USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 11
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ECCLESIASTICOAL RECORDS
You are to take care that drunkennesse and debauchery swearing and blasphemy be discountenanced and punished, and that none be admitted to publique trust and employment whose ill fame and conversation may bring scandall thereupon. You are to give all due encouragement and invitacon to merchants and others who shall bring trade unto your government and Inhabitants or any way contribute to their advantage .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 331, 332.
CONFIRMATION OF MR. JEREMIAH HOBBART TO BE MINISTER OF
HAMPSTEED.
By the Commander in Chiefe. Upon Representation made by the Constable and Overseers in the Behalfe of the Towne of Hempsted that Mr. Jeremiah Hob- bart was and is by the Major Parte of the Inhabitants of the said Towne Chosen and Appointed to be Minister there for which Desireing my Confirmacon, These are to Certifie that the said Jeremiah Hobbart is hereby allowed and Confirmed Minister of the said Towne accordingly in the Performance and Exercise of which function he is to Conforme himselfe according to Law. Given under my Hand in New Yorke this Twenty sixth Day of Aprill 1683.
January 31st 1682/3. (1683)
A Lycence of Marriage was Granted to Jeremiah Hubbard of Jemeca on Long Island and Rebecca Brush of Huntington .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 120.
LETTER FROM MESSRS. VAN RUYVEN AND HOORNBERG, COMMIS- SIONED BY THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK, TO CALL A MINISTER. To the Reverend Consistory of the Dutch Church at New York Reverend, Godly and Learned Sirs: -
Your letter of October 30th, 1682, by the ship " New York " has reached us, and we send these few lines in reply. It is very pleasant to us to learn of the safe arrival of Mr. Selyns, and the enjoyment which you and the congregation have in his person and work. This satisfies us for all our efforts in furthering this enterprise. We hope that God the Lord will long preserve him in health that he may render much service to the Church of Jesus Christ.
The contents of the letters which you sent to meet your dis- bursements, and the interest on the same which you kindly added, we have received, and with this money have fully discharged your account. In case there are any further matters in which we can serve you, be pleased to command us freely. Wishing you all health, blessing and prosperity, upon yourselves and all your
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labors, we commend you to God's safe keeping, and with cordial greetings, we remain,
Your affectionate friends and servants,
Cornelis Van Ruyven Gillis Hoornberg Tobias Hoornberg
Amsterdam
April 30, 1683.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the church of New Castle, Dela- ware, July, 1683. xxvii. 166.
Reverend and Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ Jesus at New Castle : -
The Classis of Amsterdam, having understood that animosities have arisen in the church of New Castle, cannot refrain from expressing sorrow for the same, and a heart felt solicitude lest this outbreak should result in evident loss not only to the church of New Castle, but to the churches of New Netherland in general. It is a great evil when one is overwhelmed with misfortune, be- cause another is quarrelsome. The body of the church thereby becomes powerless, for the Unity of the Spirit is not preserved through the Bonds of Peace. It is also much to be feared that by such means our Church may be deprived of her liberty. We know that the churches of New Netherland are at present under the dominion of the English nation; and we also know what efforts are at present being put forth at London to extend the Episcopal form of government everywhere. Yea, we are informed that there are now commissioners at London from New Nether- land to request the establishment of Episcopacy among you. This may be accomplished with far more propriety, if there appear to be a special necessity for it, in order to quiet excitement in your churches by Episcopal authority. But how sad would it
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be for Christians of the True Reformed Faith to give the least occasion for such a change. Thereby the liberty of the Church would be curtailed, and the purity of religious services be endan- gered. A church would then no longer be permitted to choose such a pastor as they wished, but would be obliged to receive such a one as was sent to them.
Therefore, beloved brethren, our Classical Assembly beseeches you, for the love of Christ, and for the sake of the fellowship of the saints, that you become of one mind, and exercise towards one another all Christian love, which is the bond of perfectness ; and that as you have, until now, conformed unto the Order of the Churches of the Fatherland, that you will henceforth continue to do the same. Do not undertake, in ecclesiastical matters, any- thing of importance which savors of change without first commu- nicating with the Classis of Amsterdam. Expecting this from you, we commend you to God and the Word of his Grace.
With Christian greetings, we remain,
Rev. and Beloved Brethren,
Your Reverences Affectionate Brethren in Christ,
G. Bodaen,
B. Homoet,
- Hertogh,
S. V. Westerhoff. L
Amsterdam, July, 1683.
PETITION FROM MADNAN'S NECK RELATIVE TO THEIR MEETING HOUSE.
To His Excellency Col. Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Governor and Vice Admirall under his Royall Majesty King James the Second, etc., of his Province of New Yorke and Dependancyes in America etc., and to the Honorable Counsell.
The Humble Peticon of the Inhabitants of Madnan's Neck most humbly sheweth to your Excellency and Honorable Council:
That your petitioners in January 1683 obteyned an order from your Excellency and Council that the Inhabitants of Hempsted, should bee obliged to have your petitioners at their Town Meetings, and that the minister of Hempsted should come sometimes amongst us to Preach and Instruct us and our Children in ye
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duties of Christianity etc., and that the Town of Hempsted shall allow your peti- tioner Liberty of Comonage for our horses and cattle proportionable to the Lands we have purchased etc.
Now may it please your Excellency and Honorable Council since which order the Towne of Hempsteed have built Meeting Houses and Towne Houses and have Rated your petitioners to beare a part of said charge.
Now the distance from our Neck to Hempsted being so farr your petitioners could not convey ourselves and families to saide Towne to have the benefitt and Instruction of said Minister.
Whereupon your petitioners did build a house for to entertaine said Minister to Preach, which in three yeares time came but once amongst us and then we had no notice of it: But sent us word another time that hee would come. But did not; at which time about thirty attended that Day in expectation of his coming.
Which may it please your Excellency and Honorable Council, had he come once a month or oftener amongst us: wee your petitioners and each of us should have freely contributed to him which wee could to our abillityes: Or if in case for the futer said minister will come to us once a month or attend the order wee shall bee willing to contribute to him.
The premisses Being considered your petitioners humbly craves that your Excel- lency and Honorable Council would bee pleased to order the Inhabitants of said Towne of Hempsted to beare a pte. of ye Charge of ye Meeteing House wee have built on our Necke (as well as wee to beare pte. of theirs erected and built in their Towne) and that in reguard said minister hath not performed his duty accord- ing to ye order in Council that your petitioners shall not bee obliged to allow him anything for the time past.
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray etc.
May it please your Excellency and honourable Council that the Meeting Houses and Towne Houses at Hempsted was erected and built before ye order in Council was issued out (which in ye above peticon was mist written) and your petitioners humble Request is that the Inhabitants of Hempsted may be ordered to allow us their portion of charge for ye house built to entertaine ye minister at Madnan's Neck with ye prayer above desired. Concerning ye minister's pay; and myselfe in behalfe of ye towne shall ever pray who has hereunto subscribed as well for ye Generall, as himselfe in pticular.
The marke (Y) of Christopher Yeamans. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 211, 212.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HOORN.
1683, July 26 et seq.
Art. 11. Extracts from Foreign Letters.
The Classis of Amsterdam handed over to Synod the following Extracts from the letters from foreign lands :
Extract from a letter from Rev. Selyns, of New York, October 28, 1682.
1. He laments, that on account of his hasty departure, he could not take leave of the Rev. Classis.
2. He gives a brief account of his voyage to New York.
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3. He states with what tokens of gladness he was received by the congregation. He had delivered our letter to them.
4. The Consistory consisted of eight persons. Services had been carefully conducted by Rev. van Suren (Zuuren) before his arrival.
5. Since his arrival, he had begun to preach three times per week, with such great increase of hearers, that it was thought they must either provide for more room, or else build a church. The members numbered six hundred.
6. The people of Bergen, a village across the river, had re- quested him to render them also some service. He had agreed to preach there three times per year, on Mondays, both in the forenoon and in the afternoon, and to administer the Commu- nion. He hoped to found a new church there, [hoopende daer een nieuwe kerck te stichten,] as there were one hundred and thirty four members on the ground already. They were otherwise wont to come to New York, as did also the people of Haarlem; but he had also promised to preach to the latter once a year, at the installation of Elders and Deacons. These people, according to an agreement of June 19, 1672, had sent a double number (of names) to the Consistory of New York, to choose therefrom a single set.
7. Furthermore: among the Netherlanders, in that entire coun- try, there were no differences in the ecclesiastical government, and the churches had peace, and were edified.
8. The English inhabitants of New York used the same church- building as the Dutch. They had no minister, but only a reader. He read the Common Prayer Book; and there was a clergyman, who did not preach, but baptized and married in the homes.
9. There was also a Lutheran church. The minister lived in New York in the summer, and at New Albany in the winter.
10. There were also in New York, Jews, Quakers, and Laba- dists.
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11. On account of the age of Rev. Schaats, things were in a bad condition in the Church of New Albany.
12. On Long Island the churches were prospering under the zeal of Rev. van Suren (Zuuren).
13. But at New Castle the church was in great peril, through some misunderstanding which had arisen between Rev. Tesschen- maker and the congregation; especially, because Jacob Coelman had offered his services there, and to whom also one of the mem- bers is said to have written. But the Consistory of New York, by writing, had proffered them their advice for the preservation of peace, and had counseled them to consult our Classis in regard to Coelman. He requests our Classis to do all that is possible to hinder Coelman from going thither.
14. Therewith he concludes, commending the Classis to God.
15. He then makes known in a Postscript, that the Church of New York had received an answer to their letter of October 8/18 from New Castle. They thank the said church for their advice. They further announce that Rev. Tesschenmaker had been dis- missed by them, and which fact had already been written to Coelman. Sluyter* went there under the name of Vosman, and Coelman, it is said, under the name of Guilliam Germonpre.
Extract from a letter from New York, written by the Consistory, October 30, (1682,) signed by the Elders and Deacons.
1. Ours was duly handed to them by Rev. Selyns, who had ar- rived there, and had been received with complete satisfaction.
2. They praise his zeal in preaching and Catechising, and hope to respond to the same with gratitude.
3. Further: they are much obliged for the faithful care and diligence which the Classis of Amsterdam has been pleased to exercise in this call, and in sending over such a man; and trust for a blessing upon the deliberations taken.
* One of the Labadists who wrote the Journal, 1679.
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4. They make known the deplorable condition of the church " of New Castle, on account of the misunderstanding between the said church and their minister, Rev. Tesschenmaker. They con- clude with salutations.
Extract from a letter from Rev. Tesschenmaker, written at New York and of the same date. (October 30, 1682.)
He states that he had been exercising the ministry in that land, at Esopus, since the year 1678, when Rev. Lambertus Gaas- beeck arrived.
2. He complains, that after he had undertaken the pastoral office on the South River, October 31, 1679, the payment of his salary became continually worse and worse, until finally, it be- came so small that he could not subsist on it. This was not im- proved, notwithstanding his constant complaints. Wherefore he found himself compelled to go to New York and New Albany, to complain thereof; especially, because during the past winter he had been treated so badly. Scarcely a dwelling place was left for him, and no hope of improvement was held out. Neither could he obtain his dismissal.
3. But notwithstanding all these previous inconveniences, he had still offered his services to that church for four hundred bushels of wheat per annum, and free board. Yet whatever en- deavors had been made to that end, even by other churches, had all turned out in vain. The church persisted in this: that they neither could nor would stipulate for a fixed salary.
4. Thereunto they were especially encouraged, because Jacobus Coelman, in a letter to (or of: van) Arnold Lablé, had offered his services there; whereupon it was resolved to invite him.
5. Thereupon, after making a request that we would ponder these reasons of action with and concerning his church, we would help defend his good name, he concludes with a wish for God's blessing.
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A LETTER FROM REV. SCHAETS OF NEW ALBANY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1682.
1. He makes known that he had duly received our last letter.
2. He thanks us for our wish for the divine blessing upon his old age, his person and ministry; and prays for the same upon the churches of our Classis.
3. He desires, according to the promise made by Mr. de Wolf, that a capable minister may come over, as soon as possible, to assist him in his old age. Therewith he concludes with saluta- tions.
A letter from the Magistracy of New Albany, October 12, 1682.
1. Ours of April 6th, had been duly delivered to them.
2. They thank the Classis for all the endeavors put forth to procure them a capable minister, in addition to Rev. Schaets, with the request to be pleased to continue therein; inasmuch as Rev. Schaets, on account of his extreme age and feebleness, can scarcely be heard any more; yet the congregation is daily increas- ing.
3. Furthermore, they promise that the preacher who shall be sent to them shall be well treated. They conclude with saluta- tions.
A letter from Rev. van Suren (Zuuren) of Long Island, written from Midwout. (October ? 1682 ?)
1. He thanks the Rev. Classis that Rev. Selyns had been per- suaded, and sent by it, to the people of New York.
2. He states how that, before the arrival of Rev. Selyns, he had supplied the church of New York both by preaching and in the administration of the Lord's Supper.
3. The church of New Albany and Schenectady await with longing, that their desire also may be fulfilled, in obtaining a pastor.
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4. The people of Esopus, under the ministry of Rev. Week- steen, were in reasonably good condition.
5. But the church on the South River was not so fortunate, by reason of trouble between them and Rev. Tesschenmaker. Not- withstanding many endeavors to re-establish rest and peace had been put forth, it had not been possible to allay these troubles, although Rev. Tesschenmaker had offered to serve them at a low figure. Wherefore they had dismissed him.
6. He makes known further that Jacobus Coelman had offered his services at South River, through a prominent member, with a promise that he would bring two hundred and fifty families with him. Thereupon letters had already been sent to Coelman, notwithstanding this church had been admonished and warned by him, (Van Zuuren), that he had requested them to defer a call to our Classis.
7. The church, under his own ministry, (Kings County, Long Island) was still in the same condition as before. Therewith he concludes with salutations.
MINISTERIAL CHANGES.
Sent to the East Indies :
Sent to New Netherland .
Sent Rev. Godfridus Dellius, of (to) New Albany, in New Netherland.
Art. 25. The Labadists and Coelman.
Ad Art. 26. Treating of the Labadists, as also of Jacobus Coel- man: The respective Classes have related, how each, in its own vicinity, are keeping watch against both. Good care against both is yet earnestly recommended to them.
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EARLY NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE REV. MR. DELLIUS.
Extraordinary Court holden at Albany Aug. 6, 1683.
The W. Commissaries assembled in consequence of the arrival of the new Min- ister Domine Godefridus Dellius who reached here on the 2nd instant pursuant to the request and letters of this Court to the Venerable Classis of Amsterdam.
And whereas by consent and approval of this Comonality a second Domine is sent for to assist the old Domine Schaets, it is therefore resolved to call the con- gregation together to enquire of them in a friendly manner how much they will from their own Liberality and good inclination contribute to the maintenance of the said Domine Godefridus Dellius whereupon the following Burghers have freely contributed to the salary of said Domine Godfridus Dellius, and that for the term of one year.
(Here follows a list of one hundred and forty five names with subscriptions amounting to three hundred and fifty pieces of 8, (or three hundred and fifty dollars.)
Whereon Domine Godefridus Dellius is sent for and he is asked if he hath any further letters or documents besides what he had delivered to the Court, especially the Notarial contract dated 20 July 1682 executed in Amsterdam by the Notary Public David Staffmaker Verlett whereby the Domine was accepted for the term of four years, beginning as soon as the ship, in which he would leave Amsterdam, had been gone to sea outside Texel, and that for the sum of eight hundred guilders a year, payable in Beavers at eight gl. each or six hundred skepels of wheat, at the option of said Domine Dellius, besides a free house; but should he, the Domine marry, his salary should be increased one hundred gl. beavers, but as his Rever- ence was so unfortunate that the ship in which he was to take his passage sailed from Dover on the very day his Reverence arrived in London, so that his Reverence was obliged to return to Holland and put to sea again last April, with Jan Gorter, with whom he is now arrived.
Their Worships find that in further elucidation of said general Contract the Agents Rykd. van Rensselaer and Abel de Wollff and said Domine agreed that his term of Office shall commence on the day when Henry Bier went last year to sea, as his Reverence was then ready to leave; his term commencing on the 15th August 1682 and ending on the 15th August 1686, but with the express condition that his salary shall not date earlier than the day his Reverence put to sea with Skipper Jan Gorter: And whereas we have been advised by letters from our cor- respondents that his Reverence is not wholly satisfied about his salary being in Beavers or Wheat knowing nothing about such things, and imagines such is greatly to his prejudice, whereupon said Rensselaer and De Wollff have written to us in his behalf, requesting that the payment of his salary may be made as nearly as possible in Holland currency.
Therefore, their said Worships maturely considering the contribution as well as the clause in the aforesaid notarial contract, to the effect that should Domine Schaets die meanwhile, the aforesaid Domine Dellius should receive the same salary as Domine Schaets had and enjoyed, allow Domine Dellius aforesaid the sum of Three hundred pieces of Eight or one hundred and forty Beavers being f. 1200 in Beavers, which is two hundred guilders in Beavers more than Domine Schaets ever had or received, as a testimony of their good disposition towards him and especially for his Teaching with which their Worships and the congre- gation declare themselves well satisfied, doubting not but his Reverence will be specially content, it being three hundred gl. above the Notarial contract.
The Magistrates further resolve that if they can obtain anything more, either from the Governor or congregation, the said Domine shall be remembered. And Mr. Marte Gerritse and Com. Van Dyck communicate this to his Reverence.
Pieter Schuyler and Albert Ryckmans Deacons are authorized to receive the new Domine's Money, and to keep account thereof.
Domine Dellius informs the Magistrates, through the Secretary, that he shall adhere to his Notarial contract - that is as second minister of Albany - and that for such sum as the Magistrates allow him; but presumes their Worships pay little
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regard to the Recommendation of the Agents who requested them to pay the salary agreed on in Holland currency; and expresses himself not over satisfied with the Magistrates resolution regarding the fixing his salary at three hundred pieces of eight .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 535, 536.
FURTHER ARRANGEMENTS WITH REV. DELLIUS.
Extraordinary Court holden at Albany, Aug. 13, 1683.
The Magistrates are again met to fix the salary of Domine Godefridus Dellius, and the contribution of the congregation being calculated, it was resolved that said Domine Dellius shall enjoy yearly the sum of nine hundred guilders Holland currency payable in pieces of eight a forty eight stivers each, or in Merchantable Beavers counted a Two pieces of eight each, and that his Reverence shall receive his money quarterly on condition that if Domine Schaets should grow feeble or die, Domine Dellius shall perform the whole duty.
His Reverence is further told that if the Magistrates should agree with the Inhabitants of Schinnectady regarding Divine Service to be performed there, either once a month or once in six weeks, said Dellius shall take his turn with Domine Schaets to edify said congregation, without being paid additional for it, as such sum of money shall be for the benefit of this congregation.
Domine Dellius is further informed that their Worships desire to be satisfied about the time of the Domine's sojourn here, as his contract mentions only. four years, whereupon Domine Dellius gives the Magistrates for answer, that he cannot tell what extraordinary things may happen; but his intention and disposition are to remain here with this congregation, wherewith the Court is fully satisfied.
Resolved that a letter be written to the Venerable, Pious, and very Learned the Ministers and members of the very Rev. the Classis of Amsterdam assembled at Amsterdam, sincerely thanking their Rev. for their Fatherly care in sending over the Rev. Pious and Learned Domine Godefridus Dellius, with whom the Congregation is highly pleased.
Resolved, also to write to Sieur Richd. Van Rensselaer and Sieur Abel De Wolff to thank them heartily for the trouble they have taken, in finding out the Rev. Pious and Learned Domine Godefridus Dellius who arrived here on the 2nd instant, to the great joy of every one, and whose preaching was heard with the greatest satisfaction and contentment .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 536, 537.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
The Church of Albany to the Classis of Amsterdam, Aug. 13, 1683. xxi. 278. Mints. Syn. North Holland, 1684, Art. 12.
Reverend, Pious, Very Learned Gentlemen and Brothers in Christ Jesus : -
The letter of your Reverences, dated the 23rd of July 1682, was duly received by us on the 2nd of August 1683. We learned therefrom of your pious efforts in making provision for the Church of God. It is commanded to you, in Jesus Christ, to keep the
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church safely. You have given us certain proof of this in send- ing over Rev. Very Pious and Learned Domine Godevriedus Del- lius, who has become acceptable to us in Christ Jesus, as a ser- vant and messenger of God in this Christian congregation. For this we, as a Consistory, are very grateful to your Pious and Very Learned Reverences, and we pray God Almighty, that he will be pleased to keep you under his holy protection unto salva- tion. Amen.
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