USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 15
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As the following letter intimates, on becoming a Roman Catholic he deserted his family entirely.
"GEORGE TOWN COLLEGE, " DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, " June 10, 1817.
" RIGHT REV. SIR,
"Being about to embark for Europe, I cannot leave the country without declaring to you and thereby to my late brethren of the Epis- copal clergy, my change of religious sentiments, and the causes that contributed to produce it.
"Sometime in the beginning of the year 1816, a casual perusal of St. Cyprian's Epistle to Pope Cornelius, strongly induced me to suspect the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Episcopal Church. Con- sidering it a duty of the first magnitude to obtain satisfaction on so important a point, I instantly went into an investigation of it, with such helps as my situation afforded. The authors I consulted were such as Mosheim, Potter, Barrow, Chillingworth and others of the same class. These tended more and more to confirm my suspicions. As a final resort the holy fathers of the first centuries were taken up. Their testimony was to my apprehension, so clearly against the Epis- copalian system, that I could not at first be persuaded their most obvious sense would be the real sentiment of the authors. This diffi- culty obviated, it was at once apparent to my mind that the supreme ecclesiastical jurisdiction was given to St. Peter and his successors in the see of Rome, from whence it was delegated in various subordinate degrees over the whole Christian world.
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" The second point of magnitude, and which seemed to me to em- brace every thing of importance that remained, was that of doctrines.
"And here the same course was pursued, in order to obtain satis- faction, and precisely the same result followed prejudicial to the pre- tensions of the Episcopalians and decidedly in favour of the claims of the Catholic Church. In this state of things, as I valued the love of God and deprecated his wrath, there was in my estimation no alter- native. And though on the one hand the world pointed to a com- fortable living that must be abandoned, friends that must be alienated and a family which I loved, which must be set afloat on the tide of un- certainty, still on the other eternal truth and love opened to me the promises of the Gospel.
"My resolution was accordingly taken.
"In discharging the painful duty of taking a last farewell of a Bishop and Clergy who have ever possessed a share in the affections of my heart, I beg both your Reverence and them to be assured that my respect and esteem have been augmented rather than suffered any dim- inution by this change of my sentiments on the subject of religion. I subscribe myself your friend, and,
"Very humble Servant, " VIRGIL H. BARBER."
Of Mr. Barber's subsequent life a glimpse is given by the Rev. Dr. Berrian in his Travels. Dr. Berrian sought him out, and found him at the Jesuit College in Rome, , changed in surroundings, in a small room with a pallet bed, a chair, a crucifix, and some religious pictures.
His father, the Rev. Daniel Barber, soon after also fol- lowed his son into the Roman Communion, and spent the closing years of his life at George Town College.
In the Hobart MSS. is also found the letter from the Rev. Dr. Kewley, giving his reasons for his secession to Rome. Dr. Kewley was the first clergyman of the Amer- ican Church to become a pervert to Rome, and it has long been known that he had addressed a letter to Bishop Hobart, but the letter itself had hitherto never been found. The letter gives the writer's reasons for the step he was taking in a manly, straightforward way.
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The Holland Company, was an association of Dutch capitalists which purchased in 1792 from Robert Morris, the Financier of the Revolution, land which he had ac- quired in Western New York. It was part of the famous Phelps and Gorham purchase from the State of Massa- chusetts. The land was "west of a line running between the present towns of Bolivar and Alma, Elba and Byron, Bethany and Pavilion, Carleton and Kendall."
Even an epitome of the history of this association would be too long for insertion here. The settlers were not Dutch but came principally from New England.
" RIGHT REVEREND SIR
" Last Tuesday finding at the Holland Company's office the honor of your letter dated 14 inst which the Reverend Mr. White deigned to bring here himself I called immediately upon his Reverence to pay my respects and converse upon the subject that procured me the favor of being addressed by your Reverence.
"The Rev'd Bishop will no doubt report to your Reverence the summary of our conversation. In few words allow me to repeat it by way of confirmation. Impressed with the importance of promot- ing religion and morals in their settlements, the Directors of the Holland Company have instructed their Agent to contribute liberally ' towards that salutary work. A striking proof that the Agent did comply with his instructions Your Reverence must have found in visiting the Genessee County. The only Episcopal Church erected in the territory of the Company at Batavia is on a lot granted by the Company and there was subscribed besides in their behalf tow- ards the building, a sum of 1500 Dollars. An additional contribu- tion has since been given of nearly 300 Drs. If in order to afford some more conveniences to the Congregation a further supply of money is wanted, Mr. Joseph Ellicott the Agent, resident at Batavia has been directed by me to contribute a liberal share. He has like- wise been instructed to act in the same way whenever it will be deter- mined to build another Episcopal house of worship at Buffalo. Were it not that the unfortunate divisions have split the Christians into so many different Congregations, I would have willingly shown how ready the Directors of the Holland Company are in promoting the cause and the establishment of Episcopal Churches elsewhere also with an equal
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Evangelical Lutheran Church
1817]
liberal hand. But as the other denominations of Christians have the same claim on the Company's assistance and support I must for the present confine donations and contributions to the two already determined on at Batavia and Buffalo. The populousness of these two prospering villages is already so far progressed that I am led to calculate the Episcopalian community sufficiently strong to provide for the honorable maintenance of a pastor. The allotment of some glebe land for securing a competency to the Clergyman ministering the Church according to my way of thinking would only be advisable in places, where the Inhabitants thin and scattered cannot afford a pit- tance to the parson. Such assignments in Cities and large towns are un- necessary, they tend only to render the Clergyman entirely independent from the Congregation, to divert his attention from the care of his spiritual flock and direct it towards that of temporal affairs.
" As in conversing with the Right Reverend Mr. White I had omitted to mention this particular view of the suggestion made of glebe land I took the liberty to address your Reverence on the subject.
" I have the honor with sentiments of the most profound regard and esteem to remain
" Your most Obedient servant
" PAUL BUSTI.
" BLOCKLEY 30 October 1817."
Bishop Hobart was on friendly terms with the Lutheran and Moravian communities, as is evidenced by the follow- ing two short notes.
The Committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church directed its Secretary to forward a copy of the following resolutions to the Bishop :
" Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of the Vestry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the City of New York, held November 6th 1817:
" Unanimously,
"Resolved, that, the thanks of this Board be presented to the Right Reverend Bishop Hobart, Rector of Trinity Church, for his kind permission to solemnizise the Third Centennial Jubilee of the Reformation in St. Paul's Church.
"P. SCHMIDT Sect!"
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"The Rev! B. Mortimer presents his most respectful compliments to Bishop Hobart, & begs leave to inform him that after having called seven times at his house, and not had the pleasure of finding him at home; (twice he was there in company with Bishop Reichel from Bethlehem, who wished to take leave of him previous to his departure for Europe); he takes this mode of presenting Bishop Reichel's best respects to him, which he has to do at his very particular desire; and of thanking him in our bishop's, & his own name, for the insertion in N.º II of the Christian Journal, of the pieces respecting the missions of the Church of the United Brethren in different parts of the world.1 " 8 November 1817."
The third centennial of the Reformation in Germany was celebrated in New York, with great enthusiasm, on October 31, 1817.
St. Paul's Chapel was crowded to its utmost limit on the occasion of these Services, and thousands had to be turned away, being unable to obtain admission. The form of Service was the one compiled by the Lutheran Synod, and differed only slightly from the German Service, which was held the same morning in the Lutheran Church.
1 The article in the Christian Fournal will be found on pp. 166-170, vol. I.
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CHAPTER VIII.
HOBART'S CORRESPONDENCE.
PART III .- FROM THE YEAR 1818 TO THE YEAR 1820.
Deposition of Thomas Y. How, Draft of, in the Bishop's own Writing, and Letter from Mr. Rufus King on the Subject-Letter from the Rev. Henry Hadley Norris Accompanying a Presentation of Books from Admirers in England-The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Indians-Letters from the Rev. Roger Searle- From Bishop Griswold-From Mr. William Jay to Dr. Lyell on the Bible and Prayer- Book Society-Bishop Hobart's Interest in Church Architecture-Letter from Mr. Mc- George-Appeals Issued by the Bishop on Behalf of his Indian Missions-Letter to Rev. Eleazer Williams-Letter from Rev. William A. Clark on Work in Western New York-Letter from Rev. Richard F. Cadle on the Subject of Marriage with Deceased Wife's Sister-Letter from the Bishop to Rev. Seth Hart on Matter of Deposition of Rev. Timothy Clowes-Appeal from Mr. T. L. Ogden for Canandaigua-Organi-
. zation of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society-Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1819 and Letter from Governor Clinton-Consecration of Dr. Brownell, and Letter from the Rev. H. Croswell-Notice in Regard to Sunday-Schools of Trinity Parish- Letter from Bishop Kemp-The Juvenile Spelling and Expositor-Collections Pro- posed in New York Churches on Behalf of Bible and Common Prayer-Book So- ciety-Early Efforts to Christianize West Coast of Africa-Letters from the Rev. Samuel Bacon-Consecration of St. Paul's Church, Buffalo-Service at the Healing of the " King's Evil"-The Fairfield Academy-Letter from the Rev. Daniel McDonald and the Visit of the Bishop-Sketch of the Bishop's Biography-Letter from the Bishop of Aberdeen-Mr. Rufus King Declines Being a Vice-President of the Theological Education Society-Short Sketch of the Public Career of Mr. Rufus King.
T r HE deposition of Mr. How, which we have already recorded, was an act which caused Bishop Hobart much personal pain, as well as great grief to a number of Churchmen. Under the date of 1818 there is a draft, in the Bishop's own hand, of the sentence of deposition. It was in reference to this sad event that Mr. Rufus King wrote the following sympathetic letter :
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" SENATE-CHAMBERS, " Mar. 4. 1818.
" DEAR SIR
"I received with grief your letter, and its enclosure, of the 30th past. The decision taken by you on this mortifying occasion is such as your Office called for; and its promptitude will as I hope protect the Church from the scoffs of its adversaries.
" I participate affectionately in your personal affliction, and as any one lament the loss that the Church has sustained in being deprived of the eminent Talents of Mr. How, and the deep Humiliation, with which his indiscretion has covered him.
" With great & sincere Esteem & Respect " I am my Dear Sir your obedient & faithful Servt
" RUFUS KING
" RIGHT REVP BP HOBART."
In April, 1818, the Rev. Henry Hadley Norris opened a correspondence with Bishop Hobart which proved of great import, as Mr. Norris afterwards, when the Bishop visited England, showed himself a warm and judicious friend. In May he sent him a donation of books from his English admirers, accompanied by this letter :
"RỊ REV? SIR
.
"Inclosed you will receive the Bill of lading of a small case con- taining the Books of which I trust you have received notice by a let- ter I had the honour of addressing to you by the last packet, and in conjunction with the friends whose presentations you will find in- scribed in several of the Volumes, I beg to offer them to your accept- ance, as an act of that Xtian Communion, which ought to be cherished amongst all the integral parts of the Universal Church, being imperi- tively commended to their cultivation no less by interest than by re- ligious duty-I have only to add respecting one of them viz: Mr. Sikes's Parochial Communion, that the author, who is Nephew to Archd". Daubeny, forwarded a copy for your acceptance some years ago, but as that probably shared a similar fate with my Practical Ex- position, he avails himself of the present opportunity of fulfilling his defeated intention, and begs to add his Volume to the collection which is meant to convey to you both personally and officially a testimony
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Grant of Books from England
1818]
of the profound respect of a small body of English Clergymen. Believe me to be
"Very truly yours "H. H. NORRIS.
" GROVE STREET, HACKNEY, " May 24th 1818."
"P. S. Can you inform me whether there is in existence any published accounts of a Society formed during Cromwell's usurpation and Chartered at the Restoration for propagating the Gospel amongst the Indians. The great Boyle was the first President. I see in the Reports of the Society for the propat" of the Gospel in foreign parts that on one or two instances, that Society cooperated with it ; its labours were by Charter limited to New England and commissioners were appointed in New England to superintend its concerns. The Corporation still exists here, tho' its funds have been for a long time unappropriated .- I suppose from the period of American Independence. It was always just leavened with Dissenters, and now it is entirely in their hands. I want to know what good they ever did-if any vestiges of it remain -and I should also be glad of any information you can give 'me of the present state of the Heathen tribes.
" The Books contained in the Case are as follows :
"Morgan's Two Essays
"Lawrence on Baptism 2 Pts
" Morres ' on Communion and Sup!
" Thomas's Protest
" Wilson's Defence
" Whitehead's Letters
" Phelan on Bible Society
" O'Callagan's 2 Pamphlets on do.
"Lloyd's Two Letters
" Bible Societies Exposed
"Norris on Bible Society
" Defence of do.
" Van Mildert's Sermons 3 Vols
" Spry's Bampton Lectures
" Modern Policies
" Nolan's Works 2 Vols.
"Sikes on Communion
"Bishop of Chester's Charges
" National Society Report 1816
"Society for Promoting Xtian Knowledge Reports " 1 Morse ?- indistinct.
VOL. III .- II.
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The Society to which Mr. Norris refers was largely due to the efforts of Sir Henry Vane, who wished that in the newly settled portions of New England the Indians might be brought under Christian influence. His plan interested the most earnest men in England, both nobles and commoners. A Society was formed under the title, " The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Indians of New England." Its first President was the learned philanthropist, Sir Robert Boyle. The Charter was granted by Oliver Cromwell when Lord Protector. The membership included Churchmen and non-Conform- ists. One of its greatest and most important undertakings was the support of the Indian missions established by John Eliot, pastor of Roxbury, Massachusetts, whose self-deny- ing and successful labors for the Natick and other tribes of Massachusetts are a bright page of American missionary effort.
Through its contributions and that of friends in Eng- land and New England Mr. Eliot published his remarkable translation of the Bible into the Massachusetts dialect. The Society afterwards aided Dr. Wheelock in his laudable effort to educate Indians at Lebanon, Connecticut, out of which grew Dartmouth College. It undertook the sup- port of Samson Occom, the most learned and faithful of the Indian ministers of the Congregational order in the eighteenth century. It was sometimes known as the Scotch Society, because it was rechartered by Charles II. under the Scottish royal signet.
We give another of Mr. Searle's interesting letters :
"CANFIELD, TRUMBULL COUNTY, OHIO, May 16th 1818. " RIGHT REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,
"Having just returned to my family from an absence of seven weeks on the shores of Lake Erie I find a few lines in one of worthy friend Rudd's interesting communications which alarm and distress
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me greatly. They are as follows, ' You will hear with pain the retire- ment of Dr. How from the ministry, and of the sensibility excited every where here on this most unhappy subject. It has sickened us all to the very soul. Pray God my dear brother for the peace of his church. Before this you will have received Bishop Hobart's circular.' Pray, my dear Bishop, do relieve me of the pain excited by the above, by at least naming the most unfortunate events which have led to a result so distressing. I know Brother Rudd would not so have expressed himself had not there have existed something peculiarly painful. I have this moment read his letter, and find I have but a moment to write for the next mail. I beg therefore you will be pleased to excuse this short & hasty line.
"If it could be possible for you to visit this region of country this insuing summer or fall there are thousands of people with myself who should esteem it among the greatest of blessings under the smiles of Divine Providence. Please write me on the subject.
" The prospects to our church in this country generally are great & promising, but great labors fall to my lot. I have lately procured about seventy subscribers in this country to the Christian Fournal and intend to have them all over the western region. I have also succeeded in procuring the formation of a Bible & Common Prayer Book, & a Female Tract society, as also an Episcopal Missionary Society Auxiliary to the one of same name in Philadelphia. All of this societies are now promissing and are designed for the whole of the Western Reserve, Ohio, a district in this State about the size of Connecticut.
"The first Wednesday of June is near & will be the first time I shall have been absent from my brethren the clergy of Connecticut in ten years. Should Providence bless them with your presence at that time you will greatly oblige me by remembering me affectionately to them. By the blessing of kind Providence my family are in health, and Mrs. Searle with me wish to be recollected affectionately & respect- fully to Mrs. Hobart and family.
" Beging your prayers " Right Revª and dear Sir " I am most respectfully "your affectionate Brother "R. SEARLE."
This letter from the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese seems to be the only one preserved in this correspondence. There were at a later date several formal letters concerning
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the ordination of Dr. Henry W. Ducachet, who had been stricken from the roll of candidates in the Diocese of New York, but was received by Bishop Griswold and ordained on the recommendation of the Standing Committee of Rhode Island :
" BRISTOL, NOV' 30th 1818. " RIGHT REV. & DEAR SIR,
"Your favor of the 17th has been duly received. The accompany- ing Resolutions of ye Committee respecting the Theological Seminary so far as I am capable of judging are prudent and proper, & well adapted to the present state of the funds, & have my approbation. I have no reason to doubt that the choice of professors is judicious, & the persons elected among the most fit to fill the places & discharge the duties assigned them. With one of them, Mr. Jarvis, I am ac- quainted, and I do not know any one better qualified for the professor- ship to which he is elected Of the unpleasant situation of Mr. Chase, & the business of his consecration I have from himself some informa- tion. You who are with him & know so much better than myself the circumstances of his case & the obstacles in the way of his ordination can much better judge what is most expedient.
"I have not yet heard from Bp. White respecting the business.
" Most respectfully, "Your friend & brother, " ALEX. V. GRISWOLD."
As showing the reasons which many conscientious men had against Dr. Hobart's plan for a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, this extract from a lengthy letter on the subject from Mr. William Jay to Dr. Lyell is worth transcribing. It is part of the last two pages of a fourteen page letter:
" If, Sir, you have been led by my remarks to suppose me hostile or indifferent to the diffusion of the Prayer Book you have greatly mis- taken my sentiments. The Prayer Book ought to be widely & gra- tuitously distributed but not in such a manner as to interfere with the circulation of the Scriptures, & the cultivation of love & goodwill towards other denominations. I do not wish to see these Societies dissolved but I do wish to see them relinquish the name & object of Bible Societies & confine themselves to the distribution of the ac-
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Letter from William Jay
1818]
knowledged Standards of our Church, the Liturgy & the Homilies. A Prayer Book & Homily Soc", would more effectually spread the doc- trines of our Church, than a Bible & P. B. Soc! it would receive the support of all consistent Episcopalians & would interfere with no plan of Christian benevolence. Such a Soc, has been established with great success in Great Britain, & its usefulness is evinced by the fact that in 5 years it distributed 338,000 Homilies in tracts & 37,000 Prayer Books. A similar Soc! has lately been established in Maryland & the Bishop of that Diocese placed at its head. Indeed it is a re- markable fact that no Bible & P. Book Soc), has been established in any Diocese in wh the Bishop is friendly to the Bible Societies. Let it not however be supposed that these Dioceses are therefore indifferent to the diffusion of the Liturgy. In Virginia a 'Common Prayer Book & Tract Soc!' has been established by the Convention. In Mary- land we find the 'Prayer Book & Homily Society' & in the Eastern Diocese ' The Prayer Book & Tract Association of the Eastern Dio- cese.' Thus, Sir, we see that it is possible to distribute the Prayer Book without having recourse to such invidious & objectionable means as Bible & Prayer Book Societies.
"I have now, Sir, explained to you the reasons wh induce me to refuse my support to the New York Bible & Prayer Book Soc !. Al- though these reasons may fail of convincing you of the propriety of my conduct they will I hope lead you to change your opinion that no Christian or Churchman can withhold his patronage from that or simi- lar institutions. I rely still more confidently on your charitable inter- pretation of my motives when I reflect that by joining the National Bible Institution you have yourself admitted the falsity of the princi- ple on w" your Soc? is founded, & your disregard to its admonitions.
" When I find myself opposed to you, Sir, in sentiment I am led to distrust my own opinions, & to review them with redoubled caution ; & if on the most rigid examination I am unable to detect their fallacy I rejoice in the conviction that error of judgment was not inconsistent with zeal for religion or attachment for the Church.
"That the Master in whose cause you have so diligently and suc- cessfully laboured may long continue to you his favour and protection, & finally bestow on you the reward of a good & faithful Servant is the sincere & fervent wish of
" Rev! & dear Sir
"Your friend & Obd! Serv!
"WILLIAM JAY.
" BEDFORD, WEST CHESTER C. Dec! 1818.
" THE REV" M" LYELL"
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Bishop Hobart took a keen interest in church archi- tecture. It has been generally supposed that his strong views with regard to the position of the pulpit were the result of his visit to England. The following letter from Mr. McGeorge and the drawings accompanying it prove the contrary.
As a matter of ecclesiological interest we have repro- duced the drawings for the pulpit and chancel.
"OXFORD Dec" 4th 1818.
" DEAR SIR
" Agreeably to your request pr the Rev. Mr. Wheeler I send you the outline of the pulpit and Chancel in Zion Church Butternutts; and the outlines are all I can send you on so small a plan the width of the Chancel including the Aisle or Alley in front of it is only thirteen feet and the length 21 feet. the reading desk is 5 feet long by three wide, there are two steps unto it. the pulpit stands 5 feet 8 inches from the Chancel Floor and the inside Hight is 3 feet 4 inches, it is a Hexagon and the shortest Diameter is about 3 feet 3 inches.
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