel the conscience in any manner whatever. Therefore we admit only that, which tends to worship and preserve con- ord and unity, and to keep all men in obedience to God. For this purpose, excom- nunication or church-discipline is requisite, with the several circumstances belong- ng to it, according to the Word of God.
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of our Assembly and churches, and will always be ready to give an account of our condition. We add, briefly, that we are earnestly longing for advice and proposi- tions, with a view to the restoration of peace and unity to our church. We do not believe, however, that it can be forced on the conscience of any one, of either one party or the other. We are sorry to say, that we can in no wise consider the action taken (by Classis) with reference to our land and our matters over here, as impar- tial. The reasons for this the Rev. Classis will know full well of itself.
Wishing you abundantly, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Heaven's precious blessings of light and grace, We remain,
Your Very Revs. obedient servants and- Brethren in Christ.
In the name and by the authority of the Coetus Proper, of New York.
John Leydt, p. t. President. David Marinus, p. t. Scriba.
Done at Hackensack, Oct. 4, 1757.
P. S. Before an opportunity of sending this has occurred, we have occasion further to notify you, that the (German and Dutch) of Schoharie have requested as follows: Having understood that it was possible for them to secure the full quali- fication of Mr. (John) Mauritius Goetschius (as their pastor), in case such desire was acceptable to their people generally, three of their elders at once came down, with full proof of the pleasure and desire of those Consistories and churches. Thereupon a meeting of the Coetus was called, and his Rev. was finally examined at Hacken- sack, Nov. 10, 1767, and his ordination ordered, in the name and by the authority of the Coetus Proper.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor and Church of Fordham.
New York, October 31, 1757.
Consistory held, etc.
It was mentioned that the heirs of Frederick de Voe were about to sell their farm, and include in it a portion of ground to which the Dutch Reformed Congregation of New York has a perfect title. Thereupon it was resolved to send the following letter to Mr. John Vermillie.
(Original in English.)
Sir :- We, the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York, being informed that the farm or plantation of the late Frederick de Voe, deceased, near or adjoining to the Manor of Fordham, in the County of Westchester, is to be exposed for sale to-morrow at public vendue; and that by a survey lately made, it is pretended that the said farm or plantation extends considerably to the northward of the east line, from the first spring or fountain lying to the south of Crab Island in the Harlem River, and to which the said Manor doth go: You are hereby requested and authorized to go to the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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said vendue, and there in our names, to acquaint and give notice to all the people you shall see there, that we do claim, and do believe we have an indubitable right and title to all the land to the northward of an east line, from the spring or fountain afore- said, to the high woodland that lies due north-west, over against the first point of the mainland to the eastward of the island, called the Indians Papirineman, and that now there are depending several suits in the Supreme Court of Judicature of this Province against persons living to the northward of the east line aforesaid. We shall make no apology for giving you this trouble, as you have always with great cheerfulness and alacrity undertook and exe- cuted many important services for our churches, for which you may expect suitable rewards.
We are etc., By order of Consistory
New York, Oct. 31, 1757.
L. de Ronde.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham.
New York, January 9, 1758.
Consistory held etc.
Resolved that the Farm No. 34, on the Manor, now occupied by Frederick Bruin, be sold by the Committee on the Manor to Isaac Valentyn, with or without the Gore, or to John Ver- millie, Jr.
Further that an ejectment be served upon Michiel Odel, occu- pant of lot No. 13.
Jan. 29, 1758.
Two letters were presented from the Raritan; one from domine John Leydt, and one from North Branch, signed by Andries ten Eyck, Woertman and others. Whereupon the elders rested on the same answer as was made to a former epistle (from those parties.)
February 2, 1758.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The Committee reported the sale of Farm No. 34 to Isaac Valentyn, for the sum of £934., being the whole of the place or
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farm No. 14, the wood-lot No. 14, and the piece of swamp ground No. 14; to be paid for in four equal parts; the first on May 1, 1758; the second on May 1, 1759; the third on May 1, 1760 and the fourth and last on the 1st of May 1761. A deed thereof was made by lease and release, signed, Jan. 30 and 31, 1758; for which he gave four bonds, secured by a mortgage, which writings were signed and sealed in the name etc. of Consistory. Also the papers of the Farm No. 11, with the valley thereto belonging, were signed and sealed. Farm No. 11 was sold for the sum of £691: 6: 10 to Mr. Pieter de Lancey, and the deed, by lease and release, was signed the last day of March and the first day of April, 1756.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Two Letters to New York and Suriname.
1758, March 14th. Art. 6. The Messrs. Depp. ad res Exteras read two letters, one addressed to the Coetus of New York and one to the Coetus (Conventus) of Suriname. Both of these were approved for forwarding. xiii. 166.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Regular Coetus, March 14, 1758, Vol. 31, page 132. No. 87. Referred to, XXIV. 60. To the Regular Coetus of New York. Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
We have the honor to send you, in company with this letter, the Acts of the Synod of North Holland of the preceding year, (1757.) You will learn therefrom how that Very Rev. Assembly under- stands the several matters of the Church of New York. On the business relating to a certain " Visitor of the Sick ", Adrian Van der Swan, the Classis entertains fears as to the results of such requests, and must therefore withhold her consent. In other mat- ters the Classis is ready to assist the churches of New York, etc. in every possible way. We subscribe, after wishing you all pros-
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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perity, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your obedient servants and breth- ren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John Boskoop, Ecc. Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. A. Buurt, V. D. M. Amst. Dep. Cl. h. t. Scriba. Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
March 14, 1758.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, June 4, 1758.
At the request of Mr. Adrian Van der Swan, the Consistory agreed that there should speedily be another collection for his benefit in both churches; time to be fixed hereafter.
J. Ritzema.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to the Classis of Amsterdam, June 16th 1758. Portfolio, " New York ", Vol. II. Also in Vol. XXIII. 457-8.
Very Rev. and Much Respected Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ. Dear Sirs :---
I do not know that I have troubled your Revs. with a letter since the 9th of November, 1756. For this I had more than one reason; but especially because I have understood, from what others have said, that your Revs. would prefer not to reply to private letters outside of those from the Coetus. Such seems to have been the fact, in the case of my last letter, if I am correct; although such was not previously the practice of your Rev. Assembly.
On this occasion, however, (I may write). For my eldest and now only son, Rudolphus Ritzema, has so far completed his studies, that at the close of a four year's course at the new college, (Kings), established in this city, he is about to graduate. This will be on the 2nd inst., (July?) when he will be promoted to the dignity of Bachelor of Arts. At once after that he expects to go, by way of Ham- burg, to the Academy of Groningen, for the further pursuit of his studies. I hope that Jehovah may prosper his way, and so direct it, that he may be able to hand these few lines to your Revs., in person, and so relieve my mind.
I do not intend to weary you, Rev. Sirs, with old matters, and so make myself. wearisome to your Revs. I cannot, however, refrain from bringing to the view of your Revs. the fact, that, if the condition of the churches in our midst is left as it is, only utter ruin can be the result. I acknowledge that, since I was president of our consistory at the time, I was the writer of the letter signed by our consistory in October, 1754. In answer to that, your Revs. did not praise our action in sepa- rating ourselves from the Coetus. I also acknowledge that I signed the letter of July, 1756, to which your Revs. wrote a very sharp reply, though not without reason. Yet it is my earnest wish that your Revs. may not consider those letters as alto- gether expressing my real sentiments. But as they contained no positive untruths, I gave my consent to them, in order to prevent disquiet in our midst, and because I perceived that the consistory was not at that time disposed thus to write, and to make such replies,
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What I really do desire, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, is that the former Coetus may be restored on a proper foundation; and that your Revs. yourselves may earnestly urge the churches to strive to bring that about, in order to prevent sad consequences. For, if matters are left as they are, our just complaints against the misconduct of the younger brethren are left unanswered; or, if they are answered, the answers are sent to that assembly which now calls itself the Coetus, and they are kept con- cealed from us. It is true that they have once asked us to come into their Assem- bly. But how can we go again into their Assembly, held as it is in an irregular way, and contrary to the rules formerly made by the Coetus. They must come back to us. We cannot go to them. For they, with their churches, broke the rules of the Coetus by signing the petition for a Classis, and for a High School (or Academy). All this was concocted by Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, without having received any authority to do so from any one, not to speak of the base deception practiced upon innocent souls.
And now they go right on, without any regard to the impartial acts of your Revs. They do not raise the censures from those upon whom they were imposed. They embitter the minds of people against one another, and that in one and the same church; thus causing disturbances among themselves, and slanderings, or let me rather say, just reproaches among those who are without. They make candidates and ministers just as they like, contrary to our Synodical and Classical Acts.
Such was the case of Henricus Frielinghuysen, who has since died of the small- pox or its consequences; and also the case of Doctor Goetschius, (John Mauritius Goetschius). All this was done, so far as I know, without order. And there is still another case-that of one Hardenberg, (Jacobus Rutsen Hardenberg) who is married to the widow of John Frielinghuysen. He had, when John Frielinghuysen was taken with his fatal disease, begun to study Latin with him. And of him it is said that, at the time, he could hardly read, and I doubt whether, since he had a teacher for not half a year, he can translate a single sentence from the Latin, etc. It is also said that there is quite a number of just such men, or of such as have perhaps learned a little more, who are to follow. The single test-question now is as to whether they have the Spirit. Learning is not of so much consequence. And, what is infinitely worse, such men are called Independents. Already a well-thought- out sermon is getting to be called "literary work"; (letterwerk); but to preach extempore, (literally, Out of the fist, uit de vuist weg)-that is the preaching of the Spirit, even if the Spirit is contradicted to His face. I will give no examples, so as not to be too lengthy; nor make a defense in my own case.
But the fact is, the ministers take the lead, and the farmers follow. (They say): The yoke of the fathers had better be shaken off. The Classis has no power over us. Of what good is its power to us? It is useless. Where did it get the power to make promotions? Did it not take it? We are all brethren, and are as well able to do things as they are. It (their power) is at variance with the nature of the true Church. Christ alone is the Head. And they say other fine things of that sort!
And now what, Rev. Assembly, are we to do about all this? Shall we, as Mancius and Hovenberg and others with them, possibly want to do-set up a Classis in oppo- sition to such proceedings? Shall we admit none to its membership save such as have been regularly instructed in the languages and the sciences, and declare the others to be Independents, apostates from our churches, and so make Dutch Inde- pendents? With becoming submission I say "No". Accept then of me, the least of the brethren, one who is well aware of his own inabilities, this, my simple pre- scription, as, possibly, the only remedy for the decayed state in which our churches find themselves.
It is this: That your Revs. send a general letter to all the churches, earnestly urging them to renew the Coetus; and advising them to make such amendments to the rules already made, that in future there shall be no room for confusion; every- thing, however, to be submitted to the approval of the Rev. Classis. If then, things
3715 1758
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
should happen to come up which cannot be settled in a friendly spirit, these might be laid in proper form before the Rev. Classis for its earliest possible decision, so as to speedily smother the dissensions.
Should the Rev. Classis find my proposition all right, then let it deign to send me a brief answer. I shall, so far as God gives me life and strength, try in all faith- fulness to give effect to it. I can, in advance, give the Rev. Assembly some ground for rejoicing in hope, for through my mediation, the matters in Kings County, on Long Island, have so far progressed, that that church is again united; but the question still remains about a minister, as to who it shall be. If there were one here now from Holland, the difficulty would at once be at an end.
Enough this time. After wishing your Very Rev. Fathers and Brethren, the bless- ing of Jehovah, upon your Revs. persons and weighty ministry, I remain,
Your Revs. obedient servant and brother,
New York, June 16, 1758.
J. Ritzema.
1758, JULY 25-AUGUST 3. SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND. ART. 46, PP. 43-50. VOL. 64.
Much about Pennsylvania. All relating to New York, referred to the Classis of Amsterdam.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderen.
1758, Sept. 4th. § 1. The candidate Ulpianus Van Sinderen, appointed by the Directors to India, requested to be called ecclesi- astically, and to have a preparatory examination. This was granted. xiii. 194.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham.
Sept. 11, 1758.
Consistory held, etc.
A request was presented for a piece of land for a new road on the farm on the Manor, marked No. 1, now in the possession of B. Archer. It was proposed to buy the land, or so much as would be required for the road. The consistory resolved that if a bridge should be lawfully laid over the Harlem River, then they would give a free right of way to it, on condition that the applicants should keep both sides of the road in good fence.
The Church Masters represented that the gutters of the New Church needed to be renewed. Resolved, that they do what is necessary.
Signed in the name, etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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ARCHBISHOP SECKER TO THE REVEREND DR. JOHNSON.
Lambeth, Sept. 27, 1758.
Good Dr. Johnson,
I have received a very obliging letter of congratulation from you and ten more of the clergy of the provinces of New York and New Jersey: for which I desire, not knowing any other way, to return them my thanks by your means, who stand so justly at their head; and whose private affliction in the loss of your excellent son, I hope God will recompense with much public usefulness.
His providence hath permitted me to be raised, without seeking or wishing for it, to a high station: in which I have by far a greater prospect of undergoing diffi- culties and uneasinesses, than of doing good or enjoying comfort. But my grati- tude to His Majesty and his Ministers, for their favourable opinion of me, must not and shall not be the less. And I promise myself the prayers of all pious per- sons, related to this nation, that I may be enabled, inclined, and directed to do my duty. In the concerns of the Society for propagating the Gospel, I have scarce taken hitherto more than a common share. Some further attention is required of me now: and I shall endeavor to give it in the best manner that I can; depending greatly on the information, advice, and assistance of the Missionaries and other Clergy in our Colonies, but on yours in particular.
There are many things, of which it is needful that the Society should have accu- rate intelligence; and there may be from time to time not a few, with which it will be less proper to acquaint the body in general at first, than some of the discreeter private members, or the Secretary, or me. It will be requisite to know, not only if any Missionary is guilty of gross vices, or teaches false doctrines; which last I am sorry to say we learnt, in the case of Mr. Beach, from the dissenters, not from any of our own Church: But, who are remiss, or impudent, or defective in abilities or attainments; who on the contrary are diligent, wise, judicious, learned: and likewise what Missions demand superior degrees of knowledge, temper, and con- duct. We should also know, as nearly as we can, what each congregation is able to contribute, and doth contribute, to the support of its Missionary: and, which are able to support them entirely; that we may not lavish away what is intrusted with us: and, where it may be fit to establish new Missions.
I suspect that we ought to have more upon the frontiers; at least when it shall please God to bless us with a peace. For Missionaries there might counteract the artifices of the French Papists; and do considerable services, religious and political at once, amongst the neighboring Indians; both which points the Society hath been heavily charged, on occasion of the present war, with having neglected. I fear that in some of our back settlements there are very few opportunities of public worship and instruction; and we have been accused of slighting these, whilst we have crowded with Missionaries, regions which had already a sufficient number of Pastors; and are told, with threatening intimations, that this is a breach of our Charter. We have answered, that our Charter was granted for the encouragement of an orthodox, that is a Church of England Ministry: to which it is replied, that the evils specified in the Charter, against which this Orthodox Ministry was to be employed, are only those of Infidelity and Popery; and that we have no right to presume any other ends to have been in view than are expressed. Still indeed we can urge with justice, that both these evils will be best obviated or remedied on the principles of our Church; for the establishment of which throughout our Amer- ican dominions, there are strong motives of various kinds, to wish most earnestly. But too many who call themselves of our church, have no notion of any material distinction in this respect. And our Dissenters have alleged against the Society, with remarkable zeal, amongst all who are indifferent about us, and all who are adversaries to us, a formidable multitude when put together, that we have unwar-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
rantably changed our object, from the propagation of Christianity and Protes- tantism, to the propagation of one form of it, in opposition to other Protestants; and make the gaining of proselytes from these our Chief business, which was not designed to be any part of it: nor was attempted they say, I want to learn how truly, by our predecessors in the Society for many years after its erection. And this accusation hath prevailed so far over all which we say in our own defence, that not only future collections are like to be grieviously hurt by it, as the last though a very good one upon the whole, was in some degree; but if it should be brought into parliament by some popular speaker, especially at one of those times of epi- demic vehemence and wildness which are frequent in this Country, it may produce very disagreeable consequences to the Society; nay possibly may overturn and dis- solve it. Therefore we must be extremely cautious, how we appoint new Missions, where Presbyterians or Independents have Assembles. Indeed I do not see how we can safely appoint any in such places, unless a competent number which must not be a very small one, of persons of character, shall declare to us under their hands, that they cannot in conscience comply with the mode of worship and church Gov- ernment in use there, and that they approve ours, but cannot raise a fund to sup- - port it amongst them. For then we shall be authorized to argue if we are ques- tioned on the subject, that either we must assist them, or they must be destitute of religious Offices: the thing, which our Charter was designed to prevent.
The Dissenters in America are so closely connected with those in England; and both, with such as under colour of being friends to liberty, and many of them enemies to all Ecclesiastical Establishments, and more than a few to the Gospel Revelation; that we have need to be continually on our guard against them. And for this reason, amidst several others, the Society or some of its members, ought to have constant advices from the Clergy, in each of our Colonies, of everything likely to forward or obstruct our great work; which it hath by no means had of late. More especially we should have early accounts of all facts, concerning which we may have cause to complain of the Dissenters, or they may think they have cause to complain of us, that we may be ready to say and do about them what is requisite. And in these accounts all circumstances of weight must be stated fully and impartially, without omissions, alleviations, or aggravations; and we must be informed of the pleas which the other side make for themselves: else we shall often be put to shame, when they come to represent their own case. But above all, when anything appears in print among you, reflecting on the Society here, or any part of the conduct of our Clergy abroad, from whatever Quarter it proceeds, it should be immediately sent over to us: and also the answers given to it by our American brethren. Indeed we ought to see everything, which tends to show the real state of religion in our plantations: and I shall gladly bear the expence of your furnish- ing us with all books pamphlets and papers, conducive to this end. It will further be of importance, that we should understand how the principal Laymen and Dis- senting Ministers are severally affected towards our Undertaking; and what their connections with men of note in this Kingdom are.
All these things will contribute, directly or indirectly, to facilitate what we must ever pray and labour for, till we obtain it, the establishment of Bishops of our Church in America. This I have long had at heart: and not only said but written a great deal in favor of it to such as I hope might be brought off from their preju- dices, either wholly or in some measure. Nor, unsuccessful as the attempts have been shall I ever abandon the scheme, as long as I live. But pushing it openly at present would certainly prove both fruitless and detrimental. They alone are judges of opportunities, who know the dispositions and influences of persons and parties: which cannot always be explained to others. The design when some years ago it seemed to be in great forwardness, received a most mortifying check, by means of. an unseasonable step, which a worthy and able prelate took to promote it, and of which its opposers made their advantage. The time is not yet come for retrieving
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