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Abraham Smith, his mark
Robert Coo
"Benjamin Coe, his mark
499
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1661
herises amongst us we humbly crave that your honoure would be pleased to take into consideration our conditions that have kept your soldiers all this time that we may not suffer for other mens seife wildnes and if your honoure sese cause that your souldiers shall stay any longer amongst us we humbly entreat you that you would send order that they might be pleased elsewhere and if you se cause to send for them home if there be anything that your honoure sese cause to require of us to doe in the plases you hade set us we shall indevoure to doe according to your derections with appreciation of all hapines to your honoure we humbly take our leavse and shall remaine your loyall subjections to our power.
Richard Everitt Nathanieli Denton.
February the 11th Anno 1661.
Upon better consideration we have set down the names of those that would not subscribe. 1
John Townsend, Richarde Harkar, Samuell Deine,
Samuell Andrewse, Benjamin Hubbarde, Nathaniell Cole.
Lovinge friends.
By the Bearers Wee have Received your letter and al soo the Engagement of the most part of the Inhabitants for to oppose and to hinder the unlawfull Conventicles of the quaeckers and all other prohibited meetings, wee hope the performancy thereof and according to former petition, we free by these presents the Subscrators of the Souldiers provided that they until further order, shall be lodged and furnished with decent meete and vittells, by those that still our acts and orders does oppose, Orderinge by these presents the Magistrates to see these put in Execution so after my love I Rest.
Your lovinge Friend and Governour.
Amsterdam in New Netherland,
this 15th of February Anno 1661 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 489, 490, 491, 492, 493.
ACT OF THE STATES GENERAL AND CONDITIONS OFFERED BY THE DUTCH WEST INDIA COMPANY TO SETTLERS IN NEW NETHER- LAND.
1661.
The States Generall of the United Provinces,
To all who these presents shall see or hear read, doe make knowne; that wee have condiscended and permitted as wee doe by these condiscend & permitt all Christian people of tender conscience in England or elsewhere, oppressed, full liberty to erect a Colony in the West Indies between New England and Virginia in America, now within the jurisdiction of Peter Stivazent the States Generall's Governor for the West India Company, on the conditions & priviledges graunted by the Committees of the respective chambers representing the Assembly of the XIX. doe therefore order charge and command all and every one whom these may concerne, that they shall not in any wise hinder the said people nor any of them or any whom they shall or might send with knowledge of the said Company; but contrarywise afford unto any and all of them all favorable helpe and assistance, where it shall be needful; for wee have found it to bee good for the Company. Given att the Hage under our Seale paraphura, and signed by our Griffier the 14th day of February Anno Domini 1661.
Abstract of Conditions.
A grant of land fifteen leagues along the sea-coast, and as far inland as any other colony; free property of said colony; to have their own Courts; no poll tax for three years; and mineral, free of duty for twenty years; no duty on imports for
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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ten years; free exports for ten years; own their own ships independently of West India Company; may have their own Director, but must issue all writs in the name of the States General.
Description of the land and its products is then given; "great profit to bee' derived from traffique with the natives, who are naturally a wild people, very capable, and by the grace of God to be drawn out of their blind ignorance to the saving light of Jesus Christ " " Therefore if any of the English, good Christians shall bee rationally disposed to transport themselves to the said place under the conduct of the United States (of Holland) shall have full liberty to live in the fear of the Lord, and upon the aforesaid good condi- tions shall be likewise curteously used .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 37-39. See also O'Callaghan ii. 444.
COUNCIL MINUTE. THE INHABITANTS OF NEWTOWN, L. I., PE- TITION, THAT THEY MAY USE THE MINISTER'S HOUSE AND GLEBE FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES.
To the honorable Lord Stuyvesant, Lord generall of the New Netherlands, the humble petition off your Lordships petitioners :-
That whereas God hath beene pleased off laet years to deprive us off Middle- borrow, of Long eylandt, off the publyck meanes of grace and salvation; and alsoo off Education off our children, in Scholasticall discipline, the way to true happi- nesse; but yet God in mercy off laet hath provided, for us a helpe meete for the' discipline of education of our children; and by the same person helpe in the Sabbath exercys: wee therefore, who never gave nor consented to the giveinge of the howsinge and Lands, built and fenced in, and alsoo dedicated for the Use of the publyce dispensation off God's word unto us, wee humbly intreat your honor- able Lordshipe that this our said Schoolmaster Richard Mills by name may bee by your Lordshipps order be possessed of the said housinge and Lands, for his use and ours also, for our childrens education and the Saboths exercyse, the which God doeth require, and wee have neede for us and our children thereof: as the. housinge now Stand it is licke all to goe to racke and ruyne, the fences faellinge downe, the house and barn decayinge and wanteth repayre and Francis Dowtye doeth not repayre it, nor the towne, as it stands betweene him and them, will. not repayre it, and by this meanes is like to come to nothing in a shorte time: and soo wee and your Lordshippe alsoo by this meanes shall be disappointed: therefore our humble request is to your Lordshippe, is that this our schoolmaster, and at present our souls helpe in dispencinge Gods word to us and our children everyre Lord's day, may be settled in it, to enjoye it without any molestation from Francis Doughty, or any of his, for soo longe time as God shall be pleased to Continue him amongst us, or to provyde another for us thus knowinge that. your Lordshipp is willinge to further Our Souls good as wel as our bodyes, Wee rest your Lordships humble petisioners and humble subjects
Thomas Hunte Francis Swayne James Bradish James Lawrensen
Nicolas Carter
Mary Ryder
John Banker
John Laurisen
Thomas Cornish
Samuel Toe.
This petition having been presented to the Director General, his Honor answered as follows:
These presence doeth requiere and order Francys Doughty, and whom it may Concerne, to give and graunt a quyett possession unto the present Schoolmaster Mr. Richard Mills off the house and Land, Beeinge with our knowledge Consent
501
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1661
and helpe, buildt for the publick use of the ministry, and by that means it may nor cannot be given and transported for a privaet heerytadge, provyded if hee either his wyfe, hath to demand any remaynder of meanes or wages, of her deceased husband, Mr. John Moor, laet Minister of the aforementioned towne is being made apeer, these presence doeth order the Magistrates and Inhabitants of the sayde towne to give unto the heyres, what is done unto them. Actum Amsterw. in the New Netherlands, this 18th of February Anno 1661 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 496. -
P. Stuyvesant.
REV. DRISIUS SENT TO HEMPSTEAD TO BAPTIZE CHILDREN.
To the Magestrates and Inhabitants of Heemesteede. Post Script:
Whereas wee by the Bearers were Informed that by want of a Minister now soo longe Continued many children amongst you were unbaptized - we are Re- solved to send with the first opportunity One of our Ministers (to witt:) Mr.' Driesius to administraet that Sacrament unto those that accordinge to the word and order of God are desirous of itt, hoopinge and not doubtinge that you will use all possibell means that the towne may tymely be supplyed with an able and orthodox Minister to the Edification of God's glorie and your owne Salvation, soo after my Love I Rest ut supra.
Pursuant to the promise, made to the people of the village of Hemstead on the 25th of February, Domine Samuel Drisius proceeded to that place on the 12th of March and after the sermon baptized forty one children and an aged woman .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 497.
CONTRACT BETWEEN THOMAS CHAMBERS AND OTHER INHABIT- ANTS OF ESOPUS AND REV. HERMANUS BLOEM.
The undersigned inhabitants of the settlement at the place called Esopus, promise to give our Reverend Minister Hermanus Bloem as salary for the first year (which salary has commenced with his arrival here on the 5th of September 1660) the sum of seven hundred guilders in corn, at beaver valuation, in case his farm should fail and we promise further to put the farm in good order according to' contract, as soon as the land has been allotted and to raise that sum at the latest for the coming farming season. This we, the undersigned, promise faithfully and truly to do. Thus done the 4th of March 1661.
Thomas Chambers Cornelis Barensten Slecht
The mark
of Gertruy Andries
Roeloff Swartwout
Alaerdt Heymensen Roose
The mark of Juriaen Westvael - Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 194.
CHURCH OF MIDWOUT PETITION FOR ASSISTANCE.
To the Noble Director General and the Honorable Council of New Netherland.
Humbly show the undersigned, that we have gratefully received fl.415.10 - as a subsidy for our Church, but that we are still indebted to Mr. Jacob N., the barber for
d. 77
our Schoolmaster Renier
..
32
and to a skipper, Sander N. “ 81
-
total . fl 190 which we had hoped to pay out of the money due us; but as it has not been paid,
502
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
we are compelled, to turn again to your Honors and respectfully to request, that these debts be discharged. Which doing etc.
In the name of the whole community.
Joh. Theo. Polhemius Jan Strycker.
Midwout, the 29th of March, 1661.
A vote was taken and the following answer given:
When the treasury has sufficient funds, the petitioners shall be paid by the Receiver, on behalf of the Company and for the benefit of the Church, one half of the above amount. Date as above.
To the Noble, Honorable Director General of New Netherland and his Council .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 499.
ORDINANCE OF NEW AMSTERDAM ABOUT WEIGHING GOODS.
1661, April 11.
Goods for religious and charitable purposes not to be charged for weighing.
Only the goods and merchandises which are brought to, or received at the weighing house, and belong to the Hon. (West India) Company, to this city, to the Board of Deacons and other Charitable Institutions, being really and truly} their property, and to be converted to their use, shall be exempt from the fee for weighing; all which the Weigh-master must weigh gratis and for God's sake .- Laws etc. New Netherland, 393.
DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT.
1661, May 2.
Evert Pietersen appointed Schoolmaster.
The Directors of the West India Company, department of Amsterdam, to the honorable, prudent, beloved, trusty Petrus Stuyvesant, Director General and Council, make known:
Whereas we have deemed it necessary to promote religious worship, and to read to the inhabitants the Word of God, to exhort them, to lead them in the ways of the Lord, and console the sick, that an expert person was sent to New Netherland in the city of New Amsterdam, who at the same time should act there as Chorister and Schoolmaster; so it is, that we, upon the good report which we have received about the person of Evert Pietersen, and confiding in his abilities and experience in the aforesaid services, together on his pious character and virtues, have, on your Honor's recommendation, and that of the magistrates of the city of New Amster- dam, appointed the aforesaid person as Consoler of the sick, Chorister and School- master at New Amsterdam in New Netherlands, which charge he shall fulfil there, and conduct himself in these with all diligence and faithfulness; so as we expect that he shall give others a good example, so as it becomes a pious and good Con- soler, Clerk, Chorister and Schoolmaster; regulating himself in conformity to the instructions which he received here from the Consistory, and principally to the in- structions which he received from us, which he shall execute in every point faith- fully; wherefore, we command all persons, without distinction, to acknowledge the aforesaid Evert Pietersen as Consoler, Clerk, Chorister and Schoolmaster in New
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
503
1661
Amsterdam in New Netherlands, and not to molest, disturb or ridicule him In any of these offices, but rather to offer him every assistance in their power, and dellver him from every painful sensation, by which the will of the Lord and our good intentions shall be accomplished.
Done by the Department of Amsterdam, on the 2nd of May, 1661.
(Signed), Abram Wilmerdoncx. By order of him, C. Van Deventer .- Dunshee, 27.
Lower stood.
DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT.
1661, May 9.
Honorable, prudent, beloved Trustees: Our last was the 11th of April, by the way of Curacoa, of which we now have enclosed the duplicate; since which period noth- ing has occurred here of consequence - i. e., which deserves to be mentioned - as only, that we have engaged, on your Honor's recommendation and that of the magistrates of the city of New Amsterdam, Mr. Evert Pietersen as schoolmaster and clerk upon a salary of g. 36 per month ($15), and g. 125 ($52+ ) annually for his board, who is now embarked in the ship the Gilded Beaver, but not with his wife, whose indisposition, as he said, prevented her departure. And whereas he solicited to be supplied with some books and stationery, which would be of service to him in that station, so did we resolve to send you a sufficient quantity of these articles, as your honor may see from the invoice. Your honor ought not to place all these at his disposal at once, but from time to time, when he may be in want of these, when his account ought directly to be charged with its amount; so, too, he must be charged with all such books of which he may be in want as a consoler of the sick, which he might have obtained from your Honor, which afterwards, might be reimbursed to him, whenever he, ceasing to serve in that capacity, might return these; all this must be valued at the invoice price .- Dunshee, 28.
CHARTER OF ESOPUS.
1661, May 16.
Judges to be of the Reformed Religion.
It is, therefore, necessary, so that everything may be effected with due order and respect, that there be chosen as judges, honest intelligent persons possessing real estate, peaceable men, good subjects to their Lords and Patroons, and the high administration appointed by them in this country, professors of the reformed religion, as it is now preached in the United Netherlandish churches, in conformity to the Word of God, and the order of the Synod of Dordrecht; which court of justice for the present time, till otherwise shall be ordained by the aforesaid Lords Patroons in their authorized administration, shall consist of a Sheriff, being in loco, who shall summon in the name of the Director General and Council, the appointed Schepens, and preside at their meeting: Laws of New Netherland, 396 .--- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. ii., 433.
THE CHURCH OF NEW AMSTERDAM TO THE WEST INDIA COM- PANY, UNDER DATE OF 1661, (SPRING).
This letter related to the settling of another pastor in New Amsterdam. Mega- polensis and Drisius were becoming old. This letter referred to in letter of Dec. 16, 1661. None was obtained until Rev. Samuel Megapolensis settled there in 1664.
504
1661
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. 1661, May 23rd. Rev. Mr. Lyendecker in the Chair.
Letters from New Netherland, read.
A communication was read from Rev. Polhemius, of New Netherland, dated Sept. 29, 1660, giving information of the pros- perity of the Church there.
A communication from Rev. Samuel Drisius, of New Nether- land, dated Oct. 4, 1660, was read. He announced that Rev. Blom is settled in his church at Esopus, and Rev. Selyns at Brook- lyn, each having been received with joy. And because this letter embraces certain difficulties concerning the word " Here " in the Formula for Holy Baptism, and concerning a certain Mennonist who would join the church, we will communicate the same to the Rev. Classis.
A letter was also read from Rev. Gideon Schaats of Bever- wyck, in New Netherland, near Fort Orange, dated Sept. 22, 1660. He announces that the Lutherans are taking up subscriptions for the support of a Lutheran minister, asserting that permission was granted them by the Directors. This must result in harm to the Reformed Church at that place, where now everything goes on quietly and to edification. A remedy is requested. The matter will be brought before the Classis.
Rev. Mr. Selyns writes under date of Oct. 4, 1660. He informs us of his journey, arrival and installation, (or presentation) as well as the condition of the church in Brooklyn. Everything is in good order there. xx. 421.
Rev. Sam. Megapolensis.
1661, May 30th.
Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, SS. Theol. Cand., has asked to be accepted as a recommended Candidate. Good testimonials from
.
505
1661
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
the Rev. Classis of Haarlem having been read concerning him, and he having delivered a trial sermon before the Deputies, his request was granted, after the usual subscription (of the formulæ.) He lives at Vianen (in South Holland). vi. 228.
Those Baptized by Mennonists, not to be Rebaptized. 1661, May 30th.
The church of New Amsterdam in the Manhatans asks whether a certain former Mennonist, baptized when an adult by the Men- nonists, but now converted to the true Religion, pious in life, diligent in the hearing of God's word, desiring to be received as a member of the Church, ought to be first rebaptized in our Church. It is understood not to be necessary, according to a resolution of Synod. This shall be written to the brethren. vi. 230; xix. 72, 73.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Casus regarding Holy Baptism in the West Indies.
1661, June 7th.
The Brethren in the West Indies have made known to the Classis by writing, that the Honorable Directors had written to them that henceforth in the questions in Holy Baptism they should leave out the word " Here ", (Alhier), inasmuch as the Lutherans are so greatly offended thereat, that for that very rea- son they neglect to bring their children to be baptized in our churches, as they would otherwise do. That their Honors had also sent over some old copies (of the Form) in which the word " Here " is omitted. Their Honors had also let them know ex- pressly that they were to expect no other order in regard to this matter from these provinces, nor were they to follow any other; that thereupon, in the churches there, the intent of the com- mand of the Hon. Directors, is observed, on account of the im-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
portance of the subject the Assembly postponed action thereon until the next session. vi. 231, 232; xix. 73.
Acts of the Deputies. Michael Siperus.
1661, July 1st.
It was reported in a communication from Alkmaer, in a letter shown to Rev. Winkelig, that Michael Cornelisz. Siperus, while employed in the school there, had led a very bad life; that he had fallen into many very grievous faults, and for these had been rebuked in the presence of the entire Gymnasium. He had here and there made purchases in the name of the Rector, and had then taken these to the pawnshop, etc. These facts shall be made known to the Classis. xx. 423.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Alexander C. Curtius Offers to Teach Latin.
1661, July 12.
Alexander Carolus Curtius communicates in writing the offer of his services, if this City will contribute to him six hundred guilders a year in beavers, on con- dition of receiving no contribution from the youth. Whereupon serves as marginal order :- Burgomasters and Schepens refer the petitioner to the Right Honorable Director General and Council of New Netherland .- Early Records of New Amster- dam, Vol. iii. 344.
Acts of the Deputies.
Letter to Rev. Van Beaumont, on Curacoa, sent July 9, 1661, with the ship " De Moor ". 1661, July 8th.
Copy of the letter to Rev. Adrian van Beaumont, in the name of the Rev. Classis, in reply to his letter, dated April 17, 1660.
Reverend, Pious, Highly Learned and Beloved Brother in Christ :-
Your esteemed writing, dated April 17, 1660, to the Classis of Amsterdam was communicated to it by the Deputies ad res Indicas. The Rev. Brethren have learned with pleasure of your pious endeavors, as also of the Christian aid and support given
507 1661
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
to the Hon. Director of the Island, to remove those obstructions, which had almost completely interrupted the stream of Divine truth, and exhibition of piety. We trust that God the Lord has crowned your faithful labors with his rich blessing. Some breth- ren of the Classis think that Michael Siperus is well known in this country as a very unworthy person. Further inquiries shall be made in reference to him and care shall be taken for the edifi- cation of God's Church, in case the people of New Netherland have advanced him to any church office. The pious zeal of the Hon. Director against unnecessary taverns, as indicated by the salutary placards issued against the enormous sins emanating from them, has been well received by the Classis, which desires every- where such pious patrons. It is to be hoped, (it stands to hope) that much good will be done by such means, which very greatly sustain the labors of faithful preachers; may the Director still further seek to maintain the cause of Christ, unto the salvation of many people, and to the glory of the Almighty. Good fruits already show themselves in the marked increase of members, un- der your faithful labor in this field-work of the Lord Christ. That increase is sure to grow still more by the careful instruction of the tender youth, as the brethren are informed by your letter, which was very satisfactory to them. We hope that in time you will find sufficient material to form a proper consistory, and to bring the congregation into a state of peace.
The request for a capable schoolmaster in the Spanish language, for the instruction of the Indians in the knowledge of the true God, the brethren look upon as an excellent suggestion. They have communicated the same to some of the Directors, but see very little likelihood of finding a person calculated for such work. We shall, however, use all possible diligence to search for a capa- ble man, that those poor blind people may be enriched by the light and grace of Christ. The religious books asked for, namely, a large Bible, two psalm-books in quarto, some small testaments
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
with Psalm-books, the Hon. Messrs. Directors have agreed to send, and we understand that they have already been shipped.
As to your inquiry regarding the administration of Holy Bap- tism to the Negroes, Indians, and their young children : - The Classis deems it necessary that you observe the good rule of the church here in this land, where no one, who is an adult, is admit- ted to baptism without previous confession of his faith. Accord- ingly the adult Negroes and Indians must also be previously in- structed and make confession of their faith before Holy Baptism may be administered to them. As to their children, the Classis answers, that as long as the parents are actually heathen, although they were baptized in the gross, (by wholesale, by the Papists), the children may not be baptized, unless the parents pass over to Christianity, and abandon heathenism.
Concluding herewith we commend you to God and the Word of His Grace. We pray the Great Lord of the harvest to please to bless your faithful labors, that many souls may be won for Christ, and be brought into his eternal garner. May the grace of the Lord encircle your person, your family, your congregation and your whole Island like a fiery wall, that no enemies may break through, and fall upon you to do you any harm. Thus we wish from the heart, and remain,
Reverend, Pious, Highly Learned Brother,
C. Schulz, Pastor Amst : and tempore Deputatus Classis ad transmarimas. Peter Grians, Deputatorum p.t. Clerk .- xx. 425.
A CASE OF MARRIAGE.
Amongst the People called Quakers Stated and maintained Legall at Nothingham Assizes the 8th of the 6th mo. called August, 1661.
The 22nd day of October 1658 William Ashwell of Coddington in the county of Nothingham, yeoman, according to the good order of the people of God called Quakers tooke to wife Anne Ridge Daughter of Thomas Ridge of North Collingham
509
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1661
in the same County. Their marriage was solemnized in the Citty of Linchoine In the presence of Martyn Mason Willlam Garland William Willowes Vincent Ffother- Ington Robert Shaw George Leucas and John Roberts who gave Certificate thereof under their hands In few years after the said marrlage the said William Ashwell had by his said wife one Daughter named Mary Ashwell and soone after Departed this life intestate; the said Mary survivinge the said Wlilliam Leauinge a Copphold Estate of Inheritance not settled nor disposed of in his lifetime; Mary his Daughter was presented to the Mannor Court and accepted by the Tennants as next heir at law to her father and so admitted Tennant to her Father's herreditory Estate; soone after John Ashwell being the next of kindred unto William the deceased made entry and Claime to ye sald lands of Inheritance as next heir at law under pretence that the marriage of William with Anne his wife was not Legall and so Mary the Daughter not Legittimate and so not in capacity of Heirshipp and thereupon Com- menced the Suite at ye Common Law to oust Mary out of the possession of the lands in question; and at Midsommer Nottingham Assizes 1661: Brought on the said suite to tryall the plaintive's Councill was one Willmot neere Darby and some others, who oppened his case and Tittles to the lands in question with reflective words and unseemely Expressions against the people called Quakers falsely alleadg- ing they went together llke bruits and after their cursory manner of abuse they proceeded to prove his relation and alllance to William Ashwell ye Deceased whose next heire he pretended to be and so Intituled to ye Lands; his principal witness was John Death of Brotherton neere Newarke; after he had signified his Evidence the Councill for Mary Ashwell viz., Serjent Newdigall of Serjents Inn in fleete Street London, and Charles Dollinson of Lincholns Inn, made defense by suffitient witnesse (viz.) Richard Gossy of Coddington William Bell and Edward Goodyear of the same place, and by the Certificate of their marriage; subscribed by the people called Quakers and others; proved theire Sollemne Marriage, and their sober Con- versation together within which time of wedlock Mary Ashwell was borne, and soe the true Heire to her father's Lands; John Archer the Judge of Assize after hearing ye Evidence pties and what either ptie could alleadge, Directed his Discourse to the Jury telling them that as for the Quakers wee know not their opinions - but did beleeue they did not goe together like Bruit Beasts as had beene said, but as Christians; therefore did beleeue that the Marriadge between William Ashwell and Anne Ridge was lawfull, and Mary theire Daughter Heire to the Lands in question; and brought a case to satisfie ye Jury It was to the purpose, A man that was weake of Body and kept his Bed in that condition - his desire was to take a wooman present to be his wife; accordingly he then declared that he tooke that wooman to be his wife and shee declared that shee tooke that man to be her husband and all Bishopps at that time did conclude it to be a lawfull marriage as the Judge then said; and further told ye jury that there was a Marriage in Parradise; Addam took Eve, and Eve took Addam, and none other present, and it was, said he, ye consent of se pties that made a marriage, So ye Jury found it for ye Defendant and Mary Ashwell has ever since Continued in peaceable possession of her father's said lands and Inheritance.
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