It was said that the plan of the professorate was again altered. The General Synod, at their session in this year, viewing the appointment which had been made of two additional professors in 1797, as a temporary expedient designed to meet certain circumstances which then existed, passed this resolution-"That the Reformed Dutch Churches will unite their efforts to promote the establishment of only one professor in theology, and will employ vi gorous measures to raise a fund for the same; provided, however, that the professors appointed by the General Synod of 1797, continue in their offices, and enjoy all the honours and emoluments thereof, equally with one professor contemplated to be es tablished by this resolution, during their natural lives, or as long as they behave well, and are capable of discharging the duties of their offices. But in either, or in any of these cases, which would vacate their offices, no successor shall be appointed."

Dr. Livingston was now duly chosen the permanent professor,* whose temporary seat should be in the city of New-York, "subject, however, at all times, to the government of Synod, with respect to

* The General Synod at this Session appointed two professors of the Hebrew language-the Rev. John Bassett, and the Rev. Jeremiah Romeyn.

a more eligible or expedient place for this pur pose," and a committee was appointed to devise ways and means to raise a fund for his support.This act of Synod, which made all the honourable amends then in their power, for any real or supposed injury he had sustained under the other act, though it produced no immediate results of consequence, ultimately led to a separation from his pastoral charge, and to his permanent removal from the city.

The health of the eloquent and eminent Linn, had now become so enfeebled, as to induce him to solicit a dissolution of his connexion with the congregation; and this event, * which took place the

* Dr. Linn, when he found his health was sinking fast, wished to retire, and wrote his venerable colleague the following note upon the subject, dated January 29, 1805.

"My dear Colleague,

"I cannot think of taking a measure extremely interesting to me, without your advice and assistance. The inclemency of the weather, together with my indisposition, prevent me from waiting upon you. I have not been out of the house for more than a week; during which time, my health and spirits have greatly declined.

"I am now fully persuaded, after repeated struggles, that I am not able to perform the duties which the congregation expect from

following spring, increased of course, proportionably, the parochial labours of the Doctor. In some respects, these labours were lighter probably than

me; and have determined to propose to the Consistory to retire upon such conditions, as shall be mutually deemed just and honourable. I mean to propose none in the first instance; but to go to the country, having no pastoral charge, and preaching occasionally, never relinquishing, while any strength remains, the sacred office to which I have been dedicated.

"You will easily conceive my embarrassing situation, with a young and numerous family; and will feel that tenderness which our holy religion inspires, especially after serving together for above eighteen years, in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I write with pain. I have delayed this business, though often revolved in my mind. Very lately has my determination been taken, and this is the reason why it has not been sooner communicated to you. The Consistory meet on Thursday next, and on the Thursday following. If any thing be done, it cannot be delayed on account of necessary arrangements. To the will of God, I hope ever to be resigned. The Divine Master who has employed me, and been gracious to me, will provide for me. May you enjoy much of his comfortable presence, and richly share in the blessings of the everlasting covenant. Pray for me.

"I am, my dear colleague, with the highest respect and affection, your friend and brother,

"WILLIAM LINN."

Dr. Livingston laid the proposition of his friend before the Consistory.

those of his two younger estimable colleagues; but they were, nevertheless, sufficiently multiplied and difficult of accomplishment for one of his years

The Consistory acted upon the occasion with their wonted liberality; and as soon as the spring opened, Dr. Linn removed his family to Albany, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Dr. Linn was a divine of great celebrity. His preaching was uniformly judicious, evangelical, and impressive; but upon particular occasions, his performances were master-pieces of the kind. The interest he took in the party politics of the day, somewhat impaired his popularity towards the close of his ministry, but he still had many warm and excellent friends in the congregation. -When he died, the late Dr. J. B. Romeyn, then a minister in Albany, wrote to Dr. Livingston, to inform him of the event, and the receipt of his letter was thus acknowledged

Reverend and dear Sir,

"New-York, January 13th, 1808.

"This moment your friendly communication is handed to me, and I sit down immediately to thank you for your kind attention. The near connection which has for many years subsisted between Dr. Linn and myself, and the sincere love I cherished for him, from the first day of our acquaintance, render the event you have announced very affecting. Your remarks respecting ministers of the Gospel are just and pious. If such improvements apply to others in younger life, how much more must I feel their force who am several years older than our deceased friend! When your worthy father departed, I felt myself deprived of the dear companions of my youth. Now, in regard to them, I stand alone. I mark the signal, hear the warning voice, and look unto Jesus."

and constitutional debility; and, in referring to his services at this period, those ought at least to be cursorily noticed which were extra-parochial, for they were not few in number. He was frequently invited to preach, and when disengaged and in health, he frequently did preach, in neighbouring Dutch churches; and upon particular occasions, as the laying of the corner-stone of a new church, or the opening of a new church, for the first time, for public worship, it was in a manner considered his prerogative to officiate. For a series of years, when either the one or the other was to be done in any part of the city, or in any place at a moderate distance from it, he was requested, in deference to his prominence and seniority in the ministry, to perform the service. And it may be questioned, whether any contemporary clergyman in the United States, except a diocesan, had the honour of laying more corner stones of churches, or of opening a greater number of buildings erected for the public worship of God, than Doctor Living

"This is, as you observe, an afflicting providence on many accounts, and cannot fail of being especially so to his bereaved, distressed family.

"With assurances of my respect and love,

"Dear Sir, your most affectionate,

"Rev. Mr. ROMEYN."

"J. H. LIVINGSTON.