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gifts and popularity. In pursuance of this determination, a call was presented in July, 1785, to the Rev. Simeon Van Aarsdaalen, of Reddingstown, in the State of New-Jersey, to be one of the ministers of the Church.

The prefatory part of this instrument is somewhat of an historical nature, and expresses officially, the sentiments then entertained of the Doctor's ministrations. It is in these words:

"Since it hath pleased God to restore his dispersed people in peace, from their grievous exile, and establish them again in their former habitations, the Minister, Elders, and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, of the City of New-York, desire with thankful hearts to acknowledge his unmerited goodness, and express their fervent gratitude, by their zeal in promoting his worship, and restoring the ordinances of his house to their former importance and usefulness."

"With great expense and labour, one of the ruined Churches (commonly called the North Church) has been repaired, and the public service of the sanctuary for some time performed alternately in the North and in the Old Church."

"The death of the celebrated Doctor Laidlie,

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whose labours were eminently blessed, and whose name will long be remembered with every sentiment of veneration and esteem, has deprived the Dutch Churches in America of an able defender of the truth, and this congregation of an indefatigable and exemplary teacher. By his death, the whole pastoral care, and all the duties of the ministry, are devolved upon Doctor Livingston, who, notwithstanding his great exertions and most acceptable labours, cannot possibly alone supply the wants of a congregation, whose members are too numerous to convene in one place of worship, and whose youth require catechetical instruction, beyond the strength and attention of one minister. It has, therefore, been the fervent wish and endeavour of the Consistory, as well as the constant request of the congregation, since their return to this City, to find a capable and acceptable teacher, to assist Doctor Livingston in the work of the ministry, and with him to perform divine service in the English language. And since they have become acquainted with your person and character, your talents and ministerial gifts, their choice has uniformly been placed upon you. Wherefore the Consistory, legally assembled in their consistorial capacity, upon the twenty-fourth day of May last, and assisted with the advice of the former Elders, did unanimously resolve to call you, for this important office.