USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 61
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We close with a sincere declaration that we are fully conscious in all our dealings with the churches of New York and New Jersey, that we have had no other aim than their highest benefit and genuine welfare, that we have labored for that end with a disinterested desire. Therefore we, who have conceded more for the restoration of the peace of your churches and the reunion of the brethren than we have ever conceded to any other church assembly, either in the East Indies or the West Indies, would feel deeply grieved, if we should have to draw our hand from them, since neither Classis nor Synod, can or will concede anything more than has been already done by us. We pray that the God of peace may command peace upon your churches, and cause you and all yours to enjoy in every way all real good. We sign ourselves with sincere brotherly love and great affection,
Daniel Serrurier, Dep. Praeses. N. Tetterode, Dep. Scriba.
In Classis, Jan. 8, 1771.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONFERENTIE OF NEW YORK, JANUARY 8, 1771. VOL. 31, PAGES 356 etc. No. 209. To the Conferentie at New York.
Rev. Sirs and Much-honored Brethren :-
We duly received two letters from Rev. Ritzema, dated March 4th and May 9th, 1769; also a letter signed by Revs. Fryenmoet, Cocq, (Cock), Rysdyck and Kern, dated May 5th 1769, with an enclosed letter to the Christian Synod of North Holland. These, with those of Rev. Ritzema, and two others, written by the brethren of the Coetus, and by the Consistory of New York, have been laid by us on the table of the Synod, that their contents may be compared with one another. Those letters of yours, (the Conferentie), and especially those of Ritzema, were the chief reasons why the difficulties in New York and New Jersey have remained unsettled so long. Because of these letters we could do nothing further, and had about made up our minds to have nothing more to do with the trouble- some work of caring for the churches in New York and New Jersey, but to leave the whole business to the disposition of the Christian Synod.
We were confident that we had done everything without prejudice and in the most disinterested manner, to restore peace and progress. But the Christian Synod resolved to request the Classis of Amsterdam to retain the churches of New York and New Jersey under their supervision, and to consider the cases that might occur pro re nata; (this action to be) subject to the approval of the respective Classes, which will, as soon as possible, communicate their judgments on this matter at the next meeting (of the Synod). But the information of the Classis concerning that resolution did not come in until our present regular meet- ing, hence we could not answer the said letters sooner.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1771
It caused us bitter grief to learn from the letter of Rev. Ritzema that he was unwilling to be reconciled to the brethren of the Coetus. The idea which he tries to give us of the character of these brethren is very different from that which the Consistory of New York gives us. We are willing to believe that the brethren who belong to the Conferentie are defenders of orthodoxy; but whether this is also true of Rev. Ritzema seems doubtful to us. We know that he stands in a very grave relation to the Episcopalians, without the consent and against the wishes of the Consistory of New York.
Concerning the suggestions about your form of Church government, we do not perceive that you desire any real changes. We have already responded to the propositions of the other brethren. That our PLAN have given occasion to an unusual amount of advocacy and opposition, yea, even strife in almost all the churches, seems very strange to us, because the Consistory of New York assured us that our proposals were acceptable to at least nine-tenths of the churches in your regions. Those who have given occasion for this strife, not unknown to those who have insight into their line of conduct, will be obliged to answer for their conduct to their Lord. We have sought to establish peace, and are yet seeking it, whereof all our acts are sufficient proof.
Concerning the Professorate, it seems to us to be best "that as soon as" etc., etc. See letters preceding.
Rev. Sirs and Beloved Brethren, if it be your wish and prayer, for the welfare of your churches, as you assert, that the God of peace would be pleased so far to bless our efforts toward the healing of this distressing division, that you may again enjoy the fruits of a settled and lasting peace, why do you longer refuse to give the hand of fraternal fellowship to the brethren of the Coetus? If the welfare of the churches in your land lies upon your hearts, join yourselves in love, in one body, with those brethren of the Coetus, and strive cordially with them to build up God's Zion and edify the Church. If you take action as quickly as possible upon this, our prayerful communication, you will then indeed confirm what Rev. Ritzema wrote to us: " Why should we not remain subordinate to that Classis from which we were sent, which watches over us with so much love and care and has always done so?"
Our prayerful wish is that PEACE may reign in your hearts; and that LOVE, which is the fulfilling of the law and the bond of perfectness may henceforth govern all your actions.
With sincere brotherly esteem, etc., etc.
In Classis, Jan. 8, 1771.
Daniel Serrurier, Dep. Praeses. N. Tetterrode, Dep. Scriba.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Petition in behalf of Van der Sman.
New York, Jan. 21st, 1771.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The following paper signed in the subscribers own hands was presented to the consistory.
To the Reverend Consistory.
Reverend Sirs :-
We, the undersigned, members of the Dutch Reformed Church in the City of New York, come before you with all honor and respect, to request that you will be pleased to restore Mr. Adrianus Van der Sman in the coming May, to the dwelling, of which he has now for seven years been deprived; that he may not be obliged to wander hither and thither, nor be so situated that he cannot receive his catechumens in a suitable room ; such was the dwelling erected by a former con- sistory, for his purpose, and not for an ale house, which it is at present.
Your compliance with this request will greatly oblige us, and give satisfaction to the Dutch congregation,
Peter Marschalk Barnardus Swartwout John Blank
Isaac Blank
Walter F. Heyer
Jno. Dikeman
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4199
1771
Weber Cosine
Jno. Van Dalsen Will G. Elsworth Hendrick Bogart Christeyan Demerest
Gilaem Bogart Isaac van Hoek Jan Amerman Derick Amerman, Jr. WVm. Weynat Jakobus Bruyn
Isaac Kip Coenraad W. Ham his Dirk D. X Amerman mark Wendel Ham
G. van Solingen Ahasuerus Turk
Jakobus Lefferts
Jacobus Turk
Cornelius Turk
Edward Couwenhoven
Jno. Elswort Barnat Sebring
The foregoing request was granted on condition that the sum of £16., which Mr. Van der Sman now receives for rent, ceases from that time. This the petitioners received with satisfaction, and promised to do their best for further pacification.
Signed etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
VARIOUS ITEMS.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
In order to prevent the irregular attendance of the members of consistory in future,
Resolved, That members, who having been notified, come five minutes after the hour, shall pay six pence; and those who are absent altogether, one shilling- to be determined by the clock of the New Church.
Resolved, inasmuch as the house of Isaac Uytden Bogart, on which the Con- sistory holds a mortgage, is to be sold tomorrow at public vendue, That Jakobus van Zandt and Isaac Roosevelt shall attend and bid on the property as high as the mortgage extends, and provide so far as possible, that the church be not a loser.
Inasmuch as the Deacons, on account of multiplied expenditures and the small income from the collections, are not in a condition to clear themselves, Resolve, That they draw £100. from the treasury. Out of this they shall advance to Mr. Welp £20., to be deducted from his salary when that is paid.
Mr. John de Peyster brought in a list of different lots of Mr. Jno. Harpending, which are now out; and desired the assistance of the Elders in dealing with the same to the advantage of the church, H. Kip, E. Brevoort and Isaac Roosevelt were appointed a committee for this purpose.
Aaltye Mays, widow of Guikens, who had been a servant maid of domine de Ronde, being blind and poor, was according to a resolution of the Consistory taken up, to be supported on the same condition as the other poor.
Signed etc, J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
JOURNAL OF THE NEW YORK COUNCIL. JAN. 26, 1771.
Council Journal. Albany Reformed Protestant Church Estate Holding Bill.
1771, Jan. 26. 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 per annum, given them for the support of the Gospel.
Sent from the Assembly to the Council, Brought up and read, 1773; Committed, 1774. Never reported.
4200
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1771
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letters to New York.
1771, April 8th. The letters to New York-see Art. 2, Acta, Jan. 8, 1771, have been written and sent. xiv. 251, Art. 9 ad 2.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, April 29th, 1771.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Resolved, That the Lord's Supper be administered on the two summer occasions in the North Church, (Fulton St.), and on the two winter occasions in the New Church, (Cedar St.) The preparatory sermons shall be held in the churches where the Supper is administered, as shall also the evening service.
Further, Resolved, That the family visitation shall be done at the two summer administrations.
A paper was presented by several persons containing a complaint against some members as holding the errors of Arminians and adhering to the Methodists. This was so far entertained by the Consistory that they appointed domine Ritzema and E. Brevoort a committee on the subject. They are also to warn John Vantine, as a disorderly member, to abstain from the table of the Lord until he improves his manner of life, and they are to make report to the consistory, by the first opportunity.
Jakobus van Zandt, Isaac Roosevelt, Andries Brestede, William Heyer, Pieter Van Zandt and Jno. Steg were appointed a committee to see what is necessary to be done to the Tower, the roof and other parts of the Old Church. They are to take with them a couple of carpenters, and to bring in a plan of the Tower, and an exact estimate of the cost, as also of the other repairs.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, loco praesidis.
New York, May 6th, 1771.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Domine Ritzema and the Elders Brevoort made an oral report concerning the matter committed to them last Monday. The purport of it was, that the charge of adhering to the doctrine of the Remonstrants was denied by the Parties. There- upon it was Resolved, That the ministers and Elders should meet next Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock to take the case into further consideration.
The committee in relation to the Old Church brought in a plan of a New Tower and other repairs. These would cost at least £900 .; but there was no money in the Treasury nor were they in a condition to borrow any. Whereupon it was Resolved, That if the congregation will supply sufficient funds, the Consistory were disposed to execute the plans. Domine Ritzema was requested to draw up the heading for a subscription for circulation. Therein should be stated, the costs and debts already incurred, and what would be further required, so that every one could see it.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
1771, MAY 19. CONSISTORY HELD AFTER CALLING ON GOD'S NAME.
The report of Do. Ritzema and Elder Brevoort concerning the accused members, Mr. Lupton, Mr. Matthews Ernst and Mrs. Lawrence, was considered by the minis- ters and elders. It was at length decided, by a majority of votes, to acquiesce in the report.
1
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 4201
1771
In reference to John Van Tine, notwithstanding his denials, his walk is shown to be openly disorderly. Therefore the President with elder Brevoort, was charged to forbid him the Lord's Table, until he show amendment of life.
The heading of a Petition, prepared by Domine Ritzema at the request of the Consistory, was presented and approved. It was requested that two copies be made, which should be taken around, in order to see what the congregation would con- tribute toward the completion of the tower and the repairs of the church.
Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. Pres.
1771, MAY 20. CONSISTORY HELD AFTER CALLING ON GOD'S NAME.
The request of Harry Tiebout, as bell-ringer and servant of the North Church was refused. It was determined to give to John Kendrick, for assistance in the North Church, for two years past, three pounds and ten shillings ; and henceforth, yearly, five pounds for morning and evening assistance in the New Church, and the afternoon service in the North Church. Also to Mr. Johannes Vredenberg, two pounds for conducting the service as chorister in the Old Church, during Mr. Welp's sickness. Mr. Louw's request for' an increase of salary, as chorister in the North Church, is refused.
Do. De Ronde and E. Brevoort reported, that they had laid John Van Tine under censure, as directed.
Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. Pres.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(Brouwer.)
1771, June 3rd. § 6. Rev. Henry Gerhart Brouwer, appointed by the Messrs. Directors of the East India Company, and, upon exhibition of his laudable dismission from the Classis of Alk- maar, called according to Acta, April 15, 1771, was installed in the Sacred Office at a Classis Contracta, held May 2, and provided with a proper Act for the use of the East India Churches. xiv. 254.
(KINGSTON.)
§ 7. A letter from Kingston, dated October 10, 1770, was read to the Assembly. xiv. 254.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
1771, June 9. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Domine De Ronde and Mr. Stokholm reported concerning their going around with a subscription list for the Tower and repairs of the Old Church. The result was found not to exceed one hundred pounds, although many conditional promises were made. The Consistory was, therefore, compelled to suspend the work for this year, doing only what was indispensable.
The bond for fifteen hundred pounds given to Mr. John Vander-Spiegel for the North Church, was called in by his heirs. Three separate bonds, therefore, were given to the separate heirs, with an increase of seven hundred pounds; so that
122
.
4202
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1771
instead of fifteen hundred pounds, twenty two hundred pounds have now been taken for that use.
Mr. Andrew Brestede is appointed to repair the Old Church, under the inspection of the Elder, Brestede, and the Deacon, William Gilbert.
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. Pres.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 8th, 1771.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Resolved to appoint a committee upon the (new) grant of land, called "The Township of Leyden"-to occupy it with settlers; to make a beginning with 10 or 15 families on such terms as can be had; and further to do all in and about the same for the best interest of the Church. Such agreements as are made by the committee, and signed by the President, at the time, shall be regarded as done by the whole Consistory.
The committee consists of the President for the time being, and Elders, Theodore van Wyck, Jakobus van Zandt and Isaac Roosevelt; Deacons William Gilbert, John Steg and Dirk Brinckerhoff.
This committee is also appointed to revise the accounts for the building of the North Church; also for the seats paid for in the New Church; also those of the Psalm book; and finally the account of the Treasurer, Bancker, for the bonds, interest, etc. Elizabeth Cook was taken as a poor person, to be supported as the others.
Signed etc., Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
N. B. In December, Elder Dirk Brinckerhoff was added to the committee.
[See the whole subject of these grants elaborately treated in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4to. ed. Vol. iv. pp. 332-618.]
4203 1771
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM TRYON, JULY 9, 1771-APRIL 7, 1774.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, July 15th, 1771.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
An address was prepared for the new Governor, Tryon, which was approved, and runs as follows:
To His Excellency William Tryon, Esq., Captain General and Governor-in-Chief in and over the Province of New York, and the Territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same.
The humble address of the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in 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 with the greatest sincerity to congratulate your Excellency upon the safe arrival of yourself and famliy in this Province, to the government of which our most graclous Sovereign has been pleased to appoint you.
The members of the Dutch Church, having always distinguished themselves as dutiful and ioyai subjects to his Majesty and his distinguished predecessors by a steady adherance to the known laws of the land, have in consequence, from time to time, been favored with particular marks of the Royal approbation, and pro- tected in the full enjoyment of their invaluable religious rights and privileges.
We therefore assure ourseives from your Excellency's known character, zeai for and attachment to the laws and constitution of Great Britain, that the Dutch Church, the most anclent in the Province, will always be favored with your counte- nance and support.
We earnestiy pray that God may abundantly bless your Excellency in your person and family and government, that your administration may meet with the approba- tion of our most gracious Sovereign and secure to you the love and esteem of a happy and grateful people.
We are your Excellency's most dutiful and obedient servants, etc.
Consistory Chamber,
New York, July 15, 1771.
(GOVERNOR TRYON'S REPLY.)
To the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York.
Gentlemen :-
It is with much satisfaction I received your congratulations, on my arrivai with my family, in this Province, to the Government of which his Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me.
The particular marks of Royal favor and approbation the members of the Dutch Church have from time to time received from the throne, I consider as so many honorabie testimoniais due to their loyal and dutiful behavior to their Sovereign and to thelr steady adherence to the estabilshed laws of the land. Such iandable and uniform conduct must aiways reflect honor to your society, draw down pro- tection from the crown, and ensure to yourseives the full enjoyment of your religious rights and liberties.
My duty and attachment to my Royal Master and to the laws and constitution of Great Britain will ever incite in me a desire to countenance and protect the members of the most ancient Dutch Church in this Province.
Accept, Gentlemen, my gratefni thanks for the warmth with which you express your sentiments for my felicity. Believe me, I shall esteem my self happy if my labors to promote the welfare of this country shall meet the approbation of the King, and some share of regard from a happy and grateful people.
Wm. Tryon.
¥204
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1771
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CONSISTORY OF KINGSTON, JULY 21, 1771. VOL. 31, P. 374. No. 221.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren :-
Having received a letter through Rev. Isaac Rysdyk, V. D. M., of Poughkeepsie' and Viskil, in the name of your Consistory, and signed by its several members, under date of October 10, 1770, we perceived therefrom with much surprise that the call-authorization, sent by you about four years ago, to the Deputati ad res Exteras, had not been answered hitherto by them, and that therefore your flourish- ing church had remained without a pastor all that while; and that therefore also you now feel compelled to ask of us the return of that "authorization", so that you may have opportunity to arrange for the filling of that vacant pastorate in some other way, as the church ought not longer to remain without a minister.
We had not anticipated such a request from you, Worthy Sirs and Brethren, because the Deputati ad res Exteras, already, on January 9, 1770, had sent to Cor- nelius Clopper, a merchant at New York, and your authorized correspondent, a. reply to his letter of May 12, 1769, to our Classis, in which they enclosed the call, with the request to hand the same to you. The Deputati then informed you that it was impossible for them to procure a suitable minister for the church of Kings- ton, because the number of candidates, willing to cross the sea, is very small and we can hardly find a sufficient number for the colonies of our own state, and must often wait long before we can fill such vacant places.
Besides this the Deputati of the Classis have caused you to be informed through Mr. Clopper, that the Rev. Classis could not comply with your request to send you a written dismission of Rev. Meyer; for the Classis earnestly wishes and has some little hope that the brethren of the Coetus and Conferentie will soon be pacified and will unite together. We therefore fear that if we now sent a dismission of Rev. Meyer, a new occasion might be given for estrangement. The Rev. Classis therefore hopes, that when a union of all the brethren should take place, the united Body will be able to arrange all things in the church of Kingston to the mutual satisfaction and general edification of all parties.
Whether the letter with the enclosed call did not safely cross the sea, or whether it did not reach Mr. Clopper, or whether it remained in his possession until after the sending of your last, we do not know. Whatever the fact may be, you now have, as far as our Classis is concerned, free hands, to arrange for a call, or to look after an able pastor. We heartily hope you may find such a one somewhere and may induce him to accept the call.
May the Great Shepherd of the sheep provide you ere long with an active and faithful minister, and at length give the congregation their desire and expectation, to their joy. Meantime, we wish upon you and your ministrations God's most precious blessings.
Yours etc., etc. N. Tetterode, Dep. Praeses. J. A. Eck, Dep. Scriba.
Amsterdam, In Classis,
July 21, 1771.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Two Replies :- to the Consistory of Kingston ; and to the Coetus of Suriname.
1771, July 22nd. Art. 9. There was read a letter to the Con- sistory of Kingston, in reply to their letter of October 10, 1770; also a letter to the Coetus of Suriname, in reply to a letter of December 31, 1770.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4205 1771
Both these letters were approved, and have already been sent. xiv. 259.
REV. JOHN RITZEMA TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, JULY 24, 1771. VOL. 33, PAGE 335. No. 448. (HIS SPECIAL PLAN OF UNION FOR THE PARTIES.)
(Abstract.)
He complains, that his repeated efforts, for the well-being of the Zion of the Netherlands in these regions, have had for their result that all the evil is coming down upon his own head; as can be most clearly seen from the letter of the Classis to the Consistory of New York and to the Conferentie, under date of June 8, 1771.
He declares that, when he examines his heart before God, it acquits him of all that he is charged with; yea, he has no need of defending himself in New York; inasmuch as his teaching and his walk before the public in the city for nearly 27 years, among those who are within (the church) as well as among those without, afford abundant proof to the contrary.
He writes that he pities those inconsiderate drivers-" I mean " says he " the Consistory of New York. Some of them are already convinced of their foolish- ness ; others come to me and say, I have had no hand in it, etc."
He declares that it is not true that nine-tenths of the churches are in favor of the Plan (of Union) of the Classis, just as it reads, word for word; he also says that he offered his colleague, de Ronde £100. in New York money, if he could prove that assertion; he writes that he proved to him the contrary, from a conversation held with his colleague, Laidlie, who had told him that subordina- tion (to the Classis) is absurd, and that the Classis and Synod ought to have done long ago, and ought yet to do, what the Scotch Church did with the Presbyterians In that country, in giving them power to organize Presbyterians and Synods.
He feels especially grieved about his being thought to stand in close relation- ship with the Episcopalians; and declares that, as he subordinated himself in all church matters to the Classis, having signed such subordination, he will stand and abide by that to the end; that he knows of no relationship with the Episco- palians, and that he had no intimate fellowship with any of their ministers, but only such as civility and forbearance-which should be known to all men-requires in public intercourse.
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