Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II, Part 57

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


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 57


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N. B. Inasmuch as these, who have signed their names on the other side of this paper, have requested me to certify that they


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are at present active members of our Consistory, and that in this quality this document was signed, as by one, (formally) I could not honestly refuse to do so.


Gualterus Du Bois, Eccles. Ebor., h.t. President.


ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES AND THEIR CORRESPONDENCE.


The Classis of Amsterdam to the Church of New York, Long Island and Esopus, March 29, 1700. xxvii. 258.


(Dear Brethren :- )


The brotherly correspondence which we have hitherto main- tained with the churches of New Netherland, urges us to make you acquainted with a certain matter which has happened here of late, and which, according to our view, is capable of ruining all the churches in your parts.


Rev. Dellius, formerly pastor at New Albany, having come hither on account of some disturbances which had arisen on his field, the Rev. Consistory of that place requested our Classis to send over in his place another orthodox minister, not doubting but that our fatherly care, which, as they said, we had always shown towards them, would gladly facilitate their request.


We first tried to persuade the Rev. Dellius to return, but find- ing this impossible, we, in the fear of the Lord, looked about for a man who had both erudition and wisdom, to be the leader in such a church. We associated with us Messrs. Dellius and Le- vinus van Schaick. We requested also Mr. William Banckert to be present, but he refused to come. In connection with the first two, therefore, we directed our thoughts to Rev. (Johannes) Lydius, for eight years pastor under the Cross, at Antwerpen. We were assured from every side of his learning, gifts and good deportment. We called him therefore, with entire unanimity. He accepted the call in the fear of the Lord, and is about to depart thitherward next week, if the wind and weather are favorable.


But to our great astonishment, after this call had been exe-


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cuted, we heard that Banckert had set a certain (Bernardus) Free- man a-going. Banckert understood that since a call had been made here (on Lydius), no one of all the Classes in the Seven Provinces would dare to send another man to that place. He therefore sent him (Freeman) to Lingen, in Westphalia, and caused him to be ordained there, for service in the Church of Al- bany. Then also, without the knowledge of any of us, he shipped him away to forestall the Rev. Lydius, and secure possession of that place before the other could arrive.


When recently the Church of New York demanded a pastor of us, the said Banckert desired that we should send thither this Freeman. But it was impossible for us, with a good conscience, to send a tailor to them, who had only just come down from his cut- ting-board, and who had neither ability for his own craft, much less for that demanded of a pastor. We were surprised beyond measure that he ever passed his examination as a candidate, since with us he could not even pass an examination for a "Krank- besoecker ". Now we hear that he is seeking letters in England to my Lord Bellomont, to maintain him in the service at Albany.


Rev. Brethren, whither does this tend? Do you not perceive that by such conduct the ruin of the Church in those parts is as- sured? Will not the Church, under such conditions, soon fall under the government of others? We therefore deem it our duty to write this circular letter to you, with the request and prayer that you will prevent such a danger to the Church of Albany, and persuade her to receive Rev. Lydius in all love, and to send back Freeman, as having come in, illegally, from another quarter, and not through the proper door. Thus neither the Classis of Amsterdam will be prostituted in her honorable proceedings, nor the Church and her Order be ruined, and a secession caused which may become irreparable. We commend you to God and the Word of his Grace, and remain, Your obedient servants and brethren in Christ,


The Classis of Amsterdam, In her name, the Deputati ad res


Maritimas.


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MR. ROBERT LIVINGSTON'S REPORT OF HIS JOURNEY TO ONONDAGA.


Observations made by Robert Livingston Secretary for the Indian Affairs in his voyage to Onondage in April 1700, humbly offered to his Excellency the Earl of Bellomont's consideration.


To prevent which the Maquas are to retire to one tract of land which lies nearest us and not to live at sixteen and twenty miles distance as they do, and plant there; which Castle or Fort ought to be stockadoed and a minister sent to instruct them, who may live very comfortably having two or three servants that may be souldiers, can keep his horse and cow, and be in seven or eight hours at Schanegtade either summer or winter by land or water.


That the Onondages are generally very inclineable to have a minister who might live very well, as also at the Oneydes Cayouges and Sinnakes, having two or three servants to plant and hunt, they need not fear provisions which the Indians will give them gratis. Nevertheless it will be convenient for them to have some toys to retaliate the same, though the Jesuits at Canada are so cunning to have their share of whatever an Indian hunts, which is brought and laid before the image of the Virgin Mary in the Church, and this being done they have not only remission: of their sins, but her prayers to the bargain for good luck when they go out a hunting next time.


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It's strange to think what authority these priests have over their Indian prose- lites; they carry a chain in their pocket and correct the Indians upon the comission of any fault, which they bear very patiently.


If ministers were once settled among them it would not only be a pious work in converting them to the Christian Faith, which honor would redound to his Majesty and the English Nation in general, but would keep those whom we have, firm to us, draw the rest home that are gone to Canada and prevent that diabolical practice which they have got of late in poysoning one another, by which means most of those that were true to the English interest are dispatched out of the way .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 648, 649.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Rev. Freerman sent to Lingen.


1700, April 5th.


Rev. Freerman, having been sent by Monsieur Banckert to (the Classis of) Lingen, to be there examined and ordained, and sub sequently to go as minister to New Albany, notwithstanding the lawful call of this Classis made upon Rev. Lydius, in pursuance of a commission from the church of New Albany; it was there upon resolved by the Rev. Classis at once to send Rev. Lydiu! thither fortified (with documents, etc.,) and to wait (begroeten on Monsieur Bankert, per the Deputies ad res Maritimas in al


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kindness, (to ascertain) with what view, or authority, he has done such a thing. viii. 317, 318; xix. 256.


Letter from Mylord Bellomont.


1700, April 5th.


An English letter was handed in by Rev. Streso, written by Mylord Bellomont, (Governor of New York) translated (into Dutch) by Rev. Fits, containing serious accusations against Rev. Dellius. This remains in statu till the next Classis. viii. 318; xix. 256.


COLONEL FLETCHER (IN ENGLAND) TO REV. DELLIUS, APRIL 9, 1700.


Reverend Sir :- I am very much astonished at what you tell me in your letter of March 12, 1700.) It appears to be a piece of deadly malice. I was nearly seven years in that Government, (1792-1799), and I declare I never heard you accused of the least of those faults, if, indeed, there be a small fault among them all, which that gentleman (Bellomont) lays to your charge in that black list.


On the contrary, not only myself, but every honest man, re- marked you as diligent in your calling, an ornament to your order, a man of truth and uprightness; that you converted a mul- titude of unbelievers (Indians) to the Christian faith. I can tes- tify how great was their tender love towards you; as also that you employed among them every means to bring them into the service of his Majesty. I have always remarked you as humble, hospitable and free from all appearance of avarice; a loving hus- band and father, and beloved by all your church; yea, loved not only by the inhabitants, but even by the military. I must also say that you were always affectionate and zealous toward the per- son, and for the service of, His Majesty; and that you were very useful and helpful to me to that end, so long as the government was entrusted to me. I was not always listening to complaints,


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but I would have heard of some of these matters which this gen- tleman lays to your charge, if there were the least truth in them; for you know, as well as every body else, that I was not the leader of any party. All those who were in collusion with Leisler, as well as the others, had free access to me. They were not pre- vented from occupying any office, or doing any service, for which they were qualified. That same (Dr.) Staats was often with me, and had all freedom to speak out his mind; but neither he nor any one else, as long as I was there, ever cast upon you a sus- picion of the least appearance of misconduct.


Sir, you know that I am an old man, who must be preparing himself to go to that place where all things will be revealed; where they cannot remain hidden or covered up any longer; where all men must give an account of what they have done during their lives. And I say that I stand astounded that I now hear you accused of any immorality; or that you are a Jesuit or Jacobite. But what will not some men do to gratify spite? I could detain you longer upon this subject but I will only tell you this: that I have communicated your letter to some of my friends; and that by reason of my obligation to your many kind offices to me, I shall always endeavor to do you a service. As soon as Parliament breaks up, it is my intention to repair quietly to my small patrimony, without another thought or desire for any pub- lic office. But I shall never forget you in my letters, nor in my daily intercourse with persons of distinction who are friendly to me, and who will accept my words as truth. You have been greatly wronged. May God grant you patience. Many godly persons have had their portion of grief in this world, and the Lord has sanctified these chastenings unto them. I request your prayers, that it may be thus also with me; for the best things of this world are not worth (are no compensation for) the anxious thoughts and troubles which they cause us. Be pleased to greet your dear consort (friend) in my name, and do you both receive the greetings of my small family. I sent this to Lieutenant Col.


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Lodowick, who has promised to forward it to you. Nothing has yet been done regarding the petition of the merchants of New York, (against Bellomont.) Within twenty days I hope to be out of this Kingdom, in my quiet home at Dublin, where I shall receive your letters addressed to me. I am, Dear Sir,


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Yours, (B. Fletcher)


London, Apr. 9, 1700.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Correspondence from America. The Consistory of New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, April 24, 1700. xxi. 410-411.


To the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam or their Deputies for Foreign Affairs :


New York, the 24th of April, 1700.


Reverend Gentlemen and Very Dear Brethren in Christ :- Your Reverences, representing our Mother Church, have always bestowed and are still bestowing, ever since the first settlement of our (Dutch) people here in America, and during all the period since, all diligence and every imaginable care, in calling at our request, and for our highest interests, ministers of the Gospel, and sending them over to us; as well as in keeping up a friendly, and brotherly intercourse with us, who constitute, in this country, one of your foreign churches.


We are grateful for all you have done for us from time to time. Especially now are we grateful that you have recognized our last call as legal. Your Reverences have also used every endeavor to convey it to Domine Verdieren, minister in Zealand, and to urge him to come over and enter upon service here. This has been declined by his Reverence on account of the differences which exist in our church,- (the Leislerian troubles.) You have, however, and this increases our gratitude to you, looked up and spoken to other ministers and licentiates, and worked hard to persuade some one to come over here and become engaged for our service and peace.


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We owe, however, special thanks to God and yourselves, in that you have acted as a father to his children, in calling and sending over the Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Domine Gualterus du Bois, son of Domine (Petrus) du Bois,1 late minister at Amsterdam, to be second preacher and a colleague of our present one, (Selyns). The latter has reached considerable age, (65 years), but is yet strong enough to attend to his duty, as we trust, for many days.


We have seen and examined, since the arrival of Domine Du Bois, all the testimonials given by yourselves, as well as those sent to us by other ministers, concerning him, his gifts, his habits and his preaching. He is pious, discreet, diligent and not in- clined to strife or partisanship.


The expenses incident to his coming over, and the salary prom- ised to be paid him here, were both paid at the last regular quarter of the year, and there is no doubt that his salary will be paid every year regularly.


Meanwhile, five individuals, mostly of inferior position, forced their way into the Consistory (room) and drew up a certain letter, a copy of which was denied to us. They signed it as if in the name of all of us, and it was sent over to the Classis. [Oct. 21, 1698.] If they had not done this, we could and should have had peace. But we enter our protest against both their action and their letter. For such things, if encouraged, would destroy the service, and cause the removal of our candlestick from its place. Mr. Du Bois who was then presiding, and who did not wish to trouble himself with disputes which arose before his time, kept aloof from the whole matter,- (the Leislerian troubles.)


But the question is, Whether our call issued to " Domine Ver- dieren or somebody else ", is legal or not? They say " No "; we say "Yes ". For everything was done by virtue of our charter, (of 1696) and according to the customs of the Dutch churches and the Synodical ordinances. This is conceded by the majority of our members. It (the call) was also approved by all the sur-


1. Rev. Petrus Du Bois was the one hundredth minister called to the Church of Amsterdam. He was previously settled at Gorcum, and was installed at Amster- dam May 25, 1687. He died March 3rd 1698.


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rounding churches and consistories except Esopus; for, since we had no Classis, it had been sent to all the churches for informa- tion (and endorsement.) It was ratified by the former, as well as by the acting Elders and Deacons of our church, nemine con- tradicente. It was confirmed by the Dutch Church of London.1 It was even approved and signed by the five persons, who make trouble in the church of God, as proved by the copy, here following :


We request your Reverences to take this matter up again, and to have the papers and documents looked up and examined, and sent over, that once for all we may thereby arrive at the desired peace. If our action has been illegal, punish us. You yourselves will also be accused by the opponents of having issued the call by illegal orders. But if you have acted legally, punish them, as not knowing, what is required for a legal call. The peace of our church depends on this decision, and the letter of the Classis will be expected by first opportunity.


We, the undersigned, have served God's Church for many years, and have never witnessed a quarrel in our Church or Con- sistory. We pray that your Reverences will take pity on us, and bestow a little time, a few hours, after having examined every- thing, to come to a decision on these matters, or to express your judgement. Without it, it is impossible for us to live and attend to the services, and continue in possession of peace.


Commending you to God, and oursevles to your prudent judge- ment, we remain,


Reverend Gentlemen, and Very Dear Brethren in Christ Jesus, Your humble and willing servants, and brethren, who are now, or have been in the service of the church; Henricus Selyns, Theunis de Key,


Johannes Kip, N. Bayard,


Pieter Jacobsen Marius,


Jacob Boelen,


Jan Harbendinck,


S. v. Cortlandt,


J. v. Cortlandt, Brandt Schuyler


B. Bayard,


Isaac de Foreest.


1. There is an interesting and somewhat extensive Correspondence between the Dutch Churches of New York and London, on this whole subject, to be found in the History of the latter Church, published in 1897, pages 2703-2720. The Letters are given in their proper places.


arch of Amster-


Ver- we rter, chez rity


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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If there had been more places or room, more signatures would have been obtained.


Memorandum. The aforesaid persons, who have signed the fore- going letter, are the most prominent individuals here. For a long time they have been both an advantage and honor to our city and church. Some of them are members of the Privy Coun- cil; others, the Treasurer and Collector of the Customs; Colonels, Captains and Lieutenants. But principally they are men who have governed well, and served the church of God, according to their ability, as Elders and Deacons in their respective offices .; but now they are excluded by the passions of in- terlopers. This is to be greatly lamented and may God bring about a change to our peace.


Signed


Dominus providebit. (The Lord will provide.)


If there is any doubt, about said persons or their positions, con- fer about them with Mr. van Schayck, etc.


Copy,


Record of approval and ratification of the lately issued Call for a Second Minister, made by the Governing and the Old Consistory at New York, the 18th of September 1698.


The Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church at New York, now in office, have called in for their assistance the Elders and Deacons who were lately in office, and all have met together, to deliberate on the Call for a second Minister for said congrega- tion. Such Call was issued to the Rev. Domine Hyeronimus Ver- dieren, now minister at Bruynesse, on the Island of East Duy- velant, in the Classis of Zierickzee in Zealandt; or in case of his death, or declination of said Call, to such other person as it shall be sent to by the Classis of (or?) the City of Amsterdam, after


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consultation with Messrs. Levinus van Schayck and William Bancker, merchants at Amsterdam, in accordance with letter of Call, written on the 21st of July 1698. After this letter of Call had been read to the Meeting, and the name of the Lord had been invoked, the same was unanimously approved and ratified, as they do herewith approve and ratify it in all its parts, as ex- pressed in detail in said letter of Call.


The said Assembly further unanimously resolved and deter- mined, that, in pursuance of the former resolution taken on De- cember 22nd 1691, in regard to building a church, all collections taken up in said church by the Rev. Deacons, shall be for the support of the poor in the said church, and for the benefit of said church and its services according to the disposition ordered by the then governing Consistory. Also that the newly elected Elders and Deacons shall, upon request, sign this (document), from time to time, with the governing Consistory; and that a copy of it shall be handed to the Rev. Deacons to regulate them- selves accordingly, for the vindication of their actions.


Done in our Consistorial Meeting at New York the 18th of September 1698.


And thus signed from time to time - Beneath stood


Henricus Selyns, Minister Stephen van Cortlandt Jacobus Kip Pieter Jacobszen Marius Brandt Schuyler


Johannes de Peyster*


Jan Harpendinck Boelen Roelofsen Wilhelmus Beeckman


Jacob Boelen Isaacq de Foreest Jacobus Gouldt*


Johannes Kip Balthasar Bayard Albartus Ringo*


Dirck ten Eyck


Jacobus van (Cortlan) dt Gualtherus du Bois,


Johannes van Giesen* Carsten Lue-


Minister.


David Provoost, Junior* Theunis de Key


Nicholas Bayard . Pieter de Riemer


Nota. The signers, whose names are marked with an asterisk, are the five persons, who signed and wrote the (letter to the Classis, in opposition to the Consistory, as alluded to above, Oct. 21, 1698.)


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NEGOTIATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS SENT BY THE EARL OF BELLOMONT TO ONONDAGA.


An accompt of the Negotiation of Col. Peter Schuyler and Robert Livingston Esqrs. of his Majesty's Honorable Council of New Yorke and Hend. Hanse Esq., Commissionate by his Excellency Richard Earl of Bellomont to visit the Maquas, Oneydes, and Onondages Nations; who departed from Albany the 9th of April 1700 and returned the 2nd of May following :-


Whereupon Col. P. Schuyler, Robert Livingston and Hend. Hanse answered and said :-


And we do assure you, as we shall do all the rest of the Nations where we go, of the King's favour, and that you may rest satisfied of his Majesty's royal pro- tection of you, which you will quickly find the good effects of, for Corlaer the Earl of Bellomont is in daily expectation of the Great King of Englands orders to build a Fort at the Onondages Castle which shall defend that nation and the rest from the excursions and attacks of the French at Cadaracqui and elsewhere; and that his Lordship also expects orders to settle some Protestant Ministers among you to instruct you in the Christian Religion. And therefore you are in the meantime to exhort your young Indians not to go to Canada to be instructed by the Jesuits (as you told us last night it was their daily practice, to your great grief) but send for them back.


After the discourse was over the two Maquas Sachems Onnucheranorum and Sinnonquirese said, they would be glad to see some ministers come to instruct them; they would both turn Christian themselves and would give a large tract of land for a Ministers maintenance and do admire that the English cannot as well send a Minister to instruct them in the Christian Faith as the French do so many Jesuits among their Indians; by which they do not only gain the reputation of making their Indians, praying Indians, but keeps their Indians firm to them and draws ours from us.


The Sachems of Onnondage gave the following information to Col. P. Schuyler, Robt. Livingston and Hend. Hanse, sent by his Excellency the Earl of Bellomont concerning news from Canada, at their Fishing place sixteen miles from the Castle the 26th day of April 1700.


The Jesuits of Canada do likewise threaten hard to come and live in our Castles, in each Castle a Jesuit. Father Millett at Oneyde, Father Bruyas that was with my Lord last summer at Onnondage, and others among the Cayouges and Sinnekes; which causes us continual disturbance.


When Father Bruyas was sent from Canada last summer, to Lord Bellomont, some of our people happened to be at Canada, to whom the said priest said, I am going to the Governour of New Yorke, Corlaer, to see why he hinders us to come among the Five Nations to instruct you in the Christian Faith, and if he hinders us we will fight him; for he is but a child in understanding and knows nothing; he is but lately come into the country, and I have been long among you.


The said Jesuit said further, I will discourse my Lord Bellomont why he always sends for you to speak with you at Albany, why the general place of treaty is not to be kept at Onnondaga according to the ancient custom.


The said Sachems were told by Col. P. Schuyler, Robert Livingston and Mr. Hanse :-


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Now to shew you what ill men these Jesuits are this Father Bruyas never durst so much as mention any such thing to my Lord Bellomont as you speak of, but on the contrary when he returned to Albany spoke so much to my Lord Bellomont's praise and applauded him so much for his wisdom, prudence, ingenuity, generosity and kindness, that tongue could not sufficiently express it. But this is like them.


Onnondage 27 April 1700, die Sat.


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Propositions made by Col. Peter Schuyler and Robert Livingston Esq., of His Majesty's Honorable Council of New Yorke, and Hend. Hanse Esq., To the Sachems of Onnondage at their Castle which lyes Westward of Albany by water about two hundred and seventy miles; this 27th day of April 1700.


We are also directed by the Earl of Bellomont to assure you of the Kings favour and that you must rest satisfied of his Majesty's Royall protection of you, which you will quickly find the good effects of, for the Earl of Bellomont is in daily expectation of the King's orders to bulld a Fort at this Castle, which shall defend this Nation and the rest from the excursions and attacks of the French at Cadar- acqui and elsewhere, and that his Lordship also expects orders to settle some Protestant Ministers among you to instruct you in the Christian Religion. We do in the Earl of Bellomont's name, as a token of our King's friendship, give you this Belt of Wampum, and here are three Belts more, one for the Oneydes whose Sachems were not at home, whom we sent word to meet us here but are not yet come; and the other two Belts you are to send with some trusty Indians to the Cayouges and Sinnekes and acquaint them with this whole message, and that his Excellency will certainly meet all the Sachems of the Five Nations at Albany in four moons and a half, to be reckoned from this day .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 654, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660, 661.




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