USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 57
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LETTERS BROUGHT IN.
1. A letter from the Cape of Good Hope, February 21, 1769, signed by H. Kronenburg.
2. A letter from Colombo, Nov. 10, 1768. This gives an ac- count of the state of the church at the Capital and in other dis- tricts, but complains that they have not received letters for two years. The Rev. Curten, however, declares that he has written to them.
3. A letter from Cornelius Klopper, merchant of New York, May 12, 1769.
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4. A letter from certain members of the Conferentie, dated New York, May 5, 1769, and signed, John Casper Fryemoet, Gerardus Daniel Cock, Isaac Rysdyk, John Michael Kern, min- isters respectively, at (Livingston) Manor, and the Kamp; at Rhinebeck; at Poughkeepsie; and at New York.
5. A letter from the Coetus, dated New York, May 5, 1769, and signed by Samuel Verbryck, President, and David Marinus, Clerk.
6. A letter from the Consistory of New York, dated May 11, 1769, and signed in its name, by Archibald Laydly, President, Lambertus de Ronde, Clerk.
7. A letter from Rev. Ritzema, March 29, 1769, of New York.
8. Another from the same, May 9, 1769, of New York. xiv. . 199.
CONCERNING THE PLAN [OF UNION] FOR NEW YORK, FOR HAR- MONIZING THE CHURCHES THERE.
Art. 11. It was resolved by the Classis, that if the Plan for New York be rejected by the Synod [of North Holland], our delegates [to that Synod] do then declare, in the name of the Classis, that the Classis [of Amsterdam] declines forever to charge itself any further with the affairs of New York; and that henceforth she altogether leaves to the care of Synod everything that is to be done in behalf of those churches; that she also there- with surrenders all the letters which the Classis has received from the various parties in New York, that the Synod may deal with them as she may deem good.
But if the said Plan be not rejected, information is sought whether the Classis does then have the liberty, while parties are at such variance, to act pro re nata.
The enclosed letter directed to the Synod, which was sent under seal to us by some members of the Conferentie, must not be de- livered over until we have heard the results. Then must also the first letter of Ritzema be delivered [to the Synod.] xiv. 199, 200.
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1
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
New York and New Jersey.
1769, Synodalia. Art. 44. The Classis awaits what the Synod shall please to resolve on the pre-advice of its Committee, in the case of New York and localities belonging thereto, handed in last year, and inserted into the Synodical Acta, and taken ad refer- endum. xiv. 209.
ACTION OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY 25-AUG. 3, 1769. VOL. 65. ARTICLE 35 .- CLASSICAL CHANGES.
Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers, was at his request, dismissed from the service at Curacoa, and, on Oct. 3, 1768, ordained to the service in the churches of The Flats and Red Hook, in New York.
ARTICLE 43 .- ATTEMPTS AT UNION OF THE DUTCH AND GERMAN CHURCHES.
This Committee have the honor to report to the Christian Synod, that from the hands of the Deputies they had received the following:
I. The Acts of the Pennsylvania Coetus held at Lancaster, Sept. 16 and 17, 1767; Rev. (Jonathan) du Bois, President, Rev. Van Hendel, Scribe. These were received, October, 1768, containing the following information :
5. Rev. Leith, (John Leydt), commissioned by the Coetus of New Jersey and New York, had proposed to them that they form a new Union with one another, and also asked for their help in the establishment of an Academy [in New Jersey]. This had replied that such a Union would be a good thing, provided it were not detrimental to the Union with the Netherland Church; and that they believe also that the Academy would be beneficial. The Commissioners of the Classis of Amsterdam had replied to this, on Nov. 1, 1768, dissuading the Coetus fron such a Union with New York and New Jersey, declaring that no support was to be expected from Netherland for a new Academy.
II. In June of this year the Commissioners had received also the Acts of the Pennsylvania Coetus, held at Easton, Sept. 7, 8 and 9, 1768; Rev. Van Hendel, President, and Rev. Gros, Scribe.
3. Rev. [John] Leydt, together with two other ministers had requested that a new Union might be formed [of the German Coetus] with the Coetus of New York and New Jersey, and that they together should send a delegation to the Christian Synod in Europe. They had given tham a written answer to the effect that they could not consent to that proposition, as it would interfere with [aanloppende tegen] the Union with Holland; that they were willing, through a deputation, to make proposition to the same, which might be approved by us also, and to recommend to us also the establishment of High Schools. They had also delegated the ininisters, Pomp and Henop to the Coetus of New York; but these had reported that not all the members were present, and that nothing was done; because they.
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were also expecting the propositions which the Classis of Amsterdam was to make to them.
6. Rev. Dalliker had safely arrived in Pennsylvania and was located at Amwyl (Amwell, N. J.)
9. They mention also that a certain [Christian] Frederic Furing, [Foering] 30 years of age, who had already for some time studied languages and theology at Princeton, and later received instruction from several ministers, had been tried by them, and that they had resolved to examine him in the spring following; and they ask thereon our approval.
The Committee, meanwhile, have the honor of serving the Christian Synod with their advice on the preceding report.
They praise their firmness in refusing to enter into a union with those of New York and New Jersey, which would be at variance with their connection with our Synods, and advise them not to meddle any further therewith, but to wait for the propositions made by our Synods and the Classis of Amsterdam.
As regards the establishing of a High School in New York and New Jersey, they had better not meddle with that for reasons stated in a former report. Our Synods will cheerfully provide them with worthy ministers to edify the pastorless churches and to restore the erring. The Commissioners from the Classis of Amsterdam take this matter earnestly to heart and every fitting opportunity for sending the necessary means for support, as well as worthy ministers is recom- mended to them.
As regards the person of Furing, (Foering) who had already been tried and would in the following spring be examined and ordained to the ministry, he might, upon giving sufficient evidence of his ability be appointed.
ARTICLE 44 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Hon. Mightinesses are waiting to see what the Classis had to report on this matter.
The Corresponding Delegates had nothing about it in their Acts.
The Deputies had no remarks to make.
The Classis, having read in full all that they had on this matter in their Acts, and the question being again put all around, their Hon. Mightinesses advised that, in case the Classis of Amsterdam knows how to unite the parties in a friendly way, it should be authorized, in the name of the Synod, to effect such an agreement as shall be satisfactory to both parties.
The Committee accepted this advice, subject to approval by the Classes, and it was adopted by the Synod. The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam is to await the said approval by the Classes at their next meetings, and the scribe is to give to the Classes abstracts of this action.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Domine De Ronde.
1769, Aug. 21. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The Consistory took up the proceedings of the previous meeting to see if it were possible to bring about an accommodation. Domine De Ronde not being present on account of indisposition, the Consistory sent a deputation of Elders and Deacons: Jakobus Roosevelt, David Abeel, Anthony Ten Eyck, Zacharias Zikkelse and John Gilbert, to say to him, in the name of the Consistory, that the elders who had been at high words with him, would lay up the matter in dispute,
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and forgive and forget all that had passed; and they also requested of him that all further blame hereon might cease. Thus the Consistory would be freed from the necessity of any unpleasant proceedings thereon.
J. Ritzema, p. t. Pres. Lib. B. 368.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Extract from the Acta of the Synod, of July 25, and following days. (1769) 1769, Sept. 4th. Art. 5. New York and New Jersey, Art. 44 ad 44.
The suggestions (pre-advice) of their Noble Mightinesses (of the Synod) regarding New York and New Jersey, is, that, in case the Classis of Amsterdam knows of any means to bring the parties into union, in an amicable way, that the Classis of Amsterdam be then authorized to effect such an agreement in the name of this Synod, as shall most tend towards the satisfaction of both parties. The delegates accept this pre-advice subject to the approval of their respective Classes, and the same is converted into a resolu- tion of the Synod. The Classis of Amsterdam will await the ap- proval to be decided at the next ensuing meetings of the respective Classes. Quod factum.
J. van Messelaar, Synodi hoc tempore, Clerk. xiv. 210-211.
Edam,
August 3, 1769.
Note ad Art. 5. It was resolved that letters should be written to New York, to the Coetus, and to the Conferentie, and to the Consistory of New York, to inform them that the business has not yet been finally acted on by the Synod; that we shall try to formulate a Plan, as soon as this is done, to unite all the brethren there. Such a letter was read to the Assembly, and approved. xiv. 211.
LETTERS.
Art. 8. A letter from Paramaribo, May 26, 1769, signed by J. B. van Rheelen, J. H. Lemmers and A. Gootenaar, Deputies from Cothia and Pereca, an extract from which was read.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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A letter from the Conventus at Paramaribo, dated 1769, with- out month or day and signed by Jacob Tellans, as President, Amede (?) Sunganals, (?) as Adsessor, and Ame Buting, as elder and Clerk. Therewith they send the Acta of their Conventus, but write nothing about the difficulties which were mentioned in the previous letter of the delegates of Collica and Perica. xiv. 211.
JOHN LIVINGSTON.
Art. 10. John Livingston, called as minister to New York, states that he had laid before the Consistory of New York, in a letter to them, his scruples (about accepting their call), on account of his inexperience in the Sacred Ministry ; and that as soon as he shall have received an answer thereto from New York, he will make known his final answer to Classis. xiv. 212.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE COETUS, TO THE CON- FERENTIE, AND TO THE CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK, SEP. 4, 1769. VOL. 31, p. 331. No. 196.
Rev. Sirs and Very-learned Brethren :-
We have the pleasure to inform you in few words, by this present, that the Christian Synod of North Holland, recently held at Edam, has authorized our Classis to deal with you in the name of said Synod, in order to effect such harmony among you as both parties can cordially endorse. Having learned the difficulties as stated by each side, we will endeavor to draw up a Plan of such a character that the divided elements may be reunited in a long-for Peace. When this Plan is finally approved by the several Classes, as we expect it quickly will be, we shall send it to you.
Remaining, with hearty wishes for blessings upon yourselves and churches, etc., etc.
Amsterdam, In Classis, Sept. 4, 1769.
Daniel Serrurier, Dep. Scriba.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Domine De Ronde and the Illegal Marriage.
New York, Sept. 11, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was discussed and finally resolved that the letter of Mr. Barent Sebring, delivered April 14th, against domine de Ronde, should, since his Reverence had a copy, be inserted in our church book.
Domine de Ronde, having been requested last Saturday by the deacon Christoffel Stymets, in the name of the Deacons, to convoke the Consistory, replied that he could not do it, because he must sit, if at all, as an honest man, and that character had been denied him by the Consistory; that domine Ritzema must be requested to convoke the Consistory. The Consistory resolved that this matter should be postponed until the return of domine Laidlie, when a full meeting should be held
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and domine de Ronde be invited into the Consistory in order to make an end of the dispute.
The Deacons requested that the Catechists in the Dutch and English languages, to wit, Mr. Welp and Mr. Van Antwerp, should be discharged, because they could not without injury to the poor, raise the sum of £31. to pay them both. The Consistory resolved that both should continue, and in case of need, application should be made to the Elders.
It was proposed to return thanks to the gentlemen who had been on the com- mittee for the North Church, and who had given the capitals, on the pillars therein, for their services and gifts. This was unanimously agreed to, and Jakobus Roose- velt and Francis Marschalk were appointed for the purpose.
TO THE REV. GENTLEMEN CONSTITUTING THE CONSISTORY OF THE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
The sorrowful complaint of one of their members, against domine Lambertus de Ronde, for the theft of his daughter, having married her to a soldier, thus not only inflicting an eternal disgrace on his family but causing all the ills which may flow therefrom.
Reverend Gentlemen :-
On the 6th of this month, I was informed by certain persons, that my daughter, Susanna, was married to a soldier by domine Lambertus de Ronde. This aston- ished me greatly, and inquiring into the matter, I found that it was even too true. On the same evening the soldier came and demanded from me his wife, with his cutlass in his hand, not without threats, which amazed me, and made my dear wife fall into convulsions. Having set this matter to rights, I requested the soldier to wait until I had informed myself by domine de Ronde, whether he had married them or not. My other brothers going there, he said that they were lawfully mar- ried by license, and it was impossible to break the bond, and that the better way was to make the best of it in these circumstances, because he knew not that it was my daughter, or he would not have married them. But see here only the lust for money. He, domine de Ronde did not ask my daughter who her parents were, what her name was, or anything of the kind, but only asked the soldier what her name was, and if it was with consent of her parents, etc.
Reverend Gentlemen, It is easy to see what answer he would give to further his cause, but my daughter declares to me that if he had asked her who her parents were, she would have told him. Thus, Gentlemen to his insisting that the marriage was lawful, he made me downcast, and I knew not what to do ; but had he informed me that the marriage made by him was only upon a certificate of his Colonel, con- senting that he might marry, I could have broken the bond, for they both declare that they had had no carnel fellowship, nor had ever been in bed together, so that had not domine de Ronde deceived me, I could have saved my daughter and escaped the shame which he now cannot wash off from me.
See, then, Reverend Gentlemen one of your ministers who makes no distinction but unites free or bond, white or black, soldier or citizen's child, or whoever it may be with one another, and brings the peace and harmony of families to utter ruin, because white or black is all one to him, if he can but gain a dollar or two.
Now, Gentlemen, my request is that you would act in this matter; he is subject to church discipline. If he belonged to the Church of England or the Presbyterians I would apply to them for redress; but since the Canons of our Church are not unknown to you, I request that you will deal with him as he deserves, and as church discipline requires. Reverend Gentlemen my heart is almost broken. I cannot ex- press myself as I would. Make the case your own, and see yourselves robbed of a dear daughter, and the rest of the family forever destroyed by such a money soul, who according to my view cares not whom he ruins if he can get more money thereby. Gentlemen I pray you to take this into careful consideration and deal with him after his deserts. Is that a Shepherd's duty? O shame for the congregation and Nether- lands Church ! I remain with all esteem Rev. Gentlemen,
Your humble servant,
Barent Sebring.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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New York, Sept. 26th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The resolution of September 11, in reference to a dispute between domine de Ronde, and some of the members, was taken up, (to see if it could not be put away in love), by three Elders, before whom domine de Ronde and the Elders Lott and Keteltas should appear. They should settle the matter, and bring no other report to the Consistory than that the strife was put out of the way, and so the Consistory would be at peace. The Elders Roosevelt, Marschalk and Duryee were appointed. Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, Sept. 27th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The Elders Marschalk and Duryee made report of their commission, (at which Elder Roosevelt was present, but could not attend here on account of sickness,) that the matter in dispute was removed satisfactorily to both sides. The whole Consistory rejoiced and their mutual satisfaction was expressed by a friendly hand- shaking, and the brethren of the committee was thanked for their trouble.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. JOHN LIVINGSTON.
1769, Oct. 2nd. Art. 10 ad 10. The business of John Living- ston remains in statu. xiv. 215.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Oct. 19th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The Elder Dirk Schuyler and the Deacon Jakobus Roosevelt, although they had each one year yet to serve, requested their discharge from the Consistory on account of infirmity. This the Consistory granted, and the more readily, because thus the way was prepared for choosing every year an equal number of members of Consistory.
The Treasurer, Adrain Bancker, having removed his residence from the city, his brother Evert Bancker was chosen in his place to hold office on the same conditions as the first.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
DR. JOHN H. LIVINGSTON ACCEPTS CALL TO NEW YORK. New York, Nov. 7th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A letter was read from the Rev. J. H. Livingston, dated at Utrecht, August 8th, 1769. Therein he informed the Consistory that their call had been delivered to him by the Deputati of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, but that his circumstances were such that he could not come over this year. Nevertheless from time to time he would write to the Consistory concerning the acceptance of their call, and his arrival in the congregation.
Thereupon it was resolved that an answer should be sent, requesting him to come over as early as possible in the ensuing Spring, because the circumstances of the Congregation imperatively demanded his services.
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The Elder Evert Bancker, in the name of Mr. Isaac Roosevelt, presented a bond given by the Consistory to Mr. David Clarkson, Nov. 4th, 1768. By this it appeared that the same, amounting with interest to the sum of £1060., must be paid. For the payment of said sum and of other debts, the Consistory took up the following sums : From Nich. J. Bogart, £400 .; John Bogart, £300 .; Mary Goulet, £300 .; Jakobus Roosevelt, £300. ; in all £1300. For these respective sums, the President signed bonds in the name of the Consistory.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
PETITION FOR A CHARTER FOR THE NEWBURGH [ANGELICAN] MISSION. Nov. 17, 1769.
To the Honorable Cadwallader Colden, Esq. His Majesty's Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and Territories thereon Depending in America etc.
The Petition of the Minister, Church Warden & Vestrymen of the Society's Mis- sion Called New Burgh Mission in the said Province. Humbly Sheweth
That by the pious donations of several Persons this Mission is already in posses- sion of Sundry Tracts of Land which for want of a Royal Charter Constituting Them, the said Minister, Church Wardens & Vestrymen, One Body Corporate and Politic are now held for the Church By Deeds of Trust only ; The Inconvenyencies arising from this and sundry other matters in which the good of the Episcopal Church is Essentially Concerned and which might be obviated by a Royal Charter have Induced your Petitioners Humbly to Pray that your Honor will be pleased to Grant your Petitioners and their Successors His Majesty's Charter of Incorporation with such Immunities and Priviledges and under such Limitations and Restrictions as shall be thought Just & Reasonable. And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray etc.
John Sayre, Missionary.
Cadr. Colden, Jr.
Chas. Robie
Joseph Watkins 7 Vestrymen.
Andrew Graham
Robert Carshaden - Church Wardens.
Samuel Fowler
Josiah Gilbert
Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 363.
Coldenham November 17, 1769.
1769, December 12. Read in Council and granted.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 363.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Dr. Livingston requested to hasten his arrival.
New York, Nov. 20th, 1769.
The draft of a letter, in reply to that of Mr. Livingston dated August 8th, 1769, and read in the Assembly on the 7th inst., was presented. This being read, was approved, and is as follows :
Rev. Sir. and Beloved Brother in Christ :-
The Consistory of the Dutch Congregation in New York was honored on the 7th inst. with your letter of the 8th of August last. From it, they learn with pleasure that their call was delivered by the Rev, Deputati, etc., of the Classis of Amsterdam. Still they must confess that it gives them pain that they cannot expect you to hear this year, because the service of domine Laidlie, who preaches twice a week, and catechises four times, is so severe, that unless the hand of the Lord strengthened and sustained him remarkably, he would fail and sink under it.
This being so, and the whole congregation as with open mouth calling upon you, "Come over and help us," the Consistory yet hope that the work begun by
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you, together with your exercise in preaching, may be in such a state that you can set out so early in the ensuing spring as to arrive here in May or June. This, in our judgment, can well be, if you obtain ordination at the January Classis in Amsterdam, and then take the journey over England; for the waiting for a ship from Amsterdam to New York is very uncertain.
The Consistory appreciate your zeal to be so proficient in divinity as to become Doctor of Theology ; but when they observe that thus your coming over may be delayed, and the congregation deprived of the service which they hold very necessary, your stay saddens them greatly.
Think, dear brother, if the Lord should please to lay his hand upon domine Laidlie so that he became unfit for service, what in such a case would become of the youth, the lambs of the flock? This one runs after one persuasion, and that one after another, and so they are in danger of becoming wandering sheep. We could add many other strong arguments to show the necessity of your speedy arrival ; but you are no stranger to our congregation and its condition is not unknown to you. So we end with sighs and prayers to God, that He would so order affairs, that you may land here with the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel, as early as possible next Spring; and thus the sincere desires of the congregation in your call be fullfilled.
The Lord be with you. May He bless you, and at a fit time grant you a prosperous arrival among us. Meanwhile we remain.
Your humble servants, Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
Consistory Chamber,
New York, Nov. 20th, 1769.
OTHER ITEMS, 1769.
Jan. 3. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. W. Smith. Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4to. ed. iv. 252.
Jan. 24. Jos. Chew, Esq. to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 253.
Jan. 25. Sir Wm. Johnson to Rev. Dr. Auchmuty. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 253.
Feb. 2. Hugh Gaine to Sir Wm. Johnson. (On completion of Prayer Book for the Indians). Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 254.
Feb. 25. Church Wardens of Schenectady to Sir Wm. John- son. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 255.
March 17. Pass given to certain astronomers to witness the transit of Venus. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 256.
April 3. John Rend to Dr. Auchmuty. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 256.
April 12. Rev. Munro to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 257.
April 17. Mohawk School at Fort Hunter. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 261.
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April 22. Hugh Gaine to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 258.
April 30, May 10. Jas. Adair, Esq. to Sir Wm. Johnson. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 259.
May 10. Sir Wm. Johnson to Jas. Adair. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 260.
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