USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 14
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Probably our ministry will be concerting schemes this Summer against the next Session of Parliament for the Settlement of Ilis Majesty's American Dominions. And then we must try our utmost for Bishops. IHitherto little hath been said to them, and less by them on the subject. Our Dissenters however give out the Contrary, and endeavour to raise an alarm. God prosper us, if it be his will.
i have not heard, that any application hath been made for a Doctor's Degree for Mr. Chandler : but shall be ready at any time to forward one ; I understand from you, that he deserves it so well.
Dr. Burton will write to you concerning the several Missions. As the Society had on your Recommendation, appointed Mr. Palmer for Rye, and sent him notice of it, before Mr. Punderson was named on the occasion ; we cannot change the appoint- ment without Mr. Palmer's consent. I shall be glad, If he consents voluntarily : but we must not press him against his Inclination. The people at Rye may refuse him, If they will ; and take the maintenance of Mr. Punderson wholly on themselves ; and we shall be very well pleased.
We have heard nothing directly from Hartford yet. Whenever a fit opportunity offers, we shall be very desirous of doing whatever may be ngrecable to you. And I assure you } shall do nothing to retard your retirement, beyond expressing my wishes that you would be so kind to your College and to Mr. Cooper, as to give him a competent tline for becoming and shewing himself in some degree proper to succeed you.
It grleves nie to concur in postponing any of the new Missions, which you would have us establish. But Indeed some of those which we have established already in New England and New York have so few members of our Church in them ; and there are so great numbers in other parts, destitute of all Instruction, whom we may hope to secure to our Church by sending Missionaries to them, before other teachers get among them. I mean the new and frontier Settlements ; that I think we cannot avold preferring the latter. Would God we could effectually assist both. But we must not bring ourselves under a necessity of making another collection for the Society soon. Indeed it must be put off some years the longer, on account of that which Is now making for the two Colleges : for they will be considered as akin one to the other.
I told you, that I thought I had secured 170 pounds for Mr. Charitons Damages on his Glebe. And I have still reason to belleve that the King did sign a Warrant for that sum to be paid here to the Society's Treasurer. But remonstrances were made against it by some officer through whose hands the business was to pass. And now the Secretary at War hath written to Sir Jeffery Amherst about it, whose answer is in these words. "The Case of Mr. Charlton is this, that he really suffered by the encampment of the Troops: and I was in hopes that the Assembly of the Province would have considered his losses. If that doth not take place, I shall pay him out of the Contingencies in the manner you are pleased to direct." This there- fore I hope will be done. I hope also, that Mr. Charlton will lay out what he receives upon his Glebe faithfully, and prudently. If you can contribute to his
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doing so, I hope you will. For I know not how to contrive that the money may be paid into the hands of any one, that should act as Trustee upon the occasion.
I must not omit to tell you, that Mr. Cooper, in the only letter which I have had from him, dated Dec. 2, 1762, expresses, in the strongest manner his sense of the numberless Civilities and Acts of kindness, which he saith he hath received from you. Continual good advice will be the greatest kindness that you can show him.
It would be inconvenient and disagreeable to Mr. Beach, and not desirable in itself to have a formal controversy raised upon this wretched pamphlet. And in order to avoid it, his answer may be anonymous, as the pamphlet is. Or however, he may signifie that he doth not intend to take notice of any Reply, or enter further into a Discussion of particulars : his principal view being to convince persons, and if it may be, as he hopes it may, the writer himself, that since we are all to give an account of every idle word, and no Denomination of Christians is faultless, and mutual Charity is the great precept of our Saviour, we should treat all religious matters with seriousness, and one another with mildness and candour.
I am told, that our younger Missionaries are apt to give us too sanguine accounts of the flourishing state of their Missions and to say things, which mislead us. It will be very kind in you and all our friends in America to prevent this as far as you can, by admonishing those who are inaccurate and indirect, and by giving the Society notice, when you see matters exaggerated by them. We shall carefully keep such notices secret. And indeed it will be best, that the whole affairs of our Society should be transacted with as little talk about them abroad, as may be.
I am, with much Regard, Your loving brother, (Signed) Tho. Cant. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vii, pp. 517-519.
Lambeth, March 30, 1763.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF REV. JOHN RITZEMA TO REV. W.
BUDDE, DATED APRIL 1, 1763. VOL. 33, PAGE 67. No. 336.
Letter from New York, written April 1, 1763 by Rev. J. Ritzema to Rev. W. Budde. In this
1. He complains sorely about the state of the church in that country; for all those, who now call themselves the Coetus, with the single exception of the aged Erickson, (who sides with them solely for the sake of not being deposed), are given up to fanaticism, and are, at bottom, Independents. They care for no (Church) Order or Constitution; preach, and want to preach, to every gathering, whatever be the name. Therefore, all the sects in the country, even the Immer- sionists, who, as the pretension is, differ in nothing except the mode of adminis- tration of Baptism, say that they are one with the Dutch. Thereby, many simple souls in their congregations are enticed, caught and carried away. All this, he thinks, springs from that so-called "preaching the spirit" of these fanatics. Some remarkable instances thereof, are given.
2. He gives certain reasons why they (the Conferentie) thought, that when they did again unite in one Coetus, the majority vote should not prevail in certain matters that might have to be determined, in case a Coetus should ever be organ- ized again. He declares, however, that the restoration of the Coetus, while bene- ficial in some respects, involves very great difficulties in others.
(1) Every Coetus costs him more than fifty guilders, for the entertainment of the brethren besides all the trouble.
(2) Not much harmony can be expected in the matters coming up. This is sufficiently clear from the writings already published.
(3) He doubts whether the Church of New York, as well as that of Albany, will be willing to delegate their ministers thereto.
(4) Love, patience, forbearance, etc., will be able to accomplish a great deal; but setting the law, ruling, will accomplish nothing; and it is the latter that the members of the Coetus are seeking, while unwilling to be governed themselves. He closes with congratulations.
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EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF THE COETUS, PER REV. S. VERBRYCK,
PRESIDENT, AND J. LEYDT, SCRIBE TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTER- DAM, DATED, APRIL 6, 1763. VOL. 33, PAGE 68. No. 338.
Letter from Acquackanonck, signed, April 6, 1763, by S. Verbryck, p. t. Praeses and John Leydt, p. t. Scriba. In this
1. They state that, although it was thelr business and desire, as well as ours, to secure Peace and Unity among themselves, they are obliged to say that the peace desired has not yet been effected, and Is possibly now less probable than before. For, after the Coetus had, for good reasons, given to the public the letter of Classis, dated April 13, 1761, together with a supplement from the Coetus, making fresh proposais for peace; we became aware of the fact that the Articles, adopted by the Classis are still held, and the Coetus has received no further reply from the Conferentie. Moreover, we are now no longer divided Into only two parties, but a third has arisen, which under the name of a neutral party, remains by itself.
2. They further declare that, the Coetus has no desire whatever, that the Rev. Classls should side with elther party, to the exclusion of the other, beyond what truth and the equity of things require; yet their opinion is, that to continue the use of only general terms (of designation) will damage, rather than benefit the cause of unification and the interests of the Church of God.
3. They say, that the Coetus Is of opinion that if its power to promote Is not divine, then it is impossible for it to exercise that power in any respect, at any time, with a good conselence; that if It is divine, then no one save God, las a right to deprive them of it. Especially as the Coetus is an Assembly, consisting of many consistories, and several Circles (Ringen, Circuits) according to the seventh of the Fundamental Articles of its first organization. From this it appears that the Coetus is by no means to be considered less than a Classis; and, therefore, ought sureiy to be able to do as much and with as much right.
Therefore the Coctus ought to be considered as an Assembly of Eccleslastical- Blshops, competent by divine power and right to do as much, and everything that any Classis In the Netherlands can do in that capacity. For its greater efficiency, the Coetus may advise and correspond with the Classis of Amsterdam, while hav- ing the right of appeal to the Synod of North Holland, to be used In cases of necessity.
4. They deciare this to be the meaning, therefore, the desire, and the petition of the Coetus: that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, the divine nature of whose organization and power is admitted, would be pleased to recognize and declare the Cortus to be such a body, and to use its influence with the very Rev. Synod of North Holland, that the Coetus may, as such, be received and recognized by the Synod.
In order to bring this matter the sooner to an end, the Coetus requests and authorizes the Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenberg, minister at old Raritan, etc., who is going across the sea, to bring his mother-in-law to America, to lay this letter before your Revs., and a letter, containing the same request, before the very Rev. Synod, and to give such further information as the matter may require.
Concludes with congratulations.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Opposition to English Preaching.
New York, April 11, 1763.
Consistory held at the request of Messrs. Abel Hardenbrock, Jakobus Stoutenberg, etc., after calling on God's name.
1. Stoutenberg read a paper filled with grievous accusations against the Consistory. The paper was not addressed to the Con-
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sistory ; and on further explanation, they said they recognized us as brethren, but not as the Consistory. But, we answered, that as we sat as a Consistory, we could not treat with them while our official capacity was denied.
2. They desired to have the request which Alderman Bogart had brought in on the 6th of January (1763), in their name, made null, as it had been delivered without their wish. Whereupon Alderman Bogart, to their shame, made a contrary statement, whereat they were dumbfounded.
3. They desired to present a paper signed by 110 male mem- bers. This the Consistory refused to receive because it did not recognize their official character. At last they throw it down, and so marched out of the meeting. The Consistory, however, resolved to preserve the writing as disclosing the way in which they regarded us.
Signed etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters.
1763, April 11th. Art. 9. In compliance with the request of Rev. Classis to write further to Rev. Keteltas, the Messrs. Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter to that gentleman, which was ap- proved by the Assembly.
They also read a letter to Messrs. Ritzema, de Ronde, van Sinderen and Rubel, which was also approved, with thanks to the Messrs. Depp.
There was also a letter read to the consistory of the four com- bined congregations.
The Rev. Depp. also read a plan how there might be appointed in the church of New York a minister, to perform the services in the English language in the New Church (corner of cedar and Nassau streets.)
The Assembly having listened to this plan, finds it very excel- lent and approves of this project.
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They also read a letter from Rev. Jakson, minister at Bergen and Staten Island, to which they replied with the approval of the Rev. Classis. XIII. 334, 335.
(Examination.)
Art. 11. The Messrs. Hoolboom, Kuipers, and van Lingen, thereupon preached sermons on the texts assigned to them, with so much satisfaction that they were admitted to examination. The said gentlemen were thereafter examined by the Rev. Mr. Budde in the Hebrew and the Greek languages, on the chapters assigned to them, and subsequently questioned on the articles of Sacred Theology. They gave so much satisfaction in this exami- nation to this Assembly, that Rev. Hoolboom was assigned to the church of Archangel (Russia), and Rev. (Warmoldus) Kuipers to the congregation on the Island of Curacoa, (West Indies) ; and Rev. van Lingen, after he had repudiated the con- demned opinions of Prof. Roel and Dr. Bekker, and taken the oath against Simony, and promised to read without alteration the three questions in the Form for Baptism, was not only with much pleasure admitted by the whole Assembly (as a licentiate) to the public preaching, but the clerk was also directed to give him a laudable certificate. XIII. 335, 336.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. WILLIAM JAKSON, APRIL
11, 1763. VOL. 31, PAGE 199. No. 129.
To Rev. Win. Jakson, A. L. H. pastor at Bergen (and) Staten Island.
Rev. Sir and Much-beloved Brother:
Although the Classis had resolved not to answer letters directed to her by pri- rate individuals, on account of the Increased burden of correspondence Incident thereto; yet she thinks it would be useful briefly to answer your letter of July 18, 1762. It is well known to you that sometime after the establishment of the Coetus In 1747, that body became divided, one part continuing to call themselves the Coetus, while the other party called themselves the Conferentle. You know also how grievous all this has been to the Classis, and how many attempts she has made to unite the brethren Into one Coctus, but that all her efforts have been in rain. This is very distasteful to us. But the Classis is especially Indignant at the publication of the book of Leydt, who, with his adherents, not only attempts to withdraw himself from the Classis altogether; but also by hls writing so many slanderous things has brought reproach, In your country, both upon the Classis and the Synod of North Holland. He utterly falls to appreciate the abundant labors of the Classis for the benefit of the churches in your land.
We have expressed our opinion on these matters In a letter to the gentlemen who call themselves the Coetus. This has already been sent, and you will learn
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therefrom what the Classis thinks of the attempts of Rev. Leydt and his adher- ents. You will understand how much we disapprove of his act, and how pleased we are with the opinions of the brethren who call themselves the Conferentie, and who are determined to remain subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam. From this you can easily draw the conclusion, that we cannot, according to your request, write to your Consistory in order to direct them to give their consent to your going to attend a meeting of the so-called Coetus, because it is only a remnant of the real Coetus. We cannot unite in your views of this matter, but it becomes rather our duty to admonish you fraternally and earnestly, as we have other min- isters, to be as active as possible in bringing such disturbances and divisions to an end, and to unite yourselves again in a Coetus subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam. For unless this be done, we see nothing else than the destruction of your congregations.
You write about the case of Rev. Keteltas, alluding to the fact that some think a reordination to be necessary. This is quite outside the truth; for his call was only made known to us, because of a suspicion about his views on the Holy Trinity and the generation of the Son. An extract of his opinions was sent us, and our views were desired, namely, whether he under such circumstances, could be admitted as the minister of a Dutch Church, as the Consistory of a certain place desired. Neither is it true that Rev. Ritzema has declared himself against the call of a minister to the New York Church, to preach in English; but in many letters, signed by that gentleman, he has agreed thereto. You will understand, therefore, that the Classis has sufficient reason to rebuke you for slanderous lan- guage about these gentlemen, and for great injury done unto others. What is the use of this wild zeal of yours? Does it show a Christian spirit? Does it mani- fest brotherly love? Are such things the fruits of the Spirit? By no means. The fruits mentioned by Paul in Gal. 5:22, are of a totally different sort.
But we will stop here, only saying that we are filled with sorrow in your behalf. We are grieved that you, who, in the judgment of charity, mean well, should be so far carried away by ill-directed zeal, as to slander different persons who do not at all deserve it. But we will not take up everything of a bad spirit, but we fraternally exhort you to avoid in the future such behavior; to subdue your pas- sions; to pray for the spirit of love, goodness, humility, temperance; to bear with one another, to forgive one another, as God for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. Show forth that love, which is the bond of perfectness. And now may the peace of God dwell in your hearts. With such desires, we remain, with brotherly affection,
Rev. Sir and Much-beloved Brother, Your obedient servants and brethren, John Jacob Kessler, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praeses. Joh. de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Scriba.
In the Name of the Classical Assembly
at Amsterdam, April 11th, 1763.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Manor of Fordham. English Preaching.
New York, April 14, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Present: Domine Ritzema, President, Domine De Ronde; Elders: Pieter Lott, Cornelius Bogart, Cornelius Clopper, John Bogart, Jr. and Theodore Van Wyck. Deacons: Gerard Beekman, Isaac Rosevelt and Dirk Brinkerhoff.
1. The lease for the three lots of John Van der Huil was examined, and was found to expire in May next. Of this Mr. Petrus Louw, in behalf of his mother, was convinced, and therefore renounced the claim to hold it till the year 1768. Still he asked to have one and a half lots during the remaining five years, at £5. per lot yearly-making £712. for the whole. The answer was referred to next consistory.
2. Three leases given in the same year, 1718, were found, in which the same mistake occurred, viz., of Abram Paalding, Fred'k Woertendyk, John Hitskok. There was still missing one of Willem de Pue, which must be sought for.
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3. The letter of Jacob Lent on the Manor was read. Thereupon the Consistory resolved that they would expect this year the £15. which are demanded, and here- after would see what they could do in the case.
4. In relation to the paper presented by Alderman Bogart on January 6th, it was resolved, on request of those in whose name it was presented, to make it null as if it had never been offered.
5. Resolved, That since it clearly appears from the paper thrown down, that the consistory is not recognized, the President shall not, although requested, ascribe any consistory to them, as with the consent of the consistory itself.
6. Resolved, That the Eight Articles, as read word by word after the amend- ment, shall be recorded in the book, with an N. B., by which the present Con- sistory shall hold them literally, without alteration.
7. The hope now arises for once that those recognized as on the Dutch side may be united; and the Consistory is convinced, that many of the signers did not understand what they signed. Therefore the Consistory feels bound, especially since there are many who have not signed on either side, to try whether a number of them could not be convinced by personal address, of the necessity, for the wel- fare of the whole congregation, of holding fast to the Eight Articies.
S. Resolved, That the Church Masters henceforth sell no more seats In the church, but only rent the same; and this shall be made known to the members.
9. Resolved, That the Interest of the £2000, due in May next, be paid to the ministers. The Treasurer Is requested, therefore, to keep this money in the treasury.
10. That Mr. Andrew Breestede be requested to prepare a plan for the gallery in the New Church.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters. Report on Leydt's Second Pamphlet. Complaint by Ritzema.
1763, May 2. Art. 2. The Acta of the previous meeting were read. On this occasion the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter to Rev. Wildrick, on Curacoa, which was approved. They also made a report on a letter and a (second) pamphlet by Rev. Leith, (Leydt), minister at New Brunswick in New Jersey, (dated Feb. 19, 1762); as well as of a letter from Rev. Ritzema, dated Dec. 29, 1762, in which he complains that he had been falsely ac- cused of writing to the Christian Synod of 1757. In regard to this the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras shall further inform them- selves. XIII. 336.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. R. WILDRICK OF CURACOA, MAY 2, 1763. VOL. 31, PAGE 14. No. 103. (REV. WAR- NOLDUS KUYPERS, AFTERWARD OF RHINEBECK.
To Rev. Rudolphus Wildrik, minister at Curacoa.
Very Rev. Sir and Much Beloved Brother :-
With a view to keeping up the fraternal correspondence, we have just now, on the 12th of January, 1762, replied to your Rev's. latest letter of July 22, 1761,
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and also sent your Rev. the Acts of the Synod of North Holland, held at Hoorn, in the year 1761. We hope that your Rev. may duly receive the same, as also our letter. We are confident however, that your Rev. is also glad to keep up the laudable correspondence, and that you will soon give us fresh and agreeable evi- dences thereof.
We did not want to neglect informing your Rev. of the fact that the Messrs. Directors have recently designated as minister on Curacoa, Rev. Warmoldus Kuy- pers, ministerial candidate of Groningen. The Classis last held, finally examined and qualified him for the ministry of the Holy Ghost in your Rev's. church. He is now about to come over to you with the first opportunity.
We felicitate your Rev. upon receiving this new colleague. Our hearts' desire is that his Rev's. ministry may be acceptable to the Church and richly blest. We also desire that your Rev. may, have with him, in sincere brotherly love, a united, peaceful and fruitful life; also that you may enjoy useful intercourse together in the House of the Lord, for your mutual stimulation to diligence in knowledge and zeal in the Lord's service.
May the King of Glory, whom we are and whom we must serve, fill the hearts of His servants in your church with His love, guide them by His fear and gird them with strength. Thus may He pour forth abundantly upon you the memory of His great goodness, and make known unto you His righteousness with joy! May He use your Rev's. ministry for extending His kingdom in your midst! May He establish you and set you for a Praise in those lands! Further, with much affection, we remain,
Very Rev. Sir and Much Respected Brother,
Your Rev's. ready Servants and Brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam.
Signed,
Johannes de Lange, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Classis, Res Exteras, h. t. Praeses. Winoldus Budde, E. Cl. Amst. Depp. Classis Ad Res. Ext. h. t. Scriba.
Done in our Classical Assembly, held at Amsterdam, May 2, 1763.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER OF THE CONFERENTIE, PER REV. JOHN
RITZEMA, TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, JUNE 8, 1763. VOL. 33, PAGE 65. No. 332.
Letter, written from New York, June 8, 1763, by Rev. John Ritzema, in the name of his colleague, de Ronde, and also of Revs. Van Sinderen and Rubel.
1. They report that they received our bundle of letters of Jan. 11, 1763, on the 5th of June; and with great pleasure read our letters, for which they heartily thank us.
2. They state that they have nothing against our decision concerning the majority vote in the Coetus.
3. They declare that it would have been pleasing to them, if it had been our desire to touch on the matter of the disruption of the Coetus also; but that since we let the subject of Peace alone, they also will go to no further trouble about it.
4. They say: We want no yoke of human bondage about us; but we desire to observe good order, agreeably to divine and human laws; to this indeed we have obligated and bound ourselves. And, if it pleases the Rev. Classis, as a High Assembly to which we are most closely subordinated, to support us therein, then the Classis can assure itself not only of our adherence to them, to the exclusion of any other body, but also they may assure themselves that benefits will result therefrom to the churches in these regions.
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