USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 12
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8. That the minister from (in) Moscow (Muscovy), and especi- ally the one in Archangel shall be maintained by his regular salary, without receiving anything for baptizing or marrying, or from the congregation; so that the honor and reputation of the Neth- erland Church in such localities may suffer no disparagement xxxix. 11.
June 7, 1636.
6. Instructions for the Minister in Moscow and Archangel.
1. That the teachings of God's Word be presented to the peo- ple with prudence, and in a sound and edifying manner, and in conformity with the teachings of the National Synod recently held at Dordrecht, (1618-19); that the Sacraments be adminis- tered according to the institution of Christ, and in conformity with the general order of the Reformed Church in this land, and that this be done as often as the condition of the church there may require it; that also the sick be visited and comforted, and that church discipline be prudently attended to, according to the necessities of the church.
2. That the ministers, both at Moscow and at Archangel, shall concern themselves only with their respective churches, and shall in no wise assume to themselves what belongs to the govern- ment of (other) churches, there or elsewhere.
3. That every year a written ecclesiastical report be made to the Classis, of the condition of the two churches. This report shall be signed by the preachers and elders.
4. That each of these preachers must refrain from all dis- putes, whether in behalf of or against the Russians, as well as with others who have gone there, whether Lutherans or Papists. They shall also prudently write but not without the advice of their consistories.
5. Furthermore, each of these preachers must be on his guard against inducting any person into the service of the church, or
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into the office of the preacher, without special authorization by our Classis.
6. That each of the said preachers shall be supported by the regular salary assigned to them, respectively, by the Messrs. Nego- tiators, without laying any claim to, or receiving fees from, any- body, for marrying, baptizing, or by way of benefit. The in- tention of the Messrs. Negotiators, which is thoroughly approved, being this : that they are not to be held accountable, outside the said salary, for any other expenses, whether for traveling, or for his lodgings there; but that the preacher at Archangel must meet the cost of his travel, and for his lodging there, on the best terms he can make; and that the be consti- tuted and the married people, and the children for baptism shall give .. zeal, and that such by the Almighty may be
7. That the minister sent to Archangel shall be required to go with one of the first ships sailing thither; and return again with the fleet, or at the longest (stay) there during the summer, according to the articles of the Negotiators, concerning this ser- vice. xxxix. 12.
June 7, 1636.
7. Drawn up by the Classis and approved by the College of the Admiralty, at Amsterdam, Nov. 28, 1636.
Form of Admiapringe (appointments?) and Instruction for Licentiates (Proponents) sailing upon Men-of-War.
Whereas, it is suitable and necessary, for the promoting of God's glory and the salvation of men, that there should be in- stituted upon Men-of-War (periods of) Religious Meditations, when, at appointed times, God's Word should be preached in a praiseworthy manner; God's Name be publicly invoked; and the people be admonished into true piety; and, in addition, that men may be edified and comforted in a Christian manner, when in dis-
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couragement, or illness, and especially when in the hour of death : Therefore, We, Ministers of the Word, and Elders of the Church of Christ, belonging to the Classis of Amsterdam, in the fear of the Lord, and with the invocation of his Name, have adjudged the licentiate (proponent) N. N. - who has also exhibited laud- able certificates both as to his soundness of doctrine and piety of life: and who, after the customary examination in the prin- cipal Articles of the Christian Religion, and his subscription to the Formulae of Concord - as a suitable person to enter upon, and undertake the office of Proponent, on the War Fleet: for which service he has also been accepted by the High Mighty, the Messrs., the College of Admiralty :
And in order that he may become known as such to every one whom it may concern, and that they may know how he must con- duct himself in this his office, this Letter of Instruction is sent with him: Therein it is ordered, that on the Lord's day, and on other proper occasions he shall preach a sermon on God's Word, with all edification, and unto the instruction, admonition, com- fort and rebuke of the people.
He shall also comfort and instruct those lying at the point of death; and also other sick and distressed ones, in their necessi- ties and discouragements, out of the Word of God. Also, be- sides, in private, he must admonish every one upon occasion, and particularly against cursing, swearing, and the thoughtless abuse of the name of the Lord, etc., and earnestly warn them.
And inasmuch as the said N. N. has agreed and promised faithfully to observe all this, and to accompany his ministry with a Christian and pious walk: Therefore we request all whom it may concern, to respect him very highly, (lit. to hold the same in peace) as the servant of Christ, for his office and work's sake : also, so far as is possible, to aid him, in order that he may per- form his duties unhindered, and with gladness, to the magnify- ing of God's Holy Name and the conversion and salvation of many.
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Thus done in our Classical Assembly, signed by us in the name of all. xxxix. 13.
June 7, 1636.
8. Form of Instruction for Preachers on Men-of-War.
Whereas it is proper and necessary for the advancement of God's glory and the salvation of men, that God's Word should be preached on the Ships of War, in its purity; that God's name should be publicly invoked; that the Holy Sacraments should be administered on occasion: that the people should be admonished to greater piety, and be edified and comforted in a Christian man- ner, in times of need, in illness, and especially in the hour of death: Therefore, We, Ministers 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 invoking his Name; with the consent and approval of the Noble and Mighty, the Messrs. Coun- cil of the Admiralty of the College of Amsterdam; after previous and due investigation and examination of him on the principal points of Christian doctrine; and after sufficient evidence of his piety of life; also after the finding of the necessary gifts and qualifications in him to present the Word of the Lord unto edifi- cation; and after his previous subscription of the Netherland Con- fession, the Christian Catechism, and the Canones Synodi Na- tionalis Dordrechtis: have solemnly ordained, with the laying on of hands, and by these presents do ordain, the reverend, pious, and highly-learned N. . N. ., to occupy the office of a . . preacher on the War Fleet, and to perform all the functions thereof, as becomes a pious and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. And, to the end that the same may be known as such, to every one whom it may concern, and since he has agreed and promised faithfully to observe this, his ministry, in everything, according to God's Word, and to pursue it with a pious walk: Therefore have we given unto him these letters of Instruction, with the re- quest that every one, whom it may concern, will be pleased to hold the same in honor, as a servant of Christ, for his office and
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work's sake; also to assist him, as far as possible, in order that he may perform his office unhindered and with gladness, to the magnifying of God's Holy Name, and the conversion and salva- tion of many.
Thus done in our Classical Assembly on
Signed by us in the name of all
xxxix. 14.
June 7, 1636.
9. Instructions for the Minister going to Smyrna, drawn up by order of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. (Given to Domine Thomas Koenen?)
1. He shall present and proclaim to the people the teaching of the Divine Word in a sound and edifying manner, and with all prudence; he shall administer the Sacraments instituted by Christ as frequently as the condition of the place and the congregation shall require; he shall duly visit and comfort the sick, and also administer church discipline as occasion requires, but with all prudence; he shall also hold catechetical exercises with all dili- gence, so far as it may be practicable; and he shall take care that everything be done in conformity with God's Word, and with the confession of Faith, the Christian Catechism, and the decrees of the last National Synod, held at Dordrecht, (1618-19), and as is the usual practice here in this country, in our Reformed Churches.
2. He shall also maintain a proper correspondence with this Classis, and advise it of all extraordinary events, if time permit him, and annually to report in writing the state of the church. To this end, he shall suitably note down all events as they take place in a church-book.
3. And as soon as he arrives there, he shall endeavor to estab- lish a church among people of our own nation. To this end he shall seek to ascertain of what members there are
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there of the Reformed Religion, and he must give special attention to all such, so as to promote an edifying walk among them, and purity of doctrine, that he may from them gather members, and form capable material, that he may, as opportunity serves, select and establish a Consistory.
4. And in order that the preacher now going there may be pro- vided with some help, he shall for the present discriminatingly seek to employ the help and advice of Mr. Consul in necessary cases.
5. When the minister has been there for some time, and there shall have been found among those of our own nationality fit material; or when other pious and experienced persons shall have joined those already there; and some of these have been induced temporarily, to exercise the duties of Elders and Deacons, until such time as, under the mighty blessing of God, the hoped for church shall be erected there; - then, when the people shall have so increased that it has become possible, shall they proceed, ac- cording to the usual Order of the Church in this country, to the regular election of Elders and Deacons.
6. In the reception of members, and the baptizing of children or adults, he shall (act) according to the Order and custom which are in use in this country. Thus may everything be done with proper regularity and prudence, and offences be avoided as much as possible, and the glory of the church preserved and upheld.
7. And if any come from other places, and represent them- selves as church members of the Reformed Religion, and request to be admitted to the Communion, but without having with them their church certificates; it will be expedient to inquire, as far as possible, into the deportment of each one of them. If nothing be found against them, they shall be temporarily admitted upon such evidence and during their abode in that place, as transients, (passants). In the meantime they are to be admonished to bring their certificates with them another time.
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8. He shall also constantly give heed, and, as far as practicable, maintain conformity in everything, with the practice of the church in this land, in reference to betrothments and marriage, (onder- trouwen and trouwen,) if such circumstances arise there; and regulate himself therein in accordance with the marriage-law or the civil ordinance in the matter of marriage made by this State.
9. He shall also take care that collections of alms be made at religious gatherings, and a careful account of the same be kept. Out of these, on occasion, needy transients (passants) and the poor church members, or also captive slaves may be aided and comforted.
10. He shall also keep a correct register of all the members, and of those who are baptized and are married.
According to these Instructions the said N. N. is ordered to conduct himself in his office. He, on his part, has promised so to do, according to his act of Call; and according to the estab- lished Form, these Instructions are also given him.
The Hon. Consul has been pleased to agree to these points of Instruction. At the same time it is recommended to his Honor,
1. To keep a register of those who die there.
2. To attend to the matter of organizing a school for the in- struction of the youth in reading and writing and the knowledge of the Christian religion.
The first his Honor (the Consul?) has deemed very necessary.
The second to be deserving of further consideration. xxxix. 17, 18.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(West Indies.)
Inquiry about a certain paper.
1636, Aug. 4th.
Whereas the Assembly has understood that the said writings from the consistory in the West Indies, sent to the Fatherland, are in the keeping of the Hon. Councillor Carpentier; the said
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brethren shall address his Hon. in order to ascertain to whom these said papers belong. This was done; but no papers for us were found. iv. 79; xxxix. 22.
(West Indies.)
There was read a copy of a lengthy paper, which was sent to the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, by Christian Hachtoo (or Ibachtoo) who was formerly a minister in the West Indies. And the Committee ad confus Indicus were directed to peruse together the said paper, and to extract therefrom the most noteworthy matters, and to present the same at the next meeting. iv. 79; xxxix. 22. [See Oct. 5, 1637.]
(Plan for West Indian Churches.)
The Assembly commissioned Rev. Hachendorsius, Rev. Ohars- chius, Rev. Meefius (Neefius?) and Rev. Nitmordonchius to de- vise among themselves a certain Plan (Concert) in accordance with which the churches in the West Indies may be governed edifyingly and with good order; and the said Brethren shall report the same to the Classis. iv. 80; xxxix. 22.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ENKHUYSEN.
1636, Sept. 9, et seq. Art. 34. Preacher for the West Indies.
His Excellency, Count (John) Maurice, of Nassau, about to proceed to the West Indies, (Brazil) has made request that a thoughtful and capable minister be selected, to be sent to the West Indies in accordance with Church-Rules. This request was par- ticularly pleasing to this Synod, and it was resolved, that the Classes shall give heed to it at the earliest opportunity; and if they learn of any one disposed to go thither to inform the Church of Amsterdam. The Rev. Correspondents (of other Synods) will also be pleased to do the same.
.
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1636. Art. 35. (Under the Ministerial Changes this year oc- curs the following item:) Classis of Amsterdam.
Sent to the West Indies, (Brazil) Rev. Joannes Polliemus .*
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES.
Plan for the partial government of the West Indian Churches. 1636.
1636 [Fall.]
The plan drawn up by the above mentioned brethren was read, relating to the regulation of the churches in Brazil. It was re- solved that at the next meeting of the Classis this shall be more fully discussed, and maturer consideration be given to every par- ticular. xxxix. 23.
(East and West Indies.)
(1637, April 6th.) It was resolved to ask advice of the Synod . . whether the Comforters of the Sick, [Siecken-Troosters] going to the East and West Indies, in cases that may arise, shall be permitted to perform the marriage ceremony and to baptize. iv. 90; xxxix. 27.
[Committee on Indian Affairs.]
(1637, April 6th.)
Rev. Mourcourtius having been a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, and having served out his term of two years, requested to be discharged from his office. The Classis resolved, to continue Rev. Aarsenius, Rev. Meursius; and to them are added Rev. Treteatius and Rev. John Ambrosius. iv. 90; xxxix. 27.
* This is the Johannes Theodorus Polhemus, who, with the loss of Brazil to the Dutch in 1654, came to Long Island, and established Dutch Churches there, and is ancestor of the Polhemus family in America.
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SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT EDAM.
1637, Aug. 10 et seq.
Art. 29. Ministerial Changes. (Among many others:)
Classis of Amsterdam.
Sent to the West Indies: Domine Fredericus Keslerus, preacher at Amsterdam. Domine Franciscus Planti, newly or- dained to the service.
Classis of Enkhuysen.
Domine David a'Doreslaer, called, examined and sent, as minister to Brazil.
Acts of the Classis of Amsterdam.
Jonas Michaëlius.
1637, Sept. 7th.
Whereas the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company request a minister for New Netherland; and since Rev. Jonas Michaëlius is now present here (in Holland) without a charge; the Brethren resolve that the Deputies on Indian Affairs must put forth every endeavor to persuade him to the acceptance of this service. Having done this, they will recommend him most favorably to the Directors. iv. 103; also in xxxix. 33.
1637, Oct. 5th.
The Brethren, the Deputies on Indian Affairs report, that they had recommended and proposed Rev. Jonas Michaëlius (Dominum Jonam Michaelium) to the Directors; but they had finally given as an answer, that when they had need of him, they would summon him. This greatly displeased the (Classical) Assembly. iv. 107; xxxix. 34.
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INDIANS (EAST AND WEST).
Plan to be devised to reach them.
Although several matters remain unfinished which ought to be attended to, It was resolved to come to some decision regarding these savage men of the East and West Indies, at the first extra Classical session, and to send such decisions to the churches there. In case that extra session should become too prolonged, it shall then and there write specially to the (regular meeting of the) Classis, (a statement of the whole case); after which it shall take up the case of Christian Hachtoo, allusion to which shall also be made at the same time, in the same special communication to the (regular) Classis. iv. 107; xxxix. 34.
AFFAIRS IN THE WEST INDIES.
1637, Nov. 16th.
Concerning affairs in the West Indies it was reported, 1. That their Acta had been sent to the Synod of North Holland and to the churches of the Meuse, (Maes); 2. That the Acta of our Synod, from the year 1620 to the present time (1637) will be sent to them; 3. That some copies (specimens) of the Marriage Ordinance, adopted by the High Authorities here, will be sent thither; 4. Touching the baptism of unbaptized children of Bra- zilians, negroes and others: Inasmuch as this matter has been referred to the Synod, (of North Holland,) and has been acted on by them, their action will be sent over, (to Brazil.) At the same time they will be told, that so far as our Classis is con- cerned, she has much wished that the casus had been somewhat more specifically stated, and particularly It had really also the intention to question the children of Brazilians, before they were adopted, and so passed over into familiam Christianorum. The Brethren deputed on Indian Affairs will
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correct the letters for both the Indies (East and West) and bring them in at the next meeting of Classis. iv. 111; xxxix. 35, 36.
Jonas Michaëlius. 1637, Nov. 16th.
The case of Rev. Jonas Michaëlius and Peter Jansz. Lantman shall be brought anew before the Directors by the Deputies, and be earnestly recommended. iv. 113; xxxix. 37. 8
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ADMINISTRATION OF WILLIAM KIEFT.
1638-1646. Classis of Amsterdam. Acts of the Deputies. (West Indies.)
(1638, April 10.) .
It was represented to the Hon. Messrs. Directors (of the West India Company?) by the East India Company, which also by ministers in Brazil answered to this with the first now expected the advice of the Assembly of the XIX
There were also handed over the Synodical Acta from the year 1618 to 1638. It was promised to recommend this business in the most favorable manner to the said Assembly.
In reference to the marriage ordinances, it was answered that some had been sent before, and more would be sent.
On May 15 the Directors informed Rev. Somerus that the As- sembly of the XIX had agreed to the suggestion, and requested two ministers, as well as Siecken-Troosters, and Schoolmasters. Thereupon it was resolved to recommend as ministers Rev. Jonas Michaëlius, Abraham Middlehovius, and Peter Jansen Lantman; as Siecken-Troosters, Isaac Abrahams and Peter Wernerius, of Meppel; as Schoolmaster Philip Cyriacus Nicolaus. These recommendations were announced on 20th inst. to the Directors by the Deputies. Answer was given that the decision of the Company shall be made known to the Brethren through their Committee, as soon as possible. xxxix. 40.
RESOLUTION OF THE STATES GENERAL URGING THE COLONIZATION OF NEW NETHERLAND.
1638, April 26.
Whereas their High Mightinesses learn that a sufficient num- ber of good and pious clergymen have not been sent to labor at Brazil in the harvest of the Lord; also that church discipline
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has not been duly introduced, much less practiced there, nor even order taken for the establishment of schools for the educa- tion of the rising youth, that they may be brought up in religion and piety.
Secondly, their High Mightinesses receive additional informa- tion that the population in New Netherland does not only not increase as it ought, but even that the population which had been commenced is decreasing, and appears to be neglected by the West India Company, so that the inhabitants of foreign princes and potentates, are endeavoring to incorporate New Neth- erland, and if not seasonably attended to, will at once entirely overrun it.
Therefore their High Mightinesses, after previous delibera- tion, have resolved and concluded on the first point, hereby to instruct and authorize their deputies to the Assembly of the XIX., that in conjunction with the present delegates from the respective Chambers to said Assembly, they assist in making and enacting such order, that Divine Worship in Brazil be duly at- tended to, church ordinance and discipline introduced and prac- ticed, and the rising youth educated and brought up in the fear of the Lord and in the Christian Reformed religion.
On the second point, their High Mightinesses have resolved and concluded, that before the present delegates from the re- spective Chambers to the aforesaid present Assembly of the XIX. adjourn, their High Mightinesses' deputies shall assist in making and enacting such effectual order regarding the population of New Netherland, and thereunto invite all good inhabitants of these Netherlands by such inducements and pre-eminences as, with the approbation of their High Mightinesses, they shall re- solve to offer to all colonists, so that this State may not be deprived of the aforesaid New Netherland, by any indirect under- hand dealing of some inhabitants of this country, and the intru- sion and invasion of those of foreign princes and potentates .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 106.
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Jonas Michaëlius.
1638, June 7th.
The Brethren Deputati ad Res Indicas reported that they had recommended to the Directors of the West India Company, as ministers, Rev. Jonas Michaëlius, Rev. Middlehovius, and Rev. Peter Jansz. Lantsman. Of these three, Peter Jansz. alone is accepted, while they give little or no hope to the other two. It was now resolved to ask for a more definite reply concerning the first two. iv. 125, xxxix. 41.
1638, July 5th.
Concerning the Revs. Jonas Michaëlius* and Middelhouvius, the Deputati ad Res Indicas reported, that they understood from the Hon. President of the West India Company that the rejec- tion of those two individuals had been announced by his Honor, in the name of the Assembly, (the Assembly of the XIX, or Governing Board of the West India Company.) iv. 129; xxxix. 42.
NOTE ON REV. JOANNES MICHIELSEN IN ENGLAND.
On May 10/20, 1641, the Dutch Church of Yarmouth, Eng- land, wrote to the Dutch Church of London, asking for some pecuniary assistance. They had temporarily secured the services of Rev. Joannes Michielsen through one of their Elders who had met him in Zeeland. Of this they were very glad, as they had long been without a minister, and they were hungering for the bread of life. This Michielsen had been with them about ten weeks to their great edification. He was now about to depart and they wished to reward him for his services .- Archives of the Dutch Church of London, Document 2610.
On Sept. 4/14, 1641, the Dutch Church of Maidstone, wrote to the Colloque (Synod) of the Dutch Churches in London, that
* This is the last reference in the minutes of the Classis of Amsterdam to this individual. From preceding documents it will be seen that his father's name was Joannes, and he was probably thus called sometimes himself. He may have had a son Joannes, if the following documents do not refer to himself. It may possibly suggest Zeeland as a place to seek for further light on the subsequent history of the first minister of New York.
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