service entrusted to him? How can he care for his wife and children, as natural reason obligates him to do? Yea, how can he meekly and tenderly execute such an important function as his if he must make himself entirely insensible to his family's welfare? so that men must regard him as either more than human, or else as altogether inhuman. How can he perform his duties, when he remembers that with his death his salary ends? and then, his wife, now during his life so dear to him, and his children also must become sad and miserable? Unless, indeed, God, by his providence, makes some special provision for them, especially in such times as these, when beneficence is so seldom practiced by the majority of men. Brethren, is not this so? My heart has often been pierced, and my eyes have streamed with tears, when I consider my condition, and how I have been hindered in my office, as I doubt not has also been the case with my associates. What, therefore, I ask, is more appropriate, than an increase of salary in these times? Thus might we be unincumbered in our work, and have what reason and scripture demand from a Christian congregation. See 1 Cor. 9:7-14, compared with Gal. 6:6. But if you cannot help, Rev. Brethren, if you cannot spare this for me, or the congregation does not care about it, then I shall be constrained, however much inclined to exercise my ministry here, to lay down my office among you, and serve God's Church elsewhere; for there is no obligation on a minister to serve in the Gospel without an adequate compensation, or to be wronged in what equitably belongs to him, and, to the injury of his wife and children, minister to a people who have no more esteem or practical regard for him. Be pleased to take both these things into consideration. Therein, I wish you all wisdom, that you may do all things for the benefit and profit of God's Church. I remain with all esteem, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your servant and brother in Christ, 1753 Answer. Lambertus De Ronde. New York, Jan. 25, 1753. This was immediately taken into consideration by the Consistory. It was decided concerning the First Article, that it was not a matter belonging to them, inasmuch as it was attended to in domine De Ronde's call. As to the Second Article, the Consistory agrees to pay the full rent of his dwelling for the current year, amounting to fifty-two pounds ten shillings, although not satisfied with his Rev's. mode of renting. For the following year, forty pounds will be allowed. The Third Article is delayed for further consideration. The Consistory further Resolved, to give to domine Ritzema twenty-five pounds to make up the amount which he received in the first years of his ministry less than his colleagues; provided that he make no further claims. This was agreed to by his Rev. Actum ut supra. Signed in the name, etc. CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Reply of De Ronde to Consistory's Answer. J. Ritzema. New York, Feb. 1, 1753. Consistory held, after calling on God's name. Domine Lambertus De Ronde presented the following reply to the Resolution of the Consistory, passed Jan. 25. On Article 1. I had thought that the Consistory would have been of a different mind concerning this, but I perceive they are not. I think this due me, according to my call; but the reason I laid it before you was to obtain from you my traveling expenses from Surinam. But since you resolve not to pay them, I will not debate the matter, but only ask, if some suitable means cannot be devised to accomplish this end, apart from the treasury of the Church. I thus leave it to your consideration. On Article 2. I am satisfied with the action of the Consistory. On Article 3. I hope that the Consistory as soon as may be, will increase our salaries, and so rest with my colleagues. 1753 The Consistory, having considered the foregoing, determined in reference to the first point, that if it could be effected, without burdening the Church Treasury, they had no objection. The second point is ended. The third will be attended to as soon as they find themselves able. J. Ritzema, p. t. President. CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA. Jan Hegeman and Minne Schenck, (a faction of the church of To the Student, Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Mr. Thomas Romeyn. Mynheer: Each of us, the undersigned, representing the consistories of the church of Queens, named below, have understood that your Rev. has, under the direction of Mr. Johannes Frelinghuysen, accepted a call to Oyster Bay and, in part, Jamaica; and, as we are informed, including even the undersigned church. This matter looks very strange to us; for we have understood that the Coetus sent Rev. de Ronde to Oyster Bay; and, by general consent, he was chosen, and not Johannes Frielinghuysen, to transact church business among us in Queens. Therefore we ask you, most kindly, not to persevere in the above-mentioned arrangements, for we think it will tend more to confusion than to peace. In case you should persevere in this matter (of your call), we shall feel ourselves bound to oppose you therein. Minne Schenck At Queens-otherwise called Hempstead-(Success or North Hempstead.) February 3, 1753. CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies, March 8, 1753. (Abstract.) Letter from Rev. Haaghoort, of Second River, (Belleville), December 10, 1752, with enclosures concerning Rev. Muzelius at Tappan. Received, March 8, 1753. I. The letter itself. By this opportunity, because he is charged with forwarding the enclosures, he informs us of his surprise that he has received no answer from us, to his Protest against the Coetus, nor to his previous letter to us. He mentions the fact, also, that the Coetus has ordained and installed (gepromoveert) Rev. Marinus, as minister at Aquackenonk, (a place formerly united with Second River, (Belleville) belonging to the Coetus, and subordinate to the Classis). This they have done in behalf of Rev. Schlatter of Pennsylvania, who has been employed thus to act by the Synods of South and North Holland; but he (Haaghoort) cannot harmonize this, (with other Acts). The Classis refuses this power, and with reason; the Synods, to whom they (the parties) are not known, neither are directly subject, grant it; and that to a person who has not the least relation with them, a Swiss, formerly sent by the Synods to the German churches in Pennsylvania. He (Schlatter) has himself undertaken, on his own authority, to examine Marinus, and give him a license to preach; in particular, at Acquackenonck. Can such things. asks he (Haaghoort), succeed, without the cognizance of this Classis? If so, why was it not prevented? If not, the same way is opened for them. He thinks the mistake lies in the fact that the Synods suppose that Acquackenonck is situated in Pennsylvania. But then the blame rests on Rev. Schlatter, and the Classis, who know better. Or can it be, that Synod has no knowledge of the existence of a Coetus? For Rev. (Gualterus) Du Bois is the only one written to about F'ennsylvania affairs, and the Coetus is passed by, notwithstanding so many agitations by Schlatter. He wishes to lay this matter before the Synod more fully. Now he only writes thus briefly in haste, to prevent dispute and schism, and to see whether some means could not be devised to bring everything to rights? (alles te regt te brengen?) The German churches in New York are inclined to unite themselves with the English Presbyterian-Independents. They have a Synod there, and also one in Philadelphia. (This they may do) in order to get their ordination (promotite) in that way, in this land; for they are displeased at the refusal of the Classis, (to allow ordinations here) and object to the cost and trouble of sending their students across (the ocean); and they are strengthened therein by the address of the Synods and the Philadelphia Coetus. Thus there is danger that they may separate themselves and fall away from the Holland National Church, and themselves become independent; and thus much further down in the scale than that strange (or foreign) German Coetus. Nevertheless, the Synods judge that it might be recognized as a Classis. There are beginnings of this already, as it was attempted in the case of Acquackenonk. He further remarks, that if that union should occur, as he fears, it would be better that the Presbyterians should unite with them, (the Dutch) as they (the Presbyterians) have no Liturgies or Forms. He ends with salutation. II. The enclosures refer to Rev. Muzelius, Emeritus Pastor at Tappan. 1. A letter signed at Tappan at the house of Isaac Blaauwenvelt, December 6, 1752, by Revs. Haaghoort, Goetschius and Verbryck, V. D. M. They suppose it is already known to us that Rev. Muzelius, (by) direction of the Coetus, was declared Emeritus on February 21, 1750. This was done probably for his preservation; for, on account of his reckless conduct, serious accusations were brought in against him at the last two meetings of the Coetus as appears from the Acta of Coetus of September 10, 1751, and of April 14, 1752, Session VI. § 3, which was communicated to him in writing expressly; and if this should have no good result, the consistory was then to refer the case to three neighboring ministers with their elders, to take action against Muzelius even to the extent of censure, and to make report of this to Coetus, that it might be determined whether the affair should have to proceed to a deposition. In accordance with this resolution of Ccetus they spent (lit., lost, gevaceert) two days in the investigation of those matters. They found that Muzelius, since he was made Emeritus, had returned again to his previous drunkenness and irreligious conduct; that he also causes great dissensions; he threatens the congregation with total ruin, with his preaching and baptizing children in private houses in the face of all friendly admonitions of consistory and Coetus. Within two years he has but twice attended public worship, although he was urged to diligent attendance by Coetus. He treats the members of consistory and the ministers with affronts. He did great damage to the congregation's house and barn before he left, by burning and breaking down the fences, etc. The committee invited him in a friendly way to attend their meeting and bring in his complaints; and to reply to the complaint and accusations brought against him; but he sent back the mesenger with a scoffing retort and refused to have any dealings with the committee or Coetus. Also by aid of his brothers-in-law, who belong to the consistory (or Church?) of England, (die aan den kerkenraad van Engelant behoren,) he caused the elders who were in office three years ago, to be summoned before the Civil Court (or Judge). All these things are established by eye and ear witnesses. The schisms, scandals and disturbances in the congregation are excessive; yea, so extreme, that two elders elect, out of fear, refuse to assume office; and many threaten to leave the church. A speedy remedy is therefore necessary, to prevent the entire ruin of the church. They transmit to us their verdict in writing, which they also made known to Muzelius. They hope and expect that we will take compassion on the sad condition of the churches in those regions, where so many schisms are caused by intruders; that despoilers of the flock may be punished as circumstances may demand. They request a speedy answer hereto. They conclude with salutation. 1753 1753 The second enclosure is this: Tappan, December 6, 1752, at the house of Isaac Blaauwvelt. The meeting having weighed everything carefully in the fear of the Lord, unanimously resolved: 1. That Frederic Muzelius be no longer recognized as an Emeritus Minister, but be declared unworthy of such title. 2. That if Muzelius does not submit to this decision, does not desist from further stirring up dissensions in the churches by his preaching and baptizing in private houses or elsewhere, and from his offensive conduct, that the consistory of Tappan punish him as an unworthy member of the church, with ecclesiastical excommunication, according to Church Order. 3. That the consistory fraternally exhort the disobedient members, and others to return to the church; and in case of obstinacy, that the consistory act in regard to their members, according to the church discipline. 4. That Muzelius, by his exciting schism and ill-behavior, during the period of his Signed, Gerhardus Haaghoort, President; J. H. Goetschius, V. D. M.; Benjamin Van der Linden, V. D. M.; Albertus ter Huyn, elder at Paramus; Simon Demarest, elder at Schralenberg. THE CHURCH AND THE COLLEGE. xxiii. 299-305. Remarks on the Intended College in New York. Shall it be Sectarian or Unsectarian? By William Livingston, March 22, 1753. (See Nov. 25, 1751.) (Extracts.) The Design of erecting a College in this Province, is a Matter of such grand and general importance, that I have frequently made it the topic of my serious Meditation. Nor can I better employ my Time than by devoting a Course of Papers to so interesting a Subject. A Subject of universal Concernment, and in a peculiar Manner involving in it, the Happiness and Well-being of our Posterity! That the College ought to be placed in or near this City, appears evident from numberless Arguments, that naturally occur to the most superficial Thinker. But while we have been amusing ourselves with Disputations concerning the Situation of the Building, we have been strangely indolent about its Constitution and Government, in Comparison of which, the other is a Trifle that scarce deserves Attention. That the College ought therefore to be situated near our Metropolis, and that it will be productive, if properly regulated, of unspeakable Benefit to this province, I shall lay down as two postulate not to be questioned....... The true use of Education, is to qualify Men for the different Employments of Life, to which it may please God to call them.... The Consequences of a liberal Education will soon be visible throughout the whole Province. They will appear on the Bench, at the Bar, in the Pulpit, and in the Senate, and unavoidably affect our civil and religious Principles. Let us adduce, a few Arguments from Reason, Experience and History. At Harvard College in the Massachusetts-Bay, and at Fale College in Connecticut, the Presbyterian Profession is in some sort established. It is in these Colonies the commendable Practice of all who can afford it, to give their Sons an Education at their respective Seminaries of Learning. While they are in the Course of their Education, they are sure to be instructed in the Arts of maintaining the Religion of the College, which is always that of their immediate Instructors; and of combating the Principles of all other Christians whatever. When the young Gentlemen, have run thro' the Course of their Education, they enter into the Ministry, or some Offices of the Government, and acting in them under the Influence of the Doctrine espoused in the Morning of Life, the Spirit of the College is transfused thro' the Colony, and tinctures the Genius and Policy of the public Administration, from the Governor down to the Constable. Hence the Episcopalians cannot acquire an equal Strength among them, till some new Regulations, in matters of Religion, prevail in their Colleges, which perpetually produce Adversaries to the heirarchical System. Nor is it to be questioned, that the Universities in North and South Britain, greatly support the different professions that are established in their respective Divisions. In the Reign of King James II. of arbitrary and papistical Memory, a Project jesuitically artful, was concerted to poison the Nation, by filling the Universities with popish-affected Tutors; and but for our glorious Deliverance, by the immortal William, the Scheme had been sufficient, in Process of Time, to have introduced and established, the sanguinary and anti-christian Church of Rome.-The Independent Reflector, pp. 67, 68, 70. 1753 THE CHURCH AND THE COLLEGE. Evils of a Sectarian College supported by public Funds. By William Livingston, March 29, 1753. (Extracts.) I shall now proceed to offer a few arguments, which I submit to the Consideration of my Countrymen, to evince the necessity and importance of constituting our College upon a Basis the most catholic, generous and free. It is in the first place observable, that unless its Constitution and Government, be such as will admit Persons of all protestant Denominations, upon a perfect Parity as to Privileges, it will itself be greatly prejudiced, and prove a Nursery of Animosity, Dissension and Disorder. Should our College, therefore, unhappily thro' our own bad Policy, fall into the Hands of any one religious Sect in the Province: Should that Sect, which is more than probable, establish its religion in the College, show favour to its votaries, and cast Contempt upon others; 'tis easy to foresee, that Christians of all Denominations amongst us, instead of encouraging its prosperity, will, from the same Principles, rather conspire to oppose and oppress it. Besides English and Dutch Presbyterians, which perhaps exceed all our other religious Professions put together; we have Episcopalians, Anabaptists, Lutherans, Quakers, and a growing Church of Moravians, all equally zealous for their discriminating Tenents: Whichsoever of these has the sole Government of the College, will kindle the jealousy of the rest, not only against the persuasion so preferred, but the College itself. In such a state of things, we must not expect the Children of any, but of that sect which prevails in the Academy, will ever be sent to it: For should they, the established Tenets must either be implicity received, or a perpetual religious War necessarily maintained. Another Argument against so pernicious a Scheme is, that it will be dangerous to Society. The extensive Influence of such a Seminary, I have already shown in my last Paper. And have we not reason to fear the worst Effects of it, where none but the Principles of one Persuasion are taught, and all others depressed and disCountenanced? Where, instead of Reason and Argument, of which the Minds of the Youth are not capable, they are early imbued with the Doctrines of a Party, inforced by the Authority of a Professor's Chair, and the combining Aids of the President, |