SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ALCKMAER.
Art. 9. Extracts from letters from the Indian Churches.
Extract from a letter from Rev. Casparus van Zuren, minister in New Netherland, on Long Island, dated October 30, 1678.
In this he complains, first of all, of the mutual quarrels of his combined churches, about the burden to be borne in the building of a parsonage.
He also complains of the matter of his salary, saying that the Rev. Classis as well as himself had been deceived. For although he had been promised seven hundred and fifty guilders, Holland money, that he is permitted to enjoy, at the most, not more than six hundred guilders. This is worth not more than four hundred and fifty guilders in Holland.
That he had in vain complained of this, getting nothing in reply but mockery and contempt.
That, finally, the matter was treated again at a general meeting. After several propositions, however, he could bring it no further than an offer, which was one hundred guilders less than the meeting itself confessed was his due. This loss had to be borne entirely by him. He professes that he cannot get along under the circumstances.
After several earnest debates, the meeting broke up in such confusion, that all hopes of improvement were practically cut off for him. Add to this, that free fire-wood, also promised to him, has not yet been attended to. What will be the result of all this remains as yet uncertain. He is strongly inclined to return to the Fatherland at the earliest opportunity. To this end he requests that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam will be pleased to take to