USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 81
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§ 2. The matter against Pieter Bussing was taken up with a view of proceeding against him by a lawyer, viz., Mr. B. Nicoll -. this being considered enough in a matter of small importance. Messrs. Lispenard Van Wyck and Evert Bancker were appointed a committee to this end.
§ 3. That Mr. Elbert Haering shall be paid by Mr. Abram Van Wyck for his services to the church, in traveling to the Manor, the sum of five pounds in the expectation that this will be satis- factory.
Signed etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
1760
3749
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
New York, Jan. 10, 1760.
Consistory held etc.
The committee " on the grounds of Mr. Harpending," reported that there was no house at present suitable for Mr. Van der Sman ; that the house on the corner of the street called het Houdegat, now occupied by Lasier, could not be repaired but must be pulled down and a new one built. Messrs Lefferts, Hardenbrock and van Raust, were appointed to see that a house of two stories and a cellar should with all speed be made ready for Van der Sman, and a (school)-room underneath provided for him.
J. Ritzema. New York, Jan. 20, 1760.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was taken into consideration whether it would not be more to the advantage of the church, when the lots in the street called het Houde-Gat fall back to the church, to lease them for a term of twenty-one years, than to build thereon. The conclusion was unanimous that it would be. A beginning should be made with the lot where the widow Lammertse had last dwelt, with the one on the north and the two on the south of it, the leases of which had expired. And these four lots, if they could conveniently be made into five, should be leased at not less than five pounds a year, ground rent. The whole matter was entrusted to the committee and Mr. de Peyster.
Signed, etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President. CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, March 13, 1760. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The farm on the Manor of Fordham, No. - , now in possession of Hendrick Michielse, was sold to him for five pounds, ten shillings, per acre-payment to be made in three installments, yet so that he shall pay only a hundred pounds on the signing and delivery of the papers ; the rest in May 1761, and May 1762-an exact half on each day of payment.
Signed in name, etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
REV. SAMUEL SEABURY TO THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL.
Jamaica, March 28, 1760.
Reverend Sir :-
I heartily wish my success in this Mission was such as would justify my giving the honored Society an account thereof in some measure equal to their expence and
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1760
care of it. But such is the effect of the Deism and infidelity (for the spreading of which Quakerism has paved the way) which have here been propagated with the greatest zeal and the most astonishing success that a general indifference towards all religion has taken place and the too common opinion seems to be that they shall be saved without the mediation of Christ as well as with ; and even among those who profess themselves members of the Church of England a very great backwardness in attending her service prevails; and particularly with regard to the holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper so great is their aversion to it or neglect of it that I fear the number of Communicants at present scarce exceeds twenty.
I remain etc.
Samuel Seabury. -Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii, p. 196.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (Letter from the Coetus.)
1760, April 14th. Art. 8. A letter signed (at) Raritan, October 8, 1759, in the name of the Coetus of New York, by the Depp. ad hanc causam, was placed in the hands of the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras. xiii. 236.
Rev. Depp. Utriusque Synodi.
Art. 9. These informed the Depp. ad res Pennsylvanicas, that Rev. Frielinghuysen had announced to the Depp. Utriusque Synodi, that although the Coetus of New York had heretofore been under the jurisdiction of the Classis of Amsterdam, they no longer wish to be subject to the jurisdiction of that Classis. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras are authorized to prepare a letter to instruct the Rev. Depp. Utriusque Synodi as to the condition of these affairs, and to bring in a report thereon at the next Classis. xiii. 236, 237.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter from the Depp. ad res Exteras approved for forwarding.
1760, May 5th. Art. 4 ad 9. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read this letter, practically prepared by them, and the same was approved to be sent to the Rev. Depp. Utriusque Synodi. The letter last received from the Coetus of New York, was to be enclosed therein, with the request that the Rev. Depp. will kindly send it back. Quod factum. xiii. 238.
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3751 1760
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE DEPUTATI OF THE SYNODS OF NORTH AND SOUTH HOLLAND, MAY 5, 1760. VOL. 31, P. 147, No. 103.
Letter to the Deputati of both Synods :
See Acts (of Classis) of April and May, 1760.
As we have learned, to our surprise, that Rev. Theodore Frieling- huysen, in order to gain his object, has announced to your Revs. that the Church of New York was no longer subordinate to, or willing to stand under the Classis of Amsterdam the latter deems it advisable briefly to give your Revs. an account of the state of things and of the doings of the Church over there.
The unfortunate rupture which occurred in the Coetus of New York in 1754, when an effort was made to form itself into a Classis, induced Rev. Frelinghuysen to devise larger schemes and undertakings ; and those who follow his Rev. have from that time on, been developing plans to establish not only a Classis, but also an Academy. They are anxious also to assume the power to appoint candidates and ordain ministers. They assert that, on account of the distance of their churches, this would be very con- venient to them and most profitable; as they could then be readily and at. less expense provided with ministers.
Rev. Ritzema, with his followers have protested against this. These have withdrawn themselves from the other brethren, no longer recognizing the Coetus as legal from that time, although they want to remain subordinate to the Classis.
The Classis of Amsterdam has, from the first, looked upon those pitiful and hurtful dissensions with great sorrow, and has urged the restoration of the now divided Coetus. It has, however, for weighty reasons, disapproved the qualifying of candidates and ministers (by the Coetus) ; as it cannot comprehend in what place, by what authority, by what means, out of what funds, such an Academy or Gymnasium could be established.
The Christian Synod of North Holland, held in 1756 at Enk- huysen, was absolutely of the same opinion as that held by us. .
The Classis would like to rid itself of this troublesome and
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1760
tiresome oversight of these complicated affairs of New York, exasperating as they are, unless the people there are willing to follow some fundamental principles; unless they will seek to pro- mote the real interests of the Church by zealous efforts, and thus render unnecessary, the constant admonitions now required, and avert the dissolution of the Church.
The Classis does not doubt but that your Revs. will go to work in this matter as your wisdom shall suggest, and be willing to co-operate with us to that end. We, therefore, raise the question whether it would be timely and advisable to approve and conform the above named plan.
Our wish is that the Lord may lift the light of His countenance upon your Revs., and that your acts in the interest of the Church may be crowned with good result. With this prayer we sign our- selves,
Very Rev. Sirs and Much Beloved Brethren,
Your Revs. willing servants. In the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Signed, R. Perizonig, Depp. ad res exteras, Praeses.
E. P. G. Van Essen, Depp. ad res exteras, Scriba.
Done at our Classical Assembly,
held at Amsterdam, May 5, 1760.
P. S. We enclose herewith the latest letter, received from New York. In this, the signers declare that they are not yet disposed to such a person as their delegate, (Legaat), although, as appears from certain circumstances, they may be reckoned among the fol- lowers of Rev. Frielinghuysen. We expect this enclosed missive back with your Revs. answer.
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Proposition of the Conferentie to the Coetus, for Union, May 6, 1760.
1. Although the Rev. Classis has not answered our proposal, yet, out of regard to their earnest exhortation to a union with the Rev. Brethren in order to a Coetus on the old footing, we fully agree to unite thus.
3753
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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2. Yet having perceived, according to a previous declaration of he Rev. Coetus, the troublesome and unprofitable nature of one feature, (viz., deciding matters by a majority,) we must lay it down as indispensable that in weighty matters, about which there s a difference of opinion, the decision must be made by the Rev. Classis, and the whole matter be remitted to them by both parties.
3. The Rev. Classis, having heretofore forbidden expressly the examination and ordination of students in this country, and the Synod having lately confirmed the same, we disapprove the pro- ceedings of the brethren in these matters; nor can we recognize those thus examined and ordained, unless full power for this end has been sent over by those whom we recognize as having the right to give this authority.
Signed in the name of all,
Gerard Haeghoort. New York, May 6, 1760.
.
ANSWER OF THE COETUS TO THE CONFERENTIE RESPECTING UNION, MAY 6, 1760.
The Rev. Brethren, having no proposition to make to us, requested leave to delay their answer till the afternoon, when they would present it in writing, which they did, as follows :
Answer of the Coetus.
The reply of the Rev. Coetus to the proposal of the Rev. Brethren who call themselves a Conferentie Assembly.
1. In regard to the first point: The Coetus is rejoiced to see the inclination of the brethren to unite, according to the earnest incitement of the Rev. Classis, in a Coetus, on the old footing. And we desire that this may actually take place.
2. As to the second point : The Coetus observes, with pain, that it is in direct conflict with the first. The old footing of the Coetus consisted especially in the decision of questons by the majority of voices, according to the thirty-first article of the Church Order of the National Synod of Dort, 1618, 1619.
3. As to the third point: The Coetus regrets that the brethren disapprove the examination and ordination of students by this
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Assembly. The express prohibition of the Classis and the Synod, mentioned by you, is unknown to us; and we are ready to show, at the proper time and place, that such examination and ordina- tion is agreeable to God's Word and to the excellent ecclesiastical order of our Low Dutch Reformed Church, as appears from the thirty one articles of our Confession of Faith, the four articles of the General Church Order, and the Fundamental Articles and Rules of the Coetus, which must always explain what the old footing is.
B. Vrooman, p. t. President. David Marinus, p. t. Clerk.
In our Coetus Assembly,
May 6, 1760. [See Leydt's Tractate, Aug. 12, 1760.]
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Conferentie to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, Dated May 7,1760.
Vol. 33. page 30. No. 301. Referred to, xxiv. 76.
Your letter of May 7, 1759, together with the Acten Synodie, reached us in due season, for which we hereby express our thank- ful acknowledgements.
A letter from Dom. John Leydt to the Consistory of New York apprised us that the brethren who call themselves the Coetus intended to meet on the first Tuesday in May, 1760. This we made known to the brethren who belong to us, in order that the good aim of the Rev. Classis might be immediately attained, and they all appeared, except the Rev. Messrs. Rosenkrantz, Schuyler and Van Der Linde. We at once unanimously resolved to make the following proposal in writing to the Rev. Brethren, after having first inquired in a friendly way whether a committee of two should be sent by them to us, or by us to them. (See May 6, 1760.)
From which it at once appeared that the Coetus brethren, although they pretended a willingness to unite, yet were unwilling to do so in such a way as would be generally useful.
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We then exerted ourselves to convince them, since we are well aware that an assembly must usually decide what comes before it by a majority of voices ; yet, knowing the difficulty of an appeal to a Classis so far off, and the little authority of the Coetus, we thought that if a weighty matter came up, (by which we meant particularly censures or depositions,) and men could not agree on it, it should be referred to the Rev. Classis. Thus, the close union with the Classis would be preserved, and their judgment or de- cision, being that of persons who could not be supposed to have any respect of persons, would have weight with those to whom it came.
As for the last point, concerning the examinations and ordina- tions which we disapproved, it was in such direct conflict with our Fundamental Articles and Rules, assented to by the Rev. Classis in the year 1738, and further approved in 1746, that we could not do otherwise than refuse to acknowledge persons examined and ordained without the order of Classis or Synod, in the capacity in which our brethren recognized them. We desired to propose to their assembly, in the most earnest way, that they should not say in words, but show by deeds, that they wished a Coetus on the former footing, as subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, in order to guard against the rending of the Netherlandish Church; and we gave them time for mature deliberation, their written reply not being brought in before the afternoon session.
Our conversation with the brethren, after the delivery of their answer yesterday, was intended further to remedy the matter in dispute; to which end, we requested them to consider again our proposal, as both undertook nothing but to unite on the basis of the letter of the Rev. Classis. Notwithstanding, we find nothing in their answer pertinent to the matter, but elaborate disputations, which are a mere tissue of words, without sense or meaning, to which no answer can be given. Wherefore, we must leave the question at issue until further advices, that then we may unite on good grounds.
In the name of all,
J. Ritzema.
New York, May 7, 1760.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1760
See here, Rev. Brethren, our whole course honestly set forth. Have we not fulfilled the tenor of your cordial letter? Have we not regarded the warning of the Apostle, Philip. 2: 4, (Look not every man, etc.,) which you urge us so much to lay to heart ? Have we here even once looked on what was our own? They have mentioned nothing of the complaints we exhibited in our ample letter to you of 1758, to which complaints we still adhere, and that, without denial of the truth, which, together with peace, is so constantly enjoined upon us, as upon every one. Still, so far as it seems in any degree to be " our own ", we will, for the sake of peace, deny that they, to our offence, dared to take to them- selves the name of Coetus ; they who first broke the Coetus, acted against our rules ; went out from us, and not we from them, etc. But can we deny our Church Order, founded on God's Word, the acts of the National Synod, the Formulas of Unity, so solemnly subscribed by us at the beginning of our ministry ? Has the Rev. Classis ever committed another Coetus subordinate ? Has not the Rev. Classis always retained to itself the right and power to ordain ? This appears, not to mention other evidences, from these express words which the Rev. Classis wrote in September, 1739, to some brethren who, at that time, were not favorable to a Coetus, because they feared it might rend the Netherlandish Church :
That they allow a Coetus to the brethren " under the express condition that care was taken not to have a word uttered against the doctrine, and to have no preparatory or final examinations for the candidates or ministers; these being matters which were, by the Synod of Dort, restricted to the respective Classes, and which therefore were reserved by us, in forming a Coetus some years since in the colony of Surinam, etc."
Signed September, 1739.
Dispatched April 1, 1740.
John Plautinus C. Van Den Bogardus Tiberus Ritzema
If that was the Church Order then, it must be so now. Have we any other Coetus, and is any other allowed ? But it is of no avail, while men say, we will adhere to the Classis; but as to
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3757 1760
ordination that is a power given by God, inherent in the eldership, who receive it, not from Classis or Synod, but from God, who gave it to them with their office. What else is this, to speak the simple truth, but overturning the constitution of the Netherlandish Church ?
We forebear to speak of the abuse which is made of the excel- lent book of Voetius on Ecclesiastical Polity, and of the letters of the Classis and of private individuals, which are read in whole or in part by the ministers, and expounded according to their own will, in order to support themselves and their party.
We have no doubt, Rev. Brethren, that this dispute will now become plain to you. We, who by no means deserve to be marked as disturbers of the peace, have harmony, by God's grace, in our congregations, and really seek peace also with others, if it can be attained consistently with truth; and if you know a speedier way to this end, we will undertake that. We expect on this point a decided answer, and desire nothing more than that you would take into consideration the replies deliberately made to us by the brethren, in order to discover their object therein, without our uttering any further explanations, unless it be demanded of us.
After prayer to God for your Classical Assembly, we subscribe ourselves, with much esteem and reverence,
Rev. Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
Your servants and fellow-laborers,
G. W. Mancius
J. Ritzema
L. De Ronde
J. C. Fryenmoet J. C. Rubel.
New York, May 6, 1760.
P. S. The Rev. Classis will please observe that Dom. Haeg- hoort, whose aims are sometimes very peculiar, advised brothers Schuyler and Van Der Linde not to appear at our Assembly for union, yet came himself, scratched out his name under the letter he had sent to the brothers named, and directly united with us in the first proposal ; and when we gave our last reply, he, without
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1760
statement or reply, said, I do not agree to that, and so ran out of the Assembly. Dom. Rosenkrantz, who lives nearly six days' journey from here, found it impossible, for that reason, to be present.
(See Haeghoort's letter of May 13, under Oct. 1760.)
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Sale of lots to the Moravians.
New York, May 8, 1760.
§ 1. The contract was sealed and delivered for the sale of the lot to the society called " The United Brethren ", for the sum of £150. This money, less £2. paid for the writing of the papers, i. e. £148. was given to the Elder, Abram Lefferts, to be laid out in building the house for the Visitor of the Sick and Catechist.
§ 2. Mr. Abram van Wyck was ordered to pay £15. to Mary McCoy for buying out the lease she had of her lot. Mr. De Peyster was also directed to lease the same for twenty-one years.
Signed in name etc.,
J. Ritzema.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter from Frelinghuysen.
1760, June 2nd. Art. 3 ad 4. A letter was read from Rev. (Theodore) Frielinghuysen, dated Rotterdam, May 14, 1760, and was placed in the hands of the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras, to be copied verbatim in their copy-book so as to be able to use it when occasion serves. xiii. 240.
(But this letter was not found in the said "Copy-book " of letters ; but is alluded to in Vol. xxiv. 71.)
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. New York, June 29, 1760.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Two leases were delivered for No. 11, of the Harpending lots. One half of it was leased to Joost Paalding for £5. a year.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1760
The other half to John Mc Danel for ££4. a year-each for a term of twenty-one years. Both were signed and sealed.
2. To furnish a proper support for Mr. Van der Sman, the consistory can find no other way than a new subscription. To this end, some of the Deacons and Church Masters took it upon themselves to go around the congregation and see what they could obtain for a period of three years.
3. As to the arrears due on the Manor. Resolved, That John de Peyster furnish a list thereof to the consistory at the next meet- ing, and write to each to pay within six weeks, under penalty of being arrested, in case of failure.
4. Abram Lefferts, Jas. Roosevelt and Evert Bancker were ap- pointed a committee to see about the house of Losier; also the one we bought from Parady, and how it can be arranged to lease the same advantageously for twenty-one years.
Signed in name etc.,
L. de Ronde, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 14, 1760.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The committee, Lefferts, Roosevelt and Bancker, appointed concerning the house of Lesier and the one bought from Brady, reported, that the best thing for the church was to sell the buildings and then lease to the buyers for twenty-one years. This was at once made into a resolution and committed to John de Peyster to be carried out. The sales, however, are not to take effect till May, 1761, since both the houses are rented.
2. A letter was received from domine Theodore Frielinghuysen, dated at Amsterdam, Dec. 14, 1759. This, having been read, we find ourselves not in a condition to meet his desires on account of lack of time. We received his letter for the first, on July [June ?] 29th, while the answer must be in Amsterdam by August 1st. It is, therefore, unnecessary to notice its contents further.
3. The ministers represented to the consistory that they had some time ago shown to the Elders that they could not possible
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1760
live in these hard times upon their salaries. They, therefore, asked if some way could not be devised to secure a suitable increase. This was considered and it was concluded to call together the Great Consistory on Thursday July 31, at 5, P. M.
Signed in name etc.
1 L. de Ronde, p. t. President.
Statement of the Ministers to the Great Consistory.
Esteemed Brethren :-
Since we ministers some time ago demonstrated to our present Ruling Elders that it was impossible for us, in these hard times, to maintain our wives and children and our servants on the present salary of £200., but on the contrary, what we had inde- pendent of our salaries, was diminishing, as plainly appeared from de posten; and inasmuch as they agreed with us and testified, that the members, if there was more available money, would be ready to help us, the result is the following: That they being perplexed in the matter, thought proper, in order to stop the mouths of un- reasonable men, to go to work after taking the advice of the Great Consistory. Therefore, in their last meeting, they unanimously resolved to call them together. To this body now assembled, we make our earnest and friendly request that they would take this matter to heart and see what can be done for an increase of our salaries. Next May, £120. will be due as interest, on the £2000. put out to Mr. Lewis Morris. Cannot this be made an addition to our stipend ? And cannot the Ruling Consistory, hereafter, as their revenues increase, augment our stipend from time to time, that we may live honorably, according to our service, and also lay up something for our wives and children after us. This will also stimulate us to greater zeal in our studies and our holy service, and enable us to administer the Gospel in this congregation, not in grief, but with pleasure and joy.
Your servants in Christ,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President. New York, August 2, 1760.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1760
[No date.]
After calling on God's name the Great Consistory was held.
When the President presented the foregoing proposal to the meeting, it was Resolved, That the interest of the £2000. put out to Mr. Morris should be given to the ministers as a gift for the current year; and, further, that the matter should then be left to the Ruling Consistory.
N. B. The Ruling Consistory understands this word " gift " not as charity.
L. de Ronde, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 29-AUGUST 7,
1760. Article 46.
(This Article relates mostly to the Pennsylvania German churches ; but toward the close has the following:)
Respecting Frelinghuysen's Commission concerning an Acad- emy in New York.
" The report of the Committee contained also certain matters touching a request, made by Rev. (Theodore) Frelinghuysen, min- ister at Albany, in North America, of the Deputies of both Synods, and a letter from him, but which the Synod had excluded from its action."
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