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 At the last ordinary session of the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, when the case of a man who had married his sister in law was brought up from a lower judicatory; the consideration of the question, which that case suggested, was postponed, and I was requested to state the arguments and ascertain the sentiments of the Reformed Church respecting the illegitimacy of such a connubial connection.

The subject, in itself, has nothing to recommend it, either to the writer or the reader. But the honour of religion, the purity of the church, and the welfare of the community, which are all implicated in the decision of the question, render it very interesting and highly worthy of discussion. A fervent desire to vindicate these, and a cheerful willingness to meet the wishes of my beloved brethren, have conquered my reluctance, and finally induced me to prepare what is now offered to the public.

The incessant pressure of official duties, during the weeks devoted to this work, afforded nothing more than interrupted