USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 12
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Finally, the Classis declare in a letter of Jan. 13, 1761, that she does not give the authority to conduct examinations in general, to the Coetus, but that this belongs only to the Classis; yet the Classis will in extraordinary cases act reason- able, and act in each case, pro re nata, provided the Coetus give notice of the particular features of the case, and furnish a praiseworthy testimonial as to the general knowledge of theology and truth in the individual applying. But no such privileges will be granted so long as the Coetus does not reunite itself in the ties of love and peace.
You have herein, brethren, a large communication, in reference to the prepara- tory and final examinations, in which the opinion of the Classis is given, and to which she will adhere. The Classis desire to be moderate in the matter in order to promote peace and love, but only on the conditions above specified. We earn- estly hope that peace and union may be found among you, and that you also, when the other gentlemen shall have subjected themselves to our decision, will be con- tented with the same, and that you will exert yourselves to clear away every obstacle, that discord may disappear and love may reign. . .
May the Lord of Peace influence you to unity of purpose and bind you together in ties of perfection. We commend you to God and to the Word of his grace, while we remain,
Yours with affection, Rev. Gentlemen and Beloved Brethren,
Your obedient servants and brethren,
In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John Jacob Kessler, Depp. CI. Amst. Depp h. t. Praeses. John De Lange, V. D. M., Amst. Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba. In our Classical Assembly,
January 11, 1763.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE COETUS, JANUARY 11, 1763.
VOL. 31, PAGE 179. No. 120.
To the Rev. Ministers in New York who call themselves the Coetus,
Rev, Gentlemen and Brethren :---
We have received a little book composed by John Leydt, pastor at New Brunswick, with the title, " True Liberty the Way to Peace," or " Information ", etc. having
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been examined, as the titie says, and published according to the rules of the Church. From this statement we must conclude that the other gentlemen, who claim to be the Coetus, have also examined and approved it, and are of the same opinion as its author. Therefore we deem it necessary to write you this letter.
It is with displeasure, and even indignation, that we have read in said book, the reproaches and contumely poured out, not only upon the Classis of Amsterdam, but also upon the Synod of North Holland, as well as certain resolutions printed therein. We cannot refrain from expressing our indignation that you, in your country, should thus bring contempt on the Classis, the Synods and Consistories of our country.
But have we, indeed, deserved such treatment when we have so often assisted your Church with advice and friendly exhortations in their many difficulties ? Is such our reward for our continued interest in your welfare? for the difficult and often painful labors in the consideration of your affairs? Our time is too precious, and our labors in our many congregations, together with the care of those in foreign lands, too great, for us to attempt to answer, minutely, such a document (as Leydt's book.) But perhaps this Is not necessary. For the principal question has reference to the right to hoid the preparatory and final examinations, including the acts of licensing and ordaining, together with the change of the Coetus Into a Classis, or a body no longer subordinate to the Amsterdam Ciassis. Rev. Leydt opposes the prerogative claimed by the Classis of Amsterdam to hold the Coetus in subordina- tion. lie pretends that the same prerogative dwelis in the Coetus, without subordi- . nation to a Classis. It will be sufficient, therefore, for us to prove the subordina- tion of the Coetus to the Classis.
The opinion of the Classis has always been, and is yet the same, that the churches of New Netherland have no right to hold the preparatory or finai examina- tions, for these distinctiy belong to the Classis ns such. This opinion is founded on the 4th Article etc.
[ For the next several pages, see preceding ietter. ]
.. Such subordinations exist also here in our country, (Holland.) Consis- tories are subordinate to Classis and Classis to Synods. Hence the Consistory of Amsterdam, although consisting of twenty nine ministers und so many ciders, has no power to conduct preparatory or finai examinations, but this power belongs only to the Classis ; but the Classis consists not only of ministers and eiders of (the city of) Amsterdam, but also of those of other churches, and all these together make the Classis.
For the same rensons the Coetus has not the power to conduct preparatory and finai examinations, inasmuch as it is regarded as being only a part of the Classis of Amsterdam, being an Assembly subordinate to that Classis.
We think we have said enough to prove the prerogative of the Classis. It is, therefore, unjust to acense the C'inssis of having usurped power without authority. It is a siander which Rev. Leydt has written in his book on page 26, namely, that those who recognize the authority of the Classis mnke her the highest power, deny- ing the power of Christ and the authority of the Scripture, and oppose the Constitu- tion of the Church .. The Classis has never attempted to ford it over your Church, but on the contrary, to serve her in love. She has, however, required a lawful subordination, founded on the Church Order. To this, the ministers of your country, by their signatures, have subjected themselves. The supremacy of the Classis was aiso recognized when the Coetus was established. A Coetus, subordinated to the
"This hardiy expresses Leydt's position. He says on page 26:
"A second question is this : Even though there were an express prohibition or com- mand of the Classis, does that necessarily render a matter lawfui or unlawful? I certainly do not believe that any one will calmiy admit this, as then, necessarily, a supreme legislative power over us would be attributed to the Classis, and thus the sole government of Christ would be denied; the authority of Scripture would be rejected ; and the Constitution of the Church impugned, if not perverted. The Classis might become disposed to forbid the reading of the Bible by the common people. Would such reading, therefore, be unlawful? Might forbid officials of the church to marry. Would it, therefore, be unlawful?" He then refers to commands to worship images, saints, doctrine of infailibility, etc., and asks whether ecclesias- tical commands could make these lawful. See under date of Aug. 12, 1760.
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Classis, was desired, and was based on legal Articles. . Those who now oppose the power of the Classis, and attempt to separate from it, act contrary to their obliga- tions. They destroy the very fundamentals on which the Coetus was based and confirmed by the Classis. Considering these circumstances, the Classis is unable to recognize such a Coetus (as now exists), but she requires that it should remain subordinate. It is not in any way advantageous to the Classis. In considering her own comfort it would be agreeable to us to be relieved of your troublesome affairs. But it is only for the prosperity of your Church, that the Classis is willing to do everything possible to serve and sustain you. But if the Classis is assailed, as Rev. Leydt has done. and many withdraw from subordination, and claim complete independence, then all further opportunity of serving you is taken away, and we will have just reason to bring our correspondence to an end.
Brethren, consider what will be the result of your withdrawal from the Nether- lands Church ? Will it not be the beginning of the introduction of (British) tyranny in the Church? Will not disturbances be multiplied by such an act? Would you not be the instrumentality of having your (Dutch Church) liberties assailed, which you have enjoyed (from the English conquest) until now? Consider these things carefully. Try to prevent those bad results, which will confuse or completely destroy your congregations, by uniting together again in a Coetus subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam.
In order to promote peace and unity among you, the Classis has been moderate in the matter of examinations, and will continue to be so, according to her statements in a letter of Jan. 13, 1761. In that letter the Classis expressed her desire that you might be induced to clear away the obstacles to union, so as to be able to see finally, an end to all disturbances.
May the Lord of Peace incite you thereto, making you one in heart and purpose, binding you together with ties of perfection. We commend you to God and the Word of His Grace, while we remain,
Yours with affection, Rev. Sirs and Beloved Brethren,
Your servants and brethren,
In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
John Jacob Kessler, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. Johannes de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly, Jan. 11, 1763.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Blank Call sent to Holland for a Minister to preach in English.
New York, January 18, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Present :- Domine Lambertus de Ronde, President, Domine J. Ritzema.
Pieter Lott
Gerrit Rappelye
Cornelius Bogart
Gerardus Beekman
Elders. Cornelius Clopper Simon Johnson
Deacons, Teunis Tiebout
Pieter Keteltas
Theodore Van Wyck John Bogart, Jr.
Dirk Brinkerhoof Isaac Roosevelt Johannes Hardenbrock
The draft of a letter to Holland, prepared by the Committee appointed on the 6th inst., was read and approved. The Committee were requested to write out a neat copy, and send the same to Holland by the first opportunity. It is in the words below.
Signed etc.,
L. de Ronde, p. t. President.
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1763
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
(Original in English.)
New York, January 10th, 1763.
Messrs. David Longueville and Jas. Brinshall at Amsterdam.
Reverend Gentlemen :-
We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being a committee appointed by the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of New York, are by them ordered to address these lines to you, presenting to you their compli- ments and true regard, together with their earnest solicitations in behalf of their congregation, that you would be pleased to use your kind endeavors to assist in getting a pious minister, qualified according to the Constitution of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Churches in Holland, and that is qualified to perform the ministerial function in the English language, thereby to present ourselves, our rising generation and the latest posterlty the inestimable blessing of that Constitution. And in order to give you a clear Ilght of the difficulties we struggle with, and the absolute necessity there Is to call a good Engilsh minister, it wlil be necessary to give you a true idea of the diminution of our once flourishing congregation, as a further inducement to use your utmost endeavors, with the help of God and advice of good men, to procure such a minister that may answer our plous intentions.
Know therefore, Gentlemen, that for some years past, the inhabitants of our Province In general and the City of New York In particular, consisted, by far the greatest part, of Dutch people who adhered to the doctrine constituted by the National Synod of Dort, and they had formerly the greatest share, if not the whole, In the administration of government, and even In our time have we had five of his Majesty's Council of this Province, residing In the city ; who frequented the worship of God performed in our churches and were members in communion with us. But since their death we have had none of our members raised to that high dignity. Our courts of judicature were filled with judges, justices, and other officers of Dutch extraction ; the officers of the militla are for the most part of our denomination ; in short our influence in church and state carried a superior sway In all the counties of the Province.
But being an English colony, and all matters of government, courts of justice, and our trade and traffic with foreigners carried on In the English language, has, by the length of time, gradually underminded our mother tongue, in so much that there is scarce a principal family in this elty and even in our own church, whose chlidren clearly understand the Dutch language; by means whereof we have dally the mortification to see the offspring of the wealthiest members of our congregation leave our divine worship, not being able to apprehend what Is taught, and join themselves to different societles that are amongst ns ; and in such numbers that the respective English congregations at present In the city, for the greatest part, consist of persons who are descendants of parents who were formerly communicants of our church ; and they dally leave us, not, without regret, on account of their not fully understanding the Dutch ministers, and of course are more edified by English preaching.
Our congregation, therefore, for some years past, has been a nursery for all the English denominations of Christians in this city, and those chiefly from our principal people, whereby most men now in power belong to other congregations, though Ilneally descended from Dutch parents. And, lest our congregation in a few years may, by its gradual decline, dwindie into a small number, it being Impossible to stop the current of the prevalency of the English language, our Ministers, Elders and Deacons, by and with the advice and consent of the Great Consistory or Kerkeraad of our church, have thought it expedient to call an English minister on the aforesaid establishment, not only to prevent a further diminution of our stock, but also to receive into our bosom again ail such who have left us on account of the language only, and are desirous to join our communion again as soon as we get a good English preacher.
And whereas there are several eminent preachers in this city, belonging to congre- gations who differ from us In worship, it behoves us, therefore, in a peculiar manner, to be provided with a person every way qualified not only to edify ourselves, but by hls plety, learning and eloquence to draw others. And as our sole alm and Intention is to preserve to us and our posterity the purity of our doctrine, and to bulld up
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our church on that faith delivered to us by our worthy forefathers ; and whereas, in all reformations, ecclesiastical or civil, there are found persons who either from private views, self interest or wrong conception, oppose all schemes that are calculated to promote a public good, so have we had a few of such amongst us, who have given us some trouble by endeavoring to influence the minds of the people to the prejudice of our cause, insinuating as if we intended to subvert the whole Constitution of our church, and would wholly extinguish all Dutch preaching and instruction; whereas, by the plan whereon we go, which you have hereunder annexed, you will plainly discover that we are determined always to maintain Two Dutch Ministers to preach in the Dutch churches ; and for that purpose, the revenues or income of the landed estates, etc., of our Dutch congregation are in the strongest manner secured solely for the Dutch service, the annual amount whereof will forever be more than sufficient to support two Dutch ministers with other Dutch officers necessary in the service.
Therefore all English ministers that are to officiate in our congregations will be paid by a subscription list, and the list now on foot for the minister we intend to call, amounts to £420., York money, annually to be paid by the subscribers to the Minister, Elders and Deacons, out of which they are to pay the English minister to be called, the annual salary of Three Hundred Pounds, New York currency, being equal to Two Thousand Holland guilders ; which sum together with the perquisites of marriages and burials, we presume, is sufficient to support a family in a genteel manner, and yearly to lay up something for posterity ; and as our subscription list is not yet finished, we expect before long to have it considerably augmented by several people who have been against an English minister, but begin more and more to perceive the utility of our design ; so that there is not the least fear or danger of our subscriptions diminishing by death of the ancient, as the increasing youth will amply supply their places ; and we flatter ourselves before long our proceedings will meet with general approbation. This we thought proper to hint to you lest some disgusted persons here might by their writings bias the minds of the good people in Holland by a false representation of facts, and so cause you to meet with opposition. However we cannot think that any of our members would act so much out of character as to stifle the growth of our congregation and the propagation of the Gospel therein, which can prosper only by calling an English minister as aforesaid.
Having given you a sketch of the present situation of our congregation, and briefly hinted on some matters which have relation thereto, our Consistory flatter themselves you will commiserate the declining state thereof, and that you will be pleased to aid and assist us in looking out for a worthy man that is capable to preach and to teach and instruct the rising generation, according to the plan here- under annexed as aforesaid. And as our New Church is a large editice, being one hundred English feet long and seventy-five feet wide, it will require a man with a strong audible voice, clear and distinct in his speech. He must be a good orator, used to elegant language, acquainted with men and books, to be orthodox in his principles, of an unblemished character, and affable in his behavior, whose piety is exemplary ; in short, a truly godly man, whose life and conversation may be worthy of imitation.
If it should please God in his good providence to favor us with such a man, we are morally sure it would be a singular blessing to our congregation, and answer the good intentions of all those who have the welfare of our Zion at heart. It would likewise redound to the honor of every worthy gentleman by whose means it may be brought about, and lay upon us and our posterity an eternal obligation.
We cannot, gentlemen, sufficiently enumerate to you the benefits that would result or arise from such a godly minister to future generations. For as we are the first in this part of the world, and I may say the metropolis and centre of America, that shall lead the van to have the Word of God explained and delivered in the English language, according to that system of doctrine which is professed and taught by the Reformed, Protestant Dutch churches in Holland ; so are we sure, if we suc- ceed according to our wishes, that many congregations in this and the neighboring Provinces will follow our example as they are under the like circumstances in respect of the language, and for want of an English minister must join with other denomina- tions as their different fancy inclines them, either to the Church of England, The Independent, Presbyterian, Anabaptist, Moravian, Lutheran, etc.
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We therefore humbly request that you will take our cause under your serious consideration, and endeavor, if possible, to find out if there is a person to be had in Holland, or elsewhere that may answer our purpose, that we may make a call upon him; and in case he understood the Dutch language we would like him the better and give him the preference, (provided his English dialect was pure and untainted, without any brogue of other languages), as he might occasionally preach Dutch, and be in a capacity to converse with every individual of our congregation. We should be extremely glad if you would as soon as you conveniently can, inform our consistory if it is likely to get such a man amongst you, as we shall leave no stone unturned, by the permission of God, to get one either in Holland, England, Scotland or here in America.
We have nevertheless chose as the safest and best way first to consult and apply to you and our friends in Holland, if you incline to take the charge upon you, which we earnestly intreat for this cause of God. You will be pleased to consult with the Rev. Mr. Vinolaus Budde, minister at your place, and such other gentlemen as you shall think needful; and all costs and charges of letters and traveling expenses, together with a reasonable reward for your services shall be honorably paid ; for which purpose Mr. Daniel Crommelin, merchant at Amsterdam, will be desired to advance all such sums as will be required, to whose care be pleased to give all letters concerning this affair, that he may send them by the first opportunity to London, to John G. Libenwood, who will forward them by every packet to New York, to enable us to have the earliest Intelligence.
We had almost forgot to inform you, that in case it was practicable, our congre- gation would incline to hear the minister first before a call be made out, to judge of his gifts; and rather to be bound to a man that does not answer the end almed at, would pay his passage hither and back, and give him over and above a present of one hundred pounds sterling ; such is the dread we have to be bound to a minister that does not answer the purposes aforesaid, the consequences of which might be fatal to us.
Before we conclude, we beg leave to add that notwithstanding the reverence and submission we pay the Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, who have always been our Pattern, we are of opinion that in the present case their assistance cannot be of much service, as we presume they are not sufficient masters of the English language to judge of the properties of English speech. Nevertheless we retain for them a high esteem which you will occasionally communicate to them, as we have reason to believe they would cheerfully promote the glory of God by propagating the Gospel of Christ in all languages to the utmost of their capacity. And our English minister Is to be under their subordination in the same degree with our Dutch ministers. Pray, Gentlemen, let the weight of the matter apologize for the length of this letter, and permit us in behalf of the consistory, (who are unanimous in the cause) to subscribe ourselves, Gentlemen,
Your sincere friends and very humble servants,
Johan. Ritzema, V.D.M. Lambertus de Ronde, V.D.M.
Cornel Clopper - Elders.
Theodore Van Wyck John Bogart, Jr.
Derick Brinkerhoff Garrit Rapalye Deacons.
P. S. We beg you will be pleased to enquire into the qualifications of the Rev. Mr. Archibald Laidile, Minister at Vlissingen, (Flushing) and the Rev. Mr. Jas. Afflick at Middleburg. Perhaps one of them may answer all the ends and purposes required. But as they are entire strangers, we must leave the case wholly to your judgement.
N. B. The subscription of all letters concerning our affairs must be as follows, being agreeable to our Charter.
To The Ministers, Elders and Deacons, of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of The City of New York.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3857 1763
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. KETELTAS, MARCH 18, 1763. VOL. 31, PAGE 194. No. 126. To Rev. Abram Keteltas.
Rev. Sir :-
We received your letter of June 7, 1762, as well as the communications of Revs. Ritzema, De Ronde, Van Sinderen and Rubel, dated Oct. 1762, together with the letters of the Rev. Consistory of the four united congregations of Queens County, dated June 7, 1762. We communicated the contents of all these to the Rev. Classis. After due consideration given to them, she has directed us to make the following reply:
The Classis is satisfied with your character, so far as it could be understood from your communications, and is also pleased with your conduct, in reference to the call presented to you by the four congregations. The Classis is also gratified in perceiving that the Consistories and congregations of these four places, have so cordially united in calling you. She, therefore, hopes that you may be of great usefulness there, and that it may soon be possible to effect your installation. But notwithstanding all this, there remains an obstacle thereto in your view of certain important truths: such as the mystery of the Holy Trinity, and especially the Son- ship of the Second Person. On account of these obstacles we cannot at present give our consent to your installation. We are bound to the doctrine of our church as set forth in our Formulas of Unity, viz., the Heidelberg Catechism, the Thirty- seven Articles of the Confession of Faith and the Canons of the Synod of Dort, 1618-19. These we subscribed when we began our ministry. We believe them and have promised to teach them, for they correspond to the Word of God, which is holy and infallible. Therefore no one can be accepted as a minister of our Church, without signing, with all sincerity, these formulas, and promising to teach the doctrine which is included in them. But the opinions which you have con- fessed to us does not correspond fully. with the doctrines of our Church. At any rate we observe in them obscure phraseology respecting important truths, which forbid our receiving you into our fellowship.
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