USA > New York > New York City > An historical sketch of Trinity Church, New-York > Part 20
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ties were originally established, with the approbation of the ecclesiastical authority, by a few young men, who united with the activity and ardor of youth, much of the prudence and judgment of maturer years ; whose pious zeal was tempered by an enlightened attachment to the distinctive principles and usages of our Church, and whose efforts were as earnest and persevering in promoting the cause of soberness and truth, as those of others in spreading enthusiasm and error. The Bishop delighted in this little band. He animated them on all occasions by his approbation and praise. He looked to their example for a succession of active labourers in those societies which were so essentially connected with the welfare of the Church. And many of them, in the recollection of his parental watchful- ness and regard, still feel the impulse which he gave to their exertions, and go on in their course with unabated ardour and zeal.
The labours of Bishop Hobart in his extensive dio- cese, where the points to be visited were often very remote from his place of residence and from each other, and in the large parish, of which he was Rector, where both the temporal and spiritual cares were more weighty than usual, would have been enough to break down the physical strength of most men, and to have distracted and overwhelmed their minds. But, in 1816, he received an invitation to visit the Diocese of Con- necticut ; and deeming it important to the interests of that section of the Church, that Episcopal duties should not be intermitted there, he cheerfully consented to make this new addition to his labours.
Wherever he came, though merely to visit the con-
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gregations, there was always a degree of excitement. From the respect which was entertained for his sacred office, the persuasion of his superior wisdom, and the advantages of his ripe experience, his discourses were heard with that deep attention which is due to the ex- position of God's word, and his suggestions received as the counsels of paternal authority. In consecrating churches, he came to mingle his congratulations with the joy of the people upon the crowning of their la- bours, their efforts, and their prayers, and to raise their thoughts from the house of the Lord on earth, which was so dear to their hearts, to the beauty and glory of the Church, triumphant in heaven. And when new labourers were sent forth into the vineyard of the Lord, both he and others indulged in the delightful an- ticipation of a more abundant and joyful harvest.
Besides, there was something in the social character of the Bishop, which heightened the interest of his of- ficial intercourse with his people. His sympathies were always with the company in which he chanced to be, and his heart in the business in which he was engaged. With persons of education and refinement he was at his ease, and he accommodated himself, without any effort, to those of low degree. Frank, courteous, and accessible, no one was embarrassed either by the dignity of his station or the superiority of his talents. Even his peculiarities, which were somewhat remarkable, his ab- ruptness in conversation, his absence of mind, the quickness of his movements, the playfulness of his re- marks, and his occasional disregard of the ordinary forms of society, did not materially lessen the rever- ence for his character, while, at the same time they in-
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creased the affection for his person. Without a spirit of adulation, he had a singular faculty of making men pleased with themselves, by directing the conversation to the subjects in which they were interested, or to the pursuits or studies in which they excelled. From the keenness of his discernment, a slight acquaintance was sufficient for him to gain an accurate knowledge of the character of those into whose company he was thrown ; and from the importance of this knowledge in the station which he occupied, wherever he had any doubts, he was very careful to correct, or confirm his own observations by the information which he could procure from others. Seldom therefore, forming an erroneous estimate of men, he mingled among them on an easy footing, with great gratification to them and advantage to himself.
In the fall of 1822, as has been before observed, Bishop Hobart had an attack of bilious intermittent fever at his country-seat in New-Jersey, which was the precursor of that series of attacks which gradu- ally impaired his constitution and finally occasioned his death.
Though he soon appeared to have recovered, in a great measure, from this severe illness, yet towards the close of the following summer, being still feeble, and feeling the need of relaxation, he proposed to make an excursion to Quebec, and wished me to accompany him. The weather was remarkably fine, the scenery, throughout a great part of the route, though familiar to us both, was too varied and beautiful to be seen again with indifference, and the latter portion of the journey had all the freshness and charm of novelty.
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But the pleasure of the first part of our excursion, was a singular contrast with the pain and suffering of our return. We set out by land, and before the close of the first day the Bishop was seized with a most vio- lent bilious attack, which filled me with anxiety and alarm. We travelled in wretched cabriolets, which were sufficiently uneasy vehicles for those who were well, but which were agonizing to one who was deadly sick. We had to stop frequently on the road ; but, upon the slightest intermission of suffering, the Bishop was impatient to proceed, and he came back to his home much worse than when he left it. It was this attack, from which he did not entirely recover after his return, that suggested the thought of his visit to Europe.
His constitution was now so much impaired, that there seemed to be no prospect of the renovation of his health, except from a thorough change of scene, and a long and complete recreation from his laborious duties and distracting cares, and arrangements were accordingly made for his immediate departure.
He set sail on the 24th of September, 1823, in the ship Meteor, Captain Gardiner, and arrived at Liver- pool on the 29th of October. He was every where received, in his journey through England, with cordial- ity and kindness ; and in the month of December he made a visit to Scotland.
The similarity of the Scotch Episcopal Church to our own, in its separation from the State, and in its claims to regard from its spiritual character alone, together with the interesting fact, that the first bishop of our Church received his consecration from the Episcopal Church of Scotland, had created a very
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peculiar and endearing relation between them. The greeting of Bishop Hobart, therefore, in that country, though it could not be more cordial than it had been in England, was more universal. He was not only heartily welcomed by those with whom he had cor- responded, but with the same demonstrations of joy by all.
It will doubtless be no less a matter of surprise to the public than of unfeigned regret, that a portion of Bishop Hobart's life, so replete with interest to himself as that which he passed in Europe, must in a great measure be a blank to others. He made notes, in- deed, of the objects on the route with which he was struck, in every country which he visited, but they were, with a few exceptions, naked and unfinished sketches. While his recollections were fresh and vivid, he himself might have filled them up in such a way as to form many a delightful picture, but he never found time for it, and they are now, therefore, lost for ever. These notes were for the most part written with a pencil, and were very often faded and illegible; and even where they could be read with ease, they were too broken and imperfect for publication. They were chiefly confined to the general aspect of the country through which he was passing, to its beautiful and romantic scenery, and to those varieties in its modes of agriculture, in the style of its buildings, and the cos- tume and manners of its inhabitants, in which it was distinguished from our own. He was a passionate admirer of nature, in all her diversified and changing orms. He was enthusiastically fond of rural pursuits. That he dwelt so much, then, on these things in the notes which he took, is not surprising to those who
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knew him. The rural charms, the tasteful improve- ments and perfect cultivation of England, the rugged grandeur of Switzerland, and the blending of all beau- ty and glory in the enchanting scenes of Italy, were a source of exquisite enjoyment to him; and many a delightful recollection of these countries have we call- ed up together, which had been so pleasant to us both.
But it is somewhat remarkable that he made no memoranda of those things in which he was still more interested than in nature itself. The business of life, the study of mankind, and the great interests of reli- gion, were the objects which were always uppermost in his mind. But though he mingled with the most eminent personages, contemplated society under forms so different from our own, observed such a variety of characters, and heard so many things which were worthy of note, yet he neither drew the portraits of those whom he saw, nor left any record of their opin- ions. Whether he was influenced in this by motives of delicacy, or whether it arose out of neglect, it is impossible to determine. Among his personal friends these things were the frequent and delightful theme of his conversation.
During his visit to England, he published two volumes of his sermons, which were also soon after re-printed in this country. They were his ordinary parochial discourses, which were designed merely for the pulpit, without the slightest view to publication. From the multitude of his avocations and cares, but little time was left to him for the preparation of his sermons; and even when he happened to have more leisure, from the mere force of habit, and his remarkable facility in this species of composition, they were generally written in
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the same haste. They are by no means, therefore, the best specimen either of his style or of his powers. Besides, many of them were composed when he was comparatively young, before the first had attained its final form, or the last their full maturity and vigour.
His charges and pastoral letters, which were writ- ten with greater care, and sometimes under stronger excitement, are among the most chaste and forcible of his writings; and some of his controversial pieces are the fairest exhibition of his theological learning and intellectual powers.
When the health of Bishop Hobart had been im- paired by excessive labours both of body and mind, and a temporary relaxation from his duties having been found unavailing, it was thought indispensable to his restoration that he should travel abroad, there was such a general manifestation of sympathy and concern, as was never perhaps exhibited among us on any simi- lar occasion.
An address from the clergy was put into his hands on the eve of his embarkation, expressing, with no less sincerity than warmth, their affection for his person, their respect for his character, their prayers for his safety during his journey, for the restoration of his health, and for his return to the useful, zealous, and faithful labours by which his Diocese had been so sig- nally blessed ; offering up, likewise, prayers for them- selves, that they might have grace to preserve the Church in his absence from declining from that degree of unity, prosperity, and purity to which it had been raised under his administration. A throng of parish- oners and friends pressed around him at the moment of his departure, with anxious and sorrowing hearts,
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to bid him farewell ; and some felt but little less than the Ephesian converts in parting with St. Paul, from the painful apprehension that they might see his face no more. The most of his clergy who were resident in the city accompanied him many miles, and then watched with fond and lingering regret the last glimpse of the sails which bore him hence. During the first few months they waited for news from him with eager impatience; and through the whole course of his jour- ney and protracted absence, they were by turns both cheered and depressed. But when he came back renovated in constitution, buoyant in spirits, and over- flowing with kindness towards all whom he met, he was hailed with universal joy. A more deep and heart- felt welcome was never given to any one on his return to his native land.
The Annual Convention of the Diocese was held shortly after his return. The feelings of the clergy and laity from all parts of the State were in unison with those which prevailed in the city, and there was, there- fore, a general desire to make a public demonstration of them on this interesting occasion. But though there were none who did not wish to unite in this testimony of gratitude for the happy return of the Bishop, yet there were a few who, not agreeing with him in some of his opinions, and in the main points of his policy, were anxious that the resolutions should be so framed as merely to express their sentiments of personal at- tachment and respect, and their high sense of his use- fulness, piety and worth. With a view, therefore, to render it an unanimous act, some of his friends who agreed with him in all points, unhappily yielded to this consideration, and in a spirit of accommodation, as
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unusual as it was unwise, drew them up in such a vague and general form as deprived them of all the force, character, and value which could make them worthy of his acceptance.
The Bishop had met his clergy and people with a generous warmth, which was most cordially recipro- cated. He knew that, with very few exceptions, they were of one heart and one soul. He knew on what ac- counts he was particularly distinguished and esteemed. Any good and amiable prelate, however weak, irreso- lute and wavering, might have received this praise, and, therefore, on the day after the resolutions were adopt- ed, 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 ex- pression, so eloquent. It was all nature, feeling, and passion, wrought up to the highest pitch. He repre- sented this proceeding as a crafty device of his oppo- sers, and an act of weak compliance on the part of his friends. Under the appearance of congratulation and praise, it left out all those notices of the characteristic and prominent points of his principles and policy, which 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 trib- ute 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 there-
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fore requested that the resolutions should be expunged from the minutes.
This is the mere faint and imperfect recollection of a speech which was so bold and powerful as to -bow the hearts of the whole assembly as of one man. The justness and force of it were in the main universally felt. The particular friends of the Bishop were grieved at the pain which they had given him, and mortified by the error into which they had fallen. The reso- lutions were modified in such a way as to give them an appropriate character ; and this fearless vindication of his fame, so far from being regarded as a display of arrogance and pride was only considered as a proof of that elevation of mind which glories in an honourable course rather than in undistinguishing and popular applause.
The remainder of Bishop Hobart's life was spent in the active and unwearied discharge of his important duties; from the rapid growth of the church his la- bours were constantly increasing, but with renewed health, with buoyant spirits, and greater energy than ever, both of body and mind, he went through them with such ease and cheerfulness as led us all to hope that they might long be continued, when, in the inscru- table providence of God they were about to be closed for ever.
On a visitation of a portion of his Diocese, in the western part of the State, he was seized with a bilious fever and died at Auburn, the 12th of September, 1830. Melancholy as was his separation from his family and so many of his dearest friends at the time of his death, yet it would seem as if God had so ordered it that he should die in the discharge of his duty, as a beautiful
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and appropriate close to a life which had been spent in his service.
God in his providence, seemed to have endued him with all the qualities, both mental and physical, which fitted him for his exalted station, and which, in a spirit of piety and faith he consecrated entirely to his glory ; quickness of perception, vigour and manliness of thought, the most tenacious memory in connection with the soundest judgment, a keen and almost uner- ring penetration into the character of others, and very often a remarkable ascendancy over their conduct; promptness in action, wisdom in counsel, skill and elo- quence in debate; an energy of character which nothing could repress; an activity of mind and body which was never suspended; a perseverance which rested only when its object was attained ; a noble and insatiable desire of doing things more excellent than those which he had already accomplished.
But there was one trait in his character which shines out with peculiar glory-it was his moral courage. Nervous in the temperament of his body, his mind was as firm as a rock. He feared none but God. It was this which marked his course in the Church, with a track of light which, we trust, will grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. He saw the true grounds upon which the Church rested, and he had firmness enough to avow his opinions without qualification or disguise. He saw the true policy by which she was to be sustained, and he pursued it without regard to the anxious fears of her temporizing friends, or the cla- mours of her secret or open foes. He kept the prin- ciples of Apostolic order in connexion with Evangeli-
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cal truth perpetually in view, explaining them in his writings, inculcating them in his discourses, enforcing them in his conversation, and fortifying them by a stea- dy and unalterable adherence in practice. He pressed upon his people the uncompromising and exclusive claims of the Church, and left the consequences of their rejection to others, not without pity indeed for their errors, nor charity for their motives, but with a desire that was stronger than any other feeling, that all should come to the knowledge of what he deemed the truth.
In contending for Episcopacy as the primitive pat- tern of the Church and the appointment of God, in en- forcing her order and discipline, in guarding against all direct violation of her principles and usages, and dis- couraging all amalgamation with other denominations for religious purposes, which might even remotely en- danger the interests of truth ; it is almost incredible to relate with what contumely, scorn, and reproach he was assailed, from the very outset of his course till its triumphant close. But none of these things moved him. He lived long enough to see what, in the begin- ning, he was convinced of, that a just cause, when manfully defended, would never want supporters ; that truth would gradually prevail over prejudice and error ; and that a bold and honest policy would be ultimately crowned with success. The impress of his mind was stamped upon thousands ; a new tone was given to the church at large ; and we may confidently hope, that his opinions will be extended, and his labours be blessed, for generations to come.
Bishop Hobart died in the fifty-fifth year of his age,
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leaving behind him a widow, three sons, and four daughters. His remains were brought from Auburn, and deposited beneath the chancel of Trinity Church. In a recess behind it, a large and splendid monument was erected to his memory, which was beautifully and tastefully adorned in basso relievo, with an emblemati- cal representation of the hopes and consolations of religion, on which there is the following inscription :
BENEATH THIS CHANCEL REST THE MORTAL REMAINS OF JOHN HENRY HOBART,
RECTOR OF TRINITY CHURCH, IN THIS CITY :
BISHOP OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.
BORN IN PHILADELPHIA, SEPTEMBER XIV. MDCCLXXV.
DIED, DURING A VISITATION TO THE WESTERN PARTS OF HIS DIOCESE, IN AUBURN, SEPTEMBER XII. MDCCCXXX.
THE VESTRY, IN BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATED CONGREGATIONS OF
TRINITY CHURCH,
HAVE CAUSED THIS MONUMENT TO BE ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES, PRIVATE VIRTUES, AND CHRISTIAN GRACES OF THEIR BELOVED AND LAMENTED
PASTOR;
IN TESTIMONY OF THEIR RESPECT FOR THE WISDOM, ENERGY, AND PIETY OF THEIR REVERED DIOCESAN; IN HONOUR OF THE FAITHFUL AND VALIANT "SOLDIER OF CHRIST ;"
WHO ON ALL OCCASIONS STOOD FORTH, THE ABLE AND INTREPID
CHAMPION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD.
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TRINITY CHURCH, NEW-YORK.
The Rectory having become vacant by the death of Bishop Hobart, it was resolved on the 11th of Oct., 1830, that the Church Wardens and Vestrymen should proceed to supply the said vacancy by the elec- tion of a Rector, and the ballots having been counted and canvassed, it was found that I was unanimously elected. Messrs. Johnson and Lorillard were appoint- ed a committee to notify me of the fact, with whom I returned, and having been introduced to the Vestry, and signified my acceptance of the office, I took my seat accordingly.
On the following day I was duly inducted into Tri- nity Church, by the deliverance to me of the keys of the said Church, and of St. Paul's and St. John's Cha- pels, such delivery being made to me by the Church Wardens in the presence of the Vestrymen, and also of Edward Coates, Richard Slack, and Albert Wun- nenburgh, the Sextons of the said Church and Chapels respectively, as witnesses.
The Vestry of Trinity Church having at all times in view not merely the interests of the Congregation they represent, but of the Diocese at large, so early as the Ist of June, 1812, resolved that the sum of $15,000 should with all convenient speed be raised and paid to the Treasurer of the Episcopal fund in aid of the same. This was in consequence of a resolution of the Con- vention that as soon as the fund should amount to $100,000 the Bishop should receive his support out of the income thereof, and be no longer connected with a Parish. In 1830, the Vestry resolved to increase the amount proposed in 1812 to $30,000, whenever the said fund, from collections in the Diocese, should
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amount to $70,000 and as soon as it had reached this point ,which was not until 1835, this liberal grant was formally made.
The division of the Diocese however, in 1838, in- volved with it also, in some measure a division of the Fund. Such a portion of the capital of it was neces- sarily withdrawn for the support of the Bishop of Wes- tern New-York, as left a considerable deficiency in the interest of the remainder to meet the engagements which had previously been made by the Convention with the Bishop of New-York.
The Vestry again stepped in with their accustomed liberality to supply this deficiency, amounting to $1600 per annum, on the express condition, that the several Parishes in the Diocese should make the regular col- lections for the fund provided by the Canon, which by a careful calculation would have restored it, as was sup- posed, in thirteen years to the amount originally pro- posed.
With a most discreditable want of good faith, on the part of a majority of them at least, this condition was never fulfilled, till the patience of the Vestry being en- tirely exhausted, the annual allowance was at length withdrawn. Towards the object itself, however, they were never indifferent, for in addition to the ample grant of $30,000, they purchased a large and commo- dious house for the Episcopal residence, which, with a portion of the furniture designed for the permanent use of those who should successively inhabit it, and with extensive alterations and improvements, cost the Vestry $20,000 more.
On the 10th of Jan., 1831, the Rector having nomi-
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nated the Rev. Henry Anthon an Assistant Minister of this Church, the nomination was approved. Dr. An- thon continued his connection with the Parish until his election as Rector of St. Mark's Church, New- York, when he sent in his resignation, on the 23d of December, 1836.
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