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89
1636
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Acts of the Deputies. [May 5, 1636.]
Regulations relating to East India and West India affairs, etc., devised by the Deputies of the Classis appointed therefor, April 7, 1636. (See Acts of Classis, iv. 71.)
I. Of the Ministers.
1. The person shall present himself before the Classis, and having exhibited proper certificates as to doctrine and life, shall be examined in Plena Classis. Such a Classis shall be called on extraordinary occasion.
2. In case a person should wish to present himself in winter time to the Brethren of the Deputies, when no extraordinary Classis is generally held, these Brethren shall then communicate with one another about the case, and decide whether it be neces- sary to call an extraordinary Classis for the purpose.
3. A similar footing shall be maintained with candidates - (proponenten).
4. The laying on of hands and ordination shall be done at a meeting of the Classis, if in any way possible; otherwise, if the time and occasion require it, the Deputies shall request all the . ministers of Amsterdam, together with an elder of the same church to meet with them, and this business shall be transacted at such a gathering.
II. Of the Siecken-Troosters, (Comforters of the Sick).
1. The Siecke-Troosters must present themselves, as far as is practicable, before the Classis. The Classis must endeavor to have a good supply of these on hand, and shall decide which out of all of them shall first be recommended by the Deputies to the Companies.
2. The examination of the Siecke-Troosters shall be conducted by the Brethren Deputies, who shall bring in a report thereof at the next Classis.
90
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1636
III. Of their Presentation to the Directors [of the East and West India Companies. ]
The ministers, proponents, (candidates or licentiates,) and siecke-troosters shall be presented and recommended by the two oldest Deputies, one from the city (of Amsterdam), and one from outside the city.
IV. Of their Instructions.
The Instructions of the Ministers Candidates and Siecke- Troosters shall be written by and in the name of the Brethren Deputies, and signed by two of the oldest of them, and also by the elders of the Church of Amsterdam; and the Forms hitherto in use be resumed at the next ensuing Classis.
V. Of the Receiving and Answering of Letters.
1. The letters coming from the East and West Indies, etc., etc., addressed to the Classis, shall be opened immediately upon their receipt by (bij) the Deputies. They shall indicate their contents, whenever required; and shall also make report thereof at the next meeting of Classis, and hand over the letters themselves openly to each of the members. (Or hand over each of the letters, etc.)
2. When the Classis has taken action on all the matters reported by the Brethren Deputies, or on all that is contained in the said letters, the Deputies shall then write out the said resolu- tions in forma, as they were adopted in Classis. When these have been again read and approved in Classis, they shall be signed by the Deputies as before, namely, by those previously mentioned, and thus be dispatched to the churches of the East and West Indies, for which they are intended.
3. Letters relating especially to either of the Companies, and coming from any of the churches of any of the provinces, and addressed to the Classis shall be opened as the others above al- luded to, and held by the Deputies.
91
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1636
VI. Of the Schoolmasters.
In case any Schoolmasters shall be sent to any of these foreign fields, the same course shall be pursued with them, (or, lit., therein the same footing shall be maintained,) as with the Siecke- Troosters mentioned above.
Addendum.
[East and West India Companies .- Record Books. ]
Besides these ordinary affairs, if something else should occur that ought to be brought before one of the chambers, respec- tively, of either the East or West India Companies, or before one of the Assemblies, respectively, of the XVII or the XIX, or any special orders (are issued) - these shall remain (stand) at the disposition of the Classis to render the appropriate service, and to depute such members (to carry it out) as shall be approved by the Classis.
In conclusion the Committee ad hanc instructionem (deem it) necessary and expedient, that all the Acta, and actitata resolu- tions - all those which refer to East Indian and West Indian af- fairs, etc., be recorded separately in a book* specially made there- for. Therein also, at the beginning, shall be copied the Forms of Instructions for Ministers, Candidates and Siecken-Troosters, which shall now be ratified by the Classis. xxxix. 1, 2.
Form of a Call to Ministers for the East and West Indies.
1636, June 7th.
Rev. Rudolphus Petri drafted the Form of the Call, for such ministers as are to be sent to the East or West Indies, to Guinea,
* This book is Vol. XXXIX, (1635-1648,) in which the Acts of the Classis, relating to the foreign churches, are transcribed from their Vols. IV and V; and the Acts of the Deputies are also found therein. References are given in these Extracts, as herein presented, to both sets of volumes. There is said to have been a volume pre- ceding this volume XXXIX, (which is lost,) according to an Index of the Archives made in 1880. If there was such a volume, which is not altogether clear, it prob- ably ran from 1615 to 1635. The next volume of these Extracts, etc., is numbered XXVI, (1648-55); and the next is XIX, (1655-1705). The peculiarity of this number- ing will be treated elsewhere. The numbering was not done until after the closing of the Old Archives, In 1816. Vol. XXXVII is an Index only to Vol. XXXIX, as its contents prove.
92
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1636
etc. The Form proposed was accepted as final, (permanently, for good,) by the (Classical) Assembly, and incorporated by him into a (book*) as aforesaid. iv. 76; xxxix. 20.
Acts of the Deputies. June 4, 1636.
Copy of a call for Preachers going to the East or West Indies.
Whereas it is proper, so far as is possible, that the glory of God, and the salvation of the people should be promoted, in all regions and localities where the people may be scattered, or where they may go to pursue their divers kinds of business :
And to this end religious gatherings ought to be established and maintained, with the pure preaching of God's Word, the lawful administration of the Sacraments, the public calling on the name of the Lord, and whatever else belongs to regular wor- ship: that thus the Lord may be honored, that believers may in- crease in the saving knowledge of Christ, and in the true faith, and so be improved in their actions and conduct, unto salvation: and also that those who are alienated from religion may be led thereunto: and whereas the condition of (the East Indies, or the West Indies, or Guinea, or Moscow, etc.) requires that (one or more) pious and well qualified persons be sent thither, in the capacity of a lawfully called minister, who shall perform in such a place all the functions of a minister: and in order that the form of a church and church government, may be established there, in , according to the Word of God, and con- formably to the excellent usages of the Reformed Churches here in this land, and may be maintained: Therefore we, the Min- isters of the Divine Word, and Elders of the Church of Christ, belonging to the Classis of Amsterdam, in the fear of the Lord, and after calling upon the name of God, and with the approval
* See fuller description of this Volume, XXXIX, and of the Archives of the Classis, generally, in Introduction.
93
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1636
of the Messrs. Directors of (the East India Company,- or the West India Company, or the Negotiators of the Moscow Trade, or the Directors of the Greenland Company, as the case may be) have called, and by these presents do call
the Rev. and God-pleasing N. N. late minister at
whose praiseworthy certificates from the church of in the Classis of have been shown unto us, and who has him- self also appeared before us
the Rev. and God-pleasing N. N. who after previous and due examination, and questioning upon the principal points of Chris- tian Doctrine; and having given sufficient evidence of piety of life; and having ascertained his posses- sion of the necessary gifts and qualifications for presenting the Word of the Lord unto the en- lightenment of men; and having previously subscribed the Nether- lands Confession of Faith, the Christian Catechism, and the Can- ons of the National Synod of Dort: have solemnly ordained by the lay- ing on of hands,
and we do now by these (presents or acts) set him, the Rev. ., well-beloved of God, apart, in order, whether on water or on land, or while under way, and especially when ar- rived at his destination, to preach God's Holy Word, as embraced in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; to proclaim to men, in God's name, repentance towards God, and reconciliation with Him through faith in Jesus Christ; to administer the Sacra- ments - Baptism and the Supper - which the Lord instituted as seals of his grace; to lead the Church of Christ in public prayers; and in conjunction with the Elders and Deacons, after the pre- scription of the Apostle in 1 Timothy 3, and in Art. 1: (Arts. 22-24 of 1619): and, with the advice and assistance of these (Elders) to regulate and maintain brotherly love, by good discipline and order, all in accordance with God's Word and in conformity with the Confession of the Netherland Churches and the Christian Catechism. We request of all those to whom these presents shall be shown, and unto whom our said Brother
94
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1636
shall come, that they will be pleased to recognize him as a law- fully called Minister; to hold him in honor for his office and work's sake; and to assist him with all their power, that he may administer his office unhindered and with joy, to the magnifying of God's holy name, and the conversion and salvation of many souls.
The Almighty God, who hath called him to this office, enrich him more and more with all needed gifts of his Holy Spirit; bless his labor abundantly to the glory of his name, and the con- version of many souls; and when the Chief Shepherd of the sheep shall appear, bestow upon him the imperishable crown of glory. Thus done in our Classical Assembly, within Amsterdam, xxxix. 3, 4.
Forms for Candidates, Comforters of the Sick and Schoolmasters, going to the Indies.
1636, June 7th.
The Forms for Candidates, Comforters of the Sick, and School- masters going to the Indies, were read to the (Classical) Assem- bly, and approved by the same; and they were recorded in a volume. (xxxix. 3-9.) iv. 78; xxxix. 22.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES.
June 7, 1636.
1. Call and Letter. Copy of Instructions for Proponents (Licentiates) going to the East or West Indies.
Whereas, by reason of the (frequent) navigation at the present time to far distant lands, it is in the highest degree proper and necessary, that persons sound in doctrine and pious in conduct should be appointed to instruct the people in the doctrines of the truth, out of the Word of God, and admonish them to true piety; to offer the public prayers at appointed times and otherwise; to comfort those in difficulty or in sickness, and particularly at the approach of death: - Therefore the Classis of Amsterdam, with
95
1636
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
the consent and approval of the Hon. Messrs. Directors (of the East or West India Company, Directors of the Greenland Com- pany, Traders to Moscow, etc.,) have resolved to send thither as Proponent the Rev. and Godly .... N. ..... N. . ...: And in order that the same may be known as such by every one, and that he may know how he shall have to conduct himself in this office of
Therefore is this Credential given to him, and this Letter of Instruction, and he is required to maintain the following pointe in accordance therewith:
First: He shall carefully observe public prayers on shipboard. mornings and evenings, before and after meals, particularly at religious gatherings, and also under other circumstances as oc- casion may require.
Secondly: Both at sea and on land, he shall console and in- struct out of the Word of God, those in the extremity of death. as well as others who are sick, or who may be distressed by their necessities and difficulties. Also, particularly must he earnestly admonish every one, as occasion requires; and especially must he warn against cursing and swearing, and the thoughtless misuse of God's Holy Name.
Thirdly: He must be allowed on the Lord's Day and on other proper occasions, to deliver sermons out of God's Word, for the instruction, admonition, comfort and further enlightening (or easing) of the people. If he be detained on the island of Ceylon, he must give himself to the service of the seminary there, or where ever else his sacred office may be required.
All of these duties the said shall perform in the best manner possible, and so commend his office by a Christian and pious walk, that he may edify those among whom he lives by speech and deportment; but he must not assume anything else that belongs to the ministerial office, under any pretext whatever
Thus done by us the Ministers of God's Word and Elders, be longing to the Classis of Amsterdam on this day of 16. .. xxxix. 5.
96
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1636
June 7, 1636.
2. Copy of a Call and of a Letter of Instruction for Siecken. Troosters (Comforters of the Sick) going to the East or West Indies, etc.
Whereas, it has been found necessary, for the success of True Religion and Divine Worship, and for the benefit of those who enter into the employ of the Netherlands Companies, in connec- tion with their regular sailing services for the purposes of trade carried on with far distant lands,- that the true knowledge of God should be introduced not only among the blind heathen, but that the ships should be provided with Siecken-Troosters (Com- forters of the Sick) who should accompany these expeditions for these purposes: and whereas, N. N. has offered his services, for the purposes indicated, to the Classis of Amsterdam: Therefore, the said Classis, having previously sought information, and upon testimonials from others, has admitted said person to an exami- nation, to ascertain his fitness: and said person, having been found qualified, was, upon the report made by said Classis, set apart as a Siecke-Trooster (Comforter of the Sick), with the consent and approbation of the Honorable Directors (of said Company;) and by these presents, he is commissioned in such capacity to the (East Indies, West Indies, etc., as the case may be,) with the fol- lowing instructions:
First: He is to instruct, admonish, and comfort the sick and ill, out of God's Holy Word, every one according to his neces- sity, and as occasion permits.
Secondly: At appointed times, and on other proper occasions he is to read, in connection with the singing of Psalms, some chapters from God's Word; and also some good sermons from the Decadier Bullinger's Ursini Catechismus; or from some other books written by some minister of the true Christian Reformed Church, with suitable remarks; and he is to begin and end all such services with prayer.
97
1636
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Thirdly: He is to lead and serve the people when assembled in an orderly manner, with prayers, every morning and evening; and also before and after meals.
Fourthly: He is also diligently to instruct the ignorant in the faith, especially out of the Word of God; and also earnestly at every opportunity, to admonish sinners to penitence and to the leaving off of their sins, by holding before them the fearful judg- ment of God, warning them faithfully of their danger of per- dition; he is especially to oppose, in every possible and proper manner, all cursing, swearing, and profane abuse of the dear Name of the Lord, as well as all indecent language; he is also to comfort and strengthen apparently discouraged ones, as circum- stances may require.
And even as the said N. N. is directed always to conduct him- self in compliance with and according to these instructions, and in such a way that he never arrogate to himself, beyond these duties, under any pretext whatever, anything which properly belongs to the ministerial office: - So he, on his part, has sacredly prom- ised to regulate himself by these instructions, and to conduct him- self agreeably and usefully, and to continue in the exhibition of a pious life, to walk worthily in this his calling and office.
Therefore, these open letters are given to him, both for his own guidance, and as his credentials on his contemplated journey, that they may be useful to him wherever he may be, and on any occasion.
Thus done in our Classical Meeting held within Amsterdam, Anno 1636, May 5, xxxix. 7.
June 7, 1636.
3. Instructions and Letter of Credential for School-Masters going to the East or West Indies or elsewhere.
Whereas, it is well understood by the Hon. Directors of the N. N. Company, that nothing is more important for the well- being of men, of whatever station, than that they should be taken care of from the very beginning, by keeping them under the eye
7
98
1636
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
and supervision of the Schoolmaster, and in the exercises of the school, that they may derive from such instruction the means necessary for their support, in all the stations and callings of life: and
Inasmuch as, also, upon these exercises, both the glory of God and the salvation of men are not a little dependent; and such exercises are deemed expedient both for the welfare of their Company, as well as for the individuals employed therein; and also that their ships, besides the other officers, may also be pro- vided with Schoolmasters; and
Inasmuch as the by these, by the name of N. N. has offered his services, in this capacity, to the Com- mittee on Ecclesiastical Affairs of the said Company, and which Committee is specially charged therewith by the Classis of Am- sterdam: and the said Classis having previously inquired as to this individual, and by examination have ascertained his fitness and experience for such a position; that on the report rendered by the said Classis, and with the approbation and consent of the said Hon. Directors, he has been appointed Schoolmaster, and sent in such capacity to N. .... N. ..... with these specific instructions, to wit:
He is to instruct the youth, both on shipboard and on land, in reading, writing, ciphering, and arithmetic, with all zeal and dili- gence: he is also to implant the fundamental principles of the true Christian Religion and salvation, by means of catechizing: he is to teach them the customary Forms of Prayers, and also to ac- custom them to pray: he is to give heed to their manners, and bring these as far as possible to modesty and propriety: and to this end, he is to maintain good discipline and order, and further to do all that is required of a good, diligent and faithful School- master.
And inasmuch as N. .... N. .... is directed to conduct him- self in this office according to these instructions, and he, on his part, has promised so to do, as well as to set a good example be-
99
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1636
fore youth and others: Therefore, these open letters, both Credentials and Instructions, are given him upon his sailing, to serve him as may be found necessary.
Thus done in our Classical Assembly held in Amsterdam, on xxxix. 9.
June 7, 1636.
4. Form of Credential and Instruction for the Minister with an Ambassador or Resident.
Whereas, It is proper, so far as may be possible, that the glory of God and the salvation of men be promoted by the exercise of the regular worship of God, in all parts of the world, and in all places, where opportunity offers: and, Whereas, His Excel- lency, Mr. N. .. . . N. ., Ambassador, or Resident, on be- half of this city (state? staet, not stadt,) at the Court of N. N., has need of a preacher: Therefore, We, Ministers of the Divine Word, and Elders of the Church of Christ, belonging to the Classis of Amsterdam, with the consent of the said Ambassador, or Resident: after previous proper inquiries, and examination in the principal points of Scriptural Doctrine; and after sufficient proof of the piety of life, as well as the evidence of necessary gifts and ability, to present the Word of the Lord unto edifica- tion; and after previous subscription of the Netherlands Confes- sion, the Christian Catechism, and the Canones Synodi Nationalis Dordrechtis: have solemnly set apart and do by these presents set apart this reverend, pious, and learned N. .... N. ...... , as preacher to the said Ambassador, or Resident; to preach God's Holy Word, as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments; to administer the Sacraments of Baptism and the Supper, which the Lord has instituted as seals of his grace; duly to visit the sick, and comfort them; and, when necessary, prudently to administer church discipline; also, if it be practicable, to ob- serve catechizing with all diligence; and furthermore in all things to execute the office of a minister, as becomes a true servant of Jesus Christ, according to the Word of God, and in conformity
100
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1636
with the Netherlands churches, Confession, and Christian Cate- chism. We request of all those to whom this instrument shall be exhibited, and unto whom our said brother shall come, that they will be pleased to recognize him as a lawfully commissioned ser- vant of Christ; and hold him in honor for his office and his work's sake; and also to be of aid to him, as far as they can: in order that he may fulfill his office unhindered and with gladness, to the magnifying of God's Holy Name, and the conversion and sal- vation of many. Whereunto we wish him the abundant blessing of the Lord.
Thus done in our Classical Assembly, within Amsterdam, on ., and signed in the name of all
xxxix. 10.
June 7, 1636.
5. Rules and Articles determined on - founded on the Delibe- rations of the Deputies, (and) of the Messrs. Negotiators of Moskow, (Muskovy) and submitted to the Assembly of the Clas- sis, concerning Ministers who shall go thither; and Instructions for said Ministers.
1. That there shall go thither a person well versed in doc- trine, and who, as minister, shall preach the Word of God, and administer the Sacraments, and perform all other ministerial functions.
2. That the said person shall sail from here to Archangel at the first opportunity, and with one of the first ships.
3. That having arrived at Archangel, he shall preach on Sun- day mornings and on Thursday evenings, during the period of his stay there; and if it can possibly be done, the Catechism shall be taught on Sunday afternoons, that the Lord's Day may be the more fully hallowed.
4. That he shall be obliged to come back here with the fleet, unless some Negotiator should pass the winter there. In case, then, an agreement can be made between the parties, after the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
101 1636
minister's engagement at Archangel has terminated, that he may, upon invitation, continue there through the winter, taking up his residence at Wolga, or at Jereslau - permission is granted to the minister to do this: it being well understood that he shall remain there not longer than a year; and in the following summer he is to cross over to Dalaar (or) Gersbarte, so that the Classis may have not only due knowledge of the location of the (Minister?) there, but also that it may remain with Classis to decide whether to continue the one thus commissioned, or to invite another one in his place.
5. Also that written instructions shall be drawn up, in accord- ance with which the commissioned one shall be obliged to con- duct himself. These shall be drawn up by the Classis, and sent along with him.
6. That two persons shall accompany his Reverence, who shall be chosen thereto by the Classis of the Reformed religion in the Netherlands language (or church?) alms, and to receive them at Archangel. These shall also make due report of all such moneys received, as well as other moneys collected on private occasions. These shall be brought hither, and paid over to the Diaconate of the Netherlands Church, inas- much as in the said Classis there are no garonen .? The said col- lectors shall be nominated with the previous knowledge and ad- vice of the minister, and for the present there are (nominated?) by the Classis, Christian Mupa (?) and Lawrence Gossnirs (?).
7. That the minister in Moscow (Muscovy) shall have sole and independent control of his own church there; and there must not be allowed in any wise, any assumption (of power) or influ- ence from the church of Archangel. This shall also be clearly expressed in his instructions; especially because it is not? un- derstood that the Rev. Bergius, who is at present located there, did formerly send an elder and deacon every year from Mos- cow to Archangel, and that this has not subsequently been con- tinued. (?)
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