Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 70

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 812


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 70


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And as it is very necessary, that an Overseer be approved, there- fore the Rev. Assembly, comprising the Dutch ministers in this government, together with other church officers, have approved of the testimonials of the preparatory examination without any par- ticular objection; it further resolved, to proceed with the ordina- tion.


Domine Tesschenmaacker was then called in and made ac- quainted with this approval of the Rev. Assembly. He was fur- ther asked, whether he was willing to accept this call, and to serve


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according to the Church Rules of the Rev. Synod of Dort and other existing church regulations, conforming to these orders. His answer was Yes, he was willing, and bound himself to live up to . them.


This done, Domine Tesschenmaacker was first heard in his ex- planation of the text, Matt. 5:20, "Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes," etc. The treatment of this text fully satisfied the Rev. Assembly.


The Rev. Assembly then proceeded to the examination; Domine Wilhelmus van Nieuwenhuysen, minister of the Holy Gospel in the principal city of the government of New York was appointed Examiner.


The examination having been finished, the Rev. Assembly were also satisfied by the answers of Rev. Tesschenmaacker, so that finally it was followed up by his ordination, pursuant to our Church Rules and Forms, in the name of the Lord.


Casparus van Zuuren, Eccl. on Long Island, Secretary of the meeting.


(See another translation in the Bi-Centennial of the Church of Schenectady, 65.)


Correspondence from America. Rev. Laurentius van Gaasbeeck to the Classis of Amsterdam; (extracts in Minutes of Synod North Holland, 1681, Art. 1.)


1679, Oct. 25th.


Reverend, Pious, Very Learned, Godly, Discreet Gentlemen and Fellow Laborers in Christ Jesus :-


I doubt very much, whether the Rev. Classis has received my letter of the 4th October 1678. I sent it enclosed in a letter to a certain friend of mine in New Amsterdam, and I have as yet, received no reply from him nor from your Reverences. I therefore consider it my duty, to inform you again of the state


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of our churches here, in order to keep up a mutual correspond- ence.


I left Amsterdam on the 13th of May 1678 and arrived at New York safely with my family on the 21st of August of the same year. I did not fail to thank the Lord most heartily for his un- deserved grace in protecting us from the dangers of the sea and the pirates, and for carrying us safely to our destination. After some delay in (New York) I moved to the Esopus, having pre- sented my credentials to the Noble Governor of this colony. I reached Esopus on the 8th of September. I preached my first sermon there, and entered upon my duties in the fear of the Lord, on the 15th of September. i


As to my place, it is usually called " The Esopus ". It is situated twenty (Dutch) miles from New York, which is on the Man- hattans, and on the North River. It contains much fine, fertile land, and produces such abundant crops that the Esopus is the granary of New Netherland and of all the surrounding country.


The Esopus itself consists of three villages, Kingston, Horley, and Marbleton, distant from each other about half an hour's walk, besides some neighboring hamlets. Kingston is the principal place, where I have my house. It is distant not more than half an hour from the Great River.


Upon my arrival here, I found all the inhabitants well inclined towards me and this feeling has, God be praised, increased ever since. I found here a certain Domine Petrus Teschenmaker, a Bachelor in Divinity, who had arrived here from Guyana in the spring. He had been engaged by the Consistory here as candidate or vicar (substitute) until I should arrive from Holland. After my arrival they dispensed with his services. The accompanying letter will inform the Rev. Classis what has occurred about this Domine Petrus Teschenmaker. I found here at Kingston about eighty members; at Horley thirty; and at Marbleton twenty. It has pleased Almighty God to bless my poor services so well, that I have now more than one hundred and eighty members in the


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three villages. I divide my preaching services as follows: I preach two Sundays at Kingston, the third at Hurley, the fourth and fifth again at Kingston, the sixth at Marbleton, and so on.


At first I had much trouble to get everything in good order, and in conformity to the government of the Netherland churches. There was but little order in ecclesiastical matters and govern- ment, because it was ten years, since Domine Hermanus Blom, at present preacher at Woubrugghe, had left, and no preacher had been here since. But I have improved the condition of affairs, as well as I could, and what remains to be done, I hope to accomplish in the future. At present I hold catechetical classes not only on Sundays, after the discourse on our Christian Catechism, but also twice in the week, on Tuesday and Friday evenings, in my own house. I consider this to be very necessary on account of the very small amount of knowledge which I discovered in many; and God Almighty has been pleased to bless this work, so that my congre- gation has made progress in virtuous living, knowledge and godli- ness. The Kingston congregation has already shown their zeal by building a handsome new church, sixty feet long and forty five feet wide. In this I hope to preach in two weeks.


This is all that I think necessary at present to communicate to your Reverences. I doubt not but that the Rev. Classis will remember us and our congregations in their prayers to the Al- mighty, and beseech him increasingly to bless our services and en- large our congregations not only in numbers, but also in faith and every Christian virtue.


Praying the Lord to bless the meetings and counsels of your Classis, as well as the services, the persons and the families of your Reverences, I remain with cordial salutations, gentlemen,


Your Willing Brother and Fellow


Laborer in Christ,


Lawrentius van Gaasbeeck,


Eccl. Esopiensis.


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Correspondence from America. The Four Dutch Ministers, Schaats, Van Nieuwenhuysen, Van Zuuren and Van Gaas- beeck to the Classis of Amsterdam, Nov. 1679. Explaining their action in Ordaining Tesschenmacker. (This is the first Ordination in New York.)


Reverend, Pious, Very Learned, Very Prudent Gentlemen, Fath- ers and Brethren in Christ.


Sirs : -


In our common Christian faith, the saints profess to have fellowship with their Savior, and through him to possess a com- mon heritage of blessings. Therefore believers must help one another in every possible way. They should console, admonish, edify and strengthen one another, as they become aware of the favorable or unfavorable circumstances of a neighbor or brother. They should weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice; for nothing can occur to any believers without the sympathetic knowledge of others in Christ; for He is the Head and to Him all the members of the body belong. For this reason, we, who are obliged to labor in this transatlantic country, seek- ing to cultivate the vineyard of the Lord so far away from the great body of the Church, feel compelled to strive to keep up our fellowship with the churches in the Fatherland, and especially with those of our own Classis.


Therefore, according to your order and request, that we should write you about all our circumstances, that the welfare of the members of Christ may be better cared for, and his whole body edified, his honor promoted and his Kingdom extended; and that in accordance with the Apostle's injunction, "Let all things be done decently and in order ", as well as amicably, so as to prevent confusion and misunderstanding, (we report :)


That some time ago, namely in the spring of 1678, there ar- rived here one Peter Tesschenmacker, a bachelor of divinity. He had passed his preparatory examination at Rhenen, in the parish


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of Utrecht. He subsequently accompanied the fleet destined for Guyana, under Director N. Price, and had previously been a preacher of the English church at the Hague. And although the certificate of his examination was not exhibited to us, because it had been wrested from him by the enemy, together with other property and papers, at the conquest of Guyana; nevertheless, upon the testimony of certain people here, who knew him, and had also heard of his gifts in preaching, he was admitted by us to officiate. This he has now frequently done, and in several different churches here, to general satisfaction and edification. Besides preaching in other places, he performed this duty for four months in the congregation of Esopus, which is now served by the Rev. Domine Laurentius van Gaasbeeck. In the autumn of 1678, he was requested by the congregation of South River to take his turn in preaching there, and admonish the people to piety and godliness. He performed this duty so well that that church, to the general gratification of everybody there, called him to be their teacher, and the minister of the Holy Word and Sacraments.


In order to obtain the ratification of their call to him, and his ordination for such a service in the most convenient and speediest manner, the commissioners of said congregation first addressed themselves to us, notifying us of their call, and, with urgent rea- sons, earnestly requesting us, to meet in New York, with our elders, and deliberate on this business, in order to give proper assistance to their church. This was, indeed, an affair needing great deliberation, as it would be fraught with weighty conse- quences. Yet some of our church-members made not a few diffi- culties about it. But the Noble, Very Worshipful, Honorable Governor of this country, (Andros,) who was advised of the re- quest of that congregation, also earnestly desired to see their pros- perity. Accordingly he served notice upon us, authorizing and requiring us, the preachers here, to meet together in the form of a Classis, and having examined the said Domine Tesschenmacker, to advance him, if he were found qualified, to the ministry. This


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demand made upon us by his Honor, will be best understood from a copy, showing the authorization or order itself. This is a trans- lation from the English original, which is on file here, and which was signed by the Governor himself. Thus legally impelled thereto, the advancement of Domine Tesschenmacker was re- solved on by us, and carried out on the 9th of October, 1679. In performing this act, we regulated ourselves by the laudable cus- toms and orders of the churches in our Fatherland. For the proper performance of his duties, we engaged him by promises and his own subscription, just as we were engaged to the same duties by your Reverences. Previous to our action there had also arrived excellent testimonials concerning the character and preaching abilities of Domine Tesschenmacker, from the Rev. Con- sistories of the Dutch and English congregations at the Hague. The candidate himself also, in his sermon gave full satisfaction to all the members of our Assembly; and in his replies to our ques- tions gave also very appropriate and excellent answers.


If in this business anything has been done by us, which is not within our official functions, or Christian (Church)-Order, we humbly and fraternally request that you will look at our proced- ure with that benevolent disposition, which hopeth all things, believeth all things, endureth all things. Your Reverences are well aware that human hearts are like the soil of earth. If it be uncared for, and left uncultivated, it generally produces nothing else than briars and thorns. If a grape vine is to bear good fruit, no labor must be spared upon it. And in the particular case of this people, it is especially necessary, as it is a wild country, and the way of speaking is apt to be also wild. The manner of life is also correspondingly corrupt. The opportunities are manifold. Of these things, the commissioners from that congregation, (New Amstel, or New Castle, Delaware,) have frequently and sadly told us.' The same things we also occasionally find among our own people.


One must consider also the inconveniences of the winter season


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here; the dangers of the voyage, if the candidate should seek to obtain his advancement from your Reverences; the embarrass- ments of the congregation by the long delay. For that congrega- tion now numbers about one hundred and sixty or more. Then also the impossibility of our administering the Holy Sacraments there during the interval; for it is about forty (Dutch) miles (one hundred and twenty English miles) distant from here, (New York;) and our presence here is always very necessary also. And above all consider the zeal as well as the order of our Worshipful, Honorable Governor, whom it would not be safe to disobey. Now all these circumstances and reasons have induced us to undertake this business, shaping our action to the situation in which we, at present, find ourselves. We hoped thereby also to ward off further evils and misfortunes from ourselves. We trust, therefore, that your Reverences will please to pardon us, and inform us thereof by letter as soon as opportunity offers.


Relying thereon, we close with the prayer that God, the Al- mighty, may be pleased to bless your counsels both in the Classis and the churches, as well as your services, yourselves, and your families.


Gideon Schaats, Pastor at New Albany, President.


Wilhelmus van Nieuwenhuysen, Pastor at New York, Examiner. Casparus Van Zuuren, Ecc. on Long Island, Scribe.


Laurentius Van Gaasbeeck, Ecc. Esopiensis.


(No date; but Nov. 1679.)


Correspondence from America. (A Minute, made by some party unknown, connected with the call and ordination of Domine Peter Tesschenmacker, as minister of the Church of New Cas- tle, on the South River, Delaware.)


1679.


The ministers of the Reformed Dutch Churches were invited to meet together and deliberate, viz., Domine Schaats of New Albany, Domine Van Nieuwenhuysen of New York, Domine Van Zuuren of Long Island, and Domine Van Gaasbeek of Esopus.


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They assembled at the house of Domine Van Nieuwenhuysen in New York. Domine Van Gaasbeek, not having yet arrived, it was thought best, after full debate, to proceed with the (examination), at the request of Messrs. Moll and Ephraim Hermans, delegates from the congregation of New Castle; and especially at the re- quest of his Excellency, the Governor, who had furnished the above delegates with a letter.


Hereupon the time and manner of the examination and ordina- tion were fixed. It was resolved to proceed after nine days, viz. on the 9th of October. Domine Schaats was appointed President of the Classis; Domine Van Nieuwenhuysen, examiner; Domine Van Zuuren, secretary, and Domine Van Gaasbeek, adsessor. It was also resolved that Matt. 5:20 should be assigned as the subject upon which the candidate should preach; and that the ordination should be attended by the consistories of the above churches.


On the day appointed, Thursday, all the members were pres- ent. The above named delegates were asked whether Mr. Tess- chenmacker had been freely and voluntarily chosen as their min- ister, and whether they desired he should be ordained as such, by this Assembly, constituted in the form of a Classis. The answer was, Yes. On the other hand Domine Tesschenmacker was asked whether he was satisfied with the conditions requested of him in relation to the service, and purposed to fulfill them faithfully. He declared his approbation, answering, Yes.


They then proceeded to the examination of Domine Tesschen- macker. He defended against objections, and explained satis- factorily to all, Matt. 5:20. In his examination he manifested such proficiency in and acquaintance with theology, as to com- mand the approbation of all the members. He was then ordained by Domine Van Nieuwenhuysen by the laying on of hands.


After some days the necessary instructions and orders, signed by all the members, were handed to the person ordained. These agreed with the instructions of the Classis of Amsterdam, and the Rules of Church Government of the Synod of Dort. It was also


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stipulated that as the ministers here, who ordained Domine Tess- chenmacker, recognized their dependence upon the Classis of Am- sterdam, and felt themselves bound faithfully to correspond with that Classis in all special circumstances; so also Domine Tesschen- macker should acknowledge the same subordination, and carry on correspondence.


The above proceedings were transmitted by letter to the Classis of Amsterdam, with the order and authority of the Governor in November following (1679.) In October of the year following, (1680), a letter was received in answer.


Letters from Rev. Van Zueren.


1679, Dec. 4th.


Rev. Depp. ad res Maritimas read the extracts from the com- plaining letter, (doleantie) of Rev. van Zueren of New Nether- land. It was thereupon resolved to write, per Rev. Depp. afore- said, both to Rev. Van Zueren, in order to humble him somewhat in this matter; and also to the church there, in order to admonish them to do their duty, and to give Rev. Van Zueren satisfaction so far as it is practicable, and thus to hold him powerless, (take away ground of complaint ?) vii. 221; xix. 195.


PETITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF SCHENECTADY TO CERTAIN MERCHANTS IN AMSTERDAM TO PROCURE FOR THEM A MIN- ISTER.


1679, Dec. 31.


Schenecheectade, December, 31st, 1679.


Monsieur Jan Hendrickse van Bael (or Boel) and Abel de Wolf :


We greet you in friendship with the humble request that you will please to take the trouble in our behalf, before the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and procure a preacher for us and if pos- sible, let him be a bachelor, who understands notes and psalms. We engage ourselves to the amount of (the equivalent of) one


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hundred beavers, in wheat, as yearly salary; but if you can beat it down somewhat, we will be well pleased; and it must be an in- ducement, that we wish to have him here before the winter. We shall also pay for his passage and other expenses, and provide him with free lodgings.


We should have written to the Rev. Classis, but we did not know any of the members. The Honorable Mr. van Boel, how- ever, is well acquainted with our conditions. We refer the matter to your kind care, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom, we think. We have no doubt, but that you will consider it a duty to do such a praiseworthy act, and we shall be very grate- ful. Praying the Almighty to protect you, we remain Messieurs, Your Willing and Affectionate Friends, The Commissaries of Schenectady


Jan van Eps Daniel Jansen Harmen Vedder Sander Sander- sen Glen.


By their order,


To Messrs. Ludowicus Cobes, Secretary.


Jan Hendrickse van Boel


and Abel de Wolff,


merchants at Amsterdam. Extract made.


COUNCIL MINUTES. MINISTERS HOUSE AT FLATBUSH.


To the Right Honorable Sir Edmond Andros, Governor Generall under his Royall Highness, the Duke of York, of all his Territories in America, the 24th of January 1679-80.


Humbly show the undersigned Constable and Overseer of the village of Midwout, that they are greatly injured by the erection of the ministers house, so that much of the money earned by them is not paid by the contractor and whereas the in- habitants of Breuckelen are bound to perform one fourth of the labor, but defer it from time to time, although we have done everything, to live with them in friend- ship, therefore we humbly request your Honor, to give directions to some Justice of the peace, who shall settle the matter amicably without legal proceedings. Which doing we are and remain.


Your Honors servants, Theodorus Polhemius .Cornelis Jansen Dirck Jansen van der Vliet.


737 1680


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


At a Council held the 24th day of January, 1679-80.


Upon a petition from the Constable and Overseers of Flatbush, Complaining, that the inhabitants of Breuckelen having undertaken to bee ayding and assisting in building the 4th part of the Domines House at Flatbush, but neglect or refuse to perform the same.


Ordered, that a Copye of the petition bee sent to the Constable and Overseers of Breuckeien, who are to take care to performe their agreement, or to return their Reasons to the Governour for their falling therein.


By Order etc .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 743, 745.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Final Examination of Rev. Peter Tesschenmaker in New Nether- land.


1680, Jan. 29th.


A letter from New Netherland was read by the Deputies ad res Maritimas, in which it is made known that the ministers there, by order of Governor (Andros), after the manner of a Classical As- sembly, had subjected to final examination, and ordained to the ministry, the candidate, Rev. Peter Tesschenmaker, who had been called as minister to the South River. It was resolved that the Rev. Deputati aforesaid shall write to them, that this Assembly is pleased to be satisfied with their labors in this particular instance, and give them thanks for their account thereof. They recom- mend to them, however, the praiseworthy correspondence with this Rev. Classis, and the maintenance of that good order custom- ary in the churches of the Fatherland. vii. 223; xix. 196.


DOMINE SCHAETS AND THE LUTHERANS.


Extraordinary Court held at Albany March 11, 1679/80.


The Court met at the request of Domine Gideon Schaets, accompanied by the W. Consistory, who complains that Myndert Frederickse Smitt came to his house and told him the Domine never to presume to speak to any of his Children on religious matters; and that he the Domine went sneaking through all the houses like the Devil; adding, Our Domine (meaning Domine Bernardus, Minister of the Lutheran Congregation) does not do so.


Domine Schaets further complains that Myndert Frederickse's wife grievously abused and calumniated him behind his back at Gabriel Thomson's house, as an old Rogue, Sneak, etc., and that if she had him by the pate, she should drag his grey hairs out of it; which the Domine offers to prove by witnesses.


Whereupon Myndert Frederickse and wife are sent for to Court and Domine Schaets accusation is read to Myndert who denies it all declaring that he had not given the Domine an ill word.


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Pietertje, wife of Myndert Frederickse denies having abused Domine Schaets as a rogue and sneak; but that the Domine hath abused her Religion as a Devilish Religion.


Hend Rooseboom sworn, says that he was at Gabriel Thomson's last Monday when Pietertje, Myndert Frederickse's wife entered, and wishing to go away was called back by Gabriel and conversing on the subject of Domine Schaets and her daughter, she said - What business hath Domine Schaets to question mine daughter? To this Gabriel said - Why should he not do so? The Domine does well to question people. Whereupon Pietertie said, Domine Schaets, the old Rogue and Sneak; had she been by she should have caught him by the grey pate - adding he ought to look to his daughter the W-e and take care of her - To which Gabriel replied, Meutie, why say that and scold the Domine so? who answered him - You damned dog! you protect whores and knaves.


Cornelis Teunise Swart being sworn, says he was also at Gabriel Thomson's last Tuesday when Pietertie Myndert Frederickse's wife came in and enquired for her daughter, who not being there, she was going away but Gabriel called her back and said - sit awhile Meutie; and being in conversation about Domine Schaets wishing to question her daughter, she said she had, herself, a teacher to do so, that if she had the old rogue, she woudd take him by the grey pate, and further knoweth not.


Mr. Sheriff Pretty requests their Worships that he may act herein, to institute his action at a more convenient period.


The W. Court postponed the matter to the next Court day to act then on the merits. Meanwhile if parties can be reconciled, (through Respect for the Divine) they were particularly recommended to do so, saving the Sheriffs action and costs.


Albany, March 12, 1679/80.


Myndert Fredericksen and his wife appear before their Worships of the Court, requesting that they may be reconciled in love and friendship with Domine Schaets as they have been with Gabriel. Whereupon their W. recommended him to call Domine Schaets which being immediately done;


Domine Schaets appearing before their Worships is asked - if he were willing to be reconciled with the aforesaid persons? who answers, Yes, on the condition that they both acknowledge him an honorable man, and that they know nought of him except what is honest and virtuous (always excepting the Dispute out of which this Case arose, namely - Universal Grace - being no political question),* also the Sheriff's claim.


Whereupon Myndert aforesaid and his wife acknowledge the Domine in open Court to be an honest man, and that they know nought of him except all honor and virtue and are willing to bear all the costs hereof, also to settle with the Sheriff.




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