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The establishment of a friendly correspondence and co-operation, was the only union then proposed; but, another of a more important character, was soon after suggested, — by whom, in the first instance, is not known, — and was seriously meditated, as will appear from the following letter of Dr. Witherspoon to Mr. Livingston, dated Paisley, May 12, 1768:

"Dear Sir,
"I was favoured with yours of the 27th, two days ago, and being just about to depart, have only time to thank you for the pains you have taken in the affair of the union, and wish it may prosper; though I think some circumstances may be added to what you propose, but shall say nothing of it till I hear further from you, as you seem to wish. I pray that you may be blessed in your studies, and honoured to be in due time an active and successful minister of Christ. Remember me kindly to Professor Bonnet, and my worthy landlady, who received me in so hospitable a manner.

"I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.
"JNO. WITHERSPOON."

To ensure success to any plan, which had for its object the accommodation of the existing differences, and the formation of independent classes, in the

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Dutch Church in this country, it was necessary to consult the wishes of the ministers in Holland, by making some adequate provision in the plan, for the theological instruction of young men designing to enter the ministry. This provision was a favourite point with the transatlantic brethren, and in requiring it, they certainly evinced a very tender regard to the best interests of the Church; but the question was, what could be done to comply with their wishes in this respect. The Coetus party, in pursuance of their plan of rendering themselves independent of the Classis of Amsterdam, had adopted measures for the erection of an "Academy" in New-Jersey, in which pious youth might be educated for the ministry, and had already indeed obtained a charter for the same, containing nothing, as Mr. Lott, the intelligent correspondent of Mr. Livingston, mentioned in the preceding chapter, observes in a letter dated September, 1767, "of Coetus or Conferentie in it, being founded on the constitution of the Church of Holland, as estabhshed in the national Synod of Dort," and, therefore, likely to make it, as far as such an instrument could have influence, a popular institution.* But there was

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[The letter, in which it is asserted that a charter had been granted for this literary institution, it will be observed, is dated Sep. 1767. But the charter of Queen's (now Rutgers College) which was originally established by the Coetus party, is dated]