USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 70
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
SYNODALIA, 1773.
Orange Nassau, Art. 5. The Classis perseveres in cordial and fervent prayers to the All Sufficient God, that His most precious blessings may rest upon His Illustrious Highness, the Lord Prince, Netherland's Hereditary Stadholder, and the House of Orange Nassau, particularly upon the Hereditary Prince, born to the joy of the country, unto length of days; and commends all that may be appropriate to this Article to Messrs. Depp. by continuance. xiv. 317.
LETTERS.
1773, July 19th. Art. 6. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read an extract from the Minutes of the General Meeting of Min- isters and Elders of the Reformed Dutch Church in New York and New Jersey, dated the second Tuesday in October, 1772, and signed J. H. Goetschius, President, and J. C. Rubel, Clerk. xiv. 315.
SYNODALIA, 1773.
New York and New Jersey. Art. 43. Inseratur the report of our Committee ad res Exteras. xiv. 325.
ACTS OF THE SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, 1773. ARTICLE 46 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, the Adsessor communicated the fol- lowing, with regard to those churches:
(Here occur the Minutes of the Session of October 1772.)
(At the close of these Minutes): The Classis of Amsterdam is thanked for the report made, and requested to continue its correspondence with those churches.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Free Public School.
New York, Aug. 6th, 1773. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The new school house being ready for the reception of the children, the Con- sistory adopted the following in respect to the free scholars:
1. No boy shall be received under nine, and no girl under eight years of age.
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2. No child, so received, shall remain in the school longer than three years, so as to make room for new ones; yet if no new ones be hindered thereby, they may remain.
3. The children of members shall have the preference above others, if more than thirty be taken.
4. It was further Resolved, That every three months when the quarter sessions are held, the Consistory shall make a public visitation of the school, to see what progress the scholars are making. Also the Elders and Deacons shall do this monthly.
The President for the time being, and the Elders, C. Clopper, D. Brinckerhoff and G. Beekman, and the Deacons, G. Abeel, J. Stoutenberg, and Isaac Kip, are appointed a committee for one year, to receive the children into the school, and determine the general matters concerning it; and also from time to time, to give information to the Consistory as to its condition.
Also Resolved, That the minister shall give notice from the pulpit to the con- gregation that next Monday at 11 o'clock the committee will receive scholars into the free school, and that every one who has children can present them there.
Signed etc.,
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
New York, Aug. 26, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Some proposals for the settling of the Township of Leyden were presented by the committee, and with a sleight amendment, were approved.
Signed,
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
New York, Aug. 31, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Domine Ritzema reported the names of the persons who had made an exhibition of their gifts as choristers in the Old Church. Thereupon it was Resolved, 1. That the recording of the children in the Old Church shall be by Mr. Steen- berg, according to a former resolution of Consistory.
2. The salary of the Clerk, yearly, is fixed at £12. New York money in place of £10., because of the loss of the recording fees.
3. Reinier Hoppe was chosen by a majority to be chorister and Clerk in the Old Church.
Resolved, That an order be given to Treasurer Bancker to pay to the committee on the school house £100., in order to pay off Messrs. Steg and Post.
Signed etc.,
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
New York, Sept. 16, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Jacob Duryee, Dirk Brinckeroff, Zacharias Zikkles and Jakobus Roosevelt were chosen to attend the next Meeting of Ministers and Elders on the coming Tuesday.
2. Mrs. Welp requested that the support promised her by the Consistory, May 24, 1773, might be given, and to know from whom she should receive it. Resolved, That it be paid to her every quarter from May first, by the Treasurer, Bancker. Signed etc.,
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. LETTERS.
1773, Oct. 4th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read a let- ter from New Brunswick, dated December 30, 1772, signed by Jacob Rutse Hardenberg.
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Also a letter from Raritan, dated June 3, 1773, signed Jacob Rutse Hardenberg.
Also a member of this body read a letter from Prof. Franc Burmannus written in the name of the Theological Faculty at Utrecht, dated September 17, 1773. It mainly stated that the Theological Faculty at Utrecht is not disinclined to suggest to the Classis of Amsterdam one or more persons, who would be capable of being Professor and President in New Jersey ; and requests a brief letter in reply regarding the idea of the Classis on this mat- ter. The letter was handed over to Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras.
The Rev. Classis judges that first of all the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras shall reply to Professor Burmannus. That his letter was read to Rev. Classis, and that the Classis shall transmit in writing the Article upon this subject, as it is to be found in the Acta of the Synod.
That the Classis cannot yet do anything in this matter, for fear of unpleasantnesses; but we shall write to New York that we have received such a letter; and we will ask advice thereon, since that letter does not harmonize with the Article on the Professorate as found in the Acta. When a reply has been received, we will report thereon.
Also a letter was received from Drakenstein, (Cape Colony) dated Feb. 25, 1772, and signed by twenty one persons. Finally one was received from Suriname, dated Feb. 11, 1773, and signed by Jacob Talland, V. D. M. and Clerk. xiv. 329, 330.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES.
Meeting of Deputies, Oct. 4, 1773.
Also (2) Deputati read a letter from New Brunswick dated Sept. 30, 1772, signed J. R. Hardenberg; (3) also a letter from Raritan, dated June 3, 1773, signed J. R. Hardenberg; (4) the Classis places in the hands of Deputies, a letter from Professor Franciscus Burmannus in the name of the Theological Faculty of Utrecht, dated Sept. 17, 1773, stating that this faculty is not dis- inclined, to propose to the Classis of Amsterdam one or more
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persons who would be capable of being Professor or President in New Jersey, requesting a note in reply regarding the opinion of Classis in the premises. Deputati are requested to reply to Pro- fessor Burmannus, and to transcribe in that reply the article on this matter, as it is to be found in the Acta of Synod of this year; mentioning in addition that Classis can do nothing in this matter as yet, fearing new disturbances, but will write to New York that we have written a letter, and therefor ask advice, since the letter does not agree with the article in the Acta regard- ing the professorate. And when we receive an answer we shall give notice thereof. Vol. xxiv: 180-1.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Oct. 4th, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Inasmuch as William Nixon has assumed the lease of Isaac Selover on condition that a new lease should be given from now on, at a yearly rent of £10., and he engages to pay the £18. due thereon with the interest; and to pay a rent of £14 .; and requests that the lease may be renewed after 15 years : All this is agreed to by the Consistory, and they recommend the same to be carried out by their suc- cessors in office.
It was promised to Henry Brinckerhoff at his request that his lease should be renewed for 15 years, to begin May first next, as above.
Signed,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
At the request of Mr. Francis Marschalk, permission was given to some person in the North Church plot to show the suitable place for vaults therein. Thereupon Messrs. Steg, F. Marschalk, Duryee, Abeel and Roosevelt were appointed a com- mittee.
The account of Mr. Brestede was presented for making the glass windows in the Old Church. The Treasurer was ordered to pay it.
At the request of Mr. Francis Marschalk, permission was given to some person to enclose certain lots on the ground of the Corporation, on condition of paying half-rent, so long as Consistory approved.
Signed, J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
GENERAL MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS OF THE CHURCHES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 5-8, 1773. MINTS. OF CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, VOL. 33: 449, 450. ALSO IN MINTS. OF SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, JULY, 1774. ART. 47.
EXTRACTS .- REPORT RESPECTING KINGSTON.
Rev. Rysdyk reported, as one of a committee appointed by the last Rev. General Meeting, in relation to the matters at Kingston, that he, with Rev. Westerlo, upon the 4th of November, of the previous year, had proposed to the Rev. Consistory of Kingston a plan of reconciliation, consisting of two parts, mainly as follows :
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First, relative to the Rev. Consistory and Rev. Meyer.
1. The Rev. Consistory, considering the domestic situation of Rev. Meyer, together with the present circumstances of a call made upon him to Pompton and Totowa, are not disinclined to bestow upon him, upon his removal to his new station, & sum of money.
2. The exact sum shall be stated in confidence by the Rev. Consistory to the Rev. Committee, who shall thereupon ascertain how much Rev. Meyer may expect in the circumstances, that thus the Rev. Committee may, by mutual consultation, con- clude whether an adjustment in this respect be possible.
3. It shall subsequently be left to the judgment and determination of the Rev. Committee, conscientiously and as before God, as far as practicable, to fix upon the sum proper to be given and received; and the Rev. Consistory, as well as Rev. Meyer, shall suitably acquiesce in this conscientious determination of the Rev. Committee.
4. And finally, a mutual release shall be given in presence of the Rev. Committee. The Lord, the God of peace, bless this our well-meant and pacific proposal for the production of mutual peace and satisfaction.
Signed by the above-named committee,
Kingston, 4th November, 1772.
Secondly, relative to the Rev. Consistory and the members who had followed Rev. Mr. Meyer during his continuance there.
1. The Rev. Consistory of Kingston, together with the above mentioned members, shall, by way of provisions, and as far as possible please to unite by the common approval and reception of the Plan of Union of Reformed Dutch Churches in this country, as the same has been approved by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and already acceded to by the greater part of the congregations.
2. The forenamed members shall subsequently be admitted in peace and love to all the privileges of fellowship; as they shall also, on their part, in all respects recognize the Rev. Consistory and submit themselves to their oversight.
3. Likewise, shall the future minister be reverenced and received by both of the now united parties as lawful, whilst he, on his part, shall also, as far as practicable, acquiesce in this general arrangement in relation to his congregation.
4. Finally, the thus harmonized congregation at Kingston (as long as the actual subscription of the known Plan of Union ha's not taken place) shall remain in the same state and form of government as heretofore, in accordance with the contents of their charter, agreeably to the ecclesiastical regulations ordained in the Synod of Dordrecht, 1618 and 1619.
(Signed as above.)
Whereupon, the Rev. Consistory delivered to the Rev. Committee the following answer :
The Rev. Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church of Kingston having maturely considered your twofold proposal or draft of an adjustment and re-reconciliation between the Rev. Dr. Meyer and the Rev. Consistory of Nov. 4, 1772, and sought to ascertain of the congregation how far it might be possible to satisfy the expecta- tion or demand of Dr. Meyer, are of the opinion that we cannot satisfy the expectation or demand of Dr. Meyer in the proposed manner, but that we not- withstanding, will, in brotherly love, lay aside the differences between us, as we believe should be done.
As regards the second proposal, inasmuch as you were of opinion that if the first part of the arrangement were not effected, there could be no room for the second, we pass by it without remark.
Signed, in the name and by order of the Rev. Consistory.
Kingston, Sep. 16, 1773.
Abraham Low.
The Rev. Consistory were thanked for this, their report by the President.
PROFESSORSHIP.
The subject of the Professorship having been taken into consideration, the pro- ceedings of the several Particular ecclesiastical Bodies in relation to it were read ; whereupon was also presented and read a letter from the honorable the Trustees
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
of Queens College in New Jersey, containing a respectful address to this Rev. Body, representing, among other things, that they had written to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam and the Rev. Theological Faculty at Utrecht, requesting those Rev. Bodies to recommend a person whom they judged qualified to be called as President in the forementioned College, who should at the same time instruct those youth who chose to place themselves under his oversight in Sacred Theology, and who would consequently. agreeably to the received Articles of Union, be a member of the Particular and General ecclesiastical Bodies, and commending the forementioned College to the kind regards of his Rev. Body.
After mature deliberation, the Rev. Body came to the following conclusions :
1. As respects the Professor's place of residence : that Brunswick is the most suitable, on account of his relation to Queens College there situated, as well as for the students in regard to livelihood and other circumstances.
2. With reference to his actual call, the Rev. Body coincide with the honorable the Trustees in their proposal, in the expectation that they will call no person as Professor of Sacred Theology but one who is recommended by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, which recommendation the honorable the Trustees will please to communicate to the Rev. General Body before the call is made; and also, that the Professor of Theology will at the same time be and remain President of the College, the Theological Faculty being the superior in rank.
3. For further carrying into execution these designs, the Rev. Body will use their endeavors and influence to increase the fund which (according to report) has already reached the sum of £4,000, now in the hands of the honorable the Trustees, so as to make out a sufficient call; at the same time, judging that the most suitable way of effecting such increase is, that the Trustees, upon the reception of the money from the Province of New York, solemnly engage to such incorporated congregations as the Rev. General Body shall be pleased to name for that purpose, that if ever the income of said money should, in the judgment of the Rev. General Body, be used to support any other Theological Professors than those of the Dutch Reformed Church, in fellowship with the Church of the Netherlands, then, and in such case, said money shall be restored to the incorpo- rated bodies mentioned.
4. It is further determined, by special letter, in the most earnest manner, to recommend this subject to the Rev. Classis, with accompanying reasons why the Rev. Body judge this to be, in present circumstances, the best plan to bring the weighty matter of the Professorship in the speediest and surest manner to a consummation.
5. And lastly, that a copy of this minute be handed to the honorable the Trustees by the Rev. Deputati of this Body.
THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, OCT. 8, 1773. VOL. 33 : 449, 450.
Right Rev. Gentlemen and highly esteemed Brethren in Christ :-
We have the honor of sending to you the Acts of our General Meeting, held at Kingston, on the 5th-8th days of October; as also a duplicate of the Acts of the Meeting at New York, in the month of June, 1772, as we understand you have not received them. We do not wish to trouble you by sending you an extended letter, since we are conscious that you are necessarily engaged in many important matters. However, your care, and thoroughly tested love towards our Church here, gives us ground to hope, not only, that all good news from the New Netherlands will be gladly received, but also, that you are ever willing to extend a helping hand for the promotion of our good. Permit us, therefore, to call the special attention of your Body in a brief manner, to the ninth Article of the Acts of this our Meeting, at the same time laying open before your Body the whole matter, and stating the grounds for our determination concerning it.
It is undoubtedly known to your Body, that a Charter for a Seminary or Academy in New Jersey, was obtained a few years ago, by a few members of our Church.
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The principal aim of this was to prosecute theological studies under a regular Professorship, and under protection of a royal Charter.
The Seminary in question, has already been established at Brunswick, a small town not far from the City of New York, and altogether pleasantly and advan- tageously situated. This enterprise appeared somewhat strange to some of the brethren during the times of division in our Church, when it was impossible to deliberate, and effectively take measures for the common interests of our Zion, as we have been enabled to do since our happy union. Meanwhile the Hon. Gentle- men Curatores of the above-mentioned Seminary (among whom are some of the most distinguished men of the country), have proceeded to bring it as nearly as possible to a desirable position. For that purpose also, they present this important matter, by a communication to your Assembly, as is mentioned also in the Article, referred to above.
After mature deliberation, the meeting has approved of the Acts of the Hon. Gentlemen Curatores, and unanimously agreed to them for the following reasons:
1. The cost of living in the city of New York and even in the smaller cities of this Province is so very high that we cannot entertain any reasonable expectation that students (who, as a general thing, are not wealthy), after having already spent a good part of their patrimonium in obtaining their preparatory education, shall be able to defray the expenses which a full theological course will entail. For this reason, Brunswick, where living is much cheaper than in any principal city in this Province, was considered by us to be the most favorable situation.
2. Because some of the principal congregations in this Province, we are sorry to say, have not united with us in this enterprise, and principally for the reason that they do not wish to be burdened with expenses of the Professorships; but if we should call a Professor, without the help of the New Jersey brethren, we especially need their aid and assistance, for this very purpose; in that case we would stand in absolute need of it.
3. Because, according to the reports of the Hon. Gentlemen, Curatores, the con- siderable sum of four thousand pounds has already been collected for the establish- ment and support of the Brunswick Seminary, which will make it all the easier for the united congregation to bring it up to the amount requisite for the support of a Professor and necessary Tutors.
4. Because nearly all of the now united congregations are inclined to establish the Seminary in question ; and because the regulation now proposed seems to be the best and only way, in our judgment, for adjusting the differences of opinion among the brethren upon this matter; for if this be not done, it would be difficult if not impossible, to carry the matter into effect.
5. Because the need of the Church absolutely demands, that another and better course than has hitherto been pursued be taken for the education of parties fit for the service of the Church, inasmuch as otherwise we would be obliged to remain waiting in uncertainty for many years to come. This would have a hurtful effect upon the congregations.
6. Because, as has been mentioned, a royal Charter has already been granted and obtained for the Seminary in question, under which the requisite Funds can be suitably and safely entrusted.
We hope that your Body, seeing the force of the above-mentioned reasons, will be pleased to grant the request of the Hon. Gentlemen, Curators, to recommend to them a man adapted and qualified to act as Professor and at the same time as President of the Brunswick Seminary. This request we also adopt as our own for the above- mentioned reasons, and we hope that we will receive, as soon as possible, a favor- able response of the Classis upon this so weighty a matter, a matter which we must consider as fundamental to our Church Union. May the God of Peace preserve this Union inviolate forever. After praying for God's richest blessings upon your dear persons, congregations and the Church in the Netherlands, we have the honor of calling ourselves with the highest love and esteem, Rev. Gentlemen,
Your most humble Servants and Brethren in Christ.
Joh. Casp. Rubel, Pres. p. t.
D. Romeyn, V. D. M., Sec. p. t.
In the name of the General Meeting, held at Kingston on Oct, 8, 1773.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4271 1773
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE REV. FRANCISCUS BUR- MANNUS, S. S. TH. DR. AND PROFESSOR AT UTRECHT. OCT. 6, 1773. VOL. 31.
Most Rev. and Highly-learned Sir :-
Your much esteemed letter written in the name of the most Rev. Theological Faculty, to the Rev. Mr. Kulenkamp has been communicated to our Classis, and read. I have the honor to answer you, in the name of our Classis, that the letters from New Jersey concerning the Professorship, received both by yourself and us, appear very objectionable to our Classis.
The letters did not come from the General Body of New York and New Jersey, nor are they in harmony with the Minutes of that Body, which was held at New York on the second Tuesday of October, 1772. In those Minutes, (which are inserted in the Minutes of the Synod of North Holland, for 1773), we read verbatim, "The subject of the Professorship having been in the most careful, serious, and attentive manner considered," etc. In this view, the Classis cannot as yet interfere in this matter, lest the way might be opened to renewed disturbances and divisions between New York and New Jersey. The latter seems to act on their own volition, and independent of New York. Our Classis will first write to New York, that we have received such a letter, and ask for information, and immediately inform you. Yours etc., etc.
R. A. Ten Brink, Deputatus and Scriba.
REV. A. HELFFENSTEIN TO (REV. CHRISTIAN F. FOERING ?) OCT. 1773.
Rev. Sir and Dear Brother :-
I have always taken a genuine interest in your welfare, and it has given me, therefore, unusual pleasure to be again assured of your happiness in your worthy letter. I rejoice principally in the fact that you daily experience new proofs of the unspeakable goodness and mercy of the Lord, both personally and in the important work with which you are intrusted. I cannot do otherwise than use the same lan- guage in reference to myself. I am compelled to exclaim, Lord, I am not worthy of all the mercy and faithfulness which thou hast shown to the least of thy servants. For both to myself and in my office, the eternal and merciful Lord has done for me more than I could have hoped or expected. To him alone, therefore, be all the honor in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us, my dear Sir, and brother, through the mercy from above, labor more zealously and faithfully and diligently in that voca- tion in which the Lord has placed us. In reference to our own souls, the longer we live, the more earnestly seek to be united with Christ, for in Him everything is prepared for ourselves and others.
What you have written about my father and brother, I can hardly believe, for I have good reason to conclude from other circumstances, that at least for the present year, they will not come hither. But should it happen, contrary to my expectations, that they come, I think it will be best that they come in the way you suggest, because for each of them, especially for my father, nothing can be done in Pennsylvania. Should you have heard with reference to this affair more particular and definite news, I ask you to be kind enough to communicate it to me.
With regard to myself : I learn from your letter, that for reasons best known to yourself, you desire to hear from me, whether I would be willing to apply myself to the Dutch language, so as to be able, sooner or later, to preach in that tongue. As you have not gone into particulars on this subject, nor made any definite propo- sition, I can say nothing more than this, that it is all the same to me in whatever language of those already known by me, or which I may yet learn, I present the Gospel, if only, under God's blessings, the results are reached. To explain myself more fully. I believe that in the course of a year, by the mercy of God and the use of proper diligence, I could make sufficient progress to preach in the Dutch language.
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