USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 16
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We perceive from all the circumstances that the Rev. Archibald Laidlie is recommended to us as a very fit person to answer all our aims. We have made out a call upon him, not doubting your approbation; nor that, when he comes as one sent by you, all farther opposition will cease and that he will come with the full blessing of the Gospel.
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Herewith we conclude, commending your persons and your worthy Assembly to the protection of the Most High. May you long continue for the good of this our Zion, in this remote part of the world.
We subscribe ourselves with esteem,
Your servants and associates,
The Consistory of the Dutch Congregation in New York. Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. President.
Actum in our Consistory
in New York, July 20, 1763.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Opponents of Rev. Archibald Laidlie to the Classis of Amster- dam, July 22, 1763. An abstract in Vol. 33, page 65. No. 333. Answer, 134 (334 ?)
New York, July 22nd, 1763.
Rev. Fathers and Brethren!
Rer. Classis :-
On the 26th of January of this year, we sent you a short account of our present sad condition of affairs; but inasmuch as we have not learned from your Rev. Body, whether or not you have received our communication, we fear that it has not reached you. Our opponents [ the lawful Consistory] continue in their course of affairs and proceedings. It has therefore been deemed necessary by some of us to forward to you these few lines, humbly heseeching your Rev. Body, to take our affairs Into consideration. Our opponents may represent their case as Important, and ours as trivial as they please; but you may rest assured that what we pre- sented In our last letter to you, is true. It Is even very probable that they have represented our number by the words-"A few who oppose". But be it known to you that the number of those who signed their petition does not exceed one hun- dred and ten church-members, counting men and women. But against theirs, a petition signed by two hundred and twenty-six members, Including men and women, has been handed in to the consistory besecchiing and praying, that no change or intermingling of languages be allowed in their house of worship. But since the majority of the Consistory sided with the other party, no attention was paid to their earnest petition.
Apart from this: The Rules or Church Regulations were offered for their con- sideration upon this point. These ordain that wherever there are two languages, each shall have Its own consistory, etc. But all this was disregarded by them; and they resolved by a majority vote, to force upon us a minister who should preach In the English language, and who should be recognized as in full fellow- ship with our other ministers. Against all this we, numbering one hundred and eleven members, protested; but all in vain. We have been Informed that our Con- sistory has extended a call to Rev. Archibald Leadly (Laidffe), who was recom- mended to them by Messrs. James Blanchard and Winuldus Budde. We have also been Informed, although we doubt the truth of the information, that all this has been done with the unanimous approbation of the Classis. We suspect that the above mentioned gentlemen little know how we are situated. They may also rest assured that we will protect our church in its doctrine and its language, as far as lies in our power; and if the before mentioned Rev. Leadly should come over here, he may rest assured that all the evil consequences which will ensue, will be charged to his hands.
Some sad consequences have already grown out of this business. A part of these we mentioned in our last letter to you. In case that letter has not reached you, we are prepared to send your Rev. Body a copy of it at the shortest notice. Among other (evil) consequences, there is one which in our judgment is unexampled in all Holland. We refer to that lamentable family-visitation which was made among us. In our last letter, we mentioned circumstantially how our last election was carried on, and we will, therefore, make no further reference to it now. But from that and other circumstances, It can be shown, that our last consistory
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was unlawfully elected. Because of this, some of our members presented them- selves at the Consistory-rooms with a few Articles or Propositions. These had in view, if it were possible, the restoration of peace; but, as heretofore, all was in vain. They would not even receive them or hear them read. Finding then, that nothing would move them to renounce their determination, these members handed in to the Consistory a Protest, previously prepared for this purpose. It was signed by one hundred and nine male members of our congregation. It repre- sented to them the illegality of their Acts, as also the rights and privileges granted to our Dutch Church by Charter and otherwise, after which, the Pro- test closed with these words :- "We therefore again protest in the name and behalf of ourselves and others, against all your proceedings which have reference to what has already been done, and to what may yet be done in that direction. We pray that the God of Peace may enable you by his Spirit to strive for the peace of God's house, that we may all dwell together in the tents of the Lord, unto length of days, etc."
At the same time they were informed that if they were willing to allow matters to stand as they then stood, the Consistory would be acceptable to them. (?) But sad were the consequences of this proposition. For in their family-visitation, which was the first in two years, they went around among the members, and instead of inviting all who had signed the Protest (to the Lord's Supper), or admonishing them, if necessary, they were only asked if they recognized them as the legal Consistory? Those who replied in the Negative were told as follows: To some, that under the circumstances, they had no authority to invite them; others, they absolutely prohibited; to others, when they said that they had no ill feeling against the Consistory because the Consistory was in favor of an English preacher, while they themselves were in favor of a Hollander; and upon this con- cession requested to be invited to the Lord's Table, they were answered by Rev. De Ronde, "Not this time", etc. Yet there are those who meddled a great deal more with this matter, (against an English preacher) than those referred to above, who nevertheless, were considered as worthy guests, and as such were invited.
Did any one ever hear of such a mode of procedure? Oh! pitiable situation; Oh! oppressed congregation, we may well exclaim in view of this. Whose heart does not chafe when he hears of the humiliation offered to the Dutch in this city? and that too, by our brothers and kinsmen? Even Rev. Ritzema once avowed that, rather than allow an English minister to preach in our (Dutch) church, he would lay his head upon the block, and say, "Cut it off", etc. How shamefully has he broken this solemn promise of his loyalty! For what does sad experience teach? He not only now approves of this very thing, but he himself draws up and signs the call. It was resolved at the same time, that whoever thereafter should be chosen as church officers, should be compelled to subscribe to this con- tract in reference to the support of the afore mentioned English minister, before he could be installed into his office. Who ever heard of such an unscrupulous procedure? "And if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry"? We may well ask, what has become of the rights and privileges, of the Dutch in this City? Oh! lamentable situation.
We conclude with the kind wishes used by St. Paul: "Peace be to the brethren, and love, with faith from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." . "May the God of Peace Himself, give you peace at all times, and in every circumstance." This is the wish of
Your affectionate servants, Abel Hardenbrook, ex-Elder. Johannis Alstyne, ex-Deacon. Petrus Bogert, Huibert Van Wagenen, ex-Church-master. Jacob Roome Everardus Brouwer Willem Pearss Jacobus Stoutenbergh Ahasuerus Furck Johannes Roorback Johannes Tiebout.
Teunis Tiebout and Johannis Hardenbrook,
Two members of the Ruling Consistory.
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ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 26-AUG. 4, 1763.
VOL. 64.
ARTICLE 4. Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg.
Hereupon was allowed to come into the Assembly, Rev. Jacob R. Hardenberg, V. D. M., of Old Raritan, in New Jersey. In the name of the Coetus of New York, which had provided his Rev. with proper credentials, he made a certain request of this High Rev. Assembly. This was urged more particularly in a letter from said Coetus.
The investigation of this matter, was, with the consent of their Honorables, put Into the hands of a Committee, consisting of Revs. Van Royen, Van Assen, Van Eyken and Haussen, besides the Elders, in session, from Haarlem and Enk- huysen. This Committee was requested to serve this Assembly with its advice.
ARTICLE 3S AD 36.
Dismissed, as ministers :- To Camp and Rhinebeck, In New York, Rev. Gerardus Daniel Kok (Cock), who had been finally examined and ordained on Oct. 4, 1762.
ARTICLE 47.
The letters showed that the letters from Pennsylvania came in late this year. They showed that the Coetus of Pennsylvania met on June 30, 1762, at New Hanover, Rev. (Jonathan) Du Bois (of the Dutch Church) presiding. And inasmuch as our letters written to Pennsylvania on April 6, 1761, and Feb. 4, 1762-copies of which, for safety's sake we had sent along with Rev. Alzents when he returned thither in July, 1762-after much wandering about had only arrived there after the Coetus had been held; a Committee was, therefore, called, by President Du Bois, at Germantown. This Committee sent us on Oct. 27, 1762, the Acts of their Coetus, and an answer to our letters of April 6, 1761, and Feb. 4, 1762. Accord- ing to the oral report of Rev. Stoy, the ship with which the Acts of the Coetus had previously been sent, had been taken by the Spaniards and shut up at Bilboa . . No complaints were brought against Rev. Du Bois of North and South Hampton. Rev. Weiss had died .. Rev. Stapel had arrived in his church in Amwyl, (Amweil), N. J .. Rev. Rothenbuhler had been called from New York to Philadelphia.
There was further sent us a report of the condition of the church at Amwyl, (Amwell), dated Nov. 6, 1762, signed by minister and elder. In this report it is mentioned that this new church covers as much as 30 English miles in circum- ference; that it has 60 familles which gives something each year for the support of the minister and the church. The greater number however, had gone over to the English Church, so that there were scarcely more than 10 members left together. The English had taken a great deal of trouble to make this church entirely English. But when Rev. Stapel came everything had changed for the better. The church has now already three German schoolmasters, and Rev. Stapel has since his arrival, baptized 64 children and administered the Lord's Supper to 84 people. All this is confirmed by a letter, written from Amwyl, Oct. 29, 1762, by a Committee of ciders, to the Deputies and the Classis of Amsterdam; and also by a private letter from Rev. Stapel, Nov. 28, 1762. Both the church and himn- self request that his wife and two children, who remained behind at Meklenburg, be urged by us to come over to him. The church offers to pay the expenses of their transportation. In case she refuses, the request is made that Rev. Stapel be given liberty to make a second marriage. They also give reasons, which they confirmed by examples, to show why it is not good for a minister in that country
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to remain unmarried; or, being married to live without his legal wife. They will give Rev. Stapel 50 pounds sterling, English, annually, not to serve as a prece- dent, however, for his successors, inasmuch as it comes very hard to them. With Rev. Stapel and his ministry, however, they declare themselves very well satisfied.
Concerning the matter of Rev. Stapel's wife, the Deputies and Commissioners of the Classis of Amsterdam wrote her a hearty letter on April 8, 1763, exhorting her to go with her children to her husband and their father, and offered to pay the expenses of their transportation from Amsterdam to Amwyl. Up to this time no answer has been received. The Rev. Stapel, of the church at Amwyl, has been written to, to the same effect, and that nothing further could be done by us in that matter. It was suggested, however, to Rev. Stapel, that he ought to send to Meklenburg a letter of attorney, properly certified to by the Coetus and his con- sistory; also, if need be, to obtain, if possible, from the government an order to compel his wife by process of law, either to follow him or to separate from him.
ARTICLE 48. New York and New Jersey.
The Committee appointed to investigate the matters of the church of New York, reported to the Rev. Church Assembly as follows: That they had read the docu- ments which the Rev. Johannes de Lange, Deputy Extraordinary on this matter from the Classis of Amsterdam, had put into their hands; and that, after having given account of their transactions in this committee, they have the honor to serve this Synod with the following advice :-
I. In the matter touching the proposition of those who still call themselves the Coetus,
1. They were informed, in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, in accord- ance with a resolution adopted by the Classis, Oct. 4, 1762 Art. 5, of the outrage and scorn put upon the Classis and the Synod of North Holland by John Leydt, minister at New Brunswick in New York (New Jersey), in a pamphlet entitled- "True Liberty the Way to Peace," published at Philadelphia in 1760. Examined, as it was, according to Church Order, a few leading specimens had been read to them out of the many which the Rev. Classis lays before the Rev. Synod. They leave it entirely to the judgment of the Synod.
2. There was also read to them the advice of the Deputies on Foreign Affairs, of the Classis of Amsterdam, on the matter of Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg, minister at Old Raritan in New Netherland. Their advice in the main comes to this : that the said Rev. Hardenberg appeared before the Deputies on Foreign Affairs, as subsequently also he appeared in the Classis preceding the Synod, com- missioned by a letter from those ministers who are still calling themselves the Coetus, signed by Samuel Verbryck, president, and John Leydt, scribe, ministers respectively at Tappan and New Brunswick. By virtue of the commission men- tioned, he had proposed to them the question, Whether the Classis of Amsterdam might not agree to change the New York Coetus into a Classis, with power to examine candidates and ordain ministers in that country; and whether it might not advise the Conferentie Assembly to favor a change of the Coetus into a Classis, pretending that this would be the best means to make an end of all the disruptions and divisions there, and to unite the ministers and consistories in that country in one body.
The Deputies, after seriously considering this proposition, came to the conclu- sion that the above mentioned request could in no wise be granted: because this case is already a Res Judicata; for the project, formed by certain ones in New York for changing the Coetus into a Classis, and also for establishing there an Academy, had been rejected both by the Classis of Amsterdam in two forcible letters, the one of Dec. 9, 1755, signed by Revs. W. Peiffers, President and R. Schutte, Scribe; the other of April 5, 1756, signed by Revs. R. Schutte, President, and J. Boskoop, Scribe; and also by the Synod of North Holland, which strongly confirmed the decision of the Classis in 1756 and 1757; also because no change for the better has since occurred, which might move the Classis to change its mind;
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on the contrary, matters have become very much worse, and the disruption and division have rather increased, and the bitterness between the two parties has become greater. Indeed the matter has gone so far, that Rev. Leydt has not hesitated, in pubile print, by his pamphlet before mentioned, to treat most shame- fully and most painfully to injure the Classis of Amsterdam and the Synod of North Holland. He also maintains thereln, In every way, that the Coetus has the right of ordination, and alms thereby to detroy all subordination to the Classis, and on the other hand, to Introduce a complete Independence. To oppose this pamphlet, the Conferentie Assembly has published an answer, In which It not only takes ground contrary to Leydt, but also ascribes the right of examination and ordination for that (American) church to the Classis of Amsterdam alone. It also declares Itself perfectly satisfied to remain subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and requests In a letter, that the Classis would give a final decision In this matter; otherwise they would be necessitated to address themselves directly to the Synod.
The Classis after mature deliberation on that matter, had come to a conclusion. She instructed her Deputles to communicate the same, by two letters, one to the Conferentle Assembly and one to those who call themselves the Coctus. The Depu- tles had followed up this Instruction, and In both letters set forth, in detall, that the Classis of Amsterdam alone has the right of promotion (examination and ordi- matton) for the New York churches, and that those churches, as also the Coetus, are legally subordinate to It.
This is proved from the old "constitution" of that region, when It was yet sub- ject to the West Indh Company. Then, Ike all other colonles of that Company, it was subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam and received from it its minis- ters :- Also from the status In which that region continued, after it had come under the power of Great Britain; for at that transfer of that region, Sept. 8, 1664, the following was expressly stipulated and agreed: Art. 8: "The Dutch here shall retain and enjoy their liberty of constence in Religion and Church DIsci- plin." Art. 12: "All public documents, and proofs relating to private legacies, or to Church Government, to the Dlaconate or Orphans' Court, shall be carefully preserved by those in whose keeping they are." On this same status this region continued, by virtue of the defuite Peace Treaty between the King of Great Britain and the States General in 1667, Art. 9 .- Also from the Fundamental Articles upon which the Coetus was first allowed and organized. These expressly stipulated that It should remain subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam: Also from the constant practice and acknowledgement even of those of New York, con- firmed by the action of the Synod in 1756, 1757, 1758.
For all these reasons the Deputles decide (salvo mellor!) that the Classis, not only must now abide by its former opinion, but also neither can nor miny, at any time, depart from it; and that it ought to explain this to Rev. Hardenberg; and also to add that, In case those of the Coetus wanted to go on In the way already taken, the Classis will find Itself necessitated to break off all correspondence with them and to leave them to themselves. Should they experience at any time the Injurious consequences of their separation, they would have themselves to blame, and would not be able to pretend that they had not been warned. This advice the Classis of Amsterdam had by a unanlinous vote accepted and adopted.
The committee on this business then read a letter, under date of June 8, 1763, written by Rev. John Ritzema, minister at New York, In the name also of his colleague, de Ronde, and of two other ministers, Van Sinderen and Rubel. The other members of the Conferentie Assembly had not been notified on account of the great distance of the localltles and the shortness of the tline. In this letter they make known that, on June 5th (1763) they received the letters sent them by the Classis, and that on the 7th they read the same. They thank the Classis for the advice given in the matter under dispute. Their opinion is that the Rev. Assembly took the matter In Its vital spot, and thus opened up the way for the removal of all differences. They declare: "We desire not a yoke of human servi- tude, but only the maintenance of that good order In accordance with divine and human laws, to which we have obliged and bound ourselves; and If it pleases the Rev. Classis, as a High Assembly, to which we are most nearly subordinated, to hold us In that relationship, it may be assured, not only of our unswerving adher-
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ance, but also of the beneficial results which will flow forth therefrom for the churches in these regions. "They conclude with congratulations."
Further: The Committee examined the letter brought by Rev. Hardenberg, and by him presented to this High Church Assembly. The letter contains a proposi- tion that the Rev. Coetus, either under the name of Coetus, or under the name of Classis, corresponding and advising with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, be ecclesi- astically subordinated to the Rev. Synod of North Holland in the following man- ner: that the Coetus shall have the right of Appeal and other privileges, just as other bodies of the Rev. Synod, so far as the circumstances of our great remote- ness, and the condition of our belonging to another Civil Power, will allow; or possibly until the time when the Lord may have so extended this newly planted vineyard of His in those regions that a Synodical Assembly will necessarily have to be organized.
From that letter the committee it can most clearly see the aim, which has long been feared, and which the members of the so-called Coetus nurture in their bosoms: namely, that of withdrawing themselves gradually from time to time, from the subordinate relation in which they stand, both to this Synod, in general and to the Classis of Amsterdam in particular, and of becoming wholly independent in the end. The committee cannot see that the reasons given in the letter for a Classis deserve any consideration whatever. At this point Rev. Jacob Rutse Har- denberg came in, and was asked certain questions about different things; but he was not able to persuade the Committee to consent to his request. They are, salvo meliori, therefore, of opinion :-
That the resolution of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam ought to be accepted and adopted by the Synod, and Rev. de Lange thanked for his drawing it up.
That Rev. (Jacob) Rutse Hardenberg ought to be given to understand how indignant this High Church Assembly is, about the outrage and reproach which Rev. Leydt has put upon this Synod, as also upon the Classis of Amsterdam, in more ways than one, in his pamphlet, published by him, and that, after previous examination, according to Church Order.
That the request made by Rev. (Jacob) Rutse Hardenberg must be refused.
The Synod, after mature deliberation on this weighty and far-reaching business, and upon explanations made by their Hon. Mightinesses, agreed to accept, with thanks for their trouble and careful attention, the advice of the committee on this matter, and to adopt the same. The President was requested, in the name of this High Church Assembly, to make known to the commissioner here present, of the so-called Coetus, this, its action, in emphatic terms, and to give him to understand-
That the request, made by letter by those of the Coetus belonging to this Synod, has largely proceeded from ignorance of the real constitution of Ecclesiastical Assemblies, both Classical and Synodical, in this country; that these are insepar- ably connected with the government of this county. That the Coetus of New York, therefore, belonging, as it does, to another (Civil) Government, can never, no never, as a whole or in part, be a (constituent) member of this Synod. That this Synod feels extremely indignant over the outrage and reproach put upon it, as also upon the Classis of Amsterdam, by John Leydt, in more respects than one in the pamphlet published by him, after previous examination according to Church Order; that those who call themselves that Coetus have thus made themselves guilty of detestable ingratitude toward their Benefactor, who has labored so long for their well-being, and taken so much trouble for the welfare of the churches of New York; and that by acting thus, and persevering therein, they are giving just cause to the Classis of Amsterdam and to the Synod of North Holland to withdraw themselves entirely from them, and to break off all correspondence with them. Nevertheless, they are still earnestly exhorted to consider well what injurious and ruinous consequences must follow therefrom, to the loss, the confusion, the dis- ruption and the destruction of that church. For this they will have themselves to blame. And if they should cut themselves wholly loose from the Netherland churches, they may regret it when it is too late; while now once again the Synod declares that, if they will keep themselves properly subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, and through it to this High Church Assembly, it, as well as the Classis of Amsterdam, will, in spite of all that has occurred, remain disposed to employ all endeavors that can be conducive to the welfare of the New York Churches. To that end, it exhorts them once again to lay aside all hatred and enmity, and in love to unite themselves all in one body.
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