USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 32
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The Classis rejoices in the happy deliverance (from prison) of Rev. Varick, and agrees to heed his suggestions and request, as far as may be possible. viii. 181, 182; xix. 249.
REV. CLAUDE DABLON TO THE REV. GODFREDIUS DELLIUS.
From Quebeq in Canida the first of July 1693.
Sir:
1
Father Milett, who is among the Indians at Oneyde, a prisoner, has let me know the bounty you have for him, and the charity which you have exercised towards him by the presents which you have made to him in his necessity. I pray God with
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all my heart to recompence you which doth not hinder that I find myselfe obleiged to return to you my acknowledgements by this latter, and to assure you if I could render you any service here or elsewhere, and if there was anything in the countrey of Canida which was agreeable to you, it would be great satisfaction to me to demonstrate how much I am sensible of the benefits you have bestowed soe graciously upon the poor ffather. I persume still to desire you Sr. to continue, if possible, to assist him in his necessity, and I will order you satisfaction in what port of France you please, either at Rochell or elsewhere, where you can have a correspondence, and to let me know it either by the same father Milett or any other way, for I shall spare nothing of what is to be paid for that which you shall be pleased to furnish him with, it will be an augmentation of the goodnesse you have towards him, and oblige me to acknowledge the same more and more before God; expecting the same occasion may present to manifest by the effects that I am with all my heart, due respects, and possible gratitude
Sir, Your most humble and most Obedient Servant in our Lord, Claude Bablin. (Dablon.) Superiour of the Jesuits of Canida. - Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 48, 49.
To Monsieur
Monsieur Godevridus Dellius At Albany.
MAJOR PETER SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOR FLETCHER.
July 25, 1693. May it please your Excellency.
Last night about Eight a Clock Jurian the Maquase whom I had sent to Onondage with some River Indians to get the certainty of the late news of the French come- ing upon the Five Nations, arrived here and said it was all stories; But he had letters from Canada, the Jesuits messeinger being returned two days before he came to Oneyde; I was in hopes the Oneydes according to their promise had taken the Packet before it had come to the Jesuits hand, and soo sent it hither: but perruseing the Subscription, found there were two letters directed to Domine Dellius, the one from the Jesuit himself, the other from the Superior at Canada. I asked why they did not take the letters and send them heither as your Excellency had commanded; but Jerian tells me the Jesuit hath as great authority in Oneyde as any Sachim of them all, and rules the roast there soe that little good can be expected soe long as they are guided by our Enemy. Your Excellency will perceive what the French would be at, by the said two letters to Dr. Dellius, which I. believe are writt by the Governor of Canidy's Induction. Therefore I shall not need to comment upon them. I thought this business of such moment that I was once in the minde to come down and waite upon your Excellency for advice, but fearing other accidents might happen in the meantime, I have perswaded Domine Dellius and Mr. Livingston to goe down express and waite upon your Excellency to give you a full Information of the businesse .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 47.
REV. FATHER MILET TO REV. MR. DELLIUS.
Oneyde 31st July, 1693.
Sr. the peace of Jesus Christ.
I add these few lines to the letter which our Reverend Father, the Superior, hath write to you; which is to advise you that Tarriha my brother and hospes, (who was gone to Canida as the Oneydes did signify by a belt of wampum which
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was sent to Albany), is returned; he brings with him a collarr of wampum, accom- panyed with a letter by which the Count of Frontinac, Governor of Canida, doth declare to us that it is none of his fault that the whole world, and above all, the Iroquis Indians (being the five Nations), doe not come to a peace, although he is in a condition more than ever to resist his Enemyes and annoy them when he shall see cause.
He hath put a stop to all the fighting partyes who joyned together and were ready to depart upon their several designs, and he himselfe, as was said, to be upon the way, and above Mount Reall, has promised to Tarreha not to proceed till the term of two months be expired, that he lett him. Moreover he invites all the Iroquois Indian Nations to send each two Deputyes, to treat with him of means to procure a peace, which the Christians of Oneyde have desired of him.
He promises an intire assureance to the said Deputyes, in comeing and goeing, lett the issue be what it will.
You shall, if you please, let all your Gent know the whole premesse, that they may not on their parts hinder or obstruct the great good of a peace, which is wished by all people of good inclinations, as well as by the Christians of Oneijde, who doe pray all the world to make it their interest to assist and favour them in soe pious a designe. I am with my heart and respect,
Sir, Your most humble and most Obedient Servant in Our Lord, Pieter Milett, of the Company of Jesus.
The Oneydes causes me to add, that the young Indian boy be not brought them, which they would have given them at Albany, but that some body may be brought to them who understands the Scriptures well.
Juriaen the Maquas, being come here with some River Indians, to informe him- seife of the present affaires, he has understood by Tarriha that the Indians of Canida have brought nine scalps from towards Boston, and that Sajatese and Onontaquirott are named, to be the heads of that party who have done this fact, soe that he believes that the Maquaes and River Indians who are put in prison at Pekamptekook are wrongfully accused, and he and the other Indians complain that they are scandalized by false suspicions, and that they are alsso calumnized, as we see now that the letters were which were sent to Onondage three or four years agoe, of which was said quite contrary things than the letter did import. Wherefore they desire me to add, that nothing may be altered in the last letter, which they cause me to write. I have read the same before the French that are here, and keep a copy of it, and all shall be examined in the meeting that is to be held at Onondage. I would add more things to this, but time will not permitt. I am a servant of the English, and am ready to sacrifice myselfe for them, if they would only let me know wherein I can serve them.
The Reverend Father Lamberville writes me from Paris, that he see Mr. Nelson there, who was taken prisoner towards Boston; he says likewise in short of me that I am a servant of the English, and that if they know us they would not mistrust us as they declare they doe. I am obliged to them, that they have declared they have wished to see me released from that imprisonment of the Indians, but it seems it is God that keeps me there, and I believe that none but he can deliver me. I alsoe comfort myselfe in my imprisonment that I am a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
I pray again that the English Gentlemen would remember, that I have formerly contributed to the sending home of seven English, who were prisoners there; they passed all throw Albany and among the rest two young children, who were cloathed in black of my own cloaths. Their mother told me if ever I came to Virginia or Maryland, that she would come tenn miles to meet me - the last that was sent was a young girle, which the Annastogus had brought prisoners here, for which Major Andros, who was then Governor of New Yorke, did promise four Indians
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women. I am not in the least thanked hitherto for it. Probably he was gone to England when the girle was sent back. Be it as it will, We expect noe reward but from God. I say this only to witnesse that I am a servant of the English Gentlemen, and its known in Canida and in France.
I add this to that, it is the same Count de Frontinac who sent formerly twenty English throw Albany back to Boston, and that he took the hatchett from the River Indians who had taken them prisoners. I knew that the Envoys, who con- veyed them, were received with trumpetts sounding at Boston, and well treated during the six dayes they were there, etc.
From whence is it then that the troubles doe continue soe long, and that it is refused to hearken to a good peace which would prevent the killing and murdering of the people, as is now done.
The innocent suffer with the guilty.
A true Copy. (Signed) M. Clarkson, Secretary.
Endorsed, New York 1693.
The Copy of the translation of a letter from Milett Jesuite prisoner at Oneyde one of the free Nations of Indians and anoyr. from the Superior of Canida Mr. Godfrey Dellius Minister of Albany etc .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 49, 50. Received 26 Sept. 1693,
from Col. Fletcher.
B. F.
P. 9.
GOVERNOR FLETCHER TO THE SACHIMS OF THE FIVE NATIONS.
31st of July 1693.
I have often told you that the priest Milett would betray all your Councills soe long as he lives amongst you which now plainly appears for he hath refused to deliver the pakett from Canida to be sent unto me least the poison should be. discovered.
Brethren.
Since it is manifest that it is by means of that Jesuite Milett that the Brethren of Oneyde are soe farr deluded as to receive the belt of Wampum hold corre- spondence with your and our enemy and propose a meeting at Onondage to consider of an answer to that poisonous belt all which defiles the covenant chain I doe expect that you will abhor the thoughts of consenting thereunto and for a further testimony of your innocency in this matter cause the old priest Milett with all his papers to be sent unto me according to the promise and agreement that our peace and quiet and the unity amongst the brethren which hath continued soe long, may not now be broaken and disturbed by his means but flourish while the sun shines .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 51.
JOURNAL OF MAJOR DIRCK WESSEL'S EMBASSY TO ONONDAGA.
1693, Aug. 11.
Then Canossadeor the priests Master forbid him to goe up, the Priest replyed What would they have of me I have no papers touching publick affairs only some letters from my Neece and other particular friends who salute me. Those of any concerne are already gone to Albany I told them there was no letters come to his Excellency only one to Domine Dellius wherein he is thanked for his kindness to the Priest .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 59, 60.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HAARLEM.
1693, Aug. 14-24.
Article 9.
Extract from a letter from New York, of October 12, 1692, signed
by Revs. Seleins, Dellius and Varick.
They greatly complain of several things touching the state of the churches there, in general, as well as the condition of them- selves, in particular, as is more fully expressed in this letter.
Also they make request that knowledge be given of this fact, either by the Rev. Classis, or by the Rev. Synod of North Hol- land, to his Royal Majesty of Great Britain; also that it might be written of in serious terms to the Governor of New England, (New York), and from the same redress be asked in this matter ; so that these brethren may thus be helped, and placed beyond the need of complaining. Also, all three of these brethren write; that if they might be called to any other foreign churches, either to Curacoa, to the (East) Indies, or elsewhere, and they be informed thereof in writing, that they would be glad to follow up such calls. They concluded with a salutation.
Extract from a letter from Rev. Rudolphus Varick, written from Long Island, in New Netherland, April 9, 1693.
He complains of the indifference of his congregation about his imprisonment, about the lack of salary, and tells of his happy release. He requests to have another place.
He concludes with a salutation.
Extract from a letter from New York written by Rev. Henricus Selyns, dated May 1, 1693.
He makes known that the church there as well as in the neighbor- ing localities, have been disturbed for some time past by certain distressing incidents. It was now indeed brought to a better state,
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and enjoyed peace; but he still complains that most of his salary is in arrears, and, indeed, it seemed not possible to secure con- tributions and pay up what was behind.
He gives further information that a certain Gilliam Barthold, a cooper and Koelmanite, from Sluis, in Flanders, has received letters-of-call from some members of Acquackanonck, and Hacken- sack, without any ministers; accordingly he warns by letter, the Classis of Walcheren, to which the said Guilliam Barthold thinks to refer himself, and requests that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam will also please to do its part in this business, by means of an accompanying note; and he expects a reply to this, as well as to his former letters.
He concludes with salutations.
Further, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam also reports, that since the Synod last held (August 1692), no more letters have come to it from the (East) Indies, nor any letters from Smyrna, or else- where in the Levant, nor from Muscovy.
The Rev. Classis of Amsterdam is thanked for its communica- tion, and the Rev. Deputati Synodi are instructed and requested to continue in their efforts as heretofore put forth, regarding In- dian affairs; for which also they are thanked. Also to carry out what further was given them in charge by the Messrs. XVII (East India Company), or by Counselor van Dam; as also to memorialize his Royal Majesty of Great Britain in regard to the condition of the churches of New Netherland, and to commend them in the most earnest manner.
MINUTES OF THE CLASSIS OF MIDDELBURG, SEPT. 2, 1693.
Article 9. Guillaume Bertholf, at present Voorleser in the con- gregation of two towns in New Netherlands, presented a memorial signed by many members of the congregation, requesting that they might preserve him as their ordinary minister and pastor. It was resolved that the subject should be acted on to-morrow.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
September 3, 1693.
Article 5. Guillaume Bertholf, mentioned under Article 9 in yesterday's session, appeared and presented his petition in the name of the church and congregation in New Netherlands. The Classis, taking into consideration the anxious desire of the church there for the stated ministry of the word and ordinances, and their peculiar attachement to the person of Mr. Bertholf, and being un- willing to interpose any hindrance, deem it proper to admit him to a proof of his gifts and qualifications. The examination to be conducted by the President, and to be held fourteen days hence.
September 16, 1693.
Article 8. Guillaume Bertholf, according to Article 5 of the Classis 3rd of September, having delivered his discourse on Mat- thew xi. 28, gave such satisfaction that he was admitted to his full examination, and in this examination he exhibited such proofs of his qualifications that the Classis granted the request of the Churches of Hackensack and Aquackenonk to obtain him as their stated minister and pastor, and consequently approved the call which they have made upon him. The Classis then unanimously resolved to ordain him to the work of the ministry by the laying on of hands, and to install him in the pastoral charge of the churches by which he is called. The Classis proceeded to this service, when a sermon was preached by the adsessor, Dominus Hugo Futs, and the form of ordinary read by the President, Dom. Abraham Duyvelaer. The ordination by the laying on of hands then took place, when the ordained brother was declared to be in- vested with the pastoral care of the above named churches to be ruled according to the order of our Church. He then, with this view, signed the usual formula.
GOVERNOR FLETCHER'S OPENING ADDRESS.
1693, Sept. 12.
" I recommended to the former Assembly the settling of an able ministry, that the worship of God may be ob- 68
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-
served among us, for I find that great and first duty very much neglected. Let us not forget that there is a God who made us, who will protect us if we serve him. This has always been the first thing I have recommended, yet the last in your considera- tion. I hope that you are all satisfied of the great necessity and duty that lies upon you to do this, as you expect his blessings upon your labors ". Council Journal, 42.
JOURNAL OF ASSEMBLY. 1693.
1693, Sept. 13, page 32.
The Committee for the settling of a Ministry, desired till to- morrow for their report.
1693, Sept. 14.
The speaker brought in the bill for settling the Ministry, and raising a maintenance for them in the four counties, (New York, Westchester, Kings and Queens.) It was read a first and second time.
1693, Sept. 19.
The report of the committee concerning a Chapel was read, and referred to the same committee.
1693, Sept. 21, page 34.
The bill for the settling of a Ministry, was read a third time and passed; and sent to the Governor (Fletcher.)
1693, Sept. 22, page 34.
The House refused to pass the Amendment suggested by the Governor.
MINISTRY SETTLEMENT BILL. 1693, Sept. 22.
Ordered, The Bill for settling a ministry, read the third time.
The Bill for settling a ministry is assented unto by the Gov- ernor and Council with this amendment: That in the last sheet between the lines 3rd and 4th be inserted -" and presented to
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the Governor to be approved and collated." Ordered, William Pin- horne Esq., do present the said Bill with amendment to the Rep- resentatives and desire their consent thereunto and that he do tell them to despatch the business before them, time being precious, and a charge growing upon the country.
Mr. Pinhorne returned that he had delivered his message; that they made answer they had no business before them; they waited his excellency's pleasure and that they would immediately despatch this present Bill, with (out ?) amendment. Council Journal, 47.
1693, Sept. 22.
The clerk of the Council did acquaint the Board that the Rep- resentatives had refused to amend the Bill for settling a min- istry, etc., having signified the same under their Speaker's hand annexed to the Bill, which was brought up after the Council was adjourned in the forenoon.
The Representatives were at once summoned into the Council Chamber.
His Excellency said :
Gentlemen ;
There is also a Bill for settling a ministry in this city and some other counties of the government. In that thing you have shown a great deal of stiffness. You take upon you as if you were dictators. I sent down to you one amendment of three or four words in that Bill, which, though very immaterial, yet was posi- tively denied. I must tell you it seems very unmannerly. There never was an amendment yet desired by the Council Board but what was rejected. It is the sign of a stubborn ill temper, and this have also passed. But, gentlemen, I must take leave to tell you, if you seem to understand by these words (calling the min- ister) that none can serve without your collation or establishment, . you are far mistaken; for I have the power of collating or sus- pending any minister in my government by their Majesties letters
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patents, and whilst I stay in the government I will take care that neither heresy, sedition, schism nor rebellion be preached amongst you, nor vice and profanity encouraged. It is my endeavor to lead a virtuous and pious life and to give you a good example. I wish you all to do the same. You ought to consider that you have but a third share in the legislative power of the government, and ought not to take all upon you, nor be so peremptory. You ought to let the Council have a share. They are in the nature of the House of Lords, or upper house; but you seem to take the whole power in your hands, and set up for everything. You have sit a long time to little purpose, and have been a great charge to the country. Ten shillings a day is a large allowance, and you punctually exact it. You have been always forward enough to pull down the fees of other ministers in the government. Why did you not think it expedient to correct your own to a more moderate allowance ? Gentlemen, I shall say no more at present, but that you withdraw to your private affairs in the country. I do prorogue you to the tenth of January next, and you are hereby prorogued to the 10th of January next ensuing. Council Journal, 48.
THE MINISTRY ACT, 1693.
" An Act for Settling a Ministry, and Raising a Maintenance for them in the City of New York, County of Richmond, West- chester and Queen's County. Passed September 22, 1693. (Chapter 33.)
" Whereas, Profaneness and Licentiousness hath of late over- spread this province, for want of a settled Ministry throughout the same: to the end the same may be removed, and the Ordinances of God duly administered ;
I. Be it enacted by the Governor, and Council, and Representa- tives convened in General Assembly, and by the Authority of the same. That in each of the respective Cities and Counties hereafter mentioned and expressed, there shall be called, inducted, and estab-
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lished, a good sufficient Protestant Minister, to officiate, and have the care of Souls, within one year next, and after the publication hereof, that is to say; In the City of New York, One; in the county of Richmond, One; in the county of Westchester, Two; - One to have the care of Westchester, Eastchester, Yonkers, and the Manor of Pelham; the other to have the care of Rye, Mamare- nock, and Bedford ; in Queen's county, Two; One to have the Care of Jamaica, and the adjacent Towns and Farms; the Other to have the Care of Hamstead, and the next adjacent Towns and Farms.
II. And for their respective encouragement, Be it further en- acted, by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be annually, and once in every year, in every of the respective Cities and Counties aforesaid, assessed, levied, collected, and paid, for the Maintenance of each of their respective Ministers, the respective Sums hereafter mentioned ; that is to say ; For the City and County of New York, One Hundred Pounds ; for the two Precincts of Westchester, One Hundred Pounds, to each Fifty Pounds, to be paid in Country Produce, at Money Price; for the County of Richmond, Forty Pounds, in Country Produce, at Money Price; and for the two Precincts of Queen's county, One Hundred and Twenty Pounds, to each Sixty Pounds, in Country Produce, at Money Price.
III. And for the more orderly Raising the respective Mainte- nances for the Ministers aforesaid, Be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That the respective Justices of every City and County aforesaid, or any Two of them, shall every year, issue out their warrants to the Constables, to summons the Freeholders of every City, County, and Precinct aforesaid, together, on the second Tuesday of January, for the chusing of Ten Vestrymen, and two Church-Wardens; and the said Justices and Vestrymen, or major part of them, are hereby empowered, within ten days after the said Day, or any Day after, as to them shall seem convenient, to lay a reasonable Tax on the said respective Cities, Counties,
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Parish, or Precinct for the Maintenance of the Minister and Poor of their respective Places ;
And if they shall neglect to issue their Warrants, so as the elec- tion be not made that day, they shall respectively forfeit Five Pounds current Money of this Province :
And in case the said Freeholders duly summoned, as aforesaid, shall not appear, or appearing, do not chuse the said Ten Vestry- men and Two Church-Wardens, that then in their Default, the said Justices shall, within Ten Days after the said second Tuesday, or on any Day after, as to them shall seem convenient, lay the said reasonable Tax, on the said respective Places, for the respective Maintenances aforesaid ;
And if the said Justices and Vestrymen shall neglect their duty herein, they shall respectively forfeit Five Pounds, current Money, aforesaid.
IV. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, That such of the Justices and Vestrymen, that shall not be present at the time appointed, to make the said Taxes, and therefor be con- victed, by a certificate under the Hands of such as do appear, and have no sufficient excuse for the same; shall respectively forfeit Five Pounds, current Money aforesaid :
And a Roll of the said Tax so made, shall be delivered into the Hands of the respective Constables of the said Cities, Counties, Parishes, and Precincts, with a warrant signed by any two Justices of the Peace, impowering him or them to levy the said Tax ;
And upon refusal, to distrain, and sell by public Outcry, and pay the same into the Hand of the Church-Wardens, retaining to him- self Twelve Pence per Pound, for levying thereof : And if any Person shall refuse to pay what he is so assessed, and the said Con- stables do strain for the same; all his charges shall be paid him, with such further allowance for his Pains, as the said Justices, or any of them, shall judge reasonable ;
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