USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 15
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5. They mention also that they had delivered our letter to Rev. Keteltas, and also the one addressed to the church (which had called him); but that they have thus far been unable to persuade them to come to an agreement, and had given them some more time for the consideration of the matter.
They conclude with congratulations.
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ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CAD- WALLADER COLDEN, JUNE 28, 1763-NOVEMBER 13, 1765.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. PREACHING IN ENGLISH. New York, June 8, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The answer of domine Longueville and Blinshall to the letter sent to them in January last, concerning the call of an English minister, etc., was read. The same committee was appointed to reply to their letter by the first opportunity.
The Treasurer was authorized to pay the account of Francois Marschalk and also of the lawyers, concerning the Manor.
PSALMS IN ENGLISH WITH DUTCH MUSIC. New York, July 5, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The plan of certain Psalms in English rhyme, according to our music, was laid before the consistory, and so far approved. The matter was referred to a committee to examine, when further completed, who are then to consult with others. The committee are domine Ritzema, Cornelius Clopper, Theodore Van Wyck, Pieter Keteltas and Dirck Brinckerhoff.
Signed, Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
PREACHING IN ENGLISH. REV. ARCHIBALD LAIDLIE. New York, July 16, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Present: Domine de Ronde, President; domine Ritzema. Elders: S. Johnson, C. Clopper, P. Lott, John Bogart, Jr., Theo- dore Van Wyck.
1763
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Deacons: Gerrit Rappelye, P. Keteltas, John Hardenbrock, Gerard Beekman, T. Tiebout, J. Roosevelt, Jr.
A copy of a letter written at Amsterdam May 6, 1763, by the Rev. D. Longueville and J. Blinshall in reference to the English preacher, was presented and read. Thereon it was
1. Enquired, Whether the excellent character of domine Archi- bald Laidlie as given by these gentlemen, were not enough to war- rant us to call him; also, whether the difficulties stated by the same, as to the Bond, the preaching service, etc., were not already removed; also, whether the Bond demanded by the succeeding consistory were not in the nature of the case, the strongest secur- ity. To all these questions, the answer was, Yes. The call shall therefore be prepared by the committee before appointed.
2. Resolved, To write to the Classis of Amsterdam, and make known to them the calling by us of an English minister for our congregation, the plan of which has already been approved by them, and to request their farther aid in the same for the good of our congregation.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
THE CASE OF RITZEMA.
1763, July 18th. Art. 5, ad Art. 2 of the Regular Meeting of May 2, 1763. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras have informed themselves as to the false accusation of which Rev. Ritzema com- plains. They made a report thereon and read a pre-advice in re- lation to the matter. This pre-advice, to be found in Actis Deputa- torum, was changed into a resolution of Classis. xxiii. 343.
MINUTE-BOOK OF THE COETUS OF NEW YORK, ETC.
Art. 6, ad Art. 5 of Regular Meeting, Oct. 4, 1762. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras also reported on the business laid upon them October 4, 1762, for which see Acta of that date. The dele- gates ad Synodum are directed to bring this report in Synodo, nomine Classis. The same is also found in the Acta of the Deputies. xiii. 343.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
REQUEST OF THE COETUS OF NEW YORK.
Art. 7. There appeared before the Classis, Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg, minister at Old Raritan, in New Netherland. He handed in a letter, addressed to the Classis of Amsterdam. Ac- cording to the signatures of this letter, it was written by order of the Coetus of New Netherland, signed by Samuel Verbryck, President, protem, and John Leydt, Clerk, protem. It was dated Aquackanonck (Passaic) April 6, 1763, and contained,
1. A request that the Classis of Amsterdam would be pleased to recognize the Coetus; also that it would aid in promoting before the Christian Synod (of North Holland) that the Coetus should be recognized by that Christian Synod, and declared to be a (regular) Coetus or Assembly of church officials, with power and right to do all that any Classis in the Netherlands does in that capacity; that the said Classis (Coetus ?) should consult and correspond with the Classis of Amsterdam, and that the right of appeal should remain open to the Synod of North Holland, to be made use of in case of necessity : and
2. A declaration that the Coetus has authorized the aforesaid Rev. Hardenberg to give such further explanations to the Classis and Synod, as the case may require.
This letter was read to the Assembly, and Rev. Hardenberg was also heard. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras had also more than once conferred with Rev. Hardenberg previously. They now read a report (pre-advice) upon this matter, which was ap- proved by the Assembly with thanks, and was changed into a resolution of the Classis, and the same was ordered to be inserted in the Acta Deputatorum. After this, Mr. Hardenberg was in- formed by the Rev. President, nomine Classis, that the Classis considers that it has no power to grant the proposed request.
Commission of Rev. Lange. The Assembly subsequently re- solved to commission Rev. de Lange, together with and besides the other delegates ad Synodum, to give further explanation to the Christian Synod regarding the condition of the church affairs in New Netherland, and fully to inform the Christian Synod as to
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the transactions of the Classis with the Coetus hitherto. This commission Rev. de Lange was pleased to accept. xiii. 343, 344, 345.
LETTERS.
Art. 8. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter from Batavia dated Oct. 18, 1762, wherein was sent to Classis an ac- count of the state of the church in Netherland's India. They also reported that they had received several letters, of various dates, from Rev. Jakson; also one from Rev. Marinus; and two from the consistory of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. But all these being from private individuals, according to previous resolutions no extracts shall be made therefrom, nor shall they be answered. xiii. 345.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES JULY 18, 1763.
Report of the case of Ritzema.
Preadvice of the Deputies, in the case of the false accusation against Rev. Ritzema, regarding the letter written to the Synod of North Holland.
The Deputati ad Res Exteras report, that Rev. Ritzema in a letter to them, declares that he has never written such a letter to the North Holland Synod, with such a request, as is contained in the Acta of the year 1757, and he requests to be vindicated in reference to that matter. The Deputati have obtained this letter, written over Rev. Ritzema's name from the Synodical chest, and (compared) it with other authentic letters of his. Thereby they have been able plainly to see that this was not written by him, but by some other hand. It differs also very much in its contents, from a letter, which Rev. Ritzema wrote to the Classis about the same person, of the .... .. . Moreover the difference in spelling, and faults in grammar, discover very plainly that this letter was composed by another and strange hand. The Deputies are of the opinion that Rev. Ritzema was falsely accused, and ought to be vindicated, and to receive all possible satisfaction.
Report of the Request of the Coetus.
Preadvice on the request of the so-called Coetus of New York made by Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg; as also on the information by the same, concerning the meeting of the so-called Coetus of New York, as described in a certain pamphlet.
The Deputies also report that there appeared before them, Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg, minister at Old Raritan, in New Netherland. He was furnished with full authority from those ministers who yet call themselves the Coetus. His papers were signed by John Leidt (Leydt) and Samuel Verbryck, ministers at New Brunswick and Tappan. He, by virtue of his commission, had proposed to them, (the Deputies) whether the Classis of Amsterdam could not consent to change the New York Coetus into a Classis, with the power of ordaining to the ministry in that land; and whether it could (not) also advise the Conferentie Assembly to favor the change of the Coetus into a Classis. He claims that this would be the best way of making an end of all schisms and dissensions, and of uniting the min- isters and consistories there into one body; adding thereto, that if this should be accorded by the Classis, they then also would be desiring from here a Professor in Theology, to instruct the youth over there in Theology, and to qualify them for the Sacred Ministry.
The Deputati remark, first of all, that Rev. Hardenberg is one of those min- isters, whom, they who call themselves the Coetus examined and advanced to the candidateship and to the ministry in that land, against the resolution of Classis
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and Synod. For this reason the Classis might fairly refuse to recognize Rev. Hardenberg in that capacity; but Inasmuch as the Classis, In its letter of Jan. 13, 1761, declared, that while they could not indeed approve the ordinations effected, as having been effected upon the footing of the Netherland churches, yet they would not judge them strictly, much less try to annul them; but for the sake of peace they would let them stand, and consider them as accomplished facts. The Classis could, therefore, at the present time also exercise the accommodation to hearken to the proposition of Rev. Hardenberg, and to dellberate thereon.
But the Deputles are of the opinion, salvo mellorl, that the request can in no respect be granted:
1. Because this subject is already a res judicata. The plan of changing the Coetus Into a Classis and of erecting an Academy were rejected by the Classis in two emphatic letters, viz., of Dec. 9, 1755, and April 5, 1756; also by the Synod of North Holland, which emphatically confirmed the opinions of the Classis In the years 1756 and 1757.
2. Because, since then, no circumstance in favor of these proposals has occurred, which could persuade the Classis to a change of sentiment; but on the contrary affairs have grown much worse, while the schism and dissensions have much Increased, and the embitterment between the two parties has become greater. Indeed, the matter has gone so far that Rev. Lidt (Leydt) has not hesitated, even in public print, in his pamphlet before mentioned, to insult the Classis, in a scornful manner, In several plnees; and also even to injure the feelings of the Synod of North Holland very deeply. He also maintains therein, In every wny, that the Coetus has the right to ordain, etc. He seeks to bring to naught all sub- jection to the Classis, and, on the other hand, to Introduce a complete Independence.
In answer to this pamphlet, the Conferentie Meeting Ins published another. In this they not only oppose Rev. Leydt, but also ascribe the right to ordain In the church, to the Classis of Amsterdam nlone. They declare that they are perfectly willing to remain subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and make request, in a letter accompanying these two pamphlets, that the Classis would please render n final decision on this point; otherwise they will feel themselves compelled to address themselves to the Synod.
In order to comply with this request, Cingsis, after mature consideration on this matter, has adopted a resolution, and has ordered its Deputies nd Res Externs to write two letters conveying Its decision: One to the Conferentie Meeting, and another to the Cortus; and to express to the latter the displeasure of the Classis at the action taken In the premises.
The Deputies have carried out this order, and prepared two letters, which were approved by Classis and subsequently forwarded. In the one, they npproved and praised the doings of the Conferentie Meeting; and in the other, to the Coetus, they plainly declared the dissatisfaction of the Classis with its conduct.
In both these letters, it is circumstantially declared, that the Classis of Amster- dam has the right of ordination for the churches of New York; and that church (in New York) and also the Coetns are legally subordinate to the Classis. This is proved: 1. From the original character of that province, when It stood under the West India Company. Then this, like all other colonles of the Company, was subordinated to the Classis of Amsterdam; and as a matter of course their preach- ers were then subordinate. This, If necessary, can be proved from many docu- ments in the keeping of Classis. 2. From the circumstances under which the church Is situated, since this province came under the power of Great Britain. At the transference of this province to the Dominon of Great Britain, Sept. 8. 1664, the following was explicitly guaranteed and accorded: Article 8: "The Dutch here shall retain and enjoy freedom of conscience In Worship and in Church Discipline." Article 12: "All public writings and records concerning the inheri- tance of any one, or the Ecclesiastical Government the Diaconate or Orphanage Boards, shall be carefully retained by those In whose keeping they are.
From this, It is evident that the church condition (kerkstaat) of that province remained In the same status In which they were, when it was subject to the West India Company; and that It also remained in the same condition at the definitive Treaty of Peace between the King of Great Britain and the High Mightinesses, The States General, In the year 1667. Therein It was explicitly agreed: "That each of the sald partles shall hold and possess In perfect right of sovereignty, pro-
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priety and possession, all such countries, islands, towns, forts, places and colonies, and so many as each, whether during this war or before, in whatever time it may have been, shall have taken and retained from the other, by force and by arms, or in whatever manner it may have been, and that in the same manner as they shall have occupied and possessed them, on the 10/20 May last, none of the said places excepted." 3. From the fundamental articles upon which the Coetus was granted. 4. Finally, from the experience and recognition of the Church of New Netherland itself, enforced by the resolutions of the Synod.
To these two letters answers are expected shortly. When these come it will be seen what effect these letters have produced. As affairs stand thus, Classis can- not possibly make any change therein. How, too, could it grant a request to those who have thus insulted it, as well as the Synod; and who, in defiance of the reso- lutions of Classis and Synod, have already examined, on their own authority, sev- eral ministers in that land; and who have also done these things at the expense of those who hold themselves to the utterances of Classis and Synod. These also have no knowledge of this mission of Rev. Hardenberg, and only recently in letters of March 10 and April 1, 1763, express themselves very emphatically as opposed to the sentiments of those who call themselves the Coetus?
For all these reasons, the Deputies decide that not only the Classis must now persist in its sentiments, but that it can in no part desist therefrom; and that it ought to declare this to the aforesaid Rev. Hardenberg. It should also add thereto, that, in case that Coetus wants to persevere on the course heretofore pursued, the Classis will find itself compelled to break off all correspondence with it, and to abandon it to its fate. They must attribute to themselves the blame for this, when at any time hereafter, they may experience the injurious consequences of their separation, and not pretend that they were not warned.
Further, the Deputies submit for consideration, whether Rev. Hardenberg ought not to be warned, that he must not undertake to raise money here for the carry- ing out the plan of erecting an Academy, for he has already begun to gather in the moneys secured by Rev. Frielinghuysen, lest he come into difficulty here.
Finally, the Deputies furnish some principal specimens from Rev. John Leydt's book, entitled,
"True Liberty the Way to Peace." This was published after previous examina- tion, according to Church Order, at Philadelphia, Anno 1760. Therein, not only the Classis, but also the Synod of North Holland are greatly insulted and traduced.
The Classis is insulted and traduced on pages 25 and 26. A question here arises. Also on pages 27 and 28 entire; page 47, line 3 from end; page 48, line 8; page 50, line 1; page 52, line 4; page 57, line 3.
The Synod is insulted and traduced, page 29, entire, and page 30, the greater part: "The Synod having been recently requested," etc.
They, the Deputies, think that the Synod of North Holland should be informed of the affronts and revilings which are directed against the Classis of Amsterdam and the said Synod, in this pamphlet.
This Preadvice of the Deputies upon these three aforesaid Articles was changed into a resolution of Classis; and it was resolved to bring this report before the Synod, in the name of Classis.
The North Holland Synod took over this resolution of Classis with thanks and complete approval, and adopted a resolution in very emphatic terms, to be found in the Acta of the Synod at Edam, Anno 1763, Article 48.
xxiv. 90-92.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM THE CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK, PER REV. DE RONDE, DATED JULY 20, 1763. VOL. 33, PAGE 69. No. 339.
A letter from New York, signed, July 20, 1763, in name of the Consistory there, by Lambertus de Ronde, h. t. Praeses. In this
1. They declare that the Ninth Article of our Classical Meet- ing, held April 11, 1763, in reference to their purpose of having
.
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in their church a minister to preach in the English language, on the same footing with the Dutch ministers, is exceedingly agree- able to them. Also they notice that we too, have gained some proper insight into their affairs, and that, therefore, they may be in a condition to maintain their lawful undertakings, in opposi- tion to malicious adversaries, should necessity call for it. In this case they would look to us for our (classical) assistance.
2. They state that they have heard that the Rev. Archibald Laidlie, who is recommended to them, is a person very suitable to answer their object. Wherefore they have offered him the call, not doubting that it will receive our (classical) approval; and that since his Rev. will come to them, as one sent by the Rev. Classis, no further opposition will be raised.
They conclude with congratulations.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 21, 1763.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Report was made by the committee concerning Messrs. Lefferts, Abraham and Dirk Bankers, Evert and Adrian, Pleter Clopper, etc., to whom the entire proceedings of the consistory were read over. No one of them made any objec- tion; yet they desired that the call on domine Laidile should not be sealed with the church seal, but only signed, according to custom. This, the consistory, after consideration, agreed to.
2. It was further represented by the gentlemen that, although by the Eight Articles, the collection In both services were to be for the church and poor in common; yet they had nothing against applying the collection at the English service to the support of the English ininister, If the subscription for the same fell short. This also was unanimously agreed to.
3. The call was signed by the Consistory and delivered over to be immediately forwarded.
Signed etc., Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. President.
CALL OF REV. ARCHIBALD LAIDLIE, THE FIRST MINISTER TO PREACH IN ENGLISH, IN THE DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Call of the revered and learned Mr. Archibald Laidlie, now minister In the Reformed English Church of Jesus Christ at Vlissingen In Zeeland, by the Min- Isters, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Jesus Christ In the city of New York, In North America, as authorized by the Congregation, (being supported by a sufficient subscription,) to be the minister in sald Congre- gation in the English language :-
Be it known to you, that for some years past three and four (Dutch) ministers have satisfactorlly labored in our large Dutch congregation, and, under the Lord's blessing, not without fruit, but that now, only two (Dutch) ministers are employed, and probably, owing to the decay of our Dutch language in this English colony, there never will be more: Therefore, a great many of our members, and others who originally belonged to us, have provided a sufficient support for a minister in
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the English tongue, (agreeably to the constitution of the Netherlandish Church established in the National Synod at Dort, 1618 1619) have urged us to proceed: Therefore the Consistory felt themselves constrained on the 6th of June, 1763, to resolve to see if they could find in the Netherlands some one furnished with the requisite qualifications to satisfy the desire of so many in this pious object.
And it has pleased the good God in his adorable providence to direct us to you, unknown to us in person, yet well-known, in all that which makes a minister of the Gospel acceptable to God and useful to men, by very excellent testimonies, given by persons whose judgment we are bound to respect. Therefore on the 10th of July, we came to the resolution with great alacrity, to make a call upon you, in the hope and expectation that the Lord would incline your heart to accept the same and make your way prosperous to us, for the advantage of immortal souls among us, many of whom wander as sheep without a shepherd-that they may be gathered into the fellowship of God's people, and obtain part in the inheritance of the saints in light. A great longing for this appears, in that, although the testi- monies concerning you have been known only two days, the cry is heard-"O Man of God, come over and help us; be our pastor and leader to the fountain of living waters."
What is required of you is, in one word, (according to the measure of grace given you, or which the good God may give you), to fulfil the whole duty of a faithful minister of the Holy Gospel, in teaching and ruling, with your colleagues and ourselves now in the service of the congregation, or with those hereafter to be appointed.
In particular: Your service in English is limited to the New Church; to preach therein twice a week, either both times on Sunday, or once on Sunday and once in the week, according to the pleasure of the Consistory; of these discourses, one must be on the Heidelberg Catechism, in course, as usual in our church; you are also to administer, in turn, the Lord's Supper, and hold the Preparatory Service before it; you are also to preach on the so-called Festivals Pass, (Easter), Pinkster, Ascension Day, Christmas, and on the Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving appointed by the public authorities, according to arrangements made from time to time; and also to catechize (the children) in the elements of the Reformed Religion.
We promise to pay you, therefor, £300. New York money, yearly, in quarterly sums; for the prompt payment of which we bind ourselves in qualitate qua, and under the condition that we shall provide that our successors come under the same obligation, according to the constant practice in our congregation in reference to the Dutch (ministers). This is a stronger bond than if we personally gave our obligations; since thereby, in time, the best portions of our congregation thus become bound; and to whom the subscribers have pledged themselves by their voluntary act. There is not, therefore, the least reason to fear a failure in this respect, so long as you are our minister. Besides, there are the fees of marriages, funerals, etc., be the same less or more.
The costs of the call, shipping expenses, assurance of goods, of course come on the congregation. The salary will begin from the day of approval of this call, by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. The conclusion follows.
To the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Esteemed Brethren :-
The 9th Article of your meeting, held April 11, 1763, in reference to your view of our purpose to call a minister in the English tongue, to officiate in our congre- gation, on the same footing as the Dutch (ministers), is very acceptable to us. For we perceive you have obtained some good insight into our affairs; in that we have now for a long time been in condition to maintain our just undertakings, if necessity should demand it against malevolent opposition. We hope, however, this will not be necessary. We do not doubt that you will, toward this result, con- tribute everything that may serve to maintain our cause, and that you intend nothing else than to help us preserve our privileges sacred and inviolate.
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