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Arrangements for the Installation of Rev. Selyns.
Thereupon the call having been offered to Rev. Selyns and also accepted by him, in the fear of the Lord, it was arranged that his
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1666
first presentation (publishing of name from pulpit) be made by Rev. Clincquane on September 12th, the second on September 19th, by Rev. Lantsman, or if made inconvenient, through sick- ness, by the next following; and the installation on September 26th, by Rev. Lucas Vinckins. vi. 416.
(Waverveen is a village in the province of Utrecht (though the church was in the Classis of Amsterdam) not more than 7 or 8 miles north west from Breukelen, after which the locality in New Netherland was named.)-Tr.
Aegidius Luyck.
1666, Sept. 6th.
Rev. Aegidius Luyck, candidate, residing at Amsterdam, at Cattenburgh, handed in the certificate of his examination in the Classis of " Hardewyck and Nether Veluwe " (Gelderland. ) He requests to be received as . recommended, by this Classis. The certificate was read, and his exposition (sermon) heard, and both were found satisfactory; his request was granted upon his com- plying with the usual regulations of Classis in the premises. vi. 417.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
1666, Oct. 9.
Jacques Cosseart, Collector of the monies promised by the inhabitants for the support of the Clergy, appears in Court requesting that something may be allowed him for the collection of said money. Ady as above .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. p. 40.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Henricus Selyns.
1666, Oct. 11th.
Stood within Rev. Henricus Selyns pastor of the church at Waverveen. He had been installed to the great satisfaction of that people, on Sept. 26th, by Rev. Lucas Vinckius, and he now asked to be received as a member of the Classis, and that he may also be granted a seat in the Assembly. The Assembly cheerfully
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1666
granted him his request, upon his subscribing the ordinary for- mulæ of Concord. He was heartily welcomed, and the Lord's rich blessing cordially invoked upon his person and ministry. vi. 418.
(This implies considerable difference in church government at that time, owing to the Jus Patronatus.)
LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR IN. REGARD TO THE LUTHERANS.
Gentlemen :- I have lately received letters from the Duke Wherein it is per- ticularly signifyed unto me that his Royall Highness doth approve of ye Tollera- tlon given to ye Lutheran Church in these partes I doe therefore expect that you Ilve friendly and peaceably with those of that profession giving them no disturbance In ye exercise of thelr religion, as they shall receive noe countenance in but on ye contrary strictly answer any disturbance they shall presume to give unto any of you in your divine worship. So I bld you farewell being,
Your very loving friend.
Fort James in New York this 13th day of October 1666 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 626.
1
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies.
1666, Oct. 18th.
Rev. John Rulitius in the Chair.
A letter from Rev. John Megapolensis, pastor at Manhattan in New Netherland, addressed to Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and dated August 16, 1666, was read, embracing,
1. A defence of his Rev. respecting the transfer of that place to the English.
2. A report of the condition of his church, viz. that there are between three and four hundred communicants; and that that place, together with the surrounding villages, is served by three pastors, viz., Rev. John Megapolensis, his son Samuel Megapo- lensis, and Rev. Drisius; but that their salary is limited and comes in slowly.
3. A request that, through the intercession of the Deputies of the Rev. Classis with the Directors, he might obtain certain back payments due to his Rev., but which still remain unpaid by the Hon. West India Company. xxi. 32: also in Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 405.
584
1666
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Rev. Petrus Tesschenmaker.
1666, Oct. 25th.
Rev. Peter Tesschenmaker, a proponent, (candidate) residing at the Hague, asked, after handing in a certificate of his examina- tion in the Classis of " Rheenen and Wyck ", that he may be re- ceived as " recommended " by this Classis ; but inasmuch as he has with him no church certificate, dated within the period of one year, which was decreed and established as an express law at the Classis of June 7, last ; therefore the granting of his request is postponed (suspended) for the present, until such time and period as this resolution shall be complied with by him. vi. 420.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
1666, Oct. 30.
Jacques Cossaert requesting to know, from whom he is to get his commission of four per centum which was allowed him on the 9th inst. by the Mayors Court for collecting the money for the Clergy. It is apostilled as followeth: - The W: Court order, that he shall be paid his commission out of the money he has collected for the behoof of the Clergy .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. p. 44.
1666, Dec. 10th.
Rev. James Heermans in the Chair.
The request of Rev. John Megapolensis, which was presented in the meeting of the XIX, was rejected until his Rev. shall give further satisfaction concerning the events at the surrender of New Netherland to the English. xxi. 36. Also in Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 405.
REPLY OF THE WEST INDIA COMPANY TO THE ANSWER OF GOVER- NOR STUYVESANT. 1666.
To the fourth, in justification whereof he produces a declaration from the farmers dwelling on his own Bouwery, he ought to blush to let people see by the aforesaid Declaration that the farmers on the Manhattans, being busy with the harvest, could not attend to threshing, and therefore must, including the Director's servants, be induced to do such work by prompt payment, just as if there should have been any difficulty in forcing them to it. Under all circumstances, it was not necessary
585 1666
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
to have recourse to that, If it could be of no avail, seeing that, after so many warnings, the opportunity which existed previous to the arrival of the frigates, was thrown away. And if the English frightened the farmers with threats of burning, he ought to have constrained them by similar menaces to furnish him supplies, and in case of neglect, at once to have made an example; unless, as is very probable, the Director, some Councillors and Clergymen being interested In Bouwerles would likewise have to suffer in return. This is truly a matter that the Company cannot think of without pain, seeing that the Province evidently failed to be supplied or defended, in order that private farms should not be destroyed .- Col. Docs. N. Y. 11. 495.
Thirdly, he alleges, that the Fort was encompassed round about by houses. Truly a poor reason and still weaker, that he could not, on account of the damage to the Burghers, resolve on pulling them down, as the Company in Its Observations hath demonstrated, ought to have been done. For, here was no longer any question of profit or loss to the Burghers who had abandoned the defence of the City. The defence of the Fort only must be looked to, even though all the houses had to be pulled down; for, the Fort, and consequently occupation, once lost, the State and Company lost everything. But 'tis here again to be regretted that the Company was served by men who preferred to save their own property, which they had gained in the Company's employ, than to observe their oath and honor. The afore- said Director would have easily enough resolved upon the pulling down of the aforesaid buildings, were it not that Councillors and Clergymen were desirous of saving their houses lying next the Fort; for, when the question of resistance or fighting was under deliberation, it was openly stated in Council, that, if the people should fight, the Commonalty must have a promise that the Company will indemnify every one who would suffer loss of house or goods; and that none of the Directors would thank any man who may lose an arm or leg. 'Tis a matter of little moment that the Burghers, when their houses would be pulled down, should be obliged to retire into the Fort, and that their wives and little ones could not find shelter there; for he ought to have known that those who could not be accommodated, ought to have looked out for a place of safety and retired there, as Secretary and Councillor Van Ruyven took care to do for his wife, whom he sent with other women, not to be troubled about them as he said, to the English, they being friends. This appears by the certificate (L. K.) The aforesaid Director-General ought to have known that he was not a Militia Captain, but a servant of the Company and Commander of its Fort, and have followed the example of many other Commandants who have, to the utmost, defended for their masters the strongholds entrusted to them, even though the cities may be all reduced, and did not suffer themselves to be moved by the flattering tongues of Preachers and others who were troubled about their private property, without regarding the interest of the State and Company. The last consideration on the weakness of the aforesaid Fort, he founds on the number of his enemies. But, having spoken hereof in the last of those Observations, the Company will refer thereto and leave the said Director to answer what is contained in the aforesaid deposition (L. K.), namely; that the force before the Fort was not considerable enough to overcome it; and again only say, to put him to shame, that 'tis not true that they were unable to resist the encroachments and incursions of the New Englanders previous to the arrival of the frigates, but that people (not- withstanding iterated orders) neither would nor dared offer opposition, all through fear that here or there they might be injured in their Bouweries; the fact being, by all reports, that this entire mob of ill-armed rebels was not a hundred and fifty strong, and that their leader was not commissioned by any one, and consequently, if opposed, would not have received assistance from any quarter .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 499, 500.
But, coming to the third: Is it to be wondered at, that such a poor defence was . made? For he, himself, admits that he had neither ordered nor forbad firing. In
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1666
truth, whether this becomes a Director-General or not, the Company need not add any more; it only says, that 'tis an action that never can be palliated in a Director General, to stand between the gabions looking at two hostile frigates passing the Fort and the mouths of twenty pieces of Cannon, several of them demi-cartoons, and not give an order to prevent them, but, on the contrary, lend an ear to Clergy- men and other craven-hearted people, pretending that he was wishing to order fire, yet will allow himself to be led in from the rampart between the Clergymen, and then for the first time, give himself any trouble after the frigates have passed, when, for the first time, he will march forth to prevent a landing .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 502.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Feb. the 7th 1666/7.
At a Mayors Court held at New York. Present Capt. Tho. d'Lauall, Mayor; Mr. Olof Stevensen, Mr. Jo. Laurence, Mr. Corn. Steenwyk, Mr. Jo. de Peyster, Alder- men; Mr. Allard Anthony, Sheriff.
The honnerable Mayor propoundinge to the Court that it was the honnerable Governor's pleasure that this Town should maintain for one Yeare Longer the Ministers of this place, and whereas several persons where departed from this place and others disinable to pay towards the same, whom the Last Yeare had Subscribed -
It is Ordered that some of the Inhabitants should be sent for to appeare in Court for to trye, or they would voluntarily Raise, the sums which they promised the Late yeares to pay towards the maintenance of the Minister.
Names of the Persons who for One Yeare Longer have Voluntarily Promised to pay towards the Maintenance of One of the Ministers Videllezit.
Beavers.
Beavers.
Abell Hardelbroeck fl. 8.
Balthazar d'Haer, continues as
afore.
Coenraet ten Eyck
12.
Christoffel Hooghlant 12.
Evert Duyckingh 5.
Fredrick Philipsen
24.
Symon Romeyn continues.
Fredrick Gysbertsen
12.
Isaack Bedloo 12.
Jacques Cousseau continues at
Poulus Leenders continues.
two Bevers & profers two Bevers more for them that are
Johan d'Wit continues.
disinabled to pay what they have promised.
Jacob Hendricx Varrevanger . .. Reynier vander Coele till May next ensuing one Bever.
8.
Mettie Wessels
8.
Nicolaes Meyed puts down
24. Warnaer Wessels 12.
Nicolaes Backer
8. Wellem Abransen 8.
- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. 58, 59.
Francois Rombouts fl. 10.
Johannes de Peyster 16.
Cornelis Steenwick 28.
Jacob Leysler 12.
Tho. Hall 10.
Tho. Levis 8.
Pieter Alrigs . 10.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
587
1667
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Gideon Schaets to the Classis of Amsterdam.
May 7, (O. S.), 1667.
To the Reverend Brethren of the Classis of Amsterdam.
Dear and Reverend Brethren:
Through changes made by the English, our salary has not only been diminished by two hundred guilders, but they have also for some time past taken charge of the excise, out of which we were formerly paid with great regularity; while now the salary is made by collections from house to house, in the congregation. But the people are mostly needy themselves by the failure of trade. Therefore my pay is not only not forthcoming, but what is given, is proffered in wampum, or grain, which, before I receive it, costs twenty five guilders, but for which I have to pay the merchants thirty five and often forty guilders, in wampum, for five bushels (schepels). For a beaver I have to give from seven to eight guilders in corn; and they never have a beaver skin for the teacher. It is also to be feared, that permission will be given for the opening of a trading house. This will compell all the people to remove, as they are daily doing now. Therefore nothing else is to be expected, than a general exodus. However, I do not intend to leave, although I must remain a penniless tramp in prison; for I have not the means to get away. Nevertheless, with the help of God, it is my hope to come over to Patria, accompanied by my sons, who here can only come to grief; and as for the rest of my family, I hope the Lord will grant us relief. Therefore, I humbly request the Rev. Brethren to turn their eyes in commiseration upon their unworthy brother's condition, so that if the loving God permits, we may reach our Fatherland in good health. I wish in one way or the other to continue the service
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1667
to which the Lord has called me, either at home or in foreign lands, and thus run my race, and serve in some hamlet or other. Trusting, that the Reverend Brethren will act according to their christian and brotherly inclination, I close herewith, and com- mend them all to the care of God, to bless them, individually and collectively in their work; and may it tend to the honor of his name, to the growth of his church, and of their congregations, and to their own salvation, Amen.
Your Reverences humble brother and co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord, Gideon Schaets.
Done at New Albany,
the 7th of May 1667,
old style.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
1667, June 18.
Whereas the General has complained to his Worshipful Court, that many persons fail to pay the money promised by them for the support of the preachers, the fol- lowing order is sent to the Deacons by direction of the Worshipfull Court :-
Whereas divers complaints have been made to us the Mayor and Aldermen of this City of New York regarding the non-payment of the promised and fixed salary of the Ministers of this City, Therefore we do hereby order and command by and with the advise of the Honorable Governor, all the inhabitants of this City, who are in arrears to the said Salary, promptly to pay their dues on this warning, and the Deacons of this City are requested to collect the same from said persons with the Collector Jacques Cossaert, and to exert all possible means to promote the collection of said arrears. Ady as above :- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6, 8. 79.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT EDAM.
1667, Aug. 8 et seq.
Art. 12. Indian Affairs.
Extract from a letter from Rev. John Megapolensis, minister at Manhattan in New Netherland, of date August 16, 1666.
1. There is a defense, on his part, regarding the transfer of that place to the English.
2. An account of the state of that church: namely, that there are between three hundred and four hundred communicants
589
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1667
therein. That this place and the surrounding villages are now served by three ministers, namely, Rev. John Megapolensis, his son, and Rev. Drisius, but that their salary is meager, and comes in slowly.
Art. 53. Ministerial Changes in the Classis of Amsterdam: Died: Rev. Casparus de Carpentier, minister at Amsterdam.
Came in: Rev. Henricus Selyns, to Waverveen.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Aegidius Luyck. 1667, Aug. 15th.
Rev. Aegidius Luyck, a candidate, recommended here, and who has heretofore been in New Netherland as Rector, and who now thinks of going thither again, asks if he may not be allowed to be qualified (ordained) in that land, if opportunity offered, and be advanced to the Sacred Ministry. Whereupon it was resolved that inasmuch as the Government there has been changed, and that country now belongs to the English, that the Deputati ad causas communicate in regard to this matter with the Messrs. Directors (of the West India Company) in order to deliberate what more may be fruitfully done by us in behalf of the churches in that country. vi. 437.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Guilhelmus Neiuwenhuysen, Candidate.
1667, Aug. 16th.
Stood within Rev. Guilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen, a candidatus, who was received in March last as recommandatus by the Rev. Classis. He now asks to be advanced to the service of the foreign churches. Thereupon a proposition (sermon) was heard from him, Coram Classe, which gave much pleasure, and his request was granted. vi. 438.
:
590
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1667
Aegidius Luyck.
1667, Aug. 29th.
Rev. Aegidius Luyck repeats his request, made at the last Classis. In regard to this it was reported that the Messrs. Di- rectors could do nothing more in the premises. Wherefore it was resolved to let this matter take its course, and to recom- mend him to keep himself in genere to the regulations of the church; and to keep in correspondence with our Netherland churches. vi. 438.
COLONEL NICOLLS TO THE REVEREND FATHER PIERRON.
Fort Albany 10/20 October 1667.
Sir :-
Having seen your very agreeable letter to Madame de Corlart of the 13th 7ber, and also another to Mr. Hains, I feel very glad to be here to communicate briefly my sentiments to you thereon; but seeing by the commencement of yours to Madame de Corlart that you have thoroughly learned the English language, I dare no longer hazard my bad French style, fearing to appear very ignorant before you, as I am in fact of your tongue. Therefore it is, I now beginn in plaine English to let you know that if you please to give me a meeting at Schonestade I shall be glad to see you and to serue you in what you seeme to desire towards your Winters prouision. 1
Wee have lately received newes from Bilboe fyall and other places that the peace is concluded between the Crownes of England and France, although I have yet no expresse letters from his Majesty of England to that purpose; and wee doe confidently beleeue those warrs are ended as also that the French army hath taken severall Townes in Flanders which news I percelue you haue also met Withall.
Howeuer, to a person of your profession and meritt, I should at any Time willingly accept an Enterview without entring into discourse of Politique Affaires. Therefore this present letter is expressly sent in Place of a Passeport to giue you full assurance of your freedome to come to Schoneistade and to returne at your liberty and if you please to bring one more in your Company upon the same terms I shall endeavour to answer you your desires. Be pleased to come with all Expedi- tion as I haue but a little time to spend in the . and you will find mee next Munday and till Tuesday att noone in Schoneistade attending your answer; you may easily and with the most Expedition make the voyage in a Canoe down the river; otherwise I would have sent horses for your accomodation. If you cannot lay hold of this present opportunity the Liberty I have now given will neither serue you nor mee to those civill purposes whereunto in person I am now ready to comply, bee pleased to send mee your speedy answer by this bearer in case you are not disposed to take so sudden a Voyage.
I am your very humble servant, R. Nicolls .- Col. Docs. N. Y. III. 162.
A Monsieur le Reverend Pere Jean Pierron - au Chasteau Tionnontogon,* soit donne.
* Capital of the Mohawk country.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
591
1668
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM. 1
1667, Nov. 19.
Att a Mayors Court held att New Yorck. Present Mr. O. Stevensen, Depty Mayor; Mr. Jo. Laurence, Mr. Jo. d'Peyster, Mr. Isaacq Bedloo, Aldermen.
On this day have the honnerable Court made Cholze off the following persons to be Kerckmasters or Churchmasters for one whole Yeare commencing from the date hereof to Witt Mr. JeronImus Ebbing & M. Cornelis Van Ruyven.
N. B. The forme of the Election Is to be found In date the 13th of June Anno 1666 .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. p. 103.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Four Persons Selected for the Indian Churches Approved.
1668, Jan. 2nd.
Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas report, that they had presented four persons selected for the service of the Indian churches, to the Messrs. Directors, and had obtained their gracious approval. Thereupon they had called this meeting to examine the two can- didates, Revs. Rynsdyck and Cascarius; also that Ing. Osdorpius having resigned from the church of Curacoa, that place was now vacant, and it would be seasonable to supply said church with a capable person. Thereupon stood within, and was heard, Ing. Lucas Osdorpius himself, who requested to be dismissed from the church of Curacoa, and that he might have a certificate given him of his peremptory (final) examination, as well as of his ordi- nation, which took place among us. Both of these requests were granted him.
Whereupon then stood within several candidates who offered to go out to the service of Curacoa. As first, Ing. Wilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen, candidate at Haerlem, and besides, Ing. Phil- lippus Specht, Rector at Culenborgh; Ing. Albertus Struys, for- merly preacher (chaplain) to the St. Admiral Meppel, from whom he shows a very laudable testimonial; Ing Theodorus Stipel, pro- ponent (candidate) here.
Besides these were recommended also, although absent: Ing. Rudolphus Meerlant, candidate at Ysselstein; Ing. Laurentius
592
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1668
Hemmelingh, proponent (candidate) at Leyden. It was resolved to reduce applicants to the number of three. There then re- mained as follows: Ing. Wilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen, Ing. Phil- lippus Specht, Ing. Theodorus Stipel; of these there was elected by a plurality of votes, Ing. Nieuwenhuysen, who shall be presented to the Directors, immediately, if practicable. vi. 444. xix. 133.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Abram de la Noy petitions to be allowed to teach.
Jan. 11, 1668.
The petition of Abram d'La Noy being considered and read in Court, requesting. in substance, that this W: Court will be pleased to admit him as Schoolmaster within this City, and to grant certificate of privelege thereof. It is apostilled as follows :- The petitioner is admitted as Schoolmaster within this City, on condition, that he submit himself to the orders of this Court, already enacted or to be enacted herein .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. p. 115.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Ing. Wilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen.
1668, Jan. 30th.
The Rev. Deputies on the churches in foreign lands report, that they had made every endeavor to secure the approval of the Directors of the West India Company for Ing. Wilhelmus Niuew- enhuysen, chosen by this Rev. Classis for the service of the church of Curacoa. He was, however, rejected by their Honors, who declared that in due time, they would themselves look about. for the proper material, and would inform us. Whereupon, they were again earnestly urged this morning, in reference to the matter, but they declared that they persisted in their former reso- lution. From this circumstance much evil seems to have been done by several candidates, who, after having offered their ser- vices to them, had now been rejected by the Directors. On account of this the Deputies shall take them in hand, and if found guilty, punish them as the circumstances may require, and admon- ish them as to the future. As to the special case, inasmuch as it seems impracticable to secure Ing. Nieuwenhuysen, it was.
593
1668
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
resolved to abandon his promotion, and without delay to resume the nomination of the five persons made at the last Classis, viz. : Ing. Phil. Specht, Theodore Stipel, Albertus Struys, Rudolphus Meerlant, Laurentius Bermelingh, (or Hemmelingh,) with the addition of Ing. Petrus Durant. These were finally narrowed down to two, viz., Ing. Specht and Stipel. Of these Ing. Phil- lippus Specht was elected. He shall be presented, by the Rev. Deputies, at the first opportunity, to the Messrs. Directors, and their gracious approval be requested. vi. 446. xix. 134.
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