USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86
Messrs. Philip Livingston and John Brevoort, elders, have been to my house and told me, in the name of the Rev. Consistory (of New York), that our two ministers, Ritema and Ladelie, (Laidlie), as well as the other members of the Consistory, are of the opinion that I had no right to go and preach in other Churches, such as the Presbyterian, or others, that are not connected with our own (Dutch) Church (or Denomination) ; and that neither had I the right to preach in any of the private houses in this city. To this, I made answer, that I was of a different opinion, and believed that I had the right and authority to do as I had done; and this I could establish with proper proof. Mr. Livingston said, however, that he did not wish to debate the subject with me, but since I was of an opposite opinion, I might try to convince the Consistory. I accepted of his offer, and I now propose to enter on this business.
Concerning the first point, that it is the opinion of the Consistory that I have no right to go and preach in other Churches (Denominations) such as the Presbyterian, and others, not connected with our own Church, I remark :
If the Rev. Consistory means by this, that I have no right to go and preach for others, to the neglect of my duties to my own church, to which I am called-we agree on that point. But if the Consistory means that I, without neglecting my duties to my own church, when on a journey, or when happening to be present in some other locality, outside this city, when asked to preach the Gospel by any community have no right to do so, then we differ decidedly in opinion, and I assert that I have such a right.
First : Because it is not in conflict with our Church Order. I find no rules against my doing so. They might, indeed, refer to the words of Article 15, of our Church Order which read as follows : " It shall not be justifiable to any minis- ter to neglect the services of his own church, or, not being in regular service him- self, to go about and preach here and there, without the consent and authorization of the Synod or Classis. Likewise, no minister may preach in another church, or administer the sacraments therein, without the consent of its Consistory :"-But who does not at once see that this Article is intended for such ministers, as neglect their own services, which they were called especially to render ; or not being settled over any particular church, and having no fixed locality for service, gad about
4002
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
here and there, preaching in many churches in different localities. Now then may not do this without the permission of the (Particular) Synod or Classis (to which those churches belong). Those bodies must first be convinced of the ability and character of such persons; for they are to guard the (vacant) churches, that they be not led astray.
Secondly : But a preacher, who claims the right to preach in other churches. without the consent of the Consistory of that place, is an intruder in such a church. and his conduct would not be at all justifiable. Therefore. we have never preached anywhere without the consent of the Consistory of the particular church. And that this Article 15, refers to the conduct of such intruders, is evident from the very nature of the case. For although my Consistory might give their consent for me to go and preach in some other church, the Consistory of that church need not. therefore, permit me to preach there; and thus they would make the consent of my own Consistory null and void.
Further : When has it ever happened that any minister in Holland, in any of its Provinces, has been obliged first to ask permission of his Consistory, when on a journey, or being temporarily in any locality, away from his own field, whether he might be allowed to preach or not? Or. will it be objected : the allusion in that Article 15 is only to Dutch churches? Well, it is the Dutch Church Order to which our ministers are subject. But this Church Order does not make any men- tion of other Churches, differing in language and in economy, with a prohibition of preaching in them on invitation ; and consequently, where there Is no law, for or against a thing. there can be no transgression. Rom. 4: 15.
Besides, who would dare to think that a Synod, composed of Christian ministers, would demand anything In such evident opposition to the very Word of God? For it is the duty of every Christian minister, after the example of the (first) Apostles and heralds of the Cross of Christ, " to sow beside all waters", Is. 32: 20; and "to preach the Gospel to every creature ", Mark 16: 15; Indeed, never to neglect any opportunity of place or time ; but wherever there Is an open door, to preach the Gospel. Even as a certain famons Dutch divine once said : "Seek out oppor- tunities to do service for your Great Master ; scatter the seed of the Gospel by any means ; cast the net to catch the souls of men." He continues : " The pulpit, and the interlor of the church, are not the only places for sowing seed ; but the whole world is the field."
And why, we might ask, does the Lord give the knowledge of his Word, and talents and gifts to certain ones? Is it not that they, according to their ability, may beneut others? 1 Pet. 4 : 10. And are they not to do this, everywhere. ac- cording to time and opportunity, in order to spread the Gospel, and thus extend the Kingdom of Christ. Can any Christlan be opposed to my acting thus? Even the heathen Seneca says : " If Wisdom should come in to me, and of her own accord should offer to dwell with me, provided I would hide her, and not communi- cate her to anyone else, I would not desire her to come; for no possession is pleasant without the power of communicating it." And here I dare to say right out, that he is not worthy of the knowledge of God's Word who does not use It for the benefit of others. "The lips of the righteous feed many ", Prov. 10:21. And ministers are expressly appointed to teach inen, yea, all men, as just such a sentiment occurs thrice in one verse, Col. 1:2.(?)
Moreover, what evil is there, Men and Brethren, in doing this? is It harmful to any one? Does it do any damage to the country or to the Church? On the contrary, the only object is to benefit, in every respect. And, with the blessing of God, such services are signally beneficial to the Church; and the Lord often blesses the most humble means. What, moreover, is the real spirit of my call to you? Is it that I should be prohibited to preach anywhere else except in the pulpit of New York, and that in our own church? By no means ! It is to preach the Gospel first to you, in its purity, and to administer the Holy Sacraments ac- cording to their institution by Christ, in connection with our other ministers ; and further, to do everything that belongs to the office of a faithful minister. And now if I do this, if I answer to all these requirements, as I have sought to do during all the time I have been with you, can anything more be required of me? Do I owe you anything more? Certainly not.
And, then, can you indulge in such an opinion, and assume such an authority over me, as to imagine that it is not lawful for me, when not engaged in iny own services, to spend my time for the good of others? Does not this seem rather
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4003
1765
Popish, my dear Sirs? Ye Elders, inasmuch as you are obliged, according to your promises before God and his Church, at your installation to your office, in connec- tion with the ministers, to keep all tyranny and oppression out of the Church of Christ, has your own minister now become the object of oppression? Is this con- sistent with your duty ? Ask your own consciences about this, and let them con- vince you.
And now I proceed to the second point: "That I am not allowed, when not engaged in my own services, to speak or preach the Word in private houses."
If you, Gentlemen (of the Consistory), take hold of this matter in a loose and thoughtless way, then I would not dare to take it upon my conscience to join you in your opinion. I even shudder to think that two ministers, together with mem- bers of our Consistory, are of the opinion that I am to be considered as an un- faithful servant, and a violator of my promises. For it is the duty of the Con- sistory also to watch over the conduct of the ministers of the Word ; and ye Elders have made the same promises before God and his Church. We find in our Forms, according to which we are installed when we assume our offices, how that the Apostle Paul placed himself for an example to other pastors ; for he declared that, publicly, and from house to house, he taught and testified repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, Acts 20: 20, 21. Upon this, the minister is asked by his fellow officers and brethren, whether he will promise to fulfill his office faithfully, as has been described? And he answers before God and the whole church, Yea, with all my heart. This I did in my first place of settlement; and secondly again before the Classis of Amsterdam; and now here, before the whole church, besides subscribing to the Formulas.
And so this charge was laid upon my shoulders, according to my solemn prom- ises, in harmony with the Order of the Church, and my office which is from God ; that I should serve the purposes of God in every possible way ; and use all dili- gence, employing every possible means to impress the knowledge of the truth, which is according to godliness, upon the people ; "to be instant in season and out of season."
Isaiah, also, calls God's servants "Watchmen, who must not hold their peace day nor night", Is. 62 :6, 7. And is not Christ set before us as an example, that we should walk even as He walked, 1 John 2:6? And did not the Great Teacher embrace every opportunity to instruct and exhort his disciples and followers, whether in public, or on the mountains, or in private in the houses, wherever occassion permitted ? And must I not follow in my Master's steps ?
But what do I say ? Can a Christian minister feel free of duty, when he knows the unskillfulness of the people in divine things? when he lives in a place where there are divers denominations? Can he feel free, not to speak on all occasions, words of instruction and exhortation, especially when invited to do so? When they say to him as once "the rulers of the synagogue " said to Paul and Barnabas : " Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on ", Acts 13 :15. By no means ! He should always be ready to say : " Wherefore, I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men ; for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God", Acts 20:26, 27. Yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9:16.
Or are the brethren of the opinion that this work is not to be done thus openly ? Then am I again of an opposite opinion. I will follow the example of our Great Master, Jesus, who did not speak in secret, in dark places of the earth as does the devil. He hates the light, and is accustomed to speak, through his instruments, from dark corners. This appears from the accounts of the ancient Greeks: that in the famous temple at Delphi, in Greece, he ever gave forth doubtful and am- biguous answers through the idol of Apollo. Nay, the Lord says: "I have not spoken in secret", Is 45: 19. And thus it was, also, when God spoke from heaven. He then (at Sinai) spoke publicly before more than six hundred thousand hearers. Also Paul (rather Apollos) " mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, show- ing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ", Acts 18:28. And we need not fear now, nor close our windows and doors, as formerly the disciples did, when they met together, for fear of the Jews, John 20:19; neither do we light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house, Mat. 5 :15. From all this it clearly appears that ministers must not hide their light or refrain from giving their services unto others. Yet, I do not want to define the duties of others, but leave it to them to act according to
1
4004
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
the circumstances of the times; even as the Synod of Gelderland, held in 1752, leaves such things to the discretion of particular individuals; nevertheless, they examined all those who were to be public speakers, in their Assemblies, sometimes with open doors and sometimes with doors closed.
Or do they object (to my extra outside services) because such services are some- times held In the evening ?* But Paul, when at Troas extended hls speech until midnight, Acts 20:8, 9; and in the evening the people have finished their work, and can attend. And even If there should stand a crowd of prostitutes at the door, so that people had to look out for their pockets, as one of the three elders who hon- ored me with a call on Aug. 12, 1755, told me he had been informed, what of It? The same might be said of all other public places, where evli-minded people stand about the doors, as well as about church-doors. In a great multitude we generally find the good and the evlt intermingled, the honest and the dishonest. But I was unaware of such specific evlls as those mentioned, for I cannot distinguish by the dress such evil-disposed persons from better ones. Yet others may have more experience. But even the most evil-minded have been led to repentance and to enter upon a virtuous Ilfe. And as for those who are afraid of losing their purses, there is no necessity of their taking their money with them to places where no business is to be done; but where only poor sinners are to be Invited to buy wine and mlik withont money and without price. Is. 55:1. And they who lose their money in a crowd have only themselves to blame.
Or is It because I expound the Word of God In English? Well how is it possible that the opinion of some people should change so suddenly? Since the necessity of preaching In Engilsh, In our church, Ims been clearly demonstrated by the Con- sistory; and by its now so frequent requisition In minny meetings; and by the fact that so many people who at first opposed it, and who could hardly understand a word of English, now declare that they understand an English sermon better than one In Dutch: am I then, not to be allowed to learn the now prevailing language of the land, as well as to know the other tongue? Am I not to be allowed to preach the Gospel In this English tongue as well as in the Dutch? Does not the Word of Cod give me the liberty to do this? Even before the coming of the Rev. Ladelle (Laidlle), 1 pubilely proved in the pulpit our right to do this, at the time of Pentecost. I gave great satisfaction in that discourse, to the majority of the Consistory, as I was told at my own home. Or am I only a Dutch speaking mlula- ter. Well. do, indeed, preach In Dutch ; yet, as a fact, I am able to speak, preach or write, In whichever langunge I choose.
Behold, then, Gentlemen, this Is my opinion. I trust It may convince you of the truth and jestlee of this whole business. To this end. I wish you God's Night and grace!
Lambertus De Ronde.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to the Classis of Amsterdam, per Rev. John Kalkoen, Sep. 9. 1765.
New York, Sept. 9, 1765.
Rev. Sir and Much Respected Brother : -
I very gladly received your Rev's. communication, which was also signed by the Rev. Budde, acting President, and dated the 4th of February, together with that book of Marshall. For this I thank the Rev. Classis.
And while I ablde by her decision, (although approved by the Classis of Lelden, ) that this book does not come under her supervision (that of the Classis of Amster- dam) ; yet myself, as well as other ministers both here and in London, cannot approve of the ideas of that writer. Indeed, I abhor the same, and I declare, that they tend to bring man to the greatest carelessness. I am also grieved that the Classis of Lelden should ever have approved of such a book; also that I must hear that this same book Is even here recommended by Rev. Laldlie. I did not think that the Classis, after a careful Investigation, could therewith be pleased.
*Evening services were at that time more or less disapproved, on account of certain evlls which had sometimes accompanled them. Art. 64.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4005
1765
But I think that I have done my duty ; and, as long as I live, I hope, with the help of God, to watch over the pure doctrine, and the faith which once was delivered to the saints. Furthermore, I am much pleased with the approbation by the Rev. Classis of my conception of the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit, etc.
I wish once more to repeat, that my views (on that subject) have never been anything else than Orthodox. This will now be clearly seen from the accompanying Appendix, which I would have sent (in print) if the time had permitted. We have received the last communication from your Revs., with the arrival of Rev. Mr. Rysdyk. At least, Rev. Ritzema communicated it to me, which his Rev. needed not to have done, because it was addressed personally to him. I kindly request of the Rev. gentlemen, the Deputati ad Res Exteras, that their communications may be directed hereafter to " The Subordinated Assembly," (the Conferentie), if the matters treated in them pertain to all. We intend, (D. V.) to hold our next meeting at the beginning of October, when we hope to write further to you.
Meanwhile we cannot conceal from your Revs., that Rev. Ladelle (Laidlie) does not want to hear of "Subordination ", but talks of nothing else but " Correspond- ence." He does not want to be subordinate. Neither does his Rev. want to have anything to do with our "Subordinated Assembly ", (the Conferentie), nor with the Coetus ; but he wants to remain neutral. The most of our Consistory members are also inclined not to have anything to do with any other (ecclesiastical) body but the Consistory of New York.
On account of lack of time I must now lay down the pen. Wishing to the Rev. Classis, to yourselves and to your families, the blessing of God, who is dear and rich in grace, I sign myself with all love and reverence,
Rev. Sir and Much Respected Brother, Your Rev's. obedient servant and brother,
Lambertus De Ronde.
P. S. I kindly request that you assure Rev. Budde of my respects. Understand- ing that his Rev. no longer occupies the position of Deputatus ad Res Exteras, and not knowing the name of the other gentleman (of the Deputati), I address this letter to your Rev.
I very kindly request that you will see that the enclosed is brought to the "post comptoir ". I will thereby be very much obliged to you.
Addressed :
To the Rev. Mr. John Kalkoen, Minister at Amsterdam.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to the Rev. John Kalkoen, September 9, 1765. Vol. 33, page 90. No. 362. New York, September 9, 1765.
To the Rt. Rev. John Kalkoen, Minister at Amsterdam.
Reverend Sir and Highly Esteemed Brother :-
Although I have already written somewhat in general, in answer to your Rev's. letter sent in the name of the Rev. Classis, I nevertheless thought it necessary to write a little more in particular to your Rev., for I look upon you as a man who loves truth and good order, and I wish to give you an idea of the state of affairs in this our city and congregation, in order that these affairs may be directed for the best interests of all, by cautions and prudent management.
Your Reverence must be aware, indeed, that ever since the hour when a call was first extended to Rev. Laidlie, there has been no peace in our congregation ; that the Dutch party is very much dissatisfied with the English party, on account of the election of certain members of the Consistory. These were chosen for the satisfac- tion of the (young) Americans, because they had voted for an English-speaking minister. The Dutch party took this very ill. They even claimed in accordance with the King's Charter, to distribute the right of electing equally over the whole
1
4006
1765
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
congregation. This matter they brought even before the civil tribunal. After this point had been advocated, It was left to the decision of the Chief Justices who took the matter into further consideration. Time will show what the decision will be.
This quarrel has not abated at all since the arrival of Rev. Laidlle. His Rev. was not willing to preach from Passion-texts, or holiday-sermons, as he ought to have done; nor is he willing to be subordinate. He organizes special meetings where women by themselves, and men and youths by themselves expound the Scriptures by turns, repeat prayers from memory, discuss questions of conscience, etc. All this is also done with closed doors, and without the supervision of the Consistory or of his colleagues. Furthermore, he recommends that book of Marshall (on Sanctification), and gives utterance to incautious expressions, or peculiar opinions, both In and out of the pulpit. All these things make matters worse, and cause many to fear that he will yet become an Independent ; especially because he has many adherents. These dare not contradict him, and are ready to treat severely any one who opens his mouth against him. They do not spare even the old ministers who have spent their fungs and powers in this congregation.
There was very recentiy a case of this kind affecting me individually. Yet I can honestly assure your Rev. that I have nothing else In view but truth, and where It Is possible. peace. After we had received your last letter, dated February 4, (1765), In which you again strongly urged the subordination of Rev. Laidile, a few Dutch members, as soon as this became known, came to my house. They had first called on Rev. Ritzema, who sent them to me, in order first to Inquire, what I would say. They asked me, whether I could not devise some pian, or means, by which peace could be restored in our congregation. I replied that I was henrtlly willing to take this matter Into consideration, and confer about it with Rev. Ritzema. They further asked me whether Rev. Laidfie should not be " Subordinate " (to the Classis), as well as ourselves. I answered them in the affirmative, saying, that this was the desire of the Classis ; that his Rev. had been written to, and that he might now probably yield to it. They further spoke about those meetings which he had organized. In reference to this, I told them that I was not opposed to well regulated gatherings, which were in accordance with the usages of our Fatherland. and tended for mutual Instruction and Improvement ; but I did. disapprove of all kinds of meetings out of which might arise wrong experiences. Of these they had given a few specimens.
No sooner did my Consistory find out that those Dutch members had called on me, than they were Indignant, and three members came to my house ; and although they could not condemn what had occurred, for I told them all the circumstances, and that I also favored the subordination of Laidlie, and disapproved of his meetings ; yet they seemed to be very much displeased with me. They took it up as a con- spiracy between myself and the Dutch party, and searched out everything that could be brought up which tended to my hurt. This went on so far, with some fying and fabrications, that a few unpleasant words passed between Rev. Laidlie and myself. After I had told him what I thought it to be my duty to tell him, he came to my house and asked pardon from my wife and myself. Thus this storm blew over again.
But shortly after that, the scene was reversed, and I was said to be the person who should have asked pardon from Laidffe. This He was cut short by other wit- nesses who had heard things to the contrary. When they could invent nothing more to annoy me, two elders came to my house. They sald that the two ministers, Rev. Ritzema, who had immediately taken part with the Consistory, and Rev. Laidife, supported by the other members, were of the opinion, that I should not be allowed to preach in any other congregation, ontside my own charge. For example : when I am traveling among the Presbyterians : for In the goodness of God, and his special Providence. I am competent to preach the word In the English language also or even here in the city in a house. But this I had done all winter during the week, In addition to my regular preaching-services, upon request of a great many ; and, praise be to God, not altogether without a blessing. I was about to show them that I had a right to do this thing: but those two gentlemen were not willing to debate that point with me. They simply said, that if I was of a different opinion. I should convince the consistory of it. This. I engaged to do. and I am now about to hand In my opinion. a copy of which I also take the liberty to forward to you. (See Aug. 20, 1765.)
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4007 1765
If your Rev. and other Theologians agree with me in thinking that my opinion is based upon the Word of God, I wish you would be kind enough to communicate your opinion to me, as also that of the Rev. Classis. To the authority of Classis I have always been willing to submit, and give it all due respect. But I would have you take care that I may be allowed to continue in the preaching of the Gospel (else- where), in addition to the observance of my own proper services. For I assure you, dearly-beloved brother, that both a necessary and peculiar Providence of God is to be observed in the fact, that I had to learn a language, against which I had had an antipathy for twelve or thirteen years, and which I only commenced to study a short time previous to the arrival of Rev. Laidlie. Yet I so far acquired it during the first year, by the help of God, that I composed a short " System ", which I used for catechetical instruction ; and in the second year, I preached in it. Before the coming of Rev. Laidlie, I had over eighty catechumens (in English) ; but as soon as he came my "System " was discarded. The children were then put under the instruction of a newly appointed teacher, a tailor by trade, who openly declared to me, that the opinions of Marshall were the foundation of his faith. Recently also Rev. Laidlie introduced a little catechism, by Rev Hellenbroek. This had been translated into English by a man named Low, a builder by trade. It was pre- sented to the consistory with the intention that the young people should be cate- chized from it.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.