1701 (Extracts from letter from Albany, September 9, 1700.) 4. That Rev. Lydius had been received as lawful minister at New Albany, and had taken possession of his office. 5. That Rev. Freeman had been called to Schenectady, and asked for their approval, so that he might be in fellowship with them. 6. That they had not as yet given it, because it was not preceded by the resolve to join himself also to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, whereof all the churches there accounted themselves as members; and whither they brought their disputes if any arose; but that it seemed as if they belonged to the Classis of Lingen. 7. They state that the state of their churches is beginning to prosper; that the remaining disputes are diminishing. Extract from a letter from Kingstown to the Rev. Classis of 1. He writes that Rev. Lydius and Freeman having arrived at New Albany, the papers of both of them were examined by the retiring and the ruling Consistory, in his presence; for he had repaired thither with an elder and deacon as the result of a resolution of Consistory. 2. That it was found that the right to the office lay with Lydius, who then was also declared to be the lawful pastor, and was inducted into the parsonage, and preached his inaugural at the request of the Consistory. 3. That a trial was made to raise a fund in the congregation for the support of Rev. Freeman, as a second minister, but in vain. 4. That Rev. Freeman was called to Schenectady; that he accepted this call, and thereupon immediately preached his inaugural without regard to Church Order. Extract from a letter from Rev. Lydius, to the Rev. Classis of 1. He writes that, having left Amsterdam on April 21, he landed at New York on July 20, ahead of Rev. Freeman, who arrived on the 23rd, although Freeman started earlier than himself. 2. That they had both been conveyed to Albany in one yacht, and they had been welcomed at the landing by the magistrates, Consistory, and the most prominent people of the place. 3. That the testimonials of both having been looked into, the parsonage and office were accorded to him; and that the salary of the half year, which had just elapsed, had been paid. 4. That Lord Bellomont, although he was approached by friends of Rev. Freeman, had rejected him, and declared himself against him; and that he would never oppose a call made by the Classis of Amsterdam. 5. That the converts from the heathen had resumed their praying and singing exercises at his house. My lord (Bellomont), having attended these once with his suite, had granted him an interpreter, (at state expense) to instruct them further in the way. 6. That the church of Schenectady had agreed upon a salary for Rev. Freeman, and that thereupon he had preached his inaugural. Extract from a letter written from Albany to the Classis of 1. They make known that on seeing our call to Rev. Lydius, they had accepted him; and found him to be (possessed) of re 1701 1701 spectable scholarship and good gifts as a preacher, to the complete satisfaction of the congregation. 2. That he obliged them to esteem him greatly; wherefore they thanked the Rev. Classis for sending him. 3. That as Rev. Freeman could not be supported by them as a second minister, he had come to an agreement with the Consistory of Schenectady, a village two (five? Dutch) miles distant from them, which had lost their pastor (Tesschenmaker) in the last war, to succeed him in this office. This also served to set them at rest. 4. They made request, inasmuch as the state of their church demands it, that the Classis will disregard, in charity, what they may have against any one, by reason of what has occurred. ATTEMPT TO START AN ANGLICAN CHURCH AT KINGSTON. Secretary Clarke to the Gentlemen at Esopus. (1704) Gentlemen, New York August ye 30th 1701. (1704?) Mr. Haburne, who is a Minister of ye Establisht Church of England, and sent by his Excellency to administer ye Gospell to you, in this vacancy, ought I think att Least, to be provided for as well as a dessenting Minister to that Church; who is only tolerated to exercise ye unestablisht religion he professes, but it seems you have not been of that Opinion, or if you have, you have not paid that Obedience to his Excellency's Commands, and that regard to this gentleman's Character, as was due, and this appears plainly by ye mean accommodacons you provided before, I am therefore by his Excellency's Command to lett you know that you are immediately without delays in misconstruing any part of this to provide a good and Convenient house in your town of Kingstown with necessarys thereto belonging (suitable to the Character of Mr. Heburn) for him, and if there be no other house to be Gotten you are immediately to put him in possession of ye house Late of Boudy Windewitt which was some time since Escheated for her Matie and make a speedy returne of what you shall have done herein, I am Gentlemen Your very humble servant, Geo. Clarke.- Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. ii. p. 584. Elsewhere written Hepburne. 1701 ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Touching the Coetus of Suriname. 1701, Sept. 5th. Rev. Lambertus Zeegers, as Deputatus ad res Maritimas reports that the Messrs. Directors of the Colony of Suriname, having written to the General and the Council there, that their pretended Classis should be changed into a Coetus, whereof, see previous acta; those of Suriname had advanced several grievances and difficulties in their reply. Said Messrs. Directors request the opinions of the Rev. Classis. Rev. Deputati ad res Maritimas are requested to put into writing their ideas and reasons upon this affair, and to communicate these at the next meeting. ix. 20. xix. 264. (This and some other similar items are inserted as they show the position of the Classis in reference to attempts at ecclesiastical independence in other Colonies.) An extract was read from a letter of the Messrs. Councillors of the Police (Political Councillors?) of the Colony of Suriname, written to the Messrs. Directors of the Chartered Society here, (for sending ministers to Suriname,) dated April 18th, 1701. It related to the remarks, grievances and difficulties which they had experienced about the change of their so called Classis into a Coetus, or a Conventus. Hereupon the Revs. Deputati ad res Maritimas communicated to the Classis, succinctly, and with dignity drawn up, in writing, to the great satisfaction of this Assembly, as was asked of them, as appears in actis precedentis, their ideas and reasons in refuta 1701 tion of the aforesaid remarks, grievances and difficulties. It was further resolved that the same shall be placed before the said Messrs. Directors, after communicating them first to the Hon. Burgomaster, John Hudde, Political Commissioner (Politicke Commisiaris) of the church of Amsterdam. The brethren were thanked by the President for their trouble taken in the premises. ix. 23. xix. 266. CHURCH OF NEW YORK. FEES FOR CERTIFICATES. Sept. 8, 1701. Consistory met, and after prayer, unanimously Resolved, That for Certificates of Baptism, etc., which any one may want, he shall pay to the minister. For Certificates of Baptism For duplicate of Baptism For Certificate of Church membership (Amounts obliterated.) For Recording Marriage bans Nevertheless this is to be further considered on account of some objections. Witnesses needed for applicants for Church Membership. In future, when any one is accepted upon profession of his faith by the minister, in the presence of one or more elders, he shall, since the City daily grows larger and all men are not wellknown to us, bring a communicant as witness of his godly life, if the same is required by the minister. Elders to dun Delinquents. Resolved, unanimously, that henceforth, one or more of the elders shall, at least once a year, and as much oftener as they think proper, go with the bell-ringer, when he goes around to |