USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 34
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8. The Announcement of God's Judgment upon the Corrupt Members of the Church. Rev. 8: 13. "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to sound."
9. The Soul Seeking Jesus. John 20: 11-18. " But Mary stood without at the by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to ulcher, etc., etc."
10. The Soul Covenanting with God. Josh. 24: 22. "And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve him. And they said we are witnesses."
(Reprinted with other sermons of his by the Board of Publication of the Be- formed Church in America, 1856.)
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
A. (P?) van Driessen.
1733, March 21st. A letter was read from Rev. A. (P?) van Driessen, of Albany, whose contents require no reply. xi. 94.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
March 21, 1733.
Commission by the Rev. Consistory of Mr. Gerrit van Wagenen as Precentor In the Old Church, (Garden st.)
Since the Old Church of the Dutch Reformed Congregation at New York at present lacks a Foresinger, with a Schoolmaster and Visitor of the Sick, and it is necessary that these offices should be undertaken as soon as possible by a suitable person; the Rev. Consistory, in consequence of the general testimony to
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your fitness, turned their attention to you, so that on the 20th of March, 1732-3, they unanimously resolved to appoint you to those offices. Therefore, the Con- sistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in the city of New York hereby fully appoint you, Mr. Gerrit Van Wagenen (at present Foresinger in the Low Dutch Reformed Congregation at Kingstown) (Kingston), to the aforesaid offices.
And, if you are inclined to accept the same here, we name and commission you as Clerk and Foresinger for the Dutch Reformed Congregation of New York, in their so-called Old Church (even as Mr. Van Arnheim renders the service in the New Church); and also to be the Visitor of the Sick for the whole congregation, and to keep school in the Dutch language, and finally to keep the books of the Elders, Deacons and Church Masters.
That is, to express our intention still further -
1st. To exercise the function of Clerk and Foresinger on all occasions of pub- lic worship, both in preaching and in catechising, which now is done on Wed- nesday mornings, as often as, and at such times and hours in the future, as the Consistory shall appoint, for the edifying of the congregation; likewise in the absence or sickness of the minister, to read in public worship the Forms of Prayer, and a Sermon from some approved orthodox writer, according to the direc- tion of the Consistory in such case.
2nd. Especially do the Consistory expect you to be active and diligent in keeping school, since nothing is more necessary for those who belong to our con- gregation; and, in that case, there is no doubt that several others will send their children to you to be taught reading, writing, ciphering, and also the principles of the true Reformed religion; and the Rev. Consistory will secure you, from time to time, at least twelve children from the poor, with payment therefor (presently to be stated), that you may teach them, as all other children in your school, according to their capacity, to read, write and cipher, the usual prayers and the Heidelberg Catechism; and, further, in your school keeping, and the use of books therein, you are to act in all respects as the Consistory shall judge to be most useful, with such additions or alterations as experience shall show to be best.
3rd. As each one of the Schoolmasters has had the duty of Visitor of the Sick, so you are to make no piteous scruples concerning the service (however weighty in itself), but render it as the Ministers shall orally direct you.
4th. As to the keeping of the books of the Rev. Consistory, that is to be done In the best manner, to attain legibility, as you may see.
To encourage you in undertaking these offices, the Rev. Consistory promise you, for performing the said services, as before written,
First. As Foresinger and Visitor of the Sick, yearly and every year,
Second. to be paid quarterly For the Schoolteaching of twelve of the children of the poor, to be paid quarterly 10.0
15.0
Third. For keeping the Books of Consistory. 9.0
Fourth.
Four cords of Wood, yearly, more or less.
Fifth.
You shall also minutely record all the children who are brought to the Old Church for baptism, and conduct yourself therein according to the direction of the Rev. Consistory as the Ministers shall announce to you. For each child that you record, you shall receive at least a half quarter, and as much more as the parties shall present you.
Your salary as Foresinger shall commence from the time that it shall cease at Kingstown (Kingston, N. Y.); and as Schoolmaster from the time school here begins. As to the keeping of the books, if you have no inclination for this, the Rev. Consistory must look out for some one else; meanwhile
If you carry on your school industriously the Consistory doubts not the citizens here will send you such a number of children, that, altogether, your salary will furnish an adequate support for your family.
Thus the Consistory, heartily desiring that you will readily accept this com- mission for the aforesaid offices on the conditions expressed, will receive you with sincere affection and show you their favor.
Wherefore they expect and desire, by the first opportunity, a speedy answer that you undertake these services in the fear of the Lord, and your arrival in New York to enter upon them.
With prayer for God's gracious blessing therein upon your person and family. Thus done in our Consistory, 21st of March, 1733.
Gualterus Du Bois, p. t. Praes.
N. B .- Besides the foregoing Commission, the Consistory promised to pay Mr. Gerrit Van Wagenen, over and above, for the first two years (and no longer), Six Pounds, yearly, New York currency, for his house rent; whereupon, on a certain day, he appeared before the Consistory and accepted the proposed services.
G. Du Bois, p. t. Praes.
- Hist. of the School of the Collegiate Dutch Church, pp. 43, 44.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Publication made from the Pulpit of both Churches, (Garden st. and Cedar st.) to the Dutch Reformed Christian Congregation in New York, on Sunday, June 10, 1733.
Beloved in the Lord :- The Reverend Consistory, taking to heart the extreme necessity, usefulness and benefit under the Lord's blessing, for this congregation in general, that there should be a Foresinger in the Old Church, and a Visitor of
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
the Sick, and for the youth in particular, that there should be a good Dutch Orthodox Schoolmaster maintained among us, has, in testimony of Mr. Gerrit Van Wagenen's good qualifications, called him to these offices and he has accepted the same.
Therefore, Notice is hereby given to the Christian Congregation that Mr. Gerrit Van Wagenen is appointed Visitor of the Sick in our congregation, and Foresinger in the Old Church, just as Mr. Jan Van Arnheim is Foresinger in the New Church, and is to record who is baptized there.
The Christian Congregation will please conduct themselves accordingly.
Further, Notice is given that Mr. Van Wagenen will be Schoolmaster in the Dutch, under the inspection and orders of the Consistory, so as best to advance the youth in the Dutch language, in the arts of reading, writing and ciphering, and also in the elements of the Dutch Reformed Religion. He will therefore appear with the school-children at the public catechising in the Church, that they may recite the questions according to their ability, and he may show his diligent per- formance of all his duties.
The Consistory will also, from time to time, take care that your reasonable expectations as to the good instruction of your children in reading, writing and ciphering, and also in the prayers, the Catechism and catechising in the Dutch, are fulfilled.
And as there are in our Congregation persons unable to pay the school money, these shall give notice of their children, of seven years or over, to Mr. Van Wagenen, who will inform the Consistory; and they, having given their consent, will pay the school money required.
Therefore, the Consistory hopes that all this may prove a desired success for our Church, and that the Christian Congregation will be pleased to support the same for the general good, for themselves and their children, by assiduously, and in good number, sending scholars to Mr. Van Wagenen's School of Orthodoxy.
We justly expect this the more, because, for a long time, we have heard the wish and desire of many for a good Dutch School among us, according to the language and religion of our Church; as, also, because it is so absolutely necessary, useful and salutary for the Christian rearing, teaching and training of our youth, in order to gain them, from the earliest period, to the language of our Church, and to a love for the Dutch Reformed worship, that the prosperity of our Church may be furthered, with heartfelt prayer to God for his blessing.
Thus done in our Session.
In the name and authority of the Reverend Consistory, Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses. - Hist. of the School of the Collegiate Church. p. 45.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Letter to New York.
1733, April 13th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read a letter to the ministers of New York, in reply to their last letter, and the same was approved. xi. 95.
1733, April 14. Rev. Mancius to Classis of Amsterdam. (Not found.)
COMPLAINT AGAINST THE SHERIFF OF WESTCHESTER FOR RE- FUSING THE VOTES OF CERTAIN QUAKERS AT THE ELECTION. (1733)
To William Cosby Governour of the Province of New York etc.
The Complaint and Humble Petition of Richard Cornwell, Nehemiah Palmer & Sylvanus Palmer in behalf of themselves and some others of the People called
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1733
Quakers Inhabitants in the County of West Chester in the Province of New York Sheweth that we are and for many years past have been Possessed of houses and Lands being Estates in fee Simple within Said County and have always behaved and demeaned ourselves toward those placed in authority over us and to all our fellow Subjects as become honest and peaceable men to do, and when there has been any occasion for our Evidences in any of the Courts within this Province and on other occasions, we have been admitted for these many years to make our Solemn affirmation, instead of an oath, by virtue of an Act of Assembly made in this Province in the Year of our Lord 1691 and afterwards confirmed by the King and Queen of England, and we have also been allowed at all times since the mak- ing of that act to give our votes at the Election of Representatives and when any doubt has arisen about any persons being a freeholder, our Solemn Affirmation has been allowed for the clearing the matter, Untill the late Election of a free- holder for a representative for the Said County when the High Sheriff Nicholas Cooper did refuse and deny us and Severall more of our friends to give our votes for Lewis Morris one of the Candidates at the Said Election unless we would take an oath that we were Freeholders, though well known to be Such to most of the People present and when we offered our Affirmation according to Law that was rejected, when at the same time two of our friends who voted for the other Candidate William Forster were admitted without either oath or affirmation and yet no better known to be freeholders then we that were denied, and one of us who was denied, was after when the election was finished Suffered both by the Sheriff and Forster too, to Joyne in the Execution of the Indentures as a prin- cipall Freeholder and that without oath.
Now we thy Petitioners have been Informed by Council Learned in the Law, that every one of us that was so denied our vote may have his action upon the case against the Sheriff, for his So violent attempt on our Liberties and privi- ledges, but we not being inclined to use such rigorous means, Chose rather to apply to thee for redress, who art the Kings Representatives, hoping thou wilt not Countenance such arbitrary proceedings, but be pleased to grant our request to discharge the said Nicholas Cooper from his office of High Sheriff and thereby discourage Such proceedings for the future; that we with all other our friends may from henceforth Enjoy all our Lawfull liberties and priviledges Quietly and peaceably and Not be deprived thereof by any partial Magistrates or officers, Nor by any forced or Strained construction of Law contrary to the so long & constant practice of the Governours and Magistrates of this Province, and manifest intent of the Law-makers But besides the above recited Law of this Province there is an Act of Parliament made in the Eighth year of the late King George the first, that allows us the form of Affirmation therein prescribed, which we conceive Extends to all the people called Quakers in the Kings dominions, and has since the making thereof been frequently made use of in this Province and though Some People have been of opinion that it does not extend to us, yet it is manifest that it was the intent of the Lawmakers that it should for our late Governour Mont- gomerie told Doctor John Rodman & Edward Burling that he was a Parliament man at the time when that act was made, and helpt promote it and that it was intended for all the people called Quakers in the Kings dominions and that all should have the benefit of it etc. and further Said that if any Magistrates or officer denied it to any of our friends let him but know it and he would punish him for it.
We are thy friends and Well wishers,
Richard Cornwell. Silvanus Palmer.
18 December 1733. Read & referred. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 610, 611.
REPORT ON THE COMPLAINT OF QUAKERS FOR NOT BEING AL- LOWED TO VOTE. (1733)
Att a Committee of the Councill held at ffort George in New York on Friday the 28th Day of December, 1733.
Present - Mr. Harrison Mr. Delancey Mr. Courtlandt Mr. Lane Mr. Horsmanden.
May it please your Excellency: In Obedience to Your Excellency's Order in Council of the 18th December instant referring to us the Consideration of the Matters of Complaint mentioned in the petition of Richard Cornwell & Silvanus Palmer in behalf of themselves & others of the people called Quakers against Nicholas Cooper Esq. High Sheriff of the County of West Chester & set forth in the minutes of Councill of that day to which We beg leave to refer We having heard & examined both partys as well in defence as in Justification of the said Matter of Complaint Do humbly report to your Excellency.
That as to the Sheriffs refusing the Complainants their votes at the late Election for a Representative for the County of West Chester or their affirmation of their being freeholders in the Said County We find that the Complainants having offered
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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their Votes for Lewis Morris Esq., one of the Candidates at that Election were Challenged by William fforster the other Candidate who required the Sheriff to tender to the Complainants the oath of ffreehold That the Complainants conceiving themselves as being of the people called Quakers entitled to the Liberty & privi- ledge of giving their affirmation instead of an oath refused to take the Oath re- quired but offered their affirmation of their being freeholders that thereupon the Sheriff told the Complainants he could not admit them to poll unless they would take oath of ffreehold as directed by act of assembly which by the other Candidate he was required to administer; That the Complainants having refused to take Such oath the Sheriff refused their votes.
That as to the Sheriff's having taken the Votes of others of the people called Quakers who voted for Forster without having taken their oath or affirmation We find that they not having been Challenged nor their ffreeholds questioned were admitted by the Sheriff to give their Votes at Said Election.
That the Sheriff tendered the Oath of ffreehold to none of the people called Quakers but what was Challenged & when required thereto & refused to none of them their Votes if not Challenged.
Upon the whole and after a full hearing the petitioners having waived a farther Examination into the particulars of their Complaint Except what related to their right to Vote, if regularly Challenged to their ffreehold, upon their affirmation only without regard had to the oath directed by Act of General Assembly in each respective City & County within this province, And the Sheriff justifying his Con- duct at the Election before mentioned by the words of Said Act which we appre- hend to be Matter of Law We humbly recommend to your Excellency to refer the Said petition & said Sheriffs justification to his Maties Attorney Generall for his opinion thereon.
This may it please Your Excellency is what the Committee find upon their examination of, and Inquiry into, the allegations or Matters of Complaint in the Complts. petition set forth all which is humbly Submitted to your Excellency.
By your Excellencys most obedient humble Servants,
By order of the Committee,
Henry Lane. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 611, 612.
REV. MICHAEL CHRISTIAN KNOLL AT QUASSAICK, ETC.
In the year 1733 the Minister Michael Christian Knoll upon his Vocation to stand here in New York and at Hakkinsack, and at Quassaik Creek, and at the Weapons Criek, he served that Year and every year, according to his Vocation at Quaissaik, twice, receiving a Year thirty Chepels of Wheat some of the last Years being unpaid.
- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 354.
1733, May 3/12. CHURCH OF NEW YORK TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (Not found.)
GOVERNOR COSBY TO THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
Burlington, May 3rd, 1733.
My Lord, On my arrival at New York I found Mr. Lewis Morris Chief Justice, Mr. James Delancy Second Judge, and Mr. Frederick Phillips the third Judge of the Supreme Court of that Province; the two last Men of good Characters both, as to their understanding and integrity, but the Chief Justice a Man under a general dislike, not only for his want of probity, but for his delay of Justice, his excessive pride and his oppression of the people. These things, My Lord, I have been obliged to hear, without the mention of any one virtue in his behalf. I have often ex- pected that he would come to me, as others before him thought it their duty to former Governours, from whence I might have an opportunity to tell him of these complaints; but whether it be owing to his pride, his folly, or some unaccountable
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1783
humour, he has not been once to visit me since I have been here, and I have ne reason to think, that any admonition would have the least effect upon him, or if It would, things are come to that pass, that I can no longer suffer him to sitt upon that Bench. I will point out a few of his faults, and give an instance to prove each, that your Grace may see I do not displace without reason. And:
First, of his partiality. Some years ago the dissenters of the parish of Jamaica In this province brought an Ejectment against the Church Ministers for the Church he preached in and was possessed of; when the Tryal came on, the Defendants' Council demured to the Plaintiff's evidence; Morris the Chief Justice desired them to wave the demurer, telling them that if the Jury found for the Plaintiff he would grant the Defendants a new Tryal; the Defendants' Council were very unwilling to do it, but however knowing the Man and fearing the worst from him, if they refused, they did consent, and the Jury found for the Plaintiff; the Defendants Council moved the next term (before Judgement) for a new Tryall, and urged his promise; he denied at first that he gave any, but when they offered to make oath of it, he said a rash promise ought not to be kept, and never would grant them a new Tryall; whereby they lost their Church, and the Dissenters have ever since had it; its talked and believed to, that he was bribed to it, but as I have had no proof offered me, I have made no inquiry about it; his partiality however is evident.
- Col. Hist. N. Y. Vol. v. pp. 942, 943.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Manor of Fordham.
New York, May 28, 1733.
The Consistory exacted the following concerning the Manor of Fordham.
1. The persons authorized on Aug. 4, 1732, viz., Jeronymus Remsen, John Roosevelt, Abrm. Van Wyck and Gerardus Beek- man, shall immediately summon Johannes Vermilye before them, and claim satisfaction for his not fulfilling his contract to build a house; and demand back the land which he has taken from the Church, or otherwise it will be exacted by law; likewise to see if good witnesses can be found that he has taken wood from the Manor, to enclose his own land.
2. They shall say to Hendrick Michielse, that for the land he has taken on the Manor, he shall pay yearly, 40 shillings, New York currency, and sign a writing therefor, or else give it up; and in that case, the authorized persons may lease it, as they best can, to Benjamin Corsse.
3. They shall require Reier Michielse immediately to give up
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the land which he or his father has taken, and set his fence upon the right line, or else it shall be exacted by law without delay. The land thus obtained they shall also lease, as best they can, to Benjamin Corsse.
4. They are also authorized, at the expense of the Church, to put a good fence opposite De Lancy's mill, up to the fences of the leased farms on the Manor.
5. They shall say expressly to Peter Valentyn that he shall take knowledge of all harm done on the Manor, and at once report the same to Mr. G. Beekman, director of the Manor, or to the Consistory, and especially with reference to the new fence ordered to be made; with the proviso that, if Peter Valentyn neglects this, and so injury, is done to the Manor, he shall immediately be re- moved from his farm. He shall also sign a writing to this effect, to submit to the orders of the authorized persons, or forfeit his longer continuance on the farm.
6. Since something has been taken from the farm of Hendrick Bruyn, and added to that of Benjamin Corsse, the authorized per- sons shall, as they find best, allow an abatement of rent to Hen- drick Bruyn, and agree upon an increase of rent with Benjamin Corsse.
7. The Consistory approved of the laying out of forty acres, according to the map, and accompanying explanation made by Abrm. Van Wyck, May 24, 1733, and grants a deed of the same to John Orchard, to satisfy his claim, founded upon a written promise of Steenwyck, to give him, as son-in-law, a home-lot on the Manor of Fordham; provided that John Orchard, on receiving the deed, will give a receipt in full to the Consistory; and in order to conceal all claim upon the Manor, every written obligation shall be delivered to the Consistory.
Thus done in our Consistory meeting, unanimously, on the date above given. Witness in name, etc.
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Further Statement of the Rev. Consistory's Mission to Rev. Gerrit van Wagenen for the aforesaid Offices. June 13, 1733.
First: Your school is to be kept in this way:
1. In summer from 8 to 11 A. M. and from 1 to 4 P. M. In winter, from 8.30 to 11.30, A. M .; and from 1 to 4 P. M.
2. On Festival-days, you will, as usual, be free, but only with our knowledge and consent. Also on Friday forenoon when the Proef-predikatie is held in the Old Church; and according to custom, on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
3. Your school is to begin and end with prayer and singing. On Wednesday morning, when there is catechizing in the Old Church, you must take the school children there, and keep them and the others in order till the catechizing begins; must listen to the questions, etc., in the Church, and on the following Thursday morning, catechize your children in school, as to their proficiency in the matters treated on the preceding day.
4. You will also see to it that on Saturday forenoon, the school-children, both boys and girls, recite, so far as possible, in turn, the "Lord's Day " of the Catechism which is next to be preached upon, so that they may properly recite the same in the Old Church and the New.
5. In your school, only edifying and approved orthodox books shall be used, according to the order of the Consistory.
6. At least four times in the year you shall have a formal examination in the presence of the Consistory, or a Committee thereof.
Secondly: As to the children of the poor:
They must be seven years old or over. When persons apply to you to have their children taught at the expense of the Church, you are to take their names, and the names of the children, and their ages, and say that you will notify the Consistory, and answer as they shall direct. Then you will deliver the list to the Praeses for the time, who will subsequently inform you of the decision of the Consistory.
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