Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 24

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 24


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We shall also look out now for a good school teacher and gather information con- cerning the man living in Harlem, whom you propose.


Your Honor's appointment of Roeloff Jansen as Receiver-General at a yearly salary of four hundred and eighty florins without rations induces us to believe, that you must have a good knowledge of his honesty: on that understanding we approve of it herewith, although in our straightened circumstances all possible retrench- ments should be made, for which reason we have here discharged all subaltern offi- cers, and we believe from information received, that there too are more than enough officers; all unnecessary officers should therefore be discharged, we cannot afford to keep them.


Although it is without precedent, that this Department has ever been godfather of any children, having, when invited, always refused it for certain good reasons; yet the Board grants herewith your Honor's request, expecting to be informed of the


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child's name, to have it properly registered, that the Company, when in a better financial condition, may be reminded to reciprocate this honor by a keepsake. Mean while we shall pray to God, that He may let grow up this child, born in New Nether- land, to His glory and to his parents' happiness .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 102, 103, 107.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Acts of the Deputies. (The Assembly of the XIX.)


Report of what is determined, in reference to ecclesiastical matters, by the XIX.


To write to the churches of the other (four) Chambers (of the West India Company) that the ministers and siecken-troosters who are needed for the churches of Brazil, and for whom they (the other four Chambers) are responsible, should be sent.


1648, Nov. 30th.


The brethren - who were directed to memorialize the Assem- bly of the XIX, upon those ecclesiastical points concerning which the Classis of Brazil had asked our aid - reported on their com- mission. They also read an extract from the resolution of the Hon. XIX upon said points. It was resolved to communicate the said extract to the Rev. Classis. In the meantime, inas- much as it appears from the resolutions of the XIX in reference to the increase of the number of ministers and siecken-troosters in Brazil, that the sending of more ministers and siecken-troos- ters lies to the charge of the Chambers of the Meuse, West Fries- land, and the North Quarter,* it was resolved to write to the ministers of the respective localities, in order that they may urge this matter upon the Messrs. Directors. Also, the last letters sent to us, of the Classis of Brazil, of the Consistory at the Recife, and of the ministers of the said church shall be answered. There shall also be sent over the letter of the XIX to the chief govern- ment there, touching the sitting of civilians, (in ecclesiastical bodies), which have been abolished there, by the same. xx. 209, 210.


* Amsterdam and Zeeland or Middleburg were the other two Chambers, making fire in all.


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1648, Nov. 30th.


Rev. Eliazor Swalmius in the Chair.


It was resolved to institute all proper endeavors to procure pastors for Loando and New Netherland. Also if an opportunity occur to write to Loando. The communication from the pastor settled there will be answered. xx. 210.


Letter from Rev. Megapolensis.


1648, Dec. 7th.


Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas read a letter from Rev. Mega- polensis, in which he makes known the distressing condition of the widow of Rev. Bogardus. She is burdened with a large family, and cannot decently maintain herself. He makes request in behalf of said widow, that the Rev. Classis will be pleased to intercede with the worthy Directors, that the arrears of salary which are still due her late husband, may be paid to her. He mentions also in the same letter his intention of coming to Patria in the spring. He asks that the Rev. Assembly will please to see to it that another minister be sent to supply his place. v. 107, 108; xxvi. 20.


1648, Dec. 7th.


Letter from Rev. John Backerus.


There was also read a letter from Rev. John Backerus, pastor in New Netherland, in which he seeks his dismission that he may return home at once. He presents for this various reasons. To this end, he also requests that the Rev. Assembly would be pleased, at the earliest opportunity, to see that another pastor be sent thither, and also a good experienced schoolmaster, whose services are very much needed at that place. v. 108; xxvi. 20.


1


Sending Pastors to New Netherland.


All this has been referred to the Rev. Brethren ad res Indicas. They, meantime, have informed the Rev. Assembly that there are three pastors now needed, one for New Netherland, one for


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St. Paul de Loando, and one for Muscovy. They requested the Rev. Brethren to seek out suitable persons to be sent to these places. xxvi. 20, 21.


1648, Dec. 28th.


Rev. Mr. Lullius in the Chair.


A letter from Rev. John Backerus, pastor at Manhattans in New Netherland, dated Sept. 22nd, 1648, was opened. In this he urged his former request. In reporting the condition of the church, he repeats his complaints about the great number of inns. A letter was also read, accompanying the above, from the elders and deacons of the same church, which also consented to the dismissal of their present pastor. They earnestly re- quested that an old, experienced, and godly minister might be sent to them, lest their congregation, already in great confusion by reason of the death of their late pastor, (Bogardus) should dwindle away altogether. They also declare that they stand in great need of an experienced schoolmaster, since there was an increasing number of young persons, in order that they might be reared under better discipline. To this end they make men- tion of Samuel Bayart, book-keeper and teacher of French and German at Bergen-of-Zoom, and of Daniel Samuels, also teacher of French and German at Haerlem; with the understanding that should either of these, or some one else of equal qualification, be induced to go thither, efforts would be made to provide a proper support for the same, in addition to the Company's sal- ary. Resolved, that we communicate the above correspondence to the next meeting of the Classis.


Each of the brethren was again requested to look around earnestly for qualified preachers to be sent to New Netherland and to Loando St. Paulo. xx. 210.


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Extract from a Lease of Van Rensselaer, Jan. 14, 1649, for the old Indian maize lands at the Catskills, rented to Jan Dirck- sen of Bremen.


" The tenant is to read a sermon or portion of Scripture every Sunday and High Festival to the Christians in the neighborhood, and to sing one or more Psalms, before and after prayers, agree- ably to the customs of the Church of Holland ".


1649, Jan. 25th.


Rev. Eliazur Swalmius in the Chair.


The brethren are still charged to look about for a qualified person to be sent as pastor to New Netherland. Since Loando St. Paulo has been taken by the Portuguese, it will not be neces- sary to trouble ourselves any longer about supplying that place. xx. 211.


1649, March 15th.


Rev. Megapolensis.


Rev. William Grasmeer, pastor at Grafdyck, with his mother- in-law, the wife of Rev. Megapolensis, were admitted, and at once made a request; viz .: Inasmuch as his father-in-law has more than fulfilled the time of his ministrations in New Nether- land, having been there now over seven years, that the Rev. Assembly be pleased to direct that he be honorably discharged from service there, and that another pastor take his place.


The Rev. Deputati at res Indicas then reported on this sub- ject. They informed the Rev. Assembly that they had con- ferred with the Patroons of that place with regard to this matter, and they had declared that they would prefer to retain him there for some time to come.


Since, however, the letters of the Rev. Megapolensis, and the presence now of his wife and son-in-law manifested great dis- satisfaction; therefore it was determined that the Rev. Deputies above mentioned shall confer still further with the Patroons, and at the next meeting of the Classis, two weeks from to-day,


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they shall inform the Rev. Assembly concerning this matter. Due consideration shall then be given to it. xxvi. 33; v. 113, 114.


Megapolensis. 1649, March 29th.


In regard to the case of Rev. Megapolensis, the Rev. Depu- tati ad res Indicas reported, that they had conferred about his church with the Patroons of that place. These had told them that they would gladly have seen Rev. Megapolensis to have re- mained there a while longer, but having understood his disin- clination to do so, they would not keep him there against his will. They would permit him to come over'to Patria, in order to confer with him, and to ascertain whether he might not have a desire therefor. At any rate they would like to confer with him before another preacher should be sent in his place.


Meantime they would gladly see Rev. Megapolensis make some arrangements before his departure for the continuance of some form of service, such as the reading of some chapters of God's Word, or some good homilies (postilla).


The Rev. Assembly having heard this report, resolved to grant the Rev. Megapolensis his dismission, and the Rev. Deputies aforesaid shall inform him of the same. They shall also inform him of the good feeling that exists and the desire of the Pa- trons. This action was announced to the Rev. Grasmeer. v. 116; xxvi. 36.


1649, April 13th.


Rev. Eliazur Swalmius in the Chair.


It was resolved to answer at the earliest opportunity the let- ters to New Netherland, one from the pastor, and one from the consistory, as also the communication of the Rev. John Mega- polensis. xx. 214.


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Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


1649, April 26th.


Rev. Swalmius in the Chair.


The letters from New Netherland have been answered by Rev. Wittenwrongel. xx. 215.


These letters are as follows: xxvi. 38, 39. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Backerus, New Netherland, April 26th, 1649.


Rev. Wise, Most Provident and Godly Brother :-


Your Reverence's communications have reached us safely. From these we understand your great desire to be released from your service in the church of New Netherland.


We can see, indeed, that for this you have urgent and mighty reasons. But it grieves us that we have not yet been able to find a suitable person to succeed you, and to take charge of the ser- vice in so demoralized a church, and we fear that we shall not succeed very soon. The reason is, on account of the impover- ished condition of the Company. Hence there is but little de- sire either on the part of experienced pastors or candidates to undertake so long a journey. We shall not neglect, however, to use all efforts, until we succeed in finding an energetic minister.


Meanwhile we thank you for the representation of the condi- tion of the church in your province. We shall neglect no effort to advance her prosperity with the Hon. Directors, and we shall take into serious consideration what has been so earnestly com- mended to us, both in your communication, and in that of the Rev. Consistory, viz., to search out an experienced schoolmaster as well as pastor. The prosperity of the church is in the highest degree dependent on the proper training of the tender youth.


These and other matters we shall present at the meeting of the Hon. XIX, and seek to advance them with all possible Zeal. We shall then acquaint you with the result, and also hope at


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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that time to answer the communication of your Rev. Consistory at greater length.


Closing herewith, we commend you to God and the word of his grace. With our hearty greetings to you and the worthy brethren of the consistory, we are and remain,


Your fellow-brethren to command,


The Deputati ad res Indicas, etc.


April 26, 1649.


P. Jacobus Beth.


The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. John Megapolensis, in New Netherland, April 26th, 1649. xxvi. 38.


The Peace of Christ.


Rev., Wise, Provident, Highly Learned and Godly co-laborer and Brother in the Harvest of the Lord :-


Your Reverence's communication of July 26th, 1648, came safely to hand. From this we understand that you continue urgently to insist upon your dismission from the service at Rensselaerswyck.


We have not omitted to recommend your case to the Hon. Patroons, inasmuch as your time has now expired, and to request their permission for us to look about for another pastor, to succeed you in your place.


But although we have found that the said Patroons do not any longer wish to render your dismissal difficult, as you will have learned from their writings; nevertheless they are reluctant to send another pastor before they have conferred with you con- cerning the matter after your arrival here. You also know full well that the differences existing between the Patroons and the other partners, occasion great difficulties in this business. Hence the Rev. Classis, having duly considered the matter, and having understood from your communication, as also from the oral statement of your wife, that you are fully determined to leave your service at Rensselaerswyck, is unwilling to make your dismissal more difficult, but cheerfully grant your request; only


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they ask you to be pleased at your departure to establish some fixed order, that some form of worship may be kept up, with the reading of God's word, the singing of Psalms, the reading of some edifying sermons, etc., so that the church do not at once become demoralized, and the good work begun there, and advanced by your diligence, decline.


Meantime trusting that we shall be authorized by the Patroons to look about for another pastor, we herewith close, commend- ing you to God and the word of his grace. With our hearty re- spects, we are and remain,


Your brethren to command,


April 26, 1649.


The Deputati ad res Indicas, etc.


MINUTE OF A VISIT OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL TO REV. MR. BACKERIUS, TO FORBID HIM TO READ, OR TO ALLOW TO BE READ, ANY POLITICAL WRITINGS IN THE CHURCH.


This day underwritten the Director-General went in person to the house of the minister Backerius, and there, in his capacity as Director, told the minister not to read himself, or have read by any of the Church officers, from the pulpit or else- where in the Church, at the request of any of the inhabitants, any writing, petition or proposal having relation to the municipal or general government, whether gen- eral or in particular, before and until such writing shall be signed by the Director himself, or by the Secretary, by order of the Director and Council; but this is not to apply to ecclesiastical affairs which are left at the full disposal of said ministers and Consistory. Therein he shall be at liberty to order, agreeably to church ordi- nances and the duty of a godly minister, wherein said Director General offers him all aid and assistance as far as this concerns him as Chief Magistrate of the country.


This done in the presence of Councillor La Montagne and Secretary Tienhoven, this 8th of May, 1649 .- Col. Docg. N. Y. xiv. 114.


O'Callaghan's remark thereon: 1649. And so fearful still were the authorities that means would be found to communicate, during divine service, with the people, that " the Director General went in person to Domine Backerus, and told him that he should not be permitted, at the request of any individuals, to read from the pulpit to the congregation, under any pretence, either by himself or any of the deacons, any propositions whatsoever, appertaining to the police or general government, be- fore such writings had been signed by the secretary by order of the Director, or by the Director and Council."


These measures had the effect only of hastening the departure of the clergyman from New Amsterdam, and of urging the opposition more strongly in their course. The Rev. Mr. Backerus requested his dismissal shortly after. He returned to Hol- land to swell the number of complaints against General Stuyvesant; and Adriaen van der Donek, Jacob van Couwenhoven, and Jan Evertsen Bout followed, in the course of the succeeding month, as agents for the colonists .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 94.


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Acts of the Deputies. Gideon Schaats, Schoolmaster at Beest. 1649, June 28th.


Gideon Schaats, schoolmaster at Beest,* appeared with very good testimonial from the Classis of Bueren. He asked to go, in the capacity of siecken-trooster to the East Indies. But in- asmuch as, with the permission of the Classis, he had for some time exercised himself in " proponeren " (exercises preparatory to the ministry), and has good hope of being admitted to the prepara- tory examination at the next Synod of South Holland, he was informed that he was provisionally accepted by us as " Recom- mended "; and that in the meantime he must seek to push his desires in the said Synod. xx. 216.


PERMIT TO REV. JOHANNES BACKERUS, MINISTER OF NEW AM- STERDAM, TO RESIGN HIS OFFICE AND RETURN TO HOLLAND.


Johannes Backerius, minister in this city New Amsterdam, appeared before the Council and requested his dismission, in order that he may return to Fatherland; therefore the Honorable Director General and Council, having considered the urgent request, cannot refuse said Backerius his dismission; the said Director and Council have accordingly granted him leave to depart for Fatherland.


This 6th of July, 1649.


Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 115.


Resolution. To retain and engage Rev. Johannes Megapolensis as minister of the Church at New Amsterdam.


Aug. 2, 1649.


Whereas Domine Johannes Backerius on his urgent petition. and, as he declares with the consent of the Classis, wherein the despatches of the Honorable Directors concur, has received from us license and dismission, in order to depart with the first ships for Fatherland; and in the meantime this congregation would remain destitute of spiritual nourishment, namely the preaching of the Holy Gospel, and the lawful participation of the Blessed Sacrament; Therefore we, the Director and Council, wishing to promote as far as we are able, the honor of God, the welfare and salvation of men, cannot consent that this congregation ought or can remain bereft of a pastor: Wherefore, on the instructions from the Honor- able Lords Directors, we have resolved, as we do hereby resolve, earnestly and urgently to solicit and entreat the Reverend Domine Johannes Megapolensis, late minister in Rensselaerswyck, who having obtained his dismission there, is now here and prepared to depart with the first ships for Fatherland, and seriously and urgently to inquire if he could not be induced by persuasive reasons, for the honor of God, the advancement of his Church, and the salvation of men to supply here the service of the Word and the administration of the Holy Sacra- ment. His Reverence has, as we are already informed, no weighty reasons to


* Beest, a village of over twenty four hundred population, in Gelderland.


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decline our invitation. Meanwhile the extreme need of the church work impera- tively demands, that at least one clergyman remain in this province among the Dutch people, both for this capital and Renselaer's Colony, were it only for administering Baptism to the children who are commonly presented here every Sunday at the Manhattans for baptism alone, sometimes one, sometimes two, yea even three and four together. Therefore, we excusing his reasons, cannot accept them at this time, but do hereby resolve, if possible, to endeavor to retain him blanda vi et quasi nolens volens, and we shall try to justify him to the best of our ability both to the Reverend Classis and the Patroon from whom he has already received his dismission and settlement of account. Such we resolve, to be most necessary for the honor of God, the service of his Church, and the salva- tion of the people.


Thus done in our Council this 2nd of August; present - The Honorable Director General, Petrus Stuyvesant, L. van Dincklage, H. van Dyck, La Montagne, and Brian Nuton .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 116.


DEPARTURE OF DOMINE BACKERUS, AND SETTLEMENT OF DOMINE MEGAPOLENSIS AT NEW AMSTERDAM.


August, 1649.


By the departure of the Rev. Mr. Backerus, New Amsterdam was now without a clergyman. The Rev. Mr. Megapolensis having received his dismission from the colony of Rensselaerswyck, " was about to return to Fatherland, in the first sailing ship," and thus the Dutch colonists were to be deprived of the solacing comfort of a Christian ministry. To prevent this misfortune, the Director requested Doctor Megapolensis, "for the honor of God, for the increase of the church, and the interest of men," to remain in the country for a time at least.


This invitation was at first declined. His wife had preceded him to Holland, and he was also anxious to follow her, as his presence was necessary in that country, for the liquidation of an estate in which he was interested. But his stay was still urged, in pursuance to instructions from the Chamber at Amsterdam, " if it were only for the instruction of the children, who are every Sunday pre- sented at the Manhattans for baptism - sometimes one - sometimes two - yae, sometimes three and four together;" Otherwise, it was apprehended that the Church would be a long time without a minister. His objections were at length overruled, and the Council having resolved to retain him, blanda vi, et quasi nolens, volens," he was installed minister of the church of New Amsterdam, at a salary of twelve hundred guilders, or four hundred and eighty dollars, per annum .* - O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. 97.


REMONSTRANCE OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW NETHERLAND TO THE STATES GENERAL.


[See Jan. 27, 1650, and Ap. 20, 1650, and Nov. 29, 1650.] (Abstract and Extracts.)


1649, July 28.


[This represents the condition of affairs just at the time that Domine John Backerus left New Amsterdam for Holland, and Domine John Megapolensis left Fort Orange and settled at New Amsterdam. We are concerned principally with what relates to the Church history, in order to make more intelligible, or to con- firm, the documents recently received (1898) from Amsterdam.]


* Alb. Rec. iv., 16, 17, 23; vii., 229, 230, 251 -- 256. Rev. Mr. Megapolensis was au- thor of a tract on the Mohawk Indians, entitled Kort Ontwerp Van de Mahakuase Indianen in N. Nederlandt, haer Lant, Stature, Dracht, Manieren en Magistraten,


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The following reference is given concerning the discovery of the country, page 275.


" Among all the enterprising people in the world, who search for foreign coun- tries, navigable waters and trade, those who bear the name of Netherlanders will very easily be able to hold their rank among the foremost, as is sufficiently known to all those who have in any wise saluted the threshold of history. It will, in like manner, be also, confirmed by our following Relation; for in the year of Christ 1609, was the country, of which we now propose to speak, first found and discovered at the expense of the General East India Company - though direct- ing their aim and design elsewhere - by the ship de Halve Mane, whereof Henry Hudson was master and factor. It was afterwards named New Netherland by our people, and that very justly, for it was first discovered, and taken possession of, by Netherlanders and at their expense, so that even at the present day, the natives of the country, (who are so old as to remember the event) testify, that on seeing the Dutch ships on their first coming here, they knew not what to make of them, and could not comprehend, whether they came down from Heaven or whether they were Devils. Some among them, on its first approach, even imagined it to be a fish, or some sea monster, so that strange rumor concerning it flew throughout the whole country. We have heard the Indians also frequently say, that they knew of no other world or people previous to the arrival of the Nether- landers here. For these reasons, therefore, and on account of the similarity of Climate, Situation and fertility, this place is rightly called New Netherland. It is situate along the North Coast of America, in the latitude of 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 degrees, or thereabouts. It is bounded on the North East side by New England, on the South West by Virginia; the coast trends mostly South West and North East, and is washed by the Ocean; on the North runs the river of Canada, a great way off in the interior; the North West side is partly still unknown ".


Then an elaborate description is given of the climate, the geography, the topog- raphy, the soil, the forests, the fruits and vegetation, the animals, domestic and wild, the fowl, the fish, the reptiles, medicinal plants, the minerals, clays, etc. pp. 275-280.


Then follows a description of the Indians, their deliberation of speech, their stolidity, their art of healing wounds, their clothing of skins, their currency of wampum, the painting of their bodies, their boats, instability of the marriage rela- tion, the occupations of the men and women, respectively, their huts, etc.




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