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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1662, Sept. 25th.
A report was presented by the Committee of the Deputies of the Directors of the West India Company, concerning the call of Rev. Samuel Megapolensis to the service of the churches of New Neth- erland. He was chosen from among others presented with him.
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Also at the same time the above mentioned gentlemen were in- formed of the dissatisfaction of the Classis at the course of action pursued by the said gentlemen twice or thrice already in their (manner of) presentation of a person to qualify before the Rev. Classis for the pastoral office. They had therein departed from the old and commendable order previously observed. (The Classis makes) the amicable request that such might not again occur in the future. They answered that they were well satisfied with the person of the Rev. (Samuel) Megapolensis, and that on future occasion they would establish such rule as would secure the appro- bation of the Classis. xx. 437.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Candidates Solinus, Rensselaer, and Lydius.
1662, Oct. 2nd.
Rev. Peter Solinus, Rev. Nicholas Rensselaer, and Isaac Lydius, candidates in Sacred Theology, having stood within with the others, request to be received among those recommended by the Classis. The Rev. Assembly read their testimonials. After they had given proof of their gifts, and had subscribed the formula of Concord, their request was granted. vi. 278.
Rev. S. Megapolensis. 1662, Oct. 2 (3 ?).
Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, called as minister to New Nether- land, having stood within, preached a brief sermon on the words in Acts 26:17, 18, wherein he bore himself in such a way that it was unanimously judged that the examination be proceeded with. In this likewise he acquitted himself to the complete satis- faction of the Rev. Assembly, so that he was ordained to the min- istry by the laying on of hands, by Rev. Homma, as Examiner. He then subscribed the formula of concord and the rich blessing of the Lord was invoked upon him and his labors, by the Assem- bly. vi. 279; xix. 92.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1662
COUNCIL MINUTES. BUSHWICK SCHOOL AFFAIRS.
December 28, 1662.
The Commissaries of Boswyck came before the Board and represented, that they required in their village a suitable person to act as reader and schoolmaster, to teach the children; as Boudewyn Maenhout from Crimpen on the Leck* had been proposed as such person, they had made an agreement with him that he should act as reader and also keep a school for the Instruction of the children, for which he is to receive a yearly salary of four hundred florins in wampum and free lodgings. They request, that their action may be approved by the Director General and Council and that the Company may contribute something towards the salary every year.
A vote having been taken,
The Director General and Council of New Netherland have approved the engage- ment of and the contract made with said Boudewyn Maenhout, on condition that the same be first examined by the reverend clergy of this city and declared fit for the performance of the said duties. On behalf of the Company twenty five florins heavy money shall be paid to said Boudewyn, to make the payment of the salary more easy .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 519.
COUNCIL MINUTES. CHURCH AFFAIRS IN MIDWOUT, L. I. MAGIS- TRATES FOR NEW UTRECHT.
January 4, 1663.
Noble, Very Worshipful Director General and Honourable Council of New Nether- land.
Upon your Honors' order the undersigned began to erect a church edifice at Midwout in September 1658 and with God's help they have accomplished so much, that all debts have been paid. Having borne the burden for some time and desir- ing to be freed from it, also considering, that we are mortal, we respectfully re- quest, that we might be discharged and an order made to that effect by your Honors.
Your Honors' obedient servants, Johannes Theodorus Polhemius Jan Strycker.
The foregoing petition was received and read. After a vote upon it, it was answered:
The petition is granted and the Magistrates of Midwout are authorized, to nominate a double number, from which the Director General and Council will select two other churchmasters in the place of the above. Date as above .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 520.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. Pastor for New Amstel.
1663, April 4th.
The question was suggested, whether it would not be useful to request of the very Hon. Councilors of Amsterdam, or of the Hon. Commissioners, that a pastor should again be sent to New
* In the Province of South Holland.
34
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Amstel, in New Netherland, on the South (Delaware) river, in the place left vacant by Rev. Mr. Welius, deceased. Whereas it has been ascertained from the Hon. Directors of the West India Company, who have also agreed to contribute their share towards it, that this matter remains to be disposed of by the Hon. the very worthy, Burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam, it was resolved to urge the matter upon them .- Vol. xxi. 3.
(1663, April, Rev. John Livingston, of Ancrum, Scotland, fled to Holland. He was ancestor of Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston, famous in the Reformed Dutch Church, 1770-1825. See Steven's Hist. of the Presbyterian Church, Rotterdam. Also Life of Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston.)
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT: HUGUENOTS; QUAKERS.
(April 16, 1663.)
You have not been correctly informed in regard to a renewed request of the oppressed Piedmontese for transportation to New Netherland, but we have been approached on a similar subject by and in the name of the Protestant people of Rochelle, who are now also considerably oppressed and deprived of their privileges. Although we cannot as yet say much about it, it is not unlikely that it will go on some time and then we shall not fail to give you timely notice before they arrive, that you may make the necessary preparations. As in the meantime more and more people will come there from here every day, we think, that you should not delay the purchasing of fertile and conveniently located lands from the natives, to anticipate the English and be in possession of these lands more rightfully and peacefully. You will act accordingly.
1
Your last letter informed us that you had banished from the Province and sent hither by ship a certain Quaker, John Bowne by name: although we heartily desire, that these and other sectarians remained away from there, yet as they do not, we doubt very much, whether we can proceed against them rigorously without diminish- ing the population and stopping immigration, which must be favored at a so tender stage of the country's existence. You may therefore shut your eyes, at least not force people's consciences, but allow every one to have his own belief, as long as he behaves quietly and legally, gives no offence to his neighbors and does not oppose the government. As the government of this city has always practised this maxim of moderation and consequently has often had a considerable influx of people, we do not doubt, that your Province too would be benefitted by it .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 525, 526.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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COUNCIL MINUTES. CHURCH AT AMESFOORT;
TITHES ;
May 26, 1663. To the Noble, Very Worshipful Director General and Council of New Netherland.
Humbly and respectfully show the Schepens of the village of Amesfoort, for themselves and for the good inhabitants of that village, that the petitioners are building a church, to hear God's word taught therein, and as they have so far done the work, with the approbation of the Director General and Council, at their own expense and trouble with great labor, but now find, that it shall cost much more than they calculated, while the harvest of last year was a very bad one, which made them get in debt, therefore your petitioners humbly turn to your Honors and request, to be excused from paying the tenths for this year or that your Honors will make provisions for continuing the work on the Church with diligence and for the honor of God's holy name. Wherewith etc.
Your Honors' obedient servants
The Magistrates of Amesfoort. By their order,
Adrian Hegeman, Secretary pro hac. - Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 527.
WILLIAM BEECKMAN TO DIRECTOR STUYVESANT ;- NEW SWEDISH CLERGYMAN. Altena, June 6, 1663.
Sir. Until to-day no chance has offered itself, to speak with the new Swedish or Lutheran Domine .* I shall forward to him the desired matter, pursuant to your Honorable Worship's order. Vale.
*Abelius Zetscoorn. Acrelius says of him: "A student, A. Selskoorn, came to the country and for some time held divine service at Sand-hook (New Castle), then went to New Amsterdam and received a call from Stuyvesant; he never had charge of any congregation on the South River as a regularly ordained clergyman .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xil. 431, 432.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Megapolensis.
1663, June 2nd.
The Deputati ad res Indicas report that Rev. Megapolensis, Junior, called as minister to New Netherland, has caused to be asked thro' them, of the Hon. Directors, an increase in his salary, because he will have to preach in two languages. The Rev. Classis resolved not to enter into this subject. And whereas it is reported that he is also studying medicine in Leyden, the Rev. Deputati will call his attention to the Synodical resolution against the practice of medicine (by ministers,) and that according to his
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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promise he must depart as soon as possible, the sooner the better, to his designated field of labor. vi. 308, 309; xix. 100.
(See many items against ministers also practising medicine in extracts from minutes of Synod.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, yet in Holland, to the Classis of Amsterdam, June 1663.
The original was in Latin, but is now wanting. It is referred to, with an abstract, in Acts of Deputies of June 25, 1663.
WILLIAM BEECKMAN TO DIRECTOR STUYVESANT ; Altena, June 24, 1663. :
Abelius Zetscoren received an invitation and call from the Swedish congregation, subject to your Honor's approval, but Domine Laers objects to it with all his in- fluence, so that the Commissaries were compelled to threaten him with a protest, before he could be persuaded to permit Domine Letscoren to preach on the second day of Pentecost .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xii. 433.
ORDER TO ENFORCE THE BRITISH NAVIGATION ACT IN THE PLAN- TATIONS.
June 24, 1663.
Abstract .- This required that all goods from the Plantations should go first to Great Britain; but this had not been always obeyed, and hence the King's revenues were decreased. This applied especially to Monados, (Manhattan) and other planta- tions of Hollanders. Complaints were also made that the Dutch had intruded on the Manahtoes and Long Island .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ili. 45, 46.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
1663, June 25th.
Rev. Mr. Mensoo read a certain letter, written in Latin, from Rev. (Samuel) Megapolensis, already called by this Classis, to the service of the church in New Netherland. In this he requests that his call may be made out before his departure, and that the blank spaces in the same may be left open, that when he shall have arrived in New Netherland he may insert the name of the
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
place to which he may be sent. Furthermore, he has also had his brother orally request Rev. Mr. Mensoo for a testi- monial concerning the examination which he passed, some- what broader and ampler than that usually given; also, that the Brethren, the Deputies would request the Directors for an increase of his salary. Resolved, in regard to the first and second, that we abide by the ordinary formula, instituted by Rev. Classis for that purpose. Touching the third, an in- crease of salary, we understand that this must be done by order of Classis, whither this request is referred. Also as it is under- stood upon good authority that Megapolensis is at present studying medicine at Leyden, in order that he may obtain a doctors degree before his departure, so that he may practice medicine in New Netherland, in addition to preaching, Resolved, that we inform him, when he returns here, in respect to the resolution of several Synods which oppose this practice; also at the same time to make this matter known in Classis.
In reference to another request to send a pastor to New Amstel on the South River, of which mention was made in previous min- utes, Rev. Mr. Stoot reports that Mr. Van Polsbrock has been conferred with on this subject, and has replied that the City Coun- cil has not yet acted in this matter. The reason is that the Hon. Commissioners appointed for this business were to furnish them with further advice, which they were expecting on the arrival of the Governor-General. After receiving said advice they would act upon it. xxi. 3, 4.
Correspondence from America. Rev. J. T. Polhemus to the Classis of Amsterdam. 1663, Sept. 11/21.
Reverend, Very Learned and Pious Gentlemen -
Dear Brethren in Jesus Christ :-
With my humble salutations, I herewith inform your Rever- ences of my actual condition, and that by the grace of God, I still continue in my calling and in my services to the congregation
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here, for which the Lord be praised. I wrote last year, that there is no communication among the churches here, in reference to ecclesiastical business. As there is yet no improvement in this respect, I now mention it again, that I may not neglect my duty therein. You will undoubtedly hear from our colleague, Domine Gideon Schaats, at Fort Orange, that his oldest daughter, who is not married, has been brought to bed with a child by a strange married man, whose legal wife publicly complains of the matter. Her conduct for some years past has not been above reproach; but nothing having been said about her, I was silent, for I did not wish to intermeddle with another man's affairs. I only mention it to your Reverences now, for I do not think I should remain strictly silent. As to the congregation I say: Quicquid delirant reges, plectuntur 'Achivi (Whenever the Kings are mad, the Greeks weep). But the good God has assisted us in promoting the salvation of his people, and has granted us the desired deliver- ance, for which we give him our best thanks. Herewith I com- mend you all to his blessing. Given at Midwout in New Nether- land, on Long Island, the 11th of Sept. 1663.
Your Reverences specially obliged,
Johannes T. Polhemus.
DOMINE BLOM'S DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH OF KINGSTON.
- ACCOUNT OF THE MASSACRE AT THE ESOPUS, 1663.
1663, Sept. 18.
Reverend, Wise Right Learned, and Pious:
The state and condition of my Church, situate in the village of Wiltwyck, in the Esopus country, in New Netherland, since my three years residence there is some- what prosperous, through God's blessing and mercy, as well in members, which have increased from sixteen to sixty, as in hearers, and all was well ordered in Church matters and Consistory, so that everything is placed on a good footing. I have also laid a good foundation, both by private and public Instruction of Cate- chists, both within and without my house, as also by the explanation of the Catechism, so that this newly rising community began to grow and to bloom right worthily, when a cruel blow overtook it, and the Heathens fell on, and right sorely treated our Church and Commonality, and under the guise of friendship murdered and also captured many; they intended to destroy this Church altogether, and to devour it alive, had not the Lord our God wonderfully protected it, and they fled, having taken a fright in their heart, when no person drove them away. So that we escaped with the most part of the inhabitants, and have still retained the place. The Lord only be thanked therefor, not men - for men's help was far from us; for the soldiers whom we had before were discharged and sent to Holland. There lay the burnt and slaughtered bodies, together with those wounded by bullets and axes.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1668
The last agonies and the moans and lamentations of many were dreadful to hear. I have been in thelr midst, and have gone into the houses, and along the roads, to speak a word in season, and that not without danger of being shot by the Indians; but I went on my mission, and considered not my life mine own. I may say with Jeremiah, " I am he who hath seen misery in the day of the wrath of the Lord ".
Consider well, worthy colleagues, how manifold is the suffering and lamentation amongst us, of our wounded who fled for refuge to my house, and of others who yielded up the ghost near me.
I encouraged our people as much as possible, out of God's Word, and particularly in prayer to God who hath rescued us. We must behold God's flock taken away into captivity by the Heathen, and Death come in unexpectedly by the windows, and cut off the children from the highways, and the young men from the streets; so that I might exclaim - O! my Bowels - my Bowels! I am pained at my very heart !- and with Jeremiah, O that mine head were water, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep for the slain of my people; for the dead lay as sheaves behind the mower.
The burnt bodies were most frightful to behold. A woman lay burnt, with her child at her side, as if she were just delivered, of which I was a living witness. Other women lay burnt also in their houses; and one corpse with her fruit still in her womb, most cruelly murdered in their dwelling with her husband and another child. The houses were converted Into heaps of stones, so that I might say with Micah, We are made desolate; and with Jeremiah, A piteous wail may go forth in his distress. But in all this, my request to our Brethren is to remember us and our suffering Church in their prayers. With Paul I say, Brothers, pray for us.
'Tis then soe that wee see in all this the rod and Him who uses it; and with the Church of the Lord willingly bear the Lord's anger; for we have sinned against him, and I exhort my Congregation to patience and endurance; and lately, at our. monthly prayer-meeting, I took my text from Isaiah 42 - Who gave Jacob for a spoil and Israel to the robbers? etc. v. 24, 25; and such other verses in addition. I have also every evening during a whole month offered prayers up with the con- gregation, on the four points of our Fort, under the blue sky. But the Lord strengthened me in all this.
We trust and depend further on the help of our God, that he will not altogether forsake us, but vouchsafe us his mercy in the midst of his Justice, and evince his power in our weakness; for mountains may depart, and hills fall away, but his mercy shall not once depart from this feeble and infant congregation. For we lean on his mighty arm, and he shall be a wall of fire round about us, and require and avenge this blood on the heads of these murderous heathens. Already He has begun to do so. Many heathen have been slain, and full twenty two of our people in captivity have been delivered out of their hands by our arms. Another expedi- tion is about to set out. The Lord our God will again bless our arms, and grant that the Foxes who have endeavoured to lay waste the vineyard of the Lord shall be destroyed.
The Indians have slain in all twenty four souls in our place, and taken forty five prisoners, of whom thirteen are still in their power. About the same number of theirs are in our hands.
The Lord our God will make all turn out to the best for his Church, and for the peace and quiet of the whole land. The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be and remain with you, my worthy colleagues forever; and may this Triune God give us all together after this strife, the crown of immortal glory; and should we no more behold each other here, may we see each other hereafter in our Bridegroom's chamber, securely sheltered behind the blue curtains of the Heavens - in the third Heaven of Abraham's bosom, where shall be joy without sorrow, and a never-ending gladness, always and forever; and receive altogether the hearty greeting of me who am one of the least of the servants of Christ Jesus in the work of the Lord.
Hermanus Blom.
the 18th of September 1663,
in New Amsterdam in New Netherland, Egra manu .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. ill. 582, 583.
Among the list of killed at Wiltwyck in 1663, is mentioned "Dominie Laer's child." He was a Lutheran minister, who seems to have been in this vicinity at this time.'
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. . 1663, Nov. 6th.
Whereas it is understood that the Hon. Council of Amsterdam, through their Hon. Committee, approve of sending another pastor to New Amstel on the South River; therefore, Resolved, that we appoint a committee thereon, to inquire into the truth of the mat- ter as soon as possible. Subsequently we will take the matter in hand, or bring it before the Classis. The committee appointed, consists of Revs. Mensoo and Stoot. xxi. 12.
WILLIAM BEECKMAN TO DIRECTOR STUYVESANT; REV. ABELIUS ZETSKOORN, LUTHERAN MINISTER AT NEW AMSTEL; EFFORTS TO INDUCE HIM TO SETTLE AT TINNECONGH IN THE PLACE OF DOMINE LAERS ; DEATH OF ANDRIES HUDDE.
Abelius Zetskoorn has been called by those of the Augsburg Confession, who belong to the Colony of New Amstel, as I informed your Honorable Worships before this, with the consent of Director and Council there, subject to the approval of their very Honorable Worships, the Lords Burgomasters. Since his staying there, he has been here in the district of the Honorable Company only once (it was last Whit-monday) and then he preached at Tinnakunck at the request of the Swedish Commissaries. Afterwards he was offered as high a salary, as Domine Laers receives; they wanted him especially as schoolmaster, but they of New Amstel would not let him go. In regard to the information, received by your Honorable Worships, that he also administers the rite of baptism, this is not true: I shall expect your Honorable Worships' further orders in this matter.
Altena, November 15, 1663 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xii. 446, 447.
LETTER FROM DIRECTOR STUYVESANT TO THE MAGISTRATES AT WILTWYCK: COLLECTIONS FOR THE CHURCH AND FOR THE POOR; SUPERINTENDENCE OF INTESTATES' ESTATES.
Honorable, Dear Faithful Friends .- You will learn from the enclosed copy what we have written to the Reverend Consistory of Wiltwyck and we do not doubt, that such abuses will be prevented in future. We have also been informed from that side and we shall learn in due time, whether it is true or not, that you have arrogated the disposal of what is collected in the community either for the Church or for the poor. If it is so, then it is our opinion and we command, that the dis- posal and the distribution of it shall only concern the Consistory and remain until further order in its hands. Therefore you must in no way presume, but one side or the other must remain within the boundaries of their respective positions and
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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confer with each other in love and friendship, which, we hope, will be done. We commend you to God's grace and protection and remain with cordial greetings,
Honorable, Dear, Faithful Friends.
Fort Amsterdam in New Netheriand 21st 9ber, 1663.
Postscript.
As we have referred to you, because it was proper for the avoidance of further difficulties, and now do it again, that a good and strict attention and care should be given to the goods and effects left behind by such persons, as should die without lawful heirs or testamentary disposition, therefore we have also for pregnant rea- sons resolved, that the money-proceeds from such estates shall be placed in charge of the overseers of the poor, after the liabilities and assets have been adjusted; so that the same may be better taken care of, until it is proved who has a right to the money. Relying hereupon we commend you again to God's protection and remain with cordial greetings,
Honorable, Dear, Faithful friends.
Actum Amsterdam
in New Netherland, 21st 9ber, 1663 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 306.
LETTER FROM STUYVESANT TO THE CONSISTORY AT WILTWYCK
THEY ARE NOT TO INTERFERE IN MATTERS CONCERNING IN- TESTATE ESTATES.
Reverend, Pious and Very Discreet Friends. You will see by the enclosed copy, of what the Magistrates of the village of Wiltwyck have complained to us. It appears strange to us, that you oppose the magistrates in matters of such a nature, for upon them fall the duty properly, to appoint administrators and to have the estates inventoried; the Consistory has no direction in it, much less, should it pro- nounce any interdict through the Court messenger against rendering an account to the Commissaries or the administrators appointed by them for the estate left behind by this or that person without heirs or testamentary disposition, for they are bound by their official duties to take care of the estates through orphan-mas- ters or curators, that after the liabilities and assets have been adjusted, absent heirs may obtain their own. In case the overseers of the poor or the Consistory should have or pretend to have some claim upon an estate for advanced money, given either for funeral expenses or on interest or as a loan to this or that person, then they could not be their own judges, much less arrogate the estate on their own authority, but they must proceed according to law and get an order of attach- ment, when it is required. You are therefore hereby required not to make any opposition to the inventory of some intestate estate, much less to order anybody through the Court messenger or forbid him, to give a special account or reliquat to the Court or the guardians appointed by it, nor to forbid or prevent the pay- ment of a debt in any other manner, than by attachment and other such legal pro- ceedings before the Court. You may appeal in behalf of the deacons or the Church if you find yourself wronged.
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