USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 43
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i Jacob Jansen Stoll Thomas Chambers Juriaen Bestvall's mark.
Esopus, the 17th of August 1659.'
Willem Jansen's mark .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 103.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
447
1659
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COLONIE ON THE DELAWARE TO VICE DIRECTOR ALRICHS.
1659, Aug. 22nd.
We are much pleased to learn the improvement of the church and congregation, and approve the purchase of the house in which service was performed, but not the assessment and deduction prescribed there for all real estate (vaste goederen), inasmuch as we have resolved that, agreeably to the practice in this country, the 40th penny shall be deducted from all voluntary sales of real estate, and the 80th from those by execution, and therefore only one half per cent, and no more, for the Secretary, besides his fees for writing and dispatch. This, we understand, is also the prac- tice in the government of the Manhattans. As to what further relates to the invention of such burthens on the commonalty, you are ordered and instructed, in future, not to resort to such pro- ceeding without our knowledge, unless the most imperative and extreme necessity in this regard cannot admit of any delay.
The bold undertaking of the Swedish Parson to preach in the Colonie there without permission, does not greatly please us. And as we will assuredly, that, as yet, no other religion but the Reformed can nor may be tolerated there, so you must, by proper means, put an end to or prevent such presumption on the part of other secretaries .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 61.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE XIX. IN REGARD TO NEW NETHERLAND. Extract from the Minutes or Resolutions of the Assembly of the XIX., of the West India Company, holden at Amsterdam, from the 21st August to the 22nd September, 1659, so far as they relate to New Netherland.
Monday, the 25th August, 1659.
Domine Pruelius, Cop-a-groen and Van Noort, clergymen enter, who represent that the Venerable Classis at present met in this city, had deputed them to greet this Assembly and to inform it:
1. First. That they had learned that various sects were residing in New Nether- land, namely, divers Quakers at the Red Hill or Rhode Island, and a number of Lutherans at New Amsterdam and the South River, who were propagating their
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doctrine there, requesting that provision be made therein, and their conventicles prevented.
2. Secondly. As, according to letters from the brethren in New Netherland, some Dutch and English clergymen were required there, they wish and request that this Assembly, in support thereof, may adopt a favorable resolution, and pro- vide the place with more ministers.
3. Thirdly. As three clergymen have died some time since in Guinea, and in the meantime the congregation are without any, they submit and propose to this Assembly, in order to proceed more assuredly therein and to provide the congre- gation there always, as far as possible, with one clergyman, whether a second ought to be sent thither in addition to the Minister who sailed in the last ship.
4. Fourthly. They demand payment of the arrears of the salary earned by Domine Polhemius, at present a minister in New Netherland; also, that Reverend Asstetten's widow, who had been referred to this Assembly by the Zealand Chamber, may be paid 'what is due. Which being considered, and question being put, it is resolved and concluded, and told to the aforesaid Domine, who, being without, were again invited in, namely, that the first and second parts of their aforesaid proposal and request concerned the presiding Chamber of Amsterdam, whose delegates being at present at this meeting, had undertaken to communicate the same to their principals, that proper order may be taken thereon. But what regarded the third division of their request, viz., the dispatching a second preacher to Guinea, that this Assembly considers one Minister enough for that place as there is but a small congregation there, and those from the surrounding forts and places came to Church to El Mina, and attended divine service there. Fourthly, the Minister, Polhemus, in regard to his petition, is referred to the presiding, Chamber of Amsterdam, to make due disposition thereof. And the widow Asstet- ten's petition, consisting, in fact, of three parts, etc .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 72.
Wednesday, 3rd of September, 1659.
The first point for consideration, whereupon many deliberations have been now for some time had, but no conclusion come to by the different members is resumed, in order to bring the respective Chambers to closer connection, good correspondence and union, the result of which will evidently be their complete restoration and - preservation, the present deputies from all the Chambers representing the Assembly of the XIX., resolved and enacted
1. First and foremost, each chamber, etc.
7. And in regard to New Netherland, where the Amsterdam Chamber, and the Wild Coast, where the Zealand Chamber has each already its Colonies, the other Chambers respectively will be at liberty (the resolutions heretofore adopted there- upon, remaining in full force) to plant their Colonies also in those parts in suitable places, having no proprietors, and to allow other persons to come into their Col- onies, all with previous notification, knowledge and approbation of the Assembly of the XIX., and upon an equal footing, order and proper regulation, not conflict-
' ing with the already established Colonies, belonging to said respective Chambers in those places and coasts, the expenses to be incurred thereby shall be declared and assumed as a common charge, in order that the repartition of the Company's receipts, hereinbefore more fully specified, shall be made in the same manner, as it will be put into practice on the behalf of the Chambers of Amsterdam and! Zealand, by virtue of this resolution, and the profits accruing therefrom for the common advantage.
8. What relates to the general trade on the coast of Guinea, etc .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 73.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
449 1659
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America, 1659, Sept. 10th. Revs. J. Megapolensis and S. Drisius to Classis of Amsterdam.
Reverend, Pious, Very Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ :-
Last year, 1658, we wrote you concerning the state of the church here, and the lack of good preachers not only among the Dutch, but also in the English towns under the jurisdiction of our government. We hope you duly received our letter although we have not yet received any answer thereto, the reason of which is unknown to us. In that letter of ours we explained the cir- cumstances in detail. We know of nothing to add, except the following:
The Lutheran minister, Joannes Ernestus Gutwasser remained here when the ships departed for Holland. This not only gave occasion to many people to remain away from church, but also, contrary to the command of the Governor, and to his own solemn promises, he began to hold meetings and to preach. The Gov- ernor again learning of this, forbade him. But Gutwasser, anxious to trouble the waters, refused to obey the orders of the Governor, and with his adherents determined to persevere. Upon this he was, by the authority of the Governor, arrested in his own house, and last spring he was sent by the ship De Bruynvisch, (Brown Fish,) back to Holland. There is now again quietness among the people, and the Lutherans again go to church, as they were formerly accustomed to do. One of their principal men, the causa movens, in the bringing over of this preacher, and who previous to his coming, had begun to hold meetings in order to pave the way therefor, if he should come, is now one of the most punctual attendants, and has his pew near to the pulpit. We have, therefore, reason to thank God that he has inclined the hearts of the Hon. Directors and those in authority, that the threatened split among the inhabitants, and the imminent injury
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
to this infant church, have been averted by their vigilance and discretion.
Last April there arrived here in a ship from Holland, a candi- date of Theology, (or proponent), named Hermanus Bloem, bring- ing with him his academical testimonials, and also those of his preparatory examination. We consented that he should preach in this and the adjacent places, which he has done several times to the great satisfaction of the hearers. There are at least two places where they have invited Domine Bloem to settle as their minister. They offer good terms, as appears in the request con- cerning this matter, which they have presented to the Director- General and his Council of New Netherland, and which they have also doubtlessly forwarded to the Hon. Directors. He therefore returns to Holland, to undergo the peremptory (final) examina- tion, and receive ordination for the work of the ministry, in order to prosecute the same here. We hope the Directors will facilitate this affair, and that he may have the favor of your Reverences. Finally, we commend you to the protection of the Most High, while we pray for his blessing on all our ministries.
Your Reverences Obedient, Johannes Megapolensis. Samuel Drisius.
New Amsterdam, Sept. 10, 1659.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF STUYVESANT TO THE DIRECTORS IN HOLLAND : THE REV. HARMANUS BLOEM HAS ARRIVED AND IS PROPOSED TO SEND HIM TO THE ESOPUS ;
September 17th 1659.
Your Honors inform us in their favor of the 13th of February, received by " de Trouw ", among others, that for the promotion of divine service in the country your Honors has resolved and already issued orders to send over two or three God- fearing and suitable candidates. Upon the strength of that rumor one Harmanus Bloem of Amsterdam has now proceeded hither, persuaded and advised thereto, as his Reverence says, by some preachers of the aforesaid city; he has preached here as well as in the country to the satisfaction of his hearers, so much so that we have been petitioned in regard to him, to have him as their Minister, as your Honors may see by the enclosure No. 4; under the circumstances, as your Honors are the Lords and Patroons in general and consequently this matter concerns the
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1659
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Classis, we did not wish to meddle any further in this matter, except to recom- mend the said Domine Harmanus Bloem to your Honors and to request, partly on his account as he has been candidate for a long time, partly for the sake of the inhabitants of the Esopus, that your Honors will please to look upon him with favor. We hope and trust from the short conversation had with him, that he will be for many a good leader to salvation and should your Honors indeed send beside him, two or three God-fearing candidates more, even though only at a salary of five or six hundred guilders, we trust, nay, we may assure your Honors, that the balance up to ten, eleven or twelve hundred guilders will be raised here by the parishes, one contributing less the other more, according to the ability of the. villages .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 110, 111.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF STUYVESANT TO THE DIRECTORS : LATIN SCHOOL; MEDICINAL SEEDS WANTED.
September 17, 1659.
The Latin schoolmaster or rector, lately sent over, complains of his salary, because, he says it is impossible to support himself decently with it, as you may see by this enclosed letter to us. Your repeated instructions do not allow us, to raise anybody's salary without your knowledge; we have therefore referred him to you, promising him our favorable recommendation: we now request your Honors' advice, whether a reasonable sum may not be granted to him for board money. As to his services and diligence, we must truly testify, that his industry is astonish- ing and the progress of the young people remarkable.
Among other necessaries required we would respectfully remind your Honors and submit, whether it is not possible, to receive by somebody's recommendation and intervention from the Botanical Garden at Leyden some medicinal seeds and plants, which could be cultivated here; if so, which we desire most heartily, please to have some of them sent over by the first opportunity, taking care, that such seeds be not packed in boxes or pots in the shipshold, but in small, linen bags, all placed in a larger one and hung up in the cabin, in the room on the quarterdeck or in the gunner's quarters, to be preserved from spoiling .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 445.
ORDER APPOINTING A DAY OF GENERAL FASTING AND PRAYER FOR OCTOBER 15, 1659.
Honorable, Dear, Faithful :-
Although the most merciful God, rich in grace and compassion, hath, notwithstanding our unworthiness, watched over us hitherto, and daily gives us abundant cause to proclaim His praise and to bless His august name for the innumerable benefits and favors exhibited from time to time; in granting peace and quiet both with our neighboring Christian nations and the Indians, the na- tives of the country, as well as in bestowing a bountiful harvest, having certainly blessed our basket of bread and staff of life; wherein his goodness and beneficence are clearly manifest :
Yet, considering that the righteous God hath visited many and
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divers inhabitants of this Province, not only this summer, with painful and long, lingering sickness, but, moreover, also, that His kindled anger and uplifted hand threatened with many and divers punishments, especially with a devastating Indian war, which is no other than a just punishment and visitation of our God for our enormous sins of unbelief, dilatoriness in God's ser- vice, blaspheming His holy name, desecrating the Sabbath, drunk- enness, lasciviousness, whordom, hate, envy, lies, fraud, luxury, abuse of God's gifts, and many other iniquities. And because we run counter to God in our sins, God, in his threatenings will oppose us with punishments, unless we turn to Him (whom, in our iniquities, we have abandoned) in sincere humility and true contrition of heart that He may turn aside His wrath from us, and assist and bless us with His favor; therefore, we have con- sidered it most necessary, to that end, to proclaim Wednesday, the 15th of October of the current year, a day of Universal Fast- ing and Prayer, and accordingly, notify and command all our officers and subjects that they prepare themselves on the afore- said day to appear, at the time aforesaid, with changed heart, at the usual place in the general meeting, not only to hear God's Word, but also, unanimously, with an humble and penitent heart, solemnly to call on the Lord's name that it may please His Divine Majesty to remove from our road His just plagues, wherewith we are already stricken, and to divert His rod, which flourishes over us, and to pour down His wrath on the Heathen who know not His name; to take this just budding Province into His fatherly protection; to maintain it against the efforts of all evil- minded men who seek its ruin; mercifully to visit the inhabit- ants and subjects of this Province with corporeal and spiritual blessings, that the Word of Truth may be proclaimed and spread among many people, and that their rulers may be as lights among this evil and perverse generation; that to this end God may vouch- safe to send forth faithful laborers into His harvest to proclaim unto Jacob his sins and unto Israel his transgressions; particu- larly that God would please to endow our Magistrates and Re-
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453
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1659
gents of this land with understanding, wisdom, foresight and goodness, that they may resolve, design and valiantly execute whatsoever may be of service to the happiness of the country and the welfare of its inhabitants both in body and soul.
In order that it may be the better put into practice, we interdict and forbid, during divine service on the day aforesaid all exercise and games of tennis, ball-playing, hunting, fishing, ploughing and sowing, and, moreover, all other unlawful practices, such as dice, drunkenness, on pain of the corporeal correction and punishment thereunto already affixed; in like manner are all ser- vants of the Divine Word, within our government, hereby ad- monished to direct their preaching and prayers to this end.
Thus done and concluded in our Council, in Fort Amsterdam, in New Netherland, the 30th of September, Anno 1659.
(Signed), P. Stuyvesant.
Beneath was :-
After collating this with the original, dated and signed as above, it is found by me to agree.
(Signed), C. van Ruyven, Sec.
On the side was :
Delivered the writing to Domine Welius on the 10th of this October, 1659 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 78.
JOURNAL OF THE DUTCH EMBASSY TO MARYLAND.
1659, Sept. 30.
Journal kept by Augustine Heermans during his Embassy from the Right Honor- able the Director-General, Petrus Stuyvesant and the Supreme Council of New Netherland, to the Honorable Governor-General and Council of Maryland, touching the pretentions set up by Colonel Nathaniel Utie to the South River.
October 12/2, Sunday.
Accompanied Mr. Overzee to Secretary Calvert's to dinner, where Mr. Doughty, the minister, accidentally called. After the cloth was removed, talked about his charts or maps of the country, of which he laid on the table two that were engraved and one in manuscript. One was printed at Amsterdam, by direc- tion of Captain Smith, the first discoverer of the Great bay of Chesapeake, or. Virginia; the second appeared also to be printed at Amsterdam, at the time of' Lord Balthamoor's patent; we knew not by whom or where the manuscript one was drawn. All differed, one from the other. He wished to prove from them the extent of Lord Balthamoor's boundaries, but we, on the contrary, showed and maintained that if Chesapeake bay ran, above, so crooked towards the northeast, they would come so far within our line .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. SS, 93.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Lutheran Church in New Netherland.
1659, Nov. 3rd.
The said brethren did also read a letter sent to them from New Netherland from which are learned the good efforts which are made there for stopping the Lutheran conventicles, and with such success that their meetings have been prevented entirely, and the Lutherans come to church again. The minister Gutt- wasser, has been put in jail and was sent to the Fatherland with the first ships. The Assembly rejoiced in all this. It was re- solved to thank the Directors here by word of mouth; and also the Rev. Brethren thereby better, for the good endeavors put forth, with the request that their Estimables will be pleased to extend the same to the Director, (Stuyvesant.) vi. 168. xix. 59.
Rev. Herman Blom.
1659, Nov. 3rd.
It was also made known in the same (letter) that Rev. Her- manus Blom, a candidate, had arrived there, provided with his Academical certificates, and (one, of his) preparatory Examina- tion. He had preached several times to the great satisfaction of the hearers. He had made himself so acceptable in at least two places, that they had invited him to be their minister on very good terms. To this end Rev. Blom had come back and had been presented to the Directors, that he might be, according to the usual order, examined for ordination, and be promoted to the Sacred Ministry of the Church. For this purpose their Revs. hope to have the favor of the Directors. and request our assist- ance. The Assembly resolved to summon Rev. Bloem himself before them, and to confer with him about this matter. Having been heard, he gave satisfaction to the Assembly on everything that was proposed to him. They also saw a laudable testimonial from the brethren there, and understood the affection bestowed
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
upon him by the churches there. They have therefore chosen Rev. Hermannus Bloem as minister to New Netherland. The approval of the Directors is to be requested, provisionally. Rev. John Mouvlourt was appointed Examiner. He gave Rev. Bloem the text 1 John 5:7. The Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas will send out notice of the time (for the meeting) of Classis. vi. 169; xix. 59.
ADMINISTRATIVE MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Election of a Churchmaster.
Friday, 14th November 1659: In the City Hall. Present the Heeren Marten Cregier, Olof Stevensen Cortlant.
Hendrick Jansen Vander Vin appears in Court requesting, that a Churchmaster be appointed with him instead of Pieter Tonneman. Whereupon Nicasius de Sille and Pieter Rudolfus are put in nomination.
Whereas Pieter Tonneman, Churchmaster of this City, has departed hence to Fatherland in the ship the Moesman, and the office is consequently vacant; and whereas it is necessary the place should be again filled, the Burgomasters therefore propose to your Honors for this purpose a double nomination to select therefrom one in the place of the abovenamed Churchmaster: - to wit -
Nicasius de Sille, Pieter Rudolfus.
Requesting your Honors to be pleased to elect from. them such as your Honors may please; and remain Right Honorable your Honors' Subjects,
The Burgomasters of the City Amsterdam in New Netherland. By order of the same,
Joannes Nevius, Secretary .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. vii. p. 237.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Blom.
1659, Nov. 17th.
The call of Rev. Blom to the service of the church of New Netherland having been laid before the Directors, was followed by their Estimables, but inasmuch as Rev. Blom will not set out so very soon, the fixing of the time for his examination is for the present postponed. The Rev. Deputati ad res Indicas are charged to note the time of his departure, so that the time of his examination may be fixed accordingly. vi. 170, 171; xix. 59.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1659
Rev. Polhemius.
1659, Nov. 17th.
A letter handed in from Rev. Polhemius, minister in New Netherland, in which he thanks this Classis for the trouble taken by the same some time ago on behalf of himself and his wife. vi. 171; xix. 59.
SHERIFF VAN SCHWERINGEN TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE COLONIE ON THE DELAWARE RIVER.
1659, Nov. or Dec.
He alludes to his having requested Domine Welius to ask a certain favor of the Director for him. In conclusion he says :
" Herewith I commend your Worships to the protection of God Almighty, who will always keep and preserve you, and direct your Honor's undertaking to the advancement of this colonie and God's Church .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 106-7.
VICE-DIRECTOR ALRICHS TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE COLONIE OF THE DELAWARE RIVER.
Again, you are advised that our minister, Domine Everardus Welius, hath died on the 9th instant, to the sorrow and grief of us all.
Your Honors are against hereby respectfully requested to pay as much attention as possible to the sending another minister hither very speedily, so that the congregation now here collected may not come all at once to grow wild. Wherewith commend- ing your Honors to God's protection.
Your Honors' obedient and obliged servant,
(Signed), J. Alrichs.
On one side:
New Amstel, on the South River, in New Netherland, this 12th December, 1659 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 112, 114.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
457
1659
JACOB ALDRICHS TO DIRECTOR STUYVESANT ; DEATH
OF REV. WELIUS.
Also for information, that Domine Wellus died here, to all our grief and regret, on the 9th inst., after a sickness of a few days.
New Amstel, this 12th December, 1659 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xl1. 285, 286.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
1659, Dec. 12th.
The Church of New Amstel, South River, to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Reverend, Pious and Learned Gentlemen, and Brethren in Christ :-
We find ourselves under the sad necessity of informing you that it has pleased Almighty God to remove to his heavenly glory, on the 9th inst., our excellent and worthy minister, Domine Ever- ardus Welius, after he had served this church and congregation, with godliness of life, and edifying doctrine, for the space of eighteen (twenty eight?) months. This loss causes here much sorrow and grief of heart. During this time the church in- creased remarkably, furnishing proof of your christian care and providence in her behalf. The church now consists of sixty mem- bers. It has therefore been greatly strengthened, formerly hav- ing had only nineteen. Fully confiding in your pious compassion, and your regard for this people, of which we have already had such convincing proof, and in order that the community may not run wild, we again send our christian requests, that you would procure for us another minister and pastor. May one come among us as soon as possible, who will turn the flock back again.
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We commend you, Reverend, Pious and learned brethren in Christ, to the protection of Almighty God, while we remain,
Your dutiful servants,
J. Alrick
Jean Williams, Elders.
Evert Pieterse, Chorister, Visitor of the Sick, and Deacon.
New Amstel, S.R.
December 12, 1659.
On Dec. 12, 1659, among the items in the debts due in the Colony of New Amstel, is the following :- " The creditors of Andries Hude for the church, nine hundred florins ". (Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. iii.)
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