USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 19
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Brethren, just consider with a submissive heart the motives which compelled the New York Consistory to call an English speaking minister. Forget any unduly strong words uttered by any of them on this subject, if, indeed, what you mention of Rev. Ritzema is true. Show, rather, your zeal in extending the Kingdom of Christ and in improving your former methods of work. Dear brethren, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye our joy, by permitting us to hear that ye are of one mind in this matter. May unity and harmony result from this call upon Rev. Leadly (Laidlie), recently pastor at Vlissingen, (Flushing, Holland.) He is an honorable man, well-known in the churches of (the province of) Zeeland, of pious character, and whose whole aim is to build up the Church of Christ on earth. May the admonition to love, given by Paul to the divided church of Corinth, be applied by yourselves (in reference to Rev. Laidlie) : "Now if Timothy come, see that he may be with you without fear ; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him : but conduct him forth in peace." (1 Cor. 16:10, 11.)
May the Lord himself direct him in his way toward you, and make you abound in love toward each other. The Lord of Peace direct your hearts to the love of God and of all the brethren. It is our earnest desire that we may not be disappointed in this our hopes, while we consider ourselves,
Hon. Sirs and Brethren,
Your obedient servants in the Lord,
Johannes de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. Winoldus Budde, = Scriba.
In the Name and by Authority of the Classis of Amsterdam, October 3rd, 1763.
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CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
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New York, October 6, 1763.
At a meeting of the Consistory, it was resolved that the bonds of the treasurer, Adrain Bancker, be delivered to one of the elders in season that a proper security may be given.
Present : Domincs Ritzema and de Ronde.
Elders : P. Lott, Cornelius Bogart, Cornelius Clopper, Simon Johnson, Theodore Van Wyck, J. Bogart, Jr.
Deacons : P. Keteltas, Isaac Roosevelt, Dirk Brinkerhoff, G. Rappelye, Jakobus Roosevelt, Gerard Beckman.
OPPONENTS OF ENGLISH PREACHING.
October 20, the day of election of Consistory.
I, the undersigned, on entering the Consistory Chamber, was accosted by Mr. Jacobus Stoutenberg, who asked If be and his could be admitted to a vote in consistory. I answered that when consistory was opened, I would reply to him in their name. The matter being proposed to the Consistory, they gave answer to hlm In the Doophuis that they thought his party had no vote according to the Charter.
Whereon a paper was presented by Col. Henry Cuyler, the treasurer De Peyster, Jacobus Roosevelt, Nicholas Bayard, and signed by more than 100 members there present, desiring that the Consistory, in the election, would abide by the old custom now so long in use. This was made known to Stoutenberg and bis party with the request that they would yield thereto. This they refused to do.
Whereupon they desired to come into the Consistory Chamber, the consistory having, according to custom, finished the election and gone away. They also requested me to take part with them. This I justly declined, having already, as President, directed the meeting. They pressed into the Consistory Chamber, and Anally came to my house, and wished to give up to me the (names of the) persons chosen by them, and certified to by two witnesses. This in like manner I refused. So another day, the persons chosen came to my house and demanded the book in order to put their names therein. Twice, I refused to give it, and they departed. This I certify took place.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
On the 21st of November, 1763, order was given to the treasurer, according to the resolution of consistory, to pay to domines Ritzema and De Ronde, each £30. on the Interest of £2000. due May 1764, according to what was formerly allowed them at their previous request.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
PETITION OF MANY MEMBERS OF THE DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK, TO THE CONSISTORY, TO CONTINUE TO ELECT OFFICERS IN THE OLD WAY, NAMELY, BY THE CHOICE OF THE CONSISTORY ALONE. OCT. 20, 1763.
To the Rev. and Worthy Consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York :-
The Petition and humble request of us, the underwritten, communicants of the said church, sheweth-That the Petitioners have been credibly informed that several of the communicants of the said church intend, on the day appointed by the Charter of the said church for electing Elders, Deacons and Church Masters, to come and
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vote for Elders, Deacons and Church Masters, contrary to the old invariable usage and custom of the said church, before, and since obtaining the said Charter : That we judge an election by the communicants as an infringement on the constitution of our church, and tending to raise heats, controversies and animosities among the members thereof, contrary to that love and esteem which ought to subsist among the professors of Christianity. Our earnest request and desire therefore is, that the Rev. and Worthy Consistory will by no means deviate from the old constitu- tional methods of electing Elders, Deacons and Church Masters, but proceed therein as usual, notwithstanding any attempt contrary thereto; and we do hereby promise and engage personally to attend on the day aforesaid, at the Dutch Church, there to agree to the election, nomination and appointment that shall be made by you, according to the usage and constitution aforesaid. We pray God to heal the unhappy breech in our church ; and are, with great esteem, etc.
Col. Henry Cuyler. Treasurer De Peyster. Jakobus Roosevelt. Nicholas Bayard. And more than 100 other names.
GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Rev. John M. Kern .- German Church joins Classis of Amsterdam.
New York, October 28th, 1763.
On the occasion of the arrival of the Reverend Johann Micheal Kern from Ger- many, as minister of God's word to the German Reformed Congregation in New York, on the 18th inst. the Consistory thought it advisable to meet to consult about the same and other topics; which they did accordingly on the above date.
Present:
Johannes Will, Sebastian Stephung, Johannes Meyer-Elders.
Abraham Lung, Deacon; with other members of the congregation, as
Heinrich Will, Johannes Reming, Philip Muller.
The following points were discussed, and it was resolved:
1st. That to prevent all contentions, we unite with the Classis of Amsterdam or the Synod of Holland, and that the Low Dutch Ministers, Dom. Ritzema and De Ronde, be conferred with, in order to carry this resolve into execution.
2nd. That Dom. De Ronde prepare a proper report according to the order of the Low Dutch Church, necessary for the above application.
3rd. That the yearly salary of our minister, Rev. Kern, be one hundred pounds, until the outstanding debts of the church are liquidated; when the said salary shall be raised to the same amount paid our last minister, viz. one hundred and fifty pounds.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Missionaries among the Indians. Indian Prayer Book. Johnson Hall, November 13, 1763. 1
My Lords, In obedience to your Lordships commands of the 5th of August last, I now do myself the honour of writing my sentiments concerning Indian affairs and of transmitting the best state I am able at present, of the several Nations within my department, with whom I have hitherto had intercourse.
Another matter extremely essential, will be a choice of proper Missionaries to reside amongst the Indians in their own Villages; many of the present Missions are established at settlements on the sea-side, where the Nations formerly residing are become extinct, or reduced to an inconsiderable number, whilst other Mission- aries are allowed a double cure, or live in our towns; so that two or three visits In a year, are all, that the Indians get, and the Missionaries unable to speak their language, are obliged to have recourse to the very bad Interpreters which the
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Country affords; by which means the worthy design of the Society, is in a great measure defeated. There have been other Missionaries, who have too often used their influence in obtaining grants of Lands, which gives the Indians the most unfavorable opinion of their worldly and interested views. The Mohawks lately told me, that they apprehended the reason, they had not Clergy as formerly amongst them, was, because they had no more land to spare.
The French, who greatly outstripped us in making Proselytes, sent Jesuits and others amongst the Indians, who lived in their Castles, and took care to form them by their Immediate example and precept. I fear we shall be unable to pro- cure such persons amongst our Clergy, but I would humbly recommend, the necessity there is for sending some such persons to reside amongst the Mohawks and Oneidaes in particular; these two nations having a very Religions turn, and desire for learning the Christian Religion, In which many of them are become great proficients, reading the liturgy and preaching amongst themselves, to promote which, I have caused a new edition of the prayer book etc., to be printed in their own language, with some necessary additions. Two youths, a Mohawk and an Oneida, whom I sent to school, being returned, and appearing very zealousiy and devoutly inclined, deserve the notice of the Society; as from their connection and resdence, they would prove of much use; for I observe with regret, that few of our people can be found, who will sacrifice the advantages and enjoyments of life to reside in their Villages, without whleh, they are of little utility.
I have the honour to he, with the most profound respect, My Lords, Your Lord- ships' most obedlent and most humble servant,
Wm. Johnson. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vii, pp. 572, 579, 580, 581.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Conferentie to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, November 17, 1763. Vol. 33, page 69. No. 340.
Reverend SIrs. Fathers and Brethren In Christ :-
We had the honor to annonce to you on the Sth of June of this year, that we had received your welcome letter of the 11th of January, on the 5th of June, together with that addressed to the so-called Coetus; and also one to us, a com- mittee of four, on the affairs of Queens County. What lins been done in that case we hereby let you know.
We have spoken several times to Mr. Keteltas, and have done all In our power to make his Rev. understand his errors, and to bring him to right views. At times these efforts seemed to bear some good frult; but at last hls stubbornness was fully exhibited, so that we could not escape his misrepresentations; for example, "as If we thought that the truth was simply to be found In the Dutch Reformed Church;" "that we blindly followed those theorles with regard to the Eternal Generation of the Son." All this has had such effect upon the congregation, that they have cut loose from hls Rev., without its haring caused any great divislon in the congrega- tion. He, however, stlil Hves right among them. Only a few can yet be found who cling to hlin, as is evident from the Call, whlch accompanies this letter. This speaks for itself and we have little to say about it.
One thing, however, Is desired by us. Inasmuch as the Call has been written by Rev. Vipianns Van Sinderen, as moderator, and therefore our customs have been observed In the Call Itself; yet it is not meant that the whole Classis is authorized to look ont for a minister, but that this authority should be simply con- ferred upon the Deputati ad Res Exteras; that to them full power Is given to look around for a qualified man; and when one is found to present him to the Classis, and that the whole Classis then execute it.
Further we must observe that the congregation desires a speedy execution of this call. We are aware also of the difficulties in finding an opportunity to send a min- Ister direct from Amsterdam. If, therefore, it should happen that no fit oppor- tunity should be found at Amsterdam, that then he should be sent via. London, because the need of the congregation requires as much speed as possible. We can-
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not but hope that God may bless your efforts, and that you may send a worthy person, who shall respond to the pious undertaking of the congregation; and that thereby the way may be further opened, to arouse the desires of other congrega- tions to have ministers sent from the Fatherland.
We announce our intention of meeting in October, with regard to the above named letter of the Rev. Classis. We expected that, in the meantime, we should receive a further reply about the second pamphlet of Rev. (John) Leydt, as well as that of Rev. Ritzema, in answer to it; as also, what has been done by the Commis- sioner, (of the Coetus) Hardenbergh. But we must say that our expectations hitherto have been disappointed; for Rev. Hardenbergh has given us no informa- tion whatever, (about his visit to Holland), not even a single word, although we have been some hours in his company. Only we hear that it was not accordng to his desire. There is a rumor also that Rev. (John) Leydt, who now seems to be done with us, will take up his pen against the Classis. There are still further proofs of their obstinacy of purpose, for, just before the arrival of Hardenbergh, they have again made three candidates; and we are told that they will be installed in the congregation at the first opportunity.
With regard to the church of Fishkill: it has gone to such an extreme that almost the entire congregation is separated from the Consistory. They want a minister from Holland; whilst the majority of the consistory, who can get scarcely ten members of the congregation to agree with them, want to force in one of these newly made ministers. The result will show what such conduct will finally produce.
This much is certain, that the eyes of most of the people are getting opened. We can see no other way, in this affair, but that this clique declare itself inde- pendent; and that then the congregations all over the country, be provided with ministers who adhere to the Constitution of the Dutch Reformed Church. One of us went to the trouble, this spring, to attempt to settle the difficulties at Tappan. Indeed, the foundation thereto was settled by a written contract. But after his departure from us, the domine circulated that he had been justified. This upset everything again. The domine there receives little more than half of his salary, and there are still thirty-nine heads of families under discipline.
We are still expecting two vessels from Amsterdam, the Boston and the Smith. By these we hope to receive some tidings; else we must request the Classis to write us via London, let it cost what it may. This is in order that we may meet next spring to settle up things here, according to the best we can do. It would also be very kind if the Classis would be pleased to urge those of Albany to do their duty. Domine Westerlo is well inclined that way, but his consistory seems to have no desire for it.
Herewith we must now close, with the hope and expectation that Jehovah God, whose cause we intend to maintain, may strengthen us, to quench all disorders, and to maintain all order in our midst. We also hope that the Rev. Classis will not deny us the needed aid; but that they will assist us with all their might. Then we cannot expect otherwise than that all difficulties with regard to these affairs will soon find an end.
We sign ourselves with the greatest veneration and respect, Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
Your Revs. obedient servants, Joannes Ritzema Lambertus de Ronde U. van Sinderen, V. D. M. Johannes Casparus Rubel.
Long Island, Nov. 17, 1763.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to one of the Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam, Nov. 24, 1763 ; with a Postscript. Vol. 33, page 72. No. 342.
Right Rev. Sir and Much Esteemed Brother :-
Having heard that your Rev. is one of the Deputati ad Res Exteras, I take the liberty of addressing your Rev. with a friendly and earnest request, and asking your aid in what I shall propose.
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Your Rev. must have heard that on account of the Increasing use of the English tongue over here, and the decreasing use of the Dutch, our Consistory and congre- gation generally have found themselves conscientiously compelled, in order to retain sound Evangelical doctrine, to call another minister who shall preach in English, although called according to the (Dutch Church) Constitution. The Call has already been sent to Holland, notwithstanding much trouble already experi- enced on account of it, and more which we may yet experience from a constant, but unreasonable opposition.
But besides this useful effort of the Consistory, it has also pleased the Disposer of all things, to stimulate me, hls unworthy servant, to attempt something, which shortly before, I would hardly have thought possible. I perceive the great need of a translation of the Heidelberg Catechism into English In order that old and young might obtain a correct vlew, through that language, of our Reformed and consolatory doctrines, and thus, under the influence of the Spirit, be kept from going astray, after the various sects and seducers in our midst. I was, indeed, deeply conscious of my insufficiency in this difficult (English) language. But I implored the Lord's assistance and enlightenment; and after three months labor, by day and often by night, 1 succeeded in producing a System of Truth, or a Compendium of Divine Truth after the plan of the Heidelberg Catechism. It follows the method of expo- sition in the Fatherland by orthodox ministers there. It also contains a small treatise for little children who have just begun to pluck the fruit of divine truth by means of the English tongue. Thus also, if the Lord will, we shall soon begin to instruct our grown up people, in the principles of our faith, as it is in Christ, in that same tongue.
The production of this work has been not only of considerable satisfaction to our own congregation, which is greatly pleased thereat, and sees a special Providence in Its preparation just now, and is very grateful to Jehovah therefor ; but it is also very acceptable to the Professors in the Presbyterian College and to the members of those churches ; for it is believed it will be useful to their students and others. Subsequently I also saw more clearly why God called me to this undertaking; for there are many errorists among us, such as Moravlans, Anabaptists, Arminians and others. Against these I have always been very zealous in iny preaching. But I never knew before, nor could I have imagined what other kinds of errorists dwelt in our very midst, but these have now burst suddenly forth upon my vision, since I have come to understand English and have published my System of Truth in that tongue. These others are Antinomians and Fanatics, who have issued writings prepared in a very subtle way, and under the guise of Gospel truths. They came over from England, that breeding place of heresy, and are not only ministers, but others also. Their doctrines are very easy and pleasant to the flesh, and have been already embraced by many of our own members. There is a so-called minister among them, of the Seceders of the Scotch Church, and who recommends these heretical books.
For such reasons have I published my " System "; and it is by such as these referred to, that our Catechism is so dreadfully slandered. Even I am called an Arminian, because I insist on good works being manifested, and require obedience to the Word of God, as an expression of gratitude (for redemption) ; but they do not require such things. They want only the act of Faith, founded on a mere persuasion that all one's sins are forgiven, or on One's own full assurance thereof, without any evidence from the Word of God or from personal experience of God's grace. They absolutely forbid any one to have any doubts ; although they do not require any previous repentance or humiliation for sin, before hoping for God's favor. But this cannot be. Such is only a make-belleve faith. They are not required to care about conviction of sin, nor need they fight against it. They assert that their method is best for believers. That they must simply love God ; that they can love him, if they only know that lie has loved them in Christ; that otherwise God seems only hateful.
But alas! what wickedness is this ! Where is then the love which God is worthy to receive from believers, because he is that Being who ought to be feared from his very nature, because he is so glorious, and holy, and truth-loving. Even if there were no heaven to be hoped for, men ought always to love him with a love at once glowing and ardent. (See I's. 73 and Canticles 5.) And then on account of the blessings which he bestows on us in Jesus Christ his Son, we should be willing to
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suffer condemnation. Such a love is worthy of all thankfulness. Would it not be only a form of self-love to represent it differently. Yet such a love of God (founded on our own self-love) they disgracefully press upon us. They do not properly revere that Exalted Being, (for what He is in Himself) ; before whom even seraphs veil their faces.
This, with other matters, which I hope will come under the eyes of your Revs., have compelled me thus to write For I hear that my " System " has been greatly depreciated by some of these errorists in our own congregation, and by others out- side, though belonging to the Reformed Faith. Yea, it has even been published from the pulpit that if any one has any objections to bring against it, or if it be contrary to our Articles of Faith, that such objectors should be pleased to address them- selves to our Consistory, in order that the truth or falsehood of my views might be made manifest ; and that the matter might be dealt with according to Church Order. But up to the present time no such objector has appeared. Nevertheless, the mis- representations continue.
There are also some who formerly attended my church, persons in whom I had had great confidence and who held daily converse with me, but who now come out openly and follow these antinomian ministers ; and many do the same among those so-called Coetus brethren. These latter continue to rebel against the Rev. Classis, and are by no means free from the contagion of these same errors, as I shall prove to you with sufficient reasons. But they thereby show what spirit they are possessed of. These things pain me in my heart, and often drive me to the throne of God to pray that he would be gracious to Zion and heal all the wounds. But I consider it an honor to suffer obloquy for Jesus' sake. Oh that God would prepare me to suffer affliction, if need be, as well as all who are called thereto.
Meanwhile I think it to be my duty to use all possible means to try to save many of these poor ignorant souls; to strive to prevent these noxious growths from spreading any further in this field (lit. acre) of God's Church, and, if possible, to extirpate them root and branch. I have, therefore, thought well to send over to you my "System of Truth ", for your inspection. It contains (in English) the fundamentals of our Christian religion, according to the teachings of the Heidelberg Catechism, arranged in clear questions and answers. These will be useful in instructing persons (who prefer English) in our pure Confession of Faith, etc. I send it to those Rev. gentlemen, Messrs. Longueville and Blinshall, ministers of the English speaking Church in Amsterdam; (as also a book of a certain man named Marshall, called " Gospel-Mystery ") ; I send it to them, because they understand English, and, according to directions given, they will report on it to the Rev. Classis, and secure an expression of opinion on my publication. I trust that the Rev. Classis will be pleased to send their approbation by the first opportunity, written both in Dutch and in English, that I may be relieved from the painful obloques and slanderings uttered against me ; and that my labors, done in all sincerity for thirteen years past, as the Judge of hearts knows, and as my congregation can also testify, may not be impeded.
I also make request, if the High Rev. Assembly think well of it, that the Rev. Classis would express their disapprobation of that erroneous, soul-destroying book, (Marshall, above alluded to, generally styled " Marshall on Sanctification ") also sent over. This, instead of inciting a person to real holiness, which is so beautiful in the eyes of the Holy One of Israel, rather leads him into greater self-security and carelessness. Will not the Rev. Classis also be pleased to send over orders, that all Reformed ministers subject to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and all others who are one with us in doctrine, warn their congregations against such teachings, and to withdraw themselves from such ministers who dare recommend such books. This is the only way. according to my way of thinking, and with God's blessing, to resist these errors, and to bring the erring ones back again; better than all preaching against such errors, for some are prejudiced against such preaching.
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