Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 20

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 812


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 20


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Whereas Domine Bogardus has not yet answered the papers sent to him on the 8th of February, he is hereby ordered to answer them by the next court day, and show cause why he has calumniated the Magistrate from the Chair of Truth, and in his writing.


Having seen the writing dated the 15th of March 1646 sent by the messenger from Everardus Bogardus, minister, it is for the second time ordered that Deft. shall declare at the next session whether he has any more objections against the evidence and other points of the suit, and any other cause why he has calumniated the Director and Council in the Chair of Truth, and neglected their order. In default, the suit shall be despatched.


Everardus Bogardus, minister, has delivered in Court an answer to the resolution of the 15th of March and previous dates, wherein he declares that he will not at present proceed further or deeper in the case, or with the evidence or remainder of the suit; and whereas he, Bogardus, has challenged the Director and Council as judges, although we, by virtue of the commission granted us by their High Mighti- nesses, his Highness, and the Honorable Lords Directors, are fully qualified to de-


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cide the case, as it concerns our office and the authority of our superiors vested in us, Yet in order to obviate all occasion of scandal, we are willing to place our claim in the hands of impartial judges of the reformed religion, such as Domine Johannes Megapolensis, Mr. Douthey, both ministers, and two or three impartial members of this Province, provided Bogardus shall submit his case, as we do, to their judg- ment, and that he, in the meanwhile, shall not privately or publicly, directly or indirectly, by abuse or calumny offend the Director and Council; and if, meanwhile, another Director and other Councillors arrive here, we are content to place the matter in their hands. On which he is ordered to communicate his resolution on the 12th of April next.


Dated 22nd of March 1646 in Council in New Amsterdam.


12 April Anno 1646.


Having seen the answer of Everardus Bogardus, minister, dated the 12th of April, delivered in writing, whereby he refuses the civil offer made him on the 22nd of March last by the Director and Council, to submit the suit against him to two Reformed ministers and some impartial members of this country, but appeals to the coming of a new Director and Council; and whereas it is uncertain what time a new Director will arrive; we cannot consequently neglect putting a stop to the disorder and scandals which have prevailed hitherto, but are resolved to proceed with the suit; we therefore order that an answer to his last writing delivered to us shall be sent to him, Domine Bogardus, within eight days, to be by him replied to for the last time on the 26th of this month, in default whereof the case shall be decided.


11th of June.


Whereas Oloff Stevensen, deacon and commissary of cargoes and the store, has presented a petition to us wherein he requests that four arbitrators may be named by us who might decide the difficulty which he has with Domine Everardus Bogar. dus, minister here, to which said Bogardus also consents, (see his writing delivered to us by him, Oloff): Therefore we do not object so to do, and hereby nominate Domine Megapolensis, Mr. de Hooges, Yoncker Adriaen Verdonck and Laurens van Heusden, commissary, whom we amicably request, authorize and empower to de- cide and settle the aforesaid question as far as in their power lies, reserving the action which the Fiscal may have against Oloff Stevensen.


Thus done in Fort Amsterdam the 11th of June Anno 1646.


The Honorable Director and Council to you, Reverend Bogardus, minister here.


Although the offer we have made your Reverence to submit our case to arbitra- tion, as you have requested, sufficiently proves the justice of our proceedings and the inclination we have for peace, as your refusal establishes the contrary; never- theless the respect we bear the dignity of the ministry, and the desire for your Reverence's welfare prompt [us] once more to seek it, seeing the opportunity that now presents itself on the part of those whom we had nominated thereto; From the ministers, Domine Johannes Megapolensis and Mr. Douthey, and such other impar- tial members as you yourself will be willing to select; protesting in case of refusal that we shall proceed to judgment. And in order that we may with more fervour pray God in the midst of the congregation that He would dispose you and our hearts to a Christian concord, we request Domine Megapolensis may preach next Sunday, as has been always his custom, and being here make us partakers of the gifts with which God has blessed him. Your Reverence will please to gratify us so far in this matter as that we may hear him on that occasion. Relying thereon, and not doubting that your Reverence will have any objection to it seeing the justice of our request, we shall await your Reverence's immediate answer thereto, and on the preceding matter next Thursday, being the 14th of June .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 69, 70, 71, 72, 73.


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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Acts of the Deputies.


1646, June 12th.


Rev. Henry Rutelius in the Chair.


The committee charged with calling a pastor for New Nether- land, had written, for this purpose, to Rev. Cornelius Vander Poel, and Rev. Nicholas Ketelius. They requested their Rever- ences either to appear here in person to confer with us by word of mouth, or to make known their inclination in writing by June 11th. But they did not arrive nor did any letter. It was there- fore resolved, since the matter is of a pressing nature, again to write to them, and to request a speedy reply. This the Clerk will do. xx. 153.


Remonstrance [Memorial] to the XIX.


Rev. Bantius was directed to draft these matters into a Remon- strance to be sent to the Hon. Messrs. XIX; also to draft a let- ter to be sent to the churches in Brazil. xx. 154.


John Walraven.


1646, June 25th.


John Walraven who was to be recommended as schoolmaster and voorleser to New Netherland appeared: The brethren, who presented him, related the experience which befell them before the Directors, namely; that the Directors, besides taking little pleasure in his writing, denied (lit. ignored) that they had given a commission to call a schoolmaster who should at the same time be a voorleser. Thereupon we reminded them, that Isaac van Beeck had recommended us thus to do. They then gave the affair again in commission to certain gentlemen of their Assembly. These informed us, in reply, that they were not accustomed to pay ֏ schoolmaster; but if he wished to journey thither as Siecken- Trooster and voorleser and precentor in the church, that they would accept him as such. They would then consent also to


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maintain a school, and would give for this thirty six florins per month; and that he would have to get along on this. This being put before him, he declared that he was satisfied therewith, and would go thither in such capacity. Thereupon the Assembly resolved to examine him. In this examination, he bore himself in such fashion that the Assembly judged him to be fit to be em- ployed in said capacity, in the said locality. The Rev. Presi- dent and Clerk were thereupon commissioned to recommend him to the Messrs. Directors accordingly. xx. 154, 155.


1646, June 25th.


Rev. John Bantius in the Chair.


The brethren, Revs. Cornelius Vander Poel and Nicholas Ke- telius appeared, in response to the letters addressed to them asking them whether they felt inclined to go as preachers to New Nether- land. Rev. Mr. Ketelius declared that he had a call to Moort in the Classis of the Gouw, and thanked the brethren for their kind interest. Rev. Mr. Vander Poel also declared that a call was opened to him, which he would lay before the Classis of Gor- chon on Monday, 25th inst. He did not know for a certainty, whether it would be approved; but if there were any difficulty in the matter, he would accept a call to New Netherland. He also requested the brethren to wait for him until he had been before the Classis, and received this decision. As he has only partially engaged himself in this call, he would let us know the result by Tuesday or Wednesday, either by word of mouth, or by letter. His request was granted. The meeting also resolved, that should he appear in order to accept this call, the clerk, and the Rev. Mr. Rutelius shall request their Excellencies, the Di- rectors, to call him; but in case he fail to appear, Rev. Mr. Cantius shall have an interview with John Hormansen van Til, at Wesop, who had previously requested to be examined and admitted to licensure by our Classis, and to ascertain if he were willing to go to New Netherland as pastor. Upon this we will take action hereafter. xx. 155.


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New Netherland.


(1646, July 9.)


The Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas reported that the two breth- ren, Ketelius and van der Poel have been called to churches here in this country, and that they cannot be made available for the church in Brazil or New Netherland. xxxix. 141.


Remonstrances to the XIX.


1646, July 9th.


A remonstrance [or Memorial] had been written on account of the distresses in the Church in the West Indies. It had been handed in to the Directors of the Assembly of the XIX, when convened in Zeeland. There had also been a communication sent to the church of Zeeland. iv. 391.


Remonstrance to the XIX, (or to the Executive Committee of the West India Company; by the Classis of Amsterdam.)


1646, July 9.


Honorable, Wise, Prudent and Very (Estimable) Gentlemen : -


Inasmuch as the Classis of Amsterdam has hitherto adjudged what is proper for the propagation of the Gospel and the salvation of men, not only in her own home districts, but also among the blind heathen, in lands under the jurisdiction of your Company, seeking to build them up in sound doctrine and in truth: and ever desirous to show also all due respect to your Honors : So that same Classis in more recent times, is still seeking these same ends in conjunction with your Company. Therefore, for the glory of God, and with the most cordial good wishes for the prosperity of your Company, she cannot neglect to make known to your Assem- bly (of the XIX) those things which (being detrimental ?) she would rather have done by word of mouth. Nevertheless, because of distance, she finds herself compelled to do the same in writing, through her Deputies. The business consists principally of the following items :


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I. First of all, we do not doubt but that it is well known to you, how vigorously the churches in Brazil, both in their Acts and in their letters, as well as the Classis of Amsterdam through her Deputies, have hitherto complained of the licenses (for trade) granted by you to the Jews, who are the sworn enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ. We perceive from the last Acts of (the Classis of) Brazil, in Article nineteen, if we understand it correctly, that no improvement, in regard to said licenses, has taken place; but in addition thereto - and which fact grieves us not a little - it has never hitherto been thought improper by the Hon. Company, to grant to the Jews such liberty. And we conclude therefrom, even as we also can gather from a certain concert (plan) concocted by the Committee of the XIX, Art. 1041, that the Jews have also been allowed the free exercise of their religion in Brazil, although under some limitations. We submit to your consideration how injurious such liberty granted to them, is to the Christian Re- ligion. For what else can the heathen, and the newly converted Christians in those regions conclude therefrom, than that our continued zeal for the doctrine and the glory of our Savior (is not sincere ?) ; besides, that Christianity and Judaism are not so incompatible and antagonistic to each other as would appear from the reading of the New Testament. Do we unite ourselves for some temporary gain, with such a sect, which so completely scorns and slanders the Christian Religion ? and do we grant them free- dom ? What ! shall we keep silent on such a matter ? Can your Hon. Company expect it ? Does it not appear from the teaching of our Redeemer, Matt. 6:33, where He commands us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then promises us that all other things shall be added unto us - (that such union is wrong ?)


So also no pains have hitherto been spared either by ourselves or by the churches of Brazil, to show your Estimables what mani- fold acts of insolence spring up from your licensing Papists (to trade in Brazil ?) ; and what great misfortunes may be expected


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therefrom. We learn not only that such licenses still exist, but we understand also, with pain of heart, from Art. 20, that the Hon. XIX have resolved that Papists shall continue to enjoy the exer- cise of their religion, as guaranteed to them by the compact. We consider that the connivance (by the authorities here) at the as- sembling of Papists here in Holland, to be the reason of their perseverance in their blindness. Therefore, we are of opinion, Hon. Gentlemen, and all pious ministers who have returned from Brazil agree with us therein, that by these grants of freedom to the Papists there, the door of their conversion has been closed. He who builds up with one hand and breaks down with the other, makes all his labor and expense come to naught. Let no one hold such opinion at his peril. Let it be your aim to stand for the exercise of no other religion (than the Reformed). All experience teaches the danger of allowing liberty to Papists. What concord hath Christ with Belial ? There can be as little agreement between them as between light and darkness; and we hold it as certain that unless your Assembly, (of the XIX), first and last, strive earnestly for the true God and against all the idolatries of the Papacy, God will arouse himself for the vindication of his own glory, and do battle for the same, and not to our profit.


That your Estimables should imagine that you can keep their insolence within due bounds by placing some limitations on them (is a great mistake). Experience has already and for a long time, taught us, that the Papacy cares not for limitations, and. keeps compacts made with it only so far as it suits them to main- tain them ; and all this is done under the pretext that faith need not be kept with heretics.


If now your Estimables will please to take some notice of their own plans (concepts) for the year 1641, and what was considered satisfactory to them then; they will discover from the Acts of the churches of Brazil, and especially from Art. 105 of the year 1644, and from the Acts of some preceding years, what is the basis of these Articles, and that the most important ones of them


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have for a long time been disregarded by the Papists. And inas- much as, only recently, it was made as clear as day, how little one can depend on compacts made with Papists : - We trust that your Estimables, taking notice of their faithlessness, treachery, perjury, riot and the murders committed by them, will deny them in the future, all liberty, even in new territories which you con- quer. Also that you will take heed with more Christian zeal to the twelve grievances of the churches of Brazil, which are to be found in Article 42. And besides all this, in the execution of these things, take into proper consideration what is requested of the same (churches in Brazil,) which are to be found in Article 37. For we judge that by these two suggestions, misfortunes experi- enced can be remedied, and future evils averted.


II. In the second place, your Estimables are not unaware how earnestly the churches of Brazil complain of the great scarcity of ministers among them. From this circumstance they are still suffering, having obtained no redress to their complaints. The Gentlemen of the churches of Amsterdam have indicated to us, from time to time, that they were not at fault, but had at their charges a greater number of ministers than they needed to take, according to a certain equalization made among the (five) Cham- bers (of the West India Company). Furthermore the lack is becoming more severely felt. Furthermore, they show in Article 49, that besides the English minister, and two ministers among the Brazilians there, Netherland ministers should re- main there; yet of these, two were thinking of departing with the fleet, as appears from Art. 58.


Your Estimables can and fairness, appreciate this complaint, to wit: That it is not possible for so few ministers to take care of so many places. Therefore we request with them, and in their behalf, that they may be provided as speedily as possible with a sufficient number of ministers, according to their request in Art. 61; and especially, that they may not be compelled, from the very necessity of the case, to make proponents and min-


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isters for themselves. For this appears to have been done, ac- cording to Articles 1, 4, 44. For your Estimables can easily under- stand, that they are obliged there to take what they can get, and not what they wish.


We would also urge your Estimables to consider whether Guinea, where Meyndert Hendrickse occupies the pastorate, and has made a good beginning of a (congregation ?) ought (not?) to be pro- vided once more with a good minister ? Besides there is the addi- tional request in Art. 45, in reference to schoolmasters and school- mistresses, for the instruction of youth in the principal localities.


III. Thirdly, we cannot keep silence in regard to the govern- ment of the churches in Brazil. Those churches formerly requested from the Hon. XIX, and secured the right to divide the Classis into two Classes, with the ultimate design of forming a Synod with these two Classes. We cheerfully confess, Honorable Gen- tlemen, that we were not able to guess what object they had in view with such a plan; much less could we see what apprehension (benefit ?) they could hope therefrom. But we could easily see that instead, only discord and alienations would arise therefrom. And now they themselves begin to fear these same things. They are therefore themselves making request to restore their Assembly back into a single Classis, which is to be the highest ecclesiastical Assembly in Brazil. See Arts. 7, 8, 49. We trust that your Esti- mables will not deny them so small a matter as this. It will pro- duce no injustice, but promote better order, closer union among the ministers there, and fewer difficulties for your Hon. Com- pany.


Of a like nature is their request, to be allowed to correspond with all the different Provincial Synods in this country (Hol- land;) offering to send their (Ecclesiastical) Acts to all these Synods, upon condition of receiving copies of theirs in return. This action was taken in 1644, Art. 14. But such a course is not necessary, and would certainly be productive of harm. We


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have, therefore, for important reasons, strongly advised against such permission, as appears from Art. 24.


But inasmuch as, according to Art. 52, it appears that they are determined to keep this matter open, (lit. to leave it in statu) until the decision of the Hon. XIX, shall reach them: There- fore it is our loving request, that your Estimables will be pleased to allow the former custom to continue, namely ; that the churches of your conquered territories, shall correspond only with those Classes, within whose boundaries the Chambers of the Companies are located ; for with such they are in closest communication, both as to order, and church government. For out of such a widely extended correspondence, nothing else could result than estrange- ment in different matters, and very tardy help for the churches. For gifts which are provided by many, would be slower than those which are provided by a few.


And whereas it is sufficiently plain from their Ecclesiastical Acts, that they are now mostly inclined to correspondence with a single Synod (to correspondence on a single footing) ; and in- asmuch as, in Art. 63, they make request only for the Acts of the Synod of North Holland from 1640 to the present time (1646) ; and, inasmuch as, before 1640, the Acts of that Synod (of North Holland) were sent them, through the favor of your Estimables : So we request that the same may thus be continued to be sent, and which will furnish them all good aid in reference to matters of church government.


Now all these things, Estimable, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen, which are also especially important, we feel that we must make known to your Estimables, in accordance with our commission. We lay them before your Estimables by these presents. This is done from a just zeal for the glory of God, and a sincere desire for the prosperity of your Hon. Company. We trust that your Estimables will regard them in no other light, and will receive them in the fear of the Lord; and that you will render your de- cision thereon, unto the glory of God's Holy Name and the best


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interests of his Church. We respectfully request that your Esti- mables will let the churches of Brazil know of your reply, long desired by them.


Trusting to such a result, (lit., leaving ourselves to this), we, in the meantime, wish your Estimables the spirit of wisdom and prudence and courage in your burdensome and anxious affairs. We pray God to frustrate all evil machinations against your Hon. Company, and follow up your good decision with his pure and rich blessings; and that you may be a Wise Counselor for great success and prosperity, to the glory of his great Name, through Jesus Christ. iv. 391; xxxix. 141-143.


COMMISSION OF PETER STUYVESANT AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF


NEW NETHERLAND.


1646, July 28.


From the Commissie-book of the States General in the Royal Ar- chives at the Hague. Commission for Petrus Stuyvesant as Director on the Coast of New Netherland, as well as the Island of Curacoa, and the places thereupon depending.


The States General of the United Netherlands to all those to whom these Presents shall come, or who shall hear them read, Health. BE IT KNOWN: Whereas We have deemed it ad- visable for the advancement of the affairs of the General Incor- porated West India Company, not only to maintain the trade and population on the coast of New Netherland and the places situate thereabout; also, the Islands Curacoa, Beunaire, Aruba and their dependencies, which have hitherto been encouraged thither from this country; but also to make new treaties and alliances with foreign princes and to inflict as much injury as possible on the enemy in his forts and strongholds, as well by sea as by land ; for which purposes it becomes necessary to appoint a person Di- rector ; We, therefore, confiding in the probity and experience of Petrus Stuyvesant, formerly entrusted with Our affairs in, and the government of, the aforesaid Island of Curacoa and the places


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thereon depending, We, being well pleased with his services there, have commissioned and appointed, and by these presents do com- mission and appoint the said Petrus Stuyvesant, Director in the aforesaid countries of New Netherland, and the places thereunto. adjoining, together with the aforementioned Islands of Curacoa, Beunaire, Aruba, and their dependencies; to administer, with the Council as well now as hereafter appointed with him, the said office of Director, both on water and on land, and in said quality, to attend carefully to the advancement, promotion and preservation of friendship, alliances, trade and commerce; to di- rect all matters appertaining to traffic and war, and to maintain, in all things there, good order for the service of the United Neth- erlands and the General West India Company; to establish regu- larity for the safeguard of the places and forts therein; to admin- ister law and justice as well civil as criminal; and, moreover, to perform all that concerns his office and duties in accordance with the Charter, and the general and particular instructions herewith given, and to be hereafter given him, as a good and faithful Director is bound and obliged, by his oath in Our hands to do; Which done, We, therefore, order and command all other officers, common soldiers, together with the inhabitants and natives resid- ing in the aforesaid places as subjects, and all whom it may con- cern, to acknowledge, respect and obey the said Petrus Stuyvesant as Our Director in the countries and places of New Netherland, and in the Islands of Curacao, Beunaire, Aruba, and their de- pendencies, and to afford all help, countenance and assistance in the performance of these things, as We have found the same to be for the advantage of the Company. Done in Our Assembly at the Hague, on the xxviii. July, 1646 .- Col. Docs. i. 178.




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