USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 33
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Now one of two things must be true: The oath had either existed before, or it had not. If not. then It must be of recent origin. But that is at variance with its well-known original Institution. But did it exist before? Yet it has never hindered an undisturbed residence in that country.
Again : The oath has either been taken or it has not been taken. If it has not been generaliy taken heretofore, then the taking of it is largely a voluntary affair. If it has been taken, then those who took it were not hindered thereby from being subordinate to the Rev. Classis.
Finally, the Rev. Classis cannot conceive how, even according to the peculiar features of the English form of Government, that oath can have had involved in it the objects which your Revs. seem to imagine.
TOLERATION IN ENGLAND TO ALL PROTESTANTS.
While the Episcopal Church is the State Church in England, yet England tolerates other forms of worship, and permits the holder of each particular form to do, in their own way, what their respective (Church) Constitutions require. This is the case with the Presbyterians, who, according to your Revs. own statement, carry on their religion In accordance with their views since their first settlement. Well, then, why should the New York Church, which, according to Its Constitution, is bound to the Netherlands, and thus to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, be hindered from acting according to her Constitution ?
THE LEGAL ADVICE.
With respect to that legal advice received from certain lawyers :
It would have been very agreeable to the Rev. Classis, if through the counselings with those wise men, some additional light had been actually received. And
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1765
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
although we admire the clever reasonings of those men, to justify their own views of affairs, and are astonished at some of their curious distinctions, we must, to our sorrow, say, that we have not been at all enlightened thereby. Their observations embrace an elaboration of the meaning of that oath. On this we have already expressed our opinion. They do not furnish the slightest grounds why. we should assent to your request. For you only transmitted their legal opinions to us, in order, if possible, to induce us to give you a Classical Constitution, and recognize you as a Classis. They also ignored the fundamental principles, which involve an obligation between the Church of New York and the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and which we have already proved was the very basis of our right.
THE PROPOSED UNION-AND-SUBORDINATION.
Finally, your Revs. proposed a certain kind of subordination. But before you proceeded to do this, you speak as though our conduct in demanding the subordina- tion, was in conflict with the Synodical action of 1763. That declares that the Coetus cannot be admitted as a member of a Netherland Classis or Synod. But, Brethren, it has been demonstrated heretofore, and that fact must be kept in view, that there is a difference between a constituent member, having a right to a seat, and an ecclesiastical body having certain relations to another body, but subordinate to it. [-het onderscheid tuschen een integrerend en sesse hebbend lid te zyn, en een gecon- stiteerde Kerk, die op een ander lichaam zyn betrekking heeft, en daar aan onder- geschikt is. -Or : that there is a difference between the integral member, having a title to a seat, and a church so constituted that it is related to another Body, and is subordinate to it.] Now it was in reference only to the first alone that the Synod declared the impossibility.
In regard to the proposals in your Articles :- We find in them many things, but nothing which was not known before, and which had not already been disposed of. But that which should have been contained therein was not found. It had been carefully avoided. And as to what they did contain, we have already declared that we have neither the right nor the power to constitute your Revs. into a Classis ; nor to recognize you as such, nor to treat with you as such. If your Revs. choose to act in that character, that is to be put to your own account, and we are free of all responsibility therefor.
But your Revs. also propose a certain kind of subordination : namely, that when there might exist some differences of opinion, which could not be settled satisfac- torily, the Classis or Synod should then be asked to decide; and the matter should be submitted, so far as the Constitution of the Kingdom of England allowed. But, Brethren, we doubt not but that your Revs. will act as your oath requires, in all your conduct. Considering, however, the position you have already taken, namely, that the oath forbids any subordination whatever, yea, even forbids (official?) cor- respondence with any one outside of the Realm (of England) ; how is it possible that your Revs. now lay before us any plan of subordination, to which you would subject yourselves, seeing that we dwell outside the Realm (of England) ?
But to come to the close of your Revs. letter :- At the very outset, the Classis must express its surprise at more than one thing. Your Revs. would withdraw your- selves from subordination to the Classis, because you are bound by an oath (to another Power) ; yet you desire to be constituted into a Classis by yourselves, like all the other Classes in North Holland, and to be subordinated to that Synod. But, Brethren do you indeed remember that North Holland lies outside of your Realm (of England) ? If you are forbidden subordination to any (ecclesiastical) Body out- side your own Realm, you are desiring that which involves a contradiction. From your own statements, your desire can never be gratified without making yourselves culpable. The Rev. Classis is surprised that you cherish any such desire.
We are surprised again to notice at the beginning of your letter the statement that, since you are a free people, it is a matter of your own choice whether to cor- respond with us or not. Yet at the close, you say, the oath forbids this. But, Brethren, we wonder at this. For we understand (from what you say) that the oath lays those who take it under a bond, and does not leave them any liberty in reference to that thing to which they swear.
And still again we are surprised. As to your relations to us, your Revs. desire to be a free people in your Church Government ; and yet you urge us so strongly to
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give our consent to your liberty, and to recognize it in you. Now we cannot account for this, except on the presumption, that your Revs. are of one mind with us, namely, that you are actually bound to us, and consider it improper to withdraw from us. Therefore you want us to give you liberty to do so. Weil, Brethren, if then your view of your relation to us can be maintained, what more have you to do with us?
Or, do you urge our consent, in order to gain a proper standing with those churches which yet remain subordinate to us? For we have the evidence of the subordination of certain churches, as well as of the fact that some have withdrawn, and that others are divided through the introduction of certain ones who have set themselves up against the Classis.
Your Revs. further deciare that you hope that the Classis will avail themselves of this opportunity, as this is the last time your Revs. will make such an applica- tion. Now, from the contents of this, our letter, you will understand that the Classis can never come to your way of thinking on this business. We reply, there- fore, that inasmuch as your Revs. show your determination to withdraw yourselves from us, we can only regard you hereafter as a company of ministers who have seceded. This makes it impossible any longer to regard your Revs. as brethren with whom we can live in friendly (official) Correspondence, as the nature of our former relationship required.
Finally, you declare that when all your Revs.' proposed Articles have been agreed to, that then all the wrongs which have been done on either side must be forgiven and forgotten. The Classis replies to this: Does this statement of yours mean that your Revs. have wronged the Classis? Then we gladly forgive your Revs .- On our part, we are sure we have never done your Revs., or any of your churches any wrong. If we, when exercising our lawful rights, in our fuiness of zeal, have occasionally used severe expressions, remember that they proceeded from our zeai to preserve you and your churches from destruction. Therefore, please look upon any severe words which we may have uttered, with a brother's eye. Remember, also, that your own sharp expressions have at times given us occasion for words of severity.
Secondly: Thus have we replied to the substance of your letter. Your Revs. add at the close an account of certain things done by Rev. Fryenmoet in the congrega- tion of Fishkill ; that he declared the Rev. Consistory there to be illegal ; that he made a new Consistory, and rejected the candidate ( Henricus) Schoonmaker, and was gulity of other deeds of violence, which are referred to in the Postscript; that Rev. Fryenmoet had acted in a similar way at Poughkeepsie, in relation to Rev. Vos. [No such name appears. ]
The Rev. Classis declares that she takes no pleasure in any deeds of violence, and can only think of them with abhorrence. When the necessary reports are received, she will do her duty in opposition thereto. She is, however, obilged to add, that she has the idea that ministers were forced by the so-called Coetus on these churches, against their will. Those churches desired to have only such ministers as were subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam ; and that, although those acts of violence were perpetrated by those people, yet they must be chiefly charged to those who gave occasion for them.
May God preserve all those who would force the opinions of others from the sin of " a violation of one's conscience " (gewetensdwang, constraint of conscience) !
May God preserve the churches from ever exhibiting any spirit of sedition !
Then neither of these classes of people will be exposed to the punishment of being cut off from correspondence with the Church of the Netherlands.
Finally, Brethren, we commend you to God and to the Word of Hls Grace, which is able to build you up. If you continue in your former opinions, we can henceforth have no more dealings with your Revs. We are, Very Rev. Sirs and Brethren,
Your Revs. Obedient Servants and Brethren,
Johannes Kalkoen, V. D. M. Amst. et Ci. Deputt. ad Res Exteras, h. t. President. Wilhelmus Van den Broek, V. D. M. Amst. Ci. Deputt. et h. c. Scribe.
Amsterdam, in our Classical Assembly,
June 3rd. 1765.
[But see later action of Classis and Synod in 1768, when both backed entirely, down from these positions.]
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3997 1765
REV. SAMUEL SEABURY TO THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL. EPISCOPACY IN QUEENS COUNTY. INFLUENCE OF THE QUAKERS.
Jamaica, June 28th, 1765.
Reverend Sir :
The enclosed petition from the Church Wardens & Vestrymen of the Parish of Hempstead, I have been desired by them to forward to the Honored Society-They have called & presented to that Parish the Rev. Mr. Cutting the Society's present Missionary at Brunswick, New Jersey ; and as the Church people at Hempstead, are very much pleased with Mr. Cutting & very desirous of having him for their minis- ter, and as I think (from an acquaintance of twelve years) that he is well qualified to supply that Parish, and that he will do real service therein to the cause of virtue & Religion in general and to the Interest of the Church in particular. I hope the Society will not think me too presuming when I say that I think his Removal thither will be attended with happy consequences.
Tho' the Congregation there is large yet a great part of it is composed of those who have had no religious impressions made on them by their Parents in their younger years. They come to church rather from habit than a sense of duty & love of Religion. Their continuance to come to Church will therefore depend in a great measure upon the good opinion they have of their minister and the principal oppor- tunity he will have of doing them good will be by cultivating their good opinion & gaining an Influence upon the rising generation. For these reasons the more con- siderate & religious people among them, have been very anxious to get a Minister among them, that the Congregation were pleased with and for these reasons they are now solicitous to obtain Mr. Cuttings removal among them.
It is evident to the most superficial observer that where there have been the greatest number of Quakers among the first settlers in this Country, there Infidelity & a disregard to all religion have taken the deepest root and if they have not entirely corrupted the religious principles of the other inhabitants they have at least very much weakened them and made them look upon Religion with indifference. This seems to me the reason why it is so hard to bring the people of that parish or this to comply with the Sacraments of the Christian Church, or to think them- selves under any obligations of duty to attend the public Worship of God. This also seems to be the reason why the people of Hempstead tho' able to do consider- ably towards the support of their minister are so very backward. They have learned from the Quakers to consider it as a mark of an avaricious & venal spirit for a minister to receive anything of his people by way of support & while they continue in these sentiments (& it will be hard to bring them to a better way of thinking because their temporal interest is against it) I fear little can be done with them in that particular.
Yours etc., etc.
Samuel Seabury.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 199, 200.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
REV. HERMAN LANCELOT BOELEN.
1765, July 22nd. Art. 1, ad Art. 9, of May 6, 1765. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras, presented the call of the four churches on the Long Island of Nassau, to the Rev. Mr. Herman Lancelot Boelen, minister at Schoonebeck, (Province of Drenthe), under the Classis of Emmen, and the same was accepted by said Boelen and approved by this Classis. He exhibited a lawful dis-
1
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mission from his church and Classis, and requested to be installed into his sacred office by this Assembly. This was done after he had signed the Formulae of Concord, and repudiated the con- demned opinions of Prof. Roel and Dr. Bekker, and promised to conduct himself as subordinate to this Classis. This was also in- serted in the call. nomine Classis, by the Clerk. Hereafter, also, shall a clause always be inserted, in every call approved by this Classis, of " Subordination " (to this Classis by the party receiving said call.) xiv. 36.
Art. 11 ad Art. 1. Rev. Antonius Kuyper. S. S. Theol. Stud. at Leyden, preached a sermon on 1 John 3: 1. He was then ad- mitted to the preparatory examination ; in the Hebrew language, on Exodus 15, and in the Greek, on 1 John 3. He was also examined on the principal points of Sacred Theology, and in every respect showed his ability to such a degree that all the members expressed their satisfaction. He was therefore ad- mitted to the office of public preaching, after he had taken the oath against Simony, repudiated the condemned opinions of Prof. Roel and Dr. Bekker, signed the Formulae of Concord, and promised to read, word for word, the Formula of Baptism and the Supper; particularly the three questions in the Form for Baptism. The clerk was directed to give him a laudable certificate. Quod factum. xiv. 37.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. ORANGE NASSAU.
Synodalia. 1765. Art. 7. The Classis wishing that the most precious blessings of the All-Sufficient God may rest for length of days upon His Illustrious Highness, the Lord Prince, Nether- land's Hereditary Stadholder, and the House of Orange, -con- tinues to recommend to the Mesers. Deputies whatever is appro- priate under this article. xiv. 44.
SYNODALIA.
1765. Art. 47. New York and New Jersey. The Classis at present has nothing further to report to the Synod about New York and New Jersey. xiv. 50.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3999
1765
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Translation of Hellenbroek Catechism. Collection for Indian Missions. Latin and English Grammar School.
New York, July 29, 1765. .
1. A letter was presented from Mr. Daniel Crommelin, enclosing one from the Rev. Mr. Longueville, and also one from domine Blinshall, all of Holland, returning thanks for the presents sent them. These are to be answered in due time.
2. A translation into English of domine A. Hellenbrock's Catechism, by Petrus Lowe, was presented, with a request that it be examined and approved. This was granted, and the same gentlemen who were appointed to examine the (Heidelberg) Catechism were requested to take upon them the examination of this one.
3. A letter of Mr. Wheelock, to our colleague De Ronde, containing cordial thanks to the consistory for a collection sent to him for the support of Indian missionaries. 4. A proposal was made by Mr. Jakobus Van Zant to establish a Latin and English Grammar School under the direction of our consistory, in which together with the languages, the elements of our religion should be taught. On the question being put, this was agreed to by a majority. It was also further agreed that for the building or hiring of such a school house a voluntary collection should be made through our congregation. It was reserved for further consideration what site would be most suitable for it, whether on the Harpending grounds, or those which lie along the Old Church (in Garden street, now Exchange Place.) Signed etc.,
Archibald Laidlie, p. t. President.
BOND TO THE GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK. JULY 30, 1765. (SEE MARCH S, 1765.)
KNOW ALL MEN :
That we, Johannes Roreback of the city of New York, Baker, William Corcelius of the same city, Pot. Baker, Henry Whiteman of the same city, Button Maker, and Johannes Zurcher of the same city, Stone Cutter, are held and firmly bound unto the Rev. John Michael Kern, Minister of the gospel, and present Pastor of the Calvinistic Church in the city of New York, worshipping in German tongue ; Johannes Myer and Henry Hillman, two of the elders of the said church, and Henry Croe, Henry Will, Johannes Remmy, and Michael Housewith, the present deacons of the said church, in the sum of three thousand pounds, lawful money of New York, to be paid to the said obligees, their certain attorney, executors, administrators, or assigns. For payment whereof, we bind ourselves, and each of us, our, and each of our heirs, executors, and administrators, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals, and dated the thirtieth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-five.
The condition of the above obligation, is such, that-Whereas, certain German and Swiss inhabitants of the city of New York, have lately by contribution, pur- chased a lot of ground, and with the assistance of divers charitable and well dis- posed persons, have begun, and are carrying on the erection of a church thereon, for the worship of God; and the fee simple of the ground so purchased, is now by consent of all concerned, vested in the above obligors in joint tenantcy, by virtue of certain deeds of lease and release executed by Michael Hoffman of the city of New York, Cordwainer, John Will of the same city, Pewterer, John Sebastian Stephany, of the same city, Apothecary, John Wetsel of the same city, Baker, and John Houts of the same city, Tanner.
The lease bearing date the thirty-first day of May last past, and the release the day next after, and the estate thereby granted, being therein described to be all those two certain messuages or tenements and lots of ground, situate, lying, and being in the city of New York, in the north ward of the said city, fronting to Nassau street, and known and distinguished (by a certain chart or draft thereof made among other lots by Francis Maerschalk, one of the sworn surveyors of the said city of New York ;) by lots number five and six; which said lot number five
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
is bounded Northwesterly in front to Nassau street aforesaid ; Northwesterly, partly by ground of William Pupeldorph, and partly by ground of William Richardson ; Southeasterly by ground of William Blanck, and Southwesterly partly by the said lot of ground number six, hereby granted and sold, and partly by ground formerly belonging to John Harpinging; containing in breadth in front to Nassau street aforesaid, fourteen feet, eight inches ; in the rear, in breadth twenty-seven feet, six inches ; in length on the North-easterly slde, ninety-eight ; and in length on the South-westerly side, one hundred feet, all English measures ; and which said lot number six, is bounded in front, North-westerly to Nassau street aforesald ; South- westerly by the house and ground purchased by Seth Smith, (including one full molety of half part of the partition wall between the house of the said Seth Smith, and the house hereby granted, and all the wail which adjoins to the yard of the said Seth Smith ;) North-easteriy by the aforesaid lot of ground, number five ; and South-easterly by part of the oid brew house, late of Rip Van Dam of the said city of New York, Esq., deceased ; containing in breadth in front, to Nassau-street aforesaid, thirty-eight feet, two inches in length, on the South-west side thereof, eighty one feet nine inches, (which said South-westerly side line begins at Nassau- street aforesaid, and runs thence South-easterly or thereabouts, through the middle of the partition wali of the said house of the sald Seth Smith, and the house hereby granted, twenty feet, six Inches; then about North-easterly, (Including the whole wall,) seven feet, and then about a South-easterly course, (including all the wali as it runs) fifty-four feet, three inches, which completes sald fine; and In length by the lot of ground number five, above mentioned, seventy five feet ; and in the rear In breadth, Including part of and adjoining to the other part of the said Brew House, twenty four feet, ali English measure. And whereas, all parties are inclined to preserve the sald estate in all times, coming for the plous uses aforesald. Now therefore, know ye that if the said Obilgors, their heirs or assigns, who are only Intended to be trustees for said property. Be it remembered, that on the twenty- third day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-three, personally appeared before me Daniel Horsmanden. Esq., Chief Justice for the province of New York ; the within named obilgors to the within instrument, whose names are subscribed, and seais affixed to, and severally acknowledge that they executed the within instrument as thelr voluntary act and deed, to and for the uses and purposes therein mentioned, and I having Inspected the same, and finding therein no material erasures or interiinatlons other than such as are noticed, to allow the same to be recorded.
Dan Horsmanden.
New York Secretary's Office, 2nd Dec. 1773.
The within bond and indorsement are recorded in this office in Lib. deeds com- mencing 22nd August, 1771. Page 368, for and in the records thereof, page 300.
ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 30-AUG. S, 1765.
Vor. 65. ARTICLE 37 .- CLASSICAL CHANGES.
Dlemissed as ministers :
To New York, Rev. Isaac Rysdyk, once minister at Echtelt ; installed to the ministry of the combined churches of Poughkeepsie, Fishklil, etc., May 6, 1765.
Rev. Herman Lancelot Boeleun, once minister at Schonerbeck ; installed to the ministry of the four churches on Long Island, Nassau, July 22, 1765.
ARTICLE 47 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Hon. Mightlnesses had no remarks to make on this matter.
The Corresponding Delegates had nothing about it In their Acts.
The Rev. Classes thank the Rev. Ciassis of Amsterdam for the needed ilght given them last year. They leave this matter further in charge of the Deputles.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4001 1765
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Latin School House. Vaults.
New York, August 1st, 1765.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The heading of a subscription to build or hire a suitable school house for the Latin school, etc., mentioned in the preceeding minutes was presented, but for important reasons, the going around with it was delayed until the beginning of September.
2. It was resolved to have the Act of Assembly and Confirmation registered. The matter was entrusted to Mr. Abraham Lott.
3. The street before the Tower of the New Church shall be put in order.
4. The plan for vaults in the yard of the New Church was approved, and referred to the Church Masters to number the same.
5. The form of a deed for each vault-lot sold was presented, and approved, and , ordered with some improvement of the wording to be printed. Signed etc.,
Arch. Laidlie p. t. President.
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to his own Consistory-that of New York, Aug. 20, 1765. (See also Sep. 9, 1765.) New York, Aug. 20, 1765.
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