USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 43
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2. Domine Ritzema suggested whether it would not be well that the congregation should be publicly discharged from the subscription for the Dutch ministers, This was approved, and he was requested to prepare the document thereon, to be read in public. This was done and it thus reads:
To the Christian Congregation:
In consequence of the favor of Heaven to this congregation, by means of its benefactors, the Consistory finds itself at present able to pay their Dutch minis- ters, without asking anything from the congregations. They are therefore hereby
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publicly discharged from their subscriptions, and thanked, with the wish that no disaster shall befall us by which we shall be constrained to resort again to the congregation. Resolved in consistory June 17, 1766.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President. 3. That the week service shall be suspended till the next communion.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, June 26th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The resolution of June 17th, In reference to the building of the Tower at the west end of the church, has brought out varlous obstacles. To remove them, it was resolved to build at the East end, and then to take away the octagon and make the wall straight, and to proceed therein with all possible diligence.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, July 2, 1766.
Consistory held etc.
The Consistory again considered their action as to the building of the Tower, the committee finding difficultles thereln. So in view of both methods It was at last unanimously resolved to build it where the porch is and to go on with it at once.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Lambertus De Ronde to the Classis of Amsterdam, July 3, 1766.
New York July 3, 1766.
Worthy Gentlemen and Much Respected Brethren :-
Your letter and the Acta Synod! Noord Hollandlae came to hand in good order. Inasmuch as there Is a vessel now lying in readiness to depart for Amsterdam, and not having received a special answer to my individual letters, I thought it necessary to examine your letters, etc. at once. This was done with the approval of my colleague, Ritzemn, before reading them in the meeting, which generally approves of this course of procedure. I wished to see whether there was anything therein demanding a speedy answer. This I found to be the case, for there was reference to me, personally, for having occasionally preached in English in addition to my regniar services.
I am sorry that you did not receive more light from my communication in refer- ence to that matter. It Is my opinion that if the letters of the consistory of New York are read again, In conjunction with my own, reasons therefor will be found In those communications. We are in a land that is filled with all sorts of errorists; where the English language also has now the upper hand, and is therefore the best understood. This Is the reason that the Consistory of New York wrote for an English preacher. I do not In the least interfere with him (Lnidile) in his preach- ing; nor do I preach in English in our own (New York) churches; therefore I never come in his path. But sometimes, once or twice a year, I preach in English when I am out of the city and am invited to do so. My preaching happens to be for the Presbyterians, whose doctrine, so far as I daily observe, agrees with onrs in all the Articles of the Faith. This also is evident from the Westminster Confession of Faith. Notwithstanding the prejudices, then, which others may try to excite in you on this account, I preach only at the houses of those who are desirons to hear the Word of God explained in a scriptural way, and try to Impress It on their minds. This is not done with closed, but with open doors. And although the English language is not my mother tongue, this does not hinder me, but that I may, by unwearled labor, with the object I have in view, present and defend the pure truth In Christ.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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This language cannot but become, by the blessing of God, as easy as the Latin is to a Professor, for instructing, speaking and disputing; nor can I see that I give any well-grounded offence by the use of it. And my brother who holds to the same doctrine, and has the same pure objects in view as I myself have, ought to be glad to have a co-worker in building up the walls of Zion. In my opinion, this is very different from meddling in the affairs of another, and thereby being classed among the evil-doers. For I am called, as well as he, to the duties of this ministry by the Lord; and so the Classis itself writes-the language does not produce any change in the relation of the Gospel ministry to the Classis. And that the use of English should have been one of the reasons that prevented our consistory from sending delegates to our "Subordinated Meetings"-the Conferentie Meetings-is not true, but the contrary appears. For long before I preached in English occa- sionally, they refused to do this, and were opposed to attending any ecclesiastical meetings except their own Consistory meetings. But their criticising me, and their fault-finding, seem to arise solely from the fact, that we do not submit ourselves to their opinion, and so break up those "Subordinated extra Meetings" (of the Conferentie) and be quite independent. This, indeed, is the real object, however much it may be covered up.
I repeat it once again, Worthy Sirs :- If I had neglected my services in the Dutch language, I would have to justify myself before the Consistory; but since I perform my duties therein- although with much imperfection, which I daily deplore before the throne of God- since I perform all the duties of an Evangelist, being diligent in season and out of season, studying night and day, completely con- secrated to the service of my Master, preaching and catechising in the Dutch lan- guage, ought any one to find fault that occasionally I spend an hour elsewhere, outside of my exact call, in order to benefit others who do not very well under- stand Dutch? How is it possible for any one, who loves the welfare of Zion, to object to my occasional service in English. And especially since Rev. Laidlie can- not do all the work alone?
He, therefore, with our Consistory, appointed a Dutch tailor as a catechist in English, although this man had never before done any such work; instead of assign- ing this important work to his colleague, who had actually been engaged in that work before his (Rev. Laidlie's) arrival. Thus their charges appear as altogether unfounded. And if the Classis takes sides with them, as appears to me probable from your letter to our "Conferentie Meeting", then such a course is, in my opinion, the sure way to oppress still further their old and worn out ministers, and to put obstacles in the way of other necessary matters.
I hope that the Classis will examine this matter more carefully, and give no . encouragement to these things, much less to hinder preaching of the pure doctrines where they may be useful. No one can accuse me of unfaithfulness to my call, nor that I have given any offense by my walk and conversation. I have sought, by the grace of God, to crown my doctrine with a holy life, so very necessary in a minister. As to all other things, I think I am in duty bound to obey my Master rather than men. I shall endeavor to go forward in the work of my particular ministry, to which I have been called; and if, between times, I see a door opened elsewhere, to do good to the souls of men, let no one take it amiss that I do not neglect it.
Concerning special services in private houses-I have felt obliged to give these up, because the people were intimidated by the opposition of our Consistory. But so long as I am requested by the Supervisors of the Poor House to preach to the poor, every six or seven weeks, in English, in turns, with the other ministers, I intend to continue in this work. Also the Consistory has nothing against this arrangement, only that I preach the "Word" to other people. Yea, they are actually pleased with it.
Now regarding the supplementary remarks which I sent over to you (in refer- ence to my Book) I am astonished at the answer you make to them. I am also sorely grieved in my spirit to hear that there are sentiments therein that look sus- picious. For that Book is in perfect conformity with our doctrines. No one of the divines over here has noticed any impropriety in it, but they all fully approve it. I cannot understand what idea the Classis has about me. I do not find in other writings which have been approved, that the Classis acted so precisely. Has any one of you ever found any heterodoxy in me? On the contrary, the Lord knows
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how I watch against all incoming heresies. The Lord has, indeed, ever preserved my heart, among many sorts of errors, and has not allowed me to depart from the faith once delivered to the saints. Yet now I am charged in some degree with heresy, although you write you cannot discover any particular heresy. Well, Worthy Gentlemen, well-meaning, no doubt, in your remarks, yet to what purpose serve they? Some things in his Book are suspicious, and the author ought to have expressed himself more clearly! Thus you make an orthodox minister, and your ministerial brother, suspected by a malignant world when they hear this. Thus also bis teachings are rendered useless, especially among so many who are real errorists, but who will be led to think from this, that they are in the right, and will draw wrong inferences. And your remark makes me even suspected by my own ministerlal brethren In our meetings, who will now, for a second time, hear your remarks on the "Compendium " published by me.
But where Is the heresy? Whereln Is there anything against the Word of God, or our own Formulas? Tell me where it Is, point it out to me, and I will recant. But please do not write again of a thing's being questionable, without plainly showing whereln It consists, for such remarks excite prejudlees. Do you want further satisfaction? Then put your opinions In writing. In accordance with our standards, and send them to me. I am willing to subscribe to them; but I pray you do not east susplelons on your brother, who Is plotting nelther evil nor decelt. Rather should the Classis be rejoleed to see, that there are yet some faithful watch- men who defend the doctrines both by word of mouth, und by the pen, even while enduring contempt, scorn and oppression. It appears that such must be treated with severity, while those who are evll disposed towards Zlon, are allowed to he considered in the right, according to their writings; while I did evil, by communi- eating the Word to others, according to the ability given me by God.
Such dolngs, Noble Gentlemen, do nat encourage one In the performance of duty. but quench the spirit, and tend to produce slothful hands and feeble knees. I therefore pray you to examine the matter again and more carefully, and send me. personally, an answer, that the world may not suspect me, and that my labor may not be In valu; and that I may not be compelled to leave the church In whleh I have otfielated now for more than sixteen years, and that not without frult; thanks be to God to whom all the glory belongs.
The other matters In your letter will be read to the brethren as soon as we are able to hold a meeting, and an answer will then be sent to you. I will now have to close, with the kind request that you will not take It Ilt In me that I defend myeplf In a matter of ench great Importance; slnee n good unme is better than precious offitment. I bestech the blessing of Jehovah upon your persons, your services and your meetings. With all respect I have the honor of calling myself
Most Worthy Gentlemen, and Highly Respected Brethren.
Your honor's servant and brother, Lambertus De Ronde.
P. S. There are several things mentioned In your letter that do not In the least relate to our Conferentle Assembly. They are matters which have never been before our Assembly; whileh relate to this city, to this church with its Consistory; also to my book, which belongs only to the consideration of the Classis. I would, therefore, kindly request that hereafter you would write us privately about that, so that the Ignorant and the uneducated, such as the farmer-elders, may not abuse your remarks, attending our Assemblles, as they do; and that I, being Innocent, may not be the subject of their abuse, as though I had committed some treason- "('rimen laesae Majestatls."
Nor can I very well leave another polnt In your letter unanswered, namely: That the so-called Presbyterians, In New Jersey, are seeking a Professor for their Academy; that one has already been Invited, the brethren of the Coetns having been Invited to co-operate, and thus they would call a Professor for them.
He who wrote this to you, Is not well Informed on these matters. I am myself one of the Trustees or Curators of that Academy; bnt, I must inform you, that I do not know anything about such a matter. It Is, Indeed, possible, that they might have written for a "Professor Theologlae" for their Academy, without any par- ticular reference to those who call themselves the Coetus, with whom they have never yet consulted on such a matter. They may have wished to show to the.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4065 1766
whole world, and especially to the Dutch divines, how zealous they were for the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and that they would desire nothing better than that all prejudices between the Dutch and Presbyterians should be removed; that they should aim at one and the same end, namely, the extension of the Kingdom of Christ. I also wish that there might be found among the Dutch such love and peace, such zeal and piety, as exist among the Presbyterians, not "so-called" but Presbyterians in very deed-pure Calvinists. For among them, those who become heretical are deposed, if they continue in error; and if ministers are proved guilty of any wicked deeds, they are not passed over in silence, but they are rebuked, and church-discipline is exercised upon them. Such a case happened among them not long ago.
GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK. New York, 9th July, 1766.
Dm. Kern presented a statement in the English Language of the rise and progress of our church, and how we had from time to time increased our debt, which was read : he stated that when signed, it would be advisable to get the signa- tures of Dms. Ritzema, Auchmuty, and Ogilvie; also, that of his excellency the Mayor, in confirmation of the truth of the statements, and then to send the same to London. The statement was accepted and signed by all, with the exception of Mr. Hildman, Elder, (although he had signed the same sent to the Classis of Amsterdam,) with the prayer to God, that he would add his blessing.
Dm. Kern requested to take charge of the same.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 10th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A plan was presented for the altering of the Old Church, so far as the inside is concerned. It was unanimously approved. Further, consultation was had with a carpenter, and a mason, whether the stairs to the Gallery could not conveniently rise within the Tower. To this the answer was, yes; and whether service could go on, without hindering the inside work; to this the answer was, yes. So it was con- cluded to go on with the work as speedily as possible. The first stone of the Tower was laid by domine Ritzema, the second by domine de Ronde, and in succession by all the consistory.
So done etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
Article of Accusation against the Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Church in New York. (July 22, 1766. ) CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
I. Rev. De Ronde is annoyed by the Elders and Deacons in question ; inasmuch as he has been requested by them, although he is a lawfully ordained minister, not to preach in the English language in Congregations which do not belong to us.
II. The above named Elders and Deacons who are opposed to the preaching of Rev. De Ronde, in the manner specified above, nevertheless countenance the speaking in public of women and young men. They allow portions of the Bible to be expounded by such as have neither a commission nor calling thereto. Meetings are held, which are intended for the members of a certain Society, and none but those who belong to it, are admitted. These meetings exist under their protection; but at the same time, Rev. De Ronde is prohibited from preaching in other places.
III. It is laid to the charge not only of the present Elders and Deacons, but also of those who have previously been in office, that they elect such members, as are opposed to Revs. Ritema and De Ronde, in order that they may remain "masters of the situation ;" to the dissatisfaction of the members of the congregation, who cleave to Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde.
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IV. It was also insinuated that the Elders and Deacons do not take proper care- of the church property.
These are grevlous accusations, and if they are true, the Elders and Deacons in question, ought to be called to account for their unseemly conduct. If, on the other hand, they are false it Is highly necessary that this charge be taken from thelr shoulders.
But, inasmuch as the Elders and Deacons In questlon, know of no persons better able to judge of the truth or falsehood of these accusations, than those ministers themselves. It Is thelr humble, but earnest petition, that the Rt. Rev. Gentlemen, Ritzema, De Ronde and Laidlle, declare before the Consistory, whether these accusations are true or false. If true, let them give evidence. If false, let them declare the abovenamed Elders and Deacons, Innocent ; and let them sign their names to a written declaration of such innocence.
New York, July 22nd, 1766.
In accordance with the above mentioned petitlon, we the undersigned, do hereby declare, that, as far as we know, the Hon. Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Church of the City of New York are entirely innocent of the charges preferred against them, In the foregoing Articles.
Signed Joan. Ritzema Archibald Laldlie.
The above Is a true Copy.
(On the back of original Mss.)
Articles of accusation against the Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church In New York. Upon these they ask for a declaration from the ministers of said church, whether they are gullty or Innocent.
A true Copy.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. SYNODALIA, 1766.
Orange Nassau. Art. 7. The Classis recommends this lemma, by continuance, to the Messrs. Deputies, and wishes cordially that the most precious blessings from the All-Sufficient God may steadily abide upon the Princely House of Orange and Nassau; and that the solemn induction of his Illustrious Highness into the assumption of the high functions of the Hereditary Stadtholder- ate, may be followed by the most auspicious results ; so that Land and Church, Religion and Liberty, may florish for length of years under his faithful rule; and that his Highness may continuously experience, until a gray old age, the love, the esteem, and the confidence of a happy people. xiv. S5.
SYNODALIA, 1766.
New York and New Jersey. Art. 47. The Classis has noth- ing further to report to the Synod as to New York and New Jersey. xiv. 97.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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LORDS OF TRADE TO GOVERNOR MOORE ON CHARTER FOR PRESBY- TERIAN CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Whitehall, July 29, 1766.
Sir :-
His Majesty having been pleased by an order in Council to refer to us for our Consideration and Report a Petition of the present Ministers of the Presbyterian Church in the City of New York praying to be incorporated by a Charter under the seal of the Province of New York for the purposes set forth in the said Petition. We think it necessary (not only from a Consideration of the Nature of the Petition in general but also as it refers to a like application formerly made by the said Ministers to Lieutenant Governor De Lancy and to proceedings had thereupon) to send you the enclosed copy of the said Petition, desiring that you will, after having communicated it to the Council for such advice & Information as they may be able to give you upon it, report to us in the fullest manner, the present State and Condition of this Protestant Establishment, and also all the Proceedings upon the Petition alledged to have been presented in the administration of Mr. Delancy, and the reasons why such Petition did not proceed at that time, with your opinion whether from any particular circumstance in the present state of the Province of New York, there are any objections to Complying with a Request, which in the general and abstracted view of it appears to us to be no ways Improper or unreasonable.
We are Sir your most obedient Servants,
Dartmouth John Roberts Wm. Fitzherbert Palmerston.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii, p. 303.
(See March 18, 1766.)
ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 29-AUG. 7, 1766.
VOL. 65. ARTICLE 47 .- PENNSYLVANIA.
4. They were most earnestly warned about the folly of their efforts, and shown how disadvantageous it was to them to withdraw themselves from subordination to the Netherlands churches, and to want to organize Classes and Synods among them- selves. A copy also was sent them of the Action of the Synod of North Holland, 1763 which had been handed to the Commissioner from New York, where also the formation of a Classis was contemplated.
ARTICLE 48 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Hon. Mightinesses had no remarks to offer on this Article.
The Corresponding Delegates have nothing about it in their Acts.
The Deputies and all the Classes are waiting for news from Amsterdam and recommend this matter to the Deputies.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, August 5th, 1766.
It was resolved that the £100. in the hands of the Treasurer be taken for the building of the Old Church. Also that in the coming week the Treasurer shall see if he can obtain the interest already due from L. Morris, and others : and if not,
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1
then the committee shall endeavor to take up the needful sum on Interest and give therefore a bond which shall be signed by the President and two Elders, in the name of the Consistory.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES, ABOUT OCTOBER 1766.
Opponents of Rev. H. Meyer to the Classis of Amsterdam, August 13, 1766. Vol. 33, page 120. No. 391. (Abstract.)
Letter, written Aug. 13, 1766, by Rev. Freyenmoet, V. D. M. at i.lvingston Manor, etc. and Rev. Cock, V. D. M., at the Camp of Rhinebeck in the name of the Church Assembly held at Kingston. It contains,
I. That Rev. Meyer had called a Meeting of all the P'n'ch churches in both Provinces : that only such of the ministers as count themselves to be members of the Coetus, were in attendance, at Kingston, on the 8th of May, 1766; that the Acts of the Kingston consistory were condemned, and the action of Rev. Meyer was Justified. Also
II. That, In the place of Rev. Meyer, another pastor and teacher should be sent, In accordance with the accompanying Call, and that he be sent over soon.
They close wishing ns God's best blessings.
With this letter was enclosed
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, August 20th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. (This entry In the original Dutch Record Is carefully erased. Page 358.)
2. Two bonds were presented, one to Mr. Jas. Van Antwerp for £300; the other to Mr. James Jauncey for £500. These were ordered to be sealed with the seal ot the corporation
3. Resolved, That the wall of the Old Church along the street, which is too weak to stand and must be taken down, should be extended eight feet farther toward the street ; and the opportunity thus given should be used to put the stairs leading to the Gallery on the outside of the Tower, and not within.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
REV. HERMANES MEYER TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, AUG. 21, 1766. Vol. 33, PAGE 104. No. 393. (Abstract.)
A letter from Rev. Hermanus Meyer, minister at Kingston, Aug. 21, 1766.
He complains about the Ill-treatment pnt upon his person and his ministry, by those of the consistory at Kingston, and by the neighboring ministers, Freyen- moet and Cock; and seeks to justify his conduct, without, however, subordinating himself to the Classis. Hls Rev. closes his letter wishing the Classis well.
N. B. The Classis did not think It necessary to answer this letter; but, with the consent of the Classis, Col. ten Brink has written his Rev. a letter, In his own name, in a friendly and fraternal spirit. He exhorts Rev. Meyer to sub- ordinate himself to the Classis. The only result has been that Rev. Meyer con- tinues to refuse the subordination, and the Classis has approved his removal from the ministry in the church at Kingston.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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CORNELIUS CLOPPER TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, AUG. 23, 1766. VOL. 33, PAGE 120. No. 392. (Abstract.)
A letter from Cornelius Clopper, written at New York, Aug. 23, 1766; in which his Hon. promises to provide for the minister, to be called at Kingston, 400 florins, if he is unmarried, and 600 florins, if married-which moneys can be had in due time from Mr. Jan Hadshon, a merchant here.
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