USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 26
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Very Reverend Fathers and Beloved Brethren, Your affectionate servant, P. Stuyvesant.
. Oct. 1649.
Rev. John Backerus.
1649, Nov. 1st.
Rev. John Backerus having come as minister from New Neth- erland, exhibited his credentials to the Classis, and requested therewith to be admitted here in this country ad publicas con- ciones, and to be aided by the Classis in securing his compensa- tion from the West India Company. His credentials being good, his last request was granted. As regards the former, he was re-
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ferred to the Synod, in accordance with Synodical injunction. v. 138; xxvi. 52.
Ministers at the Recife .*
1649, Nov. 9-30th.
It was resolved to renew before the Hon. Directors of the West India Company the request of the ministers at the Recife, in re- gard to an increase of their salaries; inasmuch as all things had become dear, on account of the long continued siege; and the ordinary salary did no longer suffice. xx. 228.
Acts of the Deputies.
1649, Dec. 27th.
A letter from Rev. Mr. Megapolensis, pastor in New Nether- land was read in which he states the reasons why he remained at Manhattan, although he intended to have gone to the Father- land upon receiving his dismissal. He also requests that another minister be sent to Rensselaerswyck in his stead. The brethren resolved to wait upon the Messrs. Directors about this matter, and to request them to confirm the Rev. Mr. Megapolensis in his charge, and to furnish his Reverence with an honorable stipend; also to recommend to the guardian of the Rentselaer wards, to be pleased to send another minister to that colony. In addition it was resolved to write to Rev. Mr. Megapolensis, and to inform him of our full approval of his determination to remain. XX. 229. (See Col. Hist. N. Y. i. 389, 431.)
The Classis to the Rev. John Megapolensis, written to New Neth- erland, Jan. 10th, 1650. xxvi. 61.
Reverend, Godly, and Highly Learned Ministerial Brother, and co-laborer in the Work of the Lord :-
We received your communication of Aug. 18, 1649. It was all the more pleasant to us, because it informed us, that although
* This was the lower part of Mauritzstad, the capital of Dutch Brazil. It was built on the reef. Rev. J. T. Polhemus, afterward of Brooklyn was in Brazil 1635-54.
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on your way to the Fatherland, you did finally resolve, at the urgent request of the General, the Council and the People, on the Manhattan, to remain there in the service of the West India Company: and this you did, because otherwise all New Nether- land would necessarily be deprived of the pure worship of God, on account of the departure of Rev. John Cornelisson Backer, who is yet without charge. This was truly a sufficient reason, and justly influenced you to remain.
We commend your excellent zeal in this matter, and have ac- cordingly requested from the Hon. Directors of the West India Company their approbation of your act, and a fair remuneration for you. They have acceded to both requests. They declare that they are willing to give you such remuneration as they have been accustomed to give their pastors.
The bearer of this, William Vestensz of Haerlem, goes as Com- forter of the Sick, and schoolmaster, at the request of the Hon. Director Stuyvesant, and the church of Manhattan, and with the approval of the Hon. Directors of the West India Company. The said Hon. Directors also mentioned two others, so as to secure one of them, but they have not appeared, and we do not know their residence, else we might have corresponded with them. William Vestensz is an excellent God fearing man. We trust that he may be acceptable, and do good service.
It is further proper for you to know that we have conferred with the guardians of the Renselaer children, and have requested that they would be pleased to send another pastor in your place to the Renselaer colony. We have also published that the whole church there earnestly desires this. The guardians say that they were satisfied with your services. They wished that you had come hither, as they would have been inclined to make a new contract with you, that you might have returned thither and continued your services there. But inasmuch as it pleased you to remain in the service of the West India Company at Manhattan, they are in- clined to send over another suitable person. They must now, first ascertain, however, where the salary for a pastor is to come from,
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and to that end they have written to their agent there. Mean- while we shall not neglect to urge them to send a suitable person to the Renselaer colonies by the first opportunity.
In closing we send you our friendly greetings. Please con- vey such greetings also to the Hon. Director Stuyvesant. We commend you to God's gracious protection, while we remain,
Your affectionate Fellow-brethren, the Committee on East and West Indian Church Affairs. In behalf of the Classis of Am- sterdam,
Done at Eleazar Swalminus, Pres. of the Assembly.
Amsterdam Fredericus Kesslerus, Sec. of the Deputies.
Jan. 10, 1650.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE REMONSTRANCE. DIGEST AND EXTRACT, RELATING TO THE CHURCH.
1650
Digest of Excesses and Neglect of New Netherland under the West India Company. Exhibited, January 27th, 1650, to the meeting of the Deputies of their High Mightinesses, and given to the Directors. (1642-50.)
Of the Church; Ecclesiastical Property and Benevolent Institutions.
12. Contrary to the advice of the Churchmasters and the sound opinion of others, the Church was located in the Fort, which is exceedingly small; so that the Church occupies almost one fourth part of it; moreover shutting off the southeast wind from the Mill; Director Kieft's will and pleasure herein must be obeyed.
13. The Church was built by a collection among the People, and the Directors will have it the property of the Company.
14. No care or attention has hitherto been paid to secure or obtain Ecclesiastical property, or to select anything for the purpose.
15. A plate has long been going around for a School, but the money has been di- verted; some few materials have been bought for it, but the first stone is yet to be laid.
16. The poor's money is mostly in the hands of the Company, who have paid neither principal nor interest.
17. There was indeed a flying report about an orphan-house, hospital and asylum for the aged, but it amounted to nothing.
18. The Directors have made no effort to convert to Christianity either the Indians, or the Blacks or Slaves, owned by the Company there.
21. The unjust proceedings of the Directors against Francis Douthey the Minister, who, because he appealed from Kieft's unrighteous sentence, was put in prison and obliged to pay a fine of twenty five guilders before he could be set at liberty.
34. Francis Douthey, an English Clergyman, was subjected to an utterly unjust condition before he was allowed to depart - never to mention how illegally he had
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been treated in New Netherland; and because he would not execute an obligation to that effect, he would not be permitted to leave.
Col. Docs. N. Y. 1. 335. See also pp. 299, 300, 305-6; 311.
Answer of the West India Company to the Remonstrance from New Netherland, made to the States General; January 31st, 1650.
12. The Church was erected, for satisfactory reasons, in the fort.
13. It cost much more than eight thousand guilders whereof it cannot be proved that the people paid eight hundred; the collection taken up by subscription, hath realized the least.
14. We request that they declare what they understand by ecclesiastical property.
15. The Director hath not the administration of the money that was taken up on the plate; but Jacob Couwenhoven, who is one of the petitioners, hath kept account of it in his quality of Churchmasters.
16. 'Tis acknowledged that the Company is indebted to the Deaconry, nine or ten hundred guilders, according to the tenor of the obligation thereof drawn up in New Netherland Anno 1649. The first interest thereupon will fall due Anno 1650.
17. The Company's circumstances admitted of the building neither of an hospital nor orphan asylum, which are not very necessary there as yet.
18. Every one conversant with the Indians in, and around New Netherland, will be able to say, that it is morally impossible to convert the adults to the Christian faith. Besides, 'tis a Minister's business to apply himself to that, and the Director's duty to assist him therein.
Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 340.
21. Respecting this Article, we refer to the sentence.
34. (Rev.) Francis Douthey being indebted to the Company about eleven hundred guilders, petitioned, in New Netherland, for permission to depart. The Director and Council are willing to allow him to do so, but think they ought first of all be paid; his incapacity so to do, was the reason why he was not allowed to depart, and it must be proved that the Director required from him any obligation under his hand. - Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 341.
FURTHER EXTRACTS FROM THE REPLY TO THE REPORT OF COM-
MITTEE ON THE REMONSTRANCE.
1650.
The Director never had anything to do with the property of the church. A subscription was entered into in Kieft's time to aid in the erection of that build- ing, which, however, was not paid. "The Company paid the workmen." The consistory was satisfied at the time that it should be located in the fort; but these people considered the Company's fort not worthy the honor of a church. It is true the new schoolhouse had not been built, but this was not the fault of the Director, who is busy collecting materials, but of the churchmasters, who had charge of the funds which the commonalty subscribed. In the meanwhile, a place for the school had been provided and held. Other teachers keep school in hired houses, so that the youth are furnished with the means of education, according to the circumstances of the country. 'Tis true there is no Latin school nor academy; those of the commonalty who require such, can look to it and supply the funds. The deacons are accountable for what concerns the poor. They can tell where the money is gone, and who have had it from time to time on interest. The Director never administered these funds. Director Kieft borrowed all the small fines and penalties imposed by the court, and placed in the poor's box. " He opened the box with the consent of the deacons, and took the contents " on interest. The sum was of small amount.
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It is true that there are no duties either on exports or imports in the latter plantations, but the property of each inhabitant is assessed, and he is obliged to pay according to his means. In this way he is taxed to build and support churches and schools; to maincain preachers and schoolmasters; to erect public buildings in cities and villages; to construct and repair all highways and bridges;
1650.
What more frivolous request could be made than that the Company should quit the country. At its own charge that body has conveyed people and cattle thither, erecting forts, and assisted many poor emigrants from Holland with provisions and clothing. And now that some have "a little more than they can consume in a day," they ungratefully wish to be relieved from the authority of their bene- factors, even without paying them, if they could. They further demand that pro- vision be made for the support of religion and the diffusion of education, and for the erection of asylums and hospitals. If they be such friends to religion, educa- tion and charity as they pretend, let them be leaders in a subscription to such laudable undertakings, and not complain as they did when asked to contribute for the church and school-house. "Had the Director demanded a collection for an orphan asylum and hospital, what an outcry would not have been raised." The vacancy created by the departure of the Rev. Mr. Backerus is filled " by a learned and holy minister, who needs no interpreter when defending the Reformed religion against the preachers of our neighbors, the English Brownists."
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1650, Jan. 31st.
The Rev. President Swalmius, and the clerk, reported in ref- erence to their commission that they recommended to the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, William Vestens of Haer- lem, for schoolmaster and Visitor of the Sick in New Netherland, and that he has been accepted by the above named gentlemen, and will be sent at the earliest opportunity:
Moreover they report that Rev. Mr. Megapolensis had taken leave of Rensselaerswyck, and has entered the service of the Com- pany in New Netherland, (New Amsterdam) at the request of the General and of the congregation there; that he desires the Di- rectors to give him their approval, and that they should promise to provide him with an honorable salary.
Further, that they (the Deputies) had reiterated the petition of the ministers in regard to an increase of their salaries, and that the Directors had agreed to give the same in charge of a commit- tee; that this committee would proceed in a few days to the Hague
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to deliberate on the matter with the other committees from the respective chambers, seeing it was a petition of a general nature.
Finally, (they report), that they had conferred with the guard- ians of the Rensselaer wards, and that they had requested them to be kind enough to send another minister in place of Rev. Mr. Megapolensis, to Rensselaerswyck. They had indeed manifested a willingness to do this, but as they could not very well supply the means of support, they would first write to New Netherland. xx. 230.
DIRECTORS IN HOLLAND TO STUYVESANT: REV. MEGAPOLENSIS SCHOOLMASTER SENT OUT: REMONSTRANCE FROM NEW NETHERLAND :
The recommendation of the Rev. Domine Megapolensis has in so far been at- tended by us, that we have paid to his wife six hundred florins as six months salary: as to how she has been treated by the heirs of van Renselaer on account of his services in their district, and which he will learn from his wife, we prefer to say nothing about it.
At your request we have engaged a schoolmaster, who is to serve also as com- forter of the sick. He is considered as an honest and pious man and will come over by the first chance.
Your apprehensions concerning Domine Backerus, the preacher, have, as you expected, been verified. He has made common cause with the complainants, come from your parts, silly people - at least the majority of them - who have been badly misled by a few seditious persons, like Cornelius Melyn, Adrian van der Donck and some others. These men seem to leave nothing untried, to upset every kind of government, pretending that they suffered under too heavy a yoke. Wouter van Twiller confirms them in this opinion and aims at the command of the whole North River: he admits publicly, that he does not intend to allow any one to navigate the river for the purpose of trade, and says, he will resist any one coming there or to Rensselaerswyck; maintaining besides, that Fort Orange is built upon the soil of Rensselaerswyck and that therefore the Company has no right to let houses be built or private parties trade there. He forgets, that this fort was erected fifteen years before Rensselaerswyck was ever mentioned, that it has been always garrisoned by the Company's men, and that a trading house has been kept there for the account of the Company until the year 1644. The trade in peltries was exclusively reserved until then for the Company and it should remain so, were the Company in the condition to keep their storehouses well provided with the right goods: we hope that in good time we shall find means, to exclude from this trade all these impertinent fellows; we are justified in using our right, which this ungrateful customer, who, so to say, has sucked his welfare from the breasts of the Company, now tries to abuse. The traders generally have already complained to us and ask in the enclosed document to be maintained in their trade .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 117, 119, 120.
February 16, 1650.
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1650
1650, March 4.
Information respecting New Netherland.
After describing the land, and speaking of the proper cattle for the locality, and the different classes of artizans needed, with farmers, etc. (Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 356-371.) we find the following:
" A clergyman, comforter of the sick, or precentor, who could also act as schoolmaster " .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 370.
Report of the Committee of the States General on the Affairs of New Netherland.
1650. 1
Provisional Order respecting the Government, Preservation and Peopling of New Netherland:
After lengthy conferences with the Directors of the West India Company, a Report was adopted .- See Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 387-391:
In reference to Religion.
New Netherland being at present provided with only one clergyman, orders shall be given forthwith for the immediate calling and support of at least three preach- ers; one to attend to Divine Service at Renselaer's Colonie; the second in and about the city of New Amsterdam, and the third in the distant places; and the Commonalty shall be also obliged to have the youth instructed by good school- masters .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 389. -
The Amsterdam Chamber made several " observations" on the said report. In reference to Religion:
1650, April, 11:
6. Those of the Colonie of Rensselaers-Wyck must pay their own clergyman, and are busy inquiring for a person. New Amsterdam is provided, and none is yet required in the out-lying places. [See May 24, 1650.] - Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 392.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. David Roderen; Casp. Carpentier.
1650, March 7th.
The Consistory of Amsterdam represented that they had heard Rev. David Roderen, formerly a candidate of the Classis, and now dwelling at Amsterdam; and Rev. Casparus de Carpentier, at present, minister at Amersfoort, as ministers (candidates) for the service of their congregation. They had also received the approval of their noble magistrates, and now they requested that the Classis would also approve the same. So be it. The Classis having given heed unto this request, do also, in the fear of the Lord, approve the election and calls of these two individuals, and wish the blessing of the Lord upon the church of Amsterdam, unto the consummation of the same. v. 143.
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Acts of the Deputies.
Rev. Megapolensis.
1650, Mar. 7th.
The Rev. Deputies reported to the Classis of Amsterdam, that Rev. Megapolensis, at the urgent request of the Director and peo- ple of New Netherland, has bound himself anew to the service of the Company, and requested the approval of his course and a proper salary. Both requests have been granted by the Com- pany.
They further reported that William Vestens, a schoolmaster from Haerlem, has been sent thither; also that they have con- ferred with the guardians of the Renselaer children, and have requested them to send another pastor to Rensselaerswyck in place of Megapolensis. They were inclined to do this, but they said that they must first write, and receive an answer thence. xxvi. 63.
Rev. John Backerus.
. 1650, April 4th.
Rev. John Backerus, late pastor in Curacoa, and in New Neth- erland, informs us that the Classis of Alckmaer has charged him to present his certificate of dismissal from the churches he has served. He requests therefore from this Classis a certificate that he has returned from those regions in accordance with the con- sent, and to the satisfaction of the people. He desires also a testimonial as to the result of his examination before this Classis.
The Classis grants both these requests, and orders the secre- tary to give him a proper testimonial. This was done. (See Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 431.) xxvi. 64.
ยท Rev. William Grasmeer.
The Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas represent, that Rev. William Grasmeer, pastor at Grafdyck in the Classis of Alckmaer, being under Classical censure, has deserted his post, without the knowl-
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edge of the Classis, and is intending to journey to New Nether- land.
They therefore inquire, whether the Patroons of Rensselaers- wyck, present in this city, and also the church of Manhatan in New Netherland ought not to be warned against him in that he will arrive there without an ecclesiastical certificate? Otherwise they may put too great confidence in him, and cause offence and disquietude in the church there.
It is deemed proper to do this, in the name of the Classis, through the Deputati ad res Indicas. xxvi. 64.
1650, April 4th.
The Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas represent, that William Gras- meer, a minister in the Classis of Alkmaer, at Grafdyck, being under censure of Classis, has left his charge without the knowl- edge of Classis, with the intention of journeying in New Nether- land. They ask in reference to this matter, whether the Patroons of Rensselaer's wyck, who are here in town, and the church in New Netherland, (at Rensselaer's wyck) ought not to be warned against him, since he will arrive there without any ecclesiastical endorsement. Thus they will not put too much confidence in him, lest he cause some offence or disturbance in the church there. It was judged to be proper thus to do. This will be done in the name of the Classis by the Deputies ad res Indicas. v. 151.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Consistory of the Reformed Church at Manhattan, in New Netherland, regarding Rev. William Grasmeer. xxvi. 64.
Reverend, Godly, Highly Learned, Provident, Most Discreet, and Beloved Fellow-Brethren in the Lord :-
Whereas we understand that Rev. William Grasmeer, pastor at Grafdyck, being under censure of the Rev. Classis of Alckmaer, has left his church, and is said to be determined to depart to New
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Netherland, without, however, being first reconciled to his wife, and the aforementioned Classis, and also goes thither without our permission :- We therefore deem it necessary to acquaint your Rev. Body with these things, and to warn you that you do not allow him to officiate in any of the duties of the ministerial office, if perchance he should so desire, until he shall have rendered satis- faction to the Classis of Alckmaer, and be lawfully called to such service. A contrary course would be in violation of the order of the Synod, and cause great offence here.
We trust that you will not show yourselves recalcitrant in this matter. We remain, Reverend and Much Beloved Fellow-Breth- ren,
Your Reverences' devoted to command. In the name of the Classis of Amsterdam, the Committee on Ecclesiastical Af- fairs in the East and West Indies.
Given in our Classical Meeting, April 4, 1650.
Eleazar Swalminus. Fredericus Kesslerus, Sec. of the Deputies. Johannes Rulitius, Co-deputatus. Philips Metzu, Elder.
The Grasmeer Case, 1650, April 11th. Rev. Frederick Kes- lerus in the Chair.
A certain communication from this meeting, written by the or- der of the Classis, to the consistory of Manhattan in New Neth- erland, was read. Therein they are warned not to permit Rev. William Grasmeer, pastor at Grafdyck, which belongs to the Classis of Alckmaer, to preach or to administer any church ordi- nance. He is intending to go there; but he is under censure of said Classis, having left his congregation without their knowledge.
The Rev. President informed the meeting that on April 7, two Deputies of the Classis of Alckmaer, viz. Rev. Mr. Knyf and Rev. Mr. Mensevoet, had had an interview with him and Rev. Mr. Rultius, and had explained to them what had been done in their Classis, in reference to the above mentioned William Grasmeer;
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he has been suspended from the performance of ministerial func- tions by their Classis, in confirmation whereof, they furnished a copy of said action from their Classical record; that he had also left his congregation without the knowledge of the Classis, or without giving any satisfaction to the same. They therefore re- quested in the name of their Classis, as well as in the name of our own, that timely warning be given to the consistory at Manhattan, not to permit said Grasmeer to preach or perform any church ordinance until he be reconciled to the Classis of Alckmaer, and shall have given satisfaction to the same.
The Brethren Deputies from Alckmaer were also informed that our Classis had already taken action in this case, and our letter to the consistory at Manhattan, was read to their Reverences. The said Deputies were satisfied therewith, and thanked our Classis for their vigilance. xx. 234.
1650, April 16th.
Copy of the resolution of the Rev. Classis of Alckmaer, concern- ing Rev. William Grasmeer. xxvi. 65.
Rev. William Grasmeer :- You are hereby cited to appear im- mediately upon receipt hereof, before our Classical Assembly, to give reasons for the abandonment of your church, to the end that all action in the matter henceforth, may tend to God's glory and the best welfare of this Church. In default of your appearance, the Classis will treat you as a deserter who abandons his church in violation of proper order.
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