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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 preciptate, 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 notwithstanding temporary opposition, very often succeeded in finally carrying with him the public mind.

The following letters are striking illustrations of the peculiarity in his character which we have just described.

"Answer of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart to an invitation to a public dinner given in this city on the 8th of January, 1828, in honour of the victory of New-Orleans."

"GENTLEMEN,

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"New-York, Jan. 2, 1828.

Professing a most warm and decided attachment to the republican institutions of my country, I have yet always deemed it expedient, considering my particular office and station, never publicly to connect myself with any of the political parties that have divided the nation. I hope you will think that this rule is, for me, a safe and proper one; and in conformity to it, I must beg your permission to decline the distinction which you so politely offer me, of being present at the public dinner on the 8th instant.

"I trust you will believe my assurance, that in

thus declining the honour which you intend me, I am not influenced by any want of sensibility to the importance of the event which you design to celebrate; and, least of all, of respect for you, or for the numerous class of citizens whom you represent. "I have the honour to be, gentlemen, &c.

"To Wm. M. Price, Esq. &c. &c."

"J. H. HOBART.

"Letter from the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart to the Mayor of New-York, in reply to a request of the Corporation of the City, that the Clergy would notice in their pulpits the recent decease of his Excellency the Governor of the State."

"SIR,

"I have this day received from the Clerk of the Corporation of the City a copy of a resolution of the Common Council, in which the Reverend the Clergy of the City are respectfully requested to notice, in an appropriate and solemn manner, in their respective churches to-morrow, the deep bereavement sustained by our common country, by the death of our chief magistrate and fellow-citizen, De Witt Clinton.'

"As I feel myself under the necessity of declining to comply with this request in Trinity Church, and at St. Paul's and St. John's Chapels, of which I have the parochial charge, I hope you will permit me, in order to prevent misconception, to state the reasons which have influenced me in this determination.

"The prostitution of religion to the purposes of secular policy has produced the greatest mischiefs; VOL I.

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and I conceive that the studious separation of the Church from the State, which characterizes our republican constitution, is designed to prevent religion and its ministers from being made subservient to the views of those who, from time to time, may minister public affairs. But if the civil or municiadpal authority may desire the clergy to notice, in an appropriate and solemn manner,' the death of the chief magistrate of a state, the request may be extended to every distinguished citizen who has filled a public office; and thus the ministrations of the clergy may be made to advance the influence of political men and political measures-an evil from which, in the old world, the most unhappy effects have resulted, and against which, in this country, we should most sedulously guard. "The character of the individual, too, whose memory is to receive these high religious honours, may not render him worthy of this sacred distinction; or, in seasons of great political excitement, he may be as obnoxious to one portion of the community as he is the idol of another; and thus the clergy, who should be devoted to the exercise of their spiritual functions, may be drawn into the ranks of party, and suffer in its rude conflicts. In almost every case, from the varying opinions of the relative merits of public men, the ministers of religion, in the capacity of eulogists, may as much fall short of the ardent expectations of some, as they may exceed the more sober estimate of others. There is no view of this matter which does not, in my judgment, present serious objections to a compliance with the request of the Corporation.

"As far as my private feelings are concerned, it would be most grateful to me to bear my public testimony to the eminent talents, the civil services, and the private virtues, of the lamented chief magistrate of the state-and, most certainly, great deference is due to a request of the functionaries of the city in which I am a minister: but paramount considerations of duty will prevent my compliance with a request which, in the principle that it involves, and in the precedent which it will establish, appears to me of dangerous tendency, in regard to the spirit of our free constitutions, and to the interests of religion, and the character and influence of its ministers.

"I have the honour to be,

"With great respect,

"Your most obedient servant,
"J. H. HOBART.

"Saturday, Feb. 16, 1828."

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From Bishop Hobart to the Rev. Mr. Ives.*

MY DEAR SIR,

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Warsaw, Sept. 15, 1828.

"I received your letter containing the melancholy news of Dr. Feltus' death, of which, however, I was previously apprized, by a letter from Dr. Onderdonk. It is truly, privately and publicly, a severe dispensation of Providence. He was exceedingly useful in his congregation, and daily becoming more and more attached to the cause of sound Church prin

Now Bishop of North-Carolina.

ciples; and to me uniformly and warmly kind. God grant that his congregation may be saved from one of different views and policy. Rumour is often unfounded in her reports; but it has been whispered that your name has been mentioned; of course I conclude you cannot think for a moment of leaving St. Luke's, even should it be in your power.

"I have not heard from home, except through you, since I left Troy. I hope to find a letter at Geneva. Let some of the family write to me immediately, directing to Unadilla, Otsego county, New-York. The country through which I have passed has been more sickly than ever was known; but, thank God, I have been well.

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Every day I am led to exclaim-The harvest is great, but the labourers are few:' with such a harvest at home, such a want of labourers here, must we be searching for a harvest abroad? To me it seems not only absurd, but wrong.

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Affectionately yours,

"J. H. HOBART."

From Bishop Ravenscroft to Bishop Hobart.

"Williamsborough, N. C. Nov. 13, 1828.

RIGHT REV. AND DEAR SIR,

"I have been balancing for weeks whether to write to you or to wait for a clearer indication of the disturbance to the Church, which I anticipate from the measures contemplated in the diocese of Virginia. Perhaps I fear without cause; perhaps I am doubtful where I might be confident. I confess I am full of apprehension.

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