USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 23
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We wish that his Excellency could be informed of this, when opportunity offers, as we have scarcely the time to send you even these few lines; for the vessel got ready to sail without our knowl- edge, and the bearer of this is waiting to depart. Having no other business to present, I will close by committing you to God and the word of his grace. We desire that he may bless your labors more and more to the winning of many souls. With our hearty respect, we are and remain,
Your Friends to command, and Brethren, the Respc- . tive Members of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all
B. Wittenwrongel.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
John Bakkerus.
1648, June 29th.
A letter was read from Rev. John Backerus, of New Nether- land. This explained that he had received his dismissal from the church at Curacoa, and had, against his intention and inclina- tion, been forced to remain with the people of New Netherland. This was because Rev. Bogardus was about to sail for the Father- land, with Director Kieft for important reasons, namely, to seek to terminate their disputes of long standing, by both appearing before the Directors. Inasmuch as the said minister (Bogardus) was wrecked on this voyage, he (Backerus) now requested, that as soon as possible another good minister might be sent in his place. It was resolved to communicate the above mentioned letter to the Rev. Classis .* xx. 200.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ENCKHUYZEN.
Art. 19. East and West India Affairs.
1648, Aug. 11 et seq.
Regarding Art. 17 (1647) relating to the Plan about the East and West India affairs: It is understood that the said Plan will be adhered to. It is also found that the same Plan had been ac- cepted by all the corresponding Synods excepting that of Utrecht, as appears ex actis Synodi Ultrajectina, 1647. Therefore our correspondent, who shall go thither, shall put forth every amicable endeavor and inducement to persuade the said Rev. Synod like- wise to accept the Plan even as the others have done.
Extracts from Minutes of other Synods.
Extracts from the Acts of the Synod of Gelderland and Zut- phen, held at Arnhem in September, 1647.
As to East and West India Affairs, the Plan of the Synods of Holland are accepted provisionally.
* Backerus was, therefore, only a temporary supply of the church of New Amsterdam.
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1648
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America. Rev. John Backerus to the Classis of Amsterdam, August 15th, 1648, and September 2nd, 1648.
Reverend, Pious and Learned Brethren in Christ; Increase of Honor, Piety and the Blessing of God be your reward : -
Whereas I have not yet received an answer to my former re- quest from your Reverences, I continue to write on the same subject.
I would have preferred to pay a visit to the Rev. Brethren, in- stead of again greeting you by this dumb messenger. I have no doubt, it might have been done ere now, as in answer to my writ- ten request, I received permission to return to the Fatherland, if I had not changed my mind. But upon my arrival in New Nether- land from Curacoa, I heard a different song, and to which I had to listen. In a short time, and much to my regret, I had to ob- serve with my own eyes, that none of the officers here would come to church, when our brother Domine Everardus Bogardus preached. For there were such important questions and differences between our said brother, on one side, and his Honor, General William Kieft, with certain officials on the other, that there was a mutual aversion. Inasmuch as this disagreeable dispute had grown to such dimensions that it reached even to the borders of Holland, we were unable to reconcile the parties or smoothe over matters. Therefore, and probably also for other reasons, our brother, Do- mine Bogardus, wished to go to Holland with Director William Kieft, (for the settlement of these matters). Upon his request for this object, he received much quicker permission than he expected from his Honor, General Stuyvesant, because as I suppose, the latter was not favorable to the former. Matters being in this con- dition, I had to give up my own plans. After looking more closely into the affairs, I had to sacrifice all my own intentions. Necessity compelled me not to leave the congregation without a pastor. I therefore took our brother's place, but I cannot conceal
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from the Rev. Brethren, that I hope, it will not be for longer than the coming summer; for then the place will again be vacant and the congregation will be at liberty to choose another pastor. It is somewhat different with the people here, from what it was in Curacoa. In severing my connection at Curacoa, and removing, only about six or seven church members remained behind, the others having already left before, or leaving with me. As to others, not known to be members, there are few, who, in my opin- ion, are inclined to our religion, or to hearing the Holy Gos- pel as taught here and in the churches of Netherland as well as elsewhere. For that reason, and also because an able reader for the people of our nationality, and a schoolteacher for the natives of the country, were left there, I could the more easily, and with- out conscientious scruples, remove. Especially could I do so, be- cause I trust the Hon. Directors, upon a request by the Classis, can easily send another good preacher there, if the community should increase in numbers, and if the natives should acquire a little more knowledge; and especially if the Word and the Admin- istration of the Sacraments should become necessary there, from the desires of the people for the same.
But here (in New Netherland) where there is already a goodly number of people, and who also daily increase, the harvest will be much greater, and the service and work of a preacher is much more necessary. Therefore I was not able to leave this place so easily with a free and untroubled (conscience) nor would I like to do it, at all until this congregation had first been provided with another able and God fearing teacher.
I therefore humbly, but not the less urgently, request your Rev- erences to do your best, to induce the Hon. Directors to send an- other good preacher here as soon as possible, at least by next summer, and discharge me from my long service. In order, that the Rev. Brethren may properly consider my request, and obtain this desired end, I would like you to remember, that I have al- ready served the Hon. Directors continuously for fifty seven
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months, I may say now, for sixty seven months; although the term, fixed by my agreement, has long since expired.
That I had this place allotted to me, and remained here, as I gaid before, for the service of this congregation, was against my inclination. I am silent about other matters, which I prefer to tell the brethren personally; (but I cannot stay) partly, because as matters stand here, I find it impossible to live in comfort with my family in this place with the meagre addition of two hundred florins for board money; for I require for my table and clothing all my monthly pay besides ; partly, because I do not wish to re- main longer, even if I receive enough more that I could live upon it; but I wish to be transferred from here to a place in Holland, wherever the Lord may please to call me.
This is a copy of my former letters, one of which I sent to your Reverences by the ship "Princess "; the other by way of Vir- ginia. I now think best to add the following lines: -
Your Reverences must understand that I persevere in my re- quest as urgently as before. I have no doubt they will boldly de- mand from the Hon. Directors my discharge in the spring; and if, against my expectations, the Hon. Directors do not consent to it, then I request you to submit, in my name, to their Honors, that next summer I have been in their service for seven consecu- tive years, although my contract was only for four; and that, if they will not send anybody to relieve me, after having received this notice from me and warning, as is proved by their letter to our Director, it is then my intention and determination not to remain here any longer. I shall then consider that I have good reason for leaving their service and discharging myself, although I should not like to leave here under such circumstances. I hope, it will not have to be done thus. Having looked about for another preacher as a substitute during three years there can be no doubt, that he may be expected next spring. I shall therefore, prepare myself accordingly, and then be ready to depart for the Father- land.
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My wife would have gone home with the wife of the preacher at Fort Orange, (Megapolensis,) but as she is near her delivery of a child, we thought it unadvisable, and resolved to go together next summer. I have informed the Hon. Directors of this resolu- tion, adding that I did not consider it contrary to the rules or unreasonable, as their Honors themselves must admit; knowing as they do, that at that time, I shall have served them seven con- secutive years, although, engaged for only four. Therefore they have no right to keep me here longer, against my will and reso- lution, and much to my disadvantage.
The congregation here numbers about one hundred and seventy members. Most of them are very ignorant in regard to true religion, and very much given to drink. To this they are led by the seventeen tap-houses here. What bad fruits result therefrom, your Reverences will easily understand. You will also learn more in detail from the bearer hereof, Master Jan Stevensen. If you could obtain from the Hon. Directors an order for closing these places, except three or four, I have no doubt, the source of much evil and great offense would be removed.
The Rev. Brethren are requested to take care, that a pastor be sent to this congregation. He must be allowed full liberty in de- nouncing sin, for which he will find the way already prepared, and he must do his duties with the good example of a decent life himself.
It will also be very necessary for the Rev. Brethren, to send over with such a preacher a good schoolmaster. He should not only know how to read, write and cipher, but should also be a man of pious life, and decent habits. He should have a good knowledge of the principal points of our Faith, and set a holy example to the children. In order to best help the church of God here, and to resist a bad world, I think, we must begin with the children ; for many of the older people are so far depraved, that they are now ashamed to learn anything good.
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Herewith closing Reverend, Honorable, Pious and Learned Classis, I commend your Reverences, with my humble salutations, to the grace of the Most High. May He bless you with an in- crease of your congregations .*
Your faithful servant, Joannis Backerus, Teacher of the Gospel.
At Manhatans in New Netherland
Sept. 2nd Anno 1648.
Master Jan Stevensen, who has served the Company here as a faithful schoolmaster and reader for six or seven consecutive years, and is now leaving for home, has been informed by the Director and Council, that he must pay his own fare. If this is so understood in Holland, then the poor man will retain but little of his salary ; for the fare for his passage would swallow up most of it. Considering this fact, will not your Reverences please to assist him with the Directors, that he may be exempted from this hardship.
Correspondence from America. Rev. John Megapolensis to Classis of Amsterdam. Aug. 25th, 1648.
Reverend, Godly and Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ.
The Grace of God be multiplied unto you : -
After the Lord God was pleased to cut short the thread of life of Domine Bogardus by shipwreck, (1647), who was late preacher at the Manhattans in New Netherland, his widow came here to Fort Orange, in the colony of Rensselaerswyck, to reside and make her living. She has nine living children, some by a former hus- band and some by Domine Bogardus, and is also deeply in debt. She has, however, no way to liquidate her debts, nor means for her own subsistence, unless the West India Company pay her the ar-
* Repeated corrections in the original have made portions of this letter very illegible.
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1648
rears of salary due her husband. Domine Bogardus repeatedly asserted that a higher salary was promised him, before leaving Holland, than he ever received here. I shall, therefore, in order to explain this, repeat, to the best of my recollection, what I have heard from him.
It is now about two years since I was called upon by Director- General William Kieft, to settle the difficulties between said Kieft and Domine Bogardus. I attempted several times to smoothe the differences which had arisen here, but all in vain. Domine Bo- gardus asserted that it could not be done here, but that the matter ought to be laid before the Hon. Directors; or even if it could be determined here, he would, nevertheless, be obliged to go home, in order to demand, before his death, the salary promised him, for the maintenance and support of his family. For if he himself did not ask for it during the life time of those who knew about it, it would be difficult to succeed through others.
For salary was promised to him as to other preachers in the service of the Company, not by the Hon. Directors, but by the Rev. Classis, or at least by the Deputies of the same; among these he mentioned, if I am not mistaken, Domine Badius. He had urged him to go to New Netherland, and had promised to arrange with the Company, that he should have a salary, the same as other preachers in the service of the Company. Nevertheless, he had been paid for a considerable time only 46 guilders per month, with 150 guilders extra per year, for board money. He asserted that according to the promise made to him, there is still due him a considerable sum for salary and board money. This is in sub- stance what he told me about it, as far as I can remember; and if it be true, there ought to be in existence a written and signed document to that effect, or at least a memorandum thereof by some of the Rev. Deputies.
Annetje Bogardus, widow of Domine Bogardus, on the supposi- tion that this is correct, has requested me to write to the Rev. Classis, in her name and in her behalf, in order that the Rev.
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Classis, or the Deputies thereof, might, for the sake of a preacher's widow, petition the Company for the money due her, to be paid to her or her attorney, to enable her to pay her debts and support her family.
Last year I wrote to my Lord Patroon, and to the Rev. Dep- uties for my discharge, and that some one else should be appointed in my place. But I have learned by a letter from Domine Wit- tenwrongel, that I must have patience and remain here until the summer of this year. I have therefore repeated my request in letters to the Patroons and to the Rev. Deputies, as I herewith do again, that another teacher be sent in the first ships to take my place; or at least that I should have permission to return home. For as my term has expired, and my wife and children have all returned to the Fatherland, I do not intend to remain here any longer than the coming summer, when the ships return to Europe.
I think that I have remained at my station here in this wild country (long enough,) and have had troubles and difficulties enough. Another who may succeed me will find it better and more comfortable. In conclusion, I commend you all to God and to the word of his grace. Remember me in your prayers.
Aug. 25th, 1648.
Yours obediently, Joannes Megapolensis.
Rev. Backerus.
1648, Sept. 14th.
A certain letter was read from Rev. Backerus, written in New Netherland, in which he asks that he may be relieved from his charge there, towards spring, and another minister, by that time, be provided in his place. The matter was referred to the Rev. Brethren Deputati ad res Indicas. v. 99.
Rev. Megapolensis. 1648, Sept. 14th.
A certain letter was read from Rev. Megapolensis, minister at Rensselaer's Wyck, in which he makes known his willingness to remain there for the present year, but intends to leave for the
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Fatherland in the spring. He asks that by that time another minister may be provided in his stead. It was resolved to commit the procuring of the same to the Rev. Brethren Deputati ad res Indicas, who shall also confer with the patrons of that church on this matter. v. 100.
Matters Memorialized to the XIX.
1648, Sept. 28th.
It was reported that just as the Assembly of the XIX was about to adjourn, and our regular sessions were about to begin, that Rev. Eleazar Zwalmius," together with the clerk, had laid before the said Assembly certain matters, which in compliance with resolution of Classis, were to be proposed to it, as follows:
1. That the Siecken-Troosters, located at forts where there are children, ought to be obligated to keep school; provided that they might enjoy some compensation therefor from the Company.
2. That some more ministers ought to be sent thither.
3. That no men and women should be sent thither, as mar- ried, unless their marriage was beyond dispute or legal proofs were exhibited. In default of such evidences, many disorders had crept in, which were very objectionable in the place, and after- ward
4. That the gentlemen would be pleased to grant, that the copy of one Synodical Acta be sent, at the expense of the Company, to the brethren in Brazil.
To this was added at the same time, the following requests, on the strength of what Rev. Grebius had exhibited to the said brethren who had come from Brazil with the last ships:
1. Approbation of the repeal of the previous resolution, adopted by the XIX, regarding the abolition of the sittings of civilians in the Classis of Brazil; and that this be announced to the Highest Officials there, inasmuch as they have not yet been willing to give this up.
* Rev. Eleazar Swalmius was called from Schiedam to Amsterdam in 1621, and died on June 4, 1652.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 241 1648
2. That a larger number of Siecken-Troosters, as well as of . ministers, be granted; as at the forts Altena, d'Avogades, de Bar- ettes, there are none, and but one in the army. xx. 206, 207.
Written to the Brethren of Zeeland.
1648, Sept. 28th.
The Clerk also reported, that, in compliance with the resolu- tion of Classis, he had written to the Committee in Zeeland, on Indian Affairs, (as follows): That inasmuch as the XVII were now assembled at Middelburg, the Rev. Brethren (of Zeeland) would be pleased, for the good of the churches of the East Indies, to memorialize them regarding the following matters:
1. That a goodly number of laborers for the service of the churches of the Indies should again, and newly, be granted; in- asmuch as, over and above the re-partition made last year by the Messrs. Directors, there ought to be more ministers, especially at Batavia, Tayowae, and other places; and especially, because, since that time, six ministers have died.
2. That in the future ministers ought to be established at Batavia; and that this Consistory, in the matter of the sending out of the ministers, ought to have more authority and power. For it is intolerable that the Lord General there, should arro- gate that power exclusively to himself.
3. That the Portuguese services in the said community of Batavia should be continued, as well as the Malay services; for it has always been observed that this service has been attended with much more fruit and edification; and it would be entirely unreasonable that so many native Christians should be forced to miss the food of their souls.
4. That the Diaconate should have its portion of the fines which are imposed by the sentences of the courts, after the man- ner of this country.
16
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1648
All these matters, in accordance with the considerations of Rev. John Rogerius, which have been handed in to the Classis, are extensively elucidated for the said brethren of Zeelandt, and clothed with reasons. xx. 207.
1648, Oct. 5th.
A certain letter from Rev. Backerus (was read) written in New Netherland, in which he requests to be released from his service there by the spring, and that another pastor be then appointed to fill his place. The matter is referred to the brethren Deputati ad res Indicas.
A letter from the Rev. Megapolensis, pastor at Renselaers- wyck was read, in which he informs us. that he will remain there during the present year, but intends to return to the Fatherland next spring. He requests also that by that time another pastor be obtained for his place.
Resolved. That we commit the case of this business to the Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas, who will also speak concerning this mat- ter with the patroons of the Colony.
XXVI. 15 .- See Col. Hist. i. 308, 310, 317.
Pieter Vander Linden .*
1648, Oct. 26.
At the meeting it was considered very necessary that another suitable person should be appointed (pre-centor) in place of Jan Stevensen. It was learned that, for the present, no more suitable person could be found on the Island of Manhattans to perform the duties of Reader, etc., than Pieter Vander Linden. They have, therefore, appointed the said Pieter Vander Linden at an annual salary of one hundred and fifty guilders, until another qualified person should be sent out from Holland.
* Peter Vander Linden and wife arrived at Manhattan, 1639. He was a sur- geon and quite a prominent man in the colony, and was owner of considerable real estate. In 1647, he sold his plantation on Manhattan Island, on the old Vraackill. It extended along the East River 300 paces. Probably domine Benjamin Van der Linde, 1748-1788, was a descendant.
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243 . 1648
Another Translation in Dunshee, 20.
Matters about which to Memorialize the XIX.
1648, Oct. 26th.
It is laid to our charge to advance before the XIX these fol- lowing matters:
1. That the former resolution of the XIX, regarding the aboli- tion of the session of civilians in the Classis of Brazil, may be carried into effect (may be followed up) and the chief govern- ment may be addressed.
2. That regulations may be made for the instruction of Negroes, upon the basis projected by the Classis of Brazil.
3. To hand in to the XIX the petition of the ministers at the Recife, and to recommend the contents of the same.
Further we are charged to write to the Classes of Alkmaar and of Edam, to thank them in the name of the Consistory at the Recife for the linen sent over for the benefit of the Brazilians. xx. 208.
1648, Oct. 26th.
Rev. John Van Sauen in the Chair.
The letter of Rev. John Megapolensis, pastor in the colony of Rentselaerswyck, dated Aug. 15th, 1648, was opened. In it he renews the request that another might succeed in his charge, as he could remain there no longer than the next summer. His wife and children had already departed to the Fatherland. He recommends the case of the widow of the Rev. Mr. Bogardus, late pastor at the Manhattans in New Netherland in the service of the West India Company; that the Directors be urged, in her name, to make settlement and payment of that which the com- pany owes her husband, that she may be supported therefrom, and satisfy her creditors. It was resolved to communicate this letter to the Classis.
A letter was also read from Rev. John Backerus, formerly pastor in Curacoa, and now detained at the Manhattans, because of the death of the Rev. Mr. Bogardus requesting permission
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that he may administer there the ordinances of the word. He also renewed his previous request that the Directors grant him his dismission, and that another may be sent in his place. Since it was also in the highest degree necessary that a Visitor of the Sick and a schoolmaster be sent to that place, the meeting resolved to communicate this writing to the Classis.
The objections of the XIX will be treated of in a few points, in writing, and will be conveyed to them, and earnestly enforced by the clerk and Rev. Mr. Lullinus. xx. 208.
1648, Nov. 2nd.
In an Order from the Council in Fort Amsterdam, respecting repairs of Fort Orange; Domine Megapolensis is mentioned as the agent and attorney of Jonas Bronck .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 102.
DIRECTORS TO PETER STUYVESANT :
PREACHERS ;
Among many letters mentioned, the Directors allude to three letters from Domine Backerius, dated August 7th and September 2nd and 22nd, 1648.
The request of Domine Backerus, made in several of his letters, has been ap- proved as reasonable by the Classis and we were therefore obliged to grant it. We should have been more inconvenienced by it, if we had not entertained the hope, that perhaps the preacher from Rensselaerswyck, Domine Megapolensis, could be persuaded by fair offers to remain there a few years longer. We consent to it very willingly on account of the good character given him by your Honor. It is true, his wife has arrived here, it being the intention, that he should soon follow her and it seems, that his presence in person is required here for the liquidation of an estate, in which he appears to be much interested nevertheless we have held tire- some conferences with his wife, and it seems, that she could be persuaded to return thither to her husband, if she were assured, that she would not incur his displeasure. After having overcome his objections we hope to induce her to consent to our plan and we shall then consider his salary, which we expect to make satisfactory to him. You will therefore on receipt of this letter try to persuade him, to comply with the requirements of God's Church and his community, the more so, as it is to be feared, that we may not be able for some time to provide this church with a minister: this measure is therefore the most advisable.
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