USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 53
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his precept and example. It is true that among the candidates who presented themselves, there was a man whom Messrs. Van Schaick and Bancker seemed to esteem; but since he had only. recently descended from the tailor's bench, we feared that he would be subjected to the ridicule of the parties, yet we had noth-
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
ing against his gifts or life. We shall, therefore, in pursuance of the authorization you have given us, at the opening of the next month, finally examine the said Rev. du Bois, and then ordain him; after which he will be ready for the journey at the first opportunity. We have also heard with pleasure that Messrs. Van Schaick and Bancker approve this call. May the good God give his blessing on what yet remains to be done, and grant that his arrival at your place may be accompanied with a blessing; also that the Rev. Zelyns may be a light-bearer to the church, edifying it yet for many years. This, Gentlemen and Brethren, by order of, and in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, is the wish of
Your obedient Brethren, the Deputati of the Rev. Classis ad res maritimas.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Request of the principal members of the Church at New Albany for the return of Domine Dellius ; dated the 22nd of May 1699.
We, the undersigned, members of the Church of Jesus Christ in the City and County of Albany, learning that our very worthy and much beloved pastor, Domine Godfridus Dellius, has for cer- tain reasons fully resolved, to return to the Fatherland, or at least to make a voyage to England; by which we run the risk of being deprived for some time, at least, of his faithful administra- tion of the Gospel and his greatly edifying teachings, which we have enjoyed with so great satisfaction during sixteen years past, and desire always to enjoy: Therefore we, with the addition of the desires and tears of many pious souls, make request, that, as speedily as possible, he will return, for the building up of God's Church and the salvation of our souls; we will then receive him with the greatest joy and with most loving embraces ; not doubting
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but that the Rev. Consistory will also do their utmost in this re- gard. Thus done at Albany, the 22nd of May, 1699.
Dirck Brat
B. V. Corlaar
Daniel Jansz
Helmer Gautz John Gilbert
Wouter van der Zee
Jan Meby
Harpert Jacobsz
Esaias Swart
Jan Van Nes
Jan Gerritz
Samuel Bradt
Andries Jautz
Willem Jacobz
Jacobus van Dyk
Albert Slingerlaut
Jacobus Schuyler
Willem van Allen
Rbt. Livingston Jr.
Douwe Jellesz Fonda
Gerret van Nes
Abrm. Schuyler
Wouter Quackenbos
John Raddiff
Mart. Martenszen
Wouter Quackenbos Jr.
Hermen Ryckman
Harman van Slyk
Anthony van Schaick
Claas Sieverse
Volkert Domo
Elbert Gerritse
Hendrick Douw
Jochem Valkenburg
Ryer Gerritzen
Marten van Benthuysen
Dirck Teunissen
Taekel Dircks HeemstreetJohannes Teller
Jonas Douw
K. v Renselaer
Lewis Vielen
Johannes Mingaal Barent Brat
Jacob Turk
Evert de Ridder
Anthony Coster Coloes Parker
Gysbert Marcelis
Isaac Verplancken
Joh. Harmenszen
Nanning Harmensz
Wm. Ketelhuyn
Claas van Elslant
Jan Rosie
Phil Schuyler
Willem Groesbeck
Jan Jansen van Arensen
Cornelis Teuniszen
Hendr. Oothout
Hendr. van Rensselaer
Hendr. Teunisz.
Zach. Bogert
Egbert Teunisse
Jacob Teunisse
Thos. Harmenszen
SGVF
Gerrit x Teunis' mark
Johannes Oudt
Johs. Beckers
Jan Babtist van Nes
Luykas Luykaszen
Poulis Martensz
Albert Vedder
Johannes Pruyn
Asweris Marcelis
Symon Danielsz
Johannes Brat
Albert Ryckman
Cornelis Swits
Jacobes van Schoonhoven
Andries Douw
Daniel Bradt
Johs. Schuyler
Joseph Jansz
Phil Leendertz
TESTIMONIALS TO REV. DELLIUS.
Church of Albany.
Testimony of the Rev. Consistory of New Albany, concerning Domine Dellius, dated at New Albany, the 5th of February and 23rd of May 1699.
Whereas Domine Godefridus Dellius, preacher of the City of New Albany, has been pleased to lay before us, the undersigned Elders and Deacons of this same church, his intention and desire to return to his country and family; and has at the same time, re- quested us for a testimonial concerning himself and his services;
Wessel ten Broeck
Cornelis van Slyk
Hendr. van Dyck
Anthony Brat
1699
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Therefore we hereby certify, that this, his intention, affects and grieves us very much; for we shall have to do without the in- struction and direction of a teacher, who has been dear and precious to us beyond expression; for where prophecy ceases, what else is to be expected than a desolation of the country. We had wished and hoped that his Reverence might be dissuaded from this undertaking, as he was, more than thirteen years ago; then he declined out of love of his church, the call of the church in the City of Henkelom, in Holland; but finding to the great regret of ourselves and of the whole congregation, that his Reverence per- sists in his resolution to return to the Fatherland; and we, on the other hand, being obliged to give a truthful certificate, do hereby declare that during the whole period of his residing and serving among us, which is between fifteen and sixteen years, his Rever- ence has behaved in such a manner, that he has become a pattern in piety for his flock; that he has faithfully attended to all the duties of his office; that he has been zealous and steadfast in preaching the truth which is unto godliness, keeping to sound words in catechizing the young people; that in intercourse and conversation, he has been friendly, and is beloved by all. In con- solations he has been a man of heart; in admonitions, gentle; in discipline, decided; in the direction and government of ecclesiasti- cal affairs, prudent; so that his service among us has, with God's gracious blessings, been very fruitful. His virtuous zeal and dili- gence have brought into the communion of the church not only some of the adherents of Rome and of other Confessions of Faith, but also a large number of the heathen. The latter are sufficient in number to make another church. How then can we and the whole congregation think of his departure otherwise than with painful grief? In this the heathen also join. It would strengthen both ourselves and them, if we could only hope that at some future time his Reverence might be returned to us. In the mean- time we shall patiently submit in this matter to the will of God. We request everyone to whom this our testimonial shall come, to
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be pleased to acknowledge his Reverence, and honor him for the sake of his labors. And we pray to the good and the Almighty God that the wealth of his blessings may descend upon his person.
Thus done at the meeting of our Consistory in New Albany, this 5th of February 1699.
Willem Groesbeck
Dirck Wesselse, Elder
Abraham Cuyler
Deacons.
Jan Lantsing, 66
Anthony Bries
Jan Vinhagen,
Albert Rykman,
Whereas, it is the custom of our church in this City that two Elders and two Deacons resign from the Rev. Consistory every year, that others be elected in their places; and
Whereas, we find, that the Rev. Consistory, upon being in- formed by Domine Dellius of his intended return home, has given to his Reverence a testimonial regarding his person and his ser- vices; and
Whereas his Reverence still persists in his intended voyage;
Therefore we, the undersigned Elders and Deacons, (newly elected,) certify and declare, that we agree to the foregoing tes- timonial of our Rev. brethren in every respect.
Thus given at our Consistorial meeting in New Albany, this 23rd of May, 1699.
Johannes Cuyler, Deacon
Evert Bancers, 66
Pr. Schuyler, Elder
Jacob Loockerman,
Church of Schenectady.
Testimonial by the Consistory of Schenegtade, concerning Domine C 0 Dellius, preacher of New Albany, dated at Schenechtade the 31st of May, 1699.
We, the undersigned, the present and the late Elders and Deacons of the church at Schoonegtade, having learned, that
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Domine Dellius is fully resolved to return home, whereby not .only the City of Albany, but also our place, as well as the heathen converted by him, must remain without their pastor and teacher - an occurrence which grieves both the country and the church: Therefore we are bound in conscience to give this testimony about his Reverence. Ever since our very dear minister, Domine Tesse- maker was murdered in a very barbarous manner, by the French and the Indian savages on the 8th of February 1690, he has been very faithful to us and helpful with his services, often at the great risk of his life; that not only has his care for the welfare of our church always been very tender, but he has also procured aid towards the building of our church, which is not finished yet; that his piety has accomplished the same things at Kinderhook and also in the lands of the heathen where God is now served and prayed unto most devoutly, and the Psalms of Israel are melodiously sung, set to Dutch music. The good God has been pleased, to bless these his pious labors, begun upon his own mo- tion, and continued with so much trouble and labor. We can, therefore, sincerely say that, next to God, he was the principal means of saving the property and lives which remained after the burning of our city, with the murdering of even the smallest in- fants; for, because of their conversion, the heathen (Indians) stayed, and did not move to Canada. The Jesuits had formerly enticed many of the Five Nations there, who were our greatest tormentors during this last war. We, the nearest neighbors of the heathen, who, as well as ourselves, love him very much ;. especially if through his absence and the loss of his instructions the Indians should move to Canada, to accomplish which, the French Jesuits will try to persuade them. We therefore can only think of his departure with the greatest sadness. We ac- company his Reverence with our best desires, with our tears, and with our fervent prayers to the Almighty, that it may please him to preserve the Domine and his family from all mishap in his intended voyage, and to direct matters in his wisdom, that he
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may return safely to the service of our congregation in a short time.
Thus done in our Consistorial meeting at Schoonhegtade the 31st of May, 1699.
Adam Vroman Johannes Sanderts Jan Vrooman Claas Louwersz Isaak Swits Herman Vedder
Jacobus Preeck Arent Vedder.
Church of Kingston.
Certificate by the Consistory of Kingston, concerning Domine Dellius, minister of New Albany, dated at Kingston, this 20th day of June, 1699.
Inasmuch as we, the Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Re- formed Church of Jesus Christ at Kingston, in the County of Ulster, are deeply sensible of the honor which Domine Dellius has brought to us and our church; so, are we none the less touched with great sorrow as we are called upon to take leave of him as he starts on his return journey to England; and we hereby declare that the entire Church of this Province, as well as his own and our particular congregations, will greatly miss his services, his instructions, and his good neighborhood. We, as one of the nearest congregations, have had experience of his great services done to us at the time, when this church was vacant. This we gratefully acknawledge; and we shall always retain for his Rever- ence that esteem which we owe to him for such services. When we have been fortunate enough to have a minister of our own, then his Reverence has always encouraged him, and kept up a very good correspondence with him. His reputation as well as his services have been stainless for these sixteen years, Indeed
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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these are so great and wide-spread, that it would be useless for us to elaborate upon them. The testimonials from his own church of the City and County of Albany, are not greater than his merits deserve. The whole Province, indeed, is so well aware of his extraordinary diligence and zeal in converting the heathen, that his name on this account, will always remain blessed by all pious souls. May God grant that this godly work, so prosperously be- gun and developed by him, may be still further perfected by his Reverence; and that for this purpose he may return to this Province and his church. To this end, we utter our heart-felt prayers to Almighty God that he will please to give prosperity to his Reverence on his voyage, and in all his plans, and bring him safely back again. Done at Kingstowne, this 20th of June, 1699. In absence of our preacher, Domine Nucella,
Dirck Schepmoes
W. D. Meyer
Johannes Wynkoop
Jacobus Lameter
Henr. Beeckman
Teunis Elisse
Teunis Oosterhout
Ewert Wynkoop.
CHURCHWARDENS AND VESTRY OF TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK, TO ARCHBISHOP TENISON.
May it please your Grace: -
The English nation for above thirty yeares had been possessed of these Countreys without any place for public worship of Almighty God, in this City, except the Chapel in the Fort, built by the Dutch, and ('till lately that they built another,) alternatively used by both nations for the exercises of their religion; so that though the English grew numerous, the government in their hands and the national laws took place, yet for want of a Temple for the public worship according to the English Church, this seemed like a conquered Foreign Province held by the terrour of a Garrison, than an English Colony, possessed and settled by people of our own nation.
That which for soe many yeares had only been wished for, without any reason- able hopes or expectation of effecting, Coll. Fletcher by his great zeal, generous liberality, and indefatigable industry, in the latter part of his government brought so far to perfection, that before his departure, he was divers times present, (to his own and the general satisfaction of the lovers of the English Church and Nation), at the public worship of God, in an English Church, of which, (if we must not say he was the sole founder,) it is an offence to truth, and an injustice to him not to affirm that he was the principal promoter, a most liberal benefactor to it, and that without him, to this day it never had had a being. As it owed its beginning to that gentleman, so we must acknowledge its growth and increase is not a little in debt to Mr. Vesey, our present Minister, who, by his good parts and
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bearings, exemplary life, and inoffensive conversation, gives a reputation to his function, and has brought many into the bosom of the Church. So far as this, the subject we write of to your Grace, is extream agreeable and pleasing; and it is our inexpressable grief that we are forced to offer anything of a contrary nature.
The fair character common fame gave our present Governor, filled us with hopes of enjoying a large share of prosperity under his conduct; and in particular that the English Church might have flourished under his administration, but experience has undeceived us, and we find ourselves under all the discouragements imaginable.
Whether this our unhappiness proceeds from the irreconcilble aversion this Nobleman (Bellomont) has to our late Governor, Colonel Fletcher, who gave birth to this Church, from his own inward principle, or other causes, we will not presume to determine; but this we are too well assured of, or at least our fears make us apprehensive, that nothing less than the destruction of this fair beginning is intended.
Not to trouble your Grace with many other instances, this following gives us abundant ground for our belief. Coll. Fletcher, towards the finishing of this Church, gave a lease for Seaven years of a small Farm, (usually a perquisite to the Governor), rendring the usual rent which was twelve pounds per annum, and the highest it ever before had been lett for. The former tenant's time expiring this spring, (when the lease to the Church begins,) the Churchwardens at an auction lett the farme to him who publickly bid the most for it, which was twenty five pounds for the ensuing year; but the tenant coming to enter upon it, has been kept out by the Earl's order; who continually exclaims at this lease, as if the sacred Patrimony has been most horribly invaded; when indeed had it been leased to the meanest clown at the same rent, it had passed in all probability unregarded. It is not credible that such a trifle as thirteen pounds per annum, which is all the advantage can be made of it, can so much concern his Excellency, but a fur- ther design must be at the bottom, of which we have too many indications; and were this manner of dealing from a profest enemy of the Church it were naturall, and what rationally might have attended. But being the actions of a person (lately) a constant hearer and usual Communicant, its the more surprising.
We humbly lay this matter to your gracious consideration; earnestly beseeching your Grace, as we are part of that Church and Nation, over which God in a most eminent station has placed you, we may be safe under your protection; and that this hopeful foundation of an English Protestant Church in these parts of the world may receive no mischief from those whose duty oblige them to give it assistance and further its welfare.
. To prescribe methods we can lay no claime to, but humbly submit all to your Grace's piety and wisdom; not doubting but the Almighty God will inspire you to take such measures as will bee for his own glory and his Church's good; to the disappointment of its enemys. For the effecting of which, we heartily implore both your prayers and endeavours, being in all duty, May it please your Grace,
Your Grace's most obedient, dutiful and most humble servants, The Church- wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church in New Yorke
Richd. Willett Tho. Wenham W. Nicholl Robt. Lurting
David Jamison
Jeremiah Tothill Ebenezer Willson Wm. Huddleston Will Anderson Lancaster Symes
Ja. Emott Will Morris Tho Burroughs. - Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 527-8.
New Yorke,
May 22nd 1699.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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Dr. Dix gives only an abstract of the above letter, (pp. 124-5,) and adds: Not- withstanding Bellomont's opposition, Trinity was favored in many ways, by gifts of material and money and books; (Records i. 32, 34, 36:) and many improvements were made to the Building.
Bellomont's relation to Mr. Vesey and Trinity Church subsequently improved, brought about, it is believed, by the interposition of the Bishop of London. For Bellomont wrote, on Oct. 19, 1700, as follows: "My Lord of London having written to Mr. Vesey, the English minister of this town, to submit himself to me; and, to me, to accept his submission; I have complyed therewith, and have promised Mr. Vesey to become his friend, provided he demean himself peaceably and discreetly for the future " .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 766.
The controversy was ended by the sudden death of Bellomont on March 5th 1701. His loss was lamented by his adherents, who eulogized him. He was sixty five years old, and was buried in the Fort with military honors. When the Fort was taken down in 1790, the leaden coffin, which contained his remains, was transferred to St. Paul's church-yard .- Dix, 125-7.
EARL OF BELLOMONT TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
To the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners for the Trade and Plantations.
My Lords : I arrived here (Boston) the 26th instant, having left New Yorke on the 16th instant, and prorogu'd the Assembly the morning I came from thence.
In the meantime let me acquaint your Lordships that the As- sembly of New York have settled the Revenue for six years, after the year which is still unexpired of the former term. They have also passed some good acts besides, which I intend shall be trans- mitted to your Lordships very speedily. One of the Acts, for vacating the two extravagant grants from Colonel Fletcher to Mr. Dellius, the Minister at Albany; that to Colonel Bayard which cook in also part of the Mohacks land and of which they com- plained to me; that to Captain Evans; that of the Governor's lemesne to the Church called the King's Farm; and lastly that to Mr. Caleb Heathcote which was called the King's Garden. I say, the Act that vacates those forementioned grants, has raised against ne the most implacable rage of the grantees, and the other people who have grants, full as extravagant and ruinous as these to the nterest of the Province, are allarm'd, and become as much my
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enimies as those the Act dismounts of their grants; but having the order of the Lords Justices of England of the 10th of last November for using all lawfull ways to break those extravagant grants, I value not the resentment of a few undeserving men ; being sure it is not for the interest of the Crown or the Province that three fourth parts of the lands and soil should be in the hands of ten or eleven men, as I undertake to make it appear, should Fletcher's grants stand good. Therefore am I for abolishing the rest of the Palatinates, (for such vast tracts deserve no less a name), the next session of Assembly, if I have strength enough; but indeed I can promise nothing without a good lawyer to be Chief Judge and to sit in Councill, and a good active lawyer to be Attor- ney Generall. I have stood single on my own legs in all these difficulties, and 'tis impossible for me always to bear all the burthen of businesse. The Bill for vacating the grants begun with us at the Council Board, and we sent it down to the Lower House; and there they added a clause for depriving Mr. Dellius of his benefice at Albany ; so that we were obliged to passe that clause as part of the Bill, or we must have lost the Bill; and I thought it better to lose a wicked clergyman than a good Bill.
One of the letters I have prepared for your Lordships treat wholly of Navall stores, wherein I demonstrate plainly that the Province of New Yorke is the onely fit place for the King and Nation of England's being supplied with the severall species of pitch, tarr, and rozen, and I believe for masts of ships too. Mr. Dellius has lately had ninety masts cut on his largest grant, and that on the bank of a river that runs into Hudson River, and they floated down to New York without any charge to him;
Your Lordships most humble and obedient servant,
Bellomont.
Boston,
May the 29th 1699.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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BELLOMONT TO THE LORDS OF TRADE. PLANS TO BREAK . FLETCHER'S EXTRAVAGANT GRANTS.
1699, May 31.
I intend pursuant to the orders I have received from the Lords Justices of England, bearing date the 10th of November 98. to indeavour to breake the two excessive grants of land to Mr. Dellius, by Act of Assembly, and also Mr. Bayards of forty miles long, which comprehends part of the Mohack's land, and whereof they also complained to me at Albany; and also to break Captain Evan's and the lease of the King's Farm to the Church and the King's Garden to Colonel Heath- cote; all granted by Colonel Fletcher most imprudently and corruptly. These I believe I shall prevail to get a Bill to passe for the breaking of. And I will have a clause or clauses to stand in the Bill to disable me and all succeeding Governours from alienating or lessening the demesne of the King's Governour for the time being. When this is done and the before mentioned grants are vacated there will remain these following Extravagant Grants, vizt. Colonel Smith's which Mr. Graham the Atturny Generall assures me is fifty miles long and the whole breadth of Nassaw Island, most of it granted by Colonel Fletcher. Then there are besides Mr. Fred. Phillips's and his son Adolphus Phillips's. Two great tracts of land to Coll. Courtland one whereof is twenty miles square as I am told, and the other not much lesse: Colonel Beckman's grant; Colonel Peter Schuyler's; Mr. Living- stons and Mr. Ranslaer's; all which grants comprize I verily . believe full three fourths part of this Province, and are one with another (the two leases aforesaid excepted) twenty miles square by the nearest computation I can make; so that I appeale to your Lordships what care has been taken by Colonel Fletcher of the interests of the Crown upon all these vast grants, put altogether, which is an insufferable fraud in Coll. Fletcher .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 514.
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ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Examination of Rev. Du Bois.
1699, June 1st.
Rev. Gualterus du Bois, S. Ministerii Candidatus, and now called as minister to New York, after a previous sermon, under- went the final examination, and did so acquit himself therein that the Assembly cordially admitted him to ordination to the Sacred Ministry. This was performed by the Examiner, Scrillingh, by the laying on of hands. viii. 305.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES.
Gualtherus du Bois.
1699, June 2nd.
Item. Rev. Gualterus du Bois, having been appointed and or- dained as a minister by the Classis, his Acta (papers) were given
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to Rev. Deputati. And inasmuch as the said Rev. du Bois asks to see the conditions of his call, there was given him, to take along with him, by order of the Rev. Classis, one of the original instru- ments of the call, whereof a duplicate had been sent us from New York. xxi. 400.
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