USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
John Theaker of North Collingham in Nottinghamshire Grazier married Anne ye Relict of the said William Ashwell and Defended ye said Suite and as Guardian to Mary Ashwell had ye land in possession untill ye death of Mary who departed this life about December 1672 last past.
And at Richmond there was the like case tryed in their Spiritual Court - a man that was related to a ffriend; the ffriend marryinge and having a Child - and being Deceased would have had ye Estate and sued for it, Saying ye Child was not heire because the ffather and mother were not married by a Priest - and there was a tryall of it in Richmond Spiritual Court; and ye Court Cast ye man and made se Child heire of ye lands and so allowed of ye marriage in ye yeare 1673.
In Maryland there was two ffriends marryed and ye Magistrate questioned theire marriage and brought them into trouble about it. At last it came before Assembly and Councill as alsoe ye Governor; they were much puzzled about it, and ffriends
510
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
having gone together accordinge to ye practice of ye Holy men in the Scriptures of truth and law of god; they laying the matter before ye meeting, all things being Cleare, a meeting was appointed on purpose for the taking one another and having a Certificate; they being much puzzled both ye Assembly Council; Governor and Magistrate; at last referred ye matter to an old ffryer a Papist; a father as they called him; and his answer was to them that if that was not a lawfull marriage there was not one in the world; this was about ye yeare 1670 .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 606, 607.
PROPOSITIONS AGREED UPON BY THE COMMITTEE IN THE NAME AND BEHALFE OF THE COMPANIE TO BE PRESENTED TO THE MUCH HONORED GOUVERNOR OF THE NEW NETHERLANDS BY THOSE, WHOSE NAMES ARE SUBSCRIBED.
1. That if a Church or Churches of English shall be planted in the place pr'pounded they may be allowed by the Authoritie of the high and mighty Lords and States General of the United Provinces in the Netherlands in Europe and with the approbation of the Bewindhebbers of the West India Company to enjoy all such powers priuiledges and liberties in the Congregationall way as they haue enjoyed them in New England aboue twentie years paste without any disturbance Impedi- ment or impositions of any other formes, orders or customes to be obserued by them: And that therein they be Allowed and Approued churches by some publique testimonie upon Record.
2. That if the English Churches planted under the Dutch Government shall con- sent to consociate together for mutuall helpfullness: They may be allowed by the Authority and with the approbation aforesaid soe to doe and to call a synod and therein be established by common consent such orders according to scripture as may be requisite for the suppressing of haeresies, schismes and false worships and for the establishment of truth with peace in those English churches. And that the Gouernor and Courts at New Amsterdam shall protect the said English churches and Synods from any that oppose them or be injurious to them.
3. The English planters doe desire that they may haue liberty and power by ye Authority and with ye approbation aforesaid to haue the ordering of all Judicature and of all their civill affaires within themselves, to chuse their owne magistrates and all other officers and Constitute and keep Courts and make all such lawes and orders as they shall find most sutable to their condition and welfare in that place And that all persons, planters and others, for the time they are amongst them within their precincts, shall be bound to acquiesce in all their lawes, orders, sentences and appointments of any of their owne Court or Courts and officers determinately according to such orders and lawes as are or shall be from time to time agreed upon and enacted by them and unto their sentences made and verdicts declared without appeals to any other Authority or jurisdiction. This power the English in America within New England have had and exercised in all causes by the graunt of the late King of England, Charles the First, as is to be seen in his Majesties letters pattent aboue twentie years together. And it is much more neces- sary that they haue it under the Dutch (whose lawes they know not nor understand their language and the way and manner of their exerciseing this their sole power). We purpose according to the fundamentalls received in New Hauen Collonie which are in print to be seen (or the most of them) so far as we shall finde it will alike suite Christ's ends and our conditions there.
4. That all the lands agreed for, be clearly and undeniably purchased of the Indians by an Athentik Instrument or Instruments and that we may haue one of them in our custody and that the hands of those Indians that haue the naturall and ciuill right be subscribed and soe owned by them In the presence of English Dutch
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
511
1661
and Indlans as lawfully bought and sould and that then these lands shall be made ye proper Inheritance of the English Planters and their posteritie foreuer by the Authoritle and power with the approbation aforesaid according to all present and future orders, graunts and agreements or diulsions of all such lands so bought as shall be made by the English alone amongst themselues by persons Intrusted and empowered by them for such afaires.
5. That noe inhabitants be put upon us by the Dutch but that we have the sole power of disposeing our lands and entertaineing or rejecting all Inhabitants accord- ing to agreements that shall from time to time be made amongst ourselves.
6. That the English Planters in the aforesaid places by Authority and with appro- bation aforesaid may haue equal libertles of tradeing with the Dutch in all respects, they payeing all lawfull dues and customes as the Dutch doe or with any other whom so euer.
7. Our humble desire is that the Promises being graunted by those in Holland or to whom the Pattent and power of such graunts appertaineth, may be declared and ratified by an Authenticall Instrument signed and sealed by the Pattentees in Europe, if it remaines with them And that a copie of it so signed sealed and Authentically Attested may be procured for the English Planted under the Dutch to be by them kept among their publique Records for ye benefitt of Posteritie.
Benjamin Ffen Robert Treatt Rich: Lawe Jasper Gun.
Dated this 8th of November 1661 ffrom Milford in New England .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 209, 210. [See further, papers under dates, Nov. 23, 1661, Mar. 11, 1662, May 30, 1662.]
ANSWER OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL AND COUNCIL TO THE FORE- GOING PROPOSITIONS, OF Nov. 8, 1661.
Extract outh of the Recordes and Resolutions of the Lord Di- rector General and Counsels of the New Netherlands, taken in their Court uppon.
Monday, the 28th of November 1661.
The Director Generall and Counsells off the New Netherlands haveing perused the Commissione and Propositions, produced by Benjamin Fenne, Robert Treat, Ritch: Lawe and Jasper Gun, Deputies of a greather Companie English People, propound- inge uppon Certaine termes to be admitted as Inhabbittens and subjects under this Government, Doe judge the matter off a hevier Consernement as to give soo full and satisfactory answer uppon every perticull.
Nevertheless, Consideringe the abovementioned Deputies are very desirous to ob- taine any answer for to Relate unto their principals, is Resolved to give this follow- ing provisionate Answer:
Because there is no difference in the fundamental poincts of the worship of God betwixt these and the Churches of New England, as onely in the Ruelinge of the same -
The Director Generall and Counsell doe make noe Difficulte to give way and consent unto the two first Propositions, because in our natyff Country, alsoo here was never practised restraint of Conscience. In the meantyme we wish and hope that by a neerer meetinge and conference between oure and theire Ministers further Obstructions in this point shall be removed and that all lovinge Unity shall be observed.
512
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
Uppon the third proposition unto the petitioners shall be graunted in the way of Magistrature, Judicature and Sivill affaires, all such power, Authority, Privilege and Liberty as all other townes and Collonies of New Netherland have obtained, to wit, the Nomination off theire owne Magistrates within herselfes yearely in a dubble Number to be present unto the Director Generall and Counsell for to be elected out of the same the Magistrates for that yeare and to confirm them, the which shall be qualified with sufficient power and Authority for to make and to see approbated and confirmed by the Director Generall and Counsell all such Ordinances as they shall find good for the benefitt of theire townes or plantations, Accordinge to the same to doe Right and Justice, the Appelle beinge Reserved unto the high Court, in Conformite of the Generall Order and Exemptions graunted unto all the Inhabitants of the New Netherlands .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 210.
Ordinance of the Director General imposing a land tax at Esopus to defray the expense of building a Minister's house there.
(See Laws of New Netherland, pages 413 and 448.)
Ordinance for the observance of the Sabbath, prevention of fires, construction of fences and houses, and for keeping in repair the palisades at Wiltwyck, passed 18th of November 1661.
(Ibidem page 415.)
Ordinance for the speedy collection of the arrears due on the House and salary of the Minister at Esopus, passed November 24, 1661.
(Ibidem page 421.)- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 211.
ORDINANCE OF NEW NETHERLAND, FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH, ETC., ETC., 1661, Nov. 18.
1. No person shall be permitted to perform on the Sabbath, by us called Sunday, any work at his ordinary business, whether plowing, sowing, mowing, threshing, winnowing, transporting wood, hay, straw or grain, grinding, or conveying any goods to or from the Strand; on the penalty of one pound Flemish for the first time, double as much for the second time, and four times double as much for the third time.
2. Much less shall any one on the Sabbath of the Lord give entertainment in taverns; sell or give away, under any pretext whatsoever, beer, wine or any strong drink, under the above mentioned fine; and if any one be found drunk on the Sabbath of the Lord, he shall in addition to the one pound Flemish for the benefit of the officer, be conveyed to the Watch house, and there remain at the discretion of the Commissaries. * * * - Laws of New Netherland, 415, 416.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF VICE-DIRECTOR LA MONTAGNE TO STUYVESANT, REGARDING BRICKS PURCHASED FOR AND SENT TO DOMINE BLOM AT ESOPUS. FORT ORANGE, 19TH NOVEMBER, 1661.
In pursuance of your Honor's order I have called upon Anderies Herbertsen, the Constable, for five thousand bricks; he stated, that he had none and could not get any, so that I have been obliged to purchase them to fill your Honor's order I bought three thousand from Master Jacob de Hince at ten guilders in beaver the thousand, which Monsr. Cousseau was to take for himself to the Manhatans; I have given a receipt for these bricks and bought three thousand more from Jan Verbeeck for twenty two guilders in wampum to be paid here, which Reyndert Pietersen was to take to the Manhatans; I have sent these six thousand bricks to Domine Blom together with a letter to the same by Jan van Bremen .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 213.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
513 1661
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
1661, Dec. 5th.
Rev. Charles Schulerus in the Chair. xx. 428.
Copy of letter to Rev. Samuel Drisius of New Netherland, Dec. 16, 1661, in answer to his letter of Oct. 4, 1660. xx. 431.
Grace, Peace and Salvation.
Reverend, Learned, and much Beloved Brother in our Lord Jesus Christ :-
Your writing under date of Oct. 4, 1660, came to hand and was presented to the Classis of Amsterdam. It announced that our letter of March 1st of the same year, reached the Rev. brethren safely, and that they had taken pleasure in the measures of the Rev. Classis in behalf of the West India churches. It also in- formed us of the safe arrival of the Rev. brethren, Blom and Selyns, whom the church there received with much joy, and who are installed in their offices. May the Lord our God bless their services and make them fruitful.
You write concerning a certain person thirty years of age, baptized by the Mennonites, but now manifesting an inclination towards the true and Scriptural Reformed Religion; that he dil- igently attends church, and is of a godly life, and desires to be admitted to the Lord's table in the Reformed Church. But a ques- tion has arisen whether he ought not to be rebaptized. Some of the congregation at New Amsterdam maintain the affirmative; others that the Mennonite baptism is sufficient. The Rev. Classis having carefully weighed this matter is of opinion, that since he has been baptized once, he need not again be baptized. Such is indeed, the daily practice of the churches in this country. Holy Baptism is not administered anew to such as have been previously baptized by Papists or Mennonites. Such are admitted to the
33
514
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
Lord's Supper on confession of their faith. If, therefore, the Rev. brethren will regulate themselves in this case, according to this practice, they will do well.
In a recent interview with the Hon. Directors, in order to in- quire what hope there was that the congregation at New Amster- dam might once more be provided with a pastor, their Honors in- formed us that they had received a letter on this same subject from the Rev. brethren in New Netherland; that the business at present was in such a condition, that it is not now known whether New Amsterdam will remain under the care of this city, or whether it will come under the charge of the Directors of the West India Company, so that we must have some patience con- cerning this request, till the result of these affairs is known. Meanwhile the Rev. Classis will gladly give diligence, and as soon as the opportunity offers, will do their utmost to provide the above mentioned congregation with an able pastor. Whereunto may the Lord lend his gracious blessing.
Further, Rev. brother, it has come to our knowledge that one Michael Siperius, who has been for a long while at Curacoa, and has preached there, but who was sent away, has probably arrived in New Netherland ; that there was also some probability that the Rev. brethren might employ him in the preaching of God's Holy Word. But we have heard an evil report of this person, having been compelled, to prevent injury to the church of Christ, to in- quire about him. We have been informed on good authority, that the same Michael Siperius has been from his youth up, a good i for nothing person. In the school at Alckmaer he was publicly chastised before all the scholars as an example. This was done for many wicked acts, such as obtaining articles from stores in the name of the rector, and taking them to pawn shops, and others of a similar nature. Let this statement serve the Rev. brethren as a christian warning, and as a guide concerning him.
May the Lord, who can do more than we can either ask or think,
515
1661
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
pour out his Fatherly blessing upon the brethren, all of whom are most heartily greeted by us, in their respective services and con- gregations. Amsterdam, Dec. 15, 1661. Signed in the name, and by order of Classis,
Charles Schulerus, pastor Amstelod. et Deputatorum ad res Indicas, p. t. scriba.
Copy of a letter to Rev. Gideon Schaats, preached at Beverwyck in New Netherland, Dec. 15, 1661, in answer to his letter to this Classis, under date of Sept. 22, 1660. Acts of Deputies, vol. xx. 432.
Grace, Peace, and Salvation.
Reverend, Learned, etc.
Your letter to the Classis of Amsterdam, under date of Sept. 22, 1660, concerning the efforts of the Lutherans to introduce there a preacher of their persuasion, has been duly received by us. We deemed it necessary to make inquiries of the Hon. Directors, whether their Honors had any knowledge, or had given their consent, that the said Lutherans might institute public religious gatherings in the West Indies, or introduce a pastor or pastors. Whereupon the Hon. gentlemen answered us, that they knew nothing of this matter, much less had given their consent to such a thing; that they were also assured that his Excellency, General Stuyvesant, who was such a staunch lover and defender of the true Reformed religion, would not endure the existence of the Lutherans, if they should grow too bold. From this you yourself, and all interested congregations may observe that the pretended consent was not given, and that the Lutherans can in no sense justify their actions on this ground; nor will they ever obtain such permission here. You may freely inform the good people concerning this, that they may dismiss their newly conceived hopes, since they may find abundant edification and comfort of soul, through the blessing of the Lord, in the Reformed worship,
516
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
if they hearken diligently, and endeavor to walk before God and men with a good conscience. We trust that your congregation will have no need to fear further agitation from such injurious winds.
The Rev. Classis is heartily rejoiced at the happy increase of members in your church. May the Lord of the harvest bless you more and more with knowledge, love and holy fear, unto salva- tion. May he grant that you, Worthy Brother, be faithful to him that has called you, that you may wisely employ the talent given, so that in the great day, you may with confidence appear before the Shepherd of the Sheep, and say, " Here am I, and the children whom thou hast given me "; and may hear in reply, " Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord ".
Herewith our brotherly greeting and the grace of Christ.
Signed, in the name and by order of the Rev. Classis. Carl Schulerus, pastor Amstelod. et Deputatorum ad res Indicas, p. t. Praeses. Petrus Gribius, preacher in Amsterdam, Deputatorum, p. t. Scriba.
Amsterdam,
Dec. 15, 1661.
PROCLAMATION OF GOV. PETER STUYVESANT, JAN. 26, 1662, AP- POINTING A DAY OF THANKSGIVING, FASTING AND PRAYER, FOR MARCH 15, 1662.
The great God has during the past year, as a righteous ruler, sorely visited this province in general, and many of its inhabit- ants in particular, on account of our manifold sins, of which not the least is our ingratitude for the benefits and blessings we have enjoyed, and our protection against foreign and domestic enemies. He has chastised us in some instances with pestilence and hitherto unknown fevers and diseases; again with sudden heavy rains and floods of water in the summer, by which the promising harvest was rendered unfruitful to the inhabitants; again by severe
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
517 1662
drought, by reason of which the fruits of the field were greatly injured and nearly cut off; and also by other trials. But at the same time, as a merciful and compassionate Father, he has re- membered his loving kindness in the midst of judgements, blessing this province in general, and many of its inhabitants in particular, with favors and benefits of signal value, and deserving the warm- est gratitude. Among these may be numbered, as not the least, the healing and removal of the above mentioned unusual diseases and fevers, the continuation of peace and quietness amid so many enemies with the prevailing rumors of new commotions and vio- lence, and the renewed supply of a good and fruitful harvest. Above all these should be highly esteemed the preservation of his pure religion, and the peaceful enjoyment of the pure and un- adulterated light of his Gospel in our candlestick, which, how- ever greatly to be deplored, is in very many places either quenched by persecution, or darkened and corrupted by human perversions. These and many other blessings and benefits should urge us to all thankfulness, while at the same time the mixture of his Fatherly chastisements, and thus not with these benefits, should lead us to careful examination, that, on the one hand we may pour forth our thankful praises, and on the other hand, by humility, penitence and reformation of life, avert his judgements, and acknowledge him as the giver of every good and perfect gift, both temporal and spiritual.
Influenced by these considerations, the Director-General and the Council have deemed it necessary to select a day of general thanksgiving, fasting and prayer, to be held throughout this prov- ince on Wednesday March 15th. The inhabitants of this prov- ince, both those in authority and in subjection, are all hereby directed to assemble in the churches or places wherein the Word of God is publicly preached or read, and there with humble and contrite hearts, to call earnestly upon the name of the Lord, be- seeching the Majesty of Heaven, in his gracious pleasure, to
518
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1662
remove and avert from us his righteous and well deserved afflic- tive dispensations, to preserve peace and friendly intercourse between us and our neighbors, to take this growing province under his Fatherly protection and guard it against all evil devices; to bless the fruits of the earth with the early and the latter rain; and above all to cause the growth and advancement of the fear of his most Holy Name, and the hatred of sin among us.
That the observeance of the day may be better attained, the Director-General and the Council forbid, during the appointed day of thanksgiving fasting and prayer, all plays, as tennu, ball, ยท etc .; fishing, plowing, sowing, etc. The ministers of the word of God within this province are requested to direct their sermons and prayers to the object for which the day is appointed.
Done in a meeting of the Hon. Director and Council, held in Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland, Jan. 26, 1662.
By order of the Director-General and Council of New Nether- land.
Peter Stuyvesant. C. Van Ruyven, Secretary .- Col.mss.
WILLIAM BEECKMAN TO DIRECTOR STUYVESANT ;
REV. AEGIDIUS LUYCK GOES TO MANHATTANS.
Herewith goes Domine Aegidius Luyck with your Honorable Worships' and private letters from Holland, as the skipper does not like to leave already.
Altena, February 20, 1662 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xii. 361, 362.
FURTHER ANSWER OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL AND COUNCIL TO THE PROPOSALS OF MESSRS. FENN AND OTHERS, OF NEW HAVEN COLONY, STATING THE CONDITIONS ON WHICH THEY MAY SETTLE A TOWN ON ACHTER CULL. [See Nov. 8 and 28, 1661.]
1662, March 11.
John Gregorie, arrived here yesterday from New England, requested further answer to the propositions of some Englishmen, which are recorded in the Register of Resolutions under date of 28th of November 1661. The following answer was given to him.
519
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1662
Worthy and Lovinge friendes:
Wee doe Conceave, that our Scriptuall answer more largely declared by words of mouth and mutuall discourses are such as possybely can be Expected and as is Answerabel to our Superiors in Europe: it is known (Honor and thancks be given for it to the Bountifull God), that there is no at the Least differency In the foundamentall points of Religion, the differency in Churches orders and gouvern- ment so small that wee doe not stick at it, therefore have left and leave it still to the freedom off your owne Consiences.
In Civil matters which doe not Schruppel the Consiency, It is a Common Proverb, in Strainge places, we may finde, but must make noe Lawes; Conferringe our Com- mon Practis in matters of Civil Justice with your Printed orders we find soe little difference, that it will not hinder the business in hand, only the Appeale and Con- firmation of Magistrates out of dubble Number (as a token of an acknowledgement to a higher authority): must be Referred to the Gouverneur General and Council in tyme beeinge; but if the summe whereof a party may appeale and the Feynes before he may Appeale (beinge Commonly hundert gilders and the feynes twoe Pound Sterlinge) to your judgement is too small both may be exalted to a heyer Summe.
The Confirmation of Magistrates out of dubbel Number is in several Respects requisit and needful, more for the good of the township, as for the Authority of the Government; the Reasons Shortenes Sake, wee shall deferre to more Convenient tyme and Place, the Common practis of the Governour and Counsel before they proceed to the Election and Confirmation of the New Magistrates is to advyse with the deputy of the old Magistrates presentinge the nominations before them, which the most fitted men are for that office, whereout in part the premisses may be deducted.
These twoe poincts beinge amongst your Propositions and Principals, whereabouts at the last meetinge the differancy (to our Remembrance) was left and the Bearer your Present messenger and agent John Gregorie beinge not further Instructed, wee shall break off for the Present, only wee thought it meete for the furtherance of the matters in hand to acquaint yow and those it may concerne with the oath of Fidelity which in the first place all Inhabitants, secondly all Magistrates and mili- tary officers, every one in his place are to doe, Soe after our love and Respects wee shall Rest -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.