USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
Dom. Ritzema, who, with his Rev. Colleagues and some other members, assembled yesterday, had opened the sealed letter from Amsterdam, and was appointed to advise Arondeus and his party to appear before the Assembly this afternoon, read the contents of the letter sent to him. The postman brought back a verbal reply. Arondeus said that the letter should be sent to him tomorrow by Dom. Ritzema;
H. Bennet.
B. Meinema,
66 W. Van Sinderen,
J. Leydt,
B. Van Der Linde,
66
3175
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1751
that he should not appear before the Coetus; that possibly his Consistory might appear on Thursday; but still, he declared that he would not omit to perform minis- terial service in Kings County.
4. It was ordered that the letter sent to Arondeus should be recorded in the book of the Coetus.
Resolved, To meet at three o'clock, P. M .; whereupon, the Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God.
Afternoon Session.
1. A New Member .- After invocation of the Lord's name by the Rev. President, Dom. De Wint was received as a member of the Assembly.
2. Reading of the Minutes .- The Minutes of the last Coetus were read, as were also those of the forenoon in which one word was altered, viz., cite for advise.
3. Commissioners from Millstone [Harlingen] and Raritan .- Dom. Frelinghuysen stated to the Coetus that Rynier Vechte was present as a commissioner from a meeting at Millstone, in order to make an end of the matters in controversy there. His various papers were laid upon the table, and nine o'clock to-morrow appointed for considering them.
Another commissioner was present from the so-called dissatisfied at Raritan and North Branch, in order to have an end put to the dispute between them and the congregation of Dom. John Frelinghuysen. His papers also were presented.
4. Protest .- Dom. Haeghoort presented a protest against the Coetus, because it aporded redress to a congregation, but not to a minister; because of some of its proceedings; especially, because of the Extraordinary Clerk, Dom. Du Bois; and also, because it had never been as completely approved by the Classis as it ought to be.
5. Citation of Arondeus .- It was resolved, by a majority of votes, once more to request Arondeus, in a friendly, brotherly, and earnest letter, to appear before the Coetus on Thursday morning.
Hereupon the Assembly separated, with thanksgiving to God. Tempus Conventus appointed at nine o'clock, A. M.
Wednesday, September 11-Forenoon.
1. Minutes .- After calling upon the name of the Lord, the Minutes of the last session were read.
2. Oyster Bay .- A communication from both parties at Oyster Bay was presented, of which the first portion was agreed to, and the second taken into further con- sideration.
3. (Ad § 3 of the foregoing session.) Millstone [Harlingen] Case .- The papers of Rynier Vechte were read by Dom. Frelinghuysen, from which it appeared that there were in the congregation of Millstone two Consistories: the one of the so-called dissatisfied, and the other of Dom. Frelinghuysen; and that the two parties were inclined to unite. The so-called dissatisfied proposed to the Consistory of Dom. Frelinghuysen that one elder and deacon from each side should with Dom. Frelinghuysen, choose an elder and a deacon from his side, and that these then should constitute the Consistory of the congregation of Millstone. To this Dom. Frelinghuysen acceded, with the reservation that the elder and deacon from the dissatisfied should first be chosen and ordained, (anew,) and then, with the remain- ing elder and deacon, choose the others. For this position he assigned these reasons: 1. That although they were a Consistory, they were, notwithstanding, not his Con- sistory. 2. That, in making the union, they made the half of the Consistory, while they did not constitute one third of the people, nor pay one third of the expendi- tures. 3. That he, whether he attached himself to one side or to the other, would put himself into the fire. 4. That the establishment of the so-called dissatisfied Con- sistory obscurely represented him and his Consistory as unlawful, who therefore offered to prove to the Coetus that the former constituted a Consistory, in a Con- sistory, and a congregation in a congregation. 5. That the consequences would be bad. Notwithstanding, he trusted that the dispute now so nearly settled would be finished by the Coetus, to whom he and his friends referred themselves.
3176
1751
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Rynier Vechte maintained against the reservation of Dom. Frelinghuysen, that the union must be formed in the way they had offered, and assigned these reasons: 1. That they were a lawful Consistory, established by the order of the Classis of Amsterdam. 2. That there was no Consistory in a Consistory, because Dom. Fre- linghuysen was minister only of Raritan, North Branch, Six Mile Run, and New Brunswick, and therefore not of Millstone. 3. That they doubt that they constitute but a third of the people; and at least, they can well bear a third of the expenses, since they have a piece of the church land in their possession. 4. That it seems an unsuitable thing in Dom. Frelinghuysen's reservation, that our whole Consistory should resign. 5. That our Consistory was formed much earlier than Dom. Freling- huysen's, and therefore what he says of us is applicable to himself.
Here the Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God, to meet at three o'clock, P. M.
Afternoon Session.
1. Millstone Case .- After calling upon the name of the Lord and the reading of the Minutes, this case was resumed. After mature deliberation, it was concluded that two elders and two deacons of Dom. Frelinghuysen, with one elder and one deacon of the dissatisfied, should, together with Dom. Frelinghuysen, choose an elder and a deacon from the number of the dissatisfied, who, being ordained, one elder and one deacon of Dom. Frelinghuysen, and the rest of the dissatisfied, should resign; and thus the two newly chosen, together with the four remaining ones of Domn. Frelinghuysen, should be considered the Consistory.
2. J. A. Wernich .- John Aemilius Wernich presented various matters, orally and in writing, to the Assembly. These were referred, for further inquiry, to a com- mittee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Leydt, Fryenmoet, and Frelinghuysen, who were to report thereon.
3. North Branch [Readington. ]-This case it was determined should be taken up to-morrow. The Assembly separated with thanksgiving to God, to meet to-morrow at nine o'clock, A. M.
Thursday, September 12-Forenoon.
1. Preliminary .- After calling upon the name of God and reading the Minutes, the question was treated, whether Dom. Haeghoort should make a further elucidation of his protest.
2. Dom. Haeghoort's Protest. At the request of the whole Assembly, Dom. Haeg- hoort has undertaken to present in writing, during the present meeting, such further elucidation of his protest.
3. North Branch and Raritan .- The decision of the Rev. Coetus was, that the dissatisfied should choose out of their own number six persons; that Dom. Freling- huysen, with his Consistory, should choose two out of the six, i. e., an elder and a deacon, who, being ordained, two of Dom. Frelinghuysen's Consistory should resign; whereupon, the former being associated with the rest, should be recognized as the Consistory; all expenses to be borne in proportion by each. So shall all error and dissatisfaction be done away at once.
Hereon the Assembly separated, with thanksgiving to God. The Tempus Conventus to be at three o'clock, P. M.
Afternoon Session.
1. Communications .- After calling upon the name of the Lord, the Minutes were read. A letter, just received from Amsterdam, was laid upon the table. A copy of a letter from P. Wynstock was taken up ad referendum; also, the case of John Van Driessen, of which the Clerk is to make mention.
2. Appearance of Arondeus's Friends .- The friends of Dom. Arondeus, named Philip Nagel, John Lott, Daniel Bodet, and Jacob Remsen, entered the house, and being asked whether Dom. Arondeus were in the city, answered, that they did not know; that they came not in his name, but in that of the Consistory only. The question was repeated, with the same answer.
3177
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1751
The Rev. Adsessor, Du Bois, read to them from the letter and an abstract of the resolution of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam concerning the matter of Arondeus, and urged powerful motives to induce them to listen to the advice thus given. But to the question whether they would submit to the authority of the Coetus, they replied by asking for copies of the above letters. This was refused. Again being asked whether they would submit, they requested time for further deliberation. Dom. Du Bois said to them, Remsen having gone away, that they should appear, each with an answer, to-morrow, between twelve and three o'clock. If the minister was willing to come with them on Monday, the Coetus would sit on that day; but, if not, they would proceed with the matter to-morrow evening.
3. Case of Wernich .- The committee on this matter made a report, and it was concluded that he should furnish copies of his documents to the Coetus, that they may send them to the Classis of Amsterdam, and add some further explanations.
Friday, September 13th-Forenoon.
1. Case of De Wint .- After calling upon the name of the Lord the Minutes were read and approved. The case of De Wint was taken up, and it was resolved that Dom. De Wint appear before our Assembly at three o'clock. Dom. Van Der Linde undertook to make this order of the Coetus faithfully known to him, and it was accordingly intrusted to him.
2. The Paltz .- Dom. Fryenmoet reported from the Committee on the Paltz what had been done there, and received the thanks of the Coetus for the faithful exe- cution of the work.
3. (Ad § 3 of the foregoing session.) Wernich .- He performed what the Assembly required of him, and in like manner will the Rev. Coetus seek to fulfill its promise; and he was so informed.
Whereupon the Assembly separated, with thanksgiving to God, to meet in the afternoon, at three o'clock.
Afternoon Session.
1. Complaint of Muzelius .- After the meeting was opened with prayer, a letter was read from the Emeritus, Muzelius, of Tappan, complaining of the lack of an ade- quate support. The elder from Tappan being asked about the case, answered that Muzelius did not come to church, although he had been enjoined to do so; and that, when spoken to, he replied that he never would come, etc .; and that he treats even the new minister and some of his followers very improperly. Muzelius himself acknowledged in a letter to Dom. Du Bois that for important reasons he did not go to church. The conclusion of the Coetus was, to write to Muzelius and the Consis- tory, directing them to conduct themselves properly and fairly to each other in all things.
2. Case of Arondeus .- The friends of Arondeus being called upon, reported that Dom. Arondeus, on account of being now involved in many difficulties, excused him- self from appearing at present before the Coetus, but that he would use all pains to appear on Monday, or certainly at the farthest on Tuesday, either in person or by writing. He would, as he said, spare no labor to remove the hindrance which stood in his way, and the present reporters promise to do the same. Dom. Du Bois replied to them, in the name of the Assembly, that the Coetus would sit on the coming Monday, and that whatever friends of Arondeus might appear, he himself would be expected, or at least a statement of his purpose in his own handwriting.
3. Dom. Haeghoort's Protest .- Dom. Haeghoort handed in a further elucidation of his protest.
4. Case of De Wint .- A copy of P. Wynstock's letter and an extract from a very important letter of the Classis of Amsterdam were read to De Wint, and he asked by the President what he had to say in reply. He brought so much to light in his own letter that the Coetus found itself constrained in all conscience to suspend him from the ministry of the sacraments, until further light should come from the Classis of Amsterdam, whose advice it was hoped to receive more at length upon the case.
5. (Ad § 3.) Reading of the Elucidation .- The elucidation of Dom. Haeghoort's protest was read.
Separated with thanksgiving to God, to meet again on Monday, at nine o'clock, A. M.
3178
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1751
Monday, September 16-Forenoon.
1. Decision upon the Protest .- After calling upon the name of the Lord, the Minutes were read and approved. Dom. Haeghoort's elucidation of his protest being taken up, it was concluded to refer it to a committee to make their comments upon it, and write to the Classis of Amsterdam, provided that the committee lay their report upon the table of the next meeting, so that if they shall prove to have yielded too much, there may be an opportunity of retracting. Messrs Du Bois, Ritzema, and Bancker were appointed the committee, nem. con.
2. Case of De Wint .- This was taken into further consideration.
3. Request from Bergen .- The Consistory of Bergen came in, with a request for information respecting the case of De Wint. It was given to them.
4. Request from De Wint .- This was, that the Coetus would suspend him entirely. But forseeing many troubles, should that course be preferred, the Coetus took the proposal ad referendum.
Tempus Conventus appointed for half past three o'clock, P. M.
Separated with thanksgiving.
Afternoon Session.
1. Approval of a School-teacher .- After calling upon the name of the Lord, a com- munication was brought upon the table from a school-teacher; which being approved, said person was recommended for his work.
The Consistory of Staten Island having brought forward various matters, through Dom. De Wint, it was decided that if they found themselves in any degree burdened by this, they should have leave to come directly before the Coetus.
2. (Ad § 4 of foregoing session.) The request of P. De Wint was taken in hand, but the Assembly rested content in the decision already made.
3. The Circle of Bergen and Staten Island .- The inquiry was made, To what Circle these congregations should belong? The answer given was, to the New York Circle.
4. Documents in De Wint's Case .- The letters and other matters concerning De Wint were delivered to the Extraordinary Clerk, to be forwarded, without selection, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
5. Appearance of Arondeus .- Dom. Arondeus entered, with his friends. Dr. Du Bois, in a suitable official address, inquired if they intended to conduct themselves according to all ecclesiastical usage; to which Arondeus answered, Yes. Thereupon, Dom. Du Bois read the extract from the resolution of the Classis of Amsterdam, and asked whether they would peacefully conform thereto; to which Arondeus and his friends present answered, Yes, and that very readily. Dom. Van Sinderen and Mr. Lott were asked if they were authorized to act for their congregations. They said that they were, but only as sitting in the Coetus, and must consult their con- gregations upon the subject. Being further asked as to their personal views, each answered satisfactorily for himself, that he was much inclined to peace. Supposing this to be the case, the Rev. Mr. Du Bois asked Arondeus, J. Lott, Nagel, J. Remsen, Jeremiah Remsen, John Nostrand, Daniel Bodet, L. Lefferts, N. Folkertse, K. Veghte, A. Van Der Bilt, W. Leeten, Rutgers Van Brunt, Sen'r and Jun'r, and A. Polhemus, if they would herein submit to the Coetus; all these persons being present, agreed to the same, and answered, Yes.
6. Arondeus Temporarily Silenced .- The question being put whether Arondeus, according to the resolution of the Classis of Amsterdam, should abstain from all ministerial service in both counties of Long Island, until peace should be restored, and he be lawfully called there as a minister, it was answered in the affirmative. The Coetus also enjoined upon Dom. Van Sinderen and his friends not to blazen abroad a triumph; nor should he boast of the matter, but in and out of the pulpit bear himself in an edifying manner.
It was determined to announce to Arondeus and his friends the time when the case should be brought to a final issue. This is fixed for October 15, four weeks from to-morrow, September 17, when an Extraordinary Coetus shall assemble, and take the matter in hand. Dom. Arondeus resigned the call, which the Classis of Amsterdam had declared to be unlawful.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 3179
1751
7. Citation of Arondeus .- The Coetus required Arondeus to appear before them to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, in order to give a categorical answer concerning the matters on which he had stood out so long. This was assented to by him.
The Assembly then separated with thanksgiving. Tempus Conventus appointed for nine o'clock, A. M., to-morrow.
Tuesday, September 17-Forenoon.
1. Question put to Arondeus .- After calling upon the name of God, the Minutes were read. Arondeus having entered, Dom. Du Bois proposed to him these questions:
1st. Whether he was willing to suspend all ministerial service, while the Coetus were preparing means for reconciliation?
2nd. Whether he had not promised this to the messenger first sent to him in the name of the Coetus?
3rd. Whether he had not published the same from the pulpit?
4th. Whether he had not promised the same thing before the Coetus, provided it was not considered as a judicial sentence?
His answers were:
To the 1st question .- So far as concerned Long Island.
To the 2nd .- Yes; but with the restriction that the Coetus were to make use thereof, and they had not received him.
To the 3rd .- Yes; but only in order to find time to put himself in condition for the next Coetus.
To the 4th .- Yes; provided it was not considered as a judicial sentence, with the limitation that no act on Arondeus's side had full force, unless it had injurious influences upon the congregations, conscientiously to accept it, or to make use of the same in connection with the English law of the land.
Separated with thanksgiving to God.
Afternoon Session.
After invocation of the Lord's name by the President, the Minutes were read.
1. Case of Van Driessen .- This case was brought up, and it was decided that letters should be written upon the matter, addressed to the minister and Consistory of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and to all those among their congregations who adhere to Van Driessen, or shall in future follow him.
2. Arondeus's Quaerit .- Arondeus presented a Quaerit, (so called by him,) in which he brings frightful charges against three ministers now present. Being asked how these things could be, he pretended, when the Assembly insisted, to have reasons for not naming them, unless compelled by a civil court.
3. Extraordinary Clerk .- Dom. Du Bois resigned his office of Extraordinary Clerk, and was thanked by the Assembly, for having borne the heavy burden so long, with so much fidelity; but Dom. Haeghoort still adhered to his protest. Dom. Ritzema was unanimously chosen to fill the vacant post.
4. Dom. Haeghoort's Complaint .- Dom. Haeghoort apprised the Assembly that he still complained of the ill usage of his Consistory and congregation, not being treated according to his call; and that he sought the judgement of the Coetus on the point whether they should fulfill the terms of the call. That judgement was given to the effect that they were thus bound in the highest degree. The proposition that Dom. Meinema, the Clerk, shall have the same declaration made in his case, is favorably received.
5. Minute Book .- In reply to a question, it was ordered that in case of a blot upon the Minutes, the Clerk shall record the same anew neatly.
6. Extra Meeting .- It is concluded, in case it is more than four weeks before the Coetus assembles, notice shall be given thereof.
The Assembly then separated with thanksgiving to God.
(Signed,)
J. H. Goetschius, h. t. President. Benjamin Meinema, h. t. Clerk.
Collatum Concordat.
58
3180
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1751
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA. Revs. G. du Bois, J. Ritzema and L. de Ronde to the Consistory at Claverack, N. Y. Oct. 4, 1751. Portfolio New York, Vol. ii.
To the Rev. Elders of the Consistory of Claverack, at Claverack.
The Consistory, Gentlemen :-- In reply to your letter under date of Sept. 25, it is to be noted that according to the Church Order of the Synod of Dordrecht, Art. 10, no church is allowed to receive a minister until he has presented lawful certificates of his dismissal from the church and the Classis where he ministered before. Now Rev. Eggo Tonkens van Hoevenberg, wanted to connect himself with the Coetus in this country. On being asked by the Coetus for such lawful certificate, in due form as a condition of his admission to its membership, he had none to present, and was on that account refused. The Coetus subsequently reported their action to the Classis of Amsterdam, which sent word by the latest ships to the effect that our Coetus had dealt justly with Rev. Van Hoevenberg, and that, for good reasons, the Classis would have nothing further to do with him. And so, you can readily infer what you are to do or to leave undone in reference to this matter.
At any rate, we, who feel in conscience bound to watch against all confusion, ask you to proceed in everything according to good ecclesiastical order, in order that the churches may not be rent by discord, but be, by the help of God, built up in unity and love. Herewith, wishing you God's blessing, we conclude and remain,
Gentlemen, your Obedient Servants,
G. du Bois, Joan Ritzema, Lambertus De Ronde.
New York, Oct. 4, 1751.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letters from Rev. Wynstok.
1751, Oct. 4th. Art. 6. Rev. van der Vorm reports that he had written to Rev. Wynstok, and had received a full reply from him, and therewith also a report about Peter de Wind. From this the Classis has abundant evidence that said de Wind had helped himself to false certificates, making himself a candidate, and had deceived the Classis of Amsterdam as well as others. Many other proofs were submitted of his wicked and deceitful conduct. These papers are now in the keeping of Rev. Van der Vorm to be used when and where it may be necessary. Rev. Van der Vorm is requested to express our gratitude to the Rev. Mr. Wynstok for his faithful and full recital, and to state that this Assembly abides by the action of the Rev. Classis of Nether Veluwe. The said Peter de Wind was, furthermore, declared by this Classis to be a deceiver. They annulled his appointment,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3181
1751
examination, and ordination as minister at Bergen and Staten Island in New Netherland. They also resolved that this shameful performance by said de Wind shall be made known in an em- phatic manner by the Deputies ad res Exteras to the Coetus of New York, and also to the Consistory of Bergen and Staten Island, in order that they may, de facto, depose this deceiver, nomine Classis. The draft of a letter for this purpose shall be handed in Classi sequenti. xii. 256.
Letter from New York and from Batavia.
Art. 9. The Rev. Deputies ad res Exteras handed in short extracts from letters from New York and Batavia. They also presented letters which had been composed in answer to the same. With these the Assembly was pleased, and they will be sent with the Acta Synodalia of 1751 to the churches. xii. 256.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to the Coetus, October 4, 1751. Vol. 30, page 233, No. 133. To the Coetus of New York.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
Your respected lines of May 13, 1759, O. S., signed by Revs. Du Bois, Ritsema and De Ronde, were placed in our hands Sept. 6, 1751, by Rev. Mr. Schelluyne. They were without address and unsealed. This was all right, if despatched to the care of such a gentleman, but might not be so appropriate, if cared for by some one else.
We are greatly delighted that God has confounded the enemies of his Church, and brought to nought, deceit and violence; for he has increased the number of Dutch ministers, from time to time, both in the city of New York and in the country at large. In proof of this we may say that three young men sent to us, have been called unto three churches, cum annexis. They are soon to present themselves to our Classis for examination. May the Lord increase and establish his Church in those regions still more, and cause Zion to be built up in peace! To this end we will ever strive to do our part with prayer for God's blessing.
We devoutly wish that the differences between Kingston and New Paltz could, ere this, have been settled. With this object in view our Assembly has already despatched a letter to Kingston as well as to the Rev. Coetus. We hope that thereby, those affairs may be settled, peace established, and all obstacles to the issuance of a call by New Paltz be taken out of the way. We also wish that the members of Kingston church, and all others who still remain obstinate, would join themselves to the Coetus, and dwell together in peace, as brethren. Then would the Lord surely command upon them life and blessing.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.