Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 37

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 37


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71


The Deputies report that Rev. Welius is contented with his salary. What remains yet to be done in this matter, the brethren shall further perform. Instructions shall be given him. The or- ganization (placing) of the Consistory in the New Colony remains commended to his prudence. All this shall be communicated to him, on the part of this Assembly. vi. 47; xix. 43.


Acts of the Deputies. (Hermanus Blom, declines the chaplaincy.)


1657, May 7th.


In compliance with the Resolution of Classis, the Noble Mighti- nesses (Admiralty Board?) at Amsterdam, have been spoken to


377 1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


about the salary of the proponents, who should go to sea with Mr. Tromp. Their Noble Mightinesses had said, that when a good person had been found for the said service, they would come to an agreement about the conditions. Thereupon the As- sembly busied itself to select someone from the proponents here- tofore sent. The lawful election fell upon Rev. Hermanus Blom, whom the brethren presented to their Noble Mightinesses; but the conditions submitted by their Mightinesses were not accept- able to Rev. Blom, as they promised him but thirty guilders ($12.) per month. Therefore this good work, so well begun, has hitherto proved without fruit .- xx. 373.


Lutherans and Sects in New Netherland and the Colony. 1657, May 7th.


The Deputati ad causas Indicas, laboring in compliance with their instructions to oppose the Lutherans in New Netherland, and on the South (the Delaware) River have learned that in the treaty made with the Swedes in the New Colony, it was stipu- lated and consented to by the (New Netherland) Colonies that a Lutheran minister might abide there. There was also sent to the North River, (the Hudson) a Lutheran minister named John Earnest Gutwasser (Goedwasser.) It was judged by the Assem- bly that if it (free worship) were granted to the Swedes; on ac- count of the contrast, it could hardly be disallowed to the (Dutch) Lutherans (in New Amsterdam. ) But inasmuch as it is understood that the Swedes have mostly gone away, further efforts should be made (to induce) the Burgomasters to oppose the Lutherans and other sects (in New Amsterdam;) and that they should be re- quested to recommend this matter to Director Aldrix (Aldrich) in their letters, even as it shall be urged upon the Directors (of the West India Company) that in their district, which had been hitherto, by their good care, well managed, the Lutherans shall not be permitted any permission freely to exercise their forms of worship. vi. 48, 49; xix. 44.


378


1657


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


1657, May 7th.


Rev. Mr. Winckelius in the Chair. xx. 373-377.


The Classis of Amsterdam to the Consistory of New Netherland, Sent with Rev. Everardus Welius.


May 25th, 1657.


Reverend, Very Learned, Godly and Well Beloved Brethren in Christ Jesus:


We cannot allow the excellent opportunity which is offered us to pass, without sending this communication to you. The Hon. Mayor of this city (Amsterdam) as well as the Hon. Com- missioners of the affairs of the new colony (New Amstel) planted on the South River in New Netherland, have approved, in accord- ance with the published conditions concerning the same, (Art. 7, of the previous year,) the sending provisionally, to that place, of a schoolmaster, who will also visit the sick, and publicly read God's Word, and sing the Psalms. Accordingly we have sought out, for this purpose, a worthy man, named Evert Pieterson. He has been examined in all the above named particulars, and is con- sidered properly qualified. He therefore undertook his journey thither, (March 9, 1657,) in the fear of the Lord. We doubt not but that he has already arrived, and has edified many. By him a certain letter was sent over to your Reverences, in which we gave account of those things which we judged necessary to com- municate to you. (See Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 4-22, 48-74.)


The Gospel door seems ever to be opening more widely. Sev- eral families are about to remove hence, being willing to be transported thither. Who knows what the Lord God purposes in respect to the extension of his kingdom, and the conversion of the heathen. Indeed this good work has been so greatly taken to heart here, that it has been deemed necessary to send a lawful minister there, to institute religious meetings in which God's


379 1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


Word may be preached with soundness, the sacraments adminis- tered according to Christ's ordinances, and God's name publicly honored. Accordingly the Rev. Classis has been occupied in choosing one from among the recommended candidates, to go over in the capacity of minister. The lawful choice has fallen upon Rev. Everardus Welius, a young man deserving of much praise in many respects. For he is such a one in life, in study, in gifts, in conversation, that we expect nothing else than to hear, in due time, that he fills his office with fruitfulness, under God's blessing and grace. Therefore also he has been ordained to his office, after a proper final examination, by the laying on of hands in the Classical Assembly.


We request, in case he should stop over in passing, in your localities, (New Amsterdam), that you will treat him with brotherly consideration, and assist him in everything wherein he may have need of your services. We hope that the Lord of the harvest will make him a useful and successful laborer in the har- vest which is yet to be gathered there; that he will increasingly endue him with strength of body and of soul; for surely his Reverence will, especially at first, find trouble enough to fashion everything into a well ordered form of church government. To this end, indeed, a friendly correspondence between him and you, so far as possible, will not be unserviceable to him. And the work of the ministry will be very difficult, since there are already there, and in time more people will come, of all manner of per- nicious persuasions. Every one can therefore, easily perceive how much diligence and labor are required to prevent false opin- ions and foul heresies from becoming prejudicial to the pure truth.


In order also, that divers sects, in that colony, may not be able to lift their heads, we have earnestly urged upon the Mayor and Commissioners here (at Amsterdam) that their Honors should do something to establish some (ecclesiastical) Order, in' opposition to general license. They have given us quite a satis-


380


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1657


factory answer, namely, that they could not force the consciences of men, which indeed, we had expressly stated we did not wish; but they said, that should information arrive that the sects car- ried on their exercises of religion (in public) then they would look to it to prevent such a thing, after examination of the facts.


We have requested your Reverences to inform us from time to time, by writing, concerning the condition of affairs in the church over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers. We hear indeed one thing and another, through different private sources. But meantime we are awaiting agreeable lettere directly from you ; but now for years we have received no answers to our communi- cations. This circumstance makes us somewhat fearful lest this friendly correspondence should gradually cease. This we hope not to see.


Meanwhile, as regards your church, we did not sit still in the matter of the Lutheran controversy, of which frequent mention has been made in our former letters; but so far as was prac- ticable, we have held a watchful eye upon it. It was rumored that they had again petitioned the Directors to be permitted to enjoy, in that land, freedom in the public exercises of their religion. But their request was not granted. After they had repeatedly pressed their suit, the said gentlemen dismissed them, finally, with the answer, that their petition should be presented rather to the States-General than to them. We were further informed that the Directors had examined the list of persons who had journeyed thither, and had found among the number, the name of one John Ernest Goedwater, (Gutwasser,) who for all we know, was examined by the Lutheran church here, ordained as preacher, and sent over there in that capacity. This is indeed a matter of great importance, which might most signally hinder the progress of the truth. Therefore the Rev. Brethren, the Deputies of the Classis, have been occupied since last year, in seeking to stop the growth of this evil. They have diligently plied the Directors with persuasive arguments, and have perse-


381


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1657


vered, until the above mentioned gentlemen resolved to abide by the old resolution, in conformity with what they had previously written to the General and his Council in that place. Of this writing an extract was asked and granted. In this we observe that the Lutherans were permitted the free exercise of their relig- ion in their own houses. We cannot interpret this in any other way than that every one must have the freedom to serve God quietly within his dwelling, in such a manner as his religion may prescribe, without instituting any public gatherings or conven- ticles. When this interpretation is recognized, our complaints will cease.


It therefore remains to you, worthy brethren, to be vigilant, lest your congregation, which we learn is at present in a good and encouraging condition, suffer from the liberty which the sects may assume. But should it happen that this evil is not remedied to your satisfaction, although we hope it may be other- wise, if we can serve you in any way, we gladly offer a helping hand, in the name of the Classis, whenever our body is furnished by your Reverences with proper information. This we will use as occasion permits.


Herewith we conclude. Meanwhile we hope that the Lord God may long bless you in your duties, and may preserve you in good health, to the honor of his Holy Name, to the signal edi- fication of your congregation, and to your temporal welfare and eternal salvation.


Signed,


Actum Amsterdam, May 25, 1657.


Caspar de Carpentier Abraham Roeloff Conrad Schoonhoven.


VICE DIRECTOR ALRICHS TO THE BURGOMASTERS OF AMSTERDAM.


1657, May 25.


And, as there was scarcely any storehouse, I have been obliged to fix some- thing tent fashion, to preserve the goods which, in such a manner or with such covering, are not sufficiently protected from rain, rotting, etc. Therefore, neces- saries are required to be sent hither for a large storehouse; also suitable boats


382


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1657


and a Minister, all which are of the greatest necessity. As there was no powder- house here, I have had a cellar constructed under the walls, so that the powder may be preserved in a sure place which is beyond danger. Meanwhile, the ship Bever, has been discharged within ten allowed days .- Col. Docs. N. Y. il. 9.


VICE DIRECTOR ALRICHS TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE COLONY ON THE DELAWARE.


Honorable, Worshipful, Wise, Right Prudent Gentlemen :- -


1657, May 7.


My last to your Honors was dated the 8th instant, whereunto I refer; never- theless, I am under the necessity to repeat here, and again herein respectfully to request you to be pleased, should you not have already sent out the materials necessary for a suitable warehouse, as well two carpenters at least, who, without whom we cannot get along, and the requisite boat and clergyman, no longer to postpone forwarding them, for, in consequence of the heavy rain that frequently falls here in great quantities, which will leak through any old sails, there is im- minent danger that whatever is dry or susceptible of damage, will be spoiled .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 13. -


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Lutherans in New Netherland.


1657, June 5th.


About the restraint of the Lutherans and other sects in New Netherland and the New Colony (on the Delaware), the gentle- men were waited on, and this business was earnestly recommended to them. They promised to be on their guard against their exercising public worship, and not permit it, but endeavor to prevent it .- v. 55; xix. 45.


Correspondence from America.


1657, June 27th. Rev. Gideon Schaats to Rev. Domine Laurentius.


The Peace of Christ !


Very Dear Father and Brother in Christ, Domine Laurentius :-


In the beginning of November, last year, (1656,) in conjunc- tion with Domine Megapolensis, I wrote to you at the request of the Rev. Classis, concerning the state of the church in general, in this country, and in particular about myself, with the design


383 1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


of having the same communicated to the Rev. Brethren. But, as we have learned that the ship " Otter ", by which we sent our letters, was lost on the coast of England, and as we have received no answers to them, we now repeat the information.


About the church and congregation here: Much could be said of the indiscreet walk of many. There are many hearers, but not much saving fruit. The place increases, but when the wind is from the South, the people, who carry on trade, by which this place alone exists, pass away like grass growing on the (meadow.)


We have here about one hundred and thirty members, most of whom I found here. I think that I have received about thirty. May God sanctify them! But we have been also considerably deceived by certain ones, so that on account of their inconsistent walk, although with but little assistance, I have been obliged to suspend them from the Lord's Table. The people are rather reckless; many remain away from the Lord's Table for a kernel of oats, (the slightest reason); disputes often arise on account of trade. But they ought never to be left without a preacher, as there are sometimes between three and four hundred at church, notwithstanding the distance some have to travel; and if they were all well inclined, there might be an audience of six hundred, besides the merchants, who frequent the place during the sum- mer; but the taverns and villainous houses have many visitors. The colonists have not more than fourteen or fifteen country places (farms); the Company has around the fort a "Factory " village of one hundred and twenty houses, if not more, and oth- ers are springing up daily; a small new church has been located in the heart of this village, Beaverwyck, where by God's grace I now preach. But inasmuch as most of the people are under the Company, Rensselaer neither will nor can continue me after my term expires. This, according to the last agreement made, will be on the 24th of July, 1657. [A marginal note in the same hand writing says: This contract was made on the 20th


.


384


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1657


of September 1656 or thereabouts, at which time he was already intending to resign.] Then I shall be free from my duties here. I wrote about this in my last letter. This matter gives me a great deal to think about, and the uncertainties cause me much trouble. I am free from van Rensselaer, or will be; but not a word was said by the officers of the Company about my salary, before I received my discharge. No preacher has ever yet been appointed here by the Company, and the Company says that the congregation must pay the preacher. But they (the people ?) pre- fer to gamble away, or lose in bets, a ton of beer at twenty three or twenty four guilders, or some other liquor. I will say nothing against the better class; but of these there are too few to make up the salary. The Company's people are not very liberal, as may be seen in the case of Domine Polheymius, preacher at Flatbush, whom the poor farmers pay a scanty salary. On the whole, frequently. I do not know what to do; nor can I tell what my final resolutions shall be. Perhaps when I am free, I shall be pleased to make use of that freedom in the com- ing spring, 1658, and travel with my children to the Fatherland. Here they learn nothing but rudeness, instead of useful things. This journey is desirable especially for my sons, each of whom is fit now to undertake something to his liking. In the mean- while, and at the request of the Consistory here, I shall not cease to do my duty, until the time that you and the Rev. Brethren can do something for me in this matter. If the Com- pany, which made the first beginnings at this place, would also make a beginning in the appointment of a preacher, then let them also provide for him, as they do for the preacher at New Amsterdam. The work here is very hard for one minister, while they have two at the Manhattans; and because above the Mi- nades such a dearth is felt; for victuals are three times more easily procured at the Minades, as the English live in that neigh- borhood, and they are also on the sea. The salary of the old


385


- 1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


preacher there who keeps house is- two thousand guilders in- cluding his house rent; and besides he has free fuel, which here we have not. Fire wood costs us about two hundred guilders, for which the price at the Minades is hardly one hundred and fifty. This is because of the difficulty in hauling it from the woods. Neither is there any house for the preacher here. All the houses are occupied, so that there are none to rent. Every- body must build for himself, and at great expense, for every- thing is four times as dear as in the Fatherland; as for example carpenters wages, and everything pertaining to building. The houses here cost a great deal. A decent domicile cannot be rented for less than four hundred to four hundred and fifty guilders, while Rensselaer will not allow me more than two hundred guild-


ers for rent; and the congregation is not willing to build me a house. But a Poor-house has been established here, and, God be praised, as there are yet very few poor people here, I have made arrangements with the deacons, and lived therein until now. The Brethren must therefore take care, that no preacher is sent here, and that I am not ordered to remain here, without being decently treated, as other ministers are. Nevertheless, I fare so well, that I would not care to leave my congregation, if I had only means to send my sons, one after the other, to the Father- land. But I am already very much behind. I might indeed sell all my movable property, which I brought here, and then all would go well, if I could immediately start on my travels; and if my wife, who has not yet succumbed, had traded a little more, without which we would have been still more miserable. I often take my God as witness, that we have never lived luxuriously, and I do not wish to. We have lived more simply than any other minister, and yet how different is my condition, in this re- spect, from the common inhabitants here. I thank God for what he gives; only I find myself conscientiously compelled to write this, that the dear Brethren might see to it, that no other brother


25


386


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1657.


be misled into these parts, as I have been. The Rensselaers knew, that the ministers were not to be returned home at their own expense, but that was concealed from me in my contract. It was mentioned in the contract of the other minister, (Megapolen- sis), made by the late pious Kilian van Rensselaer, with several other conditions favorable to him, but too long to repeat here. I have myself read them in the contract. I had forgotten to say, that there is no prelector nor precentor here, which duties I have had to fill. All this is information for the Brethren, for them to act upon. At the request of the Classis I communicate this to you, hoping that you will inform them thereof. In clos- ing, I commend you and your dear wife and children, with the best wishes of my family, to the grace of God, and remain, this 27th of June, 1657, of Your Reverence, the humble colaborer in the work of God.


Gideon Schaats, Pastor at Rensselaerswyck.


PETITION OF THE REVS. MEGAPOLENSIS AND DRISIUS TO THE BUR- GOMASTERS, ETC., AGAINST TOLERATING THE LUTHERANS.


July 6, 1657.


To the Hon. Burgomasters and Schepens of the city of Am- sterdam, New Netherland :-


The ministers of this city, with all due respect, desire to send in this, their remonstrance. They have understood that there has arrived by the ship " De Molen ", a Lutheran minister; that he designs settling, in his official capacity, in this important place; that it is evidently their intention, if they obtain a foothold in this place, to extend themselves, which they may then do the more easily, to other parts of this province. In our opinion this must operate injuriously to the policy of the government, as well as of the Reformed Religion, unless it be successfully opposed at the beginning. For


387 1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1. The Lutherans and their adherents have been forbidden heretofore, to hold their separate conventicles, altho' they have repeatedly solicited this privilege of the Hon. Directors in vain. They nevertheless obstinately and perseveringly persist in prose- cuting their object against the known and declared will of the government of this place. If they should gain this object, they would doubtless attempt to proceed further.


2. We feel sure that great contention and discord will develope therefrom, not only among the inhabitants and citizens in gen- eral, but also in families, of which we have had proofs and com- plaints during the past year. For example, some husbands have forced their wives to leave their own church, and attend their conventicles.


3. Large numbers of Lutherans have been found in the East Indies, and also, formerly, in Brazil, but we do not know that the public exercise of their religion was ever allowed them; doubtless because strife in religious matters would produce con- fusion in political affairs.


4. Thus, also, the number of hearers in our (Reformed) church would be perceptibly diminished. Many of that persuasion have continued attentive hearers among us, and several have united themselves with our church. These would separate themselves from us, if separate worship, according to the Lutheran form, should be allowed.


5. The treasury of our deacons, (the poor fund) would be con- siderably diminished, and become unable to sustain the burdens it has hitherto borne. It is known to your Hon. Body that there is no other means provided for the support of the poor, save what is collected in the church. This is given to widows, orphans, and to all who make suitable application whatever may be their religious persuasion. This could not be done under any other arrangement.


6. If the Lutherans should be indulged in the exercise of their (public) worship, the Papist, Mennonites and others, would soon make similar claims. Thus we would soon become a Babel of


388


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1657


confusion, instead of remaining a united and peaceful people. Indeed it would prove a plan of Satan to smother this infant, rising congregation, almost in its birth, or at least to obstruct the march of truth in its progress.


We therefore request your Hon. Body earnestly to consider the measure referred to, as injurious to the political as well as to the religious interests of this place; and, following in the foot- steps of your predecessors in authority in this city, as well as in the Province at large, will take measures to arrest the evil ready to creep in, and prevent it according to your best ability. So doing, etc. Your Honors' Obedient John Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius. July 6, (12) 1657.


Endorsed on this letter is the following :-


The Burgomasters and Schepens having read the request herein presented, by the ministers of the Holy Gospel, return thanks to them for their care in this matter. They refer them to the request of their Honors on this subject, heretofore made to the Government, and the reply thereto, which are hereunto annexed.


By the order of the Burgomasters and Schepens, Timotheus Gabry, Secretary.


August 13, 1657, at the City Hall, in Amsterdam, New Netherland.


REPORT OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF NEW AMSTERDAM UPON THE PETITION OF THE MINISTERS AGAINST ALLOWING LUTHERAN SERVICES.


1657, July 14th.


To the Noble, Honorable Director-General and the Honorable Council of New Netherland :-


With all due respect, the Burgomasters and Schepens of this city show, that the ministers of the Gospel here appeared yester-


389


1657


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


day before us with the annexed petition, concerning the arrival of a Lutheran preacher, who had come by the ship " Goude Meu- len " (Golden Mills). They allege several reasons and motives, why the spread of that doctrine ought to be prevented here. These having been taken into consideration by us, the aforesaid Lutheran preacher, named Johannes Ernestus Goetwater was sum- moned before us. We asked him, with what intentions he had come to this country. He thereupon frankly answered, he had been sent on behalf of their Consistory, to occupy the position of a preacher here, as far as it would be allowed. He also trusted that a letter of permit would come by the ship " Waegh " (Balance), giving them freedom of religion as in the Fatherland; also that the Directors (of the West India Company) had this matter under consideration, about which a resolution should fol- low at the next opportunity; and that he had writings from the Lutheran Consistory of Amsterdam, to be delivered to their congregation here.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.