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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (New Netherland.)
1758, Nov. 28th. A letter to the Cape (of Good Hope) was read; also one to New Netherland, and one to Rev. van Essen od St. Eustatius. xiii. 205.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Establishment of a German Church.
New York, Dec. 20, 1758.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
About forty members, male and female, presented a request for dismission from our congregation, in order that being High Dutch, and a High Dutch minister having been called here, they might join the same by certificate. Nevertheless, with the privi lege, in case the new enterprise fell through, of being received back into our bosom. The request was granted, and the Presi dent was authorized to prepare the certificate. They, moreover requested to be allowed, to bury their dead with us as formerly until they got a place of their own; also, that their minister domine Abraham Roosenkrantz, might be installed by domine Ritzema as the oldest minister. This was granted.
In name etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Feb. 12, 1759.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was resolved: 1. Inasmuch as, formerly, Simon Johnson, Philip Livingston, Abram Lefferts and Theodore Van Wyck were made a committee on the matter of the Manor, against Lewis Morris; and afterward, Abraham Van Wyck and Chrystoffel Bancker of the Ruling Consistory, were added to them, and since they have carried on this case from time to time, and are now so far advanced that we expect soon to reach the end: Therefore these gentlemen are requested to finish the work they have begun. And father, according to the nature of a committee, that if any of them through other engagements, or by sickness, cannot attend, the rest shall go on with the business, unhindered.
2. Whereas, Pieter Bussing has put a fence on the place we sold to Isaac Valentyn, by which he means to take away part of the farm, notwithstanding that his father, in laying out the Manor, as appears from the map made by Mr. Berrien, fixed his present limits, which decree to him one hundred and sixty acres. There- fore, Peter Lott, David Abeel, Richard Ray, Evert Bancker and Dirk Brinckerhoff are appointed a committee to consult with our counsel, on the best way of warding off this intrusion.
3. Since different persons have sought to buy farms on the Manor, Abram Lefferts and Pieter Lott, are appointed a committee to speak with these persons, and see how near they can come to an arrangement with them and report to the consistory.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
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1759
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES.
Extract of a Letter from Jamaica to the Classis of Amsterdam, dated, March 6, 1759. [Vol. 33, p. 13. Letter No. 289.]
A letter to the Rev. Classis, signed, Jamaica, March 6, 1759, by Ab. Schenck, Daniel Durje, Cor. Montfoort, John Willemsen and Rem Remsen, as consistory on Long Island.
This letter not to be answered.
Whereas they notice that the Rev. Classis cares very little for them, and has, upon the writing of the Coetus, as good as con- demned their action, and directed them to a minister who, in opposition to by far the greater number of the members, intruded himself into the church, as shown at length; they, therefore, being of opinion that it has not been well informed about them, possibly by the deception and falsifications of the Coetus, etc., find them- selves under the necessity, in the sad condition to which they have been brouhgt by Rev. Thomas Romeyn, to complain, appeal and protest, before the Synod of North Holland.
We are requested to enter their appeal and protest on our minutes. With respect, and prayer to God for His blessing, they remain, etc.
On the other side was written : " The reasons, why Simon Van Noordwyk and Paulus Amerman did not sign this letter, are that one had died in the Lord and the other had gone away to be under another government."
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. New York, March 15, 1759.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was proposed to appoint an overseer to keep a special account of moneys received for properties on the Manor of Fordham, sold or hereafter to be sold; to note the payments received, whether of principal or interest; and give account thereof as often as required ; and also to keep a book which shall lie in the consistory's chamber, and into which every article shall annually be transferred. The
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overseer is to receive for his labor three pence on the pound, of principal, and six pence on the pound, of interest, and no more. Mr. Abram Van Wyck was appointed.
Thereupon, the Consistory further Resolved, that the said book shall have a heading, stating that the revenues from the lands sold shall be applied according to the design of Cornelius Steenwyck, from whom the Manor originally came, as is also expressed in the Acts of Assembly.
Mr. Lefferts and Pieter Lott brought in an answer, respecting the sale of the farm to John Vermillie at five pounds, ten shillings per acre, on the same terms of payment as the sale to Isaac Valen- tine, with the proviso that fifty pounds should be paid to him for his services to the church. Whereupon Mr. Cornelius Lefferts and Lott were requested to prepare the writings and Mr. Evert Bancker to go with Francois Marschalk, to measure the farm. This they agreed to do.
Philip Livingston, Pieter Lott, Evert Bancker, Dirk Brincker- hoff, John Duryee, Henry Clopper, and so many of the Consistory as are inclined are appointed to go with the surveyor, and the jury of view on the Manor of Fordham, in the case between the Consistory and Lewis Morris.
Actum as above, in name etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
REVEREND DR. JOHNSON TO ARCHBISHOP SECKER.
King's Coll. New York, March 20, 1759.
May it please Your Grace,
I am inexpressibly obliged to Your Grace for your most kind and condescending letter of Sept. 27, 1758. The labours you have taken in writing so large a letter with your own hand, full of such wise and benevolent instructions and suggestions, is extremely obliging, and the more so, as it abundantly assures us your Grace is in earnest and indefatigably engaged to promote the best interest of the Church and true religion to the utmost of your power both at home and abroad. I have com- municated it to the Clergy that are near me, who are with me most highly obliged to Your Grace, and desire me to write you their humblest duty and thanks. I shall communicate it to them all as I have opportunity and make it as useful as possible, so far as my acquaintance and influence extends especially in New England, New York and the Jersies .- Your manner of mentioning my late dearest son is very kind. I hope you received my letter of thanks for your great kindness and condescension to him.
I do entirely agree with Your Grace in every thing you suggest respecting the Church in these parts, and have always endeavoured to govern myself, and to influ-
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ence others to be governed by the same principles and with the same temper as Your Grace inculcates, as you will see by my preface to Mr. Beache's book here enclosed (the second tract, by a mistake in the binding) which though it was, (at least I desired it should be) sent in the time of it, perhaps it may not have fallen into Your Grace's hands, by which you will see how the Controversy stood between us at that time: since which nothing new or of any consequence hath been written except a weekly paper called the Independent Reflector and another called the Watch Tower (Copies of which I was promised should be sent to Your Grace's predecessor Abp. Herring)-And by the way, a Copy of Mr. Beaches Sermon that gave so much offence was not sent from these parts, because we were told a copy was sent from Boston to a member of the Society, long before the complaint of our Adversaries; but that matter has been happily accommodated .- I would send you Hobart's pieces to which these are replies; but I cannot find where any of them are to be had.
One book indeed, which has, I imagine, been a principal occasion of the com- plaints against the Society and Missionaries, is the History of New York lately published in London, which doubtless Your Grace has seen. This was wrote by one Smith of this Town, upon which Mr. Barclay has made some very just remarks, which were sent about two months ago, and I hope are now in the Secretary's hands. This Smith is a lawyer here of some note, who with two others of the same profession, Livingston and Scott, all bitter enemies to our Church and College, were believed to be the Chief writers of the Reflector & Watch Towers- And I believe one of the leading occasions of his writing this history was, that he might abuse the Church, Society and Missionaries, as it contains a summary of what they had before published in those papers so far as religion is concerned. But your Grace will see by our Controversy with Hobart, and by Mr. Barclay's remarks compared with Smith's history, that it is indeed fencing against a hail, to hold any contro- versy with them, there being nothing they will stick at, however so false and inju- rious, in opposing and discrediting the church, and which they would not cease to repeat and inculcate, over and over again, however so thoroughly it was answered. I could wish Mr. Barclay's Remarks were printed that both our benefactors and enemies at home, might see how little regard our adversaries here have for truth or common honesty, who are so indefatigably laboring, and with so much success to disaffect our Benefactors both to the Society and us .- What connections any of these gentlemen may have in England I know not. I am told it is one Dr. Avery with whom our Dissenters here chiefly correspond.
It is indeed, my Lord, a thing of most melancholy consideration, that by such inaccountable methods our adversaries should have procured such a formidable mul- titude at home to be disaffected to the Society; and that any should treat it with such insolence as to use even threatening intimations. When at the same time there never was the least ground for that which it seems is their grand complaint, viz. that the Society have unwarrantably changed their object from the propagating of Christianity and Protestantism, to the propagation of one form of it in opposition to other Protestants. This, my Lord, I believe never was designed nor attempted by the Society to this day. There have been, indeed, a multitude of proselytes to the Church especially in New England, but this has not been an originally designed, but an Accidental effect.
And now, My Lord, as to the business of Episcopacy in these plantations we never pretended to desire any Episcopate that should have any jurisdiction over them, or indeed any concern with them: so that they never had any reason to have the least apprehensions, much less such terrible Apprehensions from it. All that ever we aimed at, was no more than just what your Grace intimates. And when they enjoy with- out molestation their Presbytery in the full vigor of its discipline, is it not a cruel thing that they should be so bitterly against the Churches enjoying her own form
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of Government and discipline, for want of which she suffers extremely, and many valuable lives have been thrown away? And is she not reduced to a miserable pass indeed, that she cannot provide for her children abroad here, without their consent for it? We should be entirely contented if we were only upon an equal foot with them; but for that which is the established Church of our nation, to be in these Colonies in a state that is so much inferior to them, is very hard indeed, and what, as your Grace justly observes, they would think utterly intolerable, were it their own case; were they for instance obliged to send their Candidates a thousand leagues for ordination.
And, my Lord, though no plan for this purpose is, or will soon be laid before our superiors, may we not hope that the great Minister who now so gloriously conducts the public affairs, is a friend to religion, and that when it shall please God to bless us with an honourable peace, he who has proved such a friend to America may be induced to use his influence for the bringing about so great a Blessing? Meantime I humbly beg Your Grace's influence, if possible that such may be appointed our Governors from time to time, as are friends to religion, and will countenance and encourage the Church, and set an example of constant, or at least frequent attend- ance on the public worship, which has not always been the case; and when it is otherwise the ill effects of great examples are very deplorable. We have rarely seen a Governor at Church in this Province except Sir Charles, since the year 1743.
I should now proceed, my Lord, to answer your other enquiries relating to the State of the Church and Clergy in these parts but I doubt I have already tres- passed much too far on Your Grace's goodness by this tedious letter. However as I am in duty bound to give you all the satisfaction I can on those points, I shall by the next opportunity write again. In the mean time most humbly thanking Your Grace for Your kind prayers and good wishes, and begging the continuance of them, I conclude with my earnest prayers for Your health and long life and success to all Your labours here, and a glorious crown hereafter: And remain may it please your Grace,
Your Grace's most obliged and most dutiful and obedient humble Servant, ,
(Signed) Samuel Johnson. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vii. pp. 370, 371, 373, 374.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 1, 1759.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The President delivered and opened a letter from Mr. Adrianus Van der Sman containing an earnest complaint about his support as Visitor of the Sick and Catechist. Thereupon the consistory Resolved that a collection should again be taken up for him in both churches on the first day of Easter; and that in the Autumn a subscription should again be started for him.
Farther, Resolved, That two new houses be built on the lot by the old church; also that on the first of May, the deacons should put out £150. at six per cent to Morin Low below Harlem.
Signed in name of all,
J. Ritzema.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Deputati ad res Exteras.
1759, April 2nd. Art. 7. There were read 1. A letter to the Consistory of Batavia. 2. A letter to the Conventus of Suriname. The Classis approved of these and thanked the Messrs. Deputies for their care and trouble.
Further the said gentlemen read two letters from New York, dated Oct. 3, 1758, and Oct. 12, 1758. Thereupon the Classis resolved that in a letter to the Senior Pastor at New York, two circular letters should be enclosed, which were to be sent to every- one, without distinction. These were intended to exhort all preachers and consistories to peace, and unity, and to unite them- selves together into a Coetus. xiii. 209.
[Rev. Dr. Johnson to Archbishop Secker, April 15, 1759. See Col. Docs. N. Y. vii. 374, Extracts, Dix's Trinity Church, i. 314 .- This letter urges the duty of holding Conventions.]
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Deputati ad res Exteras.
1759, May 7th. Art. 4 ad 7. The Deputies read a circular letter to be sent to all the preachers of New Netherland. The said letter satisfied the intentions of Classis. Its exhortations were well calculated to lead to peace, love, and unity. Two of these letters shall be forwarded : one, with the Acta of Synod, to the Consistory of New York, for its use, and the use of those ministers who have sided with them. The other to the so-called Coetus. xiii. 210.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of New York and to those who call themselves the Coetus, May 7th 1759. Vol. 31. Page 140. No. 94. Referred to, xxiv. 64, 65.
To the Rev. Consistory of the City of New York and to those who call themselves the Coetus.
Rev. Sirs and Much-beloved Brethren :-
In company with this letter we send you the proceedings of the Christian Synod of North Holland, held the preceding year (1758)
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
at Alkmaar. The Minutes of the year 1757, we hope you have heretofore received.
The letter recently sent from your province exhibited the con- dition of the Church there. On account of the many irregulari- ties which exist, the Rev. Classis is unable to come to a definite judgment. She has therefore determined to send you the letter enclosed, with the wish and earnest request that the same may be read in all the churches, and taken into most careful consideration. It is our desire and prayer that God will use the same as an instru- ment to accomplish blessed results, in promoting the usefulness of the congregations in New York, and to the glory of his own Name. Wishing you all prosperity, we subscribe ourselves,
Rev. Sirs and respected Brethren, Your servants and brethren, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Petrus Noordbeek, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. R. Perisonius, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly,
May 7th, 1759.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to all the Consistories in the Province of New York, May 7, 1759. Vol. 31, page 140. No. 95. Re- ferred to, xxiv. 64, 65.
To all the Consistories in the Province of New York.
Rev. and Much-beloved Brethren :-
However much we may regard it to be our duty, for Christ's sake, to promote the welfare of the churches in your province; and with whatever readiness and zeal we would labor to this end; yet we are obnged to confess that it is impossible to do anything effectual if our counsels are not heeded, and dissensions and troubles are allowed to triumph.
The condition of affairs among you, which has been made known to us by letters of the different parties, is of such a nature, that the Classis is unable to decide either in favor, or against either party. Nevertheless she pities the poor congrega- tions, and prays to the Great God and Savior to have mercy on them, and to bestow upon them his good Spirit, in order to create peace in the churches. The Classis is of the opinion that all her efforts to accomplish any good are useless, so long as her counsels are rejected, your dissensions are not healed, and you refuse to unite again in one Coetus. Nevertheless we have determined to urge you to this once again in love.
Brethren, what advantage is there in discord and strife? Do you not know in your hearts that it is not Christ, but Satan; not the Church of God, but her ene- mies, who rejoice in such things, and derive advantage therefrom? Can any good
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results be hoped for when confusion reigns? No one is permitted to do evil that good may come. And how difficult will it be to answer for these exasperations, wherewith you consume one another, before Him with whom we have to do, and before whom all things are naked and open!
On the other hand, dear brethren, is not peace recommended to us? Would not amity be more agreeable and useful, and more powerful for the glory of Zion's King? And is not this enjoined on us? Does not our love for the Lord Jesus require these things of us, not only for our own welfare, but for the welfare of others' immortal souls? O that you would make us happy by the re-establishment among you of salutary peace! This is not impossible, for you do not differ in the matter of religion, but only in regard to the regulation of external affairs. All the more forcibly can the Classis urge this upon you, well-knowing that her only aim is the welfare of the churches. Personal interest on her part is entirely excluded. Neither does the Classis desire to exercise lordship over you; for all that she derives from you are labor and pain, which, when fruitlessly expended, are griev- ous. Yet the Classis would gladly endure these things, if only good results there- from. But this is altogether impossible so long as her counsels are utterly disre- garded and the strife is continued. This also frustrates all opportunity for devis- ing plans for the general good.
May the Great Lord and King of Zion, who bought his Church with his own blood, make himself so attractive, (especially in that way which Paul enjoins upon the Philippians-"Look not every man on his own things, but every one also on the things of others; Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus;")-make himself so attractive to those who were purchased at such a price, and are so precious, that denying their own wills, peace may be restored.
Praying for your welfare, we subscribe ourselves,
Rev. Sirs and Brethren, In the Name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Petrus Noordbeck, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. R. Perizonius, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, May 7, 1759. (See Leydt's Tractate, Aug. 12, 1760.)
CALL OF REV. JOHN C. RUBEL TO KINGS COUNTY, JUNE 20, 1759.
Call of the Reverend and Pious Domine Johs. Casparus Rubel at present High Dutch Minister in the Church of Jesus Christ in the Camp and Rhinebeck, from the Elders and Deputies of the Five United Townships of Kings County on Long Island, (viz.) Flatbush, Brookland, Bushwick, Flatlands and New Utrecht, for a second Low Dutch Minister with Domine Ulpianus Van Sinderen, at their meeting had in the church of Flatbush, the 20th June 1759.
God, who, out of the riches of his all-sufficiency, supplies the wants of all his creatures, does this in a peculiar manner for his people and chosen ones. These, he favors with the blessing of the revelation of his will, which is above all earthly blessings. Thus he brings together his elect; and he confirms and strengthens them, by the services of those who bear the riches of God's treasures in earthen vessels, to the glory of God and the salvation of the elect.
In full confidence of these things, we have through the grace of God, been able to bring matters so far as to unite together in love, and thus have been able to devise ways and means to make up a sufficient salary for two ministers.
And our choice has fallen upon you, Reverend Sir, as one of whose good report in the service of the Gospel both in your present and former congregations, we have
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received evidence. We therefore indulge the expectation that, through the good grace of God, we may secure your services among us.
That which we shall generally expect of you is, that you shall perform all the duties incumbent on a faithful servant of the Gospel ; proclaiming the doctrines of the Gospel to the divine approbation ; administering the sacraments; and in con- junction with the Church officers, exercising church discipline, according to the Word of God and the Constitution of the Church of the Netherlands, as established by the Synod of Dort, 1618-19.
In particular : You are to preach twice each Lord's day; and also to preach on every Fast-day and Thanksgiving-day ; also on the usual holidays of Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide, a sermon shall be preached on the second day, as well as on New Years and Ascension day. There shall also be a Proof or Preparation Sermon at the place where the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is to be administered. This is to be celebrated four times a year, with the usual (pre)-visitation of communi- cants. There is also to be the instruction of the congregation by catechising-the foundation of the pure Reformed religion.
On our part, Rev. Sir, we promise to pay you the yearly salary of one hundred and seven pounds, New York money. N. B. This amount of one hundred and seven pounds is to be divided among the congregations as follows :-
Flatbush shall give twenty nine pounds.
Brookland shall give twenty nine pounds.
Flatlands shall give sixteen pounds ten shillings.
New Utrecht shall give sixteen pounds ten shillings.
Bushwick shall give sixteen pounds ten shillings.
1. Punctually, each half year, we will pay the just one half thereof.
2. We also will give you a free and suitable dwelling in the town of Flatbush, with an orchard, pasture land for one cow and one horse, and other conveniences belonging thereto.
3. We also give free fire-wood, which is to be delivered at the house of the minister. 4. It has been heretofore customary, when the minister preached otuside of Flat- bush, that he be brought and taken back, and be provided with victuals, drink and lodging at such place; but this is found to be very inconvenient both for minister and congregation. It is therefore determined, since you keep your own horse and carriage, to pay you yearly for their use ; but you are to be provided with room, victuals and drink, gratis.
We, the underwritten, the authorized of our congregation, sign this call, as our own act, in order to fulfill faithfully all that is stipulated therein ; and our successors shall do the same.
Gerret Van Duyn
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