USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 39
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403
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1657
that, to their friends at home. So much discontent has been cre ated, that about thirty families, living at the Manhattans, who were ready to come here to the South River, have remained in their places, because of the ill-intentioned writing from here, that the people suffered hunger. I fear that such rumors circulating in the Fatherland, will stay this good work. Write me also of the war between the Swedes and Danes, and send a part of the Gazettes, that I may have something else to read. Herewith clos- ing and commending you to God's protection I salute you, with your dear wife and children, most heartily. Please to send the enclosed letter to my wife.
Your friend, Mr. Evert Pietersen.
Dated the 12th of August, 1657, at Fort New Amstel, on the South River in New Netherland.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HAARLEM.
1657, Aug. 13 et seq.
Art. 2. Register.
According to Article 55, of the preceding Synod : This speaks of the well known Register-book, and refers to the inserting of resolutions and apostillen in the Acta of Synod.
After this, it was resolved to hold this matter in abeyance, until the respective Classes could bring in resolutions on that point to this Synod at the beginning thereof. These having been read, it was found that the Classes, by a majority of votes, declared that henceforth the Register-book, as begun two years ago, (1655), shall remain in esse; and that only the summaries of the Remon- strances (Memorials) and Petitions shall be inserted in the Acta of Synod ; but the resolutions and apostillen in plena forma.
404
1657
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Article 35.
Extracts concerning the state of the Indian and other foreign churches, handed in to the Rev. Synod, and read by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :
The Lutherans in New Netherland, having attempted the pub- lic exercises of their religion, have been opposed therein with good endeavors, and not without fair success.
Sent to New Netherland as a minister, Rev. Everardus Welius, in April 1657; as siekentrooster and school-master, Aert Pieter- sen, in December 1658 (1656 ?)
Sent as siekentrooster to the East Indies, in October 1656, John Walraven.
FATHER SIMON LE MOYNE.
1657, Aug. 26.
This Missionary, Pere Le Moyne,* had followed some Christian Hurons into the Mohawk territory, and took occasion soon after to visit New Amsterdam, for the purpose of affording spiritual comfort to the Catholics residing in that city, as well as to some French sailors who had recently arrived with a prize at that port. The Dutch, always alive to the extension of their commerce, seized the occasion of this visit to demand permission to visit the St. Lawrence for the purpose of trade, and solicit Le Moyne to represent their wishes to the Governor of Canada. The Jesuit's representations were crowned with success. The Canadian Governor consented that New Netherland vessels should hence- forward resort to Quebec, on the same terms as French ships, with this reserve, however, that the Dutch should not participate in the Indian trade, nor be
* " This Simon Le Moyne has been with Indians from the Indian country several times at Fort Orange. At last he came here to the Manhattans, without doubt, on account of the Papists residing here, and especially for the accommodation of the French sailors, who are Papists, and who have arrived here with a good prize." Rev. Domine Megapolensis to the Classis of Amsterdam. On his return to Fort Orange, the Jesuit wrote three essays: 1. On the Succession of the. Popes; 2. On the Council; 3. On Heretics; which he sent to Rev. Mr. Megapo- lensis with a letter commending them to his study, adding, "that Christ hanging on the wood of the cross was still ready to receive his repentance," (or conver- sion.) The Dutch Domine sent an answer by a yacht then on the eve of sailing from New Amsterdam for Canada. But the vessel was lost, and so Pere Le Moyne never received this reply to his "Catalogos." [See letter of Megapolensis to Classis, Sept. 28, 1658, and also his reply to Le Moyne, a copy of which he made and sent to Holland and is now in the Archives of General Synod - nine closely written pages.] See letter of September 28, 1658.
405
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1657
allowed the public exercise of their relation in that country. As this proviso was merely a counterpart of the rules which the Dutch themselves prescribed in their province, they did not object; on the contrary, they hastened to take advantage of the "happy and fortunate," circumstances, and prepared to " plough with their craft " the waters of the St. Lawrence .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, vol. 11., 363.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Henr. Selyns.
1657, Sept. 3rd.
Rev. Henricus Selyns asks that he may be examined prepara- toir (for licensure) This was granted him upon his praiseworthy credentials ecclesiastical as well as academic .- vi. 74.
Rev. Henr. Selyns. 1657, Oct. 2nd.
Rev. Henricus Selyns having made his exposition, (preached his sermon) on John 5:39, Search the scriptures, etc. and hav- ing then been examined in the principal articles of the Christian Reformed Religion, gave such very great satisfaction to the Assem- bly, both by his preaching and by his answers to the questions of the Rev. Examiner, that he was admitted to the public ministry (preaching) after the signing of the Acta (the Formulae) re- quired .- vi.£79.
PETITION OF THE LUTHERANS TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF
NEW NETHERLAND, OCT. 10, 1657.
To the Noble Honorable Director-General, and the Council of New Netherland : -
With all due respect, we, the adherents of the Unaltered Augs- burg Confession, here in New Netherland, and under the judisdic- tion of the Lords Principals of the West India Company, hereby show, that the Burgomasters of this City of Amsterdam in New Netherland, have received an order from your Honors, first, by the City Messenger Gysbert op Dyck, and shortly after by the Honorable Fiscal, Nicasius de Sille, to the Rev. Master in The-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1657
ology, Johannis Ernestus Gutwasser, that he must and shall de- part in the ship, the "Waag ", (the Balance), now ready to sail. Wherefore, in paying our respects to your Honors, we beg to say that in accordance with your Honors orders and public announce- ments he has behaved as an honest man, and has never refused obedience to your orders and edicts, but has always given good heed to them ; and we too, have behaved quietly and obediently, while we expect from higher authority, the toleration of our religion - that of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession. To this result we still look forward after receipt of another letter to us.
We humbly supplicate your Honors, that the sudden orders, the one by the City Messenger, and the other by the Fiscal, to Domine Johannis Ernestus Goetwasser, may be revoked by your Honors, until we receive further orders from their High Mighti- nesses, our sovereigns, and from the Noble Lord Directors of the Privileged West India Company. Remaining your Honors' faith- ful and watchful (servants) and good Christians, all adherents of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, and having been admitted into New Netherland, we, in the absence of the others, have signed this petition : Mattheus Capito, Christian Niesen, Harmen Edu- warsen, Hans Dreper, Lourens Andriesen, Luycas Dircksen, XX Jan Jansen, XX Jochem Beeckman, Andries Rees, Luycas Elder- sen, Harmen Jansen, Jan Cornelisse, Davidt Wessels, Hans Sille- javck, Hendrick Hendricksen, XX Meyndert Barentsen, Harmen Smeeman, Cristian Barentsen, George Hanel, Pieter Jansen, XX Winckelhoeck, Claes de Wit, XX Jacob Elders, Hendrick Wil- lemse. We await your Honors favorable decision. Amsterdam, in New Netherland, this 10th day of October, Anno 1657.
As answer this may serve: that the Director-General and the Council do not recognize the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, much less any of the adherents of it. They confirm, therefore, hereby, their order and resolution of the 4th of September, sent to Johannis Ernestus Goetwasser, who calls himself a Lutheran
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
407 1657
preacher, at Amsterdam, in New Netherland. Since that order, five or six weeks ago, two ships have sailed, on board of one of which the said Goesswater was ordered to depart. As he has treated the order of this Provincial Government with contempt, he is hereby once again commanded to leave with one of the ships now ready to sail. The Director-General and Council consider this necessary for the glory of God, for the success of the Re- formed Religion, and the common quiet, peace and harmony of this Province. Thus done at the meeting of the Honorable Di- rector-General and the Council, held at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland on the 16th of October 1657. By order of the Hon. Director-General and Council aforesaid.
C. V. Ruyven, Secretary.
Having compared the foregoing petition and order, it is found correct.
C. V. Ruyven, Secretary.
REV. J. H. GUTWASSER, LUTHERAN MINISTER, TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL.
1657, Oct. 15th.
To the Noble, Honorable Director-General and the Honorable Council of New Netherland : -
In answer to the repeated verbal and written denunciations or orders to me, to depart from here within three times twenty four hours, I wish humbly to submit to your Honors for your favor- able hearing and decision, a very few points, as follows :
1. That I do not deny your Honors' declaration, as expressed, that I desire to be free from charges of disobedience.
2. But also I do not consent to defend myself in such a troubled state of conscience.
3. Therefore I would like to know, why this order has been issued against me.
4. For I have exhibited my passports, and therewith the per- mission of the Lords Directors, who promise me still other favors.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1657
5. The special permission from your Honors, to live here, as a free student is nowhere canceled.
6. What has been asked, is, will and shall be mediis lieites via consessa et at competentis personas, also done here.
7. I have behaved myself here in such a way that I cannot be accused of Crimen Laesae Majestatis.
8. Neither shall any evil be done by me hereafter.
9. While I am waiting for further orders from Holland, ac- cording to promise.
10. I find myself worried about my affairs ; for I cannot wisely handle my property, scattered here and there, in obedience to your sudden order. I am also of opinion, that much depends on my reputation and habits (fama et vita), which would be endangered by the order given me, and which your Honors must also consider.
I desire to inform your Honors, as to my humble opinions on few points; Your Honors will please to consider justly the fore- going points, and not carry out their unexpected sentence against me. Awaiting your Honors' favorable decision,
Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 15th of October 1657.
Your Noble Honors,
John Ernestus Gutwasser.
The foregoing request was handed in to the meeting of Di- rector-General and Council and having been read, the following decision was given.
The petitioner, who forgets himself and the truth, is reminded, that the order for his departure was served upon him five or six weeks ago, and sent in writing. Since that time two ships have sailed. In one of these he ought to have left, according to order, but the petitioner has neglected to do this, in contempt of the government. He is once more commanded to obey said order by going in one of the two ships about to sail; especially as the Di- rector-General and Council consider it necessary for the honor of God, the advancement of the Reformed Religion, and the common
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1657
quietness, peace and harmony of this place. Thus done at Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 16th of October, Anno 1657.
By order of the Honorable Director-General and Council ;
C. V. Ruyven, Secretary.
Correspondence from America.
1657, Oct. 25th.
Revs. Megapolensis and Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam. Brethren in Christ: -
Since our last letter, which we hope you are receiving about this time, we have sent in a petition, in relation to the Lutheran minister, Joannes Ernestus Gutwasser. Having marked this on its margin, we have sent it to the Rev. Brethren of the Classis. We hope that the Classis will take care that, if possible, no other (minister) be sent over, as it is easier to send out an enemy than afterward to thrust him out. We have the promise that the magis- trates here will compell him to leave with the ship De Wage. It is said that there has been collected for him at Fort Orange a hundred beaver skins, which are valued here at eight hundred guilders, and which is the surest pay in this country. What has been collected here, (at New Amsterdam), we cannot tell. Our magistrates have forbidden him to preach, as he has received no authority from the Directors for that purpose. Yet we hear that the Hon. Directors at Amsterdam gave him permission to come over. We have stated in a previous letter the injurious tendency of this with reference to the prosperity of our church.
Lately we have been troubled by others. Sometime since, a shoemaker, leaving his wife and children, came here and preached in conventicles. He was fined, and not being able to pay, was sent away. Again a little while ago there arrived here a ship with Quakers, as they are called. They went away to New England, or more particularly, to Rhode Island, (a place) of errorists and enthusiasts. It is called by the English themselves the Latrina of New England. They left several behind them here, who labored
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1657
to create excitement and tumult among the people,- particularly two women, the one about twenty, and the other about twenty eight. These were quite outrageous. After being examined and placed in prison, they were sent away. Subsequently a young man at Hempstead, an English town under the government, aged about twenty three or twenty four years, was arrested, and brought thence, seven (Dutch) miles, (twenty one English miles.) He had pursued a similar course and brought several under his influ- ence. The magistrate, in order to repress the evil in the begin- ning, after he had kept him in confinement for several days, ad- judged that he should either pay one hundred guilders or work at the wheelbarrow (Kruywagen) two years with the negroes. This he obstinately refused to do, though whipped on his back. After two or three days he was whipped in private on his bare back, with threats that the whipping would be repeated again after two or three days, if he should refuse to labor. Upon this a letter was brought by an unknown messenger from a person unknown to the Director-General. The import of this, (written in English), was, Think, my Lord-Director, whether it be not best to send him to Rhode Island, as his labor is hardly worth the cost. Since the arrival of De Wage from the South River (the Director ?) has again written to Joannes Ernestus Gutwasser to go away. On this he presented a petition, a copy of which is herewith trans- mitted, as also a copy (signed by) several of the Lutheran denomi- nation. We observe that it is signed by the least respectable of that body, and that the most influential among them were un- willing to trouble themselves with it. Some assert that he has brought with him authority from the West India Company to act as minister. Whether dismission and return will take place with- out trouble remains to be seen. We are at this time in great want of English ministers. It is more than two years since Mr. Doughty, of Flushing which is a town here, went to Virginia, where he is now a preacher. He left because he was not well supported. On Oct. 13, Mr. Moore, of Middleburg, which is another town here, died of a pestilential disease, which prevailed in several of our
411
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1657
English towns, and in New England. He left a widow with seven or eight children. A year before, being dissatisfied with the meagre and irregular payments from his hearers, he went to Bar- badoes, to seek to find another place. Mr. Richard Denton, who is sound in faith, of a friendly disposition, and beloved by all, cannot be induced by us to remain, although we have earnestly tried to do this in various ways. He first went to Virginia to seek a situation, complaining of lack of salary, and that he was getting in debt, but he has returned thence. He is now fully resolved to go to old England, because his wife, who is sickly, will not go without him, and there is need of their going there, on account of a legacy of four hundred pounds sterling, lately left by a de- ceased friend, and which they cannot obtain except by their per- sonal presence. At Gravesend there never has been a minister. Other settlements, yet in their infancy, as Aernem, have no min- ister. It is therefore to be feared that errorists and fanatics may find opportunity to gain strength. We therefore request you, Rev. Brethren, to solicit the Hon. Directors of the West India Com- pany, to send over one or two English preachers, and that direc- tions may be given to the magistracy that the money paid by the English be paid to the magistrate, and not to the preacher, which gives rise to dissatisfaction, and that at the proper time, any ex- isting deficiency may be supplied by the Hon. Directors. Other- wise we do not see how the towns will be able to obtain ministers, or if they obtain them, how they will be able to retain them. Com- plaints continually reach us about the payment of ministers. Nevertheless in New England, there are few places without a preacher, although there are many towns stretching for more than one hundred Dutch miles (three hundred English miles) along the coast. Hoping that by God's blessing and your care something may be effected in this matter, we remain,
Your friends and fellow laborers,
Manhattans, Oct. 22, 1657.
Johannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1657
Rev. Brethren : -
Since the writing of the above letter, and before sealing it, we have learned from the Hon. Directors and the Fiscal, that Joannes Ernestus Gutwasser is not to be found, that his bedding and books were two days ago removed, and that he has left our jurisdiction. Still it is our opinion that he remains concealed here, in order to write home, and make his appearance (as if) out of the Father- land; and to persevere with the Lutherans in his efforts. We therefore hope and pray that you may, if possible, take measures to prevent this.
Samuel Drisius. Oct. 25, 1657.
To the Rev. Learned, etc.,
the Deputies ad res Indicas
of the Classis of Amsterdam.
(Names of Dutch immigrants for 1657. Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 33.)
REMONSTRANCE OF THE INHABITANTS OF FLUSHING, L. I., AGAINST THE LAW AGAINST QUAKERS AND SUBSEQUENT PROCEEDINGS BY THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST THEM AND OTHERS FAVORING QUAKERS.
Right Honorable. You have been pleased to send up unto us a certain Pro- hibition or Command, that wee shoulde not receive or entertaine any of those people called Quakers, because thay are supposed to bee by some seducers of the people; for our parte wee cannot condem them in this case, neither can wee stretch out our hands against them to punish, bannish or persecute them, for out of Christ, God is a consuming fire, and it is a fearful thing to fall into the' handes of the liveing God; wee desire therefore in this case not to judge least wee be judged, neither to Condem least wee bee Condemed, but rather let every man stand and fall to his own. Maister wee are bounde by the Law to doe good unto all men, especially to those of the Household of faith; and though for the present wee seeme to bee unsensible of the law and the Lawgiver; yet when death and the Law assault us: if we have (not) our advocate to seeke, who shall plead for us in this case of Conscience betwixt God and our own soules; the powers of this world can neither attack us neither excuse us, for if God justify who can Condem, and if God Condem there is none can justifye; and for those Jealowsies and suspitions which some haue of them that they are destructive unto Magistracy and Ministry that cannot bee; for the Magistrate hath the Sword in his hand and the Minister hath the Sword in his hand as witnesse those tow great examples which all Maiestrates and Ministers are to follow M (oses) and Christ; whom God raised up Maintained and defended against all the Enemies both of flesh and spirit, and therefore that wich is of God will stand, and that which is of man will (come) to
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1658
noething: and as the Lord hath taught 'Moses, or the Civill power, to give an outward llbertie In the State by the law written in his heart designed (for) the good of all and can truly judge who is good and who is evill, who Is true and who is false, and can pass definitiue sentence of life or (death) against that man which rises up against the fundamental law of the States Generall, soe (he) hath made his Ministers a savor of life unto (life?), and a savor of death unto death.
The law of loue, peace and libertie in the states extending to Jews, Turks and Egyptians, as they are considered the sonnes of Adam, which is the glory of the outward State of Holland; so loue, peace and libertie extending to all in Christ Jesus, Condems hatred, warre and bondage; and because our Savlor salth it is impossible but that offence will come, but woe be unto him by whom they Commeth, our desire is not to offend one of his little ones in whatsoever forme, name or title hee appreares in, whether Presbyterian, Independent, Baptist or Quaker; but shall be glad to see anything of God in any of them: desireing to doe unto all men as wee desire all men should doe unto us, which is the true law both of Church and State; for our Saviour saith this is the Law and the Prophets; Therefore if any of these said persons come in loue unto us, wee cannot in Con- science lay violent hands upon them, but give them free Egresse into our Towne and howses as God shall perswade our Consciences; and in this we are true sub- jects both of the Church and State; for wee are bounde by the law of God and man to do good unto all men, and evill to no man; and this is according to the Pattent and Charter of our Towne given unto us in the name of the States Gen- erall which we are not willing to infringe and violate but shall hold to our pattent and shall remaine your Humble Subjects the inhabitants of Vlishing; written the 27th of December in the Yeare 1657 by mee
Edward Heart, Clericus.
Tobias Feake,
The Marke
of William Noble, William Thorne, Sr.
The Marke
of William Thorne, Jr. Edward Tarne?
John Storer,
Nathaniel Hefferd,
Benjamin Hubbard,
The Marke
of William Pidgion,
The Marke
of George Clere, Elias Doughtie, Antonie Feild,
Richard Stocton,
Edward Griffine,
Nathaniel Tue, Nicolas Blackford,
The Marke M of Micah Tue,
The Marke P of Philipp Ud,
Edward Ffarington,
Robert Ffield, Sr.
Robert Ffield, Jr.
Nick Colas Parsell,
Michael Milner, Henry Townsend,
George Wright, John Foard, Henry Samtell,
Edward Heart, John Mastine,
John Townesend.
First of January, 1658.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
The foregoing remonstrance delivered to his Honor, the Director General, by the Schout, Tobias Feake of Vlissingen, on the 29th of December, having read, his Honor immediately ordered the Fiscal to arrest the said Schout, which was done.
On the first of January 1658, summoned by their Honors, the Director General and Council, appeared Edward Farrington and William Noble, two of the Magis- trates of Vlissingen, who likewise signed the foregoing remonstrance and were immediately arrested. It was further resolved, to summon also the Clerk of the said village Edward Hart. Date as above.
Thursday, the 3rd of January 1658 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 402, 403, 404 .- We omit the Cross-Examination, pp. 404-409.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Proclamation of a Day of Prayer for March 13. 1658, January 21.
The Honorable Nicasius de Sille brought into Court the Proclamation of the day of Prayer, and it is read from the City Hall after the usual ringing of the bell; in terms as follows :-
Honorable and well beloved.
Notwithstanding the good and all merciful God has favoured and blessed this newly rising Province in general and its inhabitants in particular with many and innumerable mercies and benefits; amongst others with health, peace and pros- perity, abundance, remarkable increase of population and trade, and what is to be valued above all, with the free and public exercise of the pure worship of God; Yet, we, either enjoying the same thanklessly, or abusing them unworthily, have by the ungrateful use of bodily, or the unworthy abuse of spiritual benefits, pro- voked God's rigorous justice, exciting his Divine Majesty - never sufficiently honored - to righteous anger, of which he hath shewn us not only palpable signs, but has caused us also to witness evident proofs; He hath visited near and remote places, towns and hamlets with hot fevers and dangerous diseases, as a chastise- ment if not punishment of the thankless use of temporal blessings; permitting and allowing the Spirit of Error to scatter its injurious passion amongst us, in spiritual matters here and there, rising up and propagating a new unheard of, abominable Heresy, called Quakers; seeking to seduce many, yea, were it possible, even the true believers - all signs of God's just judgement and certain forerunners of severe punishment.
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