USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 42
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Now it is well to separate oneself, as regards the principal matter, from those who differ as regards merely accidental circumstances. Indeed, seldom do we find Assemblies where all the members are equally active in all things; where one is not compelled to see in some of the others, things which they would rather not see. Nevertheless, they must remain united, in order to attain the general ends aimed at. And possibly among those brethren who are in favor of a "Separate Correspondence" [independently of both parties] there will be found those who are not always of exactly the same sentiments as others; or even on particular points, are not at all alike. Yet this is a fact, that there is actually something which neither can, nor ought to be endured? Will you not, then, be so kind as a lover of peace, to present these matters before the brethren, and seek to come to an understanding with each other. See if the stumbling blocks cannot be taken out of the way, and thus opportunity afforded that brethren may dwell together in unity, that God may command his blessing upon you?
Finally you declare that you agree with the Consistory who wrote us their opinion in 1754, [Oct. 17, that they would cut loose from the Coetus, and resume corresponding relations directly with the Classis]; and who have now again [Oct. 24, 1765] written the same. We will answer those brethren [the Consistory] in a friendly manner, as we answered them in 1755,* [July 21], and we will persevere in the same opinion which we then expressed, and will request them carefully to consider it. It would also seem that you approved of that reply; and even for ten years we did not hear of your [their] departure from it; for the two oldest pastors [Ritzema and De Ronde] united themselves with them, [the Conferentie.]+
Now, Worthy Sir, we beseech you, to have the goodness to confer with these worthy brethren, and deliberate over these matters, together, and in the fear of the Lord. Lay aside all prejudices, and cry unto God with deep groanings that He would promote the peace of Zion. Oh! that our arguments might be of sufficient weight to reunite the hearts of brethren estranged, and thus bring comfort to Zion in her mourning; to wipe away her tears, and to call back the departing favor of the God of Peace. Then might his favor abide with you and nevermore depart.
*In 1754 it was the whole Consistory, including the ministers; but now, 1765, the Elders and Deacons of the Dutch-speaking churches, independently of their ministers, Ritzema and De Ronde, who were members of the Conferentie Assembly.
+ This is not very accurately expressed, as the Conferentie, at its beginning, was simply a Conference of four or five disaffected ministers, and not until 1764 were any elders connected with them.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
Behold now, this Is our reply to your letter, written so cordially to us from a sincere heart. Ours, too, Is written to you, from sincere hearts, filled with love for your congregations, and with earnest desires for the glory of God, but keeping, as we write, a good conscience. As your heart spread Itself out over us, beginning and ending your letter, as you did, with benedictions; so we pray that the God of all blessing may confirm them. We thank you, our brother, for these expressions of your hearty affection. And be assured that our heart is spread out over you with similar benedictions. May God command unto you life and peace forevermore. May his grace be sufficient for you; may his power sustain you; may his promises refresh you; may his Spirit comfort you. The God of love and peace be with you. Amen.
We are
John Kalkoen, Pres. Win. Vandenbrock, Scribe.
Amsterdam, In Classis, April 7, 1766.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE CON- SISTORY OF NEW YORK CITY, APRIL 7, 1766. VOL. 31, PAGE 262. No. 162. (SEE OCT. 26, 1765, WHEN THESE MEMBERS WROTE TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. THE LETTER IS RE- FERRED TO IN THEIR MINUTES, VOL. 14, PAGE 61, ART. 9.)
To Certain Members of the Worthy Consistory of New York:
Hon. Sirs and Beloved Brethren :-
We safely received your letter. We had already learned the principal contents of it from the letter of Rev. Laldlle, namely, a determination on your part not to attend the Conferentle Assembly. Rev. Lntdlle Is In agreement with you, and we have already replied to him. We doubt not that you will confer with him as we have also asked him to do with you. We hope that you may together, In the fear of God's most holy name, ponder what we have sald. Have no other aim than the welfare of your congregation and the attalument of that common object which both you and we desire. We will not fall, however, to give that advlee which you request, and therefore, we shall answer the several points of your letter.
The substance of the matter, according to your letter of 1754, (Oct. 17), Is, that you hold yourselves to the old regime so long as the Classis Is willing to assist you with counsel and deeds; that you will not trouble yourselves about any Assemblies, since thereby party spirit Is encouraged, and one becomes Inimical to another; you urge the fact also that the Church Is ruled by ambition.
But, estemed Brethren, does not the old regime demand reasonable subordination ? Now the Conferentle brethren are In favor of this. And If we are to help you with counsel und deeds, you must stand in the same relation to as as those brethren, for they adhere to the old regime. But If you would thus stand, the proper way Is, not to separate yourselves from them-for this suggests the idea that you are seeking something else under the name of the old regime; that you desire to change the old regime Into some sort of independent council-but you should stand In one line with them [the Conferentie].
Meanwhile, for you to accuse the brethren of acting from ambitions motives, is certainly rather hard. But, when necessity demands It, It cannot be called ambi- tlon that they should stand stiffly against those who seek to break up the Church Order that they should oppose those who strive to gain followers In the Church In order to draw away people who are willing to be subordinate to the Classis. For such subordination is the very nature of the old regime. And If you would but penetrate into the nature of that condition which you yourselves desire, your own noble-mindedness could hardly endure such things [as the breaking up of a Church Order.]
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4057
1766
But even if you could endure such things, brethren, you can yet easily under- stand that you cannot withdraw yourselves, (from subjection to Classis,) especially because there is so much to be done in connection with the government of the Church in your country. Besides the preservation of the good order of the Church, there are many possessions belonging to the Dutch Church. Now, Brethren, are you not obliged to conduct yourselves very carefully, lest this property should be transferred to others? But you can easily understand that if you isolate yourselves by separation, you will help to bring this about, because of your inability to act [with the Church at large.] You will be breaking down the old regime, which, you say, you desire to preserve.
Meanwhile, the consideration which you have manifested toward the grey-haired Rev. Ritzema was very agreeable to us. We refer now to your request, that we should give him liberty, because of his great age, to attend the Meetings or not, according to his own pleasure. If you mean by these "Meetings", the Meetings of those members of the Consistory who have withdrawn themselves from the Conferentie, you can easily understand that the Rev. Classis can give no consent to such a request, as long as the Conferentie stands related to, and in subordination to the Rev. Classis. But if you understand by these "Meetings", the Meetings of the Conferentie brethren, then we ask you, Are you, indeed, in earnest, Brethren, in proposing such a question to us? If you are, then you also understand that Rev. Ritzema, by virtue of his relation to the Classis, must attend that Assembly [of the Conferentie], and that he could not be permitted to remain absent, except by the consent of Classis. And he does attend those Meetings, because, as an honest man, he holds himself to the subordination of the old regime. Well, Brethren, as overseers of the Church, you stand in the same relation to us as Rev. Ritzema; and thus you must perceive that you, since you desire the old regime, bind your- selves to assist the Rev. Ritzema and his party. But this cannot be done by for- saking them.
Meanwhile, you speak quite disrespectfully of Rev. De Ronde. The expressions said to have been used by him, if true, do certainly give no sign of subordination, and must have offended you greatly. But, Dear Brethren, (not to repeat, for in reference to the principal matter we have already answered him, and given him our opinion,) we believe that those expressions came from the mouth of Rev. De Ronde without due reflection. For that gentleman shows by his correspondence with us that he is really subordinate to the Classis, and conducts himself as the old regime of the New York church requires. And probably occasion was given him for speak- ing somewhat hastily, when he was suddenly taken to task upon that matter. We refer to his preaching in English outside of his own church. He was twitted of this, although he is a minister, and ordained to that profession. On the other hand, it is asserted that women and youth speak in public and expound passages of the Bible, although they have no mission or calling thereto; and that meetings are held for separate classes of people alone, and none are admitted except those who belong to that separate class.
Now, take notice, that while such meetings were encouraged, at the same time Rev. De Ronde was discouraged in his efforts to preach in other places. Such facts may have made him a little precipitate, and have led him to speak somewhat rashly. But then, Brethren, do not make a hasty word of a brother, who thinks he has been wronged, a stumbling-block to yourselves; but rather show that you yourselves can preserve all prudence, circumspection and good order in reference to those who attend such meetings.
Finally, you give this reason for remaining away: that the congregation claims the right of voting for the Consistory. This they gather from an expression in the Charter of William the Third; but this right seems to be no longer customary in New York. But that Consistory, it appears, was prosecuted on this point in October, 1763, and the case is still pending. Now with this, you say, you will have nothing to do, and you request our opinion thereupon.
But, Brethren, we must first ask you a question. If we give our advice on this matter, and you continue to hold yourselves aloof from the meetings, where that advice must be defended, (for your keeping yourselves apart is also involved in the argument,) how can our advice be of any use to you? But we thus speak not for the purpose of declining to give our advice .- But if, by the way, our advice should tend, while you have a majority in the Consistory to elect such members as are
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1766
against [the policy of] Revs. De Ronde and Ritzema, and you observe that thereby you can remain masters of the situation, and can keep yourselves independent of the Acts of the Conferentie brethren who are subordinate to Classls, and that to the dissatisfaction of those members of the congregation who side with Revs. De Ronde and Ritzema, you may easily understand that then you actually violate the opinions and desires of the congregation which you represent; and under the name of ruling a church, which holds itself to the Rev. Classis on the old basis, you frustrate both the aim of the church and of the Classis. But if it be oniy a ques- tion as to how, you should, in justice, act; know then that the Consistory is nover chosen by the old members of the Consistory, exclusively, unless the private mem- bers of the Congregation tacitly consent to it [by the publication of the names for objections, if any there be.] But this, by Itself, would not constitute a precedent for your church, since in other churches, for particular reasons, a different usage may have obtained. If your charter be of such a character as certain members belleve, then, although It be not customary, no one can be deprived of his just rights.
Finally, Worthy Brethren, we beseech you not to withdraw yourselves from your congregation. Let our counsel on this subject please you. Also take our counsel to ninintain the old regime. Defend and protect It against all assanits. We ask you, what are the results, which will follow, if you remain under the old Classis, but yet do not assist those Conferentle brethren who defend subordina- tlon, because in some matters they happen to differ from you. Is it not true, Brethren, that a divided army Is easily defeated? Can your conscience permit that your old Domine, Ritzema, grown old in the Gospei service, should not be left to stand alone? Will you see him now laboring in valn, because he now belongs to the Conferentle, although he has so long edliled you?
Behold then, on all these matters, the opinions of the Rev. Classis. If it is now your purpose to stand related to the Classis, according to the old regime, and not to have Classis simply as an Adviser, we doubt not but that you operate hence- forth according to these sentiments of Classis. You also called us, at least twice, FATHERS. Well then, if you recognize us In such a light, Beloved Children, be strong, quit you like men, Ilve In peace, ald In promoting peace, be of one mind, and forgive one another's faults.
We subscribe ourselves, etc., etc., etc.
Amsterdam, In Classla,
John Kalkoen, Pres. W'm. Vanden Broek, Scriba.
April 7, 1766.
REV. SAMUEL SEABURY TO THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL. NECESSITY OF BISHOPS IN AMERICA. Jamaica, Aprli 17th, 1766.
Reverend Slr .:- We have lately had a most affecting account of the loss of Messrs. Giles & Wilson the Soclety's Missionaries; the ship they were In being wrecked near the entrance of Delaware Bay & only four persons saved out of twenty elght, thelr death Is a great loss In the present want of Clergymen in these Colonies, & indeed belleve one great reason why so few from this Con- tinent offer themselves for Holy orders, Is because It Is evident from experience that not more than four out of five who have gone from the Northern Colonles have returned; this Is an unanswerable argument for the absolute necessity of Blshops In the Colonles. The poor Church of England In America is the only Instance that ever happened of an Episcopal Church without a Bishop & In which no Orders could be obtained without crossing an Ocean three thousand inlles In extent, without Blshops the Church cannot flourIsh in America & unless the Church be well supported & prevail, this whole Continent will be overrun with Infidelity & deism, Methodism & New Light with every species & every degree of Scepticism & Enthusiasm, and without a Blshop upon the spot I fear It will be impossible to keep the Church herself pure & undefiled. And that it Is of the last consequence to the State to support the Church here, the present times afford an alarming proof. -Doc. Hlst. N. Y. Vol. lil, pp. 200, 201.
4059
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1766
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Repairs. Rev. De Ronde's House-rent.
New York, May 12th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. It was questioned whether the resolution passed February 10, 1766 in regard to the repairing of the Old Church should be carried out. A committee of two Elders, two Deacons, and two Church Masters was appointed, to enquire into the condition of the Church, and whence the money could be conveniently ob- tained, and also what amount would be necessary. Cornelius Clopper, Peter Lott, Evert Bancker, Henry Kip, Garrit Abeel and William De Peyster were chosen for this committee.
2. Domine de Ronde requested that, inasmuch as he now paid £60. yearly for house rent, £20 more than he received for that purpose from Consistory, which he thought very hard, a house, rent free, should be given him. This the consis- tory could not consent to, but thought fit that £20. should be given for the past year 1765. But they would not bind themselves for the future.
Signed etc., Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1766, May 12th. Art. 8. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras re- port that they had received the following letters :
One from the Cape of Good Hope, dated January 7, 1766.
One from Curacoa, dated January 31, 1766, from a private individual, William Blom.
One from the minister, Warmoldus Kuyper, dated February 1, 1766.
One from New York, dated February 5, 1766, by Rev. Ritzema. xiv. 64.
PETITION OF THE REV. G. D. COCK. MAY 17, 1766.
To his Excellency Sir Henry Moore, Bart. Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America, Chancellor, and Vice Admiral of the same.
The Petition of the Reverend Gerhard Daniel Cock
Most Humbly Sheweth,
That your Petitioner is a Protestant Minister of the Gospel, and came to this country in the Month of November one thousand seven hundred and sixty three, on the Invitation of the Dutch Congregation settled at a place called the Camp on the East side of Hudson's River in the County of Dutchess, in Quality of their Pastor.
That in the exercise of his Function he has always behaved himself peaceably and inoffensively and endeavoured to promote the cause of Religion and Virtue to the utmost of his power.
That for some time past an unhappy Difference has subsisted between the Dutch Congregation at Kingston in Ulster County, and their Minister the Reverend Mr. Hermanus Myer, and it being the constant and laudable Usage of
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
the Dutch Churches in this Province whenever disputes of this nature arise, to Invite the Neighbouring Ministers to hear the same that they may bave an opportunity of Composing and reconciling the Partles at variance, the Petitioner was called upon In the month of October one thousand seven hundred and sixty four by the Elders and Deacons of the said Church for that purpose.
That the Petitioner conceiving it his Duty to exert his best endeavours to ap- pease the animosities which disquieted the snid Church, accepted that invitation, and accordingly assisted with another Minister at a Meeting held at the sald Church, on the Subject of thelr Contention upon the ninth Day of October in the year aforesald.
That the Morning after the sald Meeting, a precept under the Hands and Sends of Levi Pauling and Johannis Hardenbergh, Esqrs. two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said County of Ulster, was served upon the Petitioner by one of the Constables of the said Town, whereby he was Commanded to appear before the sald Justices, to take the oaths prescribed by Law, "for that they took him to be a Dangerous Person to the Government, and a common Disturber of the Peace of his Majesty's Liege Subjects." And the Constable on the service of the said precept threatened, that if he did not pay a voluntary obedience to the said Precept, he should be Compelled thereto.
That the Petitioner was thus constrained to Appear before the said Justices. And thereupon commended by them to take the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; or In default thereof was threatened to be committed to Prison, unless he paid a Penalty of five hundred pounds.
That altho' the Petitioner had been guilty of no Misdemeanor or offence, which could authorize such a procedure against him, or in the lenst expose him to the Imputation of being Dangerous to Government, or a Disturber of the Peace, no Charge of that nature being exhibited against him: Yet being a Stranger to the Laws, und having no objection to swenr Allegiance to his Majesty, when called upon by Lawful Authority; he Submitted to take the said Oaths, and was then set at Liberty.
That the Petitioner on Enquiry is since Informed that the said Justices had no Dedimus Potestatem Commission or Authority to compel him to take or anthorize them to administer the said Oaths; But that they being the heads of one of the Parties who were in Difference in the said Church: And the said Johannis Harden- bergh being the Father in Law of the said Hermanus Myer, had under Colour of their Office arbitrarily und unwarrantably assumed and exerted that Power, merely to serve the purpose of their Party.
That your Petitioner without any just Cause, having thus been restrained of his Liberty while he was in the Conscientious and Peaceable Discharge of what he considered a Christian office and his bounden Duty, cannot refrain from Com- plaining of the Insult he has received, as being calculated to terrify him from the Lawful exercise of his Function; and us being a presumptious perversion and nbuse of the Power Intrusted with the said Justices for the Public Good, to Sinyster and Party purposes.
Wherefore as your Petitioner Humbly conceives the Government will not suffer those to remain cioathed with the Authority of the Law, who arbitrarily pervert their Power to partial & Hlegal purposes, to the advancement of their own private Interest and sinister Views, and to the oppression and abuse of others; and as he presumes that the Ministers of the Blessed Gospel who demean themselves peace- ably and worthily are entitled to the protection of the Government, and ought to be seenred In the exercise of their function, he humbly Prays that the Conduct of the sald Justices may be enquired Into; And if they shall be found guilty of the Matters charged against them by the Petitioner, which he is ready to prove, that they may be removed from their Offices, or otherwise dealt with as the Law directs.
Gerhard Daniel Cock.
1766. May 17. Read in Council & Order thereupon .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. Iii. pp. 598-600.
1766, July 3. Isaac Rysdyck, naturalized. Council Journal, p. 1596. Rudolphus Ritzema at same time.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4061 1766
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. WARMOLDUS KUYPERS, OF CURACOA, JUNE 2, 1766. VOL. 31, PAGE 297, No. 165.
In answer to his letter of Feb. 1, 1766.
Rev. Sir and Brother :-
Your Rev's missive of Feb. 1, of this year, we duly received. In reply we would say that your determination to maintain correspondence with us greatly pleases us. But your Rev. will be kind enough, to that end, to address your letters not to one of the Deputies, personally, but to the Classis of Amsterdam or to its Depu- ties on Foreign Affairs, if you would be sure of an answer. For it often occurs, that letters written to one of the Deputies, are not answered at all, as your Rev. has found to be the case with the one you wrote to colleague de Lange.
A fresh evidence of our willingness to correspond with your Rev. is this com- munication. At the same time we enclose for your Rev. the Acts of the Synod of North Holland of the previous year, 1765. We thank your Rev. for the reports given us concerning Rev. Wildrik, yourself and your church, and for your good wishes extended to us.
As we are heartily sorry for the fruitlessness of your ministry, so we also heartily desire that God, who gives strength to the weary, and who alone can give the increase, may fit you more and more for your double service, and cause it to be fruitful in the future! May He also send you a colleague to be helpful with you, for ministering in the Gospel in your church with increased desire, pleasure and blessing!
Meanwhile we shall, at your request, do our best to secure from the Hon. the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company that your increased labor be not left unrewarded, and that their Honorables call a colleague to be with you who shall be agreeable to you, and with the blessing of the Most High, useful in your church.
We commend your Rev. and your church to the protection of God, and sign our- selves, Very Rev. Sir and Brother, Your Rev's obedient servant, ut supra
Amsterdam, written June 2, 1766.
Despatched, June 9, 1766 following.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Repairs. Salaries, without subscriptions.
New York, June 17th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The committee to enquire into the means of meeting the expense of rebuild- ing the Old Church and renewing the Tower, especially the latter, reported: that the walls would not allow the Tower to be set upon the roof as now, but the new one should be masoned up from the ground, outside of the front walls, and extending four or five feet in the church. This was unanimously approved.
As to the means: although there is not above £250 in the treasury, there is a prospect of enough coming in by the time it is wanted, and therefore it was not necessary to delay the undertaking. The committee were charged with its execu- tion with the addition of Elders Livingston and Herring.
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