USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 37
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and also to the ancient Church of Scotland, from which our first Bishop received the Episcopate.
He inveighs against the sale of livings in England, by which the sacred duties of the Sanctuary are often under- taken by men unfitted mentally and spiritually for them. He then describes the graduated and guarded measures of the American Church in the election of a Rector, action by the Vestry, approval by the Bishop, discipline if needed by his peers. The composition of the English Bench of Bishops, although then adorned with Manners-Sutton, Howley, Van Mildert, Marsh, Burgess, and the venerable and saintly Barrington, is criticised because, as a rule, only secular interest prevailed in the appointments.
The freedom with which the American Church can en- act her own laws without pressure from any civil authority is contrasted with the necessity of obtaining the sanction of Parliament for every law governing the Church.
Convocation, which was the law-making body of the Church, had not met for more than a century, and then only pro forma.
He describes the governing body of the American Church in which sit the Bishops in one House and Cleri- cal and Lay Deputies in the other, no action being bind- ing without the concurrence of both Houses.
In a note he praises the work of the great voluntary Societies, the Christian Knowledge Society, the venerable Propagation Society, and the Church Missionary Society.
At the close of his review, after acknowledging the hospitality and kindness which he received, he exclaims : "No, I revere and love England and its Church ; but I love my own Church and country better." He adverts to the insinuation of some that the American Church secretly desired the Establishment, the honors, and the wealth of the Church of England :
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Sermon by Bishop Hobart
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"God forbid (I speak reverently and most seriously) that we should ever have them.
" It may be doubted whether in their present operation they are a blessing to the Church of England. They weigh down her Apostolic principles; they obstruct her exercise of her legitimate powers; they subject her to worldly policy; they infect her with worldly views. Still in her doctrines, in her ministry, in her worship she is all glorious within,-and thanks to a sound and orthodox and zealous Clergy, who have faithful principles she is still the great joy and the great blessing of the land. It would be impossible to sever the Church from the State without a convulsion which would uproot both, and thus destroy the fairest fabric of social and religious happiness in the European world." 1
In his closing sentences the Bishop poured forth the gratitude and affection that filled his heart :
" My brethren, I have done, I have laid before you at this inter- esting period of meeting you after long absence, some of the thoughts and feelings that have occupied my mind. But there is still one weight of which you must allow me to disburden myself-that of gratitude to you. You sympathized kindly and tenderly with me in the illness that disabled me from serving you. You pressed my voyage abroad as a Vestry, and individually you made most ample provision for me. I left with your kindest wishes, attentions and prayers. I left you with the hope indeed that I should meet you again; but truly with some ap- prehension that it might be otherwise. But I left you with a heart solaced and cheered by your kindness; the recollection of which cheered many lonely moments, solaced many days of solitude and sickness in distant lands. Through the protection and favour of a gracious Providence I meet you; and I am greeted with a welcome- oh, let me say so-which my heart delights to believe is an evidence that I have a stronger hold on your affections and your confidence than I supposed I possessed, and than I think I deserve. I ought to be the happiest of men; and considering what I owe to my congrega- tions and my diocese, I ought to be the best of pastors and the best of Bishops. In the strong sense of my obligations to God for his mercies, not the least of which are your confidence and attachment which bind me to your service, I will by his grace aim at what I cannot hope fully to attain, and may He the author of all good, the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ bestow on you his choicest blessings;
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not merely the temporal joys of a fading life, but the rich blessings of his mercy and grace in Jesus Christ through the ages of eternity." 1
The sermon created a great sensation and was con- sidered even by the Bishop's warmest friends as ill-ad- vised, to use no harsher term. Fresh from England, where he had met with such gracious hospitality, many did not hesitate to condemn him as lacking not only in taste but in Christian good manners. It may be con- ceded that most of the criticisms which he passed on the Church of England have been uttered by her own children and in stronger words both then and since ; still, it would have been wiser and kinder on the part of the Bishop of New York to have deferred to some later and more fitting opportunity his adverse comments.
Dr. Schroeder has put forth what has been considered by his friends as the best apology for the Bishop's conduct. He says :
" The appearance of the discourse in print produced a powerful sensation. 'Some' of the author's friends on this side of the Atlantic, ' whose judgment,'" said he in a note, 'I greatly respect,' objected to certain 'expressions' as 'too strong.' In England, there was but one opinion on this subject. The publication of the sentiments ad- vanced, like the discharge of an electrical battery,-with an instan- taneous and indiscriminate shock, was painfully felt by all the members of the national Church, and by all who joined hands as Englishmen. The periodicals of the day were not backward to indulge in the se- verest strictures. The Bishop's kindest personal friends in England found it very hard to frame for him any apology. But in a generous spirit one of them wrote to a friend in the United States: 'That at the moment of his return to resume, after two years' absence, his important functions, his whole mind should be absorbed by feelings of affection toward his country, and especially toward the Church which he had been the chief instrument under Providence of raising from the dust,-
1 The United States of America, by John Henry Hobart. New York : T. & J. Swords, 1826.
417
Sermon by Bishop Hobart
1825]
and that his only thought should be how he could most unequivocally express his unchanged affections, most cordially reciprocate the greet- ings with which he had been welcomed, and turn most to the advan- tage of the paramount object of his solicitude the observations he had made in other countries, is perfectly natural. And that in the enthu- siasm kindled by such an occupation of his mind, he should lose sight of what he was inflicting upon those who were cast into the background of his picture, to set off his own Zion, and to advance it to the promi- nent station of the joy of the whole earth, is to me a very venial inad- vertence; and as far as I am implicated, I shall be quite reconciled to it, if it has the good effect amongst yourselves which he intended it to produce.'
" That he did intend to produce a good effect,-whatever judgment might be pronounced on his opinions, beyond the seas,-was readily acknowledged by all who again beheld him in his own diocese. And his presence was soon manifest in the life and energy which he com- municated." 1
The sermon was immediately published. The Bishop added a few footnotes to explain or amplify some of its statements. He prefixed an "Epistle Dedicatory " to "Joshua Watson, Esq., Treasurer of the Society (in England) for Promoting Christian Knowledge, One of his Majesty's Commissioners for the Building of Churches, &c."
In this epistle he alludes to the friendship between them, and the men of "exalted character, station and in- fluence" whom he had often met at Mr. Watson's " hos- pitable board."
He knows too well Mr. Watson's "attachment to England, to suppose that he will approve of all the sentiments expressed in this discourse."
While he regards highly his private friendship, it is in Mr. Watson's public character that he most admires, honors, and venerates him.
There was some adverse criticism in several periodicals 1 Dr. Schroeder's Memoir, folios. xc., xci.
VOL. III .- 27.
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in the United States and some expressions of regret by friends that he had thought it necessary to make the com- parison. Upon the republication of the sermon in London in 1826, a bitter and sarcastic review of it appeared in the Quarterly Theological Review.1
The writer was a young man of some poetical talent, born in Ireland. He afterward became well known as the Rev. Dr. George Croly, a prolific writer upon theo- logical, social, and literary subjects, and the translator of Dante. A biblical romance by him, Salathiel, has re- cently been reprinted under the title "Until He Come," and has attained great popularity.
Mr. Croly commences with the insinuation that " Eng- land has given some irreparable offence to America," and bases his assertion upon Bishop Hobart's sermon-for that prelate had signalized "his first appearance in the American pulpit, on his return from the hospitality and marked attention of the British clergy, by a laboured, most measured, and most unfounded attack on the Estab- lished Church of England." 2
" It must have been a stern public necessity which compelled Dr. Hobart to sacrifice the 'conventional honour of society and the still more delicate honour of his cloth to the sovereign mandate of his majesty the mob.' The contemptible popularity attached to libelling England might be 'well enough for the regular trading politician,' but 'we are not aware that these temptations, resistless as they are, lie exactly in the way of a Protestant Episcopal Divine.'"
In this strain the reviewer continues. The article is essentially an attack upon Democracy, which Mr. Croly belittles in every possible way, even doubting the immor- tality of such men as Jefferson and Monroe, because of
1 Folios, 1-21, No. viii., June, 1826. London : Printed for C. & J. Rivington, St. Paul's Churchyard.
"Folio I, Quarterly Review, June, 1826.
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Criticisms on Hobart's Sermon
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their "bankruptcy and obscurity." He affects to know little of either the American Church or its Clergy, who "had hitherto escaped much notice in England." He hints that "the sermon will gain a hearing in England more because of its dedication than on account of the fame of the writer."
The impression left by the reviewer is an unpleasant one and his insinuations are unjust. His final opinion : " We shall probably hear no more of him than we have heard of his associate theologians," is another evidence of the folly of uttering literary or ecclesiastical prophecies.
While Bishop Hobart's friends on both sides of the Atlantic and especially in England were surprised and chagrined at his outspoken utterance they fully acquitted him of any intentional discourtesy or breach of hospitality.
His friend, the Rev. Hugh James Rose, in The Chris- tian Remembrancer for September, 1826, prints, under his . initial " R," a rejoinder to Mr. Croly, whose article, accord- ing to custom, was unsigned.1
Mr. Rose had read " with very great surprise and con- cern the notice of Bishop Hobart's sermon in the Quar- terly Review. Upon the style and temper of it Mr. Rose would not comment. As the writer had not given any fair or sufficient extracts from this sermon it appeared to him proper to correct misstatements and inferences. Mr. Rose mentions the reasons for the Bishop's voyage and sojourn in Europe. He speaks of the return to New York, where the greeting of the returned prelate was so warm, cordial, and general, that it did honor alike to those who gave and him who received it. The sermon was the outcome of this welcome. Mr. Rose declares, "from many of the opinions delivered in it I entertain dis- sent." He then pays his respects to the unguarded and
1 Folios 542-550, The Christian Remembrancer, vol. viii., September, 1826.
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abusive words of the reviewer. He indignantly repels the insinuation that under the pretence of "respect and grateful remembrance," Bishop Hobart was "an abuse hunter."
" If there is one man on earth to whom a charge of insincerity ap- plies less than another, if there is one man who from his native honesty and simplicity can look down on it with more lofty contempt, if there is one man who has more entirely despised popularity, and set himself with honest vigour to stem the current of popular opinion, that man is Bishop Hobart." 1
Mr. Rose refutes the calumnies of the reviewer, and mentions the dignity and high station of the Bishop, and his right to receive honor and respect in England, adding that while pleased with England "he expressed openly in England precisely the same opinions on our policy in Church and State, which he expressed in his sermon."
Mr. Rose then discusses some of the details of the sermon and presents the English view of the differences between the Churches in the two countries. His vindica- tion is brief, generous, and convincing.2
In the second American edition of the sermon the Bishop added a few notes in which he more fully defines his position and answers some of the criticisms, partic- ularly that charging him with abuse of English confi- dence and hospitality. He adds in an appendix extracts from the Canons concerning Candidates for Orders, and also from the Constitution and Statutes of the General Theological Seminary to show how complete was the pro- vision for theological education.
On Tuesday, the 18th of October, 1825, six days after the Bishop's arrival, the Convention of the Diocese met
1 Folio 543, The Christian Remembrancer, vol. viii.
A Review of Bishop Hobart's Sermon Entitled " The United States &c." New York : T. & J. Swords, 1826.
/
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Diocesan Convention of 1825
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in Trinity Church. The attendance was unusually large, eighty-nine Clergymen and ninety-six lay Delegates being present, for all wished to see and greet their Bishop. The Bishops of New Jersey and Connecticut had honorary seats near the President. The sermon was preached by the Rector of Christ Church, New York, the Rev. Dr. Lyell.
The eagerness of joy and the delight at being again at home is fully expressed in the Bishop's Address :
" It is with feelings which truly it is not in my power to express that I again find myself in the midst of you, do let me thus call you with no common emphasis, my beloved brethren of the Clergy and Laity. Thanks to God for that Protecting Providence which has brought me to you." 1
Dr. Schroeder thus described the scene :
"With an intense emotion the long absent ecclesiastical Father arose and pronounced his eloquent Address,-breathing, throughout, the most ardent assurances of friendly affection and spiritual love. 'I again press to the bosom,-I have felt it,-of mutual affection,' said he,-' again take with the hand of warm congratulation the CLERGY whom I had left, whom I had often seen in this sacred place. I knew not their full hold on my heart until I was separated from them, and again united to them. I also see the revered and honoured LAYMEN whom I have been and am proud to call my friends, to denominate them with an appellation that still more endears them to me-the friends of the Church,-the Zion whom they and I ought, and I trust do, supremely love ; not as the mere religious party with which we are fortuitously cast, but as the depository and dispenser of the truths of salvation.' 'But I can say,' he added, 'and I must say, that I honour, that I esteem, that I love you. And do, I beseech you, carry with you to your congregations and your fellow-churchmen, the expressions of my gratitude for all the interest which in various ways, they have so strongly manifested for their absent bishop. Tell them that he comes grateful indeed for hospitalities and attentions abroad and admiring much what he has seen, especially in the land of his fathers ; but
1 Journal, Diocese of New York, 1825, folios 12-14.
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prizing all that he left behind, more, he would almost say infinitely more than when he went away ; loving his Church as the purest and the best, however as yet humble among the Churches of Christendom ; and why should he not, for once in his life, mingle with his public acts as a Christian bishop his sentiments as a citizen, loving his country as the best and the happiest because the freest upon earth : tell them that he comes with renovated desires to serve them,-to do his duty to the beloved diocese of which he has charge.'" 1
And he abundantly redeemed this pledge.
It was the feeling of every one present that some formal greeting should be extended to the Bishop. A committee was appointed to draft a series of suitable resolutions. Influenced by some who, while personal friends of Dr. Hobart, did not entirely agree with his opinions and general policy, the resolutions presented for adoption testified only to the personal attachment and respect of the Convention and their high sense of the usefulness, piety, and worth of the Bishop. When the committee offered their report, the special friends of the Bishop saw that a mistake had been made. Dr. Berrian describes the scene :
" The Bishop had met his clergy and people with a generous warmth, which was most cordially reciprocated. He knew that, with very few exceptions, they were of one heart and one soul. He knew on what accounts he was particularly distinguished and esteemed. Any good and amiable prelate, however weak, irresolute, and wavering, might have received this praise, and therefore, on the day after the resolutions were adopted, he rose in his place, and in the bitterness of a jealous and wounded affection rejected it with scorn. Never did I hear any person, in voice, manner, or expression, so eloquent. It was all nature, feeling, and passion, wrought up to the highest pitch. He represented this proceeding as a crafty device of his opposers, and an act of weak compliance on the part of his friends. Under the appear- ance of congratulation and praise, it left out all those notices of the characteristic and prominent points in his principles and policy which
1 Schroeder's Memoir, xcii.
(
1825]
Address to the Bishop
423
it had been the labour of his life to extend, through good and evil report, and in which he placed his glory and pride. It neither exhibited him as he was known at home, nor as he was valued abroad. It was not agreeable to the just and affectionate tribute which had been presented to him on his departure, nor was it the kind of commendation which he coveted on his return. It was a diluted and weakened praise, which was in no way applicable to one who had always stemmed the current of popular opinion, and he therefore requested that the reso- lutions should be expunged from the minutes." 1
When the Bishop ended, a resolution was offered that he retire from the Chair, that Bishop Croes of New Jersey be requested to preside, and that a committee be appointed by ballot, to consist of three clergymen and three laymen, to consider the address of Bishop Hobart. The Rev. Dr. John Reed, the Rev. Dr. Henry U. Onder- donk, the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, the Hon. Richard Hari- son, the Hon. William A. Duer, the Hon. James Emott were made the committee.
The committee upon the same day reported these resolutions, which were at once adopted.
"' Resolved, That this Convention return their most fervent thanks to Almighty God, for his kind providence in preserving their Bishop during his absence, in restoring his health, and in bringing him in safety to the bosom of his family, to the embraces of his friends, and to the cordial and ardent welcome of his Diocese.
"'Resolved, That this Convention have undiminished confidence in their Bishop, in the rectitude of his principles, in the purity of his motives, and in the elevation of his character; and they are happy in bearing their testimony to the soundness of his policy, and the correct- ness of his proceedings, whether within the sphere of his own Diocese, or in the concerns of the Church at large.
"' Resolved, That this Convention participate most heartily in the sentiments expressed by their Bishop, in regard to the General Theo- logical Seminary; and are happy that they have always seen in him the firm, the dignified, and the consistent supporter of its rights and best interests.
1 Berrian's Memoir, p. 362. -
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"' Resolved, That this Convention have heard with feelings of inex- pressible love and reverence, the dignified and affectionate address delivered by the Bishop; and reciprocate, with unrestrained cordiality, the kindness and tenderness manifested both in its sentiments and in its delivery; and they will ever retain a remembrance of the hallowed scene presented by this assembly and its head, overpowered by their mutual emotions as an additional pledge of personal love towards him- self, and of union with each other.'
"The resolutions reported by the Committee were passed by the Convention, and an attested copy of them ordered to be sent to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart.1
The business of the Corporation required ampler quar- ters than the private, personal office of the Comptroller, hence, May 23, 1826,
"the Committee on the location of a building for the Comptroller's Office made a report, recommending a position on Church Street, in the rear of St. Paul's Chapel, south of the old Elm Tree, and 'as near as may be practicable, without injuring said tree,' as the proper site for said building, and also recommending that it be a building of one story only.
" It was therefore Resolved that the said Report be accepted and approved of and that the said building be erected under the direction of Messrs. McFarlan, Weeks and Underhill, according to such plan as . they may approve, and a sum not exceeding fifteen hundred Dollars was appropriated for that purpose.""
The building then erected served, with some enlarge- ments and an extension to Vesey Street, for the clergy office and parish school of St. Paul's Chapel, until the growing needs of the Corporation required the erection of the present well-appointed and commodious building with its ample accommodations for the Comptroller and office staff, an office for the Rector, and modern school-rooms for the parochial school of St. Paul's Chapel, as well as offices for the clergy of that Chapel.
1 Journal, Diocese of New York, 1825, p. 19.
' Records, liber iii., folio 2.
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Vestry Minutes
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When the present building was erected the old elm tree had to come down. It stood as nearly as can be figured out on the spot now occupied by the room of the present Comptroller.
On the same date
"the Committee appointed on the proposed alterations in St. John's Chapel were authorized to erect a building in the rear of that Chapel for the accommodation of the Sunday School, and containing a Vestry Room, and to erect an iron railing on Varick Street in front of and on each side of said Chapel." 1
June 26th :
" on the representation of the Rector that a considerable portion of the Indian Tribes heretofore inhabiting the Western parts of this State had removed and were about to remove to Green Bay in the Michigan Territory, and that the Society for the Promoting of Religion and Learning were desirous to appropriate three hundred dollars per annum towards religious instruction and improvement of the same Indians, ordered that such appropriations be approved."?
This resolution explains in part the great interest which the Bishop took in the Green Bay Mission to the Indians.
On the same date the Corporation generously granted a donation of $250 to Mr. Berrian in view of the heavy expenditure he had been put to during the time that he had acted as Assistant Rector during the Bishop's absence in Europe.3
On the same date the Standing Committee
" was authorized to remove the stairs from the South West to the North East corner of St. Paul's Chapel and transfer the Vestryroom to the first mentioned corner." 4
The same Committee was also, on the same date, au- thorized to erect a brick stable for the use of the Rector in front of St. John's Alley.5
1 Records, liber iii., folio 2. 2 Ibid., folio 5. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid.
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On July 10th
" a perpetual charge was created on the six lots 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969 on land fronting the Beach Street in the fifth ward, as security for the payment of $450 per annum to the College at Geneva." 1
The Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Society for Promoting Religion and Learning in the State of New York is given in extenso on folios 6 to 9 of the Records.
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