Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 34

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 34


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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


1656, April 18th.


Acts of the Deputies. Rev. Heydanus in the Chair.


Rev. Langelius presented a little catechetical book, (written by Rev. Mr. Megapolensis), for revision and printing. The Rev. Meeting approved the reading of the book, but did not take the indorsement of it upon themselves, but referred it to the Classis. - xx. 353.


Catechism Book of Rev. J. Megapolensis.


1656, May 1st.


The Deputati ad causas Indicas reported, that there had come to their hands a certain little Catechism Book, which had been heretofore prepared and published by Rev. John Megapolensis, minister in New Netherland, at (New) Amsterdam, and which it is sought, to reprint. The Assembly thinks it advisable that an effort be made to prevent this undertaking. Therefore the Deputati ad res Indicas shall wait upon the Directors in reference to this matter; shall write to the same effect, in a friendly man-


348


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


ner, to the Rev. Brethren in New Netherland, requesting them to be kind enough to maintain henceforth in this, and in all other matters that come up, good and christianlike correspondence, such as has been customary hitherto. vi. 13; xix. 13.


Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. 1656, May 12. The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Consistory in New Nether- land. xx. 357-360. May 26, 1656.


Reverend, Godly, Wise and Learned Brethren :-


For some time past we have been learning with much satisfac- tion, through the verbal statements of many who came to us from New Netherland, that the church there, although small, is in a good and peaceful condition; also that the extension of Christ's Kingdom among the blind heathen is taken to heart, although not accompanied with that success that could be wished. While we give thanks to the Almighty for his grace, and commend the zeal of the brethren, we would have preferred to learn the situa- tion of the church from letters of your own, especially in matters of importance. But no letters from you have come to hand since your last, under date of October 6, 1653. After the receipt of that letter, we wrote to you in two letters, dated respectively February 26 and November 11, 1654, what efforts had been made by the Hon. Directors, and with what good results. Since then either you have not written, or else our letters did not come to your hands. From this we conclude that the Lutherans must have abandoned their intention of procuring a minister of their persuasion. Our Rev. Classis, indeed, looked upon this matter as an affair of great consequence; for the Mennonists and English Independents, of whom there is said to be not a few there, might have been led to undertake the same thing in their turn, and would probably have attempted to introduce public gatherings. In fact we are informed that even the Jews have made request of the Hon. Governor, and have also attempted in that country


349


1656


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


to erect a synagogue for the exercise of their blasphemous religion. Out of all these things, indeed, there would have arisen a very Babel. One cannot contemplate, without great emotion of soul, how greatly a pastor's labor would have been increased under such circumstances, and beset with obstacles, and what difficulties would have arisen to interfere with their good and holy efforts for the extension of the cause of Christ. The Hon. Directors appear to have acted in this matter in a very Christian manner. Let us then - we here in this country and you there - employ all diligence to frustrate all such plans, that the wolves may be warded off from the tender lambs of Christ.


There came to hand lately a certain catechism drawn up by Rev. John Megapolensis, with request for our approval, and that it be prepared for printing. The Rev. Classis resolved, in con- formity with their action of January 30, 1651, in reference to this and like matters, that although the diligence of his Rever- ence is to be commended, yet that it is inadvisable to permit the printing, much more the introduction of the same for the instruc-


tion of youth. Such a course would war against the general order and usage of our church, both in this country and in distant churches, planted by and dependent on us. In these churches no other catechisms besides the Heidelberg and the Compendium of the same, called the Short Inquiry, is in use in the catechetical sermons, catechetical classes and schools.


Dear Brethren, the general Formula, the doctrines which are good, tried, and established by long practice, to which old and young have everywhere become accustomed, and which have been used with much edification, should not be lightly changed. Hence also this matter belongs to the order and laws of the National Synod, and which no Particular Synod, much less a Classis or Consistory, may alter. We leave it to your own forecast to decide, whether other churches, should such a practice be per- mitted, would not likewise assume the same liberty, and not only use other catechisms, but different ones at different times in the


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


same place? Neither would this liberty be limited to this one matter of the Catechism. It would also extend to other matters, either of a similar or of a different nature. Out of this, what sad disputes, schisms, and all manner of confusions, would arise. Beloved, let us ever maintain unity, not only in the doctrine of truth, but also in the Formula of the same, as well as in those things which pertain to Order. Thus will the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, be promoted.


We wrote you on November 11, 1654, concerning the proposal of sending a minister to Long Island. As we understand it, he was to receive six hundred guilders salary, by voluntary contri- butions of the inhabitants, who would bind themselves to furnish, each one, his share. We have indeed looked about for such a good minister, but the proposed sum of money was considered altogether too moderate, especially since he had a pretty large family. The Rev. Classis has therefore been unable to secure anyone. The Rev. Brethren then requested that an effort be made to raise the sum to twelve hundred or at least one thousand guilders, but nothing subsequently was accomplished, so far as we know. We have heard, however, that Rev. Mr. Polhemus has undertaken the charge there, having come from Brazil. He lost his charge there by reason of the sad failure of the Company. We would like to know how this arrangement is working. Those coming from that place, (Long Island), with whom we have con- versed, tell us that there are not a few members of the church there; and they also declare that his Reverence is recognized by all as the regular minister; that he performs all the functions of a pastor; and sometimes preaches at New Amsterdam, as well as at Midwout, (Flatbush), and that his labors are appreciated, and are not without fruit. We request, however, further informa- tion about all these things.


As far as we are concerned, we have nothing against his Rev- erence being and remaining pastor there according to (Church) Order. The Rev. Mr. Polhemus has written to his wife that he


351


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1656


is inclined to remain there. He says that he can get along with the salary, and will continue his labors there, and directs her and the children to come over. We have not wished to dissuade her from this journey to her husband, but have rather sought to help her designs with the Hon. Directors. She is a very worthy matron, and has a great desire to join her husband. She has struggled along here in poverty and great straits, and has always conducted herself modestly and piously.


We greatly desire, moreover, to learn how matters stand in the church in Renselaerswyck on the south river; [this must be a mistake in one word or the other. Either south river must be read north river, or else New Amstel should be read in place of Renselaerswyck] and if there be any other churches thereabout; what schoolmasters are there, and what they are doing; what efforts towards the conversion of the heathen, whether adults or children, are made, or ought to be made, or might be made; in particular, what wants the Rev. Brethren would wish to have supplied in the way of Catechisms and Compendiums. Perhaps ere long, a wide door will open for the spread of the Gospel among the heathen. To this end you and we should use all diligence, trusting that our labor will not be in vain in the Lord.


William Vestens, having come over to us, has, at his own request, departed as Visitor of the Sick to the East Indies, with the vessels which sailed in December last. Nothing else remains except our greeting and committing you to God. Signed this 26th of May, 1656, by


1


J. Heydamus. Casparus de Carpentier.


(Megapolensis. Polhemus.)


1656, June 13th.


Rev. Heydanus reports that he went to see the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, and made known to them the Reso-


352


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


lution of Classis in regard to the Catechising-book of Rev. Mega- polensis, which resolution suited them. Item: that the wife of Rev. Polhemus was permitted to leave, to join her husband on Long Island in New Netherland, and that aid was promised her; and that she had received this to some extent .- xx. 357.


A letter written in the name of the Classis to the Rev. Con- sistory in New Netherland, which will be delivered by Rev. Heydanus, and reads as follows :


See letter above dated May 26, 1656 .- xx. 357-360.


DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT : JEWS ; LUTHERANS ;


The 14th of June 1656.


Honorable, Vigorous, Pious, Dear, Faithful: We have seen and heard with dis- pleasure, that against our orders of the 15th of February 1655, issued at the request of the Jewish or Portuguese nation, you have forbidden them to trade to Fort Orange and the South River; also the purchase of real estate, which is granted to them without difficulty here in this country; and we wish it had not' been done and that you had obeyed our orders, which you must always execute punctually and with more respect: Jews or Portuguese people however shall not be employed in any public service, (to which neither are they admitted in this city), nor allowed to have open retail shops; but they may quietly and peacefully carry on their business as before, and exercise in all quietness their religion within their houses, for which end they must without doubt endeavor to build their houses close together in a convenient place on one or the other side of New Amsterdam,- at their own choice - as they have done here.


We would also have been better pleased, if you had not published the placat against the Lutherans, a copy of which you sent us, and committed them to prison, for it has always been our intention, to treat them quietly and leniently. Hereafter you will therefore not publish such or similar placats without our knowledge, but you must pass it over quietly and let them have free religious exercises in their houses .*


The wife of Domine Polhemius goes over in the ship " Gulden Otter "; we gave her permission, as to all other private parties, to go there as cabin passengers, the Company paying the fare for her and her children on condition, that the amount shall be deducted from the salary earned by her husband in Brazil .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 350, 351, 352.


* This paragraph is also in the volumes of Classis of Amsterdam, Vol xx, 372-3. It is found in many histories pertaining to New York, under several different translations.


353


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1656


PAPERS REGARDING THE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR-GEN- ERAL AND THE PATROON OF RENSSELAERSWYCK AS TO THE PRIVI- LEGES OF THE LATTER.


1656, June 20.


Remonstrance made by Jean Baptist van Rensselaer, Director of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck situate on the North River of New Netherland, to his Noble Honor, General Petrus Stuyvesant and the High Council of New Netherland.


As to the orders received by your Honors in regard to the tenths (tithes, for Church support) from the bouweries in our Colony, that is altogether contrary to the privileges, declared legal by the Honorable Company and the Assembly of the xix, and also of the 6th Article of high and low jurisdiction .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 355, 356.


Action on Van Rensselaer's Remonstrance, so far as tithes are concerned.


The remonstrance made by Jan Baptist van Rensselaer, who calles himself Di- rector of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck on the North River of New Netherland, to their Honors, General Petrus Stuyvesant and the Council of New Netherland, was received and read.


Upon this we answer in the first place, that the Director General and Council have no knowledge of his appointment as Director of the Colony etc., of which nevertheless they ought to have been informed pursuant to the 9th and 28th articles of the exemptions.


Inasmuch, however, as the remonstrant at the end of his protest shows the burdens to be borne by the Patroons in supporting their servants and officers, in which we suppose the officers of the Church are included, for whom apparently the tithes are ordered to be gathered and set aside in the old testament, the Director and Council provisionally and until further order consent in this point to the prayer of the remonstrant so far, that this question of the tithes shall once more be referred to our superiors in the Fatherland: save that an agreement be made with him in regard to the tithes demanded for this year, principally in order to meet possible exceptions made by others and if our superiors in the Fatherland or arbitrators appointed by them decide, that neither the Colony of Rensselaers- wyck nor any of its bouweries is subject to tithing, then the Director General and Council engage to refund the sums agreed upon as tithes. 1656, June 27 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 359. See 435.


ORDER IN FAVOR OF THE WALDENSES.


1656, June 30.


Burgomasters and Regents of Amsterdam, hereby authorize the Commissioners of the Exchange Bank in the said city, to give and pay to Mr. John van Berckel, Receiver-General of Holland and West Friesland, the sum of seventeen thousand, five hundred and sixty six guilders, eleven stivers and eight pence, say fl.17,566 :11 :S, which sum, on producing receipt therefor, shall be allowed said Commissioners in rendering their account of the moneys collected within this city for and on the behalf of the Wal- denses. Done the 30th June, 1656 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 618.


23


354


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


Waldenses and Huguenots emigrate to the South River, 1656- 1663. Population, 1664.


In 1656 and 1663 a large body of Waldenses and other colonists, with some orphans, were sent to the South River by the City of Amsterdam; and a consider- able number of Huguenots, originally from Rochelle, arrived in the country in the course of the latter year, in addition to those who, for similar reasons, had already emigrated from Savoy and settled on Staten Island.


From these and natural causes the population of the province quintupled in seventeen years. At the commencement of Stuyvesant's administration, the num- ber of persons capable of bearing arms is stated to have been between two hun- dred and fifty and three hundred, in and around the capital. Including Rensselaers- wyck, this would give a population of two thousand souls. In 1664, the number is estimated at "full ten thousand." New Amsterdam contained, in 1656, when first surveyed by Capt. de Koninck, one hundred and twenty houses, and one thousand souls. The former increased in 1660, when a map of the capital was made, to over three hundred and fifty, whilst the population augmented, in 1664, to fifteen hundred. Of these, not quite two hundred and fifty were male adults; the balance, between twelve and thirteen hundred, consisted of women, and chil- dren below eighteen years of age .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii., 540.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.


1656, July 10th.


Rev. Mr. Schoonhovius in the Chair.


Since it is understood that the Lutherans have again requested 1 of the Directors here the privilege of the public exercise of their religion in New Netherland, in conformity with the custom in this country ; and since this has been granted to them there, as well ! as to all other sects, even as it is in this country; therefore the Rev. Meeting has resolved to make this fact known to the Rev. Classis .- xx. 361.


Lutheran Worship in New Netherland.


1656, Aug. 7th.


The Deputati ad res Indicas made known to the Rev. Classis that they had learned that the Directors of the West India Com- pany had given consent to the public exercise of the Lutheran Religion (worship) in New Netherland. ' The Rev. Classis is grieved thereat, and finds it necessary at the earliest opportunity, even this very day, to wait upon the Directors in regard to this matter. Having learned from them the exact (entire) situation


355


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1656


of affairs they will take such further action to-morrow as the case may demand .- vi. 20; xix. 14.


Lutheran Worship in New Netherland. 1656, Aug. 8th.


As regards the permission of public Lutheran Worship in New Netherland, the Brethren the committee ad causas Indicas report, that they had spoken thereupon with some of the Directors. They said that they knew not of any such complete toleration of the Lutherans there, but neither did they know what more there might be of such designs. The Rev. Classis finds it advisable and re- solves that this matter be more carefully watched and inquired into, and, if possible prevented. vi. 25, 26 .- xix. 15.


COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM .- THE OLD CHURCH LOT. 1656, August 15.


Pieter Jacobsen Marius appears in Court requesting that the Bailiff be authorized to levy execution on the judgement against Jacob van Couwenhoven, inasmuch as he, otherwise knows not when he shall obtain his own. Whereupon, J. v. Couwen- hoven being called into Court, appearing requested, as he was an old Burgher, that execution may not yet be proceeded with; saying that he had already given the deed of his house and lot on the Strand* to the Bailiff to be sold, as security.


SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ALCKMAER.


1656, Aug. 15 et seq.


Article 32.


Preachers recently ordained for the service of the Churches in the East Indies:


In New Netherland the ministers are as follows :* At New Amsterdam, Rev. John Megapolensis, Rev. Samuel Drisius; At Rensselaerswyck, Rev. Gideon Schaats.


* This was first known as the " Old Church Lot ",- a wooden church having been built on it as early as 1633. It was situate on the North side of the present Pearl St., about sixty or eighty feet East of Whitehall. The lot together with the old Church having been purchased by Jacob Wolphertsen van Couwenhoven April 8, 1656, was confirmed to him by patent of June 30, same year, and pursuant to the order in this case again sold, Isaac de Foreest becoming the purchaser September S. 1656. The latter, having built on the lot a house, " which is an ornament to the City," obtained in 1664 the grant of the lane adjoining to build a woodshed etc. Calendar of Dutch MSS., p. 383; Valentine, Manual, 1861, p. 589. It subsequently became the property of Allard Anthony .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. ii. pp. 153, 154.


* It will be noticed that the name of Rev. J. T. Polhemus is not mentioned, al- though he had been officiating on Long Island for two years, but only in an in- formal way.


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


DRAFT OF CONDITIONS OFFERED BY CITY OF AMSTERDAM TO EMIGRANTS, TO THE SOUTH (DELAWARE) RIVER.


1656.


As to Religion:


* * *


7. Said City (of Amsterdam) shall cause to be erected about the Market or in a - more convenient place, a public building suitable for Divine service; item, also a house for a School which can likewise be occupied by the person who will hereafter be Sexton, Psalmsetter and Schoolmaster; the City shall, besides, have a house built for the Minister.


8. The City aforesaid shall provisionally provide and pay the salary of a Minister and Schoolmaster, unless their High Mightinesses or the Company think otherwise. - Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 620.


CONDITIONS OFFERED BY THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM TO SETTLERS ON THE DELAWARE RIVER.


1656, Aug. 12. 7. The City of Amsterdam shall send thither a proper person for Schoolmaster, who shall also read the Holy Scriptures and set the Psalms.


8. The City of Amsterdam shall provisionally and until further opportunity pro- vide the salary of said Schoolmaster .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 631.


1656, August 2/12.


Resolution of the States General on these conditions. To be investigated .- Col. Docs. N. Y. 1. 636.


1656, August 6/16.


Report of the Committee of the States General on the same .- Col. Docs. N. Y. I. 636-7.


Their High Mightinesses have thanked the Committee for the trouble they have taken, confirmed the report and ratified the agreement entered into respecting the population. But when there are two hundred families or thereabouts, a preacher and consistory shall be installed without any expense to the Company (generaliteit). - Col. Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 637.


RATIFICATION OF REPORT BY THE STATES GENERAL.


1656, Aug. 16.


Which being considered, their High Mightinesses have thanked the Gentlemen of the Committee for the trouble they have taken, and it is further Resolved and con- cluded, hereby to approve and ratify the aforesaid agreement or conditions entered into by the abovementioned Chamber with the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, all nevertheless saving and without prejudice to the right, jurisdiction and possession of the Colonies heretofore given out in the aforesaid countries and of the property purchased in said district; with this understanding also, that whensoever there shall be in that place two hundred families or thereabouts, a preacher and con- sistory shall be installed there without any expense to the Company. And all this saving also the division of the districts which may be made among the respective Chambers. It is hereby recommended to the aforesaid Chamber at Amsterdam so to moderate the public duties that the population there may be encouraged, and not obstructed .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 637.


1656


357


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


Acts of the Classis of Amsterdam.


New Netherland.


1656, Oct. 3rd.


In the matter of the Lutheran meeting in New Netherland, it was reported in the Rev. Classis, that there was reason to appre- hend that there, as well as in all the colonies public worship by Lutherans would be permitted; and whereas it has been deter- mined to establish other rules and regulations, in which the Wor- shipful Magistracy of Amsterdam shall have a hand; that some of the Noble Mightinesses (Officially of Amsterdam) together with some Directors of the West India Company were delegated for the particular purpose, that all sorts of persuasions might be permitted to exercise their special forms of worship; The Rev. Classis is grieved to learn of such a circumstance, and finds it highly necessary to give careful heed to this matter. Therefore the Directors and their Noble Mightinesses (the Officials of Am- sterdam), and especially their committee on this subject, shall be waited on, and the injuriousness of this general permission of all sorts of persuasions shall be earnestly deprecated, stating that first of all, and above all, the Church and the glory of God should be cared for, etc. This matter remains recommended to the Deputies ad causas Indicas. vi. 33; xix. 25.


RESOLUTION OF THE STATES GENERAL ON MR. VAN DER CAPELLE'S


PETITION.


Wednesday, the 4th October, 1656.


Read at the meeting a certain Remonstrance of J. Hendrick van der Capelle to Ryssel, Lord of Essel and Hasselt, Burgomaster of the City of Zutphen, Ordinary Deputy in their High Mightinesses' Assembly, requesting that a Commission be issued for a proper person of the Reformed Religion, which he would send as Com- mander to his people of Staten Island in New Netherland, as was granted last year, 1655, to Messrs. Adriaen and Cornelis Lampsins for the Island of Tobago and St. Martin. Which being considered, it is resolved and concluded to refer the petition aforesaid to the Directors of the West India Company here, for advice.


358


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1656


Resolution of the Assembly of the XIX. on Mr. van der Capelle's Petition .- Ex- tract from the resolutions of the Committee of the respective Chambers of the Incorporated West India Company, representing the Assembly of the XIX., holden at the Hague.


Thursday, the 5th of October, 1656.


Read at the meeting a certain petition presented by Mr. Hendrick van der Capelle thro Ryssel, Lord, etc., to their High Mightinesses, together with their High Mighti. nesses' postil thereon, dated 4th of October, 1656, that the Directors in attendance, from the respective Chambers representing the Assembly of the XIX., may furnish their advice on the said opinion presented as above.


It is resolved and concluded, that the petition concerns exclusively the Chamber of Amsterdam with which the said gentlemen hath specially contracted; that the Directors of said Chamber in attendance are earnestly requested, as well out of respect for the case as for his Honor, to bring this petition before the Chamber of Amsterdam, and to second and recommend it, in the most favorable manner, which, also, they have undertaken to do on the earliest opportunity. Agrees with the Register aforesaid.




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