1701 your diligent labors. In expectation of such good results, we remain, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, Your affectionate friends and obedient co-laborers in the The Classis of Amsterdam, In the name of all, In our Classical Lambertus Zegers, V. D. M. Praeses et Dep. Adrianus Van Oostrum, Eccl. Amstel. et Dep. Cornelius Elias, V. D. M. et Dep. ad res Assembly, July 18, 1701. CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. (John) Peter Nucella, To the Rev., Godly and Highly Learned, Mr. P. Nucella, faith- Rev. Sir and Brother:- The Rev. Classis is well satisfied with your discreet conduct in reference to the Consistory at New Albany. You have enabled them to understand that Rev. Lydius was their legally called pastor, whom the Classis recognizes as such, and has allowed to be confirmed in the holy ministry. She doubts not but that he will by his zealous labor in the work of the Lord, daily win the affection of the people. To that end may the blessings of the Almighty rest upon him. She can also take pleasure in the fact that Rev. Freerman is located at Schenectady; 1701 but she requires that the irregularity of his call be rectified.Also in order that that church may be received into your fellowship, and not remain independent, she requires them to transmit the call of Rev. Freerman, after it has received your approval, according to your method,—that the Classis may put, at last, her hand of approbation thereto.-Also Rev. Freerman must, in a brief letter to the Rev. Classis, request them, after they have approved his call, to enroll his name among those, who, as pastors, belonging to this Classis, have, in our book, subscribed the Formularies of Unity. Thus she hopes that causes of contention may be removed, and the bonds of unity be drawn more closely among the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. We remain, Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Lydius, (July 18, 1701?) xxviii. 6. To Reverend (Johannes) Lydius, Pastor at New Albany: Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Sir:- Even as all the steps of a man are ordered of the Lord, so do we acknowledge his Providence, in that your way has been made so prosperous, and that you landed at the wharf in New York in advance of your rival (Freerman). We could have expected nothing else, from the discretion of the Albany Consistory, than that when they had collated the proofs of the legality of the calls of each of you, they should have assigned to you the right to become their pastor. It is also agreeable to us that the Governor, my lord Bellomont, did not disapprove of the choice of the Con sistory, but has shown by his conduct, that your service is well pleasing in his eyes. In that you write that you are determined to exert all your powers in behalf of your church,- this causes us to expect, with the blessing of God, great results. May he who has given you such good intentions, grant you also the ability to perform them, and crown your work with his blessing. In addition, it is not disagreeable to the Rev. Classis that Rev. Freerman has found a place of rest. It will be well for him, if he now do that, which, according to ecclesiastical order, is lacking in his call. It needs to be rectified by amendments. Advice should be given both to him and his consistory, since you have granted him the privilege of having his call ratified by the churches of that country, that it should then be sent to this Classis for its approval. Our Rev. Assembly has resolved not to refuse this, if at the same time a request come in writing from Rev. Freerman, that the Classis would be pleased to enroll his name among those, who, with us, as pastors belonging to this Classis, have subscribed the Formularies of Unity. The Rev. Classis judges that it would be very unprofitable for one of your churches to be outside the body of your communion, and in her church government be drifting (swimming) towards the Independents. To the pastors of New York and Esopus, we have also written concerning this matter. May the Lord so control affairs in your section that all divisions may speedily cease, and all the members of the church be of one heart and of one soul. We commend you to God and the Word of His Grace, and remain, Reverend Sir and Brother, Your affectionate and obedient, The Classis of Amsterdam. Lambertus Segers, V. D. M. Amstelod. Adrianus van Oostrum, Eccles. Amstelod. Joannes de Vries, Eccles. Nardeus. Cornelis Elias, Eccles. Pastor at Amstelveen. 1701 1701 CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory at Albany, July 18, 1701. xxviii. 7. Referred to. xxi. 420. To the Elders and Deacons of the Church at New Albany. Reverend, Godly and Discreet Gentlemen, Friends and Brethren in Christ:- Our Classical Assembly has understood, with much satisfaction, the result which your cautious prudence, under the blessing of the Almighty, has given to the confused affairs of your church. As you have been no respecter of persons, but have entrusted the ministry to him to whom it belonged, we doubt not but that your righteous work will be blessed. The good beginning, of which you make mention, predicts to us, under God's gracious co-operation, a beautiful progress in the ministerial labors of Rev. Lydius. The Rev. Classis, which finds her satisfaction only when the churches find their satisfaction and peace, is also willing to yield something, at your request, for the surer establishment of peace. She therefore lets slip what she had against him (Freerman) who secretly tried to frustrate a legal call made by her. She has also written to the pastors of your province, that they will be pleased to aid Rev. Freerman in rectifying, in his call, that which is contrary to Church-Order, and that he become a member of your (American) communion, and also unite with our Classis. If he be found peaceably disposed and takes heed to his ministry, we will not remember former things against him. The Classis thus finds it good to aid you in every way in the establishment of peace, knowing that where peace exists, there also God commands his blessing, even life forevermore. The Lord enable you to abide in faith, love and sanctification. May he grant to us unitedly to strive for the prosperity of his house. With these thoughts we subscribe Your obedient Friends and Servants, The Classis of Amsterdam. L. Zeegers, V. D. M. et Dep. ad res maritimas. Adrianus van Oostrum, Eccles. Amstel. et Dep. etc. Cornelis Elias, V. D. M. et Dep. etc. SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, 1701, JULY 26-AUG. 6, HELD AT Article 14. Indian Affairs. 1701 Extracts from a letter from New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, dated September 4, 1700, signed by the ministers there, Henricus Selyns and Gualtherus du Bois. (Also from church of Albany, September 9, 1700.) 1. They had duly received the letter of Rev. Classis, of March 29, 1700, and therewith the tidings of their call on Rev. Lydius to the service of the church of New Albany; and also of another call, by the Rev. Classis of Lingen, brought out through the intervention of Mr. Bancker upon Rev. Freeman, for the service of the same church. 2. They write that in this said call by the Classis of Lingen on Rev. Freeman, they were not consulted by the church of New Albany, which seems to have been a departure from the custom, which generally all the churches in that country observe on such an occasion. 3. That if he should fail to be taken at New Albany, he would nevertheless surely find a place elsewhere, as preachers were much in need there. |