USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 37
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1765
4021
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
With this we sign ourselves, with the utmost respect and reverence, Right Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
Your Right Rev. D. W. Servants and Brethren, John Ritzema, V. D. M. Neo-Eboracensis. Lambertus De Ronde, V. D. M.
New York, Oct. 29th, 1765.
N. B. If your Revs. do not yet think it proper to drop the names of the so-called Coetus Ministers from the Ministerial Book, we nevertheless request that the names of ministers deceased, and those who are not recognized by the Rev. Classis, should at least be taken out. These are George W. Mancius, decd: B. Meinema; Johan. Maurits Goetschius; Jak. Van Nist; and that Gerrit Lydekker be entered as a candidate.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, October 31st, 1765.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Six deeds of vaults sold were signed and sealed. Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
(These were under and about the Cedar st. church, along Nassau st. The writer well remembers these surroundings, before the church became the Post-office in 1844 .- E. T. C.)
D. TESTIMONY OF THE CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON CONCERNING THE OCCURRENCES IN THE CONSISTORY MEETING ON Nov. 11, 1765.
The Consistory of Kingston being assembled in the Consistory Room on the 18th of Nov. 1765 and prayer to God having been offered the occurrences which hap- pened in our former meeting of the 11th of this month were mentioned. And since at that time some things were said which in the judgment of the Consistory ought to be recorded. Do. Meyer was asked if he would make the record and since he not only returned his refusal to this request but also refused to take the vote of the Consistory upon the subject Cornelis Persen as the oldest Elder took the vote, and it was unanimously resolved that the record should be made.
The circumstances alluded to as happening in the Consistory on the 11th of this month were as follows. A letter having been received from the Ministers in New York under the Classis of Amsterdam, signed by Do. Ritzema, President and Do. De Ronde, Clerk, and addressed to Do. Meyer-and this letter having been read by Do. Meyer some remarks were then made to this effect. In speaking on the sub- ject of Subordination, Do. Meyer was asked if he would acknowledge or consent to no Subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam. And his reply was, No. Nor to any other Classis in Holland; but that when there was necessity for it he would advise and Correspond with the Professors who had sent him .- And if the Churches would unite and erect a Classis here he would willingly acknowledge its jurisdiction.
Do. Meyer also said that the Subordination, as it existed here, savored much of the spirit of Popery-And being asked by his Consistory to show wherein the similarity consisted, he explained by saying :- That the Pope pretended that his power, in Ecclesiastical matters, extended over the whole world; and just so the Classis of Amsterdam, not content with her jurisdiction in Holland, labored to extend it hither.
In the second place, Do. Meyer said that Drunkards and those lying under cen- sure on that account, were admitted to seats in that Convention.
And thirdly, he laid the disturbances in the Congregation to the charge of the Consistory-Saying-"you keep the Congregation in darkness. Only tell them that
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
you have done all you can, and that now you know of nothing further, that can be done and they will soon be quiet." and "If you know of any thing else to do- do it."
Signed by me by order of the Consistory of Kingston,
Cornells Persen, Senior Elder.
REV. H. MEYER TO THE REV. MESSRS. RITZEMA AND DE RONDE, NOVEMBER 13, 1765.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
The letter of your Revs. of the 17th of October of this year, has been duly received. I was much astonished to see that that letter was directed to our entire Consistory, although its contents related to me alone.
I was still more astonished to see that your Revs. have taken it upon yourselves to interfere in the differences between me and my Consistory, and to pass judg- ment on our affairs, when your Revs. were not requested to do so,-not at least by me; and were still less acquainted with my wishes and actions. Most of all, however, i was astonished to see that your Revs. lent a hand to those, about whom you yourselves write, that they are only laboring to get rid of me. Still more, your Revs. declare that my congregation belongs to you, and you set up yourselves as judges and authoritles over me. You even endeavor to force me under threats of using other means against me, riz. an ecclesiastical power which I cannot recognize, and against which my soul rebels.
Can it be, under the supposition that your Revs. had a right to thrust yourselves into our nffalrs, that the maxim still found in civil courts is no longer used in ecclesiastleal assemblies, viz., "Audi et alteram partem."
But I need not speak of this. On the contrary, I have renson to nsk, Who made you judges over me? Whence do you derive the power to usurp dominion over me? Is it from the Word of God? This cannot be, for Jesus is against it. Mat. 20:25; Is It from the Church Order? Nelther enn this he so, for that holds only according to the Word of God, that not nny church or minister shall exercise dominion over other churches or ministers, Art. 84. Is it on the strength of any agreement between you and me? It ennnot be. For however much that has been sought, Divine Providence has hindered It up to the present time.
Ig it on the strength of any other dependence, on my part, upon your Revs. ? Even such a dependence Is unknown to me, because I was not even called by your Revs., nor sent by you. I was called nnd sent by the Highly Rev. Theological Faculty of Groningen, upheld by the Highly Rev. Synod of Groningen.
What ground do you have then, my lords! to assume such power over me, as you have done in your letter? Indeed, my lords, allow me to go further, and to ask you what ground you have to aet toward me against the Divine commandments? I suppose (you thus net) to strengthen the hands of those, of whom you yourselves write that they are laboring to get rid of me. Yet I have the testimony in my soul, and I may, at least boast in all humility, that I have the testimony of pions men, that I was called In a remarkable way, and that only few such calls are made In the Netherlands. If I were accused of error in doctrine or life, were such things publicly known, or could they be clearly proved, you might then have reason to afford ald to those who seek to get rid of me.
Oh that in such case men might have the consefence not to labor against God's servants, much less not to threaten to put them out of the ministry, lest they become gullty of the same sin as the Jewish Counel, Acts, 4.
The flame of division is even now burning too brightly in our churches, so that we should not try to drag other ministers into it. This is also one of the reasons why I do not feel inclined to meddle, for the present, with any party, even were it not contrary to my feelings and my conscience. I have made a firm resolution to keep out of these diferences. This is according to the advice of the late Prof. Gerdes, as well as the advice and example of other congregations and ministers. By this means both myself and my congregation, if I am right, will enjoy the greatest peace. (I act this) the rather, because even without that (ecclesiastical
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1765
connection with parties here,) enough ways exist to retain our congregations, and to govern them, under our own Church Order.
My multiplied endeavors have been directed to this end, although they have been rendered nugatory through others. For I myself, at least, find the work of an evangelist so important and useful, that I think that we need not unite with other agencies which may only lead to harm and destruction.
If I found it proper, and myself under obligations to render an account of my doings to your Revs, I would do it. But I fail to see my obligation because I am neither a member of your Assembly, nor subordinate to it. I will, however, declare this to you, which I hope your Revs. will not take amiss, viz. that necessity is laid upon me by you, to seek assistance with (from?) the other ministers and consistories of New York, (the Province,) because you employ threats, and under- take things against me, which are unbecoming, and detrimental both to myself and my congregation. My aim is to see whether they cannot find means to release me from unnecessary and harmful anxiety, and to spare you the trouble of adopting other measures with me which might in no way be pleasant to me.
I, on my part, at least, give you hereby a full discharge. I also not only give you liberty, but request you most earnestly, to spare your Revs. all further trouble concerning me.
Meanwhile your Revs. might employ your powers to better purposes. I suppose there is work enough for you in your own congregations; for the faithful, indus- trious and blessed execution of which, I wish you the grace of the Lord. This being so, I sign myself,
Most Rev. Sirs and Brethren,
Your Revs. obedient servant and brother,
H. Meyer.
Kingston, Nov. 13, 1765.
To the Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Address to Governor Moore.
To His Excellency,
Sir Henry Moore, Baronet, Captain-General and Governor-in- chief in, and over the colony of New York and the Territories depending thereon, in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same :
The humble address of the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York,
May it please your Excellency :-
We his Majesty's most faithful and loyal subjects, the Minis- ters, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York, beg leave with the greatest sin- cerity to congratulate your Excellency on your safe arrival in this colony, to the government of which you are appointed by our Most Gracious Sovereign.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
Permit us, Sir, to assure you of our ardent wishes and prayers that the same Providence which has safely conducted your person and family through the perils and dangers of a tempestuous ocean, may continue to smile on yourself, your connections, and your administration.
We beg leave to mention to your Excellency that we have always, and we hope, not undeservedly, been esteemed dutiful and loyal subjects to his Majesty and his Royal Predecessors, under whose auspicious government, besides the fullest protection of our religious rights and privileges, we have been distinguished with particular marks of the Royal favor.
Influenced by a just sense of these, we shall continue to ex- press our gratitude, not in professions of loyalty only, but by a strictly correspondent behavior.
As we flatter ourselves with an assurance of your Excellency's continuance and protection, so we are content it should be measured to us by our loyalty to the King, and our obedience to those to whose care and administration of government in this Colony is committed.
Signed by order of the Consistory, Joannes Ritzema, V. D. M. p. t. Pres.
Consistory Chamber, City of New York,
November 20, 1765.
To which address His Excellency was pleased to return the fol- lowing answer.
Gentlemen :-
I return yon many thanks for your congratulations on iny ar- rival here, and your ardent wishes for the success of my adminis- tration. My duty to his Majesty, my regard for the interest of the Province, and the principles in which I have been educated, will always oblige me to avoid every act which can have the least tendency to the infringement of any civil or religious rights, and you may rely on that continuance and protection you have already experienced under my predecessors in this government.
4025 1765
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
REVS RITZEMA AND DE RONDE TO THE CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON,
N. Y. DECEMBER 3, 1765. To the Consistory of Kingston.
Worthy Brethren :-
We had learned before the receipt of your letter and that of Mr. Joh. Wynkoop that the state of your Church was nothing better but rather worse than it had been; in what we last wrote to Do. Meyer and in all that we have done in this matter, we have sought to show to every impartial person that we have acted from the single desire of the welfare of Do. Meyer and your Church. But Do. Meyer instead of acknowledging with thankfulness our labor of love now comes out as an open mocker of our attempts. For this reason we have thought best to send our last letter to him and the Consistory with his original reply to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, as we have done within the past week. (Copies of the same have been taken for ourselves; these we consider it [un?] necessary to send to you, as it would answer no useful purpose.) We have taken this course because he has shown him- self a mocker at good order and thus has made himself unworthy of our farther efforts in his behalf.
But Brethren what reply shall we make to your letter? We see this difficulty which you have in your Church; we know, that matters with you, are not in that state of order which we would have prevail among you-and if you proceed to farther steps, you also know, that we here are not able to render that assistance which we gladly would; since those who should have stood by us have so conducted toward us as to offer our enemies an opportunity of falling upon us like wolves. If you employ the services of Do. Rysdyk according to the advice of Do. Fryenmoet you bring him under the same circumstances in which Do. Cock was lately placed by your means, and you will perhaps be the means of great injury to him in his own Church, which otherwise seems at present in a promising way to triumph over that little faction, which calls itself the Coetus, among those where he lives.
In reference to Do. Meyer the truth seems to be that he is not Pope in Kingston, but a Minister, under the Consistory, and subject to its censure whenever his con- duct tends otherwise than to the edification of the Church. Now among the sins mentioned in the 80 Art. as subjecting a Minister to censure, is that of making an open schism in the Church. And that Do. Meyer has been guilty of this sin is as clear as the day since he refused to join the Convention which the Classis and the Synod acknowledged and to which your Church had always been subordinate. Does not that Constitute open schism? Does not that interfere with the edification of your Church? And are not you as the overseers of the Church bound to promote this? Or has your Minister the right and the power to remove all established landmarks? Let his Professors and the Synod of Groningen upon whom he calls, let them help him if they can; we with the whole Classis and Synod of North Hol- land will dispute his right of lording it thus over God's heritage and compelling the Church to dance as he may pipe. Under these circumstances it is proper for you to know what is necessary for your Church, and to maintain the rights which belong to you (and this is the expression which at the request of the Church was fortunately introduced in his Call.) There are other things besides which we can- not now mention; but it becomes you to act in this matter like men. At the same time those who might be expected to render their assistance, viz., Do. Fryenmoet and Cock cannot refuse to do so with propriety. Besides we instruct you that whenever you may execute the sentence of censure, and call upon the neighboring ministers to supply your pulpit during the period for which it may be inflicted, it is proper for Do. Rysdyk to take his part but not before all the others have offi- ciated; we ourselves would not decline to render our services were not the dis- tance to great as to make this inconvenient and even impossible.
Such Brethren is our advice to you in your present unpleasant circumstances. If you see fit before acting upon it to communicate it to your neighboring brethren, we have no objection; if not, we implore for you all necessary heavenly wisdom and grace, while we subscribe ourselves, worthy brethren, with much respect, your obedient servants,
New York, Dec. 3, 1765.
J. Ritzema Lambertus De Ronde.
111
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1765
OTHER ITEMS IN 1765.
Jan. 8. Rev. T. Brown to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4to. ed., IV. 221.
March 28. Rev. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 222.
April 29. Rev. Wheelock's Address to Indian Chiefs. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 223.
April 29. Rev. Wheelock to Sir Wmn. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 226.
June 17. Rev. Kirtland to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 227.
Oct. 21. Rev. Wheelock to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 228.
Nov. 7. Sir Wmn. Johnson, to Rev. Barton. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 228.
Dec. 20. Episcopal Church of Schenectady desire a Charter. Doc. Hist. N. Y. IV. 229.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1766, Jan. 14th. Art. 4 ad Art. 2, of Classis of Dec. 17, 1765. The Deputies ad res Exteras report that they had received letters from Rev. Ritzema, dated September 10, 1765. From Rev. Lambertus de Ronde, they had received two letters, one to the Classis, and one to Rev. Kalkoen, dated September 9, 1765, to- gether with an enclosure in defence of said Rev. de Ronde.
Also one from the Consistory of New York, of October 26, 1765, signed by six elders and eight deacons. In this was a letter enclosed from Rev. Ladner, (Laidlie,) dated October 28, 1765.
Also one from Rev. Ritzema to the Classis dated October 29, 1765.
Also one from Rev. de Ronde, dated . .. . with enclosures, from a committee of three appointed by the Dutch party, dated October 23, 1765, to the Classis, and to Rev. Kalkoen, containing further explanations of what is mentioned in the letter to Classis.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4027 1766
Moreover they report that on October 18, 1765, they had learned from the Directors of the Assembly of the xvii (of the East India Company) as to their deliberations and resolutions con- cerning their memorial, which had been handed over and ad- stueerde in the earlier part of that year, in order to provide the Indian Churches with more ministers and also capable ones, and the following was told them by the mouth of the President of that Assembly (of the xvii) :
1. That the plan as handed in by our Classis, in the name of the Synod, did not please them, and therefore they rejected it.
(1). Because to erect such a Seminary (at Batavia ?) would be a permanent affair (continuous expense) and to this the Com- pany cannot submit itself.
(2). That they feared that at times they would see no result of the expenses incurred; for some who pledged themselves in their minority, when they had received promotion, and became candidates, would get an opportunity and accept it, of securing a settlement here in this country.
2. That they would prefer to bring themselves to offer a larger honorarium, [douceur] to him who would give himself to the service of the Indian churches ; and that an advertisement should be placed in the " Boekzaal," [a monthly church publication] so that it might be known-as this is done in regard to other places- that there was a vacancy, and on what conditions this vacancy could be profitably taken up.
The Deputies had asked [the Directors] whether it were per- mitted them to bring in their objections to this; or whether Clas- sis and Synod must abide thereby. The answer was that this resolution had been " resumed " and could not be altered. It was then asked, what sort of a honorarium [douceur] it would be, so as to inform those who might inquire? The answer was that whenever the Messrs. Directors knew of any vacancy, they would cause to be published in the " Boekzaal," on what conditions the service in the [East] Indies was offered. Finally, the Deputies ad res Exteras requested a copy of these resolutions, but their re- quest was politely [lit. amicably] declined. xiv. 56, 57.
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1766
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. The Harpending lots.
New York, Dec. 3, 1765.
New York, January 22, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Resolved that four lots on the Harpending grounds, Nos. 92, 91, 90, and 89 be held free, and that four houses he bullt thereon, each twenty feet wide and thirty-two feet deep and two stories high, fronting on William street. Also that Mrs. Caroo can remain In her house this year.
2. Mr. De Peyster was authorized to lease the corner where Wheeler lives to the highest bldder; also the house where Catherine Uitten Bogart last lived.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES. ABOUT JAN. 1766.
Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde of New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 22, 1765 .- Vol. 33, page 96. No. 371. (Extracts.)
A letter from New York, written, Nov. [ Oct. 22?] 22, 1765, by Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde; accompanying which are sent the minutes of their (Conferentie) Assembly, showing who are with them, and what business came before them.
Rev. (Cornellus) Blauw, indeed, did not appear, but excused himself, because his Rev. had not received the notification in time, and was, besides, prevented by an Inflammation of the thront.
They would have had a peaceful meeting, if they had not been disturbed by those who are willing, indeed, to remain In connection with the Netherland Church, but not with the Coetus; wanting to keep everything on the old footing; for which the New York Consistory largely gave the occasion.
They send us the original letters from Revs. Samuel Verbryck and Hermanus Meyer, together with a copy of their letter to Rev. Meyer. In the letters of those gentlemen the spirit of Independence clearly manifests Itself. Wherefore, they urge again, and at some length that, through the Civil Commissioners in the Synod, the Ambassador of the States General at the Court of Great Britain be induced to bring about that they shall be protected in their privileges, liberties and property, etc.
Further they thank the Classis very nmuch for their trouble and care. They are still waiting for the ministers, Boelen and Omilent, (?), while they praise Rev. Rysdyk very highly. They close with congratulations and regards.
According to the minutes of the (Conferentie) Assembly held at New York, Oct. 8, 9, and 10, 1765, signed in the name of all, by Rev. Ritzena, President, and Rev. De Ronde, Scribe, the meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Ritzema; and the letters from the Classis, (to the Conferentie) of Feb. 4 and May 23, 1765; also a copy of our letter of June 3, to the Coctus, were read to their great satisfaction.
The student, Garret Lydekker, asked to be examined, in name of the Classis. This the Rev. Ritzema was commissioned to do on Oct. 10.
The Assembly of the Ministers and Elders who are In connection with the Classis of Amsterdam, consist of the following:
Ministers.
Rev. J. Ritzema I. De Ronde .. John Schuller Ulplanus Van Sinderen J. Caspar Rubel Casparus Freyenmoet Benjanıin Van der Linden Gerard Daniel Cock Michael Kern Isaak Rysdyk
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1766
Reynier Van Giesen Jeremias Van der Bilt
Rem Remsen
Pieter Vosburg
- David Terheun
Pieter Scherp
Elders.
Hendrik Wydeman (Whytman)
Isaak Brinkerhoff
Jurje Snyder, of Stissing
Corn. Pausen (Peerson), of Kingston
Martin de la Metere and Johan. Blauwveld, delegates from Marbletown and Tappan.
Reply was made to the letter of the Church of Marbletown complaining about the sad dissension caused by those who take the part of the Coetus; to the effect that the Church should first try to get possession of the House of Worship, according to its legal right, and then take counsel thereon with the nearest ministers.
At the session of Oct. 9, was read the Heading of the Fundamental Articles and Rules for the Assembly belonging to the Classis, and these were signed anew by those present as Elders and Ministers now constituting that Assembly .*
In reference to the case of Tappan, as against Rev. Verbryck, a committee was appointed.
It was unanimously resolved that the letter of the Classis to the Coetus (of June 3, 1765) should be printed ; 600 copies in Dutch and 400 in English.
The case of Rev. Van Hoevenbergh was commended to the investigation of the neighboring ministers.
On the sad condition of affairs at Kingston, through the position of their min- ister, Meyer, it was decided that his Rev. should once more be written to; and, in case that did not help, the whole matter would be laid before the Classis, with the request for their final decision; with a proposal to the Rev. Classis of the only means, which, it is thought may yet serve to preserve the privileges of the Church. This was left to the President and Scribe.
At the session of Oct. 10, the student, Leydekker, after preaching a trial-sermon from Ps. 145,3, was examined in Greek on John 1; in Hebrew on Psalm 1, and then in Sacred Theology; and was thereupon admitted to the preaching of the Holy Gospel.
Further the (Conferentie) Assembly judged, that amid all the confusion and opposition, caused by the Coetus, it would be best, following the steps of the Classis, to have as little as possible to do with that body; to see to it that those who desire assistance be aided by word and deed; and thus to convince others of the sole aim of the Assembly to preserve the pure doctrine and good order of the Netherland Church.
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