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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."

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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