USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 69
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
714
1678
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
florins. It is not surprising therefore, that last year, I had to spend three hundred florins, Holland currency, or wampum, of my own private means.
I told the congregation three times last year, that the three thou- gand florins were not the equivalent of the sum promised by them ; that they did not yield seven hundred and fifty florins; much less so much money, in Holland currency, as they had agreed to pay me; that the salary was not sufficient to feed me. But all was in vain. Mockery and disregard were my answers. The third time, when I had called together the Consistories of all four villages, to consider the business of the church, the Amersfort and Uytrecht people stayed away. The first would not come, because the Justice, living in the village and being one of the elders, is an enemy to his own people and church. He is the same man, who has caused me most all my troubles, by his power in politics. The others could not come, because an elder of the village was busy building, and needed the help of the others. That, in their judgment, was reason enough to remain away. However, necessity compelled me to bring up the matter a fourth time in a Consis- torial meeting. Then I demanded for my support five hundred schepels (bushels) of wheat and fifteen hundred florins in wam- pum, equivalent here to nine hundred florins, Holland currency ; but which really is not worth more than can be bought in Holland for six hundred florins. So much at least, a minister needs for keeping himself and his family. This he has also fairly earned by services in four scattered villages, and away from his Father- land, where the salaries usually amounted to as much, if not more than at home, on account of the dearness of all goods, and of com- pensation for the dangers of the voyage. Thereupon all the mem- bers of the congregations of all the villages, were called together. The result and resolution was, that they would give me five hun- dred schepels of wheat and seven hundred and fifty florins in wam- pum. If wheat was worth six florins in wampum per schepel, it would have made three thousand seven hundred and fifty florins
-
715
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1678
in wampum, being at the rate of five to one. But at present wheat is very low in price, because in other Provinces, whence it is sent here, it is very cheap. The traders might take it at six florins in wampum; but then they pay us in goods, which do not cost them in Holland, England, etc. more than twelve stivers Holland cur- rency, (twenty four cents). When paid in wampum, it would not be possible to obtain five florins per schepel.
They admitted to me, as did also the Deputies from the villages, that five to one was due to me in wampum pay. They wanted also as a matter of course, to give me one hundred florins, Holland currency, to boot, and call it full pay. Finally. I requested that for the wheat, a draft of five hundred florins should be bought for me from one of our merchants in New York, payable in Holland. This was done. This would cost this year, now that wheat is low in price, one florin per schepel; five hundred florins in Hol- land, for five hundred schepels. The balance, two hundred and fifty florins, for it was altogether seven hundred and fifty, they could pay me in wampum, at the rate of five for one, or twelve hundred and fifty florins. Let the wheat be dear or cheap, the draft called for silver. They might gain or lose, but I did not want to do either. If wheat is worth twenty four stivers (forty eight cents) in a draft, as it has been for some years, and was offered to me last year, they gain, as they acknowledge, one hun- dred florins in wampum, as may be figured out from the above. If a little, even fifty or one hundred schepels, had to be lost, it can better be done by a congregation of more than three hundred and thirty members, than by a minister, who has to live on his salary. This he must do according to the precepts of our Savior. The minister does enough when he prepares for his final exami- nation, (which was then quite costly) ; when he risks his own and his family's lives at sea ; and also risks the adventures of the sea every year in the largest proportion of his salary. If I must re- ceive and spend my salary here, or else lose one hundred florins of it, Holland currency, then I cannot possibly support myself
716
1678
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
here, on account of the exceeding dearness of all goods brought from other countries; and even of some made and consumed here. I have repeatedly represented to them, that if they would give me only as much for the necessaries of the household, as can be bought for six hundred florins in Holland, then I would be quite satisfied to serve four villages, and that in the country; although he who serves only one village in Holland, has at least six hundred and fifty florins, and I would give up one hundred and fifty florins. I cannot give away everything and make myself destitute. I must also, and the duty is especially incumbent on a minister, provide for my family; for he who does not do this is worse than an unbeliever; yea, has denied the faith, etc.
All this confusion has been caused by the letter of Domine Nieuwenhuysen with his rate of four for one. If they had spoken only of a few hundred schepels of wheat, without explaining the value of it, as was done by the congregation of Esopus, then prob- ably we would have escaped all these difficulties. Time will tell however, whether Domine Gaasbeck at Esopus, whose salary in a draft on Holland will bring about five hundred and forty florins, because their wheat is not so good as ours on Long Island; or if he uses it here, only three hundred and fifty florins; - whether his Reverence can live on it with his wife and two children. As to Domine Nieuwenhuysen, he has four thousand florins in wam- pum value; paid partly in wampum, and partly in beavers. The latter gives a large profit, for everything can be obtained for beavers; sometimes even the goods brought by private parties, at very cheap rates. Beavers are valued highly everywhere, but wam- pum has no value anywhere else than in New Netherland, (or America.) I have to give twenty seven florins in wampum for a beaver. Then the expenses, custom duties, and license, run up to half of a Rixdaaler in Holland money (a Rijksdaler =$1.); or altogether, to six florins fifteen stivers,- five stivers more, than they are worth in Holland; besides the risks of the sea. Then also, we have not often the opportunity, for it has usually passed
717
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1678
before we know of it, of making a good bargain; or we have no beaver.
Domine Nieuwenhuysen has, besides, obtained another increase and draws salary from the congregation of Bergen, etc., for ad- ministering the communion there four times a year. Therefore he can support himself much better than others, although not quite so well as a minister in a Dutch village, even though his place is at the capital city of the whole country. I-am, there- fore, the more astonished, that he so unreasonably opposes me in my just claims. He excites against me the members of my con- gregation, and blackens my character among the merchants, be- cause I often censure their improper gains and godless traffic, which tend not to accommodate and serve us, but almost to the ruin of the inhabitants here, as he himself says. An advantage to him would undoubtedly arise from my property. A good conscience, resulting from irreproachable habits, gives to its owner the courage to speak, when another would be silent and would howl with the wolves among whom he is in the woods. A man in whose heart the fear of God has not taken root, will rather aggravate an error committed by him, by a second one, as if thereby to defend the first, than clear himself of the first error and conceal the second, in order not to destroy his conscience completely.
We sit here, meanwhile, in great distress, not knowing what the congregation will give. The last proposition, about the five hun- dred florins in a draft, and twelve hundred and fifty florins in wampum, amounting to the promised sum of seven hundred and fifty florins, although not in Holland value, was flatly rejected with great disdain; and not without slandering not only myself, but all ministers in the Fatherland, who leave a smaller congrega- tion to serve a larger one, as having in their opinion no other ob- ject in view, than the increase of money and therefore are nothing else, than hirelings. A soul fearing God, would abhor such lan- guage. Especially was such language used by the Justice of Amersfort, who from the first, when I selected Midwout for my
718
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1678
place of residence, has been my sworn opponent. He howls with the English and oppresses his own, the Dutch people, with un- reasonable, and unnatural zeal. The above mentioned meeting separated in so much confusion, that I was completely deprived of means to improve my position. Reasoning being useless, they employed force, as there was a sufficient number of my adver- saries among their own judges. I had to be satisfied with the offer of five hundred schepels of wheat and seven hundred and fifty florins in wampum, or call myself paid with three thousand florins of wampum. Even if I sent for them six times, they would never come again.
Not to excite their minds any further, I committed my case to the Justice of New Uytrecht. He although not of our religion, is a man of good understanding, especially in philosophy and in the mathematics of Des Cartes. I shall be able to tell in my next letter the result thereof.
The house is not yet finished, I am living at a neighbors until it is ready, which will be in a few weeks. The Breukelen people provide me with fuel. Last year the Midwout people did it; but they did it in such a manner that I had to buy wood and pay for it myself. So far, therefore, neither the one thing or the other has been given to me; not sufficient salary ; no house; no free fuel. The reasons for these dissensions, for which, according to my adversaries, I am to blame, are really these: I am not on sufficiently familiar terms with them, and do not visit the villages and the villagers often enough. I preach, in turn, at all the vil- lages. I make house visitations four times a year, and administer the communion eight times. These duties have been most onerous, especially at first ; the location of the village is such, that I cannot do much visiting, unless I give up my studies completely, as Domine Selyns well knows, etc.
If the difficulties continue I shall speak to his Excellency, our Governor, about them. But then some evil results are hardly
719
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1678
doubtful. They will be either disadvantageous to myself, or bad for the liberty of our church. This perhaps, may be somewhat restricted. Even my own Consistory, especially the previously mentioned Justice of Amersfort, will not allow me exactly to regu- late myself according to the church rules of Holland. This is not the least of my sorrow as may well be imagined. Domine Nieuwenhuysen once worried through such a case with the Gover- nor. Haughtiness when associated with ignorance, makes a man at once intolerable, especially, if he be a person of low extraction, and who can give no reasons, or cannot understand the reasons given to him.
How I shall endure all this trouble, while I have at the same time to attend to my duties, I can hardly imagine. Patience is the best thing. But in the meantime to be obliged to impoverish myself in the service of such an uncharitable, ungrateful and stubborn congregation, while I have to hear so much spite, disdain and reproach - this cannot create in me any other resolution than one to return home as soon as possible. I should have done so al- ready, if the chances and the season had not passed away for this year. Finally I request, that your Reverences will please to consider this, my distressed condition, and put in operation such counter measures as you shall judge useful for our relief and comfort. This I shall most anxiously await, especially, if my return to the Fatherland is, perhaps, prevented by the Gover- nor, through these envious people. Herewith closing, with cordial salutations and wishes for the blessings of the Almighty upon your Rev. Assembly, persons, services, and families, I remain,
Gentlemen and Brethren,
Your Very Obliged, Humble Servant and Brother,
Casparus van Zuuren.
Midwout, on Long Island, in New Netherland, the 30th of Oct. 1678.
720
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1678
REV. CHARLES WOLLTE
1
1678-1680.
Gov. Andros had arrived in this country, accompanied by his wife on November 1st 1674, and entered on the government on the 10th of that month. He returned to England in November 1677, and was knighted by Charles II. in 1678. On May 27, 1678, he sailed again for New York in the ship Blossom, Richard Martain, of New England, Master. He was accompanied by his chaplain, Rev. Charles Wolley, and others. Wolley had received his Masters degree at Cambridge in 1677. He re- turned to England in 1680. He published a book - "A Two Years Journal in New York " by Rev. C. W .; A. M .; London 1701. " (See Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 741.) Re- published, New York, 1860. Therein he describes New York as "a place of as sweet and agreeable air as I ever breathed in, and the inhabitants both English and Dutch very civil and courteous ".
Of the clergy, Wolley says:
" In the same City of New York where I was Minister to the English, there were two other Ministers or Domines, as they were there called, the one a Lutheran a German or High Dutch, the other a Calvinist a Hollander or Low Dutchman, who behaved themselves one towards the other so shily and uncharitably as if Luther and Calvin had bequeathed and entailed their virulent and bigotted spirits upon them and their heirs forever ".
Yet Wolley does not appear to have been without interest in missions among the Indians. In an account of them he says:
" May the lover of souls bring these scattered desert people home to his own flock ".
Dix adds: "It is stated that he joined with Andros in helping the Dutch furnish (repair?) their new place of worship in the Fort, while it is certain that he was indebted to them for his own accommodations, and lived with them on the best of terms " .- Dix's Hist. Trinity Ch. i. 53, 54.
MINISTER'S HOUSE AT ALBANY.
1
Albany Feb. 6, 1678-9.
Dom. Gid. Schaets appears in Court with Jan Vinnagen Elder and the Two Deacons, Mr. Jan Janse Bleeker and Mr. Hend. Cuyler representing the W. Con- sistory who freely without any persuasion promise to convey and give a proper Deed of the house occupied at present by Dom. Gid. Schaets to be for the future a residence for the Minister of Albany for the benefit of the Congregation of the Reformed Church here; as the house was built out of the Poor's money and now being decayed, the W. Court promises to repair said house and keep it in good order fit for a Minister, for which purpose it shall be conveyed.
Ordinary Court held at Albany July 6, 1680.
The W. Consistory of this City being sent for to Court, and being requested by their Worships to contribute something to the repair and building of Domine Schaets house, being for the good of the Commonalty;
The W. Consistory consent to Contribute the sum of one thousand guilders Zewant, for the reparation of the said house .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 530.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
721 1679
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Correspondence from America.
Rev. Caspar van Zuuren to Domine Cornelius Danckerts.
May 4th, 1679.
Reverend Brother and Colleague: -
I shall at present not trouble you to read many requests. Our previous letters, which we hope have reached you safely, contained all information concerning our present condition. This neither improves nor deteriorates. I am again compelled to witness how Breukelen and Midwout dispute over the cost of my house. It is hardly so far finished that I can yet live in it; and now, during these disputes, it remains in an unfinished condition. I have very little hope of ever seeing it completed and myself in it. I have done everything possible to reconcile these parties, because I am myself so interested, but all in vain. My differences with Domine Nieuwenhuysen have been amicably settled, which I request may be taken note of. He himself has offered to come over with two of his elders and settle this question on the fairest and most suitable terms, but the Breukelen people would not accept mediation. Such a refusal cannot be the best proof of a good cause. It seems that it is their intention to carry the case before the English courts. This cannot be very favorable to the liberty of the Dutch Church. The other villages, especially Amersfort and Utrecht, have dis- covered the bad policy of this. None of them want rates imposed upon them to pay the salary of a poor preacher, and against what- ever arguments, proofs and protests they may make. As with the house, so it is with the salary. His Honor, the Governor, upon a request to act as arbitrator in our differences, decided very wrongfully and outside of the point at issue, as the above men- tioned letters have stated, that I should have three thousand three hundred and seventy five guilders in wampum; that is three hun- dred and seventy five less than is due to me, or seventy five guild-
46
722
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1679
ers Holland currency, counting five to one. His decision was taken as a legal order, which cannot be changed.
And although it was very detrimental to mè, and very annoying, yet I was obliged to listen to it. Everybody here lays the blame for it on me. The good people who judge rightly on the matter, do not dare to come forward in my defence. I am, therefore, compelled to address myself to you and to the Rev. Classis, with the humble request, to decide about our present condition, without prejudice, according to the statements of our former letters, and to do whatever may be considered proper to help matters. We desire either to receive here what has been promised us, or to obtain permission to return to the Fatherland, and undertake there joyfully, the service of Christ in his church among good friends. God well knows, indeed, how badly we feel here. He sees and hears all our injuries and insults. He also appreciates how earn- estly I long for the Fatherland. To that God we pray from the bottom of our heart, day and night, to lead your Reverences to look favorably upon us, and graciously to bless the means for our relief. May he take you and yours under his holy protection. Amen.
Sir, your most obedient and affectionate servant and fried,
Midwout, 1679.
Casparus van Zuuren, Eccl. on Long Island.
To the Reverend, Pious, Learned Domine Cornelius Danckerts, Faithful Minister of the Gospel in the Congregation of Christ at Amsterdam.
May 4th in New Belgium, By William Sunderland and the ship the " James " from that country.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
723
1679
RICHARD GILDERSLEEVE, CONSTABLE, TO GOV. ANDROS RELATIVE TO A QUAKER MEETING AT HEMPSTEAD.
Right Honorable :- Whereas your Honor was pleased to lay some command upon mee for the prevention of Quakers meettings within our Towne of Hempstead which accordingly I have done to the best of my power by forewarning Captain John Seman being sick and not able to go myself I sent two overseers to forewarn him that he should not entertain any such meeting att his house, yett nott witthstanding his answer was that he tooke no nottis of the warning and proceeded to have and had a very great meeting the lastt Lordsday being the 28 day of this instant, hopping these few lines may finde your honors favourable acceptance and render mee excusable and thatt your Honor will be Pleased to take it In to your serious consideration for the ffuter pruention of tthe like nott troublleing your Honor any further I rest your Honors Humble Seruantt,
Hempstead, May 26, 1679.
Richar Gildersleeve.
memorandum I toulld him itt was by your Honors
to mee.
Endorsed,
"To the Right Honorable Sir Edmun Andrews Governor and Generall of his Hines Terytorys att ffortt James in New York These " .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. 111. 605.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letters from Rev. Van Zueren.
1679, July 24th.
Rev. Cornelius Danckerts handed in a letter from Rev. van Zueren, of New Netherland. It was resolved to refer the same to the Deputies ad res Maritimas, to make extracts therefrom and communicate the same to the Rev. Classis. vii. 210.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT EDAM.
1679, Aug. 4 et seq.
Art. 61. Ministerial Changes : 1
In the Classis of Hoorn.
Died, Rev. William Grasmeer, at Ursem.
Died, Rev. Gerardus Beekman, at Grooshuysen and Avenhorn.
In the Classis of Enkhuysen.
Died, Rev. Martinus Lydius, at Grootebroek. Died, Rev. Theodore Brouwer, at Enkhuysen.
1679
724
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Entered : Rev. Rudolphus a Varick, from the East Indies; settles at Hem.
Art. 32. Labadists.
Ad Art. 30. Concerning the Labadists, the Rev. Correspondent of Friesland reports that they are watched against in their vicinity ; even as also the Classes profess to be on their guard against them respectively.
Coelman.
On this occasion, it was stated that Jacob Coelman not only had his private gatherings in several places, but recently had also publicly preached, morning and afternoon, in the vacant church of Middellye. The Rev. Synod, regarding this as a case of bad precedent, earnestly admonishes the several Classes, that hence- forth, each one in its special sphere, see to it that such circum- stances do not happen again. And since it is learned from the reports of several brethren, that said Coelman has set his mind on making the services of the ministers fruitless, and on instilling into the minds of members, an uncharitable judgment against them, and does not subject himself to the Church-Order of this land : therefore it admonishes all the Classes, but particularly those where he sows his evil seed, to be watchful against him and his conventicles.
ORDER OF ANDROS TO EXAMINE AND ORDAIN TESSCHENMACHER.
1679, Sept. 30.
(Original English Copy.)
Sir Edmond Andros, Knight, etc.
Upon Application from New Castle in Delaware, That being destitute Mr. Peter Teschenmaker may be admitted to be their minister ; By vertue of his Majesty's Letters patent and authority derived unto me, I do hereby desire and authorize you, to Examine the said Mr. Teschenmaeker and if you shall find him fittly
725
1679
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
qualified, that then you ordain him into the ministry of the Pro- testant Reformed Church to preach God's word and administer his Holy Sacraments and give him testimonials thereof, as is usual. Given under my hand and seal of the Province in New Yorke the thirtieth day of September in the 31st year of his Majesty's Raigne Annoq Doming 1679. (31st year of Charles II, reckoning from 1649, when Charles I, was beheaded; omitting the period of Cromwell.)
Edmond Andros.
To Mr. Guilielmus Newenhuysen minister or pastor of this city or any three or more of the ministers or pastors within this government.
Prepared and examined by me,
Matthias Nicolls, Sec.
From General Entries Vol. 32 p. 61, in the Manuscript Depart- ment of the State Library at Albany, N. Y. Also in Bi-Centen- nial of the church of Schenectady, 64.
The above English copy was translated into Dutch; and the following is a re-translation from the Dutch into the English.
I, Edmond Andross, Knight, Patroon of Sausmars, Lieutenant and Governor General under his Royal Highness, James, Duke of York and Albany, and of all his Provinces in America, upon the request of the people of New Castle do order that Mr. Peter Tesschenmaeker be permitted to be their minister. By virtue of his Majesty's letters patent, and authority entrusted to me, I de- sire and authorize you to examine the said Mr. Tesschenmaeker, and if you find him capable, to ordain him to the service of the Protestant Reformed Church, to preach God's Word, and to ad- minister the Lord's Supper; and to give him the usual diploma.
726
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1679
Given under my hand and seal, of the province of New York, the 30th of September, in the thirty first year of his Majesty's reign; and in the year of our Lord, 1679.
E. Andross.
The above order was directed to Mr. William Van Nieuwenhuy- sen, servant of the Holy Word of God in this city, or three or more other ministers under this government. Attested by Mat- thias Nicholls, Clerk.
Copy of the Proceedings in our meeting at New York, on the 9th of October 1679, in the case of Domine Petrus Tesschen- maacker.
To-day the 9th of October 1679, a call for a preacher from the congregation of the South River was handed in. This call is di- rected to Domine Petrus Tesschenmaacker, Candidatus S. Minis- terii.
But whereas such a case is without precedent in this govern- ment, the Dutch ministers here, at the request of his Excellency, Governor Edmond Andros, and upon production of the testimo- nials of the preparatory examination of said Domine Petrus Tesschenmaacker, written by the Dutch and English Consistories at the Hague, have been satisfied, in view of said congregation's distress, to confirm this candidate as minister to that place, and to ordain him.
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.