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Nicholas Gouverneur.
1669, July 1st.
Nicholas Gouverneur, son-in-law of Rev. Dreisius, minister in New Netherland, states in the name of his father-in-law, that the Honorable Company is far behind in their payments to him; that he has frequently made appeals to the Directors, and now requests the assistance of this Assembly in the matter. This, like the proceeding, is commended to the Deputati ad causas Indicas. vi. 489. xix. 140.
Acts of the Deputies. 1669, July 3rd.
Rev. Laurentius in the Chair.
Touching the salaries of the Revs. Megapolensis, father and son, and Rev. Drisius, to which reference is made in the minutes of the regular meeting of the Classis, July 1, 1669, (See Acta Classis Ordinariae,) it was resolved, on account of the reiterated requests concerning said salaries, to speak privately to some of the Directors of the West India Company, to discover how the matter now stands with their Honors. Further action can then be taken after inquiry into this business. The Committee appointed for this purpose are Revs. Chairman Laurentius, and Woodward, (pastor of the English-speaking Presbyterian Church in Amster- dam.) xxi. 76.
605
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1669
Rev. Drisius.
1669, July 29th.
It was reported by Rev. Deputati ad causas Indicas, that Rev. Drisius, of whom mention was made in previous acta, has obtained a complete settlement and order for payment from the West India Company. This is noted down pro memoria, and Rev. Deputati are thanked for the trouble they have taken. vi. 493. xix. 141.
Rev. Schaats. 1669, July 29th.
There was read a letter from Rev. Gideon Schaats, minister at Fort Orange (Albany) in New Netherland. In this he declares that inasmuch as in that place, he no longer receives any salary, since the transfer of the country to the English, he has no means of subsistence. He is therefore inclined to come over to this country, and requests in that case, the favor of this Rev. Classis for his advancement. The Assembly will refrain from action until he shall have come over, and will then act as circumstances may require. vi. 493; xix. 141.
Acts of the Deputies.
Salary of Rev. Drisius.
1669, Aug. 5th.
As to the salary of Rev. Drisius: the same has been settled by the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company, to the satisfac- tion of his son-in-law, Gouverneur. xxi. 80.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HAARLEM.
1669, Aug. 6 et seq.
Art. 8. Indian Affairs.
On the occasion of the reading of the 9th Article, treating of the state of the Indian churches and other churches beyond the seas, the Rev. Brethren of the Classes of Amsterdam, Hoorn and Enckhuysen handed over and read extracts from letters from India
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1669
and New Netherland; and the list of the ministers and visitors of the sick who had been sent abroad.
Extract from a letter from Rev. John Megapolensis, dated 15/25 April, 1669, at New York on the Island of Manhattan, in America.
1. He complains once more that his salary is so far in arrears; with the request that the Classis would please lend him a helping hand in procuring the same from the Messrs. Directors of the West India Company.
2. He excuses himself for having contributed to any extent towards the surrender of those regions to the English.
3. Regarding the composition (constitutie) of the church there he refers himself for the original statement in the report of his son Samuel Megapolensis, who was minister there, and has now returned to the Fatherland.
4. Meanwhile, he states that there was good diligence there in hearing the sermons, but little or no inclination to contribute anything towards the support of the preachers.
5. He makes known, finally, that in case of their death, (Mega- polensis and Drisius) the church would run great risk of being scattered; especially because a Lutheran pastor, (Pharheer, pfarrer), had arrived there from Amsterdam. He had been re- ceived with much enthusiasm by the Lutherans, who are numer- ous there; but that he and his colleague, Rev. Drisius, would faith- fully watch over the Lord's flock, so long as the Chief Shepherd should be pleased to spare their lives.
Art. 15. Rev. Samuel Megapolensis.
Rev. Samuel Megapolensis has returned home from New Neth- erland. He has exhibited a very praiseworthy testimonial from the Consistory of New York, as to his faithfulness in the minis- trations of the sacred office there and in the vicinity. He has
607
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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requested of the Rev. Synod to be accepted as a " recommended preacher "; as also the favor of the Rev. Synod and of the respect- ive Classes, for his advancement to the sacred office here. This request of his was favorably received by all, and he was also re- ommended to the Rev. Correspondents.
Gov. LOVELACE TO CAPT. JOHN CARR AND THE MAGISTRATES OF
NEW CASTLE, .
I perceive ye Little Domine hath played ye Trumpeter to his disorder I refer ye quality of his punishment to your discretions.
Fort James, New York, this
15th day of September 1669 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xil. 465, 466. 1
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
The Church of New York to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Jan. 24 (29 ?), 1670.
(Extract in Acts of North Holland Synod, 1670, Art. 7; also in the Brodhead volume (Sage Lib.) p. 55.)
Very Reverend, Most Pious, Greatly Learned, the Overseers, Guardians and Shepherds of the flock of Jesus Christ, in the Classis of Amsterdam: -
In order not to trouble you too greatly amid the weighty duties which occupy you, We, the undersigned, Elders and Deacons of this city, (New York), suppliants to your Rev. Body, have written more particularly to your colleagues, Henricus Selyns and Samuel Megapolensis, with whom we are well acquainted, concerning the present sad circumstances of the church of God in this place. We feel it to be the righteous judgment of God on account of our in- gratitude and lack of zeal. One of our ministers, Domine John Megapolensis, has recently died; and the other Domine Drisius, is afflicted with a weakness of memory. Hence this young and afflicted church, is now to her great grief deprived of both the preaching of the word, and the administration of the sacraments.
* Probably Magister Fabricius.
608
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1670
Our necessities and pressing duties lead us to seek our refuge, next unto God, in you. We humbly supplicate your accustomed good counsel and ready help, in order that this good church may be seasonably provided with a pious, faithful, and learned minister, qualified not only to edify the congregation by his doctrine and life, but to withstand the sectaries, who are many, and who, through our unpropitious circumstances, have more opportunity for growth. The Rev. Henry Selyns left a deep impression among our mem- bers by the faithfulness of his ministry, the piety of his life, his peculiar zeal in instructing and catechizing, and his kind and af- fectionate intercourse. The congregation has therefore unani- mously requested us to inquire whether he could not, by some means, be persuaded or induced to come back, and engage again in the work of the ministry, and its related duties, in this important field, to the glory of God and the salvation of souls. If Domine Selyns cannot be influenced by any motives to come over, the con- gregation, and we in their name, commit ourselves to your provi- dence and sufficient knowledge, to furnish this, our centrally situated church, and the sooner the better and happier, with an- other pious minister, well tried in doctrine and life. We have been already in correspondence with the rulers of this city, for a proper and suitable salary. Our success in this effort has already been communicated to you.
We close with our christian salutations, commending you to the protection of the Most High. We remain, Rev. Sirs, your humble petitioners and servants, the elders and deacons of the Reformed Christian Church in New York.
P. Stuyvesant Johannes Van Brugh Coenradt Ten Eyck Boele Roelofse Jacob Teunise Kay Hendrick Cousturier Gerrit Van Fricht.
Dated, Jan. 29, 1669/70 in New York.
609 1670
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Election of Church-masters.
1670, Jan. 25.
Whereas the Church-masters or Kerkmeesters of this City have served out their time, and therefore requisite that the said office should be supplyed with summe other persons, the Worshipfull Court have thought fit to Nominate & appoint Alderm: Mr. Cor- nelis Van Ruyven & Mr. Jeronimus Ebbing to be Church-mas- ters or Kerckmeesters of this Citty for the next ensuing yeare, unto whom the Late Church-masters or Kerckmeesters are re- quired to Deliver the Bookes & effects belonging to the Church aforesaid .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. 215.
LETTER FROM GOV. LOVELACE TO CAPT. CARR, INFORMING HIM OF DOMINE FABRITIUS' INTENTION TO REMOVE TO DELAWARE, AND RECOMMENDING HIM TO THE CAPTAIN'S ATTENTION.
The Governor's Letter to Captain Carre concerning Mr. Jacobus Fabritius.
Captain Carre :-
Upon ye Request of Magister Jacobus Fabritius pastor of ye Lutheran Confes- sion commonly called ye Augustan who by the Duke's Lycence hath a congregation here I have graunted my passe to him and his wife to goe to New Castle or any place in Delaware Ryver. I pray show him all civlll respect when he comes amongst you and take care he receives no affront there and I presume he will comport himself with that Civility and moderation so as to give no just occasion of offence to others.
I am, Your very loving friend .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xIl. 473. Fort James in New York this 13th day of April 1670.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Rent of City School.
1670. April 22.
Read and considered Caspar Steynmits petition, requesting payment of one bun- dred florins seawant balance due for rent of the City School. It is apostilled: The Receiver, N. Bayard, is ordered to pay petitioner out of the first Incoming monies .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. 221.
39
610
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1670
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
1670, June 5th. The Church of New York to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
(Extract in Acts of Synod, North Holland, 1671, Art. 12.) Rev., Most Learned, and Very Pious Sirs :-
The following is a copy of a letter heretofore sent, by way of the Caribbie Islands. We again refer to the subject of that let- ter, that by this double appeal, we may perhaps engage your more earnest attention. Since the date of that letter, our church re- mains in the same sad condition. On account of the continued incapacity of Domine Drisius, we remain destitute of preaching! and the regular administration of the sacraments. Nevertheless each Sunday morning and afternoon, the usual prayers are offered, and the Word of God and a sermon are read by the chorister," Evert Pieterse. Every fourteen days, there is a sermon preached on a week day by Domine Polhemus, who is now more than seventy.y years old. At that time he also administers the sacrament of bap- tism to children. In this may we endeavor to preserve the order of our church as far as practicable. We hope that by your speedy help, this anxious congregation may be supplied with a suitable ? minister. For greater security of the salary, the subordinate of- ficers of the city have obtained from the Governor an Act which is transmitted. The bearer of this, Mr. Gerrit Van Fricht, who was one of the deacons, but recently retired from office, goes over with the ship. He can give you particular information concern- ing the state of this church, which we have requested him to do. We cordially commend him to you. We have nothing more to add, and conclude with our hearty salutation. We commend you to God's gracious protection.
We remain, Right Reverend, Most Learned, and Very Pious gentlemen,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
611 1670
Your servants, the elders and deacons of the Reformed Christian Church in New York,
P. Stuyvesant, Oloff S. Van Cortlandt, T. L. Van der Grist, Boele Roelofse, Jacob Teunisse Kay, Jacob Leisler.
Classis of Amsterdam.
Acts of the Deputies.
1670, Aug. 3rd.
Chairman, Rev. J. Nieuwenhuyzen.
Secretary, Rev. Isaac Le Maere.
(At this meeting the letter of January 24th, 1670, was read, and extracts recorded in the Minutes of the Deputies ad res Exteras.) xxi. 91.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
1670, June 28th.
Whereas the Mayor and Aldermen of this City Received a Petition from the Elders and Deakons of the Dutch Church, wherein they desire that some Care may be taken, for the Supply of this place with an abie Orthodox Minister of which they are at present wholly destitute. Whereupon they made their addresse unto me by way of Request, that for the better encouragement of such a person to come out of Holland to Reside here I would Vouchsafe in the behalfe of myselfe & Successors the Gouernors of theise his Royal Highnesse 'Territories to promise That such Minister shaii receive a Competent Saiary or Allowance for his Exercising the Ministeriall function, They the said Mayor & Aidermen haveing engaged the Cause the said salary to be raised or Levyed annually uppon the Inhabitants of the Citty and parts adjacent within their Liberties; uppon the Request & Conditions aforementioned, I do by this Publicq act manifest & deciare that whensoever such a Minister shall come over here to this Citty and under- take the charge aforementioned, I shall take Care that there shail be duely and Justly paid unto the said Minister or his order, the Value of one thousand gilders Hollands monney each Yeare, and Likewise that he shall have the accomodation of a convenient dwelling howse, Rent free, Together with his Provision of fire Wood Gratis. Given under my Hand, and Sealed with the Seale of the Province att ffort James in New Yorke this 28th day of June in ye 22nd Yeare of his Majesties Raigne Annoq Domini 1670. (Signed) Francis Louelace. - Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. 240, 241.
612
1670
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from New York in New Netherland.
1670, July 28th.
There was delivered to us a letter from some of the members of the German (Dutch?) church at New York, in New Nether- land, requesting, through the care of the Rev. Classis, to be pro- vided with a preacher. Especially do they desire that Rev. Hen- ricus Selyns might be persuaded to allow himself to be employed in the service of the church there. Rev. Deputati ad res Mari- timas are directed to confer with Rev. Henricus Selyns about this, and if he does not wish to accept, to look about for some one else. vi. 511; xix. 145.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT AMSTERDAM.
1670, Aug. 5 et seq.
Art. 7. Indian Affairs.
East India.
Extract from a letter from New Amsterdam, now New York, on the island of Manhattan, written by the Elders and Deacons of the church there, to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, dated Jan- uary 24, 1670.
1. It makes known the distressed condition of the church there. It has been suddenly deprived both of the administration of the Word and of the sacraments, because one of their regular pastors, Rev. John Megapolensis, has been taken away from them by death; and the other, (Drisius) has been disabled from serving by a failure of memory.
2. They request aid and counsel from the Rev. Classis, that they. may be provided again as soon as possible with a capable preacher.
3. And whereas the faithful service, piety of life and singular zeal in teaching and catechising of Rev. Henry Selyns, have left very deep impressions in the minds of the members there; they declare that it is their unanimous request, as well as of the church,
613
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1670
that the Rev. Classis would be pleased, if it be possible, to per- suade him to come over to them, and to assume the sacred office among them.
4. But in case this cannot be effected, that then their church, under the direction of the Rev. Classis, may be provided with an- other capable person and tried preacher. For the honorable and proper salary of whom they were negotiating with the magistrates of the said city; and the success of which would be communicated to us in due time.
Art. 40. Ministerial Changes in the Classis of Alkmaer.
Came in: Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, from New York: settled at Wieringerwaard.
Art. 41. Loss of the Synodical Acts (of 1618-19.)
Rev. Deputati have also handed to each Classis four copies of the Post Acta Synodis Nationalis Dordracenu, translated* into Dutch. For this announcement and delivery the Rev. Deputies are cordially thanked.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
1670, Sept. 10th.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Church of New York.
xxvii. 52.
Worthy, Highly-Learned, Prudent and Godly Brethren :-
Your letter dated New York, January 24, 1670, came safely to hand. From it we learned, not without great sorrow, of the very lamentable condition of your church, by the decease of Rev. John Megapolensis, one of your pastors, and the further paralys- ing of your church by the disability of the other, (Drisius;) so that you are entirely bereft of all parts of divine service. This
* This item seems to settle the disputed point as to whether the Post Acta were originally recorded in Latin or in Dutch.
614
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1670
condition involves a train of various evils. Therefore your christian zeal is worthy of great commendation, in that you have determined to supply so great a want, and to obtain again the customary comfort for your souls, by the use of suitable means to so holy an end. Thus also will you edify the church and ex- tend the kingdom of Christ. We will also gladly contribute our efforts, to aid you in your purpose.
In reference to your special proposal that we should obtain for you Rev. Henry Selyns, we willingly acknowledge that your judgment has selected a most able, godly, learned and zealous per- son; but having conferred with him, we find but little indication that he will consent to serve you. And although your church needs a person of great ability, yet it is not very likely that any such can be obtained, as long as no definite salary is fixed by you for his compensation. This surely ought to be arranged first; and we do earnestly hope that proper measures will be taken with ref- erence to this. As soon as you assure us that this is done, we will use every effort to have your church supplied with a man of ability. In the meantime we pray the great God, that his divine grace, may, in these times of spiritual declension, crown you your- selves and the other members of your church with a propor- tionately more abundant measure of his divine blessing, viz., faith, patience, zeal and godliness. Commending you unto his fatherly protection, with our hearty greetings, we remain, Reverend and Godly Sirs,
Your affectionate Brethren,
The Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam. In the name of all,
Johannis Nieuwenhuyzen,
1
Eccl. Amstelodamensis et Deputatorum ad. eccl. extraneas, p. t. Praeses.
Johannis La Maire,
Eccl. Amstelodam. corundem, et Deputatorum p. t., scriba.
Amsterdam, Sept. 10, 1670.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
615
1670
Letters from New York.
1670, Dec. 1st.
Revs. Deputati ad res Maritimas report that they had received a letter from the German (Dutch?) Consistory of New York, in which was announced that they had received from the Governor there, (Lovelace,) (the promise of) a yearly salary of one thou- sand guilders, with free dwelling house, and fire wood, for any Dutch minister who would come from Holland. They therefore request that this Rev. Assembly would please to try to induce Rev. Selyns, who has previously been in New Netherland, and has left behind him a fragrant name, to allow himself to be em- ployed in the service of the church there. It was resolved that Rev. Deputati shall try to make this matter palatable to Rev. Selyns. If they find him disinclined, that they shall then make inquiry for capable persons who may be willing to be used in the service of the church in New York, and to give notice thereof to this Assembly. vi. 522-523. xix. 144.
Acts of the Deputies.
1670, Dec. 9th.
President, Rev. John Nieuwenhuyzen.
Secretary, Rev. J. Le Maire.
All candidates belonging to the Classis of Amsterdam, and dwelling here, were summoned, in accordance with a resolution of the Classis, in order to present to them the Act of the Gov- ernor (Lovelace) of New York in reference to the salary provided for the pastor in the Dutch church there; also to learn whether any were willing to accept of such a charge, and if so, to report the same to Classis. Many appeared, and the Act of the Gov- ernor, being translated, was read to them. They expressed their opinions thereon, but none of them would listen to the proposal for such a service. xxi. 104.
616
1671
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
MONTANUS' DESCRIPTION OF NEW YORK.
1671.
" On the Manhattans Island stands New Amsterdam, five miles from the ocean: Ships run up the harbor there from the sea with one tide. The city hath an earthen fort. Within the fort, and on the outermost bastion towards the river, stand a windmill and a very high staff, on which a flag is hoisted whenever any vessels are seen in Godyn's bay. The church rises with a double roof, between which a square tower looms aloft. On one side is the prison, on the other side of the church the Governor's house. Without the walls are the houses mostly built by Amsterdamers. On the river side stand the gallows and whipping post. A hand- some public tavern adorns the farthest point. Between the fort and this tavern is a suitable row of dwelling houses: among which stand out the ware-houses of the West India Company ". Doc. Hist. N. Y., iv. 75.
For view of the city, as above described, See Doc. Hist. N. Y. iv. 76.
ORDER CONCERNING DOMINE PAULINUS. (POLHEMIUS.)
In makeing ye Countrey Rates for your Towne, I doe hereby signifye unto you that you are to forebear ye taxing or leveying any sum upon any parte of ye Estate of Domine Paulinus [Polhemius] your Minister untill further order, for ye doeing whereof this shall be your warrant, Given under my hand at Fort James in New Yorke this 19th day of January 1670-1.
Fr. Lovelace. To ye Constable and Overseers of Midwout also Flatbush .- Col. Docs. N. Y. XIV. 650.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from New York. Rev. William Nieuwenhuysen is chosen Minister for New York, in America.
1671, March 16th.
Meantime Revs. Deputati further reported that they, in pursu- ance of directions given them by this Rev. Assembly at the pre- tious session of Classis, had inquired among the candidates of this
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
617 1671
city, (Amsterdam,) whether any of them were willing to let them- selves be used in the service of the Netherland church at New York, situated in America. These all manifested a disinclination to that service. They had however, finally found Rev. William Nieuwenhuysen, cand. S. S. Ministry, who had previously been received among the "recommended" for churches in foreign lands, disposed to officiate in the aforesaid church. The Rev. As- sembly in addition, having understood from Paulas Hendrichsz. vander Grift, elder, and Ernest van Trijht (Trycht, Tricht?) deacon, in the German (Dutch) church of New York, their in- clination towards the person of the aforesaid Rev. William Nieuw- enhuysen, did call the said Rev. Nieuwenhuysen to the pastorate of the aforesaid church. This call having been accepted by him, it was resolved to examine him immediately peremptoir (for or- dination) together with Rev. Oudewater. In this examination they both acquitted themselves in their answers so greatly to the satisfaction of the Rev. Classis, that after previous resolution, they were ordained by Rev. Examiner, Henricus Selyns, with the lay- ing on of hands. vi. 525. xix. 150-151.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Aegidius Luyck Requested to Assist Rev. Drislus.
1671, March 2S.
Whereas Domine Egidius Luyck by reason of ye weaknesse of Domine Samuel Driesius now several tymes hath teached ye Word of God, with good satisfaction to this Court & ye Inhabitants of this Citty, for which ye Court doe hereby returne him thanckes with further desiere that he would be pleased to Continue therein until further order; which being recomended to ye said Domine Luyck, hee accepted thereof and promissed so to doe; Whereuppon itt was this day agreed uppon that from henceforth on Sabbath dayes ye Word of God should be teached, in ye forenoone by Domine Driesius & in ye afternoone by ye said Domine Luyck, and this Court doe further promise to make him satisfacktion for his said service .- Records at New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. 292.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rudolphus Varick.
1671, April 6th.
Rev. Rudolphus a Varick, candidate for the ministry at Reenen, requested to be received among the " recommended " of the Rev.
618
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1671
Classis, and especially for the churches in foreign lands. He handed in at the same time his certificate of his preparatory examination. To this some brethren also added the good testi- mony of Rev. Cupius, minister there, regarding him. He gave proof of his gifts, and was therefore admitted, after signing the formulae - vi. 527. xix. 151.
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