Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV, Part 51

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: 910


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 51


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1. He informs the Classis of Amsterdam, that inasmuch as he has had excellent opportunities to observe the ways of the wild man, (Indians); and inasmuch as these people are very interesting, he having on several occasions spoken to them by means of an interpreter, about Christian doctrines, and had baptized many of them; at their request:


2. He expresses his surprise that no sufficient urgency is there felt for the conversion of these savages; that he is aware of only one English minister who has devoted his labors to this end; that most of them were left to run about without instruction, like the beasts.


3. He says that the French in Canada are of a quite different


* George Clarke was commissioned as Lieutenant Governor July 20, 1736, and took the oath of office October 30th, 1736. Lord de la Warr was appointed Gov- ernor June, 1737, but resigned that commission the September following. Admiral George Clinton took the oath of office after the reading of his commission to the members of the Council, September 22, 1743 .- State Historian.


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mind; that they cause schools and churches to be established among the savages, whereby they win their affections. This is the cause of great injury to the English in time of war, as the present war teaches.


4. And in view of the fact that he has encountered many diffi- culties, and knows not what more may be expected of him; never- theless he declares that he will not cease his efforts, until every- thing turns out to the satisfaction of the Rev. Classis, in Pennsyl- vania. Of this, there is hope; and to this end the counsel of the Rev. Classis has been made known at Philadelphia, and elsewhere.


5. Finally he concludes with cordial salutations. xxii. 564, 565.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Call of Rev. Arondeus as Minister, to Midwout, etc.


1741, July 17th. Art. 2. The entire Classis having been com- missioned to call a minister for Midwout, New Amersfoort, etc., etc., on Long Island, did call for that purpose, in the fear of the Lord, Rev. John Arondeus, minister at Overschie. He reported himself as " Commendatus " ad res Exteras. After preaching a sermon on 1 Peter 2: 9, " That ye should show forth the praises etc.," the final examination was appointed for the next ensuing regular Classis. The call was accepted by Rev. Arondeus in the presence of the Classis. xii. 4.


REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.


Final Settlement with the Estate of Mrs. Selyns, 1741.


New York, July 23, 1741.


Consistory held - Mr. Hendrik Coer- ten, now a Ruling Elder and the sur- viving Executor of the last will and testament of Juffvrouw Margareta de Riemer, late widow of Domine Henri- cus Selyns, gave notice in the meeting that he held in hand now, as for a long time before, the papers belonging to the estate, and that he had found among them a paper signed by the deceased Juffvrouw Selyns, respecting a large sum of arrears of her husband's salary, for which the church was still liable to said estate, and Mr. Coerten requested the Rev. Consistory to examine this paper.


Whereupon, the Rev. Consistory ap- pointed three Ruling Elders, Messrs. Paul Richards, John Roosevelt and Abraham Lefferts, and three Deacons, Messrs. Isaak de Peyster, Abel Harden- broek and Cornelius G. Van Horne, or at least four of them, to look over the books and papers of the Consistory as soon as possible, and report to the Con- sistory, how they found the matter to stand.


Whereupon the Consistory again being held, July 28, 1741, they presented to the Meeting & paper running thus.


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The Executors of Juffvrouw Margareta Selyns.


Debit.


Credit


1705, Sept. 26.


To the Manor of Fordham, according to a Bond delivered March 8, 1703/4 - being New York currency


£64.6.0 33. 9.9


By balance of account de- livered and allowed by the Consistory, as appears on the Elders Book, page 108, Anno 1705 2759.18.7


Total


237.15.9


Guilders.


Reduced to Holland Guild- ers, as appears by an account signed by Juffvrouw Selyns .. 1902. 6.0


To House Rent from Jan. 7, 1708/9 to May 1, 1712, be- ing 3 yrs., 3 months, amount- ing to seventy five pounds, in Hollandish 520. 0.0.


2422. 6.0


By balance due estate of Juffvrouw Selyns 337.12.7


2759.18.7


New York, July 27, 1741.


We, the undersigned, deputed by the Consistory, have examined the account of the estate of Juffvrouw Margareta Selyns, and find that the same was allowed by the Consistory in 1708/9. And we observe from the account delivered by Juffvrouw Selyns that the balance due her was 857.12.7. Against this must be charged three and one fourth years house-rent at twenty pounds as appears above. Therefore, we find the church still owing the estate of Juffvrouw, as it appears to us 837.12.7. This we submit to the Consistory.


Isaac de Peyster Abel Hardenbroek Cornl. V. Horne


Paul Richard John Roosevelt Abram. Lefferts


This report having been read and compared with the Books and Papers from which it was drawn up, the Consistory being present, found the same to agree, and we unanimously approved the statement, as did also Mr. Coerten himself.


Whereupon it was ordered that the account, presented by the Committee of six, and copied above, be certified by the President in the words following:


This account was examined at a meeting of the Rev. Consistory at New York July 28, 1741, and found to agree, and was fully approved. This was also done by Mr. Henry Coerten, now Ruling Elder, and only surviving Executor of the last will and testament of the late Juffvrouw Selyns; and was again approved in full Consistory, Aug. 12, 1741, and recorded, word for word in the "Acte Boek " of the Consistory ? pp. 95, 96.


So I testify, in the name and by the authority of all,


Henricus Boel, Pres. p. t.


Holland Guilders.


To cash from Elders .. . . To seven years rent of house from Jan. 17, 1701/2 to Jan. 19, 1708/9, at twenty pounds per year 140. 0.0


1702, Aug. 15.


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It was furthermore Resolved, That the account, with the other papers belong- ing thereto, should be preserved among the papers of the Elders, and the balance be adjusted with Mr. Coerten, as Executor, and so the matter be ended.


Thus done in our Consistory Meeting in New York, on the day aforesaid: and, since many of the members were then absent, stated anew, and approved in full Consistory, Aug. 12, 1741; and by their order, recorded in the "Acte Boek " of the Consistory; and the original certified account given to the Elders for safe keeping, by me,


Henricus Boel, Pres. p. t.


This is all found rightly copied and recorded, and the original certified state- ment has been received for safe keeping, by us, as Elders.


Paul Richard.


In presence of


Isaac de Peyster


Abel Hardenbroek


Cor. G. van Horne.


Lib. A. 306-309.


LORDS OF TRADE TO LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE. AUG. 20,


1741.


Burning of the Fort and Chapel.


To George Clarke, Esq. Sir:


We are extremely sorry to hear of the Fire that you sent us an Account of in yours of the 22nd of April but are pleased to find by the same that the Expense of Repairs tho' very considerable will not be a load too great for the Province to bear.


We find by your next letter of the 20th of June that you have discovered the contrivers and Authors of the Villainy and have brought some of them to pun- ishment and are in pursuit of the Rest. We hope that an effectual stop has been put to this pernicious conspiracy.


As for your own particular loss we are very much concerned for it and have in compliance with your desire recommended to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle that part of Your letter which relates to it to be laid before His Majesty.


- Col. Hist. N. Y. vi. p. 199.


LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CLARKE TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.


Burning of the Fort and the Old Chapel.


New York, August the 24, 1741.


My Lords:


A. In my letter of the 20th of June I did myself the honor to inform your Lordships of the Plot to destroy this Town and people, but whatever I then said or could say, falls short of what has since appeared; We then thought it was projected only by Huson and the Negroes; but it is now apparent that the hand of popery is in it, for a Romish Priest having been tryed was upon full and clear evidence convicted of having a deep share in it; we have besides several other white men in prison and most of them (it is thought) I wish [Irish?] Papists; one of whom is a dancing master, some of them Soldiers in the two companies posted in this town, and the father and three brothers of that Huson who was hanged; Where, by whom or in what shape this plot was first projected is yet undis- covered; that which at present seems most probable is that Huson, an indi- gent fellow of a vile character, casting in his thoughts how to mend his cir-


1741


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cumstances, Inticed some Negroes to rob their Masters and to bring the stolen [goods] to him on promise of reward when they were sold; but seeing that by this pilfering trade riches did not flow into him fast enough, and finding the Negroes fit instruments for any villainy, he then fell upon the schemes of burning the fort and town, and murdering the people, as the speediest way to enrich himself and them, and to gain the freedom, for that was the Negroes main inducement. How long this plot had been on foot is uncertain; one of the Negroes who laid hold on my proclamation, owned he was sworn by Huson last Christmas was three years; others two years ago; others more lately; but when or by what means the Priest and Huson became acquainted is but con- jecture; most likely it was by the means of Margaret Kerry who lived in Huson's house, and was executed with him; for she being a professed Papist might dis- close it to the Priest; be that as it will, after he was acquainted with them the design seemed to proceed with more vigour. The conspirators had hopes given them that the Spaniards would come hither and join with them early in the Spring; but if they failed to come then the business was to be done by the Con- spirators without them; many of them were christen'd by the Priest, absolved from all their past sins and whatever they should do in the Plott; many of them sworn by him (others by Huson) to burn and destroy, and to be secret; wherein they were but too punctual; how weak soever the scheme may appear, it was plausible and strong enough to engage and hold the Negroes, and that was all that the Priest and Huson wanted; for had the fort taken fire in the night, as it was intended, the town was then to have been fired in several places at once; in which confusion much rich plunder might have been got and concealed; and if they had it in view too, to serve the enemy, they could not have done it more effectually; for this town being laid in ashes his Majesties forces in the West Indies might have suffered much for want of provisions, and perhaps been unable to proceed upon any expedition or peice of service, from whence they might promise themselves great rewards; I doubt the business is pretty nigh at an end for since the Priest has been apprehended, and some more white men named, great industry has been used through out the town to discredit the witnesses and prejudice the people against them; and I am told it has had in a great measure its intended effect; I am sorry for it, for I do not think we are yet got near the bottom of it, where I doubt the principal conspirators lie concealed.


D. My great losses in the fire at the fort, after a very expensive year in pro- moting the expedition etc. sit very heavy upon me; and I again beg leave to Intreat your Lordships to recommend me to the Protection of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, hoping that thereby his noble and generous nature may be wrought upon to keep me by some means or other from sinking under the weight of my misfortunes; I am infinitely bound to his Grace for his protection hitherto which I shall acknowledge as long as I live with the highest thankfulness; and to your Lordships, I beg leave to return my most humble thanks for all your favours and goodness to me, beseeching you to assist me in this my time of need, to which I am reduced by this execrable Plott.


G. I beg leave before I conclude to acquaint your Lordships that of the con- spirators there have been executed Three Whites and twenty-nine Negroes: pardoned one White woman, viz. Huson's daughter, and pardoned and transported eighty Negroes, besides eight Negroes not indicted, but being accused and strongly suspected to be guilty, their masters consented to transport them.


Ury whose tryal I sent your Lordships is sentenced to be hanged.


I reprieved him for a few days upon his Petition for a short time to prepare himself, but that being expired, he is by rule of Court made since, to be exe- cuted next Saturday. I humbly recommend myself to your Lordships protection and am with the highest respect and honor


My Lords,


Your Lordships most humble and most obedient Servant,


Geo. Clarke. - Col. Hist. N. Y. vi pp. 201, 202, 203.


1741


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Letters from Revs. Freeman and Du Bois.


1741, Sept. 4th. Art. 6. A letter from Rev. Freeman of Mid- wout was also read, as well as (one) from Rev. du Bois of New York. This was also signed by Rev. Erickson. In regard to these, the Rev. Deputies have likewise presented their advice, the carrying out of which was recommended to them. They have also written to the Rev. Classis of Schieland, and to the Theological Faculty of Groningen, in order to ascertain if any extraordinary power or qualification was given by them to the Rev. Dorsius, as has been reported to us from New England .* xii. 11.


Arondeus and Buurs finally Examined and Ordained.


Art. 8. In the presence of Rev. van Helmond, as Deputatus of Synod, Revs. John Arondeus and Henry Buurs, were subjected to the final examination, as minister to Midwout, and to the East Indies. They were admitted to those offices, and ordained thereto, with the laying on of hands, after they had repudiated the con- demned opinions of Roell and Bekker; signed the Formulae of Concord; and had declared that they would read the Forms of Baptism and Communion without change; and that they would keep in correspondence with this Assembly. xii. 12.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


The Classis of Amsterdam to the Church of Midwout, etc., on Long Island, September 9, 1741. No. 45.


Worthy Sirs, Dearly Beloved Brethren, the Pastors and Members of the Con- sistory in the Churches of Midwout, etc., situated on Long Island, near the city of New York in North America:


Behold your lawful desires fulfilled by the Classis of Amsterdam, which has not ceased with unwearied care to seek a minister for you. We have made out a call for him, in your name, according to our Church Order, and by virtue of your authorization. His name is John Arondeus. He has been examined by


(* This name, New England, is several times used in a large sense, in this Correspondence, so as to include New York.)


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


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us for ordination, and ordained by the laying on of hands, to the sacred ministry of your churches. May the Lord guide him, and grant him and his wife a safe journey to your regions. May be be endowed with all wisdom that he may ap- pear before you, approved of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We commend him to your love, professing brethren, with the hope that you will receive him in the Lord. Esteem him very highly in love for his work's sake, and assist him, as a pastor sent of God, in every way requisite to make him undertake his ministry with joy and not with grief; for that would be unprofitable to you. We trust that his Reverence has learned to deal with souls with good judgement and godly discrimination. Therefore we hope all the more that your obedience, and thirst for that knowl- edge which bringeth salvation, may enable you to recognize him as superior to those who, according to reports sent to us, to our great grief, run about your regions without being sent. Ay, worthy brethren be ye in this matter our joy in the Lord. It is our happiness to bear you on our hearts, for the good of your souls, and for the general welfare of the Church. May we learn that all things among you are done according to the Rule of Faith; that the Church Order of the churches of the Fatherland, (of which you are the offspring planted in a foreign land,) is maintained among you to the furtherance of one way and one heart. Oh! that we may rejoice in the steadfastness and well-ordering of your faith, showing that the Lord is with you. Our heart sighs for Zion, and pours itself out in prayers for your benefit. The Lord bless thee, thou mount of holi- ness, thou habitation of righteousness.


Concerning your Church affairs, we cannot answer Mr. Freeman respecting Rev. Arondeus, because he is obliged to make haste to depart, by the way of England. This he deems very necessary to avoid the dangers of the war. God grant that the war may cease, and may he keep you and ourselves from hostile attacks, surprises and invasions.


We wish once more briefly to announce that in our last Classis we took all possible care to secure proper arrangements for the Coetus of the New York churches, which we consider very necessary. But it seems strange to us that Rev. (J. H.) Goetschius has been installed at Jamaica, on the simple ordination of Rev. Dorsius, who has really no authority whatever to provide the churches of New York with ministers; nor has he authority even from the Synod of South Holland, with reference to Pennsylvania. As regards his particular appoint- ment by the Classis of Schielandt, we shall seek further information. The ex- penses to which Rev. Mr. Arondeus will be subjected on account of the preca- riousness of the times, we hope will be returned to him. We commend your- selves and your church, with all the affection of our souls so anxious on your behalf, to God and the word of his grace. We also invoke your prayers for us, and from our hearts call ourselves,


Yours, Tiberius Reytsma, Pres. Theodore van Schelluyne, Scriba.


Amsterdam, Sept. 9, 1741.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Letters to Midwout and to the Classis of Schieland.


1741, Oct. 2nd. Art. 11, ad Art. 6, precedentis Classis. There were read by Rev. Deputati, and approved, in answer to the let- ters from the churches of Midwout and New York, 1. A letter to the congregation of Midwout, etc .; 2. One to the Rev. Classis of Schieland, to be sent yet this day. It was further resolved to postpone for a little while yet the writing to the Facultas Theologiae at Groningen. xii. 14.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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1741


JOURNAL OF THE ASSEMBLY. ACT TO HELP SUPPORT THE MINISTER AND POOR.


1741, Nov. 17. George Clarke, Lieutenant Governor.


The Assembly sent a Bill to the Council entitled, "An Act to oblige all persons that shall come to inhabit or reside in the city of New York, in order to expose any goods, wares or merchandise to sale at any time after the annual assess- ment made for the tax for the maintenance of the minister and poor of the said city, to pay their due proportion," and desired the concurrence of the Council thereto. Council Journal, 789. Read first and second time, 789. Third reading, Nov. 18, 789. Committed, Nov. 23rd, 791. Passed, and Assembly notified, 792. Enacted, Nov. 27, 795. Revived, May 14, 1745; 884, 885. Again revived, Sept. 11, 1755; 1291.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Letter from Rev. Wilhelmus.


1741, Dec. 12th. The contents of the letter written by Rev. Wilhelmus having been read by Rev. Depp., relating to the case of Rev. Dorsius, and their report (pre-advice) having been heard thereupon, the Assembly adopted the said pre-advice, and requested the Rev. Depp. to shape their letters to those of New York and to Rev. Dorsius in accordance therewith. xii. 17.


CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Evening Services.


New York, Dec. 14, 1741.


General Consistory held for rendering accounts - Elders, Deacons and Church Masters.


It was proposed to the ministers whether it would not be well, during the winter, that the minister who preaches in the New Church in the morning, should preach in the Old Church in the evening, instead of the afternoon. To this arrangement both the ministers freely consented.


-Lib. B. 149.


REV. MR. COLGAN TO THE SECRETARY OF SOCIETY FOR PROPAGAT- ING THE GOSPEL.


Jamaica, December 15th, 1741.


Reverend Sir: However, in the meantime, be pleased to accept this general account of the State of my Mission there, being three Churches belonging to my Cure, that of Jamaica Newtown and Flushing; I must with a great deal of truth, say, that not only they are in a growing condition & the members thereof gen-


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erally of an exemplary life and conversation, but that the Church of England here was never in so much credit and reputation among the Dissenters of all sorts as at this day; their opinion concerning her doctrine as well as discipline being vastly more favourable than ever. Enthusiasm has of late been very pre dominant amongst us, but is now in a declining state, several of the teachers in that way, as well as their learners, being found guilty of the foulest immoral practices, and others of them have wrought themselves into the highest degree of madness :- these occurrences, together with those good books lately sent over by the Society, have taught people what the true spirit of Christianity is, and what it is not, & that it is to be found in a more sober, rational Scheme, than that delivered to mankind by Mr. Whitfield, that Arch Enthusiast, and his ad- herents; having nothing more to add but the promise of all due diligence & fidelity in the discharge of all the Offices belonging to my Mission.


I remain etc., etc.


Thos. Colgan.


- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. p. 193.


PRESBYTERIANISM.


1741. Board of Correspondence in New York, instituted, in connection with Scotch Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. See 1709.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


. Rev. Arondeus.


1742, Jan. 9th. Art. 3. Rev. John Arondeus having come within the room, presented a request to be released from the po- sition accepted by him, particularly on account of the feebleness of his wife. After the misfortune which befell them at sea, for they had been captured by a Spanish pirate, robbed of all they had, and carried up to St. Sebastian, she did not dare to undertake again the voyage to Midwout, etc., and he could not make up his mind to leave his wife. But if he could not be re- leased, he asked that he might have a time fixed, when he could go over to his settlement in the safest manner possible; and that the Assembly would remember him charitably in this his inconvenience.


The Rev. Classis, considering all this, was affected with com- passion towards him. Nevertheless they hold him bound to ful- fill the engagement, to which he was called; for he is obligated and bound by his acceptance and installation. Yet they will cheerfully wait for some time, until a good opportunity offers to make the journey, so far as may be possible, in safety. This


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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Assembly also recommends him to the charity of the individual churches under their jurisdiction, after the example of the Con- sistory of Amsterdam, who has granted him the sum of one hun- dred guilders. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras are also requested to do all in their power to advise and aid him under these distressing circumstances. The Rev. Quaester, also in writ- ing notices of the next Classis, shall recommend him to the indi- vidual churches.


- xii. 18, 19.


CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Proposal for a Third Minister, etc.


New York, Jan. 14, 1742.


After calling on God's name, Consistory held - Ministers, Eld- ers, Deacons and Church Masters being present.


Domine Du Bois, the President, stated that the elders had re- quested this meeting in order to present their views, and to learn whether the deacons and church masters thought proper, that means should be devised to obtain a third minister.


Resolved, first, that the whole Consistory deem this advisable. And, secondly, that a Great Consistory be called for next Thurs- day, Jan. 21st.


Further, since, lately, it was referred to Mr. John Roosevelt, Jas. Bogardus and Hendrick Ryke, to make another door in the Old Church, in such place and manner as they should judge ex- pedient; and they now request a written statement thereof; it was thought proper that such a statement, in writing, should be given to them.


Also the President was requested to give a written order, in the name of the Consistory, to Mr. G. Beekman, to tell the fam- ily, which, through Mr. de Gree came on the Manor without the consent of the Consistory, to remove; and if they refuse, then to proceed against them according to law.


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


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Also, that Mr. G. Beekman shall immediately, in the name of the Consistory, say to Wm. Teller, who resides on the Manor, that if he does not pay up his arrears to the satisfaction of the Consistory before the Spring, his farm will certainly be rented to another person, and the Consistory still demand due payment from him.




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