USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 76
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We have very largely participated in the disagreeable circumstances, into which your country, and thereby your churches also have come.
We should, therefore, not have failed in answering that letter at once, and in sending over on that occasion the Acts of the North Holland Synods. But, aside from our lack of opportunity, the circumstances were so critical, that we deemed it advisable, so long as the calamities of war continued, to break off for a while the correspondence, much as we otherwise love to exchange letters with you ; especially because the letter, with the accompanying Acts of the Synod of North Holland of the year 1776, which we sent to your Revs. by way of St. Eustatius, does not seem to have reached its destination; and we feared that subsequent letters would suffer the same fate.
As now, however, the state of affairs takes, provisionally, a more favorable turn, we want to avail ourselves of the first opportunity to write to your Revs. to show that it will be very agreeable to us to maintain the correspondence with the churches of New York and New Jersey. Wherefore we send herewith the Acts of the latest North Holland Synod. And as we are very anxious to be informed of the present state of your churches nothing will please us more than to contribute something toward promoting their welfare.
Our hearts desire is that your churches may be strengthened and be established in peace ; be multiplied and walk in the consolation of the Holy Ghost; and that your Revs. services may be blest in their manifold relations.
With this, we are and remain, with due respect,
Very Rev. Sirs and Much Beloved Brethren, D. J. Van Binnevest, V. D. M. Deput. ad res exteras. J. C. Van Herwerden, V. D. M. Deput. ad res exteras.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
1783, July 21st. Synodalia. Art. 50 ad 51. On account of the (Revolutionary) War, no information has come in from the churches of New York and New Jersey. The Classis hopes that ere long, peace in North America will open the way thereto. xv. 271.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, HELD AT HAARLEM, JULY 29-AUG.
7, 1783.
ARTICLE 49 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Hon. Mightinesses and the corresponding delegates were anxious to hear, at last, some report from those churches. Owing to the war, Amsterdam had till now received no report. The Classes are hoping that the peace in North America
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may before long open the way to get a report. Amsterdam has already sent a letter thither, with a view to renewing the correspondence. The Classis of Hoorn proposed to place this Article under Pennsylvania, etc., so as to abridge the Acts. But, as these two lemmata are wholly different in their nature, it was, at the sug- gestion of Amsterdam, resolved to abide by the order in use.
SUGGESTIONS AS TO A REFORMED CHURCH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Possibilities of a Professorship in King's (Columbia) College; Difficulties .- Possible Union with Princeton; Difficulties .- Advantages of an Independent Seminary at New Brunswick.
Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston to Rev. Dr. Eilardus Westerlo, Oct. 22, 1783.
(Extract.)
" The revolution in our political interests has made a change in the general face of our American world, and as it has removed some difficulties which were taken into consideration in our former plan, (1772), so it has introduced others which deserve a very weighty and impartial discussion. The common enemy to our religious liberties is now removed ; and we have nothing to fear from the pride and domination of the Episcopal heirarchy."
" A sufficient seminary for all purposes of common literature, is now already established in the Jerseys, (at Princeton) and will probably be enlarged into an university, and be most favored by the Legislature in that State. The erecting, therefore, a College, with all the appendages necessary to justify the appellation, at Brunswick, appears to be an object at once beyond our funds, and in itself unnecessary. The question will then recur, what must, what ought, what can we do? To me, there appears but three possible methods, which, if not free from difficulties, seem to be upon the whole at least practicable, and in some measure calculated to answer the purposes we wish to obtain-either to wait until the government of this State (New York) shall organize the College in the City of New York, (King's or Columbia) and then appoint a professor for our churches in that College, to be supported by the funds of the College ; or, to request, (which, if done, will doubtless be obtained), a local union with Princeton, where a pro- fessor of our nomination, and supported by us, may teach in their house, and the students have the privilege of their library ; or, lastly, that our churches support their independence, and distinct name and existence, by erecting at Brunswick- not a College, but a Divinity-Hall, for the sole purpose of teaching Theology."
"I will freely communicate to you my sentiments upon each of these, not only because you have a right, as a friend, to know my opinion, but because I wish to prompt you to an explicit declaration of your own mind upon the subject, as I am by no means fixed in my views, but would fain gain all the advice possible in a matter which is justly considered by all as important, and which cannot succeed without the joint concurrence and approbation of the whole."
I. " With respect, then, to the first thing proposed, it appears to me the fol- lowing difficulties are altogether insurmountable : 1. The time may prove too long for the wants of our Church before the College in New York (King's or Columbia) is properly organized. 2. The old Charter of that College, and the funds which were given upon express condition of the operation of that Charter, will create some difficulties ; these have still their friends, who will be ready to oppose, if not openly, at least by their influence, every measure which seems to prefer any per- suasion or denomination above the Episcopal. 3. The government of this State will probably wish to give no countenance at all to any denomination of Christians, lest an infringement of religious liberty should be made; and, therefore, if the College should be erected into an university, it is my opinion the science of theology will be entirely omitted. For us, therefore, to be waiting for that event, will be
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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loss of time, engaging in the quarrels of an old standing and high partyship, or a final disappointment at last."
II. " The second has a greater prospect of success, and for some time has been uppermost in my mind, in consequence of a train of happy consequences, which I imagined I saw connected with that situation; nor was the assured orthodoxy of all the Presbyterian Churches, and their indissoluble union in doctrines with ours, by that means, the least argument to persuade me into a coalition with Princeton. But, upon mature thought, it is evident to me that this measure will not succeed. For-1. Our professor, when placed there, must be either under the control of the Trusteeship of that College, or (if an exemption from their jurisdiction should be stipulated) it is impossible but he will, in time, be under the influence of their customs, sentiments, and opinions, as he must be one among the many who sur- round him, and who, all being swayed by one interest, will unavoidably draw him also with the stream; whereby the professor of the Dutch Church will and cannot but be a Presbyterian professor. You know my sentiments in favor of the Pres- byterians too well to suppose I mean any thing in this the least derogatory to them, their doctrines, or their church government. I esteem them highly, and wish many among us were not possessed with such groundless prejudices against them. But when I consider our churches as hitherto preserving a distinct denomination, my first observation will be seen to have great weight, as the name and existence of the Dutch churches by such an union would soon expire. 2. The same sum must be raised by us for the support of this professorate at Princeton, as if it was placed in any other situation, while the prospect of its answering our purpose would be dubious, and our professor evidently placed farther out of our control, in propor- tion as he became united to others. 3. Our correspondence with our mother churches in Holland, and the possibility of being increased by emigrations from thence, should at least incline us to remain as pure and unsuspected of any mixture as possible-unless some generous and proper plan, formed by a genius equal to the task, should be drawn for uniting all the Reformed Churches in America into one national Church-which, notwithstanding the seeming difficulties in the way, I humbly apprehend will be practicable and, consistent with the outlines drawn by Professor Witsius for King William the Third, I yet hope to see accomplished. But until something of that kind is proposed, what has been mentioned above stands with its full force."
III. " The last of the three proposed plans remains to be considered. At first blush, it is evident that if it can be put in practice, it will distinguish our churches as singularly concerned for maintaining the truths of the Gospel, and instead of absorbing them into other denominations, will fix their character in a point of view, which will hand down the efforts of the present generation with honor to posterity. While others have labored with success and praise for the cultivation of learning in general, it seems to be reserved in Providence, as the peculiar province of our churches, to employ their whole influence in teaching and establishing the Reformed religion."
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" Before I mention the difficulties which have occurred to my mind, permit me to premise the arguments in its favor. 1. If we erect a respectable professorate and Divinity-Hall at Brunswick, we shall have our institution wholly under our own control ; every difficulty can be canvassed, and redress obtained without the interposition of other denominations, or any appeal to different boards. 2. The name and estimation of the Dutch churches among the various churches in America, are in such repute for orthodoxy, that our institution will bid fairer to be univer- sally useful when we stand alone, than any union with any that can be named, could possibly promise. 3. The local situation of Brunswick seems to be a proper centre for the States of New York, and Jersey, and Pennsylvania, in the last of which there are perhaps as many congregations of the Reformed churches as in both the former. 4. But what ought to be a principal consideration is, that all the donations and assistance we are to expect for this undertaking, will be given by those who belong to the Dutch churches, (as every other denomination has plans of their own, which call forth their whole abilities,) and it is evident the bene- factors for our professorate would give with greater freedom, and feel more happy in promoting a work, which they were assured would remain under the sole inspec- tion of the Dutch churches, than by any combination of ecclesiastic interests with Princeton, or political with New York, could possibly be effected."
129
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" These, and what I might still add, if these were not sufficient, have induced me to prefer the last to both the former plans. The difficulties which occur, are, indeed, not small; they are few in number, but of great weight. The one is, it will unavoidably take up some time, at least two years, before anything of im- portance can be done towards this establishment. The other is, we have not funds equal to the task; and we shall need the advice of our wisest friends, to point out a method for obtaining a sum sufficient to maintain a professor in theology, and in the oriental languages."
" I have already said that I was not fixed in my views respecting this affair ; at least, not so fixed but that I stand open for conviction, and wish to obtain all the light which can be thrown upon the object, before I determine in what manner my vote or small influence shall direct. Upon discoursing with Mr. Romeyn, I found him fully convinced that what I have considered was the proper line of conduct for us ; and his arguments have not a little conduced to establish my mind upon this plan. It is the interest of the Redeemer's cause we have at heart. Our hands must do what we are called to with all our might. An effectual and pecu- liarly exclusive door is now opened for service. The enemy of all religion is not at rest. Our united efforts and blessings, as answers to prayer from the throne, may fix an establishment that shall make glad the city of our God for ages yet to come."
REV. JACOB R. HARDENBERGH TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM,
Nov. 7, 1783. Portfolio, " New York," Vol. II.
Very Rev. and Very Learned Gentlemen, and Much Esteemed Brethren :-
A week or two ago I sent a letter to your Revs. by the hand of a certain gentle- man who gave his surname as Wille, and said that he had recently come from Holland. From here (Rosendale) he was to go to New York, and from there to Philadelphia. He promised me to forward it with the safest and earliest oppor- tunity. I hope that your Revs. may have received it all right.
Not only my relation to the Very Rev. General Meeting, as its latest President and Deputy to (of?) the Synod, but also the interest of the Church of God in this region, led me to take the liberty of addressing the above-mentioned letter to your Revs., as also of calling your Revs. attention once more to what I thought must be communicated to your Revs.
There is among us a numerous and influential Denomination, known by the name of Presbyterians, who say that they were formerly connected with the established Church of Scotland, and, therefore, are essentially one with ours.
For a considerable time, however, doubts have been springing up in the minds of many of our people concerning the orthodoxy and the church-standing of these brethren. We know that the ancient Scotch church took care that no persons were admitted to the sacred ministry, unless they had previously declared that they held the Doctrine contained in their Confession of Faith and Catechism to be true, and thus in accord with the divinely Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and had entered also into the required engagement to conform them- selves thereto in their teaching.
These cautious principles the said Presbyterians have dispensed with and abandoned, each one of their Presbyteries or Classes being competent now to pass upon the fundamental teaching of their Church, and to admit, at pleasure, not only persons, but also their opinions. From this there has resulted among them a great difference in sentiment concerning several of the weightiest dogmas of Sacred Theology.
The Dutch Reformed have been asked more than once to unite themselves with them, but, on account of the danger mentioned, they have positively refused. Thereupon the others have taken another course, by trying to encroach upon our churches. Of late they have done this more publicly. The following is an instance : About a year ago one of their ministers, who was said to have been driven from his place by the enemy, came into one of our vacant churches, offering his services
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
to that church for six months. Later, however, with a part of the Consistory, he caused men, women and children in that and adjacent churches, by obtaining their signatures, to leave the Dutch Church and join the Presbyterian. At our last General Meeting these things were brought up, but, owing to circumstances, they have as yet not been brought to a conclusion.
Some years ago this Denomination established for its benefit a Seminary in New Jersey, which has suffered a great deal during the course of this war. Now I have recently learned that the President of that institution, John Witherspoon, S. S. T. Doctor, was about to sail for France, for the purpose of securing con- tributions to make good the losses sustained, and to increase the funds. Sur- mising that his Rev. is likely to go, for the same purpose, into the United Netherlands; and is provided, possibly, with some sort of recommendation from His Excellency, the Ambassador of their High Mightinesses, the States, who recently arrived at the place where that Seminary is established ; as their High Mightinesses, the Congress, hold their sessions there at present; this last, however, is simply a guess, based on a probability or a possibility : surmising, I say, what is mentioned above, I deemed it my duty to communicate the same to your Revs. according to the truth, in order that your Revs. may, according to your prudent and discreet judgment make such use of it as your Revs. shall consider necessary.
The government under the Crown of Great Britain did, years ago, grant a Charter for the establishment of a Seminary in that same State, for the use of the Dutch Reformed. This Charter has by the present government been improved and con- firmed anew. The funds of this institution also have suffered a great deal. Ex- pressly designed as it is, for the benefit of our own Church if it should continue to need the helping hand of kindly disposed friends, there is no doubt but that the well-to-do benefactors in our Fatherland would much rather bestow their gifts of love upon it, than upon a Denomination which might seek to use them to its detriment.
I trust that your Revs. will always take pleasure in the interests of our Reformed American Zion, which, I can foresee, is to be subject to violent attacks. With a prayer for needed blessing upon your Revs. honored persons, families and sacred ministry, I remain,
Very Rev. and Very Learned Sirs, and Much Respected Brethren, Your Very Rev. obedient and affectionate brother,
Jacob R. Hardenbergh.
At Rosendale, in the County of Ulster,
State of New York, Nov. 7, 1783.
REV. DR. JOHN H. LIVINGSTON TO REV. THEODORIC ROMEYN, MARCH 18, 1784.
University for the State of New York.
" That evening when I parted with you, the Governors of the College met, and a bill for erecting a University in the State of New York was read to us. Many observations upon the bill, in the form it then bore, were made, and some alter- ations were strongly urged. The alterations insisted upon were not essential, with respect to the basis of the University, but only the form in which the matter was managed. There is no opposition from any quarter which occasions the least doubt but the business will be conducted with that spirit of catholicism and harmony, which will insure a literary foundation of importance to the Church and State. As soon as the bill has obtained its proper alterations, and gone through its different stages, I will endeavor to obtain a copy for you, and send it over to you."
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
INCORPORATION OF RELIGIOUS BODIES.
Extract from "An Act to enable all the religious denominations in this State to appoint Trustees, who shall be a body corporate, for the purpose of taking care of the temporalities of their respective congregations, and for other purposes therein mentioned."
Passed 6th of April, 1784.
I. Be it therefore enacted by the people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That from and after the passing of this Act, it shall and may be lawful to and for the male persons of full age, belonging to any church, congregation, or religious society not already established within this State, or which may at any time here- after be within the same, to assemble and meet together at the church, meeting- house, or other place where they statedly attend for divine worship, and then and there by plurality of voices, to elect, nominate, and appoint any number of discreet and prudent persons of their church, congregation, or society, not less than three, or exceeding nine in number, as Trustees, to take the charge of the estate and property belonging to their respective churches, congregations, or religious soci- eties, and to transact all affairs relative to the temporalities of their respective churches, 'congregations, or societies : That at such election every male person of full age, who has statedly worshipped with the said church, congregation, or society, and has formally been considered as belonging thereto, shall be entitled to a voice at such first election."
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XIV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful, to and for every religious corporation created by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Colony of New York, to have, hold, occupy and enjoy, lands, tenements, goods and chattels of the yearly value of one thousand two hun- dred pounds, although the Letters Patent by which such corporation respectively were created, should contain a clause or clauses restricting and limiting the annual revenue and income of such corporation, at a sum less than one thousand two hun- dred pounds; any law, usage, or custom to the contrary in any wise notwith- standing." See Oct. 5, 1784, etc.
[See Amendment, March 7, 1788.]
REPEAL OF ALL SECTARIAN LEGISLATION PASSED DURING THE COLONIAL PERIOD.
An Act for making such Alterations in the Charter of the Corporation of Trinity Church, as to render it more conformable to the Constitution of the State .- Passed 17th April, 1784.
GENERAL MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS OF THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK, MAY 18-21, 1784.
Condition of the Reformed Church at the close of the Revolution. Extracts.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1784
DRAFT RESPECTING THE STATE OF THE OUTSTANDING CONGRE- GATIONS AND OF THE CHURCHES.
The gentlemen appointed a committee to draft a report in relation to the con- gregations which still stand out, etc., laid the same before this Rev. Body, reading as follows :
From the reports on this subject, laid upon the table of this Rev. Body, it appears to the members of the committee, salvo meliori, that the Rev. Consistory of Albany, or at least their minister, is disposed to a union, but that the opposition of a por- tion of the congregation has excited their fears, and led them to request further time in order to bring them over.
The two smaller congregations, Niskayuna and Half Moon, in the vicinity of Albany, decline, not so much from opposition as fear of disturbance, and particu- larly on account of the example of Albany. Rev. Cock's refusal to the members of the committee, to convene his Consistory for the execution of their commission, renders evident his vehement opposition, and affords reason to suppose that he employs his influence against it in the congregation; which appears the more strange, inasmuch as he has heretofore been so zealous for subordination to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
It further clearly appears to the members of this committee, that such an inde- pendence, or a remaining by themselves, must be associated with dangerous and pernicious consequences ; as, viz. :
1. Of schism in such congregations, without ecclesiastical remedy.
2. That such a state of things might be of most undesirable consequence in rela- tion to the congregations already united, inasmuch as, upon the occurrence of anything displeasing to them, influenced by this example, they might lightly with- draw from the union and their ecclesiastical subordination, without its being pos- sible for this Rev. Body to prevent it.
3. That such congregations continuing to stand out, are, by reasons of their situation and the particular state of the land, open to all those corrupting and ruinous influences which go in connection with ecclesiastical independence, in the midst of an overwhelming flood of errors and soul-destroying heresies.
Wherefore, the Rev. Committee are necessarily brought to the conclusion, that the Rev. Body should, in the most emphatic manner, represent this subject to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and through it to the Rev. Synod, with request that they will again urge this weighty and highly important matter, if so be that it may serve at length to gain over the congregations which still stand out, and secure the desired consummation of our great work of Union.
The Rev. Committee having further availed themselves of all possible assistance in the execution of their commission, ask the additional liberty and honor of laying the following before this Rev. Body :
That the formal congregations, with the Ministers within the compass of the jurisdiction of this Rev. Body, are found to be the following :
IN THE PARTICULAR BODY OF NEW YORK.
Congregations.
New York
Ministers. Joannes Ritzema, Emeritus Lambertus de Ronde. Joannes H. Livingston.
Flatbush
Brooklyn
Bushwick
. Ulpianus Van Sinderen.
Amersfort
New Utrecht
Jamaica
1
Oyster Bay
ยท Vacant.
Success
Newtown
Vacant.
Phillipsburgh
Vacant.
Cortlandt's Manor
Rev. Gross.
Ger. Congregation at New York.
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