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Single Page Chapter VI

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CHAPTER VI

plan, formed by a genius equal to the task, should be drawn for uniting all the Reformed Churches in America into one national Church — which, notwithstanding the seeming difficulties in the way, I humbly apprehend will be practicable and, consistent with the outlines drawn by Professor Witsius for King William the Third, I yet hope to see accomplished. But until something of that kind is proposed, what has been mentioned above stands with its full force."

"The last of the three proposed plans, remains to be considered. At first blush, it is evident that if it can be put in practice, it will distinguish our Churches as singularly concerned for maintaining the truths of the Gospel, and instead of absorbing them into other denominations, will fix their character in a point of view, which will hand down the efforts of the present generation with honour to posterity. While others have laboured with success and praise for the cultivation of learning in general, it seems to be reserved in Providence, as the peculiar province of our churches, to employ their whole influence in teaching and establishing the Reformed religion."

"Before I mention the difficulties which have occurred to my mind, permit me to premise the

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CHAPTER VI

arguments in its favour. 1. If we erect a respectable professorate and Divinity-Hall at Brunswick, we shall have our institution wholly under our own control; every difficulty can be canvassed, and redress obtained without the interposition of other denominations, or any appeal to different boards. 2. The name and estimation of the Dutch Churches among the various churches in America, are in such repute for orthodoxy, that our institution will bid fairer to be universally useful when we stand alone, than any union with any that can be named, could possibly promise. 3. The local situation of Brunswick seems to be a proper centre for the States of New-York, and Jersey, and Pennsylvania, in the last of which there are perhaps as many congregations of the Reformed Churches as in both the former. 4. But what ought to be a principal consideration is, that all the donations and assistance we are to expect for this undertaking, will be given by those who belong to the Dutch Churches (as every other denomination has plans of their own, which call forth their whole abilities,) and it is evident the benefactors for our professorate would give with greater freedom, and feel more happy in promoting a work, which they were assured would remain under the sole inspection of the Dutch Churches, than by any combination of ecclesiastic interests with Princeton, or political with New-York, could possibly be effected."






        
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