USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 37
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After this all you will perhaps wonder when I tell you that this man's bell rings twice a day for prayers and that he appears with a great affectation of piety, but this is true, and it is as true that it makes him only more ridiculous, not more respected.
And now Sir that I have told you our distemper you will easily guesse at the cure we desire. It is the removal of this man, and we are not solicitous whether he is gently recalled or falls into disgrace, so we are rid of him. If I may presume to tell you my thoughts what would be for the safety of these countreys I wish his Majesty would place a Generall Governor over New England, New York and the Jerseys, so as the Assemblys, Courts of Judicature and Laws of the respective colonys may remaine and be kept separate and entire as they now are; for our laws and manner of trade are different from one another and the distance betwixt us would make very uneasie for the rest of the Provinces to resort to any one for comon justice. But a Union under one Governor would be very convenient and particularly in time of war, and be a terror to the French of Canada, who assume a boldnesse purely from our divisions into separate bodies and the piques that are too comon amongst the severall Governors of which the French don't want a con-
+ Kennett's Bibliothecae Americanne Primordia gives the following, which was probably the title of the pamphlet: "A Journal of the late actions of the French at Canada with the manner of their being repulsed by his Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, their Majesties' Governor of New York, impartially related by Col. Nicholas Beyard, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Lodowick, who attended his Excellency during the whole expedition. To which is added: 1. An Account of the Present State and Strength of Canada, given by two Dutchmen, who have been a long time prisoners there, and now made their escape. 2. The Examination of a French Prisoner. 3. His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher's Speech to the Indians. 4. An Address from the Corporation of Albany, to his Excellency, returning thanks for his Excellency's early assistance for their Relief. Licensed Sept. 11, 1693. London, Printed for Richard Baldwin, 1693. 4to. p. 22 ".
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
stant intelligence. Besides such a Union under one Generall Governor will be a meanes of making an easie conquest of Canada, which if effected, would make his Majesty Emperor of North America secure the sole trade of Beaver to England, and defray its whole charge out of the booty to be found there. To satisfy you I don't say this at a venture I doe assure you the English in these Colonys out number the French of Canada no lesse than in the proportion of twenty to one, and what might not such a force united effect against so small a body, and yet this handfull of French are continuall thornes in our sides; which is wholly owing to our separate government. Sir, besides your own comands, I have been im- portuned by many Gent. of this Province to give you an account of our circum- stances, and to beg your advice and assistance to deliver us out of 'em, which will be a charitable and generous act, to the whole Province, and the greatest pleasure to as well as obligation upon, Sir,
Your most humble servant, (Signed) P. D. LA Noy .* - Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 221, 222, 223, 224.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, Aug. 4, 1695, at Noon.
Article 7.
Ad Art. 8. Speaking of the Indian Churches : the Rev. Depu- ties reported in regard to what had been given them in charge, First: they had been commissioned to present the necessity of the churches and preachers of New York, to his Royal Majesty of Great Britain, (William III), but on examining into the matter more closely, they had discovered that a great part of the grievances of those brethren had been affronts and violence which they had suffered at the downfall of the preceding administration ; but this had been taken away by the government now established in that land on the part of the King; that the other inconveniences were beginning to adjust themselves favorably ; in particular regarding the Rev. Dellius and Selyns; and that Rev. Varick had died. In their opinion, therefore, there was no matter of sufficient weight and emphasis, now, about which to trouble the King; that they had also spoken to his Excellency, the Commissioner Fagel, and to Councillor Schuilenburg, about the business, and that their ad- vice had been of the same character. Therefore they had omitted the preparation of a petition to His Majesty, and they hoped that Synod would approve of their action.
This signature is cancelled in the original.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1127 1695
PETITION OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK CITY FOR A CHARTER.
1695, June 19.
The humble petition of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Church in this city (New York) in order to become a Cor- poration.
To his Excellency, Benjamin Fletcher, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of his Majesty's province of New York and ter- ritories and tracts of land thereon depending, in America, and Vice- Admiral of the same: his Majesty's Lieutenant and Commander- in-Chief of the Military and all the Forces, by sea and land, within his Majesty's colony of Connecticut, and all the Forces and Places of Strength within the Same; and Council:
The humble petition of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Protestant Congregation in the City of New York, most humbly showeth :
That your Excellency's petitioners have for these thirty one years past, as well by the Articles of Surrender (1664) of this Province to the Crown of England, as by the several grants and concessions of the respective Governors that have succeeded to the administration of the Government of the same during the said time, have held, used and enjoyed, the right, privilege and benefit of assembling together for the public worship and service of God, according to the Constitution and Directions of the Reformed Churches in Holland, approved and instituted by the Synod of Dort: and for the better performance of the said divine service, have at their own proper cost and charge, made and erected a public edifice or church, and do likewise hold, possess and enjoy sundry messuages and tenements, within the said city of New York, as well as the Manor of Fordham within the county of Westchester, and other farms within the said Province, which with great cost and charges they have obtained.
And your Excellency's petitioners, taking into consideration the necessity of having the said rights, benefits, privileges and proper-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
ties now possessed and enjoyed, as aforesaid, well secured in the law, not only for the present ease, commodity and advantage of those who are at present members of the communion of the said Protestant Church or Congregation; but also that their successors forever, may be persons capable in the Law to hold and enjoy the same, without any further trouble or molestation whatsoever: to that end, therefore, they become most humble suppliants to your Excellency,
MOST HUMBLY PRAY
That your Excellency would be favorably pleased to order his Majesty's grant of confirmation unto your Excellency's petitioners, of all the premises, and to make them and their successors forever capable to hold and enjoy the same, by Incorporating the members of the said Dutch congregation into a Body Politic and Corporate, in deed, fact and name, by the name and style of " THE MINIS- TERS, ELDERS AND DEACONS OF THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK ":
And as such they may hold and enjoy all the benefits, rights, privileges, advantages, both in the free exercise of their religion and divine service and worship, according to the Rules aforesaid ; and also in the holding and enjoying of all other properties, rights and advantages, in as full and ample manner, as are held, used, occupied and enjoyed, by any corporation, or body politic and cor- porate, within his Majesty's realm of England and this Province, under such moderate rent as to your Excellency and Council shall seem meet and convenient :
And your Excellency's petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray, etc. Signed by these, June 19, 1695.
John De Peyster, Deacon. Jacobus Kip, 66
Henricus Selyns, Minister.
William Beekman, Elder
Johannes Kerfbyl,
Isaac De Forest, 66
Isaac De Riemer,
.. .
OF. THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1129 1695
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
The Church of New York.
1695, Sept. 5th.
Further, the Rev. Deput. ad Eccles. Exteras communicated to the Rev. Classis a certain letter, sent by the church of New York. It stated that on the occasion of the decease of the Rev. Rudolphus Varick, late minister there, (on Long Island,) counsel had been taken in the fear of the Lord regarding the filling of that vacant place. They had let their thoughts again contemplate the calling of another capable minister, and they had unanimously lighted on the Rev. Domine Casparus van Zueren, formerly their faithful and much beloved minister, and who is now minister at Gouderak, just outside of the city of Gouda. They had formerly very courteously made request to him, and called him ; yea, had urged upon him, the service of their church, under flattering conditions, according to letters addressed to him in the name of, and by order of the mem- bers of the Consistory, assembled together; and his name is still of blessed memory among them all. But in case he himself might not find it seasonable now to come, or had no inclination thereto, they were sure of his great interest in the welfare of their church, and would, therefore, very politely urge him to request some one else to go thither. He would thus kindly lend a helping hand to the Classis of Amsterdam in this business. All this appears in a letter of said Rev. Casparus Zueren, sent to them (the Classis) for the purpose of presenting his courteous and reasonable excuse, namely, his feebleness and indisposition.
But the Rev. Groenewoudt, S.S. Min. Candidat. of Rotterdam, having been recommended, the Rev. Assembly in accordance with the request of said church, has so far interested itself therein, that it directed its Deputati ad Eccles. Exteras, so far as they could, to gather information regarding the qualifications of the said Rev. Groenewoudt, and to invite him to come hither at the time of the next regular Classis. This will be on October 3rd, (1695.)
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
They will then consider him, with other " commendat and arrange the matter in such a manner, as they shall deem suitable, for the best welfare, edification and happiness of the said church in New York, (viz. the united churches on Long Island, of Brooklyn, Flat- bush, Flatlands, and New Utrecht.) viii. 239-240.
Call to New York (viz. to the churches of Kings Co. L. I.) 1695, Oct. 3rd.
Regarding Rev. Groenewoudt, whereof see previous Acta, Rev. Deput. ad Eccles. Exteras report, that he had no inclination towards the service of the churches in foreign lands. Wherefore the Rev. Classis concluded, in order to offer a speedy and helpful hand to this vacant church in New York, (viz. Kings Co. L. I.) to consider other parties, and accordingly nominate Rev. Francis- cus Wyngaarden, and Rev. William Lupardus. Of these two, there was elected, by a majority of votes, Rev. William Lupardus. This was announced to him, and being accepted by him in the fear of the Lord, it was decided to have the final examination three weeks from to-day, which will be October 24th, unless there be some impediment. There was assigned him, for a subject - text, by Rev. Domine Examiner, Hebr. 10: 18, " Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin ". viii. 242.
COUNCIL JOURNAL, N. Y. 1695, OCT. 16. Sabbath Observance. Fletcher, Governor.
The Assembly sent a Bill to the Council against the profanation of the Lord's day; Council Journal 82. Read etc. Amended,- (Provided that this law shall no ways extend to any native or free Indian within this Province not professing the Christian religion) and (or to do any other act of necessity) - to come in after travel on the Lord's day. Sent back to Assembly, October 17. Enacted October 22. Council Journal, 82, 83, 84.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1131
1695
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. William Lupardus.
1695, Oct. 24th.
Rev. William Lupardus, called as minister to the church in New York, (viz. Kings Co. L. I.) appeared, in pursuance of the resolu- tion of the Classis last held, for his final examination. He treated in an able manner the text assigned him, Hebr. 10: 18. In his answers to the questions proposed to him, he showed himself ortho- dox, and conducted himself in such a way, that the Assembly ad- mitted him to the actual ordination, saying, however, that they ex- pected further diligence and stirring up of his gifts. This the Rev. Examiner urged upon him. Whereupon the (ordination) im- mediately followed, after he had signed the usual formulae of Concord. The rich blessing of the grace of the Most High was in- voked upon him, for the duties of his ministry. The Assembly then seperated with thanksgiving to God. viii. 243.
NEW YORK UNDER LEISLER.
From account of Messrs. (Jacob) Leisler, (Jr.) and from Gov- erneur's account of Grievances at New York, from September 1st 1692 to October 31, 1695.
18. That the Dutch ministers in the Province did preach against the actors in the Revolution under Capt. Jacob Leisler's command, by what instigation, they know; that they had deserved, by their rebellion, great punishment, and were to acknowledge their faults ; the people, sensible of their just cause, could not endure to hear such sermons ; they were opposers of the Revolution. The Minister of New York, (Selyns) could not find it in his heart to pray for their Majesties, as was required, till Capt. Jacob Leisler did give him a form. At the arrival of Governor Sloughter, when Capt. Leisler and all under him, as much as they could get, were imprisoned, he (Selyns) was overjoyed, and took his text out of Psalm 27, " I had fainted unless I had hoped to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living; " and Saul-like, had a good like in the destruc-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1695
tion of the innocent ; and how instrumental at the time of execution (he was) is notorious.
The minister at Albany (Dellius) denieth to pray for the King; did it only for the crown ; would observe no orders of Capt. Leisler ; kept correspondence with a Jesuit in Canada, which Jesuit by a letter, called him " Amicus honoratissimus "; and that they had only war with such who were not at the side of the King; (that Dellius ) inflamed the people much against Capt. Leisler, made him . black by his letters to Europe, of which he himself was ashamed; (that he) boasted that one of such letters could destroy him, (and) was bitterly against the Revolution. Page 219.
The minister of Nassau Island (Varick) is deceased; (he) was first for the Revolution, and brought the country to act unani- mously ; but afterward, being seduced, was brought to a contrary opinion, and created division; (he) was suspected by the people, especially about a contrivance to take the fort, for which he was tried, condemned, fined, imprisoned, and upon subjection to Capt. Leisler, released without fine ; for this was much affected (was very zealous) to Capt. Leisler's execution, and made intolerable ser- mons, and died without the least reconciliation. Col. Docs. iv. 219.
REQUEST OF REV. JOHN MILLER, BRITISH CHAPLAIN, FOR THE KING'S FARM.
Extract from Rev. John Miller's Book, asking for the King's Farm. 1695.
" That his Majesty will please to give him the farm in New York commonly called the King's Farm, for a seat for himself and his successors, which though at present a very ordinary thing, yet will it admit of considerable improvement; and since this farm, renting at present for sixty bushels of wheat per annum, in the whole at four shillings per bushel, amounting to twelve pounds New York money, is at present an advantage to the Governor, that I may not seem to care how much I impoverish the Governor, so I enrich the bishop, I further propose that the bishop be obliged when himself
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1133
1696
is not governor to render an equivalent to the present rent, either by giving yearly so many loads of hay, or by settling so much land where he pleases, within two miles of New York, as shall be suffi- cient for that purpose, or to pay the sum of money itself, which shall be best approved of ". p. 62. N. Y. Col. Docs. iv. 182. (A full account of the Miller episode may be found in Bishop Perry's Hist. Am. (Epis.) Church, i. 160-1. Miller's book, left in MS., was published in 1843, under the title; " A Description of the Province and City of New York, with plans of the City and sev- eral Forts as they existed in the year 1695. 8vo. London. Thomas Rodd, 1843. See Gowan's Bibliotheca Americana; also a new edition with an introduction and copious historical notes by John Gilmary Shea, L.L.D., published by Gowan in New York in 1862. See also Am. Ch. Hist. Series, viii. 160-110.)
MEMORIAL OF MESSRS. BROOK AND NICOLLS TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Jan. 7th, 1696.
To the Right Honorable His Majesty's Commissioners for Trade and Plantations .- The agents for New York humbly represent, that having been sent from New York by the Governor, Council and Assembly, to lay before his Majesty the State of the Countrey, and humbly to pray that further assistance may be given that Province against the French, they have pursuant to their instructions and your Lordshipps directions proposed several matters as necessary for that purpose, whereupon divers orders upon your Lordshipps representation to His Majesty have been given for the strengthning that Government against the French.
But in as much as no directions have been as yet given upon the following heads which the said Agents have (humbly) laid before your Lordshipps, viz.
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6. That some hardy youths of good naturall parts and well understanding Gram- mar may be sent over to reside among the Indians and learn their language.
7. That some English Clergy may be encouraged to dwell for some time amongst those people to endeavor their conversion to the Protestant Religion .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 254.
THIRD CITY VESTRY CHOSEN.
(Names of Episcopalians in Italics.)
1696, Jan. 14.
Church Wardens: Wm. Pinhorne, Stephen Van Cortlandt. Yestrymen : Samuel Burte, John Crooke, Jas. Evetts, Giles Gan-
1134
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1696
dineau, Nat. Marstin, Wm. Morris, Lawrence Reade, John Van Cortlandt, Dirck Vanderburg, Ebenezer Wilson.
PETITION OF CERTAIN EPISCOPALIANS TO PURCHASE GROUND FOR AN ENGLISH CHURCH IN NEW YORK CITY.
1696, March 19.
" To his Excellency BENJAMIN FLETCHER, Captain Gen- eral and Governor-in-Cheife of the Province of New York, Prov- ince of Pennsylvania, County of New Castle, and all the Tracts of Land depending thereon in America, and Vice Admirall of the same, etc.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the City of New York, members of the Church of England -
HUMBLY SHEWETH
That Whereas yr Petitioners are Desirous to build a Church within the Citty for the use of the Protestants of the Church of England, and having mett with great encouragement from severall good Protestants in order to the carrying on of the same,
Therefore yr Excell. Petitioners do humbly pray that yr Excell. would be pleased to grant a Lycence to yr Petitioners to purchase a small piece of Land Lyeing without the North gate of the said Citty, betwixt the King's Garden and the burying Place, and to hold the same in mortmain, and thereon to build the said Church, as also to take and receive all Voluntary Contributions, and to do all other Lawfull acts and things for the Effecting the same, and yr Excellency's Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray, etc. Tho. Clark
Will. Morris
Robt. Lurting
Ebenezer Willson
Jeremiah Tothill
Will. Merrett
Caleb Heathcote James Evetts
Ja. Emott
R. Ashfield
19 March 1695/6
Granted.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1135
1696 .
(It will be observed that only three of these men were in the Ctiy Vestry, viz., Evetts, Morris and Willson. See under date Nov. 2, 1626.)
COUNCIL JOURNAL. (Fletcher's address.)
The Chapel in the Fort. New York.
1696, April 7.
His Majesty has by his royal letter recommended to us the build- ing of a Chapel in this fort; a former Assembly took some notice of it; I hope you will not be wanting in your parts to forward and finish it. p. 89.
" April 17. Ordered - Lt. Col. Monvielle desire the Assembly to take into consideration the debts of the govern- ment and the Chapel. 92.
" April 20. The Assembly desired a Committee to be appointed to consider the debts of the government, and charge of the Chapel against the next session. 92.
Whereupon his Excellency and the Council do think fit and necessary for his Majesty's service, the Assembly do proceed im- mediately upon the accounts of the government and the Chapel. Ordered, Col. Lt. Cortlandt, Col. Nicholas Bayard, William Pin- horne, Esq. and Col. Caleb Heathcote be a committee of the Coun- cil to confer with a committee of the Assembly at Col. Heathcotes chamber this afternoon thereupon. And that Lt. Col. Monville deliver this answer to the Assembly and desire that they will ap- point a committee of their house accordingly. 92.
April 20. The Committee of the Assembly refuse to treat of finishing the Chapel, having no directions from their house to med- dle any further than the accounts of the government. 93.
1136
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1696- 1697
THE TWO EARLIEST ECCLESIASTICAL CHARTERS IN NEW YORK. *
THE DUTCH CHURCH, 1696.
THE ENGLISH CHURCH, 1697.
CHARTER OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
CHURCH OF NEW YORK, 1696, May 11. (Patents, vii. 25 seq.)
I. Name and Title of King, and Reference to Petition for a Charter.
William the Third, By the grace of God, King of England, Scot- land, France and Ireland, De- fender of the Faith, etc. To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth greeting:
Whereas: Wee have been in- formed by the humble peticon of our loving Subjects, Henricus Selyns, (Nicholas Bayard, Ste- phanus van Cortlant,)} William Beeckman, Johannes Kerbyle; Joannes De Peyster, Jacobus Kipp, Isaac De foreest, and Isaac De Reymer, the present Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Protestant congregacon in our City of New yorke, presented to our trusty and wellbeloved Ben- jamin Fletcher Our Captaine Generall and Governour in Chiefe of Our Province of New Yorke and Territoryes depending there- on in America, That the said Minister, Elders, Deacons and the other members in com- munion of the said Dutch pro- testant congregacon in Our said City of New yorke,
CHARTER OF TRINITY CHURCH (EPIS- .COPALIAN) OF NEW YORK, 1697, May 6. (Patents, vii. 82 seq.)
I. Name and Title of the King, and Reference to Ministry Act of 1693 with Assertion that it estab- lished the Church of England.
Gulielmus, tertius, Del Gratia An- gliae Scotiae Franciae et Hiber- niae, Rex fidei Defensor, etc. To all to whom these Presents shall come, sendeth greeting:
Whereas by an act of Assembly made in the fifth year of our reign, entitled, " An Act for settling a Ministry, and raising a Mainte- nance for them in the City of New York, County of Richmond, West- chester, and Queen's County "; among other things therein con- tained it is enacted, that there shall be called, inducted and established, a good sufficient Protestant Minis- ter, to officiate and have the care of souls within our said city of New York; and for his better en- couragement to attend the said ser- vice, it is thereby further enacted, that there shall be annually, and once in every year, assessed, levied, collected, and paid for the yearly maintenance of the said min .. ister, within our city and county of New York, the sum of one hun- dred pounds, current money of our province of New York; to be as- sessed, levied, collected, and paid in such manner and proportion as is further directed in the body of the aforesaid act, relation being thereunto had may more fully and at large appear.
* The analyses and headings are inserted to facilitate comparison and study.
¡ Names of Bayard and Van Cortlandt omitted here evidently by clerical error. They are in original Minutes, and mentioned subsequently in this Charter.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1137
1696- 1697
THE DUTCH CHURCH, 1696.
II. Pieces of Property Belonging to said Dutch Church, 1696.
1. The Dutch have built a Church, 1693, in Garden street, and have a Cemetery.
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Have at their own charge built and erected a Church within our said City of New yorke, and the same together with the Cemetery or Church-Yard thereunto adjoin- ing, have dedicated to the service of God, situate, lying, and being in a certaine street, called the gar- den street, being bounded on the south by the said garden street, and on the north by the orchard, late in the possession of Elizabeth Drisius, and on the west by the lott of John Hendrick De Bruyn, and on the east by the lotts of John Sipkins and David Hendrix; containing on the south side, one hundred and eighty foot, and on the north side, one hundred and sev- enty five foot, and on the west side eighty four foot, and on the east · side eighty four foot, all of Eng- lish measure,
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