USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 27
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It is also understood that you have lightly presumed to preach at Koedyck, or elsewhere. This is emphatically forbidden you until you have made satisfaction to the Classis.
Expecting that obedience which you owe to the Classis, be com- mended to God.
In the name, and by order of all,
Nicholas Rensius,
April 16, 1650.
Sec. protem of Classis.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Grasmeer's Answer. XXVI. 65.
This being immediately received, he responded: No one can prove that I have abandoned my church. I can prove the con- trary by the testimony of the church; but that I have separated from them is known to all unprejudiced parties.
And what should I do before you? Already you show, by forbidding me to preach, what you mean to do, did I come. There- fore I propose not to appear before you.
Do and act in such a way that you may be able to vindicate yourselves before God and unprejudiced parties. Farewell.
William Grasmeer, Pastor.
Rev. Casp. de Carpentier. 1650, April 19th.
Rev. Casparus Carpentier,* who has been called and installed as a minister in the Church of Amsterdam, having shown proper and excellent certificates as to doctrine and life, both from the Classis, and from the church of Amersfoort, was also welcomed, congratulated and accepted as a member of our Classis. v. 152.
DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT: RESULT OF THE REMONSTRANCE [OF JULY 28, 1649] FROM NEW NETHERLAND: REV. MEGA- POLENSIS' TRACT ON CONFESSION : SCHOOLMASTER
1650, April 20th. Honorable, Worthy, Pious, Faithful. 1
Our last letters were of the 16th of February and 24th of March; in the former we told you, how the Deputies, who had come here from New Netherland, by all imaginable means, many of which were to work indirectly, had known to give to their propositions such an appearance, that a number of mature minds have been deceived. Their undertaking then, assuming a look of danger for your repu-
* Casparus de Carpentier was called from the church of Amersfoort to be one of the collegiate ministers of the church of Amsterdam on April 17th 1650, being the 48th minister called to that church. He died on May 12, 1667. He was probably the father of Rev. Casparus Carpentier, mentioned in a letter of Mega- polensis and Drisius, Aug. 5, 1657, who settled at New Amstel, Del. He is again referred to in a letter of Oct. 10, 1688. This Carpentier was a brother-in-law of Jean Paul Jacques, Commandant at Fort Casimir Delaware. See Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 69-72, 4to ed .; Murphy's Authology, 108; Spottswood's Historical Sermon, New- Castle, Del. 1859. Dr. Spottswood says: "In 1684 there died in this town a French clergyman. It is presumed he was one of the exiled Huguenots."
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tation, the interest of the Company and especially this Department of Amsterdam, we were compelled to communicate with the Magistrates of this city, who have in so far countenanced our complaints, that they showed themselves inclined, to uphold our privileges. Very likely a great explosion would have been the result, if it had not been prevented by the careful management of the honorable Deputies from their High: Might:, who have discovered means, by which they expect to satisfy provisionally either side. A copy of their resolves goes herewith; you may judge by it, how much trouble we have had and how dangerous it is to draw upon yourself the wrath of a growing community. We must suppose, that you have trusted too much to some of these ringleaders or become too intimate with them: now, that their ingratitude and treachery have come to light, you must still act with the cunning of a fox and treat them in regard to the past conform- ably with the abovementioned resolutions, to prevent that a new mistake may not make matters worse, than the first one did, and that we may not be troubled any more by such contemptuous bickerings; the more so, as the Company is already sufficiently embarrassed. :
The wife of Domine Megapolensis will tell you herself, what satisfaction we have given her at your request: We shall consult with the deputed brethren of the Reverend Classis in regard to the printing of the Domine's manuscript on Con- fession* and inform you of their opinion.
The Schoolmaster, ; for whom you asked, goes out with this ship: God grant, that he may confirm the good character, which he has borne here, and continue for a long time in the edification of the youths .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 122, 123.
FREEDOMS AND EXEMPTONS GRANTED BY THE WEST INDIA COM- PANY TO ALL GOING TO NEW NETHERLAND: SO FAR AS RE- LATES TO EDUCATION, RELIGION, ETC. [See MARCH 4, 1650.]
1650, May 24.
" The Patroons and Colonists shall also particularly endeavor to devise, in the speediest manner, some means among themselves, whereby they will be able to support a clergyman and schoolmaster, that the service of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool among them, and they shall provide at first for a Comforter of the Sick there ".
"The Company reserves for itself all great and small tithes, all waifs and estrays, the right of establishing mints, highways and forts, declaring war and making peace, all wildernesses, planting cities, towns, and churches, etc. saving whatever is heretofore granted to the patroons, in the matter of high, middle, and low jurisdiction " .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 405.
VAN RENSSELAER PAPERS. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT AT RENSSELAERSWYCK, PAGE 61.
Extract from a certain document:
The son-in-law of Megapolensis is also coming over, who has been a preacher here and has been forbidden to preach by the
* The full title of this work was " Examination and Confession for the benefit of those, who are inclined to approach the Lord's Table."
+ Willem Verstius, [Vestensz.,] who taught school in New Amsterdam till 1655, when he resigned to return to Holland.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Classis of Alckmaer. If he should try to perform some church service in the Colony or to obtain any engagement there, then charge Director Stichtenhorst not to engage him nor tolerate him in the Colony. We shall write to him ourselves, about it, if the time will allow. As we have been requested to do so by the Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam, we order the Director and Council of our Colony to obey this direction implicitly. His name is William Grasmeer. The letter was signed; Wouter van Twiller, and addressed to Gerrit Vasterick (a member of the Council of the Colony), who read it to us, when I wrote it down, August 4, 1650. A. de Hooges, Secretary.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, 1650, AT ALCKMAER. 1650, Aug. 6 et seq. Art. 1. Rev. John Backerus.
Rev. John Backerus being present, made the following state- ment: That as a minister in the West Indies, by order of the Classis of Amsterdam he had now for a long time served the church of New Netherland; and that having now again returned to the Fatherland by order of the same Classis, he requested that the Rev. Synod would hold him as " recommended," so that he may be promoted to the service of the Church in vacant places. To this end he handed over various certificates, which were found to be very praiseworthy. It was also heard in addition that the Rev. delegates from Amsterdam had been directed to recom- mend the said Rev. Backerus to the Rev. Synod. The said request was therefore granted; except that being a layman (laicus) he shall let his gifts be heard before this Assembly to-morrow at eight o'clock. This was accordingly done the next day, and the Rev. Assembly was content with his gifts.
Art. 18. Plan for the East and West India Affairs.
Regarding Art. 15, (1649) treating of the Plan for the East and West India Affairs: It was learned from the report of the
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1
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Rev. Correspondent from Utrecht, that the said Synod has con- formed to the resolution of the Synod of South Holland, held at Delft in the year 1648.
Art. 30. East and West India Affairs.
Regarding Art. 28, (1649), of the East and West India Affair: After the question was put to the Classes what had occurred among them - the Rev. Deputies from the Classis of Amster- dam handed in the following extracts from the Indian letters : .
(Here follows thirteen pages referring exclusively to churches in the East Indies and Brazil.)
From the Classis of Amsterdam: sent to the East Indies:
Sent to New Netherland :* Rev. John Megapolensis, of Rens- selaerswyck in the Manhatans, William Vestersse (Vestens) of Harlem, for siekentrooster and school-master. Come from West India; Rev. John Backerus.
STUYVESANT'S REFUSAL TO REFORM THE GOVERNMENT.
1640.
A reform in the government of New Netherland was proposed in Holland on account of a Remonstrance sent over from New Netherland, in July, 1649. The " Nine Men ", who had been elected to be Advisers of the Governor and Council now urged Stuyvesant to proclaim the new Provisional Order, but he refused for certain reasons, and at the same time shipped provisions to Curacoa, although the supply was scanty in New Netherland. The " Nine " protested. Stuyvesant then deprived them of the special pew in the Church, which the Consistory had appropriated to their use .- Brodhead's N. Y. i. 517, 518; compare 506, 507, 512, and 474, 488-9, etc.
The following are the official extracts. Extract of the Journal kept by order of the Commonalty to which they refer in letter to us.
4 July, 1650.
Friends report and complain that they have not only not been recognized by the Director and Council during the absence of the delegates, but that contumely and reproaches have been cast on them by the Director, from whom they were
* This should read: Changes in New Netherland; Megapolensis, of Rensselaer- wyck, to Manhatans, etc.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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obliged also to listen to divers calumnles, insults and contumelious words; they also complain that the Director was pleased on the 3rd of April last, with a view to insult and affront the Select men, to cause the benches in their pew in the Church to be torn up, and to take possession of it himself.
About this time the Fiscal received a settlement of his share of the confisca- tions, and being referred therewith to the Directors, he showed It to the Com- monalty and reported also abroad, among others to Oloff Stevense and Schelluyne, that the Director swallows everything; that he will prove him a perjured villain and that he hath robbed the Company of fully one hundred thousand guilders .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 446-7.
Copy of an extract from the Register of the resolutions of the Select men of New Amsterdam, Manhattans, the 29th August 1650.
Honorable Gentlemen .- Whereas the High and Mighty Lords States General of the United Netherlands, by letters delivered to the Director General hath caused the benches in the Select men's pew in the Church, which was conferred on us by his honor and the churchwardens, to be torn up, and took possession thereof himself, to the derogation, derision and contumely of our Board; which, though it concerns not us individually, but regards the Board, who represent the people, therefore, are we necessitated under protest, to declare such derogation and af- fronts unjustifiable and unauthorized. Done at the meeting of the Select men, in New Amsterdam, Manhattans, New Netherland, the 29th August, 1650.
(Signed) Olof Stevensse. :
Beneath was,
By order of the Select men in New Amsterdam. (Signed) D. van Schelluyne .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 448-9. 1
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Request of Rev. J. Backerus.
1650, Aug. 8th.
J. Backerus, lately minister on Curacoa and Manhattan, (Man- hatans,) in a letter, thanks the Rev. Classis for the favorable cer- tificates granted him. He requests that the Rev. Assembly will charge their delegates, who shall go to the next Synod, to give favorable testimonials concerning him. The Assembly answers fiat. v. 132.
SCHOOLMASTER AT FORT ORANGE.
1650.
The local authorities were now earnestly besought to provide the inhabitants with a proper schoolmaster. "Perceiving how necessary such a person was to the establishment of a well constituted republic," a committee was appointed to build a school house and to collect funds for defraying whatever expenses might be incurred. Andries Jansz. was appointed Sept. 9, to take charge of this institu- tion in the course of the following year, and received a present, on entering on the discharge of his duties, of twenty dollars .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 161, 162.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. (Walraven; Backerus.)
1650, Sept. 12th.
Extract from a letter from the Island of Curacoa written by the siecken-trooster, John Walraven, while at Fort Amsterdam, July 8th, 1649.
1. He makes known that at the request of the minister, the Rev. John Backerus, and also of the Governor, on account of the departure of the said minister, (Backerus), he had been forced to remain there, that the place might not remain altogether with- out Christian services. But this tended evidently to his injury. For in accordance with his instructions, received from us, he had been ordered to New Netherland in order to exercise there, at the same time the profession of schoolmaster. This would have been to his evident profit.
2. Since Rev. Backerus left, many children of Christians have remained unbaptized, both of the Indians and of the Netherland- ers. These were being taught by him, and by the school-master, John Galiaert, in the Christian Religion. . The parents were very uneasy about their children remaining without baptism, and they longed greatly for a minister.
3. Four months ago there arrived there a French minister of the name of Charles de Rochefort, who had been settled for five years in the Cortaeren. Having been requested so to do, he administered Holy Baptism to several persons, both infants and adults. The said minister had sent over a certified state- ment of these acts written in Latin, in the letter of the said siecken-trooster. He declared therein that upon the insistent urging of the Hon. Governor, Lucas Rotenburg, he had baptized on February 14, 1649, fifteen children, Indians and Dutch. Again, on February 20th of the same year, twelve adult persons,
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
all blacks or negroes, after they had been reasonably well instructed in the Christian doctrine, and who had good testimony as to their knowledge and life. All of these received Holy Bap- tism in the Assembly of the Believers, called together especially for that purpose, in the manner customary in our church. The names of all these children, as well as of the adults are given; and also those of their parents.
4. He further says, that in the year 1648 there was such a pestilential sickness there, that almost the entire garrison was exterminated; also most of the brethren-in-religion; so that not more than six or seven remained, besides some Englishmen; as for the rest, the most of them were Lutherans.
5. He complains that poverty is constantly suffered there; and inasmuch as the time of his engagement will expire a year from now, he requests to be released from that place .- xx. 249, 250.
Drawn up by the Rev. Classis, and approved by the Admiralty College, at Amsterdam, on Nov. 28, 1650. [See June 7, 1636.]
Form of acceptance and instruction for Siecken-Troosters and Voorlesers (Comforters of the Sick and Readers), on Ships of War.
Whereas for the advancement of God's glory and the salvation of men, it is proper and necessary that the Ships of War should be provided with capable and pious Siecken-Troosters: and inas- much as N. N. has offered his services in such capacity : Therefore, the Classis of Amsterdam, after previous information, and upon the testimony of others, has inquired into the fitness of the said person, and found this to be such, that they have in the fear of the Lord, adjudged him qualified to perform the said duties: Whereupon he has been accepted for the said office, by the Estimable and Mighty Messrs. of the College of the Admiralty. And in order that he may be known in such capacity by every one
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
whom it concerns, and that he may know how he is to conduct himself in this his office, this Letter of Instruction is given unto him, and in compliance therewith he is ordered to maintain the following points in all particulars.
1. He is to teach, admonish and comfort, out of God's Word, the sick and the ill, each one as circumstances may require and as opportunity permits.
2. On occasion, or on so-called occasion, he is to read certain chapters from God's Word, or he may read some good sermons from Treadels Bullundi Bethillie; or John Bulens Catechismus Ursini; or any discussion instituted by some minister of the true Christian Reformed Church; and to comment on the same briefly to the people; and to begin and end all such exercise with prayer.
3. Every morning and evening to lead and serve the people, regularly assembled, with prayers.
4. To instruct diligently in private, and at every good oppor- tunity, out of the Word of God, the minds of those ignorant in the faith; to exhort sinners to repentance, and abandonment of sins, and to cease only with proper representations of God's fear- ful judgments, warning them faithfully of their danger of per- dition. He is especially in all possible and proper ways, to oppose cursing and swearing, and the light use of the precious name of the Lord, as well as indecent and obscene words; also to comfort and strengthen the little ones in the faith, or the dis- couraged ones, as circumstances may require.
And even as the said N. N. in compliance with these instruc- tions, is ordered to conduct himself in this his office, without ever arrogating to himself, under any pretext whatever, anything beyond the same, and which properly belongs to the office of a minister: and as he on his part has voluntarily promised to regu- late himself thereby, and to go before young and old with pious and honorable lessons, and thus to walk worthily in this his calling and office: Therefore are these open letters of Instruc-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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tion given him upon his intended voyage, to strengthen him therewith wherever it may be necessary.
Thus done at Amsterdam on
In the name and by order of the Classis of Amsterdam .- xxxix. 15, 16.
i
1650, Nov. 28th.
Acts of the Classis of Alckmaer, about Rev. William Grasmeer.
Art. 46.
Upon the reading of this 46th article, the Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas represent, that Rev. William Grasmeer, formerly pastor at Grafdyck, has been on account of his evil and offensive life, excommunicated by the Classis of Alckmaer. This act has also been approved by the Rev. Synod of North Holland, lately in session at Alckmaer. Nevertheless he went to New Nether- land, and became pastor at Rensselaerswyck, where the pastorship was vacant, notwithstanding the earnest warning concerning him, given to the Directors and the church of said colony, by the Patroons, through the Classis. He accomplished his object by means of two certificates. The one was given him by his elders and deacons at Grafdyck, in which the proceedings against him by the Classis of Alckmaer are basely railed at, and he, on the other hand, most highly lauded; the other was granted him at his departure by Rev. John Knyf, pastor at Alckmaer. A copy of this was sent to the Patroon of said colony from Rensselaers- wyck, and delivered to the aforementioned Deputies, and has been read before this Assembly.
The brethren of the Classis are amazed at the aforesaid cer- tificates, and grieved that so offensive a person should, in such a manner, and so hastily, be inducted into the Holy Service of the church. It is thought proper, therefore, to announce at the earliest moment, to the Classis of Alckmaer, what we have heard concerning the said Grasmeer, and to transmit with it a copy of said certificates. At the same time we request that the Rev.
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Classis of Alckmaer will communicate to us as soon as possible their opinion, with a definite statement of this whole matter, viz., especially how said Grasmeer had conducted himself in his church; how he has treated his wife; and what is the exact cause of the excommunication, which has taken place; - to the end that we, being thus armed with more power, may labor to prevent so offen- sive a person from entering the Holy Service of the Church. xxvi. 93.
EXTRACTS RELATING TO THE CHURCH, FROM SECRETARY VAN TIENHOVEN'S ANSWER TO THE REMONSTRANCE OF JULY 28, 1649, FROM NEW NETHERLAND. [See also Jan. 27, 1650, and Apr. 20, 1650.]
1
1650, Nov. 29.
The Directors have never had any administration of, nor concerned themselves with ecclesiastical property; 'tis also denied and cannot be proved, that any of the inhabitants of New Netherland have, either voluntarily nor when requested, con- tributed or given anything for the building of an Asylum for orphans, or for the aged. 'Tis true that the Church in the fort was built in Willem Kieft's time, and a subscription list was signed which amounted to fl. 1800. The accounts of most of the subscribers were debited accordingly, but they have not yet paid the money. Meanwhile the Company disbursed the funds, so that it was not the Commonalty (some few excepted) but the Company that paid the workmen. If the people re- quired institutions as above stated, they must contribute towards them as is the custom in this country; and were there Asylums for orphans and the aged there, revenues would be necessary, not only to keep the houses in repair, but to support the orphans and the aged people.
The Remonstrants will, if any one can, be likely to prove that money, or real or personal property has been bestowed by will or donation, by any living person, for such or any other public works; but there is no instance of the kind in New Nether- land; and the charge is uttered or written through passion. When the Church, which is in the fort, was proposed to be built, the Church-Masters were content; but it is these people who make a to-do, because they consider the Company's fort not worthy the honor of a Church. Before the Church was erected, the grist-mill could not work with a southeast wind, because the wind from that quarter was shut off by the walls of the fort.
Although the new School-house, towards which the Commonalty contributed some- thing, has not been yet built, it is not the Director, but the Church-Masters, who have charge of the funds. The Director is busy providing materials. Meanwhile a place has been selected for a school, of which Jan Cornelissen has charge. The other teachers keep school in hired houses, so that the youth are not in want of schools to the extent of the circumstances of the country. 'Tis true there is no Latin school nor academy; if the Commonalty require such, they can apply for it and furnish the necessary funds.
As regards the deacons' or Poor-fund, the deacons are accountable for that, and are the persons of whom inquiry should be made as to where the money is invested which they have, from time to time placed at interest; and as the Director never
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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had charge of it, such not being usual, the deacons, and not the Directors, are re- sponsible for it. 'Tis, Indeed, true that Director Kieft, being at a loss for money, had a box suspended in his house; of that box the deacons had one key, and all the small fines and penalties which were levied on court days, were deposited in it. He opened it with the knowledge of the deacons, and took, on interest, the money, which amounted to a handsome sum .- Col. Docs. N. Y. 1. 423-4. See also Dunshee, 21.
No other Internal taxes have been imposed, up to the present time, on the Com- monalty, except the excise already mentioned, unless the voluntary offering which was applied two years ago to the erection of the Church, be accounted a tax, of which Jacob Couwenhoven, also one of the Church-Masters, will have to render an account.
In New England there is no impost or duty on Imports or Exports, but every one Is assessed by the local Government according to his means, and must pay to the extent of his property and as the magistrates tax him, for
Building and repairing of Churches;
Support of Ministers;
Erection of Schools and Salary of Teachers;
The question is, are the Company or the Directors obliged to have constructed any buildings for the people out of the duties paid by the trader in New Netherland on export goods, particularly as their High Mightinesses granted those duties to the Company to facilitate garrisons, and the payment of expenses attendant thereupon, and not for building Hospitals and Orphan Asylums, Churches and School-houses for the people.
Francis Douthay, Adriaen van der Donck's father-in-law and an English Minister, was granted a colonie at Mespacht, not for himself alone as Patroon, but for him and his associates whose Agent he was, and who at the time were residing at Rhode Island and at Cahanock and other places. Mr. Smith was one of the leaders of these people, for said Minister had scarcely any means of himself to build a hut, let alone to plant a colonie at his own expense. He was merely to be employed as a clergyman by his associates who were to prepare a bouwerie for him in that colo- nie, in return for which he should discharge the duty of preacher among them, and live on the proceeds of the bouwerie.
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