USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 14
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And your Peticoners as in duty bound shall ever pray, etc.
Order of Council Thereupon.
September 6th, 1684.
This within Peticon being read before the Governor and Council it was their Opinion that the house Appointed for the Lutheran Minister to live in should be as free and Exempted from Taxes as that of the Dutch and French Ministers, and the Peticon is Referred to the Mayor and Aldermen.
A true copy. J. Spragg, Sec. By Order in Council.
*** It appears by Deed Book viii. 204, in Secretary's office, that Dominus Bar- nardus Arisses [Arensius] was Minister of the Lutheran Church in New York in 1688 .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 246.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Van Zueren Called to Gouderak; (South of Gouda.)
1684, Oct. 2nd.
Rev. George de Mey, minister at Gouda, makes known that in the place of Rev. Wildrang, deceased, late minister at Gouderak, there had been unanimously called, after the order and style of the church there, Casparus van Zueren, minister at present on Long Island in New England, (New Netherland.) He requested in the name of the church, of the sheriff, and of the judiciary
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(court) of Gouderak, that the very Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, by which the Rev. Van Zueren had been commissioned, would facilitate his dismission, and dissolution (of his pastorate rela- tions there.) The Rev. Classis after reading and examining the written instruments of the call, and the approval of the sheriff and judiciary of Gouderak, and also of the Hon. Burgomaster of the city of Gouda, as Lords (Patroons) of the Manor of Gouderak, directed the Rev. Deputies for outside churches, as soon as they shall have seen the approval of the Rev. Classis of Gouda, to announce to the Rev. Van Zueren, that so far as the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam was concerned they had dismissed him from his service there; with the wish that he might come to the church of Gouderak in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel. vii. 370; xix. 227.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Godfridus Dellius, at New Albany, October 24, 1684. xxvii. 173.
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Sir, and Worthy Brother in Christ :-
We have received your very pleasant letter of the 14/24 of August, 1683, with the enclosures from the Magistrates and Con- sistory of New Albany, in very good order. From all these we have learned with very great pleasure not only of your safe ar- rival, and the great joy of the people thereat, but especially of the happy beginning of your labors. On this subject the Magis- trates and Consistory speak in terms of highest praise. Next to God, they consider themselves under obligation of ever increas- ing thankfulness to this Rev. Classis, for its great interest in the church at that place. We are greatly rejoiced at this cir- cumstance, and wish the continued blessing of God Almighty upon you, and hope that it may please his Majesty to allow you to continue a long time in that church in health, and to mutual satisfaction.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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Nevertheless, we are obliged to transmit to you a certain call from Henckelem, which has already been traveling about for a long time, and has become old before it came into the hands of our Rev. Classis. For this reason the determination of the Rev. Classis concerning it was also delayed. It finally, however, seemed to be our duty to transmit the same to you, but at the same time with this understanding - to seek by all conceivable reasons to dissuade you from accepting this Henckelem call. For it is the opinion of the Rev. Classis that since you have been received there with such satisfaction, and are administering the service to such edification, and all this in a church where so much needs to be done, and is now being accomplished; for the Magistrates of your place mention that even Papists come to hear you, and find hope; moreover, since you have ingratiated yourself more fully in that church, and the salary has been increased to your satisfaction; therefore you ought in no wise to leave them. Besides, the gen- tlemen here, who had authority in regard to your call, (to Albany) are opposed to this new affair most earnestly. In case of your departure thence, (from Albany) which neither they or we de- sire, they would surely require you to repay all the expenses con- nected with your call thither. This is in accordance with a reso- lution of the State respecting speedy change of pastors.
Above all, it is unknown to us how matters are now situated at Henckelem, because nothing further has transpired before us for several months. We do not therefore know whether that place is still vacant or not. Hence, in view of all these things, we doubt not that you will be pleased to remain with your present church. Wherefore, commending you to God, and with our re- spects, we remain,
Dear Sir and Brother,
Your obedient brethren in Christ,
Bernardus Homoet, Albert Westerhoff, Johannes Brandolphus.
Oct 24, 1684.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Extra Session.
Acts of the Deputies.
1684, Oct. 24th.
Was presented Rev. George de Mey, minister at Gouda. He showed a written call, made out by the consistory of Gouderack, which belonged to the Classis of Gouda, on the Rev. Casparus van Suyren, (Zuuren,) minister at Midwout on Long Island in New England, (?) in the place of Rev. Wiltvanck deceased. This call has been approved by the Schout (Sheriff) and by the of Gouderack; as well as by the Messrs. Burgomas- ters of Gouda, as Lords of the Manor; and also by the Rev. Classis of Gouda. He also renewed his request, already previously made to the Classis, that the said Rev. van Suyren (Zuuren) might be dismissed, in the name of Classis. This request of his is granted by us Deputies on foreign affairs, having been authorized to do so by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. A letter was written con- cerning this business, in which it was made known to Rev. van Suyren (Zuuren) and the consistory of Midwout on Long Island, that the Rev. Classis, having pondered everything in the fear of the Lord, had, so far as it was concerned, dismissed him and dis- charged him from his office. This appears also from the Acta of the Rev. Classis. xxi. 285.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Caspar Van Zuuren, October 24, 1684. xxvii. 175.
Reverend Sir, and Brother :-
The Deputati ad res Exteras of the Classis of Amsterdam, being assembled at the request of the church of Gouderack, and hav- ing been specially charged thereto by the Classis of Amsterdam, have examined the call of the church of Gouderack which has been made upon you. They find that it has its full number of
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members, and conforms to all the required conditions. They have therefore gladly relieved you from your service at Midwoude. They are glad that so excellent an opportunity has occurred, and that you can return to your Fatherland and friends with so much reputation. The act of dismissal accompanies this letter, and will be of service to you with those whom it concerns. With this we wish you the Lord's gracious blessing in connection with this call, and with hearty greetings, we remain,
Rev. Sir and Brother, Your affectionate,
The Deputati ad res Exteras. Bernardus Homoet, Gisbertus Oostrum, Albertus Van Westerhoff, Johannes Brandolphus.
Amsterdam, Oct. 24, 1684.
LEGACY OF MR. CORNELIUS STEENWYCK, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, IN FAVOR OF THE DUTCH WORSHIP THERE.
1684, Nov. 20.
" Further the testator declares, with the consent of his said wife (Margareta de Riemer), that he, by form of pre-legacy, has made, devised and bequeathed, as he, the testator, hereby, makes, devises and bequeaths to the use of the Dutch congregation in the City of New York, for the better support and maintenance of the minister of the same, called after the Church-Order of the Neth- erlands, now here, or hereafter to be called and come, all his, the testator's right, title, interest, in the Manor or Domain of Ford- ham, lying in the county of Westchester, with all the lands, meadows, fields, woods, hills, brooks and other waters, together with all the dis. ..... jurisdiction, right, title, action and prop- erty in, to and upon, the said Manor of Fordham, with all pat- ents, letters, leases, securities, mortgages and other documents
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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thereto belonging, or in any way depending, in all respects the same as the said Manor is now already belonging, or hereafter shall be more amply confirmed unto the said testator by deed, conveyance, hypoteek, mortgage, Judgement or otherwise, through or by means of John Archer, deceased, late owner of said Manor: Willing and desiring that the said Manor of Fordham, with all the profits, incomes, avails, rents and livings, with all the appurtenances thereof, shall be conveyed and made over in a full, true and property, by the testator's appointed Executrix, within the space of six months after the tes- tator's decease; and upon lawful demand, to the Overseers of the said Dutch congregation, for and to the behoof of the said con- gregation, as herein above is further expressed: to be held in full property, possession, enjoyment, inheritable and forever, by the said Overseers and Congregation in being at the time of the tes- tator's decease, and all who shall from time to time succeed in their places, without any or least hindrance, let or opposition of any one: Provided that none of the lands of the said Manor shall be made away, alienated or otherwise disposed of, contrary to the tenor of these presents, but henceforth and forever shall be and remain as lands of inheritance for the support and maintenance of the worship of the said congregation, as above described and not otherwise.
Signed, Cornelis Steenwyck. Margrieta Steenwyck.
1685, Sept. 16.
Transfer of the said Manor of Fordham, and the rights thereof for the Dutch Worship, by Mr. Cornelis Steenwyck, de- ceased, and his wife, still living. Lib. A. 43, of English Translation.
The Notary, William Bogardus, hereto requested, shall con- vey, with a witness, to the overseers of the Dutch Reformed
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1
Congregation in the City of New York, in the name and on ac- count of me, the undersigned Margrieta Steenwyck, Executrix of his will, the Manor or Domain of Fordham, etc., bequeathed by my late husband, with my consent, for the support of the Minister of the same, according to the testamentary disposition of Novem- ber 20, 1684; and to take possession of the same for use, as above, according to the aforesaid will; and thereon, seek and obtain an answer of them.
Signed,
Margrieta Steenwyck.
1685, Sept. 16.
Thankful Acceptance of said Legacy, given in writing to the Notary, Bogardus, to report to Margrieta de Riemer, widow of the late Mr. Steenwyck.
We, the undersigned, present Elders of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in New York, for and in the name of the said Con- gregation, hereby thankfully accept the Legacy herein mentioned. But as the Manor therein bestowed, has, since the testator's death, been claimed by that of Westchester and is further en- cumbered by the same with a certain process, disputing the tes- tator's right to the same, and we are not at all in a situation properly to defend it: We therefore request that the Juffrow, being the lawful Executrix of the last will, and therefore the fittest person to maintain his right, will undertake to clear the Manor of the said claims, and put an end to the process, when the offered conveyance shall be thankfully accepted, and all the costs reimbursed. This the Notary was requested to report as what occurred.
Signed in New York, September 16, 1685.
P. J. Marius, J. Kerfbyl, J. Van Brug, J. De Key, Francis Rombout, Jacob Teller.
According to the original,
Henry Selyns.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ORDER FOR A DAY OF THANKSGIVING, ETC., FOR JANUARY 4TH 1685. LIB. A. 38, 39.
A day of special Thanksgiving, Fasting and Prayer for the Dutch Reformed Church at New York, January 4, 1685.
Honored, Beloved and Especial Friends and Associates :-
Since it has pleased the Lord God in his undeserved pity, to preserve this land in peace and quiet, to bless this city with trades and professions, with navigation and commerce, but especially to preserve this church, gathered in a heathen land, in pure religion and freedom of conscience: all which we should properly ac- knowledge, or else be liable to the charge of great ingratitude, and merit severe penalties and judgements: Yet perceiving that the Lord, our righteous Judge, who has for some years threat- ened, and now threatens our land and city and church with very dark clouds, whose contents may come down to-day or to- morrow, or the day after, to our general loss and grief: And ob- serving that he, grieved with our sins, and transgressions that reach up to heaven, such as Sabbath desecration, indifference, cursing, gluttony, drunkenness, pride, wantonness and wanton dancings, is beginning to visit the land as to the harvests; the city, with loss of people and ships, and the church with certain defections and increase of errors:
Therefore the Consistory of this Church, sorrowfully consider- ing these things in the fear of the Lord, has in duty and con- science judged it necessary to appoint and propose to the Con- gregation, a day of special Thanksgiving, Fasting and Prayer, namely, eight days hence, being Sunday, January 4th 1685 - then to praise with all our hearts Almighty God, the spring and source of every blessing, and with public thanksgiving to mag- nify his name for all the spiritual and temporal benefits, con- ferred upon us in the absence of all desert; and also humble ourselves who are but dust and ashes before him who is higher
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than the highest, and entreat with lowly and earnest prayer, that he would increasingly bless both in body and soul, his Royal Majesty, and the Duke of York, and our entire land, our city and church; keep us in health, prosperity and peace, increase our trade on land and sea, feed us continually with earthly bread, save us from every discord in matters of religion, and hold back every threatened judgement.
But especially should we on the said day fall down in dust and ashes, and fast, and for greater abasement, abstain altogether from food, and strive with sincere tears of penitence to appease God's wrath and bring back the light of his countenance, and particularly, abandon our bosom sins as well as the above men- tioned iniquities, which have made our land and church deserve destroying plagues.
Wherefore this congregation in general, and every member in particular, whether old or young, is requested and enjoined to observe the day appointed, by abstaining from all works of un- righteousness and vanity, and to come to the house of the Most High with much thankfulness and yet with humility, so that God's name may be praised, and invoked by us all, to the great- est welfare of our land and city, and the salvation of our church and our souls.
Actum, New York, in our Ecclesiastical Meeting,
Henry Selyns, Minister of the Gospel.
Peter Jacobszen Marius Johannes Kerfbyl Elders.
Johannes van Burg
Jacob de Key
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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REV. JOSIAS CLARKE.
1684-6.
An incident illustrating the character of Rev. Josias Clarke, Chaplain to the British forces, 1684-1686.
Among the emigrants brought from Scotland in the " Seaflower ", was an enthu- siast, named David Jameson, who though liberally educated, had allied himself with a body of ranters, who abjured the various creeds of Christendom and rejected as well the received version of the Holy Scriptures. Having been exam- ined before the Duke of York, at Edinburgh, Jameson was condemned to transpor- tation to America, and Dr. George Lockhart, one of the proprietors of the " Sea- flower," was authorized to sell him as a " Redemptioner " to any one who would pay the cost of his passage. With the humane and kindly impulses of a Christian and a scholar, Clarke, on the arrival of Jameson, promptly paid the redemption money, which " the chief men of the place " at once repaid to the charitable chaplain. The Scotch exile, thus saved from slavery, found occupation and a livelihood as master in a Latin school, for which position he was well prepared .- Perry's Hist. Am. Epis. Ch. i. 153.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. Letter from Rev. Dellius.
1685, Feb. 2nd.
Two letters were read, one from Rev. Dellius from New Al- bany, dated October 15, 1684; the other from Rev. Francken, of Smyrna, dated September 24th, 1684.
Extract from the letter of Rev. Dellius.
He informs us that our letter, dated January 29, 1684, writ- ten to Rev. Selyns, and also another, written to him, have been received. In these he is informed that the church of (Henkelom) has made out a call upon him. He thanks the brethren for the information, and for their good advice to him on this matter. He is determined to decline this call at this time; but he believes he will come back to the Fatherland, after the expiration of the period for which he is pledged. xxi. 286, 287.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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VETO OF THE ACT ENTITLED, THE CHARTER OF LIBERTIES AND PRIVILEGES FOR THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK.
At the Committee of Trade and Plantations in the Council Chamber at Whitehall. Tuesday the 3rd of March 1684. (1685?)
Present - The Kings Most Excellent Majesty.
Lord Keeper
Earl of Peterborough
Lord Treasurer
Earl of Sunderland
Lord President
Earl of Middleton
Lo. Privie Seale
Ld. Viscount Falconberg
Duke of Beaufort Lord Dartmouth
Earl of Huntington
Lord Godolphin
Earl of Bridgewater
Mr. Chr. of ye Exchqr.
The Charter of Incorporation of the Province of New York, is read, and the several powers and privileges therein granted being considered His Majesty doth not think fitt to confirm the same. And as to the Government of New York His Majesty is pleased to direct that it be assimilated to the Constitution that shall be agreed on for New England, to which it is adjoining. And in the meantime His Majesty orders a letter to be prepared for his Royal Signature directing Coll. Dongan Governor of New York to pursue such powers and Instructions as hee shall receive under His Majesties signet and sign manual, or by Order in Council until further Order.
It is also thought fitt that, a Conveyance offering by Captaine Baxter, another letter be sent to Coll. Dongan from the Lords of the Council directing him to proclaim His Majesty King James the Second, according to the form of a Proclamation of the 6th instant, for continuing officers of Government till His Majesty's pleasure bee further known .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 357.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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OBSERVATIONS UPON THE CHARTER OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW
YORK.
Charter. That the Inhabitants of New York shall be governed by and accord- ing to the Laws of England.
Observation. This Priviledge is not granted to any of His Majesty's Plantations where the Act of Habeas Corpus and all such other Bills do not take place.
Char. Sheriffs and other Officers of Justice to be appointed with like power as in England.
Obs. This is not so distinctly granted or practiced in any other Plan- tation.
Char.
That the Supream Legislative Authority shall remain in the Gov- ernor, Councill and the People mett in a Generall Assembly.
Obs. The words The People met in a Generall Assembly are not used in any other Constitution in America; But only the Words Generall Assembly.
Char.
The Exercise of the Cheif Magistracy and Administration of the government shall be in the Governor assisted by a Councill; with whose advice and consent he shall and may govern and rule the said Province according to the laws established.
Obs.
If this oblige and restrain the Governor from doing anything with- out the Councill it is a greater restraint than any other Governor is subject to.
Char.
That according to the usage and practice of the Kingdom of Eng- land there shall be a sessions of a Generall Assembly to be called to meet once in three years or oftener.
Obs.
This is an Obligation upon the government greater than has been ever agreed to in any other Plantation, And the grant of such a priviledge has been rejected elsewhere, notwithstanding a Revenue offered to induce it.
Char.
Which Representatives of the Province with the Governor and his Councill shall be the supream and only legislatiue power of the said Province.
Obs.
Whether this does not abridge the Acts of Parliament that may be made concerning New York.
Char.
That all Bills agreed upon by the said Representatives shall be presented by them to the Governor and Councill for the time being for their Approbation and Consent.
Obs.
This seems to take away from the Governor and Councill the power of framing Laws as in other Plantations.
Char.
Which Bills so approved shall be deemed a Law for the space of two years unless the Lord Proprietor shall signify his dissent within that time. That in case the Lord Proprietor shall confirm the Laws within that time, they shall continue in force untill repealed by the Assembly. That in case of Dissent or Determination of two years they shall be void.
Obs. This Term of years does abridge the King's power, and has been thought inconvenient in other Plantations, and is different from Colonel Dungan's Instructions.
Char. No person shall be admitted to sitt in the Assembly untill he hath taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Fidelity to the Lord Proprietor. Obs. This must be altered at present.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Char. Obs.
And by his submission and peaceable behaviour hath demonstrated his affection to the Government.
This seems to be restrained by what follows.
Char.
That the Assembly shall with the consent of the Governor judge of undue elections, and the Qualifications of the Representatives; And with the like consent to purge their house, and expell any mem- ber as they shall see occasion.
Obs.
This may be inconvenient, and is not practiced in some other Plantations.
Char. That the forfeiture for not making due Entries shall be applyed, one third to the Lord Proprietor, one third to the Governor, and one third to the Informer.
Obs.
The Application to the Governor is unusuall. .
Char. That all Christians shall enjoy Liberty of Conscience, so they do not disturb the peace.
Obs. This is practised in the Proprieties.
Char. That every publick Minister upon Long Island shall be maintained according to subscriptions. That all Contracts made in New York for the Maintenance of the severall Ministers shall be made good.
Obs.
This is agreeable to the Practice of New England, but not of his Majesty's other Plantations.
Endorsed
Observations upon the Charter of New York. Read 3, March 8 4/5. (1685) - Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 357-9.
ORDER IN COUNCIL ON THE ACCESSION OF JAMES II.
Memorandum upon the decease of the late King Charles the second of ever blessed memory, on the sixth of February 1684; (1685) and the Accession of His Present Majesty King James the second to the Imperial Crown of England. The Propriety of the Province of New York and Its Dependencies being devolved to the Crown, the following Letter from the Council, together with the Proclamations inclosed, as therein mentioned, were sent to Coll. Dungan, His Majesty's Lieu- tenant and Governor of New York.
Letter from the Council to Coll. Dungan.
After our hearty comendacons: It having pleased Almighty God, on the sixth day of February last, to take to his mercy out of this troublesome life, our late Sov- ereign Lord, King Charles, of most Blessed memory; and thereupon His late Majesty's only Brother and heir, King James the second, being here proclaimed: Wee have thought fitt hereby to signify the same unto you, with directions that with the assistance of the Council and other ye principal Officers and Inhabitants of New York, You Proclaim His most sacred Majesty, according to the form here inclosed, with the Solemnitys and Ceremonys requisite on the like occasion. And inasmuch as the Propriety of the said Province of New York is wholly devolved upon the Crown, wee doe further transmit unto you His Majesty's most gracious Proclamation, signifying His Majesty's pleasure That all men being in Office of Government at the decease of the late King, His Majesty's most dear and most entirely beloved brother, shall soe continue as during his late Majesty's life, until His Majesty's pleasure bee further known; which wee doe in like manner will and require you forthwith to cause to bee proclaimed and published in ye Chief place
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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or places within your Jurisdiction. And soe not doubting of your ready comply- ance herein, Wee bid you heartily farewell.
From the Council Chamber in Whitehall the fifth day of March 1684. (1685.) Your loving Friends,
W. Cant C. S. Rochester Halifax. P. Clarendon C. P. S.
Beaufort Arlington Huntingdon Sunderland
Bathe Peterborow
J. Bridgewater Ailesbury
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