USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 14
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As to Art. 46, Synodi superioris, regarding the closer corre- spondence about the East and West India Church-affairs, which was asked for in said article; (1639) The Reverend Correspond- ents of (the Synod of) Gelderland, South Holland, Utrecht and Overyssel, read the resolutions adopted at their respective Synods,
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and the plans therein proposed. The Rev. Deputatus of Gronin- gen, as subsequently, also, the Rev. Deputatus of Friesland, stated that they had received no directions upon these matters, and had no complaint (doleantie) to make; and no resolutions in regard to this matter were to be found in the Acta of their Synods. On this business much discussion now took place, between the Rev. Synod and the Reverend Brethren correspondents. The corre- spondents strongly insisted that satisfaction should be given to them and their Synods in this matter; that they might not be com- pelled to turn themselves to their respective (Provincial) author- ities, and to complain (doleren) before them. It was, therefore, resolved, in accordance with the resolution of the last Synod, at Haerlem, by which this Assembly is bound, and in order to satisfy these brethren so far as possible, that the brethren correspondents will be pleased to hand in their petitions in writing, even as they are now spread upon their minutes. These petitions may then be sent to the several Classes of North Holland, and the resolu- tions of the same thereon may be learned at the next Synod. This could have already been done at this time if the Rev. Brethren had caused their considerations to be placed in the hands of the Deputies of our Synod.
The petition and considerations are these, as they were ob- tained from the Acta of the Synod of South Holland, with the consent of the other Rev. Correspondents present :
The care of the churches in the East and West Indies does not belong to one particular Church, or Classis, or even to one Synod; but it properly belongs to all the Synods of the United Provinces, or to all the churches in general, of the Netherlands. This is the opinion as well as the sentiment of almost all the Particular Synods; for every one to whom the salutary correspondence is dear, and the mutual peace of the churches desirable, should cer- tainly have the privilege to promote the same. And this is just, especially because such opinion and sentiment rest upon incon- trovertible grounds, aside from the fact that each of the Com-
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panies (the East India and the West India Company) received its Charter from the Provinces in general, and is sustained by gen- eral funds (investments from all parts) and is ruled by Directors from each of all (the Provinces.)
This also is clear beyond all doubt: that it is a work belonging to the National Synod, or to the churches in general of all these Provinces, not only to originate but to establish Particular Synods; and to this (National) Synod, all individual Churches and Classes belong. If any particular Church or Classes or even Synod should assume the care of any other churches or Classes, whether in the East or in the West Indies, not having been authorized thereto by the churches in general: - many Provincial Synods would take great umbrage thereat, even as, for a long time past, they have manifested their displeasure; and it is to be feared that such displeasure will increase still more greatly, from time to time, and produce troubles which ought to be prevented.
To this may be added yet the following: That such difficulties might occur in the East or West Indies, as could and ought not, to be settled by any particular Churches, Classes, or even Synods. Also, particular churches (or Classes?) may be neglectful in com- plying with the request of the East and West India churches. It is indeed understood that the said (foreign) churches have here- tofore complained, and do still complain, that at times no proper attention has been given to their letters and gravamina; and that full information is not always furnished them of the ecclesiastical proceedings in these Provinces.
Now to give once for all (eenelyck) some further explanation of the matters which ought to come under the supervision and dis- position of the churches in general: This, first of all, is regarded as a point touching all the Synods of these United Provinces, that they should see well to it that the said churches of the East and West Indies abide by the purest doctrine, and by the common church regulations, and not be allowed to introduce anything
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peculiar, without the knowledge and approval of all the churches in general.
Moreover, that the gravamina of the said churches ought to be sent over to all the Provincial Synods of this land, in order to consult and decide about these unitedly.
Further: That the Synods in general have a right not only to the inspection of all the alumni of each of the Companies, but that these Synods ought also to have an eye to the sending and appointing of schoolmasters, readers, sieckentroosters, proponents, and especially ministers, upon whose fitness, so much depends there, and in so marked a degree.
Finally, that all the Acta and letters of the churches of the East and West Indies ought to be addressed to the churches in general; even as in turn all the Synods in this land should an- nually send over general extracts from their Acta to the churches of the East and West Indies, in so far as these may be of service to them.
But in opposition to all this, it may be said, that several re- quests and attempts have been made, to be allowed to form, from all the Provinces, one Ecclesiastical Assembly, which should have common oversight of all the East and West India churches; but that this has not been effected, because it was not known how the expenses incurred thereby could be met.
It was answered, that such an Assembly would have to be or- ganized at the charge of each Synod; inasmuch as the said ex- penses could not be obtained either from the Hon. Messrs. Direct- ors, or from the High Mighty Messrs. the States, nor from anywhere else.
It might also be said that matters now and then come up which would not brook the delay of being treated by correspondence with the other Provinces: But this serves as a reply: That cer- tain ecclesiastical bodies can be appointed and authorized to con- sider such matters as require haste. These should be required to give an account of what they do or do not do, to their prin- cipals, with their reasons therefor.
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In order then, that this good cause may have progress and be facilitated, it is expedient that this project be made known to the churches of all the other Provinces.
Further: In case of refusal or longer delay, a remedy could be requested from their High Mightinesses, the States-General: The Synods interested shall themselves recommend this to their respective States, with the request that they would be pleased to promote this affair at the meeting of their High Mightinesses.
1640. Article 38.
There were introduced and read the extracts from the general affairs, out of the Acta of the Corresponding Synods, even as follows :
From the Acta of the Synod of Gelderland of the year 1638.
To request an increase of the salary of ministers' widows, by the correspondencies among the Synods of these United provinces, in regard to the East and West Indian churches : Also the form and manner of that plan of a Marriage Ordi- nance, (echt ordaninge; or if this be read egt ordaninge, it might mean " genuine ordination ":) accompanied by the pre- ceding advice of the respective Classes. This after being fur- ther examined in the Synod, shall be presented to the Hon. Court, and the Landschap, (landship; authorities of the com- munity; magistrates.)
From the Acta of the Synod of South Holland :
A plan to arrange a common supervision over the church affairs of the East and West Indies, approved by the Synod, shall be communicated to the Rev. Brethren of Zeeland,* and to all the Synods of these Provinces. After the said plan has been approved, it shall be laid before the Assembly of the XVII and XIX, and sent to the Messrs. the States of each Province.
* There was no Synod in Zeeland.
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SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, OCT. 1640.
(Extra session.)
Continuation of the Acts of the Particular Synod of North Holland, reassembled at Amsterdam, on October 30, of the year 1640.
Art. 20. East and West India Church affairs.
Thereupon the said Deputatus made known, in the matter of the East and West India Church affairs, that many debates thereon had taken place in the Synod of Utrecht; and that it was finally resolved to let the matter rest for a year, until the petitions and considerations, which were presented by the cor- responding Synods on that subject, and which are embodied in Article 30 of the Acta of the North Holland Synod, (1640) shall have been considered in the Classes of North Holland. A de- cision will then have been reached at the next Synod of that Province (Utrecht). There is added thereto, that this Synod (North Holland) will kindly permit it (Synod of Utrecht) to receive, upon its request, which was also made in writing in a letter of October 28,- and at its expense, the Acta of the Synod held (or, to be held - te houden) in Brazil, whenever the same shall be brought over.
This Synod takes pleasure in the resolution. It replies to the second, that the request of the Synod of Utrecht, as well as of the brethren of South Holland, who have made a similar request, shall be favorably made known to the several Classes; so that the Acta requested, when they come from Brazil, may be communicated to them.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, 1640.
Acts of the Deputies.
Megapolensis. 1640, Sept. 4th.
It was resolved that at the next meeting discussion shall be had about what was communicated by Megapolensis. xx. 39.
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John Cornelisz, of Barsinger-Horn.
1640, Oct. 15th.
'A letter was read from Rev. John Megapolensis minister at Koedyk, in regard to one John Cornelisse (Backer) of Barsinger Horn, who is disposed to let himself be employed as Siecken- trooster or also as minister, in the East Indies. But inasmuch as he has not studied, this matter is set aside. xx. 41.
Petitions from the other Synods regarding Church affairs in the Indies.
1640, Dec. 3rd.
Under the 30th Article, concerning the affairs of the East and West Indies, the petitions of the Synods of the other Prov- inces shall be examined by the Classis, against the next ensuing Synod of North Holland. iv. 217.
John Cornelisz. Backer. pp. 45, 52, 58, 78, [of Vol. 20.]
1641, Feb. 26th.
Dr. Rudolphus reported, that Rev. John Cornelisz Backer of Barsinger Horn - who had been sent hither by John Megapo- lensis (Senior) minister at Coedyk, and who had exercised him- self there two years in the Postamena of the Christian Doc- trine - has applied in writing, to be sent to the East Indies, as proponent or Siecken-Trooster, as the Assembly might deter- mine. It was resolved that said John Cornelisse shall (present?) himself before us on March 25, proximo, in order then to give proof of his gifts (and that shall inform) his cousin, (or Nephew, neef,) John Cornelisse, of this arrangement. xx. 43.
John Cornelisz. Backer.
pp. 43, 52, 58, 78, [of Vol. 20.]
1641, March 25th.
John Cornelisse Backer appeared, in accordance with the reso- lution of the preceding meeting. He preached a sermon on
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Rom. 3:28, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the law". He showed that he understood tolerably well the justification of sinful man before God, but when he was further questioned of un- ending the article used, and answer was given for ministers should to the East Indies : it was consid- ered that he would have to present himself before the Classis again on the first Monday in May, in order to let his gifts be exhibited more fully. Then his case will be acted on according to the advice of Classis. xx. 45.
(J. C. Backer.)
1641, May 6.
John Cornelisse Backer preached a sermon on John 3:16. The Assembly decided that he had indeed some good notions, (reymselen), but that all his ideas were yet crude and tame; that he had need to study diligently, and hereafter he might present himself again before us. xxxix. 84.
John Cornelisz .* Backer. (See) pages 87, 88, 84. 1641, June 3.
John Cornelisz. Backer presented himself in order to preach a sermon. He was put off, and it was announced to him that he must come back after two months, prepared to preach a sermon. xxxix. 85.
Council Minute. Conditions under which a party of English people may come and settle in New Netherland.
[Rev. Francis Doughty. Newtown.]
Thursday, the 6th of June, 1641.
Whereas a good number of respectable English people with their preacher have petitioned for permission to settle here and live among us, asking that the condi- tions might be communicated to them, therefore we have resolved to send them the following terms:
First they will be obliged to take the oath of allegiance to their High Might. the States and to the West India Company, under whose protection they are to live here.
* The letter z, with a period sometimes after it, in the middle name, stands for " zoon ", " son ", and means that John Backer was the son of Cornelius Backer. Sometimes the father's name, with the z attached, is placed after the full name of the son.
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2. They shall have free exercise of their religion.
3. As to their political government, if they desire a Magistrate, they may nomi- nate three or four of their ablest men, from whose number the Governor of New Netherland will select him, who is to be their Magistrate, having final jurisdiction in all civil cases up to forty guilders, cases for higher amounts may be appealed to the Governor and Council of New Netherland and criminal jurisdiction up to (i. e. not including) capital punishment.
4. They shall not build fortifications without permission.
5. The land shall be allotted to them as their property without expense, they shall use it for ten years without paying taxes and at the end of these ten years they shall pay the tenth.
6. They shall have free fishing and hunting and be allowed to trade subject to the privileges of New Netherland.
7. They will be obliged to use the measures and weights of the Country .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 8.
For Patent for Mespath or Newtown, March 28, 1642, see O'Callaghan i. 425, and Riker's Newtown, 17, 18. Extract: " With power . . to erect a church or - churches; to exercise the Reformed Christian Religion, and Church discipline which they profess ", etc.
See further references to Rev. Francis Doughty under date of July 28, 1649, etc.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HOORN.
1641, Aug. 13 et seq. Art. 29.
In regard to Art. 30, (1640), referring to the closer cor- respondence with the Rev. Synods of Gelderland, South Hol- land, Utrecht and Overyssel, concerning church affairs in the East and West Indies :
The several Classes have complied with the resolution of the preceding Synod, and have taken into earnest consideration the representations and remarks relating to this matter, as contained in the Acta of the Synod of South Holland, which were laid before the Synod at Amsterdam with the consent of the said Brethren, the Correspondents. Upon this business, the advices of the respective Classes have been heard and collected. The Majority declare that it is altogether unadvisable to make any change, or to depart from the old footing.
Nevertheless, in order to satisfy the Rev. Brethren, the Cor- respondents, it was agreed, that at their request, (copies of) the
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ecclesiastical Acta of the said East and West India Churches shall be sent to the respective Corresponding Synods. Much discussion ensued on this resolution, between the Rev. Synod and the Rev. Brethren, the Correspondents. The result was, that finally, their Reverences read before the Rev. Synod a grievance, (doleantie), wherein they complained of the said reso- lution, in behalf of their principals. They also declared, in ful- filment of their commission, that their interested principals would be compelled to resort to such other means as the con- stitution of the church, and the nature and the justice of the case permit. Thereupon, the Rev. Deputies of the other Synods were warned to guard against anything which they might under- take, that might be to the prejudice of this Synod.
Art. 49.
2. Whereas it is insufferable, that the limitations of callings and offices should be confused, (lit. that the boundaries should overlap), it is asked whether the Rev. Synod ought not to estab- lish a fixed rule, that no preacher, either now or hereafter, under any pretext whatever, should intrude himself into the practice of Medicine ?
Answer: The Rev. Synod (decrees) that the ministers prac- ticing (medicine), whether now in such practice, or about to undertake it, shall at once desist from such medical practice. And in order that the said resolution may suffer no infringement, the Classes and Churches belonging to this Synod are enjoined to give serious heed thereto, and to act with all earnestness; to the end that, once for all, the intent of Synod may be complied with. In case any of the said ministers refuse to obey the said resolution, the Classes and Churches shall report such trans- gressors to the next Synod that further provision may be made against this practice in the most suitable manner. The Rev. Deputies of Synod are also charged to be vigilant in this matter.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
John Cornelis Backer, of Barsinger-Horn.
pp. 45, 43, 58, 78.
1641, Sept. 3rd.
John Cornelis Backer, in accordance with the order of the Rev. Classis, preached a sermon before the Assembly on the words of Christ, Matt. 16:18, " Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church ". The Assembly found that he had improved; but admonished him still further diligently to apply himself. Another text was given him on which to preach a sermon at the next meeting of Classis, to wit: John 2:3, " And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments ". Of all this report shall be made at the next Classis. xx. 52, 53.
John Cornelisse Backer.
pages 88, 85, 84.
1641, Sept. 2.
John Cornelisse Backer came before Classis announcing that he had come to preach a sermon, even as the Classis had charged him; but inasmuch as there was a great deal to be done, his request was postponed till tomorrow after the (regular Classical) sermons. Then he might preach his sermon before the Depu- ties on Indian Churches. xxxix. 87.
1641, Oct. 7.
The Brethren Deputies on Indian Affairs report, that they have heard the sermon of John Cornelisz Backer on Matt. 16:18, and had been reasonably well satisfied therewith. They had also assigned him as a text 1 John 3:1, on which he was ready to preach before the Assembly. It was then resolved that the said Deputies should hear him on the morrow, and if they obtained good satisfaction, they should speak with him, to see if he could
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let himself be employed on Curacoa. Later, a decision could be reached thereupon in our Assembly, as soon as convenient. xxxix. 88. 1
John Corneliz Backer. pp. 52, 45, 43, 58, 78.
1641, Oct. 8th.
John Cornelisz Backer, in accordance with the injunction of Classis, appeared before the Assembly, and preached on the words of 1 John 2:3. Therewith the Assembly was reasonably well pleased, and it was deemed advisable to advance him to the ministry on the Island of Curacoa, in place of Jonas Aertz. In regard to this the Directors of the West India Company shall be spoken to. xx. 58.
John Cornelissen Backer.
1641, Nov. 1.
A sermon by John Cornelisse Backer on Rom. 3:1, was listened to. Therewith the Assembly was so greatly pleased, that it was resolved to proceed with his examination. This shall take place this afternoon to be conducted by the Rev. President Wittenwrongel. xxxix. 91.
Two Ministers in the Classis of Alkmaar, not disinclined to sail to the East or West Indies.
1641, Nov. 19th.
John Cornelis Backer informed the Assembly that he had learned on good authority that there were certain ministers in the Classis of Alkmaar, who were not adverse to making the journey to the East or West Indies, in this same service, if they could obtain good and favorable conditions. These were the minister at Schorel, and the minister at Koedyk .* In regard to them, John Corneliz Backer was told that, in the name of this Assembly, he should request these two ministers to come down
* One of these ministers was John Megapolensis.
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to this Classis in order that fuller conference might be had with them about this matter. The Classis promised to do everything that might serve towards their advancement. XX. 62, 63.
Acta Deputatorum ad res Exteras.
1641, Nov. 19th.
Rev. Peter Wittenwrongel in the chair.
A communication, with some accompanying documents, was read, which had been sent to the Classis by the elders and deacons in New Netherland, (at New Amsterdam.) Therein they report and justify the procedure of the church against Lubbert Van Dincklagen, the treasurer (of the Colony.) They sent to the Classis two commendatory testimonials concerning their pastor, one from the Consistory, and another from the Director. They desire and request that the good correspondence be maintained with them more promptly than had been the case for a long time past.` They report the good condition and daily increase of their congregation. The Americans (Indians) come not yet to the right knowledge of God; but the negroes, living among the col- onists, come nearer thereto, and give better hope. They request earnestly and perseveringly that the Rev. Classis would take their case to heart, and support them in their action against Lub- bert Van Dincklagen, in order to maintain the honor of their worthy pastor, the Rev. Edward Bogardus. xx. 64.
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John Cornelisz. Backer.
1641, Dec. 2.
The Rev. President questioned John Cornelisse Backer. He was examined in the fundamentals of the Christian Religion. His answers so pleased the Rev. Brethren that they will present him, at the proper time, to the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, to be sent as minister to Curacoa. Further- more, he shall be ordained to the ministry by the laying on of hands, against the time that the ships shall depart for the said place. xxxix. 92.
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1642, Feb. 7.
Agreement between Adam Roelantsen of Dockum, and John Teunison, Carpenter, respecting the building of a house for said Roelantsen.
John Teunison agrees to build the same of the following dimen- sions: In length thirty feet, in width eighteen feet, in height eight feet; the beams to be hewn at four sides, the house to be well and tight clapboarded, and roofed with substantial reeden thatch; the floors tight and made of clapboard; two doors, one entry, a pantry, a bedstead, a staircase to go to the garret; the upper part of the chimneys to be of wood; one mantelpiece; the entry to be three feet wide, with a partition. The house to be ready by 1st of May next. All for the sum of three hundred and fifty guilders (one hundred and forty dollars,) to be paid by Roelantsen, one half when the timber is on the ground and the other half when the building is finished .- Dunshee, 17.
CONTRACT BETWEEN PATROON VAN RENSSELAER AND REV. JOHN
MEGAPOLENSIS. 1642, March 6th.
Conditions freely assented to and accepted by Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, in his quality as Patroon of his Colony named Rens- selaerswyck, and by Dr. Johannes Megapolensis, minister of the Holy Gospel to the congregation at Schoorel and Berge, under the venerable Classis of Alkmaar, in the presence of Mr. Adam Bessels, copartner in the said Colony, and the Rev. Jacobus Lau- rentius and Petrus Wittenwrongel, both ministers of Amsterdam, as preacher to administer and promote divine service in the aforesaid Colony for the term of six successive years, according to previous dismission from his said Classis.
First, Dr. Johannes Megapolensis, thirty nine years old, with his wife, Machtelt Willemsen, aged forty two years, besides his children, Hellegond, Dirrick, Jan, and Samuel, aged fourteen, twelve, ten and eight years, shall furnish and provide themselves
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as well with clothing, furniture, and other utensils, and these put up in such small and compact parcels, as can be properly stowed away in the ship.
In the meantime, as his six years and his salary shall commence so soon as he shall set foot in the aforesaid Colony, the Patroon, in addition to free board for them all in the ship, until they reach the Colony, shall over and above make him a present, for future service, at once, of three hundred guilders, without deduction.
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