Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II, Part 54

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 740


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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.


The Church of Albany to the Classis of Amsterdam. June 5th 1699. Abstract in Mints. Syn. North Holland, Art. 14, 1700. Reverend, Pious and very Learned Gentlemen :-


It grieves us very much to be obliged to trouble your Reverend Body, by showing you how the political power of this Province has suspended our minister, Domine Godefridus Dellius, from his ministerial functions in this City and County of Albany. This was done on account of his obtaining, in conjunction with five others from the late Governor, Benjamin Fletcher, a certain patent for a certain piece of land. His Reverence himself will inform you of the reasons, and the manner in which the Assembly, the Governor, (Bellomont), and his Council proceeded. Domine Dellius thereupon resolved to go to England in his own defence; and then to your Reverences, for the protection of the rights of our Church. We refer you to him for further information. We ourselves are convinced that his Reverence has been grossly insulted in this whole business, and our church has been defrauded of her rights. This transaction took place without our knowledge. No complaint had been made by us against Dellius.


We now sit here without sermons to listen to, and without the administration of the sacraments. May God in heaven have mercy upon us. But how can we help ourselves ? We have here no Classis, nor any other ecclesiastical body to which we might bring our complaints. We therefore very humbly request that your Rev- erences will have the kindness to assist our minister, and defend


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our church in her rights, by such measures as your ever wise judge ment shall determine; and that such things may not happen again in the future. But if such things continue, there would be but little encouragement to preachers to come over to us, and what would then become of our church. Meanwhile Domine Dellius has given us hope of his speedy return. We pray your Reverences to assist us, in persuading him to do so. But if God in his wisdom has differently ordered, we have requested his Reverence, with two others, namely, Messrs. William Banker and Livinus van Schaik, merchants in Amsterdam, to petition your Reverences to send an- other orthodox teacher in the place of his Reverence. We doubt not but that your fatherly care, which has always been so tender towards us, will ever remain the same. Such care has especially been exhibited in sending us Domine Dellius, through whose dili- gence and zeal three hundred and nine members, besides those in Schenechtady and the Indian converts, have been received. Rev. erend Gentlemen we dare not allow ourselves to enlarge further on this subject, lest the reading of such an unpleasant topic - (a suspension of a minister by the civil power), should become too tedious. Domine Dellius will be able to give by word of mouth a much better report about everything than we can do. We close with our heartfelt and fervent prayer to the good and Almighty God, that he will bless abundantly your persons and your services, in building up God's Church ; and remain,


Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Gentlemen,


Your very obedient and very humble servants, The Elders and Deacons of the Church of Jesus Christ at Albany.


Albany, in our Consistorial Meeting the 5th of June, 1699.


Albert Rykman P. Schuyler Jacob Loockerman Anthony Bries


Johannes Cuyler


Evert Bancker.


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


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ADDITIONAL TESTIMONIALS TO DOMINE DELLIUS.


(1) RECANTATION, BY JOSEPH AND HENDRICK, AND THEIR PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS, BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES OF ALBANY, 1699.


Albany the 8th of June, 1699.


Just at the departure of Domine Godefridus Dellius from this place, there appeared Hendrick and Joseph, two praying savages from the Maquaas (Mohawk) country. They were apparently uneasy in their minds about what they had testified against said Domine Dellius. In presence of us, the undersigned Justices, and with Sinnonqurasse, one of the principal Sachems or Chiefs of the Maquaas country standing by, they made the following declaration:


They said: Father, Domine Dellius, we are sad at seeing, that you are about to depart. We have not done it. It was done by others, who led us as if by a cord. We always intended to be true to the father, Domine Dellius, as we showed in the war. Father, forgive us the evil we have done.


Whereupon Domine Dellius immediately forgave them.


The above was interpreted by H. Cornelis, one of the sworn interpreters of the Province of New York among the Five Nations.


K. v. Rensselaar, Justice. Johannes Schuyler, Alderman. Hend. van Rensselaar, Alderman. Wessel ten Broeck, Alderman.


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


(2) Propositions made by some proselytes and other Makvassen (Mohawks) to Domine Dellius, and his answer thereto; in presence of some of the Magistrates of New Albany, the 8th of June 1699. Propositions made by the praying Indians and some other Maquas, to Domine Dellius, on the 8th of June, the day of his departure from Albany, Gideon, the convert, speaker:


Father :---


We hear with great grief that you leave us, and the reason for it.


Children:


The Governor does not wish me to teach the Christians and you, because, as he says, I have cheated you about the land, which you conveyed to Colonel Schuyler, Mr. Wessel, myself and others. I'do not know how I could have cheated you. I do not speak your language, nor you mine. I only speak through an interpreter, and have never addressed you about it. You have several times re- quested that Christians might live among you, that Christian instruction might be better continued and directed among you, and that you might get used to Christian manners. That has been my intention. I shall tell the great King about it, and com- plain of the injury done to me.


Father: It is the truth. Now that you depart, it is as much as death to us. We are so sad that our heart breaks. We have never complained of you. Concerning the land: It was with- out our knowledge that Hendrick and Joseph made complaint; but they had been put up to it by some Albanians. Father, you have made men of us; for we were not men before we became Christians. We pray you to teach us again, and return to us soon. They laid down a beaver.


Children: Even though I go across the great waters, I shall not forget you. I shall pray for you, and do you, meanwhile, pray for me. Continue in what I have taught you. Serve God;


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


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be faithful to the government; live peacefully with each other, and God will bless you.


This was done by Domine Dellius and the savages, and inter- preted by H. Cornelis, in the presence of us, the subscribers.


K. v. Rensselaar, Justice. Hendr. van Rensselaar. Joh. Sandertz, Justice.


This done in New Albany, the 8th of June, 1699.


Original in Latin.


(3) Testimonials of the Dutch, French and English Preachers in New York, concerning Domine Dellius, Minister at Albany; dated New York, the 21st of June, 1699.


Whereas the Rev. Domine Godefridus Dellius, minister of the Holy Gospel, and pastor of the Church at New Albany, has lately been driven from his church, and dismissed from his duties, through the influence and false accusations of some evil minded persons, in scorn of his ecclesiastical position, and to the lament- able damage of said church:


Therefore, We, the undersigned, urged by Christian charity and our consciences, have considered it necessary to certify to all whom it may concern, that the said very worthy man, Domine Dellius, has directed the said church at New Albany in the most praise-worthy manner for sixteen years; he has assiduously, steadily, and successfully, performed all ministerial functions during all that time, with the exception of a few months, when, disturbed by some malevolent adherents of Jacob Leisler, he was compelled to go into exile. We further declare, that by his piety, and all other Christian virtues, he has made himself an example, as behooves a good pastor to do, and has endeared himself in all


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public duties, by his philanthropy, charity and kindness. We finally certify that the same Domine Dellius has converted many Indians to the Christian Faith, with great labor; and that these, now alas! in the absence of Domine Dellius, are in the greatest danger of falling into the snares of the French Jesuits. We tes- tify all this in the fear of God; and commend our very worthy and dear brother to God and all good people. Given at New York, the 21st of June, 1699.


Henricus Selyns, Minister of the Dutch Church at New York, (Minister Neo-Eboracensis Belgicus.)


Petrus Peiret, Minister of the French Church at New York, (Ecclesiae gallicae Neo-Eboracensis, Minis- ter.)


William Vesey, Rector of Trinity Church at New York, Templi Trinitatis Neo-Eboracensis, Rector.


Edward Portlock, Rector of Christ Church in New Jer- sey, Templi Christi de New Jersey, Rector.


Daniel Bondet, Minister of the French and English Church at New Rochelle, and Assistant Teacher of the Indians, Ecclesiae Gallicae et simul Anglicae Neo Rupellensis, et instructione In- dorum Cooperarius.


(4) Testimonial of the most prominent Merchants of New York, concerning Domine Dellius, Minister at New Albany, dated the 24th of June, 1699.


Whereas the Rev. Mr. Godefridus Dellius, minister of the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany, is about to leave the Province, com- pelled by the violence of a dominant party, but without any just cause so far as we have learned or have been informed; and this, notwithstanding he has always been known as a man of great


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learning, sound teaching, and blameless life and conversation; having been also of great service to the English interests in this country, by his successful efforts to convert the Five Nations to the Christian Faith; which efforts also prevented them from join- ing the French of Canada, and embracing the Romish religion; yet we have not been able to discover the cause of his troubles, which seem to be without precedent; unless his faithful and duti- ful adherence to the English nation and government have made him an object of malice to some people; and to intensify such malice, nothing has been wanting. His enemies have persecuted him with the utmost hatred, seeking to deprive him not only of the means of living, but also of his reputation, and all without any color of justice. Being fully convinced of his innocence as well as of his merits, we consider ourselves obliged for the sake of truth, to offer him this our testimony, that he may make use of it as he shall see fit. Dated at New York in the Province of New York, in America, this 24th of June, 1699.


Phil. French


Thomas Pamer Benj. Aske


Thomas de Key


F. Vincent


Will Morris


Johannes Kip


J. Vullents


David Jamison


Peter Jacobz Marius Ben. Godefray


G. v. Cortlandt Rip van Dam


Joh. Abeel


Matth. Collineau


Brandt Schuyler Robt. Lurting


Ebenesar Wilken


Jacob Maile


G. Moyon


Sam Bayard


Miles Forster


Benjamin d'Hariette Augustus Jay


Gabriel le Boyteulz Francois Hallin Giles Gaudineau


P. Mourin


Sam Burt Steph. de Lance Ouzeel van Swieten


Will. Anderson


Daniel Crommelin


John Barbarie


Charles Lodwik


Clau de Bruers


Elie Boudinot P. Belin


A. D. Philipse W. Jourdain


G. Minville


Nicolas Jamain


Louis Carré Tho. Wenham


Tho. Noel


Stephen Jamain


1323 1699


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


Original in French.


(5) Testimonial of the Minister and Elders of the French Church at New York, concerning Domine Dellius, Minister at New Albany, dated New York, this 25th day of June, 1699.


We, the undersigned Minister and Elders of the Church of the French Refugees at New York, having been requested by Mr. Dellius, Minister of the Holy Gospel, and pastor of the Dutch Church at Albany, to give him a testimonial, to be used where ever necessary, do certify to all those whom it may concern, in accordance with the knowledge which we have of the services and conduct of said Mr. Godefridus Dellius during ten years past; when God's providence led us to this country; that he has per- formed his duties as a good and faithful servant of Christ, worthily and honorably attending to all the functions of his office; that his morals have not only been blameless, but also very edifying; so that he has been no less the joy and consolation of his flock by the purity and righteousness of his life, than by his good and learned instruction. We also certify, that he has applied himself with great care and happy results to the instruction of the In- dians, and that with the blessing of God granted to his labors, he has brought a considerable number of them to know and profess the Christian Faith. This has not a little helped to keep the others in the interest of the English Crown, notwithstanding the efforts made by the Jesuits of Canada, and others, to debauch them, and draw them over for the purpose of making use of them to disturb and ravage this colony. It must be conceded that the carefulness of said Mr. Godefridus Dellius has been of equal good service to the government and to the church. We can, there- fore, only see with sadness how this worthy servant of Jesus Christ is driven from his church, and compelled to seek for the vindication of his innocence, in the justice of the King. Yet this is to the great prejudice of his flock, which, by his absence, finds itself deprived of the service of the word; and of the govern- ment, which is in danger of losing the Indians, by the allurements


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of the enemies of this Crown. We commend him to the protection and care of God, humbly praying his Sovereign Majesty to direct his voyage, and soon to bring him back to his flock, there to con- tinue the functions of his office according to the wishes of his sor- rowful people.


Done in Consistory at New York, the 25th of June, 1699.


Peiret, Minister Elie Boudinot, Elder Gabriel le Boyteul, Elder Jean Barberie, Elder Paul Droillet, Elder


(6) Testimonial by the Minister and Elders of the Dutch Church at New York, concerning Domine Dellius, dated New York the 27th of June, 1699.


Being requested to testify the truth, particularly at the de- parture of pious teachers from this country, where preachers are in great demand and necessary, because of the great harvest to be gathered ; therefore we, the Minister and Elders of the Dutch Church in the City of New York, in America, sorrowful over the unexpected departure of the Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Mr. Gottefridus Dellius, preacher at Albany, Schenegtade and of the Macquas savages, our friend and fellow-laborer, cannot omit, unless it were for lack of affection, to describe his Reverence, in his life, manners and services, and to assist him by a just tes- timonial. It is now sixteen years since he was called, and sent hither, by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, to take the service in the Dutch Church of the City of New Albany; he was then be- loved by all, and even now by most of the inhabitants, who weep at his departure. During all this time, he has as a fit instrument, applied all his diligence, taken advantage of every chance, and often used his own means, for the conversion of the savages. This besides what we had before mentioned, has borne such fruits and results, by his sure and persuasive way of speech, that many have become converts have been baptized, and now go to com-


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1325 1699


munion; pray and sing some of the Psalms of David, and other hymns, all in their Indian tongue; an example to make ashamed many so-called Christians. His Reverence has frequently preached in our Church, and by his sermons and edifying prayers, has given great satisfaction to all of us. But nothing is more changeable than the times, the world, and the people. By the change of times and characters, Mr. Dellius is now compelled to leave for England or Holland; yet he is universally acknowledged to be a man, who, during the period of his service, has done well both in the administration of the churches confided to his care, and in the conversion of the savages. Having thus exhibited what is requisite from the servants of Jesus Christ,- that his Reverence has been sound in his doctrine, clean in his life, agree- able in his intercourse, amiable and friendly in persuading and converting the savages; who would also, for his sake, do almost anything, we cannot say more, than what is expressed in the tes- timonials from New Albany, Schenegtade, and of the savages themselves, to which we must refer. May the Supreme Shepherd conduct his Reverence where it is proper, and return him to his sorrowing churches to the great joy of their hearts. Done at our Consistorial meeting in New York, the 27th of June, 1699.


Henricus Selyns, Preacher Johannes Kip, Elder J. v. Cortlant, Elder Jan Haberdink, Elder Boele Roeloffs, Elder.


(7) Testimonial of the Minister and Consistory of the English Church at New York, concerning Domine Dellius, Preacher at New Albany, dated the 27th of June 1699.


The Minister, Vestry and Church-Wardens of Trinity Church, in the City of New York, in America,


To all, to whom this may come, or whom in any way it mav concern, do certify and declare, that the Rev. Domine Godefridus


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Dellius, minister of the Dutch Reformed Church at Albany, in this colony, is one who, during the sixteen years of his residence and clerical services in these parts, has had a pure and unstained reputation, is of sound doctrine, of exemplary life and conversa- tion, and has zealously and diligently labored for the conversion of the heathen to the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this, it has pleased Almighty God to bless his undertaking with great success. His relationships have always been exceed- ingly liberal to all Christians, and especially to the English Church; and on all occasions he has shown himself firmly bound, and well inclined, to the English government and nation.


William Vesey, Minister.


M. Clarkson Tho. Wenham Mich. Handon


David Jamison John Mott


Wm. Huddleston


Will: Anderson Richard Willett


John Hutchins


New York, Robt. Lurting


the 27th of June, Will Morris


1699. Jeremyh Tothill


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EXAMINATION OF HENDRICK THE MOHAWK.


Present - Hendr. Hanse Esq., Mayor


Jan Janse Bleeker, Recorder Johannes Schuyler Johannes Cuyler Jan Vinnagen Albt. Rijkman


Wessel ten Brook


Esqrs.


Justices of the Peace.


Ryer Shermerhorn


Jan Thise Keliaen van Renslaer


John Groenendyke, Sheriffe.


Interpreted by :


Jan Baptist van Eps who was sworn, Hilletie the other interpreter was present and Captain John Bleeker who understood the Indian language, and several of the inhabitants as alsoe of the Maquase Sachims and other Indians.


Albany the 10th of June 1699.


The Mayor Hendr. Hanse Esq., Jan Janse Bleeker Recorder and Ryer Schermer- horn Esqurs. desired the Justices of the City and County of Albany to be convened


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in the court house in Order to examine Hendrick the Christian Maquase Indian about a certain writing which was made at the house of Domine Dellius the 8 inst: when the said Mr. Dellius went away which has occasioned great disturbance among the inhabitants the said writing was given to Domine Dellius signed by four Justices a copy whereof Captain Johannes Schuyler one of the said Justices has delivered to the Mayor and is as follows being translated from the Dutch.


The underwritten is that which Hendrick the Indian spoke to Domine Dellius in our presence.


Saying: Father Domine Dellius wee are grieved to see you go away, we have not done it, it is done by others who have led us as by a cord, we were alwayes resolved to be true to our Father as wee have shown in the warr. Father, forgive us the evill wee have committed against you.


Whereupon Mr. Dellius did immediately forgive them.


Albany 8th of June 1699.


The said Hendrick the Indian was asked.


Q. Was you at Mr. Dellius's house the day before yesterday ?


Ans. Yes.


Q. Was you sent for or did you go of your own accord?


A. I was sent for five times.


Q. Who fetched you?


A. Gideon's wife came the first time.


Q. Who came the second time?


A. My Mother in Law.


Q. Who came for you the third time?


A. Gideon's wife.


Q. Who came the fourth time?


A. Some Indian women of our nation.


Q. Who came for you the fifth or last time?


A. Gideon the Maquase Christian Indian.


Q. In whose name did they come?


A. The messengers that came said that Hille the Interpretesse told that we should come to Mr. Dellius's house whereupon Rebeccah a Christian Maquase woman said that Hille had not said so, but that she had said it.


Then the paper was produced which was signed by the Justices and the said Hendrick was asked sentence after sentence if he had. said so the day before yesterday, viz.


Q. Did you say to Mr. Dellius, father Dellius wee are grieved to see that you go away ?


A. Yes.


Q. Did you say wee have not done it, it is done by others?


A. Yes.


Q. Did you say wee have been led as with a cord?


A. No, I said no such thing.


Q. Did you say, wee were always resolved to be true to our father as wee have shown in the warr?


A. Yes.


Q. Did you say, father forgive us the evil wee have committed against you?


A. I never said so.


Q. Did Domine Dellius forgive you?


A. I did not ask for forgivenesse.


The said Hendrick said further - that Hille the Interpretesse bid him tell the Domine Mr. Dellius that he wished that he might returne to them speedily .-


The said Hille the interpretesse said further, those persons that led you with a cord or line are the cause of Mr. Dellius's departure.


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The Maquase Indians that were there were asked, if they had not heard Hendrick the Indian say that he had been drawn as with a cord .- The Indians answered no they never heard him say any such thing .-


Sinnonquiresse the Maquase Sachim being asked the same question: answered no, he never heard Hendrick say so but that Hille the Interpretesse had taken the word out of his mouth and said it.


Q. What was the meaning of your Hendrick giveing Domine Dellius your hand, was not you forgiven then by him?


A. When Mr. Dellius gave me his hand he forgave me but I said nothing.


Hendrick the Indian being desired to relate what discourse he had at Mr. Dellius's house on the Sth inst. when the said Dellius was going away.


Said: That he came there with two other Indians and sat in the kitchen drink- ing some beer, then Mr. Dellius came to them with Hille the Interpretesse, who asked them if it did not grieve them the Domines going away he answered Yes, it did grieve him - Then Hille the Interpretesse said whose fault is it that Mr. Dellius goes away. Joseph the Indian would have answered but Hille took the word out of his mouth saying. those base people that stir you up and draw you with a line are the cause of it - The said Hille said further to Henry the Indian tell the Domine Mr. Dellius that it is their fault that he goes away that have incited you against him - She said further: Speak now, Mr. Dellius is goeing over sea, speak hard talk your best that he may returne again to us in the spring for you are praying Indians - Henry reply'd I am alone what can I do if wee were all together then wee could speak but now we can say nothing - Then Mr. Dellius asked said Henry - doe you love me? - Hendrick Answered yes, I ever lou'd you since wee have been praying Indians, and did never think, that wee should have disturbed your mind, we have observed and minded our praying well and have fouglit well for the Country in the late warr - Then Mr. Dellius stood up and shaked hands with Henry and said I have long expected you and forgave you the evill you have done me; Henry replyed I expected you would have sent for me because you are the greater man, but you always sent for others, not for me - Mr. Dellius told him it is more proper that the youngest should come to the eldest, I expected you to come without sending for -


Q. Who was with you Henry when this discourse happened ?


A. Sinnonquiresse the Maquasse Sachim, Gideon and Joseph the Indians and many Christians.


Q. Out of whose mouth was this discourse, from the Domine or the Interpretesse ? A. 'Tis all out of the mouth of the Interpretesse.


Gideon was asked if he was present at this discourse, who answered, he came at the latter end of it .- Joseph the Christian Indian being asked the same ques- tion, says, that he heard all this discourse between Mr. Dellius and Hendrick the Indian as well as he now hears it repeated .- Rebeccah the Macquase Christian woman, being examined if she was present at this discourse, answered that she was present at the last part of it when Mr. Dellius was just going away, when they had done with their discourse.


Examination of Gideon another Maquase Christian Indian.


What was done the morning Mr. Dellius went away when you and some of the brethren were sent for to Mr. Dellius's house?


Gideon answered that he was not sent for this morning but that Hille the Interpretesse told him at Schenectade that Mr. Dellius was going away, and why he did not goe and take his leave of him - whereupon Gideon said with what shall I speak I have caught nothing I can lay down, no present when I speak according to our custome .- Whereupon Hille said come here is a bever skin, take that I give it you, and goe and speak with that to Mr. Dellius your minister before he goes away, goe and greet him with that.




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