USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 15
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And in case it happen, which the Lord God in His mercy for- bid, that he and his family come to fall in the hands of the Dun- kirkers, the Patroon promises to use all diligence to procure his ransom; to forward him afterwards on his voyage, according as occasion shall again offer, and to cause to be paid him, during his detention, for the support of himself and his family, forty guilders per month; and also so much here monthly, after he shall have received his liberty and orders, and shall have con- veyed him hither, until he embarks.
On his arrival, by God's help, in the Colony, the Patroon shall cause to be shown to him where he and his shall lodge at first, until a fit dwelling shall be erected for him. So soon as he shall reach the Colony, his hereafter-mentioned salary shall commence, and his board and wages cease, and the Patroon be discharged therefrom.
Which salary, in order that he and his family shall be able honorably to maintain themselves, and not be necessitated to have resource to any other means, whether tilling the land, com- merce, rearing of cattle, or such like; but by the diligent per- formance of his duties for the edifying improvement of the inhab- itants and the Indians, without being indebted to any person, which he also acknowledges to observe; wherefore the Patroon promises to cause to be paid to him for the first three years salary, meat, drink, and whatever else he may claim in that regard, one thousand or ten hundred guilders yearly, one half
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here in this country, the remaining half in proper account there, according as he requires it, in provisions, clothing, and such like, at the ordinary and accustomed prices, and a further yearly addi- tion of thirty schepels of wheat - I say thirty schepels - and two firkins of butter, or, in place thereof, sixty guilders in money's worth. Should the Patroon be satisfied with his ser- vice, he shall give him yearly, the three following years, an in- crease of two hundred guilders.
In case of decease within the aforesaid six years, at which time the salary shall cease, the Patroon shall pay to his widow, besides the supplement of the half year in which he shall have entered, a yearly sum of one hundred guilders, until the expiration of the aforesaid six years. He shall, besides, befriend and serve the Patroon, in all things wherein he can do so without interfering with or impeding his duties. The aforesaid Johannes Mega- polensis having also promised to comport himself in the said Colony as a loyal subject and inhabitant thereof, the above named Patroon, on his side, also promises for him and his successors, to perform and execute what is herein-before set forth, and to fur- nish him with due acte and commission sealed with the seal of the Patroon and the Colony: and in acknowledgment of the truth, without fraud, guile, or deceit, has this writing been signed by both sides. In Amsterdam, this 6th of March, 1642.
Kiliaen Van Rensselaer. Johannes Megapolensis.
See also O'Callaghan's New Netherland, i. 449; Munsell's Annals of Albany, i. 21, 92.
Van Rensselaer.
1642, March 17th.
Rev. Peter Wittenwrongel announced to the (Classical) Assem- bly, that Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, having a colony in New Nether- land, made request of us to aid him in sending a minister thereto; that such a minister had been suggested to him, with excellent
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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testimonials, by the name of John Megapolensis, Jr., at present settled in the church of Schoorel, in the Classis of Alkmaar. The Deputies on Indian Affairs ask, that the brethren of the Classis would lend their aid in these affairs. Everything was confirmed by the Classis, and the further direction and execu- tion of the call, both with respect to the church and the Classis of Alkmaar, were commended to the Deputies. iv. 249.
Acts of the Deputies.
1642, March 18th. Rev. Peter Wittenwrongel in the Chair.
Rev. John Megapolensis, pastor at Schorel, by request, appeared in the meeting. He was asked if his Reverence were inclined to go as preacher to Rensselaerswyck in New Nether- land. He responded that he had a great desire to do so. There- upon the meeting requested Mr. Rentselaer, (who, in connection with a few partners, is engaged in commerce at the above men- tioned-place), to please to come into the meeting, and confer with the said Rev. Mr. Megapolensis, and make arrangements about his salary. Having come to a good understanding con- cerning this, and Mr. Rentselaer having accepted him (Mega- polensis) in the above-mentioned capacity, the meeting resolved to expedite his dismissal from his church and Classis. Revs. Lau- rentius and Britmannus were appointed a committee to effect this. It was further resolved that the next meeting be held two weeks from date, viz. April 1st. xx. 70.
1642, March 22nd.
Call of Rev. Johannes Megapolensis.
Whereas, by the state of the navigation in East and West Indies, a door is opened through the special providence of God, also in New Netherland for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of men, as good fruits have been already witnessed there through God's mercy; and whereas the Brethren of the Classis of Amsterdam have been notified that Mr. Kiliaen
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van Rensselaer hath within the said limits in the North River as Patroon, or Lord, founded a Colony, named Rensselaerswyck, and would fain have the same provided with a good, honest, and pure preacher; therefore they have observed and fixed their eyes on the Reverend, Pious and Well Learned Dr. Johannes Mega- polensis, Junior, a faithful servant of the Gospel of the Lord, in the congregation of Schorel and Berg, under the Classis of Alkmaar, whom ye have also called, after they had spoken with the said Lord, Mr. Kiliaen van Rensselaer, in the same manner as they, with his Honor's approbation, do hereby call him to be sent to New Netherland, there to preach God's Word in the said Colony, to administer the Holy Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; to set an example to the congregation, in a christian-like manner, by public precept; to ordain elders and deacons according to the form of the holy Apostle Paul, 1 Tim. iii., v. 1; moreover to keep and govern, with the advice and assistance of the same, God's congregation in good discipline and order, all according to God's Holy Word, and in conformity with the government, confession, and catechism of the Netherland Churches and the Synodal Acts of Dordrecht, subscribed by him, to this end, with his own hand, and promised in the presence of God, at his ordination, requesting hereby all and every who shall see and read these, to respect our worthy brother as a lawfully called minister, and him to esteem by reason of his office, so that he may perform the duty of the Gospel to the advancement of God's Holy Name and the conversion of many poor blind men.
May the Almighty God, who hath called him to this ministry, and instilled this good zeal in his heart, to proclaim Christ to christians and heathens in such distant lands, strengthen him, more and more, in this his undertaking; enrich him with all sorts of spiritual gifts; and bless overflowingly his faithful labors: and when the Chief Shepherd, Christ Jesus, shall appear, present him with the imperishable Crown of Eternal Glory. Amen.
.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Thus given in our Classical Assembly at Amsterdam, this 22nd day of March, 1642. Signed in the name and on behalf of the whole body,
Wilhelmus Somerus, Loco Praesidis, Zloahar Swalmius, Scriba Classis, Jonas Abeels, as Elder. .
Examined and approved by the Directors of the West India Company, Chamber of Amsterdam, 6th june, 1642.
(Signed) Charles Looten, Elias De Raet.
See also O'Callaghan's New Netherland, i. 449; Munsell's An- nals of Albany, i. 21, 92.
1642, April 1st.
Rev. Peter Wittenwrongel in the Chair.
The minutes of the last meeting were examined, and also the minutes of the Classis, in reference to Indian Affairs, to see if there was anything therein needing consideration, or which ought to be brought before the Classis. It was found that the Com- mittee ad causas were charged to inquire concerning the Spanish translation of the Dutch Confession of Faith. This had been entrusted to their excellencies, the Directors of the West India Company, and the above Committee were directed to endeavor to obtain it from them. Rev. Mr. Wittenwrongel promised to do this. It was also thought proper to present or read in the next meeting of the Classis, extracts from the letter and documents of the New Netherland Consistory concerning the case of Lubbert Van Dincklagen, that that business may be discussed in a proper manner. It was also resolved, as certain vessels were soon to sail, to write letters to the East and West Indies, as well as to the Consistory of New Netherland with special reference to the case of Lubbert Van Dincklagen. xx. 71.
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A COMMUNICATION FROM NEW NETHERLAND ABOUT LUBBERTUS VAN DINCKLAGEN.
1642, April 7th.
The Rev. Meursius stated that a communication had been re- ceived from New Netherland, (New Amsterdam,) coming from the Consistory there, and signed by the elders and deacons. They request that correspondence may be maintained with them by let- ters. They state that they had sent over the proceedings against Lubbert Dincklagen, and were very much surprised that hitherto no reply had been received. They request that one of (the state- ments?) of Everardus Bogardus may be placed over against Lub- bert Dincklagen. They hand in for this purpose a certificate (at- test) and extract from his Church Book, being a vindication of the aforesaid Everardus Bogardus. This having been discussed, after (the reading?) of the aforesaid missive and certificate, it was resolved to postpone the matter until after further examination of the Acta of the aforesaid Consistory, (of New Amsterdam) which must be sent over; and until after Dincklagen himself should have been heard. Meanwhile the Rev. Brethren ad causas Indicas shall inform that church of our action by writing. They shall also investigate the whole matter ab ovo, so as to be able properly to inform the Classis in regard to everything. iv. 252; xxxix. 102.
1642, April 8th.
Rev. Matthias Meursius in the Chair.
Revs. James Laurentius and Henry Britmannus report, that in accordance with their commission they went before the Con- sistory at Schorel, and before the Rev. Classis of Alkmaer, and that they had requested and obtained the dismissal of Rev. John Megapolensis, pastor at Schorel. He will at the earliest oppor- tunity depart for New Netherland to enter upon his charge at the place called Rentselaerwyck. xx. 72.
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The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of New Amsterdam, April 22, 1642.
Reverend, Pious, Wise, Discreet and much Beloved Brethren, Rev. (Bogardus) and Rev. of the Church of Christ at Manhattan in New Netherland:
We duly received your esteemed letter which you sent us in September of last year (1641) with all the accompanying papers. We learned therefrom not only the good condition of the Church of Christ among you, and your hopes for the conversion of the Americans (the Indians) and the Negroes; but we also learned of your entire condition, and your acts and procedures against Lubbert van Dinclagen, formerly fiscal (Treasurer) there. Regarding the first items, we heartily rejoice, and thank the good God for the great grace and blessing which He bestows upon the proclamation of his saving Word in those strange and far distant lands, and that He vouchsafes a reasonable degree of prosperity to his church there; also that good hopes exist for the conversion of the Negroes, (Negrita-men). We beseech him as Lord of Lords (or Sovereign) of the most hardened, that it may please him to open also the door among the Americans (the Indians), so that the ministration of his Holy Word may have free course among them; and that those blind heathen may be delivered from the thick darknesses of their idolatries and the service of the devil, and brought to the knowledge and fear of the true God and Saviour, to the glory of His name and their own salvation.
As regards the second item, touching the affair of Lubbert van Dincklagen: we have diligently perused your papers, and seriously noted the extract from your church-book in relation to his affairs; and also the laudatory testimony given to your minister, the Rev. Edwardus Bogardus. We should have immediately summoned the said Lubbert van Dincklagen before our Classical Assembly, to lay all this before him, and to hear what he had to say about it;
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but we were informed that he was not living in the city, (of Am- sterdam), but had some time ago removed his residence to
It was therefore resolved by us to write to him, and to act fur- ther in the premises as might seem proper. In the meantime we, here, shall not fail to defend the honor of a minister, our honored colleague, Rev. E. Bogardus; and as occasion serves, we shall write further what shall be done by us in this matter.
There is also to be sent to New Netherland, notwithstanding a verbal protest, to wit, to Rensselaerswyck, a certain minister of the name of John Megapolensis, who has been in the ministry in this country (Holland) for a long time already, (since 1634), with whom Rev. Bogardus and his entire Consistory are admonished and exhorted to hold correspondence and com- munion, so far at least as the circumstances and the place permit; and thus with united hands to proclaim the Word of the Lord not only among our own nationality, but also among the blind heathen in America. Thus will we all heartily rejoice that the kingdom of Christ Jesus is more widely extended there. May the Lord bless the labors of both these ministers abundantly, strengthen them by the power of the Holy Ghost, and grant that they may faithfully use their talents to the magnifying of His Holy Name, to the extension of the kingdom of our Saviour Christ, and to the conversion and salvation of men.
Herewith concluding, Reverend, Pious, Wise, Discreet, and Much Beloved Brethren, we commend you all unitedly, and at the same time the Rev. Domine Bogardus, our colleague and fel- low-laborer in the work of the Lord, to God and the Word of His Grace. May He strengthen you in your respective offices and in- vigorate you with long continued health, to the glory of his Name, and to your own salvation. Amen. Dated at Amsterdam, April 22, 1642.
By order and in the name of the Rev. Brethren of the Classis of Amsterdam, the Committee thereof, etc. xxxix. 103, 104.
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[Names not given in the Record Book.]
1642, April 24th.
Rev. James Laurentius in the Chair.
As the vessels for the East and West Indies, and for New Netherland, lay ready for sailing, two letters were written, re- vised, signed, and despatched: one to the East Indies, and one to New Netherland. But the letter for the East Indies was de- livered a little too late; and it was deemed unnecessary at this time to write to the West Indies, as during the previous winter there had been sent thither full information concerning all the affairs. xx. 72.
. Case of Everardus Bogardus and Lubbertus Dincklagen.
1642, May 5th.
Regarding the case of Rev. Everardus Bogardus versus Lub- bert Dincklagen, the Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas stated that they have already written to the church of New Netherland (New Amsterdam,) and that they have also investigated the whole mat- ter, so as to be able to instruct the Classis in accordance with the foregoing resolution, (of April 7, 1642.) But the case is post- poned until the arrival of the aforesaid Dincklagen, with whom the Rev. Deputies will then confer, after which they will make their report. iv. 253-4; xxxix. 104.
Johannes Megapolensis.
1642, June 2nd.
Concerning the case of John Megapolensis, the Deputed Brethren report, that in compliance with their desire, they had proposed to and urged upon the Classis of Alkmaar, the dismissal of the aforesaid Megapolensis, and had also secured the same. iv. 258; xxxix. 107.
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Memorandum for Dominie Johannes Megapolensis, this 3rd June, 1642, proceeding to the Colonie by the ship De Houttuyn, skipper Adriaen Dircksen Houttuyn.
From the Rensselaerswyck MSS .- Hls Reverence will be pleased to take charge of my people and property, which are at present conveyed over in God's name, in the ship De Houttuyn. The persons going over will be these :-
Do. Johannes Megapolensis,
Matheld Willemsen, his wife,
Hellegond, Dirrick, John, and Samuel, his children,
Paulus Jansen, van Geertruydenburg, do.
Hans Vos van Baden.
Jurlaen van Sleswyck, N. Brabant,
Evert Pels, beer-brewer,
29 years old,
his wife, his man,
Gertrude Dries, his wife 7
23 years old, From
Hendrick, Dries, her bro Driesburg.
Jochim Kettelhuer, van Cremyn,
Johan Helms, van Baritt, N. Brabant,
Johan Carsterssen, van Barltt, N. Brabant,
Jeurlach Bestvaell, van Luydendorp, Claes Jansen, van Waalwyck,
N. Brabant,
Abraham Staes, surgeon, his servant,
Hendrick Albertsen van Wuden,
Cornelis Lamberssen, van Doorn, Utrecht, farm servant,
ther, 21 years,
It is to be remembered that this Hendrick Albertz, for his three; Abraham Staes, for his two; Evert Pels, for his three, must pay the skipper Adriaen Dircksen for their board, in the same manner as all the other freemen. But the farm servants are to come at my expense.
N. B. The book-keeper in the colonie shall usually observe that the expense of the board of the freemen must be charged to their account, as Director Kieft some- times places it under one head, altogether to the charge of the Patroon.
He shall take care that these persons embarked on shipboard, and having arrived, by God's help, at the Manhattans, where the Noble Director Kieft resides, obtain that they, and my goods, be forwarded to the colonie by the first opportunity, and provided with food at my expense, and according to my cordial salutations to the Honorable Director Kieft, which shall be followed.
On the arrival of these persons at the colonie, they shall present themselves first to the Commissary Arendt van Curler, to be by him registered, and allotted their work, by and with the advice of the officer Adriaen van der Donck, who, if so be he should have occasion for the services of the two Bredaelse young men, may keep them by him. Otherwise they are there on my account for closer examination.
Herry Albertzen, who hath equally come home before his time, has allowed me one guilder per hide for recognition, according to contract made with him. Then concerning the amount of tobacco over the tenths, (which he hath consented to,) I have not been able to agree with him. He has been treating with me for the place of ferry-man, fixing his dwelling by the Beavers Creek, in order to convey the people to the church neighborhood, (Kerckebuyrte,) and back again from thence. As the church, the minister's house, that of the officer, and, moreover, of all the trades-people, (ambachten,) must henceforward be established there, as Abraham Staes and Evert Pels, the brewer, have undertaken, I am entirely willing, and con- sent that, with the exception of the farmers and tobacco-planters, who must reside
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at their farms and plantations, no other tradesman, henceforward and after the expiration of their service, shall establish themselves elsewhere than in the church vicinage, in the order and according to the plan of building sent herewith; for every one residing where he thinks fit, separated far from others, would be, unfortu- nately, in danger of their lives, in the same manner as sorrowful experience has taught, around the Manhattans, of all which the commissary, Arendt van Curler, shall give notice to all persons, being called together, so that they may regulate themselves accordingly .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. i, 451, 452.
June 6, 1642.
Agreement between Kiliaen van Rensselaer and the Directors of the West India Company, relative to the approval of the call of Rev. Mr. Megapolensis.
Whereas, differences have occurred between the Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company and Kiliaen van Rensselaer, Patroon of his Colony named Rensselaerswyck, in New Netherland, as to the approval of the Acte of Commis- sion granted by the Classis of Amsterdam to Domine Joannes Megapolensis to be invested with the office of preacher in the aforesaid Colony of Rensselaerswyck in New Netherland, and as the ship wherein the said minister must depart lies ready to sail, so that periculum in mora est of injuring the said voyage - Therefore, the aforesaid Kiliaen van Rensselaer consents that the said Directors shall affix their approbation to the aforesaid Acte of Commission, under express protest that he, Rensselaer, shall not be prejudiced in his right, but the parties on either side shall remain unprejudiced in their present rights. In witness whereof, the Directors and Kiliaen van Rensselaer have granted and signed this present Acte at Amsterdam, this 6th June, XVI hundred two and forty.
0
Signed respectively, Charles Looten, Elias De Raet.
See also O'Callaghan's New Netherland, i. 449; Munsell's An- nals of Albany, i. 21, 92.
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Catalogue of Books which are sent for the Library in Rensselaerswyck, to be for- warded there.
IN FOLIO.
1. Biblia Graeca,
2. Concordantia Bibliorum,
3. Opera Calvini, 8 tom. .
4. Opera Ursinii,
5. Polyanthea Langii et Gruteri: tom 2.
6. Titus Livius,
7. Cursus Philosoph. Roderici de Arriag,
8. Theatrum Terrae Sanctae Christiani Andrichonii.
IN QUARTO.
1. Adriani Metii Primum Mobile,
2. Adriani Metii Arithmet.,
3. Theologia Naturalis Alstedii,
4. Manuale Concionum, Did. Alvares,
5. Animadversiones in 4 Evang. Lud: de Dieu,
6. Thesaurus @Economiae, J. Casi,
7. Petri Rami Arithm. et Geom.,
8. Distinct. Philos. et Theolog. Casta- ner,
9. Theologia didactica Alstedii.
REMARKS ON THE ABOVE, BY DR. T. ROMEYN BECK.
Folio.
No remarks necessary on 1, 2, and 3.
4. Ursinius, (probably Zachary,) the friend of Melancthon and of Sir Philip Sidney. Born in Silesia, in 1534; died, 1583. (Chalmers' General Biographical Dictionary.)
5. John Gruter, (in Latin, Janus Gruterus,) born at Antwerp, 1560; died, 1627. He edited the Polyanthea of Langius. (Biographie Universelle.) 6.
7. Arriaga, (Roderic de.) A learned Jesuit, native of Castile. Born, 1592; died, 1667. Chancellor of the University of Prague; published, in 1632, a Course of Philosophy, in one volume. Folio. (Ibid.)
8. Christian, Andrichonius, a geographer of considerable reputation, born at Delft, in Holland, 1533; died, 1585. The work for which he is best known is Terrae Sanctae Theatrum et Biblicarum Historiarum, or History of the Holy Land, illus- trated by maps. It passed through a number of editions in folio, from 1590 tu 1682. (Watt's Bibliotheca Britannica.)
Quarto.
1, 2. Adrian Metius, an able Dutch Geometrician, born at Alkmar, in 1571; died, 1635. His " Treatise on Arithmetic " was published in 1611, in quarto. " Primum Mobile astronomice, sciographice, Geometrice, et hydrographice novi methodo expli- catum." Amsterdam: Quarto: 1631. (Biographie Universelle.)
3, 9. Alstedius, born at Herborn, county of Nassau, where he became Professor of Philosophy and Theology. He then went as professor to Weissenburg, in Tran- sylvania, where he died in 1638. He was a member of the Synod of Dort. A most indefatigable writer. (Ibid.) Alstedius " Theologia Naturalis " was published
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in 1615 and in 1662 in quarto. (Biographical Dictionary of the Society for the dif- fusion of Useful Knowledge, vol. 2.)
4. Didacus (Diego) Alvarez. There were two of this name. One a Spanish Do- minican, Archbishop of Trasii, died in 1635; the other a Spanish Jesuit, died 1617. I cannot find the above work among the list of their writings.
5. Lewis de Dieu; Protestant Professor in the Walloon College at Flushing. Born, 1590; died, 1642. His work entitled "Animadversiones in quatuor Evangelia," was published at Leyden, in quarto, in 1631. (Biog. Universelle.)
6. Case, John, M. D., an eminent Physician and Philosopher of Oxford; born at Woodstock, Eng .; died, 1600. He published a number of works, among which is Thesaurus Å’Economiae, seu Commentarius in Å’Economia Aristotelis; Oxon. 1597, 1598; Hanov. 1598; 8vo. There is a monument to his memory in St. John's College. (Watt; also Biog. Dict.)
7. Peter Ramus, a celebrated French Mathematician, born 1515; died, 1572. Pub- lished "Arithmetica, Graeca et Latina," at Paris, quarto, 1555; " Geometria," at Basle, quarto, 1596. (Watt.)
8. Henry Lewis Castaneus published a work entitled " Celebriorum distinctionum tum Philosophicorum et Theologicorum Synopsis." (Watt.)-O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. i. 454, 455.
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