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them in trouble. A plan was now conceived for
forming a union with the College at Princeton, and
an overture with this intention, was actually submitted to the Trustees of that College. When
information of these facts reached New-York, the
Doctor, with many others, was thrown into a state
of painful anxiety, and felt much alarmed for the
mischief which he foresaw a measure so unadvised
would, if pursued, inevitably produce. A meeting
of the Trustees being called shortly after, to deliberate and decide upon the whole business, — at
the request of Dr. Linn, he presented a full expression of his opinion in writing which, it is
presumed, that gentleman read at the board. — The
paper containing this opinion was enclosed in the
following letter —
" My dear Colleague,
" Agreeably to your request, I have committed
to writing my sentiments upon the proposed union
between Brunswick and Princeton. It was impossible to communicate what I suppose to be the
public opinion respecting this business, without
being prolix upon some points. As you wished for
full information, you will readily excuse the length
of the enclosed. I need not tell you that I am perfectly indifferent, as to myself, and feel wholly
independent of any consequences which may arise
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from the issue of this question, be the determination whatever it may. But, I acknowledge myself
greatly concerned for the Church of Christ, and am
a sincere friend to both Colleges. From the enlarged and proper views you have of this matter, I
am confident you will bring conviction to those who
have hitherto considered the subject in a different
light. I wish you may be an instrument, in this
instance also, of doing great good for Zion. Be
assured of my esteem, and sincere respect, and
affection, and that I am ever
"Totus tuus,
"J. H. Livingston
"October 25, 1793."
The paper is headed "Observations upon the
Overture respecting an Union between the College
at Brunswick, and that at Princeton;" and commences thus: — "It is reported that the Trustees of
the College at Brunswick, have appointed a Committee to meet with a Committee from the College
at Princeton, in order to devise a plan for uniting
those two institutions. — That the two Committees
have met and formed a plan; the outlines of which
are, that both the Colleges shall surrender their
charters, and obtain one new charter, which shall
establish the College at Princeton, comprehend
the funds of both, and increase the number of
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