Document: Sentence of Samuel Forman for disturbing public worship in the church at New Orange

At a Council, 18th April, 1674,

Whereas Samuel Forman, residing at Oysterbay, on Long Island, at present a prisoner, hath dared to come, some time ago, into this city without permission and to make great noise and uproar along the public streets, and whereas he hath attempted to disturb the public peace, and, moreover, presumed to come into the church on the last Sabbath, and there, in full meeting, during divine service, to make great outcry, abusing, with great levity, the Word of God, and blaspheming His Holy Name, all which, in a well regulated community, can in no wise be tolerated but ought be punished as an example to others; therefore the Governor-General of New Netherland, administering justice in the name and on the behalf of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, having heard the Fiscal's demand and the prisoner's acknowledgment, have condemned and sentenced, do hereby condemn and sentence said Samuel Forman to be brought to the place where justice is usually executed, there to be severely whipped with rods, and to be banished forever out of this Province; furthermore, to pay the costs and expenses of justice.Done Fort Willem Hendrick, the 19th April, 1674.

On the petition of Timotheus Gabrie setting forth that he has been greatly wronged by the late English government through the annulling of a certain judgment dated 1663, pronounced by the late Governor Stuyvesant and Council, between the Petitioner and one Jan Janse Veryn, which annulment, according to the Petitioner's representation, was made contrary to law and equity, but also even contrary to the concluded capitulation; requesting therefore that he may summon his party before the Governor-General and Council, and that the latter be ordered to answer to such demand as the Petitioner shall make and institute against him.It is ordered: