1753 ! Wednesday, September 19-Forenoon. Opened with prayer to God. 1. Minutes Committees.-The minutes of yesterday were read, and no exceptions Dom. Frelinghuysen inquired whether a child born in incestuous fornication could 2. Dom. Hacghoort's Protest.-It was proposed by him to drop his protest now, with the view of putting the Coetus on a better footing at its next ordinary or extraordinary session. The Assembly heartily agreed to supply all deficiencies in its constitution which should be intelligently and kindly shown; and with this Dom. Haeghoort was satisfied. The Assembly having appointed the next ordinary meeting for the handling of this matter, prior to all other questions, the brethren were all requested to be present. 3. Muzelius. The committee on this case reported that Dom. Muzelius, on condition of remaining an Emeritus minister, would remove out of the congregation, and forego his claims for a moderate sum of money. The Assembly agreed that Dom. Muzelius, on the written condition of removing fairly and promptly from Dom. VerBryck's congregation, of releasing them of their obligations for a sum of money, and promising in future to behave in a Christian manner, according to God's Word and the Church Order, should be held and recognized as an Emeritus minister. The Assembly requested Abr'm Lefferts, Jas. Roosevelt, and Elbert Haering to adjust matters in their name between Dom. Muzelius and the Consistory and congregation of Tappan, and carry out the agreement stated in the foregoing resolution. Till the accomplishment of this object, Dom. Muzelius is to abstain from all ministerial service in Dom. Verbryck's congregation; and if the agreement is not made, then the Coetus will proceed to consider the Classical Letter to their committee on this subject. All of which is to be announced to him orally. Separated with thanksgiving. Afternoon Session. Opened with prayer to God, as usual. 1. Appeal of Duryee.-Dom. De Ronde was requested to write to Dan Duryee, to inform him that the first minute, of which a copy was furnished him, would remain in the minutes, and that he might present his protest by the Extraordinary Clerk. The Rev. Messrs. Frelinghuysen and Leydt, and the elder, Fisher, were requested to reply to this protest and appeal, in the name of the Coetus. 2. Appeal of Arondeus.-The committee on the reply to this, reported a draft, which was amended by the Assembly, and then given to Dom. Ritzema to be fairly copied, and forwarded with the other papers of the Rev. Coetus. It was ordered that the next Ordinary Coetus should be held on the fourth Tuesday of September. Separated with thanksgiving. Thursday, September 20-Forenoon. Opened with prayer. The minutes of yesterday afternoon were read, and no exceptions taken to them. The full reply to the protest and appeal of Arondeus's followers were read over, and the brethren were heartily thanked for it. Mr. William Jackson, being about to travel to Europe, showed his ecclesiastical testimonials, and offered his service to the Assembly; whereupon the President, after inspecting his papers, cordially thanked him, and wished him all health and happiness. The Assembly, after wishing each other all health and blessing in love, separated, with thanksgiving to God. (Signed.) Samuel Verbryck, V. D. M., p. t. President 1753 ONE OF THE CONSISTORIES AT JAMAICA, TO THE COETUS OF NEW Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Ref. xxiv. 32. To the Rev. Coetus of New York: We, the undersigned, consistory of Jamaica, seeing that we are not considered by the Coetus the legal consistory of Jamaica, but are altogether ignored; even to that extent, that a mere part of us, which is declared to be the consistory, is allowed to call a minister; therefore, we find ourselves compelled once again to address ourselves to your Rev. Coetus, because of this grievous treatment which we receive. We, hereby, therefore, address you with the very friendly request for redress in this matter of ours; for we see no reason for such treatment. It can be clearly proved, as this enclosure shows, that we did not refuse, but agreed to the proposition, made in an article, which the Commissioners of the Coetus extracted (from the minutes and) sent us by the hand of the late Rev. (G.) du Bois, for the election of a consistory. But, notwithstanding others have, meanwhile, mixed up this fact with lies, by saying that we were unwilling to act according to the prescribed article; although we never said a word to that effect, and have always acted in perfect accord with the said article; yet the ministers who were either appointed on this business at the time, or else who took it upon themselves, did without further investigating those statements with which we are charged by others, prefer to believe them; and they sent us another article which we could not agree to. We were thus necessitated to look for a neighboring minister, which also we did. We got Rev. Arondeus to help us in choosing a consistory; and, in the liberty given us by the Rev. Classis, as its communication to us shows, we allowed it to be installed by the minister aforesaid. But the Commissioners before mentioned cannot acquiesce in the matter; and in place of the consistory chosen by us, they chose another consistory, in the interest of a party. They have thus set us aside. And nothing of all this, indeed, has come to the Coetus for its consideration; nor the manner how, owing to the most abominable lies, we have been rejected, and looked upon as unwilling to agree; while, on the contrary, we were in every respect willing to act according to the proposition first made. So, to our exceeding sorrow, others have triumphed over us, and power even is given them to make a call, without recognizing us as even members of the church. This is directly against the salutary aim of the Rev. Classis, which does everything to promote amity, peace and unity; in order that all might join hands in the calling of a minister; and thus prevent the setting up a church within a church. And as we have recently received a letter from the Classis, dated May 7, 1753, in which that body expresses the hope that this matter may be set right in the Coetus; we do now once again resort to your Revs. with the friendly request for redress in the same, and for recognition as the legal consistory. We have always been recognized as such by the Classis; and surely will continue to be, when it comes to hear how the Commissioners have been misled by lies. Otherwise we shall be obliged to protest against such appointment of a new consistory, chosen from a party; and we hereby do protest, requesting that, in case redress is refused, a minute may be made thereof for the Classis to act upon at its session in May. Thus done at Jamaica, Queens County, Sept. 11, 1753. Simeon Van Noortwyck Paulus (his mark) p Amerman Daniel Durye. PROTEST OF A CERTAIN CONSISTORY AT JAMAICA AGAINST THE CALL Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Protest of the undersigned Consistory of the churches hereinafter mentioned. We have understood that the student, Thomas Romeyn, has, under the direction of Rev. Johannes Frelinghuysen, accepted a call to the church of Oyster Bay and, in part, of Jamaica. This thing looks exceedingly strange to us, because no regard is paid therein to the action of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam respecting it; nor to action taken by the Rev. Coetus at its last meeting. Such a thing should be done under the direction of the moderator of the call (consulent) who has been appointed thereto, the Rev. De Ronde, and not by Rev. John Frielinghuysen, who is neither moderator nor a brother in the same circle. It is also against the resolution of the Rev. Classis. That body, in the dismission of Rev. Goetsvhius from amongst us, had no other aim than the harmony of the church. Clearly, this is not aimed at by this proceeding, but the church is broken up, and is in a rather worse condition than it even would have been, had the said Goetschius remained. Moreover, the churches contain members of both parties. And when, by a party, therefore, a call is made to get another minister, is that not setting up a church within a church? Is it not against all Church Order? And does it not thereby cause the most irrational confusion? We, therefore, find ourselves necessitated to protest altogether against such an unenlightened treatment; as already we have done and also hereby do in the name of those of us who are standing up for their rights, with the request that this our protest be recorded in the minutes of the Rev. Coetus, in order that the Rev. Classis, by getting it under its eye, may be able to pass a righteous judgment on the case. Signed as Consistory, Simeon Van Noortwyck his Paulus p Amerman Abraham Schenck 1753 Thus done by us at Jamaica, Sept. 11, 1753. CONFIRMATION BY THE COETUS OF THE SENTENCE UPON ARONDEUS, Action of the Coetus in the matter of Rev. Arondeus. Worthy Brethren : The Rev. Coetus, now in session, has at this time in particular, in the fear of the Lord, maturely considered the letters of the Rev. Classis in regard to the disputes, so long pending on Long Island, in Kings County; and finds itself in conscience bound to pass, unanimously, the following resolution, as it has already done, and hereby makes the same known to your Revs: 1. That in regard to the person of Rev. John Arondeus, it can come to no other conclusion than that the sentence previously passed upon him; and which was ratified by the Rev. Classis; and also, in its name, here recently put in force; and now, again, on certain conditions, confirmed that the sentence must take effect. Therefore his Rev. can no longer be minister among you. From now on, you must turn away from him as a minister; and you must no longer refuse to observe what, (as we think), we have, in good conscience before God, and according to His Word and our Church Order, unanimously done. 2. We make known to you that it is our aim, while maintaining righteousness, to promote the true welfare of your church. We have, therefore, thought it best, for the promotion of what is good, and for the removal, root and branch, of what is evil, and whereon we ask the God of all Grace to give you His blessing: 1753 (1) That, the entire Consistory, whatever it be or has the name of being, shall go out, and a new Consistory for the whole of the five united villages of Kings County shall be chosen, from both the parties, and in presence of the Coetus or its Commissioners; according to our previous action taken in the year 1751. (2) That, in the place of Arondeus, a minister sent by the Classis of Amsterdam from Holland, be called. (to be associated with Van Sinderen), by that new Consistory, in the name of the whole church; and that in that call, if possible, the village of Gravesand (Gravesend) also be included, as also in Van Sinderen's call. (3) That, during the vacancy, besides Van Sinderen's services, the church have supplies from the entire Coetus, from the oldest to the youngest. (4) That, during that vacancy, no Consistory meeting shall be held by Van Sinderen as sole president, but only in presence of the minister who shall then be taking his turn there; and, in case of extreme necessity, by calling in one of the brethren of the Circle. Rev. Brethren! the Assembly expects nothing else from you now than that you will all, without exception, accept this so just and equitable resolution; and especially, because the Rev. Assembly is firmly resolved to defend this resolution of theirs in any Church Assembly. Collata Concordant quod testamur, Samuel Verbryck, p. t. Praeses PROTEST OF THE FRIENDS OF ARONDEUS, AGAINST THE ACTION OF THE COETUS CONFIRMING THE SENTENCE ON ARONDEUS, SEPT. 18, 1753. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. To the Rev. Assembly of the Coetus, held in the City of New York. We hereby protest against your Revs.' resolution and decision, passed on the 12th inst. with regard to the person of Rev. John Arondeus, a copy of which was sent to us, and signed, Samuel Verbryck, etc. As also against your Revs.' decision, made on April 16, 1752; on the ground of the acts, being, in our judgement, unjust and improper; because his Rev. as well as ourselves, have, by your Revs., been condemned without a hearing. And when, on the 16th of April, 1752 we appealed in your Revs.' Assembly, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, the president, Rev. Gerard Haeghoort, forbade us to speak, and ordered us to go; and consequently, as we understand it, no notice was taken of us in the Minutes. In response to the communication by the Classis of Amsterdam, recommending us to seek peace, we did, on the 16th of Sept., 1751, offer your Revs.' Assembly, our ready resolution for peace, and to submit ourselves wholly to the judgement of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; and we are still disposed to peace and reconciliation. As we are informed, (for your Revs.' are unwilling to reveal anything to us, thus keeping us in the dark), the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has most highly recommended to your Rev. Assembly, to devise and apply means to bring about peace: and to that end proposed certain rules and conditions for inspiring both parties to seek peace and reconciliation. This your Revs. have not in the least observed; but, on the contrary, on two different occasions, you have condemned us and Rev. Arondeus without allowing us the slightest chance to defend ourselves. This we hold to be contrary to all rights, very unjust and improper; also directly against the Christian aim and object of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, whose aim it is te save, and not to destroy. Wherefore, we hereby appeal to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam for redress, and request that this our appeal may be entered on the Minutes, to be made known to that Rev. Assembly. Johannes Lott Jacob Remsen Kings County, Sept. 18, 1753. ANSWER OF THE COETUS ON THE PROTEST FROM JAMAICA, SEPT. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Copy of the Acts of Coetus, Sept. 19, 1753 in the matter of Worthy Friends! The Rev. Coetus has carefully considered the papers handed in by you, with a view especially 1. To getting your consistory at Jamaica legalized. 2. And hence, the consistory chosen by Rev. Ritzema declared illegal, and so also the call extended by it to Mr. Thomas Romeyn. Answer: As to the first point, the Rev. Assembly can in no wise rule in accordance with your ideas. (1) Because such a thing must be done, according to the action of the Rev. Classis, by a neighboring minister, or one of the commissioners, or one of the Coetus. Rev. Arondeus was neither the one nor the other; not the first, as the outcome proves; not the second, as shown by the fact that he was not sent by the commissioners; and not the third, for he is not of the Coetus up to this time. (2) Because it must be done to the satisfaction of the church; and it was not so done; for the elder, Ab. Lott did not only not vote with you, but being in church himself, protested against your election. As to the second point, that is something, we think, which does not belong to us, because this matter is now pending before the Rev. Classis, his Rev. is no doubt present by this time. So our judgement can do neither good nor harm. If it is possible, the Rev. Classis requires of us the settling of the dispute; therefore, Brethren, consider with us, whether it will not be most fitting for us to act with you in the matter after the judgement of the Rev. Classis thereon shall have become known to both of us. Perchance every difficulty may thereby be at once removed, and both we and you set at ease. Whereupon, the commissioners, having come in, it was agreed to let the whole matter rest until the time when further information shall have been received from the Rev. Classis. Wednesday, Sept. 19, Rev. de Ronde was asked to write a letter to Daniel Durye, informing him that the first minute, a copy of which is given him, will remain in the minutes, and he thus have the liberty to hand in his protest to the special scribe. Revs. Frielinghuysen and Leydt and the elder Visser were asked to reply to the protest and appeal in name of the Coetus. 1753 CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA. The Coetus of New York to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, Sept. 19, 1753. Vol. xxiii. 379, 380. Ref. xxiv. 28. Most Pious and Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ, constituting the Assembly of the Reformed Church at Amsterdam: The first package of your esteemed letters, dated, one December 5, 1752, the second July 17, 1752, and also another of May 7, 1753, we received and opened on the 11th of September; and also one to the committee in the case of Dom. Muzelius; from all which |