1755 being so far satisfactory, gives hope that by his example and his desire. The consistory, according to promise, have paid his passage money from Holland, as well as the expenses from New London, which were little above eight pounds. Further, considering the loss which Mr. Welp suffered in the sale of his goods, in conse quence of his removing from Amsterdam at short notice, the consistory made up among themselves a present of twenty pounds, which he very gladly received. We, therefore, trust that he, exerting himself in his teaching, will feel satisfied with his situation, and find reason for thanking the providence of God which brought him here. Of this he has already given some tokens. This, we think, gentlemen will satisfy you for the work you have done. We pray God to bless you, and the land of your residence, that it may not become a prey to selfish tyranny, especially not to the anti-Christian King of France. His impious cruelties, many, especially on the borders of our neighboring Provinces, experience, in the murders and burnings which are perpetrated by heathen savages, who are bribed and urged on to the work. We subscribe ourselves, with great respect, and with affectionate salutations to Mrs. Bording. Your obedient and obliged servants, In the name etc. New York, Dec. 29, 1755. J. Ritzema. ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, JANUARY 13, 1756. The New York Disputes. Further, a brief account was given of the still daily increasing schisms and dissensions in New York, by the separation (of certain ones) from the Coetus, of which they would have made a Classis. Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen and his party are in favor, not only of the organizing of s-is, but also of instituting an 1 Academy. When this tendency was observed, the others opposed themselves to it. There then arose a newly organized Coetus, by Rev. Frelinghuysen and his followers. They gave themselves the name of "Coetus ", and exercise authority as of a Coetus. Rev. A. Curtenius, recently called from Hackensack to the five villages of Kings county, which was not done in any too regular a manner, but which the Classis would rather see tolerated for the sake of peace, was censured, even as this same (Coetus) has also laid the censure upon Rev. Haaghoort, minister at Second River. And this last named again, (Haaghoort) at a meeting at Paramus, on the complaint of Rev. Van der Linde, pastor there, about an intrusion into his congregation, has declared Rev. (J. H.) Goetschius, minister at Schralenberg, and his consistory, worthy of censure. The consideration of this, when brought before the Consistory of New York, was postponed, and came before the Classis of Amsterdam. Thereupon were read (to the Classis) the extracts; and the letters bearing hereon. These were approved. xxiv. 47. 1756 ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. G. W. Mancius and the Rev. No. 56. Rev. Gentlemen and Much-beloved Brethren: We received your letter of June 27, 1755, in safety. From it we learn with satisfaction that you have submitted yourselves to our decision concerning the troubles between your congregation and that of the Paltz. Yet we wish that it had been done with more gentleness and love,-things so seldom seen in (the Province of) New York!-Meanwhile the Church at the Paltz has effected its separation from you, (against which you did not object), and declared itself independent. The Classis adheres to the decisions written to you on July 17, 1752, by which they expect the matter to be finally ended. 1756 Concerning the rumor of changing the Coetus of New York into a Classis, and the actions of Rev. Frelinghuysen, who is attempting to found a University in your country,—the Classis has expressed its disapproval, (as it is the reason of all the discord), and has written elaborately to the Coetus on the matter. We thank you for the information that Rev. Rubel of Philadel phia, subordinating himself to the Classis of Amsterdam, has bee called by the churches of Rhinebeck and the Camp. We trust that he may receive all necessary light, wisdom, love and fidelity, that he may be useful there for his own sake, and for the sake of the immortal souls entrusted to him. May the Lord abide at your right hand, and ever remain near W. Peiffers, Dep. Cl. h. t. Praeses. Amsterdam, In our Classical Assembly, January 13, 1756. ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Ritzema and other members of the Consistory of New York, Jan. 13, 1756. Vol. 31, p. 103, No. 57. Rev. Sirs and Respected Brethren: We have received several letters and documents from you; also certain ones from Rev. Ritzema, dated Aug. 20th, 1755; as wel as one from the Meeting held at Paramus, Nov. 3rd, 1755, an whose Acts were presented to the Consistory of New York Nov. 25, 1755, where the following action was taken, signed by Rev. Ritzema as president, viz. That the Assembly at Paramus done, on their part, all that they could, nevertheless they had a accomplished what they intended. On the subject of the exec tion of the sente Pov. Goetschius and his adherents, w had been accused of bad conduct and illegal intrusion into the congregation of Paramus, etc., the Assembly postponed action, and present the whole business to the consideration of Classis. This is signed by Gerard Haeghoort in the name of all. At the end there is a postscript, in which the signature is confirmed, as well as the contents of the document which relate to the Acts of the newly established Coetus. This was signed by Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde. When we read this long and generally unintelligible account of affairs, we are obliged to say that we were affected with feelings of sadness and pity, and not without some indignation. We cannot understand how there can be men, Christian men, even Christian ministers, who are able not only to originate such actsbiting and devouring one another, but who can continue in such conduct for years. They are men who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly and the loving Jesus; but who do not seem rightly to understand that LOVE is the livery of Christianity, and that hate, envy, wrath, evil passions and selfishness are of the devil; who seem never to ponder that enmity, quarrels, jealousy, anger and discord exclude from the kingdom of heaven. Brethren, what shall be the end of such things? Whither are you traveling? We assert that we do not know of any other part of the world where affairs go on so badly as in the churches of New York. Your part of the Church keeps the Classis more busy than all the other parts together. Is there to be no end of these troubles and soul-destroying disturbances? These have continued now for so many years, corrupting the church, the state, the household, and bringing down the wrath of God upon the Church. Do you never have a thought, that probably the Judge now stands at the door, not only in a general way, but particularly at the gates of the church of New York? Can we not perceive when thunder storms are rising? Can we not discern the wrath of God from heaven approaching in an awful manner? Have we reason to believe that He, whose judgments so often begin at his own house, will spare us, who, possessing more light than others are guilty of worse sins? No, dear breth 1756 1756 ren! There is nothing to lead us to such a conclusion. There fore we pray you, we beseech you again, for the sake of the salvation of your own souls, for the welfare of the churches, for the sake of the loving-kindness of Jesus Christ, that you would, all of you together, earnestly strive to extinguish these fires of discord, to avoid the enkindling of new strifes as well as the continuance of old ones. From the letter of Rev. Ritzema, written Aug. 20th of last year (1755), we perceive with grief that the disturbances on Long Island did not cease with the removal of Rev. Goetschius (to Hackensack) and the call of Rev. (Thomas) Romeyn to Oyster Bay and Jamaica; and that the godly advice of the Classis, which we so earnestly desire should be followed, was not accepted. The affairs of 1746, now again revived, are not worthy of further consideration; we should get rid of them forever. The Classis considers that business ended. Resolutions were certainly theu passed. Let these stand firm. Therefore we most earnestly beseech you, in order to fulfill that plan, to co-operate with us. Do not oppose us by even seeming to listen to those who are disobe dient, much less do not unite with them. In reference to those documents composed at Paramus and which have recently come to the Classis, we have this to say: In general, on account of their obscurity of style, bad spelling and wonderful prolixity they are not thoroughly understood. The Classis, however, cannot give a better general answer than this: That she declares all censures inflicted by one on another to be null and void; that she can do nothing before that the rightful Coetus is re-established; that then that whole business must be discussed anew in that Assembly in a different manner, and a minute report must be sent to Classis, but only of facts legally proved. We request you to give notice of this to the members of that Assembly at Paramus, who brought this business before your Consistory (at New York), and we will, therefore, not write to them personally. In closing this letter, after again urging you to peace and love, to fr 1ip and reconciliation, and with prayer to our Savior to gi irit with light and life, and with |