When to this state of things, I add the full discovery that my advanced years have rendered it impossible for me to fulfil, as I ought and wish, any longer the duties of the ministry, the objection, which of all others has always been the highest, and indeed the only one, is quite removed, and I am compelled to conclude that it has now become my duty, without longer delay, cheerfully and thankfully to apply to the sole and immediate labours of the professorate; for which, considering previous preparations, and long habits, I may humbly hope, with the divine aid, a competent degree of vigour and strength may yet remain."

To this communication, the Consistory returned

second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, as a colleague with the Rev. Dr. Green; but in the fall of 1795, he accepted a call from the church of New-York, and removed to this city, where he laboured in the Gospel, until the commencement of the disease which terminated in his death. He died in January, 1812, in the forty-third year of his age.-This eminent servant of Christ was, indeed, a "beloved minister." His eloquence in the pulpit, mild, interesting, and persuasive, in an uncommon degree; his amiable disposition and unassuming manners; his affable and instructive conversation; his unaffected piety; his fervent zeal, greatly endeared him to the people of his charge, and to the church at large. Many precious souls received the grace of God under his faithful preaching, who will be his glory and his joy in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ;-and his great and successful exertions in behalf of the theological school, ought never to be forgotten.

*

an answer by the hands of three of their respected members, expressive of the affection they felt for their venerable pastor, and of their regret at parting with him. The reader would, no doubt, like to see the whole of this answer, but as it is long, the insertion of two or three parts will be sufficient to show what were their sentiments and feelings upon the occasion.

"Reverend and very dear Father

and Brother in the Lord:

"The Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church in this city, which has so long enjoyed the blessing of your ministry, has, with deep and unfeigned regret, received the tidings of your intention soon to transfer your labours to another quarter of the Lord's vineyard; though they rejoice to find you are to be employed during the remnant of your days, in the honourable and necessary duties of the theological professorate."

"While they cannot but approve the measures taken by the Reverend Synod, for providing an efficient and learned ministry, to supply the wants of the churches under their care; while they adore the goodness of the Lord, in thus far prospering their endeavours; and admire the disinterestedness and steady perseverance displayed throughout the

whole of your conduct in the promotion of this laudable work, they cannot be unaffected by the loss they must sustain by your departure: they feel,— they deeply feel, the expected separation;-a separation that tears asunder the finest, the tenderest cords that bind the heart."

"Many, Reverend Sir, still look up to you as their spiritual father; and all revere you, as under Christ, their solace in distress and in difficulties; their support in the hour of trial; and the endeared tie, that has so long preserved in harmony the various and sometimes conflicting interests and passions, that necessarily arise in an extensive congregation, composed of so many distinct members of different ages, characters, and circumstances, and influenced by views and motives often irreconcileable-sometimes opposite."

"A gracious Lord has mercifully continued your labours among this people for forty years. They have been blessed in the conversion of sinners, and edification of the saints. You have been the instru ment of peace, and the healer of breaches in the church."

"The prospect of your future usefulness to the

Church of God, in an employment which requires the full exercise of distinguished and matured talents, without great exertions of bodily powers, in some measure satisfies and consoles the mind, though it contributes little to the abatement of grief."

"We commit you, and your amiable consort, to the superintending care and gracious protection of a God, infinite in mercy and love."

*

"With sentiments of unfeigned respect, ardent affection, and unabated zeal for your happiness here and hereafter

"We subscribe ourselves, your sincere friends, brothers and children in the Lord.

"Signed by order, and on behalf of Consistory,

"JACOB BRODHEAD, Pres. pro. tem. "Rev. Dr. JOHN H. LIVINGSTON.

"New-York, 25th June, 1810."

On the tenth of October following, the Doctor removed to New-Brunswick; and his arrival there was greeted as an event of most favourable augury, ensuring success to the whole plan that had been formed in relation to the college and the professor

ate, the long wished for union between which was now completed.-Soon after his arrival, he wrote a few lines to his friend, Isaac L. Kip, Esq. of NewYork, which begin thus: "Many cares and arrangements, inseparable from a new habitation, have engrossed my attention since I came to this place, and prevented me from dropping a line to you. The new part of my dwelling is yet under the hands of the carpenters, and the old requires much alteration and amendments, to render it comfortable for the approaching winter. But, in the midst of all these, I am kept through grace, in some measure near the Lord, and live by faith. I have made sacrifices to promote his cause, and he hath said, he will not leave nor forsake me. Upon his word of truth, I confidently rely, and desire to feel reconciled to the cross of Christ. His grace will be sufficient, for he is the Lord my righteousness, my strength, my help and shield. Amidst all my cares, and in the multitude of my thoughts, I still remember most affectionately, the whole flock and my faithful friends. My prayers are for them, and I am confident they cannot forget to remember me and mine continually before the throne."

It is not generally known, perhaps, that in order to provide a suitable residence for his family, the Doctor had to involve himself in a debt, which for a