USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 4
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Everything goes on well in the congregations of our four villages. The number of members increases steadily, and has reached now about three hundred and fifty, besides some others, who come from neighboring villages or hamlets and enjoy the same privileges as ourselves. Your Reverences can easily under- stand how hard it is, that so many sheep should be deprived of
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
a shepherd, especially as the majority of them are still very sim- ple and only babes in Christ. If they were without a teacher their minds would soon grow wild again, which would prevent all increase in knowledge, faith, love and other salutary bless- ings. Therefore we take this opportunity to commend this Re- formed church of Long Island to the attention of your Rev. Body and trust that you will ever take a deep interest in it, whether in prosperity or adversity, and see that the public exercise of religion is maintained here.
Affairs here are in such a state, that we will be able gradually to improve in our ability to maintain services and increase the salary of our minister, if it shall please the Great Shepherd of the sheep, as we earnestly pray, to give his divine blessing upon the Word of the Gospel, to its increase and fruitfulness. To this, we know that internal quarrels are mighty obstacles. The seed of the Word of the Kingdom cannot thrive well when mingled with the seed of Satan. He has his own separate do- minion, is an enemy of Christ's Kingdom in which the elect are gathered together as Christ's subjects.
Therefore that all this may be accomplished without delay, we immediately, upon your admonitions settled all our differences, burying them in the ashes of love. We pray that your Rev. Body will consider all that has happened as a thing of the past, and will ever remember us in a kindly way. We, on the other hand, will never fail to keep you acquainted with the condition of our churches here, and of any special matters which may occur.
We herewith close, again commending our churches to your favorable notice, and with our hearty and respectful greetings, we pray for our God's blessing on your Rev. Body, on your coun- sels, services and families. We remain, Reverend, Prudent Gentlemen, Fathers in Christ,
Your humble, obliged very obedient Servants and Brothers,
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The Minister and Elders of the Dutch Congregation on Long Island in America
Casparus van Zuuren, Minister,
Roelof Martensen, Elder of Amersfoort,
Evert Teunisen, Elder of Amersfoort, Jan Strycker, Elder of Midwout, Hendrick Claesen, Elder of Midwout, Daniel Verveelen, Elder of New Utrecht,
The Mark X of Pieter Jansz, made by himself as Elder of Breukelen, Michael Stametle ( ?) Elder of Breukelen.
Midwout, 10th of December, Engl. stile 1680.
THE GREAT COMET OF 1680.
The Commissaries of Albany to Capt. Brockholes.
January 1st, 1681. Hond. Sir.
According to former Practise in this season of ye year, wee have sent this Post, to acquaint you, how all affaires are here with us, which is (thanks be to God) all in Peace and quietnesse, The Lord continue ye same, through ye whole Government wee doubt not but you have seen ye Dreadfull Comett Starr which appeared in the Southwest, on ye 9th of December last, about two o'clock in ye afternoon, fair sunnshyne wether, a little above ye Sonn, which takes its course more Northerly, and was seen the Sunday night after, about Twy-Light with a very fyery Tail or Streemer in ye West To ye great astonishment of all Spectators, and is now seen every night with Clear weather, undoubtedly God Threatens us with dreadful punishment if we do not Repent, wee would have caused ye Domine proclaim a Day of Fasting and humiliation to-morrow, to be kept on Wednesday ye 12th of January in ye Towne of Albany and Dependencies - if we thought our Power and Authority did extend so farr, and would have been well Resented by Yourself, for all Persons ought to humble Themselves in such a Time, and Pray to God to with- draw his Righteous Judgements from us, as he did to Nineve. Therefore if you would be pleased to grant your approbation wee would willingly cause a day of Fasting and Humiliation to be kept, if it were monthly; whose answer wee shall expect with ye Bearer.
We cannot forbear to acquaint you with ye very great Scarcety of Corne through- out our Jurisdiction, which is ten times more than was Expected, now when ye people Thresh, soo that it is Supposed, there will scarce be corn to supply ye In- habitants here, with bread. This is all at present wishing you and Counsell a Happy New Year, shall break off and Remain,
Your humble and obedient Servants,
Ye Commissaries of Albany.
The Indian Wattawitt must have a
Blankett and shirt att York.
1681
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
New York, Jan. 13th, 1681.
Gentlemen,
Yours of the first Instant by the Indian Post received and am glad to hear all things Well, wee have Seen the Comett not at the time you mention only in the Evening The Streamer being very large but know not its predicts or Events, and as they certainly threaten God's Vengeance and Judgements and are premonitors to us Soe I doubt not of your and each of your performance of your duty by prayer etc. as becomes good Christians Especially at this time, and hope the next yeare will make amends for a supply your Present Scarcety of Corne, The Governor went hence the 7th and sailed from Sandy Point the 11th Instant Noe news here but all well, I remaine, Your affectionate Ffriend, A. Brockholles. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. lii. 532.
PENN'S PATENT AS TO RELIGION.
1681, Jan. 22. " Upon the draft of a Patent for Mr. Penn, constituting him absolute Pro- prietary of a tract of land," etc., which was referred to Lord Chief Justice North,- "A paper being also read, wherein my Lord Bishop of London desires that Mr. Penn be obliged, by his Patent, to admit a chaplain of his Lordship's appointment, upon the request of any number of planters; the same is also referred to my Lord Chief Justice North."
1681, Feb. 24.
" The Lord Bishop of London is desired to prepare a draught of a law to be' passed in this country, for the settling of the Protestant religion." Quoted in Hazard's Reg. of Pa. 1. 269, 270. See also Hist. Coll. Am. Col. Ch. ii. 5, 497-8.
Charter granted to William Penn. Extract in reference to Religion.
1681.
13. "And our farther pleasure is, and we do hereby, for us, our heirs and suc- cessors, charge and require, that if any of the inhabitants of the said Province, to the number of twenty, shall at any time hereafter be desirous, and shall, by any writing, or by any person deputed by them, signify such their desire to the Bishop of London for the time being, that any preacher, or preachers, to be approved of by the said Bishop, may be sent unto them, for their instruction; that then such preacher or preachers shall and may reside within the said province, without any denial or molestation whatsoever."- Proud's Hist. Pa. i. 186; Perry's Am. Epis. Ch. i. 224.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Correspondence from America.
The Church of New York City to the Classis of Amsterdam, Feb. 25, 1681. Extracts in xxi. 228; also in Mints. Synod North Holland, 1682, Art. 11.
Right Reverend, Highly Learned and Very Pious Gentlemen, the Brethren and Shepherds of the Flock of Jesus Christ in the Classis of Amsterdam.
Very Reverend Sirs :-
To the great sorrow of ourselves and our whole community we are obliged to send you a letter of grief, on account of the un-
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timely death of our dear pastor, the blessed Domine Wilhelmus van Nieuwenhuysen. After a tedious and languishing sickness, he fell asleep in the Lord on the 17th inst. (Feb. 17, 1681.) His loss is the more deplorable to us, because this large congre- gation, numbering about four hundred and fifty members, is sud- denly deprived of the usual service of the Word and Sacraments, and without the hope of having his place soon again supplied in this far away country. Nevertheless it is true and we must con- fess it, that our church justly deserves this bereavement on ac- count of all our ingratitude, lack of zeal, and presumptuous sins. We are, however, not without hope; and we have the desire, to repair this grievous loss which we have suffered, by true repent- ance, forsaking our provoking sins, and leading a better life. We pray the all-merciful God to help us so to do.
Under God's gracious blessing it therefore becomes us and our congregation to arrange the necessary means to that end. Therefore we, the undersigned Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church in this city (New York), in conjunction with the former elders of the same, hereby authorize another call from Holland, to be made as quickly as possible, of an orthodox minister, or- dained according to the Ecclesiastical Rules of the United Neth- erlands. We promise him, in behalf of our congregation, the same salary, which was formerly promised and paid to his prede- cessor, the blessed Domine van Nieuwenhuysen, namely, one thou- sand guilders per year, Holland currency, or its equivalent here, according to the agreement made with the late Domine van Nieu- wenhuysen on July 31, 1672. A copy of this is herewith enclosed. Besides this, we give free fire-wood and house-rent. To this is added an additional stipend when his Reverence officiates also on Wednesdays. By virtue of the authority given us, we have considered it our duty, under God, to address ourselves to your Rev. Body, and also to our well known and faithful friends, Domine Selyns, and the Messrs. Gillis van Hoornbeeck and Cor-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
nelius van Ruyven, to whom also we have written in detail, our deplorable condition.
We earnestly and respectfully request your Rev. Body, which has kindly promised ever to turn a compassionate eye for our welfare, upon this church in a distant foreign land, to serve again our sorrowful congregation, seeking also the advice of our above mentioned friends. We want you to assist us with your ever- ready help and good counsel, and to send us as soon as possible, a minister, pious and faithful, learned and sound in doctrine, and of a blameless life. We must confess that the renowned knowledge and wisdom, the constant zeal and indefatigable labor, both in teaching and catechising of our late blessed Domine van Nieuwenhuysen, can never be praised enough. We have there- fore the more reason to sorrow over his loss. But we know that divine chastisements are not a matter of chance. Therefore we will not murmur about our loss, but rather labor to fill his place again. We remember Domine Henricus Selyns. His faithful services, his pious life, his peculiar zeal, his amiable conversa- tion, his pleasing and ready speech, left a deep impression upon many hearts. If his Reverence were inclined to come over again, this would be very agreeable to our congregation.
But in case no inducements can persuade him thereto, then we earnestly request that our church may be speedily provided with another minister. We want one pious in life, sound in doc- trine, to take charge of our congregation. He is to watch for the Lord; to take the office of the ministry upon him for this community with all its duties; to promote the honor of God, and the improvement of the Holy Service, unto the salvation of our souls. To accomplish this, we, the undersigned, bind ourselves, in the name and on behalf of our congregation, to pay the salary above named, the same as was promptly paid to Domine van Nieu- wenhuysen until the day of his death. We are also now trying to raise one year's extra salary for his widow. To this a majority
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of the congregation have already subscribed, and they will pay the same.
We refer, for further information about the condition of the church here, to the enclosed letter of Rev. Caspar van Zuuren.
During the illness of our late minister, he preached for us once a fortnight, on Wednesdays, and this he hopes to continue to do.
We close with our christian greetings. Commending you to the protection of the Most High, we remain, Right Reverend Gentlemen,
Your obedient servants, The Elders and Deacons of the Re- formed Christian Church of New York.
Gerrit van Tright.
Peter Jacobz Marius.
Peter Bayard.
Coenraat ten Eyck.
Jacob Teunisen Raay.
Peter Stoutenburg. John van Brugh.
1
Former elders called in,
1
Olof Stevens Cortlandt. Nicholas Bayard.
New York, 1680/1
Feb. 25th.
DIFFICULTIES BETWEEN DOM. SCHAETS AND HIS CONGREGATION.
Extraordinary Court holden 'at Albany, April 1st, 1681.
This Extraordinary Court is held at the request of the Elders and. Deacons of the Reformed Church here, who apply to the Gentlemen and request their assistance inasmuch as the head of their Consistory Dom. Gideon Schaets refuses to visit them for the purposes of holding religious meetings in the Church, the usual appointed place by the Consistory - Having undertaken to speak to the Domine of the trouble which he caused some of the members, in direct opposition to the office of a Teacher, especially at this conjuncture of Time when the Lord's Supper was so near at hand; after the Consistory had done its duty and part to the utmost on the 29 March last, and not knowing but it had accomplished everything, and every mat- ter of difference had been settled for the time (having been admonished in the temper of Love and Christian duty) Anneke his daughter consenting willingly to absent herself the next time from the Holy Table of the Lord on her father's proposal, and as it was her duty, so as to prevent as much as possible all scandals in Christ's flock; as it is evident we have done our utmost in sending for the afore- said Domine to visit us to-day, which he hath wholly refused, We therefore request that their worships will please send for the said Domine and ask him if all matters of difference etc., were not arranged at the last Consistorial meeting on 29 March
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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last and wherefore does he now rip up new differences and offences contrary to his duty and office.
Whereupon their Worships sent William Parker the Court Messenger to request him to come to Court; who answered that the Consistory had sent him; whereunto the Bode said, The Court sent for your Reverence not the Consistory. He replied- He would not come.
The Bode is sent a second time to tell him that he must instantly appear before the Court. He answered, he would not appear before the Court, though they would dismiss him.
The Bode, sent for the third time, found him not at home but his daughter Anneke said, I'll go and ask him; and having asked him said, Mine Father will not come; they may do what they please, for the Magistrates are wishing to make me out a W-
The Bode being sent the fourth time reports as before.
Whereupon is Resolved, to send the constable Jacob Sanders with a special Warrant after him, to bring him here before the Court.
Who having visited the house and being unable to find him the constable then asked his daughter, Anneke Schaets, where her father was? She answered - Know you not what Cain said? Is he his Brother's keeper? Am I my father's keeper? Whereupon the constable told her that she should let him bring him. To which she answered, she had nobody for him to bring, and had she a dog, she should not allow him to be used by the Magistrates for such a service. The Magistrates had their own Bode.
The Constable having been sent for the second time spoke to Domine Schaets at Hend: Cuyler's house, who gave for answer that he should not go before the Court if the Consistory were there; but if the Consistory was not present, he would appear before the Court.
Whereupon the W. Court considering the great Inconvenience his suspension should cause the Congregation have through condescension sent him word that the Magistrates only will speak to him without the Consistory.
(N. B. His suspension was written out and read to him.)
At last, Domine Schaets appeared in Court and he is asked why he, who should afford a good example to others, hath shown contempt to his Court by refusing on their reiterated summons, to appear before them; demanding Satisfaction
Whereupon it appears at first that Dom. was much dissatisned and demanded his demission from their worships; but at last considering his committed offence, he excused himself and requested exceedingly that he should be forgiven, and not severely dealt by, and hereafter nothing should be laid to his charge, promising to obey, for the future, his lawful superiors, requesting that all be reconciled - which was done.
Further all matters and disputes between him and his Consistory,- Mr. David Schuyler, Mr. Dirck Wessels, Elders; Wouter Albertse van den Uthoff and Gert. Lansing, Deacons; were arranged in love and friendship in presence of the Court aforesaid; Domine Schaets admitting he was under a misconception.
Memorandum.
On the 9th of June 1681, Anneke Schaets, wife of Tho. Davidtse Kekebel, is, sent to her husband at New York, by order and pursuant to letters from the Com- mander in Chief with a letter of recommendation; but as she was so headstrong and would not depart without the Sheriff and Constable's interference, her dis- obedience was annexed to the letter.
Albany, July 5, 1681.
Anneke Schaets who was sent to New York by their Worships on the 9th of June last pursuant to letters and orders from the Commander in Chief Captain Antho. Brockholes is come back here in the same Sloop, and brings the following recom- mendation - which is in terms.
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New York, June ye 27th, 1681.
Gentlemen - Wee have thought fit to acquaint you that Tomas Davis and his wife Anneke Schaets are suffered to goe up for Albany in order to settle their' affairs there, Wee Recommend you to endeavour a Reconciliation between them if Possible otherwise if Parties desire it, deside their differences by Law, having due regard to their Jointure or heuwelyx foorwaerde, which is all at present from Your loveing ffriend,
Antho. Brockholes.
Extraordinary Court holden in
Albany, July 29th, A. Dom. 1681. -
Tho. Davidtse promises to conduct himself well and honorably towards his wife Anneke Schaets; to love and never to neglect her but faithfully and properly to maintain and support her with her children according to his means, hereby making null and void all questions that have occurred and transpired between them both, never to repeat them, but are entirely reconciled; and for better assurance of his real Intention and good resolution to observe the same, he requests that two good men be named to oversee his conduct at New York towards his said wife, being entirely disposed and inclined to live honorably and well with her as a Christian man ought, subjecting himself willingly to the rule and censure of the said men. On the other hand his wife Anneke Schaets promises also to conduct herself quietly and well and to accompany him to New York with her children and prop- erty here, not to leave him any more but to serve and help him and with him to share the sweets and sours as becomes a Christian spouse; Requesting that all differences which had ever existed between them both may be hereby quashed and brought no more to light or cast up, as she on her side is heartily disposed to.
Their Worship, of the Court Recommend parties on both sides to observe strictly their Reconciliation now made, and the gentlemen at New York will be informed that the matter is so farr arranged .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 533, 534.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Call of Rev. Weeksteen.
1681, May 5th.
The Rev. Deputati ad res Maritimas represented that through the death of Rev. Laurentius Van Gaasbeeck, the churches in Esopus, situated in New Netherland, had become vacant and that another minister was desired, and requested in his place. They promised to provide him with a free dwelling house and 600 bushels of wheat, yearly, for his support. The Rev. Classis took this under further consideration, and resolved to proceed without delay to the making of a nomination. They put forward, to this end, Rev. John Weeksteen, candidate at Haerlem, and Rev. Peter Pavo, who formerly served as chaplain in the country's navy.
Of these two persons there was elected and called, unani- mously, Rev. John Weeksteen. He was informed of this call,
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and was content with the same, so that the final examination was instituted. He was examined on the several articles of the Christian Religion, and did so acquit himself that this Rev. As- sembly did gladly lay hands upon him, and ordain him to the ministry of the churches in Esopus. vii. 298; xix. 202.
Rev. Weeksteen, Candidate.
1681, May 5th.
Rev. John Weeksteen, S. S. Theologiae Candidatus, at present Latin Schoolmaster at Haerlem, exhibited good testimonials, and asked to be received among the " Recommended " for the churches in foreign lands, particularly those in New Netherland. This was granted him, after he had previously given a proof of his gifts to the satisfaction of this Assembly. He also signed the usual formulae of Concord. vii. 297; xix. 201.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to the church of Kingston, Hurley and Marble- town. June 2, 1681. xxvii. 145-7.
Reverend, Godly, and Dearly-Beloved Brethren :-
Yours of November 22, 1680, together with the messages therein contained, we have safely received. You make mention therein of a former letter, which has not yet come to hand. We learn, however, with grief, from the present letter, of the un- timely death of your worthy pastor, Rev. Laurentius Van Gaes- beeck, who was so recently sent over from the Fatherland. He might yet, apparently, had it so pleased the Lord of life and death, according to his years and powers, have served God's pur- poses for a long time in your church. We lament your misfor- tune, and express our sympathy at your inconvenience. We hope and trust that the Great God will heal the wound which he has made, by sending you another in place of him who has died.'
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We learn with gladness of the flourishing condition and growth of your church. We take special pleasure in your pious zeal and cautious manner of procedure, in seeking to provide your church with another capable minister, and that as soon as pos- sible. Of this, your present request to us assures us.
There is indeed great necessity for the service of a minister among you. The lack of one causes the people to become de- moralized, knowledge is diminished, and zeal abates. We have devoted thought to the business, and have looked about for suit- able material, to whom the feeding of the flock among you might be entrusted; one concerning whose piety of life and soundness. of doctrine, we might have full assurance. We have also sought for one who might be able to preach in the English language, but we have not met with success in this particular. We have, however, fixed upon John Weecksteen, V. D. M. C., who has resided at Haerlem. Mention was made of him in the letter to the Rev. Classis, by the widow of Rev. Van Gaesbeeck.
This individual is inclined to go as pastor to the churches in your parts. He has accordingly presented to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam both his Classical and Ecclesiastical testimonials. These were found in order. . He then gave evidence of his preach- ing gifts, and upon further consideration of his case by the Rev. Classis, he was called as pastor for the church of Esopus. After passing his examination, he was ordained to the Holy Ministry by the imposition of hands.
We have spoken with him of the remuneration which you promise a pastor. According to your letter, we judge that this is the same which your former pastor received. You sent us a special copy of these conditions, and although in your action, you make no mention of free fuel, of which, however, you speak in your letter, we judge that this remained in your pen. On these conditions then, he has accepted the call in the fear of the Lord.
The Rev. Classis could not meet, however, to fulfill your re- quest, without incurring some necessary expenses. Yet we have
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
in this matter sought the greatest economy for the church. The expenses incurred on that occasion are only one hundred guild- ers at twenty stivers apiece, Dutch currency. This amount would have been much larger, had we not been obliged at the same time to arrange for a pastor to the East Indies.
And inasmuch as no one had orders, at least to our knowledge, to meet these necessary expenses, we requested the same from skipper Jacob Mauritz. He agreed to pay them, and has so done. .Also, inasmuch as your preceding pastor was favored with funds which you transmitted for his removal, and other necessary out- lays; we thought it equitable that the same amount be granted to this pastor for a similar purpose. This we did because you offer to deal with him in all respects as with his predecessor. This sum is seventy five Dutch guilders, which skipper Jacob Mauritz has advanced him, as appears by the receipt.
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