USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71
[These Duke's Laws were adopted at Hempstead, L. I. in Feb. 1665, especially for Long Island; but are now extended over all New York. See items on Religion, under date of Feb. 28, 1665.]
ACTION ON THE LABADISTS SENT TO NEW YORK.
1674, Sept. 21st.
The Extract from the (action of the) States of Zeeland on the case of Jacob Coelman, minister at Sluys in Vlaenderen, which was taken ad notam when some Coelmanites came into this city and neighboring villages. Minutes of Ch. of New York, English translation; Lib. A. 45-47.
The States of Zeeland, having now for a long time, waited patiently for Jacobus Coelman, minister at Sluys, in Vlaenderen, to submit to their authority, and to return to the use of the Forms, as well for the administration of the Sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, as for the confirmation of marriage: also the observance of the Christmas, Easter and Whitesunday Festivals, all of which have been hitherto accepted and observed with good order and edification in the Netherlandish churches, and by public authority in our land: and also (having waited) for the Classis of Walcheren, to bring him to his duty, according to the resolu- tion adopted months ago by their High Mightinesses, the States General, and also by these Provinces :- But by their forbearance and connivance he has become so bold as even in the city of Mid- dleburg, and under the eyes of the authorities, to hold services and administer baptism without using the Form, and has followed. his own fancies in uniting persons in marriage, to the great of- fence of the congregation, and the no less disturbance of the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 657 1674
leaders, who know not what to do in such an unusual case: Neither has he been satisfied with introducing his unusual novel- ties into the church of Sluys, but has gone with them, wherever possible, into other churches; and he has so far prevailed in the aforesaid churches of Sluys, as to propose in their name to the Classis of Walcheren, to abolish the Festivals of Christmas, Paas (Easter) and Pinkster, (Pentecost), as useless and unedifying: adding that, if they did not adopt the proposal, the church of Sluys itself would begin the reformation: so that the said Jacob Coelman so far departs from all obedience to his superiors that he undertakes to propose the abolition of days, which are observed with edifying results, in all the churches of this land, and which their High Mightinesses have specially commanded to be ob- served: nor does he show any respect either for the Synodical de- crees, or for the Church Order approved by the Supreme Au- thority, although he subscribed the same at the commencement of his ministry, and must still confess that the Forms therein con- tained are orthodox and agreeable to God's Word :- therefore
The States of Zeeland, considering all this, and seeing that the said Jacobus Coelman scorns everything, and that the patience hitherto exercised towards him only makes his boldness greater ; and that they are bound, as much as in them lies, to provide against this, and prevent the evil from breaking forth and infecting other Provinces; therefore it is resolved
1. That a certain book, written by the said Jacobus Coelman, containing two sermons against the Forms of Prayer, shall be al- together suppressed by the officers, and no longer be allowed to be sold or circulated. In this book, amongst other dangerous novelties, he maintains that parents do wrong to teach their chil- dren the ordinary morning and evening prayers, and prayers be- fore and after meals; and that the perfect prayer which the Saviour himself taught should be diminished, (in the number of its repetitions), and the use of it left optional.
2. We expressly forbid the said Jacobus Coelman to preach or
42
658
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1674
to administer either Sacrament, or perform any public or private service in any church, in town or country in this Province, or under our jurisdiction.
3. Henceforth he shall have no seat in the Classis of Walcheren, or in any other Classis of this Province, until he shall renounce his novelties, in submission to his superiors, and thereafter, use and follow, without exception or subterfuge, the Forms for ad- ministering the Sacraments of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, as well as that for marriage; and also celebrate Christmas, Paas and Pinkster, without any deviation or failure.
A copy of this Resolution shall be sent to the High Officers and Magistrates in this Province, to be executed by them, if need be, and also to the said Jacobus Coelman for his own guidance, so that we may not, for his neglect of the same, be compelled to interdict him from the Province. A similar copy shall be sent to the Classis of Walcheren, together with the other Classes of Zee- land; also to the Consistories of Middleburg and Sluys; to the end that this, our order and earnest desire, may be made known to the same; that all ministers and elders may take heed against admitting the said Coelman to the pulpit, or any public or private service, or receiving him into any Classis within this Province. By this means, they who render assistance to such extraordinary proceedings, will see that they are disobedient to lawful author- ity, and that they may experience this same penalty, which is now put in operation against the said Jacobus Coelman, in the hope of securing his amendment. Finally, a copy of this action shall be sent to their High Mightinesses along with a letter relating all the facts.
Attest
Agreeably to the aforesaid notes.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
659
1674
PETITION OF THE LUTHERANS OF WILLEMSTADT FOR LEAVE TO BURY THEIR DEAD.
1674.
To the Right Honorable Myn Heer Anthony Colve Governor General of New Netherland.
Those of the Augsburgh Confession represent with due respect · that your Petitioners are ordered in cases of the burial of their dead, to pay the Sexton (Aanspreecker)* of the Reformed Church notwithstanding they employ their own Sexton, as lately happened, one of theirs having seized goods by execution and sold the same at public auction: And the Petitioners remark that they fully pay all taxes assessments, excise and all others whatever they may be called; Yea they endeavour to pay also their own poor. They are therefore, as they consider, not in the least subject to such charges but on the contrary ought to enjoy their (religious) exer- cises and Divine Service free and unconstrained, for which they have a written grant from the late Honorable Governour Lovelace a copy of which is hereunto annexed.
It is also well known to all that Mr. Roosenboom hath addressed a petition on that subject to the Honorable Heer General above named, to be favored therein; which petition had no result, but the Heer Laval being come up, said in full Court in date the 7th No- vember 1672 he had authority as to Roosenboom's Petition - Let the Dead bury their Dead; for with what free conscience can your Precentor go and act for the Lutherans, for they have more ceremonies than the Reformed. Whereupon at that time he had no more to say, and it was as well.
Wherefore your Petitioners for aforesaid reasons approach your Honor requesting most humbly that they may enjoy what they have been granted, and as your Petitioners Brethren at N. Orange enjoy the same, that they further may bury their dead
* Literally, " The person sent around with invitations to a funeral "; a custom still in practice in some of the older settlements of this State. We render the word, " Sexton ", being the nearest approach we can find to the original.
660
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1674
without notifying Mr. Roosenboom, but employ their own Sexton and no one else. Whereupon they expect a favourable answer. Your Honors Affectionate Subjects,
Bernhardus Anthony, V. D. M.
Jan Heinderik Bruyns Jochem Backer Hans Hendricksen .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 525.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Election of Churchmasters.
1674, Sept. 26.
Whereas the time for the election of new Churchmasters in place of those retiring has expired therefore Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens have resolved to nominate a double number and present it to the Honorable Governor, in order that his Honor may be pleased to make election therefrom; - and there are nomi- nated
Capt. Marten Kregier, Johannes De Peyster, Nicolaes De Meyer, Ffrederik Philipsen.
Right Honourable Sir,
Whereas the time for the choosing new Churchmaster for next year in place of the retiring is elapsed, and it is therefore neces- sary that the same office be filled by two new instead of the re- tiring; we, therefore, nominate to your Honor from the Burghers and inhabitants of this City as a double number :-
Capt. Martin Kreigier, Johannes De Peyster, Nicolaes De Meyer, Ffrederik Philipsen,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
661 1674
requesting that your Honor may be pleased to elect from them the wisest and fittest, in order that the said office may be duly filled and attended to. We remain Honorable Sir,
Your Honor's humble servants,
The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of New Orange.
By order of the same.
Done, City Hall of the City New Orange the 2nd October, 1674.
The Superscription Was: To the Right Honorable Anthony Colve, Governor General of New Netherland. Ephraim Herman, Secretary Residing in Ffort Willem Hendrick .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 7. pp. 126, 127.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Roelandus Carpentier.
1674, Oct. 8th.
Rev. Roelandus Carpentier was conducted into the room, com- missioned as preacher (chaplain) in the navy by this body, on board the ship of Mr. Engel de Ruyter, Rear Admiral, and gave to the Assembly an account and report of his work. He handed in also a good testimonial regarding his labors and deportment on board the aforesaid ship, with the request that he may re- main under favorable recommendation, with a view to his promo- tion. The Assembly received this notice favorably, and on oc- casion, his advancement shall be kept in mind. vii. 104.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Churchmasters confirmed.
1674, Oct. 9.
Extract from the Resolutions of the Honorable Governor General and Council of New Netherland adopted in their Assembly the 3rd October 1674.
From the nomination exhibited by the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of New Orange the Honorable Governor General of New Netherland has elected and confirmed as Churchmasters of this City for the ensuing year :-
Adolf Pietersen, Old Churchmaster 1 Nicolaes De myer,
Ffrederick Philipsen
Done at Fort Willem Hendrick in New Netherland. Ady, 3rd of October Anno 1674.
By order of the Honorable Governor General of New Netherland.
(Was Signed) N. Bayard, Secretary.
- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 7. p. 132.
662
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1674
CONDITIONS OF RE-SURRENDER, 1674.
Proposalls sent by Gov. Colve to Gov. Andros previous to the surrender of New York Oct. 27 1674.
Gov. Andros' Answers.
1
2
3.
4. That the Inhabitants of the Dutch Nation may be allowed to retain their customary Church privileges in Divine Service and Church discipline besides their Fathers' laws and customs in the division of their Inheritances.
5. That they may be excused from Impressment, if not wholly at least against their own Nation.
6. That each congregation whether Lutherans or others may support their own poor.
7. That all Publick houses may con- tinue according to the Customs now ex- isting.
[This Included the Church in the Fort.]
8. That the West India Company's creditors in this Country may be paid from their property and outstanding debts here.
To the 4th. The usuall Discipline of their Church to be continued to them as formerly, and the other of Inherit- ance, as farre as I may, and for those that shall desire it.
To the 5th. I have neither Orders nor directions for any pressing whatever and shall allwayes bee glad to favour the Inhabitants therein.
To the 6th. I shall allwayes bee ready to allow and favour so charitable a worke.
To the 7th. I shall take fitting care in this particular to the satisfaction of all the good.
To the 8th. I have seen since my ar- rivall severall orders or decrees upon Record, for the arresting and forfeiting the Effects of the West India Company in these parts, during the former Warre in 1664 and 1665, which I am also in- formed have since been accounted for at home, so not in my power.
Sir your most humble Servant
For the Hon. Governor Colve on board the States Shipp
the Surynam, These
This is a true Copie of the Proposalls sent by Gov. Colve to Gov. Andros before the surrender of the Fort bearing date Oct. 27th O. S. with the Answer returned to the seuerall particulars therein afterwards; pursuant to the Assurance given by those employed.
Matthias Nicolls, Sec.
Endorsed -" Proposalls from the Dutch Governor and the Governor's Answer, Nov. 2nd, 1674 " .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 49, 50.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
663
1674- 1683
1
ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. EDMUND ANDROS. OCT. 31 (N. S. NOV. 10) 1674-1683.
A COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO WELCOME THE NEW GOVERNOR.
3 November Anno 1674.
Burgomasters and Schepens being met at the City Hall with the Burgher Council of war, they with the approbation of the Hon. Governor, appointed and qualified, as they hereby appoint and qualify the Hon. Cornelis Steenwyk, with the Heeren Burgomaster Johannes van Brugh and Willem Beekman to repair on board his Majesty's frigate now anchored under Staten Island, and there welcome the Hon. Governor Andrews and to request together some privileges from him for the advan- tage of the commonalty.
The foregoing Commissioners returning this date reported that they welcomed the Hon. Governor Major Andrews and requested from him to favor the Inhabit- ants with some privileges; Who answered them that they the Commissioners may assure the Inhabitants of the Dutch Nation that they should participate in the same privileges as those of the English Nation, and that his Honor would as far as possible promote their interests; referring himself further to the Instructions given him by his Royal Majesty and Highness the Duke of York .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 47.
DOMINE BERNARDUS ARENSIUS HIS PASSE.
Permitt and Suffer the Bearer hereof, Domine Bernardus Arensius, to Passe from hence to Albany with his Necessaryes in the Sloope whereof Claes Tysen is Master, and to Officiate there as Pastor of the Augustine or Lutheran Congregation, as formerly under the English Government, without any manner of Lett, hin- drance or molestacon whatsoever. Given under my hand and Seale in New Yorke, the 6th day of November 1674.
E. Andross.
PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR ANDROS.
The first Proclamacon Confirming Rights and Propertys.
By the Governor :-
Whereas it hath pleased his Majesty and his Royall Highnesse to send me with authority to receive this place and Government from the Dutch, and to continue in the command thereof under his royall Highnesse, who hath not only taken care for our future safety and defence but alsoe given me his commands for securing the rights and propertys of the Inhabitants, and that I should endeavor by all fit- ting means, the good and welfare of this province and dependencies under his gov- ernment; That I may not be wanting in any thing that may conduce thereunto, and for the saving of the trouble and charge of any coming heither for the satis- fying themselves in such doubts as might arise concerning their rights and prop-
664
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1674
ertys upon this change of government, and wholly to settle the minds of all in generall, I have thought fitt to publish and declare: That all former grants privi- ledges or concessions heretofore granted, and all estates legally possessed by any under his Royall Highnesse before the late Dutch government; As also all legall, judiciall proceedings during that government to my arrivall in these parts, are hereby confirmed; and the possessors by virtue thereof to remain in quiet posses- sion of their rights. It is hereby further declared that the known Book of Laws formerly establisht and in force under his royall highnesse government, is now again confirmed by his Royall Highnesse; the which are to be observed and prac- ticed together with the manner and time of holding Courts therein menconed as heretofore. And all Magistrates and civill Officers belonging thereunto, to be chosen and established accordingly .- Given under my hand in New York, this ninth day of November, in the twenty sixth year of his Majesties reign annoq; Domini 1674.
Secryes Office Province of New Yorke
E. Andros.
This is a true copy taken from the record of the book of entrys begunn October the 31st 1674, page 13, at the request of the Mayor and Aldermen of New York, this seventh day of July 1698: Exalat and comparat p.
(Signed) David Jamison, Secretary. - Col. Docs. N. Y. ill. 227.
PETITION OF THE ELDERS AND PRINCIPALS OF THE AUGSBURG CONGREGATION HERE.
To the Rt. Honorable and Righteous Lord Edmund Andros Governor General of New York etc.
Right Honorable and Righteous Lord.
The Undersigned Elders and Principals of the Augsburg Congregation here with due reverence represent that they the Petitioners find to their sorrow that some of their Congregation have failed to contribute according to their promise - firstly, to the sending for and arrival of a Preacher and Secondly, to his yearly salary, on which promises they the Petitioners have pledged themselves.
Wherefore the Petitioners are obliged to repair to your Right Honorable, humbly praying that your Honor would be pleased to make such order therein as your Honor may deem proper. Which doing they shall remain,
Your Honors humble and faithful Subjects,
Vrit Wessels, Lauwerens Andross, Martan Meyers, Caspar Steinmets. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. iil. 243.
Endorsed.
A Request from the Lutherans to the Gov. At his frst Arrivall in 1674.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Wilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen.
1674, Nov. 26th.
Rev. William Nieuwenhuysen, minister at New York in New Netherland, communicated per missive to the Rev. Classis, the condition and growth of his church. He requests an answer from
665
1674
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
this body to these two questions: 1. Whether he could be per- mitted to perform baptism, outside of the church, in a private house, in the presence of a few persons. 2. Whether he could perform the marriage rite without public announcements of the marriage (bans), and merely upon a representation from the Hon. Governor there. As to the first, it was resolved that, except in case of necessity, he (must) baptize the child at the public church (service) in the body (nave) of the church, in the presence of a few persons, and after a brief exhortation. Concerning the sec- ond question, he should observe, as far as possible, the usual or- der and practice here. Rev. Dept. ad res Maritimas will inform him of this. At the next Classis Rev. Barnardus Soomer shall preside in (regular) order. vii. 108. xix. 170.
PETITION FROM INHABITANTS OF HEMSTEAD TO GOVERNOR ANDROS FOR A MINISTER.
Honoured Sir.
Right Honoured Governour Generall Edward Andros Governour of New York in his Magistees teritoris under his Royall highness Jeames duck of York wee your humble petichoners in the behalfe of sume others doe humbly petition unto your Honour that your Honour would be pleased to be mindful of your petitioners most humble request which is that the honour of God might be promoted and that his Saboths may be observed for the honour of God and the good of us and our pos- terity and to that end your honour would be pleased to install such authority amongst us which may be a means under God for the upholding and maintaining of the ministry and worship of God amongst us; your Honour being the father of this common welth, we hope you will not be unmindfull of your petitioners, but will be an instrument under God for the upholding and maintaining of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christe, so hoping you will be pleased to draw a favorable con- clusion from this our petition we shall not further trouble your Honour at present but leave this our petition to your Honnours serious consederation, we rest and remain your very humble servants and petichoners to the best of our power and for your Honor we shall ever pray. farewell.
Thomas Champion William Jecocke James Pine Jeremiah Wood From Hemsted
Richard Gildersleeve Simon Saring Richard Gildersleeve, Jr.
- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 680.
November the 30th Anno 1674 .*
* For the period, in which the Dutch were again masters of the Colony, see Vol ii. N. Y. Col. Docs.
666
1674
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of Deputies and their Correspondence.
1674, Dec. 9th.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. William Nieuwenhuysen. XXVII. 86.
Reverend, Godly, and Highly Learned Sir, and Brother in Christ :-
Your agreeable letter of the 26th of July, 1674, came safe- to hand, but that addressed by you in July, 1673, to the Rev. Classis has never been seen by us.
We thank you not only for your offer, but also for the im- mediate proof of your co-operation with us. Very pleasant has it been to us to see in your letters, your tender concern for our dear Fatherland. This you show by your sympathy in our suf- fering, as well as joy at our peace with the Crown of England, and the restraint of the French Sennacherib. It is proper to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those that do re- joice. We thank the good and beneficent God, that he has re- garded our misery, which was very bitter. The enemy was round about us; war was in our gates; the abomination of desolation and idolatry stood in the Holy Place. But God looked down from the light of his Sanctuary, to hear the sighing of the prison- ers, and to release the children of death. He has reconciled Ephriam with Manasseh, and Manasseh with Ephriam, that they no longer tear one another's bowels, and that no longer to each is the flesh of his own arm consumed; and neither are they together against Judah .* We also praise the compassion of God, unde-
* (On Feb. 12, 1672, England and France entered into a treaty against Holland. Sir Robert Holmes made an unsuccessful attack on the Dutch fleet from Smyrna, March 14th. War was declared against the United Provinces, March 17th. The Duke of Monmouth co-operated with Louis XIV. Sweden joined the league against Holland, April 14th. Louis crossed the Rhine, June 12th (N. S.), and soon con- quered Utrecht, Guelderland and Overyssel. The Dutch imputed their misfortunes to the Grand Pensionary, John De Witt, whom they killed, (aged 74), together with his brother Cornelius. William III was made stadtholder; he rejected the terms of Louis, opened the sluices, and saved Holland.)
667
1674
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
served as it is, towards our Fatherland. The Lord, the terrible God, he that doeth wonders, has, as it were, by the voice of his power, so affrighted and humbled those French Philistines, that haughty, juggling, idolatrous people, that they no longer intrude into the Netherlands; and all the cities which they had wickedly taken from our Israel have been restored to our State, excepting only Maestricht.
Blessed be the Most High for the avenging of the wrong done to Israel, and for the deliverance of Jacob, which he has so wonderously commanded. We hope, beloved, yea, we earnestly desire, to see the peace of Jerusalem established before long, either by the arms of the States under our efficient commander, and our allies; or by an honorable and lasting peace secured by negotiation. And we pray our Great God, that as his right hand has changed everything, that he also may change us and the hearts of the people, and powerfully unite them to fear his name, that we may no longer go astray from him.
We rejoice not a little over the prosperous condition and great increase of the Church of Christ under your ministrations; that a great and effectual door is opened to you, and that but few adversaries are found; that even from the sect of the Menno- nites, at times, one and another are won. All our desire is for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. We earnestly hope that under your labors many subjects may be born to Him in those regions, and that his name may be also abundantly glorified even among the blind heathen.
To your questions, which we have presented to the Rev. Classis, we are prepared to give answer according to their decisions :
1. Whether the sacrament of Holy Baptism may be adminis- tered to children, without a sermon, in a private house and not in the church, but in the presence of a few persons.
2. Whether you are at liberty to confirm marriage between parties, outside the place of meeting, either in your own house, or in that of another, without the announcement of the banns,
668
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1674
but simply upon a letter of mutual agreement and the license of the Governor.
The Classis resolved to send you the following replies :
1. That you may not baptize, except in cases of absolute neces‹ sity, elsewhere than in the church, publicly, after the tolling of the bell, (to notify of the service), and with at least a few per- sons present, and in connection with a short exhortation.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.