USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
The Council are of opinion that there is no good to be expected from this Assembly The Assembly was called into the Council Chamber, when Governor Fletcher said :-
Gentlemen: You have proceeded to give your opinion or inter- pretation of that Act of Assembly which provides for a Ministry in this City and two other counties, upon a petition presented unto
1115
1695
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
you ; and you say that the Church-Wardens and Vestrymen may proceed, by that Act, to call a Protestant Minister, dissenting from the Church of England, and raise the money for his maintenance. Not to tell you that there is no Protestant Church admits of such officers as Church-Wardens and Vestrymen but the Church of Eng- land, it is out of your province to take upon you to explain an Act which you did not make. The laws are to be interpreted by the judges. Council Journal, 76.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES AND THEIR CORRESPONDENCE.
Without date or caption; but,- The Classis of Amsterdam to the Church of Kingston :- Between letters bearing dates of July 20th 1693 and May 9th, 1695. xxvii. 223. Probable date, April, 1695.
As we learned with sorrow, by your letter of August 30th 1690* of the sad circumstances under which your church suffered ; so we rejoiced to learn by your letter of June 20th 1693,t that the difficulties were for the most part overcome. Especially, dear brethren, was it a joy to us to perceive, that love for the Word of the Lord and for the ministration of the same, has not diminished, but rather increased, and been kindled anew by all these difficulties. You give a manifest proof thereof, both by your expressed anxiety for divine services, and the provision for an honorable salary of a pastor. You thus fulfill the teaching of the Apostle, (Gal. 6:6.) " Let him that is taught in the Word, communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things ". The same is evident by your earnest desire for an able minister ; for you request the Classis of Amster- dam to send such a one as shall be able to exhort with sound doc- trine, stop the mouths of gainsayers, and build you up in faith and love.
The Rev. Classis having taken into consideration these matters, have called to the service of the Church of Jesus Christ at Kings- ton, Rev. John Peter Nucella, S. S. Ministerii Candidatus, a man
* This letter was from Kingston, New York, which see.
t There is another letter from Kingston, of June 30, 1693, referred to in Vol. xxi. 341, but it has not been found.
1116
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
of good report, of studious habits, of excellent gifts and godly walk. He has also approved himself to us during several years. We doubt not but that you will, under God's blessing, be greatly edified through his zeal and faithfulness. We had hoped to have found some one familiar with the English language as well as Dutch, but no such person appeared. Receive this one therefore in the Lord with all joy and hold him in reputation. Be respectful to him as an ambassador of Christ. Be obedient to the teaching which he gives you from the Word of God - for it is not man's word, but God's :- Let him not officiate among you with grief, for that would be unprofitable to you. Having come to you with joy, according to the will of God, may he be refreshed by you, and remain among you to your advancement, and the joy of your faith. Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the ever- lasting covenant, perfect this your pastor, and perfect you in all good works ; so that doing his will, he may work in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory, forever, Amen.
Closing, we commend you to God, and the Word of his grace. In the name of the Rev. Classis, (No signature in the Minute Book. )
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
1695, April 18. Resolutions upon the business of an Incorpora- tion for our new Church and its appurtenances. Lib. A. 86.
At the same time it was proposed, since all appearances are fa- vorable, that endeavors should be used to obtain an Incorporation from his Excellency, Governor Fletcher and the Council, for our Dutch Church, church-buildings, Fordham, and church-lands, and also a lessening of the quitrents. The Consistory was pleased with the proposal, and resolved to appoint, as we do hereby appoint, Col. Stephen Van Cortlandt, Col. Nicholas Bayard, Capt. Brant Schuy- ler, and Capt. Jacob Van Cortlandt, all members of the Church, a committee, to address the Governor and Council, in our name and
1117
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1695
authority, and to represent whatever serves or may serve, in order to our becoming Incorporated, or made a Body Politic, and that we may be endowed with all useful privileges for our Church, buildings, (Manor of) Fordham and other properties, now pos- sessed, or hereafter obtained, to enjoy, possess and hold as domains ; in short, as above, to have the power of an Incorporation now and forever, without becroon from any one, or any bonds, closes or pre- tences.
This, being made known to the aforesaid gentlemen, was by them accepted, and the necessary expenses are to be provided for. Signed, Henricus Selyns. Lib. A. 86, 87.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. MANOR OF FORDHAM.
1695, April 18.
Only persons belonging to the Church shall be requested and commissioned, in reference to the Manor of Fordham, to let out the lands, to make suitable leases, and if any disputes arise, to ex- amine into them and settle them. Lib. A. 5.
The leases were to be for terms of years, not to exceed twenty. Lib. A. 85.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Committee of the churches in King's County, Long Island, to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 7, 1695.
To the Classis of Amsterdam.
Reverend, Pious and Very-Learned Brethren in Christ Jesus :-
The unsearchable God, who is also the Supreme Shepherd, has been pleased to gather, in his incomprehensible love, a flock for himself from among mankind in its fallen condition, and to bring it from the ends of the earth into the fellowship of Christ Jesus. He has also exhibited a proof of his Divine character in leading us here in America into this, his sheep-fold ; and undeserved by us, here too, to set up his Church. Also certain of the savages here,
1118
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
hitherto without Christ, have come to recognize him; while some Christians who had once known God, have become savages, and now live without God and Christ. The standard of the Gospel was planted here a number of years ago: (1654 on Long Island ; 1628 in New York.) If it is not now held up and continued, by the preaching of the Gospel, through the sending over of ministers for this purpose, the very negroes may be washed and become white by the Gospel, while we may be turned into negroes, and become black and polluted.
Our Church, as well as the whole Province of New York, have no complaints to make as to what our mother, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, has contributed towards our welfare and salvation. But it has pleased the Lord to take from us in his wise providence the Rev. Domine Rudolphus Varick, and our church is thus de- prived of his faithful services. He died on September 24, (1694.) We, therefore, the representatives of the four churches on Nassau Island, namely, Amersfort, Breuckelen, Midwout and New Uytrecht, after mature deliberation, with the invocation of God's Name, resolved to call another pastor, or at least to request you to do so, to take the place of our former one. Our remembrance of the faithful services of Rev. Casper Van Zueren, our former minister here, now settled at Gouderak, near the Goude, prompts us to make request of his Reverence again to come to us. We ac- cordingly call and offer this place to him, as we herewith do, in behalf of our churches. We promise for his encouragement to in- crease the salary formerly given to him by one hundred Carolus guilders, Holland money; or nine hundred guilders per year in- stead of eight hundred, as before - all in cash or silver money, and to be paid in quarterly installments.
As his Reverence is well acquainted with the condition and pecu- liar circumstances of our country and church, he can be the more quickly and easily persuaded. Meantime, we have not neglected also to notify his Reverence of our desire, by special letters sent to him. You will also do us a good service by assisting us, by a
1
1119
1695
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
simultaneous call and letter from the Classis. But if his Reverence cannot be persuaded, or has deceased, then the Rev. Classis is au- thorized to call some one else for the service of our church. They will please to take care that only such a one be sent over, who is of good habits and sound doctrine, and who has the proper abilities to build up the Church of God; who will shine before it by a good example, and edify it and watch over it. If his Reverence who shall be sent over could also preach in English, it would be still better, for such ability would be of great service to the church here. His Excellency, Mr. Fletcher, Governor of this Province, has been informed of our intention and Call, and has approved the same and also promised all assistance.
It now remains to specify the conditions generally. We have promised to Domine Casparus Van Zueren, minister at Gouderak, and do promise to him or to whosoever may be called and sent over, an annual salary of nine hundred guilders, Holland currency, pay- able in silver and not in grain, or merchandise, or wampum. We will also pay a just one-fourth thereof on each quarter day. His sal- ary shall begin with the day when he goes to sea and leaves Holland. He shall have free passage and freight for himself and wife and children and goods. The parsonage is a very excellent building and stands in the centre of the village of Midwout, (Flatbush), and has a garden and sufficient pasturage for three animals. He shall also have free fuel. When he preaches at New Amersfort, Breuck- elen or New Uytrecht - for there is a sermon at one or the other of the four villages every Sunday - he shall be taken and brought back without cost to himself. To meet all the expenses incurred by his call, or required for his ordination, we enclose a draft of one hundred and fifty guilders. If anything remains over, you may give it, in our name, to the party called. But as to the pas- sage and freight for the minister and his goods, this shall be paid to the skipper of the vessel in which he comes, immediately upon his arrival here.
We request your Reverences to be kind enough to send us a teacher as soon as possible, and the quicker the better. Also, let
1695 1120
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
him be one who lives according to God's teachings, and who, there- fore, teaches also by his life. We promise and solemnly agree to show him all due honor, as well as his salary, so that he may both cheerfully enter upon his duties, and cheerfully perform them.
This request and rambling letter of ours goes in triplicate, and by three different routes, to prevent any interruption by its falling into the hands of the enemy, and thereby delay, to the frustration of our plans. One of the copies goes via England; the second, via Virginia; and the third, via Curacoa. Either of these is to be considered the original, in order that our desires may be accom- plished as soon as possible.
In closing, we pray God to bless your Reverences, and to keep you unto length of days in the service of his Church. And may we, as the recipients of the heavenly mysteries, never be denied the in- struction of the divine revelation of salvation. Done at Breuckelen, in our Consistorial meeting, the 7th day of May, 1695.
Your Reverences willing and humble servants and brethren in Christ Jesus, the Commissioners of the churches at Amersfort, Breuckelen, Midwout, and New Uytrecht.
Dirck Jansen
his
Samuel Rapelje
Claes X Wyckof mark
Jores Housen
Garret Stoothoff
Cornelius Sueberingh
Carel Van Dyck
Rynier Aertsen
his
Cornelius Van Brunt
Gysbert X Thyszen mark
Leffert Pietersen Lauen
In testimony of the truth, and signed in our presence, Henricus Selyns, Minister in New York. Boele Roelofs, Elder in New York.
The foregoing document of call, issued to the Rev. Casparus Van Zueren, preacher at Gouderak near the Goude, or in case of his death or refusal, to be issued by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to somebody else; together with the approval and consent of his
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 1121
1695
Excellency, Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of our Province, has been communicated to us, the undersigned Consistory of the Dutch Church at New York. Our meeting has been pleased therewith, and approves of and agrees to the Call in every respect. We pray that God may bless it, and that a man may be sent after his own heart, to tell of his goodness, and expound his commandments, and do them. Done at our Consistorial meeting, New York, the 13th of May 1695.
In the name and by order of our meeting,
Henricus Selyns, Ecclesiastes Neo-Eboracensis.
It having been communicated to the Consistories of New Albany and Schenechtade, that, with the previous advice, and consent of his Excellency, the Governor of this Province, the four churches on Nassau Island have called, in place of Domine Rudolphus Var- ick deceased, the Rev. Casparus Van Zueren, minister at Gouderak, or in case of his refusal somebody else, who is to be called by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; the said Rev. Consistories cannot but approve of said call. They invoke the Lord's rich blessings upon said churches. Thus done in the name of all, at New Albany, this 20th of May 1695.
Dellius. 1695.
For want of time and of a minister the consent of Esopus is lacking -
(Defectu temporis et ministri deficit consensus Esopiensis. )
Whereas the Rev. Consistory of New York has taken note of this document of call in full meeting, and has approved it by a unanimous vote and with applause: our Consistory has also been very much pleased with it, especially because the Rev. Domine . Casparus Van Zueren, well known to all of us, has been invited therein to return, on account of his great virtues and knowledge. Therefore we can only add our approval, and pray God for his
71
1695 1122
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
divine blessing thereon. Done at our Consistorial meeting, Har- lem, the 9th of May 1695.
By special order of the Consistory,
Henricus Selyns, Minister at New Harlem.
Inasmuch as the fellowship of the saints is very near to our hearts, and in the hope that there may be peace and no strife in the church, we are particularly pleased by the communication of this call, and the approval of his Excellency, the Governor, and of the before mentioned churches. We contribute whatever is in our power in its behalf and willingly second the"said approval. May God grant that all calls may be made in such a strain, and the ser- vice in the churches be continued according to the laudable rules of the church in the Netherlands. Done, in our Consistorial meeting at Bergen, the 12th of May 1695.
In the name of the present, and in the presence of the former Consistory-men,
Henricus Selyns, Minister at New Harlem.
LONG ISLAND. 1695, May 13.
The churches on Long Island, having again called Domine Van Zuuren, who is now settled at Gouderach, in Holland,- the Church of New York and also Governor Fletcher approved of the same. Lib. A. 87.
REVEREND MR. DELLIUS TO GOVERNOR FLETCHER.
May it please your Excellency: Upon Tuesday the 20th last came to me an Indian named Joseph one of my proselites from Canida in thirteen days time. The last fall he went from the Maquaes Castle to Onondage to assist at their meeting in the name of the Second Castle of the Maquaes to assist and consult upon the propositions the Indian messengers made there in the name of the Governor of Canida. Our Indians perswaded this Joseph to go along to Canida with the mes- sengers to see how affairs went there so soon as he came to Mount Reall he was very coldly received and was not permitted to speak with any body. The second day after his arrivall he was sent to Quebec where the Governor spoke very kind to him and said that he looked upon him as an enemy and a spy and if ever he came again he would put him to death the five nations haveing deluded him so many times that he would not hear of any offers of peace for he was certainly perswaded that the Five Nations have made an indissoluble covenant with Cayen-
b
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1123
1695
quiragoe and unlesse in the space of two months there came two of every nation to comply with him he will undoubtedly fall upon them with an army all prepara- cons being making thereto.
The said Joseph informs that the Governour of Canida had sent to the French Maquaes Indians to go out against this Government to bring in some prisoners to informe him of the affaires of these parts. The Indians were unwilling to goe but by the persuasion of the Jesuits three small partys went out and two partys were returned again, before Joseph came away one party brought in three of my proselites taken at their hunting place, the other party brought in that young man lately taken from Greenbush neere Albany. Being asked what news were at Albany he answered there was a great many old England soldiers arrived at Albany and after a few dayes a great many more were expected and that your Excellency had an army ready to goe and destroy Cadaracqui and another army to goe against Mount Reall with a fleet of six hundred sail of ships to attacque Quebeque.
Joseph reports further that there were fifty of the proselites a hunting together and discovered by the French Maquaes. That the Governour had sent sixty bush- loopers with one hundred and fourty Indians (but no French Maquaes Indians) with expresse order not to take a prisoner alive but kill all. Before he came from Mount Reall there was news that the partyes were mett together and that our Indians were upon their guard but knows not what is become of it.
The Indians told him further that if the messengers of the five nations would come to Canida the Governour would serve them as our Indians served Chevaleer Deaux and his company.
This is all the Relation I can give your Excellency from this proselite. There are two of the proselites with two Maquaes and two River Indians this last week gone to Canida to fight and to see if they can take a prisoner. Upon their return your Excellency shall have an account; they have promised to be here in the space of forty dayes. The leader of the party is one Brandiho who received the last year a present of cloaths from your Excellency. I hope they will have good successe.
I remain,
Your Excellency's most humble and most obedient servant, Dellius. !
Albany, May 24, 1695.
- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 125.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
1695, June 5.
The final account of the Church-Builders was presented, etc. As to the building of the tower; that was deferred until after we are incorporated; or, until we are favored with the privileges of a Church-corporation by his Excellency, Governor Fletcher. This matter is again recommended to the Committee appointed to at- tend to it.
Domine Selyns asked that the arrearages due him be paid, as he needed them. Lib. A. 87.
1695, June. .
Thirty pounds were paid to Domine Selyns, more would have been paid him, but the money was needed for the Act of Incorpo- ration. Lib. A. 87, 88.
1124
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
LETTER FROM PETER DE LA NOY RELATIVE TO GOVERNOR FLETCHER'S CONDUCT.
New York 13th June 1695.
Sir. At his first arrivall here he insinuated into the inhabitants the great in- terest and credit he had at Whitehall, which would baffle any complaints that could be made against his administration and this backed with the grandeur of a Coach and six horses (a pomp this place had never seen in any former Governor no more than himself been used to it in his own Country,) struck such a terror into the people, as easily prepared them for the pack-saddles he has laid upon them. To recount all his arts of squeezing money both out of the publick and private purses would make a volume instead of a letter, and therefore I shall only mention some few of the stratagems that from thence you may guesse of this Hercules by his foot. The Assembly as is usuall to new Governors made him a complement, and gave him a penny in the pound of the inhabitants estates. The Assessors observed the method formerly practised in such cases, but his Excellency thinking the some not sufficient (though it amounted to above six hundred pounds) accused them of partiallity and threatened to comit them to goal for not assessing the inhabitants high enough. He takes a particular delight in having presents made to him, declaring he looks upon them as marks of their esteem of him, and he keeps a catalogue of the persons who show that good manners, as men most worthy of his favor. This knack has found employment for our silversmiths and furnished his Excellency with more plate (besides variety of other things) than all our former Governours ever received. Such clowns as dont practice this good breeding, fall under his frowns, or a haughty glance of his eye at least, if they dont feel the weight of his hands.
His vanity is as remarkable as his other qualitys I have mentioned of which the following instance will give you a sufficient proof. In February 1692/3. when the French burnt the Maquasse castles, Col. Fletcher upon the news of it embarked himselfe and some trainbands of New York and having the advantage of a fair wind arrived in two days at Albany which is distant from hence one hundred and forty four miles; from' Albany he went to Schenectida and sent his men to Major Shuyler who comanded the party in the Woods; but the French were beaten and run away before these men came up to Shuyler. However our Generall was resolved not to lose the glory of his expedition, but at his return to Albany the Commander of that Fort was ordered to draw up his forces in their arms for receiving his Excellency and salute him with the discharge of all the great guns. The Mayor and Aldermen were ordered to make an humble addresse of thanks and a present for his so speedy coming to their relief, and the noble exploits he per- formed for them. The poor people had abundance of gratitude and were ready for an addresse, but pleaded their impoverishment by the war against making a present. The Indians who are a very discerning people saw through the man, and comple- mented him with the Indian name of Kayenquiragoe, which signifyes in English Great Swift Arrow. His Excellency, who never was wanting to set a full value on his own worth construed this name to be a significant acknowledgement of the swiftnesse of his expedition (which by the way he was beholden to the wind for) but the cunning Indians as I was since informed designed it as a droll upon the man and his vain glory; for they haveing enquired into his name understood that Fletcher is the name of a trade, viz., of an Arrowmaker,* bestowed that Indian name upon him as a sarcasticall pun. However puffed up with the Albany addresse and the Indian complement, he returns to New York, where his tools procured him another addresse and a present of a gold cup worth one hundred and twenty pounds
* Flechier, Fr. An arrow maker.
1125
1695
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
which they took up at interest and owe at this day. This is the famous expedition and these the glorious addresses which he sent over to the Plantation Office in England and caused to be printed there; for spreading the renown of his American Atchievements.
We have a parcell of pirates in these parts which (people) call the Red Sea men, who often get great booty of Arabian Gold. His Excellency gives all due encourage- ment to these men, because they make all due acknowledgements to him; one Coats, a captain of this honorable order presented his Excellency with his ship, which his Excellency sold for eight hundred pounds and every one of the crew made him a suitable present of Arabian Gold for his protection; one Captain Twoo who is gone to the Red Sea upon the same errand was before his departure highly caressed by his Excellency in his coach and six horses and presented with a gold watch to engage him to make New York his port at his return. Twoo retaliated the kindnesse with a present of jewells; but I can't learn how much further the bargain proceeded; time must shew that.
These things though bad enough in any officer and more particularly in the Governor of a Province, yet me thinks are of much less malignity than what I am now going to add, and that is the base and insolent behavior of our Governor tor'ds a Generall Assembly. This we account the barriere and guard of our libertys and propertys, but it signifies very little since his arrivall. If any act for the benefit of the people be desired to passe, he sells it 'em as dear as he can, and if they will not rise to his price they must goe without it. The people of Sopus to obtain the Act called the Boulting Act (which you understand the meaning of) were forced to pay severall hundred pounds, and because the undertakers for the money were puzzell'd to raise it by any other meanes, they jumbled it with the publick tax which swelled it so high and made it so heavy as had well nigh occasioned a mutiny.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.