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Church. I desire to rejoice in the prospect of Zion’s prosperity, and humbly hope
my weak labors, also of yesterday for the Boght, will not be in vain. Father of
mercies, direct and defend, and make Thy people more than conquerors through
Jesus Christ. Amen.
N.B. The call was presented the 13 th to Mr. Moses Freelich, 379 and it may prove
acceptable and successful.
18. Yesterday I had a case brought to me from the Boght, respecting some articles
to erect a meeting for religious exercises, which I was requested to examine
whether agreeable with the canons and usages of our Churches, it being intimated
to the members that I intended to forbid them to convene in that manner. I
remember, at the delivering of a call on Mr. Freeligh written by me last week, Mr.
Yt. Fonda 380 mentioned of this meeting, and complained of the rules particularly
with regard to kneeling at prayers etc. I observed that this was not unlawful if
agreed to, and by no means to be looked upon as Popish, 381 that Paul kneeled with
his company even out of doors when parting from them etc., but D. Fero, 382 one of
the elders, and young Dominee Freeligh coming next evening at my house from
Schenectady, I enquired further into the true state of that meeting, and having
understood that there was probably somewhat in the manner which might give just
cause of offense and create some disputes and jealousy, I advised that elder rather
to persuade his son and others to return to the former method of reading a sermon
etc., and not to oblige any person to pray himself or to kneel down, and that I
would be glad to see the rules, and accordingly, Mr. Still 383 came and brought Mr.
Willet with him, and having perused the whole scheme I observed that probably
the design of the first planners was sincere and well-meant, but that I could not
approve 1) of the erecting of such a convention without the approving consent of
the consistory; 2) neither of inserting the ceremony of kneeling, as an article of
admission or even of a condition to be observed by everyone, 3) much less, of
promiscuously speaking, everyone his sentiments on a question of the catechism,
which, I humbly conceive, may produce more strife and endless disputes than
edification and instruction, at least where there is no president or person appointed
to superintend who is well acquainted with the truths, and therefore I have
advised, first, to sing and pray and read the book of P. Van Driessen, 384 which
379
Dominee Moses Froeligh (1763-1817). The call must have been to Shawangunk [now: Wallkill]
and Montgomery, NY, as that is where he was minister, 1788-1811. He was ordained in the
Shawangunk church by Dominees Isaac Blauvelt, Isaac Rysdyck, Stephen Goetschius, and Peter
Dewitt.
380 th
Of the many Fondas in and around 18 -century Albany, no Yt [Ysbrant?] can be found.
381
Accusations of Roman Catholic tendencies were sure to lead to arguments among the Dutch
Reformed.
382
David Fero [last name also given as Fuhrer] (1728-1819?). He was Froeligh’s uncle, through his
1752 marriage to Margaret Froeligh. Also see entry of June 16, 1787.
383
Name not found in any documents.
384
Probably his Aanbiddelyke wegen Gods in zyne souveraine bestieringe, besonder over de machten
deser weereld, verklaart en toegepast in drie predicatien (1726, New York: J. P. Zenger) [Adorable
ways of God in his sovereign government, particularly over the powers of this world, explained and
applied in three sermons]. Petrus Van Driessen , a graduate of the University of Groningen (1705),
was minister at Albany, NY, from 1712 until his death in 1738. See also note under the entry of
December 27, 1783.
154