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fully accorded with the principle which they had maintained, and which gave to the Classis a paramount and decisive authority over the concerns of the American Church.

CONCLUDING ARTICLES.
ARTICLE I. Exception.

"The preceding articles shall not be binding in cases where they are hostile to any privileges granted by charter to any Church.

ARTICLE II.
Binding force of these Articles. "As soon as these articles are constitutionally received and approved by this assembly, each member shall provisionally give the other the hand of brotherhood or fellowship, in hopes that the Rev. Classis and our respective congregations will approve and ratify the same, but they shall not be obligatory before such approbation of them shall be given by our respective congregations and the Rev. Classis.

ARTICLE III. "Since the Committee have the satisfaction to be unanimous in their opinion on these articles, subject however, to superior judgment, it is their cordial desire and prayer, that this reverend assembly may adopt the same, that the long-wished-for-union may, if possible, be effected according to these articles, which may the God of peace and love grant of his mercy.

"New-York, October 18th, 1771.

"Signed by the above-mentioned Committee."

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It was a measure admirably adapted to the prepossessions of both parties, and could hardly fail to render each pleased with itself and pleased with the other, too; and, that such was the result, is evident from the concluding article, which reads thus — "After giving each other the right hand of fellowship, the committee, as also the Rev. Consistory of New-York, were openly and formally thanked for their friendly and brotherly services; and, after fervent thanksgiving to God, for this unexpected blessing, accompanied with ardent supplications to the throne of grace, for a further completion of this holy union work, as also for the prosperity and well-being of the Church, they parted in peace, and love, and joy.

(Signed) "John H. Livingston, Praeses,
Isaac Rysdyk, Scriba,
Eilardus Westerlo, Scriba."

The convention having proceeded as far in the business as was then deemed advisable, adjourned to meet again the next October; and, in the meantime, what they had already done with so much harmony and good feeling, had a gradual and salutary operation in purging out the old leaven, and diffusing a spirit of forbearance and love through the Church. To present a specimen of these