1752 Yet they repair to it again when there is hope of getting what they want, and of keeping Arondeus. Also in the affairs of Acquakenonk, in the time of John van Driessen, the Coetus and Classis were ridiculed; but now they repair thither again, without doing anything (toward a settlement) of that case. But when Classis recommended to Coetus the union (of Aquackononck) with Second River, it was then openly declared they had no business with the Coetus. Nevertheless, when summoned, an elder appeared saying his people was not inclined to union. But surely this (their conduct) should not have stood in the way of Coetus undertaking such a desirable business; just as little as (it should not have stood in the way) when they wished to keep such a fellow as Arondeus. With him the party of Van Sinderen will never be reconciled; for from his (Van Sinderen's) standpoint it is impossible. They (the Coetus) should not have re jected his (Haaghoort's) peace-loving letters which tended in every sense to the welfare of the churches. And the replies of Acquackononk should have been looked at and considered, (by the Coetus), and the opinions of both churches should have been asked for, and become known by the Coetus, as was the case with those of Long Island. More information should have been sought, and thus the intentions of Classis could have been complied with. Heretofore he (Haaghoort) has been writing about the Committee; now, one (David) Marinus, is given (attention to). He was examined by Rev. Schlatter in Philadelphia on his own authority, and was provided with a license to preach, and that without the knowledge of the (German) Coetus. He (Schlatter) pretends to have a commission which allows him to do everything. This surprised even his own elder. Nevertheless he attends the Coetus, (the German Coetus?) without anything being said of all this. Twice did the writer of this letter speak of it at (our) Coetus, but nothing was done in the premises. Thus the congregations have more liberty than the ministers. They are so subordinated to the Classis that they are completely dependent on it, as if they were its mere servants. This was an expression used in the Coetus, and it (thus substantially) appears also in its Fundamental Articles. (See under date of April 27, 1738.) Since all the Minutes (of Coetus?) are sent over to the same, (to the Classis?) and (matters) therein are approved or disapproved, why, he asks, is not the same authority used over the (individual) congregations. Especially in matters relating to calls? If they (the congregations) cannot be thus subordinated, why is there not an effort made to bring the business of the Coetus to the same condition? and (also to bring the business of?) the churches out of the fundamental causes of the disputes? One ought to try to take away these fundamental causes, as a wise physician would do. He asks-Whether it would be too severe a threat, (to declare)—that the Coetus or Classis would ratify no call unless it were guaranteed (in the call, that the congregation would be) subject to the Coetus and the Classis and their laws; or rather, (unless it were guaranteed that) honest persons should (not) be allowed to be abused. Should not the Coetus be allowed to recommend and help honorable men to vacant churches, as well as such dishonorable ones as De Wint and Arondeus? To such ends he (Haeghoort) had sought to direct the affairs in the Coetus, but in vain; yet to this end was directed the very draught of the Regulations. He also suggested that instead of the plan of an almost impracticable "Church-Visitation "," "* each minister and elder at the Coetus should be asked, Whether each one did his duty? Whether the salary was promptly paid to the preacher? But this Article was left out of the list (of Rules of the Coetus.) He is indeed aware that we (the Classis) tried to co-operate toward the accomplishment of these matters, in our letters of 1749 Article 44 of Rules of Synod of Dort: "Each Classis shall authorize two or more of the eldest, most experienced and best qualified of its members, annully to visit all the churches belonging to its jurisdiction, both in the cities and in the country; whose business it shall be to enquire-Whether the ministers, consistories and schoolmasters do faithfully discharge their offices? Whether they adhere to sound doctrine? Whether they observe in all things the received discipline, and promote as much as possible, by word and deed, the edification of the congregation in general, and of the youth in particular? That so they may reasonably and in a brotherly manner, admonish those who in either of these particulars may be found negligent; and by their counsel and conduct assist in directing all things to the edification and prosperity of the churches and schools. Each Classis may continue their " Visitors" in office during pleasure, except when the Visitors themselves for reasons, of which the Classis shall judge, request to be dismissed." This was found in colonial times, on account of the distance between the churches to be quite impracticable. 1752 1752 and October 15, 1750; but to his regret no heed was given thereto. No letters which were necessary to him, in relation to his Protest, had been sent to him; nevertheless (he) knew their contents; that they must not be so reckless, in the making of their calls. He had strongly insisted thereon, but the pretended correspondent brought matters into such a shape, that even the adopted Articles were made obscure, or were altered. For they went so far in this cor respondence, that these Articles were withdrawn, which contained the peremptory decision of Classis about Rev. (T. J.) Frielinghuysen which declared him orthodox and removed the ban; but they altered them, acknowledging him simply as "lawful ”. Finally, he says that the churches, which make the calls, should therein be made equally subordinate to Coetus, as the ministers are pledged thereto, in the calls. It was this which had occasioned such a storm in the case of Rev. Hoevenberg at New York, who, refusing to do so, (to make himself subordinate), his call was made null and void. It is thus they know how to make use of the Coetus. If even the Consistory of New York has prescribed this for its ministers, why not do the same for all the ministers to gether? This would remove many causes of dispute and increase brotherly love. A committee on this, his Protest, had been appointed. Most of the members of the Coetus are witnesses of what he has said. He requests a copy, if that Committee should write anything to us, (the Classis) so that he may be able to defend himself, and we may be enabled to proceed discreetly, who, now that it is too late, can not help him under all the ill-treatment he has received. He knows not what else to do, except to put forth proper efforts; he will seek to be faithful, and comfort himself with the Divine promises. He concludes with salutations. ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letters Read. 1752, April 10th. Art. 10. Extracts were read from several letters, as follows: 1. From Rev. Gerard Haggoord of Second River, of July 17, 1751, received by us Oct. 26, 1751. To this no reply shall be made because of contemptuous and malicious expressions. 2. From Rev. John Ritzema of New York, Nov. 15, 1751, together with several papers relating to a call of Rev. John Aemilius Wernig (Wernich) to Stone Arabia, N. Y. These shall be discussed at a following meeting of Classis. In the meantime Rev. Ritzema shall be answered in general terms. A letter to him was read and approved. 3. From Rev. George Weiss of the 1 and 17 of November, 1751. This shall also be answered in general terms. 4. From Rev. G. H. Mancius, of Kingston, N. Y. of October 11, 1751. It was written in the name of the Consistory there, and was received Feb. 16, 1752. To this no reply shall for the present be made. In regard to that matter relating to the church of New Paltz, further information is awaited. 5. From the Revs. Leid (Leydt) and Goetschius, October 18, 1751, in the name of the Coetus of New York, together with some testimonia touching the case of P. de Wind. 6. From whom (De Wind) a letter was also communicated to the Classis; 7. as well as one from the Consistory of Bergen and Staten Island in reference to him (De Wind) which was addressed to Classis. While these affairs are of the utmost importance, they shall first be written about to the Classis of Nether Veluwe, and also to Revs. Wynstok and Medenbach, of whom mention is made in those letters, after which the affair shall be further acted on. xii. 283. ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Ritzema, April 10, 1752. To Rev. John Ritzema, Pastor at New York: Rev. Sir and Beloved Brother:-In order to show you that the Classis of Amsterdam will gladly answer your friendly statements to her concerning different affairs in the Church of God in that land where you now find yourself, we write this in the name of the Classis, with our thanks for the trouble which your Rev. has been pleased to take; nevertheless, we hope, that you will not think 1752 1752 it amiss, that we do not at present, elaborate upon the affair itself to which you refer, but consider the matter only as reported, until such time as the Rev. Coetus causes its greetings to be sent in reference to this matter; otherwise, we would be compelled to answer also all the other gentlemen, privately, and thus to make private (public?) affairs which regard the entire Coetus. This would soon create great confusion. Meanwhile, we observe from your honored letter of Nov. 15th, from New York, that this particular affair was communicated to you in the name of the entire Coetus, viz., that they would gladly see Rev. John Aemilius Wernig recognized in the name of the Classis as the lawful pastor at Stone Arabia, notwithstanding he was called and installed there not in accordance with our regular Church Order. We will not fail to make report of this to our Classis, and to inform Coetus as soon as possible of the decision of the Classis thereupon. Furthermore, Rev. Sir and Much-beloved Brother, We remain, after prayer for a blessing upon you, and thanking you for the offer of your services, Your servants to command, The Deputati Classis ad Res Exteras, Amsterdam, John Van der Vorm James Tyken, V. D. M. Amst. Depp. Scriba. April 1, 1752. ACTS OF THE COETUS, CONVENED AT THE REQUEST OF DOм. 1. Opening. The Assembly was opened with prayer by Dom. John Leydt, the last |