962 PAPERS RELATING TO

the formularies of the Netherland Chm-clies and the Christian Catechism, SoUciting all our Brethern to accept liim as a LaAvful Brother, and lawfully called Minister of the Gospel of Christ, to honour him for the sake of his Ministry, and to assist him whenever it is in their power, So that he may officiate unmolested and cliearfuUy, to glorify God's name and the conversion and Salvation of Souls.

The Almighty God, who has called this Minister to the Service of his church enricli him more and more with all talents and the blessings of his Holy Ghost, so that his labours may be crowned with abundant Success, to the glory of his name, and Salvation of men, and reward and adorn Mm, at the appearance of the great Shepherd of Slieep with tlie never fading crown of eternal glory --

Done in a Classical meeting in Amsterdam 16 Febr. IGGO In the name and by order of all ir ! (was signed) Petrus Proeleus, Eccles.

Amstelodamensis, et Deputatorum ad causas Indicas Pt scriba

POMINIE BLOM'S DESCRIPTION OF THE MASSACRE AT THE ESOPUS, 1663.

Revd Wise, right learned, and pious:

The state and condition of my Church, situate in the village of Wiltwyck, in the Esopus country, in New Netherland, since ray 3 years residence there is somewhat prosperous, through God's blessing and mercy, as well in Members, which have increased from 16 to 60, as in hearers, and all was well ordered in Church matters and consistory, so tliat every thing is placed on a good footing. I liave also laid a good foundation, both by private and public Instruction of Catechists, both within and without my house, as also by the explanation of the Catechism, so that this newly ' rising community began to grow and to bloom right worthily, when a cruel blow overtook it, and the Heathens fell on, and right sorely treated our Church and Commonality, and