PAGES 321-379:
CHAPTER 8
FROM THE ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH, TILL HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE CALL FROM NEW BRUNSWICK.
The Constitution, being adopted by the General Synod, was consigned for publication to the
Committee which had digested it; and the same
was published under the inspection of Doctor Livingston. Under date of May 4th, 1793, he wrote
to Dr. R. as follows: "I wish it was in my power
to send you a copy of our Church Orders. They
are in the press, and have been so for some weeks;
but the printer, as usual, goes on slowly. I have
thought it would be proper to insert after the articles of faith and catechism, the Canones Synodi
Dort — Our young candidates subscribe them;
and they ought to be well acquainted with them. —
Perhaps also a public testimony in favour of the
peculiar doctrines of grace at this day, may be very
proper not only, but even necessary. Pray is it
your idea, that we should omit in the Church Orders of Dort: the particular phrases which express
what relates io the magistrate? or must we in the
translation put every word that is found in the original? There is a note in the explanatory
articles, which declares that we have omitted those peculiarities, and, in the preface, it can also be
mentioned. Upon the whole, I think it will not only be
more intelligible to our people, if we leave those
parts out; but it will spare a number of apologies
and explanations, we shall be for ever obliged
to be making."
In a letter of June, 1793, he informed him that
the work was going on, and far advanced, and then
added — "I hope it will be executed in an acceptable manner. Some of the Anabaptists, in a letter,
have expressed their uneasiness at the harsh expressions in our articles of faith respecting them.
The people meant in those articles were then called Anabaptists; but those who now pass by that
name, do not hold such sentiments. Notice must be
taken of that in the preface: I wish a note had
been added at the foot of the article, for it is not
our design to give offence; but the articles are already stuck off."
The publication of the work was completed
soon after, and in the preface, he inserted a paragraph explanatory of the terms which had been
considered objectionable and injurious to the
character of the Baptist denomination, as known in this
country.
The Doctor watched over the Church, as a tender
and faithful parent watches over a beloved child: and,
the relation which he sustained to her, as the professor of theology, gave him a kind of paternal
influence in all her concerns. It was not viewed as indelicate obtrusion in him to offer his advice, though
it were not expressly solicited, upon any question
of general importance, or likely to affect in the issue,
the welfare of the Church: — That was, in fact,
his prerogative, seemingly by common consent, on
account of his station and eminent personal qualities; and he would, whenever the occasion was
such as to require it, promptly and without reserve,
yet modestly or without assuming authority, exert himself to prevent, if possible, an apprehended
evil.
The Trustees of Queen's College had, the preceding year, with the approbation of the General
Synod, made some attempts in the Churches to increase the funds of their Institution; but these
attempts proving only partially successful, they
became discouraged and desirous, it would seem,
to rid themselves of a charge, which had hitherto
continually disappointed their hopes, and involved
them in trouble. A plan was now conceived for
forming a union with the College at Princeton, and
an overture with this intention, was actually submitted to the Trustees of that College. When
information of these facts reached New-York, the
Doctor, with many others, was thrown into a state
of painful anxiety, and felt much alarmed for the
mischief which he foresaw a measure so unadvised
would, if pursued, inevitably produce. A meeting
of the Trustees being called shortly after, to deliberate and decide upon the whole business, — at
the request of Dr. Linn, he presented a full expression of his opinion in writing which, it is
presumed, that gentleman read at the board. — The
paper containing this opinion was enclosed in the
following letter —
" My dear Colleague,
" Agreeably to your request, I have committed
to writing my sentiments upon the proposed union
between Brunswick and Princeton. It was impossible to communicate what I suppose to be the
public opinion respecting this business, without
being prolix upon some points. As you wished for
full information, you will readily excuse the length
of the enclosed. I need not tell you that I am perfectly indifferent, as to myself, and feel wholly
independent of any consequences which may arise
from the issue of this question, be the determination whatever it may. But, I acknowledge myself
greatly concerned for the Church of Christ, and am
a sincere friend to both Colleges. From the enlarged and proper views you have of this matter, I
am confident you will bring conviction to those who
have hitherto considered the subject in a different
light. I wish you may be an instrument, in this
instance also, of doing great good for Zion. Be
assured of my esteem, and sincere respect, and
affection, and that I am ever
"Totus tuus,
"J. H. Livingston
"October 25, 1793."
The paper is headed "Observations upon the
Overture respecting an Union between the College
at Brunswick, and that at Princeton;" and commences thus: — "It is reported that the Trustees of
the College at Brunswick, have appointed a Committee to meet with a Committee from the College
at Princeton, in order to devise a plan for uniting
those two institutions. — That the two Committees
have met and formed a plan; the outlines of which
are, that both the Colleges shall surrender their
charters, and obtain one new charter, which shall
establish the College at Princeton, comprehend
the funds of both, and increase the number of
Trustees, the one half of which shall be from among the
Trustees of each College, respectively; and that
an academy shall be erected at Brunswick, under
the immediate care and patronage of the Trustees."
The paper is too long to be inserted entire,
but a few extracts will show the manner in which
he treated the subject. — In the introduction he
says, "When proposals, which comprehend objects of such magnitude are under consideration,
it becomes the duty of every person, who is capable of throwing light upon the subject, to examine
with candour, the proposed plan, and point out the
train of consequences, which will inevitably succeed, if wrong measures should be pursued. It is
no reflection upon the most respectable characters,
however exalted and justly revered they may be
for their integrity and information, to suppose there
may be some things which may have escaped their
notice, and which, if pointed out, with due deference, they will cheerfully attend to. It is not the
intention of the writer of these observations, to call
in question the principles or conduct of any concerned, in the overture now before the public. —
He knows the persons to be men of honour and
conscience, and is convinced that they aim at the
glory of God and the good of mankind; but he is
equally convinced that the subject has not been
thoroughly investigated, nor the nature and effects
of the plan fully examined. He needs no apology
for the freedom he takes. He is conscious of his
benevolence, and knows he is actuated by a sincere and disinterested desire of preventing good
men from doing, what, in the issue, may prove an
irremediable evil. With the utmost plainness and
candour, therefore, he will first examine whether
the steps already taken, and the plan proposed by
the Trustees of Queen's College, in their late overture, are justifiable and ought to be pursued. —
And then if it shall appear the plan is impracticable,
point out what can and ought to be done, to answer the design of the Institution, and meet the
expectation and wishes of its friends and patrons." —
These, and a few more conciliatory remarks being
made, he glances at the manner in which the business had been conducted thus far, and then
particularly considers the plan proposed.
His arguments against the adoption of the plan
are irresistibly conclusive. — He proves, in the first
place, that "Two Institutions seated at a distance
from each other, and supported by different interests, can never be united. The funds of one may
be given away to the other; but to call that a union,
would be an abuse of language." In the second
place, that "admitting an union with Princeton to
be possible, admitting the Trustees possess a
power in law to surrender their charter, and give
away their funds to any person or institution they
may choose," it would be, nevertheless, very improper for them to do so, and would involve a violation
of solemn obligations. At the close of this argument, he observes, "When Hackensack repeatedly offered
to give several thousand pounds, if the
College might be moved to that place, it was always
strenuously objected by the Trustees, that such removal was impracticable; that it would be a
betraying of the public trust and confidence; that the
moneys had been expressly given in the expectation of their being expended in Brunswick, and that
therefore, no temptation or offer, could justify them
in removing the institution. But, if a bare removal, when the charter, the nature of the College,
and its patrons still remained the same, would
operate to a betraying of the pubhc faith, what
must be thought, and what will be thought, of a plan
which effects, not only a removal, but an alienation
of the funds, with the total extinction of the charter,
and all the hopes and expectations of its friends and
benefactors?"
In discussing the second thing — "What can and
ought to be done to answer the design of the institution?" he says, "That the charter of Queen's
College was obtained by the immediate agency
and influence of several pious ministers, and
members of the Dutch Church, with a particular design
of rendering it subservient to a regular theological
education, and to prepare young men for the ministry of the Gospel. That while in its first organization,
from a want of competent funds, attention was only
paid to the usual studies pursued in other Colleges,
yet the main object was never lost sight of by its
well-informed friends and benefactors. — That
Queen's College was early recommended to the
Synod of the Dutch Churches, as an institution immediately adapted and intended to supply the
wants of the Churches, and was warmly and uniformly patronised by the Synod for that very
purpose, as appears by a variety of minutes entered,
year after year, upon their records: the late efforts
made by the Synod in its behalf, prove that the
Dutch Churches, notwithstanding the backwardness of some of the Trustees to meet the wishes of
the Churches in their favourite object, still retained their attachment to the College, and still
cherished a confidence that the Trustees would ultimately
co-operate in rendering Queen's College particularly useful, for the very end for which the charter
was obtained. — That while Brunswick yields from
necessity, as well as principle, to Princeton, and
cheerfully consents to let that elder and very respectable institution continue the unrivalled seat of
literature, Queen's College can yet, with propriety
and dignity, prosecute that other end which was
expressly contemplated from the beginning. So far,
then, from annihilating the charter, or taking steps
which distress the public mind and create new
feuds, let the charter and the trustees remain without any alteration, as they now are: — if nothing
was in prospect, it would still be advisable to keep
the whole in being: let it rather lie dormant until
something can be done, but let it not be prematurely slain."
"But something can be done; the very thing for
which the charter was obtained is now within the
reach of the Trustees. Let a Divinity Hall
be erected, and the funds at Brunswick be immediately and solely applied to the support of as
many professors in theology, as shall be found
necessary and practicable."
"The execution of this plan can be effected independently of any union, either nominal or real, with
any other institution, and will undoubtedly operate
best, when least entangled with collateral stipulations. But if any fraternal overtures can be devised,
which will extinguish former jealousies, and promote
mutual confidence with Princeton, it may not only be
very desirable in the first instance, but may eventually produce an intercourse and affection, which
will promote the common interests of truth and religion, and finally bring the Presbyterian and Dutch
Churches much nearer to each other, than any
forced measures and unpopular plans can possibly
effect. The College at Brunswick may, perhaps safely engage with that at Princeton, to drop
the whole under-graduate education, and give no
degrees of Bachelor or Master, but always recommend the students from their Academy to
Princeton: — The Trustees of the latter may engage to appoint no professor in theology, but to acquiesce
in the professorate established by the Trustees in
Brunswick, with the approbation of the Synod of
the Dutch Churches, and to recommend their students in theology always to Brunswick. Both may
unite to promote the interests of both, and mutually
endeavour to increase the funds of each other for
the respective objects they pursue."
These extracts are sufficient to exhibit the drift
of this communication. — In a letter to Dr. T.
Romeyn, dated January 21st, 1794, he says, "You
have no doubt heard that, at a meeting of the Trustees of Brunswick College, the overtures
presented by a committee, respecting an union with Princeton, were rescinded, in consequence of which, the
affairs of that Institution are reverted to, or rather
continue in, their former state. What the Trustees will next resolve, I do not know, nor do I
believe they know themselves. I have understood
from some of them, that they expect the Synod
will give them advice, or make some proposals to
them; but I have seen only one or two of them: —
what the sentiments of the board, or the majority
of them are, I do not know. Whether they will
not let the whole lie dormant, and nurse their fund
until some future day, or whether they will still try
to do something is, I believe, uncertain; and by,
what I can learn, no particular plan is as yet formed
by them."
Such, then, was the termination of an affair which,
at the time, awakened a good deal of feeling in the
Church; and it is not improbable that, for that termination, the Church is much indebted to the
seasonable and cogent remonstrance of the Doctor,
supported and enforced, as it no doubt was, by the
powerful eloquence of Dr. Linn.
No man could be more scrupulously attentive
than the Doctor was, to all the important duties of
private life. In his conduct in his family, he
afforded, at all times, a pattern of the tender charities of husband, father, master, friend. The order,
peace, and love, always visible in his house, and the
affectionate respect with which every member of it
uniformly treated him, could scarcely fail to convince any guest who partook of his hospitality, of
the habitual piety and gentleness of his
deportment. And, indeed, it would be easy to furnish
from some of his letters to his friends, written about
this time, were it necessary, pleasing and satisfactory evidence that he was amiable in every
domestic relation. — In almost every one, the kind concern
which he felt for his family is apparent; but in
those particularly, penned when either Mrs. Livingston, or his son, were considered seriously
indisposed, it is plain that both the mother and the
child were the objects of an unceasing and most
tender solicitude, and yet that the strength of natural
affection, and the influence of Christian principle,
were at once in his heart, in harmonious operation.
The city of New-York had been, for several years,
blessed with the ministrations of a number of pious,
orthodox, excellent servants of Christ, who were
remarkable as well for their reverend simplicity
and dignity of manners, as for their zeal and faithfulness in the work of their Master.
One of these ministerial fathers, the Rev.
Doctor John Mason of the Associate Reformed
Church, had lately died,
[This eminent divine was a native of Scotland: settled in
New-York in 1761, and died in 1792. He has been represented to the writer, by those who knew him well,and often attended
his Church, to have been a person of extraordinary judgment, extensive learning, fervent piety, and singular modesty. It has been
said that when he preached, he fixed his eyes upon some object
before him, and rarely moved them till he closed his discourse.
The late Dr. Linn, in his Signs of the Times, thus speaks of
him in a note: —
"I shall be excused here in paying a small tribute of respect
to the memory of a man who was my neighbour and my friend;
whom I knew too late; and of whose value I was hardly sensible until I experienced his loss. He had prudence without
cunning, cheerfulness without levity, dignity without pride, friendship
without ceremony, charity without undue latitude, and religion
without ostentation. The congregation which he served have
erected a handsome monument to his memory; but the most
honourable monument, is the place he holds in their hearts, and
the lasting esteem of all who knew him." — Page 143.]
and those now remaining were Doctor Rodgers of the Presbyterian;
[The Memoir of the late Rev. John Rodgers,
D. D., from the able pen of the Rev. Dr. Miller, in an octavo
volume of about 400 pages, is well known to the Christian public; and it presents a faithful portrait of its venerable subject.
More cannot be said of him, than is so well and justly said by his
respected biographer; and the writer, therefore, will only observe
here, as a small proof of his own affectionate and grateful remembrance of one who was to him both a friend and a father,
that he was truly a man jull of faith and of the Holy Ghost;
greatly beloved, and eminently useful in the Church of Christ,
through a long and active life. There never was, perhaps, a minister in New-York, and rarely in any other place, more
conspicuous for all that can constitute sterling excellence, or who
possessed a larger share of the confidence, love, and veneration of the
Christian community. His praise is still in all the Churches.]
Doctor Kunzie* of the Lutheran;
[The Rev. John Christopher Kunzie, D. D. was a native
of the village of Artern, in Saxony, and born in 1744. — After
spending seven years at the University of Leipzig, he came over
to America, in 1770, and took charge of a Lutheran congregation in Philadelphia. He was chosen in 1780, a professor of the
University, and a member of the Philosophical Society in that
city. In 1784, shortly after the war, he settled in New-York.
He was a divine of profound erudition, and esteemed one of the
best Hebrecians of the day. For several years, he was professor
of Oriental languages in Columbia College. His piety was undoubted, and his ministerial labours were highly acceptable to the
large and respectable Lutheran congregation in this city,
which he served until his death. — Between him and Dr. L., a sincere and warm friendship was long maintained, and whenever
they met, they embraced each other, a mode of salutation which,
it is believed, is common between males as well as females, in the
continental parts of Europe. Both Dr. L. and Dr. R. visited
this excellent man in his last sickness. The first gentleman, at
one of his visits, put a question, to which the answer was returned,
"the Saviour is precious to me;" and the second was much
gratified, when he called one day, to hear him express his views
of divine truth, which were fully evangelical. He died July,
1807.]
...and Doctor Livingston of the Reformed Dutch, Church. With the
first in his life time, and with the other two until
their decease, Doctor L cultivated a cordial and
unreserved intimacy. He esteemed and loved
them all as his brethren in Christ; and there never
were, perhaps, four ministers residing in the same
city, each belonging to a different denomination of
Christians, who afforded in their fraternal and pious
intercourse, a happier exhibition of the influence of
that heavenly charity, which accompanies the exercise of a genuine faith and hope.
The Doctor, as has been already more than
once intimated, was naturally a sociable person;
and a large circle of other than ministerial friends,
at this time, claimed and received his friendly attentions. — And it ought to be remarked, that he
seldom paid a visit, whether of a pastoral or merely
of a social kind, but he endeavoured to render his
conversation profitable to all around him, or to intermingle with it some pious and weighty
observations, in a manner so impressive, that they could not
be soon forgotten. Indeed, the narrative of this
part of his life would be very deficient, if it did not
notice the pains he took, particularly with youth,
whether of his own church or not, at every suitable opportunity, to make some salutary and lasting
impression upon their minds; and in doing this, few
men could be more successful.
A letter to him from the late celebrated
Lindley Murray, and another from his brother
John, both, when living, distinguished members of
the Society of Friends, relating to interviews with
him, which it is supposed occurred soon after the
war, are worthy of being here inserted. They are
honourable memorials of departed excellence, and
they will serve to show how the Doctor usually
employed a portion of the time which was given to
company.
The letter of Lindley Murray is in these words:
"I beg that Dr. Livingston will do me the favour
to accept a copy of the new edition of my Enghsh
Grammar, as a small mark of the high esteem and
regard which I have long entertained for him. I
still remember, with grateful emotion, the short interview which I had with Dr. Livingston, about
twenty years ago. The affectionate inquiries
which he then made respecting my health, his
Christian temper and deportment, and the unfeigned
piety of his remark, "that as all our blessings come
from the Fountain of Goodness, they ought to be
received with correspondent gratitude," left a most
pleasing and consolatory impression, which, I believe, will never be effaced from my recollection."
"Since that period, it has pleased Divine Providence to visit me with a very gentle affliction, if it
can be called an affliction at all, when so many
blessings are continued: I have not been able to
walk, or to use any exercise, except that of riding
in a carriage. I am, however, comforted in believing that my life, in this confinement, has not been
entirely useless. I have composed a number of
little volumes for the benefit of the rising generation; and the success which has attended these
publications, affords me much comfort, and abundant cause of thankfulness, to the great Preserver
of my life.
"I am, with great respect and affection,
"Dr. Livingston's very sincere friend,
"LINDLEY MURRAY,
"Holdgate, near York,
Great-Britain, 1805."
His brother's letter is of a later date, and it
concludes as follows: "Almost as long as I have any
clear recollection of occurrences in my juvenile
days, I remember my friend. Doctor Livingston.
Even the simple circumstance of his putting his
hands occasionally on my Head, in a pleasant manner, when we used to meet at our old neighbour
Kipp's, at Kipp's Bay: — Since which I have entertained a regard for thee, and may now say, I
renewedly feel my mind impressed with a solicitude for
thy welfare in time, and for thy happiness in
futurity. — May thy setting sun go down with increased brightness, is the sincere desire of,
"Thy well-wishing friend,
"JOHN MURRAY, Jun."
These expressions of respect have been transcribed, to give the reader an idea of what was the
Doctor's usual way of improving time in private
intercourse with his friends, and of his peculiar
faculty to conciliate the esteem of young persons,
and to rivet in their minds instructive or pointed
apothegms.
Men engaged in public life frequently complain
of indisposition, but while they appear to be tolerably well, or continue to discharge their duties,
their complaints are but little heeded by many, or
excite but little sympathy. The effect which those
anxieties, produced by certain domestic circumstances, or by their official responsibilities, or as is
sometimes the case, by both together — not to mention their labours, — can have upon the best human
constitution, is not considered. Their anxieties
and their labours are scarcely thought of — and that
is laughed at, as a mere imaginary or vaporish affection, which is, in fact, a real indisposition, and
without due care, may terminate in some dangerous
disease. — The Doctor rarely knew what it was to
be in perfect health, or entirely free from ailment:
the pressure of his numerous cares and employments, of a public and private nature, he often felt
very sensibly to be too great for his strength: he
was at times much debilitated, and afflicted with a
pain in his breast; but the Lord enabled him to
hold on his work, and he was seldom so very unwell
as to be compelled to intermit his regular service
in the pulpit.
About the close of 1792, his labours were considerably augmented, in consequence of the serious
indisposition of his colleague, Dr. Linn, who was
threatened with pulmonic disease, and obliged,
therefore, for a season, to desist from preaching.
In a letter to Dr. R — , of January, 1793, he thus
noticed the occurrence: "May the Lord Jesus become more precious to your soul, and you rejoice
in a full assurance of his love! With respect to
myself, I bless his holy name, I am strengthened in
weakness, and enabled to hold on, with a desire to
be found faithful until death. I am sorry to inform
you, that my dear colleague, Linn, has some very
unfavourable symptoms, which have greatly alarmed
us. About four weeks ago, he began to spit some
blood mixed with his saliva. This is considered by
his physicians as an intimation of an approaching
consumption, and requires great attention and care.
He has not preached since the first appearance of
that symptom; and it is to be feared he will not
preach in some length of time. What the consequence will be, cannot be foreseen, but it is
conjectured his future health and labours are very precarious."
In another, dated May 4th, 1793, to the same, he
observed — "I have had very steady, and considerable heavy service, the whole winter and spring. —
Dr. Linn expects to preach to-morrow morning, for
the first time, since the beginning of last December."
In another of May 11th: "My labours, the winter
and spring past, have been increased and uniform,
without any intermission. Last Lord's-day, Dr. Linn
preached for the first time. His health appears
to be restored, and I hope there is a prospect of
his doing well, without any danger of relapses." —
And again, in one written the following August:
" greatly sympathize with the destitute congregations, and trust the Lord will send labourers in his
harvest soon, to supply our numerous vacancies.
There are five or six now with me, who are diligent
in their studies, and of whom we may hope much
good. I most sincerely wish it was in my power to
do greater justice to them; but, while incumbered
with the full weight of the parochialia, it is utterly
impossible. [His other colleague (Dr. Kuypers) at this time preached
only in the Dutch language.] Perhaps it may please the Lord to direct, in his good providence, and in his own time,
what shall answer our desire."
It was impossible for him, in present circumstances, to give that attention to professoral duties,
which his own sense of their intrinsic importance,
and a due regard to the improvement of the young
gentlemen under his care, prompted him to render: and the General Synod, at length, became
convinced that it was necessary to adopt some
measures, that would place their professor in a situation to be more devoted to the appropriate
business of his office. Accordingly, at a meeting of
the Synod, held in Albany, June, 1794, the subject
of the Professorate was taken into serious consideration, and a committee, of which Dr. T. Romeyn
was chairman, was appointed, "to consult and
report upon the same." The report submitted was
adopted by the Synod, and shall be presented here
without abridgement. It was as follows:
"1. That it is high time to bring this important
matter to a conclusion. Ten years have elapsed
since the professor was appointed, and no effective
arrangements have yet been made to enable him to
fulfil the duties of his appointment. The place
where the Divinity-Hall is to be opened; the salary to be allowed the professor; and some
productive measures to ensure a sufficient fund, ought,
without further delay, to be now determined."
"2. That to establish an union of the professorate
with Queen's College, which has hitherto been
judged practicable and advisable, it is the opinion
of the Committee, that it will be necessary to remove the College from its present situation, and
bring it to some place more accessible, and nearer
to the great body of the churches, which lie in the
northern parts of the State of New-York: your
Committee, therefore, recommend, that it should be
fixed at the town of Bergen, or at such other place,
still farther to the North, in the State of New-Jersey, as may be agreed upon between the Trustees
of the College and the General Synod."
"3. That to effect this removal of the College, a
Committee be appointed on the part of this General Synod, to confer with the Trustees of the
College, and endeavour to persuade them to: relinquish the present place in which the College is fixed,
and to meet the wishes of the General Synod, in
a location that will be more commodious for the
benefit of the Churches."
"4. That as the overtures made to the Trustees
of the College may prove unsuccessful, the General
Synod ought now to determine that, in such case,
the place where the Divinity-Hall must be opened,
without being connected with any college whatever,
shall be in the vicinity of the city of New York;
where the students may find all the benefits of
cheapness and retirement, peculiar to a village, and
yet be sufficiently near to the metropolis to derive
all the advantages, arising from a free and easy
intercourse with the literary and public characters,
which abound in a city."
"5. That your Committee, after mature consideration, are of opinion, that the town of Flatbush,
upon Long Island, is a proper place where the Divinity-Hall may be opened; and, therefore,
recommend the same to Synod for that purpose. A flourishing Academy is there estabUshed, which will
afford an opportunity for the students in theology to
revise their other studies, and advance in collateral
branches of education; and Flatbush comprises all
the advantages resulting from a village situated
near a city."
"6. That in the present situation of the professorate, while the Synod is destitute of funds to render
their appointment independent, and while the professor remains in any measure connected with the
congregation at New-York, means should be used to
prevail upon that Consistory and congregation, to
consent to a dispensation of a part of the parochial
duties of the professor, and to obtain from them, for
the benefit of all the churches, that he shall be held
to preach only once on every Lord's-day, and attend the consistorial meetings, when necessary and
convenient; but that the remainder of his time and
labour, which may be four days in every week,
shall be by him devoted to the immediate business
of his appointment, as professor in theology."
"7. That for this purpose, a committee be also appointed, to confer with the professor and the
Consistory of the Church at New-York, and to make
such arrangements with the said Consistory, in relation to the salary of the professor, as shall be
honourable and equitable."
"8. That upon settling what may be necessary
with the congregation of New-York, the professor
be requested to embrace the first prudent measures of retirement to any place contiguous to the
said city, which he may judge most convenient and
eligible, for prosecuting the important purposes of
the professorate, as long as he remains connected
with the ministerial duties in the city; and that the
Synod engage to give him all their support and countenance; while they strenuously, in the mean time,
exert themselves to obtain the means for fixing him in
a proper and independent manner, at the place determined on as the most suitable for a Divinity-Hall."
"9. That the General Synod do immediately,
and without delay, take the most effectual measures for raising a fund, to render their professorate
independent of any particular or individual congregation; and for that purpose, the committee
recommend, that the former resolution respecting collections to be made in all the Churches, and which
was revived in the last particular Synod, be now
adopted and made to originate, with renewed vigour, from this General Synod; with this variation
only, that instead of constituting the Consistory of
New-York the keepers of the fund to be raised,
there be three persons joined with Mr. Peter
Wilson, who shall be Trustees for that purpose,
until some other measures be adopted by the General Synod, for rendering the agency in that
business more safe and easy."
"10. That as it is the object and wish of the
Synod, to obtain the assistance of more than one
professor, as soon as the Churches shall put it in
the power of Synod to maintain more, so the committee recommend, that this be held up to the
public view, as an inducement to increase the funds,
and render them productive for supporting not only
one, but a sufficient number, if possible, to constitute a faculty of theology."
"11. As it appears from a representation made to
this General Synod, by a committee from the
Trustees of Queen's College, that no union of that
institution with the Trustees of Princeton College,
has taken place, or will probably be ever again attempted, the committee recommend, that the act
of the last particular Synod, prohibiting the payment of certain moneys collected conditionally,
under the patronage of the Synod, in favour of the
College of Brunswick, be no longer in force; but
that the persons holding any such moneys thus
collected, do forthwith remit the same to the Trustees of Queen's College, or pay them to their order."
In pursuance of the request contained in this important document, the Doctor, as soon as he could
conveniently, made the necessary arrangements for
a removal. The Consistory of the Church
consented to what the Synod had proposed, with the understanding, that he should receive, while he
rendered them but half the usual service, but half the
usual salary, which was certainly a reasonable
stipulation; and, to supply the lack of service
that would be caused by his removal, in the
autumn of 1795, they called the Rev. Mr. Abeel,
of Philadelphia, to become one of their pastors.
The following spring, he left the city, to occupy
a place which he had purchased at Bedford, a
little village on Long Island, about two miles from
Brooklyn; and here, when fixed in his new residence, he opened his Divinity-Hall with very
cheering prospects.
But it must be obvious that, in complying with
the wishes of the Synod, he not only sustained a
considerable pecuniary loss, as he relinquished a
moiety of his regular stipend from the Church, and
numerous perquisites, which, as its senior minister,
he had been in the habit of receiving, but also subjected himself to no little inconvenience, and, in a
measure, exposed his health and life. There were, at
that time, no steam-boats moving upon our waters;
and the passage between Long Island and New-York, in the boats then in use, was seldom an
agreeable, and oft times, especially in the winter season,
was a very dangerous one; but he must be every
Sabbath, at least once, in his pulpit; and other
duties would make it necessary for him frequently to
visit the city. In this view, and taking into consideration the fact, that he had nothing to expect from the
Synod but their approbation — that they could neither make nor promise him any other
remuneration, it must be confessed, that he now made sacrifices, and evinced a disinterestedness, a submissive
temper, and a regard for the good of the Church at
large, which justly entitled him to respect and gratitude.
The great motive to a removal was, the hope of
being in this situation, more useful as professor,
than he had ever been before: — and for a while, the
hope was partially realized. Well known as a sound
and learned divine — having the requisite leisure for
the due performance of his duty — and the expense
of boarding in the country being much less than in
the city, the number of students immediately increased, and he was encouraged to believe, that the
plan which had been adopted for establishing a
theological school, would be crowned with complete
success; but his expectations, however warrantable, as founded upon the late act of the Synod, in
which that body had displayed a commendable
earnestness and zeal in behalf of the professorate,
and also, upon the favourable commencement of the
enterprise, were soon and suddenly disappointed.
The promise of their support and countenance,
which had been given by the Synod, was not fulfilled, or rather was hastily, in effect, retracted; and it
was not long, as the reader will see presently,
after all he had done and encountered himself, to
promote the execution of their plan, before he was
compelled to abandon it and to return to the city.
It is not material that the manner, in which the
Doctor conducted his little seminary, should be
here particularly related. It will suffice to observe,
that he ably and satisfactorily discharged his whole
duty. He taught theology, systematically, in a
course of lectures, in which the doctrines of the
Reformation unadulterated, were fully discussed and
maintained; and he possessed the faculty of imparting his own sound, clear, comprehensive views
of divine truth, so as to carry conviction to the understanding, and to make a deep impression upon
the heart. The method he adopted to qualify his
pupils for the important office they had in view,
was highly approved, and his deportment towards
them was uniformly pleasant, affectionate, and
paternal. They revered and loved him.
The following extracts from two letters to his
friend, Dr. R., will show what were his present
sentiments and feelings upon the subject of the
interesting institution. The first is dated October
13th, 1796: — "I wished much to have consulted
with you upon the important subject of the professorate, which, notwithstanding all the repeated
efforts in its favour, and the prudent and decisive
resolutions of the last General Synod, remains
wholly neglected and abandoned. I have complied
with the wishes of the Synod, in removing from the
city, and relinquishing a part of my parochial duties,
for the express purpose of having it more in my
power to do justice to the young gentlemen.
Since I have retired, I find more leisure for that
work, and am happy to know, that the students find
greater advantages, than it was possible for them
while I remained in the city. But, amidst all my
exertions, and the sacrifices which I have made to
bring it thus far, it is still impossible the institution
can ever answer the expectations of the Churches,
unless it is patronised and countenanced by the
public. Public bodies, who feel an interest in its
prosperity, must turn their attention to it, and support it with their influence and smiles, or it will at
farthest soon die with the individual."
"Upon taking a candid review of all the embarrassments with which this institution has struggled,
and the neglect that has attended it, I have been obliged to conclude, that whatever might have been
the serious determination of those of 1771, who formed the union, or of 1784, who instituted the office, it
appears, that it is not the present intention of the
most of our churches, to have it brought to a
proper issue: — that as long as I continue, by my
private efforts, to supply the public wants, nothing
decisive will be done: — and that, if it remains dormant much longer, it will sleep the sleep of death,
and all our resolutions, our promises to the churches
in Holland, and our serious and solemn engagements to our own churches here, will end in
disappointment."
"Under these impressions, I conceived it my
duty to present to the Synod, a plain statement of
facts, to assure them that I was willing to proceed
and devote the remains of my short life to this important work, but that I wished for their advice to
know what would be the most proper and effectual
measures to bring the whole to a decided issue.
To this, the Synod have requested me to proceed,
in my labours with the students, as heretofore; and
have determined that it was incumbent upon them to
carry into effect the resolutions of the General Synod, and, for that purpose, have concluded to send
circular letters to all the congregations. What the
result will be, cannot be foreseen; but it is certain, if
our churches entertain a just sense of the necessity of
the institution; — if they reflect, that it is impossible
to be supplied with orthodox and acceptable
ministers, unless some establishment is formed for their
education; if they do not choose to be beholden to
other denominations for the instruction of their
candidates; — if they wish to adhere to their own
discipline, and maintain their reputation and usefulness; and if they consider it ungenerous for a
numerous, wealthy, and great community to suffer any
individual member to bear the whole weight alone,
and that it will be impossible long to sustain the discouragements which arise from public neglect; —
it will be easy for them to unite their influence
and friendly attention, and bring forward a fund
that shall suffice to render the Institution independent and respectable."
"For my own part, as it regards myself, I think I
have sufficiently proved my disinterestedness. I
have been silent, passive, and contented; and I
am thus far contented still; but I am convinced, if
ever the Institution is to be brought forward, and
rendered extensively useful, when you and I are
gathered to our fathers, — if our children and their
posterity are to reap the benefits of it, something
decisive and spirited must now be effected."
The second is dated Bedford, April 28th, 1797:
"If the issue of the business, respecting the resolutions of the General Synod, be the same in all the
Classes, with what you mention to have been in
your's of January last, we may readily anticipate
that nothing will, in this way, be done; and, perhaps, it is become altogether impracticable, in the
present state of the public mind, to raise a fund at
all. The want of zeal in promoting a cause so interesting and influential to the welfare, and even
existence, of our reformed Churches, is greatly to be
lamented, and may constitute a neglect, for which,
as a people, we shall be severely responsible. He
who walketh in the midst of the golden candlesticks,
and holdeth the stars in his right hand, will know
and judge, with unerring precision, respecting motives, excuses, and conduct."
"Solemn and repeated resolutions, formed upon
mature deliberation and clear conviction, have certainly produced obligations too strong and binding
to be now lightly abandoned. Notwithstanding delays and frequent discouragements, we are still
bound by every principle sacred to conscience and
character, to make the most decisive trials, and not
despair of the divine blessing and concurrence
upon earnest and faithful efforts. * * * If the
plan, in one form, will not at present prevail, is it
not possible to devise another mode, in which it
may, for some time at least, prove successful? —
If it be impracticable to raise a whole fund, whose
interest would suffice, may it not be easy to obtain, annually, from all the churches, what would
amount, at least, to as much as that interest? This,
if punctually executed, would serve as a temporary
expedient, and leave the fund where it now is, in
the possession of the people."
"I have, for some years, considered an alternative
as very practicable and, perhaps; proper, but from
a determination of remaining as long as possible,
passive and silent in all that relates to this business, I do not remember that I have ever
communicated it to you. Whether it would be found as
easy in its operation, and sufficiently productive as
it appears in theory, or whether some consequences would not arise from it, which would prove
injurous to the very object in view, I do not know.
It is simply this — that, instead of collecting a sum
which shall amount to a capital, as at present contemplated, we only determine to raise, every year,
a small dividend from each congregation, which can
be effected without any particular effort on the part
of the people, and may, if properly appropriated, in
some measure answer the purpose of the Synod."
"Upon contemplating this alternative, I think I
find, instead of insuperable objections, something
which may, in its consequences, even prove
beneficial. It is, indeed, leaving the institution precarious; but it renders it immediately dependent upon
those for whose use it is intended, and may prove
a proper stimulus to industry and faithfulness. At
any rate, I conceive it to be the only mode that is
now practicable, and less calculated to cheapen the
institution than to raise, by personal applications, a
fund. I mention it without reserve now to you,
that you may digest it, and make such improvements
upon it, as a mature consideration may suggest.
May the Lord direct to such measures as shall
preserve the engagements of Synod inviolate, and
prevent those who have relied upon its sacred
honour, and risked every thing upon it, from being
made ashamed!"
Whatever solicitude or zeal particular individuals
may have manifested, to effect a redemption of the
pledge which had been given by the Synod to the
professor, and there no doubt were a few who exerted themselves to this end to the utmost of their
ability, it is certain, that a very culpable indifference with respect to it, pervaded the Church as a
body. Nothing of any consequence was done;
and when but little more than a year had elapsed
since his removal to Bedford, at the request of the
Synod, the Doctor found himself placed very unexpectedly, by another act of Synod, in a situation
at once mortifying and embarrassing in no small
degree.
The General Synod met again in June, 1797;
and the following is a copy of the record of part of
their proceedings:
"The General Synod having minutely inquired
into the measures pursued time after time, in order
to raise a fund for the support of the professorate,
and the success of those measures, the following
question was taken: Is it expedient, under present
circumstances, to take any further measures for the
support of the professorate? — which was answered
in the negative."
"The General Synod then appointed a committee on this business, who brought in a report, which,
after being amended, was agreed to, and reads as
follows, viz."
"The committee appointed on the professorate,
report: that Professor Livingston ought to be immediately informed of the determination of Synod,
that it is not expedient under present circumstances,
to take any further measures for the support of the
professorate; that they express to him the sense
which they entertain of the important services
which he has already performed; that it will be
highly acceptable to them, if he can still continue
to discharge the duties of the office under the discouragements that exist; and that a minute of the
determination referred to, with this report, be transmitted to him for the purposes above-mentioned."
At this session, the Rev. Dr. T. Romeyn, and the
Rev. Solomon Froeligh, were appointed additional
professors of theology. These gentlemen had
been authorized, at least since the year 1794, to
act as assistant teachers of theology, probably at
first for the accommodation of young men who
could not well afford the expense of boarding in
New-York; but their students could not be admitted to an examination for licensure, without having
previously obtained the certificate of the regular
professor, and to supersede the necessity, which
had been often attended with much inconvenience,
of applying for such certificates, they were now
duly invested with the professoral office.
This measure being adopted by the Synod,
which amounted in fact, for a time, to a complete
desertion of the seminary, the Doctor, of course,
returned to the city, and resumed all his pastoral
duties. Such young men as wished to prosecute
their studies under his direction, were still cheerfully and faithfully attended to; but, for several
succeeding years, he was chiefly devoted to the beloved people of his charge, among whom his
labours continued to be acceptable and useful.
No event occurred after this, worthy of particular notice, until the year 1804, when the plan of the
professorate underwent another important alteration. The Doctor, meanwhile, as a lover of
peace, quietly acquiesced in the arrangements
which the Synod had thought proper to make. —
He showed no resentment. He uttered no complaints; or if any did proceed out of his mouth, it
was only among some of his most intimate friends —
and that any did, even in private intercourse, the
writer has never understood. That he considered
himself slighted, and that his feelings were deeply
wounded by what the Synod had done, it is natural
to suppose; but whether such was the case or not,
his conduct under it was meek, submissive, dignified: — and, indeed, he knew his brethren too well
to imagine, for a moment, that they had not honestly
consulted the existing state of the Church, in pursuing this course, without intending him an ill
requital, or designing to convey by it any unfavourable sentiment with respect to his services.
For Dr. Romeyn, between whom and himself it
might have been surmised there would be now
some little rivalry, he appears to have cherished
undiminished affection: and pleasing evidence
of the fact will be found in the following extracts
from two letters of friendship to that gentleman,
and from one to the son of the same, upon the occasion of his father's death.
In one, dated New-York, August 27th, 1802, after
adverting to the late indisposition of his friend,
he thus writes: — "In every period of life, we
are exposed to strokes that may weaken, or even
destroy our feeble frames. At the stage to
which you and I are arrived, we must not therefore
be surprised or discouraged to meet with what
others, at a much earlier hour, have had to struggle.
I am confident you view the dispensation as you
ought, and feel that resignation which is at once an
evidence of divine grace in the soul, and a sure
source of contentment and peace. To look unto
Jesus, to renew the covenant with him, and to know
in our blessed experience, that he is made of God
unto us, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, afford substantial comfort in the severest
trials, and increase our assurance that he will also
to us become redemption. Such views and efforts
of faith produce strength equal to our day, and
excite at times, a joy unspeakable and full of glory."
and he can and will confirm his word, that all
things shall work together for good to them who
love God; and his people have always put their
seal to this precious promise, and, sooner or later,
been made to exclaim, it is good for us that we
have been afflicted. It must be so. All pains,
sickness, disappointments, and trials of every kind,
are in themselves bitter, and no chastening for the
present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness to them which are exercised thereby. Sanctified afflictions are among the precious
benefits of the everlasting covenant. Through all
the changing scenes and various ways in which his
saints are led, however intricate, gloomy, and unexpected they may prove, he has pledged his truth
that he will guide them by his counsel, support
them with his grace, and never leave nor forsake
them. May you, my dear friend, be comforted
with these consolations, and bear constant testimony to the faithfulness and fulness, the love and
power of our adorable Redeemer."
"You and I are nearly of the same age; I am in
my 57th year. We are thus literally fellow-travellers, engaged together from our youth in one and
the same work. It affords high satisfaction to have
cause to hope, that we have in our day been of
some use in the Church of Christ, and obtained
grace to be in our measure faithful to the trust reposed in us. Happy should we be if, in the retrospect,
we could find more zeal, purer exertions, in the service of the greatest and best of Masters. The
Lord strengthen and sanctify us, that we may continue faithful and useful even to the end of life;
that our last fruit may be the ripest; and our
setting sun shine bright and serene."
"What the spirit of infidelity may yet produce;
with what opposition the disciples of the Lord Jesus will have to combat; and what may be
particularly impending over that part of the Church with
which we are more immediately connected, are
impossible to be foreseen; and it is best that future
events should thus far be covered with an impenetrable vail. Enough, however, may be anticipated
to prompt to double vigilance, and justify us in
recommending vigour and patience, unanimity
and fortitude, to our younger brethren, who are to
remain as watchmen when we are gone, and are
to stand where we stood on the walls of Zion. —
I trust God will preserve these, and raise up
others, who shall with them become faithful witnesses for his truth and cause, and that He will
crown their labours with his blessing. At times,
I have been greatly discouraged, and from a variety
of concurring circumstances, have feared that the
blessing we once expected would never be realized, and that the day for effecting any thing
important has been suffered to pass unimproved; but I
have learned to dispel anxious fears, and patiently
to wait and humbly hope in the Lord. In his own
time, in his own way, and by his own instruments,
he will work all his pleasure, and his poor people
who trust in him, shall never be made ashamed. —
In this confidence, my dear Sir, we may put up our
prayers in faith, and rest assured that if we do not,
yet our successors will, see the goodness of God to
his chosen, and rejoice in his mercies upon Zion."
"Whenever I come in the northern quarter, I
promise myself the pleasure of making you a visit;
but I have no expectation of being able, during
the present season, of going so far from home. In
the mean while, let me unite with all your other
friends, in recommending great attention, and that
you do not, by any undue exertion of mind or body,
weaken or injure what yet remains of health. The
Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth
our frame. He remembereth that we are dust. —
Accept of my wishes and prayers, that the Lord
may strengthen and continue you still a blessing
to his church; that he may comfort you with his
presence, and give you great peace and joy in
believing; and believe me to be, with sincere respect,
"Reverend and Dear Sir,
"Your affectionate friend,
"And brother in the Lord,
"J. H. LIVINGSTON.
''Rev. Dr. Romeyn."
The other being short, is presented entire.
"New-York, May 31I, 1803.
"Reverend and Dear Sir,
"Frequently since your kind and very acceptable letter came to hand, I have determined to
write to you. But whether ordinary duties require more attention than heretofore and press with
greater weight; or whether a languor, in the least
exertion, marks our advancing years; so it is, that
between duties and languor, I neglect what was
once my delight, and I have not done what I intended to perform in this instance."
"I wish very much to see you, and hope you will
find yourself able to be present with us at the approaching session of the General Synod. We
reside at so great a distance apart, that unless we
meet upon such occasions, we have little hope of
enjoying each others company. The subjects you
mentioned in your friendly letter, are very important. They are worthy of our maturest
consideration and joint efforts; and I shall be happy to
unite with you in promoting the peace and prosperity of our precious Zion."
"Endeavour, my dear brothre, to meet me at
Poughkeepsie. Summon up the energy requisite
to undertake the journey. The exertion may be
of service even to the languid body; and it will, no
doubt, refresh your mind. The Lord strengthen and
comfort you, preserve you on the way, and render our interview pleasant to ourselves, and
profitable to his Church! Accept of my sincere love,
and be assured of the respect and esteem with
which I am,
"Reverend Sir,
"Your affectionate friend,
"And brother in the Lord,
"J. H. LIVINGSTON.
"Rev. Dr. Romeyn."
The next extract is from his letter to the Rev.
Mr. (afterwards Doctor) J. B. Romeyn, upon
learning the decease of this gentleman's father.
"New-York, April 26th, 1804.
"Reverend and very dear Sir,
"Yesterday evening your favour came to hand,
which announced the departure of your worthy and
venerable parent, whom I have been happy to call
my friend and brother in the ministry, for many
years. Nearly of the same age, we commenced
our labours almost at the same time, and have
obtained grace to continue longer in the service of our
Blessed Master than many others. I went to see
him last summer, and was greatly affected to find
him so much debilitated, and from the usual progress of paralytic symptoms, did not expect he
would ever recover his former strength. I see
from the account you give, that he has very gradually declined, and his latter end has been peace.
He gently fell asleep, committing his spirit into the
hand of his Divine Redeemer. Blessed are the
dead who die in the Lord. This proves a source
of precious consolation, my dear young friend, to
you, while it suggests a powerful argument to follow those, who through faith and patience inherit
the promise. You cannot, indeed, mourn as those
who have no hope. Adoration and praise unite
with grief and resignation; and even this event is
within the promise, which engages that all things
shall work together for good, for them that love
God. The Lord sanctify this new trial, this serious bereavement to you! Your heavenly Father
still lives; your precious Jesus, your best friend,
has engaged to guide you by his counsel, and afterwards receive you to glory. Let this be your
consolation. Let this encourage you to live by faith,
to walk with God, and be wholly devoted to his
service."
Your very affectionate
J. H. LIVINGSTON."
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 vigorous 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 established 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, [The General Synod at this Session appointed
two professors of the Hebrew language — the Rev. John Bassett, and the
Rev. Jeremiah Romeyn.] whose temporary seat should be
in the city of New- York," subject, however, at all
times, to the government of Synod, with respect to
a more eligible or expedient place for this purpose," 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
following spring, increased of course, proportionably, the parochial labours of the Doctor. In some
respects, these labours were lighter probably than
those of his two younger estimable colleagues; but
they were, nevertheless, sufficiently multiplied and
difficult of accomplishment for one of his years
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
Livingston. Within the period embraced in this chapter,
it is believed, that he discharged one or both of
these offices in Flatbush and Brooklyn, Long-Island; in Belleville and ****** New-Jersey;
in Greenwich and Bloomingdale, when the first
churches were erected in these places; in Garden-Street, at the erection of the new building upon the
site of the old one; in Franklin-Street and Broom-Street, in the city of New-York.
[The Doctor being the sole pastor at the time, without doubt,
opened the North Church, when it was repaired after the war.
He also opened the Middle Dutch Church, when that building was
put in a state to be used for public worship, and the sermon he
preached upon this occasion, was afterwards published. After
his removal from New-York, if the writer has been correctly informed, he laid the corner stone of a new Dutch Church in a
place called Spotswood, near New Brunswick, and of one in New
Brunswick. In the last mentioned, he also preached the introductory sermon.]
The Doctor was by no means an indifferent observer of the events in the world, which, at that day,
attracted the notice of all intelligent Christians. —
He saw distinctly the commencement of a new and
glorious epoch in the history of the church; and
he took a deep interest in the benevolent and pious
efforts which then began to be made in New-York,
as well as in most other parts of Protestant Christendom, to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer.
Before the New-York Missionary Society, at
annual meetings, he preached two sermons, which
being afterwards published — one of them in a second edition — it is presumed have been generally
read, and must be acknowledged to exhibit not only
sound and enlarged views upon the subjects discussed in them, but also, a fervent zeal for the
increase and success of Missionary operations. The
first was preached April the 23d, 1799, on Colossians 3 and xi — "Christ is all and in all:" the second
April 3d, 1804, on Rev. 14, 6—7. "And I saw
another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell
on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, saying, with a loud voice, Fear
God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his
judgment is come, and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of
waters."
In 1807, the Trustees of Queen's College,
having resolved to revive the institution under their
care, made a communication to that effect to the
General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church,
and solicited their approbation of the measure.
The Synod cordially approved of what had been
done, in relation to the same communication, by the
particular Synod of New-York, — to which body it
had previously been made, and appointed a Committee to confer with the Committee of the Trustees
who were then present, upon the subject. — The
result of the conference was, the formation of a covenant between the Synod and the Trustees, for the
union of the Professorate with the College, the
fourth and fifth articles of which were in these
words:
"The Trustees of Queen's College shall call no
professor of theology, but such as shall be nominated
and chosen by the General Synod, agreeably to
the resolutions and arrangements formed in General Synod in 1804, respecting the permament
professorship, which is hereby located at New-Brunswick."
"As soon as the Trustees shall have obtained a
fund, the interest of which will yield a competent
support to the theological professor, of which competency, whenever any difficulties or doubts may
arise, the contracting parties shall judge and determine, the Trustees shall be bound, without delay,
to call the professor appointed by the Synod; and
the Synod shall, and hereby do request their professor, as soon as he shall have received such a call,
to make arrangements forthwith for entering upon
the duties of his office."
An interesting and able address upon the subject
of the theological professorate was now drawn up,
published, and widely circulated; and, under the
divine blessing, it excited in many parts of the
Church, great zeal and liberality in behalf of the
important object contemplated. In the city of
New-York alone, subscriptions to the professoral
fund, to the amount of more than ten thousand dollars, were obtained in a few days; and encouraged
by this auspicious beginning, the Trustees forthwith made a call upon the Doctor to the
professorship of theology, in the institution, tendering him
therein, as the yearly compensation for his services,
the sum of seven hundred and fifty dollars. They
also made a call upon him to the presidency of the
College, in which the salary offered was two hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
The first call he accepted; but fearing that if he
immediately removed, the efforts of the Churches
to provide an adequate fund for the support of the
professorate, would abate, he concluded to remain
for the present where he was.
About this time, he experienced an increase of
infirmities, which was quite alarming. His mind as
well as his body, in a measure failed him, and he
was sensible that he was not able to discharge, as
he formerly had done, his customary ministerial
duties. The decline of his health became, indeed, so
visible, that the Consistory of the Church considered it their duty to excuse him from a part of his
regular ministrations; and they accordingly passed
the following resolution, a copy of which they
directed to be delivered to him:
"In Consistory, 20th July, 1809.
"The Consistory taking into consideration the
long and faithful services of the Rev. Doctor
Livingston, their senior minister; and also considering his age, the ill state of his health, and his
consequent inability to preach more than once on
the Sabbath; — therefore resolved unanimously,
that this Consistory are willing to dispense with the
afternoon public services of the Reverend Doctor
Livingston, on the Sabbath, and that he preach
every Sabbath morning only, unless he feels able
and disposed to perform more service. Ordered,
that the Rev. Mr. Kuypers, the President, be requested to deliver a copy of this resolution to the
Rev. Doctor Livingston.
"Extract from the Minutes,
"ISAAC L. KIP, Sec."
As the Doctor was now exempted from a portion
of his usual labours, and his removal to
New-Brunswick was expected to take place at a day,
not far distant, the Consistory deemed it expedient
to obtain as speedily as possible, a more ample supply of ministerial service. They soon after,
therefore, invited the Rev. John Schureman, of Millstone,
N. J., and the Rev. Jacob Brodhead, of Rhinebeck, N. Y., to come and serve them in the Gospel.
These gentlemen accepted their calls, and were installed collegiate pastors with Dr. Livingston, Dr.
Kuypers, and Dr. Abeel, in the autumn of this year.
Reverend Linn
[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
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.
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 —
"New-York, January 13th, 180S.
"Reverend and dear Sir,
"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."
"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,
"J. H. LIVINGSTON.
"Rev. Mr. Romeyn."]
Reverend Romeyn
[The Rev. Dr. T. Romeyn was one of the brightest ornaments and most useful ministers of the Dutch Church.— In vigour
of intellect) learning, piety, and zeal, there were few superior
to him — and the letters of Dr. L. to him, afford a strong
attestation of his eminent worth, and of the great influence which he
had in her several assemblies. Of four or five — Dr. Westerlo,
Dr. Hardenburg, Dr. Meyer, Dr. Romeyn, and Dr. L. whose
heads, and hearts, and hands, had been very remarkably united in
some of the most important business of the Church, and who had
laboured with equal zeal and perseverance to promote her best
interests, the latter was now the only one left.
The following tribute of respect to the memory of Dr. Romeyn,
is given in a volume of the sermons of his distinguished son, the
late Rev. Dr. J. B. Romeyn, of New-York, as an extract from the
funeral sermon, preached on the occasion of his death, by his colleague and successor, the late Rev. John H. Mier. (See Vol. I -
page 194.)
"The reverend Dr. Romeyn possessed a mind strong and energetic, and more than ordinarily comprehensive, capable of
viewing things in their natures, their connexions, their dependencies,
and ends. His apprehension was quick, his understanding clear
and informed. His judgment was sound and mature, and
his memory remarkably retentive. In the application of these
powers of mind, he was chiefly bent upon his professional studies.
In these he most delighted, and laboured most of all to excel.
He was versed in the circles of general science, well read in
history, and had made no mean attainments in the philosophy of the
human mind."
"In the discharge of his ministerial functions, he proved himself an able minister of the New Testament, a watchman that
needed not be ashamed. As he had loved the doctrines of grace,
and had experienced their power and influence on his own heart,
so also he insisted upon them in his public ministrations. His
theme uniformly was Christ and him crucified. His manner was
bold, intrepid, and daring. In the execution of his duties he
was neither daunted nor moved. He was the Boanerges of the
day. When he reproved, the sinner trenmbled. When he pronounced Ebal's curses against the wicked, it was like the thunders
of Sinai. He, however, was not incapable of the pathetic. He
could, at times, move the heart and melt the audience into tears.
His discourses were solid and interesting, oft-times enlivened by
historical anecdotes. In the introduction of these, he was peculiarly
happy. He always entered deep into his subject. His delivery
was animated and unaffected, without ostentation, and becoming
his subject. He aimed at nothing but what was perfectly natural."
"In his intercourse with the world, he supported a becoming
dignity. Independence of sentiment marked his path through its
busy rounds. He knew not how to dissemble. He was polite
to all, familiar with few. This rendered the circle of his intimates
contracted, and the number of his confidential friends small. In
his conversation he was interesting, always instructing. His family in him have lost an affectionate relative, a watchful
guardian, and a great example; the church a pillar, and society an
ornament."]