USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 54
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Would not this doctrine have a greater influence in this part of the world, if we had a Professor of Theology of our own, as your Rev. Classis suggests, but in that English Academy or College in New York. For that object Domine Ritzema, the senior minister of the Dutch Church in the City of New York, already, as early as the year 1755, obtained an "Additional Charter", for special advantage to his own congregation. That congregation alone was to have this privilege [of appointing such Professor], to the exclusion of all others. Of this College, his Rev. is one of the Governors, [Trustees]. This honor we gratefully acknowledge, although it became one of the chief causes of our lamentable schism [into Coetus and Con- ferentie.] For Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen [of Albany], now long since deceased, being provoked to wrath by this circumstance, seeing that he himself was excluded, stirred up all the congregations in both the Provinces of New York and New Jersey, to establish an Academy, Classis, etc., for themselves. This is well-known to the Rev. Classis, and it need not be enlarged upon again.
Some will probably oppose us in this, because that is an Episcopalian Academy, the government of which Church differs from ours, more than does that of the Scotch Presbyterians; that the Governors or Regents of that Academy are mostly of the Episcopal Church, etc. But we answer: Are not their Articles of Faith just as orthodox as ours? And is there not found among them at the present day, a large number of ministers, who teach the doctrine of Free and Special Grace? And even if many fail to preach that doctrine, is not this the case also in the present Scotch Church? At any rate their best ministers make complaint on this very subject, saying that there is a general decline in orthodoxy; and a number of books which daily come under our eyes testify the same.
It is indeed, true, that most of the Governors [of this New York College] are at present members of the Church of England, and if a vote should depend upon party lines, they could outvote us. But we venture to say that such a party spirit has never vet, to our knowledge, manifested itself, and very probably may never need to be feared. For those Governors are among the first and most respectable people of our city and of our whole land. They consist of the Gover- nor of the Province, the Members of the King's Council, the Judges of the Courts of Justice, the Rector of the English Church, [Trinity], the Senior Dutch minister, with the French, the Presbyterian and the Lutheran ministers. We need not, therefore, greatly concern ourselves with such fears. And then, also, that "Addi- tional Charter" expressly requires that the Professor [of Theology] shall be a member of the Dutch Church, and that he must teach the doctrines of the Nether- land Church, according to the Synod of Dort. 1618-19.
We feel like pressing this scheme the more, because, in this English Academy in New York, even as in [that institution] in Philadelphia, there is no Professor of Theology. For this reason, the English Church labors under the same difficulties as the Dutch Church. Their young men who are sent from here to England to be ordained, are utterly unskilled in Theology; yet they will not send them to any other [American] Academy. But by the proposed arrangement, if carried out,
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we might accomplish much for the common good of our American Zion, by hav- ing a prudent and well-qualified Professor of our Church [in that Institution.]
Three or four years ago, Domine Ritzema, who alone had the opportunity to act with vigor in this matter, obtained the consent of his fellow Governors, that we should call such a man, as the Charter requires, from Holland; one who had studied and been trained there; and he should be sent by the Rev. Classis. The Governors promised to give him £200., ($500.), a year, and we should do the same; so that he should have a salary of £400. This would be just the same in amount as that of the President of the College. If this matter should now be pressed by the Classis and the Synod, we doubt not that we might yet get it. And such a Professor would be sufficient for the entire necessities of the Church, although we do not intend to force all the other churches to send their students to New York.
The Dutch Church [of New York] has never been willing to take advantage of this provision, and now, perhaps, she is less ready than ever. Yet she can never expect of the Governors [of that College] that she should have the right to nomi- nate or appoint such Professor, and that his salary should be paid entirely by the Governors. Even the Church of England in this city, [Trinity Churchj has no special prerogatives whatever in that college. Nevertheless, it is required that the President of the College should always be a member in communion with the Church of England; but all other Professors or Teachers, are chosen without any such condition, and may be of any denomination. From this it appears that the Dutch Church has a privilege therein above all other churches.
Now we only say these things to show the benefits which would accrue, if we would only lay aside all our prejudices, and really strive to establish the Pure Doctrine, by cultivating peace and unity in the Church, and good citizenship in the State; doing nothing above our powers, and not making ourselves a burden on others. Such is the Plan we ought to adopt. If all those foolish things which have been done by the "separated brethren", could be brought before their eyes by the Rev. Classis and Synod, it might have the desired effect. For notwith- standing all those who may grieve over it, the English Church will be the dominant one in this Province. And that church has always shown itself friendly to all those who held fast to the Netherland Constitution. We could even at the present time, substantiate this statement by a multitude of facts.
Behold, then, Rev. Gentlemen, Fathers and Brethren in Christ, that which we have considered it to be our duty to communicate to your Revs. We pray that the Father of lights may grant you all needed grace and prudence, to perform wisely what you are now undertaking in our behalf, and that it may redound to our salvation.
This letter, written thus far, I had meditated by myself alone, with the inten- tion of placing it before the [Conferentie] Assembly, for their approbation. But learning that the Coetus ministers had circulated the letters received by them, and had openly read them from the pulpits; and, especially, that they had copied those two points about the duty of "Reunion", and of "mutually forgiving every- thing", and also of the probable right to examine :- I thought it good to send a copy of this letter to the brethren, Fryenmoet, Cock and Rysdyck, with a request to send me their written approbation of it; and then in conjunction with [the approbation of] the Long Island ministers, to send it off, so that no one should know anything about our remarks. But since an unexpected opportunity presents itself to send it to Amsterdam at once, I take the liberty of sending it simply as the expression of my own opinion; with the promise, that if brethren differ from me in anything, or have any additional views to offer, to remit these at once with all fidelity. But I do not think they will differ materially from me.
The Church of Kingston earnestly desires a minister; so also does the Church of North Branch, [Readington]. I yet hold the call of that Church to domine Aemilius in my house, and have authority to give it to any minister sent by the Classis. Three or four new congregations have been established, and these have never yet had a minister. They look with dread at the expense of sending for a minister to Holland, yet they are able to provide a good annual support. If the Rev. Classis should think it well to send over three ministers, who are not burdened with household effects and a family, they would cheerfully bear the cost of the voyage, and I will guarantee them a good settlement. Otherwise, we fear that the Coetus will appoint men to such churches, and settle them there.
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I desire, moreover, that this letter be read publicly in the Synod, that the whole Netherland Church may become acquainted with our circumstances, and may under stand that our differences are not of a personal character; but that they touch the very Constitution of the Netherland Church; that we are striving with brethren who have departed from her principles, and who are of an independent spirit. They are generally inexperienced in the word of righteousness, to say no more, and lightly bring everything into disorder, and wish to rule in everything according to their own pleasure. We make this request so that no occasion may be required for us to defend ourselves before the High Rev. Christian Synod.
Having prepared this statement out of pure love for the truth, I hope that the Rev. Classis will kindly take it to heart. And if anything herein seems to be too bold, and unbecoming to me, who am one of the least of the Brethren, but a genuine well wisher of our American Zion, please pardon me, and make such use hereof, according as your High Rev. wisdom shall dictate.
I am with greatest esteem, Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Brethren in Christ,
Your Revs. D. W. Servant and Brother,
Joannes Ritzema.
New York, March 21, 1769.
(Entered, No. 4141. ? )
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, March 29th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Since a committee was formerly appointed to overlook the bonds of the church, and the consistory is not aware of their report: Resolved, That two Elders shall examine the minutes in the Church Book, and if still in service, shall do the work and make the report to the Consistory. And hereafter every year a new committee of the Elders shall be appointed for this purpose. For the present Evert Bancker, Pieter Keteltas, and Ab. Lott are appointed.
Resolved, That a call be made out upon Mr. Livingston, now at Utrecht, upon the same footing as that upon domine Laidlie, and that it be sent to the Deputati ad res exteras; and besides, to request the English ministers at Amsterdam, Longuer- ville and Grierson, to determine together concerning the externals of Mr. Livingston, and especially his voice, whether he could be heard in a full congregation, or is otherwise unsuited to accomplish the object of the consistory ; and that domine Ritzema be appointed to prepare the draft.,
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
On the 30th of March, [1769] the Consistory being held again, the written call, with an accompanying letter to the gentlemen empowered to take charge of it, was approved. It was subsequently given to domine Ritzema, who was requested to write out a fair copy in time to be forwarded tomorrow.
CALL TO REV. JOHN H. LIVINGSTON, NOW AT UTRECHT.
The approaching completion of our Third Church called the North (Church), obliges the Consistory to look around for a suitable minister to perform service there, along with the one now established in the Second, otherwise called the New Church, in English.
Hence it is, that on the 29th of March, a day on which we recall with pleasure the happy arrival of the Rev. Mr. Archibald Laidlie in our body (in 1764), the Consistory unanimously resolved to make out their call upon you for a fourth minister in their Congregation, and the Second in the English tongue.
Since you are no stranger in our Jerusalem, we have no need to relate circum- stantially the state of our Congregation. The call of domine Archibald Laidlie and his single service, out of the four held in the two churches, but limited to the New Church, at the usual time of worship on the Lord's day ; that this limitation com- pels those who are not masters of the Dutch to resort to other churches in the afternoon, or to be with out public worship; that this, we say, has awakened the
1769
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zeal of many to make their contributions for the erection of a Third Church, intended only for the Reformed worship in English, which under the blessing of Heaven is nearly completed, is proof enough of the earnestness of the Congregation, and of the necessity of a colleague for domine Laidlie, especially in the English tongue. Shall the sheep under our care be compelled to seek pasture among strangers? Shall our excellent church building be erected in vain? A minister therein is absolutely necessary. You have gone from us to complete your studies in the renowned Academy of Utrecht, and we have hope that you have already become a candidate, and, therefore, are in a condition to be called. We offer then this our call in the name of the Congregation, who, by subscription, have strengthened, and daily more and more strengthen us, to give a sufficient yearly support.
1. The service required of you is to preach with domine Laidlie in the above mentioned churches in English, twice a week, either on the Lord's day or once in the week ; yet you are not excluded from occasionally rendering service in the Dutch, if you are able, since that is desired by many among us. Of the two sermons, one must be on the Heidelberg Catechism, in order, as is usual in our church. You are also in your turn to administer the Lord's Supper, and preach the preparatory ser- mon ; also to preach on the so-called Festivals, Easter, Pentecost, Ascension day, Christmas, and the days of Prayer and Thanks recommended by the Authorities, in your order, according to the turns as they shall be regulated by the Consistory from time to time, for the best interest of the Congregation ; together with catechising in the elements of religion. Further, you are to do all that becomes a faithful minister of the Holy Gospel, in order, with your colleagues and the overseers of the congre- gation, to govern the same in the exercise of christian discipline.
2. On our part we promise to pay you yearly the sum of Three Hundred pounds, New York money, being the same sum which is paid to the Dutch ministers and domine Laidlie, and an exact fourth every quarter ; for which payment, although it must come from a voluntary subscription of the congregation, we bind ourselves as a Consistory, in qualitate qua; and shall provide, according as is the case, with each new Consistory, before their ordination, that such shall be done by our successors, so long as you are our minister.
The expenses of the call, freight, assurance of goods, the Consistory, according to custom, esteems it their duty thankfully to defray. The salary will begin from the day of your arrival here.
Now since the Congregation know you personally, and many among us have from time to time heard a good report of you in your absence, the Consistory feel them- selves bound to deliver to you this call in the fear of the Lord ; looking up to God that their undertaking may be blessed, and your heart inclined to accept it, in the fear of the Lord; that thus the sighing of the pious may be heard, and your reverence come to us with all speed in the full blessing of the Gospel.
1
Archibald Laidlie, p. t. President. Joannes Ritzema Lambertus de Ronde.
Thus done in our Consistory, at New York, March 31, 1769.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
To the Reverend and Learned Professors in the High School and Deputies of the Reverend Classis of Amsterdam, Messrs. Wilhelmus Koolhaas and Petrus Cur- tenius ; (March 31, 1769.) Vol. 33, page 144. No. 409.
Reverend Brethren :-
It has pleased the Lord in his kind providence so to bless, for about five years, our enterprise of calling a minister in the English language for our Dutch Congre- gation, that, in order to leave the Dutch service undisturbed, we were obliged to build a New Church, the completion of which demands a new English minister. Since the student John H. Livingston, now resident at Utrecht, who, we suppose, is a candidate, is known to us as a young man who has devoted himself entirely to the Lord's service, and is honored with the praise of the Academy of Utrecht, we doubt not that he is furnished with the gifts required to serve the congregation of Christ
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
among us. We send the accompanying call to you with the earnest request to summon his reverence, and put the same in his hands.
Yet there is one difficulty which affects too many of our members, and has made them slow in subscribing, and still dubious about doing as the others, viz., that Mr. Livingston has a weak voice and could not be heard by every one. But a good voice is certainly demanded in our New or Second Church, which is a large building and requires a penetrating voice to make all hear. Yet we hope that our Third or North Church, soon to be dedicated, will be much more easy to speak in. You will, therefore, with Messrs. Longueville and Grierson, ministers of the English congre- gation, and the members of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, make a test of this matter ; so that Mr. Livingston, however qualified otherwise, may not be called without further knowledge on this point. This, particularly in New York, is a matter much regarded. But if there is no fear in this respect, let the call be executed as soon as possible, and this gentleman sent over to us; because three ministers cannot possibly perform the service in three churches as it should be done.
Wishing you the blessing of the Lord in carrying out this work, by which you will oblige us in the highest degree, we, on our side, shall do in return what in us lies, if not in deeds, yet by showing a thankful recognition at all times and occasions.
With desires for blessings upon your persons and important ministrations, we subscribe ourselves, Rev. Brethren and Esteemed Associates ?
Your humble servant etc.,
Signed etc., Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President. New York, March 31, 1769.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Conferentie Assembled at New York. April 3, 1769. Vol. 31, page 322. No. 193.
Rev. Sirs and Beloved Brethren :-
We despatched last year, 1768, two letters to you, the first dated June 6th, and the second, October 3rd.
In the first, we informed you that we were engaged upon a Plan for the union of the divided Churches in New Netherland ; in the second, we communicated the actual outlines of said Plan, and told how the same was taken up by the Christian Synod of North Holland, ad referendum. We trust, therefore, that you will provisionally abide thereby until we can send you the conclusions of the Synod of this year.
Meantime it is our hope that Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers, of whom we made men- tion in the P. S. of our last letter, has already arrived among you in health, and that his service is altogether blessed. We also suppose that you have received the Minutes of the Synod held in 1767, which we enclosed in our last, and there follows now the Minutes of 1768.
Further we commend to you with all brotherly affection, the constant practice of amity and peace. With heartfelt desire for blessing on yourselves and ministry, we are and remain,
Wm. Koolhaas, Dep. Praeses. Peter Curtenius, Depp. Scriba.
Amsterdam, In Classis April 3, 1769.
P. S. We request you to communicate this letter to the Rev. Brethren of the Coetus, with our greeting.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Rev. De Ronde illegally performs a' marriage.
New York, April 14, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Mr. Barent Sebring presented a written charge against domine Lambertus de Ronde, for clandestinely marrying his daughter to a soldier, without license from
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the Government or publication of bans, with many accompanying circumstances which greatly aggravate the case; and demanded that the Consistory should deal with his Reverence according to the discipline of the Church.
Whereon domine de Ronde was heard, stating that he had been deceived, and had not sinned against the laws of the land, and therefore was not punishable, but the Consistory were not satisfied from his defence that he had followed the laws which he knew and must have known. The Consistory, therefore, is convinced of the imprudence of his act. It also conflicts with various resolutions of Synod, which enable them to take up the case. Great is the dissatisfaction which the occurrence has given, not only to the friends of the bride, but also to the whole city, and the churches of various denominations therein. Nevertheless the Con- sistory will show indulgence to his Reverence's person and weighty office, and for this time, inflict no other punishment than a serious exhortation to ask pardon from the complainants, with a promise to bear himself with more prudence in the future. The complainants are likewise to deport themselves peaceably and regard the sad occurrence as a deception, in which the proper caution was not used as it should have been.
This resolution was read openly to both parties and with the desired result that they became reconciled and shook hands.
The committee to examine the appraisement of seats in the North Church, re- ported orally their approval of the same, which the Consistory accepted and rested therein.
The same committee was farther directed to prepare such regulations as they should deem necessary for the sale or renting of the pews.
Signed etc.,
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON TO MR. CORNELIUS CLOPPER, MER- CHANT OF NEW YORK, APRIL 15, 1769. Portfolio, " New York," Vol. II.
Rev. Sir and Much Respected Friend .-
Till now, we have with patience, and yet with strong desire, waited to obtain a minister in answer to the call sent by our church to the Rev. Classis of Amster- dam. Ever since Rev. (W) Kuypers' departure from Holland, we received no information as to whether a minister or candidate had accepted our call. As officers, entrusted by the Lord with so large a church, which now for over six years and a half has been without a pastor, besides contending with the difficulties that came upon us through Rev. (Hermanus) Meyer, we are aware of the loss sustained in the building up of God's Church here; how the youth, for lack of catechetical instruction, are growing up wild, without knowledge of what is good; and how both old and young, each in his station, are deprived of the living voice proclaiming God's holy and precious Word. Then also, almost daily, we must hear the clamor of a number of church-members, urging us to devise means for obtaining a faithful minister. All these things, and others besides, oppress us, and cause us to lift up our thoughts and petitions to Heaven for help; and-as the Lord works every- thing by the use of means-to take our need also to those whom we consider to be God's ministers entrusted with such things.
We, therefore, adopted the following resolution, to be sent as early as possible, and without regard to any reasonable expense, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam ; requesting, that, if no minister or candidate has yet accepted our call, the same to be returned to us; for we can expect nothing but uncertainty. Besides, as per- . sons are so slow about accepting our call, the Rev. Classis cannot have a choice, and would, possibly, be obliged to send some one who is of no account; and that would be wholly contrary to our views and expectations in sending the call. The cause of this slowness, we think, is not far to seek. It is due in part to the fact that our church has been misrepresented by Rev. (Hermanus) Meyer, to the great disturbance of many.
Then there is the ignorance in regard to our locality and church, on which, for good reasons, we do not care to expatiate. As to whether, because of the Rev.
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Meyer affair, we are to be considered quarrelsome we dare to appeal to all impartial people who have some knowledge of our church : whether we ever had any public controversy with our last two ministers, Petrus Vas and Georgius Wilhelmus Man- cius, who ministered to us for over fifty years; or whether, on the contrary, the church did not, during all that time live in peace and love with them and with one another. And as to our local situation, that is as convenient and pleasant as that of any minister among us, and offers nearly as advantageous a living, con- sidering the perquisites and presents enjoyed annually, over and above the promised salary.
Circumstances are such that, when we get once released from our call sent to Holland, we could expect to be provided again with a capable minister within a short time. This, too, is our motive in recalling our call. It is not our necessity, which, after Rev. (Hermanus) Meyer's dismissal, made us send to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for a minister ; but our desire to maintain the good order and corre- spondence which our ministers and church have formerly observed in connection with the Rev. Classis. It is to show our disposition to adhere to it, especially as, at our own request, and by a Charter, obtained from our King, for the preservation of our Church liberty, we have placed ourselves under obligation to maintain proper subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for the purpose of keeping up fraternal correspondence with it.
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