USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 18
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We hope that you understood from our letter of Jan. 11, (1763) that we, having read that book of Rev. Leydt, styled " True Liberty the Way to Peace " and which, although approved by your (portion of) the Church, had refuted the same with sufficiently strong arguments. Nevertheless, subsequently, Rev. Jacob R. Harden- berg, pastor at Old Raritan, appeared in our Assembly with a document from the Coetus, signed by Samuel Verbryck, President, and John Leydt, Scribe, and dated April 6, 1763. This was a formal request to the Classis of Amsterdam to change the New York Coetus into a Classis, and to urge upon the Christian Synod to approve said Act, in order that it (the American Classis) might become endowed with the power and authority of the other Classes of the Netherlands, together with the right to appeal to the Synod of North Holland. They request also that the Classis of Amsterdam would present this whole matter before the Conferentie, advising them to agree to the change of the Coetus into a Classis, as being the only means by which the divided ministers and consistories could be reunited. They' desire also that if the Classis approve their request, a Professor of Theology be sent over to them, in order that their young men might be there instructed in theology and so be prepared for the ministry.
The Classis having carefully considered the matter finally concluded that she had no authority to grant such request, and neither were there sufficient reasons for it.
1. Because this is already a res judicata. The plan of changing the Coetus Into a Classis has been already rejected, as may be seen in the two letters of Dec. 9, 1755 and April 5, 1756, as well as by the Synod of North Holland both in 1756 and 1757.
2. Because, since that time, there has been no change of such a nature, as would constitute a sufficient reason why the Classis should grant it. But on the contrary,
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affairs have become worse, the divislons greater, and bitterness and audacity have increased. Things have even gone to such an extremity that Rev. Leydt has published a book, in which he in various ways abuses the Classis ; and even the Christian Synod of North Holland is treated with contempt, as can be seen on pages 25-30, 47, etc. He maintains that the Coetus has the right of promotion, thus trying to destroy subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam.
3. Because the Classis, loving truth and righteousness, Is unable to give the power of promotion to the brethren who call themselves the Coetus ; and especially so, because the Conferentie remain subordinate to the Classis and the Synod. The Classis in a letter of Jan. 11, 1763, clearly showed how she was limited by the (English) government of your country. Your country had formerly been in posses- slon of the West India Company. This state of affairs continued until It came under the rule of Great Britain on Sept. S, 1664. In addition to this fact we have It (the reference to freedom of rellgion for the Dutch) stated in the treaty of peace between Great Britain and thelr High Mightlnesses, the States General, 1667, Article 3.
In addition to these proofs we refer to the basis on which the Coetus was established, and which was accepted by the churches of New Netherland, and approved by the Synod. For all these reasons, whilch make the book of Rev. Leydt powerless, the Classis holds herself to her declslon. She moreover declares that If the Coetus continues In the course begun, the Classis will be compelled to break off ail correspondence. Indeed, such a resolution was brought before the Synod of North Holland, held at Edam, this year, (1763). To thils Assembly, Rev. Harden- bergh also presented a letter, contalning a proposition, whether the Rev. Coctus, under the name of a Coetus or Classis, might not have the privilege of appealing on special occasions to the High Rev. Synod, as far as such an act might be permissable, since the Coetus Is subordinate to another government (Great Britain), until it might please God in extending his vineyard, to reveal the necessity of even a Synod in our land, (America.)
The Hlgh Rev. Assembly, after consideration of the matter, at the hands of a Committee, resolved
(1) That the resolution of the Classls should be approved and changed Into a Synodlcal decree.
(2) That the Rev. Assembly is filled with Indignation at the book of Rev. Leydt, which was also published with the approbation of the Church-(that portion of it which adhered to the Coetus.)
(3) That the request of Rev. Hardenbergh is rejected-the letter which speaks of the change of the Coetus Into a Classis, being hardly worthy of being read.
The Christian Synod, after careful dellberation of the matter, dellvered her resolution in express terms unto the Committee, by the mouth of her President, as follows :-
"That' the request of the Coetus has largely arisen from Ignorance of the true constitution of Church Assemblies, both Classical and Synodical, In this country ; that these are Inseparably connected with the government of the country ; and that therefore the Coetus of New York, helonging under another (civil) sovereignty, can never, either wholly or In part, constitute an Inherent part of this Synod. Moreover this Synod Is affected with very great Indignation at the Insults and Indignitles put upon it, as well as upon the Classis of Amsterdam, by Rev. Jolin Leydt In his book, which was also published by hlin upon Church authority after previous visitation ;t that those who called themselves the Coetus, have thus made themselves guilty of base ingratitude toward their benefactors, who have so long labored for their welfare, and have taken so much trouble for the benefit of the church of (the Province of) New York. Acting thus and preserving therein, they give sufficient reason to the Classis of Amsterdam and to the Synod of North Holland, for with- drawing themselves altogether from and refusing to hold any further correspondence with them. They are therefore earnestly admonished carefully to ponder the Injurious and ruinous consequences which would arise therefrom, to the general confusion, rending and even destruction of thelr church. For such results they would have no one but themselves to hlame ; or if they cut themselves loose entirely
.This is repeated In Doc. 953.
t"The Visitation of Books" refers to thelr examination by a Committee, before pubilcation. If approved, they were published by Church authority.
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from the Netherlands Church, they will mourn over their folly when it is too late. Nevertheless the Synod gladly again declares, that both she and the Classis of Amsterdam, notwithstanding all this, remain inclined, if the Coetus will remain subordinate to the Classis, and thereby to this High Rev. Assembly, to exert them- selves to the utmost for the welfare of the New York churches. To this end, we admonish them once more to unite themselves together in love into one body, laying aside all differences and strife."
Now, Brethren, the choice is left to you, to subordinate yourselves, after the old manner, to the Classis of Amsterdam, or to break that relation, a step so often shown to you, as the way to complete ruin. The Synod is yet unselfishly laboring for your prosperity, yet she has more trouble with the churches of New York, than with all the others in the West. Except for the best interests of Zion, the Synod would rather be freed from this trouble. It is exclusively for the glory of the Great King, and for the prosperity of his Church, that we engage in such labors.
If you conclude to withdraw from us, consider well your act, and how you can answer it before God and his holy angels, in that day when all mere excuses are vain, and wickedness stands naked before the Lord. We pray you, brethren, and exhort you in the Lord, for the sake of the love you owe yourselves, as well as his Church ; for the sake of the salvation of souls, for the sake of the mercy shown by the lowly Prince of Peace, whose servants you are,-to avoid these evils now menac- ing the Church. Remain subordinate, in conjunction with the other brethren, who are so inclined, to the Classis of Amsterdam. Live in unity and peace. Labor zealously together in God's vineyard, ye, who are the heralds of peace. Cease your fiery zeal lest ye be consumed. But if our exhortations and counsels are unable to move you to concord, then let those threatened dangers which the wrath of the Divine Majesty is even now sending upon your country, be the means of bringing your discords to an end ; for by such things also the Church would be troubled.
The God of peace grant that you may dwell together in beautiful harmony, for therein is God's blessing even Life Eternal. We commend you to God and the Word of his Grace, and sign our names in love,
Rev. Sirs and Much-beloved Brethren,
Your obedient servants,
Johannes de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. Winoldus Budde, Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, Oct. 3, 1763.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONFERENTIE, OCTOBER 3, 1763. VOL. 31, PAGE 205. No. 132. To the Ministers who call themselves the Conferentie;
Worthy Sirs and Much-beloved Brethren :--
We received the letter sent by Rev. Mr. Ritzema, which was dated June 8, 1763, a few days before the last meeting of the Synod of North Holland, (1763,) and read it with great satisfaction. We learned therefrom that you had joyfully read our elaborate letter of Jan. 11th (1763,) and that the sound sentiments expressed therein on the matters in dispute, between yourselves and those who call them- selves the Coetus, were gratifying to you.
We now desire to inform you, as we also inform the so-called Coetus, how the matters respecting the books of Rev. Leydt, and the request of the said Coetus, were treated by the Classis and the Synod, and what conclusions were reached; also the action taken in the Synod about those letters written in the name of Rev. Ritzema and the Consistory of Jagertie (Saugerties). This resulted in the complete justification of Rev. Ritzema in reference to this business, and which fact we have communicated to him in a private letter. [See next letter.]
The Classis of Amsterdam unanimously approved the report of their Committee ad res exteras, making it a resolution of Classis, and commissioned their delegates to the Synod to bring it before that body. The result was that that High Ecclesi-
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astical Assembly unanimously adopted the same. Of this action we send you a verbatim copy, whereby you will not only understand the basis on which it rests, but will also the better understand our former letter of Jan. 11th, 1763, as well as the more elaborate treatment of the same in the Minutes of the Synod of this year, [July 26, 1763.]
In reference to the books of Rev. Leydt and published at Philadelphia, by the order of the Church, (the Coetus,) after previous examination, (we remark:) that the Classis Informed the Christian Synod that Rev. Leydt had acted very Imperti- nently, by speaking in an insulting manner, In public print, not only of the Classis of Amsterdam, but also of the Synod of North Holland; that he had Injured our feelings most keenly thereby, of which we give several examples. We also further Informed the Synod that the brethren who styled themselves the Confer- entle, had published an answer to sald book (of Leyde.) In which they had not only controverted him and those who approved of his writings; but had also ascribed to the Classis of Amsterdam the sole right of promotion in their (American) Church, and had declared themselves perfectly willing to remain subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam.
In reference to the requests of the so-called Coetus, through thelr delegate Rev. Jacob Ilutze van Hardenberg, which were presented In writing, and advocated orally by bim; namely, to change the Cortus Into a Classis, with the right of pro- motion; and, as it is added In their letters to the Christian Synod, that the Coetus (or American Classis) should enjoy the right of appeal and other privlieges, like the other members (Classes) of this Synod, even unto that time when the Lord should so extend his Vineyard In your regions, that Synodleal Assemblies should also necessarily be constituted there-In reference to these several matters, the Christian Synod unanimously took the following action :-
"That the request of the Coetus has largely arisen from Ignorance of the true constitution of Church Assemblies, both Classical and Synodical, In this country; that these are Inseparably connected with the government of the country; and that therefore the Coetus of New York belonging under another (clvll) sovereignty, can never, elther wholly or In part, constitute an Inherent part of this Synod. More- over, this Synod Is affected with very great Indignation at the Insults and indigni- tles put upon it, as well as upon the Classis of Amsterdam, by Rev. John Leydt, In his book, which was also published by him upon Church authority, after previous visitation; that those who call themselves the Coetus have thus made themselves guilty of base Ingratitude toward their benefactors, who have so long Inbored for their welfare, and have taken so much trouble for the benefit of the Church of (the I'rovince of) New York. Acting thus and persevering therein, they give suffi- clent reason to the Classis of Amsterdam, and to the Synod of North Holland for withdrawing themselves altogether, and refusing to hold any further correspond- ence with them. They are therefore earnestly admonished carefully to ponder the Injurious and ruinous consequences which may arise therefrom, to the general confusion, rending and even destruction of their churches. For such results they would have no one but themselves to blame; or If they cut themselves loose entirely from the Netherland Church, they will mourn over their folly when it is too late. Nevertheless the Synod gladly again declares, that both she and the Classis of Amsterdam, notwithstanding all this, remain Inclined, If the Coetus will remain subordinate to the Classis, and thereby to this Igh Rev. Assembly, to exert themselves to the utmost for the welfare of the New York churches. To this end we admonish them once more, to unite themselves together In love Into one body, laying aside all differences and strife."
Behold, then Brethren, those points of dispute which have occasioned so much schism and strife now finally decided by this High Ecclesiastical Assembly. And we now expect of you the fulfillment of your promise, that you will perseveringly maintain good-order, according to both divine and human laws. To this, Indeed, you have bound yourselves. You will, therefore, faithfully adhere to the Classis of Amsterdam as a Higher Assembly (than a Coetus or Conferentie), and to her you will be faithfully subordinate In brotherly love. You will also Inculcate this on those new brethren who you have recently sought and obtained from the Faculty of Groningen. [ Cook, Meyer and Kern.] These gentlemen, although pass- Ing through our city (Amsterdam) did not address themselves to us. We also think it highly befitting that you should seek for ministers whom you may require (In
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America), through the Classis of Amsterdam, or their Committee ad res exteras; or at least through members of that Classis to whose care the New York churches are committed. Or if any are sent to you from other quarters, they should refer themselves to us in order to receive our exhortations how to carry themselves properly and in due subordination to our Classis.
Finally, we desire fraternally to admonish you, while we also beseech you in the Lord, to turn to a good use this decision of that High Ecclesiastical Assembly. Let it be of advantage to all the churches of the Western Hemisphere, by the restoration of a brotherly unity among them. May it be directed as much as possible to that end, that you may be reunited in one body in the bonds of genuine brotherly love. By the faithful preaching of the Gospel of the Great Prince of Peace, and the adornment of that Gospel by a holy and devout walk, you may induce others now separated from you, to fulfill their duties more faithfully in the Sacred Ministry by a proper submission to the Classis. Receive those with all friendliness and love in the Lord, who may have some disposition to reunite with you, and who may sooner or later manifest it, and esteem highly. And as we hear of your affairs, may it be that you stand fast together in one spirit, with one mind, and that you are strong together for the faith of the Gospel.
May the Great King of the Church, who has so strongly commended gentleness and humility of heart by his own lovely example, be pleased to fill you with his love, and to gird you with his power, that you may together do battle, under his beautiful Banner of Peace, for Truth, Peace and Godliness, to the glory of his great Name, and to the extention and establishment of his blessed Kingdom.
With all friendliness, we sign ourselves, Worthy Sirs and Beloved Brethren, Your servants and brethren, John de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. Winoldus Budde, 46 . “ Scriba.
Written in the name of, and by
Order of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Assembled October 3rd, 1763.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. JOHN RITZEMA, OCT. 3, 1763. VOL. 31, PAGE 207. No. 133. To Rev. Johannes Ritzema, Pastor at New York,
Rev. Sir and Beloved Brother :-
We have the honor of being authorized by the Synod of North Holland to write to you in your vindication, because of what the Classis of Amsterdam and the Synod from letters of Rev. Leydt, as mentioned in his book.
Your letter addressed to the North Holland Synod, under date of Nov. 1759, and (having been returned for identification, was) sent back again with a postscript, dated Nov. 21, 1762, has been read, and carefully compared with two letters men- tioned in the Synodical Acts of 1757; one being from the Consistory of Jagertie (Saugerties?) concerning a call on one Van der Swan; and the other (purporting to be) from Rev. Ritzema, enclosing a request for the approval of said call.
Those two letters, sent to the North Holland Synod by that Consistory were at first, (being taken out of the Synodical chest), made known to us as Deputati as res Exteras, and were also shown to (by?) the gentlemen of the Committee to the Synod. They and we thus understand the matter:
1. That a letter came, including a call from the Consistory of Jagertie, (Sauger- ties), addressed to the Synod, 1757. But we must conclude that this call was either fraudulently made out, or that the Consistory, contrary to the truth, denied ever to have written such a letter.
2. That there was also found a letter from Rev. Ritzema, in connection with the above-mentioned request. But upon a comparison of this letter with other communications of Rev. Ritzema, it is evident that said letter is not from him. In addition to this, there is a remarkable difference in the said testimony of said person (the author of the forged letter,) and that given (more recently) by Rev. Ritzema. Then also the difference in spelling and style, shows that it could not
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have come from the hand of a person acquainted with the proprieties of language and composition. All this occasioned suspicion in the Classis of Amsterdam that the letter had been forged in the name of Rev. Ritzema. Pondering this the Assembly resolved to vindleate you, and therefore had the two letters copled at the expense of the Synod, sending the originals to you in order to ferret out this fraud.
This report was changed into a Synodical resolution, and therefore we send the two originals to you to find out about this deception, because of the Importance of the business, namely, the calling of a minister. Oh! that such decelvers might fall down under a sense of shame before God, who will punish the llar, and such as turn aside from the way.
Having no more to write you at present, we close, praying for your welfare, as well as that of your family and ministry. We trust also that the arrival of Rer. Leadly (Laldlle) may be a matter of great joy to you all, and a blessing to the congregation. The Classis has just approved the call which he has accepted, and thus silenced the two persons (officers) and eleven members, who, In a letter to the Classis, opposed the call of an English ininister. We hope our communication may produce the desired effect.
With fraternal love and affection, we consider ourselves,
Rev. Sir and Brother,
Your obedient servants and brethren, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, Johannes de Lange, Depp. Cl. b. t. Praesis. Winoldus Budde, .. " " Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly, October 3, 1763.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE OPPONENTS OF REV. LAIDLLE AS ENGLISH PREACHER, OCTOBER 3, 1763. Vor. 31, PAGE 209. No. 134.
To the Thirteen Members who have declared themselves against the call of the Rev. (Archibald) Leadly,
Honored Sirs and Brethren :-
Although the ('Iassis Is not accustomed to answer letters from your country, addressed to her by private parties, yet on this occasion she has directed us to reply to your communication of July 22nd. 1763 .- Your note, to which you allude, we have not received. Therefore the contents of your letter seemed somewhat strange to us. The Classis pralaes your zeal for the preservation of sound doctrine In the Church ; but with this you have also joined a special zeal for maintaining the use of the (Dutch) language. This might be praiseworthy too, If one was to understand by It only the retention of the clearness of expression of thought of that language, In reference to that pure Scriptural doctrine, as Christ has given us to understand It, In the Reformed Church. But If you mean only the external utter- ances of tlint language,- this Is of small consequence Indeed, and we are neither against It or In favor of It, except as the particular circumstances of congregations require that their preaching should be in one language or another, In order that they may the better understand It. In such cases the leaders of the church should Indeed act carefully ; yet they should grant the request of those who desire that the Everlasting Gospel should be preached unto them in their own language. For the Inner language of the heart Is always the same-the language of Cannan. For these reasons the Classis have granted the request of the New York Conslstory, and has allowed them to call a minister, who can preach In the English language, the pure Reformed doctrine, according to the Rules of the National Synod of Dort.
Now the Classis has given her approval to this request In the following way :
1. Because many members of the Church speak the English language, having been brought up In It from their youth. Not understanding, therefore, the Holland language very well, they are prone to go to hear ministers of other denominations who differ In opinion and doctrine from the Dutch Reformed Church.
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2. Because in this way the rights and privileges given to the Dutch Reformed Church by charter, etc., are better protected. Better security is also thus thrown around the property by which the ministers are supported, and the alms collected for the poor .- Under these points of view you should ponder the action of the Classis in this matter, which also exactly corresponds with your own testimony (as to your desires,) namely, The Maintenance of the Rights and Privileges of the Reformed Churches. Our resolution also corresponds with your desires in other respects, namely, that they who hereafter should be chosen to the service of the church, (elders and deacons,) should (not?) subscribe to the salary of the English minister. This is founded on Article 3, in which it is said that such officers of the church shall bind themselves not to use church-property given for the support of Dutch ministers for the salary of English speaking ministers .- We give our consent that there should be in the future two Dutch ministers to preach in the present church-buildings ; but no member of the Consistory is obliged to sign his name for the salary of an English minister, except so far as this: that he (the English preacher) shall receive his salary from voluntary gifts which donors may subscribe ; and for the payment of such sum, the extra number of members of Consistory shall subscribe their names. They are authorized to pay such sum only out of these voluntary gifts, and not out of the funds for the support of the Dutch ministers, as according to Article 2. Now this matter, looked at in this light, corresponds entirely with your ideas, and ought not to be called " an unheard of oppression of conscience."
3. The Classis finally approves of the resolution of Consistory, because the objec- tions brought in against it concern only the matter of language. They say : " Whose heart will not deeply feel the giving up of the Dutch language?" The Classis, however, thinks that a live member and overseer of the church should have a deeper feeling in reference to the ruin and loss of a whole congregation, which the Lord had gathered together. They should have a profounder interest in the souls of men, who desire the solid food of the Gospel in the English language and from ministers who are able to serve them.
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