USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 8
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Honorable, Wise and Prudent Sirs,
Your Honors' obedient servants in Christ, Rudolphus Rulaeus, Ecc. Amstel et Classis Deputat. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Ecc. Amstel Deputat. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Deputat.
Amsterdam, Apr. 6, 1682.
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Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the church of New York. April 6, 1682. xxvii. 148.
Reverend, Godly, Prudent and Very Dear Brethren :-
Yours of Feb. 25, 1680-1, together with a duplicate of the same, we have received in good order. We learn therefrom to our sor- row, of the untimely death of your worthy pastor, Rev. Wilhelmus Nieuwenhuysen, on the 17th of February, after a protracted sick- ness. We had indeed wished that the Lord would prolong his days, and spare him yet for many years in the service of his church. But since it has pleased the Divine Majesty to order otherwise, we are bound to submit cheerfully to His will.
We mark with satisfaction your zeal to fill the vacant place with another suitable person as pastor. This is, indeed, the burden of your letter to us. You declare your desire that another orthodox and edifying minister may be sent to you as soon as possible, ac- cording to the Ecclesiastical Order of the United Netherlands; and that this may be done with the advice and counsel of your well-known and trusted friends, expressed in addition thereto.
And inasmuch as the remembrance of Rev. Henricus Selyns, his faithful service and piety of life, his extraordinary zeal, lovely in- tercourse, as well as his pleasing and ready speech, has left deep impressions in the minds of many members; therefore it is your wish that he may come over to you to fill the place of the deceased.
In view of the inclination of your church towards Rev. Hen- ricus Selyns, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, upon reflection, has presented your request to him, and sought to make your request palatable with many reasons. He therefore has permitted the matter to have so much weight with him, that he has pondered the subject for some time. He has, finally, out of a sincere in- terest in your church, declared himself in your behalf. Where- upon he received a call from the Classis of Amsterdam as pastor
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over the church of New York. He has been dismissed from his church at Waverveen. He has entered into agreement with your commissioners upon the conditions which you presented.
We doubt not but that inasmuch as he comes over to you be- cause of his peculiar interest in you, so he will be received with similar affection. We pray the Lord of the Harvest to bless his labors among you, and that through his efforts, many souls may be won to Christ.
We have advised him to undertake the journey as quickly as possible. Hence he does not wait for skipper Jacob Mauritz, but goes over with skipper John Gorter.
In closing, with our respects, we commend you, your services and churches, unto the gracious protection of God. We remain, Reverend, Godly, Prudent, and Very Dear Brethren,
Your affectionate and obedient Friends and Brethren, The Deputati of the Classis of Amsterdam, Rudolphus Rulaeus, Deputat. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Deputat. p.t. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Dep.
Amsterdam, April 6, 1682.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the church of Kingstowne in the Ezopus, in New Netherland, April 6, 1682. xxvii. 147.
Reverend, Godly, Very Dear and Pleasant Brethren in Christ :-
Yours of October 31st 1681, was safely delivered to us. We joy- fully learn therefrom of the safe arrival of your pastor, Rev. John Weeksteen, and the pleasure you have in his doctrine and life. We doubt not but that he will always be found the same, so that you will ever have reason for satisfaction. We can assure you that he is fully satisfied, yea, beyond expectation, as respects the love and affection which he receives from his church. We trust and
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desire that the mutual satisfaction may continually increase. In the meantime, we pray the great God that He may long spare your minister in health, that He may enlarge his spirit and gifts, the longer he remains the more, to the end that your church may be edified, the kingdom of Christ extended in your midst, and many souls be won to Christ.
We close with our respects. We desire God's blessing to rest upon you, your services and families. We remain,
Reverend, Godly, Prudent, Very Dear and Agreeable Brethren, Your obedient and affectionate Friends and Brethren, The Deputati of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Rudolphus Rulaeus, Dep. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Dep. p.t. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Dep.
Amsterdam, April 6, 1682.
Departure of Rev. Henricus Selyns for New York.
1682, April 7th.
Rev. Henricus Selyns, called to the church of New York, and dismissed both by his church and by the Classis, appeared before Classis. In taking his leave, he thanked the Assembly, and wished the blessing of the Lord of the harvest upon their labors. There- upon the Assembly also wished him success and prosperity on his Journey, and all grace, with an abundant measure of the Holy Spirit in his ministry. Then the original of the letter of call, in which he was invited by the church of New York to become their regular pastor, together with the act of financial contract with that church, were handed to him for his personal use. xxi. 240.
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CAPT. BROCKHOLLS TO JUSTICE WOOD OF HUNTINGTON.
Reprimand of the Clergyman of Huntington for refusing to Baptize the Children.
New Yorke, April 27, 1682.
Yesterday I Received a Peticon from Several Inhabitants of your Towne wherein they complaine of your Minister for Refuseing to Baptize their Children, and that their Estates are Vyolently taken from them for his Maintenance for the first you Cannot be Ignorant how Possitively the Law Injoynes it, not to be refused to any Children of Christian Parents When they shall be Tendred under Penalty of Losse of Preferment the Latter to be done with all Moderacon and Equality. I am unwilling to Beleeve that soe greate an Error as Refusall of Baptisme is Com- mitted by your Minister or Vyolent Actings Suffered by you. Therefore Doe not further Proceed thereupon untill I Can be Informed of the Certainty and Reason thereof from yourselfe which I Desire You to doe by the First Opportunity Being Desirous that the Laws be fully observed and as farr as possible to Satisfie the Mindes of all his Majesties Subjects especially in a matter of this importe shall not Further add but the Tenders of my Respects and Remaine, Sir, Your affectionate ffriend, - Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 210.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Classes of the Corresponding Synods, May 12, 1682. xxvii. 151.
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Gentlemen, and Colaborers in Christ :-
Since it has pleased the Lord of the Harvest through the procla- mation of the Gospel, to daily extend the boundaries of his king- dom, and even more widely among the heathen, and to prepare the way for the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom through the whole world as a testimony to all nations ; and since in so great a harvest, the laborers daily decrease ; therefore we, as the Deputati of the Classis of Amsterdam for the care of foreign churches, have decided to request you and the other Classes to look about within their limits, and ascertain if there be not among them some godly, learned and zealous ministers or candidates, lovers of Christ's kingdom, who may feel inclined and animated to win souls in foreign parts, by bringing them to Christ. We pray that our zeal in this matter may be seconded by yours, and that if there
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be any, as above described, in your midst, you will send us their names as soon as possible, for which we will consider ourselves un- der great obligations. Wishing the blessing of the Lord upon yourselves, your services, and the people of your several charges, we remain,
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Sirs and Brethren in Christ,
Your obedient Servants and Colaborers in Christ, Thomas Coenen, Dep. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Dep. p.t. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Dep.
Done May 12, 1682.
1
Godefrid Dellius.
1682, June 1st.
Rev. Godefridus Dellius, S. S. Min. Candidatus, requested to be accepted as " Recommended " by the Classis, even for churches in foreign lands. For this purpose he exhibited proper testimo- nials, and preached a sermon on the text Heb. 1:1, to the satis- faction of the Assembly. Thereupon his request was granted, pro- vided he sign the formulae of Concord at the next session. From this he was excused at present by reason of the haste of his journey. vii. 325; xix. 209.
MINISTER AT HUNTINGTON, LONG ISLAND.
New York, June 1, 1682.
Sir :-
I have this day Discoursed Mr. Jones* about Complaints made of his Refuseing to Baptize Children and ' Levying the Rates for him. To the First I finde him Willing in Conformity to the Law to Baptize the Children of all Xtian Parents, butt am sorry to heare that the Loose Lives of some of the Inhabitants Scarce Deserve that name which may have caused some Stand and Denyall and I hope
* Rev. Eliphalet Jones was born at Concord, Mass., January 11, 1641 - accepted a call in 1676 to Huntington, where he laboured untill June 5, 1731, when he died aged ninety years. He left no children. He was a man of great purity and sim- plicity of Life and manners and a faithful and successful Preacher of the Gospel. Thompson Long Island, i. 481 .- Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 210; Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 765.
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your care in your Station will Prvent and see the Lord's Day well and Solemnly Observed by all and not spent soe vainly as I am informed it is by some. That it may not longer be A Doubt or Dispute Who are Christian Parents. Mr. Jones hath Promissed me to use his Endeavour to be as moderate therein as possible: To the last Mr. Jones hath Sattisfied me it was for Arreares Long Since Ordered to be Paid, therefore Doe not Disallow the Act itt being butt Reason what prom- issed him should be Sattisfied. But the Moderatest way to Obteine it is Certainly the best. I wish you all to be and Continue in one faith and one minde and that you may bee Soe Bound and United together in the Bond of Peace that all Jealosies and Dissentions may be Removed which will be to your owne Comfort and Rejoyce- ing off.
Your affectionate ffriend,
A. B.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. Godfridus Dellius. . S. S. Ministerii Candidatus.
1682, June 2nd.
It was also resolved, by order of the Rev. Classis, to write for information about Rev. Godfridus Dellius, S. S. Ministerii Candi- datus in the Classis of Wyk, who had presented himself for ser- vice in the West Indian churches. This duty the Rev. Coenen has taken upon himself .- xxi. 242.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Classis of Wyk, concerning Rev. Godfridus Dellius, July 2, 1682. xxvii. 155.
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Gentlemen : -
Rev. Godefridus Dellius, S. S. Theol. Candidatus under your Rev. Classis, has informed us that he is inclined to serve the West Indian churches, and help to advance Christ's kingdom there. We desire more circumstantial knowledge in regard to him, his studies, and walk, than we have yet been able to obtain. Therefore we have decided to address ourselves to your Rever- ences, not doubting but that we shall thus obtain the best and most trustworthy account. We pray then, that it may please your Reverences on receipt of this, to acquaint us with the standing
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of the said Rev. Dellius, in your Classis. Depending on this, we remain, with the offer of our services,
Reverend, Godly and Highly Learned Sirs, Your Revs'. obedient servants and colaborers in Christ,
The Deputati of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam. Thomas Coenen, Dep. p.t. Praeses. G. Bodaen, Dep. p.t. Scriba.
In Amsterdam, July 2, 1682.
RESOLUTION OF A TOWN MEETING ON STATEN ISLAND ABOUT THE PAY OF THEIR MINISTER.
Att a Towne meeting held the 19th Day of June 1682 By order of Richard Still- well Esq. one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace.
Being put to the vote whether the Inhabitants would freely Consent that a Towne Rate should be forthwith made in order to ye Satisfaction and payment of Mr. Morgan Jones who by the Choice and at ye desire of ye Inhabitants aforesaid has Exercised the function of a Minister in this Island this yeare last past, It was carryed in the affirmative for which there were thirty eight votes and for the Negative but thirty one, Whereupon Orders that ye Com'rs. formerly chosen and appointed by the Inhabitants of this Island for that purpose doe cause a Rate to be made whereby a Sufficient Summe of money may be raised for the immediate Satisfaction of ye said Mr. Morgan, Jones according to agreement and that they take some speedy Course that ye same may be collected, Ordered that this be pre- sented to the Court of Sessions.
Gopia Vera.
Per Fra. Williamson Cler. Cur. - Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 556, 557.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Dellius.
1682, June 29th.
Rev. Dellius, S. S. Min. Candidatus, accepted as “ Recom- mended " at the last Classis, but who did not sign the formulae of Concord, has not as yet appeared. vii. 328; xix. 210.
Rev. Dellius Called to New Albany.
1682, July 20th.
Rev. Dellius again appeared before the Assembly, (making) his request to be advanced to the ministry of the churches in foreign
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lands, and especially to that of New Albany. He now signed the usual formulae as Candidate, (proponent). Thereupon the As- sembly made a nomination of two persons from whom to choose a minister for New Albany, viz., Rev. Godefrid. Dellius and Rev. Petrus van Gent. The Rev. Dellius was unanimously chosen. He immediately preached a sermon on the words of Jer. 17:9, (The heart is deceitful, etc.) to the good satisfaction of the Assembly. He was then further examined in the principal articles of the Christian Religion by Rev. Michael de Hertoghe, wherein he likewise gave good satisfaction. He was ordained by the Rev. Examiner aforesaid to the Sacred Ministry, with the laying on of hands, and with the wish for the Lord's rich blessing. At the same time he signed the usual formulae for ministers. vii. 330; xix. 210.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Magistrates of New Albany, July 23, 1682. xxvii. 156.
Honorable, Wise and Prudent Gentlemen: -
Our last to you was of the 6th of April of this year, (1682). We trust that it has been delivered to you, by Rev. Selyns, before the receipt of this. At that time we were yet unable to gratify your desire to send your church a faithful minister to aid Rev. Schaats, and after his decease, to take the charge of that church, as the regular appointed minister in all parts of the service. We have, however, at length become acquainted with Rev. Godefridus Dellius, who has accepted this ministry according to the Order of our churches, and who will deliver this epistle to you. We doubt not but that he will fulfill your desire, as well as that of your church. Our prayer is, that through your assistance and favor, he may perform the service of the Lord with joy, in the church
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committed to him. Herewith commending you to God and to the Word of his Grace, we remain,
Honorable, Wise and Prudent Sirs, Your Honors obedient servants, The Deputati of the Classis of Amsterdam, Rudolphus Rulaeus, Dep. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Dep. p.t. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Dep.
Amsterdam, July 23, 1682.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the church of New Albany, July 23, 1682. xxvii. 156.
Reverend and Godly Co-brethren in Christ,- The Consistory of the church at New Albany : --
We have at the desire of your Magistrates, of Rev. Schaats, and indeed of all of you, been looking about continually, since our last, (dated April 6th), for a suitable person, who shall be able and willing to supply the lack of service in your church, both during the old age of Rev. Schaats, and after his decease. At length we became acquainted with Rev. Godefridus Dellius, whom our Classis has both called and ordained for the service of the Gospel among you. We cannot doubt but that he will be among you (the text says "without you ",) a blessed instrument in the hand of the Lord, to edify your souls, and win many to Christ. We pray this from him who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. We commend you and the entire church to his protection.
Reverend, Godly Brethren in Christ,
Your Revs. obedient servants and brethren,
Amsterdam, April 6, ( ?) 1682. (But July 23rd, must be the right date.)
Gualtherus Bodaen, Dep. p.t. Scriba. De Hertoghe, Deputat.
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SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT AMSTERDAM.
1682, July 28, et seq.
Article 11.
At the reading of the 11th Article of the preceding Synod, con- taining the extracts from the Indian churches, the delegates from the Classis of Amsterdam again handed over their extracts and letters, regarding the affairs of the West India and other foreign churches. Those of Hoorn and Enkhuysen had nothing new to present.
Extract from a letter from the Church of New York, dated Feb- ruary 27, 1681.
They announce the death of Rev. William van Nieuwenhuysen, their worthy minister, who died on February 17, 1681.
They tell of their distress on account of his death. Thereby their congregation, about four hundred and fifty members strong, is deprived altogether of the stated ministry of the Word and of the Sacraments; and that they are without any likelihood of being able to fill his place, because the region is so remote.
Nevertheless they ask the Classis that another capable minis- ter may be sent to them. They promise to give a certain salary to the one called; namely, the same salary which the foregoing ministers have had, and especially what the Rev. Nieuwenhuysen had. This is one thousand guilders, Holland money, or the equiva- lent thereof, according to a certain agreement, a copy whereof is sent along with this letter; also free fire wood, and a suitable dwelling; and also some additional compensation for week-day services.
And inasmuch as the Rev. Selyns, by reason of his many good qualities, had left deep impressions upon the minds of many in the congregation, which still remain, they request him to decide to come over to them, and to assume the sacred office among them, and to fill this vacant place.
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This was signed by the Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Christian Church in New York:
Peter Jacobsen Marius.
Conrad ten Eyck.
Peter Stoutenberg.
John van Brug, geassumeerde ex-elder.
Olof Stevenson (Van Cortlandt ?)
Nicholas Bayard.
Gerrit van Fricht.
Peter Bayard.
Jacob Teunissen Ray.
Extract from a letter from Rev. Caspar van Zuuren, minister on Long Island, in America, dated at Midwout, June 25, 1681.
He gives a circumstantial recital of a certain dispute which arose before his arrival, but which has continued till this time, between the widow of his predecessor (Polhemus,) and one of her neighbors, about the boundaries of certain lands.
On account of this, and inasmuch as for these reasons the said widow had kept herself away from the use of the Lord's Supper, he had expressed his opinion on the subject, and placed her in the wrong. But this had aroused a great unpleasantness between him and the said widow, which he, on account of the evil report which his elders had made of the said widow, (had attempted to settle ?)
On account of this difference between him and the widow, he was very badly treated by the school-master and his oldest son, and was complained of before everybody, both before the Deputy Governor and the Consistory of New York. But in reference to this question, silence was imposed both by the Consistory of New York and of Long Island.
But thereupon there immediately arose another question be- tween himself and the school-master aforementioned, and that be- cause he thought that the latter's eldest son, who already was
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under censure for his offensive life, ought to be further disciplined, because of the evil treatment which he (Van Zuuren) had re- ceived from him.
This question ran so high, that magistrates and Consistory, who had licensed the school-master, (now discharged him) both on account of these disturbances and of his disobedience.
Thereupon did he (Van Zuuren) address himself to the Con- sistories of the Dutch villages, who ratified the sentence against the school-master, and pronounced him (Van Zuuren) clear of all slander, and commissioned him to carry this affair, with some from New York, before the judges. They finally brought matters so far, that it was decided that the school-master must remain deposed ; be compelled to retract his slanders; to reestablish him (Van Zuuren) in his honor. This was done, and further he promised to act thus no more under the penalty of a fine of fifty pounds sterling.
He indicates, moreover, his dissatisfaction on account of the troubles which he has had there; that were it not for the inconve- nience to his wife, who is pregnant; the embarrassment of the church of New York, where he preaches every fortnight, and bap- tizes, and administers the Lord's Supper every three months; as well as that of other places in the vicinity, which together count up one thousand members; that if these things had not made him change his purpose, he had intended to return to the Fatherland with the ship and the bearer of this letter.
He requests, that on occasion, we will remember him, to secure for him a good place; and concludes with a wish for God's blessing on us.
Extract from a letter from Rev. Casparus van Zuren, written by order of the Consistory of New Albany, dated June 25, 1681, O. S., at Midwout.
He requests in the name of the officers of the church of Jesus Christ at New Albany, that, in view of the high old age, and
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weaknesses arising therefrom, of their present pastor, Rev. Gid- eon Schaats, their church may be provided with a second minister. He gives a full and extensive account of the work of the ministers in New Netherland, and what localities each one in particular attends to. Therefrom he shows the difficulties of their labors. At the same time, he shows with what inconveniences, many,- who are scattered about in villages and hamlets throughout the country and who would gladly employ the means of grace,- attend to their religious wants ; that some have to go several hours (three miles an hour) to have their children baptized, and to partake of the Lord's Supper.
He requests, accordingly, that the said church may be provided with a minister as speedily as possible, as well as the other vacant places.
He makes mention also of the approval given to the call about to be made, by the Deputy Governor ; also that for the accomplish- ing of said call, a considerable sum had already been set aside, and consigned to the care of Mr. Richard Rensselaer, John Henry Boel, and Abel de Wolf, to whom they refer them.
The salary is eight hundred guilders in beavers, that is one hundred pieces of beaver (skin), four pieces at eight guilders; ( ?) while the old pastor retains his present salary of one hundred and twenty five beavers.
He recommends their present churches to the faithful and hearty care of the Rev. Classis, and concludes with a wish for God's blessing.
Extract from a letter from the church of Kingstown in the Esopus, dated October 31, 1681.
They make known that they had duly received our letter to them, together with their pastor elect, Rev. John Weeksteen. They thank the Rev. Classis for their fatherly care as thus shown.
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They profess to be peculiarly contented with the doctrine and life of their said preacher, and wish long life to him. They promise not to fail in their duty with regard to him; even as they doubt not that Rev. Weeksteen will not fail on his part. They conclude with their wish for a blessing on us.
Signed by the Consistory there.
This year went as minister to New Netherland: Rev. Henry . Selyns, to New York; formerly minister at Waverveen.
Art. 55. Opening of the letters from the Indies, to be done by the Classis of Amsterdam.
Ad Art. 59. Concerning the opening of Indian letters and business to be done by the Classis of Amsterdam in behalf of this Synod, this Christian Synod acquiesces therein; and thus the brethren from Amsterdam have promised to do.
Art. 56. Presidium among the Deputies of the Synods of North and South Holland.
Ad Art. 60. Concerning the Presidium and further manage- ment, in the combined college of the Deputies of the respective Synods of South and North Holland: Inasmuch as it has been learned from the report of the Deputies of this Synod, that they had received more satisfaction ; and that the brethren correspond- ents from the South Holland Synod, now present, likewise have promised to give all satisfaction in the future. Therefore this Christian Synod takes pleasure therein, and has resolved to soften the word usurp in the Acta of the preceding Synod, as employed by the Clerk.
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