USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 22
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They have united their two Classes into one, and request the approval thereof by the gentlemen of the Nineteen.
This past year, on account of the troubles, neither ministers nor siekentroosters have been sent thither.
Art. 41. Rev. Grasmeer; Graftdyck.
Rev. William Grasmeer, minister at Graftdyck, with his elder, showed the pressing necessity for the building of their preach- ing-houses or churches, in two distant neighborhoods. He re- quests of this Synod favor and recommendation to the several Classes for the furtherance of so pious a work. At the same time a statement was made as to the special work of edification there, through the blessing of the Lord, in a very zealous, al- though a newly organized church. Also its condition of poverty, but none the less its liberality towards the said work were also learned; and also that the churches of the Classis of Alkmaer, to which it belongs, has generously contributed their share. Wherefore it was unanimously agreed by the several Classes to recommend this request favorably, to each church within its own bounds, and as far as in them lies, to facilitate it.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. €
Acts of the Deputies.
Points for Remonstrance [or Memorial. ]
1647, Sept. 16th.
The points were read which will be laid before the Assemblies of the XVII and XIX. The matter shall be attended to by Rev. Wilmerdonck and the Clerk.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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The points to form the basis of Remonstrance to the East India Company, or the XVII, are as follows:
I.
Whereas the lack of ministers in the East Indies is great, and next year six are about to depart thence, whose years of engage- ment have expired: It is therefore requested by the Classis of Amsterdam in the name of the Churches in the East Indies, that a good and sufficient number of ministers may still be sent thither, who could serve the churches in the Indies unto their further up- building in Christianity.
II.
And in order the better to induce the ministers who have some inclination to go thither, it is requested in the name of our Classis: That the widows of ministers who die in the employ of the Messrs. Directors may be provided with a certain amount of salary during their condition as widows.
III.
Inasmuch as nothing is more favorable to edification among populations of foreign tongues, than that ministers make rather a prolonged stay in foreign lands, in order not only that they may learn the languages, but may perform evident and recog- nizable good services among them: We therefore suggest to the Hon. Gentlemen, whether the best means thereunto be not these: That the ministers in the East Indies be given such salaries that they would not only be glad to stay there for five years, but even for ten years, or more; that thus they might joy- fully and eagerly perform the duties of their office there. Such salary (inducements?) we judge to consist not only in this, that they are honorably recognized, in accordance with the admonition of Paul in 1 Thess. 5:12; " We besceech you, brethren, to know (recognize) them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in
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love for their work's sake "; but, in addition, that they shall not be compelled to adjust themselves to another form of church government than that which they have here in this country. For they should be one with us, as in doctrines so in government. And, finally, that they be not disappointed in the expectation of those conditions, which, besides the building up of the Church of God, have invited them thither; namely, that they shall find yonder a free dwelling, or at least sufficient housing, monthly payments, and all such things as make their salary full and complete.
IV.
The Rev. Vertrecht, minister at Banda, exhibits the hope of edification among the people of the newly discovered islands to the east and south of Banda. Request is accordingly made that religion may be planted there, and that Rev. Vertrecht be em- ployed for the furtherance of that important work.
V.
The Consistory of Batavia complains of the great necessities of the poor there, and requests that the legacies made for the poor at Batavia may be exhibited, (spread out) and that they may come safely to hand.
VI.
Requests are to be made for some books which may be useful in the churches and schools; indicating also the list (register) to be sent over:
Also certain books which might be printed, or be reprinted, as follows:
1. Some Psalms in Malay; some in Portuguese, as arranged by Abraham Rogerin, sent over in the year 1644.
2. The question book of Aldegonde, and the Small Cate- chism; to which were added by Mr. Biers the passages in the scriptures, translated into Portuguese, sent over in Anno 1645.
3. The Malay Postilla, entitled " Amput Blas ", sent over in 1646.
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4. That the " Dictionarium Danskar " be reprinted; and that Rev. Hurmius be requested to add some " vocabula " to it.
VII.
That Rev. Cornelius Geeftdoop, proponent in Sacred Theology, is inclined to employ his gifts in the service of God's Church in the East Indies; but as he is rather young yet, and ought to have some more study for preaching, the Hon. Messrs. Directors are to be asked, if for a year or two he may not enjoy some sub- sidy, so as to carry his studies to further increase and maturity and then let him be employed as minister in the East Indies. XX. 183, 185.
Points for the West India Company, the XIX.
The following are the points, which shall be made the basis of a remonstrance (or Memorial) to the West India Company. I.
Inasmuch as the number of ministers in Brazil, both by reason of death and of departure to the Fatherland, has greatly de- creased; and also many of the Siecken-Troosters have gone away; that request be made for a larger number of ministers, and five or six more good men as Krankbezoekers.
II.
That in the Classis of Brazil, which now by order of the Assembly of the XIX is no longer to be called a Synod, but only a Classis, the session of "Politicals " therein may cease, in ac- cordance with the practice of all the Classes in the Fatherland; and that this continue until the churches increase, and are divided into several Classes, and a Synod be organized out of these: in this Synod, then, even as in the home country the High Author- ity (civil power) may have its seat.
III.
As correspondence with all the Synods is impracticable, and the Classis of Brazil now judges, Art. 9, session 3, that it would
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be harmful to its churches; request is to be made not to accede to such a proposal of correspondence.
IV.
Request is to be made that the Acta of the North Holland Synod, from the year 1640 down, as desired by the Rev. Breth- ren in Brazil, be copied, and sent to them, at the charges of the Company.
V.
That the Jews be checked in their insolence, and the Papists in their liberty; referring to the 2nd Article, session 7, and the 3rd Article, session 9.
VI.
That the church on the Recife, [Part of the Capital of Brazil,] has need of an English preacher, unless the brethren of Zeeland have already provided for this: request is also made for a preacher, who can officiate in the German and French languages.
VII.
Rev. James Burg, minister at San Paulo Loando, asks for his dismissal because the years of his engagement have expired. This has been granted him by the Classis. The Hon. Gentlemen are requested to consent to the looking out for another minister in his place who may be sent thither.
VIII.
Also that Guinea, where now for three years no minister has been, may be provided with a good minister.
IX.
That the Brazilians, faithful servants of the Company, be given money, (subsidized,) and be offered the helping hand, both by the Company, and by the other Classes, in their necessities and impoverished nakedness. xx. 185, 186.
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ELECTION OF THE NINE REPRESENTATIVES.
Extract from Stuyvesant's Charter as to Religions.
1647, Sept. 22.
" Whereas, We desire nothing more than that the government of New Nether- land, entrusted to our care, and principally New Amsterdam, our capital and residence, might continue and increase in good order, justice and police, population, prosperity and mutual harmony, and be provided with strong fortifications, a church, a school, trading place, harbor and similar highly necessary public edifices and improvements, for which end We are desirous of obtaining the assistance of our whole commonalty, as nothing is better adapted to promote their own welfare and comfort, and as such is required in every well regulated government.
I. As good and faithful Interlocutors and Trustees of the Commonalty, they shall endeavor to exert themselves to promote the honor of God, and the welfare of our dear Fatherland, to the best advantage of the Company, and the prosperity of our good citizens; to the preservation of the pure Reformed Religion as it here, and in the Churches of the Netherlands, is inculcated .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 37, 38.
Memorial to the XIX. 1647, Oct. 28th.
These points which are memorialized to the Assembly of the XIX, and the resolutions required; also those things which are resolved by both the East and West India Companies,- are to be taken in copies. These are to be inserted in the Classical book, and the principal points shall be annexed to the East and West India letters. xx. 191.
IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED AS TO CHURCH AND SCHOOL.
1647.
Having thus organized this popular body, with a view to exercise a more powerful influence over the inhabitants, whose co-operation he required in carry- ing out the orders of his superiors, Director Stuyvesant lost no time in calling their special attention to the condition of the fort and of the church, to the state of public education in New Amsterdam, as well as to the mean appearance of the city itself. The greater part of the houses were built of wood and covered with straw; many of the chimnies were also of wood, all of which circumstances con- tributed greatly to endanger the public safety. The education of the children had of late been neglected altogether, and owing to the want of proper accommoda- tions, no school had been kept for three months.
The " Nine Men," representing Manhattan, Breukelen, Amersfoort, and Pavonia, were therefore summoned to deliberate with the Director General, on these various and important questions.
He (Stuyvesant) communicated, at the same time, his consent to defray, on be- half of the Company, a portion of the expenses, necessary for the encouragement
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of education, and to continue such assistance in future, "to promote the glorious work." Meanwhile, he informed them, that a convenient place for a school house and dwelling for the Schoolmaster, would be provided for the winter, either in one of the out-houses belonging to the Fiscal's department, which the Director Gen- eral would prefer, or any other suitable place that the deacons of the church might approve. He recommended them to make proper regulations for the pre- vention of fires, and reverted particularly to the necessity of completing the church, which Kieft had commenced five years before, and which remained still unfinished.
The arrangements for public education and for completing the church met with no objection, but the plan for repairing the fortifications was absolutely con- demned .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 41, 42.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. Henry Dries (Drisius). 1647, Oct. 28th.
Henry Dries* having good witness among the brethren, whereof he shall bring evidence, read and sang, and gave the brethren complete satisfaction therein. They are therefore disposed to advance him, at his request, in the capacity of Krankbezoeker; but inasmuch as at present he intends to take a voyage, he shall be attended to on his return, in the future. xx. 191.
Letters to the East and West Indies.
1647, Nov. 26th.
The letters to be sent to the East and West Indies were read; one to the Consistory at Batavia; one to Banda; one to Amboyna; and also a letter to Brazil. These were all approved by the brethren. xx. 192.
Rev. Simon Welmerdonckius in the Chair.
1648, Jan. 27th.
Rev. John Megapolensis, Jr., pastor at Rentselaerswyck in New Netherland, requests his dismissal: the brethren in the city will confer with the executors of Rentselaer, and his widow. xx. 193.
* Probably a relative of Rev. Samuel Drisius of New York.
15
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Adrian Cornelisse; (John Backerus.)
1648,* Jan. 27th.
Adrian Cornelisse - the brother of Rev. John Backerus who has been minister at Curacoa and who has now arrived with Director Stuyvesant in New Netherland - makes known that his brother has written for his dismissal. The letters, however, had been delayed on account of the ship-wreck. He now presents himself in the name of his brother, to ask for his dismissal. He was answered, that so far as lieth in us, we shall seek to procure his dismissal. We hope to succeed, especially as it is understood that the Messrs. Directors are much inclined to call Rev. John Megapolensis from Rensselaerswyck in New Netherland, (to Man- hattan). This shall be made known to Classis, and its advice sought. xx. 193.
,
ORDER OF COUNCIL ON AN APPLICATION OF THE TOWN OF FLUSH- ING FOR A MINISTER.
On the first of February, 1648.
William Harck, Sheriff at Flushing, and his associates, appeared in Council and request that the Honorable Director General and Council would favor them with a pious, learned and reformed minister; and then order that each inhabitant should contribute to such godly work according to his ability, and that an end be put to the present differences in a manner, that shall promote peace, quietness and unanimity in said town, and that they jointly may live under the protection of their High Mightinesses, his Highness of Orange, the Honorable Lords Directors, and the present administration here.
Thomas Sael, John Laurence and William Turner, the opposite party, thereto delegated by the remainder of their side, request the same as the sheriff and his associates abovementioned have asked.
The above parties having been heard in Council and the justness of their re- quest being seen, the Honorable Director General and Council resolve to enact such order on their application and request as shall be found to promote peace, union and tranquility both in ecclesiastical and civil affairs .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 82.
* This was the year and the month of the Peace of Westphalia, and the end of " The Eighty Years War". Bogardus left Manhattan with Kieft, in 1647, and this vessel was lost off the coast of Wales. These letters seem to have been on this ship. John Backerus has generally been known heretofore, without the middle name of Cornelius but these many notes show, that Cornelius was his father's name, and therefore, according to custom, his middle name.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1648
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Backerus requests to East Indies .- Letter from New
Netherland. Rev. Megapolensis. 1648, Feb. 10th.
There was also read to the meeting by the Rev. Deputies, a letter which had arrived from New Netherland, from John Mega- polensis, minister at Rensselaer's Wyck. He requested two things:
1. His dismission, as his term of six years will soon have ex- pired.
2. The procurement of another capable person in his place.
Three matters were left in the charge of the Rev. Deputies to further, so far as lay in their power, in the best manner possible:
1. To request a dismission of Rev. Backerus.
2. That Rev. Megapolensis be transferred to Manhattan.
3. That John Hermanren of Til (Thiel, in Gelderland) be sounded in regard to his going to Rensselaer's Wyck. They should first confer carefully on this matter with the patroons (of Rensselaer's Wyck) regarding the salary, and the whole business. v. 67; xxxix. 177 .*
Rev. Peter Wittenwrougel in the Chair.
1648, Feb. 24th.
The Rev. President reported that the widow Rentselaer and the executors had been consulted in reference to the case of Meg- apolensis; but there seemed little likelihood that another pastor would be settled there. They must first receive communications from the Colony, and this would be too much trouble to the afore- said widow. xx. 194.
* Last extract from Vol. xxxix.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1648
Rev. John Van Sauen in the Chair.
1648, April 7th [or 27].
The clerk reported that at the instance of Classis, he had writ- ten to Rev. John Megapolensis, pastor in the colony of Renselaers- wyck, and that he would copy the letter and place it in the minute book. xx. 198.
1648, April 7th.
Rev. (John) Megapolensis, pastor at Renselaer'swyck, having requested his dismission, to return to his Fatherland, the Rev. Brethren, Deputati ad res Indicas, will seek to encourage him to remain; and in case of failure, to secure the appointment, if pos- sible, of another in his place. xxvi. 1.
(This and several subsequent items of the Acts of the Classis proper, were entered by mistake in the Volumes of Correspond- ence, which begin with Vol. xxvi. The Acts of the Classis are in Vols. i-xviii. Vol. xix. consists of Extracts from the Acts of the Classis, 1655-1705. Vols. xx-xxv. are the Acts of the Deputies.)
Letter written to Rev. John Megapolensis .*
1648, April 7th.
The clerk represented that in compliance with the direction of Classis, he had written to Rev. John Megapolensis, minister in the colony of Rensselaerswyck. The letter shall be copied and spread in the Book (of Correspondencie) of Classis (Vol. xxvi. ) xx. 198.
DIRECTORS IN HOLLAND TO PETER STUYVESANT; THE SHIP " PRINCESS " LOST WITH DIR. KIEFT AND DOMINE BOGARDUS ON BOARD; CHURCH MATTERS; .
Duplicate. 1648 April 7th. Honorable, Dear and Faithful Friends.
By the ship " de Valckenier " we have duly received two of your letters, the last dated the 6th of October of last year, the first having no date, the originals of which had been sent by the ship "The Princess ". We notice by your last letter, that this ship had left your coast about the 16th of August, but we did not receive your letters, sent by the same, as it was wrecked in the Channel on the 27th of September, and eighty one souls, men, women and children were lost,
* " Megapolensis " is the Grecized form of "Mekkelenburg", a town in Germany - not " Mechelen " in Belgium. Mekkelen == Mega, burg = polis; hence " Megapolensis ".
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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among them the former Director, William Kieft, Domine Bogardus, and Fiscal van der Hoyckens; of her cargo nothing has been saved except a lot of peltries, part of which has been stolen, and what floated on the strand has been sold for 2sh. 6d. the piece and later for 1sh. English money. The skipper remained there skulking about so long, that it created suspicion; it seems, that thleves are always connected with such misfortunes; the Lord may comfort the sufferers.
How very inopportune the mishap of the " Princess " has come, especially as regards your request, will be stated hereafter; we shall first reply to your report on the state of our conquests, in which you complain, that the people are grown very wild and loose in their morals. It seems to have principally been caused by the weakness of the late Director, and the neglect of his dutles by the preacher. We expect your Honor will amend all this; but a tree grown too high, and too luxuriantly, must be trimmed carefully, and bent by a tender hand, giving it a good shape.
It is true, that people are busy at the Hague before their High. Might. to bring about a general reform for all the colonies of this Company, and New Netherland will not be forgotten; a provisional resolution has already been passed, that all colonists there shall be allowed to ship their own products, as flour, fishes, meat, bacon, peas, beans and everything else, in their own, or chartered, bottoms to Brazil and Angola; that the ships returning may take freight from Brazil; but those coming back from Angola are to bring Negroes to be employed in farming. This resolution will show your Honor, that we too have the right to send a ship to Angola with an assortment of provisions and bring back negroes. Your Honor will therefore please to take quickly advantage of it with the provisions, which you report to have in abundance.
We were sorry to learn of the great disorder, which your Honor has found there in Church matters, principally caused by Domine Bogardus. The proverb " Where the shepherd errs, the sheep go astray " fitly applies to this case. He, with others, has been relieved from rendering his account, while in the meantime the church remains in a troubled state and unprovided; although your Honor has pro- visionally allowed Domine Backer, formerly preacher at Curacao, to remain there some time. As he, however, has previously received his letter dismissory from the Classis, he cannot be held there against his will. We shall look out here for a man fit to attend to the church there. Your Honor believes, that the congregation would be well satisfied with Domine Megapolensis, preacher at Rensselaerwyck, without stating, whether he can obtain his letter of dismissal from there without trouble; also whether he cannot work there with as good results, as in the church at New Amsterdam. We expect to receive on this point a more detailed report in your next, according to which we shall act. It must also be considered, that this plan cannot be well carried out without the consent of the Colonists.
The erection of a church building has really been necessary, but we notice also that it has been very expensive: the Colony cannot yet bear such expenses.
-- Amsterdam April 7th, 1648.
---
Commending you herewith to God's protection we remain, Honorable Dear and Faithful Sir, Your Honor's true friend, The Directors of the West India Company, Department of Amsterdam.
J. Specx. David van Baerle.
- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 82, S3, 84, ST.
* A somewhat lengthy sketch of Rev. Everardus Bogardus written by D. T. Val- entine is found in his "Manual of the Common Council of New York " for the year 1863, pages 595-608, embracing some of the documents herein given.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1648
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies, and their Correspondence .- The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Megapolensis, April 8th, 1648. xxvi. page 1.
Rev. Wise, etc.
Your communication came duly to hand a few weeks since. It was agreeable to hear of your good health. We hope that the good God may yet spare you many years for the service of his church, which we desire to have built up and extended in all quarters of the world.
You have labored faithfully in that colony of New Netherland, which has thus far been under your supervision. Now that the years of your compact are drawing to a close, you request your dismissal.
We have considered your request as just and reasonable, and have therefore, at different times conferred with the testamentary guardians of the family of the deceased (sterfhuis) Patroon, re- questing them to be pleased to give us authority to look about for another qualified person, who may succeed you in the capacity of pastor and minister of the divine word. We have urged this upon many, since it would be deplorable in itself, and prejudicial to the glory of God, as well as injurious to the people, if such a number of people should be left without a pastor.
But inasmuch as the partners in this colony could not agree with the guardians of the family of the deceased Patroon, and were at variance among themselves, we could not reach any result. Some time ago they sent a certain person to the colony, upon whom large powers of direction in the church were conferred. They desire first to be better informed as to the state of affairs before they determine to send another pastor.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
In the meantime' we shall not be negligent in securing your object. We doubt not but that the guardians of the house of the Messrs. Renselaer, will inform you more particularly.
The brethren of Classis wish that you would continue there until some one succeeds you; otherwise what you have built up may easily be broken down; and the church there, which is now enjoying reasonable growth, as we have learned with satisfaction and joy from your letter, would become demoralized, to the detri- ment of God's glory and the injury of the colony. And inasmuch as the compact expires in August, it will perhaps be only a matter of a few months.
Domine Backerus, who is at present supplying the Manhattans in the place of Rev. Bogardus, who sadly perished by shipwreck on his passage, as also some of your relatives, much to our sorrow, would also like very much to return home, as we learn from his friends, although his own letters have not yet reached us. But not knowing the state of that church exactly, we have not been able to dispose of that business. We shall, however, await fur- ther advices thence.
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