USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 29
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1651, Sept. 4th.
Rev. John Backerus having come within, announces his in- clination of sailing as minister to the East Indies; to this end he exhibited his testimonials, which were found to be laudable. Whereupon the Brethren - notwithstanding the fact that the
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said Backerus is an unlettered (uneducated) person, and that the churches of East India and the Messrs. Directors would rather see educated persons admitted to the ministry of the East Indian Churches; nevertheless considering the very praiseworthy testimonials of his faithful ministrations rendered in the churches of the West Indies, and his pious conduct since his return from Brazil; and also the earnest recommendation of the last Synod of North Holland, and particularly the great lack of preachers in the East Indies, and that the Messieurs Directors now desire a person who has previously been in actual service ;- have resolved to enjoin the Deputies on Indian affairs to recom- mend this person to the Messieurs Directors in the most suit- able manner, and to appoint him in preference to any others .- v. 230.
1651, Sept. 11th.
It was resolved to present to the Chamber of Amsterdam the person of John Bakkerus, to be sent out as a minister. At the same time to ask how many ministers and ziecken-troosters the Messrs. Directors might need, by writer. xx. 287.
Report from the Deputies ad res Indicas concerning what was accomplished by them with the Assembly of the XVII.
1651, Oct. 2nd.
The Deputati ad res Indicas reported to the Assembly that in accordance with the resolution of the Classis they had pre- sented to the Messrs. Directors Rev. John Backerus, in order that he might be sent as minister to the East Indies, but that they (the Directors) had made objections to treat with him, (Backerus,) inasmuch as they claimed not to have had time enough to make inquiries in regard to him. They declared that for the present they could get along with a Comforter of the Sick. v. 232₺.
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299
1651
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Acts of the Deputies. John Bakkerus.
1651, Oct. 30th.
Rev. Rulitus and Rev. Meursius report that they had intro- duced John Bakkerus to the Messrs. Directors. They had re- ceived as reply, that they (the Directors) must make further in- quiries about him, as they must be perfectly sure (at rest) about the ministers who are sent out. It was therefore resolved to lay this before the Classis in order to ascertain what shall be further done with him .- xx. 289, 290.
Ministers for East India.
1651, Nov. 6th.
Came within Rev. John Backerus renewing his request to be sent as minister to the East Indies. Thereupon the Deputies ad causas Indicas reported that, in accordance with the resolu- tion of the Classis, they had presented the said person to the Messrs. Directors. They had received for answer that these gentlemen must have more time to make inquiries about the said person, before they could accept him, and that therefore they would for this time content themselves with the Comforter of the Sick, Henry Hendricksen on the ship Despatch, (Depeche); at the same time they asked the advice of Classis how they were to conduct themselves in reference to the next equipment, for which but one minister will be required. For besides the above mentioned Rev. Backerus, and the candidate Rev. John Wess- laer, there have presented themselves for the service of the church in the East Indies, Rev. Tiberius a Ravesteyn and Rev. Gualterius (Walter) Peigenina, both ministers in active service. The former is at 't Zion in Friesland, and the latter at Ommeren in the Betuiva (Gelderland). The (Classical) Assembly re- solved that for the present they will first present the said Rev. John Backerus. In case he should not be accepted they will then recommend in the best terms possible the candidate Rev. John Wesslaer, since he manifests a particular inclination to
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serve the churches of India. Subsequently, the furtherance of the said ministers shall be attended to as opportunity offers .- v. 233₺.
John Bakkerus.
1651, Nov. 13th.
It was resolved, in compliance with the order of Classis, to present again the person of Rev. John Bakker to the Messrs. Directors; and in case of refusal, to present Rev. John van der Staart. This will be done this evening .- xx. 290.
COUNCIL MINUTES. CHURCH PROPERTY; SURGEONS ; ANABAPTISTS.
Monday, the 12th of February 1652 at Fort Amsterdam, present the Director Gen- eral, La Montagne and Brian Newton.
The Deacons of the Church request by a petition that the money due for the pur- chased land may be set off against the Honorable Company to the amount of One thousand eight hundred and fifty florins.
The Council decree: fiat the offset.
Domine Johannes Megapolensis requests, that Anna Smits, an Anabaptist, should be restrained from using slanderous and calumniating expressions against God's Word and his servants.
The Director General and Council direct, that Anna Smits shall appear on the following Wednesday at the school of David Provoost, where the nine men usually meet and that the Director and Council together with the Complainant and the consistory shall assemble there also, to hear what the said Anna Smits has to say against the teachings of the complainant.
Adrian van Tienhoven, Samuel Megapolensis and Jan de la Montagne request per- mission to erect a pew in the Church of this place, which
The General and Council resolve to take into consideration .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 155, 156.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(A minister) Also for the Colony at Rensselaerswyck.
1652, Feb. 12th.
And whereas the Patroons and the congregation (community) participant in the Colony of Rensselaerswyck would also like to have a minister in the same Colony, and if possible a person of some years, and who has some knowledge of medicine, the several brethren and members of the Classis are recommended to look about for a suitable person .- v. 2352; xxvi. 121.
301
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Rev. William Grasmeer.
1652, Feb. 12th.
Stood within Rev. William Grasmeer, who arrived in these provinces from New Netherland with the last ships. He said that at the request of his mother, (who had come from her own quarters in the Fatherland in order to persuade him to the said journey,) he had made up his mind to leave his charge at Graftdyk, with the consent of his people but as no full Classis was going to be held there at that time, he had not been able to obtain a proper dismission from the same, nor to take with him a full certificate. He had therefore contented himself with private testimonials from his church and from one of the minis- ters of Alkmaer. Afterward some brethren, although he did not know from what motive this had been done, and notwith- standing they had agreed to excuse him, had gone to work to bring objections and accusations against him before the Classis of Amsterdam. To such an extent had this been done that the same had been pleased to warn the Church and the Colony of Rensselaerswyck against him; yea, after he had been accepted in the same, as their minister, for some months, to notify that church that they should not recognize him in the capacity of minister, until he should have returned to the Fatherland, and should have given proper satisfaction to the Classis of Alkmaer.
At the first writing, indeed he had not been able to make up his mind to do this; but finally on the last communication of this Classis, he had determined to present himself before the Classis of Alkmaer, who had placed him under its censure. He did not wish to say much about this censure, one way or the other, inasmuch as there was a mutual agreement, and there was no wish to blacken his character. He had therefore reconciled himself with the Classis in that regard, having been relieved from the censure by a regular Act of the said Classis; even as he had also shown his testimonials, both of the church of Rensse- laerswyck as well as of New Amsterdam in New Netherland,
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1652
which were praiseworthy. He now requests the good favor of this Assembly, and to be recommended to the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, that he might be appointed as sec- ond minister at the said New Amsterdam.
The Assembly, surprised in the highest measure at this sud- den reconciliation in so serious and important a matter, and aware of his well known deposition (de-portment) in the Classis of Alkmaer, resolved to inform said Grasmeer, that this Assem- bly takes it in evil part, that in the face of our warning, he al- lowed himself to intrude into the service at Rensselaerswyck. As regards his request, this Assembly can in no sense accede to it until he shall have been released from deposition, (de-portment) by the Synod of North Holland; and until it appears how mat- ters now stand between himself and his wife. The Deputati ad causas Indicas shall convey to the Messrs. Directors the opin- ion (mind) of this Assembly .- v. 235} ; xxvi. 120-1.
To send a Minister to New Netherland.
1652, Feb. 12th.
Whereas the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company had informed the Deputies ad causas Indicas, that they would like to have a second minister in the church of New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, and, if possible, one who might also be able to preach in English and whereas the meeting was informed that there is at Leyden one Rev. Samuel Dries, (Drisius,) late minister in England, who is said to be able to preach in both Dutch and English; therefore the Deputies ad causas Indicas are authorized to make inquiries about him, and to ascertain if the said person would be inclined to accept said appointment .- v. 235}; xxvi. 120-1.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
303
1652
AFFIDAVIT OF THE REV. WILHELMUS GRASMEER, THAT CORNELIS MELYN INCITED THE NYACK AND OTHER INDIANS AGAINST DIRECTOR STUYVESANT, ETC.
To-day, the 14th day of February Anno 1652 appeared before me Hendrick Schaeff, Notary Public, admitted by the Court of Holland and residing at Amsterdam, and before the undersigned witnesses, the Rev. Wilhelmus Grasmeer, lately a minister of the Gospel in New Netherland, whence he returned last November in the ship " Hoff van Cleeff "; who being in this city, deposes and says, at the request of the Directors of the Privileged West India Company, that a long time after Cornelis Melyn, a freeman of New Netherland, whom witness knows well, had arrived in New Netherland in the ship " Nieu Nederlantsche Fortuyn ", on her last voyage, he, witness, had heard the Manhattans Indians of New Netherland, living at Nayack, a place on Long Island directly opposite Staten Island, frequently say, that the said Cornelis Melyn had made them believe and declared to them, Director Petrus Stuy- vesant would, as soon as he had built a wall around Fort Amsterdam, come to kill them, namely the savages, whereupon the said savages fled and came armed to Gravesend, which belongs under the jurisdiction of the aforesaid Company; etc. etc. - Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 160.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1652, Feb. 26th.
Rev. John Rulitius in the Chair.
Rev. Samuel Driesch, (Drisius,) formerly pastor in England, but educated by German parents, and in the German tongue, appeared and declared his readiness to be employed as minister in New Netherland. And inasmuch as the Messrs. Directors have greatly desired a minister who besides preaching in Dutch, could also preach in English, it was determined to make trial next Monday how they like his German (Dutch?) pronunciation. After ascertaining the facts they will further negotiate with his Reverence .- xx. 291.
.
1652, March 11th.
Rev. Matthias Meursius in the Chair.
In accordance with previous resolution, trial was made last Monday of the gifts, bestowed by God, upon Rev. Samuel Driesch (Drisius,) for preaching in Dutch. These were found not only sufficient, but also very agreeable and edifying, and to the great satisfaction of the brethren. Therefore his Reverence
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1652
is judged to be a right desirable person to serve the church of God in New Netherland. For this he has also declared his will- ingness. As two vessels are about to depart, it is found neces- sary to call a meeting of Classis for next Monday, March 18th. - xx. 293.
1652, March 18th.
The Deputati ad causas Indicas make known to the Assembly several matters: xxxvi. 122.
1. That Samuel Dries (Drisius) had appeared before them, and had informed them of his inclination to serve the church of New Amsterdam in New Netherland; that he had also given such proof of his ability, and of his acquaintance with the Dutch language, that all the brethren were fully satisfied therewith.
2. That they have (notified) the Hon. Directors of the East India Company on certain matters. (These sixteen lines omitted).
3. That there had also been before them a certain Rev. John Olx, candidate in the Classis of Hoorn, who has offered his ser- vices as pastor in the colony of Renselaerwyck in New Nether- land; but inasmuch as there are certain evil reports concerning him, they refer his case to the Classis. Meanwhile they had resolved to make inquiries concerning him. They herewith pre- sented what information they had received on the matter from the Classis of Hoorn, in the shape of extracts from their pro- ceedings, from time to time, concerning the case of said John Olx. From these it appeared that he had not only conducted himself offensively at Leyden; and had been a member of the church only six months before he was preparatorily examined in the Ommelanden, (neighborhood); but also after he had been accepted, as " Recommended ", by the Classis of Hoorn, he had occasioned such scandal by his manner of life, in the church of Hoorn, that he had been suspended by the same, as well as by the Classis, for a time, and declared ineligible to the ministerial office. Nevertheless, on the 4th of December, 1651, he had been released from his censure, and restored to his former position.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 305
1652
The Assembly resolved, primarily, to consider these two sub- jects, in their respective order.
As regards the first : Since Rev. Samuel Dries (Drisius), was at the door, it was resolved to admit him. He informed the As- sembly of his inclination for the said journey, and presented a commendatory testimonial of the entire consistory of the Eng- lish church in this city, (Amsterdam.) It relates both to his life and church services in England, speaking highly of them. With this the brethren were fully satisfied, and the Deputies are charged to negotiate with the Hon. Directors, and to pro- mote the said person as speedily as possible.
As regards the second: (Nothing is given. It probably re- lated to the notification of the West India Company :)
And as regards the third: There also now entered, the said Rev. John Olx, candidate in the Classis of Hoorn. He pre- sented a Classical testimonial of his examination in the West Ommeland, (neighborhood), and one from the Rev. Roylandus, secretary of the Classis of Hoorn. He requested the favor of this Assembly to be sent as pastor to the colony of Rense- laerswyck.
The Assembly, taking into consideration his former offensive deportment, for which he was brought under severe censure, both by the church of Hoorn and the Classis, as mentioned above; and also that the testimonials which he exhibits concern. ing his present deportment are very sober and meagre: there- fore it is resolved to reject him, and to tell him roundly, that the Assembly has no satisfaction in him, and can, at the present, give him no hope that they will advance him, according to his request.
Rev. John Episcopius.
And since it has also been mentioned that there is at Franeker, a very able student, Rev. John Episcopius of Campen, of whom the chief professor, Rev. John Cloppenburg speaks very highly; and inasmuch as hope is given concerning him, that he might
20
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1652
be induced to this journey; therefore the Assembly authorizes the Deputati ad causas Indicas to recommend him, in case there be no other material, to the Patroon and the Co-partners of the colony of Renselaerswyck. In case they take pleasure therein, the Deputati shall summon him from Franeker, against the next ordinary meeting of the Classis, there to exhibit his testimonials, and to have himself in readiness, if possible, for his examina- tion at that time; for the next departure of the vessels is now near at hand.
Rev. Samuel Dries. William Grasmeer.
1
The Deputati ad causas Indicas report, that the said Rev. Samuel Dries, on the recommendation of the Classis, has been accepted by the Hon. Directors of the West India Company as second pastor at New Amsterdam in New Netherland.
That they had also promised to heed the warning of the Clas- sis against Rev. William Grasmeer .- xxvi. 122-125 ; v. 236-237.
William Vestens.
1652, April 2nd.
Rev. Wittenwrongel read a certain letter from William Ves- tens, Comforter of the Sick at New Amsterdam, in which he re- quests compensation for his office as sexton, which he exercises there; and that this may be recommended to the Hon. Directors of the West India Company.
Resolved, To charge the Deputati ad res Indicas with the ad- justment of this matter.
The Deputati ad res Indicas also announce that they have presented Rev. Episcopius to the Patroons of Renselaerswyck, to be sent hither as pastor. The said Patroons desire first to con- fer with him concerning the salary contract.
Resolved That after the making of the contract the Rev. Depu- ties shall confer with them, and act pro re nata; and that a meeting of the Classis shall be called. The Rev. President, Scri- verius, shall examine him .- xxvi. 122.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
307 1652
DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT ; NEW AMSTERDAM IN-
CORPORATED ; REVS. DRISIUS AND GRASMEER.
1652, 4th April.
We also agree with your proposition to establish there (New Amsterdam) a public school and believe a beginning might be made with one schoolmaster (hypodidasculum), who could be engaged at a yearly salary of two hundred to two hundred and fifty guilders. We recommend for this position Jan de la Montagnie," whom we have provisionally appointed to it and you may use the building of the City Tavern, if you find it suitable.
At your urgent request for another preacher, whom you desire, if possible, to preach in the English language, we have made every effort; and at last, as if sent by the Lord, Domine Samuel Dries, a bachelor of about forty years, has made his appearance, who on account of the perturbances in England, where he had been preaching, being born of Dutch parents, has retreated from there. He has the reputation of being a very pious man and possessed of great gifts; is able to preach in both languages, English and Dutch, and if necessary even in French. He is said to be of a very peaceful disposition and agreeable conversa- tion, so that we are confident, the community will be pleased with him and that he will be a great instrument for the propagating of God's hold word and glory; also a fit assistant to the old gentleman, Domine Megapolensis. We have allowed him a salary of one hundred florins per month, and two hundred and fifty florins a year for subsistence; and as he is unmarried, we have thought it might not be inconvenient, if he boarded with Johan de la Montagnie; but we do not wish to press such an arrangement upon either, and propose it only from pure affection.
As you now will have learned, that we do our very best to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of New Netherland, we urge you most earnestly to use all proper and suitable measures in endeavoring to find means for defraying a part of all these extraordinary expenses: we think the community, whom we try to accommodate in everything, should make an effort to assist their ministers and supply their wants; for if everything were to remain upon our shoulders, we might at last find the burden too heavy.
Upon your recommendation we had an eye upon Domine Grasmeer, but found his affairs with the Reverend Synod so far from being settled, that he cannot sail this year: it is true, the charges against him have been satisfactorily disposed of by the Classis of Alckmaer; but the Synod had to approve of this decision, and it will not sit until next August: then the time to sail this year will have passed; the good man is much inconvenienced by it, but it is considered best for him, on all sides, that he should submit in everything to the ordinances of the Church of this country; and as God is a God of order, we doubt not that he will take care of him and all pious people .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 165, 169, 173, 174.
The following reminiscences, illustrative of things as they were, are deemed worthy of insertion. The quaint and elliptical language in which the latter is given, is characteristic of the author, Judge Benson. In his memoir, read before the New York Historical Society in 1816, speaking of John De La Montagne, ordinarily pronounced, Jan Montagne, sexton of the old Dutch church in Garden street, he says: " I saw him at the house of my parents; I in my earliest youth, he approaching to fourscore. He was on his way to collect the Domine's gelt; for the Dutch always took care the stipend to the minister should be competent, that so he never might be straitened ' to desire a gift.' He told me his father and grandfather before him (the names of all three individuals may be found in the old Directories), the latter probably the same as mentioned in the records, 'Jan De La Montagne, Schoolmaster, with two hundred and fifty guilders salary,' had
* The City Tavern occupied what is now 71, 73 Pearl st. For view, see Valentine's Manual, 1852, 378, 403,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1652
been the sexton of the congregation; so that, as I have it from the relation of others, the successive incumbents, having been as well of the same Christian as surname, the name had, as it were, become the name of the office, like Der, Keyser, the Caesar, the Emperor; and, accordingly, when the English, having built a church, had also a sexton, the Dutch children, and not impossible some adults, called him, 'De Engelishe Jan Montagne.' He told me his grandfather was the sexton when the church was within the fort. On his (the third Jan's) death, the Consistory appointed his son Jan, who remained sexton till the dis- persion of the congregation on the invasion of the city, 1776." -Dunshee's Hist. of School, 24.
1652, April 4.
Supplies of ammunition were sent out for distribution "at a decent price " to the inhabitants; the establishment of a public school was assented to, and the city tavern was to be appropriated to a school-house "if the same were prac- ticable; " the Rev. Samuel Drisius, a clergyman of piety and parts, qualified to preach in English, French and Dutch, was sent out to assist "that worthy old servant, the Rev. Megapolensis."
Domine Drisius, (or Dries,) was at this time about forty years of age, and unmarried. He had sojourned some time in England, which country he had now quitted, in consequence of its disturbed state. His salary was fixed at one thousand four hundred and fifty guilders, or five hundred and eighty dollars. He subsequently married Lysbeth Juriaensen, (daughter of skipper Juriaen Andriessen and Jannetin Jans,) widow of Isaac Greveraet. "Elisabeth Drisius," and " Mother Drisius," are both mentioned in a tax list of the city of New York for 1677 .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii. 191.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1652, April 15th.
Rev. Herman Lanoyzius in the Chair.
Rev. John Episcopius, who, with the approval of the Hon. Patroons and Co-Directors, had been requested to fill the pastorate of Renselaerswyck, reported himself. He said that, in view of the dubious condition of affairs between England and this coun- try, (Holland), his Reverence, at the instance of his friends, would pray to be excused from said undertaking.
Also, inasmuch as good testimonials have been presented con- cerning Gideon Schaets, schoolmaster at Beest and a German clerk, who has fulfilled the order of the Synod, and declared his willingness to accept the call from Renselaerswyck; therefore it was resolved to introduce him to the Rev. Classis. The Classis has given permission to treat with him concerning the said call. This he has accepted in the fear of the Lord. He was then im- mediately examined by the Classis, and has been sent thither with the call and proper credentials .- xx. 295.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
309 1652
Rev. Gideon Schaats.
1652, May 6th.
The Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas having also been ordered to look about for a fit person to be sent to Rensselaerswyck, did propose Rev. Gideon Schaats, schoolmaster at Beest, and Candi- date in Sacred Theology. He appeared before the Classis, and after he had exhibited credentials both from the Classis and from the church, made a short exposition (sermon) on Matt. 11:28, which so pleased the Assembly that it was resolved to proceed to his examination. This was conducted by the Rev. President. Therein he gave sufficient satisfaction to the Rev. Assembly, to be sent as minister to Rensselaerswyck. Accord- ingly he was ordained by the President to the ministry of God, with the laying on of hands. He also signed the acts of the Formulae of Concord in the faith .- v. 241; xxvi. 126.
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