USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 21
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number of faithful subjects to the Crown, who can not at present be considered in that light.
My Lords,
Your Lordshipps most obedient and most humble servant,
Wm. Johnson. -Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. vii. pp. 599, 600, 602.
GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK. Call of the Rev. Johann Michael Kern.
New York, January 25th, 1764.
Reverend Sir,
The German Reformed Congregation in New York having written to Germany for a minister to come over, and you having, by the goodness of God, arrived on the 18th of October, 1763, and having preached to us several times, to our great edification ; the Consistory of the above named church, with the consent of the undersigned mem- bers of the congregation, have resolved to call, according to the regulations of the church, you, the Rev. Johann Micheal Kern, to be a shepherd and teacher of the above named German Reformed Congregation in New York.
We, the undersigned, members of the Consistory for this purpose assembled, in the name of the whole congregation, and in the presence of the Rev. Lambeth De Ronde, minister of the Dutch Reformed Church here, after prayer to God, do call you, the Rev. Johann Micheal Kern, to be a shepherd and teacher of the German Reformed Church here, in New York, to preach God's word truly and faithfully, to administer his holy sacraments, to explain the Heidelberg Catechism, to administer the discipline of the church, in one word, do all that becomes the office of a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, according to his holy word and as the order of the church may demand. Also, for the regularity of the public worship, we require you to preach on every Sunday two sermons, and when the Consistory may think right, and your health permit, also once during the week, viz: Wednesday evening during the winter season.
We further require you to administer the holy sacrament after a suitable prepara- tory lecture, four times a year, viz : the last of every third month, according to the custom of the Low Dutch Church here. And . we, in consideration of the above, promise to pay you the yearly sum of one hundred pounds, New York currency, in four quarterly payments, so long as you shall, being spared in good health, conduct the service in the above manner. We further promise to pay the sum of twenty-five pounds for house rent. These sums to be paid until the church shall be able to increase the amount.
This we, the undersigned, promise to do with the understanding that in under- signing, we will do our best not only to hand our minister what is or may be subscribed, but also what may be wanting from the treasury of the church, which shall also be agreed to by the elders and deacons who may be chosen from time to time, hereafter.
We present this call for you, the Rev. Johann Micheal Kern's, consideration, in the hopes that in the fear of the Lord you will accept it, not doubting but that the Lord will crown all with his blessing. Lastly, we promise to love and honor you with the honor and love due to a faithful teacher, praying the great shepherd Jesus Christ to bless this act to the glory of his holy name and the saving of souls.
Done in Consistory meeting, New York, 26th January, 1764.
In the presence of
Lambertus De Ronde, V. D. M.
Johannes Will, Sebastian Stephany, Johannes Meyer-Elders.
Abram Lung, Hans Zurcher-Elders.
Heinrich Croo, Heinrich Will-Deacons.
Johann Muller, M. H. W. Hauswick-Church Masters.
I promise to fulfil faithfully the conditions of the above call according to the best of my power through the strength, that God shall give me.
John Micheal Kern, V. D. M.
104
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Salary lists. Adrian Van der Sman discharged.
New York, February 16, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. John Montanye delivered various lists of names. These began with the year 1744 and ran to 1763, inclusive ; but of these years, four were wanting. Those which were found were also in many respects defective ; for Montagne had received nearly £400. more than he had, from time to time, given over to the Consistory. The Consistory, having considered the matter, condemned Montagne to pay the sum of £200. for which he should give a bond payable in a year ; but as he refused to accept that favorable resolution, he shall be responsible for the whole.
2. It came before the Consistory that some members refused to pay the full subscription on the ministers' lists. Thereupon it was Resolved, That from no one should less be taken than they had subscribed, except only those who from lack of means were unable.
In name etc.,
L. de Ronde, p. t. President. (No date; but February 1764.)
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Mr. Adrianus Van der Sinan was summoned before the Consistory. When he appeared there were shown to him two documents sent from Amsterdam by the Deputles of the Classis, In the name of the Synod of North Holland, to dominie Ritzema, that he might defend himself. These he confessed to have written with his own hand ; the one In the name of domlnle Ritzema, the other, in that of the Consistory of Sagertje. Thereupon, the Consistory felt bound in conscience before God to discharge him from service In this congregation as Visitor of the Sick and Catechist, and also to require him to give up the house which he occupied, to the Consistory by the first of May next.
Signed etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
MARCH 8, 1764.
ADRAIN VAN DER SMAN. REV. LAIDLIE EXPECTED.
Reverend Fathers and Brethren in Christ :--
The Consistory of the Dutch Church of New York, find themselves under the greatest obligations to you. The bundle of letters sent on the third of October last, (1763) by way of Philadelphia, to domine Ritzema, was received here on the eighteenth of February, (1764) and the contents have been noted. We are especially concerned to apprize you, that we perceived to our sorrow concerning the letters to the Christian Synod of North Holland, received back by dominle Ritzema, that the person guilty of this extreme act of deception, is our Visitor of the Sick and Catechist, Adrianus Van der Sman. He sought by letters, forged In the name of dominie Ritzema and the congregation of Sagertje, to intrude into the ministry. Wherefore we felt ourselves bound, not only to suspend him from the Lord's Table, till hls proper repentance, but also to dismiss him from the office he had hitherto held among us. The offence he has committed is so great that his confusion and avowal, are not judged sufficient to allow his restoration.
As to your letter to the two old Consistories and the other members, that they should submit to the resolution of the Consistory-this is very acceptable to us. It could be wished that it would have the proper influence upon parties hitherto immovable, who appear to be amenable to no power of reason. But they are stiffnecked and adhere to a course so destructive of our peace. There appears to be no settlement attainable except by the civil law.
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3915 1764
Domine Laidly is eagerly expected and we doubt not he is now upon the great ocean, although we are not sure just when he embarked. His coming is the only hope we have of attaining the desired issue. We shall make known our affairs to you by the first opportunity after his arrival. We subscribe ourselves with esteem, Your servants, etc., In name etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President. N. B. There being no opportunity of writing from here, we have written thus briefly, that the letter may go in the paquet, (packet.)
GALLERY IN NEW CHURCH.
Consistory held etc.
New York, March 8, 1764.
Resolved, That the committee on the building of the Gallery in the New Church shall collect the materials therefor, according to the newly approved plan thereof.
That the Deacons shall collect the bond of Joseph Forman & Co., for £600., and use the money for the building of the gallery.
That the sum of three Hundred Pounds now in the hands of the Treasurer, shall not be put out. The committee shall have power to use so much as is needed of it, until the money appointed for them comes in. Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President. New York, March 14, 1764.
Great Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The plan of alterations in the New Church was presented and unanimously approved by them. The consistory requested to go on with it.
Messrs. Cornelius Clopper, Evert Bancker and Abram Lott were appointed to arrange the benches in the order they now are in relation to the pulpit, with the approbation of the consistory.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
VAN DER SMAN.
New York, March 18, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A request was presented from some catechumens of Mr. Adrianus Van der Sman, desiring his restoration to the office of Catechist.
The Consistory, after consideration unanimously replied that they adhered to their former resolution in relation to Van der Sman. Meanwhile the ministers offered to do the catechizing, and those who desired to be catechized by Mr. Welp could have him provisionally appointed for that purpose.
In name etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies, March 19, 1764. (See April 2, 1764.) Replies to letters from abroad. Rev. De Ronde's Translation of the Catechism.
Some replies were read to letters from abroad, and these were approved by the Assembly:
-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1764
To Rev. George van Essen, minister at St. Eustatius; to be found in Record Book, Vol. 2, No. 140 .*
To Rev. Barak Honvink, minister on the island of St. Martin; to be found in Record Book, Vol. 2, No. 141 .*
To the ministers in New York, who are called the Conferentie Brethren. See Record Book, Vol. 2, No. 142 .*
A letter was read by the Deputies from Rev. de Ronde, minister at New York. This was accompanied with a report, on a pam- phlet which he had written on the Heidelberg Catechism, in the English language, with the request that Classis should approve it. With it came a book, styled, "Marshall on Gospel-Sanctification." This he considered harmful, and would gladly see that Classis disapproved it.
The Classis allowed the same to be examined by the English minister and Colleague, Buurt. Classis approves his book (De Ronde's) on condition that in the Preface, or at the conclusion, he express himself clearly and soundly on the mystery of the " Pro- cession of the Holy Spirit." On this he has said nothing.
But Classis is of opinion that Marshall (on Sanctification), hav- ing been already published in Dutch with the approval of the Clas- sis of Leyden, does not now come under its jurisdiction ; but will upon this matter ., each one until the next meeting. (See Bibliography, under De Ronde, in Corwin's Manual, p. 418; 4th ed. 1902). Vol. xxiv. 95.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
SEATS IN THE NEW CHURCH.
New York, March 23, 1764.
There was laid before the Consistory an improved plan of arranging the seats in the New Church, prepared by Messrs. C. Clopper, Evert Bancker and Abram Lott, Jr., which was approved.
Signed etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ARRIVAL OF REV. ARCHIBALD LAIDLIE.
New York, April 1, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Domine Archibald Laidlie delivered the evidences of his call to be Teacher in this congregation. These were read with much satisfaction. Whereupon he was intro-
*Vol. 2, here, evidently means Part II. See Introduction of these "Ecclesiastical Records of New York," Vol. 1, page 21. The reference is to Vol. 31, as the books in the Archives of Classis of Amsterdam are now numbered.
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1764
duced into the consistory and received as such, with prayers for his person and work.
Signed etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
REV. SAMUEL SEABURY TO THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL. PRAYER BOOKS. INFIDELITY. QUAKERISM. Jamaica, March 26, 1764.
Reverend Sir :-
My last letter to the Honorable Society bore date October 4, 1763 wherein I acknowledged receipt of the Prayer books & pious tracts they were pleased to order for this Mission, most of which I have now carefully dispersed in such a manner as I thought would best promote the pious end proposed by them.
From an acquaintance of more than Six years with the people of this Parish, I find that their backwardness to attend the Public Worship & to comply with the Christian Sacraments, is not entirely the consequence of want of thought and earnestness which I at first apprehended to be the case, but am convinced is owing chiefly to the Influence of Infidelity and Quakerism which have spread their corrupt Principles to a surprising degree. The cause of Infidelity in this Country seems to have had some early & zealous advocates & the conduct of the Quakers has very much favoured its increase-They trusting only to their Light within and neglecting to give their children any religious education expose them unguarded to the allure- ments of Vice & Sensual pleasure & they of course embrace the Principles that lay them under the least restraint, hence it comes to pass that in those villages where the Quakers were formerly most numerous, there is now the least appearance of any Religion at all.
From this view of things I am sometimes almost discouraged & fear it will not be in my power to do them any effectual service. It is with great difficulty that many are brought to attend divine Service, with still greater to submit to Baptism, because they think that they can do as good without it, & as profitably empowered at home as at Church-And if one is prevailed upon to receive the holy Communion once or twice it is much if he comes again.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 198, 199.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Report of the Deputies ad res Exteras. English, in the Church at St. Martins.
1764, April 2nd. Art. 4. The Deputies report in the case of Rev. Barch (or Bach) Honwink, that in compliance with the resolution of Classis, they conferred first with Rev. Longeville, because he had received several letters about this matter from the island of St. Maartens from the father of Rev. Runnels, written in the English language, and thus was in a condition to give further information in this affair to the Depp .; and subsequently they conferred also with the Messrs. Directors. From the latter they understood that these gentlemen had resolved to write to the Governor, etc., on St. Maartens, and to declare that they did not
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1764
pronounce themselves in the judicature upon the orthodoxy or un- orthodoxy of Rev. Runnels; also that they did not wish to rob the inhabitants of that colony of the free exercise of their religion, provided this did not run counter to the police [or good order] and to good morals; but that in the reformed churches, subordi- nate to the Synod of North Holland and the Classis of Amster- dam, the Reformed doctrines, in accordance with the decision of the Synod of Dort, must be taught; furthermore that they are surprised that without the knowledge and consent of the Messrs. Directors, an attempt had been made to build a new church for the English, and to call a minister thereto. It was ordered that the affair be restored in integrum, and to take care, that the Dutch minister sent thither by the Directors, suffer no loss in his emolu- ments, until this affair be further determined on by the Assembly of Ten. With this report the Rev. Classis is content, and further recommends the case to the Messrs. Depp. The Depp. also read the letter in reply to Rev. Honwink, which was approved, with the thanks of Classis. xiii. 382, 383.
LETTERS.
Art. 5. There were read and approved, letters from the Rev. Deputies ad res Exteras, written to Rev. George van Essen V. D. M., at St. Eustatius; also to the preachers who constitute the so- called Conferentie-meeting of New York. The Depp. with the thanks of the Classis were requested to forward them.
There was also read a letter from Rev. Lambertus de Ronde, minister at New York. Therewith he had sent a little book" to the Messrs. Depp. composed by him on the Heidelberg Catechism, in the English language, which he wished to be approved by our Classis. This booklet having been examined by the English min-
*The full title of this book is as follows. "A system containing the principles of the Christlan Rellgion, sultable to the Heidelberg Catechism, by plain questlons and answers, useful for the Information of all persons in the true Confession of Faith ; and necessary towards thelr preparation for that awful and solemn ordinance, The Lord's Supper .- To which is prefixed a particular address to parents in general, showing the relation they stand under to their children, to instruct them In the principles of the Christian Religion. And to which is added an application upon the whole system. 16 mo. pp. 185. New York 1763".
This is the first book in the English language, published by a member of the Reformed Dutch Church in America. It was prepared a short time before the call of Laidlie, to meet the growing necessity of instruction in English. De Ronde him- self had offered to preach in English, if his consistory thought him quallfled. But they did not think bim capable.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3919 1764
isters and Rev. Budde, they reported that they had found nothing unorthodox in it; only not a word was said in it of the " Proces- sion of the Holy Spirit." (See Acts, Feb. 4, 1765.) Also in one place he speaks obscurely of the immediate imputation of Adam's guilt, although this is treated more clearly in another place. The Classis takes much pleasure in the advice of the Messrs. Depp., and requests that an answer be written to the above effect; also at the same time that it be suggested to him, that if it be printed again, it should be issued in purer English by persons who are better acquainted with the English tongue. The Classis approves of the book on condition that in the Preface, or at the close, he express himself clearly and in an orthodox manner upon the " Pro- cession of the Holy Ghost."
The Depp. also received from this same Rev. de Ronde a book by Rev. Marshal on Sanctification written in English. He asked to have this disapproved, after examination.
Having asked the advice of the Rev. Classis on this matter, the Rev. Classis judged that it did not belong under our jurisdic- tion, for the same book had been translated into Dutch, and ap- proved by the Classis of Leyden. The Rev. Classis will postpone this matter until the next meeting. xiii. 383, 384. (See March 19, 1764.)
(JAKSON. )
Art. 6. A letter was read from Rev. Jakson to the Depp. ad res Exteras. It was resolved to answer him briefly, that we neither can nor will bother ourselves about him any more. We therefore earnestly request him to write no more letters of such contents, as he has done, that we need not be compelled to send them back unopened. xiii. 384.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Art. 8. There were read extracts from a letter from Rev. Stapel; also from a letter from two elders of Amwyl, (Amwell, N. J.) These may be seen more at length in the Acta Deputa- torum.
.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Also extracts from the Coetus of Pennsylvania.
The letters of Rev. Stapel, and of the two elders of Amwyl, were answered by a letter prepared by the Rev. Depp., which, having been read, was approved by the Classis for forwarding. xiii. 384.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONFERENTIE, APRIL 2, 1764. VOL. 31, PAGE 219: No. 142.
To the Rev. Gentlemen who call themselves the Conferentle,
Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
In our letter of Oct. 3. 1763, we gave the action of the Christlan Synod of North Holland in the case between the so-called Coetus and yourselves, together with the opinion of the Classis of Amsterdam. We now send you a copy of the Acts of the recent Synod of North Holland, (1763). In which you will find the basis on which their action rests. We request that these Acts be sent around to all the brethren who remain subordinate to the Classis, and to such alone; for the Classis cannot keep up correspondence with those who cut themselves off by withdrawing from the subordination formerly established. A copy of the Article referring to the so-called Cortus brethren has been given to Rev. (Jacob R.) Hardenbergh, to be delivered to them, as well as another message from us on this matter. It would be very agreeable to us to learn that some good effect were produced thereby, and that subordination to the Classis were re-established. For such reasons is It that we desire the sald Acts to be clreulated. Now the God of Peace himself give you peace always by all means, and make us glad by seelng your good order. May the salvation of his right hand be under you with power.
We remain, Yours with esteem and brotherly love, Rov. Sirs and Brethren, In the name of the Classls, Johannes de Lange, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesls. Winoldus Budde .. Scribn.
In our Classical Assembly.
Amsterdam. April 2. 1761.
In addition we send also herewith the Acts (of the Synod of North Holland) of 1762, which, for certain reasons we could not send last year. We have received the call from Queens County, together with a letter of Rev. Ritzema, at only slight expense. Yesterday, we heard of one candidate, (Boelen?) and next week we expect to hear of another. According to our opinion, each of these can be Intro- duced Into some feld.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. The Dutch Party versus English Preaching.
New York, Aprll 4, 1764.
Cousistory held after calling on God's name.
Mr. Abel Hardenbrook, John Tlebout, etc., made a proposal of peace to the Consistory. They said this was done in the name of the Dutch Party. It amounted, In short, to this: That the Consistory should be so chosen In future. that the Conslstory under the English minister should be limited to the New Church, and the Consistory for the Dutch ministers, to the Old Church; that those for the New Church should provide for the payment of the English milulster, and those for the Old Church should do this for the Dutch ministers; both should con- stitute one Congregation and Consistory, and no Independence should be allowed in our pulplt; that this proposition should be added to the Eight Articles and sealed
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1764
with the Church Seal, and deposited with the oldest Dutch minister as an agree- ment between the Consistory and the Congregation, (that part) which hitherto had been against an English minister, and this should be a complete satisfaction of the same.
The Reply: 1. That the resolution of the Consistory was to allow no one, of whatever persuasion, in our pulpit, but to keep it for those only who had been ordained by the Classis of Amsterdam, or by their order, or, who at least stood in the communion of our church and had subscribed the Standards of Doctrine.
2. That the Consistory thought that the preservation of the Dutch Church and its privileges was secured more surely by the Eight Articles than by what was now proposed.
3. That as to those who on the Dutch side should be chosen to office, and were disinclined to subscribe for the security of the salary of domine Laidlie, the Con- sistory would release them from the obligation. This, therefore, could be no hin- drance in the way of their being chosen and ordained.
4. That the Consistory was not disinclined to seal the Eight Articles, with the addition proposed, if it did not conflict with the Call already made on domine Laidlie. Therefore a document should be drawn up with a slight change or further explanation which it was hoped would satisfy them. And so they sepa- rated, well contented.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President. New York, April 9th, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Mr. Jakobus Stoutenburg, William Elswout and Teunis Tiebout appeared, and proposed to reason with the Consistory on various matters relative to the dispute; and how they were inclined to peace and harmony. It was judged, that this could not be regularly done, before and until Mr. Stoutenburg and they in whose name he spoke, regularly recognized the Consistory. Then they would be in a condition to answer him.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Translation of the Catechism. Type for the Psalm Book, etc. New York, May 1st, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. A request was presented for the appointment of a committee to revise some proofs of the Heidelberg Catechism, Confession, Formularies, etc. Consent was given that domine Laidlie should call such a committee as often as was judged proper, and should summon Messrs. Theodore van Wyck, Isaac Roosevelt, D. Brinckerhoff, and others whom they should please to call in.
2. The same committee was directed to examine the accounts of domine Laidlie in reference to the expenses of his call, and to repay to Mr. Daniel Crommelin the money he had expended.
3. It was resolved, to send to Holland, to Messrs. Longueville and Blinshall for type for the Psalm Book, and that to each of these gentlemen £25., New York currency, should be given, in acknowledgement of their trouble in furthering the call on domine Laidlie, and that this sum should be laid out on a piece of silver, such as would best please these parties, with the "Arms" of our corporation on the same.
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