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intervals, and has restricted the disquisition to narrower limits than it deserved. More could be readily suggested, and the principles and inferences might have been advanced and urged with greater precision and energy. Yet the truth is established by sufficient arguments. A matrimonial connection with a sister in law, whether the wife of a deceased brother, or the sister of a deceased wife, which last is here more particularly the object is inquiry, is proved to be incestuous; not merely an approach to incest, or a slight species of that abominable crime; but gross incest of the highest grade; a prohibited connextion in the nearest collateral degree. - The Documents annexed, will give ample information respecting the rules and canons of the Church.

This Dissertation, perhaps the last pledge of my love and attachment to the Church, is now, with great respect and sincere affection, presented to the GENERAL SYNOD. It earnestly solicits the approbation and patronage of the respective members; and confidently anticipates beneficial, seasonable and permanent consequence.

If, without presumption, the words of an aged Apostle might be adopted, I would humbly say: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth." If those who heretofore cordially united with me, many have entered into rest, their eyes are closed to this world, and the

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Church can no more profit by their labours. Yet being fully persuaded that they who remain are upright and intrepid in the service of their divine Master, and will also cordially receive, in the same spirit of meekness and love, what is here offered; I have been encouraged thus publicly to vindicate the truth. That it may please the Lord to preserve his Church inviolate, protect the morals of the Nation, and render all "who are on the Lord's side" zealous defenders of his law, and faithful witnesses for their God, is the fervent prayer of

                                  JOHN H. LIVINGSTON