USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 16
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1685
I lived in Abraham's bosom at Waverveen; but am sorrowful to live here among so many wild beasts and bulls of Bashan. It is sad that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam sees all this with an unmoved eye, without showing the least commiseration; without holding out the smallest hand of brotherly love.
But to remedy these things, we request, that from the Synodi- cal Repertorium (or General Digest of Acts), some extracts may be sent to us concerning schoolmasters and precentors in order that churches and schools in this country may be regulated and conducted according to the familiar usages of the churches and schools in the Netherlands. In particular, there is a person from Middleburg whose name, as we understand it is Gelande Coutrier. The church at B. (Brooklyn?) desires to have a minister but for a very little. They wanted the Rev. Classis to examine him as to his knowledge; but understanding that it would cost one hundred and fifty florins, Holland currency, they looked at each other without saying anything. A request was then made to have the examination and ordination performed here, as in the case of Domine Tesschenmaker. But we remembered the struggles of the city of Batavia, and those of Ceylon, in their efforts to make licentiates out of Comforters of the Sick, and Ministers out of Licentiates ;* and especially that it would lean towards the Inde- pendents of New England, and therefore I refused to second it, and spoke against it. Let the Rev. Classis, as well as myself and my church, be faithful (to Church-Order.) I shall remain faith- ful to the very end. Those people alluded to, seem to have some evil intentions; and who, God help us, seems to care for the re- sult. Here is a grain merchant, but neither a licentiate nor minister, and he offers his services to take charge of a congrega- tion in this country. He would be satisfied with a salary of per- haps three hundred and fifty florins, Holland currency. I leave it to you to consider, whether this does not savour of simony;
* For an account of these irregularities in Batavia, See Hofstede, Oost Indische Kerkzaken, 1779.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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whether it does not tend to the ruin of all ministerial service, and to open the door to many irrational novelties.
Your Reverences may now judge whether we have no reasons for complaints and to pour our lamentations from our souls, when so many spirits of error, myriad-eyed, wait for the destruction of the Church of God; while the Rev. Classis turns not a single eye of pity, nor casts even the slightest glance for the strength- ening of a distant church which is in deadly peril.
I dare not detain your Reverences any longer and shall await for what I requested. Domine Tesschenmaker has been called to Schenechtade, but is in doubt whether to accept it or not .. Domine Dellius, who received the letter from the Classis, wrote. to me two weeks ago about returning home this year. His Reverence suffers, as I am told by travellers from Albany, with some severe complaint. Domine Weeksteen remains under the cloud.
In closing I shall ask you to greet D. D. Roelant, Brandolphus. and Voskuyl, your fellow Deputies for foreign affairs, and to read to them, or if necessary, to the Rev. Classis, this letter. Vale. Your willing brother,
Henricus Selyns.
CONDITIONAL LEGACY TO THE POOR OF THE DUTCH CHURCH. LIB. A. 44 OF MINUTES. ENGLISH TRANSLATION.
Be it known to every one whom it may concern, that I, the un- dersigned, Maria Gordon, wife of Domine John Gordon, being on my journey to England in the ship Hopewell, John Forna, Master, of my own free will, good reasons and opinions, my con- science moving me thereto, by title of donatio causa mortis, a gift in view of death, have given and granted, as I hereby do to the after described persons, (1) To the Deacons of the Dutch Re- formed Congregation in the City of New York, for the behoof of the poor of the same, the just half of all my outstanding debts,
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(credits,) actions and claims, which are actually due to me from different persons dwelling in the province of New York and the neighborhood thereof, and elsewhere in America, according to the book accounts, reckonings, obligations, hypotheeks and other documents and proofs thereof, being and resting in the hands of Mr. Dirck Vander Cliff, etc.
Well premeditated, and with good intention and understand- ing, signed and sealed in New York, September 30, 1685.
Maria Gordon, [L. s.] Attest, William Bogardus, Notary Public. Witnesses, Isaac Grevenraet, G. V. Tricht.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Inquiry as to Rev. Dellius.
1685, Oct. 1st.
Rev. John van Leesten, of the Classis of Gorinchem, inquired in the name of that Classis, whether this Classis had received further news of Rev. Dellius, whereof (mention is made) in Acta of May 7th, 1685. Also if it have any knowledge of a pledge (covenant) of Rev. Dellius to the church of New Albany? The Classis replies that it has received no later news from Rev. Dellius of the church of New Albany; but we have in our possession a letter from the magistrates at New Albany, in which it is stated. that Rev. Dellius was bound to the church of that place for four years after August 1682; and that the Depp. ad res Indicas would furnish the Classis of Gorinchem, if it so desire, with a copy of that letter. vii. 398; xix. 230.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Call of Rev. Varick to New Netherland.
1685, Nov. 12th.
Rev. Rudolphus Varick, minister, having offered his services to the Classis, to minister to the church in New Netherland, the same was gladly accepted by the Rev. Classis. He was subse- quently unanimously called as minister in New Netherland, with the proviso that he shall have the choice of such churches as shall be vacant at the time of his departure for New Netherland. vii. 402.
GENERAL THANKSGIVING FOR THE KING'S VICTORY. LIB. A. 51, ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MINTS. OF CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
1685, Dec. 13. By the Governor in Council :-
Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to give to his most sacred Majesty, James II, etc., our most gracious King, so signal and absolute victories over the late rebels; a blessing so great that it extends to this as well as to the rest of his Majesty's dominions: and Whereas, nothing is more acceptable to the divine goodness than the due tribute of praise and thanksgiving; and nothing more effectual to preserve good order and repose than hearty thanks for deliverance from rebellion and tumults: It is therefore thought fit and ordered that a solemn day be appointed, to render the most public and cheerful expressions for God's great mercy and bounty. And that it may be the more unanimously per- formed, Sunday the 13 of December next ensuing, is the day appointed to render thanks and praises to almighty God through- out this province. Hereby we (wish) all ministers and preachers to excite their people to a due sense of God's great goodness and blessings, and to pray earnestly to the King of Kings that his majesty may reign long and happily over all his subjects, and never have occasion for or obtain victories; and that there may
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be always one of his Royal line to sit on the throne of his illus- trious ancestors so long as the sun and moon endure.
And since the Turks are so violently bent to subvert and extir- pate the Christian religion and people; all who believe in Christ are therefore required to offer up their hearty thanks for the good success of the Christian armies against the Ottoman sword, to- gether with their earnest prayers for the happy continuance of the same; that the power and the cruel outrage of the infidels may cease, and all Christendom enjoy a perfect tranquillity and quiet.
All Christians within this government are strictly commanded to observe the aforesaid 13th day of December with all sobriety, seriousness and devotion, agreeably to so solemn a time and oc- casion.
Given under my hand at Fort William, New York, the 20th day of November, 1685.
Thomas Dongan.
Passed the Office,
J. Spragg, Secretary.
REV. SAMUEL EBURN (?) AT BROOKHAVEN, L. I. 1685.
" Mr. Samuel Eburne the minister of this towne, being at a towne meeting held by Mr. Justice Woodhull, his warrent elected by a vote to be minister of this towne and parrish; and it being proposed unto him by the Towne, in regard of some tender consciences, that he would omitt the ceremonies in the Book of Common Prayer, in publick worshipe; the said Mr. Samuel Eburne hath promised and by the presents covenant and promise to, and with the Inhabitants and Parrishioners of this towne, that according to their desire with regard of their tender consciences to omitt and not use the aforesaid ceremonies neither in his publick worship or administracon of the Sacraments excepting to such persons as shall desire the same. In wittness whereof the said Samuel Eburne hath hereunto set his hand. Wittness my hand,
SAMUEL EBURNE, Minister.
Records of Towne of Brookhaven, of 1685, p. 63. Quoted by Dix, i. 56, note. See Document under date of Oct. 28, 1682.
913 1686
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF THE PROVINCE OF NEW YORK
AND DEPENDENCIES. 1686.
The Address of the people called Quakers of this Province Sheweth:
That whereas the said" People have in all matters wherein the freedom of their Consciences are not concerned, readily obeyed and doe obey the wholesome Laws of this Government one of which Laws by the favour of the King and his' Gouvernour hath by an Act of Assembly entitled the Chartre of the Liberties: wherein this Clause is Contained, That no person or persons Professing faith in God by Jesus Christ, shall at any time be any wayes molested punnished dis-' quieted called in question for any difference in opinion or matter of Religious concernment who do not actually disturb the Civil peace of the Province, but that all and every such person and persons shall from time to time and at all times freely have and fully enjoy his and their judgements and consciences in matters of Religion throughout the Province.
Now whereas notwithstanding the Liberty and freedome granted unto all pro- fessing Faith in God by Jesus Christ in the aforesaid act, the said people called Quakers have in several parts of the government bein molested and disquieted in having their goods distrained and taken away for not training which the said People doe conceive and apprehend to bee an infringement upon the Liberty granted in the forecited Act, by reason the said people do refuse the bearing of Arms upon no other account then as they Conscienciously dare not in obedience to God and not out of any Contempt to Authority, as is well known by the practice of said people in other parts of the World as well as here. Therefore the said people doe Intreat the Governor and Council aforesaid to take into their most serious consideration the premises aforesaid, so that the said people may be relieved in the Dammages already sustained and prevented from the like Sufferings hereafter.
Att a Councill held ye 24, Feb. 1686 prt. his Excellency etc.
Addresse of the Quakers read - upon which the Councill on perusall of the acts requiring trayneing unanimously gave it for their Opinion that no man can bee exempted from that obligation and that such as make fayluer therein lett their pretents be what they will must submitt to ye undergoing such penaltyes as by the said Act is provided .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 607, 608.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. A letter from Rev. Dellius accepting the call of Henkelom. A letter from Rev. Casparus van Suuren, (Zuuren.) Rev. Rudolphus Varick called to Long Island.
1686, March 12th.
A letter was read from Rev. Godfridus Dellius dated Septem- ber 1, 1685. In this he roundly declared himself in favor of the church of Henkelom. He has written to the church herself on the subject, and says that he accepts her call in the fear of the
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1686
Lord, and that he hopes ere long to let himself be found in per- son among them, for the fulfilling of his duties.
There was also received a letter from Long Island. In this they make request, that as soon as possible a minister may be sent to them in the place of Rev. Van Suuren, (Zuuren). The Classis having looked about, as they had opportunity, for a capable person, finally struck the good fortune of finding one not disinclined thereto. This was the Rev. Rudolphus Varick, minis- ter at Hem,* in the Northern Quarter. In order further to dis- pose him to accept the service of the said churches in those far off regions, and to put matters in proper shape; since he has been unanimously called thither by the Classis, and he himself has also been pleased to follow up the said call in the fear of the Lord; and for the further carrying into effect the said call, both in re- gard to his church at Hem, and in regard to the Rev. Classis of Enckhuysen; the Revs. Gisbert Oostrom, and John Brandolphus are appointed a Committee thereto. xxi. 296.
Rev. Varick.
1686, April 1st.
The call of the Rev. Varick to New Netherland had already been carried into effect to such an extent by Rev. Deputati that he was dismissed (dissolved) not only from the Classis of Enckhuy- sen, and the church of Hem, but was already on the way thither. vii. 404.
Acts of the Deputies. Varick. 1686, April 2nd.
Rev. Oostrom made known, that the Committee, consisting of himself and Rev. Brandolphus, mentioned in the previous Acta, had secured the dismission of Rev. Varick from the church of
* This is the church, between Hoorn and Enkhuysen, in which Rev. Jonas Michaelius was settled, 1614-1624, who in 1628 became the first minister in New York. See note on Hem, in connection with his name.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Hem, and from the Rev. Classis of Enckhuysen, with satisfac- tory testimonials of esteem for his person and work.
The answer to the letter of Rev. Selyns was also despatched by Rev. Oostrom, with the exception of the School regulations. These are to be taken out of the Repertorium, (the Digest) and will be sent to him at the next opportunity. xxi. 298.
1686, April 20.
Commission of Rev. Alexander Innes as Chaplain. Same as that to Rev. Josias Clark, June 16, 1684. Doc. Hist. iii. 245.
SECRET INSTRUCTIONS SENT BY JAMES II. TO GOVERNOR DON- GAN, OF NEW YORK. 1686, May 29.
Repeal of Charter of Liberties.
12. " And whereas we have been presented with a Bill or Charter passed in ye late Assembly of New York, containing several franchises, privileges and Im- munitys mentioned to be granted to the Inhabitants of our said Province. You are to Declare Our Will and pleasure that ye said Bill or Charter of Franchise bee forthwith repealed and disallowed, as ye same is hereby Repealed, determined and made void "
but they were to continue the duties and impositions mentioned in said Charter.
INSTRUCTIONS ON RELIGION.
31. You shall take especial care that God Almighty bee devoutly and duely served throughout your Government: the Book of Common Prayer, as it is now established, read each Sunday and Holyday, and the Blessed Sacrament adminis- tered according to the Rites of the Church of England. You shall be careful that the Churches already built there shall be well and orderly kept and more built as ye Colonie shall, by God's blessing, bee improved. And that besides a competent maintenance to bee assigned to ye minister of each Church, a convenient House bee built at the Comon charge for each Minister, and a competent proportion of Land assigned him for a Glebe and exercise of his Industry.
32. And you are to take care that the Parishes be so limited and settled as you sball find most convenient for ye accomplishing this good work.
33. Our will and pleasure is that no Minister be preferred by you to any? Ecclesiastical Benefice in that our Province, without a Certificate from ye most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury or his being conformable to ye Doc- trine and Discipline of the Church of England, and of good life and Conversation.
34. And if any person preferred already to a Benefice shall appear to you to give scandal either by his Doctrine or Manners, you are to use the best means for ye removal of him; and to supply the vacancy in such manner as wee have directed. And also our pleasure is that, in the direction of all Church Affairs, the Minister be admitted into the respective vestrys.
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35. And to th' end the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the said Archbishop of Canterbury may take place in that Our Province as farr as conveniently may bee. Wee doe think fitt that you give all countenance and encouragement in ye exercise of the same; excepting only the Collating to Benefices, granting licenses for) Marriage, and Probat of Wills, which we have reserved to you our Governor and to ye Commander in Chief for the time being.
36. And you are to take especial care, that a table of marriages established by ye Canons of the Church of England, bee hung up in all Orthodox Churches and duly observed.
37. And you are to take care that Books of Homilys and Books of the 39 Articles of ye Church of England bee disposed of to every of ye said Churches, and that they bee only kept and used therein.
1
38. And wee doe further direct that noe Schoolmaster bee henceforth permitted to come from England and to keep school within our Province of New York, with- out the license of the said Archbishop of Canterbury; And that noe other person now there or that shall come from other parts, bee admitted to keep school with- out your license first had.
39. You are to take care that Drunkenness and Debauchery, Swearing and blas- pheming bee severely punished; And that none be admitted to Public trust and Imployment whose ill fame and conversation may bring scandal thereupon.
42. You shall permitt all persons of what Religion soever quietly to inhabit within your Government without giving them any disturbance or disquiet whatso- ever for or by reason of their differing Opinions in matters of Religion Provided they give no disturbance to ye public peace, nor doe molest or disquiet others in the free exercise of their Religion.
60. You shall pass a Law for the Restraining of Inhuman Severitys which by all masters .or overseers may be used towards their Christian servants or slaves, wherein provision is to be made that ye willful killing of Indians & Negroes may bee punished with death, and that a fitt penalty bee imposed for the maiming of them.
61. You are alsoe with ye assistance of Our Councill to find out the best means to facilitate & encourage the Conversion of Negroes and Indians to the Christian Religion .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 370-374.
COMMITTEE OF TRADE AND PLANTATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF NEW YORK.
1686, June 3.
After Our hearty Comendacons unto you, It being altogether requisite for the welfare, improvement & preservation of His Majesty's Colonies in America, that wee, whom His Majesty hath appointed a Committee of his Privy Council for Trade & fforeign Plantations, should have, frequent Accounts & Informacons of ye publick transactions, occurances & condition of each place whereby wee may bee the better enabled to give His Majesty such advices as may bee best for His Royal service & ye advantage of his said Dominions; These are therefore, in His Majesty's name, and by his express Commands, to signify His Royal pleasure unto you ye Governor & Council of His Majesty's Province of New York in America & ye Territorys
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depending thereon, & to ye Governor and Council thereof for ye time being. That you transmit unto us quarterly & at four several times in the year, a particular account & Journal of all matters of importance whether Civil Ecclesiastical or Military which shall concern His Majesty's said Province & Territorys .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 375.
MONSIEUR DE DENONVILLE TO GOVERNOR DONGAN.
Missions to the Indians in Central New York.
June 5, 1686.
Sir :-
I have received the letter you did me the honor to write me on the 13th of Octo- ber last.
The very particular regard I have for your merit causes me to receive with much pleasure all the kind expressions with which your letter is filled. Be assured, Sir, that I can appreciate all the obligations I am under to endeavor to deserve your friendship. The union and close alliance which have existed for so long a time between our masters; their zeal for the true religion; your individual piety joined to the great esteem you have acquired among our troops, of which I have person- ally a very perfect knowledge, being in the King's army when you served; all these, Sir, are sufficiently potent reasons to satisfy you that I shall always be very glad to have an intimate union with you. I assure you that, on my part, I will readily contribute towards it.
In regard to the business wherein Monsieur de la Barre interfered which might have created a coolness between the two Crowns, as you write me, I presume you refer to his quarrel with the Senecas. As to that, I shall state, Sir, to you that I believe you understand the character of that nation sufficiently well to perceive that it is not easy to live in friendship with people who have neither religion, nor honour, nor subordination. M. de la Barre had many causes of complaint against their proceedings. Their conduct has not improved, having falsified their pledges by the violence which, as you are aware, they perfidiously and contrary to all good faith, committed this winter upon the Outaouax. I ask you, Sir, what then can be expected from that people? The King, my master, entertains affection and friendship for that country through the zeal alone he feels for the Establishm of Religion there and the support and protection of the Missionaries whose zeal to preach the gospel leads them to expose themselves to the brutalities and persecu- tions of the most ferocious of tribes.
You are better acquainted than I am with what they have suffered, the torments they have endured and the fatigues they experience every day for Jesus Christ his name. I know your heart is penetrated with the glory of that name which makes Hell tremble and at the mention of which all the powers of Heaven Fall prostrate, Shall we, Sir, be so unfortunate as to refuse them our Master's protection to sus- tain them and to contribute a little on our part to win poor souls to Jesus Christ, by aiding them to overcome the enemy of God who rules them. No, Sir, it is impossible for you but to groan when you perceive that so far from assisting those Apostles of the Gospel, we wage war against them if we allow their enemies to obstruct their converting these poor people to the Faith.
Hitherto the avarice of our Traders warred against the Gospel by supplying these people arms to wage war against us, and with the liquor that makes them mad. You are a man of rank and abounding in merit; you love the religion - Well, Sir, are there no means by which we can come to an understanding, you and I, to maintain our missionaries by keeping those ferocious tribes in respect and fear - the only mode of inculcating the Gospel among them. And besides, must the avarice of our merchants furnish arms for the destruction of their brethren and their own country? What have not the Iroquois done to the poor
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people of Merilande and Virginia? Truly, I do not understand how the heart of a Christian can be hardened to such a degree as to behold with a dry eye that it is they themselves who destroy their brethren and compatriots.
The confidence I repose in your piety, which has been a long time known to me, has caused me to inadvertently open to you my heart with unrestrained freedom. I have done so with so much the more joy as you afford me room to hope that you would be willing that we should imitate our masters in the close alliance of friendship and union existing between them, for the re-establishment of Royal Authority in England and the restoration of the Gospel there in its ancient lustre. If any reflection move you somewhat, have the goodness to communicate your thoughts to the Rev. Father de Lamberville who is at Onnontague, who will advise me of what you wish me to know. May God grant that the frankness with which I take the liberty to write you be agreeable to you and eventually useful in aiding you to bring all our Savages into the bosom of the Church. I know that the King my Master has nothing more at heart than this great work; and I tell you in truth that on taking leave of the King before embarking to come hither, his Majesty recommended to me only this matter which alone makes him love this savage land.
I could not sufficiently thank you, Sir, for the news you sent me of the just chastisement which the Duke of Monmouth received for his treasons. Who would have ever thought that this poor unfortunate prince could ever have been capable of such unfortunate conduct after so great a kindness as the late King his father, of glorious memory, exhibited towards him at the siege of Maestricht? I could never have believed that he would ever have had so disloyal a heart as he had. I assure you, Sir, of my wishes for the success of the King, your Master's arms. There is not a Frenchman but must. love and honor him. He has gained the hearts and veneration, especially of those who have had the honour to see him in the army. No one of his subjects is more penetrated with respect, affection and zeal for his service than I, in wishing him a happy success in all his enterprizes.
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