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CERTIFICATE OF EX-DUTCH OFFCIALS AS TO THE DUTCH LOYALTY OF REV. JOHN MEGAPOLENSIS, AUG. 27, 1668.
As it is our duty to give testimony of the truth, especially when requested so to do: therefore we, the undersigned, the late Direc- tor-General, the Burgomasters and Rulers, attest and declare as truth that the Rev. Domine Johannes Megapolensis, who has been preacher here for more than nineteen years, did, at the surrender of this place act no otherwise, either in word, counsel or deed, so
far as we know, than it was the duty of a faithful subject of their High Mightinesses, the Lords, the States-General and of the privi- leged West India Company and as was proper for a godly and pious preacher to act on such an occasion; nor has anything else ever come to our knowledge. In testimony whereof this has been signed on the Island of Manhattan at New York, formerly called New Amsterdam, this 27th of August 1668.
Oloff Stevenson van Cortlandt.
P. L. van der Grift.
P. Stuyvesant. Timotheus Gabry Isaack Grevenraat Nicolaes de Meyer.
(Endorsed)
Father's certificate
concerning the invasion of New Netherland. Also in Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 416.
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1668
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Acts of the Deputies.
1668, August 27th.
Rev. Luke Vinckius in the Chair.
Rev. Herman Bloem, who was sent by our Rev. Classis as pastor to Esopus in New Netherland in the year 1660, has now returned. He has given an account of his experiences, and exhibited a lawful dismissal, and a good testimonial. He requests the assistance of the Rev. Brethren with the Directors of the West India Company that he may obtain what his Reverence deems as his just claim for transportation and board. Whereupon the Rev. Brethren resolved to send his Rev. to the Classis, that he may there make a complete report, and present his foregoing request. xxi. 65. Also in Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 416.
Rev. Hermanus Blom.
1668, Sept. 3rd.
Rev. Hermanus Blom, late minister in New Netherland, in the village of Wiltwyck, having handed in very laudable testimonials from his respective churches, and having given an account of the state of the same, asks further the favor of the Rev. Brethren that he may be advanced, at an opportune time, in the home church. The Rev. Classis having taken satisfaction in his testi- monial, accedes to his request. Rev. Blom also asks that a report may be made of his edifying ministry there (at Wiltwyck) to the Hon. Directors of the West India Company, in the hope that something may be granted him on the arrears in his salary. The Rev. Classis accedes fully to his request, and commended this matter to the Deput. ad res. Maritimas. vi. 463. xix. 137.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Election of Orphan-masters. Sept. 4, 1668.
Att a Mayors Court held at New York. Present Mr. Cornelis Steenwyke, Mayor; Mr. Ralph Whitfield, Capt. Matthias Nicolls, Mr. Isaacq Bedloo, Mr. Francois Boon, Mr. Christoffel Hooghlant, Aldermen; Capt. Jno. Manninge, Sheriffe.
On this day received from his Honor the Governor Coll. Francis Lovelaice a Warrant, Directed to the Mayor for the Publishing of a day of humiliation to be
595
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1668
held in this Citty on Tuesday Next ensuing being the 8th of this Instant month of September, and was Published and fixed up at the Usual places.
Whereas the Late Overzeers of Orphans or Weesmasters have served out their time and it being Necessary that in their roomes some other fit persons should be appointed, We the Mayor and Aldermen of New Yorcke have made Choize of Mr. Poulus Leendersen Van de Grift, Mr. Johannes Van Brugh & Johannes De Peyster to be Weesmasters for one whole Yeare Commencing from the date hereof & Expiringe the 4th day of September Anno 1669: And the Late Weesmasters are hereby required to Deliver up unto the sald persons, all the Estate of Orphans now remaining in thelr Custody; dated as abovesald.
On this day this Worshipfull Court made Cholze of Mr. Corn: Van Ruyven & Ffredrick Philips to be Church-masters or Kerkmasters for one whole Yeare Comencing from the date hereof etc. 1
N Bene, the forme Was, the same forme of ye Weesmasters here above .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6, p. 144.
REV. SAMUEL MEGAPOLENSIS TO A FRIEND.
1668, Sept. 7th.
Reverend Sir :-
Shortly after the transfer of New Netherland (to the English) I forwarded some letters to you, in which I wrote that I then hoped that things were going to better themselves, generally, with us; but time has brought us a different experience. I do not think it advisable to enter into particulars, as the letter in crossing the ocean may fall into the hands of the enemy, and be opened; for they are an inquisitive people. Nevertheless this much may be said: We have frequently hitherto complained to our rulers in relation to our small salaries. They do not reach more than five hundred guilders at most, while the expense of clothes, etc., is as great here as in the Fatherland. And even this small amount is irregularly paid, not at the appointed time, but little by little, and that in the uncurrent money of this country. (See letter of Schaats, May 7th 1667.) Hence much of it is lost when taken by the merchants, as Domine Blom has doubtless orally informed you. The manner also in which the above mentioned sum is collected is unpleasant and degrading, and altogether unusual in our Dutch nation. They go around from house to house to col- lect the salary, and you may imagine the slights and murmurings occasioned thereby concerning the ministry and the ministers.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Moreover the first year I was here, I did not receive a cent of salary. Abominations and scandalous sins are daily committed here, and remain unpunished. How an improvement of this state of affairs among us is to be secured, does not appear. I also apprehend such modifications in the condition of the church, as I shall not be able to acquiesce in. The labors of the ministry are now much more burdensome than they ever were before under the Dutch government; for there are now five separate places in which we must render services. Some of these are as much as three (Dutch, nine English) miles distant. This service must be rendered in both hot and cold weather; and the extremes are much greater here than in the Fatherland. In the fall and spring the weather is very changeable and stormy. Hence we are some- times in danger of our life, and may very easily meet with acci- dents, incapacitating us for service. Under this English govern- ment the case is thus: when the labor ceases, the salary also
ceases. In view of these and other circumstances, I have not the resolution to continue here longer. It is therefore my request that you would give me your aid in obtaining my dismission from the Rev. Classis. If it be practicable, let it be done without public notice; for as you know that the English preachers (here) hold correspondence with the preachers in England, if it should be- come known here, it might prove injurious to me; for I know there is a determination to cross the path of those who are about to remove. Besides circumstances may so alter, that I may change my resolution. It is therefore my humble request, that you would effect this in the manner indicated. I shall however be sat- isfied with your wise and prudent judgement, not doubting but that you will be diligent in procuring my letter of dismission, that it may be sent to you (me?) by the first ships. If necessary I shall then be able to make use of it; and as I came here by Classical authority, I may return by the same. Will you be so good as to let me know what opportunities offer in your country for a call and settlement. In the promotion of this in my behalf,
597
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1668
I am sure your kindness and aid will not be withheld, as I have already had sufficient proof of this in behalf of me and mine. I have also written on this subject to F. Homma. You will under- stand whether it is necessary for you to confer with him.
In reference to the church, and ecclesiastical matters generally in this country, as you may gather from what is stated above, little that is good can be said. If the Lord will, I shall soon have an opportunity to communicate verbally with you. In the mean- time I may say that the Lord begins to deal in judgement with his people. He has visited us with dysentery, which is even now in- creasing in virulence. Many have died of it, and many are lying sick. We are also threatened by the Indians who have already an agent among the English, in a town just settled, and openly threaten war. It appears as if God were punishing this land for its sins. Some years (ago) there appeared a meteor in the air. Last year we saw a terrible comet in the west, a little above the horizon, with the tail upward, and hanging over this place. It showed itself for about eight days, and then disappeared. So we fear God's judgements, but supplicate his favor. Accept my salutations, while I remain,
Yours dutifully, Samuel Megapolensis.
New York, Sept. 7, 1668.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. FRANCIS LOVELACE.
Sept. 17, 1668-1673, Aug. 9.
An Answer to the Desires of the Inhabitants of the Esopus tendered to me 24th of September, 1668.
1.
2
3. For the Preachers Bowry which is at the New Dorpe it being not within their lymitts I conceive it concernes them not since I am resolved to make that a dis- tinct towne and to those that shall settle there it properly belongs to clayme the right if any be though since it be forfeited to his Royall Highnesse by an Escheate I see no reason, why he should be deprived of his right .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 41S.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Blom.
1668, Oct. 1st.
Rev. Hermanus Blom, having not yet presented himself to the Deputies ad res Indicas, his request and business remain in statu. vi. 468.
Letters from Drisius.
1668, Oct. 1st.
Rev. Dep. Vinkius handed in a certain letter from Rev. Dries- ius, touching the state of the churches in New Netherland. Its consideration is postponed to the next Classis, which will be held on November 5th, when Rev. Jacobus Clerquius shall preside. vi. 470. xix. 138.
Rev. Blom. 1668, Nov. 5th.
Rev. Deputati on Indian affairs, report that they have conferred with the Directors of the West India Company in regard to the arrears of his salary, and had received from them the reply that they had appointed commissioners in his case, in order to deal with him in accordance with right and fairness. The result of this must be awaited. vi. 471.
Letters from Drisius.
1668, Nov. 5th.
Was read a certain letter from Rev. Samuel Drisius, of New York, of July 30th, 1668, relating the condition and amenities of the church and church services there. This is received simply as information. vi. 471.
THE GOVERNOR'S LETTER TO MR. JAMES, MINISTER OF EAST HAMPTON.
I received your letter of the 9th of November by Frank ye Indian and am heartily glad to see that the same hand that has inflamed your heart with a desire of aduancing ye Gospell of Christ in the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing them to the knowledge of his Law has likewise bestowed on you. the spirit of perseuer- ance in so glorious a work as will undoubtedly not only crown you with comfort
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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and peace of mind here but with eternali beatitude and joy above your fellows hereafter for if he that saues a soule shall shine as a starr In heaven what a glorious lustre may that person expect that shaii saue nations, goe on therefore and prosper and be assured there shall be nothing wanting in my parte to aduance so worthy a worke if you but put me in the way.
I very much approue of your composure of a catechisme which as it was the primitive way of instruction so it is most practicable at this time for those darke soules who being not yet ariu'd to that degree which the Apostle speaks of, of being but babes in Christ, are therefore to be esteemed but as embryos in Christianity, so that the sincere milk of the word is euen too strong for their infant digestion. A stimulation to vertue must therefore be the first worke though it were but such as was eminent in the ancient Romans who as the Apostle observes were by instinct of nature a Law unto themselves to check their appetite to any licentiousnesse and irregularityes, in your catechism care would be had that the composure thereof be gentle and easy so that reason may be the hand maid to Religion, and not to puzzle them with those Arcanas (mysteryes of salva- tion) which as they will be very difficult to instill them in their myndes (being the proper objects of faith) so the difficulty of their comprehensions might make them weary and desire a release of that burthen which their myndes are not able to beare for nothing is a greater heauinesse to it than a desire to apprehend that which the soule at that time is not able to comprehend, easy interrogatoryes will there- fore be most suitable and I would aduise you that some proper chapters might be recommended such as might make them in loue and desirous to proceed in the read- ing of scriptures but above all be carefull that there be good examples sett them by those whome they conuerse with lest that they finding our practice is not pro- porconable to our precepts might make them haue a light esteeme of what you would desire to instruct them in. To facilitate your worke in which you desire that certain dayes may be appointed that so the Indians may the better know when and where to attend you I shall not determine that positively but leave it to ye consideration of the Comrs. whome I haue appointed to take a strict care to that particular as well as to the regulation of other affaires, that shall happen betwixt them and the Christians, and therefore make the best contrivement for the present till the spring when (by God's permission) I will be with you to order and rectify any convenience that shall appear to the carrying on so charitable a work.
For the circumiacent Colonyes to be contributary to the support, I hope it will not ยท be necessary for I doubt not by the representacon of your pious inclination to my Mr. his Royall Highnesse but to procure you ye exhibition as may both support you in that ministry and give further externall incouragement to your new Proselytes. That which I shall desire from you at present is the Catechisme with some few select chapters and Laudatory Psalms fairly transcribed in the Indian Language which I will send over to England and have quantityes of them printed, and if you thinke it necessary I conceive a small book such as shall only serue to the instructing ye Indians to read may likewise be compiled and sent to them All which so soone as I shall receive from you I shall speedily dispatch to England and with the first opportunity you may expect a returne of them though I am not out of hopes ere long to have a printer here of my owne hauing already sent to Boston for one but whether I shall speed or no I am uncertaine.
So soone as I can be furnish't with an able Person to attend the ministry in your place I will entertaine him and then totally free you from your charge that soe you may attend that worke only which God hath put into your heart to performe, to the aduancement of which I shall pray God to direct you.
I have according to your instruction made much of ffrank hauing entertained him kindly at my house duering his abode here, and at his departure furnisht him with a new garment I look on him according to your obseruation, as a person of a more then ordinary Capacity and therefore (if fitt applications be made) may easily be drawne ouer to the great encouragement of his fellowes, who doubt- lesse will be much benefitted by examples of their own stampe.
Sr. I shall detaine you no longer, hauing as I conceive answered the most materiall partes of your letter and if anything be slipt my obseruation pray remynde me of it by the next Conueniency.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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To Conclude I shall recommend you and your endeavours to the allsufficient grace of the Almighty who hauing inclined your heart to will may likewise estab- lish your mind to doe, and may both tend to his glory the building up of the Church of Christ here and the endless comfort and saluation of yourselfe and those that shall be committed to your charge I remaine,
Your affectionate friend,
Fran: Lovelace.
Fort James ye 19th of November 1668.
Pray commend me kindly to all our friends Captain Younge and the rest though unknowne to them. I long very much till the tyme affords me an opportunity of seeing you .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 610, 611, 612.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies.
1669, Jan. 21st.
Rev. Luke Vinckius in the Chair.
A long letter from Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, dated Sept. 7, 1668, at New York, was read by the Chairman. Therein he com- plains at length of the unfavorable conditions of the church, and of affairs in general there, and seems to desire his dismissal (from that field) by the Rev. Classis, and a summons (to return). It was resolved, therefore, to communicate said letter to the first meeting of the Classis which may be held. xxi. 71.
Feb. 16, 1668-9.
Evert Pietersen, Schoolmaster and Precentor requests payment of his earned salary, and further allowance for his future services.
A CONFIRMACON FROM YE GOVERNOR OF WHAT PROCEEDINGS WERE DONE IN YE CAUSE BETWEENE MR. FRANCIS DOUGHTY OF NEW TOWNE AND MR. JNO. HICKS, CAPTAIN JNO. UNDERHILL AND WILLIAM LAWRENCE. ETC.
Whereas a matter of difference betweene Mr. Ffrancis Doughty of New Towne, on the behalfe of Mr. Ffrancis Doughty his father, heretofore Minister of Fflush- ing, and Mr. John Hicks, Captain John Underhill and Mr. William Lawrence, for themselves and ye rest of ye inhabitants then of that Towne, concerning a certaine salary or yearly allowance to be paid unto ye said Mr. Doughty for his paines in ye Ministry amongst them hath been heard and debated at several Courts of Assizes, wherein Mr. Doughty's case was found very equitable. And it being made appear to ye said Court that ye sum of six hundred guilders good pay was ten- dered to ye said Minister but that he refused to accept thereof there being much more thought to be due unto him. However at ye last Generall Court of Assizes it being thought fitt and ordered that ye said sume of six hundred guilders should
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
601 1669
be paid unto ye said Mr. Doughty or his assigns in full of all demands but in regard there appeared difficulty in ye levying thereof, ye Court having referred ye whole matter to Mr. James Hubbard, Mr. Richard Betts, and Mr. Robert Coe as Commissioners to examine Into and give In their report, to ye last Court of sessions, how ye same should be levyed and pald, which accordingly ye said Com- missioners did in wryting, and under their hands, and the said Court (who were Ordered so to determyne the cause as to admitt of no further delay or hearing) allowed thereof onely suspended ye putting ye same in execucon until I should be acquainted therewith Now after due consideration had of ye p'misses I do hereby certify and declare that I doe allow of and confirme what ye Comrs. afore- named and ye Court of Sessions have done in this matter; And do likewise Order that ye same be speedlly put in execution in ye same manner and according to ye Tenor of ye said Comrs. Result and report, both as to ye levying and prin- cipall sum of six hundred guilders and ye charges occasioned by ye suite. Unless ye persons appointed to collect ye same shall agree amongst themselves upon some other more speedy and easy way for the collection thereof then by ye Comrs. is proposed. The charges are to be stated by - And all persons concerned, are hereby required to forebare any further cavills or contests upon this account as they will answer the contrary at their perils. Given under my hand at Fort James in New York this 27th day of March 1669 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 619, 62v.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
1669, April 17/27.
Rev. John Megapolensis to the Classis of Amsterdam.
(There is also an abstract of this in Acts of Deputies, xxi. 79; and in Acts of North Holland Synod, 1669, Art. 8.)
Reverend, Pious and Learned Fathers and Brothers in Christ Jesus :-
The West India Company unjustly withholds two thousand florins, justly owing me for salary, and due to me before the change of government by the surrender of the place to the Eng- lish. They falsely accuse me of treachery, of which, they say, I was guilty at the surrender to the English. But how wrongly I was accused of this, your Reverences have been able to under- stand by the defense which I sent you in my reply. I doubt not but that the Rev. Classis have done their duty in my behalf with the Hon. Directors for my vindication, and to obtain for me the salary due; but I have not yet received a distinct answer from the Rev. Classis. I hope, however, that the Rev. Classis will continue to look kindly upon me.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1669
Concerning the circumstances and condition of the congre- gation here, the Rev. Classis will learn everything clearly and in detail from the mouth of my son Samuel. He has been preacher here, and knows them as well as I do, and therefore I did not wish to write more in detail about them. On Sundays we have many hearers. People crowd into the church, and apparently like the sermon; but most of the listeners are not inclined to contribute to the support and salary of the preacher. They seem to desire, that we should live upon air and not upon produce. We have several times spoken to our Governor, but he answers, that if the Dutch will have divine service their own way, then let them also take care of and support their own preachers, and thus nothing is done for our salary. Time must show how this will end. There- fore my son Samuel has given warning to the congregation here, that he will give up serving them and take his leave. He has determined to sail from here to the Fatherland, in order to obtain a better position there. I have no donbt but that the Rev. Classis will kindly assist him, and that when occasion offers he will again be employed in the service of the Church. Domine Drisius and I are old men, of nearly the same age. Time must show how it will turn out with us; meanwhile we shall do our duty and attend to our service. I trust that God, who has hitherto taken care of me from my youth, when I relinquished Popery, and was thrust out at once from my inherited estate, will also henceforth take care of me during the short remainder of my life. I am now sixty five years old and have been a preacher about forty years. Of this time I have been twenty seven years here, and the remainder in North Holland. But a thought often occurs to me, and troubles me. It is, What will become of the congregation here, when I and Domine Drisius are dead. Since they care so little for a decent support of their preacher, I can- not see how they will procure another.
There is still another difficulty. The Lutherans here have obtained a preacher from Amsterdam and received him with great kindness. When we are dead, I fear there will be great con-
603
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1669
fusion and scattering among our people at this place. Yet God can turn everything to the best, and give us a good deliverance. Closing I commend your Reverences to the strength of the All High.
Your obedient brother in Christ, Johannes Megapolensis, Eccl.
New York in America, Island of Manhattans, 17/27 April 1669.
[Another translation, Doc. Hist. N. Y. xiii. 423-4.]
New Netherland.
1669, July 1st.
Rev. Henricus Selyns makes known that there has been sent him a certain complaint from the church of New Netherland, written by Rev. Driesius, in which he asks advice from this Clas- sis. It is of this purport; that a certain person there, having slept with, and afterwards married, his (deceased) wife's half sister, it is asked if that marriage is held to be lawful; and if not, whether that person may be admitted to the communion. Inasmuch as the condition of that country is changed, not being under the same (political) constitution, as formerly, the Assem- bly excuses it self from replying to this question, nomine Classis; but will be glad if Rev. Selyns would write in answer thereto, as a private individual. vi. 488.
Rev. Megapolensis.
1669, July 1st.
Stood within Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, late minister in New Netherland. He handed in his dismissal, and a church certificate of his deportment there, with the request that this Assembly would please to aid him with the Directors of the West India Company that he may receive his salary. He tells at the same time of the deplorable state of the church there, in that no arrangements are made for the payment of the salary of the ministers of God's
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Word. He also requests of this Rev. Classis that he may be recom- mended to the churches in the country here in preference to others. He hands in also a letter from his father, Rev. John Megapolensis, still minister there, who also complains that his salary is getting in arrears, with a dissertation on the difficulties which he appre- hends for the church there. Regarding the first request, the As- sembly grants permission to Rev. Samuel Megapolensis to request the Rev. Brethren, Committee ad causas Indicas, to aid him with the Directors in such a way as they shall deem prudent. As to the second request the Assembly receives him, like all others recom- mended, and will remember him data occasione. vi 488, 489. xix. 139.
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