USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 29
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Rev, Men and Brethren, behold! This Is the utmost we can allow in the subordi- natlen demanded. We desire that all the wrong done in the past, on either side, be forgiven and forgotten. We hope that your Revs. may use this opportunity, which many possibly be the last, to heal the breach among us. if this is not now done, where will the business finally end, considering the present ihre of action ? After your Revs last communication, domine Freyenmoet, under the advlee of the Conferentie brethren, at fir t presented and then demanded the consent of the Con- sistory of the Church of Fishkill, on pretence of having received authority from your Revs., to the three following articles:
1. That that Consistory should renounce their affeglance to the Rev. Coetus, and sign subordination to your Rev. Classis, and relinquish their call on the candidate, Mr. Schoonmaker. (Henriens Schoonmaker, recently Heensed by the American Classls.)
2. When this was refused his Rev. then, under the sald pretended authority (from Rev. Classls) declared the Consistory, whose lawfulness had never been dis- puted, to be no Consistory.
3. He then chose a new Consistory, with the ald of, and from the minority of the common members of the church, and ordained them to their office on the same day. Upon this followed the closing and the breaking open of the church doors and other foolish acts.
Esteemed Brethren, we hope that these things will not be connived at by your Revs., lest they be kept up and repeated. If so, application may have to be made to our blessed Sovereign, (George III), and on Investigation made, whether the anthority of a Church-Assembly, living under a different Civil Power, can be toler- ated, when such devastations are committed among the subjects of his Majesty. We heartily wish that this may never become necessary, for then reasons would be given why all correspondence with the Church of the Netherlands should be forbidden.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3967 1764
We remain, Right Rev. Sirs and Brethren, after wishing the most precious Gospel blessings from the Lord, upon your Revs.' persons, families and congrega- tions-we remain,
Your Revs. Brethren.
In the name and by the authority of the Rev. Coetus of New York and New Jersey.
Jacob R. Hardenbergh, President, pro tem. David Marinus, Secretary, pro tem.
Done in the Coetus Assembly held at Hackensack, October 3, 1764.
P. S. Since the above mentioned circumstance of what occurred at Fishkill, we have received information that domines Fryenmoet and Cock have done the same thing at Poughkeepsie.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to Rev. Winoldus Budde, Oct. 13, 1764. (Vol. 33, page 82.)
Reverend Sir and highly esteemed Brother :----
Your highly respected communication of April 9, 1764, together with that of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, of June 4, reached me in the latter part of September.
I am obliged to your Rev. and to the Rev. Classis for the course you have pursued in the examination and approbation of my "System ". I am sorry that I omitted to mention in my book, the Eternal Procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son. It was not omitted because I am at variance with the doctrines of our Church upon this point. Far from it. But I did not think it necessary to mention every point in such a brief Compendium, inasmuch as I am accustomed to elaborate upon all these points in my catechetical instruction, expecting that others who might teach from it, would do the same. However, I am prepared to fulfill the requirements of the Rev. Classis ; and for that purpose I have already composed an appendix, which can be inserted at the end of the book. In this, I have treated the point above referred to, by itself, that I might conclusively show my sound orthodox belief in regard to it. I shall forward it at the earliest opportunity.
Should the Rev. Classis judge that the book of Marshall (on Sanctification) does not belong under their jurisdiction, I shall be resigned to their decision. I have striven to keep watch over the pure doctrine. I think in common with many orthodox theologians, that it is not in accordance with our Confession of Faith. I hope the Lord will abide with his people through His Spirit of truth, that he may be " worshiped in spirit and in truth ". Although I understand the sentiments expressed in that book, in the English language, yet, since. informs me that it is also extant in Dutch, I would feel greatly obliged to you, if you would send a Dutch copy to me. I will gladly pay the charges upon it.
As regards the condition of our Church affairs, we forwarded the record of our proceedings before the receipt of the Acta Synodi. The opposition of the so-called Coetus still continues. And it especially grieves my colleague (Ritzema) and myself to see that our new Colleague, Laidlie, joins with them in their insubordination to the Rev. Classis. This produces much discord in our Consistory, and prevents the exercise of brotherly love. I do not understand how things can go on in this way ; that ministers in the same congregation should be at variance with each other upon so important a point, as proper subordination ; for an independent, we cannot call a brother under the constitution, much less treat him as brother in matters relating to the Church, or its congregations. How shall this turn out? We hope that the Rev. Classis, in virtue of her authority, will interfere; otherwise I apprehend great discord among us.
Further I beg the continuance of your friendly and brotherly correspondence. I am now obliged to lay down my pen, on account of lack of time. Wishing you all prosperity, I remain,
Rev. Sir, and highly esteemed Brother, Your Rev's. humble servant and brother,
New York, October 13, 1764.
Lambertus De Ronde.
P. S. Do not take it amiss in me, that I recommend to you the enclosed.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1764
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Exchange of lots. Thanks for ornaments.
New York, October 18, 1764.
ConsIstory held etc.
It was resolved to exchange the lot now in possession of Mr. Jno. Croek, for the one which the sald Croek has bought of Philips, bordering upon the church yard ; and that writings be reciprocally given for the sald lots. And that after the exchange, Phillps shall still be allowed to rent the sald lot till It shall be required by the consistory ; and that his bullding thercon shall then be removed.
Ordered that the President, in the name of Consistory, give hearty thanks to Mr. Recorder Simon Johnson, Cornellus Clopper and jufvrow Catharina Lawrence for their candlesticks, or copper keronen ; and to Mr. Anthony A. Rutgers for his dlal hands, for the use and ornament of the New Church.
Signed etc., A. Laldlle.
INDEMNITIES FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN CHURCH LITIGATION. VAULTS.
New York, October 31st, 1764.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The deed of Charles Phlllps for the lot of ground opposite the church yard, bordering on Kerk street, was examined, and ordered to be placed on the Protocol. For the value of said lot, a deed was given to Mr. Jno. Crock, for the ground which he has now in possession from the church ; so that these lots are mutually exchanged, and the sald C'rock has satisfied Phlilps for hls lot.
It was thought proper to request the Incoming new consistory, to give to the persons who have been arrested by Abel Hardenbrock, a proper writing under the seal of the church, relleving them from all costs, which now or hereafter may be Incurred, on account of the clyll process in defending the rights and privileges of our constitution at the election of conslstory in 1763. [ See Jan. 7, 1765.]
It Is further thought ft that the persons who have bought or may yet buy ground for vaults In the yard of the New Church, shall receive good and sufficlent writings for the same, but on the same conditions as at present; and for this purpose forty or fifty coples of such an Instrument shall be printed.
Signed etc., A. Laldlie, p. t. President.
SHATS. THE HARPENDING LOTS.
New York, November 14, 1764.
Conslstory held after calling on God's name.
1. Willlam Lupton showed that he had bought a seat In the New Church for his wife, In pew No. .. , formerly the seat of her father. Brandt Schuyler ; but that Abel Hardenbrock Jr., refused to let him use the sald sent. This statement being considered, it was resolved that the wife of Wlillam Lupton was the rightful helr of said sent and should occupy It unhindered ; and Montanye Is ordered to make this known to sald Hardenbrock, that there be no disturbance herein during worship.
2. A committee was appointed to lease the yet unleased lots of the ground of Mr. Harpending, but not finally until after the consistory has approved. Committee to be .Jno. Brevoort, Evert Bancker, Jakobus van Zandt, Abram Lott, Rem Rappelye.
3. That henceforth, the Deacons in the New Church shall rise in their places without the bag, and after the rekommatie of the poor, shall go out from thelr places to collect.
Signed etc., A. Laldlie, p. t. President.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3969 1764
DESCRIPTION OF ALBANY AND MANNER OF THE INHABITANTS.
From Mrs. Grant's Memoirs of an American Lady, pages 32, 33. The Dutch and English Churches.
1764-The city of Albany stretched along the banks of the Hudson; one very wide and long street lay parallel to the river, the intermediate space between it and the shore being occupied by gardens. A small but steep hill rose above the centre of the town, on which stood a fort, intended (but very ill adapted) for the defence of the place, and of the neighboring country. From the foot of this hill, another street was built, sloping pretty rapidly down till it joined the one before mentioned that ran along the river. This street was still wider than the other; it was only paved on each side, the middle being occupied by public edifices. These consisted of a market-place, or guard-house, a town hall, and the English and Dutch churches. The English church, belonging to the Episcopal persuasion, and in the diocese of the Bishop of London, stood at the foot of the hill, at the upper end of the street. The Dutch Church was situated at the bottom of the descent where the street terminated ; two irregular streets, not so broad, but equally long, ran parallel to those, and a few even ones opened between them. The town, in propor- tion to its population, occupied a great space of ground. This city, in short, was a kind of semi-rural establishment ; every house had its garden, well, and a little green behind; before every door a tree was planted, rendered interesting by being coeval with some beloved member of the family ; many of their trees were of a prodigious size and extraordinary beauty, but without regularity, every one planting the kind that best pleased him, or which he thought would afford the most agreeable shade to the open portico at his door, which was surrounded by seats, and ascended by a few steps. It was in these that each domestic group was seated in summer evenings to enjoy the balmy twilight, or the serenely clear moonlight. Each family had a cow, fed in a common pasture at the end of the town. In the evening the herd returned all together, of their own accord, with their tinkling bells hung at their necks, along the wide and grassy street, to their wonted sheltering trees, to be milked at their master's doors. Nothing could be more pleasing to a simple and benevolent mind than to see thus, at one view, all the inhabitants of a town, which contained not one very rich or very poor, very knowing or very ignorant, very rude or very polished, individual; to see all these children of nature enjoying in easy indolence, or social intercourse,
" The cool, fragrant, and the dusky hour,"
clothed in the plainest habits and with minds as undisguised and artless. These primitive beings were dispersed in porches, grouped according to similarity of years and inclinations. At one door were young matrons, at another the elders of the people, at a third the youths and maidens, gayly chatting or singing together, while the children played round the trees, or waited by the cows, for the chief ingredient of their frugal supper, which they generally ate sitting on the steps in the open air. This picture, so familiar to my imagination, has led me away from my purpose, which was to describe the rural economy, and modes of living in this patriarchal city.
OTHER ITEMS IN 1764.
Jan. ? Father Roland to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. 4to. ed. IV. 215.
March 22. Philip Jonathan, schoolmaster at Canajoharie, to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 216.
Aug. 20. Dr. Barclay died. Sketch: Dix. Trinity Cr. 305-6. Sept. 17. Mr. Weyman, printer of Indian Prayer Book, to Sir Wm Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 217.
1
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1764
Sept. 27. Montauk Indians claim to be civilized and Christian- ized, and ask to be treated as citizens, to hold lands, etc. Doc. Hist. N. Y. III. 236. Difficulty of getting reliable Indian testi- mony. pp. 237-S.
Oct. 24. Rev. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 217.
Nov. 27. Printer (of Indian Prayer Book) to Sir Wmn. John- son. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 219.
Dec. 5. Indians directed to sue in chancery. Doc. Hist. N. Y. III. 238.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES. ABOUT JAN. 1765.
Supplement to the Letter of June 21, 1764. Vol. 33, page 80,
No. 349. This supplement is dated Sep. 4, 1764.
II. To this letter was added a second, dated New York, Sept. 4, 1764, signed by the same (Ritzema and De Ronde) in which they inform us how Rev. Meyer, minister at Kingston, explained to hls consistory that the subordination to the Classls Is, by virtue of the letter, (a copy of which in the English language is herewith enclosed). to be looked upon as one that must have been agreed to voluntarlly. Concerning this, they request that the Classis should state, in a word, that it demands no other subordination-which is a matter of course-than the one which accords with this letter.
III. Finally, a letter to Rev. W. Budde, dated July 8 and Sept. 7, 1764, signed by Rev. Ritzema. This contains, as the chief matter, a suggestion, that It might be for the best Interests of the New York churches. if the Rev. Classis would qualify two or three candidates for the service in the New Netherland churches, without assigning them to definite places. These then could be sent thither by the newly adopted method.
Further : a request that the call, sent in behalf of Queens County, should be offered to a competent person as soon as possible ; as there is danger In delay for that church.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
The Harpending lots. Rev. De Ronde's house. Indemnities. New York, January 7, 1765.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The list of the grounds (lots) of Harpending was presented. By this the half lot, of No. 13, and the lot No. 14, appeared In possession of Jno. Cowdry. It was agreed that he should hold them to the year 1770, and pay £10. yearly free of all taxes. No. 84 is built upon with three houses ; It was resolved to sell the premises to the highest bidder, who shall pay £15. ground-rent, yearly, to the church. No. 90, a part of the lot occupied by Mr. Nortrup, had £10. a year for two years offered for It. This was agreed to.
2. Since Luke Ament is indebted over £40. ground rent, and cannot pay, as he says ; Resolved, That if he do not make full satisfaction, the house shall be sold and the ground leased.
3. Joseph Paalding, belng indebted between £40. and £50., Jno. de Peyster is directed to take a Bond for it.
4. Domine de Ronde suggested to the consistory that he would Ilke to dwell
3971 1765
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
again in the city, and requested them to provide him a house. To this they replied that he must look out for a house for himself; and pay for it out of his salary, according to what the consistory had given yearly for salary and house rent.
The resolution of the consistory, October 31st, 1764, respecting the indemnifying of the consistory of the year 1763, whose members were arrested by Mr. Abel Harden- brock, was taken up by the Ruling Consistory. It was resolved to give them a writing of indemnity, and in the action against Hardenbrock, a committee was appointed to fee the lawyers, and defend the church's cause to the uttermost. Committee : Philip Livingston, Jno. Brevoort, Abraham Lott, Jakobus Van Zant, and any others whom they may request to aid them.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, January .. 1765.
Domine Kern, the minister of the High Dutch Church in this city, presented a request that, since the wall of their church had given way, so that they could not hold service there without extreme danger, they might use our church between the times of worship. This was agreed to.
The committee on the law suit requested that money might be borrowed by the Treasurer for the fees, since there was nothing in the treasury. This was agreed to. J. R.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. LETTERS.
1765, Jan. 8th. Art. 5. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras have received a bundle of papers and letters from New York dated June 7, and September 1764. Also eight days later a second package of letters. Subsequently still a third package of letters. xiv. 19, 20.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. LETTERS.
1765, Feb. 4th. Art. 3. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras re- port that they have received a letter from New York, from Rev. Ritzema, dated October 3, 1764. In this the subordinate Assem- bly (Conferentie) requests permission to qualify some candidates, and as such to send them over, and at the same to advance the moneys necessary therefor.
The Classis judges that they must be answered that their re- quest in respect to sending over the candidates is indeed granted ; but that in regard to the moneys, the Classis itself must ask certain parties hereabouts (for permission in respect to this matter.) xiv. 22, 23.
(DE RONDE. HARDENBERG. MEYER. THE COETUS. )
Art. 3. A letter from Rev. de Ronde of New York, dated October 13, 1764, in which he professes his orthodoxy as to the
3972
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
doctrine of the Procession of the Holy Ghost. He will explain himself more fully in regard to it in a concluding note (to his book), and send over a copy. (See Acts, April 2, 1764.)
A letter from Jacob Rutsen Hardenberg. President, and David Marinus, Clerk, dated October 3, 1764. (of a Coetus, held) at Hackensack, in which it is proposed to effect a " Church Federa- tion " (with the Church of the Netherlands,) owing to certain reasons, stated in that letter at length. (See letter.)
The Classis judges that the four Messrs. Deputati should duly confer with each other more fully about this important matter, and also consult with other brethren who may be acquainted with this whole business; and also if it be deemed necessary, to seek council of an intelligent lawyer, (about the legal relations of a Dutch Church in a British Colony, seeking to form a "Federal Union " with its Mother Church in the Netherlands;) and if pos- sible to bring in a report (pre-advice) at the next Classis; and then finally to write a letter to the same, (the Coetus.)
A letter from Hermanns Mever, of Kingston, dated October 25, 1764, embracing matters of the same import.
The Rev. Depp. read a letter to the Coetus of New York which was approved to be forwarded. xiv. 23.
THE CLASHIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONFERENTIE, FEB. 4TH, 1765. VOL. 31. PAGE 226, No. 151.
To the Rev. Assemlly of Ministers and Elders subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam,
Rev. Sirs and Much-beloved Brethren :-
1st. We Inform you that we have received the following :-
A. From the brethren who remain subordinate to the Classis, several bundles of writings, some of them In the latter part of 1704.
In the beginning of November In that year, a package, enclosing a letter from Rovs. Ritzema and De Ronde, In the name and by the authority of the ministers and Elders subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, dated New York, June 21st 1764. We examined the proceedings of that Assembly, after those who call them- selves the Coetus had taken leave. [See June 20, 1764.]
We received also two other packages In addition :
a. The first on Nov. 15. 1761, with the proceedings of censure upon Rev. Van Hovenberg, with all the documents belonging to that case; also a letter of the [same date] of the Rev. Gentlemen, Fryenmoet. Meyer and Cock, dated July 25, 1764.
b. A second package which we received Dec. 15, 1764, containing a call, [sent to be filled by] the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, may by authority of the Consis- tories of the four combined congregations of Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, [New] Hacken- sack and Hopewell, with the request that the Classis would speedlly supply them with a learned and plous minister who also accepted falthfully the true Church
3973
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1765
Order .- This document was accompanied by a long letter from Rev. J. C. Fryenmoet, dated Poughkeepsie, Oct. 3rd 1764, containing an account of the union of the four congregations, and how they had sent over the call, with many inducements .- In addition to this we received a letter on Jan. 19, 1765, written by Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde, and dated New York, Oct. 3 & 13 ( ?) 1763, in which they requested us to send over some qualified persons for the ministry in New York. 'This also gives us assurance as to De Ronde's views in reference to the Holy Spirit.
B. We have received from the brethren who call themselves the Coetus,
On Jan. 8, 1765, a package, enclosing a letter in the Name of the Coetus of New York and New Jersey, and signed by the gentlemen Hardenberg and Marinus, next stood : ( ?) in our Coetus at Hackensack, Oct. 3, 1764, with some papers con- taining their plans. At that time the Classis also received a letter from Rev. Hardenberg, dated Raritan, Oct .. 12, 1764.
On Jan. 27, 1765 the Classis received a letter from Rev. Herman Meyer, writing in his individual capacity, dated Kingston, Oct. 25, 1764. All these documents have more or less reference to the communications of the Classis of Amsterdam, dated Jan. 11th and Oct. 3rd 1763, concerning the difficulties which are by no means new, and to which we had already noticed allusions in your letter.
2nd Our answer to all the above mentioned topics here follows :
A. Concerning your own communication and the brethren who remain subordi- nate to our Classis.
In general, it was a matter of great joy to us that you adhered to the resolution of the Classis and Synod, notwithstanding the delay of the Acts of the Synod of North Holland. These were sent early enough, but did not reach you as soon as they ought. But it was a matter of grief to us, that, although all the brethren assembled together both of the Conferentie and of the Coetus, [June 19, 1764,] the latter soon withdrew on account of certain considerations which they thought ought first to be referred to the Classis and to the Synod. Thus all our efforts and labors, and the former resolutions and acts of approval of both the Classis and the Synod, have resulted in nothing whatever.
We were especially astonished at the conduct of the Rev. Leadley (Laidlie). He had received a plain expression of opinion from us concerning the duty of sub- ordination to the Classis. He had, moreover, signed the Formulas of Unity, and promised to keep up the correspondence with the Classis. This was proved by the supplementary action.
Our respected colleague, Rev. Budde, was astonished at your statement as to what Rev. Hardenberg had said in reference to his opinion as to the brethren of the Coetus. But such a statement is quite opposite to the feeling of his heart as well as the utterances of his mouth. Indeed, he said just the contrary, that the brethren who remained subordinate, performed their duty. He was also informed from Utrecht that Prof. Ristman had never said such a thing as you mention, namely, that Prof. Bonner had expressed himself on this matter. He expressed no opinion except on the subject of subordination.
In general : The Classis will fill the call, of the four congregations, for a minis- ter, but at present there is no opportunity to do so, as no qualified person has yet been found willing to go to New York. This grieves us. We have been not a little anxious about the Call of Queens County, sent us long ago. We had, indeed, found a certain person, and the call had been presented to him; but we were subsequently under the necessity of withdrawing it again, on account of a suspicion which arose concerning his bad character. This ended this effort to send a qualified person to the churches of New York for the present; yet we will cheer- fully fulfill the request, especially, if you will take it upon yourselves to supply the money through some of your correspondents outside of Classis.
In order to overcome the difficulty of finding suitable persons, we have inserted an advertisement in " The Boekzaal " that there was vacant churches in New York, and that calls were in our possession ; that we desired to learn of those who were willing to offer themselves for this field. We also added that the divisions existing in the Church made the call the stronger and louder, "Come over and help us."
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