1755 THE COLLEGE AND THE DUTCH CHURCH. Report on the Personal Petition of Domine Ritzema for Second Tuesday of May, 1755. Committee presented a Report which was read approved and signed by the Governors. The Reverend Mr. Henry Barclay, Chairman of the Committee appointed on seventh instant to prepare a Petition to his Honour the Lieutenant Governor & establishing a Dutch Professor of Divinity in the College reported that they ha prepared the said Petition which, being read and approved of is in the words f : lowing (to witt): To the Honourable James De Lancey, Esq., his Majesty's Lieutenant Gover and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and territories the depending in Councill. The Petition of the Governours of the College of the Province of New York the City of New York in America, humbly Sheweth That whereas by his Majesti Letters Patent of Incorporation bearing date the 31st of October, 1754, the sole powe of electing Professors of the College is vested in the Governors, and that they estceive it will tend to the prosperity of the College and the increase of the numb of students, if provision could be made for establishing a Professorship in Divin for the instruction of such youth as may intend to devote themselves to the sacri Ministry in those Churches in this Province that are in Communion with and cform to the Doctrine, discipline and Worship established in the United Provi by the National Synod of Dort, and any other Students that may be desirous attend his Lectures: Your Honour's Petitioners therefore humbly pray that an Additional Charter Granted them for that Purpose and that the nomination of such a Professor from time to time be in the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protesta Dutch Church in this City and the same established in such manner as shall seet best to your Honour. And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. Wm. Kempe, A. D. Peyster, Hen. Barclay, Joannes Ritzema, John Albert Wergand, Joannes Carle, Samuel Johnson, Josiah Martin, Paul Richard, Hen. Cruce Jno. Watts, Henry Beekman, Philip Ver Planck, Fred. Philipse, Jos. Robinson, Jobi Cruger, James Livingston, B. Nicol, Jos. Reade, Nath'l. Marston, Joseph Hayes Jno. Livingston, David Clarkson, Leonard Lispenard, James De Lancey. New York, May 13th, 1755. Ordered that the Committee who prepared the said Petition be a Committee wait upon his Honour the Lieutenant Governor with the same, and to solicit the Grant mentioned in the said Petition. THE COLLEGE and the DUTCH CHURCH. Action of the Governor and Council on the Report recommending an Additional Charter to the Charter of Kings College, to give a Divinity Professorship to the Dutch Church therein. May 19, 1755. [See May 30, 1755.] At a Council held at Fort George, in the City of New York, on Monday, the nineteenth day of May, 1755. Present, The Honorable James De Lancey, Esq., Lieut.-Gov., etc. Mr. Alexander, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Murray. Mr. Holland, After recapitulating the petition as given May 13, the following is the action of the Council: Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Gentlemen of the Council, or ny five of them. The Governor withdrawing, the Gentlemen of the Council resolved into a Comittee on the said Petition, and being agreed upon their report, His Honour eturned and took his seat. Then Mr. Holland, Chairman of the said Committee in his place, reported that Which report on the question being put, was agreed to and approved of. 1755 CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA. Rev. John Ritzema to Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderin, May 22, 1755. Very Rev. Sir and Brother: New York, May 22nd, 1755. Inasmuch as I have understood that Rev. Curtenius has partly. declared himself as to the acceptance of the call to Long Island, but that first, two Articles of Pacification would be laid before you and your adherents, and which are to be either accepted or rejected, but which will, nevertheless, make no difference in the matter; therefore I take the liberty of sending your Rev. these few lines, on condition that they shall be for your Rev. alone, as they relate to your own welfare. Your adherents may, in this matter, do whatever they think they can answer for. I am of opinion, however, that even if your Rev. must differ with them, the safest thing now for your Rev. is to take care of yourself. In case your Rev. should deem it necessary to communicate this with proper restrictions to your nearest of kin, I am willing, because I aim in this letter at nothing else save your own well being. Yesterday, Rev. Curtenius assured me, that he does not want your Rev. to drop the arrears which are due you. Therefore, your Rev. if I understand matters correctly, had better observe due prudence in your answer, if such a demand should be made on you. He has promised me that, if your Rev. will conduct yourself toward him as a brother, he will at once go with you from 1755 house to house, through the whole congregation, and cause all disputes to cease; so that it will no more be said, I am of this party or of that party, but all will be in accord with one another. In that way also your Rev. would be provided with your full salary. Moreover, his Rev., when peace is restored, will do everything in his power for the arrears due you, in a way that shall at the time seem most fitting. May your Rev. accept this advice of mine with the same heart with which I send it to your Rev! With greeting, your Rev's. obedient servant, J. Ritzema. CHURCH OF NEW YORK, MAY 23, 1755. PROCEEDS OF SALE The six hundred pounds for domine Boel's house, in the hands of Theodore Van J. Ritzema. In the same consistory, after calling on God's name, it was considered what answer should be given to domine (Theodore) Frielinghuysen, concerning his written proposal, presented March 2, 1755. This consistory came to this conclusion "Myn Heer:--We cannot now answer you, until we have received letters from the Classis." This resolution domine Ritzema shall make known in writing to bis Reverence. This done etc., signed etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President. THE AMERICAN CLASSIS AND ACADEMY. Convention held at New York, at the call of Theodore Frielinghuysen, for taking action in reference to a Classis and an [See April 17, 1755.] Academy, on May 27-30, 1755. Portfolio, "New York", Vol. ii. Minutes. Tuesday, Forenoon. Extracts, Vol. xxiii 432-3. [May 27.] Pursuant to a proposition made to the several churches, a fraternal Conference was held at New York, on the 27th of May, 1755. The object of it was to reques to have the [Dutch] Coetu Very Rev. Synod of Holland to take measures untry transformed into a Classis, in an ecclesiastically legal way; also to give its help and advice in the matter of estab- 1755 The meeting having been opened with an edifying prayer by Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, the Rev. Rainehardt Erickson was chosen president and Rev. John Leydt, scribe. After a thanksgiving prayer the meeting adjourned. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the meeting was opened with an impressive prayer by the president. The meeting took up for further consideration the great matter and chief object, namely, a Classis and a Seminary. The personal signatures from the different churches to the document relative thereto were brought to the table. It was found to be the opinion and purpose of these churches to put these matters in operation, and to further them. In this matter, the members representing the churches, were of one mind, with the exception of Rev. Mancius and his elder, and Willem Smith, elder from the Wallkill. These men were in favor of a Seminary; and also of a Classis, provided matters of business were never to be decided by a mere majority of votes; but, in case of there being no unanimity, the matter must be referred to the Synod, etc. To all the other members this point seemed to be unecclesiastical. Thereupon these men left the Assembly. The previous questions having been decided, the question was discussed as to how these matters should be presented to the Synod. It was resolved to do this through a delegate provided with proper instructions and credentials. Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen was chosen as such delegate, by a unanimous vote. A paper was drawn up and signed by the Assembly, for defraying, in part, Rev. Frielinghuysen's traveling expenses. Rev. Frielinghuysen, while declaring himself disposed to serve this Assembly, and the Church in general, in this matter, stated certain difficulties with reference to his own congregation. The Assembly, well understanding the precious and tender relation existing between ministers and their congregations, declared that it had no desire ever to bring about any misunderstanding or any kind of separation; but, on the contrary, it would always heartily seek to preserve such relationships in every way, and have them grow richer in love. It was, therefore, by no means the wish of the Assembly that his Revs. congregation should be entirely deprived of service during the time of his Revs. absence across the sea; but, if it should meet with its approval, that congregation should, as far as possible, be supplied by the brethren. Whereupon his Rev. gave answer in the affirmative, [that he would go]. But, to meet further conditions, a committee was appointed, consisting of Revs. Fryemoet, 1755 Marinus, Vrooman and Leydt, and the elder Fisher, to draw up petitions, instructions and credentials. After thanksgiving the Assembly adjourned to meet again at 10 o'clock the next morning. Wednesday Forenoon, May 28. The Meeting having been opened with prayer, a messenger brought in a letter from Rev. Ritzema, which was addressed to the Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen. Enclosed therewith was a protest from Rev. Haaghoort against this Conference, as to whatever it might do now, or at any time hereafter; also another from Paramus, signed likewise by himself, the minister being absent. Accompanying these [protests] was another also from the so-called Trustees of Hackensack and Schralenburg A paper, however, was now read, declaring that it was the purpose [of the members] of this Assembly, both now and hereafter, to act in unison, in promoting and keeping up the interest in these matters about a Classis and a Seminary, etc. This was approved and signed by the [members of the] Assembly. After thanksgiving the meeting adjourned. Afternoon. The Meeting was opened with prayer. The question was then further discussed. as to how the delegate, who might be sent on this business to Holland, could be most surely and satisfactorily compensated for his trouble, or, at least, guaranteed against loss. It was agreed that, besides the traveling expenses, the promise be made to Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, that, on his return home, he should receive such compensation as the success of the cause, and our ability resulting therefrom, should warrant, according to the reasonable judgement of this Assembly. In this action both the Assembly and Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen acquiesced. Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen was still somewhat anxious about the feeling of his church. It was, therefore, resolved that, in the name of this Assembly, an earnest and friendly letter should be written to the Consistory of Albany, requesting them to consent to his Revs. going across the sea, although he was their minister; for it would be done with the expectation of their enjoying his ministry again on his return. The letter should give the reasons, at the same time, why the Assembly gave his Rev. the preference over others, and why it would be right for him to accept, and for them to consent. It should also declare its purpose that their congregation should by no means be left without service. Thereupon certain matters were committed to different brethren: such as the drawing up a petition to the Synod of Holland; preparing a subscription list, etc.; also to request Revs. John Ritzema and Lambertus de Ronde to attend the erin session of the Coetus, which is to be shortly called etc.; also a request that the special scribe would bring the Minute Book of the Coetus, Its papers, etc. As for the rest of the absent members, Revs. G. Haaghoort, J. Schuyler and B. Van der Lynden, they could not now be informed [of this suddenly called meeting of the Coetus.] Inasmuch as grave complaints had been brought forward by Revs. Benjamin Meynema, John H. Goetschius and U. Van Sinderen, and the holding of an extr session, of the Coetus was strongly urged, because the matters could not brook delay; and inasmuch as the Assembly heartily desired to prevent further mischief, and to heal, if possible, that which might already have been caused; and inasmuch as there was a sufficient number of the members of the Coetus present: the request was granted, and a Coetus was called to assemble the next morning, May 29th, si 9 o'clock, at the house of Neys Hegeman, in New York. Hereupon the meeting adjourned. [Extra Session of the Coetus.] Thursday, Forenoon, May 29. The Meeting was opened with prayer. It was to act as an extra session of the were elected to take agai: eribe [of Sept. 19, 1754, Ritzema and Verbryck] I've offices. |