the Cœtus brethren were gratified with the recognition of principles for which they had long conten

minister, who probably will in a short time be fitted for the exam. prepar. that these students ought, in consequence of the great need of the Churches, to be provisionally examined at the next meeting of our general assembly.

ARTICLE XXXI.

Schools under the care of the Churches.

"Finally, the respective congregations shall hereafter make it their business to establish public or private schools, in which, under the direction of Consistories, instructions shall be given as well in the languages as in the fundamental principles or doctrines of the Reformed Dutch Church, as the same are taught in our Low Dutch Churches.

GRIEVANCES.

ARTICLE I.

"Concerning those congregations who have two Consistories and two ministers, it would be desirable that they should unite in one body; but where this is impracticable, matters shall remain in statu quo, till means and opportunities shall be found, in God's providence, to lead to this union.

ARTICLE II.

"To those congregations who have one minister, but two consistories, it is earnestly recommended that they unite in one Consistory. The reverend brethren shall likewise avail themselves of every opportunity which offers, by brotherly exhortation, to effect the same; as also, for those congregations which are situated, as stated in the first article, whilst we cordially supplicate

ded; the pride of the Conferentie, on the other, was no less gratified with the proposed reference, as it

the God of peace to remove all remaining grievances from such congregations.

ARTICLE III.

"Since, during the past troubles, some persons have been ordained for the holy ministry, whose examination and ordination is not deemed valid by some of the brethren, yet for peace sake, rather than that the contemplated union should not be accomplished, these brethren agree, that every one whom the Rev. Cœtus acknowledges as an ordained minister, shall be considered as such, and in that capacity take his seat in our assemblies, not doubting but the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam will agree with us in this particular.

ARTICLE IV.

"Since the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, in one of their last letters, express themselves favourably of the Rev. Hermanus Meyer, from which it plainly appears that they would fondly see a re-union between him and his congregation, if it was possible : we are of opinion, that in case that reverend brother accedes to the aforesaid articles of union, and subjects himself to this arrangement, such subjection is a sufficient ground to give him, as our esteemed brother, a seat and voice in the above-mentioned particular and general assemblies, whilst the reverend assemblies, as soon as they are organized in the manner specified, with the advice of the Rev. Classis, will offer their friendly aid for adjusting the differences between him and the congregation of Kingston, in case the wished for union between them is not previously accomplished.

fully accorded with the principle which they had maintained, and which gave to the Classis a paramount and decisive authority over the concerns of the American Church.

CONCLUDING ARTICLES.

ARTICLE I.
Exception.

"The preceding articles shall not be binding in cases where they are hostile to any privileges granted by charter to any Church.

ARTICLE II.

Binding force of these Articles.

"As soon as these articles are constitutionally received and approved by this assembly, each member shall provisionally give the other the hand of brotherhood or fellowship, in hopes that the Rev. Classis and our respective congregations will approve and ratify the same, but they shall not be obligatory before such ap probation of them shall be given by our respective congregations and the Rev. Classis.

ARTICLE III.

"Since the Committee have the satisfaction to be unanimous in their opinion on these articles, subject however, to superior judgment, it is their cordial desire and prayer, that this reverend assembly may adopt the same, that the long-wished-for-union may, if possible, be effected according to these articles, which may the God of peace and love grant of his mercy.

"New-York, October 18th, 1771.

"Signed by the above-mentioned Committee."

It was a measure admirably adapted to the prepossessions of both parties, and could hardly fail to render each pleased with itself and pleased with the other, too; and, that such was the result, is evident from the concluding article, which reads thus→→ "After giving each other the right hand of fellowship, the committee, as also the Rev. Consistory of New-York, were openly and formally thanked for their friendly and brotherly services; and, after fervent thanksgiving to God, for this unexpected blessing, accompanied with ardent supplications to the throne of grace, for a further completion of this holy union work, as also for the prosperity and wellbeing of the Church, they parted in peace, and love, and joy.

(Signed)" JOHN H. LIVINGSTON, Prases, ISAAC RYSDYK, Scriba,

EILARDUS WESTERLO, Scriba."

The convention having proceeded as far in the business as was then deemed advisable, adjourned to meet again the next October; and, in the meantime, what they had already done with so much harmony and good feeling, had a gradual and salutary operation in purging out the old leaven, and diffusing a spirit of forbearance and love through the Church. To present a specimen of these whole

some effects, a part of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Hardenbergh to Dr. Livingston, dated Raritan, July 21, 1772, must be given.-"I have the satisfaction to inform you, that the Monday after I returned home, my Consistory at the North Branch, had a meeting with the anti-consistory in that congregation. We found them extremely friendly, and well-disposed for peace. In less than an half hour, we settled all our disputes. Our Consistory elected two from among their party-one for an Elder, and another for a Deacon, with which they seemed very well satisfied, and upon that dropt their Consistory, or thus united the two into one. Here I hope have ended, in less than half an hour, tedious, perplexing, and pernicious disputes, which have subsisted in these congregations for above fifteen years past. Blessed be God, that have my eyes beheld the healing of this breach in our Church, before I have been gathered to my fathers."

Pursuant to adjournment, the Convention assembled in October, 1772, and the letter of Classis, officially certifying that the plan of union had been approved by them, was laid before it. Every member then subscribed the articles, and the good work was thus formally and solemnly consummated.