1754 and had with them made out a call for a minister. While it is not the province of this Assembly, so far as Rev. Mancius is concerned, to correct this matter, the Assembly, nevertheless, requests that this may be done by the Rev. Classis, in order that our work for peace in that church may not be thwarted. 3. Jacob Outwater, being present, requested an explanation of a censure, which it was pretended, had been laid upon him last year. It was the decision of the Rev. Assembly that Jacob Outwater was not under any censure, and was therefore, to be treated as a member of the church. 4. Daniel Durye, with his party, came in and presented certain communications bearing on their affairs in Queens County; and particularly, against those who called Rev. Thomas Romeyn. These were accepted, to be further considered (ad referen dum) in the afternoon. The meeting adjourned with thanksgiving to God. Afternoon. The Rev. Assembly was opened with prayer. 1. The consideration of the matters in Queens County was taken up: and (1) Whereas, The Rev. Assembly has been informed of the very dangerous bodily condition of Rev. Thomas Romeyn, wrestling with a dangerous fever, so that there is more probability of his death than of his life: and (2) Whereas, Those who called him are lawfully prevented from being present, to reply to what the (other) party has proposed: and (3) Whereas, Those who have opposed the calling of Rev. Thomas Romeyn, have declared before the table, that they cannot fall in with the proposition of the Rev. Classis for uniting the congregation, except on condition of giving up Rev. Thomas Romeyn and calling a new minister in his place: therefore 2. The Rev. Assembly Resolved that the matters in which they are concerned, must remain in their present state; and that, if Rev. Thomas Romeyn shoul recover, which may God grant!-his installation shall take place over those st Jamaica, who have called his Rev., as well as for those at Oyster Bay; and, in case their matters should subsequently require any action by the Coetus, they will be obliged to call an extra session. 3. The church was left free to choose the persons to install Rev. Thomas Romeyn but they are not to go outside of the Rev. Coetus. 4. Daniel Durye and his party having come in, the resolution of the Rev. Asse Inbly was read to them. To this they replied: "Then we can do nothing more about it, and had better go home." 5. The document relative to the form of the Classis was again read, and agai approved by a unanimous vote. It was thereupon Resolved that it should be signed by the president and the scribe. This was done. 6. A Committee was appointed, consisting of Revs. G. Haeghoort, J. Ritzema, J Schuyler and S. Verbryck, to come together at New York on the 1st of April next. to confer on the reports from the churches, on the matter of organizing a CLASSIS in these regions; and to decide, as circumstances may require, whether or not to write to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam (about it), and the Christian Synod of North Holland. The Rev. J. Ritzema will write the Committee as to the time (ef meeting), which will have to be determined by the time of the ships sailing to Holland. 7. Resolved that Rev. Ritzema shall provide each minister with a copy of the plan for a Classis. Each minister shall then also present the same to the vacant churches under his care, in order that it may be signed by those churches which have no ministers, as well as by those that have. 8. Resolved that hereafter the Rev. Assembly shall begin its regular sessions on the first Tuesday in October. Whereupon the Rev. Assembly, well-contented by reason of the excellent harmony and love which had prevailed, adjourned, with thanksgiving and prayer to God. We so testify by our signatures in the name and by the authority of all, J. Ritzema, p. t. Praeses. 1754 CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA. Circular Letter of the Coetus to the Churches, Proposing a Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. The Rev. Coetus, feeling the deepest interest in the welfare and the advancement, as well as the extension of the kingdom of Jesus Christ in these remote regions, especially in accordance with our Dutch Reformed Constitution, has been devising suitable means for attaining and practically promoting such an object. It feels convinced by certain reasons, and is constrained also in conscience, to seek to become organized into a Classis. This is done not only in view of what is defective, fruitless and troublesome in the Coetus as at present organized; but also and because of the urgent reasons and even necessity for a Classis. 1. The Coetus can give no satisfactory reason from the Church Order for its present organization, being neither a Consistorial, nor a Classical, nor a Synodical Assembly. As it exists now, it is liable to contempt from without, and to confusion within. 2. The Coetus has no power to act for the highest welfare of the Church, and to the satisfaction of the congregations located here; for it can neither give a general final decision of a case, nor constitute candidates and ministers. Besides, there is the trouble and the delay in the present mode of procedure; for matters have to pass to and fro between the Coetus and the Classis of Amsterdam before a consummation can be reached, and often it is not then reached. So, on the other hand, the necessity for a Classis is obvious. Thereby we shall meet the wishes of nearly all the churches; and also free them from the needless and heavy expenses which are incurred by sending over the sea our young men for ordination. We shall also free them from the loss of much time, and from the great risks to which the young men expose themselves; as well as giving calls to unfit candidates. And thus, too, we can prevent men from seeking ordination in other denominations differing from us. One instance of this appears, in the case of one who, unable to get it from us, got it among the Germans; and this may, it is with reason feared, lead to others. Thus, also, we should have the power, and be in a condition to transact with despatch the business that comes up; to supply the churches with candidates and ministers; and so to advance toward, and attain, the real good, benefit and profit of the churches. We hope to convince the Classis of this with good arguments. and request the Classis to aid us in securing that object, by laying the matter before the Synod, and ratifying it with the Synod's consent. Therefore, the consistories, as well as the churches, were most kindly asked to give their consent and approval to the plan, and to subscribe it with their hands in evidence thereof; also to bind themselves to stand by such a Classis, and abide by, and submit to its rule and decision, according to the Church Order; and to see to it, that every minister and consistory coming in, do the same; in order that thus, this salutary object may the better commend itself to the Synod and obtain its approval. Thus done in the meeting of our Coetus, held at New York, Sept. 19, 1754. Signed in the name of all, J. Ritzema, p. t. Praeses. Note of the Copyist:-In this portefeuille are three more letters, all of the same import and date, but signed only by Rev. J. Ritzema, p. t. Praeses. At the bottom of one of these stands written: N. B. Answer is requested for 1st of April. J. Ritzema. 1754 The Coetus, (per Revs. John Ritzema and Samuel Verbryck) to the Classis of Amsterdam, September 19, 1754. Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol xxiii: 415. Addressed: Very Rev. Sirs. Fathers and Brethren, ministers and elders, constituting the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. New York, Sept. 19, 1754. Very Reverend, Very Learned Sirs, Fathers and much-respected Brethren :- If now we were only in a condition to bring about, what, we find proposed to us in your wise counsels, particularly in the irksome matters of Long Island, we should together with the churches, consider ourselves very fortunate; but, it seems that something or other is always bound to come in, to hinder our wholesome efforts. As regards the particular matter of Rev. Thomas Romeyn's call:-the Rev. Coetus can inform the Very Rev. Classis, that one of our members, (because your Rers had left the decision with the coetus, and had, moreover, proposed to bring the other churches under that call), had advised Rev. Romeyn not to go to the church at all until the Coetus had put forth its efforts; in order that, by being this inaugurated at Oyster Bay, immediately upon his arrival, the good object of the Very Rev. Classis might not be hindered; and especially, because it was only about six weeks before the session of the Coetus. With the consent of the church, that advice was followed. But in the mean time it happened that Rev. Romeyn was taken with a serious illness, and is now wrestling with a wasting typhoid fever. It is even feared he may not recover. Those objecting to his call at Jamaica bave also made a written declaration before our Assembly, to the effect that they were not willing to enter into the calling of Romeyn through the union of the consistory. So the Coetus has not been able to do anything yet; but they have been forced to decide that, if Romeyn should recover-which may God grant!-he shall be inaogurated in those churches that called him. The Rev. Coetus has to report also that the Rev. Henricus Boel, left this world st the age of sixty six on the 27th of June, 1754. He had a stroke of apoplexy the day before. Also the young Rev. Johannes Frielinghuysen died on the 15th of September, (1754), having come here to attend our Coetus. His wife, who was in a delicate condition, and two children came with him. Thus, to its deep sorrow, that flourishing church for only a short time employed his faithful services. May the Lord heal this breach of Zion! it seems that a way is opening for the restoration of peace in Kings County, on Long Island. To that end, we desire that God may be gracious, and grant that all obstacles may be cleared away. As regards the Minutes of the Coetus, the Assembly deemed it necessary that a Committee should put them in order by next spring, so that they may be sent over at that time. This, Rev. Sirs, Fathers and Respected Brethren, is what we have to report. We close with hearty congratulations. It is our wish and prayer that your Very Reve Assembly and persons, and the weighty work of your ministry, may be long blest to the advancement of the welfare of Zion in these regions, to the glory of Jehovah's name, and to the salvation of souls. Very Rev. Sirs, Highly Honored Fathers, Your Very Revs.' Obedient servants and Brethren, the Coetus of New Signed in the name of all, J. Ritzema, V. D. M. N. Y. p. t. Praeses. No. 217. Received in December (17 1754 CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA. CHURCH OF NEW YORK. OCT. 1, 1754. Coetus. Classis. Kings College. Consistory held after calling on God's name. Art. 1. A proposal was presented from the Coetus stating various reasons why a Coetus was of no use or advantage, and why therefore it would be better to establish a Classis here; and requesting the approbation of the consistory to the measure. Art. 2. After deliberation, since the Coetus declares itself to be of no use, which we also believe, and have learned more than once by experience, we for good reasons judge that a Classis would be of much less use, and so think it better to abide by the old consistory for the quiet of the congregation, with the privilege in any difficulty of consulting the Classis of Amsterdam. Art. 3. Since on the 30th of August, 1750, Domine De Ronde was called to the congregation, under condition of becoming a member of the Coetus, the congregation then thinking the Coetus to be of great good to the church; but now the Coetus declares itself to be of no more use, the consistory declares that clause of the call null and void, still recognizing his reverence as their lawful pastor and teacher. Art. 4. It was further resolved to bring this matter before the Classis of Amsterdam, and express to them the views of the consistory, so that the Classis may see on what ground their action is taken. Domines Ritzema and De Ronde and the Elders, Cuyler and Richard were appointed a committee for this purpose. Art. 5. It was resolved to present a petition to the Assembly, requesting liberty to have a Professor of Divinity in the College for the Low Dutch Church, who shall according to the Constitution of the same, instruct therein freely and without hindrance. Domines Ritzema and De Ronde, and Elders Cuyler and Richard were made a committee to prepare the draught. 1754 Art. 6. As to the house which the consistory kept during the life time of Domine Boel, it was resolved to rent it to this person or that. This done in consistory. Signed in the name of all, October 1, 1754. L. De Ronde, President. (The copy found at Amsterdam, omits Articles 5 and 6. This is of no importance as to Article 6; but it is remarkable that Article 5 should have been omitted. The same matter is likewise not alluded to in the Consistory's letter of Oct. 17, 1754. give the copy as found at Amsterdam in 1897-8.) We ACTION OF CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK ON THE CIRCULAR LETTER OF Portfolio "New York", Vol. ii. Art. 1. After praying to God, there was read to this (Consistorial) Assembly a document from the Rev. Coetus held in New York. In this, for several reasons given, the Coteus is declared to be of no use or profit, and it was, therefore, thought best to form a Classis in this country. To this, our Consistory also is asked to give its approval. Art. 2. The discussion brought out the following:-that our (Consistorial) Assembly observes, that the Coetus declares itself to be of no use. This fact we, too, believe. and have more than once had proof of the same by experience. We are much less in favor of a Classis, as we have good ground to believe that a Classis in this country would be of much less use. And so we think for the sake of peace in our church, to abide by our old Consistory; yet always, in any difficulties, taking counsel with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Art. 3. And whereas, on the 30th of August, 1750, Rev. De Ronde was called to this church on the express condition of his being a member of the Coetus, the church at that time still thinking that the Coetus was of great use, and a benefit to the church. And whereas the Coetus now declares itself to be of no more use; therefore. the Rev. Consistory judges also that this clause concerning Rev. De Ronde falls away and is declared void; although now, as well as heretofore, it recognizes his Rev. as its legal Shepherd and Teacher. Art. 4. It was further thought best in regard to this matter, that the Consistory should bring it, at the earliest opportunity, to the table of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. and give utterance to their views regarding it. Thus the Classis may see on what ground its action was taken. For that purpose were appointed as a Committee Revs. Ritzema and De Ronde, and two elders, Kuiler and Richard. Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. Praeses Thus done in our Consistory, New Yo ⚫ 1, 1754. |
