Koelman - Reformation Necessary Concerning the Feast Days

[MW]

What follows is the Dutch text and an AI translation. As on a previous thread suggestions for improvement from Dutch speakers will be much appreciated. AI seemed to struggle with this text and it doesn't always give a clear sense. Some of the sentences are very long. I will post in small sections to assist in correction.

Reformatie Nodigh ontzent de FEEST-DAGEN, Naaktelijk vertoont, ende bewezen, Door JACOBUS KOELMAN, Dienaar des H. Euangeliums, tot Sluys in Vlaanderen. Tot ROTTERDAM, Gedzukt bij Henricus Goddæus, Boekdrukker in den Oppezt / Anno 1675.

Reformation Necessary Concerning the FEAST DAYS, Clearly Demonstrated and Proven, By JACOBUS KOELMAN, Servant of the Holy Gospel, in Sluys, Flanders. In ROTTERDAM, Printed by Henricus Goddaeus, Printer in the Oppezt / Year 1675.

{i} Aansprak Aan den LEEZER.

Address to the READER.

Gelijk mijn eerste Tractaat over ’t stuk van Reformatie ontrent ’t gebruik der Formulieren van Gebeden en Onderrichtingen, &c. in ’t licht quam in ’t begin van ’t Jaar 1673; Zoo zoude ook dit andere over de noodige Reformatie ontrent de Feestdagen in het eynde van ’t zelve Jaar ’t licht gezien hebben, indien de noodt zulks zoo sterk vereist had. Over die materie had ik een Predikatie gedaan den 26 December 1672. en deselve eenige weynige Maanden daar na uitgebreydt, met getuy genissen van Geleerde, en met oplossing der Tegenwerpingen. Doch alzoo toen geen Drukker in Zeelandt ofte Hollandt vaerdig was, zoo heeft het een jaar ofte anderhalf stil gelegen, in een anders handen tot Rotterdam, en nu is het eindelijk te voorschijn gekomen, gedrukt, even gelijk ik het toen geschreven had. ’t Welk ik om twee Redenen bekent make, Eerst, om dat hier ende daar eenige uitdrukkingen worden gevonden, die te kennen geven, dat ik dit schreef even na dat droevige Jaar 1672. Ten anderen, en bijzonderlijk, op dat den Lezer wete, dat dit Tractaat niet en is geschreven met opsicht, op ’t gene my na die tijdt door haar H. Mog. is overgekomen, wegens mijn gevoelen en praktijk ontrent de Formulieren {ii} en Feestdagen. Doch voor tegenwoordig vinde ik my gedrongen, eenvoudigh en historischer wijze in ’t korte te verhalen, voor de Gemeinte van Nederlandt (want voor haar aangezichte is het geschiede) op wat wij ze door de Machten des Landes tegen my geprocedeert is, wegens de genoemde zaken: Want te dezen dage, wanneer ik dit schrijve (zijnde den 10. Juny 1675) is my door de Griffier van onze Stadt voorgelezen de Resolutie van de Heeren Staten Generaal, die den 6 Iuny leftleden tegen my is genomen, by welcke de Magistraat alhier gelaft wordt, my binnen den tijdt van acht dagen, in cas van weygering, van nauwkeurig de Resolutien van haar H. Mog. op te volgen, uit de Stadt Sluys te doen vertrekken, en my verboden, my in het district van haar H. Mog. op te houden, ofte daar in te komen.

Just as my first treatise on the subject of Reformation concerning the use of Forms of Prayers and Instructions, etc., came to light at the beginning of the year 1673; so too would this other one on the necessary Reformation concerning the Feast Days at the end of the same year have seen the light, had necessity demanded it as strongly. On that subject, I had delivered a sermon on December 26, 1672, and subsequently expanded it a few months later, with testimonies from scholars and responses to objections. But since no printer in Zeeland or Holland was able at that time, it lay dormant for about a year and a half in someone else’s hands in Rotterdam, and now it has finally made its appearance, printed just as I had written it then. I make this known for two reasons. First, because here and there some expressions are found that indicate I wrote this shortly after that sorrowful Year 1672. Secondly, and especially, to inform the Reader that this Treatise was not written with regard to what has happened to me thereafter owing to the High Authority, due to my views and practices concerning the Forms {ii} and Feast Days. But for the present, I find myself compelled to briefly and simply recount, in a historical manner, to the congregation of the Netherlands (for it has been done in their presence) what has been prosecuted against me by the powers of the land regarding the aforementioned matters. For on this day, when I write this (being June 10, 1675), the Clerk of our City has read to me the Resolution of the Lords States General, which was issued against me on June 6, by which the Magistrate here is ordered to expel me from the City of Sluys within the period of eight days, in case of refusal to strictly conform to the Resolutions of the High Authority, and to prohibit me from staying or entering the district of the High Authority.

 

[MW]

2nd paragraph of the Letter to the Reader. Koelman enters into an autobigraphical notice of the controversy that arose over the Feast Days. His preface to the Letters of Rutherford may be found here: https://www.google.com.au/books/edi...EflaAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

Doch ’t zal noodig zijn, dat ik de zaak van voren af op hale. Ik had in de Voorreden voor de Brieven van Mr. Retorfort gezegt, dat de E. Classis van Walcheren hadde geoordeelt dat ik in mijn gevoelen ende praktijk, waar over verschil was gevallen, verdragen zoude worden, en dat daar op rust en vrede in de Kerk van Sluys was gevolgt. Dit schreefik den 5. October 1673. Doch buyten verwach ting kreeg ik in ’t begin van’t Iaar 1674. zeker gedrukt bescheidt, dat de Heeren haar H. Mog. Gedeputeerden de Magistraat van Sluys zoodanig in den Haagh hadden vermaakt, datse door haar Resolutien tegen my te nemen, my zouden brengen tot het oude gebruyk der Formulicren, en zoo niet, dat als dan verder door haar H. Mog. tegen my zoude besloten worden. Hier op heeft de Magistraat, als zijnde daar toe verhoogt, om my tegen te vallen, my niet alleen willen aandringen, om de Formulieren te gebruyken na de wijze, maar ook den 13. Januarii 1674. een breeden en vinnigen Brief van aanklachte aan haar H. Mog geschreven, wegens mijn gevoelen en praktijk ontrent de Feestdagen, als oordeelende dat noch Volk noch Leeraars die niet mosten vieren, en weygerende der {iii} halven als dan, ten ware op Rustdagen, te preeken (hoewel de Collegen als dan zonder scrupel de preek-beurten waarnamen.) Dezen Brief is door Resolutié van haar H. Mog. van den 1. Febr. 1674. gezonden aan de Classis van Walcheren, om haar H. Mog. ce dienen van een pertinent bericht, met byvoeging van haar consideratien. Doch die Magistraat noch niet rustende, hadde haren Griffier Cornelis Caan in den Haag gezonden, om nochmaal een Request te presenteren aan haar H. Mog. en allesins mondeling by de Heeren aan te dringen, om een provisioneele last te verkrijgen aan mij, dat ik my zoude middelerwijle houden aan ’t gebruik der Formulieren, en celebreering van de Feestdagen, tot dat het bericht van de Classis zoude ingekomen zijn; gelijk zy dan, door sterk aanloopen, by Resolutie van den 13. Feb. 1674 verkregen, dat haar H. Mog, den Magistraat van Sluys, en de Classis van Walcheren aanschreven, datse my provisionelijk zouden doen nakomen, ’t geen voornoemtis. Hier op schreef de E. Classis den 16. Feb. 1674. haar bericht, en vertoonde in ’t breede, waarom zy oordeelde, dat men tegen my niet verder diende te procederen, dan zy gedaan had, zeggen. de onder andere; Dat de zaak te gering was, dan dat men een Leeraar daarom zoude ontzetten van zijn dienst; dat de Synodale Wetten geen straffe stelden over de overtreding van die Canones; dat ook de voorgeschrevene Gebeden in ongebruyck waren gekomen, dat wel meermaal door de Leeraars in ber voorlezen der Formulieren, door af en toe te doen, vry wat verandering wierde gemaakt; dat ook ’t verzoek van de Ker kenraadt van Sluys, en de zucht van schier de gansche Gemeinte daar by quam, &c. ook verklaarde de Classis datse op die zaak gelet hadden, als zy voor den Heere na goedt overleg verstonden te behooren, en meinde, met geen meerder ijzer ende bescheydene voorzichtigheidt te hebben kunnen handelen, zy geen geloofs-stuk in gevaar zagen, dat de kracht der godzaligheide geen last leeds, &c. biddende eindelijk, dat haar H. Mog. geliefde de voorschrevene zaak baar vergadering aan {iv} te beveelen. Daerenboven zondt de E. Classis weinige dagen daar aan, haare ghedeputeerde na den Haag, ghelijk mede de Kerkenraadt van Sluys de haare, om alles by de particuliere Leden mondeling te deduceeren, Ook wiert de zaak door die gedeputeerde des Classis aan zijn zeer Doorluchtige Hoogheydt, den Prins van Orangien voor, gestelt, met versoek, dat wilde door zijn Hoog gezag te weghe brenghen, dat de Kerk in haar Privilegien gheen schade mocht ontfangen. Des niet tegenstaande wiert van haar H. Mog. beslooten den 13 Marty 1674. dat ik my zoude hebben te reguleeren na de Formuleeren ende Ordres, begeerende, dat het Classis zoude bezorgen, dat ik de formulieren de feestdagen zoude houden, ghelijk de gewoonte is, en soo ik in gebreeke bleef, datse tegen my zouden hebben te procedeeren tot suspensie en remotie; hier op heeft de E. Classis my verder ghesocht te beweegen, om de oude usantie weder aan te neemen; maar alloo ik geen oplossing van mijn redenen ontfing, ende de contrarie redenen krachteloos waren in mijn oogen, zoo konde ik niet veranderen, maer bleef by mijn practijk en ghevoelen, gelijk te vooren. En als de Heeren Gedeputeerde van Haar H. Mog. tot Sluys quamen, om de wet te vermaken, commissie hebbende, om met my mondeling over dese zaaken te handelen, soo heb ik mijn Redenen haar EE. klaar voorgedraghen, ende de tegen werpingen opgheloft, ende leverde op haar EE. versoek mijn Redenen reghen den Formulierdienst schriftelijk over, als mede mijn Redenen tegen ’t vyeren van de Feestdagen door Predikanten en Ghemeente.

But it will be necessary for me to take up the matter from the beginning. I had said in the Preface to the Letters of Mr. Rutherford that the Hon. Classis of Walcheren had judged that I would be tolerated in my opinions and practices, over which the disagreement had arisen, and that peace and tranquillity in the Church of Sluys had followed as a result. I wrote this on October 5, 1673. But unexpectedly, at the beginning of the year 1674, I received a certain printed notice that the Lords of the the Deputies of the High Authority had instructed the Magistrate of Sluys in such a way in The Hague that by making their resolutions against me they would bring me back to the old practice of the Forms, and if not, that further decisions would then be made against me by the High Authority. In response to this, the Magistrate, being thus incited to oppose me, not only insisted that I use the Forms in the prescribed manner, but also wrote a lengthy and hasty letter of accusation to their High Authority on January 13, 1674, regarding my views and practices concerning the Feast Days, as judging that neither the people nor the ministers should celebrate them, and refusing, therefore, as it were, to preach on Days of Rest (although the Colleges then observed the sermons without scruples). This letter was sent by resolution of the High Authority on February 1, 1674, to the Classis of Walcheren, to serve the High Authority with a pertinent report, along with their considerations. But the Magistrate, not yet satisfied, had sent his Clerk, Cornelis Caan, to The Hague to once again present a Request to the High Authority and to insist verbally with the Lords to obtain a provisional order for me, that I should in the meantime adhere to the use of the Form and the celebration of the Feast Days, until the report from the Classis were to arrive; just as they then, through a strong charge, obtained by Resolution of February 13, 1674, that the High Authority would have the Magistrate of Sluys and the Classis of Walcheren commit to writing that they would have me provisionally comply with what was previously mentioned. In response, the Hon. Classis wrote their report on February 16, 1674, and extensively explained why they deemed it unnecessary to proceed further against me than they had already done, stating among other things: that the matter was too trivial for a Minister to be removed from their service because of it; that the Synodical Laws did not impose penalties for the violation of those Canons; that the prescribed Prayers had also fallen into disuse, and that by occasionally reading the Forms the Ministers had made quite a few changes; that the request of the Church Council of Sluys and the inclination of almost the entire Congregation were also taken into account; and that the Classis had considered the matter as they believed it should be before the Lord after careful deliberation, and thought they could not have acted with more rigour and prudent caution, seeing no danger to matters of faith, that the power of godliness would not suffer any harm, etc., finally praying that the High Authority would kindly recommend the aforementioned matter to their assembly. Moreover, a few days later, the Hon. Classis sent its deputies to The Hague, as well as the Church Council of Sluys, to orally explain everything to the individual members. The matter was also presented by the deputies of the Classis to His Most Esteemed Highness, the Prince of Orange, with a request that he, through his High Authority, would ensure that the Church would not suffer any damage to its privileges. Notwithstanding, it was decided by the High Authority on March 13, 1674, that I should regulate myself according to the Forms and Orders, desiring that the Classis would ensure that I would observe the form on feast days, as is customary, and if I failed to do so, they would proceed against me with suspension and removal. Upon this, the Hon. Classis further sought to persuade me to adopt the old custom again; but since I received no answers to my reasonings, and the opposing reasonings were powerless in my eyes, I could not change, but remained with my practice and feelings, as before. And if the lords Deputies of the High Authority came to Sluys to amend the law, having a commission to discuss these matters with me orally, I already presented my Reasons clearly to them, and addressed the objections raised, and at their request delivered my Reasons in writing against the Formulary service, as well as my Reasons against the observance of the Feast days by Preachers and Congregation.

 

[MW]

3rd paragraph of the Letter to the reader, part A. This is a long paragraph with some very long sentences. AI seemed to struggle with some of these but you can still make basic sense of it. I couldn't find anything to clarify the abbreviation in "EE Resolution." Also, I have noticed in Steven's History of the Scottish Church in Rotterdam that he renders in English "High Mightinesses" what we have generally translated "Honourable Mighty." I wonder if that rendering would be more in keeping with the sense of "H. Mog."

Als nu haer H. Mog. niets verder teghen my resolveerden, en zoo het toescheen, de zaak daer by zouden hebben gelaaten, zoo is’t, dat haar Ed. Mog. de Staaten van, Zeelandt op het rigoureuste en ernstigste, ende te gelijk op het onvoorsienste tegen my hebben geresolveert den 21 Sept. 1674 by ghelegentheydt (gelijk mede in haar EE Resolutie wort te kennen gegeven) voor eerst dat ik, van {v} een Predikant van Middelborgh versocht zijnde, om aldaar te prediken, eens in de week preekte, en kinderen doopte, ende ettelijke lieden, in den houwelijken staat bevestigde, zonder de formulieren voor te leesen, maar spreekende vryelijk over de zaaken, te dier materie dienende, hoewel de ordinaare vraaghen asvraghende; Ten anderen, by gelegentheit, dat ik weinige dagen te vooren door last mijner Kerkenraadts in de Classis hadde vernieuwt, twee gravamina, van de Kerk van Sluys, bevattende eenighe zaaken, die Reformatie vereyschten, ontrent den Doop, ende Avontmaal, en Censure, ende Attestatien, ende in t’ bysonder, was dat het laatste, twelk daar in ghevraaght wierdt, Of niet dienstig ware, dat de gezeyde Feestdagen van Paaschen, Pinxteren ende Kersmis ghevoeghlijk wierden asgeschaft, ten cynde dat de heyliging van den Sabbathdagh te meer wierde bevordert, ende te conscientieuser betracht. Hier op vonden haar Ed. Mog. goedt, dese dry straffen tegen my te besluyten, Eerst, mijn Tractaat over de Formulieren handelende door de officieren te laaten ophaalen, met verbodt, van dat in Zeelandt te verkoopen. Ten anderen, my te verbieden in eenighe stadt ofte dorp van Zeelandt te prediken, ofte cenighe private oeffeninghen te doen. Ten darden te verklaaren, dat ik voortaen geen Sessie zoude moghen hebben in de Classis, met bedreiging, van my, contraire doende, de Provincie te ontsegghen. En hebben haar Ed. Mog. die Resolutie met een Missive aan haar H. Mog. terstont gesonden, ende zoo veel te wege gebracht, dat acht dagen daar aan, naamlijk den 29 Sept. 1674, by haar H. Mog. wiert geresolveert, dat indien ik my binnen den tijt van dry ofte vier weeken niet quame te reguleeren, na de Resolutie van den 13 Marty 1674 naamlijk ghebruykende Formulieren ende Feestdaghen nevens d’andere Predikanten, van die tijdt af zoude zijn ghesuspendeert, zoo dat geen nadere Resolutie dien aangaande zoude worden gerequireert; en zoude die suspensie duuren ter tijdt toe, dat ick met goede documenten zoude doen blijken, dat ik {vi} mijn ghevoelen en practijke zoude hebben verlaaten, ende de hooghe Overigheidt zoude hebben ghehoorsaamt; En zoude dan ook te gelijk, den Ontfanger worden aangeschreven, mijn Tractement in te houden.

If now their High Authority resolved nothing further against me, and, so it seems, would have left the matter there, so it is that the Excellencies used the opportunity on 21 September 1674 to resolve against me in the most rigorous and serious, and at the same time most unexpected manner (as also indicated in their Most Honourables' Resolution); first, that I, having been requested by a Preacher of Middelburg to preach there, preached once a week, baptised children, and confirmed several members in the marital state, without reading the forms, but speaking freely about these matters in a suitable way, although the usual questions were asked. Secondly, as the occasion arose that I had renewed two grievances of the Church of Sluys a few days prior on the order of my Church Council in the Classis, concerning some matters that required Reformation regarding Baptism, and Communion, and Censures, and Attestation, and in particular, the the last, in which it was inquired whether it would not be desirable to abolish the aforementioned Feast Days of Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas in an appropriate manner, in order that the sanctification of the Sabbath day would be more greatly promoted and more conscientiously observed. Hereupon, their Excellencies deemed it good to impose these three punishments against me. First, to have my Treatise on the Forms collected by the officials, with a prohibition against selling it in Zeeland. Secondly, to prohibit me from preaching in any town or village of Zeeland, or conducting any private exercises. Thirdly, to declare that henceforth I would not be allowed to have a session in the Classis, with the threat that if I were to act contrary, I would be expelled from the Province. And their Excellencies sent that Resolution at once with a Missive to the High Authority, and brought it about to such an extent that eight days later, namely on September 29, 1674, it was resolved by His Excellency that if I did not come to conform myself within the time of three or four weeks, to the Resolution of March 13, 1674, namely using the Forms and Feast Days along with the other Preachers, I would be suspended from that time onwards, so that no further Resolution in this regard would be required; and that the suspension would last until I could provide good evidence that I had abandoned my views and practices, and would obey the High Authority; and that at the same time, the Receiver of Revenue would be instructed to withhold my Salary.

 

[Phil D.]

I couldn't find anything to clarify the abbreviation in "EE Resolution."

Looks like its a titular term, presumably based on or inclusive of eervol
An explanation in context here, more generally here.
Several examples in translation here

 

[MW]

Several examples in translation here

Quite a wide range. Perhaps, "their Most Honourables' Resolution" would be in keeping with their "Honourable Mighty" or "High Mightinesses."

 

[Phil D.]

Quite a wide range. Perhaps, "their Most Honourables' Resolution"

Well, it would need to be "their Most Honourables' Resolution"...

 

[MW]

Well, it would need to be "their Most Honourables' Resolution"...

That's what my US spell-checker says. I just ignore it.

 

[Phil D.]

hat's what my US spell-checker says. I just ignore it.

I can live with an ou where there should be an o. It's when I see s's instead of s' that I start to shudder... You at least conform well in that respect!

 

[pgwolv]

in cas van weygering, van nauwkeurig de Resolutien van haar H. Mog. op te volgen, uit de Stadt Sluys te doen vertrekken, en my verboden, my in het district van haar H. Mog. op te houden, ofte daar in te komen.

had the necessity not required it so strongly.

had necessity demanded it as strongly.

was willing at that time

I think this should be "was able at that time"

for a year or a year and a half

for about a year and a half

and now it has finally been published

and now it has finally made its appearance

Which I make known for two reasons.

I make this known for two reasons.

and particularly

and especially

not written with regard to what has come to me from the Honourable Mighty after that time

I think this should be "not written with regard to what has happened to me thereafter owing to the High Authority"

for the congregation

to the congregation

Honourable States General

Lords States General

in case of refusal, for not strictly following the Resolutions of their Honourable Mighty

in case of refusal to strictly conform to the Resolutions of the High Authority

their Honourable Mighty

the High Authority

 

[pgwolv]

to start the matter

to take up the matter

over which a disagreement had arisen

over which the disagreement had arisen

the Honourable Mighty Deputies

the Deputies of the High Authority

that by their resolutions against me

that by making their resolutions against me

the Honourable Mighty

Change to "the High Authority" throughout

vehement

I think this should be "hasty"

judging that neither the people nor the ministers

as judging that neither the people nor the ministers

should celebrate

should celebrate them

, and refusing on their part, except on Rest Days, to preach

, and refusing, therefore, as it were, to preach on Days of Rest

along with its considerations.

possibly "along with their considerations."

not resting

not yet resting, or "not yet satisfied"

until the message from the Classis had arrived

until the report from the Classis were to arrive

through strong insistence

through a strong charge

, by Resolution of February 13, 1674, obtained

obtained by Resolution of February 13, 1674

that the Honourable Mighty had the Magistrate of Sluys and the Classis of Walcheren write to them, that they would provisionally comply with what was previously mentioned.

that the High Authority would have the Magistrate of Sluys and the Classis of Walcheren commit to writing that they would have me provisionally comply with what was previously mentioned.

wrote on February 16, 1674, their report

wrote their report on February 16, 1674

for a Minister to be removed from their service

for a Minister to be removed from their service because of it

seeing no danger to the integrity of the faith

seeing no danger to matters of faith

does not bear burdens

I think this should be "would not suffer any harm"

would kindly refer

would kindly recommend

the Classis deputies

the deputies of the Classis

Serene Highness

Esteemed Highness

I received no resolution of my reasons

I received no answers to my reasonings

and the contrary reasons

and the opposing reasonings

And when the gentlemen

And if the lords

I presented my Reasons clearly to them

I already presented my Reasons

 

[MW]

I think this should be "was able at that time"

the High Authority

Thanks again. Is vaerdig the same as waerdig? Cambridge Dictionary has worthy, suitable, deserving, but none of those seem to fit.

I will have to go back to the previous thread and change "Honourable Mighty" to "High Authority." Would you know of any English works that refer to the States General in this way? It would be good to get some kind of standard usage.

 

[pgwolv]

Thanks again. Is vaerdig the same as waerdig? Cambridge Dictionary has worthy, suitable, deserving, but none of those seem to fit.

I will have to go back to the previous thread and change "Honourable Mighty" to "High Authority." Would you know of any English works that refer to the States General in this way? It would be good to get some kind of standard usage.

No, vaerdig/vaardig means skillful. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/vaardig

For States General, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_General_of_the_Netherlands

 

[pgwolv]

and it seemed that they would have left the matter there, it is

and, so it seems, would have left the matter there, so it is

that the High Authority

that the Noble Authority [or "the Excellencies" for consistency] of the State of Zeeland

resolved against me in the most rigorous and serious manner, and at the same time unexpectedly, on 21 September 1674, on the occasion

used the opportunity on 21 September 1674 to resolve against me in the most rigorous and serious, and at the same time most unexpected manner

for the first time that I

first, that I

, being a preacher from Middelburg, was requested to preach there

having been requested by a Preacher of Middelburg to preach there

confirmed several people

confirmed several members

speaking freely about the matters at hand

speaking freely about these matters in a suitable way

the ordinary questions

Probably better as "the usual questions"

Secondly, on the occasion that I had a few days prior, renewed two grievances from the Church of Sluys in the Classis by order of my Church Council

Secondly, as the occasion arose that I had renewed two grievances of the Church of Sluys a few days prior on the order of my Church Council in the Classis

containing some matters

concerning some matters

and Testimonies

either "and Certification" or, more directly, "and Attestation".

the latter

possibly "the last"

which was inquired about, whether

in which it was inquired whether

it would not be appropriate to abolish the aforementioned Feast Days of Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas

it would not be desirable to abolish the aforementioned Feast Days of Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas in an appropriate manner

would be more promoted and observed more conscientiously.

would be more greatly promoted and more conscientiously observed

the officers

"the officials" would probably be better

To declare

Thirdly, to declare

And their Excellencies sent that Resolution with a Missive to His Excellency immediately

And their Excellencies sent that Resolution at once with a Missive to the High Authority

I did not come to regulate myself

If I did not come to conform myself

according to the Resolution

to the Resolution

and that suspension

and that the suspension

until I could demonstrate with good documents

probably something like "until I could provide good evidence"

and had obeyed the high Authority;

and would obey the High Authority

the Receiver

something like "the Receiver of Revenue", referring to the body who dispensed money from the government's treasury

 

[MW]

Thirdly, to declare

I thought I had at least mastered this part of the speech since I've come across it so often. I don't know why I missed that one. Too much to think about at once, perhaps.

Thanks again for your help. The language flows well. Hopefully we can get the Letter finished before the next feast day.

 

[pgwolv]

I thought I had at least mastered this part of the speech since I've come across it so often. I don't know why I missed that one. Too much to think about at once, perhaps.

Thanks again for your help. The language flows well. Hopefully we can get the Letter finished before the next feast day.

You are most welcome

 

[MW]

3rd paragraph of the Letter to the Reader, part B.

Dese Resolutie van haar H. Mog. nevens die van haar Ed. Mog. de Staaten van Zeeland, maakte de Kerkenraat, en Gemeinte van Sluys ten hooghsten ontzet en verbaast, gelijk mede de E. Classis van Walcheren; doch zy behaagde zeer aan die Magistraats Persoonen tot Sluys, welke mijne vyanden waren, ende zoo veel tegen my gearbeyt hadden. Dies de Kerkenraadt my versocht, om een middel tot voorkoming van de executie van die lententie uit te vinden, dat ik zoude alleen prediken des Rustdags, ende in de week, op tijden ende uuren, op welke den H. Doop ordinaar tot Sluys niet bedient wordt, en ten tijde des Avontmaals mijn Collega aan de tafel het Formulier laaten leesen, en als’t mijn beurt was, ’t Avontmaal zelfs uit te reyken. Dit wierdt gheoordeelt zoo een temperament te zijn, twelk met gheen grondt konde, verworpen worden, alzoo dan noch de order, van Formulieren te leesen ofte op te zeggen, in de Kerk van Sluys, zoude blijven; hoewel ik onder-tussen mijn Conscientie niet zoude beswaa en met te doen ’t geen ik zoude oordelen sonde te zijn. Ik heb dien voorslag, om veel redenen, die toen voort quamen, in gewilligt, als hoopende, dat na verloop van weynig tijdes de waarheydt ende wel-ghegrontheyt van mijn ghevocion ende practijk meerder soude blijken, en den yver der potijken, in my wegens dese zaken teghen te loopen, soude verkoelen, ende ik alsoo weder mijn voorighe vryheydt onghemoeyt soude ghebruyken. Daar op is’t, dat de Kerken-raadt terstondt dan haar gedeputeerde na den Haag soudt, ghelijk ook de E. Classis een brief daar over aen den Staat schreef, om op dit temperament, van haar Hoog. Mog. te verwerven, dat die ghedecreteerde Suspense mochte worden afghedaan ende weg - ghenoomen: maar alsoo de Ed. Mogende Heeren Staaten in Zeelandt het haar interest ende respect iekenden, {vii} my ten uyttersten in mijn ghevoelen teghen te gaan, ende my de prediking daar over te verhinderen; soo had die Deputatie ende voorslagh by haar Hoog. Mo. gheen effect. derhalven heb ik, onder een ernstigh protest voor de gansche Ghemeente, teghen ’t gene haar Hoo. Mog. tot mijn ende der Kerckes nadeel hadden geresolveert, teghen ’t Kerkelijke recht, om verscheydene redenen ende consideratien, my toen moveerende, van de preekstoel my een tijde langh willen onthouden, terwijl de Kerkenraadt ende Classis by de Staaten yan Zeelandt (die bekent waren aller scherpst teghen my te zijn, hoewel ik noch niet weet, haar eenighe de minste reden ghegheven te hebben) door ghedeputeerde ende andersins aanhielden, op dat mijn dienst niet mocht ve hindert blijven; ook wierden aan haar Hoog. Mog. door Kerkenraadt ende Classis verscheyde brieven ghezonden, versoekende, dat het recht der Kerke mocht ongheschonden blijven, ende dat ik weder in de uitvoering van mijn publyke bediening mochte ghe raaken; maer sonder vrucht.

This Resolution from the High Authority, along with that of the Excellencies the States of Zeeland, caused the Church Council and the Congregation of Sluys to be extremely distressed and astonished, as well as the Hon. Classis of Walcheren; but it greatly pleased those Magistrates of Sluys, who were my enemies and had worked so much against me. Therefore, the Church Council requested me, in order to find a means to prevent the execution of that sentence, to only preach on Rest Days and during the week at times and hours when Holy Baptism is not ordinarily administered in Sluys; and during Communion to let my Colleague read from the Form at the table, and, when it was my turn, to distribute the Communion myself. This was deemed a measure that could not be rejected on any grounds, so that the Forms would still be read or recited in the Church of Sluys; although in the meantime, I would not burden my conscience by doing what I would judge to be sinful. I accepted that proposal for many reasons that arose at the time, hoping that after a short period the truth and soundness of my views and practice would become clearer, and that the zeal of the politicians, in opposing me on these matters, would cool down, allowing me to once again exercise my previous freedom unhindered. Therefore, the Church Council immediately sent its deputy to The Hague, and the Hon. Classis wrote a letter to the State about it, to obtain from the High Authority the resolution to lift and remove the decreed Suspension: but since the Honourable Lords of the States in Zeeland showed their interest and respect in that they opposed my views to the utmost and prevented me from preaching about it, thus the Deputation and proposal had no effect with the High Authority. Therefore I, under a serious protest on behalf of the entire Congregation, against what the High Authority had resolved to the detriment of me and the Church, contrary to ecclesiastical authority, for various reasons and considerations that then moved me, wished to leave the pulpit for a time, while the Church Council and Classis at the States of Zeeland (who were known to be most vehemently against me, although I do not yet know if I have given them any reason whatsoever) persisted through deputies and otherwise, so that my service would not be hindered; various letters were also sent to the High Authority by the Church Council and Classis, requesting that the authority of the Church might remain intact, and that I might again engage in the execution of my public duties; but without success.

 

[pgwolv]

ook wierden aan haar Hoog. Mog. door Kerkenraadt ende Classis verscheyde brieven ghezonden, versoekende, dat het recht der Kerke mocht ongheschonden blijven, ende dat ik weder in de uitvoering van mijn publyke bediening mochte ghe raaken; maer sonder vrucht.

the Excellent Mighty

the Excellencies

Therefore, the Church Council requested me to find a means to prevent the execution of that sentence, that I would only preach

Therefore, the Church Council requested me, in order to find a means to prevent the execution of that sentence, to only preach

my Colleague would read the Form at the table

to let my Colleague read from the Form [or Formulary] at the table

and when it was my turn I would distribute the Communion myself.

and, when it was my turn, to distribute the Communion myself.

This was deemed to be a moderation that could not be rejected without cause

This was deemed a measure that could not be rejected on any grounds

so the order of reading or reciting the Form in the Church of Sluys would remain

so that the Formularies would still be read or recited in the Church of Sluys

my devotion and practice

probably "my views and practices" in keeping with the rest of the document.

and the zeal

and that the zeal

allowing me to once again exercise my previous freedom.

The word "paghemoeyt" was ignored; it might have been a bad OCR attempt, as I do not recognise it at all. Perhaps one of our @Claes Jacob Heijndericksz can assist?

just as the Hon. Classis

and the Hon. Classis

recognised their interest and respect, they went to the utmost to oppose my feelings

showed their interest and respect in that they opposed my views to the utmost [not sure about "interest and respect", but I don't know the exact meaning of the expression]

for the entire Congregation

on behalf of the entire Congregation

ecclesiastical law

perhaps better as "ecclesiastical authority"

wished to refrain from the pulpit for a time

better English would be "wished to leave the pulpit for a time"

the rights of the Church

the authority of the Church

 

[MW]

The word "paghemoeyt" was ignored; it might have been a bad OCR attempt, as I do not recognise it at all. Perhaps one of our @Claes Jacob Heijndericksz can assist?

Good catch. After magnifying the text and trying different possibilities it turns out the word is "onghemoeyt," which the dictionary renders unmolested.

 

[pgwolv]

Good catch. After magnifying the text and trying different possibilities it turns out the word is "onghemoeyt," which the dictionary renders unmolested.

Alternative to "unmolested" would be "unhindered"

 

[MW]

3rd paragraph of the Letter to the Reader, part C. It contains some very long sentences, to which I have introduced some dashes to help distinguish thoughts. The text is intelligible but I sense it will need a lot of work.

Dry maanden daarna, alsoo ik verstont, dat zijn Doorluchtighe hoogheyt den Heer Prins van Oranien wel gheneghen was, my hier over te hooren spreeken; zoo heb ik ghelegentheyt ghelocht ende verkreghen, om aan zijn Hoogheydt de gansche saak, ende de gheheele toedraaging van dien voor te stellen, ende bevondt daarna, dat zijn Hoog-gemeltes Hoogheyts advys aan Haar Hoog. Mog. was, van my wederom, immers togeen preuve voor een jaar, te laaten prediken. Doch haar Hoog, Mog. hebben des niet teghenstaande daarna by Resolutie van den 11 April 1675 nochmaal goedtghevonden, te persisteeren by de suspensie, welke op den 29 Sept. 1674 tegen my was beslooten, ende wierdt die Resolutie aan de Magistraat ende Kerkenraade van Sluys, ende aan de Classis van Walcheren ghesonden, om haar na den inhoude van dien te reguleren. En wanneer een brief geschreven was aan haar H. Mog. den 25 April. 1675, door vier Magistraats persoonen van Sluys, zijnde mijne vinnige partyen ende vervolgers, over welke het oordeelen verderf {viii} zekerlijk niet en sluymert noch ledigh is aanklaghende dat hoewel niet opentlijk preekte, ik nochtans in de Gemeente veel dienst dede als een Predikant, zoo wierdt by haar Hoog. Mog, den 4. May 1675 gheresolveert ende den 18 May nader verklaart ende ghelast, dat de Magistraat van Sluys my zoude effectivelijk en faitelijk verhinderen alle functien tot het H. Ministerium specteerende, ’tadministreeren van de Sacramenten, ’tcatechiseeren der kinderen, ’tbesoeken ende nodighen van de lidtmaaten, ’tcompareeren in de Consistorien, ja ook het houden van eenighe exercitien ofte by een komsten, hoedanigh die souden moghen weesen, te mijnen huyse ofte elders, ende wierdt de gheweldighe executie haar aanbevoolen, op pæne van cassatie, ende verklaaring van inhabiliteyt, om oyt ofte oyt meer tot eenighe bediening gheadmitteert te moghen worden; ende indien zy zouden verneemen, tot uitwerking van’t voorschrevene, niet machtigh ghenog te wezen, datse zouden hebben te verzoek en de sterke ofte militaire handt van de Gouverneur ofte Commandeur. En in conformitè van die Resolutie heeft de Magistraat de Catechisatien geweldiglijk verhindert, en my eenmaal en andermaal faitelijk ter Kerkenraadt doen uitgaan, die voor den Heere, en voor mijne Broeders tegen dit doen van haar H. Mog. protesteerde. En wanneer de Magistraat daar na aan haar H. Mog. schreef, dat zy door haar Griffier dit antwoordt van my hadden gekregen, dat ik haar H. Mog. beveelen in politijke zaken geerne wilde obedieren, maar dat die zaak was Kerkelijk, en ’t recht van de Kerk niet konde wechgeven, en dat ik niet tegenstaande alle beletselen daar tegen aangewendt, niet alleen continueerde, in de ordinarisse oeffeningen in mijn Huys voort te gaan, maar oock in de Consistorye te verschijnen, zoo namen haar H. Mog. den 6 Juny 1675. deze Resolntie, waarvan ik in ’t begin gewaagde, naamlijk, dat zoo ik niet met een schriftelijke Acte verklaarde, de Resolutien van haar H. Mog. punctuelijk te willen opvolgen en observeren, de {ix} Magistraat van Sluys my op expresse ordre en last van haar H. Mog. binnen den tijdt van acht dagen uit de Stadt zouden doen vertreckken, interdicerende my verder in de Plaatsen onder de Generaliteit resorterende, my op te houden, ofte daar in te komen.

Three months later, as I understood, that his Esteemed Highness the Lord Prince of Orange was inclined to hear me speak about this; thus, I sought and found an opportunity to present the entire matter and all of the circumstances surrounding it to his Highness, and afterwards found that the much esteemed advice of his Highness to the High Authority was to give me the privilege to preach again, after all, for a year. But the High Authority, nevertheless, subsequently saw fit to persist, by Resolution on April 11, 1675, in the suspension that had been decided against me on September 29, 1674, and that Resolution was sent to the Magistrate and Church Council of Sluys, and to the Classis of Walcheren, to conduct themselves according to its content. And when a letter was written to the High Authority on April 25, 1675, by four magistrates of Sluys, – being my fierce opponents and prosecutors, concerning whom the judgment of destruction is certainly neither slumbering nor idle, – charging that although I did not preach openly, I nevertheless performed much service in the Church as a preacher, the High authority resolved on May 4, 1675, and further declared and ordered the Magistrate of Sluys on May 18, to effectively and actually prevent me from performing all functions pertaining to the Holy Ministry, administering the Sacraments, catechising the children, visiting and caring for the members, appearing in the Consistories, and even conducting any exercises or meetings, whatever they might be, at my house or elsewhere, and the vigorous execution of this was recommended under pain of cassation and declaration of unfitness, so that I would never be admitted to any ministry; and if they were to find themselves not strong enough to carry out the aforementioned, they would have to request the strong or military hand of the Governor or Commander. And in accordance with that Resolution, the Magistrate has severely hindered the Catechisings, and has repeatedly and actually sent me to the Church Council, which protested before the Lord and my Brothers against this action of the High Authority. And when the Magistrate wrote to the High Authority thereafter that they had received this response from me through their Clerk, that I would gladly obey the High Authority in political matters, but that this was an ecclesiastical matter, and the authority of the Church could not be relinquished, – and that despite all the obstacles employed against it, I not only continued to carry on the ordinary exercises in my House, but also appeared in the Consistory, – the High Authority made this Resolution on June 6, 1675, of which I spoke at the beginning, namely, that if I did not declare in a written Act that I would follow and observe the Resolutions of the High Authority punctually, the Magistrate of Sluys would, by express order and command of the High Authority, expel me from the City within the time of eight days, prohibiting me from further residing in, lingering in, or entering the Places under the Generality.

 

[pgwolv]

his Serene Highness

his Esteemed Highness

the Prince of Orange

the Lord Prince of Orange

was indeed not inclined

was inclined

I took the opportunity and managed

Thus, I sought and found an opportunity

the entire matter and the whole contribution of it

the entire matter and all of the circumstances surrounding it

his Highness’ advice

this overlooks the term "Hoog-gemeltes", the meaning of which I uncertain; possibly "much esteemed"

was indeed to have me preach again for a year

was to give me the privilege to preach again, after all, for a year

subsequently found by Resolution of April 11, 1675, to persist in the suspension

subsequently saw fit to persist, by Resolution on April 11, 1675, in the suspension

to regulate them

to conduct themselves

being my fierce opponents and prosecutors, – over whom the judgment of destruction is certainly neither slumbering nor idle, –

– being my fierce opponents and prosecutors, concerning whom the judgment of destruction is certainly neither slumbering nor idle –

in the community

in the Church

it was resolved by the High Authority on May 4, 1675, and on May 18 further declared and ordered that the Magistrate of Sluys should

the High authority resolved on May 4, 1675, and further declared and ordered the Magistrate of Sluys on May 18 to

even holding

even conducting

and that the vigorous execution of this should be recommended

and the vigorous execution of this was recommended

under penalty of cassation and declaration of ineligibility

under pain of cassation and declaration of unfitness

And when the Magistrate thereafter wrote to the High Authority

And when the Magistrate wrote to the High Authority thereafter

that I was willing to obey

that I would gladly obey

but that this matter was ecclesiastical

but that this was an ecclesiastical matter

the right of the Church

the authority of the Church

the High Authority on June 6, 1675, took this Resolution

the High Authority made this Resolution on June 6, 1675,

Act to follow

Act that I would follow

residing in or entering

residing in, lingering in, or entering

 

[chuckd]

What follows is the Dutch text and an AI translation.

What program are you using?

 

[MW]

What program are you using?

Quillbot for AI. Then double checking with Google translate, the Cambridge Dutch-English dictionary, and a 17th cent. Dictionary I found on google books.

 

[MW]

3rd paragraph of the Letter to the Reader, part D.

Dit ben ik dan volvaerdigh te lijden, om der Waarheidt en om der Conscientie wil, en voor ’t Recht der Kerke, ’t welk hier onder de voet getreden wordt. Maar hoe de Leeraars van Nederlandt, die in haren dienst getrouw willen zijn, dit met goeder oogen kunnen aanzien en zwijgen, kan ik niet vatten, en ik verzekere my, dat het navolgende geslachte, hoorende van deze proceduuren, en van der Leeraarenstille duldinge, en dat in zoo een tijdt van Godts toorn, daar over zal verbaast staan. Daarom ik, niet wetende hoe ras my de Heere van hier zal nemen, dit ter gedachtenisse voor de Nakomelingen schrijve, te weten, dat ik alle deze verdrukkingen heb uitgestaan, en verder zal uitstaan, wegens deze dry pointen, Voor eerst, Wegens mijn gevoelen en practijk ontrent ’t stuk der Formulieren; want alzoo ik oordeele, dat den Formulierdienst Gode tot oneere strekt, en de particuliere Belijders, de Predikanten en Kerk van Nederlandt in het gemeen ten hooghsten schadelijk is geweest, en noch is, zoo hebick beschermt ende geleert, mondeling ende schriftelijck, dat niet alleen elk Christen in ’t bijzonder, en elk Huysvader in zijn Huysgezin, zijn gebeden uit het hert door hulp van de Geest zoude moeten doen, zonder aan Boek-gebeden te hangen, maar ook elk Predikant alle zijn publijke Gebeden voor ende naar de Predikatie, ontrent de bediening der Sacramenten, Catechesatien, bevestiging der Kerkendienaren en des Hou welijks, afsnijding en aanneming der Ledematen, ook op alle plaatsen, in zijn Huys, in de Consistoryen, Classens Synoden, by de Zieke, Bestredene, &c. zoude storten uit de Borst, hangende aan des Heeren Geest, en wachtende en leunende op zijn beloften; daarenboven gelijk alle Leeraren die vryheidt in ’t bidden toe quam, ende van {x} haar most gebruykt worden, dat alzoo dat deel van ’t Predikampt, de onderrichting en opwekking en vertroosting ontrent het genot en de bediening van Sacramenten, Doop en Avondtmaal, bevestiging der Kerkendienaren, en des Houwelijks, den ban ofte afsnijding der ergerlijke ofte dwalende van de Gemeinte, en de wederopneming der afgesnedene in de Gemeinte, van de Leeraars niet moeste betracht worden met Formulieren uit een Boeck voor tes lezen, maar met die predik-gaven en bequaamheden, en in-roeping van des Heeren Hulp en Geest, waar mede men ordinaris het Woordt Godts predikt, hoewel die Formulieren mochten staan en aangezien worden als Patroonen en Directoria. En zoo heb ik my effectivelijk die vryheidt, welke Christus My en andere Dienaren gaf, ende geboodt te gebruyken, aangematigt en gebruikt, en het heeft tot meer stichting der Gemeinte geweest in weynigh Maanden, dan’t voorlezen der menschelijke Formulieren in veele Jaaren; hoewel dat oock is gemaakt tot de voornaamste grondt der vervolging tegen my.

This I am then fully prepared to endure for the sake of Truth and of Conscience, and for the Authority of the Church, which is here trampled under foot. But how the ministers of the Netherlands, who wish to be faithful in their service, can look upon this with open eyes and remain silent, I cannot comprehend, and I assure myself that the following generations, hearing of these proceedings and of the ministers’ silent tolerance, – and that in such a time of God’s wrath, – will be astonished by it. Therefore I, not knowing how soon the Lord will take me from here, write this as a memorial for posterity, to know that I have endured and will continue to endure all these tribulations, for these three reasons. First, because of my views and practice regarding the matter of the Forms; for, as I judge that the Formulary Service is a dishonour to God, and has been and still is extremely harmful to individual believers, the ministers, and the Church of the Netherlands in general, I have defended and taught, orally and in writing, that not only every Christian in particular, and every household head in his family, should pray from the heart by the help of the Spirit without clinging to book-prayers; but also that every preacher should pour out all of his public prayers – before and after preaching, related to the administration of the sacraments, catechising, confirmation of church ministers and of marriages, excommunication and receiving into membership, and also in all places, in his house, in the Consistories, Classes, Synods, with the sick, afflicted, etc. – from his heart, relying on the Lord’s Spirit, and waiting and leaning on His promises. Moreover, as this freedom in prayer is the right of all ministers and should be performed by them, that part of the ministerial office – the instruction and encouragement and consolation regarding the enjoyment and administration of sacraments, baptism and communion, confirmation of church ministers and of marriages, the excommunication or exclusion of offenders or the erring from the congregation, and the readmission of the excluded into the congregation – should not be carried out by the ministers by reading aloud Forms from a book, but with those ministerial gifts and abilities, and invocation of the Lord’s help and Spirit, with which the Word of God is ordinarily preached, although those Forms may remain and be regarded as Patterns and Directories. And thus I have effectively appropriated and used that freedom which Christ gave to me and other servants, and commanded to be used; and it has been more edifying to the congregation in a few months than the reading of human Forms over many years, although this has also been made the chief ground of prosecution against me.

 

[pgwolv]

the Right of the Church

the Authority of the Church

with good eyes

I suspect this should be "with open eyes" but I am not sure about the expression.

, and that in such a time of God’s wrath,

For clarity: "—and that in such a time of God's wrath—"

I have endured all these tribulations, and will continue to endure, for

I have endured and will continue to endure all these tribulations, for

my opinion and practice

For consistency: "my views and practice"

for thus I judge, that

for, as I judge that

in general. I have defended

in general, I have defended

head of household

household head

but also every preacher should say all his public prayers before and after the sermon, concerning the administration of the sacraments, catechisation, confirmation of church ministers and of marriage, cutting off and receiving of members – also in all places, in his house, in the Consistories, Classes, Synods, with the sick, troubled, etc., – should pour out from the heart

but also that every preacher should pour out all of his public prayers—before and after preaching, related to the administration of the sacraments, catechisation, confirmation of church ministers and of marriages, excommunication and receiving into membership, and also in all places, in his house, in the Consistories, Classes, Synods, with the sick, afflicted, etc.—from his heart

as all ministers were granted that freedom in prayer to the end that it should be used

as this freedom in prayer is the right of all ministers and should be performed by them

so that part of the preaching, the instruction and encouragement and comfort regarding the enjoyment and administration of sacraments, baptism and communion, the confirmation of church ministers and of marriage, the excommunication or exclusion of the scandalous or erring from the congregation, and the readmission of the excluded into the congregation, should

that part of the ministerial office—the instruction and encouragement and comforting regarding the enjoyment and administration of sacraments, baptism and communion, confirmation of church ministers and of marriages, the excommunication or exclusion of offenders or the erring from the congregation, and the readmission of the excluded into the congregation—should

with Forms from a book to read

by reading aloud Forms from a book

but with those preaching gifts

but with those ministerial gifts

and in invocation

and invocation

; although

, although

of more edification

more edifying

in many years

over many years

persecution

This can also be translated "prosecution", depending on the context. I will leave it to you to decide which is best here.

 

[MW]

more edifying

Thanks again for your help, PG. Regarding nouns and participles in English, it seems like it might be more natural to say "catechising" than "catechisation," and in reverse "consolation" instead of "comforting." Will this maintain the sense of the original?

 

[pgwolv]

Thanks again for your help, PG. Regarding nouns and participles in English, it seems like it might be more natural to say "catechising" than "catechisation," and in reverse "consolation" instead of "comforting." Will this maintain the sense of the original?

Gladly. Yes, that makes sense.

 

[MW]

3rd paragraph of the Letter to the Reader, part E. This was very difficult to break up into smaller units for comprehension.

Ten anderen, ik lijde wegens mijn gevoelen en praktijk ontrent de ge-naamde Feestdagen; want overmidts die dagen zijn buiten Godts wil ingebracht; overblijssels en zuurdeessems van het afgodische en superstitieuze Pausdom, tot ergernis van de gene die binnen en buyten zijn, naast den Rustdagh geyiert, superstitieuselijk verhooght, bemint, en aangekleest, en profaanlijk van menigten misbruikt tot voeding van het vleesch; zoo heb ik geleert en bewezen, dat die gezeyde heylige Dagen, als eygene vonden van Menschen, buyten en tegen Godts Woordt ingevoert, dienden afgeschaft en wech genomen te worden; en dat het geen Leeraar geoorloft was, na dat genogzame onderrichting en waarschouwing ontrent de Gemeinte was aangewendt, door zijn eygen practijk de viering van die Dagen te stijven; maar in tegendeel, dat zijn pligt was met den eersten, (en wel bijzonder in zoo een tijdt, in welke de Sabbath-schending en Sabbath-bestrijding in Nederlandt zoo {xi} schriklijk en algemeen in zwange gaat, en niet na behooren door kerkelijke en politijke tegen geijvert wordt, (terwijlen de Feestdagen van veel Leeraars, Overheden en Belijders hevig worden voorgesproken) en Godts oordeelen principaal over die grouwelijke zonde zoo zwaar op het Landt leggen, en noch meer dreygen) zich te onttrekken, van op die Dagen te Prediken, om alzoo exemplaarlijck getuygenis te geven tegen dit gebrek der Kerke, en metter daadt geen hande te hebben aan de continuatie van de onderhouding van de zelve Feestdagen, zoo heb ik geleert en zoo heb ik ’t gepractiseert, tot vrede van mijn gemoedr en mijn gronden op weike mijn gevoelen ende betrachting gebouwt staan, zijn in die Boek klaar en breedt open gelegt, zoo ik hoop tot overtuyging van vele; Doch daarom is ’t dat haar H. Mog. my ook hebben tegen gestaan en verdrukt.

Secondly, I suffer because of my views and practices regarding the so-called Feast Days. For, in the meantime, those days have been introduced outside of God’s will; – remnants and leaven of the idolatrous and superstitious Papacy, upsetting those inside and outside, – celebrated in addition to the Sabbath, superstitiously exalted, loved, and adorned, and profanely misused by many for the feeding of the flesh. So I have taught and proven that those designated holy Days, as human inventions, introduced outside and against God’s Word, should be abolished and removed; and that it was not permissible for a Minister, after sufficient instruction and warning had been given on behalf of the Congregation, to promote the observance of those Days through his own practice. But on the contrary, it was his duty to be the first (especially in such a time when Sabbath-breaking and Sabbath-contesting in the Netherlands are becoming so terribly and widely fashionable, and not befittingly opposed by ecclesiastical and political authorities; while the Feast days are fervently promoted by many Ministers, Authorities, and Professors of the faith, and God’s judgments primarily weigh so heavily on the land for that grievous sin, and threaten even more), to refrain from preaching on those days, thereby giving exemplary testimony against this deficiency of the Church, and thus having no part in the continuation of the observance of those same Feast Days. So I have taught and so I have practised, and my mind is at peace; and my principles, on which my views and considerations are built, are intact, as they are clearly and broadly laid out in the Book, which I hope will convince many. But that is why the High Authority also opposed and suppressed me.

 

[pgwolv]

zoo heb ik geleert en zoo heb ik ’t gepractiseert, tot vrede van mijn gemoedr en mijn gronden op weike mijn gevoelen ende betrachting gebouwt staan, zijn in die Boek klaar en breedt open gelegt, zoo ik hoop tot overtuyging van vele; Doch daarom is ’t dat haar H. Mog. my ook hebben tegen gestaan en verdrukt.

For those days

Possibly "For, in the meantime, those days"; overmidts was not translated, but I am not 100% sure of its meaning.

to the annoyance of those who are inside and outside

upsetting those inside and outside

, – besides the Sabbath, – celebrated

celebrated in addition to the Sabbath

by the multitude

by many

I have learned and proven

probably "I have taught and proven" (interestingly, in Dutch and Afrikaans, "leer" can mean both to learn and to teach)

warning of the Congregation had been given

warning had been given on behalf of the Congregation

are so dreadful and widespread

are becoming so terribly and widely fashionable

not sufficiently opposed

not befittingly opposed

and Confessors

this is fine if it is used in the sense of someone who confesses the faith; if this is not immediately clear, perhaps change to something like "professors of the faith"

and even threaten more

and threaten even more

those very Feast Days.

those same Feast Days

So I have learned

So I have taught

to the peace of my conscience; and my grounds on which my views and endeavours are built, are clearly and broadly laid out in that Book

and my mind is at peace and my principles, on which my views and considerations are built, are intact, as they are clearly and broadly laid out in the Book