2. James Van Campkn, son of Rev. Thomas and Susannah (Van Campen) Kotneyn, was born at Mini- sink, Sussex Co., N. J., Nov. 15, 17G5. A child of the covenant, he was converted at an earh' age, and was al- ways noted for conscientious piety and for the simplic- ity and frankness of his well-balanced character. He was educated at the Schenectady Academj', wliich was the germ of Union College, under the eye of his un- cle. Dr. Theodoric Romeyn, with whom he afterwards studied theology. He was licensed to preach the Gos- pel by the Synod of New York, Oct. 5, 1787, and im- mediately settled as pastor of the united churches of (ireenbush and Schodac, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., opposite Albany. In 1794 he relincpiished the Schodac Church and took charge of a new enterprise which he had or- ganized at Wynant's Kill in connection with the Church at Greenbush. In 1799 lie removed to New .Jersey, having accepted a call to the united Second Church- es of Hackeiisack and Scliralonburg, which had been formed out of the old original cliurches there, and where he remained until disease compelled liim to cease all active service, in 18o2. His ministry in New Jersey began at a period of bitter dissensions between the Cne- tiis and Coiiferenlic^ parties, wliich, perhaps, raged with more theological and personal violence in these two churches than in any otlier part of the Dutch denom- ination. True to tlie antecedents and instincts of his family, I\Ir. Romeyn was a leader of the liberal and pro- gressive side. The reactionary party were, as a rule, arrayed also against the national struggle for indepen- dence. Politics embittered the ecclesiastical (iisputes. Families were divided; personal strifes ran so high that, in many cases, the opposing parties would neither wor- ship together, nor speak to each other, nor even turn
out for each other on the roads. In 1822 another great conflict which had arisen some years previously cul- minated in the secession of Rev. Solomon Froeligh, D.D., a professor of theology and pastor of the old churches of Hackensack and Schralenburg, and four other cler- gymen, with seven congregations, who formed what they called the "True Reformed Dutch Church in Amer- ica." All the rancor and obstinacy of the old strifes seemed to be transferred to this unhappy movement, in which Mr. Romeyn was necessarily involved as the chief representative of the faith and polity of the Church against which this revolt was directed. But he stood undaunted — prudent in counsel, energetic in action, and conciliatory in disposition. He was admirable fitted for his burdens by his natural endowments, liis high moral qualities, and his pervading piety. No one could charge him with rash enterprise, doubtful expedients, personal antipathies, excited words, retaliating acts, or irritating and aggressive measures. In the affairs of the Church he was the ready helper, the judicious coun- sellor, the pacificator, \yithout the form of judicial authority, he wielded an influence far more effectual, desirable, and honorable. In person Mr. Rome3-n was tall, large and well proportioned, erect and of command- ing presence, dignified and impressive. He was retir- ing, modest, stable, strong, and earnest. His piety was serene, profound, chastened by divine discipline, and developed with great simplicity and tenderness. His mind was neither rapid nor brilliant nor original, but clear, comprehensive, well trained, and practical. In doctrine he was a strong Calvinist, holding the truth in love, "'and insisting more upon the spirit which is life than upon the letter which killeth." His own congrega- tions remained perfectly united and peaceful amid the surrounding strife, and his ministry was blessed with a steady ingathering of souls and growth in grace. He preached from carefully prepared analyses, with fluent speech, terse expression, and a remarkable facility in the use of appropriate Scripture language. Tliis was especially the case in his communion services, when the Church members stood around successive tables, and, as he gave with his own hand the broken bread to each one, he accompanied it with some brief quotation from the Bible particularly adapted to the circumstances of the recipient. Here his pastoral tact and intimate knowledge of his flock were often manifested with a power which melted every heart and carried his people up to the top of the mount of communion. He was very active and prominent in the general councils of the Church, for many years was stated clerk, and in 1806 president of the General Synod. From 1807 till his death he was a trustee of Rutgers College, and also rendered great aid in securing funds for the theological professorships. His only published matter consists of a manifesto in regard to a controversy, an address to theo- logical students at New Brunswick {Moc/azine of the Re- formed Dutch Church, iv, 202), and some sy nodical re- ports. He died in perfect peace at Hackensack after a lingering illness of paralvsis which had laid him aside from all pastoral work for eight years, .Tune 27, 1840.
3. JicitEMiAii, son of John and Juliana (]\I'Carty^ Romeyn, and nephew of the Rev. Thomas Romeyn, Sr., was born in New York Dec. 24, 17fi8. He was educated at Hackensack Academy under the celelirated Peter Wilson, LL.D., and in theology under the Rev. Drs. Theodoric Romeyn and John H. Meyer. Be- fore he was twenty years old he was ordained to the ministry, Nov. 10, 1788, and settled as pastor of a Dutch Church at Linlithgow, N. Y., Livingston's INIanor. In 180(; he removed to Harlem, remaining there as pastor until 1814, when he went to Delaware County, serving churches at Schoharie Kill and Beaver Dam. the latter of which was resuscitated by his labors. In 1817 he removed to Woodstock, N. Y., on account of his daugh- ter's health, but after a few months was himself taken with the disease of which he died, .July 17, 1818. In 1797 he was appointed professor of Hebrew by the Gen-