of unity and love, both between themselves and their common head.

The peculiar and numerous cares of his public. station did not materially interfere, however, with his faithful and vigilant discharge of the more humble duties of a pastor, after his elevation to the Episcopal office. His visitation of the diocese, though often extending to the most remote parts of the state, and comprehending a vast field for exertion-from the celerity of his movements, and his power of enduring both mental 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 Rector, he claimed no exemption from any of them on account of his multiplied engagements, but preached as regularly in his course as the ministers who were associated with him, and attended with the same cheerfulness 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. For ever restless and active, it seemed to be constantly revolving within it all the different objects with which he was concerned, so that nothing escaped his recollection and notice. He was, therefore, not less prompt in attending to the minor objects of his parochial charge, than to the more weighty cares of his extensive diocese. If any thing also were proper to be done, he never listened to the suggestions of false delicacy nor selfish prudence, but performed his duty, regardless of the consequences. An illustration of this point in his character, as well as of his pastoral vigilance, will be found in the following letter to a lady, who, it appears, on slight and insufficient grounds, had come to the resolution of leaving our communion.

"MADAM,

"New-York, March 19, 1813.

"I have no doubt that you do not suppose me ignorant of your disposition to leave our Church, and to join the communion of another. I have made some unsuccessful efforts to see you, in order to converse with you on this subject; and should have persevered in my intention, if I had not supposed that such an interview would not be agreeable to you. Considering, however, my station in the Church, and the relation which I bear to you as a minister of the congregation to which you belong, I hope you will not deem it a violation of esteem and respect, if I earnestly entreat you to review very seriously the motives which induce you to forsake the Church which has nurtured you, and in

which your first vows were made to God. To forsake a Church sound in its doctrine, apostolic and valid in its ministry, and primitive, pure, and evangelical in its worship, can never be justifiable. I make no invidious comparisons of our Church with others; but certainly, whatever may be the imperfections of the preaching of its ministers, its doctrines are sound and scriptural, and its ministry apostolic; and it possesses a blessing which cannot be too highly prized-a pure, primitive, and evangelical form of worship. In this Church Providence has cast your lot. To leave it because you think you derive more edification from the preaching of others, believe me, Madam, can be in no respect justifiable. Our communion with the Divine Head of the Church is to be kept up principally by a participation in the ordinances and the worship of that Church, and not merely by attendance on preaching. If any person does not derive edification from the service of our Church, in every part of which Jesus Christ and his merits and grace are set forth as our only hope and strength, the fault must be in himself, and not in the service of the Church, or in its ministers.

"But this plea of greater edification from the preaching of others, makes the feelings of each individual and not his judgment, the performance of the minister and not the nature of the Church, the standard by which he determines with what Church he shall commune. A Church may be very unsound and erroneous in its doctrine, the constitution of its ministry, and the mode of its worship; and yet, if a person thinks he is edified by the

A Church

preaching of a minister of that Church, according to this plea of edification, he is justifiable in joining it. This same plea of edification may therefore lead a person to attach himself to any Church in which his feelings happen to be interested. I have known it urged as a reason for joining the Roman Catholic Church.

"Our Church certainly makes the fullest provision for the spiritual wants of her members; and would they but humbly, diligently, and faithfully unite in the services of that Church whenever there is an opportunity, they would not fail of being advanced in the Christian life, and prepared for heaven.

"Let me then earnestly and respectfully ask you, Madam, if you are able to prove, that the Church in which Providence has placed you, is unscriptural in doctrine-that its ministry is not valid-or that its mode of worship is not primitive and evangelical? Unless you are satisfied that this is the case, believe me-and pardon my plainness-in leaving that Church, you will discover to the world a changeableness which will cause your 'good to be evil spoken of;' and you will be guilty of the sin of schism, which, however it may be considered by the world, an inspired apostle considered as a 'deadly sin.'

"And, Madam, let me also respectfully remind you, that, even if you were justifiable in leaving our Church, you would not be correct in joining any other until you had read its confession of faith, and ascertained that all its doctrines, as well as its ministry and mode of worship, were scriptural, apostolic, and primitive.

"I have thus endeavoured to discharge my conscience of the guilt which, I conceive, will be incurred in forsaking the communion of our Church; and believe me, that all my remarks have been directed by sincere esteem and respect for you. On this subject you and I will both have to render an account to our Master in heaven.

"To his grace and blessing I commend you.

"1 remain,

"Very sincerely,

"Your friend and brother,

"J. H. H."

Among the subjects which the Bishop presented to the notice of the clergy and laity in his annual address at the meeting of the Convention of the diocese in 1818, he introduced one which for years had occupied his own mind, and which he hoped would at length excite some interest in others.

"The importance of an establishment for the instruction, for the religious and moral discipline, and, in some cases, for the support of young men designed for holy orders, has always appeared to me essential to the prosperity of our Church; nor were exertions and arrangements wanting on my part, when in a private station, to carry this object in some degree into effect. As the responsibility of the admission of persons to holy orders ultimately rests on the Bishop, and as, from the nature of his office and the provisions of the canons, it is his duty to exercise a general direction of their previous studies; the necessity of a theological school presses with greater force upon my mind in the station