after a devout and holy life, which they breathe in every page. On some other points connected chiefly with the discipline of Christ's Church and the holy sacraments, there will be differences of opinion, (even among sincere, though you will say, formed Churchmen,) which ought not to separate good men on any side ***, "Your very faithful and obliged ill in "Friend and servant, "S. C. WILKES." About this period, also, Mr. Hobart republished the work of the pious Nelson on the Festivals and Fasts of the Church, which, from its great popularity in England, had already run through twentyeight editions. The additions which he made to it on the important points of the evidences of Christianity and the constitution of the Church, were so material as to impress on it a new character, and to give it the air of originality which it has since assumed. I cannot forbear, in this place, from making some remarks 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 undisputed pre-eminence above 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 personal 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 to 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 Mant and D'Oyly, were republished. He even took pains to adapt the simple Catechism of the Church to the tender minds of those who were too young to give the answers which are therein required, and enlarged it for those who were more advanced, with a comprehensiveness and skill which made it almost as profitable an exercise to the teacher as the learner. If the time 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 execution of any one of the original plans which were floating in his mind, he would not only have had the reputation of an eloquent preacher, an acute polemic, and a sound theologian, but also of a finished scholar and profoundly learned divine. About this time Mr. Hobart received an invitation to the rectorship of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, where, many years before, the congregation were desirous that he should accept the appointment of an Assistant Minister. The proposition, however, for the reasons which he states in the accompanying letter, was respectfully declined: "New-York, Feb. 10, 1804. "Levi Hollingsworth, Esq. "SIR, "I received your letter of the 1st instant, and have since given it that consideration which its importance demands. My situation in New-York is an eligible one. It affords every opportunity for the exercise of whatever means of usefulness I may possess; and the property of the Church is amply sufficient for the independent support of the clergy. Various considerations of expediency and duty, therefore, oppose, at present, what would otherwise be very gratifying to me-a residence in the place of my nativity, and among my nearest friends. "I sincerely regret the visitation of Providence, which has deprived the congregation of St. Paul's of the services of its late worthy Rector; and I beg you to believe, that I properly appreciate the mark of confidence which yourself and others of the vestry are disposed to bestow on me. With sincere respect, "I am, Sir, "Your obedient servant, The following note is a proof of that practical good sense and accurate knowledge of the workings of the human mind, for which the writer was always distinguished. It is in relation to a lady, who, on a visit to Italy, was so much affected by the kind and soothing attentions which her husband received during his last illness, and which were continued to herself after his death, that she was led to entertain a most favourable impression of the religious sentiments of the persons by whom they were rendered. She was of an ardent and enthusiastic temper, and the disposition to a change of her faith was attributed rather to the influence of her imagination and feelings, than to a sober conviction of her mind upon a cool and deliberate investigation of the subject. "New-York, July 6, 1804. "Mrs. H. "MADAM, "From the interest which, in your conversation with me, you appeared to take on the subject of Mrs. S's supposed change of religion, I think it will give you pleasure to hear, that whatever may be her sentiments in regard to the Roman Catholic Church, she has never wished those sentiments to be known, nor has she ever made any public avowal on the subject. I also know, that, since her return to America, she has never seen Mr. O'B-, nor any other Catholic clergyman; nor has she, directly or indirectly, taken any step that would finally connect her with the Roman Catholic Church. I am fully satisfied that she will make no decisive determination in this business without that sincere and thorough examination which she is strongly impressed it is her duty to make. I am persuaded you will join with me in thinking, that, should the reports on this subject extend beyond the circle of her intimate friends, the effect upon her feelings may possibly be unfavourable; and my own opinion is, that the less at present that she hears, directly or indirectly, from any person on the subject, the greater the probability is, that she will not be hurried into a premature and erroneous decision. Your having introduced this subject to me in conversation, with strong marks of interest and concern, has led me to believe that the communication of these facts will give you pleasure." Mr. Hobart took unwearied pains to prevent this measure, and drew up, as it appears, a summary of the arguments which should fortify her in her own faith, and guard her against the errors of the Church of Rome. This was intended only for her private examination, without any view of provoking public controversy. The former was his duty, as a faithful shepherd of the flock of Christ; the latter was not called for by the occasion. An attempt, however, was made to draw him into a controversy, which was thus declined : "Mr H states to Mr. F the following decisive objections to the manuscript given by him to Mrs. S being sent to Bishop C. Mr. H- has no wish to commence any controversy with Bishop C, with whom, in this business, he has certainly nothing to do. The sending of the manuscript would most probably lead to a controversy, to which Mrs. S also is in the highest degree averse. She rests her present determination on the simple fact, that the Church of England and the Protestant Episcopal Church in America possess the orders of the ministry instituted by Christ and his apostles, viz. Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, deriving their authority by regular suc |