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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
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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presented by a committee, respecting an union with Princeton, were rescinded, in consequence of which, the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
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