USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 38
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And thus the Assembly closed with thanksgiving and prayer for blessing in a fraternal spirit.
Opponents of English preaching in New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, October 23, 1765. Vol. 33, Page 95. No. 368.
(Extracts.)
Letters were received from New York, dated Oct. 23, 1765, signed by Abel Harden- broek, Jacobus Stoutenbergh and Huybert Van Wagenen, as Commissioners of the Dutch party. They write to the Classis :
I. Stating in what a sad condition their affairs are; and ask earnestly for our assistance. They deplore the fact, that things are in such a way as described in the letters of Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde, and add a few things to them, here and there. They complain particularly about Rev. Ritzema himself, on account of his
*This Conferentie party, having in their possession the Coetus Minute Book, now signed their names as given in this Document, in said Book, as if they constituted the real and original Coetus .- Minute Book in Synodical Archives.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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insincerity toward them in the matter of protests. Upon his own advice they had presented these to the Consistory. They also complain about Rev. Laldlle likewise, who at first seemed to take a different stand ; but afterwards turned entirely about. By our help, they are seeking also to have recourse to our Ambassador in England. They send two printed booklets, to set forth more clearly their mind and utter- ances ; and how, as they think, matters ought to be in the Church. (They write also)
II. To Rev. Kalkoen, that their opponents have sent for a second English minister ; that this Is in direct conflict with the Eighth Articles agreed to. In opposition to these Articles, the English minister has also proposed to build a school, upon the land given for the Dutch ministers, who are to be always two in number, as against one English minister, according to those same Eighth Articles. That the English minister has Invited from Scotland a nephew of his to be schoolmaster, although there are plenty of schoolmasters in New York, and therefore, his object must simply be, as some think, to make a candidate of him there, and then to work him into the ministry.
They also ask, that, when we write to them, the letters be addressed to Thomas Van Dell, merchant at New York; because the letters would otherwise be copied, and the report spread through the city, that they had been defeated by the Classis, etc.
Rev. Archibald Laidlie to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 26, 1765. Vol. 33. Page 94, No. 366. (Extracts.)
With the above letter was Inclosed a letter in English, from Rev. Archibald Laidile, signed Oct. 26, 1765. This, besides an elaborate salutation at the beginning and at the close of the letter, contains the statement that hls Rev. had received our letter of Feb. 4; and that It was possible that his silence had given unjust occasion to others to misinterpret his conduct. Ils Rev. explains, however, that, when he was ordained at Amsterdam, he had, as the Classis required, promised to maintain the correspondence, as appears from the Acts of the Classis, Dec. 5, 1763; but he could not recollect that they had talked with him about the dissensions in the Dutch churches of America, save In a general way ; and that the Classis had not Instructed him as to what party he should belong to; and, therefore, he thought himself free.
His Rer. did on his arrival, find dissensions existing; but, in order not to magnify them, as they kept increasing, he stated to the different parties, In accordance with the plain rules of prudence, and the sentiments of many of his friends, that he was thoroughly convinced, and he judged it to be his duty, not to join any of the contending parties ; but he would maintain a necessary correspondence with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam as had been done before the organization of any of these Assemblies. Ilis reasons were : Ile was a stranger, and therefore unacquainted with these affairs.
He had been duly informed that for him to choose either party, would only strengthen the divisions in his own church; while to remain neutral might bring about unity.
Hle had been confirmed in his views as to the action of the Elders and Deacons, In the Consistory, Oct. 7, 1765. This appears from their letter to us; when there was also read to him a letter which had been written to us some years ago, and was in exact accord with his views. This action, also agreed perfectly with the sentiments of the Consistory at the time when the Coctus was broken up.
His Rev. asks to be excused, for writing in English, etc.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4031 1766
Rev. De Ronde to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 29, 1765 .- Vol. 33, page 99; No. 367. This one, and Nos. 368, 369, and 371 are also answered under 160.
(Extracts.)
A letter from Rev. De Ronde dated Oct. 29, 1765 at New York. In this his Rev. declares that our letters have had no effect, inasmuch as the separated mem- bers [the Coetus] are being strengthened by Rev. Laidlie; that the New York Consistory is willing, indeed, to correspond with the Classis, but not to be sub- ordinated to it; thus permitting it to do anything that it sees fit; to bear the name of the Church of the Fatherland, while being in fact independent.
That the large "New Dutch Church " is, inside and out, most sumptuously fitted up, while the old building is left to decay, just for the purpose of having the upper- hand. That his (de Ronde's) preaching in English is treated with ridicule, not- withstanding the fact that special meetings even of the inexperienced, are allowed ; and inconsistency is shown, in that his Rev's. preaching the Gospel in English, at the Poor-house, by request of its managers is not objected to.
That, inasmuch as his Majesty, George II, has given more than one Charter to the Church there [rather, amendments to the Charter], for the further ratification of the liberties of the church, agreeably to the Church Order of Dordrecht, 1618 and 1619, a proper enforcement [applicatie] therefore should be made, by exhibiting to the Ambassador of England, [in Holland] the infringement on their [the Dutch Church's] Constitutional liberties. His Majesty would, no doubt then order that the Constitution be observed, particularly in that point of subordination to the Classis and the Synod. Otherwise, one will be likely to see the Church become independent, and the pure doctrine will degenerate; while nevertheless, the Dutch Churches are the faithful subjects of the British Crown, and the independents are known to be disposed to rebellion, etc.
ACTS OF DEPUTIES. ABOUT MAY, 1766.
Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers of Curacoa, to the Classis of Amster- dam, Feb. 1, 1766. Vol. 33, page 98. No. 373. (Extracts.)
A letter from Curacoa, Feb. 1, 1766, signed by Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers:
He reports that Rev. Wildrik preached his farewell from 2 Thess. 3: 4-6, on Oct. 22, 1765, to go to St. Eustatius.
He says that he has taken charge of the entire service since that time, and that he had written to the Messrs. Directors for the full salary, the same as his colleague had in former years, and requests our recommendations to that end.
He desires, indeed, to keep up the correspondence (with the Classis), but com- plains, that although he has written many times, yet without ever receiving an answer; he therefore concludes that his letters did not reach their destination.
He complains about the fruitlessness of his ministry, and the wild nature of the people there. He will not neglect to do his duty, however, but will continue, in season and out of season. He asks to that end, our prayers, and hopes for strength for the performance of his work as well as a blessing upon it; and closes with hearty congratulations.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Payment for musical type. Repairs of Old Church. New York, February 2, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Two letters were produced from Mr. Daniel Crommelin, merchant at Amsterdam, of the same contents, containing the account and payment for the music notes, in the sum of 595 guilders, etc.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
2. Resolved, That the Old Church be repaired and the old seats be removed with the floor, that an entire solid floor be laid and furnished with seats, and that henceforth no more dead shall be burled there. Further the Tower shall be repaired In the best manner, and in place of the old glass, checques shall be put.
L. de Ronde, p. t. President.
C. CHARGES OF THE CHURCH OF KINGSTON DELIVERED TO THE CONSISTORY, FEB. 3, 1766.
To the Convention etc.
We the undersigned members of the Church of Kingston as above named, being anxious to be subordinate in a becoming manner to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam in accordance with the Constitution of the Netherlands Reformed Church-and being desirous to continue under the wholesome laws and constitution of that Church as our fathers from the first have done and as we also until the coming of our present minister llermanus Meyer tho't to have done without opposition, on account of this desire principally to our sincere regret have been brought by this means Into a state of sad decline. So far indeed have things gone that in sincerity we are compelled to testify our convictions that in the following particulars he has so misconducted as to make himself unworthy of the respect of his congregation and a source of injury to the Church of God.
Namely-in the contempt and disregard of the brotherly and Ecclesiastical advice of his Consistory In particular cases as well as in general-and besides in breaking his promise to act In concert with his Consistory in matters of importance which concerned the peace and well being of our Church-and further in contemptuously disregarding the request of his Consistory that he together with the Church would acknowledge a proper subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, notwith- standing that many efforts were made and many arguments urged to effect his compliance ; indeed the very request and prayer of the Classis together with the resolution of the Rev. Synod of North Holland in accordance with the same were presented to him, in connexion with his obligation to conform to them :- yet he has obstinately despised them all.
The concurrence of these things has occasioned among us dissention hatred envy and Indeed a very schism in the Church by means of which the preaching of our precious religion has almost grown into contempt, and it seems almost hopeless to attempt to restore it since all the means hitherto employed for its restoration appear to have been without effect. In evidence of this ;- It is now more than a year since this Consistory found it to be their official duty (since they could do nothing eise, to have the difference between their Domine and themselves subjected to Ecclesiastical action. Accordingly they made a complaint to Dos. J. C. Fryen- moet and G. D. Cock as the nearest ministers on account of which they came to our Church to make an enquiry into the same; but after endeavoring to restore peace and prosperity they found the undertaking so hopeless that they could do nothing else than listen to the charges of the Church against Do. Meyer according to ecclesiastical usage and at the conclusion (testifying that they conscientiously regarded it as their duty) pronounce him worthy of censure, though for weighty and wise reasons the execution of the sentence was postponed ; and now it has been delayed so long in consequence of the sad division of the Ministers of this Country and the light in which onth of allegiance is regarded, that we can expect nothing from it ; at least we know of no redress from that quarter.
In addition to these things we consider what has recently happened in connexion with a letter of Dos. Ritzema and De Ronde sent to him on the 9th of Oct. last by order of the Convention of Ministers and Elders under the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :- in which the particulars of his misbehavior toward his Church were clearly pointed out to him, and he was affectionately urged to return to his duty In seeking concert of feeling with his Church ; while he was warned against the sad consequences which would follow if he should obstinately persevere in his present course-we consider how designedly contemptuous was his answer to this letter, not only to Do. Ritzema but to the whole Convention assembled at New York and even to his own Consistory, and how he was not ashamed to use violent
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1766
expressions against the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, expressions which we are not willing to quote in this place.
We consider still farther the words of his Call running thus :- That he more- over will do all that an earnest faithful servant of Jesus Christ is bound to do, in accordance with God's Word and the laws of the Churches as ordained by the Synod of Dort and commonly approved by us. We will not say how far such things as have been narrated above accord with the demand that " he shall do all that an earnest faithful servant of Jesus Christ is bound to do," or how far in our opinion they fall short. Of this we will leave others to judge.
Having thus made known to you in part our present sad situation, and looking to you as under God the most direct instrumentality through which by means of Ecclesiastical action we can expect help and deliverance, we address to you our petition, with our earnest hope and prayer, that you will be pleased to take the necessary steps in accordance with God's Word and the laws of the Church. By these means we trust the ruins of our Jerusalem shall be rebuilt to the honor of God's great and holy name and the defence and extension of his Kingdom.
In order to which we implore for you the Lord's necessary support and assistance- This is our prayer
Dirk Wynkoop
Wilhelmus Swart
Johannes Du Boys, Jun.
Peter Swart
Lucas Elmendorph
David De La Metter
Paulus Plaeg Snyder Hendr. Slecht
Abraham Abr. De La Metter
Jacobus De La Metter®
Is. Rosa
Johannes Turk
Matthews ten Eyck
John Wynkoop
Abraham Lou Jan
Authom Krespel
Coenelis Crespel
William Elsworth
Heiman Rosa
F. H. Frans Hendr. Merk
Petrus Crespel
Abraham Van Gaasbeek
Henrik Constapel
Johannes Beekman
Petrus Rosa
D. Wynkoop, Jun.
Petrus Wynkoop
Joh. Snyder, Jun.
Egbert Rosa
Willem Eltinge
Coenraad Elmendorph
Abraham De La Metter
Jacob Elmendorph, Jun.
Christoffel Kierstede, Jun.
Tobias Swart
Anthoni Freer
Johannes
Jahannes Maston, Jun.
Christiaan Tapper
Elias Haasbroek
Abraham Frere
Johannes Persen
Benjamin Rosa
Solomon S. F. Freer-his mark
Ephraim Low
Edward Schoonmaker
Matthew Persen
Gerrit Elmendorph
I. Elmendorph
Abraham Van Steenbeergen
Anthoni Hofman
Cornelis Van Keuren Benjamin Masten
Jonathan Elmendorph
Benamin de la Metter
Coenraad Elmendorph
Tobias Van Steenbergen
Abraham De La Metter, Jun.
'Johannes van Kenren
Adam Peifer Teunis Hoogteyling Jacobus Low
Lowrens van Gaasbeek
Willem Van Gaasbeek
Johannes Salton
Jacobus Van Gaasbeek
Laurens Hendriks
Wessel ten Broek
Evert Wynkoop Swart
Johannes Masten
Coenraad ten Broek Martin Befinger
Andries de Wit, Jun.
Johannes Wynkoop, Jun. Abraham Masten
Cornelius Wynkoop
Johannes ten Broek Johannes du Boys Phillip Du Mond
Cornelis Beekman Isaac Duboys
Evert Bogardus
Abraham De La Metter
Johannes Wynkoop
Wilhelmus Hoogteyling
-
Moses Cantine
Philippus Vrele
1
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
Isaac Van Wagenen Jacob van Wagenen Gerrit Frere Gerrit Van Wagenen
Jacobus du Mond
Hinbert Oostrander
Jacobus Oostrander
Johannes Van Wagenen
Isak Van Wagenen, Jun. Kierstede Johannes Jansen Johannes G. Jansen
Cornelis Jansen, Jun. Adam Swart Samuel Swart
Jacobus Hardenberg Petrus Crispel, Jun. Conraad Nieuwkerk Pieter du Mond John Dumond, Jun. Johannes Oostrander Andries Van Viled Jacobus Swart
The following Papers were delivered to us.
I. The undersigned have made enquiry in reference to the number of the mem- bers of our Church, but hitherto have not succeeded in ascertaining the same with precision. Yet we can with truth give it as our opinion that the number rather exceeds than falls short of 420.
Witness our hands,
Cornelis Persen, Elder Jacobus Eltinge Johannes Wynkoop
II. We the undersigned have made careful enquiry In reference to the number of members who upon the several occasions of the celebration of the Holy Supper have presented themselves at the table since June 1764, the time of the first dis- turbance occasioned by Do. Meyer taking the Oath of Allegiance. At that time but ten communed. Since that time the Supper has been celebrated on six occa- sions. And speaking from our own knowledge and after the enquiry of several members of the Church, we cannot say that upon any of these more than twenty four or twenty five at the most were present at the table.
In testimony of the above we subscribe ourselves with our own hands,
Johannes Wynkoop Cornelis Persen .Johannes Turk.
We further testify at the same time, that during the period for which Do. Meyer has been our Minister, but two members have been received-A number far less than our previous proportion.
III. The circumstances that occurred In reference to Do. Meyer and his Consis- tory on the forenoon of Sunday the 16th of February were as follows:
Do Meyer came In the Church during singing as was hls custom and when into the Chancei when the Eiders, Eitinge and Persen stepped from their bench and stood before the steps of the Pulpit; Do. Meyer met them there. Some sentences were passed between them which I did not understand; but I saw Do. Meyer point to the Elder's Bench. Then I heard Do. Meyer say that he regarded the whole Convention as unlawful and their sentence as unrighteous. Whereupon I heard Elder Sleght say "Domine, this Is not the place to discuss this matter", but that his place was there-pointing to the Elder's bench. Thereupon Do. Meyer said :- I demand in the name of the Lord my God the place to which God has appointed me. To this the Elders made some reply which I do not think I understood. Do Meyer then called out-I take you all who are here assembled to witness that I have demanded admittance to the place which God has entitled me, and that these have refused it.
To this the Subscribers testify, Abraham van Gaesbeck Abraham Jo. De La Metter Jacobus van Gaesbeck.
In fldem Copia Act
Isaicus Rysdyk, V. D. M. in vico Poughkeepsie, cum annexis Ecclesus, et Conventus Kingstonneusis p. t. Scriba.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1766
On New Year's day 1766, Do. Hermanus Meyer said from the pulpit that he should not express for us the usual wish of the day-that he almost feared to implore for us the blessing of God since he expected that in place of a blessing the Lord would send a curse upon us. How then should he be able to wish for a blessing for us who were such a wicked and stiff-necked people. That this was the sence and import of his words our signatures testify.
Jacobus Eltinge Adraan Wynkoop Willem Eltinge.
On New Year's day 1766 he said : Have I not always sought to promote every thing that could tend to the peace and well-being of the Church? Have I not encouraged all means that could lead to such a result and have I not sought by many arguments to convince you of this my disposition and conduct?
Have I not always been willing to maintain the Church upon the same footing on which I found it without noticing the differences of the two parties; and have I not read to you upon this subject a letter from Professor Gerdes, which advised me to have nothing to do with the old Church disputes but to act in union with my Consistory-but this also was received too late.
Have I not written and presented to you some articles designed to restore peace, Articles which in my opinion are in no way inconsistent with God's Word and the good order of the Churches? But you would not join me, as you should in matters in which my objections are dictated by my conscience.
Have I not even agreed to refer our differences to some ecclesiastical Convention in Holland, but this was not yet enough. I must act just as the Church chooses to dictate. But was ever such a thing heard of as a shepherd's being compelled to listen to the voice of the sheep? No, but on the contrary it belongs to the sheep to listen to the voice of the shepherd and to follow it. He also complained that he was a sojourner in Mesech and that he dwelt in the tents of Kedar. This is about the sense and import of his words as is testified by my signature.
Willem Eltinge.
LETTER OF THE CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON TO THE THREE CHURCHES OF RHINEBECK AND CAMP ; OF LIVINGSTON MANOR; OF POUGHKEEPSIE.
To the Rev. G. D. Cock, Minister-and the Consistory of Rheinbeck and Camp. Kingston Feb. 3rd, 1766. Worthy Sirs and Respected Brethren :-
Since a great number of our Reformed Church at Kingston have delivered to us a writing containing certain weighty charges and accusations against our present Minister Hermanus Meyer, and accompanied it with the earnest request that we would adopt some action concerning him in accordance with God's Word and the Laws of our Church-and since those laws require that in cases of this kind the help of neighboring churches shall be called in-and since we are deeply conscious in what a sad situation our Church at present is-we therefore find ourselves obliged as the overseers of the Church, to make use of the means necessary for its restoration .- Accordingly it is our request and earnest prayer that yourself, the minister, with the representatives of your Consistories will be pleased to appear at our Consistory Room at the earliest possible moment that is on Tuesday the 11th of this Month at 10 o'clock A. M. And oh! that it may please the Lord to suffer us by this means to see an end of the sorrowful disturbance of our congregation. This is the hearty wish and prayer of him who has the honor to subscribe himself, Your obedient servant and friend, By order of the Consistory of Kingston, Johannes Sleght.
The contents of the two remaining letters, addressed to the churches of Manor Livingston and Poughkeepsie were the same.
t
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to the Classis of Amsterdam, Feb. 5, 1766.
Vol. 33, page 97. No. 372.
Rev. Gentlemen and Brethren;
Gentlemen :-
Upon receipt of the letter from your Rev. Body, the Classis, at the hands of Mr. Rysdyck, I Immediately summoned the Consistory of North Branch, (Readington), for which church one of the candidates had been Intended, and presented to them the contents of the letter from Your Rev. Body; that you had not succeeded in persuading any candidate to come over here; but that Mr. John Anthony Aemilius, a regular Reformed minister at Poederogen, (might come). I asked them whether they would be willing to receive that gentleman upon his arrival here, as their minister. They showed the greatest readiness to accept him, and commissioned me to write out a call. This they signed In the name of their congregation, and left it in my hands, that I might present it to the Rev. Gentleman, immediately upon his arrival in this country.
But from the letter of your Rev. Body, which arrived after that time, namely, on the 3rd of February, (It having been sent with Rev. Boelen, and was fifteen weeks on the way, and therefore, did not arrive here until the 12th of September.) I understood, that my expectations of the coming of Rev. Aemilius had been destroyed; and it seemed that there was no authority now for making out another call to be sent to Amsterdam, as I could not make any changes in the call, and there was no opportunity of agaln Interviewing those people. I am therefore obliged to communicate with you alone, and to say that, since that gentleman does not come, the stipulations of that call, so far as they relate to him, of course, fall away; nevertheless, those same persons, acting'as an anthorized committee, would, no doubt, be willing to accept of any person whom the Classis might send; but that I have no right to forward the call which has been placed in my hands.
In this connection, I would also mention the following: The place, called North Branch, (now Readington) is not situated on our North River, hut on the Raritan, In New Jersey, in the heart of a rural district, where there is but one church at present. The stipulations are, that the minister must be a member, of our (Con- ferentie) Assembly, under the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; must preach twice upon every Lord's day, during the summer season, and once, during the winter season; must give catechetical Instruction npon the fundamental doctrines of the Reformed Religion, once a week; In short, he must perform all those duties which are expected of a faithful minister of the Gospel, In the Dutch Church. Hls salary 1s to be £95., New Jersey money, estimating an ounce of silver, at eight shillings; he shall have a house, a garden, a pasture lot for three or fonr head of cattle, and wood for fuel, as much as he may need, to be delivered at his house, free of charge. They engage to pay also the expenses of calling him, and his traveling expenses hither. This salary exceeds by £15., that npon which Rev. (Cornelins) Blaauw was induced to come over.
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