USA > New York > New York City > An historical sketch of Trinity Church, New-York > Part 19
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* And in the month of April, 1801, he was ordained Priest in Trin- ity Church, New-York, by Bishop Provoost.
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services to the Church, of which he was one of the brightest ornaments.
With a passionate fondness for the beauties of na- ture and rural pursuits, it was his earliest plan to pass his days in the calm and unambitious occupations of a country clergyman's life, and to the last he sighed for retirement and peace. But, though such was the natural bent of his inclination, the sphere was too narrow for the exertions of his ardent and active mind. The situation at Hempstead was found upon trial, neither suited to his taste nor wishes. He was not apparently aware of the source of his weariness and disquietude, nor of the higher part which, in the designs of Providence, he was destined to fill; but under the influence of these undefinable feelings, of the very existence of which he seemed unconscious, he took the first step in that more useful and glorious career which he afterwards ran.
He was soon drawn from his retreat, and accepted the office of an Assistant Minister in Trinity Church ; and entering with characteristic vivacity and zeal upon the duties of his new situation, he at once attracted general notice, and acquired an influence in the coun- cils of the Church beyond his years. In this new and important situation, Mr. Hobart fully sustained the re- putation as a preacher which he had already acquired.
Many of us are old enough to remember with what: impassioned bursts of youthful eloquence he stirred up the affections of his hearers, with what fervour and unction he spoke of divine things, with what an eleva- tion of soul he lifted us up with him to Heaven. The rich, full, and varied tones of his voice, the unrestrain-
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ed tenderness of his sentiments, expressed with the utmost pathos, the freedom and severity of his expos- tulations and rebukes, the evangelical, practical char- acter of all his discourses, made that an interesting period of his ministry, to all who had the happiness of hearing him. As he advanced in life, from the more subdued tone of the mind and the severer exercise of the judgment, some of these charms were in a measure diminished. But still, what was lost in one respect was repaid in another. He brought his improved and vigorous powers to the elucidation of scriptural truth, setting it in as clear a light as a thorough knowledge of theology and a lucid intellect could place it, and still he never valued himself so much on the successful treatment of this part of his subject, as to neglect that practical improvement of it which he considered, after all, the great end of preaching.
Though he had not studied elocution with such care as to be always accurate in emphasis and accent, yet nature had gifted him with a voice but seldom equall- ed in compass, richness and melody ; so that, by the variety of its intonations, he could give such an effect even to the most common sentiments, as very often could not have been produced by the highest elo- quence in others. There was not the slightest appear- ance of labour nor effort, even when he was most impassioned ; and he could throw into expostulation all its earnestness, into terror a thrilling energy, into persuasion a soothing tenderness, into pathos the very plaintiveness of woe. The effect of his manner was also increased, in the early part of his ministry, by his preaching memoriter, a practice which he adopted
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from his extreme short-sightedness, and which gave to his sermons the ease and animation of extemporaneous discourses; and after this practice was abandoned, he still made himself so familiar with them, as to avoid embarrassment and confusion in their delivery. This is a just description of him, as he appeared upon his first settlement in the parish, when free from the re- straints of that sobering influence which crept upon him in maturer age, and from that regard which he felt to be due to the gravity of his office, when raised to a more exalted station. But the striking character- istics of his eloquence were never materially altered ; and while his discourses were greatly improved in their arrangement, matter, and style, they were to the last delivered with remarkable animation and force.
He also performed his duties as a pastor with the utmost promptitude, fidelity, and zeal. He attached great importance to this part of his sacred functions, both on account of the edification and comfort which were thus administered to the people, and the respect, affection, and influence, which these attentions were so apt to secure for the clergy themselves. He was, therefore, always ready for any parochial call. No considerations of ease or pleasure were suffered to in- terfere with it; the engagements of company, whether at home or abroad, were interrupted; study was laid aside ; every occupation or pursuit, however agreea- ble, gave place to this important duty. The cheerful- ness with which it was performed cannot be duly appreciated, unless it be remarked, that he was settled in a parish consisting of three large congregations, in
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which there were, at all times, so many of the sick and the dying who needed the consolations of religion, and where the cemeteries which belonged to it were the common burial places of nearly all the Episcopalians in a populous city.
He was singularly happy in his visitation of the sick, as I have often had occasion to observe when I chanced to be with him. The ease and freedom of his manner, united with the greatest tenderness and deli- cacy, at once removed embarrassment, and drew forth from those with whom he conversed an unrestrained expression of their feelings and views. The readiness with which he applied his general observations, and the felicity with which he adapted his quotations from Scripture to the respective circumstances of their case, gave to all that he said a peculiar interest and force ; and the impression was made still deeper by the so- lemnity and fervour with which he offered up the prayers.
Regarding also his vow not only to visit the sick, but the well within his cure, he devoted as much of his time to this duty as could conveniently be taken from his other numerous and pressing engagements. Among these he mingled, with the easy familiarity of a friend, imposing no restraint upon their cheerful conversation or innocent enjoyments, but securing their good-will and affection by his sociability and kindness, and at the same time not losing sight of the dignity of his charac- ter, nor the obligations of his calling, but often availing himself of suitable opportunities to season common discourse with such words as might "minister grace
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unto the hearers." How often are the recollections of these happy hours awakened in thousands, with a gush of tenderness that they can be enjoyed no more !
There was something wonderfully winning and at- tractive in his social character, and even in the pecu- liar cast of his manners. He seemed formed for the enjoyment of society and the delights of friendship. Ardent in his feelings, frank and undisguised in the expression of them, generous, affectionate, and confid- ing, he captivated all hearts, and bound those to him who were of congenial taste and temper, as with links of iron. His manners were in harmony with his dis- position, full of freedom, cordiality, and warmth. No one who has seen him, though but for a moment, will ever forget the benignant and playful expression of his countenance, the heartiness of his greeting, his words of kindness and good-will. But to those who com- muned with him as friends, who saw him in the lighter moods of social festivity, or in the graver moments of deep and tender feeling-who remember the charms of his conversation, the endearments of his friendship, his wise and wholesome counsels, his acts of sympathy and kindness-to those his image is ever arising, with all the dear departed joys of which it reminds them, and with a sense of dreariness and vacancy which nothing else on earth can fill.
The recollections of him at a period of his life which was so interesting to myself, are so fresh and vivid that I cannot forbear from representing him in the soft .. and pleasing lights in which he then appeared. In after years, when the labours and cares of his high and responsible office were constantly increasing, and vex-
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ations of various kinds rose up to disturb his peace and thwart his usefulness, and each wearisome day was closed, as I have often heard him remark, with some anxious thought for the morrow, there were very fre- quently observed in him an abstraction of mind, an abruptness of manner, a hastiness of expression, and a sudden transition from one subject to another, which broke in upon his own social enjoyments, and lessened the degree of that pleasure which he was wont to impart in his intercourse with his friends. But then, the frankness which never forsook him, notwithstanding it was so often most ungenerously abused, was shown without restraint-his warm heart poured out its feel- ings in all their fulness-his buoyant spirits were never depressed. In his family he was affectionate, to a de- gree of almost feminine tenderness, playful as his child- ren, and fond even of the domestic animals, with which he was always surrounded. His guests felt no re- straint in his company, nor was he at all restrained by their's, but just suffered his character to appear in its natural light, and gave utterance to his thoughts and feelings as they rose up in his mind, according to the varying mood of the moment. Notwithstanding he was never idle, he always seemed to have time for his friends, welcoming them with unfeigned cordiality, and letting them go with reluctance and regret.
But his warm and benevolent feelings were never so engagingly shown to the young, as when in a friendly ramble or a ride to his favourite and beautiful retreat in New-Jersey, he entered with a paternal interest into all their views and plans, encouraging them by his praise, and edifying them by his counsel, or else with a
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flattering confidence laid open to them his own. All the barriers between age and youth, between wisdom and ignorance, were broken down; and where he saw in the young, ingenuousness, piety and worth, even though mingled up with imperfections and follies, he seemed to anticipate the fruits of promise, and to com- mune with them at once as companions and friends. The heart melts at these recollections, and is poured out like water.
The strong attachment of Mr. Hobart to the dis- tinctive principles of the Episcopal Church, and his bold, active, and persevering defence of them at all times, through good and through evil report, were striking peculiarities in his character and life. He was constantly endeavouring to rouse others to a sense of their importance, and by his indefatigable labours, his noble enthusiasm, even in the cause of soberness and truth, and the influence of his talents, character and station, he revived the languid zeal of Episcopalians, gave a new tone to their sentiments in this diocese, and stamped the impress of his own mind and feelings on thousands throughout the Church at large. Pro Ecclesia Dei he adopted in as full a sense as the " ve- nerable prelate* by whom these words were first cho- sen as the standard of his wishes, his duties, his labours, his dying prayers."
In promoting her welfare the most humble efforts were exalted in his sight by the dignity and importance of the object. Much that he has done in this way was never perfectly known. The hope of doing good was
* Archbishop Whitgift.
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his only motive, and the advantage of it to others his only reward.
I cannot forbear in this place, from making some re- marks on a peculiarity in the conduct of this faithful and devoted servant of the Lord, which showed itself upon his very entrance into the ministry, and which continued to be more and more strongly marked till it was finally closed. Utility seemed to be the sole end of his labours-mere literary fame was regarded as nothing. With a mind of a highly original cast-with a thorough education, which might have enabled him to accomplish even great undertakings-with a soaring ambition, which raised him in many respects, to an un- disputed pre-eminence above all his brethren-he still never found any work too humble for him, in which there was a prospect of doing good. Whatever was in any way connected with the spiritual edification of others, however little it might contribute to his perso- nal reputation, seemed to be of sufficient importance in his eyes, to make it worthy of his labour and care. With this view the Companion for the Altar, and the Companion for the Book of Common Prayer were written. With the same view the Companion for the Festivals and Fasts, the Clergyman's Companion, the Christian's Manual, and the Commentary of Mart and Doyly, were re-published. He even took pains to adapt the simple Catechism of the Church, to the ten- der minds of those who were too young to give the an- swers which are therein required, and enlarged it for those who were more advanced, with a comprehensive- ness and skill which made it almost as profitable an exercise to the teacher as the learner. If the time
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which was spent in making material alterations in some of these works, and laborious additions to others, had been employed in systematic study, and in the execu- tion of any one of the original plans which were float- ing in his mind, he would not only have had the repu- tation of an eloquent preacher, an acute polemic and a sound theologian, but also of a finished scholar and profoundly learned divine.
Besides the original works which he wrote, his em- endations of others, and his numerous compilations, he undertook, in 1808, a periodical publication, entitled the Churchman's Magazine, which was strictly de- voted to the maintenance of the same sound principles that had hitherto been the ruling aim of his labours, exhibiting the truth as it is in Jesus, and the Church which he purchased with his blood, in all her integrity, purity and glory. Though aided in this work by many of his brethren, whose views and feelings were in har- mony with his own, yet he contributed largely to it himself. In what way he found time, amidst the press- ing duties of his parochial charge, to unite these lite- rary labours with his many other engagements and cares, was always a matter of admiration and surprise. He was a Trustee of the Society Library, and of Co- lumbia College ; a member of the Standing Committee, and the Committee for the Propagation of the Gospel ; Secretary of the Society for promoting Religion and Learning ; of the Bible and Common Prayer Book So- ciety ; of the Convention of the Diocese, and of the General Convention. And in all these bodies he was an active and efficient member, thoroughly versed in
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their constitutions and laws, interested in their objects and designs, skilled in their business, and attentive to it, anxious for their welfare, prompt in his suggestions, fluent and eloquent in debate, sound, judicious, and practical in all his views. In addition to all this, he was an accurate observer of human nature. He pe- netrated at once into the character of others, saw their weakness and their strength, and knew how to con- trol them both. With an almost intuitive perception, he comprehended at a glance all the bearings of any subject under discussion, seized upon the leading points, and anticipated its results. If there were any time for preparation, he also brought to it the fruits of mature reflection and industrious research. It may easily be imagined, then, how soon he began to acquire an in- fluence, in all the institutions with which he was con- nected, and prepared the way for that ascendancy which he finally gained in the Councils of the Church,
In every stage of his ministerial course we follow him with admiration and delight; we find him always active, useful, and beloved-throwing his whole heart and soul into his duties-sparing himself in nothing, but running beyond the strict measure of his engage- ments-calling forth the energies of his restless and powerful mind, in every public labor or plan which might contribute to the interests of the Church and to the glory of God. While he thus rendered himself, in the earlier years of his ministry, a general favorite, and enjoyed an almost unbounded popularity, he was not corrupted by adulation. No man whom I ever knew had a heart more open to all human sympathies, nor
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valued more highly well-merited praise; but with him it was rather a stimulus to laudable exertions, than an encouragement to vain-glory and pride.
It was not in the course, however, of human things, that he should escape the obloquy and censure which are the uniform attendants of eminence and worth. When, from his long and useful labours, and his extra- ordinary gifts, the eyes of the Church were fixed upon him as the person who was peculiarly fitted to direct her councils and advance her growth, he was assailed with unmeasured abuse, and his exaltation was usher- ed in with every evil omen of tyranny, misrule, and woe. He soon passed through this eclipse, and emerged from it with a brightness which continued to increase till his career was closed.
Notwithstanding the violent opposition that was made to him, he was elected to the Episcopate by a triumphant majority, at a Special Convention, held in New-York, on the second Tuesday in May, 1811, which had been called together for the purpose of pro- viding an Assistant to Bishop Moore, who, from age and infirmity, had withdrawn from the exercise of his office. Dr. Hobart was consecrated in Trinity Church, on the 29th of the same month, together with the Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold. Bishop White acted as consecrator, Bishop Provoost and Bishop Jarvis assist- ing; and according to the usage of the Church of England, Bishop White first laid hands on Mr. Hobart, as a Doctor of Divinity, though Mr. Griswold was his senior, both in age and the ministry. It was a day of rejoicing to the whole Church, and one of the deepest interest to myself, who was present on the occasion.
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There is a very important feature in the public character of Bishop Hobart, which, perhaps, in the first place, contributed more than any thing else to his elevation to the Episcopal Office, and after he had attained it, to the increase of his influence and con- sideration. His talents for public business were of the highest order. Fond of its excitement, patient of all its details, clear and sagacious in his views, prompt in action, full of resources, there was nothing which he did not understand, and nothing which he was not at all times prepared to engage in with interest and to act upon with decision. He was, therefore, one of the few who form the life and soul of every public assembly, and who influence, direct, and control its deliberations. Without being forward or assuming, he was always self-possessed, confident in his own powers, prepared for any emergency, and roused to a more vigorous exertion of his intellect when taken by surprise.
To all his other remarkable qualifications, our rever- ed Bishop added a zeal which was never quenched, an industry which never tired, an activity which the hand of death alone could arrest. He was unsparing in his labours and unceasing in his watchfulness over the Diocese committed to his care, so that he was almost as thoroughly acquainted with the circumstances of every Parish in the State as with the condition of his own. His industry was without a parallel; and I think that I shall hardly be accused of exaggeration in ex- pressing my own opinion, that very few Bishops of any age or nation, since the time of the Apostles, have surpassed him in zeal, activity, diligence, and the suc- cess of his labours.
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The peculiar and numerous cares of his public sta- tion did not materially interfere, however, with his faithful and vigilant discharge of the more humble du- ties of a pastor, after his elevation to the Episcopal office. His visitation of the diocese, though often ex- tending to the most remote parts of the State, and com- prehending a vast field for exertion-from the celerity of his movements and his power of enduring both men- tal and bodily fatigue, was accomplished in so short a period as to seem almost incredible to those who read the account of his labours. The rest of the year was in a great measure devoted to the ordinary duties of the parish. And here, though both Bishop and Rec- tor, he claimed no exemption from any of them on ac- count of his multiplied engagements, but preached as' regularly in his course as the ministers who were asso- ciated with him, and attended with the same cheerful- ness to every parochial call. Indeed he seldom availed himself of those opportunities of leisure which it might have seemed that he needed, but took more pleasure in giving relief to others than in enjoying it himself. I have especial reasons for a grateful recollection of his kindness in this respect, which was so often shown to me during a season of declining health, as to lighten labours which would otherwise have been oppressive.
It was a peculiarity of his mind, to fasten with the same tenacity upon the object before him, whether it were minute or important, and to feel that temporary interest in either case, which was sure to procure for it a due degree of attention. Forever restless and ac- tive, it seemed to be constantly revolving within it all the different objects with which he was concerned, so
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that nothing escaped his recollection and notice. He was, therefore, not less prompt in attending to the mi- nor objects of his parochial charge, than to the more weighty cares of his extensive Diocese.
No man was ever more careful than Bishop Hobart to regulate his public conduct by general principles, nor more ready in applying these principles to partic- ular cases. And when his mind was clearly made up as to the correctness of the rule, he never suffered himself to be moved by temporary expedients, by per- sonal feeling, by popular excitement, by the desire of praise, or fear of clamour and reproach, but went on steadily and firmly in his course. To men of narrow and wavering minds, who could neither comprehend a subject in all its bearings, nor act with resolution even upon their own convictions, his conclusions at times seemed rash and precipitate, his conduct harsh and ungracious, and his perseverance and consistency mere obstinacy and pride. But he generally secured at once the approbation of the bold and sagacious; and not- withstanding temporary opposition, very often suc- ceeded in finally carrying with him the public mind. This was remarkably exemplified in the following circumstance :
In 1815, the Bishop published a Pastoral Letter to the Laity of the Church in his Diocese, on the subject of Bible and Common Prayer Book Societies. Here he took the unpopular ground, that our institutions for religious purposes should be conducted in our own way, and on our own principles, without any union or amalgamation with those of other bodies of Christians. The great indifference to the distinguishing principles
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of the Church, even among many of our own people, from an ignorance of their nature and importance, the false notions of liberality prevailing among those who were better informed, and the general disapprobation at that time, among other denominations, of a policy which was regarded as narrow, selfish, and almost intolerant would have made such an appeal to the Clergy themselves, a bold and startling measure. But confident that he was right, and sure of their general support, when the matter should be duly weighed, he determined to address himself at once to his people at large, to whom it was still more new and strange. He always had a strong reliance on the good sense of the community, and was persuaded that the just and rea- sonable cause, when properly supported, would finally prevail over prejudice and error. In the present in- stance he was not deceived.
But Bishop Hobart did not merely confine his soli- citude to the exclusive character of our institutions, but was unwearied in his exertions to promote their useful and important ends. Humble as they were, in their infant operations, they were not beneath his paternal care. Backward, as our people were in their support, he was never discouraged. He attended the meetings of all our Societies, whenever it was practi- cable, and was among the first to be present and the last to retire. He entered into the minutest details of their business-took a lively interest in all their proceed- ings-noticed every change in their condition-sug- gested expedients for their improvement when they were languishing, and rejoiced at every appearance of their growth and success. The most of these Socie-
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