USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 56
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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ordered me to write that down, as a resolution of the Consistory. But this I peremptorily refused to do, as it was impossible for me to do such an improper thing. This was the cause of a violent dispute between myself and my colleagues, and, in fact, with nearly the whole of the Consistory; until finally I said, that if they were not willing to guard the honor of our Consistory, I would do it alone; for I did not understand that the Consistory could take upon itself an honor, which the Rev. Classis would not assume; since she first offered her Plan [of Union] to the Synod for consideration, and was to await her decision, before she proposed it for our support. The final consequence was, that the following reply was given:
III.
ANSWER OF CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK TO THE COETUS, MAY 4, 1769.
" Rev. Gentlemen, etc. :
The Rev. Consistory would say in reply, that she hereby expresses her cordial sup- port to the (proposed) peace ; but inasmuch as the Plan [of Union] really belong to you, we desire that you would acquaint us a little more definitely, as to the exact view which is taken of this Plan [of Union] by your Rev. Body. Do you or do you not approve of it; or, do you have any suggestions to make upon it. If you have, we would ask you to communicate them to us, as soon as possible, as we shall not be able, until this is done, to do our share for the promotion of that desirable end."
Archibald Laidlie, President.
Hereupon the meeting adjourned at 8 o'clock. On the following day [May 5, 1769] we met again at 10 o'clock, in the forenoon. I provided myself with the Classical Letter sent to the Conferentie, and privately spoke to the President, [Rev. Laidlie] asking him in the kindest possible manner to be careful to give no occasion for any misunderstanding between himself and me and the whole Consistory, by any partial treatment, and not compel me to say such things, as in the interest of peace among us, I would rather not say ; and to take special care not to throw the burning coals of another's roof among ourselves. But he did not act in accordance with his promises. Thereupon, one of the Elders rose up, and spoke in convincing terms of the foolishness of the acts of our Consistory. He was, indeed, a great support to me. Then the Coetus, through the abovementioned committee, handed in the fol- lowing reply :
IV.
SECOND LETTER OF THE COETUS TO CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK MAY 5, 1769.
Reverend Gentlemen, etc. :
The ardent wish, the sincere desire and the earnest longing after peace and unity with all the brethren of our Confession in this country, as well as elsewhere, causes us to acquiesce in your desire, as expressed in your proposition concerning our Classi- cal Letter. Although we know nothing particularly of the letter received by the Conferentie brethren, yet the duty is plain: to labor, in anticipation of Union. [Union is to be sought by anticipation]. Let this, then, serve as a more definite statement of the meaning and understanding of the Rev. Coetus, in regard to the contents of your letter in reference to Church Government. As to the establishment, and what pertains to the Academy, these things belong to the Trustees and the delib- erations of the brethren when united. The Coetus would rather accept the Plan [of Union], as proposed, taken in its right understanding, without any exception to any of its parts, than that peace should not be established. They are willing to for- give and altogether forget everything that has happened, in so far as it was of a per-
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sonal nature; and when united again, to work together in bringing the several con- gregations to a good condition ; for in this particular, there is a defect in the Classi- cal Letter. As regards that expression, " Close Union ", we would prefer the addi- tion of the word, ecclesiastical ; or better still, let the whole phrase read, "A close Ecclesiastical Union with the Church of the Netherlands."
However, so far as the Plan requires the signing of the Dutch Formulae of Unity ; the acceptance of the Rules of Church Government; Correspondence ; availing our- selves of their advice, suggestions and deliberations ; and acting as far as possible in accordance with them; as also in forwarding every year the substance of our proceedings ; all these things the Coetus acquiesces in and accepts.
As regards the names of our "Assemblies", although they are not essential matters we would nevertheless, prefer such as are already well-known and in use in the Church. These would be more serviceable in securing peace here, and in main- taining the Union with the Churches in the Netherlands. They would also cause us to be recognized as a part of that Church. Such a course, in our judgment, would be rather in accordance with, than contrary to, the Constitution.
With reference to the Theological Professor having a seat and a voice, [in our Assemblies], we wish to act in accordance with Church Order, as occasion may require, and through the Deputati Synodi. We wish, indeed, that the Dutch Reformed in this country would unite for such purposes. But although these things are not attained, the Coetus will, nevertheless countenance the other scheme, as presented, so far as occasion will permit. This serves, Rev. Brethren, to com- municate to you, our opinion, expecting also to receive and profit by yours.
Wishing you all happiness, we remain,
Your Revs. Servants and Brethren, in the name and by order of the Rev. Coetus.
Samuel Verbryck, President p. t. David Marinus, Secretary p. t.
New York, May 5th, 1769.
This statement of theirs, I considered altogether unsatisfactory yet the President [of our Consistory] considered it to be right. I considered that they only par- tially intimated their opinion, in order that they might not be caught by us. Finally, I read the letter which had been sent to the Conferentie, and showed from it that if in making peace, forgiveness, etc., were previously stipulated by the Rev. Classis, there was no necessity for sending the Plan [of Union] to the Synod at all. Thereupon I was openly opposed by my colleagues, as well as by a large majority of the Consistory, and by the Committee of the Coetus; and, not being willing to try to answer everything, I had to endure many insulting insinuations. I finally asked permission to speak to the Committee, and I addressed them in these words :
ADDRESS OF REV. RITZEMA.
" Gentlemen, inasmuch as I am aware that there are certain things in that Plan [of Union] which do not suit you I would say, that the same is the case with me also ; and I believe that the same condition prevails in the Rev. Consistory of New York. Therefore let every man have liberty to present his own suggestions before the Rev. Classis and Synod, and let us then await for their decisions, and unitedly submit to them. That will end the matter, whatever the result may be. I also promise you that I will not take any advantage of what you have written."
But this they peremptorily refused and intimated with sufficient plainness that they were unwilling-just as they have always shown themselves to be-to submit to any decisions of the Classis or Synod, (for submission represents the spirit of Popery), except the decisions be such, as are favorable to their own interests. They are not even willing to be obliged to call a Theological Professor from Holland, for their Prospective Academy. Thereupon, the following written reply was given them :-
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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V.
REPLY OF THE CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK.
" That whereas the basis of peace as proposed in the Plan [of Union], has not yet been agreed upon, they can do nothing further in the matter than to request the two ministers belonging to the Conferentie brethren to do all that lies in their power to promote peace in the churches of these regions." Signed, Archibald Laidlie, Pres. p. t.
Behold now, Rev. Gentlemen, the situation. Understand and judge for yourselves. I hope, that I, for my part am now done with it, and will have no more occasion to be troublesome to your Rev. Body. I intend to cleave with faithfulness, to the Doc- trine and Constitution of the Church of the Netherlands to the end. Having been obliged to experience a great deal of opposition, with but little assistance-opposi- tion, indeed, more than my powers can endure, I shall commend all parties to the Lord; for I can be of no more assistance to help matters; and in trying, I only increase my sorrows ; yet I have a pure conscience before God.
To tell the truth, the spirit of fanaticism and independence makes fearful progress ; Bible phraseology is no longer counted, by many, as the expression of religious feel- ings, and people run from one church to another. In addition to our Third or North Church, [Fulton St.], and the Presbyterian church, [Wall St.], a Scotch Seceder Church was built in this city during the past year. Another was also built for a certain one-eyed, half-paid officer, by the name of Webb. In this, anybody, except lawfully appointed ministers, is allowed to preach. An Anabaptist minister, a fegu- lar fanatic, also creates a great disturbance here. Unless our Church can be saved by a " Close Union " with the Church of Holland, and by getting from the Nether- lands an experienced Professor in Theology-let him be located wherever he may be, I shall never take up arms upon that point-I fear, that we shall not continue to exist as a church in America very much longer, although we ought to.
For what is the use in having the Congregations supplied with ministers who either lead lives dishonorable to their profession, or are ignorant [know-nothings], falsifying the Word of God, or at all events not discerning the mind of the Spirit. They reiterate the same old platitudes from day to day. They are like a door turn- ing on its hinges, without ever making any progress ; yet they are skillful masters in judging others. A few days ago, I had an amusing example of this, in the case of a minister who is by no means considered among the least. When I sought to turn the conversation upon the knowledge of the existence of God, giving proofs as I proceeded from point to point, he replied :- Sir, I am obliged to disagree with you, but immediately became as dumb as a fish. But I see neither the necessity nor the possibility for having an Academy for ourselves. Could only something permanent be done by the Rev. Classis and Synod, I would rejoice in my old age ; but I have many fears. The best ones have become discouraged ; but the others are bound to go ahead, and with untiring zeal, they seek for adherents all over the land. I remain Rev. Gentlemen, after cordial good wishes to you and yours,
Your, etc., Humble Servant and Brother in Christ, Johannes Ritzema.
New York, May 9th, 1769.
CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, MAY 11, 1769. VOL. 33, PAGE 150, No. 413.
A letter from the Consistory at New York, dated May 11, 1769, and signed in its name by Archibald Laidlie, president, and Lamb. de Ronde, scribe.
(Abstract.)
Having learned of the " Plan " proposed by us, (the Classis), and laid before the Very Rev. Synod, with a view to healing the breach in the Dutch churches of that country, it takes the liberty of communicating its views with regard to it.
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It thinks it has good grounds for supposing that if the Conferentie, as well as the Coetus-both having been invited for that purpose-had on the 2nd of May, met together there, it would have had good results ; and that, in case both parties had still differed in somethings, it-the consistory-might possibly have been able to act as mediator in bringing them together. It states, however, that the Coetus had, indeed, held a meeting; but of the Conferentie, but few members had assembled, because the order for this Assembly had been countermanded ; without their investi- gating-though it would not have been difficult to do so-by whom that was done.
That, however, our letter, relating to the Coetus, had been read to them, with the declaration of a hearty desire that they would unite on the Plan, substantially, at least, as proposed by us ; and with the request that the Consistory would do its part in helping to bring about peace.
Wherefore, that Consistory can not refrain from earnestly and humbly requesting us that we would be pleased to keep on with our most powerful efforts to get the parties to unite, if at all possible. It urges this request by the further consideration that, if this desired end is not soon attained, the Coetus, thinking itself pushed aside, might easily go over to the Presbyterians ; thereby not less than ten thousand people of the Dutch churches would be torn away; and those belonging to the Conferentie would, upon the death of their present ministers; be in danger of dropping off to the Church of England, where the doctrines of pure grace are scarcely to be found. Thus the Confession of the Church of Holland-the first to be taught in that land-would be found nowhere else than in the individual churches of New York and Albany, the latter being still neutral.
It adds, indeed, that the ministers of the Coetus are by others made out to be Independents, and also illiterate men; but that, nevertheless, it knows them to be faithful to the Doctrine, and, as far as the condition of the country admit, to the Discipline of the Holland Church. For which reason, it would be the greater pity, if, with all their churches, they should meet with a rebuff.
This Consistory further hopes, that it may be allowed to remark on our Plan (Dutch : Project) in general : that, while it is substantially approved, it would more powerfully tend to promote the desired peace, if the following changes could be made in it :
First : that no social Union (sociale Unie) be contemplated with the Academy at Princeton, or with the Episcopalians at New York, because the Dutch churches would run the risk of being, with their Confession, absorbed by such a Union ; but that the re-united congregations might better together choose a Professor of The- ology, under whose instruction students could finish their studies in theology, etc. This, it also judges to be absolutely necessary, because in the Netherlands there is not to be found a sufficient number of ministers who are capable of conducting ser- vices in the English language. For the rising generation must, because of the gen- eral use of the English language, necessarily have a service in English, if it is not to pass over to other denominations. Then, if the reunited parties, together, called a Professor, the Consistory does not doubt that the Dutch churches would, within a short time, have a flourishing Academy like the one at Princeton, or like that at the capital, (New York) of which Rev. Ritzema, to their sorrow, has been made director, (gouveneur). Being bound to work for it, he might easily object to what would be a hindrance to him in the carrying out of our Plan.
Secondly, that the (proposed) names (in the Plan) of Convention (Conventie) and Coetus be changed to such as are known to the Church Order.
Thirdly, it desires to learn from us what we would think of the (German) Churches of Pennsylvania also uniting with those of New York and New Jersey.
For the rest it holds that our Plan would be agreeable, at least to nine-tenths of the Churches in those regions.
-
It closes with thanks for our watchfulness as regards the state of the church in New Netherland, and with tender wishes for our good.
The P. S. contains a reminder of the fact that the Congregation of the city of New York belongs neither to the Coetus, nor to the Conferentie; so that if any letters from one or the other of the parties might seem to convey the idea that it gave its approval, such letters must have been written without its knowledge and approba- tion.
Finally, it mentions that Rev. Ritzema, being a member of the Conferentie, is at his own request, excused from attending this present church-meeting.
0
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1769
CORNELIUS CLOPPER TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, MAY 12, 1769. VOL. 33, PAGE 144. No. 410.
Portfolio, " New York," Vol. II.
Letter from Cornelius Klopper, merchant in New York, dated May 12, 1769; accompanied by a letter written to his Hon. by the Consistory of Kingston, April 15, 1769. Extract No. 410.
Addressed on the outside :
To the Very Rev., Very Learned Gentlemen, the Messrs. Wilhelmus Koolhaas and Petrus Curtenius, Professors and Deputies of the very Rev. Classis on Foreign Affairs, residing at Amsterdam. Rev. Sirs :-
On the arrival of Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers I had the honor to receive him in love. I learned from his Rev. that the call from Kingston had, by your Revs., been offered to him. Besides, Mr. Hodshon informed us that the Rev. Professor Koolhaas had told him that the only hitch about providing a minister for the church at Kingston was a lack of persons, but that, as soon as a person offered himself, there would be no delay in sending him.
And, as I was aware that that church longs very much to know whether there is hope of their getting a minister in answer to their call, I could not keep myself, from informing their Hons. of the fact. They have now been without a pastor for six years and a half. This is to the great detriment of their church not only, but also to their own discouragement by reason of the long lapse of time before they obtained the least assuring information as to whether they could expect a minister. They finally concluded to send me a letter, in which, for several reasons given, they would like to have the call they sent returned, in case no minister had yet been appointed.
Having considered this letter, I deemed it advisable to send it, under my convert, to your Revs., just as it came to me ; judging that your Revs., could from it perceive their sentiments fully as well, as if I had given them, not doubting but that they will receive such suitable consideration from your Revs. as the state of the case requires. I have only this to add, that one of the elders told me, in the name of the Consistory, that, if at the time of your Revs. receipt of my letter, no minister has yet accepted the call, your Revs. might be so kind as to wait about returning the call until the end of September, so that in the intervening time some capable person may possibly still present himself, and, if nothing comes of this, simply to send back the call with the first opportunity.
It would grieve me sorely to see the call come back without a pastor, seeing that that church has so long waited for one with exceeding patience; and especially, because it is so peculiarly well situated for keeping itself in close connection with the Mother-Church of the Netherlands. And, although it could help itself well enough in securing a minister here, yet, out of respect, it would much prefer to have one sent to it directly by the Rev. Classis.
And, therefore, if it could be brought about that a capable man, one of tried learning and piety and of good voice, were sent to them, it would be greatly con- ducive to the upbuilding of God's Church. And so far as I am acquainted with that church, a minister should consider himself particularly fortunate in accept- ing a call from it, as I consider it to be the best call, next to one from the capital of this Province ; and the Church, one which eminently deserves to have a capable minister sent to it.
At this point I break off. Commending your Revs. Much respected persons to the. protection of the Most High. I have the honor, with special regard, to call myself,
Your Revs. Obedient Servant,
Cornelius Clopper.
New York, May 12, 1769.
To the Rev. and Very Learned Gentlemen,
Wilhelmus Koolhaas and
Petrus Curtenius, Professors, etc.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
JOHN LIVINGSTON.
1769, June 5th. Art. 3. The Rev. John Livingston, not knowing that in the month of May there was no meeting of Clas- sis, asks for his preparatory examination at this Classis. This was granted him after he had handed in laudable certificates, both ecclesiastical and academical.
At the previous Classis the same privileges were granted to Rev .. Henry van Eckdom. xiv. 194.
APPROVAL OF BOOKS .- REV. JOHN RITZEMA.
Art. 7 ad 8. On the report of the Messrs. Visitatores Libro- rum, the Classis has approved a treatise by Rev. Gert. Kulen- kamp, entitled, " Brief Jointed Expansion, (paraphrase ?) of Ps. XXXVII "; and also a writing by Rev. J. J. Kessler, having for its title, "Defence against the Accusations, wherewith the Rev. Mr. Hillebrandus Jansonius, minister at Veendam, has burdened the Doctrine and Honor (Leer en Eer) of the ministers of the Netherlands Reformed Church; in the dispute on the True Nature of the Holy Sacraments, and who ought, may, and can properly partake of them with a blessing; with a refutation of what he had advanced as his own opinion on that point."
There was read by the Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras a letter from Rev. John Ritzema, minister at New York, dated March 29, 1769. The brethren previously appointed as a committee on the business of the churches of New Netherland, are requested and commis- sioned to examine the contents of this letter, as well as of others, which may arrive for them, and to make a report thereof to Clas- sis, and furnish it with a pre-advice. xiv. 195, 196.
HENRY ECKDOM AND JOHN LIVINGSTON.
Art. 11. There were both subjected, by Examiner van Ytlum to a very searching preparatory examination, in Sacred (Didac- tic?) and Polemic Theology; also in the Sacred Languages-in Hebrew, on Prov. 1; in Greek on Rom. 1; after they had preached
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-the former on Prov. 1:7; and the other, (Livingston) on Gal. 3:6, 7, " Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." Both gentle- men acquitted themselves so well in their answers to the proposed questions, that they were by a unanimous vote, admitted to the office of public preaching, and that with full freedom, (volle ruimte: plenty of room). The clerk was ordered to give them laudable certificates.
They signed the Formulae of Concord; promised to read the three questions in the Baptismal Form without change; repu- diated the condemned opinions of Prof. Roel and Doctor Bekker; and took the oath against Simony. The Examiner was also thanked. xiv. 196, 197.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
The Dutch Ministers asked to preach in North Church.
New York, July 3rd, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Present-Ministers.
Domine J. Ritzema Domine L. de Ronde ยก Chrystoffel Stymets John Gilbert Jeremia Brower Jakobus Roosevelt, John's son.
David Abeel Francis Marschalk Dick Schuyler
Deacons.
Zacharias Zikkels
Elders.
Luke Romme
Pieter Keteltas
Jakob van Wagenen Richard Bancker
Abraham Lott
Nicholaas C. Bogart Wm. de Peyster
Evert Bancker.
The Elders and Deacons desired domine Ritzema and domine de Ronde to render service on Sunday morning, in their turn, in the North Church, until another English minister should be called; or until the time that the Wednesday service commenced again in the Old Church. They said they foresaw difficulty, because the so-called Dutch brethren were opposed to this. Thereupon the Elders and Deacons brought some reasons to prevail upon the ministers. Domine Ritzema then answered that the thing was reasonable, and he was willing to fill his turn, if his colleague would. But domine de Ronde said out roundly that he would not, and used some highflying expressions which provoked some hard words against him. This brought little improvement and led to a fierce dispute, and so made an end of the request.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
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ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES. JULY 17, 1769. Consistory of New York to Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, March 31, 1769. Vol. 33, page 144. No. 409. (Abstract.)
A letter was received from the Consistory at New York, signed in the name of all, by Archibald Laidlie, March 31, 1769. This contained a request and authoriza- tion, addressed to the Rev. Classis, to appoint for that church, as a fourth minis- ter, and the second one to preach in the English language, the Rev. John H. Liv- ingston, whose preparatory examination was performed by the Classis which was last held, viz., on June 5th of the same year; with an accompanying letter, ex- tending a call to the same person, signed by all the members of our Consistory, and of the same date-March 31, 1769.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. John Livingston Called to New York.
1769, July 17th. Art. 3. The call of Mr. John Livingston, by the Church of New York in North America, to be the fourth minister in the church there, was read. He is called to preach in the English language, chiefly; but he may also, occasionally, preach in the Dutch language. The call is dated March 31, 1769, in the city of New York, in America, and is signed by the min- isters and elders of New York. This letter was placed in the hands of Rev. Buurt, to be placed in the hands of Mr. Livingston, who is also to inform him that he must be present at the next meeting of Classis, and declare whether he accepts this call or not. xiv. 197.
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