USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 41
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Domine Drisius has repeatedly expressed to us his opinion, that he thought it ad- visable, to establish there a Latin school for the instruction and education of the young people, offering thereto his own services. Although we have no objection to this project, we communicate it to you, so that, if you too consider it desirable, you may take an experiment by opening such a school there; but you must not fail to inform us, how such an institution can be managed to the best advantage of the community and kept up with the least expense to the Company.
To encourage the said Domine Drisius in the performance of his duties, we have increased his board money from two hundred and fifty to three hundred florins yearly and granted him besides a house rent free or instead of it two hundred, florins yearly, the same amount, which is allowed or paid to his colleague Domine Megapolensis. This for your information and guidance.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
We found among the enclosures, sent by you, an extract from your resolutions, which informs us, that at the request of the congregation of Fort Orange and Beverwyck you have engaged the former pastor of the Colony of Rensselaerswyck, Domine Gideon Schaets, as their pastor at a salary of one hundred florins monthly; we do not disapprove it, for the greater part of this salary must necessarily be paid by the said congregation, as it is proper, but we expect you to report by the first opportunity and without delay, how this can and ought to be done in the most convenient manner .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 417, 418, 419.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
1658, June 4th.
Rev. J. T. Polhemus to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Reverend, Very Learned, Most Pious Gentlemen, the Ministers of the Classis of Amsterdam :-
Tendering to you my fraternal and respectful salutations, I would express my affectionate regards, with thankfulness to God. I still continue in the discharge of my appropriate duties, seek- ing to build up the Church of Jesus Christ in this place. We daily trace and observe with increasing clearness, the blessing of the Lord, in the increase of members, and the prevailing good order. We hope you have received favorable reports and testi- monies in relation to us. This will comfort me in my old age. I must also, through the advocacy of your Rev. body, secure the provision from the Hon. Company for the satisfaction of my salary yet remaining due for services in Brazil; and for the reunion and support of myself, wife and children. My salary in the new church here, is also so small that it will go a very little way. I cannot keep silent about it any longer. I commend your Rev. body in general, and each member in particular, to the blessing of Almighty God.
Given at Midwout in New Netherland, June 4th, 1658. Your Reverences much obliged brother,
J. T. Polhemus.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
425
1658
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT : LUTHERANS AND THE FORMULARY OF BAPTISM.
June 7, 1658.
We expressed in our enclosed letter (of May 20th) our opinions and intentions concerning the Lutherans, to gain them over by moderate measures to the Re- formed Church and since closing this letter we have come to the conclusion to direct, that in the churches not only there the old Formulary of baptism be used, but also the words "present here in the Church " be entirely omitted, because we believe that thereby these and other dissenters will be satisfied and kept in the Reformed Church .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 421.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. John Carpentier.
1658, June 22nd.
Rev. John de Carpentier and Rev. Henry Wallins, candidates, were accepted as recommended by the Classis after exhibiting laudable certificates both ecclesiastical and academical, and preaching sermons. vi. 106.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT AMSTERDAM.
1658, Aug. 12 et seq.
Art. 36. State of the Indian and other foreign churches:
Extract concerning the state of the churches of India and other foreign lands, read and handed to the Synod by the Classis of Amsterdam.
New Netherland.
Extract from the letters from New Netherland.
From a letter from Amsterdam in New Netherland, August 5, 1657.
1. Makes mention that the bold presumption of the Lutherans to have a minister there, has been checked.
2. That a Lutheran pastor (Phar-heer) called John Goetwater, arrived there. He was taken before the Heer General, and then
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
summoned before the magistrates, but he could not show his com- mission of appointment to such office, except from the Lutheran Consistory of Amsterdam. Thereupon he was forbidden to preach and ordered to regulate himself according to the Placards of the land, and to depart at the first opportunity.
3. Rev. Gideon Schaats, minister at Rensselaerwyck, states that the affairs of the churches there prosper, the congregation is bravely increasing and that last year they secured a good meeting- house.
4. On Long Island where there are three villages, Polhemius of Brazil has come, and has been accepted as their minister.
5. At Flushing in New Netherland a cobbler had arrived from New England. He said that he had been sent by Christ, and be- gan to preach; but was banished from the province.
Extract from a letter written August 14, 1657, in Amsterdam, in New Netherland.
It is related that on August 12, (1656) a ship had arrived there from the sea. On coming near to the fort, it fired no salute, flew no flag except from the fore-mast. It was a ship full of Quakers. The fiscal having boarded her, they paid him no respect; neither did the captain show any respect to the Heer-General on landing. They had come from London in eight (?) days, and went on to New England the next day - as is supposed to Rhode Island. On sailing away they left two quiet women on land, who at once be- gan to quake. They were arrested and without doubt sent away.
Extract from a letter of October 22, 1657. From Manhattan.
1. It was made known that as yet, the Lutherans in New Neth- erland, were successfully opposed in their attempt to exercise their religion openly.
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Synod of North Holland.
1658.
2. It makes mention also about some Quakers who were locked up and transported to New England or Rhode Island.
3. The lack of English preachers is set forth; inasmuch as one had died, and the other had gone away.
4. Further all affairs are in good condition.
[The long Latin letter of Domine Megapolensis to Father Le Moyne June 1658, and referred to by Dr. O'Callaghan and by Megapolensis, under date of September 28, 1658, belongs here but is omitted because of its polemical character].
Council Minute School.
1
August 13, 1658, Tuesday.
Received the petition of Jan Lubberts, requesting consent to open a school for instruction in reading, writing and arithmetic.
It was answered: i
The request is granted, provided he behaves as such a person ought to behave. Date as above .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 424.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL AND COUNCIL TO THE MINISTERS OF
NEW NETHERLAND.
1658, Aug. 19th.
Extract from the register of resolutions of the Hon. Director- General and Council of New Netherland, adopted at their meet- ing, Aug. 19, 1658:
The letter of the Hon. Directors of the West India Company dated May 20, 1658, was taken into consideration. Resolved, That an extract from said letter should be made and placed in the hands of the Rev. ministers of this city, and that we respect- fully request their answer on the points presented in the letter, relating to the pretended Lutheran minister, and the other Lu- therans here. They are requested to give their answers in writing, and adduce whatever may tend to furnish a full and correct view of the case.
Done at Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, Monday Aug. 19.
C. Van Ruyven, Secretary.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
ANSWER TO THE OBJECTIONS OF THE WEST INDIA COMPANY, CON- CERNING THE FORM OF BAPTISM.
1658, Aug. 23rd.
Revs. J. Megapolensis and S. Drisius to the Director-General and Council of New Netherland.
To the Hon. Director-General and Council of New Netherland : -
By the favor of your Hon. Body, an extract from a letter from the Directors of the West India Company has been placed in our hands. From this we learn that the Lutherans have entered a complaint, and have stated to the Hon. Directors, that they had separated from our church, because in the administration of bap- tism, certain words were used which were objectionable to them, and the parents are compelled to be present when their children are presented for baptism. We wish that the Lutherans in their complaint had simply stated the truth, and had not encompassed us with untruth, in their communication to the Hon. Directors. We therefore assert that as your Honors have been accustomed to attend our preaching and the administration of the sacraments, and having been eye witnesses of the same, your Honors could jus- tify us from these false charges, without any vindication by our- selves. Yet it may be proper in obedience to your Honors order to present to you a further elucidation of the matter.
1. Their excuse that the cause of their separation was a cer- tain question about words in the administration of baptism, which words are customary with us, but objectionable to them, is only such in appearance. As far as our knowledge goes, there never has been any agitation, or even appearance of such, among them, in relation to such a question. Indeed about two years ago one Peter Jansen a stupid northerner, who was neither a Lutheran nor of the Reformed Religion, and who had not intelligence enough to understand the difference between them, nibbled at these ques- tions, but could not give any reasons against them, or receive and
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
429 1658.
try to understand a reason in their favor. Nevertheless they have sought, for five or six years, to call a Lutheran preacher, as Paulus Schrick once said to Heyer Stoffels, whom he took to be a Lu- theran, because he sang German songs on shipboard on the way to Holland. When Schrick returned from Holland in 1655, he be- came a chief promoter of this work. Separate meetings began to be held, until the year 1656, when your decree forbidding them was issued. We believe that, as the Pharisees were offended at the words of Christ, Matt. 15:12, 13, so also has it been in this case; that not only a few words in the Form for the administration of baptism, but also the preaching of the divine Word itself was objectionable to them; for blind men easily run against any ob- stacle. We say blind men, for to our knowledge, there is hardly one among them here who has any proper acquaintance with the teachings of Dr. Luther. They praise Luther only because they call themselves by his name. They are Lutherans, and will re- main such, because their parents and ancestors were Lutherans, as Paulus Schrick their leader in his wisdom once declared.
2. It is false that we, in the Formula of Baptism, ask the par- ents or sponsors, whether the doctrines taught "here " in this church, according to the Synod of Dort, are the true doctrines. For although we hold the doctrines of the Synod of Dort to be the true ones, still we do not use such a Formula, but that which is found in the printed liturgy, of which you, Honorable Gentle- men, are witnesses. We know indeed the emphasis with which they refer to the word "here ". But suppose this word were omitted, we nevertheless, by the Church mean, not the Papal church, but the true Protestant and Reformed churches.
3. The Lutherans have done us wrong in their statement to the Hon. Directors, that we strictly compelled parents and sponsors to be present at the baptism of their children. This is untrue. The facts of the case are as follows: We assert that sometimes there are bastards presented for baptism, who have no known father. Some charged to be the father, deny it. In such cases
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
others have been known to interpose, and to present the illegitimate child. Subsequently we noticed that young persons, who could hardly carry the child, and who had scarcely more knowledge of religion, baptism, and the vows, than the child itself, brought and presented other young children for baptism. Whereupon it was resolved and published from the pulpit, that no half grown youths should present other young children for baptism; but that it should only be done by those who had arrived at years of discre- tion ; that it was the special duty of parents, if at home, to present their own children for baptism; for none could so well fulfil the promises made in regard to the children as the parents; and to this they were bound by the Word of God.
Yet it is not unknown to us that at the National Synod of Dort, in 1574, in Art. 61; at the Synod of Middleburg 1581, Art. 40; and at the Synod of the Hague, 1591, Art. 51; it was decreed that parents themselves should present their children for baptism. But as we have learned that these acts are not very strictly enforced in the Fatherland, so we also do not very strenuously insist on them. Yet there are instances in which neither of the parents are present at the baptism of their child. Indeed, it happened only last Sabbath, Aug. 18th, while we were yet ignorant of the com- plaint of the Lutherans against us, that a child was baptized, neither of whose parents was present; but only two Lutherans, who presented the child, and stood god parents, viz., Laurence Noorman, who, they say was the host who concealed John Gut- wasser, the Lutheran minister last winter, and Magdalen Kallier, a Lutheran woman. We have thus given sufficient proof that no undue strictness has been used towards the Lutherans in the bap- tism of their children, but that their own perverseness has led them to make false representations to the Hon. Directors, and that they intend something else.
Amsterdam, in New Netherland, Aug. 23rd, 1658.
Johannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
431
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1658
(P. S.) Respecting the advice and proposition of the Hon. Directors of the Company, that we should use the old Formula, which is still used in many churches of Holland, and which is more moderate, and less objectionable to those of other denomina- tions, and that by this means they might be won and be satisfied, (we answer) : We know that the Synod of the Hague, 1591, in Art. 28, proposes the questions to parents and sponsors in this form,- Whether they acknowledge the doctrine contained in the Old and New Testaments, and in the Articles of Christian Faith, and taught in conformity thereto, to be the true and perfect doc- trine of salvation. We find also that the Synod of Middleburg, 1581, Art. 21, leaves it optional either to use or omit the phrase in the second question - the doctrine taught " here ". We are aware that the apostolic churches, in order to remove difficulties, and help on weaker brethren, frequently, in minor matters, gave freedom. But in reference to the obstinate and perverse, who came to spy out the liberty of believers, and to bring christians into bondage, they would not yield one iota. (Gal. 2:3, 4.) We are therefore inclined, as far as is consistent with truth and a good conscience, to be moderate in all minor matters, and give indul- gence in what does not affect truth and order, heartily wishing prosperity to the church of Christ here. But as the Form now used has been so long employed, the alteration or omission of it in behalf of the Lutherans, may perhaps give offence to our own people. We therefore write to the Classis of Amsterdam, to whom we are subordinate, and take their advice.
Johannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Request for a Latin School.
1658, September 19.
Further, laying before your Honors the great augementation of the youth in this Province and place, which yearly increases more and more, and finds itself now very numerous, and though many of them can read and write, the Burghers and inhabitants are nevertheless inclined to have their Children instructed in the most useful languages, the chief of which is the Latin tongue; and as there are no
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
means so to do here, the nearest being at Boston in New England, a great distance from here, and many of the Burghers and inhabitants of this place and neighbour- hood having neither the ability nor means to send their children thither, we shall therefore again trouble your Honors and humbly request that your Honors would be pleased to send us a suitable person for Master of a Latin School, in order that our children be instructed in, and study such language, not doubting but were such person here, many of the neighbouring places would send their children hither to be instructed in that tongue; hoping that, increasing from year to year, it may finally attain to an Academy, [College] whereby this place arriving at great splendour your Honors shall have the reward and praise next to God the Lord, who will grant His blessing to it. On your Honors sending us a Schoolmaster, we shall endeavour to have constructed a suitable place or school.
May God the Lord long preserve your Honors in health and successful govern- ment, and we remain,
Your Honors faithful subjects,
The Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of Amsterdam in New Netherland. Done in our Court held in the City Hall the 19th September 1658 .- Early Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 3. 15, 16. Another translation, or paraphrase, in Dun- shee's School of the Collegiate Church (ed. 1883) p. 33.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
1658, Sept. 24th.
Revs. J. Megapolensis and S. Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam. (Abstract of, in Acts of Deputies, Jan, 13, 1659. xx. 391.)
Reverend, Pious and Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ: - - Your letter of May 26th last, (1658,) came safely to hand. We observe your diligence to promote the interests of the church of Jesus Christ in this province, that confusion may be prevented, and that the delightful harmony which has hitherto existed among us here, may continue. At the same time we rejoice that the Hon. Directors have committed this matter to you, and we hope that God will strengthen you in your laudable efforts. Last year we placed before you particularly the circumstances of the churches both in the Dutch and English towns. And as this subject has been placed by your Rev. body before the Hon. Directors, we hope that their Honors will take into earnest consideration the sadly destitute circumstances of the English towns. These, by reason of the removal or death of their preachers, continually appeal with increasing earnestness for instant provision ; for we learn that one of the English towns, through lack of a Presbyterian minister,
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is already engaged in seeking an Independent from (New) Eng- land. The raving Quakers have not settled down, but continue to disturb the people of the province by their wanderings and outcries. For although our government has issued orders against these fanatics, nevertheless they do not fail to pour forth their venom. There is but one place in New England where they are tolerated, and that is Rhode Island, which is the caeca latrina of New England. Thence they swarm to and fro sowing their tares.
The matter of the Lutherans remains still in a very smoky condition. Last year the Lutheran pastor, (John Goetwater) was directed to return by the ships to Holland. Instead of this he went out of the city and concealed himself with a Lutheran farmer during the whole winter, where they supported him at the rate of six guilders ($2.40) per week. On the 4th of August last, when we celebrated the Lord's Supper, they made a collection among themselves for him. The Fiscal was again directed to arrest him, and compell him to leave by one of the earliest ships. In the meantime the Lutherans came and represented to the Director- General that their preacher was sick at the farmer's, and besought the privilege of bringing him within the place for treatment. This was granted them. The Fiscal was at the same time empow- ered to watch over him, and when well again, to send him to Hol- land. Whether, on his recovery, he will return or conceal himself again, time must show. We fear it is a stratagem to hold the matter in suspense, and gain more time. We suspect this the more, as they have said that they will make us appear in an un- favorable light before the Hon. Directors of the West India Com- pany. As to the great precision we employ in the administration of Baptism, the accompanying documents will furnish the proper proofs to your Rev. body. (See those of May 28, Aug. 19 and Aug. 23, 1658.)
It appears to us that it would be very advantageous to the Dutch church, to send over good Dutch ministers who might be tempora- rily placed in the smaller Dutch towns, and afterward on the death
28
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1658
or disability of other Dutch ministers, to be transferred to the more populous towns. And such transfers would very soon be. required, as Domine Schaats is a man in feeble health; Domine Polhemius is already sixty years old, and both of us have entered in our fifty seventh year. There is much need of two more learned and godly ministers in this province, as the Jesuits in Canada or Nova Francia are seeking to force an entrance among us, and introduce their idolatries and superstitions. For when the French made peace with our Indians, the Mohawks, several Jesuits went among them, and have since continued there. One of them named Simon Le Moyne has been several times at Fort Orange, and last fall came here to Manhattan, doubtless to encourage the papists, both Dutch and French, residing here, and to observe the condi- tion of our affairs. He remained here eight days, and then re- turned to Fort Orange, and thence by land to Canada.
We commend your Reverences to the protection of the Most High, who is able to keep you, and do abundantly above what we can ask or think, and place you blameless before His throne. With salutations to the Rev. Classis,
Yours affectionately, Joannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, Sept. 24th, 1658.
Correspondence from America.
1658, Sept. 25th.
Rev. J. Megapolensis to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Reverend, Pious and Learned Brethren in Christ: -
I have a son named Samuel, now entering on his twenty fifth year. I instructed him myself for several years in the Latin and
435.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1658
Greek languages. I then sent him to the Academy of Cambridge in New England, where I allowed him to pursue his studies for three years at my own expense. When he returned home, he was desirous of visiting one of the universities of the Fatherland, and of continuing his studies therein. He accordingly went over to Utrecht, and having letters to Domine Voetius, he entered the university there. Although he is now separated from me many hundred miles, and I remain ignorant of his progress in his studies, or of his deportment in life, nevertheless as he conducted himself diligently, studiously and virtuously during his three years residence in New England, according to ample testimonials given him, I trust that as he grows older, he will not exhibit less industry in study, or less excellency of conduct in the University of Utrecht; and since he is so faithfully attending to his studies during the year now passing, that he will soon be prepared for an entrance on the Gospel ministry.
At the same time, owing to the condition of the churches here it is necessary that there should be sent out some English as well as Dutch preachers, it is my fraternal and submissive request, that when this subject comes before the Hon. Directors, and the Rev. Classis, that my son Samuel may be taken into consideration. And if he be deemed qualified for the office of the ministry, whether in Dutch or English towns, as he understands and speaks the English well, that he may be sent over in that capacity. As he is my youngest son, and I have been at much expense for him, having kept him for three years in New England, and now he is in the third at Utrecht, supporting him solely at my own expense, I cherish a strong desire to see him again among us before I die; as I expect that New Netherland, where I have now passed seven- teen years of my ministry, will be the place of my burial. It will be a great joy to me to have my son return, qualified by God in doctrine and life, to build up the church in this land. I com- mit these matters to God's providence and your kindness. May
.
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1658
our God bless and strengthen you and myself in our ministries, to the glory of his name, the edification of his church, and the salvation of our souls.
Yours affectionately,
Joannes Megapolensis.
New Amsterdam, in New Netherland,
Sept. 25, 1658.
(Part of this letter is found in Sprague's Annals, Vol. viii, p. 3.)
Correspondence from America.
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