USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 60
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Honorable Mightinesses will await the report of the Classes.
The Corresponding Delegates had nothing of it in their Acts; and the Deputies had no remarks to make.
All the Classes refer to their letters to the Classis of Amsterdam. These were now read from their Acts.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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The Classis [of Amsterdam] having by letters received information of the deci- sions of the other Classes, concerning the advice of their Hon. Mightinesses, which its Commissioners had accepted, subject to their approbation, has found that the majority of the Classés do not leave it free to effect such an agreement, in the name of the Synod, as may prove to be most satisfactory to both parties.
1. Because the Classis of Alkmaar abides by the Synodical resolution adopted in 1763.
2. The Classis of Haarlem, in case our Classis might know of some way for uniting the parties in the most friendly way, would like to have the plan thereof communicated to it before it is sent over, so that it might give its opinion thereon as soon as possible.
3. The Classis of Hoorn acquiesces in the advice of their Hon. Mightinesses, pro- vided our Classis does not, in substance, depart from the measures proposed in the year 1768.
4. The Classis of Enkhuysen is of opinion that the action of 1763 ought to stand.
5. The Classis of Edam falls in with the advice of their Hon. Mightinesses.
Whereupon our Classis resolved to state to the Synod, that it gives up for good the matter of New York and New Jersey ; and henceforth leaves entirely to the care of the Synod whatever is to be done about that Church ; giving into its hands all the letters which the Classis has received from the different parties, to do with them as it thinks best. This was done ; but later, the (letters) were returned.
Upon the wise advice of their Hon. Mightinesses, particularly because of the new light thrown on this matter, so far as Rev. Ritzema is concerned, it was resolved that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam be requested to keep that church under its supervision, and to act according to circumstances in matters that come up, subject, however, to the approval of the several Classes. These shall most speedily com- municate their opinions thereon at the first meetings held, so that the Commis- sioners from Amsterdam may make report of them at the next meeting of the Classis.
In regard to a letter from the Presbyterian Synod of New York and New Jersey, and Philadelphia, of May, 1769, signed by Guilielmus Kirkpatrick, Moderator of the Synod, containing a request to enter into correspondence with the said Synod, it was resolved that the scribe shall reply to it, and state that the North Holland Synod takes pleasure in corresponding with churches that are, with her, of the same faith ; but Alkmaar, Haarlem and Amsterdam take that letter, moreover ad referen- dum, (i. e. into further consideration).
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Grant of the Township of Leyden.
New York, Aug. 13, 1770.
A letter was read from the Rev. J. H. Livingston, dated at London, June 12, 1770, stating that he could not well come with the June Packet, but would with the next opportunity.
The resolution of the Consistory, April 30th, 1770, concerning the request to the Lieutenant-Governor, a tract of land, was not only acted upon, but accomplished ; so that on Wednesday, August 8th, his Excellency signed and sealed the patent under the name of " The Townships of Leyden ;" and in the presence of the Elder, Ab. Lott, delivered it into the hands of domine Joanne Ritzema as a gift, free from all costs coming to his Excellency. He showed himself pleased to have the opportunity of favoring the Dutch Church of New York. For this he was heartily thanked in the name of the Consistory. This was stated to him, together with the proposal of the further measures by which it might at the first opportunity be made over to the Consistory as a Corporation. [See April 30.]
In reference to this, a request was made by Justice Slieper for the assistance of the Consistory in making an open road through the same. This road runs to the length of forty miles through the neighboring patents and that of the Dutch Church.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1770
And since the College (Kings) has given £10., we could not do less; and so the £10. was granted.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
(See order in Council for erecting the county of Gloucester in northeastern New York, now Vermont, in which this township was located. Doc. Hist. N. Y. 4to. ed. iv. 390-1.)
Consistory held after calling on God's name. New York, Aug. 20th, 1770.
The particular persons who sought and obtained the Patent above mentioned, viz., Pieter Keteltas, Abram Lott, etc., to-day signed over the same to the Ministers, Elders and Deacons for them and their successors, for the behoof of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in New York, forever.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Committee (Delegates) ad Synodum.
1770, Sept. 3rd. § 8. The delegates to Synod report that the Latin letter from New York, brought before this Classis by Rev. Longueville, was delivered over to the Synod, and that the answer to this letter has already been forwarded to him in London by the Scriba Synodi ; they recite the principal events that occurred at Synod, and refer further to the Acta of Synod. Further the Classis resolves that, in accordance with the proposition at the Synod of Alkmaar, 1770, the examinees, before signing the Formulae of Concord, must declare that they have previously read the same. xiv. 241, 242. [See 1770, Synodalia ]
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Arrival of Dr. Livingston.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
New York, Sept. 6th, 1770.
Dr. John H. Livingston, called to be minister from the Academy of Utrecht, for our Dutch Congregation, in the English tongue, presented all his Ecclesiastical, Classical, and Academical testimonials. From these, qualifications and lawful com- mission by the Classis of Amsterdam appeared, and he was thereupon received by the Consistory as an Associate in the Ministry of the Gospel, in a cordial address from the President, with expressions of desire for a blessing. These were confirmed by all the members of the Consistory.
Signed etc.,
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1770
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
New York.
Classis allowed to act on unofficial reports.
1770, Oct. 1st. Art. 6. The Committee on the Affairs of New York submit for consideration the following: Inasmuch as, according to a Synodical resolution, the affairs of New York were again recommended to this Classis, to act pro re nata; but in regard to which the other Classes must first state, if they consent to that resolution: Should not the Classis have the liberty when favor- able reports come in from the several Classes, of writing, as soon as possible, to New York, both to the so-called Coetus, and to the . Conferentie, as well as to the Consistory of New York, in answer to their letters sent as early as last year; and propose specifically in these letters some modification in reference to the appointment of Professors; touching the local combination either with the Presbyterian College at Princeton, or with the Episcopal College at New York, more fully mentioned in the proposal. This hav- ing been discussed, the proposed modification was indeed ap- proved; but it was deemed by most of the members of Classis, that those letters, before they are sent off, must first be read at the next meeting of Classis, and be approved. xiv. 244.
THE CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON, PER REV. ISAAC RYSDYCK, TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, OCT. 10, 1770. VOL. 33, PAGE 206, No. 437.
(Abstract.)
A letter from the Consistory of Kingston, signed Oct. 10, 1770, by the elders, Adam Swart, C. J. Elmendorf, Adrian Wynkoop, and Benjamin Louw ; and four deacons, Johannes Van Keunen, Petrus Baasen, Cornelis Beekman, Hendricus Jansen Jantz; and written, in the name and by the authority of the aforesaid Consistory, by Isaac Rysdyk, V. D. M., of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, as president protem, and scribe.
They complain that, although they have not the slightest reason to doubt our watchful care, their authorization for a call, transmitted to us four years ago, has, as far as they know, received no answer as yet, so that they find themselves still deprived of a capable pastor and teacher.
They request that, if we have not yet come to an agreement with a worthy minister for them, we might, as early and securely as possible, send back to them the authorization for a call, because they have opportunity to settle the matter in another way. Meanwhile they thank us for the trouble which, no doubt, we have already been put to, for them. They commend their case to our thought and care, and close with congratulations.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4193 1771
ADMINISTRATION OF THE EARL OF DUNMORE, GOV- ERNOR, OCTOBER 19, 1770-JULY 9, 1771.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
To His Excellency, the Right Honorable John, Earl of Dunmore, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief in and over the Province of New York, and the Territories depending thereon in America, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same.
The Humble address of the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York.
May it please your Excellency :-
We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York beg leave most sincerely to congratulate your Lordship on your safe arrival in this Province, to the government of which our most gracious Sovereign has been pleased to appoint you.
With sentiments of the warmest gratitude to the best of Princes in placing a person of your Lordship's distinguished birth and amiable character to the chief command of this Colony ; permit us, my Lord, to assure you of our ardent wishes and prayers that the same Providence which has safely conducted you through the perils and dangers of the ocean, may continue to smile on your person, family and administration.
The Dutch Church, my Lord, the most ancient in this Colony, has from time to time been distinguished with particular marks of the Royal favor; her in- valuable rights and privileges inviolately preserved ; and her members, we flatter ourselves, not undeservedly esteemed dutiful and loyal subjects to his Majesty and his Royal predecessors. We may therefore with the greatest sincerity promise ourselves your Lordship's support and countenance.
May the Supreme Disposer of all events long preserve your Lordship ! May your administration meet with the approbation of our most gracious Sovereign; and may you, my Lord, long enjoy the esteem of a happy and grateful people.
We are my Lordship's most dutiful and obedient servants,
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
Consistory Chamber,
New York, October 25, 1770. His Lordship's answer was,
Gentlemen :-
I return you my sincere thanks for your address. I shall neglect nothing in my power to preserve to the ancient Dutch Church that security it has hitherto so deservedly enjoyed; and its members may depend upon my support and countenance.
JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ASSEMBLY.
1771, Jan. 7. p. 21. First reading of a Bill brought in by Mr. Ten Broeck entitled, "An Act to enable every church or congregation of Reformed Protestants in the county of Albany, without discrimination to take and hold estates to the value of one hundred pounds sterling. p. 22. Second reading. Referred to Com- mittee of whole house. p. 49. Ordered that the above Bill be engrossed, p. 53. Bill passed. Messrs. Ten Broeck and Ten Eyck a committee to carry the Bill to the Council and desire their concurrence. Smothered in Council.
JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK ASSEMBLY.
1771, Jan. 8. The Bill mentioned above on p. 77, (Jan. 16, 1770) was read a second time and committed to a Committee of the whole house.
1771, Jan. 26. The engrossed Bill mentioned above, (p. 77, Jan. 16, 1770) was read a third time and passed and sent to the Council by Ten Broeck and Ten Eyck.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
New York.
1771, Jan. 8th. Art. 2. The Committee on the affairs of New York, report, that all the Classes, in accordance with the resolution of Synod, now gives liberty to the Classis of Amster- dam to act pro re nata, in the writing of their letters to New York. They furthermore make known that they have considered every- thing maturely ; and accordingly they will now read to the Assem- bly the entire letter received from the church of New York, dated May 11, 1769.
The reply to this letter was also read by the Committee, which was approved for sending. They also read a letter to the mem- bers of the Coetus of New York, being a reply to a letter of theirs, dated May 5, 1769. They also read a letter to the members of the Conferentie of New York, being an answer to a letter of theirs, of May 5, 1769, signed by four ministers of the Con- ferentie. xiv. 245.
Ritzema.
Art. 2. Also a letter to Rev. Ritzema, being a reply to two letters from him, dated March 4, and May 9, 1769.
These were all approved for sending. xiv. 246.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK.
JAN. 8, 1771. VOL. 31, PAGE 344. No. 207. To the Consistory of New York.
Worthy Gentlemen and Much-esteemed Brethren :--
We duly received your two letters of March 31st and May 11th, 1769. In compli- ance with your friendly request in the first, we have ordained for service in your church, Rev. Mr. Livingston, after two examinations in which he was found by us to be very competent. We provided him with a proper Act. (Testimonial of ordina- tion.) It gives us great satisfaction to learn that he arrived safely in your city, and has already assumed the duties of the sacred office among you .* It is our hearty wish that he make his ministry among you glorious. May he, moreover, besides this ministry among you, contribute much to bring about unity and peace generally, and promote true edification and blessedness, through the saving knowl- edge of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the pure and godly walk necessary thereto.
The contents of your second letter, (May 11th, 1769) we could not answer "before that the Christian Synod had committed anew to us the care of the churches in New York and New Jersey, whereof we would have much rather been relieved. The
*He left Holland, June 1st, 1770, and wrote to the Consistory of New York on June 12th from London. He arrived in New York Sept. 3rd 1770, and was formally received on Sept. 6th.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1771
reason of this was that the majority of the Classes did not leave us the liberty to act, in accordance with the resolution of the Synod which we brought to your knowledge in our letter of Sept. 4, 1769. We informed you that the Classes requested us to retain those churches under our supervision, and to act pro re nata as the cases occurred, in our letter of January 9, 1770.
We have learned with satisfaction that our endeavors to reunite all the Dutch Reformed churches in your country, and to heal the breach, are approved by you. We rejoice in the express declaration of your heartfelt yearning and desire for the pacification of the divided brethren, and in the practical proofs given in your letter to us on that subject. We kindly request you to persevere firmly in this line of zeal for the attainment of this object. We are no less sorry than yourselves that the assembling together of the brethren of the Coetus and Conferentie was suspended, being prevented by a member of the Conferentie, [Ritzema], who, as it clearly appears to us, is too strongly attached to the Episcopal Society by the oath which he has taken to advance the interests of the same,* and that, to the great injury of the church of which he is a minister. We are the more grievend at this, when we take into consideration the fact, which you were pleased to tell us, that you thought you had well-founded reasons for believing, that if the two parties had then met to treat with each other as brethren, good results would have ensued. If this condi- tion of affairs continues, we agree with you that we can expect nothing less than the very saddest consequences to the Church. But we heartily hope such things may be avoided by a friendly meeting for reconciliation, for the co-operation following a union of peace will greatly conduce to the best interests of God's Zion.
It is very agreeable to us, that our proposed PLAN or Project for Union and the restoration of good order, in all its essential parts, met with the approval of most (of the churches.) We had not supposed that at the first, we should have hit everything so exactly that there would be nothing needing alteration or improve- ment. We had requested the consideration of it by the brethren, and consequently we have taken your suggestions into our consideration.
We have therefore the honor now to inform you that we willingly abandon our intended combination of you with Princeton, (although this seemed to us less expensive), because of the objections which you have brought forward. But we also totally disapprove of Rev. Ritzema's proposed combination with the Episcopal Academy; at New York, as being impracticable. Instead of these plans we agree that it would be best, "as soon as the desired reconciliation of the now divided brethren shall be effected, a Professor, (or perhaps two Professors) of Theology should be elected, as was proposed in the first Plan, with a sufficient salary, and that such Professor, without standing in any relation to any existing Academy, give les- sons in theology, etc., in his own dwelling, and only to such students as can show by certificates, that they have been two or three years either at one of the Colleges, or at a High School or Gymnasium, under able teachers in the languages, philosophy, etc., who may now be in your country, or who may come hereafter."
The change of the names of Coetus and Conventus into those of Synod and Classis we cannot allow, for reasons given by the Christian Synod of North Holland in 1763, which are known to you from those Minutes.
The union of the Pennsylvania Coetus with that of New York does not belong to us, but depends on the Synod not only of North Holland but also on that of South Holland. Such union would encounter more difficulties and draw more consequences after it than you imagine.
Furthermore, we join our hearty wishes with yours, and pray that the God of peace would be pleased so far to unite in love the divided brethren, that they may join their shoulders to carry forward the Ark of God, that the churches may be abundantly edified by their ministrations, that many who are yet without, may quickly be brought to the saving knowledge of the Lord.
Wishing God's best blessings upon you, and upon all that is dearest to you, we sign ourselves with sincere brotherly esteem,
Daniel Serrurier, Dep. Praeses. N. Tetterode, Dep. Scriba.
In Classis, Jan. 8, 1771.
*See Centennial Discourses, R. C. A. 1876, pp. 59, 94, etc. ¡Kings ( Columbia) College.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE COETUS OF NEW YORK, JAN. 8, 1771. VOL. 31, PAGE 347. No. 208.
Rev. Sirs and Highly-honored Brethren :-
Your letter of May 5th 1769 with other papers came duly to hand. We could not reply to it " before that the Christian Synod had committed anew to us the care of the churches in New York and New Jersey, of which we would much rather been relieved. The reason for this was because the majority of the Classes did not leave us the liberty to act in accordance with the resolution of the Synod, which we brought to your knowledge in our letter of Sept. 4, 1769. We informed you in our letter of Jan. 9th 1770, that the Classis requested us to retain those churches under our supervision and to act pro re nata, as the cases occurred.
We learned, indeed, with great pleasure, from your letter, your anxious desire for the restoration of peace. We understand, however, from the same document the fruitlessness of the efforts you have made towards its accomplishment, because of the conduct of the brethren of the Conferentie, which we cannot approve. We hope and wish from the heart that you will persevere earnestly in your efforts for reconciliation, and contribute everything which may help toward this so necessary union of divided brethren.
It seems to us, from your communication, that you still flatter yourselves with the hope of the erection of an Academy of your own, which will require, according to our ideas of such things, an endowment of some tuns of gold .* Whether you will be able to find such an endowment in your country, we know not; but we are certain that the expectation of a generous collection of money in our country, will meet with no better success than did the disappointed hopes of Rev. (Theodore) Frelinghuysent (in 1759.) Therefore we kindly request you to abandon that idea, or at least to wait for the execution of it until a more favorable opportunity, mak- ing no use of the charter obtained until a sufficient endowment shall have been found in your own country .¿
We will gladly forego the local combination with the Academy at Princeton, because of the objections brought forward. We think after further consideration that it would be best " that as soon as the desired reconciliation, of the now divided brethren, shall be effected, a Professor (or rather two Professors) of Theology should be elected, as was proposed in the first Plan, with a sufficient salary, and that such Professor, without standing in any relation to any existing Academy, give lessons in theology etc., in his own dwelling, to such students only, as can show by certificates, that they have been two or three years, either at one of the Colleges, or at a High School, or Gymnasium, under able teachers in the languages, philoso- phy, etc., who may now be in your country, or who may come hereafter."
The alterations which you prefer in the proposed Plan, (inserted verbatim in the Minutes of the Synod of 1768,) are partly unimportant, and partly inconsistent with the Constitution of the Netherland churches. The reason why you desire the addition of the word ecclesiastical to the words "the very closest relation of those churches to that of Netherland as their Mother Church must remain irrefragable," or rather in its complete form, the expression of " close ecclesiastical union with the Netherland Church," does not seem clear to us, and therefore is not satisfactory ; for " the very closest relation " whereof we speak, is a relation of your Church to ours, and thus an ecclesiastical, and not a civil relation. Neither can we discover the reason why the word union in this connection would be better than the word relation; unless, indeed, the bond of union might be desired to be too loose, and, therefore, it were sought to deprive the Netherland Church of the never yet disputed title of the Mother Church of those of New York and New Jersey.
Of more importance is the change of the terms Coetus and Conventus into those of Synod and Classis, with all the prerogatives appertaining thereto, which you desire, even so far that no appeal could be made from the sentence of the Synod ; since this would absolutely break off every relation of your Church to ours. We
*An expression for a very large quantity, as we say-a gold mine. ¡See Corwin's Manual of 1879 ; pp. 40, 268; 4th ed. 1902, pp. 111-114, 427-4. ¿This evidently refers to the charter of 1770.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1771
stand in no such relation to any foreign Synod, but only to those in our own land. With the churches in the East Indies and the West Indies, we stand in the very closest relation ; but in those countries there are no independent Synods. We foresee that if it is desired to introduce such an alteration, the most unfortunate consequences would ensue, such as schism upon schism and worse confusions than ever before, to the destruction of the churches. We also have reason to fear that those who persist in such a sentiment, viz., the loosening of the bond of relationship to the Netherlands Church, and the standing as a Church by themselves, would, too late, be sorry for such a course; for the certain consequences, to our way of thinking, of all this, would be the loss of the privileges which are stipulated for the Dutch Reformed Churches in the reports of the Province of New York to England.
We have kindly refused the request of the church of Kingston for a written dismission of the Rev. Meyer, in the hope that you come to terms of peace and become united with the brethren of the Conferentie. We feared that by the dis- mission of Rev. Meyer, new occasion might be given for estrangement. We are also expecting that when the union of all the brethren shall take place, that those thus united, would together, even in the church of Kingston, perform everything that tendered toward mutual satisfaction and general edification.
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