USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 17
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1763
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
All of this was by the president made known to Rev. Hardenberg in emphatic terms. There was given him a copy of this Action; similar copies are to be sent to the so-called Coetus and the Conferentie Assembly.
II. Furthermore, the committee had considered also the letter delivered to this Synod, in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, written by Rev. John Ritzema to the Synod of North Holland on Nov. S, 1759. It was sent to some one-it not being known to whom-then returned to him; and it is now sent back by him, with a postscript under date of Nov. 21, 1762.
The committee has noticed from this letter that it relates to an accusation, brought by Rev. Leydt against Rev. Ritzema. This was done first, orally, and afterward in public print, in a second pamphlet, published by the same Leydt, under the title, Defense of "True Liberty the Way to Peace," at Philadelphia, 1762. It was intimated that Rev. Ritzema did not act in good faith, because he now denies utterly the right of examination and ordination through the Coetus, whereas he had himself previously requested that the right of promotion might be given to him and a few others, first by the Classis, then by the Coetus, and finally by the Synod of North Holland. This appears from the Synodical Acts of the year 1757. In these, two letters stand recorded; one from the Consistory at Saugertles, requesting that a few of the ministers who had been sent over there from Holland, might be authorized to examine and ordain a certain Van der Swan whom that consistory was said to have called : the other from Rev. Ritzema, urg- ing this request. And yet that Consistory has now declared that It never made such a call and does not even know such a man; and Rev. Ritzema also does not seem to know anything of such a call, or of his making such a request. About this, Rev. Leydt says in that pamphlet; "However, there is no reason to suppose that this is a thing gotten up in Holland. At any rate, whatever its lurking place, there that matter still fles. They are bound to clear it up, or else they must own np." Rev. Ritzema declares in his letter to the Synod, that he never wrote a letter containing such a request, and asks to be cleared of the imputa- tion. He does acknowledge to have written a letter to the Classis of Amsterdam- a copy of which, with the answer of the Classis to it, he herewith sends-request- ing that he might be allowed to promote the sald Van der Swan as a candidate, and nothing more; and declares that, if a letter has been written In his name to the Synod, it must have been forged-written by another, never by himself.
At the request of the Classis of Amsterdam, Deputy Van Eyken had searched for those letters in the Synodical chest, had found them and sent them to the Classis of Amsterdam. With these letters now again in Its hands, the committee found that such a call from the Consistory of Sangerties, or at any rate in its name, had come before the Synod in 1757; and so it must conclude that that call is a forgery, or that that consistory's denial of having written it is contrary to the truth.
A letter was also found bearing the name of Res. Ritzema, containing such a request as Is above mentioned. But by comparing that letter with other letters of Rev. Ritzema In hils own hand-writing, it can be clearly seen that it was not written by him. The contents also of this letter differ greatly from what Rev. Ritzema had in his letter written to the Classis about that person. Moreover, from the style, from the spelling, so different to that of Rev. Ritzema, and from the many grammatical errors, one can very clearly discover that that letter could not have been written by a linguist like Rev. Ritzema. It therefore looks to the committee, as it does to the Classis, that that letter was falsely written In Rev. Ritzema's name, and the committee is, salvo meliori, of opinion that Rev. Ritzoma ought to be cleared in this matter and receive every possible satisfaction. With the Classis, they are also of opinion that his Rev. should be informed of this find- ing: and that, at the expense of the Synod, notarial copies ought to be made of those two letters, and the originals sent to his Rev., in order that he may use them as he pleases in ferreting out this fraud over there in a proper way.
See Acts of Classis of Amsterdam, xlv. 10.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3887
1763
REVEREND DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON TO ARCHBISHOP SECKER.
Stratford, August 10, 1763.
May it please Your Grace,
Mr. Beache's Book came to me in the weight of my trouble, otherwise (having his Leave) I should have expunged and altered several things. I hope it may answer some good ends .- He seems to have now fewer complaints than he has had these 20 years. The Author of that ugly piece is not yet known, tho' he is doubt- less in this Country. Indeed all deny it and seem ashamed of it, but I believe most of them had some hand in it. It could not be Mayhew for he is censured in it. But he has done a worse thing: my Answer to which, if Your Grace should think fit to order it to be published, or anything else relating to it, perhaps it might be well Dr. Barclay's defence against Smith should be published with it. I question whether any Reply will be made to Mr. Beach. Mr. Apthorpe, (to whom I sent a Copy of Mr. Beache's answer, to transmit to Your Grace) is indeed a very worthy and accomplished young Gentleman, and I hope will be a good writer in the cause of Religion, but he does not seem yet enough used to writing, and is so averse to controversy, that it may be doubted whether he is very suit- able to engage with such Antagonists as these. He utterly declines any Reply to Mayhew, but would be glad to have mine printed. I have just heard Mr. Brown of Portsmouth has published a Reply, whom with Aplin, I see in a Newspaper, he treats with the most haughty contempt. Most Dissenters, I believe, do by no means approve of him.
Now must be the time if ever, to be in earnest for Bishops, and I trust all that is possible will be done to gain that point. The Dissenters also, and our News- papers, are full of the talk: and indeed they know the thing is so reasonable, that we should and ought to be compleat in our kind, as well as they in theirs, that many seem to expect nothing else: and I believe if it was once done, they would generally, soon be easy enough. And I earnestly wish your Grace pray God to bless your endeavors .- They have one story here among them which may possibly have some truth in it. It is said Dr. Chandler was asked by somebody from the Ministry, Whether, if a Bishop were established at Quebec, without any jurisdic- tion that should relate to the Dissenters, they would have any objection to it? and that he answered, none at all .- And indeed I cannot conceive why they should. Now we should be very glad of such an one rather than none who might visit us once in 4 or 5 years. And I suppose there is already provision made for one there, now come into our hands; and if he had some good Missionaries with him from the Government, he might do much good in converting both papists and Indians.
As to myself, I am very happy here as I am, only as I have never, for almost 50 years been without some public charge or other, it seems somewhat strange now to be without one. However I hope I may live here to some good purpose, by directing Candidates and others to their studies, and preaching frequently for Mr. Winslow, and so enable him often to preach at destitute places .- I hope also, though at this distance to be of some use to the College .- I am much obliged to Mr. Cooper for the kind Report he made of me to Your Grace, so long as provi- dence permitted us to be together, (5 or 6 months) he was with me as a son with a father, and has since, in a vacation, spent a week with me here, besides many letters passing between us: on all which occasions, I have suggested everything I could think of that might be of use, which he has readily received with the best good will: and I have the great pleasure to inform Your Grace from Dr. Barclay and Mr. Auchmuty, that his conduct since I left them has been prudent faithful and diligent, and very acceptable both to the Governors people and Scholars: and they have now at last established a good Grammar School, for want of which the College has much suffered; and the Governours are more in earnest than they have ever been since Mr. Nicoll's Death .- So that I hope the College will not suffer by my leaving it, but rather flourish better than ever it has done, and that he will be a great blessing to it .- I own I much doubted, being so young, how his
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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patience would hold out, in the Service of Gentlemen, most of whom care for little else but their Gain and pleasure, and are utter strangers to learning and Colleges: but I hope he will never meet with such severe trials of patience as I have had.
Since I have been here, I have found everything the reverse of what that wicked pamphlet describes, both in Ministers and people. At the request of the Clergy, I attended and preached to them, and a large concourse of people, at their Con- vention in June. Everything was truly amiable and pleasing, and I must report them a worthy set of falthful and conscientious Clergymen, (and several worthy Lay-Gentlemen from varlous distant parts were among us.) tho' much learning cannot be expected in their low and laborlous circumstances. I discoursed with them freely on many points, and among others on the very subject Your Grace mentions in the close of your Letter, the necessity of using exactness and much Care and Caution In writing their Letters, which I shall further inculcate .- On this occasion, My Lord, give me leave to observe to you, that neither have the abstracts, heretofore, been always made with sufficient care and caution: things of no use have been inserted, and even figures have sometimes been mistaken or misprinted. But I will not enlarge, only, that, humbly begging Your Grace's prayers and blessing, I remain, with the greatest regard,
My Lord, Your Grace's most obliged and most dutiful and most obedient humble Servant, (Signed) Samuel Johnson. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vil. pp. 536-538.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
ABOUT NEW YORK.
1763, Sept. 5th. Art. 6 ad Arts. 5, 6 & 7 of the Regular Meeting of July 18, 1763. Rev. de Lange and the other dele- gates ad Synodum, held at Edam, reported the resolution of that Synod as to the request of the Coetus of New York. They also presented other matters as well as the above mentioned resolu- tion. This resolution is to be found in the Synodical Acta of this year, (1763). The Deputies were heartily thanked for their report. xiii. 373.
LETTERS.
1763, Sept. 5th. Art. 7. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read a letter from the Consistory at Colombo, of January 28, 1763; one from the Cape of Good Hope, of February 18th ; one from Paramaribo, of February 9th; and one from New York, of June 8th this same year, in which is reported the state of these churches. xiii. 373.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3889 1763
CALL OF REV. A. LEADLY (LAIDLIE) TO NEW YORK.
1763, Sept. 5th. Art. 8 ad Art. 9 of the Regular Meeting of April 11, 1763. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras hand in an in- strument of a call by the Consistory of New York, dated July 21, 1763, made out upon Rev. Archibald Leadly (Laidlie), minister of the English church at Flushing, (Zeeland) to exercise the func- tions of the sacred office in the English language at New York. Against this call, in a letter of July 22, 1763, written to the Deputies, two members of the consistory and many members of the church protest. It was resolved that knowledge of this pro- test shall be given to the party called, by the English ministers of this city (Amsterdam). This Assembly, however, will approve this call, if he (Mr. Laidlie) himself accepts it and appears in this Assembly, notwithstanding this protest. A friendly letter shall be written by the Deputies ad res Exteras to these protesting parties, to seek to induce them to waive their protest, and to present to them the reasons why the Classis judges it to be expedi- ent to appoint a minister for that church to preach in the English language. xiii. 373.
ARCHBISHOP SECKER TO REVEREND DR. SAMUEL JOHNSON.
Lambeth, Sept. 28, 1763.
Good Dr. Johnson:
I heartily thank you for your letter of August 10 particularly for the Concern which you express about my health. It is frequently disordered ; but I can for the most part pay some attention to Business. When I fail, as I am now within a few days of seventy, an abler person in all respects, I hope will succeed me. Mr. Beaches book is not come to my hands: I wish it had received your corrections. I am as desirous that your answer to Dr. Mayhew should be published, as I can be without having seen it: because I dare say it is written with the temper, which I told you I wished Mr. Beach might preserve. But indeed I fear the world will think we have settled too many Missions in New England and New York: and therefore it may be best, not absolutely to justifie, but to excuse ourselves in that respect, as prevailed on by Intreaties hard to be resisted, as having rejected many applications and resolved to be hereafter more sparing in the admission of them; instead of making it our business to episcopize New England, as Dr. Mayhew expresses himself. Our adversaries may be asked, whether they have not made as great mistakes in some points as we in this: and whether bitter Invectives against Them would not be unchristian. There was a company incorporated by Car. Q. in 1661 for propagating the Gospel amongst the Heathen Natives of New England and the adjacent parts: which still subsists, and the affairs of it are man- aged by the Dissenters. Queen Anne in 1709 incorporated the Society for propa- gating Christian knowledge; and empowered them to propagate it not only there, but in popish and infidel parts of the world. Accordingly they had correspondents and Missionaries in New England above 30 years ago; and in Long Island, Pennsyl-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1763
vania, North Carolina and Georgia above 20 years ago: and probably they have still. It may be useful to enquire, whether these two Societies have observed their Charters better than ours hath. If not, their friends should think and speak mildly of us. The new projected Society at Boston is about sinking itself into the latter of these, as I am informed. I know nothing of Dr. Barclay's defence against Smith, nor of Aplin. Possibly this last word was a slip of your pen, for Apthorpe.
What will be done about Bishops, I cannot guess. Application for them was made to Lord Egremont, who promised to consult with the other ministers, but dled without making any Report from them. His Successor, Lord Halifax, is a friend to the scheme; but I doubt, whether in the present weak state of the min- istry he will dare to meddle with what will certainly raise opposition. I believe very little is done or doing yet towards the settlement of America: and I know not, what Disposition will be made of the Lands belonging to the Popish Clergy in the conquered provinces I am very glad to hear, that the money is paid to Mr. Charlton. I have heard nothing of any Design of a Doctor's Degree for Mr. Chandler, but from You. If any person here Is engaged in it, I should know, that we may act in Concert. But I think we should have a more formal recommendation of him from you and Dr. Barclay, and any other principal persons, Clergy or Laity, that we may apply to the University with a better countenance. Your account of Mr. Cooper gives me great pleasure. In a late letter to me, he expresses good hopes about the College: but complains of some disappointment in regard to his income, which I do not distinctly understand. I have written to him, to recommend patience: and to Dr. Barclay, to desire that the Governours will be as kind to hlm, as with propriety they can.
Your loving brother, (Signed) Tho. Cant. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vil. pp. 566-567.
REVIEW OF THEIR HISTORY.
Case of the Lutheran Church in the City of New York. (1763)
Many Protestants of tils Perswaston emigrated from Europe into this Colony at its first Settlement by the Dutch. When the Country was Surrendered to the Crown of England In 1664, the Articles of Capitulation secured to the Inhabitants their Religious Privlledges, as well as their Possessions ; and soon after the Surrender, Colonel Nicholis, Lieutenant Governor under the then Duke of York, by an Act under hils iland and Seal, llcenced the Lutherans to send to Europe for a Pastor of their own l'erswasion.
In 1668 Mr. Fabricius being then come over as the Pastor, Lovelace, Nicholl's Successor, by a llke Act Confirmed that of Nicolis : and gave free liberty to the Congregacon to exercise Divine Worship according to their Profession.
The Dutch in 1673 having reduced the Country, the Lutherans liad then a church within the Fortifications of the City, obtained Leave from Colve the Dutch Governor to Erect a Church on the Ground where the present Church stands ; the Ground being given In exchange for that whereon their first Church was Erected.
By their own Growth and Foreign Accessions they at this Day form a considerable Congregacon chlefly consisting of industrious Mechanics & Labourers. And within a few years particularly their Number is much augmented ; and it is no more than Justice to this People to say, that they have always demeaned themselves quletiy and irreproachably ; and that their Church is of Publick Utility, as it affords the Means of Worship to multitudes of Foreigners, who are constantly settling among us, and who understanding only the German Language, would otherwise be deprived of that Benefit.
In 1759 the Congregation presented a Petition to be Incorporated, which being referred to a Committee of the Council, was favourably Reported. But for some reasons the then Lieutenant Governour did not chuse to seal the Charter, till his Majesty's Pleasure should be known. For this purpose their Petition with several
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3891 1763
from the Dissenting Congregations for the like Priviledge, were sent to the Ministry ; and it was not till lately Lieutenant Governor Colden received Instructions not to grant these Charters, as his Majesty saw no reason which rendered it necessary.
Whatever may have been the case with other Congregations, it is submitted to his Excellency, whether from the peculiar Circumstances of the Lutherans they do not stand in great need of the indulgence they ask, upon these Accounts.
1st. Many years since a Member of their Church gave them two houses and Lots in this City, which tho' of no great value, are the chief Support of the Minister. The Deed is so inartificially drawn that had not that Statute of Mortmain which annuls all Gifts and Grants in favour of Churches, been in the way, it would not nevertheless have Vested the Fee in the Congregation; for it Conveys the Estate to the Elders and Deacons by name, and their Successors; and they for want of Incorporation, have no legal succession, and cannot inherit.
2nd. Some years since the Congregation sent two of their Members into Germany to Sollicit Contributions for their use among their Friends and Countrymen. This was attended with considerable Success. But the Persons intrusted, finding they could not be called to an Account by reason of the Church's not being Incorporated, Embezzled the Money, never accounting for any part of it.
If these Reasons were Represented they might probably have a good Effect, especially as his Excellency can receive good Testimonials of the People, their Poverty, and the Publick Utility of their Church, which could illy be maintained if at all, should they loose their Houses ; and this must be the case whenever a legal Enquiry is made into their Title. And indeed it has been already Threatened.
The method to secure them a good Title must be by prosecuting an office thro' the Escheator, as the granter is Dead without Heirs; Incorporating the Church, and then obtaining a grant from the Crown.
One of the Royal Instructions, which requires that no forfeiture or Escheat shall be granted but thro' the Treasury and board of Trade, is no small Embarrassment to such a process, and must often tie up a governor's Hands from doing acts of Justice & Charity ; as considering the Important Business of these Boards, it is scarcely possible to attract their Attention to such trivial objects. Two cases have happened in the late Lieutenant Governor De Lancy's Administration. One of Patrick Smith the other of Johannis Maltz, who died without heirs. Offices were prosecuted at a considerable Expence to those were conceived by the Government to have the best Title to the Royal Favour, and upon a promise of a Grant to them. But this Instruction being in the way, the Lieutenant Governor represented their Case to the Treasury and Board of Trade, and asked Leave to make the Grant, and notwith- standing to this Day, no Notice has been taken of the Petitions or his Sollicitations.
This being the State of their Case the Lutheran Congregation most humbly beg his Excellency's Interposition in their Favour.
(Endorsed) Case of the Lutheran Church humbly presented
to his Excellency Sir Henry Moore, Bart. -Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii, pp. 298, 299.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT ALBANY, 1763.
In October 1763 the corporation of Albany gave a deed to certain trustees, for ground for a Presbyterian Church. This plot was bounded by Beaver, William, Hudson and Grand streets. A church building was erected on this lot, of frame, and with a tall steeple. It was occupied until 1796. Between 1763 and 1776 the church had only two pastors, viz.,
Rev. William Hanna, 1763-65.
Rev. Andrew Bay, 17. 5 years.
Rev. John Mc. Donald, 1785-95.
Rev. David S. Bogart, supplied, 1795-97.
Rev. Eliphalet Nott, 1798-1804.
A new edifice was completed in 1796, and was the most beautiful church at that time in the city.
-Munsell's Annals, i. 130, 132, 337.
.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1763
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES. Ост. ? 1763.
Extract from a letter of the opponents of Rev. A. Laidlie to the Classis of Amsterdam, dated July 22, 1763. Vol. 33, page 65. No. 333. Answer, 134.
Opponents of Rev. Laidlie to the Classis of Amsterdam, July 22, 1763.
A letter from New York, dated, July 22, 1763, signed by Teunis S. Tiebout and Johannes S. Hardenbroek, members of the ruling consistory and Abel Hardenbroek, ex-elder, Johannes A. L. Styne, ex-deacon, Petrus Bogert, ex-deacon, Huybert Wagenen, ex-churchmaster, and seven other members of the church.
1. They complain concerning what the consistory of New York did, in opposition to their wishes and the wishes of other members of the church in calling a minister there to preach in the English language ; and in their pressing on, in that matter, notwithstanding their own protest, and that of other members, in calling Rev. Archbald Laidlie to that place.
2. They declare their intention to protect their church in its doctrine and language, so far as God may give them strength; inasmuch as they believe that the rights of the Dutch Church are jeopardized by the calling of an English speaking minister.
3. They say that, in the Family Visitations, and in the invita- tions to the use of the Lord's Supper, several irregularities have been practiced ; and they complain, in particular, about Rev. Ritzema. He formerly very strongly opposed the calling of a minister to preach in the English language; but now, he not only consents thereto, but is even one of the signers of the call.
They conclude with congratulations.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1763, Oct. 3rd. Art. 4 ad 7. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read letters to the so-called Coetus of New York; to the Conferentie-meeting; to Rev. John Ritzema; to those members
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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(of the church of New York) who had sent a written protest against the call of Rev. Laidlie. These were all approved for forwarding. xiii. 375.
APPROVAL (OF THE CALL) OF REV. LAIDLIE.
Art. 5 ad 8. A letter came in from Rev. Archibald Laidlie, minister of the English church at Flushing, (Zeeland), who had been called as minister to the church of New York, to preach in the English language. Therein he declares that he has accepted this call in the fear of the Lord. The Classis of Amsterdam fol- lowed up this call with their approval, and authorized the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras and the English ministers to install him in the Sacred Office at the earliest opportunity in a Classis contracta, because Classis does not meet again before the New York. He may then start thither as speedily as possible. Two copies of this minute which have been asked for, are given. xiii. 375. [See Dec. 5, 1763.]
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE COETUS, OCT. 3, 1763. VOL.
31, PAGE 201. No. 131.
To the Rev. Gentlemen, Ministers in New York, who call themselves the Coetus. Rev. Sirs and Respected Brethren :-
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