USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 30
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In reference to your request in behalf of the well-educated young gentleman, Lydekker, who is not strong in health, the Classis will not oppose it. As a proof of her generosity, she will admit him to the Holy Service, praying God to qualify him for so important a work.
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In reference to the accusations brought up against Rev. Berbryck, the Classis is unable to form a judgement inasmuch as he is a Coetus brother. The circum- stance that the Subordinate Assembly (the Conferentie) has censured thirty differ- ent households, without due form of process,-this is a matter that needs to be investigated, and if they are not proven guilty, they must be restored.
The Classis approves the Act in reference to the miserable Van Hoevenberg. Our advice is, if he does not repent, the censure must be continued; but do not bring matters to a final deposition before he has gone to extremes.
In reference to the case of the old minister, Erickzon, who, by his conduct has rendered himself useless, the Classis cannot consider his case, as he does not belong any more under their jurisdiction. Before the grave closes over his gray head, may God grant unto him the spirit of true humiliation, with reconciliation through the blood of Christ.
B. In reference to the communication of the Coetus brethren, and the new mat- ters of consideration proposed :
The Classis might rightly hold herself to the resolution passed upon those brethren, expressed In the letters of Jan. 11th and Oct. 3rd, 1763; but we will encourage you ( them ?) to follow the example of the Subordinate Assembly, which maintains Itself in its present position, and from which there has never been any- thing required inconsistent with the civil oath. An objectlon about such a matter, with all the alarm excited in connection therewith, is indeed far-fetched.
The Classis has determined once again to give her opinions on the matters of consideration suggested by the brethren of the Coetus; but this time, finally, and on condition tirat they will send us a (final) answer. But attention to this has so far been postponed, inasmuch as we received the letters of the Coetus brethren too late to attend to them at this session. But this duty will be performed at the next meeting of our Classis in April, when a final decision will be given, which we will also communicate to you. At any rate, brethren, you may hold yourseives to our former resolution, and shape your action thereon. The Lord who governs ail hearts, and who knows the thoughts of our souls, the God of peace and of good-order in his house, grant you pence In 'ings, and grace In order that you may have peace. May Hle ever be with y you steadfast, that you miny abound in every work, knowing that our not be in vain in the Lord. Grace be with you.
We remain with all respect and brothersy a ... ... n, Rev. Sirs and Much-beloved Brethren,
Your obedient servants and bretliren, Winoidus Budde, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. Joh. Kalkoen,
In our Classical Assembly,
Amsterdam, Feb. 4, 1765.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. ARCHIBALD LAIDLIE, FEB. 4, 1765. Vor. 31, PAGE 229. No. 152. To Rev. Archibald Leadiy, minister at New York,
Rev. Sir and Beloved Brother :-
Notwithstanding the satisfaction which the Classis feels at the zeal you have exhibited In the Church of New York, she would have been still more pleased, if you had personally corresponded with our Assembly. We wish this all the more, because we have learned from letters that, Instead of unity with the Rev. gentlemen, Ritzema and De Ronde, in seeking to heal the divisions which exist, and which the Classis expected of you, you have actually withdrawn yourself from subordina- tion to the Classis of Amsterdam. But was it made plain to you when you started for New York that you were to remain subordinate to us? Did you not subscribe our Formulas of Unity, as Is the custom with all ministers when about to be Installed In distant countries? Did you not promise to keep up correspondence with the Classis of Amsterdamn? At any rate, the Acts of the Classis of December 5, 1763, a session presided over by Rev. De Lange, cannot err in this matter, and they read as follows :
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" The English minister De Longueville together with his colleague, after the blessing was pronounced, exhibited to this Assembly instruments of dismission of the Rev. Leadly, from the Collegium Qualifactum, and from the English Consistory at Flushing, as well as from the Classis of Walcheren. All these documents were satisfactory. We requested further that the said Rev. Archibald Leadly should be installed here (in Amsterdam) for the holy service of the Church of New York. The Assembly, on the ground of the resolution of the Classis of Oct. 3, 1763, approved this. The President officiated at the installation, after which the Formulas of Unity were signed by the said minister, whereby he promised to keep up the cor- respondence with the Classis of Amsterdam."
Dear Brother, the state of affairs being such as it is, the Classis hopes you will be a man of your word. Is the chasm of discord not wide enough already? What will be the end of such vexations and wickedness? Oh! that all would humiliate themselves ! that every hill and mountain might be leveled, and crooked ways be made straight! The Lord grant that your heart may be inclined to work for peace and unity. With this desire, we remain,
Yours with respect and affection.
Consider us, Rev. Sir and Beloved Brother, In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Your obedient servants and brethren, Winoldus Budde, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. Joh. Kalkoen, " " Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly, Amsterdam, Feb. 4, 1765.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. L. DE RONDE, FEB. 4, 1765. VOL. 31, PAGE 230. No. 153.
To Rev. Lambertus De Ronde, Minister at New York,
Rev. Sir and Brother :-
The Lord be your Sun and Shield as well as your Great Reward ! In the midst of the many bad reports which we hear from New York, the Classis was happy to receive a writing from your hand, dated New York, Oct. 13, 1764, which reached us Jan. 19, 1765. The Classis is satisfied with your position respecting that important doctrine, the " Procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son." We are pleased with the statements which you make on this subject. We expect from you still profounder productions and a "System " of more comprehensive grasp. We thank you also for being satisfied with the opinion which we expressed on the book of Rev. Marshall (on Sanctification). This book with one in the Dutch lan- guage, we send you as a brotherly present, though a small one.
Would that many brethren in (the Province of) New York were of the same humble disposition which we discover in your writings. Thus loving the Lord, they would seek more earnestly for peace and truth. May the Lord enable you still more deeply to sympathize with the crosses of Zion, and bestow you wisdom and grace, in order, if possible, to enable you to help build up the broken walls of Jerusalem. With this hope, we remain,
Yours with respect, and consider ourselves,
Rev. Sir and Brother
In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam,
Your obedient servants and brethren,
Winoldus Budde, Depp. Cl. h. t. Praesis. John Kalkoen, Scriba.
In our Classical Assembly, Amsterdam, Feb. 4, 1765.
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TESTIMONY AS TO A CERTAIN SERMON OF REV. H. MEYER, OF KINGSTON, BY CERTAIN OF HIS OPPONENTS. FEB. 9, 1765.
On Feb. 9th, 1765, his text was John XVIII. 12, 13.
Ils exposition was that Jesus in consequence of the crafty consultations of Annas, Caiaphas and the Jewish Council was taken bound and ied away first to Annas, then to Caiaphas. The reasons for this were-that it was expedient that one man die for the people, and that these consultations were held mostiy by night.
In his application he said, that it was a matter of lamentation that proceedings like these were known among ourselves, that they held secret consultations against the righteous and that with persons who like Annas and Caiaphas had previously made up their minds-that it was good that one man be taken by craft be ied away and bound-that the Judges were partial such as they well knew would give the decision upon their side. And the Consistory and Church were to be compared with the band, and chlef and servants, and that these consuitations were held by night and by day but principally by night because they were works of darkness and shunned the light.
This is about the sense and import of his words as he uttered them, as our signa- tures testify.
Jacobus Eltinge Adriaan Wynkoop Willem Eltinge.
ADDRESS OF REV. JOHN RITZEMA TO THE AMERICAN CHURCHES,
FEB. 28, 1765; WHEN HE ALSO PUBLISHED, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, CERTAIN EXTRACTS FROM THE ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, HELD AT EDAM, JULY 26-AUG. 4TH, 1763.
A Necessary Address to the Dutch Reformed Churches in the Provinces of New York and New Jersey.
it Is with the deepest regret, Worthy Brethren and Sisters in the Lord, that we learn that for a long while past. the decisions of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, as well as that of the Very Rev. Christian Synod of North Holland held at Edam, July 26-Aug. 4, 1763, have been constant toples of general discussion, but with very little regard to truth. Those decisions related to matters pertaining to the condi- tion of the Dutch Reformed Churches in this part of the world. The discussions ran as if the Classis and the Synod had arrogated to themselves powers incompatible with the conditions here in America, of loyal subjects of the King of Great Britain ; yea, incompatible even with the very nature (aart) of the Netherland Church Itself. And, by the spread of such opinions, It has been sought to perpetuate the discords (verwijderingen ) which, alas ! exist in different communities, unto the Injury and confusion of many as well as the general disturbance of the peace.
if this state of things were confined to the bounds of our own Church, the con- sequences would not appear to be so serions. Ent others, who have nothing to do with our Church and Its Constitution, receive therefrom wrong impressions, and thus have the opportunity afforded them to worry the very life out of us, [literally, to root into our very bowels, in onze Ingewanden te wroeten], and even to accuse the Classis of Amsterdam of injustice, as well as the Synod. Nevertheless, I am assured that all such as do not wish to form mere partizan judgments, but just ones-which course alone is worthy of a Christian, If he would not willingly subject himself to the just condemnation of God-I am sure that all such must abhor such a course, and be convinced of the entire justice of those ecclesiastical decisions. The neces- sity of this Address has also its further confirmation in those statements, wicked
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and in conflict with the truth, which have been laid even before lawyers, but which, for sufficient reasons, I shall not now bring into the light.
I do not wish now to detain you with a very long Address, much less to review with you the very elaborate correspondence of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, in regard to these matters. Those letters are in our hands or in the hands of other brethren, and may be consulted by those who are interested in them. But I only wish to say this much: That our churches, from their first organization in this part of the world, have stood in a relation of subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Such subordination has also at all times been acknowledged, without the slightest contradiction, by all the churches in both these Provinces, as may easily be shown from innumerable letters.
When, then, the request was made that an Ecclesiastical Assembly might be held in this country, such a one as actually existed for many years under the name of " The Coetus ", and in which no business was to be handled except such as was strictly ecclesiastical, so that Unity of Faith, and Purity of Doctrine and Discipline might be conserved among us-when that request was made, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam which had always considered, and does yet consider us as belonging to her Body, did, as early as the year 1739, give permission to hold such an Assembly, but under the following express conditions :
" That care must be taken that in such Coetus no judgment should be passed on the doctrines ; and neither should a preparatory nor a final examination for candi- dates and ministers be held; for these were matters which the Synod of Dort had reserved for the action of the respective Classes," etc.
Now was not the Coetus actually organized upon that basis? Have not all the brethren, without distinction, who have been united with us in that one Body, subscribed to these conditions, together with the other Articles? Yea, have not four of the brethren, three of whom are still living, shown, or at least desired to show, their approval of that subordination, by subscribing, when the Coetus Book was placed in their hands, although the disruption of our dear Church of the Father- land, had already, in fact, begun-have they not shown that they were inclined to that subordination ? For they subscribed to those Articles, which constitute "The Fundamental Rules of the Coetus," together with the later legislation. Nevertheless, those same brethren do now, with others, oppose the decision of the Very Rev. Christian Synod. What else, then, are they doing, except to prove that they have abandoned the accepted Confession? And although they do not publicly seek assistance, (En zo geen hulp in de poorten zoeken) yet they cause the simple- minded to understand that they are oppressed in reference to their Christian liberty. Nevertheless, the Rev. Classis and the Synod demand nothing else than is con- sistent with our Constitution, (Constitutie), and to which, every one when entering upon the Sacred Ministry, or in joining the Coetus, bound himself, confirming it by a solemn subscription.
Now did not those brethren, notwithstanding the fact that they had solemnly subscribed to the contrary, license four candidates, two of whom are now engaged in the active service of the ministry, and two of whom have died? And we are now asked, for the sake of peace, to recognize them. This request we have never with- stood, (tegengestaan), setting forth, however, these limitations, that such proceed- ings must not be repeated. But, how, then, can a reasonable person consider it an injustice, if the Rev. Classis withdraws from correspondence with those who are unwilling to abide in the fellowship of that Church, to which, for the maintenance of good Order, they voluntarily bound themselves by their subscription? I boldly assert that there is no injustice therein. For the Rev. Classis does not persecute any one in this matter, but only declares what it thinks of such persons. If, now, ministers can persuade themselves, and churches are willing to agree with them, to pass over from a National Church, to an Independent Church, we allow that the responsibility for such a step rests with themselves. If they do not appreciate the danger of such a course, we wish from the bottom of our hearts that they may come to see it, and recover themselves therefrom before it becomes too late.
But some, perhaps, may say, that they are not under the same bond of obligation as we are, because the ministers who have been ordained by them, and those who, from time to time, may be ordained by them, have not subscribed to those Articles. This is also the case with some who came in later, and who, probably, have sub- scribed to some Ecclesiastical Judicature here, in this country ; just as a certain
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minister wrote me that he had organized a new church, on the basis of the Synod of Dort and the Formulae of Unity of the Netherland Church, but under a Church Judicatory of this country. Be that as it may. Let them be Independents who desire it. But we, certainly, must be careful how we recognize them as brethren of our Order.
It is for such reasons, then, Brethren and Sisters in the Lord, that we hereby communicate to you this whole business as it was discussed and decided in the Synod of North Holland, (In 1763). We hope that the effect may be that, even if the brethren who differ from us should persist in their purpose, the congregations, nevertheless, may be enabled to judge of these matters for themselves; and that they refrain from speaking evil of those whom they must all recognize as "Fathers in Christ "; and whom they should obey, in the Lord, as those who have so long watched, and are still watching for the welfare of our churches.
I am, with all respect,
Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ,
New York, Feb. 28, 1765.
Joannes Ritzema.
ARTICLE 4TH OF THE ACTS OF THE SYNOD, 1763 .- COMMISSION OF REV. JACOB R. HARDENBERG TO THE SYNOD, AND APPOINT- MENT OF COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON HIS REQUEST.
Hereupon the Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg, V. D. M. of Old Raritan, in New Jersey, was admitted. Hls Rev. was provided with proper credentials from the Church there. He then presented a certain request to this High Church Assembly, which was further urged in a letter from the said Coetus.
The Investigation of this matter was referred, with the consent of their Noble Mightinesses, to a Committee, consisting of the Revs. Van Royen, Van Assen, Van Eycken and Hanssen, besides the representative elders from Haarlem and Enkhuysen. These gentlemen were requested to favor this Assembly with their advice.
ARTICLE 48 .- REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
The Committee appointed to investigate the affairs of the Church of New York, of which mention has been made, report to this High Rev. Church Assembly, that they have read the documents placed in their hands concerning this matter, by the worthy Rev. Johannes de Lange. Extraordinary Deputy of the Classis of Amsterdam ; and have the honor to offer this advice to this Synod, after they have given an account of what was done In committee.
THE ACTION OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM; ALSO CERTAIN DOCUMENTS.
I. As to the matter relative to the proposition of those who still style themselves the Coetus :
1. They were informed in the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, according to a resolution of the Classis, of Oct. 4th, 1762, Act 5, of the scorn and disdain put upon the Classis and the Synod of North Holland by Johannes Leydt, minister at New Brunswick, In New York, (New Jersey ?), in a pamphlet, entitled "True Liberty the Way to Peace ", published in Philadelphia, in the year 1760, according to Church Order, after prevlous examination. Among many others, some leading passages were read to them. These the Rev. Classis consigns to the bosom of the very Rev. Synod, leaving the judgment thereon entirely to the Synod.
2. There was also read to them the advice of the Deputles on Foreign Affairs of the Classis of Amsterdam, In the matter of Rev. Jacob Rutse Hardenberg, minister at Old Raritan in New Netherland. The main import of this Is as follows : That the said Rev. Hardenberg appeared before the Deputies on Foreign Affairs, as also
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subsequently he was present in the Classis immediately preceding this Synod, and was furnished with letters of authority from those ministers who still style them- selves the Coetus. These were signed by Samuel Verbryck, President and Johannes Leydt, Secretary, ministers at Tappan and New Brunswick. By virtue of his said Commission, he proposed to them the following question :
PROPOSITION OF THE COETUS TO THE CLASSIS.
Whether the Classis of Amsterdam might not resolve to change the New York Coetus into a Classis, with power to license candidates and ordain ministers in that country ; and also whether the Classis would not advise the Conferentie Assembly to favor the change of the Coetus into a Classis; giving as a reason for such requests, that this would be the best means for putting an end to all the alienations and divisions there, and of again uniting the ministers and Consistories in that country into one Body.
The Deputies having earnestly considered this proposition, were (salvo meliori) of opinion that the above mentioned requests could not by any means be granted.
1. " Because this business is already " judicata "; that this project, devised by certain ones in New York, to change the Coetus into a Classis, and also to establish an Academy there, had been already rejected both by the Classis of Amsterdam in two emphatic letters, the one dated Dec. 9, 1755, signed by Revs. W. Peyffers, Presi- dent, and R. Schutte, Scriba ; the other dated April 5, 1756, signed by Revs. R. Schutte, (President), and J. Boskoop, Scriba. It has also been rejected by the Synod of North Holland, which emphatically confirmed the action of the Classis in the years 1756 and 1757."
2. " Because, since that time, no change for the better has occurred, which might move the Classis to change its opinion ; but, on the contrary, matters have become much worse; for the alienations and divisions have very much increased, and the bitterness between the two parties has become greater; indeed, to such an extent, that Rev. Leydt, in his pamphlet, above mentiond, has not hesitated to treat with scorn and to injure most painfully the Classis of Amsterdam and the Synod of North Holland. At the same time he maintains, in every way, that the Coetus has the right to license and ordain, thus trying to destroy all subordination to the Classis, and, instead, to introduce a condition of complete independence."
In reply to this pamphlet, the Conferentie Assembly has published another. In this, the Rev. Leydt is not only opposed, but the right to license and ordain for that church, is acknowledged to belong to the Classis of Amsterdam alone.
They also declare themselves perfectly satisfied in remaining subordinated to the Classis of Amsterdam ; and, in a letter, request, that the Classis would pronounce a final decision on this whole business ; declaring that otherwise, they would be com- pelled to address themselves directly to the Synod.
ACTION OF THE CLASSIS.
After mature deliberation the Classis took action in that matter, and charged its Deputies to communicate the same in two letters ; one to the Conferentie Assem- bly, and one to those who styled themselves the Coetus. The Deputies discharged this duty, and in both letters, showed in detail, that the Classis of Amsterdam alone has the right to license and ordain for the New York churches, and that that Church, and also the Coetus, are legally subordinated to it. This was proved :-
1. " From the old " Constitution " which governed that region when it was under the control of the West India Company.' At that time, it, like all other colonies of that Company, was subordinated to the Classis of Amsterdam, and received from it its ministers."
2. " From the condition in which that region remained, after it came under the power of Great Britain." For, at the Surrender of that region, Sept. 8, 1664, the following was expressly stipulated and agreed to: Art. 8: "The Dutch residents here shall retain and enjoy liberty of conscience in Religion and Church Discipline." Art. 12: "All public documents and proofs relating to any one's inheritance, or Church government, diaconate or orphan's court, shall be carefully preserved by
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those who have them in charge." In this same condition this region continued by virtue of the definite Peace Treaty between the King of Great Britain and their High Mightinesses, the States General, in the year 1667, Art. 9.
3. " From the Fundamental Articles upon which the Coetus was allowed and organized. In these, it was expressiy stipulated that it should remain subordinated to the Classis of Amsterdam."
4. "From the constant practice and acknowledgements, even on the part of those of New York, confirmed by the action of the Synod in the years 1756, 1757, 1758."
5. " For all these reasons the Deputies, (salvo maliori) do resolve, that the Classis must not only now persist in its views, but also not in any respect depart therefrom ; and that it ought to announce this fact to Rev. Hardenberg ; and also add, that in case the Coetus was determined to proceed in the course already pursued, the Classis would be compelled to break off ali correspondence with them, and to leave them to themselves ; so that, should they at any subsequent time, experience the injurious consequences of their separatlon, they would have themselves only to blame, and be unable to make the excuse that they had not been warned."
This reported advice the Classis of Amsterdam adopted by a unanimous vote, and changed it into a Classical Resolution.
LETTER FROM THE CONFERENTIE.
The Committee ad hanc causam, have also read a letter, dated June 8, 1763, written by Rev. Johannes Ritzema, minister at New York, in the name aiso of his Colleague, De Ronde and two other ministers, Van Sinderen and Rubei, the rest of the members belonging to the Conferentle Assembly not being able, on account of the great distance, to be present on such short notice. In this letter they
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